Guest guest Posted March 9, 2007 Report Share Posted March 9, 2007 Dear Tanmaya, You never told that story before. It made me feel sad too. I have observed the Guru put tremendous love and attention on their disciples. Then, one day, for no reason I can fathom, the disciple departs. The Master gives and gives, but, if the student stops receiving, the connection is severed. The ego is so crafty. We must be so vigilant and stay in contact with the Master, no matter how confused we become, because, the Master holds the key. They will always see thru the clouds of delusion and can remove our doubts. As long as we want them to. Jai Maa Jai Swami vishweshwar -- In , " ty_maa " <dsjames wrote: > > > > " No idea how crafty " . > > Dear Vishweshwar, > > I'd like to share a story (maybe I told it before long back) about the > career of a monastic brother. > > This brother had all the good qualities: he could meditate, he knew > Sanskrit, he was a good singer of devotional songs, he was very > personable--and the favorite of all the visiting abbotts. He was > generally thought to be a sure success in spirtiual life. > > Although, like the others, he had only limited communication with his > family in the outside world, once, on his birthday, he walked into the > abbott's room to joyfully show his Guru the new watch which his parents > had just sent him as a gift. > > To his suprise and chagrin , the Guru quietly looked up for a moment, > and then, suddenly and forcefully pointiing to the corner of his room, > said, " throw it in the wastebasket-- now! > > The brother was unable to speak, he was so dumbfounded by the order. He > very slowly backed out of the room and silently went up the stairs to > his own room to ponder what had just happened. He knew that he had > disobeyed his Guru; and that caused him great sorrow. But he also > thought that the order his Guru had given him was so outlandish and so > unreasonable that he gradually began to rationalize his response. > > As time passed, the Guru was as loving and kind to him as > ever--although, it gradually became apparent to the brother that the > Guru's conversation with him was on a more general, even somewhat > superficial, level than before. His Guru no longer spoke to him about > his spiritual life and training; rather, he conversed with him more as > he did to visitors-- about their families, the state of the world, and > so forth. > > This hurt the brother; and he was wise enough to understand that he had > broken a special relationship between himself and his Guru by his > disobedience;. Nevertheless, he couldn't bring himself to return to the > Guru's room and dispose of the watch which his parents had so lovingly > sent him for his birthday, as he was certain he must do to set right his > mistake. Why was the Guru so unreasonable? It was only a watch! There > was no danger--it was not something worldly after all-just a useful tool > like many other brothers wore. > > Things went on like this for a while; and then the watch stopped. This > upset the brother very much because it was expensive and still > practically new. And he was quite sure the Abbott would not budget for a > watch repair given the circumstances. In any case, he didn't want to > bring the subject up. So, after some thought, he decided to go to the > library and get a book on watch repair. Which he did. > > To his great delight, the brother found that he was indeed able to > repair the watch using the book, and that it again was running and > keeping perfect time. And it didn't cost anybody a thing. In fact, he > was so happy about his success that he offered to repair another > brother's watch that had lately stopped--and he was successful with that > one too! > > He began to think that he could be of useful service to the monastery by > this means, and he was soon studying more about the workings of watches, > and working on them late into the night. He didn't do this during the > normal hours because he still thought that his Guru might disapprove. > > Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular > reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do. The Swamis > and his peers were suprised and disappointed, but there was nothing they > could say to change his mind. So, he left and got a job in a nearby > hardware store. After that, he joined one of the armed services. > > When he was released from the service, he used his G.I. loan to go to > the University at Berleley for a degree in engineering. Before long, > after graduating, he found himself in Silicon Valley, where he soon > started a company which manufactured a computer chip of his own design. > And he sold a lot of them--a whole lot. > > In fact, soon, though still quite a young man, he had become a > multimillionare. > > I had the opportunity to see him once. One day, when I was paying a > visit to his old ashram he also stopped by that day for the first time > after leaving. He drove up in an expensive red sports cars, and a pretty > blond girl waited in the car while he entered the ashram for a few > minutes. > > All the Swamis and brothers greeted him and spoke in a very friendly way > about his successful life and other things in general. After a short > visit he drove off, and the brothers returned to their various tasks. > > I can't exactly say why, but for some time afterward I felt a great > emptiness and loneliness somewhere inside. > It couldn't be for the young man who had just driven off in his red > sports car because he was full of joy and his life was exciting and > before him. Nor could my sadness have been for the brothers; they very > soon forgot him in their tasks and spiritual practice. > > Maybe it was for the old Abbott and Guru--who saw more than he could > explain, but who could only speak his Truth as he saw it, even as he > knew that it could not change what was to be. > > Yes, the loneliness I felt must have been for the old Abbott who had > lost his monastic son. > > Respectfully, > > Tanmaya > > > > , " inspectionconnection108 " > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote: > > > > Namaste > > > > A perfect statement. Action, either for thee or me. > > I remember once talking to Maa about some drama my ego was creating. > > I said I could not believe how crafty the ego was. Maa said, in > > essense, " you have not idea how crafty " . > > I remember that often, in fact daily, as I watch my small self get me > > into one problem after another. > > Fortunately, She is there to catch me when I fall, and She encourages > > me to get up, dust off, and get back on the bucking bronco. > > How truly blessed to have Her as a Guru and Mother. > > > > Jai Ma Jai Swami > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , shreemaadevotee@ wrote: > > > > > > Daily Reflection > > > March 3 - Spirituality > > > > > > Every action that we produce in life has two possibilities. It will > > be for > > > me or for Thee. Either I am acting motivated by selfishness or I am > > acting > > > motivated by surrender. There are some really fine shades of gray > > where we think > > > we are surrendering, but are actually enhancing our egotism. > > > > > > from The Guru and the Goddess > > > Copyright 1995, 1998 Devi Mandir Publications > > > Third Edition > > > www.shreemaa.org > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2007 Report Share Posted March 9, 2007 Dear Vish, Tanmaya and all, the story about the watch has given me much food for thought. Especially the part where it says: " Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do. " Lately, I have had some doubts of my own and perhaps it is a good thing to put them on the table now, before they become too big to handle and running away seems the right thing to do. I hope those who read this will understand I do not mean to be disrespectful to Shree Maa or Swamiji, or their teachings, in any way. Over the past year or so, I have made an effort to familiarize myself with the teachings and practices Shree Maa and Swamiji so generously share with us. I learnt how to do puja, how to recite, how to chant. I read most of the books, and listened to Maa's songs all the time. I learned to love Her and Swamiji more and more. So I was overjoyed that now with the webcam, I could finally see the celebrations and attend classes. But now a strange thing has happened: to watch the celebrations did not make me particularly happy. It rather made me sad, as I was shocked to discover. Partly, this was because I could not physically be there, and felt isolated at my desk on my own, but for the greater part it was that I felt an outsider in another way. I felt as if I had tried to learn a new language and suddenly realized I would never be able to pass for a native speaker. As if a gap had appeared inside which I could not cross. And as the days passed, and more celebrations and classes followed, I found myself longing for the crisp cool sounds of Gregorian chant and for the 'language' of the tradition I was raised in. I longed for the stories I know and for the familiar words. I felt homesick for the psalms and the saints who have inspired me through the years, and instead of Maa Durga on Her lion, in meditation I thought of the Mother of God crowned with Glory. And as I performed puja, every word acquired new meaning, because it made perfect sense applied both to Shiva and to the Lord Jesus. I saw Maa reflected in Mary, Mary in Maa. Now, recently it has been said here (by you, Vish?) that Maa celebrates Christmas and Eastern which as much devotion as Shivaratri or other festivals. I have seen Swamiji perform both puja and mass at Christmas. But They know things that I do not and Their consciousness embraces all. There is no conflict. But I struggle with this: although I know that to love God is all, no matter the name or form we choose. But is it possible to combine two 'languages' for the simple devotee without becoming hopelessly confused? Once a member of this family told me it is better to stick to one tradition, at least if you mean business (I paraphrase), and I understand why this is so. But the heart has its own ideas and has started to speak now in this language, now in that. Is it the right thing to do to listen to both voices and give expression to both? Is it the right thing to do to combine Sanskrit and Latin? Is it wise to read St Teresa and Shankara? To sing with Shree Maa and with the Montserrat choir? To recite Lord's Prayer and the Guru Gita? Or is this desire to make both worlds one, to integrate those parts, the equivalent of the gold watch given by our parents, which, although beautiful in itself and presented with the best intentions, is best thrown away before one gets carried away? I would be very happy to hear the thoughts of my brothers and sisters on this matter and I wonder if perhaps someone else, coming from a Christian background, has had the same experience. with love, Henny , " inspectionconnection108 " <inspectionconnection108 wrote: > > Dear Tanmaya, > > You never told that story before. It made me feel sad too. I have > observed the Guru put tremendous love and attention on their > disciples. Then, one day, for no reason I can fathom, the disciple > departs. The Master gives and gives, but, if the student stops > receiving, the connection is severed. > The ego is so crafty. We must be so vigilant and stay in contact with > the Master, no matter how confused we become, because, the Master > holds the key. They will always see thru the clouds of delusion and > can remove our doubts. As long as we want them to. > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > vishweshwar > > > -- In , " ty_maa " <dsjames@> wrote: > > > > > > > > " No idea how crafty " . > > > > Dear Vishweshwar, > > > > I'd like to share a story (maybe I told it before long back) about the > > career of a monastic brother. > > > > This brother had all the good qualities: he could meditate, he knew > > Sanskrit, he was a good singer of devotional songs, he was very > > personable--and the favorite of all the visiting abbotts. He was > > generally thought to be a sure success in spirtiual life. > > > > Although, like the others, he had only limited communication with his > > family in the outside world, once, on his birthday, he walked into the > > abbott's room to joyfully show his Guru the new watch which his parents > > had just sent him as a gift. > > > > To his suprise and chagrin , the Guru quietly looked up for a moment, > > and then, suddenly and forcefully pointiing to the corner of his room, > > said, " throw it in the wastebasket-- now! > > > > The brother was unable to speak, he was so dumbfounded by the order. He > > very slowly backed out of the room and silently went up the stairs to > > his own room to ponder what had just happened. He knew that he had > > disobeyed his Guru; and that caused him great sorrow. But he also > > thought that the order his Guru had given him was so outlandish and so > > unreasonable that he gradually began to rationalize his response. > > > > As time passed, the Guru was as loving and kind to him as > > ever--although, it gradually became apparent to the brother that the > > Guru's conversation with him was on a more general, even somewhat > > superficial, level than before. His Guru no longer spoke to him about > > his spiritual life and training; rather, he conversed with him more as > > he did to visitors-- about their families, the state of the world, and > > so forth. > > > > This hurt the brother; and he was wise enough to understand that he had > > broken a special relationship between himself and his Guru by his > > disobedience;. Nevertheless, he couldn't bring himself to return to the > > Guru's room and dispose of the watch which his parents had so lovingly > > sent him for his birthday, as he was certain he must do to set right his > > mistake. Why was the Guru so unreasonable? It was only a watch! There > > was no danger--it was not something worldly after all-just a useful tool > > like many other brothers wore. > > > > Things went on like this for a while; and then the watch stopped. This > > upset the brother very much because it was expensive and still > > practically new. And he was quite sure the Abbott would not budget for a > > watch repair given the circumstances. In any case, he didn't want to > > bring the subject up. So, after some thought, he decided to go to the > > library and get a book on watch repair. Which he did. > > > > To his great delight, the brother found that he was indeed able to > > repair the watch using the book, and that it again was running and > > keeping perfect time. And it didn't cost anybody a thing. In fact, he > > was so happy about his success that he offered to repair another > > brother's watch that had lately stopped--and he was successful with that > > one too! > > > > He began to think that he could be of useful service to the monastery by > > this means, and he was soon studying more about the workings of watches, > > and working on them late into the night. He didn't do this during the > > normal hours because he still thought that his Guru might disapprove. > > > > Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular > > reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do. The Swamis > > and his peers were suprised and disappointed, but there was nothing they > > could say to change his mind. So, he left and got a job in a nearby > > hardware store. After that, he joined one of the armed services. > > > > When he was released from the service, he used his G.I. loan to go to > > the University at Berleley for a degree in engineering. Before long, > > after graduating, he found himself in Silicon Valley, where he soon > > started a company which manufactured a computer chip of his own design. > > And he sold a lot of them--a whole lot. > > > > In fact, soon, though still quite a young man, he had become a > > multimillionare. > > > > I had the opportunity to see him once. One day, when I was paying a > > visit to his old ashram he also stopped by that day for the first time > > after leaving. He drove up in an expensive red sports cars, and a pretty > > blond girl waited in the car while he entered the ashram for a few > > minutes. > > > > All the Swamis and brothers greeted him and spoke in a very friendly way > > about his successful life and other things in general. After a short > > visit he drove off, and the brothers returned to their various tasks. > > > > I can't exactly say why, but for some time afterward I felt a great > > emptiness and loneliness somewhere inside. > > It couldn't be for the young man who had just driven off in his red > > sports car because he was full of joy and his life was exciting and > > before him. Nor could my sadness have been for the brothers; they very > > soon forgot him in their tasks and spiritual practice. > > > > Maybe it was for the old Abbott and Guru--who saw more than he could > > explain, but who could only speak his Truth as he saw it, even as he > > knew that it could not change what was to be. > > > > Yes, the loneliness I felt must have been for the old Abbott who had > > lost his monastic son. > > > > Respectfully, > > > > Tanmaya > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , " inspectionconnection108 " > > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste > > > > > > A perfect statement. Action, either for thee or me. > > > I remember once talking to Maa about some drama my ego was creating. > > > I said I could not believe how crafty the ego was. Maa said, in > > > essense, " you have not idea how crafty " . > > > I remember that often, in fact daily, as I watch my small self get me > > > into one problem after another. > > > Fortunately, She is there to catch me when I fall, and She encourages > > > me to get up, dust off, and get back on the bucking bronco. > > > How truly blessed to have Her as a Guru and Mother. > > > > > > Jai Ma Jai Swami > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , shreemaadevotee@ wrote: > > > > > > > > Daily Reflection > > > > March 3 - Spirituality > > > > > > > > Every action that we produce in life has two possibilities. It will > > > be for > > > > me or for Thee. Either I am acting motivated by selfishness or I am > > > acting > > > > motivated by surrender. There are some really fine shades of gray > > > where we think > > > > we are surrendering, but are actually enhancing our egotism. > > > > > > > > from The Guru and the Goddess > > > > Copyright 1995, 1998 Devi Mandir Publications > > > > Third Edition > > > > www.shreemaa.org > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2007 Report Share Posted March 10, 2007 I think I have been through a similar experience when I actually wondered how many languages I have to learn before I can feel God. It was like learning Sanskrit, Arabic, Latin and who knows how many more. But the point was I found that I was lost in the chatter and languages and practices that I had actually forgotten to experience God. Later I realized God is a direct experience where no sound or mind or even intelligence or rational thinking plays a role. I think the truth is universal. Beyond expression and only experience is God. I rationalized that the truth can never be the reason for religious warfare that has happened in the past and will probably continue to happen in the future. I guess it will continue till mankind realizes that we don't wish to lose ourselves in dogmas, beliefs that actually inhibit the progress of mankind. In other words to experience God we don't need so many languages. All we need is direct experience of God and that has to be universal and not restricted to practices. I don't know if this helps. What we seek is the source. The path to the source may be many but the source is ONE and UNIVERSAL. Again this becomes just another theory like all the others we have read. So I tell myself let me have direct experience of the truth rather than place my mind in chatter that may or may not be the truth. In other words seek the unknown rather than live by others experiences. Love Mimi Dear Vish, Tanmaya and all,the story about the watch has given me much food for thought. Especially the part where it says: "Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do."Lately, I have had some doubts of my own and perhaps it is a good thing to put them on the table now, before they become too big to handle and running away seems the right thing to do. I hope those who read this will understand I do not mean to be disrespectful to Shree Maa or Swamiji, or their teachings, in any way. Over the past year or so, I have made an effort to familiarize myself with the teachings and practices Shree Maa and Swamiji so generously share with us. I learnt how to do puja, how to recite, how to chant. I read most of the books, and listened to Maa's songs all the time. I learned to love Her and Swamiji more and more. So I was overjoyed that now with the webcam, I could finally see the celebrations and attend classes. But now a strange thing has happened: to watch the celebrations did not make me particularly happy. It rather made me sad, as I was shocked to discover. Partly, this was because I could not physically be there, and felt isolated at my desk on my own, but for the greater part it was that I felt an outsider in another way. I felt as if I had tried to learn a new language and suddenly realized I would never be able to pass for a native speaker. As if a gap had appeared inside which I could not cross. And as the days passed, and more celebrations and classes followed, I found myself longing for the crisp cool sounds of Gregorian chant and for the 'language' of the tradition I was raised in. I longed for the stories I know and for the familiar words. I felt homesick for the psalms and the saints who have inspired me through the years, and instead of Maa Durga on Her lion, in meditation I thought of the Mother of God crowned with Glory. And as I performed puja, every word acquired new meaning, because it made perfect sense applied both to Shiva and to the Lord Jesus. I saw Maa reflected in Mary, Mary in Maa. Now, recently it has been said here (by you, Vish?) that Maa celebrates Christmas and Eastern which as much devotion as Shivaratri or other festivals. I have seen Swamiji perform both puja and mass at Christmas. But They know things that I do not and Their consciousness embraces all. There is no conflict. But I struggle with this: although I know that to love God is all, no matter the name or form we choose. But is it possible to combine two 'languages' for the simple devotee without becoming hopelessly confused? Once a member of this family told me it is better to stick to one tradition, at least if you mean business (I paraphrase), and I understand why this is so. But the heart has its own ideas and has started to speak now in this language, now in that. Is it the right thing to do to listen to both voices and give expression to both? Is it the right thing to do to combine Sanskrit and Latin? Is it wise to read St Teresa and Shankara? To sing with Shree Maa and with the Montserrat choir? To recite Lord's Prayer and the Guru Gita? Or is this desire to make both worlds one, to integrate those parts, the equivalent of the gold watch given by our parents, which, although beautiful in itself and presented with the best intentions, is best thrown away before one gets carried away? I would be very happy to hear the thoughts of my brothers and sisters on this matter and I wonder if perhaps someone else, coming from a Christian background, has had the same experience. with love,Henny , "inspectionconnection108" <inspectionconnection108 wrote:>> Dear Tanmaya,> > You never told that story before. It made me feel sad too. I have> observed the Guru put tremendous love and attention on their> disciples. Then, one day, for no reason I can fathom, the disciple> departs. The Master gives and gives, but, if the student stops> receiving, the connection is severed.> The ego is so crafty. We must be so vigilant and stay in contact with> the Master, no matter how confused we become, because, the Master> holds the key. They will always see thru the clouds of delusion and> can remove our doubts. As long as we want them to.> > Jai Maa Jai Swami> > vishweshwar> > > > > > > > > > -- In , "ty_maa" <dsjames@> wrote:> >> > > > > > "No idea how crafty".> > > > Dear Vishweshwar,> > > > I'd like to share a story (maybe I told it before long back) about the> > career of a monastic brother.> > > > This brother had all the good qualities: he could meditate, he knew> > Sanskrit, he was a good singer of devotional songs, he was very> > personable--and the favorite of all the visiting abbotts. He was> > generally thought to be a sure success in spirtiual life.> > > > Although, like the others, he had only limited communication with his> > family in the outside world, once, on his birthday, he walked into the> > abbott's room to joyfully show his Guru the new watch which his parents> > had just sent him as a gift.> > > > To his suprise and chagrin , the Guru quietly looked up for a moment,> > and then, suddenly and forcefully pointiing to the corner of his room,> > said, "throw it in the wastebasket-- now!> > > > The brother was unable to speak, he was so dumbfounded by the order. He> > very slowly backed out of the room and silently went up the stairs to> > his own room to ponder what had just happened. He knew that he had> > disobeyed his Guru; and that caused him great sorrow. But he also> > thought that the order his Guru had given him was so outlandish and so> > unreasonable that he gradually began to rationalize his response.> > > > As time passed, the Guru was as loving and kind to him as> > ever--although, it gradually became apparent to the brother that the> > Guru's conversation with him was on a more general, even somewhat> > superficial, level than before. His Guru no longer spoke to him about> > his spiritual life and training; rather, he conversed with him more as> > he did to visitors-- about their families, the state of the world, and> > so forth.> > > > This hurt the brother; and he was wise enough to understand that he had > > broken a special relationship between himself and his Guru by his> > disobedience;. Nevertheless, he couldn't bring himself to return to the> > Guru's room and dispose of the watch which his parents had so lovingly> > sent him for his birthday, as he was certain he must do to set right his> > mistake. Why was the Guru so unreasonable? It was only a watch! There> > was no danger--it was not something worldly after all-just a useful tool> > like many other brothers wore.> > > > Things went on like this for a while; and then the watch stopped. This> > upset the brother very much because it was expensive and still> > practically new. And he was quite sure the Abbott would not budget for a> > watch repair given the circumstances. In any case, he didn't want to> > bring the subject up. So, after some thought, he decided to go to the> > library and get a book on watch repair. Which he did.> > > > To his great delight, the brother found that he was indeed able to> > repair the watch using the book, and that it again was running and> > keeping perfect time. And it didn't cost anybody a thing. In fact, he> > was so happy about his success that he offered to repair another> > brother's watch that had lately stopped--and he was successful with that> > one too!> > > > He began to think that he could be of useful service to the monastery by> > this means, and he was soon studying more about the workings of watches,> > and working on them late into the night. He didn't do this during the> > normal hours because he still thought that his Guru might disapprove.> > > > Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular> > reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do. The Swamis> > and his peers were suprised and disappointed, but there was nothing they> > could say to change his mind. So, he left and got a job in a nearby> > hardware store. After that, he joined one of the armed services.> > > > When he was released from the service, he used his G.I. loan to go to> > the University at Berleley for a degree in engineering. Before long,> > after graduating, he found himself in Silicon Valley, where he soon> > started a company which manufactured a computer chip of his own design.> > And he sold a lot of them--a whole lot.> > > > In fact, soon, though still quite a young man, he had become a> > multimillionare.> > > > I had the opportunity to see him once. One day, when I was paying a> > visit to his old ashram he also stopped by that day for the first time> > after leaving. He drove up in an expensive red sports cars, and a pretty> > blond girl waited in the car while he entered the ashram for a few> > minutes.> > > > All the Swamis and brothers greeted him and spoke in a very friendly way> > about his successful life and other things in general. After a short> > visit he drove off, and the brothers returned to their various tasks.> > > > I can't exactly say why, but for some time afterward I felt a great> > emptiness and loneliness somewhere inside.> > It couldn't be for the young man who had just driven off in his red> > sports car because he was full of joy and his life was exciting and> > before him. Nor could my sadness have been for the brothers; they very> > soon forgot him in their tasks and spiritual practice.> > > > Maybe it was for the old Abbott and Guru--who saw more than he could> > explain, but who could only speak his Truth as he saw it, even as he> > knew that it could not change what was to be.> > > > Yes, the loneliness I felt must have been for the old Abbott who had> > lost his monastic son.> > > > Respectfully,> > > > Tanmaya> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "inspectionconnection108"> > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote:> > >> > > Namaste> > >> > > A perfect statement. Action, either for thee or me.> > > I remember once talking to Maa about some drama my ego was creating.> > > I said I could not believe how crafty the ego was. Maa said, in> > > essense, "you have not idea how crafty".> > > I remember that often, in fact daily, as I watch my small self get me> > > into one problem after another.> > > Fortunately, She is there to catch me when I fall, and She encourages> > > me to get up, dust off, and get back on the bucking bronco.> > > How truly blessed to have Her as a Guru and Mother.> > >> > > Jai Ma Jai Swami> > >> > > vishweshwar> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > , shreemaadevotee@ wrote:> > > >> > > > Daily Reflection> > > > March 3 - Spirituality> > > >> > > > Every action that we produce in life has two possibilities. It will> > > be for> > > > me or for Thee. Either I am acting motivated by selfishness or I am> > > acting> > > > motivated by surrender. There are some really fine shades of gray> > > where we think> > > > we are surrendering, but are actually enhancing our egotism.> > > >> > > > from The Guru and the Goddess> > > > Copyright 1995, 1998 Devi Mandir Publications> > > > Third Edition> > > > www.shreemaa.org> > > >> > >> >> Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Autos' Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 Dear Henny,"My Father's House has many mansions."Hinduism and Christianity, as we know them, are two rooms in my Father's House. The beloved child of the Home can move freely and joyfully from room to room.When-at a very definite moment in my life-it became clear that now it is time for me to become serious about religion, I began my search, not for a tradition, but for a person who had had direct experience of God. I told even my friends in the world at the time when I was leaving that I may find such a person in the Christian tradition-with which I was familier-or in Buddhism, Hinduism, or something else, it didn't matter where, as long as that person was God-realized. I began saving money, thinking that my search may take me quite far.I was about to leave for Southern California, where I had heard that there was a possibility, when I remembered a small peaceful and unassuming temple of some Indian-type of religion. I had been born two blocks from that temple and always lived not far from it. I had often taken walks in that neighborhood, always manageing to pass it, especially when going through the ups and downs of adolescence. I had always thought it was something like Indian Unitarianism-something more or less eclectic, doctrinal and intellectual. Oddly enough, there was no real reason for that assumption, except that it was always very quiet. There was a silence around the whole place and the grounds within the walls, and even the immediate neighborhood.So I walked through the doors during one of the announced services, and immediately felt what I had not felt previously in this lifetime, but which I was in search of: the palpable Presence of God. It was all through the temple/hall, and especially coming from the Indian man quietly speaking at the podium, dressed in ochre-colored clerical garb.I didn't ask for a conversation with that Swami for several weeks, but, when I did, he recomended in the course of conversation, that I get a copy of Brother Lawrence's Practice of the Presence of God. I found later that it was not just because of my familiarity with Christianity, but that he recommended the little book to everyone.....And later, in reading the life of Sri Ramakrishna, all sectarian walls began to dissolve.It may be that it is really only Presence, in the various meanings of the word, which convinces fully and finally.Affectionately,Tanmaya , "henny_v_i" <henny_v_i wrote:>> Dear Vish, Tanmaya and all,> > the story about the watch has given me much food for thought. > Especially the part where it says: "Then, one day he suddenly left the > monastery. There was no particular reason; it just seemed to him to be > the right thing to do."> Lately, I have had some doubts of my own and perhaps it is a good > thing to put them on the table now, before they become too big to > handle and running away seems the right thing to do. I hope those who > read this will understand I do not mean to be disrespectful to Shree > Maa or Swamiji, or their teachings, in any way. > Over the past year or so, I have made an effort to familiarize myself > with the teachings and practices Shree Maa and Swamiji so generously > share with us. I learnt how to do puja, how to recite, how to chant. I > read most of the books, and listened to Maa's songs all the time. I > learned to love Her and Swamiji more and more. So I was overjoyed that > now with the webcam, I could finally see the celebrations and attend > classes. > But now a strange thing has happened: to watch the celebrations did > not make me particularly happy. It rather made me sad, as I was > shocked to discover. Partly, this was because I could not physically > be there, and felt isolated at my desk on my own, but for the greater > part it was that I felt an outsider in another way. I felt as if I had > tried to learn a new language and suddenly realized I would never be > able to pass for a native speaker. As if a gap had appeared inside > which I could not cross. And as the days passed, and more celebrations > and classes followed, I found myself longing for the crisp cool sounds > of Gregorian chant and for the 'language' of the tradition I was > raised in. I longed for the stories I know and for the familiar words. > I felt homesick for the psalms and the saints who have inspired me > through the years, and instead of Maa Durga on Her lion, in meditation > I thought of the Mother of God crowned with Glory. And as I performed > puja, every word acquired new meaning, because it made perfect sense > applied both to Shiva and to the Lord Jesus. I saw Maa reflected in > Mary, Mary in Maa. > Now, recently it has been said here (by you, Vish?) that Maa > celebrates Christmas and Eastern which as much devotion as Shivaratri > or other festivals. I have seen Swamiji perform both puja and mass at > Christmas. But They know things that I do not and Their consciousness > embraces all. There is no conflict. But I struggle with this: although > I know that to love God is all, no matter the name or form we choose. > But is it possible to combine two 'languages' for the simple devotee > without becoming hopelessly confused? Once a member of this family > told me it is better to stick to one tradition, at least if you mean > business (I paraphrase), and I understand why this is so. But the > heart has its own ideas and has started to speak now in this language, > now in that. Is it the right thing to do to listen to both voices and > give expression to both? Is it the right thing to do to combine > Sanskrit and Latin? Is it wise to read St Teresa and Shankara? To sing > with Shree Maa and with the Montserrat choir? To recite Lord's Prayer > and the Guru Gita? Or is this desire to make both worlds one, to > integrate those parts, the equivalent of the gold watch given by our > parents, which, although beautiful in itself and presented with the > best intentions, is best thrown away before one gets carried away? > > I would be very happy to hear the thoughts of my brothers and sisters > on this matter and I wonder if perhaps someone else, coming from a > Christian background, has had the same experience. > > with love,> Henny> > > > , "inspectionconnection108" > inspectionconnection108@ wrote:> >> > Dear Tanmaya,> > > > You never told that story before. It made me feel sad too. I have> > observed the Guru put tremendous love and attention on their> > disciples. Then, one day, for no reason I can fathom, the disciple> > departs. The Master gives and gives, but, if the student stops> > receiving, the connection is severed.> > The ego is so crafty. We must be so vigilant and stay in contact > with> > the Master, no matter how confused we become, because, the Master> > holds the key. They will always see thru the clouds of delusion and> > can remove our doubts. As long as we want them to.> > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami> > > > vishweshwar> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- In , "ty_maa" <dsjames@> wrote:> > >> > > > > > > > > "No idea how crafty".> > > > > > Dear Vishweshwar,> > > > > > I'd like to share a story (maybe I told it before long back) about > the> > > career of a monastic brother.> > > > > > This brother had all the good qualities: he could meditate, he > knew> > > Sanskrit, he was a good singer of devotional songs, he was very> > > personable--and the favorite of all the visiting abbotts. He was> > > generally thought to be a sure success in spirtiual life.> > > > > > Although, like the others, he had only limited communication with > his> > > family in the outside world, once, on his birthday, he walked into > the> > > abbott's room to joyfully show his Guru the new watch which his > parents> > > had just sent him as a gift.> > > > > > To his suprise and chagrin , the Guru quietly looked up for a > moment,> > > and then, suddenly and forcefully pointiing to the corner of his > room,> > > said, "throw it in the wastebasket-- now!> > > > > > The brother was unable to speak, he was so dumbfounded by the > order. He> > > very slowly backed out of the room and silently went up the stairs > to> > > his own room to ponder what had just happened. He knew that he had> > > disobeyed his Guru; and that caused him great sorrow. But he also> > > thought that the order his Guru had given him was so outlandish > and so> > > unreasonable that he gradually began to rationalize his response.> > > > > > As time passed, the Guru was as loving and kind to him as> > > ever--although, it gradually became apparent to the brother that > the> > > Guru's conversation with him was on a more general, even somewhat> > > superficial, level than before. His Guru no longer spoke to him > about> > > his spiritual life and training; rather, he conversed with him > more as> > > he did to visitors-- about their families, the state of the world, > and> > > so forth.> > > > > > This hurt the brother; and he was wise enough to understand that > he had > > > broken a special relationship between himself and his Guru by his> > > disobedience;. Nevertheless, he couldn't bring himself to return > to the> > > Guru's room and dispose of the watch which his parents had so > lovingly> > > sent him for his birthday, as he was certain he must do to set > right his> > > mistake. Why was the Guru so unreasonable? It was only a watch! > There> > > was no danger--it was not something worldly after all-just a > useful tool> > > like many other brothers wore.> > > > > > Things went on like this for a while; and then the watch stopped. > This> > > upset the brother very much because it was expensive and still> > > practically new. And he was quite sure the Abbott would not budget > for a> > > watch repair given the circumstances. In any case, he didn't want > to> > > bring the subject up. So, after some thought, he decided to go to > the> > > library and get a book on watch repair. Which he did.> > > > > > To his great delight, the brother found that he was indeed able to> > > repair the watch using the book, and that it again was running and> > > keeping perfect time. And it didn't cost anybody a thing. In fact, > he> > > was so happy about his success that he offered to repair another> > > brother's watch that had lately stopped--and he was successful > with that> > > one too!> > > > > > He began to think that he could be of useful service to the > monastery by> > > this means, and he was soon studying more about the workings of > watches,> > > and working on them late into the night. He didn't do this during > the> > > normal hours because he still thought that his Guru might > disapprove.> > > > > > Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no > particular> > > reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do. The > Swamis> > > and his peers were suprised and disappointed, but there was > nothing they> > > could say to change his mind. So, he left and got a job in a > nearby> > > hardware store. After that, he joined one of the armed services.> > > > > > When he was released from the service, he used his G.I. loan to > go to> > > the University at Berleley for a degree in engineering. Before > long,> > > after graduating, he found himself in Silicon Valley, where he > soon> > > started a company which manufactured a computer chip of his own > design.> > > And he sold a lot of them--a whole lot.> > > > > > In fact, soon, though still quite a young man, he had become a> > > multimillionare.> > > > > > I had the opportunity to see him once. One day, when I was paying > a> > > visit to his old ashram he also stopped by that day for the first > time> > > after leaving. He drove up in an expensive red sports cars, and a > pretty> > > blond girl waited in the car while he entered the ashram for a few> > > minutes.> > > > > > All the Swamis and brothers greeted him and spoke in a very > friendly way> > > about his successful life and other things in general. After a > short> > > visit he drove off, and the brothers returned to their various > tasks.> > > > > > I can't exactly say why, but for some time afterward I felt a > great> > > emptiness and loneliness somewhere inside.> > > It couldn't be for the young man who had just driven off in his > red> > > sports car because he was full of joy and his life was exciting > and> > > before him. Nor could my sadness have been for the brothers; they > very> > > soon forgot him in their tasks and spiritual practice.> > > > > > Maybe it was for the old Abbott and Guru--who saw more than he > could> > > explain, but who could only speak his Truth as he saw it, even as > he> > > knew that it could not change what was to be.> > > > > > Yes, the loneliness I felt must have been for the old Abbott who > had> > > lost his monastic son.> > > > > > Respectfully,> > > > > > Tanmaya> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "inspectionconnection108"> > > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote:> > > >> > > > Namaste> > > >> > > > A perfect statement. Action, either for thee or me.> > > > I remember once talking to Maa about some drama my ego was > creating.> > > > I said I could not believe how crafty the ego was. Maa said, in> > > > essense, "you have not idea how crafty".> > > > I remember that often, in fact daily, as I watch my small self > get me> > > > into one problem after another.> > > > Fortunately, She is there to catch me when I fall, and She > encourages> > > > me to get up, dust off, and get back on the bucking bronco.> > > > How truly blessed to have Her as a Guru and Mother.> > > >> > > > Jai Ma Jai Swami> > > >> > > > vishweshwar> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > , shreemaadevotee@ wrote:> > > > >> > > > > Daily Reflection> > > > > March 3 - Spirituality> > > > >> > > > > Every action that we produce in life has two possibilities. > It will> > > > be for> > > > > me or for Thee. Either I am acting motivated by selfishness > or I am> > > > acting> > > > > motivated by surrender. There are some really fine shades of > gray> > > > where we think> > > > > we are surrendering, but are actually enhancing our egotism.> > > > >> > > > > from The Guru and the Goddess> > > > > Copyright 1995, 1998 Devi Mandir Publications> > > > > Third Edition> > > > > www.shreemaa.org> > > > >> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Namaste Henny,Yes, Yes, Yes! I would say (for what ever it's worth) do puja, go to mass, listen to christian chant and listen to Maa and Swami chant. Love Mary and Jesus, and love Maa and Swamiji. It's ok to go in and out of the different bhavas. It will all work out in the end. Don't fight it, just flow with it :)God and Mary bless you,Divine Mother bless you, and Lord Shiva bless you.Jai Maahenny_v_i <henny_v_i wrote: Dear Vish, Tanmaya and all, the story about the watch has given me much food for thought. Especially the part where it says: "Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do." Lately, I have had some doubts of my own and perhaps it is a good thing to put them on the table now, before they become too big to handle and running away seems the right thing to do. I hope those who read this will understand I do not mean to be disrespectful to Shree Maa or Swamiji, or their teachings, in any way. Over the past year or so, I have made an effort to familiarize myself with the teachings and practices Shree Maa and Swamiji so generously share with us. I learnt how to do puja, how to recite, how to chant. I read most of the books, and listened to Maa's songs all the time. I learned to love Her and Swamiji more and more. So I was overjoyed that now with the webcam, I could finally see the celebrations and attend classes. But now a strange thing has happened: to watch the celebrations did not make me particularly happy. It rather made me sad, as I was shocked to discover. Partly, this was because I could not physically be there, and felt isolated at my desk on my own, but for the greater part it was that I felt an outsider in another way. I felt as if I had tried to learn a new language and suddenly realized I would never be able to pass for a native speaker. As if a gap had appeared inside which I could not cross. And as the days passed, and more celebrations and classes followed, I found myself longing for the crisp cool sounds of Gregorian chant and for the 'language' of the tradition I was raised in. I longed for the stories I know and for the familiar words. I felt homesick for the psalms and the saints who have inspired me through the years, and instead of Maa Durga on Her lion, in meditation I thought of the Mother of God crowned with Glory. And as I performed puja, every word acquired new meaning, because it made perfect sense applied both to Shiva and to the Lord Jesus. I saw Maa reflected in Mary, Mary in Maa. Now, recently it has been said here (by you, Vish?) that Maa celebrates Christmas and Eastern which as much devotion as Shivaratri or other festivals. I have seen Swamiji perform both puja and mass at Christmas. But They know things that I do not and Their consciousness embraces all. There is no conflict. But I struggle with this: although I know that to love God is all, no matter the name or form we choose. But is it possible to combine two 'languages' for the simple devotee without becoming hopelessly confused? Once a member of this family told me it is better to stick to one tradition, at least if you mean business (I paraphrase), and I understand why this is so. But the heart has its own ideas and has started to speak now in this language, now in that. Is it the right thing to do to listen to both voices and give expression to both? Is it the right thing to do to combine Sanskrit and Latin? Is it wise to read St Teresa and Shankara? To sing with Shree Maa and with the Montserrat choir? To recite Lord's Prayer and the Guru Gita? Or is this desire to make both worlds one, to integrate those parts, the equivalent of the gold watch given by our parents, which, although beautiful in itself and presented with the best intentions, is best thrown away before one gets carried away? I would be very happy to hear the thoughts of my brothers and sisters on this matter and I wonder if perhaps someone else, coming from a Christian background, has had the same experience. with love, Henny , "inspectionconnection108" <inspectionconnection108 wrote: > > Dear Tanmaya, > > You never told that story before. It made me feel sad too. I have > observed the Guru put tremendous love and attention on their > disciples. Then, one day, for no reason I can fathom, the disciple > departs. The Master gives and gives, but, if the student stops > receiving, the connection is severed. > The ego is so crafty. We must be so vigilant and stay in contact with > the Master, no matter how confused we become, because, the Master > holds the key. They will always see thru the clouds of delusion and > can remove our doubts. As long as we want them to. > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > -- In , "ty_maa" <dsjames@> wrote: > > > > > > > > "No idea how crafty". > > > > Dear Vishweshwar, > > > > I'd like to share a story (maybe I told it before long back) about the > > career of a monastic brother. > > > > This brother had all the good qualities: he could meditate, he knew > > Sanskrit, he was a good singer of devotional songs, he was very > > personable--and the favorite of all the visiting abbotts. He was > > generally thought to be a sure success in spirtiual life. > > > > Although, like the others, he had only limited communication with his > > family in the outside world, once, on his birthday, he walked into the > > abbott's room to joyfully show his Guru the new watch which his parents > > had just sent him as a gift. > > > > To his suprise and chagrin , the Guru quietly looked up for a moment, > > and then, suddenly and forcefully pointiing to the corner of his room, > > said, "throw it in the wastebasket-- now! > > > > The brother was unable to speak, he was so dumbfounded by the order. He > > very slowly backed out of the room and silently went up the stairs to > > his own room to ponder what had just happened. He knew that he had > > disobeyed his Guru; and that caused him great sorrow. But he also > > thought that the order his Guru had given him was so outlandish and so > > unreasonable that he gradually began to rationalize his response. > > > > As time passed, the Guru was as loving and kind to him as > > ever--although, it gradually became apparent to the brother that the > > Guru's conversation with him was on a more general, even somewhat > > superficial, level than before. His Guru no longer spoke to him about > > his spiritual life and training; rather, he conversed with him more as > > he did to visitors-- about their families, the state of the world, and > > so forth. > > > > This hurt the brother; and he was wise enough to understand that he had > > broken a special relationship between himself and his Guru by his > > disobedience;. Nevertheless, he couldn't bring himself to return to the > > Guru's room and dispose of the watch which his parents had so lovingly > > sent him for his birthday, as he was certain he must do to set right his > > mistake. Why was the Guru so unreasonable? It was only a watch! There > > was no danger--it was not something worldly after all-just a useful tool > > like many other brothers wore. > > > > Things went on like this for a while; and then the watch stopped. This > > upset the brother very much because it was expensive and still > > practically new. And he was quite sure the Abbott would not budget for a > > watch repair given the circumstances. In any case, he didn't want to > > bring the subject up. So, after some thought, he decided to go to the > > library and get a book on watch repair. Which he did. > > > > To his great delight, the brother found that he was indeed able to > > repair the watch using the book, and that it again was running and > > keeping perfect time. And it didn't cost anybody a thing. In fact, he > > was so happy about his success that he offered to repair another > > brother's watch that had lately stopped--and he was successful with that > > one too! > > > > He began to think that he could be of useful service to the monastery by > > this means, and he was soon studying more about the workings of watches, > > and working on them late into the night. He didn't do this during the > > normal hours because he still thought that his Guru might disapprove. > > > > Then, one day he suddenly left the monastery. There was no particular > > reason; it just seemed to him to be the right thing to do. The Swamis > > and his peers were suprised and disappointed, but there was nothing they > > could say to change his mind. So, he left and got a job in a nearby > > hardware store. After that, he joined one of the armed services. > > > > When he was released from the service, he used his G.I. loan to go to > > the University at Berleley for a degree in engineering. Before long, > > after graduating, he found himself in Silicon Valley, where he soon > > started a company which manufactured a computer chip of his own design. > > And he sold a lot of them--a whole lot. > > > > In fact, soon, though still quite a young man, he had become a > > multimillionare. > > > > I had the opportunity to see him once. One day, when I was paying a > > visit to his old ashram he also stopped by that day for the first time > > after leaving. He drove up in an expensive red sports cars, and a pretty > > blond girl waited in the car while he entered the ashram for a few > > minutes. > > > > All the Swamis and brothers greeted him and spoke in a very friendly way > > about his successful life and other things in general. After a short > > visit he drove off, and the brothers returned to their various tasks. > > > > I can't exactly say why, but for some time afterward I felt a great > > emptiness and loneliness somewhere inside. > > It couldn't be for the young man who had just driven off in his red > > sports car because he was full of joy and his life was exciting and > > before him. Nor could my sadness have been for the brothers; they very > > soon forgot him in their tasks and spiritual practice. > > > > Maybe it was for the old Abbott and Guru--who saw more than he could > > explain, but who could only speak his Truth as he saw it, even as he > > knew that it could not change what was to be. > > > > Yes, the loneliness I felt must have been for the old Abbott who had > > lost his monastic son. > > > > Respectfully, > > > > Tanmaya > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "inspectionconnection108" > > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste > > > > > > A perfect statement. Action, either for thee or me. > > > I remember once talking to Maa about some drama my ego was creating. > > > I said I could not believe how crafty the ego was. Maa said, in > > > essense, "you have not idea how crafty". > > > I remember that often, in fact daily, as I watch my small self get me > > > into one problem after another. > > > Fortunately, She is there to catch me when I fall, and She encourages > > > me to get up, dust off, and get back on the bucking bronco. > > > How truly blessed to have Her as a Guru and Mother. > > > > > > Jai Ma Jai Swami > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , shreemaadevotee@ wrote: > > > > > > > > Daily Reflection > > > > March 3 - Spirituality > > > > > > > > Every action that we produce in life has two possibilities. It will > > > be for > > > > me or for Thee. Either I am acting motivated by selfishness or I am > > > acting > > > > motivated by surrender. There are some really fine shades of gray > > > where we think > > > > we are surrendering, but are actually enhancing our egotism. > > > > > > > > from The Guru and the Goddess > > > > Copyright 1995, 1998 Devi Mandir Publications > > > > Third Edition > > > > www.shreemaa.org > > > > > > > > > > Finding fabulous fares is fun.Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Is it the right thing to do to listen to both voices and > give expression to both? Is it the right thing to do to combine > Sanskrit and Latin? Is it wise to read St Teresa and Shankara? To sing > with Shree Maa and with the Montserrat choir? To recite Lord's Prayer > and the Guru Gita? Or is this desire to make both worlds one, to > integrate those parts, the equivalent of the gold watch given by our > parents, which, although beautiful in itself and presented with the > best intentions, is best thrown away before one gets carried away? Namaste' Henny... These are such great questions! It is certainly a struggle for many westerners to integrate these teachings with their other, more familier traditions. Having been raised Baptist my biggest challenge was with group chanting as that hadn't been part of my early experience. Once I realized that I was just responding to stepping into the newness I have grown to love chanting both alone and within a group. What is at the forefront for me now is the understanding that God is truly all there is, and that it doesn't matter what methods, practices, or words we use to get closer to Her, to increase our devotion, or to grow our relationship with Her... all that matters is that we DO IT. I believe that whatever increases our faith and devotion is a blessing both to ourselves and to all of creation. The sadhana as taught by Maa and Swamiji increases my devotion and fills my heart with love. It allows me to see God everywhere in all of Her forms. For me, that sense of being filled up with God is what's important. Remember, in the Bhagavad Gita Krsna says: ye-pyanyadevata bhakta yajante sraddhayanvitah te-pi mamaeva kaunteya yajantyavidhipurvakam Even those devotees who worship other Gods with faith, they also worship only Me, Oh Son of Who Takes Away the Deficiency of Others, even without a system. (ch9.v23) Anyway, I don't know if this has been helpful for you, but for me in my limited understanding, I use every tool I can find that works to bring me closer to Her. OM Shanti Morningsong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2007 Report Share Posted March 13, 2007 Namaste Morningsong, yes, what you wrote is very helpful to me. In the first place, because you made me realize that my feelings may have been a response to something that needs to be examined more closely. And in the second place because you reminded me that all my worrying and thinking made me neglect practice and brought my regular sadhana down to a minimum. So instead of using every tool at my disposal, I sat looking at my toolbox, thinking perhaps I had Too Much of that and Too Little of this, and did nothing. It is time I went back to work, with love, Henny , " c_morningsong " <shaktimaa wrote: > > Is it the right thing to do to listen to both voices and > > give expression to both? Is it the right thing to do to combine > > Sanskrit and Latin? Is it wise to read St Teresa and Shankara? To > sing > > with Shree Maa and with the Montserrat choir? To recite Lord's Prayer > > and the Guru Gita? Or is this desire to make both worlds one, to > > integrate those parts, the equivalent of the gold watch given by our > > parents, which, although beautiful in itself and presented with the > > best intentions, is best thrown away before one gets carried away? > > > Namaste' Henny... > > These are such great questions! It is certainly a struggle for many > westerners to integrate these teachings with their other, more familier > traditions. Having been raised Baptist my biggest challenge was with > group chanting as that hadn't been part of my early experience. Once I > realized that I was just responding to stepping into the newness I have > grown to love chanting both alone and within a group. > > What is at the forefront for me now is the understanding that God is > truly all there is, and that it doesn't matter what methods, practices, > or words we use to get closer to Her, to increase our devotion, or to > grow our relationship with Her... all that matters is that we DO IT. I > believe that whatever increases our faith and devotion is a blessing > both to ourselves and to all of creation. The sadhana as taught by Maa > and Swamiji increases my devotion and fills my heart with love. It > allows me to see God everywhere in all of Her forms. For me, that > sense of being filled up with God is what's important. Remember, in the > Bhagavad Gita Krsna says: > > ye-pyanyadevata bhakta yajante sraddhayanvitah > te-pi mamaeva kaunteya yajantyavidhipurvakam > > Even those devotees who worship other Gods with faith, they also > worship only Me, Oh Son of Who Takes Away the Deficiency of Others, > even without a system. (ch9.v23) > > Anyway, I don't know if this has been helpful for you, but for me in my > limited understanding, I use every tool I can find that works to bring > me closer to Her. > > OM Shanti > Morningsong > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.