Dharma Nation Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 ........ width="425" height="344"> <embed src=" " type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"> This is a beautiful short documentary about Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank Morales), the first non-Indian Acharya of a predominantly Indian Hindu temple in American history. For similar videos, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/DharmaNation Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lokeshvara Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Namaste and Welcome Acharyaji Hari Om! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Namaste and Welcome Acharyaji Hari Om! Namaste, Lokeshvara. Thank you for your kind welcome. I'm actually Tulasi Devi. I'm an initiated disciple of Sri Acharyaji. My avatara photo shows Acharyaji giving me brahmana initiation last year (brahmana thread and all!). He's doing amazing work preaching Sanatana Dharma in Omaha. In the short 1 1/2 years that he's been here, he has brought about 70 people to Sanatana Dharma! They're all serious Krishna-bhaktas and students of Sri Acharyaji now. He's creating an ablosute revolution here! Our next step for this year (2009) is to take this Dharma Revolution national...and then international. For some more great videos of Sri Acharyaji's talks, please visit our Dharma Nation Channel: http://www.youtube.com/DharmaNation Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Devi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baobabtree Posted January 24, 2009 Report Share Posted January 24, 2009 Namaste Tulasi Devi. I've always been a big fan of Acharyaji ever since I listened to some of his discourses on Youtube, and visited his website. I know Acharyaji teaches Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, but is he strictly a Vaishnava? How is Shiva viewed by your acharya's sampradaya? Is Shiva considered a demigod or the Supreme deity non-different from Vishnu? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiley Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Hello Tulasi Devi If someone in another state is interested in Vaishnavism as taught by your guru how would they know which states your guru has trained disciples in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Namaste Tulasi Devi. I've always been a big fan of Acharyaji ever since I listened to some of his discourses on Youtube, and visited his website. I know Acharyaji teaches Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, but is he strictly a Vaishnava? How is Shiva viewed by your acharya's sampradaya? Is Shiva considered a demigod or the Supreme deity non-different from Vishnu? Dear Baobabtree, Namaste. Thank you for your kind words about Sri Acharyaji. I actually just uploaded a new video yesterday. Please take a look: http:www.youtube.com/dharmanation. He is a strict Vaishnava in his personal practice and views, but very accommodating and approachable in his preaching style. He is inspired both by Sri Ramanuja Acharya and Srila Prabhupada. His personal ishta-devata is Sri Krishna. He teaches that Lord Shiva is a demigod, albeit a very important and respected one, who is a devotee of Sriman Narayana. Take care. Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raghu Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Namaste, Lokeshvara. Thank you for your kind welcome. I'm actually Tulasi Devi. I'm an initiated disciple of Sri Acharyaji. My avatara photo shows Acharyaji giving me brahmana initiation last year (brahmana thread and all!). He's doing amazing work preaching Sanatana Dharma in Omaha. In the short 1 1/2 years that he's been here, he has brought about 70 people to Sanatana Dharma! They're all serious Krishna-bhaktas and students of Sri Acharyaji now. He's creating an ablosute revolution here! Our next step for this year (2009) is to take this Dharma Revolution national...and then international. For some more great videos of Sri Acharyaji's talks, please visit our Dharma Nation Channel: http://www.youtube.com/DharmaNation Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Devi I'm curious about something. I was under the impression (given to me by many learned Sri Vaishnavas with whom I have interacted with), that things like brahmana-threads for women and non-brahmanas becoming gurus were not features of Sri Vaishnava culture. In fact, I often hear them criticizing these things about iskcon since they are not really Vedic practices. So, I wonder why he is doing them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Hello Tulasi Devi If someone in another state is interested in Vaishnavism as taught by your guru how would they know which states your guru has trained disciples in? Hello Tulasi Devi If someone in another state is interested in Vaishnavism as taught by your guru how would they know which states your guru has trained disciples in? Dear Smiley, Namaste. Currently Sri Acharyaji has been the Resident Acharya of the Hindu Temple of Nebraska for about 1 1/2 years now. He has revolutionized how the temple here operates and has developed a very large local following. In his short time here, many dozens of non-Indians have now been welcomed into Sanatana Dharma and consider themselves to be Acharyaji's students and serious followers of Sanatana Dharma. It's pretty phenomenal what he's accomplished here. Unfortunately, to secure these impressive results, he has focussed most of his attention locally here in Omaha and the surrounding areas. He feels that in order to get results in building a strong sense of Dharma community, it's important that Hindu/Vaishnava gurus devote themselves to staying and preaching in one area for a long period of time, rather than constantly touring the world on speaking tours. This is how the Christian missionaries have had such astounding success - they take root in one place, and build a local religious community, only moving on once that community has become strong enought to become self-sustaining. For right now, people who want to benefit from Sri Acharyaji's teachings are encouraged to either keep in touch with him via the Internet, or to consider relocating here to Omaha. That said, Acharyaji has told us very recently that the local Dharma community here in Omaha has now grown strong enough that he may actually consider commencing the beginning stages of creating similar start-up communities in other states, starting possibly later this summer. So we'll have to see. What state do you live in? For those who are interested in Sri Acharyaji's current activities, I'll post our latest newsletter, "Living Dharma Today", in the following post. Thank you again for your wonderful interest in Sri Acharyaji's unique activities. Take care. Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I'm curious about something. I was under the impression (given to me by many learned Sri Vaishnavas with whom I have interacted with), that things like brahmana-threads for women and non-brahmanas becoming gurus were not features of Sri Vaishnava culture. In fact, I often hear them criticizing these things about iskcon since they are not really Vedic practices. So, I wonder why he is doing them? Dear Raghu, Namaskar. I don't believe Sri Acharyaji is a "Sri Vaishnava" in the sectarian sense (at least he's never called himself that in my personal presence). Rather, he is inspired by the teachings of Ramanuja Acharya. He's a very unique combination of extremely orthodox Vaishnava-Hindu coupled with very cutting-edge approaches to preaching. He has a very inclusive mood when it comes to giving women equal opportunities in devotional service. He feels (as do many Hindu leaders and scholars, actually) that originally, in Vedic times, women were granted the thread just as men were and are today. So he encourages women to accept brahmana threads, to become gurus, etc. This is something that he's quite vocal about, and has even said publically several times that his goal is to eventually give brahmana threads to thousands of qualified, brahminical women. I'm not really in a position to explain Sri Acharyaji's teachings on this matter much more than this. But I know that he has written a small book on this matter called "The Shakti Principle: Encountering the Feminine Power of God" http://dharmacentral.com/dharmastore/acharyaji_books.php Take care. Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Dharmodaya maha-vrata: The Great vow for the rebirth of dharma January 5th – February 4th, 2009 Aum Sri Krishnaya Namah Dharma is the radiant manifestation of God's grace as that grace becomes operative as the Natural Law of the material cosmos. When humanity lives in cooperation with Dharma, we then experience the consequent harmony, sense of purpose, prosperity, contentment, peace, health, and joy that is Dharma's gift to us. When, on the other hand, society thoughtlessly abandons the spiritual principles of Dharma, we then experience the chaos, disorder, meaninglessness, and decay that have become the hallmark of our global materialistic civilization today. In the great Hindu scripture known as the Mahabharata, it is said: "dharmo rakshati rakshitaha", "Those who defend Dharma are likewise protected by Dharma." The very foundations of Dharma in our society are currently under attack, creating in effect an emergency situation of cosmic spiritual significance. It is up to us now to defend Dharma, and to reinstitute Dharmic Civilization for the benefit of all sentient beings. In ancient days, whenever the healthy social balance and harmony bestowed by Dharma was imperiled by the forces of decadence (adharma), great sages, yogis, rishis and saints would make the ultimate personal sacrifice and take upon themselves great vows (Maha-vratas) of penance (tapasya) in order to revive Dharma, and to bring the world back to its natural and healthy state of balance. The time has now come for just such a sacrifice. Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.) has taken it upon himself to conduct a Maha-vrata for the global rebirth of Dharma. Sri Acharyaji (the Founder/Acharya of the International Sanatana Dharma Society) will be conducting a thirty-day fast January 5th – February 4th, 2009. Living on only water and juice, Sri Acharyaji will also be conducting daily pujas (worship ceremonies), prayer, and intense meditation for the rebirth of Dharma. Sri Acharyaji's Maha-vrata has the public and moral support of many of the nation's most important Hindu leaders, gurus, swamis and scholars. How You Can Participate in the Great Vow Sri Acharyaji will be meditating publicly at the Hindu Temple of Nebraska from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM every evening during this period of January 5th – February 4th. You are welcome to visit Omaha for a day, a weekend, or however long you wish, to be in the presence of Acharyaji during his Maha-vrata to meditate and pray with him. If you cannot be personally present with Sri Acharyaji during this momentous time, then you can join him in spirit by taking a smaller vow to meditate, fast and pray for the rebirth of Dharma in your own home for a short duration during this period. Beginning January 5th, there will be daily updates on Sri Acharyaji's progress in this great endeavor – with photos, videos and reports updated each and every day – on Dharma Central: www.dharmacentral.com Visit Dharma Central daily for these constant updates, and to show your support. Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti In All Directions, Upon All Sentient Beings, Always May Peace Prevail International Sanatana Dharma Society www.youtube.com/DharmaNation www.dharmacentral.com Please share this important announcement to all Sanatana Dharma related discussion groups, forums, blogs, and websites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 ........ width="425" height="344"> Sri Acharyaji is on day 21, I believe, of his fast. This is a recent interview with him in which he explains why he's doing this vrata. <embed src=" " type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 LIVING DHARMA TODAY Authentic Dharma for Today's World ___________ January 25, 2009 - Founded in 1998 (Eleven Years of Excellence in the Service of Dharma) "Dr. Frank Morales represents the Sankalpa [the will] of the Hindu people and the cause of Sanatana Dharma. I urge all Hindus everywhere to give him your full support, assistance, and encouragement in his crucial work. He needs and deserves our help." - Dr. David Frawley (Oct. 14, 2007) ___________ Editor's Corner Welcome to LIVING DHARMA TODAY, the free online newsletter dedicated to the spiritual teachings of Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya, and to the global renewal of Sanatana Dharma. Though 2008 was a year of great economic catastrophe for much of the world, and 2009 promises to also be a year of similar perilous economic and political developments, this new year also offers us many unique opportunities for personal spiritual growth, and for the revival of Sanatana Dharma globally. Where there are tremendous challenges, after all, there is also the opportunity for tremendous achievement! As we enter into this new year, there have been many new and exciting developments in the teaching mission of Sri Acharyaji, with many more to come! The first of these changes is the new name of our old newsletter Dharma Journal. Signaling the new dynamic momentum of our activities, we are now called LIVING DHARMA TODAY. LIVING DHARMA TODAY is dedicated to bringing you the most cutting-edge articles, news, and information on the global Dharma community. As our new name indicates, our focus is on Dharma as the dynamic, living gift that it is for us today. Dharma is alive! Dharma is meant to be lived. And Dharma represents the future of our planet. Read our news section below for more new developments! Aum Shanti, Tulasi Devi Editor LIVING DHARMA TODAY ____________ The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita Always perform your duty efficiently and without any selfish attachment to the results, because by doing work without attachment one attains Supreme. (3.19) King Janaka and others attained perfection of Self-realization by selfless service (Karma-yoga) alone. You should also perform your duty with a view to guide people, and for the welfare of the society. (3.20) Because whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard they set up, the world follows. (3.21) O Arjuna, there is nothing in the three worlds — heaven, earth, and the lower regions — that should be done by Me, nor there is anything unobtained that I should obtain, yet I engage in action. (3.22) Because, if I do not engage in action relentlessly, O Arjuna, people would follow My path in everyway. These worlds would perish if I do not work, and I shall be the cause of confusion and destruction of all these people. (3.23-24) ____________ Sanatana Dharma is the Eternal Natural Way "Sanatana Dharma (commonly referred to erroneously as "Hinduism") is a spiritual path that has existed since the beginning of time. It is a path that is both ancient in origin, and profound in its understanding of the nature of reality. Sanatana Dharma is completely unlike any other religious tradition in existence. Rather than reflecting the dogmatically inclined expressions of denominationalism, sectarianism, and divisive religious doctrines that are of more recent origin, Sanatana Dharma is a spiritual expression of the divine intelligence that naturally underlies the more empirical aspects of our cosmos. Sanatana Dharma is the Eternal Natural Way. As such, this path represents the pre-religious, primordial essence of all true spirituality, philosophy, and yearning to know the higher Reality, as well as the very foundation of any and all attempts to establish a civilization based upon eternal ideals." - Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya " Sanatana Dharma: Eternal Natural Way ". To be released June, 2009. http://dharmacentral.com/dharmastore.php ____________ Announcements: 1. New Dharmacentral.com! Since its inception in 1998, Dharma Central (http://www.dharmacentral.com) has provided its readers with the highest quality, and most authoritative information on the philosophy, practices, history, and true nature of Dharma. Now Dharma Central has been completely recreated to reflect the new conditions that our world is facing in 2009. The old Dharma Central is retired, and a new and exciting era for Dharma Central has begun! With many more features, a radically updated look, and constant updates, Dharma Central has now been retooled to serve your needs better, and to serve a world that needs Dharma now more than ever. If you haven't visited Dharma Central in some time, come see our new changes! The New Dharma Central: http://www.dharmacentral.com 2. Acharyaji's Fast Update: As was previously announced, on January 5, 2009, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya began an arduous thirty day fast. Living on only water and juice, and engaging in intense public meditation and prayer every day of this period, Sri Acharyaji has undertaken this very austere Great Vow for Dharma (Dharmodaya Maha Vrata) in order to prepare the spiritual groundwork for the revival of Dharma in our world, as well as to encourage others to practice Dharma more faithfully. While such Maha Vratas have been performed in the past by great gurus, rishis, and Acharyas, as recounted in the ancient Hindu scriptures, such an undertaking is very rarely performed in today's era. As of this writing, Sri Acharyaji is on day 20 of his thirty day fast, and has lost 15 pounds. We thank all the hundreds of people who have sent their heartfelt messages of solidarity, concern, and support for Sri Acharyaji during this historically significant occasion. For more information about the nature of this fast, as well as constantly updated photos, videos, daily updates on Sri Acharyaji's progress, and information on how you can be involved, please visit Dharma Central: http://dharmacentral.com/calendar.php#secondlevel Latest video interview of Sri Acharyaji discussing the Dharmodaya Maha Vrata: 3. "Taking Refuge in Dharma" Book: Are you interested in understanding the traditional process involved in taking initiation from an authentic guru? Sri Acharyaji has now written a booklet designed to answer all your questions called: "Taking Refuge in Dharma: The Initiation Guidebook." To order your copy, please visit us online: http://dharmacentral.com/dharmastore.php 4. Do You Live in the Midwest? Join Midwest Dharma! midwest_dharma/ The purpose of Midwest Dharma is to provide announcements about the classes, seminars, pravachanas (spiritual talks), and satsang schedules of Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.) in the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. Dr. Morales serves as the Resident Acharya (Spiritual Preceptor) of the Hindu Temple of Nebraska, and as the Founder-President of the International Sanatana Dharma Society. Currently, Sri Acharya Ji conducts two weekly Satsangs in Omaha, Nebraska (Every Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 PM at the Omaha Healing Arts Center; and every Sunday at noon at the Hindu Temple of Omaha), and a monthy Satsang in Lincoln, NE. In addition, Sri Acharya Ji conducts a full schedule of classes at the Hindu Temple in Omaha, as well as frequent seminars and intensives. Do not miss this rare opportunity to learn from an authentic and highly recognized Dharma Teacher. Please Join Now: midwest_dharma/ 5. Multi-Media / IT Volunteer Help Needed "Dharma Outreach through Cutting Edge Media Technology" Our goal is to create our own alternative global Dharma media infrastructure, completely independent from mainstream media outlets. We are in the process of producing the highest quality media presentations on Sanatana Dharma in the world today. This media includes the production of DVDs, books, magazines, websites, Internet forums, CDs, and other forms of media. We will also be producing Hindu television and radio shows. To accomplish this, we need your volunteer help. If you have any knowledge or expertise in web design, graphic design, video editing, sound editing, Internet commerce, podcasting, online promotion, forum development, or other aspects of Internet development, please contact us today and help us to increase the presence of Sanatana Dharma on the Internet. We would also greatly appreciate any digital video/audio equipment, computers, monitors, or other IT hardware equipment you would like to donate. Please also forward to us any copyright-free, royalty-free Hindu/Dharma images you have for use in our presentations. Please Contact: Tulasi Devi of Multimedia Development International Sanatana Dharma Society heatherlim7 (281) 235-3181 We appreciate your help in our mission to teach Dharma to a suffering world. 6. "Dr. Morales List" reaches 5700 members on !: Sri Acharyaji's primary message group now has over 5700 members, placing it in the top 3 largest dedicated to Sanatana Dharma. It has been the fastest growing Hindu group in the history of ! If you're not already a member, please join today and begin receiving some of the very best information on Sanatana Dharma available anywhere today: drmoraleslist/ 7. Dharma Nation Channel: The new Dharma Nation Channel is one of the fastest growing channels dedicated to authentic Sanatana Dharma on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/DharmaNation We will be adding HUNDREDS more videos to the Dharma Nation Channel in the next few months. Please check back often. Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.) is widely recognized as one of the most important, inspiring, and authentic Dharma teachers in the world today. Sri Acharyaji teaches authentic Dharma philosophy in a manner that is practical for today's world, intellectually stimulating, and designed to lead his students to a direct experience of the Divine. This channel is dedicated to sharing Sri Acharyaji's teachings with the world. Please to the Dharma Nation Channel to see many more upcoming videos. Please link to this new exciting channel. Please forward this important notice to anyone interested in understanding and serving Sanatana Dharma. Help us to serve you, and to serve Dharma. Thank you. DHARMA NATION CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/DharmaNation __________ " Always have an open mind, but never at the expense of a sharp intellect. Discernment without an open mind leads to fanaticism and empty skepticism. But an open mind without discernment leads to costly mistakes and the deepening of illusion. Be open, yet discerning, in all your thinking. Learn to use the power of discernment in all your decisions. Discernment is having the ability to separate truth from untruth, real from unreal, good from deleterious. Discernment is a sharp sword with which you can separate what is truly in your best interest from that which only seems to be." - Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya "The Art of Wisdom: Affirmations for Boundless Living". Released April, 2008. http://dharmacentral.com/dharmastore.php __________ Yogini: The Enlightened Woman Written by Shambhavi Chopra From the book, Yogini: Unfolding the Goddess Within by Shambhavi Chopra In the Bhavani-nama-sahasra (the Thousand Names of the Goddess Bhavani) as beautifully explained by Pandit Jankinath Kaul, "A Yogini is one who is possessed of magical powers.'' Para Shakti, the Supreme Shakti, in the form of Durga is given the name Yogini. She assumes various forms and takes on different divine energies to maintain harmony in the Universe, to combat evil and uphold the good. A woman who gains a transcendental state in sadhana comes back as a celestial Yogini or Bhairavi, a female adept at Yoga. She carries the energy of Durga within her. A true Yogini is an enlightened woman with exuberant passion, spiritual powers and deep insight. Yoginis communicate a sense of freedom, a sheer mastery in whatever they do. With their compelling gazes, they can hypnotize even a great yogi and are capable of changing their shapes at will. Tantric scholars have written about Yoginis as independent, outspoken, forthright women with a gracefulness of spirit. Without them, yoga can fail in its purpose and remain sterile. Shakta texts honor both women and the Earth alike as sources of energy, vitality, physical and spiritual well-being. Noting this analogy between a Yogini and the earth, an eleventh-century Tibetan Cakrasamvara commentary states: "Having recognized a Yogini who will delight and transmit energy and power to him, and feeling passionately attracted to her, if the male aspirant does not worship that Yogini, she will not bless the yogi, and spiritual attainments will not arise.'' Miranda Shaw's book, Passionate Enlightenment, which was introduced to me by Lokesh Chandraji, first exposed the world of the Yogini to me from a Buddhist perspective. In Hindu thought, the Yogini represents the Yoga Shakti herself, the Kundalini, as well as the resident powers or female deities of the different chakras. The Yogini possesses the power of Yoga herself and can awaken that in others, not only generally but at any point or place in the body or mind. A man's ability to achieve the higher states of Yoga can be facilitated by his association with such a female companion who reflects this energy. Just as a Goddess blesses and benefits her devotees, and the Shakti vivifies all biological, cultural, and religious practices, so a woman can channel this life force or spiritual energy to her consort-devotee. A woman is no more depleted by providing this spiritual nourishment than a mother by nursing her child. In fact, it causes deeper energies to well up from within her. This spiritual energy is not something that a man can extract or take from a Yogini at will. She chooses when and on whom to bestow her blessings. Her ability to enhance a man's spiritual development depends upon her innate divinity as awakened and brought to fruition by her own yogic practices, which include envisioning herself in the forms of various Goddesses and investing herself with Their appearances and ornaments, tender and wrathful expressions, and supernatural powers for liberating beings. By conferring energy and grace upon a man - ''blessing '' or ''empowering'' him - she is not weakening herself but rather sharing her energy voluntarily with one who has won her favour by meeting the various requirements that she may impose. This relationship parallels human-divine relationships in so far as the deity is the benefactor and the human devotee is the beneficiary. Although the Deity may derive some gratification from the relationship, the devotee has much more to gain than does the sovereign object of his devotion. What supplicants ultimately want from their deity is supreme deliverance or liberation, and this is what male Tantrics should seek to gain from their relationships with spiritual women. Tantric texts reiterate that a man cannot gain enlightenment without respecting women and allying himself inwardly with a woman. The woman's beneficence is a gracious, yet voluntary response to her devotee's supplication, homage and worship. The Goddess is a great Yogini, devoted to Shiva, yet matching His powers. She is the embodiment of pure energy, the Mother and matrix of all manifestation, the source of all time, space and creation. As they practiced Yoga together, Shakti accepted Shiva as her Guru, and he taught her the ways of transcendent being to guide her to her ultimate liberation. Shiva in turn also accepted Shakti as his Guru, and she initiated him into his ultimate liberation through putting him in touch with the supreme power of consciousness. The Goddess Chhinnamasta, the deity who cuts off her own head, symbolizes the great Yogini, the wonderful consciousness beyond the mind. She represents the opened Third Eye from which flashes forth the lightening of direct perception that destroys all duality and negativity. She is the Yoga Shakti or power of Yoga in its most dramatic action of granting enlightenment. Hence she is also known as Vajra Yogini. The Vajra is the supreme lightning force of the inner Self. Chhinnamasta is the Para-Dakini, the supreme or foremost of the Dakinis, the attendant Goddesses on the yogic path, who are the yoginis as the powers of the chakras. Sadhakas seeking the path of occult or yogic powers should worship her, as reiterated by David Frawley in his book Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses, invoking her through the mantra based on her name as Vajra Vairochani. This facilitates all inner transformations in a dramatic way. The Yogini is also Bhairavi or the Goddess of Fire below in the muladhara or root chakra. It is she who becomes Chhinnamasta as she reaches the third eye and opens the crown chakra beyond. Her blood is light that illumines everything. Mary Magdalene was such a Yogini, manifesting her Shakti through the flow of light from her heart and soul. Her Divine love was unconditional and independent of external situations and dogmas. Yet Divine love is not limited to the ascetic. In my understanding of Tantra, if two spiritually evolved beings come together in unconditional love, they also can create an energy field that is most positive and rare, exuding high vibrational levels of peace and love into the universe. The ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, Tibet and India have esoteric traditions glorifying the initiatory power of the woman. She is considered to be the high priestess who unfolds all higher knowledge and powers for us. She is Sophia, the source and font of wisdom or Prajna, the deepest insight into the nature of things. Tantric teachings stress the importance of physical beauty in a companion but only to initially stimulate and then elevate passion from the sensual to the spiritual plane. The beauty of the soul surpasses physical beauty. The `initiatory' power of woman is tremendous, providing the force of passion that is necessary for developing experiential mysticism. By sharing the secrets of love, a woman can bestow transcendental power on her lover. The highest form of Shakti is the direct expression of the wisdom-energy she releases, creating a joyful transformation. A woman can initiate her partner into such mystical experiences through trust, surrender to higher ideals and spontaneity. It is the Goddess within each woman who really initiates. To be a Yogini is the highest spiritual goal for all women. It is the way to become one with the Goddess within and to bring her out in expression to uplift the world that is really her creation. Yet it is not an outer appearance but a state of inner energy and ecstasy that makes the Yogini. She cannot be manipulated, defined or even ever entirely known. For more information of Sri Shambhavi Chopra, please visit her website at: http://www.shambhavi-yogini.com/ __________ "Dr. Frank Morales represents the Sankalpa [the will] of the Hindu people and the cause of Sanatana Dharma. I urge all Hindus everywhere to give him your full support, assistance, and encouragement in his crucial work. He needs and deserves our help." - Dr. David Frawley (Oct. 14, 2007) _________ For further information on the philosophy and path of Dharma, please visit us on the web: National Sri Acharyaji Links http://www.dharmacentral.com drmoraleslist/ http://www.youtube.com/DharmaNation http://dharmacentral.com/dharmastore.php http://www.drfrankmorales.sulekha.com http://www.myspace.com/dharmapravartaka http://groups.myspace.com/yogaspirituality http://dharmanation.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46417306622 http://www.facebook.com/people/Dharma-Pravartaka-Acharya/1140161318 yoga-spirituality/ Dharma Media Links http://dharmacentral.com/dharmamedia.php http://dharmacentral.com/dharmamedia/dharmatv.php http://dharmacentral.com/dharmamedia/dharmaradio.php http://flickr.com/photos/dharmacentral Midwest Links midwest_dharma/ http://www.meetup.com/dharmacentral/ http://www.myspace.com/omaha_satsangha http://groups.myspace.com/OmahaMeditation Other Highly Recommended Dharma Links http://www.vedanet.com/ http://www.shambhavi-yogini.com/ http://www.hinduismtoday.com/ Thank you to all our many members and readers for your enthusiastic support and encouragement of LIVING DHARMA TODAY and the teaching efforts of Dr. Frank Morales. We wouldn't be able to accomplish anything without your well-wishes. Please forward this LIVING DHARMA TODAY newsletter to all your friends, family, blogs, and discussion lists interested in Sanatana Dharma, meditation, and Yoga spirituality. © 2009, Dharma Journal. Volume 11, issue 1 Welcome to the Dharma Revolution! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bija Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Namaskar. I don't believe Sri Acharyaji is a "Sri Vaishnava" in the sectarian sense (at least he's never called himself that in my personal presence). Rather, he is inspired by the teachings of Ramanuja Acharya. He's a very unique combination of extremely orthodox Vaishnava-Hindu coupled with very cutting-edge approaches to preaching. He has a very inclusive mood when it comes to giving women equal opportunities in devotional service. He feels (as do many Hindu leaders and scholars, actually) that originally, in Vedic times, women were granted the thread just as men were and are today. So he encourages women to accept brahmana threads, to become gurus, etc. This is something that he's quite vocal about, and has even said publically several times that his goal is to eventually give brahmana threads to thousands of qualified, brahminical women. I'm not really in a position to explain Sri Acharyaji's teachings on this matter much more than this. But I know that he has written a small book on this matter called "The Shakti Principle: Encountering the Feminine Power of God" http://dharmacentral.com/dharmastore/acharyaji_books.php Take care. Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Hi Tulasi, I appreciate your teachers views in this regard. Deeply honoring tradition and the treasure within it, while reaching out to others where a mold does not restrict. I have noticed you posting Acaryadeva's messages here for some time, so thought I would give him a listen today. He has a very generous intent to serve and help others along on their spiritual journey. Thx for sharing.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lokeshvara Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 Namaste Tulasi Thank you for posting the information. I've been a fan (for lack of a better word) of Sri Acharyaji's since his early youtube days. You have clarified some things for me in your posts an I am very very grateful. Although living in omaha isn't an option for me (i live on the east coast) and i have never met him, i still get a lot out of his work. As a woman i find it extremely inspiring that Acharyaji has made the brahmin thread available to us Hari Om!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiley Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 Namaste. Dear Tulsi Devi I live in Phoenix but I am not the interested party. I was only asking for an acquaintance in New York who was interested in Vaishnavism. Now that you have told me that your guru is an admirer of Swami Prabhupada and shares some of his views (like about Sri Shiva), I have more information about his teachings. May I ask if he also shares Swami Prabhupada's views about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - that is considering him an incarnation of Sri Krishna? Thank you. Dear Smiley, Namaste. Currently Sri Acharyaji has been the Resident Acharya of the Hindu Temple of Nebraska for about 1 1/2 years now. He has revolutionized how the temple here operates and has developed a very large local following. In his short time here, many dozens of non-Indians have now been welcomed into Sanatana Dharma and consider themselves to be Acharyaji's students and serious followers of Sanatana Dharma. It's pretty phenomenal what he's accomplished here. Unfortunately, to secure these impressive results, he has focussed most of his attention locally here in Omaha and the surrounding areas. He feels that in order to get results in building a strong sense of Dharma community, it's important that Hindu/Vaishnava gurus devote themselves to staying and preaching in one area for a long period of time, rather than constantly touring the world on speaking tours. This is how the Christian missionaries have had such astounding success - they take root in one place, and build a local religious community, only moving on once that community has become strong enought to become self-sustaining. For right now, people who want to benefit from Sri Acharyaji's teachings are encouraged to either keep in touch with him via the Internet, or to consider relocating here to Omaha. That said, Acharyaji has told us very recently that the local Dharma community here in Omaha has now grown strong enough that he may actually consider commencing the beginning stages of creating similar start-up communities in other states, starting possibly later this summer. So we'll have to see. What state do you live in? For those who are interested in Sri Acharyaji's current activities, I'll post our latest newsletter, "Living Dharma Today", in the following post. Thank you again for your wonderful interest in Sri Acharyaji's unique activities. Take care. Jaya Sri Krsna, Tulasi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Namaste Tulasi Thank you for posting the information. I've been a fan (for lack of a better word) of Sri Acharyaji's since his early youtube days. You have clarified some things for me in your posts an I am very very grateful. Although living in omaha isn't an option for me (i live on the east coast) and i have never met him, i still get a lot out of his work. As a woman i find it extremely inspiring that Acharyaji has made the brahmin thread available to us Hari Om!! Dear Lokeshvara, Namaste. I know Acharyaji visits the east coast periodically. Once in a while he speaks at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam near Allentown (Sri Swami Dayananda Sarasvati's ashram). I'll certainly let you know the next time he's there. Please either PM me or email me at info@dharmacentral.com and let me know more about yourself. Take care. Aum Shanti, Tulasi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Namaste. Dear Tulsi Devi I live in Phoenix but I am not the interested party. I was only asking for an acquaintance in New York who was interested in Vaishnavism. Now that you have told me that your guru is an admirer of Swami Prabhupada and shares some of his views (like about Sri Shiva), I have more information about his teachings. May I ask if he also shares Swami Prabhupada's views about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - that is considering him an incarnation of Sri Krishna? Thank you. Dear Smiley, Namaste. As far as I know, Sri Acharyaji is pretty much in agreement with Prabhupada on everything. Whenever he does mention Prabhupada, he speaks about him with so much reverence and seriousness it almost gives one goosebumps! The only difference being a different style of preaching. I'm not 100% sure, but I assume that he accepts Srila Prabhupada's views on Sri Chaitanya. Take care. Aum Hari Aum, Tulasi Devi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharma Nation Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Brief Update on Sri Acharyaji's Maha-Vrata This is the latest photo of Sri Acharyaji taken today, Jan. 27, 2009. He's on day 23 of his thirty day fast. He's doing remarkably well for someone who has only had water and juice for 23 days! He did become somewhat ill for a few days toward the beginning of his fast when the temperatures in Omaha were below 0 degrees for a few days...but he's fine now. He still maintains a full schedule of teaching, satsangs, lectures, meetings, and sadhana. Tonight, for example, after sitting in meditation for an hour, he then spoke to about four of us for another hour about the importance of progressive sadhana, the nature of Lord Shiva, and the glories of Bhagavan Sri Krsna. He sits in the temple in front of Radha-Krsna each evening and meditates publicly for one hour. He's usually joined by anywhere from four to a dozen of his disciples each night. His goal is to serve as a public example of the importance of bhakti and meditating on the Lord's Names for all the many Hindus and guests who visit the temple. Please check out Dharmacentral.com for regular updates: http://www.dharmacentral.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiley Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 As far as I know, Sri Acharyaji is pretty much in agreement with Prabhupada on everything. Whenever he does mention Prabhupada, he speaks about him with so much reverence and seriousness it almost gives one goosebumps! The only difference being a different style of preaching. I'm not 100% sure, but I assume that he accepts Srila Prabhupada's views on Sri Chaitanya. Dear Tulsi Devi Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. Would you please refer me to an article or video in which your guru teaches about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu? I would really appreciate it. Thank you kindly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theist Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Dear Tulsi Devi Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. Would you please refer me to an article or video in which your guru teaches about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu? I would really appreciate it. Thank you kindly. If so I imagine kirtan would be the major focus of his program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhaktajan Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 "to serve as a public example of the importance of bhakti and meditating on the Lord's Names" "so I imagine kirtan would be the major focus" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonic Yogi Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Who is the guru of Sri Acharya? Did his guru empower him to this mission? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiva Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Dr. Frank was a member of ISKCON and then took diksa from Sridhar Maharaja according to this article he wrote for VNN at http://www.vnn.org/world/9808/04-1961/ Before I proceed, I should share with the readers of this document some information about who I am. Briefly: My initiated name is Pranakrsna dasa Adhikari. I have been a practicing Vaisnava for the last twenty years. I was associated with the International Society for Krsna Consciousness from approximately 1978 till 1985. At that time, I made the decision to take initiation from Srila B.R. Sridhara Gosvami Maharaja. I received first initiation in 1985, and brahmana initiation in 1986, both times in Navadvipa Dhama. Presently, I am a Advanced Opportunity Fellow working on my Ph.D. in South Asian Languages and Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My fields of specialization include Sanskrit, History of South Asian Religion and Philosophy of Religion. I am, first and foremost, a practicing and believing Vaisnava. I am not, however, affiliated with, or a member of, any current Vaisnava institution. I am neither pro nor anti-ISKCON, neither pro nor anti-Gaudiya Matha, neither pro nor anti-Rtvik. Actually, I dislike politics in any and all forms. What will hopefully constitute the greatest strength of this position paper is the very fact that it is being presented, not by one of the many antagonists of the continuing political crisis in the Krsna Consciousness Movement, but by an objective, neutral and trained scholar who has studied this movement for the past twenty years, and for whom its survival and ultimate success is of the utmost importance. He also claimed to be a Sri Vaishnava on this website of his http://www.hinduweb.org/home/dharma_and_philosophy/dharma/main.htm and http://www.hinduweb.org/home/dharma_and_philosophy/vvh/vvh.htm Frank Morales, M.A., was born in Brooklyn, New York in August, 1963. Despite being an American by birth, Frank has been both studying and practicing the ancient spiritual tradition of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) for the past 23 years. His interest in Hinduism began when he first read the Bhagavad Gita, the most important scripture of Hinduism, at the tender age of ten. A very philosophically inquisitive child, Frank began collecting and reading a vast number of books relating to the Hindu religion. He also proceeded to practice various forms of yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation soon after this first encounter with the Gita. At the young age of 14, Frank visited a Hindu temple for the first time. So awed was he with the beauty and power of Hinduism that he encountered in this temple that, on the spot, he decided to devote his life to the path of Hinduism. After living the life of a celibate Hindu monk for six years, Frank was initiated as a brahmana (a Hindu priest) in 1986 and given the name Pranakrishnan Adhikari. At his present age of 36, Frank remains a committed Hindu to this day. Frank is a follower of the ancient Shri Vaishnava tradition of Ramanuja, which is found predominantly in South India. This tradition stresses complete self-surrender to the loving grace of God, the achievement of self-realization through the practice of yoga, and love and service towards all living beings. With a Philosophy major and a Theology minor, Frank earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago in 1994. In May of 1999, Frank earned a Master of Arts degree in South Asian Languages and Literature. At present, Frank is a Fellow working on his Ph.D. in Languages and Cultures of Asia at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He specializes in Sanskrit, Hindu Studies, Philosophy of Religion and History of Religion. Frank is currently working on his first book entitled "Bhagavata-sabda-pramana: The Epistemology of Jiva Gosvamin in the Interpretation of Vedanta". This is a funny bit from his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/DharmaPravartaka Dharma Pravartaka's Interests Movies 300, The Mission, Dragon, The Crow, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Signs, They Were Soldiers, The Lord of the Rings (Trilogy), Hero, United 93, The Ring, Chronicles of Narnia, Deep Impact, Cinema Paradiso, Dune, Kundun, On Deadly Ground, Braveheart, The Lion King, Red Dawn, Lost Horizon, Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior, The Last Samurai, Excalibur, The Matrix (only the first one), Fearless. Television Television is the antithesis of Truth. I don't get it, maybe it's just me, but, how is teevee any different than movies, especially since most all movies end up on teevee eventually (especially on pay channels) I mean really, how is Dracula or 300 or Deep Impact more in line with the "Truth", than whats on teevee? I think you find a lot of good stuff on teevee these days, especially better than what you find in movies when it comes to comedies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonic Yogi Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 But, Sridhar Maharaja said he only had one successor who could be guru. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bija Posted January 29, 2009 Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 But, Sridhar Maharaja said he only had one successor who could be guru. he is not operating under the shelter of scs math...there is one present day acarya in that math. therefore I would suggest frank morales is showing no dis-respect to srila br sridhara maharaja, in his service or mission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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