Guest guest Posted October 19, 2006 Report Share Posted October 19, 2006 Respected Devotees, It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? Thanks! Ken Shaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2006 Report Share Posted October 19, 2006 Dear brother Ken, Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the Devi Mandir. There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of Sat-chit-ananda. And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world your own; nobody is a stranger". Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then you will be safe. Respectfully, Tanmaya , kenshaw007 wrote: > > Respected Devotees, > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > Thanks! > Ken Shaw > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2006 Report Share Posted October 19, 2006 Dear Sister Tanmaya, Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. Ken - ty_maa Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? Dear brother Ken, Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the Devi Mandir. There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of Sat-chit-ananda. And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world your own; nobody is a stranger". Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then you will be safe. Respectfully, Tanmaya , kenshaw007 wrote: > > Respected Devotees, > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > Thanks! > Ken Shaw > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Hi Ken I would tend to agree with Tanmaya. I have noticed Swamiji here does not engage in any critique of anyone, if anything especially not another faith. This we should not see as some sort of prohibition, at any rate, that is not how i would see it. Actually it is an example, one that the benefits don't become apparent until practiced. The mother as Devi, as i've observed here, does not spend a lot of time with mental critiques, she is maybe too busy dispensing medicine in other ways, but she does not seem to critique and separate. There is a lot of going for a practice rather than engaging philosophical turf lines, etc. Also I notice [i've been away for a while so i could have missed something, i've never heard Swamiji use the term Sakta-ism, i do know there is an interest in transcending isms ... this is for anyone who wants it, does not care who they are, or what they call themselves. The guys here are pretty busy with their sadhana, that is all they want to do ... and to share it with anyone interested ... steve connor , "Ken" <kenshaw007 wrote: > > Dear Sister Tanmaya, > > Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. > > Ken > > - > ty_maa > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > Dear brother Ken, > > Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and > illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great > religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. > > Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than > exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the > Devi Mandir. > > There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path > and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path > of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total > renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the > "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of > Sat-chit-ananda. > > And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the > inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is > exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. > > Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous > incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world > your own; nobody is a stranger". > > Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are > heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then > you will be safe. > > Respectfully, > > Tanmaya > > , kenshaw007@ wrote: > > > > Respected Devotees, > > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a > a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any > written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > Thanks! > > Ken Shaw > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Howdy Steve, OK...I end up comparing with other things that I'm more familiar with, which is a mistake. I'm familiar with the views of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas (Hari Krishnas), and they are very aggressive in proclaiming Buddhism to be a terrible heresy. I was assuming that Devi Mandir would be considered Sakta by definition, being that Devi is the Ishtadevata. Thanks! Ken Shaw - Steve Connor Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:36 PM [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? Hi Ken I would tend to agree with Tanmaya. I have noticed Swamiji here does not engage in any critique of anyone, if anything especially not another faith. This we should not see as some sort of prohibition, at any rate, that is not how i would see it. Actually it is an example, one that the benefits don't become apparent until practiced. The mother as Devi, as i've observed here, does not spend a lot of time with mental critiques, she is maybe too busy dispensing medicine in other ways, but she does not seem to critique and separate. There is a lot of going for a practice rather than engaging philosophical turf lines, etc. Also I notice [i've been away for a while so i could have missed something, i've never heard Swamiji use the term Sakta-ism, i do know there is an interest in transcending isms ... this is for anyone who wants it, does not care who they are, or what they call themselves. The guys here are pretty busy with their sadhana, that is all they want to do ... and to share it with anyone interested ... steve connor , "Ken" <kenshaw007 wrote: > > Dear Sister Tanmaya, > > Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. > > Ken > > - > ty_maa > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > Dear brother Ken, > > Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and > illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great > religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. > > Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than > exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the > Devi Mandir. > > There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path > and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path > of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total > renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the > "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of > Sat-chit-ananda. > > And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the > inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is > exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. > > Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous > incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world > your own; nobody is a stranger". > > Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are > heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then > you will be safe. > > Respectfully, > > Tanmaya > > , kenshaw007@ wrote: > > > > Respected Devotees, > > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a > a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any > written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > Thanks! > > Ken Shaw > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Hi Ken, Think, Ramakrishna, and you will get the mood of Devi Mandir ... Love, Inclusion, Devotion ... with lots of mantra and scripture recitations from Sanskrit ... the aggression is internal adn personal, in slaying one's own ego ... Peace, Steve , "Ken" <kenshaw007 wrote: > > Howdy Steve, > > OK...I end up comparing with other things that I'm more familiar with, which is a mistake. I'm familiar with the views of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas (Hari Krishnas), and they are very aggressive in proclaiming Buddhism to be a terrible heresy. I was assuming that Devi Mandir would be considered Sakta by definition, being that Devi is the Ishtadevata. > > Thanks! > Ken Shaw > > - > Steve Connor > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:36 PM > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > Hi Ken > > I would tend to agree with Tanmaya. I have noticed Swamiji here does > not engage in any critique of anyone, if anything especially not > another faith. This we should not see as some sort of prohibition, at > any rate, that is not how i would see it. Actually it is an example, > one that the benefits don't become apparent until practiced. > > The mother as Devi, as i've observed here, does not spend a lot of > time with mental critiques, she is maybe too busy dispensing medicine > in other ways, but she does not seem to critique and separate. There > is a lot of going for a practice rather than engaging philosophical > turf lines, etc. > > Also I notice [i've been away for a while so i could have missed > something, i've never heard Swamiji use the term Sakta-ism, i do know > there is an interest in transcending isms ... this is for anyone who > wants it, does not care who they are, or what they call themselves. > The guys here are pretty busy with their sadhana, that is all they > want to do ... and to share it with anyone interested ... > > steve connor > > , "Ken" <kenshaw007@> wrote: > > > > Dear Sister Tanmaya, > > > > Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming > that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then > there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. > > > > Ken > > > > - > > ty_maa > > > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > > > Dear brother Ken, > > > > Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and > > illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great > > religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. > > > > Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than > > exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the > > Devi Mandir. > > > > There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path > > and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path > > of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total > > renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the > > "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of > > Sat-chit-ananda. > > > > And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the > > inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is > > exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. > > > > Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous > > incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world > > your own; nobody is a stranger". > > > > Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are > > heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then > > you will be safe. > > > > Respectfully, > > > > Tanmaya > > > > , kenshaw007@ wrote: > > > > > > Respected Devotees, > > > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a > > a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any > > written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > Thanks! > > > Ken Shaw > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Hi Ken (and Stevie too!) Hope it's ok if I jump in here... I agree with Steve. There aren't any judgements here about past practice, or even present beliefs, as long as your interest here is to learn about this tradition of worship and purification. No need to be concerned that anyone will think less of you for being Buddhist here! I, too, find it useful to compare new ideas with what I already know. Actually, I think this is how the mind works intrinsically, anyway. As long as you can compare without prejudice, I think you can create a very rich conception by integrating a variety of sources. But Steve also made the point that practice is the main emphasis of this tradition as Swamiji and Shree Maa present it, and so, I would suggest that as soon as you get to a place (if you do) where you feel comfortable intellectually, and devotionally, pick a practice and do it. Yes, I think, though as Steve said, Swamiji doesn't tend to speak in "isms", this is Shaktism (though we worship Shiva too [shiva is Maa's ishta]). Swamiji does respect all faiths, and the only thing I have ever heard from him about Buddhism is that he could never be a Buddhist because Buddhism is the middle path, and he wants to be passionate in his love for God (the gist is correct, even if the words are not exact). This is a very open and loving group of people. Don't be afraid to express your doubts, questions, or differences, as long as your intention is to learn and grow. May I just, in closing, recommend the book Before Becoming This as an introduction to Shree Maa and Swamiji and to this path? It always opens my heart. Jai Maa! Chris , "Ken" <kenshaw007 wrote: > > Howdy Steve, > > OK...I end up comparing with other things that I'm more familiar with, which is a mistake. I'm familiar with the views of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas (Hari Krishnas), and they are very aggressive in proclaiming Buddhism to be a terrible heresy. I was assuming that Devi Mandir would be considered Sakta by definition, being that Devi is the Ishtadevata. > > Thanks! > Ken Shaw > > - > Steve Connor > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:36 PM > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > Hi Ken > > I would tend to agree with Tanmaya. I have noticed Swamiji here does > not engage in any critique of anyone, if anything especially not > another faith. This we should not see as some sort of prohibition, at > any rate, that is not how i would see it. Actually it is an example, > one that the benefits don't become apparent until practiced. > > The mother as Devi, as i've observed here, does not spend a lot of > time with mental critiques, she is maybe too busy dispensing medicine > in other ways, but she does not seem to critique and separate. There > is a lot of going for a practice rather than engaging philosophical > turf lines, etc. > > Also I notice [i've been away for a while so i could have missed > something, i've never heard Swamiji use the term Sakta-ism, i do know > there is an interest in transcending isms ... this is for anyone who > wants it, does not care who they are, or what they call themselves. > The guys here are pretty busy with their sadhana, that is all they > want to do ... and to share it with anyone interested ... > > steve connor > > , "Ken" <kenshaw007@> wrote: > > > > Dear Sister Tanmaya, > > > > Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming > that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then > there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. > > > > Ken > > > > - > > ty_maa > > > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > > > Dear brother Ken, > > > > Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and > > illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great > > religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. > > > > Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than > > exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the > > Devi Mandir. > > > > There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path > > and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path > > of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total > > renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the > > "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of > > Sat-chit-ananda. > > > > And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the > > inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is > > exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. > > > > Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous > > incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world > > your own; nobody is a stranger". > > > > Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are > > heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then > > you will be safe. > > > > Respectfully, > > > > Tanmaya > > > > , kenshaw007@ wrote: > > > > > > Respected Devotees, > > > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a > > a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any > > written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > Thanks! > > > Ken Shaw > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Chris and Steve, Thank you so much for your kind and generous instruction. It realy helps to connect the Teaching to Ramakrishna, because He is someone I know a little about. There is a Vedanta Center here in Chicago that I can go to for further instruction. Ken Shaw -------------- Original message -------------- "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956 > Hi Ken (and Stevie too!) Hope it's ok if I jump in here... I agree with Steve. There aren't any judgements here about past practice, or even present beliefs, as long as your interest here is to learn about this tradition of worship and purification. No need to be concerned that anyone will think less of you for being Buddhist here! I, too, find it useful to compare new ideas with what I already know. Actually, I think this is how the mind works intrinsically, anyway. As long as you can compare without prejudice, I think you can create a very rich conception by integrating a variety of sources. But Steve also made the point that practice is the main emphasis of this tradition as Swamiji and Shree Maa present it, and so, I would suggest that as soon as you get to a place (if you do) where you feel comfortable intellectually, and devotionally, pick a practice and do it. Yes, I think, though as Steve said, Swamiji doesn't tend to speak in "isms", this is Shaktism (though we worship Shiva too [shiva is Maa's ishta]). Swamiji does respect all faiths, and the only thing I have ever heard from him about Buddhism is that he could never be a Buddhist because Buddhism is the middle path, and he wants to be passionate in his love for God (the gist is correct, even if the words are not exact). This is a very open and loving group of people. Don't be afraid to express your doubts, questions, or differences, as long as your intention is to learn and grow. May I just, in closing, recommend the book Before Becoming This as an introduction to Shree Maa and Swamiji and to this path? It always opens my heart. Jai Maa! Chris , "Ken" <kenshaw007 wrote: > > Howdy Steve, > > OK...I end up comparing with other things that I'm more familiar with, which is a mistake. I'm familiar with the views of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas (Hari Krishnas), and they are very aggressive in proclaiming Buddhism to be a terrible heresy. I was assuming that Devi Mandir would be considered Sakta by definition, being that Devi is the Ishtadevata. > > Thanks! > Ken Shaw > > - > Steve Connor > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:36 PM > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > Hi Ken > > I would tend to agree with Tanmaya. I have noticed Swamiji here does > not engage in any critique of anyone, if anything especially not > another faith. This we should not see as some sort of prohibition, at > any rate, that is not how i would see it. Actually it is an example, > one that the benefits don't become apparent until practiced. > > The mother as Devi, as i've observed here, does not spend a lot of > time with mental critiques, she is maybe too busy dispensing medicine > in other ways, but she does not seem to critique and separate. There > is a lot of going for a practice rather than engaging philosophical > turf lines, etc. > > Also I notice [i've been away for a while so i could have missed > something, i've never heard Swamiji use the term Sakta-ism, i do know > there is an interest in transcending isms ... this is for anyone who > wants it, does not care who they are, or what they call themselves. > The guys here are pretty busy with their sadhana, that is all they > want to do ... and to share it with anyone interested ... > > steve connor > > , "Ken" <kenshaw007@> wrote: > > > > Dear Sister Tanmaya, > > > > Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming > that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then > there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. > > > > Ken > > > > - > > ty_maa > > > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > > > Dear brother Ken, > > > > Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and > > illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great > > religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. > > > > Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than > > exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the > > Devi Mandir. > > > > There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path > > and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path > > of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total > > renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the > > "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of > > Sat-chit-ananda. > > > > And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the > > inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is > > exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. > > > > Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous > > incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world > > your own; nobody is a stranger". > > > > Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are > > heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then > > you will be safe. > > > > Respectfully, > > > > Tanmaya > > > > , kenshaw007@ wrote: > > > > > > Respected Devotees, > > > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a > > a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any > > written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > Thanks! > > > Ken Shaw > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 Hi Ken, Steve, and Chris, Hope it is okay for me to add my thoughts to your discussion, which by the way is really fascinating and one I have been following with great interest. As I see it, both Buddha and Sri Chaitanya came out of the great tradition of Sanatan Hindu dharma. Buddha followed the path of the jnani, and Sri Chaitanya of bhakti. If any of their followers condemn the other, then it is out of ignorance and they do a great disservice to their gurus. They have both missed the cardinal point of the Hindu belief - we are all on the path, and the path always leads to God. Thanks Papia Chris Kirner <chriskirner1956 > wrote: Hi Ken (and Stevie too!) Hope it's ok if I jump in here... I agree with Steve. There aren't any judgements here about past practice, or even present beliefs, as long as your interest here is to learn about this tradition of worship and purification. No need to be concerned that anyone will think less of you for being Buddhist here! I, too, find it useful to compare new ideas with what I already know. Actually, I think this is how the mind works intrinsically, anyway. As long as you can compare without prejudice, I think you can create a very rich conception by integrating a variety of sources. But Steve also made the point that practice is the main emphasis of this tradition as Swamiji and Shree Maa present it, and so, I would suggest that as soon as you get to a place (if you do) where you feel comfortable intellectually, and devotionally, pick a practice and do it. Yes, I think, though as Steve said, Swamiji doesn't tend to speak in "isms", this is Shaktism (though we worship Shiva too [shiva is Maa's ishta]). Swamiji does respect all faiths, and the only thing I have ever heard from him about Buddhism is that he could never be a Buddhist because Buddhism is the middle path, and he wants to be passionate in his love for God (the gist is correct, even if the words are not exact). This is a very open and loving group of people. Don't be afraid to express your doubts, questions, or differences, as long as your intention is to learn and grow. May I just, in closing, recommend the book Before Becoming This as an introduction to Shree Maa and Swamiji and to this path? It always opens my heart. Jai Maa! Chris , "Ken" <kenshaw007 wrote: > > Howdy Steve, > > OK...I end up comparing with other things that I'm more familiar with, which is a mistake. I'm familiar with the views of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas (Hari Krishnas), and they are very aggressive in proclaiming Buddhism to be a terrible heresy. I was assuming that Devi Mandir would be considered Sakta by definition, being that Devi is the Ishtadevata. > > Thanks! > Ken Shaw > > - > Steve Connor > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 10:36 PM > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > Hi Ken > > I would tend to agree with Tanmaya. I have noticed Swamiji here does > not engage in any critique of anyone, if anything especially not > another faith. This we should not see as some sort of prohibition, at > any rate, that is not how i would see it. Actually it is an example, > one that the benefits don't become apparent until practiced. > > The mother as Devi, as i've observed here, does not spend a lot of > time with mental critiques, she is maybe too busy dispensing medicine > in other ways, but she does not seem to critique and separate. There > is a lot of going for a practice rather than engaging philosophical > turf lines, etc. > > Also I notice [i've been away for a while so i could have missed > something, i've never heard Swamiji use the term Sakta-ism, i do know > there is an interest in transcending isms ... this is for anyone who > wants it, does not care who they are, or what they call themselves. > The guys here are pretty busy with their sadhana, that is all they > want to do ... and to share it with anyone interested ... > > steve connor > > , "Ken" <kenshaw007@> wrote: > > > > Dear Sister Tanmaya, > > > > Since the Saktas declare Kali to be Parameshvari, I was assuming > that they would havce a problem with Buddhism's atheism, and then > there is their denial of the existance of any kind of Self. > > > > Ken > > > > - > > ty_maa > > > > Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:46 AM > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > > > Dear brother Ken, > > > > Shakta-ism doesn't really critique anything, except ignorance and > > illusion which, of course Buddhism, does as well--as do all the great > > religions and enlightened teachers and avataras. > > > > Shakta-ism, like every mother's Heart, is inclusive rather than > > exclusive. Buddha's image has an honored place in the Temple of the > > Devi Mandir. > > > > There are different paths for different aspirants; and every true path > > and each sincere aspirant is to be honored. Some take the steep path > > of stern renunciation, as did Buddha under the Bo Tree--and His total > > renunciation was later on reflected by Buddhist philosophers as the > > "Void", which was their name for pure Consciousness, the chit, of > > Sat-chit-ananda. > > > > And some choose to pursue the same Divine by acknowledging it as the > > inner Reality of every manifested object and entity. The one is > > exclusive in attiduda, the other inclusive. They reach the same goal. > > > > Sri Sarada Devi, who spoke for the Divine Mother in Her previous > > incarnation, said, "If you want peace, my child, make the whole world > > your own; nobody is a stranger". > > > > Another way of saying that would be, "If you see an "other" you are > > heading for trouble; so quickly add an "M" to make it "Mother" then > > you will be safe. > > > > Respectfully, > > > > Tanmaya > > > > , kenshaw007@ wrote: > > > > > > Respected Devotees, > > > It is becoming clear to me that I need to make the transition from a > > a Buddhist "view" to a Sakta "view" of reality. Could you suggest any > > written masterial that presents a Sakta critique of Buddhism? > > > > > > Thanks! > > > Ken Shaw > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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