Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Sometimes there is a fine line between selfish and selfless service. And it really is all in our minds. If we see ourselves as the doer and looking for an award, then we are not in tune with the God energy working through us, or being an instrument of the great divine. I do not think it really matters what we do, whether it is serving our family members, helping a client and/or co-worker, studying or asking for help, what matters is our attitude when we perform the action/s. What I try to realize in my life is to see every person and anything in nature as expression of the Divine. So performing an action can become a puja. As example cooking and serving dinner for our family. Any form of action we can turn into service, and dedicate it to Lord Shiva, Kali, Chandi or anyone of the Divine incarnations one feels inclined to connect, and see that divine incarnation within that person/s. This is easier done on my great days. On my ok days I am trying to figure out what Shree Maa would do, how would she serve and act. I focus and tune into her, knowing she will guide me and show me how to do it. Depending where I am at, I can follow her example or just mentally take notes so it will strengthen my memory for the next time. At least I can hold on to her sari. On my off days, I am just hoping to realize asap the I need to connect back into the divine flow of things and often it is a struggle to even sit down and chant or do puja, although it is the best medicine. These off days reminds me of Vishveshswars post. Distancing ourselves from our true nature, our dharma, will bring us fear, uneasiness, nervousness etc. the sooner I can realize it the quicker. I can return to where I need to be. And this all is happening in my mind. Watching my thoughts and trying to control and guide them is the challenge. Repeating Mantras is a big help for me in such situations. It calms down my mind and allows the peace to move back in. Every second is a new opportunity to realize and express the divine. And every second is a new opportunity for me to practice this principles. Thank you all for sharing this journey together. Parvati Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Oooo how great! God is emailing me!!! Thanks for all the wonderful responses. I am excited to read them and will be sharing them with my friend. She will love them. Om , " Sadhu Maa " <sadumaa wrote: > Do we always know? I am not sure that I do. Sometimes I just have to > pray and make the best decisions I can and hope I am on track. I keep > asking God to email me but what I get are little gems and hints in the > words of other people....no burning talking bush yet. > > OM > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 I feel your sweet spirit Rami and like Ramakrishna, you are the kitten in Kali Maa's mouth. She takes you where you need to be. Such faith is the heart of a spiritual path, no doubt. Thank you for your beautiful 2cents worth and your beautiful example. Om , " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108 wrote: > > > Dear Sadhumaa and everybody, > > Thanks for interesting questions! My own 2 little cents - God puts us > here to make a contribution with our lives to His creation - with love > and joy. To make that contribution, we ourselves need sustenance too > When you take care of your little puppy and cat, you are taking > care of God's creation! > > Wherever you are working, you are making your contribution to this > creation, in your own unique and beautiful way! We just have to give > with love and accept what we get as God's gift to us - i feel it is > too much to figure out from our mind what is selfish and what is not > -- It is easier to pray " I am your little child. Make me your > instrument. " If we are in our heart with love then we are giving > ourselves and happy about it! We enjoy and make others around us enjoy > -- and in that joy God smiles!!!! > > Wish you a happy, joyful day of love! > > ramya > > > > > , " Sadhu Maa " <sadumaa@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Family, > > > > I have been thinking a lot about a conversation that occurred this > > evening with a friend. She asked if I am working (in a current job) > > for ego (selfish aims) or to be of service. I am wondering, are we > > ever really fully without selfish motives (short of when we become > > saints)? If I am doing a job to buy dog and cat food and to pay my > > bills, or to take care of my children, is that selfish or being of > > service? > > > > If I am working two jobs that I like OK and in which I am of service > > but in which service is not my primary aim but rather to save for a > > long range plan that I believe will help me to truly be of service, is > > that selfish? > > > > If we believe we are working off a debt to society or our families (as > > in karmic or spiritual debt to help the world be a better place), is > > that service or selfish? > > > > Is it possible to turn around a situation once begun to make it more > > about service? > > > > Is it wrong to plan for and try to advance one's career? Is that > selfish? > > > > Can it be service if we really want to do it and enjoy doing it? > > > > Is it service if we resist it but feel we must or are being called to > > do it? > > > > Do we always know? I am not sure that I do. Sometimes I just have to > > pray and make the best decisions I can and hope I am on track. I keep > > asking God to email me but what I get are little gems and hints in the > > words of other people....no burning talking bush yet. > > > > OM > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Namaste Sankari, Interesting how so much of it is about perspective. I also find remembering that anything that is changeable is the unreal and that which does not change is the real. Sometimes that helps with the detachment from outcomes. Thank you, om , Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: > > Namaste Sadhu Maa: > > We do live in the world and I think it would be selfish to abandon one's duties to those who depend upon us. I think Shree Maa mentioned this. > > This is my take on it. We do what we have to do with as little attachment as possible. We do our thing without being attached to the result. We move towards enlightenment which is an opening up towards spiritual knowledge, and a letting go of our attachments. > > Selfish/service depends upon the way one views one's own actions. Isn't one of Patanjali's yamas earning a living in a just way? I do think we have to look at our careers and how this career affects the world for good or for ill. > > Peace, > Shankari > > Sadhu Maa <sadumaa wrote: Namaste Family, > > I have been thinking a lot about a conversation that occurred this > evening with a friend. She asked if I am working (in a current job) > for ego (selfish aims) or to be of service. I am wondering, are we > ever really fully without selfish motives (short of when we become > saints)? If I am doing a job to buy dog and cat food and to pay my > bills, or to take care of my children, is that selfish or being of > service? > > If I am working two jobs that I like OK and in which I am of service > but in which service is not my primary aim but rather to save for a > long range plan that I believe will help me to truly be of service, is > that selfish? > > If we believe we are working off a debt to society or our families (as > in karmic or spiritual debt to help the world be a better place), is > that service or selfish? > > Is it possible to turn around a situation once begun to make it more > about service? > > Is it wrong to plan for and try to advance one's career? Is that selfish? > > Can it be service if we really want to do it and enjoy doing it? > > Is it service if we resist it but feel we must or are being called to > do it? > > Do we always know? I am not sure that I do. Sometimes I just have to > pray and make the best decisions I can and hope I am on track. I keep > asking God to email me but what I get are little gems and hints in the > words of other people....no burning talking bush yet. > > OM > Got a little couch potato? > Check out fun summer activities for kids. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Beautifully put, Parvati. I loved the line, " Every second is a new opportunity to realize and express the divine. And every second is a new opportunity for me to practice this principles. " Every day is a new day, every moment is a new moment. Mother is kind to us, and generous. She helps us to get it right. No matter how many times we need to make the attempt. Om Shanti , " omshanthi9 " <omshanthi9 wrote: > > Sometimes there is a fine line between selfish and selfless service. > And it really is all in our minds. > > If we see ourselves as the doer and looking for an award, then we are > not in tune with the God energy working through us, or being an > instrument of the great divine. > I do not think it really matters what we do, whether it is serving > our family members, helping a client and/or co-worker, studying or > asking for help, what matters is our attitude when we perform the > action/s. > > What I try to realize in my life is to see every person and anything > in nature as expression of the Divine. So performing an action can > become a puja. As example cooking and serving dinner for our > family. Any form of action we can turn into service, and dedicate it > to Lord Shiva, Kali, Chandi or anyone of the Divine incarnations one > feels inclined to connect, and see that divine incarnation within > that person/s. This is easier done on my great days. > > On my ok days I am trying to figure out what Shree Maa would do, how > would she serve and act. I focus and tune into her, knowing she will > guide me and show me how to do it. Depending where I am at, I can > follow her example or just mentally take notes so it will strengthen > my memory for the next time. At least I can hold on to her sari. > > On my off days, I am just hoping to realize asap the I need to > connect back into the divine flow of things and often it is a > struggle to even sit down and chant or do puja, although it is the > best medicine. These off days reminds me of Vishveshswars post. > Distancing ourselves from our true nature, our dharma, will bring us > fear, uneasiness, nervousness etc. the sooner I can realize it the > quicker. I can return to where I need to be. And this all is > happening in my mind. Watching my thoughts and trying to control and > guide them is the challenge. Repeating Mantras is a big help for me > in such situations. It calms down my mind and allows the peace to > move back in. > > Every second is a new opportunity to realize and express the divine. > And every second is a new opportunity for me to practice this > principles. > > Thank you all for sharing this journey together. > Parvati > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Namaste Parvati and Sadhumaa: Great questions Sadhumaa and great answers Parvati. I relate so well to the questions and the answers. I turn to Lord Krishna and Swami for my inspiration when wrestling with questions about ideal selfless behavior. In the Gita, Lord Krishna says: " be established in Being, and perform action. " From Swami: establish a goal, and create a plan to reach it. With God's grace, the means will collect around us to fulfill our goals. Where can I read about, or observe ideal behavior? In Maa's new book, " Living with the Soul " , and in Her presence. For example: in that Ideal State of Self Realization, all one's action would be dharmic, in tune with God's will. An example of this type of Divine Behavior is captured in Maa's new book, and, observed daily in Maa's behavior. Whether performing puja, cooking a meal, writing a song, or, organizing a closet, Maa focuses 100%, does not waste time or energy, and creates the most organized and inspiring space around Her of anyone I have ever met. If we follow Swami's advice, and create a goal, and the plan, and work the plan tirelessly, then the moods which come and go, and the rise and fall of our energy, or the problems which arise: all are experienced as just situations, not problems, and we move thru them, and do not get stuck in them. All actions become Divine Service, always serving those around us, giving our best, being efficient, creating order and harmony around us, instead of entropy and disharmony. For what is service? One definition: It is creating a better environment then when you entered that space. Sadhumaa, we all experience your frustration and all question our motives. And, thank Maa, we all have Her as a shining example and guide on the path. If we all keep praying, keep chanting God's name, and reflect on Maa when we fall, and reach out our hands to grab onto Her feet, we will all arise together to the Goal of all Existence. Jai Maa Jai Swami vishweshwar , " omshanthi9 " <omshanthi9 wrote: > > Sometimes there is a fine line between selfish and selfless service. > And it really is all in our minds. > > If we see ourselves as the doer and looking for an award, then we are > not in tune with the God energy working through us, or being an > instrument of the great divine. > I do not think it really matters what we do, whether it is serving > our family members, helping a client and/or co-worker, studying or > asking for help, what matters is our attitude when we perform the > action/s. > > What I try to realize in my life is to see every person and anything > in nature as expression of the Divine. So performing an action can > become a puja. As example cooking and serving dinner for our > family. Any form of action we can turn into service, and dedicate it > to Lord Shiva, Kali, Chandi or anyone of the Divine incarnations one > feels inclined to connect, and see that divine incarnation within > that person/s. This is easier done on my great days. > > On my ok days I am trying to figure out what Shree Maa would do, how > would she serve and act. I focus and tune into her, knowing she will > guide me and show me how to do it. Depending where I am at, I can > follow her example or just mentally take notes so it will strengthen > my memory for the next time. At least I can hold on to her sari. > > On my off days, I am just hoping to realize asap the I need to > connect back into the divine flow of things and often it is a > struggle to even sit down and chant or do puja, although it is the > best medicine. These off days reminds me of Vishveshswars post. > Distancing ourselves from our true nature, our dharma, will bring us > fear, uneasiness, nervousness etc. the sooner I can realize it the > quicker. I can return to where I need to be. And this all is > happening in my mind. Watching my thoughts and trying to control and > guide them is the challenge. Repeating Mantras is a big help for me > in such situations. It calms down my mind and allows the peace to > move back in. > > Every second is a new opportunity to realize and express the divine. > And every second is a new opportunity for me to practice this > principles. > > Thank you all for sharing this journey together. > Parvati > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 The kitten in Kali Maa's mouth! This is so sweet, I will carry it with me for years to come. prema saa'ham -sundari On 8/27/07, Sadhu Maa <sadumaa wrote: I feel your sweet spirit Rami and like Ramakrishna, you are the kittenin Kali Maa's mouth. She takes you where you need to be. Such faith isthe heart of a spiritual path, no doubt. Thank you for your beautiful 2cents worth and your beautiful example. Om , " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108 wrote: >> > Dear Sadhumaa and everybody,> > Thanks for interesting questions! My own 2 little cents - God puts us> here to make a contribution with our lives to His creation - with love > and joy. To make that contribution, we ourselves need sustenance too> When you take care of your little puppy and cat, you are taking> care of God's creation! > > Wherever you are working, you are making your contribution to this > creation, in your own unique and beautiful way! We just have to give> with love and accept what we get as God's gift to us - i feel it is> too much to figure out from our mind what is selfish and what is not > -- It is easier to pray " I am your little child. Make me your> instrument. " If we are in our heart with love then we are giving> ourselves and happy about it! We enjoy and make others around us enjoy > -- and in that joy God smiles!!!! > > Wish you a happy, joyful day of love!> > ramya > > > > > , " Sadhu Maa " <sadumaa@> wrote:> >> > Namaste Family,> > > > I have been thinking a lot about a conversation that occurred this> > evening with a friend. She asked if I am working (in a current job) > > for ego (selfish aims) or to be of service. I am wondering, are we> > ever really fully without selfish motives (short of when we become> > saints)? If I am doing a job to buy dog and cat food and to pay my > > bills, or to take care of my children, is that selfish or being of> > service? > > > > If I am working two jobs that I like OK and in which I am of service> > but in which service is not my primary aim but rather to save for a > > long range plan that I believe will help me to truly be of service, is> > that selfish? > > > > If we believe we are working off a debt to society or our families (as> > in karmic or spiritual debt to help the world be a better place), is > > that service or selfish?> > > > Is it possible to turn around a situation once begun to make it more> > about service?> > > > Is it wrong to plan for and try to advance one's career? Is that > selfish?> > > > Can it be service if we really want to do it and enjoy doing it?> > > > Is it service if we resist it but feel we must or are being called to> > do it? > > > > Do we always know? I am not sure that I do. Sometimes I just have to> > pray and make the best decisions I can and hope I am on track. I keep> > asking God to email me but what I get are little gems and hints in the > > words of other people....no burning talking bush yet.> > > > OM> >> -- ------- erinwww.erinjohansen.comwww.flibbertygibbette.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Namaste Sadu Maa, Thank you for starting this thread. Lots of interesting and enlightening information has been shared. I love too your response to Ramya referring to her as " the kitten in Mother's mouth " .... so sweet. So wonderful the way how Mother is clearing the darkness away from Her children. God is truly emailing us. Jai Kali Jai Maa Jai Swamiji love Kalia , " Sadhu Maa " <sadumaa wrote: > > Oooo how great! God is emailing me!!! > Thanks for all the wonderful responses. I am excited to read them and > will be sharing them with my friend. She will love them. > > Om > , " Sadhu Maa " sadumaa@ wrote: > > > Do we always know? I am not sure that I do. Sometimes I just have to > > pray and make the best decisions I can and hope I am on track. I keep > > asking God to email me but what I get are little gems and hints in the > > words of other people....no burning talking bush yet. > > > > OM > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2007 Report Share Posted September 1, 2007 Thank you Parvati. This is definitely very helpful.omshanthi9 <omshanthi9 wrote: Sometimes there is a fine line between selfish and selfless service. And it really is all in our minds. If we see ourselves as the doer and looking for an award, then we are not in tune with the God energy working through us, or being an instrument of the great divine. I do not think it really matters what we do, whether it is serving our family members, helping a client and/or co-worker, studying or asking for help, what matters is our attitude when we perform the action/s. What I try to realize in my life is to see every person and anything in nature as expression of the Divine. So performing an action can become a puja. As example cooking and serving dinner for our family. Any form of action we can turn into service, and dedicate it to Lord Shiva, Kali, Chandi or anyone of the Divine incarnations one feels inclined to connect, and see that divine incarnation within that person/s. This is easier done on my great days. On my ok days I am trying to figure out what Shree Maa would do, how would she serve and act. I focus and tune into her, knowing she will guide me and show me how to do it. Depending where I am at, I can follow her example or just mentally take notes so it will strengthen my memory for the next time. At least I can hold on to her sari. On my off days, I am just hoping to realize asap the I need to connect back into the divine flow of things and often it is a struggle to even sit down and chant or do puja, although it is the best medicine. These off days reminds me of Vishveshswars post. Distancing ourselves from our true nature, our dharma, will bring us fear, uneasiness, nervousness etc. the sooner I can realize it the quicker. I can return to where I need to be. And this all is happening in my mind. Watching my thoughts and trying to control and guide them is the challenge. Repeating Mantras is a big help for me in such situations. It calms down my mind and allows the peace to move back in. Every second is a new opportunity to realize and express the divine. And every second is a new opportunity for me to practice this principles. Thank you all for sharing this journey together. Parvati Take the Internet to Go: Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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