Sadhana in India for non-Indians

[Guest guest]

Greetings,

For non-Indians who are interested in the worship of the Goddess, I

strongly suggest a trip to India. One can really get a deeper sense

of sadhana just by being in places sacred, and by feeling the subtle

energy. Moreover, one can see/feel the attitude that native Indians

aproach to worship. The attitudes of offering and surrender, that

are expressed in simplicity is spiritualy inspiring. These attitudes

of offering I often find lacking in western interpretations of

sadhana, which all to often seem to be expressed in a form

of "spiritual materialism".

I find that there is an extreme lack of understanding related to

material published on tantra and panchamakara practice in

particular. One can read about all sorts of reasons for the practise

and what this or that symbolizes, but the most obvious answer to "Why

do you offer liquor?" is that Ma Kali likes it so I give it. This

seems so simple, yet it is this attitude of offering and sincerity

that is most fundamental. Time spent in India certainly helps in

developing these qualities.

To do sadhana in India, it is very helpfull to have friends or fellow

sadhaks who are Indian. And India is a large country with different

regions that have different atmosphers. West Bengal, is a great

place to go for a Shakta Sadhak. Tamil Nadu(great for Shiva worship)

is unbelievable and feels so ancient you can hear the land reciting

the Vedas. Himachal Pradesh has many Shakti sites, and Assam has

Kamarupa.

I would be remise to say, and let me preface by saying that I

consider India my true home, that there are many disturbances for a

non-Indian sadhak(which greatly deminish if you have friends there).

People bug you all the time, and if you wish to stay in a certain

area then don't give money to anyone, don't buy anything, and don't

look at people, and don't let temple touts or priest preasure you.

That is if you are allowed into the temple(Everyone is welcomed at

most of Ma's temples, yet many temples of Siva and Vishnu non-hindus,

which mean non-indians are forbidden) If you really want to be left

alone, find a nice smashan and talk to yourself, no one will bother

you henceforth.

[Guest guest]

> For n n-Indians who are interested in the worship of the Goddess,

> I strongly suggest a trip to India.

 

[Mouse] I share this fully.

 

 

The attitudes of offering and surrender, that

are expressed in simplicity is spiritualy inspiring. These attitudes

of offering I often find lacking in western interpretations of

sadhana, which all to often seem to be expressed in a form

of "spiritual materialism".

 

[Mouse] I rather find an overbearing presence of ego of the "sadhaka" -

perhaps that's what you call "spiritual materialism".

 

I find that there is an extreme lack of understanding related to

material published on tantra and panchamakara practice in

particular.

 

[Mouse] Yes, precisely.

 

One can read about all sorts of reasons for the practise

and what this or that symbolizes, but the most obvious answer to "Why

do you offer liquor?" is that Ma Kali likes it so I give it.

 

[Mouse] Ma Kali likes it, indeed? Or maybe somebody's ego thinks that She

does?

 

This seems so simple, yet it is this attitude of offering and sincerity

that is most fundamental.

 

[Mouse] It only misses some humbleness.