Guest guest Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Namaste' I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and I would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of myself, I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I find that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It would be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the pond of discovery. Francesca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 , "Frances" <fcannavale wrote: > > Namste' all! > > I am a newbie at this practice and at someone's suggestion I have > begun chating with the beginner's puja book with the accompanying cd > sung by Maa. I find this very calming, it puts my mind at ease and > seems to provide me with more openess to God, Maa and myself. My > altar grows each day with the faces of God and I am so enjoying it. > > This question may pose a challenge for some and I gladly will accept > any words of wisdom. Since I am new to this practice and have had the > opportunity to visit the Mandir twice, I find that I am still a > little lost within the practice. Maybe I am use to a "schedule" or > list of tasks to complete within this practice. So, here is my > question, is there someone that acts as a mentor? counselor? Someone > that can provide guidance, education and advice as to furthering my > practice, deepen my awareness of Hinduism and apply it more > thoroughly to my life. I have read "books" on hinduism it's culture > and practice and I would like to simplify my practice with a very > powerful practice. > > > Francesca > > Jaa Maa! > In these pujas there is a structure and meaning that needs to grasped over time. If you feel lost in the practice,try to connect the sanskrit meaning with the english and then contemplate it meaning as you chant. Eventually the whole system of worship will get smoother and the Puja will be more of a guided meditation. When it comes to the details of the puja that you may not be clear about you can ask the question here. Somebody like my self or others doing these pujas would be happy to answer your questions. If we can't we"ll take to a higher authority(Swami or Shree Maa). Once we know the specifics we can guide you to sources(audio or video classes etc.) A good overview video Called "The Meaning and Method of Worship" with Swami Satyananda Saraswati might answer some of your questions.(video cd available at website) Namaste, Surath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Dear Frances, Have you read the Gospel of Ramakrishna? We have a translation by Shree Maa and Swamiji called "The Nectar of Eternal Bliss" which is available here http://www.shreemaa.org/bookstore. Shree Maa says that Sri Ramakrishna has been guiding her since the early years of her life. You can read about this at http://www.shreemaa.org/ramakrishna. The Nectar of Eternal Bliss is an inspiring book which covers most of the questions one might have about practicing and living a spiritual life. There is also quite a good deal of collective practical experience in spiritual life in the Devi Mandir community, and you will find the members more than willing to share anything they know that would be helpful to you. With Love, Kumari , "Frances" <fcannavale wrote: > > Namaste' > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and I > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of myself, > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I find > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It would > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the pond > of discovery. > > Francesca > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 hi Francesca anything you do with devotion will be devotion ... always go for the essence ... what you said in your first paragraph says it all ... stay with that mind at ease and openess to God ... determine what the goal of all this spirtuality is, then devise or learn sadhanas that support that goal ... peace, steve , "Frances" <fcannavale wrote: > > Namste' all! > > I am a newbie at this practice and at someone's suggestion I have > begun chating with the beginner's puja book with the accompanying cd > sung by Maa. I find this very calming, it puts my mind at ease and > seems to provide me with more openess to God, Maa and myself. My > altar grows each day with the faces of God and I am so enjoying it. > > This question may pose a challenge for some and I gladly will accept > any words of wisdom. Since I am new to this practice and have had the > opportunity to visit the Mandir twice, I find that I am still a > little lost within the practice. Maybe I am use to a "schedule" or > list of tasks to complete within this practice. So, here is my > question, is there someone that acts as a mentor? counselor? Someone > that can provide guidance, education and advice as to furthering my > practice, deepen my awareness of Hinduism and apply it more > thoroughly to my life. I have read "books" on hinduism it's culture > and practice and I would like to simplify my practice with a very > powerful practice. > > > Francesca > > Jaa Maa! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Namaste Thanks for your post. All of us at this chat seek to help each other reach our spiritual goals. We all get our inspiration and teachings from Shree Maa and Swami. We look to their written teachings, their recorded spoken teachings on the web site, the discussion group every Saturday and Sunday on-line, and most importantly, we pray to them from our hearts, asking for guidance and help to become closer to God, to realize our true nature. I started by reading the beginner Shiva puja book in English. I thought about the words, and practiced the Shiva mantra with closed eyes, and prayed to Maa for help. As I needed understanding and guidance, it came. I just tried to perform the worship daily, at the same time each day, with as much devotion as I could muster. Whatever aspect of God you feel attracted to, worship that form with love. Whether you pronounce the words right or know all the forms of worship, does not matter. Just practice daily, and do your best. As you have specific questions, ask, and everyone will help. And always pray to Maa and Swami for their guidance. To anyone who worships, Maa and Swami will offer guidance. They will answer you in your heart, or thru the words on the page, or thru a devottee answering a question in the chat. Jai Maa, Jai Swami love Vishweshwar -- In , "Frances" <fcannavale wrote: > > Namste' all! > > I am a newbie at this practice and at someone's suggestion I have > begun chating with the beginner's puja book with the accompanying cd > sung by Maa. I find this very calming, it puts my mind at ease and > seems to provide me with more openess to God, Maa and myself. My > altar grows each day with the faces of God and I am so enjoying it. > > This question may pose a challenge for some and I gladly will accept > any words of wisdom. Since I am new to this practice and have had the > opportunity to visit the Mandir twice, I find that I am still a > little lost within the practice. Maybe I am use to a "schedule" or > list of tasks to complete within this practice. So, here is my > question, is there someone that acts as a mentor? counselor? Someone > that can provide guidance, education and advice as to furthering my > practice, deepen my awareness of Hinduism and apply it more > thoroughly to my life. I have read "books" on hinduism it's culture > and practice and I would like to simplify my practice with a very > powerful practice. > > > Francesca > > Jaa Maa! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Dear Francesca, as one of the other young ducks in the pond, I would like to share with you what I have found to be true concerning practice. I hope it will be of some help to you. In the Chandi, it is said: "Having understood, one should commence and practice it; by not performing, it will perish. Again by having understood comes fulfillment". In my experience, this means that to deepen our practice, we must take what we know and do what we can, and then our practice will deepen itself. When I first started doing puja, I found myself struggling with the mantras and the offerings etc., and it all felt rather superficial to me because my thoughts were more focused on the procedure than on God. And there were many things I did not understand and many questions. So I decided to wait until the 'right time' when I had learned more and understood more before practicing again. But that got me nowhere, because the 'right time' did not come; there was always more to learn and even though I collected all the information I did not understand the application. The practice cannot be understood without practicing. So I decided to just do puja everyday. Soon I found that as the puja became more familiar, my focus changed from the 'without' to the 'within' and then from within a deeper understanding came. And with it came the promise of more, and a trust in the process developed. There is always more. I understand your desire for guidance from seasoned devotee's. But there is a kind of understanding no other practitioner can give you, because it comes from the practice itself. It does not have to be puja. But even if it is one single mantra, it has to be used consistently. That is what deepens your practice, at least that is what I found. And it is my experience that other things, like practical information or more tools to work with, are added when you need them. You will receive guidance in one form or another. That is the Guru's grace. with love, Henny In , "Frances" <fcannavale wrote: > > Namaste' > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and I > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of myself, > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I find > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It would > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the pond > of discovery. > > Francesca > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Amen! Terrific reply, Henny, and I couldn't agree more. Your words brought to mind the old adage, "The proof of the pudding's in the eating." Love and blessings, Karen , "henny_v_i" <henny_v_i wrote: > > Dear Francesca, > > as one of the other young ducks in the pond, I would like to share > with you what I have found to be true concerning practice. I hope it > will be of some help to you. > In the Chandi, it is said: "Having understood, one should commence and > practice it; by not performing, it will perish. Again by having > understood comes fulfillment". In my experience, this means that to > deepen our practice, we must take what we know and do what we can, and > then our practice will deepen itself. > When I first started doing puja, I found myself struggling with the > mantras and the offerings etc., and it all felt rather superficial to > me because my thoughts were more focused on the procedure than on God. > And there were many things I did not understand and many questions. So > I decided to wait until the 'right time' when I had learned more and > understood more before practicing again. But that got me nowhere, > because the 'right time' did not come; there was always more to learn > and even though I collected all the information I did not understand > the application. The practice cannot be understood without practicing. > So I decided to just do puja everyday. Soon I found that as the puja > became more familiar, my focus changed from the 'without' to the > 'within' and then from within a deeper understanding came. And with it > came the promise of more, and a trust in the process developed. There > is always more. > I understand your desire for guidance from seasoned devotee's. But > there is a kind of understanding no other practitioner can give you, > because it comes from the practice itself. It does not have to be > puja. But even if it is one single mantra, it has to be used > consistently. That is what deepens your practice, at least that is > what I found. And it is my experience that other things, like > practical information or more tools to work with, are added when you > need them. You will receive guidance in one form or another. That is > the Guru's grace. > > with love, > Henny > > > > In , "Frances" <fcannavale@> wrote: > > > > Namaste' > > > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and > I > > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to > > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of > myself, > > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I > find > > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It > would > > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the > pond > > of discovery. > > > > Francesca > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 dear Henny and Francesca an all, "I understand your desire for guidance from seasoned devotee's. But > there is a kind of understanding no other practitioner can give you, > because it comes from the practice itself." Thank you henny, you got it on the nose IMHO. I was taught the beginner Siva puja and then left to my own devices...so I just did it every day....and you are right! Also for me it became fun to whip up some food in the morning and then bring it to my altar and offer it to Siva....I just really got a kick of opening the lid and thinking, "Tada! Look Siva, I made for you!" As time goes on and it becomes second nature, God asks for more! Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaai Maa , "henny_v_i" <henny_v_i wrote: > > Dear Francesca, > > as one of the other young ducks in the pond, I would like to share > with you what I have found to be true concerning practice. I hope it > will be of some help to you. > In the Chandi, it is said: "Having understood, one should commence and > practice it; by not performing, it will perish. Again by having > understood comes fulfillment". In my experience, this means that to > deepen our practice, we must take what we know and do what we can, and > then our practice will deepen itself. > When I first started doing puja, I found myself struggling with the > mantras and the offerings etc., and it all felt rather superficial to > me because my thoughts were more focused on the procedure than on God. > And there were many things I did not understand and many questions. So > I decided to wait until the 'right time' when I had learned more and > understood more before practicing again. But that got me nowhere, > because the 'right time' did not come; there was always more to learn > and even though I collected all the information I did not understand > the application. The practice cannot be understood without practicing. > So I decided to just do puja everyday. Soon I found that as the puja > became more familiar, my focus changed from the 'without' to the > 'within' and then from within a deeper understanding came. And with it > came the promise of more, and a trust in the process developed. There > is always more. > I understand your desire for guidance from seasoned devotee's. But > there is a kind of understanding no other practitioner can give you, > because it comes from the practice itself. It does not have to be > puja. But even if it is one single mantra, it has to be used > consistently. That is what deepens your practice, at least that is > what I found. And it is my experience that other things, like > practical information or more tools to work with, are added when you > need them. You will receive guidance in one form or another. That is > the Guru's grace. > > with love, > Henny > > > > In , "Frances" <fcannavale@> wrote: > > > > Namaste' > > > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and > I > > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to > > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of > myself, > > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I > find > > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It > would > > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the > pond > > of discovery. > > > > Francesca > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 , "surathananda" <surathananda wrote: A good overview video Called "The Meaning and > Method of Worship" with Swami Satyananda Saraswati might answer some > of your questions.(video cd > available at website) > Namaste, Surath Part of this video is also available on youtube as "Why Puja", at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWA1eF88C-k&mode=related&search= Jai Maa! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 , "Frances" <fcannavale wrote: > Ms Frances< I have been following the posts recently and have the unwarranted liberty of addressing your concerns on behalf of the powers at Napeshwar Shivasthanam and Shree Maa and Pujya Swamiji. The eternal clashes of mindless chatter and judgemental analysis paralysis is part of the central mode of our maya-minds and the suggested path of one pointed concentration and zen like inward looking in could assist in reducing and eliminating these obstacles. Accept the fact , initially, all of us had gone through these wild steps into slippery slopes of self-critiques, while we wish to merge with the sanctum sanctorum of our "hridaya kamalam" the lotus petals of the mind flowers, which blossom unannounced. The advice which could be easily given, but harder to implement, is to allow some chatter as you start the internal exercises. One method is deep Pranayama, by slowly increasing the breath, extending the inhalation, holding up (increasing the time factor, without consciously revising the times) and slower exhaling, while reciting Shree Maa's songs or Chandi or favorite Maha Mritunjaya Mantras. The concept of clashing negative thoughts is ever-vexing query, and can only be reduced gradually, by offering all our thoughts, action, results or interactions to the divine Mother. If one starts to accept the fact the person or event which causes negative thoughts to invade our substratum is direct function of your own reflection of that event or person. When there is no real"doer" or action or recepient of action or inaction, meaning that the eternal self which transmutes into the "others", then you will start annihilating the duality of negative or positive thoughts. Simple steps would be to identify yourself as the creator of positive vibes, and all others are continually receiving your rays of happiness, joy and sweetness of purposeful and desired transfer of nondescript and nonjudgemental thoughts. Please refrain from ascribing any meaning or color or underlying wants when describing or explaining any action or inaction- this will eliminate repeated self critiques and indulgence of self pity. The thrones of power are under your seat and you will manipulate, massage or mobilize your views to suit the moment. Then there will be little to feel negative since your views will be based on two-pronged internal sword of ultimate discrimination, one that cuts laterally as the thoughts arise, and another vertically, as the thoughts get converted into words or action. Try these once ina while, and see how far this improves your outlook and capacity to accept "things and thoughts as they are..." Good Luck and Good wishes, Jai MAAA babu krishnan > Namaste' > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and I > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of myself, > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I find > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It would > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the pond > of discovery. > > Francesca > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Wow Francesca, When I read your first post I was so excited to see what would follow in emails. I have the same question you asked so this is helping me too. Thanks for entering your questions. Debi gauri_108 <gauri_108 > wrote: dear Henny and Francesca an all, "I understand your desire for guidance from seasoned devotee's. But > there is a kind of understanding no other practitioner can give you, > because it comes from the practice itself." Thank you henny, you got it on the nose IMHO. I was taught the beginner Siva puja and then left to my own devices...so I just did it every day....and you are right! Also for me it became fun to whip up some food in the morning and then bring it to my altar and offer it to Siva....I just really got a kick of opening the lid and thinking, "Tada! Look Siva, I made for you!" As time goes on and it becomes second nature, God asks for more! Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaai Maa , "henny_v_i" <henny_v_i wrote: > > Dear Francesca, > > as one of the other young ducks in the pond, I would like to share > with you what I have found to be true concerning practice. I hope it > will be of some help to you. > In the Chandi, it is said: "Having understood, one should commence and > practice it; by not performing, it will perish. Again by having > understood comes fulfillment". In my experience, this means that to > deepen our practice, we must take what we know and do what we can, and > then our practice will deepen itself. > When I first started doing puja, I found myself struggling with the > mantras and the offerings etc., and it all felt rather superficial to > me because my thoughts were more focused on the procedure than on God. > And there were many things I did not understand and many questions. So > I decided to wait until the 'right time' when I had learned more and > understood more before practicing again. But that got me nowhere, > because the 'right time' did not come; there was always more to learn > and even though I collected all the information I did not understand > the application. The practice cannot be understood without practicing. > So I decided to just do puja everyday. Soon I found that as the puja > became more familiar, my focus changed from the 'without' to the > 'within' and then from within a deeper understanding came. And with it > came the promise of more, and a trust in the process developed. There > is always more. > I understand your desire for guidance from seasoned devotee's. But > there is a kind of understanding no other practitioner can give you, > because it comes from the practice itself. It does not have to be > puja. But even if it is one single mantra, it has to be used > consistently. That is what deepens your practice, at least that is > what I found. And it is my experience that other things, like > practical information or more tools to work with, are added when you > need them. You will receive guidance in one form or another. That is > the Guru's grace. > > with love, > Henny > > > > In , "Frances" <fcannavale@> wrote: > > > > Namaste' > > > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance and > I > > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice to > > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of > myself, > > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I > find > > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It > would > > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the > pond > > of discovery. > > > > Francesca > > > Sponsored Link Mortgage rates near 39yr lows. $510,000 Mortgage for $1,698/mo - Calculate new house payment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 BRAVO! , "Narayanan" <babuk1008 wrote: > > , "Frances" <fcannavale@> wrote: > > Ms Frances< > I have been following the posts recently and have the unwarranted > liberty of addressing your concerns on behalf of the powers at > Napeshwar Shivasthanam and Shree Maa and Pujya Swamiji. > The eternal clashes of mindless chatter and judgemental analysis > paralysis is part of the central mode of our maya-minds and the > suggested path of one pointed concentration and zen like inward > looking in could assist in reducing and eliminating these obstacles. > Accept the fact , initially, all of us had gone through these wild > steps into slippery slopes of self-critiques, while we wish to merge > with the sanctum sanctorum of our "hridaya kamalam" the lotus petals > of the mind flowers, which blossom unannounced. The advice which > could be easily given, but harder to implement, is to allow some > chatter as you start the internal exercises. One method is deep > Pranayama, by slowly increasing the breath, extending the > inhalation, holding up (increasing the time factor, without > consciously revising the times) and slower exhaling, while reciting > Shree Maa's songs or Chandi or favorite Maha Mritunjaya Mantras. The > concept of clashing negative thoughts is ever-vexing query, and can > only be reduced gradually, by offering all our thoughts, action, > results or interactions to the divine Mother. If one starts to > accept the fact the person or event which causes negative thoughts > to invade our substratum is direct function of your own reflection > of that event or person. When there is no real"doer" or action or > recepient of action or inaction, meaning that the eternal self > which transmutes into the "others", then you will start annihilating > the duality of negative or positive thoughts. Simple steps would be > to identify yourself as the creator of positive vibes, and all > others are continually receiving your rays of happiness, joy and > sweetness of purposeful and desired transfer of nondescript and > nonjudgemental thoughts. Please refrain from ascribing any meaning > or color or underlying wants when describing or explaining any > action or inaction- this will eliminate repeated self critiques and > indulgence of self pity. The thrones of power are under your seat > and you will manipulate, massage or mobilize your views to suit the > moment. Then there will be little to feel negative since your views > will be based on two-pronged internal sword of ultimate > discrimination, one that cuts laterally as the thoughts arise, and > another vertically, as the thoughts get converted into words or > action. Try these once ina while, and see how far this improves your > outlook and capacity to accept "things and thoughts as they are..." > > Good Luck and Good wishes, > Jai MAAA > > babu krishnan > > Namaste' > > > > I have not received responses to my question regarding guidance > and I > > would like to encourage seasoned devotee's and invite your advice > to > > help me deepen my practice. In order to not be of judgement of > myself, > > I really wish to deepen my practice and welcome your experience. I > find > > that in some instances that when I do not practice more deeply, > > negative thoughts appear and mind chatter gets the best of me. It > would > > be a blessing to hear any feedback to help a fledgling duck in the > pond > > of discovery. > > > > Francesca > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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