Guest guest Posted March 18, 2010 Report Share Posted March 18, 2010 Dear Sheevani, Shiva Purana mentions that Shivlinga puja can be performed by anyone (and it does specifically mention women). mysticalsense.The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense, not between right and wrong. Carl Jung. sohamsa , "Sheevani" <sheevani147 wrote:>> Dear Mysticalsense,> > Namaste.> > I know not anything about you or your background, hence pardon me for any errors on my part for making some assuptions.. and the mind tend to like to "fill-in" the blanks where information is lacking..> > Sheevani and Shivani = no difference.. It is a family tradition to have names with "ee" instead of "i" Hence all my kids have "ee" in their names too. e.g. Haree instead of Hari.> > Coming to Shivpuran, there are several things said about woman that is far from complimentary.. I think one should take it with a pinch of salt, allowing for the era in which this books was writtten and the writer's own version of truth. > > I personally take it that one has to be accountable and responsible for ones own actions, and women in those days didnt have any say in most matters, including matters related to their own self development etc. > > I too faced a lot of discrimination from family and elders when I first started ritualistic worship of the Shivling. Many well-meaningly suggest I prayed to Ganesh and Rama/Krishna.. I do pray to them all, for some reason I am drawn to Shiva in any form, be it Mahakaal or Bhairava or DakshinaMurthy. > > For me Shiv is a God full of contradictions, from gross to sublime, from fury to bliss, the easiest to approach and the hardest to attain. He is adorned with garlands of snakes and ashes and holy ganga on his head. To know Shiv, I have had to evolve, to look beyond the obvious, to check my judgements and to open my mind that good and bad are all relative values, life itself is neither pitch black or spotless white, it is always a variation of grey, with both black and white co-existing in varying amounts during our lifetime.> > Acceptance has become easier, for I no longer need to look to blame. Intention/feelings (bhav) behind the action has become more important than the action.> > Ah, let me not bore u any further..> > warmest regards> Sheevani> > > sohamsa , "mysticalsense" sensemystical@ wrote:> >> > > > SS, thats oversight ;-)> > > > Sheevani ji, the name is spelled Shee-vani and not Shi-vani, i find that> > intriguing. Is there a difference?> > > > How would you react to the fact that Shiva Purana mentions that a woman> > has to first take birth as a man before being able to attain moksha?> > Especially since Shiva manifests as Ardhanareeshwara.> > > > mysticalsense.> > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense, not> > between right and wrong.> > > > sohamsa , "soulsadhak" <soulsadhak@> wrote:> > >> > >> > > sorry - not 'site', but 'sight'.> > >> > > google 'nirvanashatakam' - the story is attached usually with it.> > >> > >> > > sohamsa , "Sheevani" sheevani147@ wrote:> > > >> > > > Dear Mysticalsense ji,> > > >> > > > Namaste,> > > >> > > > It is indeed a joy to read your posting, please do share the story> > of> > > the boy who recited "shivoham shivoham" at the Adhishankara site.> > > >> > > > My inspiration is indeed Shiva Mahadev, and it give me immence joy> > to> > > hear, read or listen to anything related to My Bhola Mahadev.> > > >> > > > Perhaps I need to explain, I have never been to India, except for a> > 2> > > week holiday in Goa.My ethnicity is Indian. My love for Shiva arose> > > spontaneously about 15 years ago and overtime, the desire initially> > was> > > to gather knowledge about Shiva and read the Shivpuran and listen to> > all> > > the bhajans/katha and strotam/mantras, is now replaced by a strong> > > desire for spiritual experience. Yes my life and nature has changed> > > enormously over the period of time.> > > >> > > > I am more comfortable with just being myself, even my weaknesses are> > > parts of me, and I dont see them as handicaps but opportunities. I no> > > longer desire to control or make things happen in my life and have> > this> > > child-like wonder and excitement to see what happens next. From being> > an> > > active participant in life, I have become an observer. This does not> > > mean I dont do any work, but the pressure of expectations of outcomes> > no> > > longer bother me. Worry and anxiety is replaced by a sense of> > > contentment and a sense of acceptance of 'what willbe willbe..'> > > >> > > > Even with my grown-up children, when asked for advice or guidance, I> > > will give guidance but do not feel offended if they choose not to> > follow> > > it. I always say, 'take advice, think about it, but do what feels> > right> > > to u.'> > > >> > > > Wether this changes are due to age or my faith, it matters not, as I> > > like the more compassinate person that I now am.> > > >> > > > warmest regards> > > > Sheevani> > > >> > > >> > > > sohamsa , "mysticalsense" sensemystical@> > wrote:> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > Well Sheevani-ji, i resisted from posting the story about the boy> > > who> > > > > used to start chanting 'shivoham shivoham' at the site of> > > AdiShankara,> > > > > and AdiShankara had to demonstrate to him in an unusual way as to> > > what> > > > > it means to say 'shivoham' - thought perhaps you have read the> > story> > > > > too. The message of the story and that of my text was the same -> > the> > > > > meaning needs to be understood.> > > > >> > > > > 'Shivoham', i think, ( i may be wrong), is more of a realisation> > > (than> > > > > a mantra) of the state that Shiva is, and when one is identical> > with> > > > > that state, then Shiva and Self are no different, i.e. one> > realises> > > that> > > > > the Self and Shiva 'is' the same.> > > > >> > > > > One needs to figure out what is Shiva (through worship etc.) and> > > what is> > > > > Self (through AtmaGyana) and the 'realisation' of 'Shivoham' can> > > then be> > > > > expected. Until then, it is just another word - like Ananda or> > > Shanti> > > > > etc. Yes, words do have power, but how much of one is able to> > > manifest> > > > > that depends on one's level. May be you try just the word 'ananda'> > > as a> > > > > mantra (btw what is the exact meaning of the word mantra?) and see> > > if> > > > > you get into the state of ananda and is that state of ananda> > > > > sustainable. Let me know of your experience. Or may be you would> > > > > appreciate as to 'what it takes' to reach the 'state of'> > > ParamAnanda.> > > > >> > > > > If one begins with the word 'Shivoham' as a 'mantra', then one> > must> > > be> > > > > ready enough for the changes in life that may set in thereafter -> > > > > Nirvanashatakam is a glimpse of that state of the Self where one> > is> > > sama> > > > > to the dvandas, including that of bandhana and moksha, and beyond> > > > > diefferentiations various - and that is attained only after> > arduous> > > > > sadhana - else why is Shiva what He is - the epitome of a Yogi> > just> > > > > to begin with.> > > > >> > > > > The path you want to take would be of your choice - "sadhana> > leading> > > to> > > > > realisation of that state" or "mantra resulting in changes in life> > -> > > > > which you may or may not be prepared for - that lead you to that> > > state"> > > > > (very simplistically stated, though), or some middle path if you> > can> > > > > figure one out.> > > > >> > > > > In my little experience, one's 'mana' has to be One with the> > > 'Mantra'> > > > > and that makes the mantra work it's energy - number may be of> > > > > consequence at some stage, not all. That oneness is realised with> > a> > > bit> > > > > of practice and understanding of what the mantra stands for, else> > > what> > > > > results from that mantra's repitition may vary according to our> > > > > perception from 'no result' or 'erratic changes in life' to - may> > be> > > > > other things.> > > > >> > > > > If your inspiration is Shiva/any other Deity, then better to start> > > with> > > > > a simple namah mantra for Shiva/that deity and become repcetive to> > > that> > > > > changes that happen within you, and see if you wish to continue on> > > that> > > > > path. Then proceed on to more complex mantras for that deity or> > > other> > > > > mantras as may be suitable for your sadhanas, if mantras are 'your> > > way'.> > > > >> > > > > Sorry, the above text is not the direct answers to your questions,> > > but i> > > > > wrote what i thought, and also it is not comprehensive. Please> > > ignore if> > > > > you didn't like it. May be you would have liked it if someone> > said:> > > 108> > > > > times daily, except during periods, you will feel identical with> > > Shiva> > > > > and will experience eternal bliss - which would have not been> > > entirely> > > > > wrong, but imho it would be like saying simply that scale the Mt.> > > > > Everest and you would feel on top of the world, leaving you to> > > fugire> > > > > out what it takes to do so :-). May be someone else may be able to> > > help> > > > > you better, i don't proclaim to :-). All the Best.> > > > >> > > > > mysticalsense.> > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense,> > not> > > > > between right and wrong.> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > sohamsa , "Sheevani" <sheevani147@> wrote:> > > > > >> > > > > > Dear Mysticalsense-ji,> > > > > >> > > > > > Namaste,> > > > > >> > > > > > Thank you for your most kind response. I was hoping for a more> > > > > detailed answer into using the same mantra as a sadhana..> > > > > >> > > > > > Nonetheless, your care to respond is much appreciated.> > > > > >> > > > > > Nirvanasthakam is trully divine.. na punyum na paapam, na dukha> > na> > > > > sokha.... cit anand rupam Shivoham, Shivoham..> > > > > >> > > > > > All the best wishes to you for Chaitra navratri..> > > > > >> > > > > > warmest regards> > > > > > Sheevani> > > > > >> > > > > > sohamsa , "mysticalsense" sensemystical@> > > wrote:> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Dear Sheevani,> > > > > > >> > > > > > > You would know that simple translation of the word "Shivoham"> > > would> > > > > be> > > > > > > "I am Shiva".> > > > > > >> > > > > > > The meaning only is as deep as you can take it.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > You may read through Nirvanashatakam to gather what> > > AdiShankaracharya> > > > > is> > > > > > > trying to make us understand about the State that Shiva is.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > mysticalsense.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and> > nonsense,> > > not> > > > > > > between right and wrong.> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > > > sohamsa , "Sheevani" <sheevani147@>> > wrote:> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > Dear Respected Members,> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > Namaste.> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > Can someone kindly give me some information about this> > mantra:> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > Shivoham Shivoham Sat-cit-anando Ham.> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > My knowledge of mantras is very basic and I would like to> > know> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > When, why and who can/cant chant these mantra?> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > Are there any restrictions/repercussions on this mantra?> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > What is the number of times this mantra for effect?> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > What are the effects/phal of this mantra? Is it for peace,> > > power> > > > > or> > > > > > > protection or devotion to Shiv?> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > Your imput would be much appreciated.> > > > > > > >> > > > > > > > warmest regards> > > > > > > > Sheevani> > > > > > > >> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2010 Report Share Posted March 18, 2010 Dear Mysticalsense ji, Namaste. Yes I am aware of this. Also Grushmeshwar jyotirlinga was the direct result of a lady called Grushma's daily pooja of 108 partiv shivlinga. It is ignorance that profilates fears and taboos. warmest regards Sheevani sohamsa , " mysticalsense " <sensemystical wrote: > > > Dear Sheevani, > > Shiva Purana mentions that Shivlinga puja can be performed by anyone > (and it does specifically mention women). > > mysticalsense. > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense, not > between right and wrong. Carl Jung. > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147@> wrote: > > > > Dear Mysticalsense, > > > > Namaste. > > > > I know not anything about you or your background, hence pardon me for > any errors on my part for making some assuptions.. and the mind tend to > like to " fill-in " the blanks where information is lacking.. > > > > Sheevani and Shivani = no difference.. It is a family tradition to > have names with " ee " instead of " i " Hence all my kids have " ee " in their > names too. e.g. Haree instead of Hari. > > > > Coming to Shivpuran, there are several things said about woman that is > far from complimentary.. I think one should take it with a pinch of > salt, allowing for the era in which this books was writtten and the > writer's own version of truth. > > > > I personally take it that one has to be accountable and responsible > for ones own actions, and women in those days didnt have any say in most > matters, including matters related to their own self development etc. > > > > I too faced a lot of discrimination from family and elders when I > first started ritualistic worship of the Shivling. Many well-meaningly > suggest I prayed to Ganesh and Rama/Krishna.. I do pray to them all, for > some reason I am drawn to Shiva in any form, be it Mahakaal or Bhairava > or DakshinaMurthy. > > > > For me Shiv is a God full of contradictions, from gross to sublime, > from fury to bliss, the easiest to approach and the hardest to attain. > He is adorned with garlands of snakes and ashes and holy ganga on his > head. To know Shiv, I have had to evolve, to look beyond the obvious, to > check my judgements and to open my mind that good and bad are all > relative values, life itself is neither pitch black or spotless white, > it is always a variation of grey, with both black and white co-existing > in varying amounts during our lifetime. > > > > Acceptance has become easier, for I no longer need to look to blame. > Intention/feelings (bhav) behind the action has become more important > than the action. > > > > Ah, let me not bore u any further.. > > > > warmest regards > > Sheevani > > > > > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " sensemystical@ wrote: > > > > > > > > > SS, thats oversight ;-) > > > > > > Sheevani ji, the name is spelled Shee-vani and not Shi-vani, i find > that > > > intriguing. Is there a difference? > > > > > > How would you react to the fact that Shiva Purana mentions that a > woman > > > has to first take birth as a man before being able to attain moksha? > > > Especially since Shiva manifests as Ardhanareeshwara. > > > > > > mysticalsense. > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense, not > > > between right and wrong. > > > > > > sohamsa , " soulsadhak " <soulsadhak@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > sorry - not 'site', but 'sight'. > > > > > > > > google 'nirvanashatakam' - the story is attached usually with it. > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " sheevani147@ wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Dear Mysticalsense ji, > > > > > > > > > > Namaste, > > > > > > > > > > It is indeed a joy to read your posting, please do share the > story > > > of > > > > the boy who recited " shivoham shivoham " at the Adhishankara site. > > > > > > > > > > My inspiration is indeed Shiva Mahadev, and it give me immence > joy > > > to > > > > hear, read or listen to anything related to My Bhola Mahadev. > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps I need to explain, I have never been to India, except > for a > > > 2 > > > > week holiday in Goa.My ethnicity is Indian. My love for Shiva > arose > > > > spontaneously about 15 years ago and overtime, the desire > initially > > > was > > > > to gather knowledge about Shiva and read the Shivpuran and listen > to > > > all > > > > the bhajans/katha and strotam/mantras, is now replaced by a strong > > > > desire for spiritual experience. Yes my life and nature has > changed > > > > enormously over the period of time. > > > > > > > > > > I am more comfortable with just being myself, even my weaknesses > are > > > > parts of me, and I dont see them as handicaps but opportunities. I > no > > > > longer desire to control or make things happen in my life and have > > > this > > > > child-like wonder and excitement to see what happens next. From > being > > > an > > > > active participant in life, I have become an observer. This does > not > > > > mean I dont do any work, but the pressure of expectations of > outcomes > > > no > > > > longer bother me. Worry and anxiety is replaced by a sense of > > > > contentment and a sense of acceptance of 'what willbe willbe..' > > > > > > > > > > Even with my grown-up children, when asked for advice or > guidance, I > > > > will give guidance but do not feel offended if they choose not to > > > follow > > > > it. I always say, 'take advice, think about it, but do what feels > > > right > > > > to u.' > > > > > > > > > > Wether this changes are due to age or my faith, it matters not, > as I > > > > like the more compassinate person that I now am. > > > > > > > > > > warmest regards > > > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " sensemystical@ > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Well Sheevani-ji, i resisted from posting the story about the > boy > > > > who > > > > > > used to start chanting 'shivoham shivoham' at the site of > > > > AdiShankara, > > > > > > and AdiShankara had to demonstrate to him in an unusual way as > to > > > > what > > > > > > it means to say 'shivoham' - thought perhaps you have read the > > > story > > > > > > too. The message of the story and that of my text was the same > - > > > the > > > > > > meaning needs to be understood. > > > > > > > > > > > > 'Shivoham', i think, ( i may be wrong), is more of a > realisation > > > > (than > > > > > > a mantra) of the state that Shiva is, and when one is > identical > > > with > > > > > > that state, then Shiva and Self are no different, i.e. one > > > realises > > > > that > > > > > > the Self and Shiva 'is' the same. > > > > > > > > > > > > One needs to figure out what is Shiva (through worship etc.) > and > > > > what is > > > > > > Self (through AtmaGyana) and the 'realisation' of 'Shivoham' > can > > > > then be > > > > > > expected. Until then, it is just another word - like Ananda or > > > > Shanti > > > > > > etc. Yes, words do have power, but how much of one is able to > > > > manifest > > > > > > that depends on one's level. May be you try just the word > 'ananda' > > > > as a > > > > > > mantra (btw what is the exact meaning of the word mantra?) and > see > > > > if > > > > > > you get into the state of ananda and is that state of ananda > > > > > > sustainable. Let me know of your experience. Or may be you > would > > > > > > appreciate as to 'what it takes' to reach the 'state of' > > > > ParamAnanda. > > > > > > > > > > > > If one begins with the word 'Shivoham' as a 'mantra', then one > > > must > > > > be > > > > > > ready enough for the changes in life that may set in > thereafter - > > > > > > Nirvanashatakam is a glimpse of that state of the Self where > one > > > is > > > > sama > > > > > > to the dvandas, including that of bandhana and moksha, and > beyond > > > > > > diefferentiations various - and that is attained only after > > > arduous > > > > > > sadhana - else why is Shiva what He is - the epitome of a Yogi > > > just > > > > > > to begin with. > > > > > > > > > > > > The path you want to take would be of your choice - " sadhana > > > leading > > > > to > > > > > > realisation of that state " or " mantra resulting in changes in > life > > > - > > > > > > which you may or may not be prepared for - that lead you to > that > > > > state " > > > > > > (very simplistically stated, though), or some middle path if > you > > > can > > > > > > figure one out. > > > > > > > > > > > > In my little experience, one's 'mana' has to be One with the > > > > 'Mantra' > > > > > > and that makes the mantra work it's energy - number may be of > > > > > > consequence at some stage, not all. That oneness is realised > with > > > a > > > > bit > > > > > > of practice and understanding of what the mantra stands for, > else > > > > what > > > > > > results from that mantra's repitition may vary according to > our > > > > > > perception from 'no result' or 'erratic changes in life' to - > may > > > be > > > > > > other things. > > > > > > > > > > > > If your inspiration is Shiva/any other Deity, then better to > start > > > > with > > > > > > a simple namah mantra for Shiva/that deity and become > repcetive to > > > > that > > > > > > changes that happen within you, and see if you wish to > continue on > > > > that > > > > > > path. Then proceed on to more complex mantras for that deity > or > > > > other > > > > > > mantras as may be suitable for your sadhanas, if mantras are > 'your > > > > way'. > > > > > > > > > > > > Sorry, the above text is not the direct answers to your > questions, > > > > but i > > > > > > wrote what i thought, and also it is not comprehensive. Please > > > > ignore if > > > > > > you didn't like it. May be you would have liked it if someone > > > said: > > > > 108 > > > > > > times daily, except during periods, you will feel identical > with > > > > Shiva > > > > > > and will experience eternal bliss - which would have not been > > > > entirely > > > > > > wrong, but imho it would be like saying simply that scale the > Mt. > > > > > > Everest and you would feel on top of the world, leaving you to > > > > fugire > > > > > > out what it takes to do so :-). May be someone else may be > able to > > > > help > > > > > > you better, i don't proclaim to :-). All the Best. > > > > > > > > > > > > mysticalsense. > > > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and > nonsense, > > > not > > > > > > between right and wrong. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147@> > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Mysticalsense-ji, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for your most kind response. I was hoping for a > more > > > > > > detailed answer into using the same mantra as a sadhana.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nonetheless, your care to respond is much appreciated. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nirvanasthakam is trully divine.. na punyum na paapam, na > dukha > > > na > > > > > > sokha.... cit anand rupam Shivoham, Shivoham.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > All the best wishes to you for Chaitra navratri.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > warmest regards > > > > > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " > sensemystical@ > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Sheevani, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > You would know that simple translation of the word > " Shivoham " > > > > would > > > > > > be > > > > > > > > " I am Shiva " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The meaning only is as deep as you can take it. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > You may read through Nirvanashatakam to gather what > > > > AdiShankaracharya > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > trying to make us understand about the State that Shiva > is. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > mysticalsense. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and > > > nonsense, > > > > not > > > > > > > > between right and wrong. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Respected Members, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Can someone kindly give me some information about this > > > mantra: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shivoham Shivoham Sat-cit-anando Ham. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My knowledge of mantras is very basic and I would like > to > > > know > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > When, why and who can/cant chant these mantra? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Are there any restrictions/repercussions on this mantra? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What is the number of times this mantra for effect? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What are the effects/phal of this mantra? Is it for > peace, > > > > power > > > > > > or > > > > > > > > protection or devotion to Shiv? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your imput would be much appreciated. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > warmest regards > > > > > > > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2010 Report Share Posted March 18, 2010 True. sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147 wrote: > > Dear Mysticalsense ji, > > Namaste. > > Yes I am aware of this. > > Also Grushmeshwar jyotirlinga was the direct result of a lady called Grushma's daily pooja of 108 partiv shivlinga. > > It is ignorance that profilates fears and taboos. > > warmest regards > Sheevani > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " sensemystical@ wrote: > > > > > > Dear Sheevani, > > > > Shiva Purana mentions that Shivlinga puja can be performed by anyone > > (and it does specifically mention women). > > > > mysticalsense. > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense, not > > between right and wrong. Carl Jung. > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Mysticalsense, > > > > > > Namaste. > > > > > > I know not anything about you or your background, hence pardon me for > > any errors on my part for making some assuptions.. and the mind tend to > > like to " fill-in " the blanks where information is lacking.. > > > > > > Sheevani and Shivani = no difference.. It is a family tradition to > > have names with " ee " instead of " i " Hence all my kids have " ee " in their > > names too. e.g. Haree instead of Hari. > > > > > > Coming to Shivpuran, there are several things said about woman that is > > far from complimentary.. I think one should take it with a pinch of > > salt, allowing for the era in which this books was writtten and the > > writer's own version of truth. > > > > > > I personally take it that one has to be accountable and responsible > > for ones own actions, and women in those days didnt have any say in most > > matters, including matters related to their own self development etc. > > > > > > I too faced a lot of discrimination from family and elders when I > > first started ritualistic worship of the Shivling. Many well-meaningly > > suggest I prayed to Ganesh and Rama/Krishna.. I do pray to them all, for > > some reason I am drawn to Shiva in any form, be it Mahakaal or Bhairava > > or DakshinaMurthy. > > > > > > For me Shiv is a God full of contradictions, from gross to sublime, > > from fury to bliss, the easiest to approach and the hardest to attain. > > He is adorned with garlands of snakes and ashes and holy ganga on his > > head. To know Shiv, I have had to evolve, to look beyond the obvious, to > > check my judgements and to open my mind that good and bad are all > > relative values, life itself is neither pitch black or spotless white, > > it is always a variation of grey, with both black and white co-existing > > in varying amounts during our lifetime. > > > > > > Acceptance has become easier, for I no longer need to look to blame. > > Intention/feelings (bhav) behind the action has become more important > > than the action. > > > > > > Ah, let me not bore u any further.. > > > > > > warmest regards > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " sensemystical@ wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > SS, thats oversight ;-) > > > > > > > > Sheevani ji, the name is spelled Shee-vani and not Shi-vani, i find > > that > > > > intriguing. Is there a difference? > > > > > > > > How would you react to the fact that Shiva Purana mentions that a > > woman > > > > has to first take birth as a man before being able to attain moksha? > > > > Especially since Shiva manifests as Ardhanareeshwara. > > > > > > > > mysticalsense. > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and nonsense, not > > > > between right and wrong. > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " soulsadhak " <soulsadhak@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sorry - not 'site', but 'sight'. > > > > > > > > > > google 'nirvanashatakam' - the story is attached usually with it. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " sheevani147@ wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Mysticalsense ji, > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste, > > > > > > > > > > > > It is indeed a joy to read your posting, please do share the > > story > > > > of > > > > > the boy who recited " shivoham shivoham " at the Adhishankara site. > > > > > > > > > > > > My inspiration is indeed Shiva Mahadev, and it give me immence > > joy > > > > to > > > > > hear, read or listen to anything related to My Bhola Mahadev. > > > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps I need to explain, I have never been to India, except > > for a > > > > 2 > > > > > week holiday in Goa.My ethnicity is Indian. My love for Shiva > > arose > > > > > spontaneously about 15 years ago and overtime, the desire > > initially > > > > was > > > > > to gather knowledge about Shiva and read the Shivpuran and listen > > to > > > > all > > > > > the bhajans/katha and strotam/mantras, is now replaced by a strong > > > > > desire for spiritual experience. Yes my life and nature has > > changed > > > > > enormously over the period of time. > > > > > > > > > > > > I am more comfortable with just being myself, even my weaknesses > > are > > > > > parts of me, and I dont see them as handicaps but opportunities. I > > no > > > > > longer desire to control or make things happen in my life and have > > > > this > > > > > child-like wonder and excitement to see what happens next. From > > being > > > > an > > > > > active participant in life, I have become an observer. This does > > not > > > > > mean I dont do any work, but the pressure of expectations of > > outcomes > > > > no > > > > > longer bother me. Worry and anxiety is replaced by a sense of > > > > > contentment and a sense of acceptance of 'what willbe willbe..' > > > > > > > > > > > > Even with my grown-up children, when asked for advice or > > guidance, I > > > > > will give guidance but do not feel offended if they choose not to > > > > follow > > > > > it. I always say, 'take advice, think about it, but do what feels > > > > right > > > > > to u.' > > > > > > > > > > > > Wether this changes are due to age or my faith, it matters not, > > as I > > > > > like the more compassinate person that I now am. > > > > > > > > > > > > warmest regards > > > > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " sensemystical@ > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Well Sheevani-ji, i resisted from posting the story about the > > boy > > > > > who > > > > > > > used to start chanting 'shivoham shivoham' at the site of > > > > > AdiShankara, > > > > > > > and AdiShankara had to demonstrate to him in an unusual way as > > to > > > > > what > > > > > > > it means to say 'shivoham' - thought perhaps you have read the > > > > story > > > > > > > too. The message of the story and that of my text was the same > > - > > > > the > > > > > > > meaning needs to be understood. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 'Shivoham', i think, ( i may be wrong), is more of a > > realisation > > > > > (than > > > > > > > a mantra) of the state that Shiva is, and when one is > > identical > > > > with > > > > > > > that state, then Shiva and Self are no different, i.e. one > > > > realises > > > > > that > > > > > > > the Self and Shiva 'is' the same. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > One needs to figure out what is Shiva (through worship etc.) > > and > > > > > what is > > > > > > > Self (through AtmaGyana) and the 'realisation' of 'Shivoham' > > can > > > > > then be > > > > > > > expected. Until then, it is just another word - like Ananda or > > > > > Shanti > > > > > > > etc. Yes, words do have power, but how much of one is able to > > > > > manifest > > > > > > > that depends on one's level. May be you try just the word > > 'ananda' > > > > > as a > > > > > > > mantra (btw what is the exact meaning of the word mantra?) and > > see > > > > > if > > > > > > > you get into the state of ananda and is that state of ananda > > > > > > > sustainable. Let me know of your experience. Or may be you > > would > > > > > > > appreciate as to 'what it takes' to reach the 'state of' > > > > > ParamAnanda. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > If one begins with the word 'Shivoham' as a 'mantra', then one > > > > must > > > > > be > > > > > > > ready enough for the changes in life that may set in > > thereafter - > > > > > > > Nirvanashatakam is a glimpse of that state of the Self where > > one > > > > is > > > > > sama > > > > > > > to the dvandas, including that of bandhana and moksha, and > > beyond > > > > > > > diefferentiations various - and that is attained only after > > > > arduous > > > > > > > sadhana - else why is Shiva what He is - the epitome of a Yogi > > > > just > > > > > > > to begin with. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The path you want to take would be of your choice - " sadhana > > > > leading > > > > > to > > > > > > > realisation of that state " or " mantra resulting in changes in > > life > > > > - > > > > > > > which you may or may not be prepared for - that lead you to > > that > > > > > state " > > > > > > > (very simplistically stated, though), or some middle path if > > you > > > > can > > > > > > > figure one out. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > In my little experience, one's 'mana' has to be One with the > > > > > 'Mantra' > > > > > > > and that makes the mantra work it's energy - number may be of > > > > > > > consequence at some stage, not all. That oneness is realised > > with > > > > a > > > > > bit > > > > > > > of practice and understanding of what the mantra stands for, > > else > > > > > what > > > > > > > results from that mantra's repitition may vary according to > > our > > > > > > > perception from 'no result' or 'erratic changes in life' to - > > may > > > > be > > > > > > > other things. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > If your inspiration is Shiva/any other Deity, then better to > > start > > > > > with > > > > > > > a simple namah mantra for Shiva/that deity and become > > repcetive to > > > > > that > > > > > > > changes that happen within you, and see if you wish to > > continue on > > > > > that > > > > > > > path. Then proceed on to more complex mantras for that deity > > or > > > > > other > > > > > > > mantras as may be suitable for your sadhanas, if mantras are > > 'your > > > > > way'. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sorry, the above text is not the direct answers to your > > questions, > > > > > but i > > > > > > > wrote what i thought, and also it is not comprehensive. Please > > > > > ignore if > > > > > > > you didn't like it. May be you would have liked it if someone > > > > said: > > > > > 108 > > > > > > > times daily, except during periods, you will feel identical > > with > > > > > Shiva > > > > > > > and will experience eternal bliss - which would have not been > > > > > entirely > > > > > > > wrong, but imho it would be like saying simply that scale the > > Mt. > > > > > > > Everest and you would feel on top of the world, leaving you to > > > > > fugire > > > > > > > out what it takes to do so :-). May be someone else may be > > able to > > > > > help > > > > > > > you better, i don't proclaim to :-). All the Best. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > mysticalsense. > > > > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and > > nonsense, > > > > not > > > > > > > between right and wrong. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147@> > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Mysticalsense-ji, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you for your most kind response. I was hoping for a > > more > > > > > > > detailed answer into using the same mantra as a sadhana.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nonetheless, your care to respond is much appreciated. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nirvanasthakam is trully divine.. na punyum na paapam, na > > dukha > > > > na > > > > > > > sokha.... cit anand rupam Shivoham, Shivoham.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > All the best wishes to you for Chaitra navratri.. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > warmest regards > > > > > > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " mysticalsense " > > sensemystical@ > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Sheevani, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > You would know that simple translation of the word > > " Shivoham " > > > > > would > > > > > > > be > > > > > > > > > " I am Shiva " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The meaning only is as deep as you can take it. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > You may read through Nirvanashatakam to gather what > > > > > AdiShankaracharya > > > > > > > is > > > > > > > > > trying to make us understand about the State that Shiva > > is. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > mysticalsense. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The pendulum of the mind alternates between sense and > > > > nonsense, > > > > > not > > > > > > > > > between right and wrong. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > sohamsa , " Sheevani " <sheevani147@> > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Respected Members, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Can someone kindly give me some information about this > > > > mantra: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shivoham Shivoham Sat-cit-anando Ham. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My knowledge of mantras is very basic and I would like > > to > > > > know > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > When, why and who can/cant chant these mantra? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Are there any restrictions/repercussions on this mantra? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What is the number of times this mantra for effect? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What are the effects/phal of this mantra? Is it for > > peace, > > > > > power > > > > > > > or > > > > > > > > > protection or devotion to Shiv? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Your imput would be much appreciated. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > warmest regards > > > > > > > > > > Sheevani > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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