On effort/non- effort, faith, mantra, bhakti....

[Guest guest]

Have been travelling lately, and came home to find so much energy

posted on this site! Hope you all don't mind me rambling on about a

few of these threads.

 

Loved the postings about effort/non-effort. Have struggled with this

issue myself. Have had some simple experiences, for example, while

practicing japa. I start by "doing" my mantra in my head. I feel

effort being exerted. After awhile I feel the mantra repetition

continues without effort, just "is". I am not the "doer", more the

observer. Similar experiences have occurred for me while doing seva.

Veggie chopping always starts as such a chore, but often becomes

light and effortless. I believe these are simple lessons that Amma

offers that, for me, can be applied to all areas of my sadhana. "Just

keep doing it" is what She whispers in my ear.

 

And yes faith is the core of sadhana. I have faith that Amma is what

Swamiji once spoke of as a huge vessel that can carry countless souls

to the ultimate goal. I have faith that She will not leave me on the

shore waving, but will carry me on board in Her loving embrace.

 

As for whether to take a mantra or not, only the individual can meke

that decision. For me it was not a problem. I came into Amma's

pressence, experienced Her as truly a Satguru, and thought, "I have

to get a mantra from Her, I have to follow Her". Whatever you must go

through in this process is perfect for you.

 

I know that we should give up desires, and that our sadhana should be

done without thoughts of reward, but deep inside there is a little

girl that hopes that when she dies the place that she finds herself

will be at the feet of the Divine Mother, that she can be like a

gopi, serve Her, dance with Her, and experience Prema Bhakti.

 

Amma, only you know what I need, and I humbly bow down and

say, "thanks for everything!"

 

Jai Ma!

Omana