Altar's

[Guest guest]

Namaste'

 

Dearest devotee's

 

I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

 

I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

desire your thoughts and support.

 

Jai Ma!

 

Francesca

[Guest guest]

Hi Francesca,

 

I'm so sorry to hear this. I feel for your situation, but at the same

time I'm not really surprised. There are lots of folks out there with

strong spiritual ideologies, both religious and atheistic, who don't

like differing perspectives.

 

I have the sense that you are one of those people who kind of like to

"nest", create your own space, and who like to believe they have a

home where they work. I think it is too bad that not everyone feels

the same.

 

I don't know what to tell you...Part of me says you should "be strong"

and stand up for your right to believe in and worship God as you

choose. Another part says that perhaps you should keep your "spiritual

reminders" to a bare minimum to avoid further trouble. Remember there

is no freedom of worship in the workplace, only some kinds of

discrimination are prohibited (I'm no lawyer, though).

 

For myself, I keep my spiritual leanings to myself as a matter of

habit. It reduces my ego involvement in it, and also prevents the

criticism of that which I hold so very dear in my heart, from people

who would attempt to sully it if they could.

 

Jai Maa!

Chris

 

, "Frances" <fcannavale wrote:

>

> Namaste'

>

> Dearest devotee's

>

> I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

> prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

> was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

> of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

> have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

> represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

> His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

> made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

> with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

> devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

> be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

> as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

> and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

> care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

> various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

> face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

>

> I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

> guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

> otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

> desire your thoughts and support.

>

> Jai Ma!

>

> Francesca

>

[Guest guest]

Dear to the Lord Frances:

I live in Canada and, even though my country and yours are similar in many ways, there are also vast differences. The influence of the fundamentalist Christian church in your country is one of those differences. We have them here, of course, but by no means are they as powerful as they are in the USA. I wonder if the people doing the complaining are fundamentalist believers?

What to do about the altar? If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Find a picture of Jesus and add it to the collection. One of His Mother wouldn't hurt either. The altar's at the local Ramakrishna Temple have pictures of Jesus along with Ramakrishna, Buddha and so forth.....

As long as the altar doesn't end up being too huge, and you do not start burning incense and chanting, then you ought to be all right.

Bill

 

Frances <fcannavale (AT) exchangebank (DOT) com> wrote:

Namaste'

 

Dearest devotee's

 

I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

 

I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

desire your thoughts and support.

 

Jai Ma!

 

Francesca

 

 

 

Please visit us online at http://www.ShreeMaa.org

[Guest guest]

Hi Francesca,

Hope you don't mind me putting my two cents in.

It's such a comfort to see Shree Maa & Swami Ji's faces so I wld tend to keep them there with maybe a photo of my family for my comfort and surport & if anyone asked I cld truthfully say these are my teachers & family photos. (LOVED ONES) Every one keeps photos on their desk. You can sit a potted plant like a violet in bloom near them & knowone wld need to know they are your gift to them. Or you cld by a picture locket to wear always so in your private time you cld sit it out and pray. This way their feeling are respected as well as yours.

When I were mine like that I also have a silver lace purst necklace with a herkimer diamond, inscents piece, clothe piece, nut & candy sugar ball in it among other things so it's like my secret alter that I wear close to my heart.

I have to try hard to be considerate of others to keep my ego in check. It's so like me to want to mention I'M a or I'M studing at the first oportunity. So I've been trying to be more reserved with it in public so as not to feed my ego. That's how I came up with the mini

alters or family pictures. It alows me to keep the ones I love near me yet keep my ego at bay.

I have to constantly remind myself that everyone worship in their own way.

God is in all of us and everything so if God (people0 in what ever form wishes not to experience my beliefs then I need to respect that. That doesn't make my beliefs any less what they are but teaches me to respect others.

Take Care

Debi

 

Chris Kirner <chriskirner1956 > wrote:

Hi Francesca,

 

I'm so sorry to hear this. I feel for your situation, but at the same

time I'm not really surprised. There are lots of folks out there with

strong spiritual ideologies, both religious and atheistic, who don't

like differing perspectives.

 

I have the sense that you are one of those people who kind of like to

"nest", create your own space, and who like to believe they have a

home where they work. I think it is too bad that not everyone feels

the same.

 

I don't know what to tell you...Part of me says you should "be strong"

and stand up for your right to believe in and worship God as you

choose. Another part says that perhaps you should keep your "spiritual

reminders" to a bare minimum to avoid further trouble. Remember there

is no freedom of worship in the workplace, only some kinds of

discrimination are prohibited (I'm no lawyer, though).

 

For myself, I keep my spiritual leanings to myself as a matter of

habit. It reduces my ego involvement in it, and also prevents the

criticism of that which I hold so very dear in my heart, from people

who would attempt to sully it if they could.

 

Jai Maa!

Chris

 

, "Frances" <fcannavale wrote:

>

> Namaste'

>

> Dearest devotee's

>

> I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

> prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

> was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

> of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

> have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

> represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

> His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

> made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

> with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

> devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

> be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

> as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

> and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

> care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

> various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

> face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

>

> I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

> guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

> otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

> desire your thoughts and support.

>

> Jai Ma!

>

> Francesca

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

I think it is wonderful to have reminders of our spiritual teachers to help us remember our goals and aspirations in life and keep the fires of devotion burning at all times. However, I have found just a single picture or item can serve this purpose. Once when someone asked about my picture, I just said it was a very dear friend. Nothing more was ever mentioned. I hope that helps.

 

Frances <fcannavale (AT) exchangebank (DOT) com> wrote: Namaste'

 

Dearest devotee's

 

I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

 

I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

desire your thoughts and support.

 

Jai Ma!

 

Francesca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Dear Francesca,

 

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. Others have given you some very

good suggestions, I think (I like the private mini altar Debi

mentioned!), and I would just like to add that if you cannot have the

separate pictures on your desk, you could have one of Shree Maa's and

Swamiji's books there; there's always a picture on the back cover and

surely nobody can object to yur reading a book during your break?

I feel it is important not to have negative feelings flying around,

particularly in connection with our Guru's. It is a secret we have to

protect and keep hidden in our hearts if necessary. Not everyone can

understand and we don't want people trample all over what is most

sacred to us. At least, that is what I think:),

 

with love,

Henny

 

 

 

 

, "Frances" <fcannavale wrote:

>

> Namaste'

>

> Dearest devotee's

>

> I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

> prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office,

there

> was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal

note

> of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

> have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well

it

> represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

> His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people

have

> made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

> with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

> devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

> be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

> as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

> and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may

not

> care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

> various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

> face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this

way.

>

> I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

> guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

> otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

> desire your thoughts and support.

>

> Jai Ma!

>

> Francesca

>

[Guest guest]

Namaste Francesca,

 

It is wonderful that you set up a shrine at work to remind you of Maa

ans Swamiji and other great souls that help us along. Unfortunately

we humans tend to want things "our" way. Whatever is foreign can be

uncomfortable to some. Maa has said that we should not wear our

religion outside (I paraphrase considerably because i can't remember

Her words right now). She was saying that it need not be visible to

others, that we should carry it in our hearts. i waer a rudraksha

mala at work, but it is always under my clothes. A picture of Maa is

always in my wallet, but i am the one who sees it. It all comes down

to the Great Ego who insists on showing how good and pure He is.

Don't be upset at work. Keep Maa deep in your heart where the Shrine

is always lit up with the light of Your love!

Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa

, Gary <aniruddhan wrote:

>

> I think it is wonderful to have reminders of our spiritual teachers

to help us remember our goals and aspirations in life and keep the

fires of devotion burning at all times. However, I have found just a

single picture or item can serve this purpose. Once when someone asked

about my picture, I just said it was a very dear friend. Nothing more

was ever mentioned. I hope that helps.

>

> Frances <fcannavale wrote: Namaste'

>

> Dearest devotee's

>

> I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

> prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

> was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

> of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

> have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

> represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

> His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

> made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

> with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

> devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

> be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

> as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

> and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

> care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

> various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

> face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

>

> I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

> guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

> otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

> desire your thoughts and support.

>

> Jai Ma!

>

> Francesca

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Francesca,

 

If this happened to me, I would think it through this way:

 

Two people have already gone to the boss about my religious icons so I

am, like it or not, already in a dharma battle; the only question is, do

I advance or retreat?

 

In addition, the manager used the phrase, "Quite the shrine". That

indicates that if my boss has to make a decision in the matter it will

not go well with me.

 

The measure of a manager's success is how well he/she keeps the

employees working harmoniously and "on task".

So, from the manager's point of view, those who produce will be

rewarded, and anything that breaks the flow of production must go.

 

I would guess that the opposition is from the christian right, whose

scripture clearly states that "Christ is the only-begotten son of God,

and that no one comes to the Father (God) except through the Son".

Therefore, any icons other than one of Christ is, in their view, false

religion-end of story. Therefore any arguement I may try to make against

that cannot be won and will only cause more waves in the workplace.

 

I would ask myself, "how important is my job to me? And how important

to me are any promotions might I qualify for?"

 

Remembering that if I am asked to leave, within 24 hours someone else

will be sitting at my desk and I will be out looking for a job, I would

ask myself, (leaving all thoughts of anger, martyrdom, who is right, and

religion, on the shelf) "What is right and good for me, and what should

I do to attain that?"

 

Then I would follow whatever I concluded-probably taking the icons off

my desk and placing them in my Heart.

 

Later, I would try to identify who the two people were who complained,

and, (if they are good people-and without a word about religion or

references to their complaints) I would make friends with them.

 

Mother would do the rest.

 

 

Respectfully,

 

Tanmaya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, "Frances" <fcannavale wrote:

>

> Namaste'

>

> Dearest devotee's

>

> I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

> prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

> was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

> of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

> have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

> represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

> His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

> made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

> with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

> devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

> be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

> as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

> and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

> care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

> various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

> face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

>

> I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

> guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

> otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

> desire your thoughts and support.

>

> Jai Ma!

>

> Francesca

>

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

I believe in the Guru Gita we are told to establish the Guru on the

seat or alter in our hearts.

 

Peace and thank you for the important reminder/lesson.

Jai Maa

 

, "gauri_108" <gauri_108 wrote:

>

> Namaste Francesca,

>

> It is wonderful that you set up a shrine at work to remind you of Maa

> ans Swamiji and other great souls that help us along. Unfortunately

> we humans tend to want things "our" way. Whatever is foreign can be

> uncomfortable to some. Maa has said that we should not wear our

> religion outside (I paraphrase considerably because i can't remember

> Her words right now). She was saying that it need not be visible to

> others, that we should carry it in our hearts. i waer a rudraksha

> mala at work, but it is always under my clothes. A picture of Maa is

> always in my wallet, but i am the one who sees it. It all comes down

> to the Great Ego who insists on showing how good and pure He is.

> Don't be upset at work. Keep Maa deep in your heart where the Shrine

> is always lit up with the light of Your love!

> Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa

> , Gary <aniruddhan@> wrote:

> >

> > I think it is wonderful to have reminders of our spiritual teachers

> to help us remember our goals and aspirations in life and keep the

> fires of devotion burning at all times. However, I have found just a

> single picture or item can serve this purpose. Once when someone asked

> about my picture, I just said it was a very dear friend. Nothing more

> was ever mentioned. I hope that helps.

> >

> > Frances <fcannavale@> wrote: Namaste'

> >

> > Dearest devotee's

> >

> > I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

> > prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

> > was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

> > of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

> > have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

> > represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

> > His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

> > made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

> > with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

> > devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

> > be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

> > as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

> > and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

> > care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

> > various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

> > face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

> >

> > I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

> > guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

> > otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

> > desire your thoughts and support.

> >

> > Jai Ma!

> >

> > Francesca

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Namaste Francesca:

 

I am not really shocked about this, but it is upsetting. If you just had photos of Shree Maa, and Swamiji, I would remind my boss that others have meaningful photos on their desk as well. Tell them if they are offended, don't look at it.

 

I used to live in a very intolerant place. I had individuals screaming at my children calling them all sorts of abusive things in regards to the Lord Buddha. Finally when we moved and saw women walking around with their pentacles on, I felt free to wear the Kali yantra and Om. Most people did not know what it was anyway.

 

Blessings,

Shankari Kali

 

Frances <fcannavale (AT) exchangebank (DOT) com> wrote: Namaste'

 

Dearest devotee's

 

I am up against a situation at work and I am open to suggestions,

prayers and support. This morning when I arrived at the office, there

was a holiday gift left by my Department Manager with a personal note

of thanks for my contribution to the staff. He mentioned that I

have "quite the shrine" at my desk. "What is it?" I answered "well it

represents my practice in both hinduism and respect for buddhism".

His response was, "I just wanted to let you know that two people have

made comments to me with regards to your shrine". So dialogue ensued

with my statement that what is represented on my "altar" is

devotional. From what I gathered from our conversation, was I should

be concious of what is represented in my cubicle that may be deemed

as offensive to others and that he did not have a problem with it,

and he did not even care, but, there are these someone's that may not

care for my altar. My altar consists of photos of maa, swami ji, and

various other sainted individuals. Nothing that would be an in your

face altar. Although, maybe there are a few that would feel this way.

 

I was very, very upset at the fact this was even happening and I

guess I am naive about to think all is accepted if not stated

otherwise. I know this has been a learning experience and really

desire your thoughts and support.

 

Jai Ma!

 

Francesca