Guest guest Posted March 25, 2004 Report Share Posted March 25, 2004 GROUP UPDATE: MARCH 2004 Well, the Shakti Sadhana group's color scheme has been set on gray for several weeks now, and Sri Ganapati's dignified visage has been quietly watching over us ... But though it's been fairly quiet on the surface, behind the scenes we've been putting together an exciting new series that I'd like to briefly preview for you now. Here's the thing: In just a day or two we will begin running a two- year (108-week, actually!) series that will take us from the outer enclosures to the very center of Srichakra, the geometric schema that constitutes the subtle essence of Devi: If She is Supreme Energy, then Srichakra is the circuit board through which She channels and manifests. 108 WEEKS, 108 DEVIS! The holy Sriyantra -- i.e. Srichakra in Her two-dimensional form (http://devipuram.info/SriChakra.jpg) -- contains 108 junctions where lines meet; and each of these "power points" is governed by its own devi, each being an aspect of and portal toward the One Devi. In meditation, Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Guruji) received precise descriptions of each of these devis, and thus was able to give precise directions to sculptors -- who then created life-size, full-color murthis of each and every one of them for the Sri Meru temple at Devipuram. Photographs of these murthis will grace our Group front page for each of the 108 weeks of this series, as we gradually make our way toward Lalita Tripurasundari at the center. Further details and implications are far too complex to get into in this quick introduction. But hey, we've got two years to take it step by step; question and discuss all you want -- with Her grace, perhaps we'll all learn a few things along the way. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? Possibly quite a lot. The organizing principle of our presentation will be the Khadgamala Stotram, a powerful recitation that can be completed in 30 minutes, but which delivers a tremendous spiritual benefit even to those who are not initiated into Srividya. Anyone can benefit from sincere, devoted, daily practice. You see, many members have contacted us over the months and years, saying they enjoy the group but that they would like to find specific instructions and advice on how to actually *practice* Shakti Sadhana on a daily basis and make it an integral part of their lives. Well, The Khadgamala Stotram is an incredibly powerful initial step in that direction. As Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Guruji) writes: "The Khadgamala is the equation I=WORLD=BEYOND. Regular practice protects you, nourishes you, and takes you beyond. It fulfils all wishes, more than you desire, instantly. Therein lies its power. ... So begin your journey to Goddess today, no matter how feebly. You can add power and depth as you move along. We are there to help you." Guruji is, in fact, the driving force behind this project; I enjoyed the privilege of finalizing the details with him just last week. I would also like to thank Prakash Reddy for very kindly providing us with excellent photographs of each and every murthi; plus a wealth of other valuable practice materials which we'll share with the group as this series progresses. As always, your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome, on board or off. Aum Maatangyai Namahe! DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2004 Report Share Posted March 26, 2004 Devi Bhakta, I am utterly thrilled and delighted at this news! Though I have a regular puja practice for Chandi Maa already, I am very open to approaching all 108 manifestations of Her and expriencing all that that means. I bow to you and Guruji for this magnificent gift to us and all the world. Jai Maa! Rick , "Devi Bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote: > GROUP UPDATE: MARCH 2004 > > Well, the Shakti Sadhana group's color scheme has been set on gray > for several weeks now, and Sri Ganapati's dignified visage has been > quietly watching over us ... But though it's been fairly quiet on > the surface, behind the scenes we've been putting together an > exciting new series that I'd like to briefly preview for you now. > > Here's the thing: In just a day or two we will begin running a two- > year (108-week, actually!) series that will take us from the outer > enclosures to the very center of Srichakra, the geometric schema > that constitutes the subtle essence of Devi: If She is Supreme > Energy, then Srichakra is the circuit board through which She > channels and manifests. > > 108 WEEKS, 108 DEVIS! > > The holy Sriyantra -- i.e. Srichakra in Her two-dimensional form > (http://devipuram.info/SriChakra.jpg) -- contains 108 junctions > where lines meet; and each of these "power points" is governed by > its own devi, each being an aspect of and portal toward the One > Devi. > > In meditation, Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Guruji) received > precise descriptions of each of these devis, and thus was able to > give precise directions to sculptors -- who then created life-size, > full-color murthis of each and every one of them for the Sri Meru > temple at Devipuram. Photographs of these murthis will grace our > Group front page for each of the 108 weeks of this series, as we > gradually make our way toward Lalita Tripurasundari at the center. > > Further details and implications are far too complex to get into in > this quick introduction. But hey, we've got two years to take it > step by step; question and discuss all you want -- with Her grace, > perhaps we'll all learn a few things along the way. > > WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? > > Possibly quite a lot. The organizing principle of our presentation > will be the Khadgamala Stotram, a powerful recitation that can be > completed in 30 minutes, but which delivers a tremendous spiritual > benefit even to those who are not initiated into Srividya. Anyone > can benefit from sincere, devoted, daily practice. > > You see, many members have contacted us over the months and years, > saying they enjoy the group but that they would like to find > specific instructions and advice on how to actually *practice* > Shakti Sadhana on a daily basis and make it an integral part of > their lives. Well, The Khadgamala Stotram is an incredibly powerful > initial step in that direction. > > As Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Guruji) writes: "The Khadgamala > is the equation I=WORLD=BEYOND. Regular practice protects you, > nourishes you, and takes you beyond. It fulfils all wishes, more > than you desire, instantly. Therein lies its power. ... So begin > your journey to Goddess today, no matter how feebly. You can add > power and depth as you move along. We are there to help you." > > Guruji is, in fact, the driving force behind this project; I enjoyed > the privilege of finalizing the details with him just last week. I > would also like to thank Prakash Reddy for very kindly providing us > with excellent photographs of each and every murthi; plus a wealth > of other valuable practice materials which we'll share with the > group as this series progresses. > > As always, your questions, comments and suggestions are always > welcome, on board or off. > > Aum Maatangyai Namahe! > > DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2004 Report Share Posted March 26, 2004 Good Morning DB and Pranams, This is *excellent* news and a great way to learn about the Sri Yantra. I would concour with you (& Amritananda) about the Kadgamala Strotam. For anyone out there who is wondering "Where do I start with all of this" This is a great, simple practice that can't be reccomended too highly. ~se101 , "Devi Bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote: > GROUP UPDATE: MARCH 2004 > > Well, the Shakti Sadhana group's color scheme has been set on gray > for several weeks now, and Sri Ganapati's dignified visage has been > quietly watching over us ... But though it's been fairly quiet on > the surface, behind the scenes we've been putting together an > exciting new series that I'd like to briefly preview for you now. > > Here's the thing: In just a day or two we will begin running a two- > year (108-week, actually!) series that will take us from the outer > enclosures to the very center of Srichakra, the geometric schema > that constitutes the subtle essence of Devi: If She is Supreme > Energy, then Srichakra is the circuit board through which She > channels and manifests. > > 108 WEEKS, 108 DEVIS! > > The holy Sriyantra -- i.e. Srichakra in Her two-dimensional form > (http://devipuram.info/SriChakra.jpg) -- contains 108 junctions > where lines meet; and each of these "power points" is governed by > its own devi, each being an aspect of and portal toward the One > Devi. > > In meditation, Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Guruji) received > precise descriptions of each of these devis, and thus was able to > give precise directions to sculptors -- who then created life-size, > full-color murthis of each and every one of them for the Sri Meru > temple at Devipuram. Photographs of these murthis will grace our > Group front page for each of the 108 weeks of this series, as we > gradually make our way toward Lalita Tripurasundari at the center. > > Further details and implications are far too complex to get into in > this quick introduction. But hey, we've got two years to take it > step by step; question and discuss all you want -- with Her grace, > perhaps we'll all learn a few things along the way. > > WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? > > Possibly quite a lot. The organizing principle of our presentation > will be the Khadgamala Stotram, a powerful recitation that can be > completed in 30 minutes, but which delivers a tremendous spiritual > benefit even to those who are not initiated into Srividya. Anyone > can benefit from sincere, devoted, daily practice. > > You see, many members have contacted us over the months and years, > saying they enjoy the group but that they would like to find > specific instructions and advice on how to actually *practice* > Shakti Sadhana on a daily basis and make it an integral part of > their lives. Well, The Khadgamala Stotram is an incredibly powerful > initial step in that direction. > > As Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Guruji) writes: "The Khadgamala > is the equation I=WORLD=BEYOND. Regular practice protects you, > nourishes you, and takes you beyond. It fulfils all wishes, more > than you desire, instantly. Therein lies its power. ... So begin > your journey to Goddess today, no matter how feebly. You can add > power and depth as you move along. We are there to help you." > > Guruji is, in fact, the driving force behind this project; I enjoyed > the privilege of finalizing the details with him just last week. I > would also like to thank Prakash Reddy for very kindly providing us > with excellent photographs of each and every murthi; plus a wealth > of other valuable practice materials which we'll share with the > group as this series progresses. > > As always, your questions, comments and suggestions are always > welcome, on board or off. > > Aum Maatangyai Namahe! > > DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2004 Report Share Posted March 26, 2004 Dear DB, Thank you very much for this series!! Looking at some of the posts, it looks like you will be going in-depth in Srividya-upasana itself. And I have a question- how of this can be practiced without formal initiation; more specifically what is Guruji's opinion on this? With best regards -yogaman , "Devi Bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote: > GROUP UPDATE: MARCH 2004 > > Well, the Shakti Sadhana group's color scheme has been set on gray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2004 Report Share Posted March 26, 2004 Hi Yogaman: You ask a question that I think many members must be asking themselves as well: *** how can this be practiced without formal initiation? *** Obviously, diksha (initiation) plays a vital and essential role in Srividya. What is offered here, however, stands on its own as an aid for the uninitiated who wish to begin building a technically correct, undeniably powerful foundation for a lifelong devotion to Devi. It is not held up as a substitute for diksha. As Guruji wrotes, Khadgamala is intended to help those who so desire to "begin your journey to Goddess today, no matter how feebly. You can add power and depth as you move along. We are there to help you." He adds, "Regular practice protects you, nourishes you, and takes you beyond. It fulfils all wishes, more than you desire, instantly. Therein lies its power." Out of the thousand-plus members of this group, a good many might intellectually discuss and debate the efficacy of this technique. Some others might dispute the propriety of our offering it here. A relatively small percentage will actually attempt it. An even smaller percentage will stick with it for any considerable amount of time. Those who do, however, will be graced by Devi with what they need -- and if what they need is a full and formal initiation into Srividya, then that is what She will provide for them. *** more specifically what is Guruji's opinion on this? *** For those who are interested in seriously undertaking the Khadgamala Stotram, Guruji offers permission to do so: "You have my permission to do it. Listen to my mantra recitation in vi1.org. Shakti goes through voice. That becomes initiation then. Devi's blessings to you." The recitation he references is at http://vi1org.web0211.uplinkearth.com/mantras/khdgmala/khdg.shtml The link contains an mp3 of Guruji reciting Khadgamala Stotram, along with some additional comments and several links to the full stotram. In a day or two, we'll also post the full Stotram here, along with some preliminary commentary on Amina. Also, Guruji's mp3 will be linked from the front page for easy access and reference. It'll all come, I promise, but one step at a time. Not because we're trying to withhold anything; simply because it'll be less overwhelming in smaller bites! ;-) Aum Maatangyai Namahe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2004 Report Share Posted March 27, 2004 hi, My wife was looking at this post and was wondering if she can recite this strotram any time in the day? thanks, manoj. --- Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta wrote: > Hi Yogaman: > > You ask a question that I think many members must be > asking > themselves as well: > > *** how can this be practiced without formal > initiation? *** > > Obviously, diksha (initiation) plays a vital and > essential role in > Srividya. What is offered here, however, stands on > its own as an aid > for the uninitiated who wish to begin building a > technically correct, > undeniably powerful foundation for a lifelong > devotion to Devi. It is > not held up as a substitute for diksha. > > As Guruji wrotes, Khadgamala is intended to help > those who so desire > to "begin your journey to Goddess today, no matter > how feebly. You > can add power and depth as you move along. We are > there to help you." > He adds, "Regular practice protects you, nourishes > you, and takes you > beyond. It fulfils all wishes, more than you desire, > instantly. > Therein lies its power." > > Out of the thousand-plus members of this group, a > good many might > intellectually discuss and debate the efficacy of > this technique. > Some others might dispute the propriety of our > offering it here. A > relatively small percentage will actually attempt > it. An even smaller > percentage will stick with it for any considerable > amount of time. > Those who do, however, will be graced by Devi with > what they need -- > and if what they need is a full and formal > initiation into Srividya, > then that is what She will provide for them. > > *** more specifically what is Guruji's opinion on > this? *** > > For those who are interested in seriously > undertaking the Khadgamala > Stotram, Guruji offers permission to do so: "You > have my permission > to do it. Listen to my mantra recitation in vi1.org. > Shakti goes > through voice. That becomes initiation then. Devi's > blessings to you." > > The recitation he references is at > http://vi1org.web0211.uplinkearth.com/mantras/khdgmala/khdg.shtml > > The link contains an mp3 of Guruji reciting > Khadgamala Stotram, along > with some additional comments and several links to > the full stotram. > In a day or two, we'll also post the full Stotram > here, along with > some preliminary commentary on Amina. Also, Guruji's > mp3 will be > linked from the front page for easy access and > reference. It'll all > come, I promise, but one step at a time. Not because > we're trying to > withhold anything; simply because it'll be less > overwhelming in > smaller bites! ;-) > > Aum Maatangyai Namahe > > > > Finance Tax Center - File online. File on time. http://taxes./filing.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2004 Report Share Posted March 27, 2004 DB: Thank you for the clarification. Some time back I had listened to Guruji's recitation; the accompanying text(at the vi1.org site) stated that the great Chatrapati Shivaji used to chant the khadgamala and that was the secret of his success. Is there any reference for this ? -yogaman , "Devi Bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote: > Hi Yogaman: > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2004 Report Share Posted March 28, 2004 oh yes she can. manoj sadangi <kalahandimanoj wrote:hi, My wife was looking at this post and was wondering if she can recite this strotram any time in the day? thanks, manoj. --- Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta wrote: > Hi Yogaman: > > You ask a question that I think many members must be > asking > themselves as well: > > *** how can this be practiced without formal > initiation? *** > > Obviously, diksha (initiation) plays a vital and > essential role in > Srividya. What is offered here, however, stands on > its own as an aid > for the uninitiated who wish to begin building a > technically correct, > undeniably powerful foundation for a lifelong > devotion to Devi. It is > not held up as a substitute for diksha. > > As Guruji wrotes, Khadgamala is intended to help > those who so desire > to "begin your journey to Goddess today, no matter > how feebly. You > can add power and depth as you move along. We are > there to help you." > He adds, "Regular practice protects you, nourishes > you, and takes you > beyond. It fulfils all wishes, more than you desire, > instantly. > Therein lies its power." > > Out of the thousand-plus members of this group, a > good many might > intellectually discuss and debate the efficacy of > this technique. > Some others might dispute the propriety of our > offering it here. A > relatively small percentage will actually attempt > it. An even smaller > percentage will stick with it for any considerable > amount of time. > Those who do, however, will be graced by Devi with > what they need -- > and if what they need is a full and formal > initiation into Srividya, > then that is what She will provide for them. > > *** more specifically what is Guruji's opinion on > this? *** > > For those who are interested in seriously > undertaking the Khadgamala > Stotram, Guruji offers permission to do so: "You > have my permission > to do it. Listen to my mantra recitation in vi1.org. > Shakti goes > through voice. That becomes initiation then. Devi's > blessings to you." > > The recitation he references is at > http://vi1org.web0211.uplinkearth.com/mantras/khdgmala/khdg.shtml > > The link contains an mp3 of Guruji reciting > Khadgamala Stotram, along > with some additional comments and several links to > the full stotram. > In a day or two, we'll also post the full Stotram > here, along with > some preliminary commentary on Amina. Also, Guruji's > mp3 will be > linked from the front page for easy access and > reference. It'll all > come, I promise, but one step at a time. Not because > we're trying to > withhold anything; simply because it'll be less > overwhelming in > smaller bites! ;-) > > Aum Maatangyai Namahe > > > > Finance Tax Center - File online. File on time. http://taxes./filing.html / Finance Tax Center - File online. File on time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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