Dr. Frank Morales: LIVING DHARMA TODAY - January 25, 2009

[Guest guest]

Dr. Frank Morales: LIVING DHARMA TODAY

Authentic Dharma for Today's World

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January 25, 2009 - Founded in 1998

(Eleven Years of Excellence in the Service of Dharma)

 

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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

 

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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)

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

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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

(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

 

 

 

 

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" 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

 

 

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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/

 

 

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For further information on Dr. Frank Morales and his work, 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/

 

 

© 2009, Dharma Journal. Volume 11, issue 1

 

 

Welcome to the Dharma Revolution!