adreamgodus

Om Shanti There is a beautiful story related to the life of Sage Vyasa and his disciple Jainini. Jainini was a great scholar and a sincere disciple of Vyasa, but he took pride in his own intellectual knowledge. One day Vyasa was dictating on a scripture and Jainini was taking notes. Vyasa composed a verse making the point, valavad indriya gramam panditan apakarshanti— "the senses are so powerful that the man of knowledge also sometimes commits mistakes." Upon hearing this, Jainini thought, "It is not possible. If a person is a man of knowledge,how can he be overpowered with the temptation of the senses? Rather, he will overcome them." With this thought, he modified the verse to say, valavad indriya gramam panditan-apakarshanti— "Even if the senses are powerful, the man of knowledge is free from mistakes." Omniscient Vyasa did not impart anything. He wanted to teach his disciple in a different way the truth of life. That afternoon, Vyasa told Jainini that he must go for some urgent work to a distant place and it might happen that he would be absent for several days. He entrusted Jainini to take care of the sacrificial fire. Then Vyasa left. That evening after prayer, Jainini retired to the room of the sacrificial fire to meditate. There was a storm and rain outside and very strong wind. Jainini heard someone knocking at the door. He opened the door and saw a pretty, young lady. He inquired what he could do for her. She said, "I am on the way to my village, but because of the rain and storm I cannot go. Can you please give me shelter for the night?" Jainini, out of hospitality allowed her to come inside and spend the night in the cottage. The young lady said that it was not good for a brahmachari (celibate) to be in the same room at night. So, Jainini went out and tried to sleep outside. Now, the play of delusion started. Jainini sat silently, but his mind was running toward this youthful lady and her beauty. He thought to himself, "it would be good to spend the lonely night conversing with her. So he knocked on the door and told her that it was cold outside and it would be nice to be inside. She protested, but Jaimini forced his way inside. He tried to talk with her and was constantly looking at her, which she did not like. Slowly his senses were growing powerful and clouding his conscience. He went close to her and touched her and told her to be together for a while, for fun and pleasure. She said, "You are a brahmachari, you should not think like this. It is not good." Being blinded with passion, he touched her feet and asked for her approval. She at last agreed with the condition that he should kneel down like a horse and she would sit on his back and he should make seven rounds, near the sacrificial fire. Then he could have her. Jaimini agreed. While Jaimini was trying to walk like an animal with the lady sitting on his back, she started murmuring the verse that Vyasa dictating in the morning which Jaimini had modified, "Even if the senses are powerful,a man of knowledge does not commit mistake." When Jaimini heard this, he realized his own weakness. He stood up to leave her, but her two big arms clasped him and held him. They were not the tempting arms of the maiden, but the arms of his loving guru Vyasa. Thus Vyasa taught his disciple the truth of life and how to be always careful and watchful in every step of life. from: humaneliberation@ sheryogi@ Om Shanti

Om Shanti "I have no desire for wealth or name or fame or enjoyments, they are dust unto me.... I want to help my brethren. I have not the 'tact to earn money', bless the Lord.... What reason is there for me to conform to the vagaries of the world around me and not obey the voice of Truth within? The mind is still weak; it sometimes mechanically clutches at earthly help....But I am not afraid.... Fear is the greatest sin, my religion teaches..." -Swami Vivekananda Om Shanti

Om Shanti Sorry, but, i don't concure. Stores are not spamming, how silly to say. In fact, who ever hear of a story told only One time? Therefore, Dear, you message given is not understood. I took note of the link and saw many wonderful stories in another location of which i will copy to yet another location. So thank you. If you are worried about a post that is applied to different domains-then you are in the wrong place to find fault as many of the posts are presented this way. For me, it is wonderful for then i can check the many articles of which there was not prior knowledge. There are literally thousands of posts here of some merit and it is nice when we have a guiding post! However, i do think that hiding being 'guest' names is more similar to spamming-the product in this case being as fear! The first gate, i dare say! Om shanti

Om Shanti Seven Jars by Sri Ramakrishna A barber, who was passing under a haunted tree heard a voice say, "will you accept seven jars full of gold?" The barber looked around, but could see no one. The offer of seven jars of gold, however, roused his cupidity and he cried aloud, "yes, I shall accept the seven jars." At once came the reply. "Go home, I have carried the jars to your house." The barber ran home in hot haste to verify the truth of his strange announcement. And when he entered the house, he saw the jars before him. He opened them and found them all full of gold, except the last one which was only half-full. A strong desire now arouse in the mind of the barber to fill the seventh jar also; for without it his happiness was incomplete. He therefore converted all his ornaments into gold coins and put them into the jar; but the mysterious vessel was as before. So one day he requested the king to increase his pay, saying his income was not sufficient to maintain him self on. Now the barber was a favourite of the king, and as soon as the request was made the king doubled his pay. All this pay he save and put into the jar, but the greed jar showed no signs of filling. At last he began to live by begging from door to door, and his professional income and the income from begging all went into the insatiable cavity of the mysterious jar. Months passed, and the condition of the miserable and miserly barber grew worse every day. Seeing his sad plight, the king asked him one day, "hello! When your pay was half of what you now get, you were happy, cheerful and contented; but with double the pay, I see your morose, careworn and dejected. What is the matter with you? Have you got 'the seven jars'?" The barber was taken aback by this question and replied, "Your Majesty, who has informed you of this?" the king said, "Don't you know that these are the signs of the person to whom the Yaksha consigns the seven jars. He offered me also the same jars, but I asked him whether his money might be spent or was merely to be hoarded. No sooner had I asked this question then the Yaksha ran away without any reply. Don't you know that no one can spend that money? It only brings with it the desire of hoarding. Go at once and return the money." The barber was brought to his senses by this advice, and he went to the haunted tree and said, "Take back your gold, O Yaksha." The Yaksha replied, "All right." When the barber returned home, he found that the seven jars had vanished and mysteriously as they were brought in, and with it also had vanished his life-long savings. Such is the state of some men in the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who do not understand the difference between what is real expenditure and what is real income, lose all they have. Om Shanti

Om Shanti... The Serpent and a Sage by Sri Ramakrishna A serpent dwelt in a certain locality. No one dared to pass by that way, for whoever did so was instantaneously bitten to death by that serpent. Once a holy man passed by. As usual the serpent pursued that sage with a view of biting him, but when it approached the holy man, it lost all its ferocity and was over-powered by his gentleness. Seeing the snake, the holy man said, Well, friend, do you want to bite me? The snake was abashed and made no reply. At this the sage said again, Hearken, friend, do not injure anyone in future. The snake bowed and nodded assent. After the sage had gone his own way, the snake entered its hole, and thenceforth began to live a life of innocence and purity without even wishing to harm anyone. In a few days the snake had lost all its venom and was no more dangerous, and so people began to tease it. Some pelted stones at it and others dragged it mercilessly by the tail. Thus there was no end to its troubles. Fortunately, sometime after, the sage again passed that way seeing the bruised and battered condition of the poor snake, was very much moved to pity and inquired about the cause of its distress. At this the snake replied. Sir, I have been reduced to this state, because I have not been injuring anyone since I received your instruction. But alas! They are so merciless! The sage smilingly said Dear friend, I only advised you not to bite anyone, but I never asked you not to hiss and frighten others. Although you should not bite any creature, still you should keep every one at a considerable distance from you by "hissing". Similarly, if you live in the world, make yourself feared and respected. Do not injure, but do not at the same time let others injure you. Om Shanti

Om Shanti... Dear Debbie, If you must apologize, then do so to your God. Or someone better than this simple sadhaka. My attempts to add a little of the experience and knowledge i have gained from this area of issues related to isms-has Now been transferred to the topic of Debbie's feelings- a nice display of them, i should say. I did note the subtle hint of anger that was of interest to me- Now that was honest! And, it felt good-matching my own! Great! So now, you threaten to just Sit and read the posts so as to not offend? -dear, you have NOT been reading the posts-this is why you have my various responses. You are misreading my posts and coming up with a bunch of poppy-cock that is very disappointing. To boot, you have a few well wishers-too! Not bad! There were attempts to take a volatile topic from the shadows so as to take another look at the issues. But, what happens is that we have Debbie's bruised ego to tend to... Dear Debbie, do hold down the topic now with how you are different and can not understand how the world is so bad with this 'race' issue. Maybe your feelings from the heart will make it all better! After all, people have been hearning about feelings for a long time now-maybe one more from the heart sermon will do us good! In the mean time, I'm off this topic now. Back to my poems and parables!- shikha!

Om Shanti... It is nice what you have said-and true in many ways... WE have forgotten who and what we are..and in chasing the image our fear- you have said it. i liked your post, thank you.

Om Shanti... We are speaking of Gunas? Now, what is the esoteric meaning of the Vedic verse? your sister in spirit.

Om Shanti... Dear Debbie, Unfortunately, it seems that you have missed the primary message of my post. it happens. Most likely, i have committed the same. More so, the post was also presented to others as an informative insight into academic research into the issues related to isms. The Color consciousness here was one target of my post...and was not only directed towards you. But, i have not asked you to quote from the Scriptures and in fact, have not myself-so why are you saying this? Dear, when we speak there are two features that operate at the same time: what we Intend and what is Perceived. Now, one can operate from the stereotype and speak expected words from this zone of behavior or one can operate so as to shake loose a few of the cultural and mental traps that are part of an expected response. For many, the expected is more pleasing and it thus granted higher 'status'. This is all good and well, for folks that are Not ready for shaking the foundations of thought. But, for folks that are ready to seek deeper in to the causes of what and why it happens-well, only the unexpected, as far as i am able to understand it, is the key. Your response, was the expected one. sorry, but, your classic response has created disappointment in me. You claim that saying you are white means nothing, then i ask, why do you use it? Honesty, is the issue here. You call people Indians, and then claim a color for yourself. Why not say variations of brown for most of the Indians and then, maybe white would have fit in better. Why the difference? All of this is said in service and not to be harsh. You have been in this club long enough to note the issues that are linked with color-all of the talk about Lord Krishna's color, etc. This color issue is one of the major hurdles of modern peoples... And it hurts me to see so many beautiful people feel less because of a silly emphasis on color. From too dark to to white-it all is the same issue! re: "Sometimes people try so hard to hate someone because of how they look, where theylive, what they wear, color of skin, etc...the list can go on and on, that they do not stop to see the goodness that lies within." *If you know this, then why do you add to the problem? Step out and be free-free from Both the plus and minus of what this form of identification entails. I too was raised in a home that honored the worlds peoples and cultures, yet, even there, issues related to color took seed to some degree. From relatives, society, the school, the media etc.... You have ignored altogether the whole issue related to power and external influences that was in my post. This was more important that how you perceive you are... For, the world is a pollutant to our heart-sad but very true. re: ,but we can not let that hinder us in our journey. I feel we are in this world all together and many of us are search-ing for our own path to God and how we can better serve Him OR Serve HER. I worship MahaKaliji. Of course we can not let this silly world hinder us. We must recognize it's lure and then use it to help us to locate and note our own demons. For example, your manner in speaking and presentation is bringing up a few of those pockets of pain...this is good for it allows me another opportunity to grow...and maybe a few 'others' that have had similar pain.. This is good and i Thank you. However, Dear, remember this, even if, it is painful....that: Many of the world's peoples did open up their hearts to God [via missionaries] and in the process lost their lands, their children, and their freedom. No matter that all of this is Maya- as this whole issue is contained, therein. Do try to remember this legacy of the "White" world. Then and Now-this time, it is called a war against terrorism, for example. So, when you ponder the use of this word to describe you, remember ALL that it carries. And, then what i am saying will be understood better. More so, i am not blaming you or anyone for what has happened in the world as a result of aggression from any culture or people-so no need to defend or feel responsible--these are not going to bring growth and Love to our world. The Only way is trough Honest Dialogue and methods to create change through personal example. The world is tired of talk. We need Champions of Character...those that seek, as i have noted you have done in other posts, to bring Peace and Love to a world that honours Hate and war. Only Love-imperfect at first, but, it shall grow into something out of this world into Perfect Prema [love]. I would like to quote Swami Vivekananda: "I will compare truth to a corrosive substance of infinite power. It burns its way in wherever it falls -in soft substance at once, hard granite slowly, but it must. What is writ is writ. I am so, so sorry, that I cannot make myself 'sweet' and accommodating to every black falsehood. But I cannot. I have suffered for it all my life, but I cannot." Dear Debbie, we are what we say, and to disown our words will not take away the meaning beneath the form. Now, my words are harsh--and, perhaps, this is me and my way. Your words are presently sweet, perhaps, this is you and your way. No matter. WE are here and are looking towards the horizon-and with that look, dear, we will meet the Sun of Truth! Love, shikha

Om Shanti Dearest Debbie, dear, thank you for taking the time to respond to my post... I would like to point out a few issues related to 'isms'-that is, not just issues realated to 'race' [truly a vile word]. But, issues realted to all categories of how we gage the world's peoples. Note, dear, that any ism is not an isolated event, but, a host of 'events' that appear to assist the perceiver AND the perceived into a 'game of isms'-the skirmish [be it subtle or overt] and the reaction to this event. These are the issues by which one must observe any ism or as you prefer, race issues. One, if i may, note that you refer to your self as "white"-WE ARE NOT COLORS like paints in a box. I hate this method of viewing the beauty of human glory and hope in time to wash all of this programming from my mind. But, if we are to be colors, dear, then may i be so bold s to say, that most likely you would really be pink...? Now sit back and note the reasons for saying this... Two, the Family may begin the issues related to race, but, society takes what threads that are woven into the early childhood knots and weaves a blanket that begins to smother the true victim of any "ism." Three, if we take a look around and note the REAL issue related to any ism -the issue being Power. Who has it and how to maintain it. This 'power' becomes a tool by which to exert privilege which once tasted is very hard to share with the totality. Why, i am not sure. Memory is one vibrant feature here, smile. This is rather a pointed way to look at this issue..for it is very complex and goes beyond loving families and a few fast friends. I wish it were so easy. It is not. At least, to me, that is. Isms relate to how we relate to ALL people. The beggar on the street, the physically challenged person in our community, the elderly, the poor, the rich, the ugly, the pretty, the smart, the not smart, the male, the not male, the this or that and all in between. It is about our attitudes of a group that allows one to feel privilege or superior than another, Or, even less than another group , too. A very subtle method of reacting to our world. A world created from building blocks that we may not even note as they are hidden within the very foundation of our thought processes. Processes that are beneath thought and again, i say, the value of meditation. Not to mention the karmic issues related to our clan and collective consciousness. It is my belief, that the vast majority of persons born in the world today have deep issues related to 'color' and economic politics which are encouraged via the Educational, the Economic, especially the Media systems and all 'other' Institutional systems which endeavor to insure that those in power remain. Even being a parent is a form of ism, to some degree. I could go on and on-but what point is there..for all of these systems are only reflections of Maya and have meaning only in terms of how we allow them to help or hinder our Liberation. It seems, that the issue is power as this is the magic of life and death in terms of manifested energy and form. As sadhakas or spiritual seekers, we are engaged in how to relate to power every time we meditate and chant our mantra and bow to the Beloved. Yet, the wise sadhaka knows that true power is Within and the rest well, this lesson is an ongoing process. Now, the reason that i called you 'pink' is for you to ponder issues related to power... White is a power word and hence, it becomes a cultural marker in speech of which i shall not go into detail here. How did it feel to be called Pink instead of white? It has been noted how many of the persons of European Heritage notate this descriptive [ie, white]-why? The issues of "race" are deeper than a mere loving family and a few fast friends that are 'different'. Whole societies are built upon issues related to race or national origin or caste or language group, or tribe, ect - But, this was said before, i think in earlier posts. All words that describe in terms of "they" or "them' are profane-may we all understand this deeply. It is a hard lesson, i am coming to learn daily. Society defines us thus-yet, we must attempt to define ourselves differently- We must become free from the these c hains of nama rupa! In a media such as this cyber temple, our words should be our calling card- ..for this is the core of our mind that also reflects our character more than any jail-house image could. Yet, these, too, are Mother Maya- quite a fix, i dare say. So, what color are we? So, what country are we? So, what path are we? So, what are we, any way? How about the color and county and path of Love... A rainbow of colors and flavors and scents andsongs and textures... wow, i love that! Can't we All just be a tattered and love worn rug, of peace and love. So, Dear Debbieji, a dear Child of Divine LIGHT- i praise that temple of Love within your heart's core! with love, sister, your sister is spirit.

Om Shanti... I love all of this! We are all seeking to understand in words that which can only be felt! We are so marvelous-here is a thought: Which is Maya? The Glove, the Hand, or that That which comprises the Hand? Each finger of the glove notes it's separateness and will attempt to show how much it understands of it's unique position on Handhood. Please smile here. The Hand, it may look at the fingers and think how quaint, but, not see, that it does the same in comparrison with the rest of the body. And, so it goes all the way down to the cells that must differentiate so as to be a hand in the first place. Now, these cells may consult each DNA to find confrimation of what they are to do and be, but, then, we come to the next question: Do we say that the DNA/RNA-are these Brahman. We note how we are so attached to our ideals and our point of view-look at how i need to add my two rupies/cents worth! The question: WHY? Why take the time and effort to show our perspective? Is it really sharing? well? What difference will it make to know if we are this or that? When we find these insights that illumine our mind from time to time does it really help us in mukti? It seems to, at the time. Later? well, we can each judge this one. Look at the whole dance-why do we do it? If we feel that we have to show another we have become trapped in Maya. How clever She--hos lovely with Her Charms- catching her darlings as they attempt so speak about Truth! We should all be smiling at the mazes of mad. Or Mayavada as our Ram has said-i am aries so i like your name, smile. So that gloved hand, what is Not Maya? From this question, we may come to something interesting. What are we Not? I love this one. Sorry that i dont have alot of quotes then get lost inside of me and come out in waves of ignorance. smile. Now, on a serious note: i love all of our being jiva's-such effort and such care and, yes, such love for truth! may we unveil it!

Quote: If there is nothing other than the one nondual indivisible Brahman. Where is the question of jivas and illusion (bondage)? What is the root cause of bondage? Who perceives it? How did this perception come about? Why would the completely nondual Brahman who is full of bliss and lacking nothing put itself within bondage (i.e. allow perception of avidya) in the form of jiva? End Quote. Let Shiva tread where angles dare! This was a question that had troubled me and one day i happened to come across Sri Shankara's Viveka Chudamani. Where Maya and Brahman [sat] Both exists as we see Radha and Krishna or Shiva and Shakti. This is a given and i am sure not the question. We must ask this question, however: Is Maya, bondage? Now, note, that as we have different Paths to Truth, there is this subtle feeling that our Truth is more True that the other's truth. Hence, the bondage. Bondage to the concept of One truth for All or several Truths for each. Here is the separation. And, even in the question of 'questions' we find what you have asked: Who perceives? Maya does. Correct? smile. Then, if Maya is the perceiver of that which can not perceive then we ask is Truth itself True or that which perceives Truth, True? Brahman is Truth because it is All. Thus, by All standards it is true. As a Swamiji, dear Indus, we may say, You are the vessel of truth, but, this truth is not verified until a devotee perceives this Truth in you-the Devotee as jiva, is Maya. Yet, to see we need a mirror. Thus we then understand what we already know. We may know we have a face, etc., but, the mirror allows us to understand it via the illusion of separation. The root cause, by this reasoning, is so as to Understand what we Know. Knowing we can walk is nothing until we take the steps. We fall and then we continue to walk. Assuming we are going somewhere, when, in truth, what we need requires stationary methods- but, until we walk, how will we know. Look how this jiva speaks what the Swami already knows. It is really quite lovely this garden of life. Bliss, as to the last question, is not enough. We need more as humans, thus we may note the creator. We need to understand..this is the purpose, i believe, of The Path-to understand all of the aspects of Sat...the full glory, be it Deva Krishna or Devi Kali. We may ponder this urge to learn-in all segments of all society-instinct really is enough, but, we wanted to expand and understand-the urge of the Great One--a vast Parent to observe the little ones develop into segments of selfhood. Why? Past understanding, i know not. Possibly, if you will stop ignoring me, you will answer. it was fun to try. And for all of the cynics out there-some of us have to take a swirl, too. Just consider yourselves the pioneers. much love!

Om Shanti.. Thank you dear heart, for, the lovely asasana on Mukti and it's many aspects... But, were we not saying the same thing? I am lost, please exlpain further so that this mind may understand more. I love how much we care and love and hope that each ray of light finds its merry way home. your sister in spirit, shikha

Om Shanti Here lies the ocean of peace, Helmsman, launch the boat. You will always be the comrade. Take, O take him to your heart. In the path of the Infinite will shine the "Dhruba-tara". (North Star) Giver of freedom, your forgiveness, your mercy will be wealth inexhaustible in the eternal journey. May the mortal bonds perish, May the vast universe take him in its arms, And may he know in his fearless heart The great unknown. From Sesh Lekha, translation: Amiya Chakravarty Om Shanti

Om Shanti As Devotees of God Absolute, no matter the title or Path we take to Truth, it is best to remember.. God is All. God is All. God is All. It does not matter if God is called Lord Krishna or Guru...what is important is the nature of 'your' Love. Prema is devoid of cages-all features of Maya. Listen to the Song, Dear Hearts, and worry not about the Singer... "I have enjoyed direct and interrupted knowledge [of] young men and women who long for God from childhood for God-realization and who do not rely upon the conventional world for any satisfaction are simply Divine Reality, intensely manifested through the exalted form. They are God nakedly longing for God, free from the veils of separation and duality... It is just God longing for God. This is the supreme mystery- the Divine Play as humanity, the 'naralila', totally unveiled and free from the slightest state of duality... Constantly and even desperately I would used to question companions, or anyone who would listen, about why my love for this particular young man had become so intense.... ...from the standpoint of ancient scriptures, ...that someone of the plane of God-vision ..can not enjoy ordinary levels of sensory mental consciousness without being in the companionship of pure-hearted loves of Truth, persons whose instincts have been sanctified. The Very sight of such true lovers gives the one established in God-consciousness a thrill of delight and allows for peacefulness of spirit... Sri Paramahamasa Ramakrishna [page 83-84, Great Swan, Meeting with Ramakrishna by Lex Hixon] Om Shanti