Day 18 is the Green Tara mantra. Like Avalokitesvara, Tara is especially associated with compassion – the quintessence of compassion. Remember she was born from his tears. When we chant the Tara mantra we can feel that we are contacting deep compassion. This compassion may be expressed in tears, in the feeling of your heart opening up, in the painful or pleasureable tone of your thoughts. You may feel that you are feeling nothing at all - this is okay too. Sometimes compassion is in our hearts, but we just can not access it. So just be kind to yourself and let go of any expectations you may have for this meditation. If you wish, you could imagine asking her for aid, especially if you are suffering. Some of you may have noticed that we have set up a Eight Step Recovery Sobriety Hangout, as part of spreading compassion out there in the cyber world. It will be live by the end of Tomorrow. Meanwhile Today’s mantra is chanted by the Songsters.