[To Len] LalithA SahasranAma [950] paNcasamkhyopacArinI

[Guest guest]

Hi Len:

 

There are bound to be variations in the specifics though the basic

ideas remain the same. Generally speaking, as is so often the case

in the Shakta paths (or Hindu paths in general) one simply follows

the teachings of one's particular lineage.

 

I've personally been taught two versions, both manasa or mental, as

noted by Dr. C, the LS commentator:

 

The first is this (Beeja/Element/Offering):

 

1. LAM (Earth) Sandalpaste

2. HAM (Ether/Akasa) Flowers

3. YAM (Air) Incense

4. RAM (Fire) Mind

5. VAM (Nectar/Amrta) Food

6. SAM (Unity) Camphor/Self

 

The second is this (Beeja/Element/Offering):

 

1. VAM (Water) Water

2. LAM (Earth) Earth Scents

3. HAM (Ether/Akasa) Flowers

4. YAM (Air) Incense

5. RAM (Fire) Light

6. VAM (Nectar/Amrta) Food/Self

 

As you can see, there are variations in order and definitions, but

both basically involve the sadhaka offering the five elements back

to the deity that created them, and then (as a sixth offering) one's

own self -- either as camphor (that which is consumed without

leaving residue) or food (that which is transformed to become one

with the entity that consumes it).

 

I am not sure of the reasons that these variations evolved, but I am

certain (a) that other lineages offer additional possible schemas;

and (b) that they all amount to basically the same idea.

 

You mention still another approach, called "Kundalini practice," a

concept which -- in Shakta, or generally Hindu terms -- overly

vague, because essentially any school employing Tantric

methodologies will, practically by definition, involve working with

the Kundalini.

 

But my take on it would be the same -- it's simply another variation

on the same lovely theme.

 

DB

 

 

, Len Rosenberg

<kalipadma108 wrote:

>

> So according to this tradition,

> Sandal paste = Earth

> Flowers = Akasha

> Incense = Air

> Food = Water

> "all others" = Sound/ Shabda

>

> This is confusing, because in Kundalini practice, the sense of

Smell is associated with Earth (and Kali), and the sense of Touch

with Air (and Lakshmi). Sandal paste is both fragrant, and applied

to the skin for cooling purposes. Incense (dhoop) is not much

associated with tactile senses. And Flowers are Akasha (Space, and

the means for Sound to be carried)? Water is the sense of taste, so

I see Food's association.

>

> -- Len

>

>

> Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta

wrote: She is worshiped with the

Five Offerings.

>

> Om the worship of Sri Lalita there are generally 16 upacaras or

> offerings. In their absence, these five objects may be offered

> mentally by pronouncing their five bijas; i,e, sandal paste

(LAM),

> flowers (HAM), incense (YAM), food (VAM) and all others (SAM).

>

> - Dr. C. Suryanarayana Murthy, Commentary on the Sri Lalita

> Sahasranama, 1962

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