Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Sat Nam, I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my connection with the Divine, but here I am: After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me... " from Christian studies... Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. Thank you for any help you may offer. Namaste, Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 God is one, no matter what you call it. Durga is only an aspect of the same God. If you do the mantra you are worship the creator of all as the femine aspect. Ana Robertson am3h <alrightnow Kundaliniyoga Tuesday, August 12, 2008 7:19:02 PM Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity Sat Nam, I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my connection with the Divine, but here I am: After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me... " from Christian studies... Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. Thank you for any help you may offer. Namaste, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 hi, ya'll, there is but one 'god', celebrate your union however you want...remember all religious books/knowledge was set up by man, to control the masses... for instance...what good are 15 virgins when you are dead? sex is for the breathing...and... i am a full-blown psychic. i live in austin,tx. i have representatives/gods/goddesses/saints/divas/shivas/durga,mother mary, etc., all coming to communicate with me...no matter the religion/language/customs/countries...the communication is fresh and very clear. go with your inner feelings. do not do anything to step on, or touch another person's space/aura field, do not hurt another person in your following of your 'belief' system!!!!! love and light, jane butler iristimefleur --- On Tue, 8/12/08, am3h <alrightnow wrote: am3h <alrightnow Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity Kundaliniyoga Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:19 PM Sat Nam, I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my connection with the Divine, but here I am: After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me... " from Christian studies... Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. Thank you for any help you may offer. Namaste, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Tony, I don't know if this will make sense; but I have no trouble incorporating my Christian beliefs with any part of yoga. Just as Jesus was my way to God; so is yoga, meditation, and mantra. I have tested this within myself and my belief system. Yoga and meditation (especially gong meditation) have just helped me to know God in a more intimate sense. Namaste, Julie --- On Tue, 8/12/08, am3h <alrightnow wrote: am3h <alrightnow Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity Kundaliniyoga Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:19 PM Sat Nam, I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my connection with the Divine, but here I am: After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me... " from Christian studies... Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. Thank you for any help you may offer. Namaste, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Tony: A most profound question and inquiry. I hope what I am writting here serves you in your quest. Religions provide the structure and dogma humankind needs in order to establish a livelihood conduccive to spirituality. Once that is overcome, the seeker needs not the bounds of religion. But if we look at the first two Chrisitian Commandments we can realize that it is through a compassionate heart for all sentient beings that we will finally know ourselves and find the dweling of God within. If a mantra to Ma Durga intones your vibrations towards the betterment of those who surround and come in contact with you, you have chosen the right vehicle. If praying a full Rosary with the newest set of mysteries will do the same, then that is the right vehicle. The Dharma, our daily living and how we become beacons of compassion and love so that at the end we may reach the state of Union with the Divine, is our ultimate purpose. Ramana Maharshi said that You are the Self. You are already and eternally That. There is never a moment when the Self is not; it is ever-present here and now. The Kabbalist understands that in the Kingdom (Malkhut) we are just veiled from the Beauty of Tiphereth by emotion, reason and the mind. The Mundaka Upanishad states: " The wise have attained the unitive state, And see only the resplendent Lord of Love. " (That is what Jesus meant by " I am the way " ) " Desiring nothing in the physical world, They have become one with the Lord of Love. Those who dwell on and long for sense-pleasure Are born in a world of separateness. But let them realize they are the Self And all separateness will fall away. " " What the sages sought they have found at last. No more questions have they to ask of life. With self-will extinguished, they are at peace. Seeing the Lord of Love all around. Serving the Lord of Love in all around, They are united with him forever. " I have in a corner in my house an Altar with the Virgin Mary and catholic Saint of significance to me. I also have an Altar with Ma Durga and Kali, Saraswati and Lakchmi and Sri Gayatri. I chant the Sri Gayatri mantra, long form, every day, as well as a Saraswati and Sri Mrutyunjaya. --- On Tue, 8/12/08, am3h <alrightnow wrote: am3h <alrightnow Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity Kundaliniyoga Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:19 PM Sat Nam, I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my connection with the Divine, but here I am: After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me... " from Christian studies... Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. Thank you for any help you may offer. Namaste, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 I, like Julie, am not having difficulty with this, but it has taken me until my 40th year. I find that the deeper I delve into both traditions, the more I see how much they are the same. yes, lots of people say this, but I mean, you can see how much Christianity was influenced by the place in which it was born -- a place of Eastern thought. We think of christianity as Western but I think that is where we can start to get stuck. It is not Western, though it has become Western. For example, the story of Adam and Eve can be read much differenlty if you think about the concept of Demi-Gods in Buddhism, and how Buddhist thought says they are actually unlucky, because they are in a state that cannot progress on the karmic wheel. Adam and Eve were demi-gods, if you remember that they were originally immortal and living in a literal paradise. This was a place from which they could not grow. We can only realize our full " saintly " potential in contrast to our capacity for " sin. " So, when they were " kicked out " of the garden, they were really being born into humanity and thus born into their potential for true divinity. Does that make sense? Again, this is a reading completely influenced by my Yogic/Buddhist studies, without which I would have simply remained angry at Christianity. Peace & Bliss, Christine www.blisschick.net On 8/12/08, Julie <jewelport wrote: > > > > Tony, > I don't know if this will make sense; but I have no trouble incorporating > my Christian beliefs with any part of yoga. Just as Jesus was my way to > God; so is yoga, meditation, and mantra. I have tested this within myself > and my belief system. Yoga and meditation (especially gong meditation) have > just helped me to know God in a more intimate sense. > > Namaste, > Julie > > --- On Tue, 8/12/08, am3h <alrightnow<alrightnow%40comcast.net>> > wrote: > > am3h <alrightnow <alrightnow%40comcast.net>> > Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity > Kundaliniyoga <Kundaliniyoga%40> > Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:19 PM > > Sat Nam, > > I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my > connection with the Divine, but here I am: > > After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental > stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing > Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by > Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). > > I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das > recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice > the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty > feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before > me... " from Christian studies... > > Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open > spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be > stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. > > Thank you for any help you may offer. > > Namaste, > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Tony, For this one you really need to go with your heart. What is moving you right now, inspiring you to practice? What gifts/benefits do you feel from tuning into Durga? Can you tap into the same thing through Christian prayer? And vice versa. . . Of course, you don't have to *choose* - BUT - if you're experiencing some dissonance, maybe commit to one form for awhile - how about 40 days? You can make a choice, and it doesn't have to be forever. If practicing within 2 paradigms doesn't feel right right now, then respect that boundary and be kind to yourself. Ultimately, they're just gateways, so use whatever gateway(s) work, and be open to changing your practice over time - we need different things at different times anyway. For example. . . Sometimes I need a particular mantra. Sometimes I need to go with silence. Sometimes I need to focus on intention and clarity. Sometimes I need to let go. In a way, this is the most challenging way of practicing yoga/spiritual practice, because the only authority guiding you is your inner Guru. I hope this isn't too convoluted and addresses your issue. Godspeed! Ezekiel p.s. I don't know if this is helpful, but - whenever I hear that phrase " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me " I get a strong ego vibe from it. It doesn't resonate with me personally, as a message from all-encompassing divinity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 check out " A Course in Miracles " -- text and workbook. It helps to find a group to meet with to discuss the chapters in the text or the workbook lessons as they can be confusing at first. _____ Kundaliniyoga [Kundaliniyoga ] On Behalf Of am3h Tuesday, August 12, 2008 7:19 PM Kundaliniyoga Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity Sat Nam, I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my connection with the Divine, but here I am: After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before me... " from Christian studies... Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. Thank you for any help you may offer. Namaste, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hello Jane: can you please give me more details on: all coming to communicate with me...no matter the religion/language/customs/countries...the communication is fresh and very clear. How do you do that and how clear they comming. thanks ---- jane butler <iristimefleur wrote: > hi, ya'll, > there is but one 'god', celebrate your union however you want...remember all religious books/knowledge was set up by man, to control the masses... > for instance...what good are 15 virgins when you are dead? sex is for the breathing...and... > > i am a full-blown psychic. i live in austin,tx. i have representatives/gods/goddesses/saints/divas/shivas/durga,mother mary, etc., all coming to communicate with me...no matter the religion/language/customs/countries...the communication is fresh and very clear. > go with your inner feelings. do not do anything to step on, or touch another person's space/aura field, do not hurt another person in your following of your 'belief' system!!!!! > love and light, > jane butler > iristimefleur > > --- On Tue, 8/12/08, am3h <alrightnow wrote: > am3h <alrightnow > Kundalini Yoga Durga Mantra and Christianity > Kundaliniyoga > Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:19 PM > > > > > Sat Nam, > > > > I thought I was well beyond illusions of separation on regarding my > > connection with the Divine, but here I am: > > > > After a prolonged period of financial, mental and environmental > > stresses, I sought to get some spiritual grounding. While practicing > > Bible studies and Prayer, I remembered a Durga Mantra (given to me by > > Bhagavan Das while initiating me into Tantra Yoga). > > > > I've had some difficulty incorporating both paths -- even Bhagavan Das > > recommended I choose one path -- I would very much love to practice > > the Durga Mantra -- among others, but when I do, I am beset by guilty > > feelings and remembrance of " Thou shalt have no other Gods before > > me... " from Christian studies... > > > > Can anyone offer any insight? In many ways, I romanticize an open > > spirituality -- like in the book " The life of Pi " , but I seem to be > > stuck in many areas... Hope this makes sense. > > > > Thank you for any help you may offer. > > > > Namaste, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 Sat Nam ji, Guru Nanak spoke the words... Ek Ong Kar Sat Nam... or Jesus said " 'I' and my 'father' are One " It is from one divine source/essence that all of creation flows... this is the True Nature of Reality. The teachings have come from many masters who were the realised ones that there is one formless divine essence pervading all reality. Our thoughts about separation and difference are illusion. when through the years documentation and ideaologies form around the teachings of these awakened ones, like in chinese whispers, some, not all, but some of the essential wisdom becomes misinterpreted and muddied by minds interpretation and illusiorary perception. It is just a question of how we view and percieve things that makes them seem different. Our ideas about things. 'Religion and Symbolism is the diversity, otherwise the Truth and the jyot (light) are one' - babaji Through which path we choose to relate to the oneness or through choosing no particular path at all, is entirely up to us.. whatever helps you to feel the love the devotion, the stillness, the peace and develop helpful ways of being in the world. Guru Nanak dev ji also said: " I dwell within my innermost being.. where there is no path, and no one walking it " How beautiful. Don't let words and definitions become obstacles for you. I remember having a conversation with my mother shortly before she passed away about borders, boundaries and countries. I said to her, show me where that line is drawn that marks our beautiful planet into countries. Truly it does not exist. But over the years, through our adventures and interactions ideas came about with different groups of people, that a space of land was now to be called such and such a country and therefore the next space of land would be another country. These things don't inherantly exist, but rather it is a kind of agreed thought form that we continue to sustain in the way we have come to live together, but it doesn't have to be this way and perhaps there will come a day when we realise this and can let our borders of separation go, of mine and yours and difference. Words.. (in the sense of definitions) can be helpful, but can also be limiting... they come about as a way of capturing something so we can share.. talk about it and point towards what we are trying to communicate. A way of expressing a things underlying essence. But 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. This is why silence is such a beautiful thing, we go beyond the words, the discriptions, the thoughts to the direct experience... which ultimately cannot be described. God / Spirit / Essence is the One and the Many, In some ways it is a paradox perceived the mind. Durga is a part of the energy flow of G.O.D. that essential energy which Generates, Organises and Destroys / Delivers in the Cosmos. You may be interested to look at the website of : www.gobindsadan.org there some beautiful articles about the Oneness of all religions on there that may help to ease your mind concerns. You could think of these different 'God's' as having various qualities along the spectrum of One continuing energy flow... Like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva The creation flows into sustainance flows into ending/transformation and a new beginning.. The dawn ....flows into the day.. flows into dusk I hope this may have helped in some way and wish you much peace and happiness on your journey... with much love, Krishan Shiva Kaur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 I have been reading this forum for about 6 months now and have found useful questions and answers as well as some that have not had much meaning to me. The words today from Krishan Shiva Kaur touched something in me that is hard to describe... As I continue on my path, I will look back to today's message as one of those growth spurts, a portal opening, if you will... Thank you so much for taking the time to put into words that this gal could grasp onto and hold in my heart - the Oneness of Spirituality. peace T from Michigan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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