Question asked by JW
I write 'BAM' on my wrist to kind of remind myself to avoid any non-virtue because I don't look at necklaces nd oendnts during the day, people work with their hands, so I write it on my hand so it is directly in front my my face. But the issue is that is it disrespectful to bring it into the bathroom, or should a I cover it or wash it off.
Dear JW,
Thanks for your question. The BAM syllable is the sacred syllable of Vajra Yogini as it encapsulates her energy and the mind of an enlightened being. As such, traditionally it would be considered disrespectful to bring the syllable into the bathroom. If you still want to write it on your wrist, then please do cover it or wash it off before going to the bathroom.
However, we suggest that rather than using an outer reminder not to commit non-virtue, you can use a mental reminder. Either through reciting a mantra softly, or perhaps a verse of Dharma scripture. The way to do this is to keep reciting the mantra or verse until you have memorised it and associate it will not committing non-virtue but doing virtuous actions instead. Then since you have it memorised, you can recite it regularly throughout the day. Then you automatically remember not to commit non-virtue. This will help more than outer reminders, as you are training your mind directly, and at the same time, you will generate merit from the power that comes from reciting mantras or Dharma verses. The merit you generate from reciting will also make it easier to remember not to do any non-virtuous actions. I hope this helps.