Devi Kavacham

[Guest guest]

Namaste Everyone!

 

Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

 

I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

 

First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.

 

What is it that binds the Gods?

 

In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

 

The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

 

What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

 

I look forward to hearing from all.

 

Love

srini

[Guest guest]

What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

I think our thoughts prevent. The bathe of Chandi is inside of us,

the ego have a many generals.

 

In , " srini_sadhu " <srini_sadhu wrote:

>

> Namaste Everyone!

>

> Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

>

> I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

>

> First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

> the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

> Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna,

Vayu.

>

> What is it that binds the Gods?

>

> In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

> Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

>

> The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

> knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

>

> What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

>

> I look forward to hearing from all.

>

> Love

> srini

>

[Guest guest]

Namaste Srini,

 

i am thinking that pure devotion is the principle that binds the Gods.

 

Fear, laziness, doubt and weak will can prevent the practice of

knowledge.

 

Thank you.

 

Kali

 

 

, " srini_sadhu " <srini_sadhu

wrote:

>

> Namaste Everyone!

>

> Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

>

> I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

>

> First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

> the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

> Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.

>

> What is it that binds the Gods?

>

> In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

> Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

>

> The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

> knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

>

> What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

>

> I look forward to hearing from all.

>

> Love

> srini

>

[Guest guest]

Lack of faith in the Guru.srini_sadhu <srini_sadhu wrote: Namaste Everyone!Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.First is the Viniyoga. In that, "that which bind the the Gods of allthe directions" is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in theCosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.What is it that binds the Gods? In verse 3, "second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is theGoddess of the delight of

Practice".The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives theknowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.What prevents knowledge from being practiced?I look forward to hearing from all.Lovesrini

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Namaste Srini,

 

thank you for the interesting questions:)

 

my two cents:

 

" that which binds the Gods of all the directions " :

I think it has something to do with gathering energy together, instead

of allowing it to disperse. So if we concentrate our minds with

one-pointed attention on the Divine Mother's presence, that would bind

the Gods. In order to help us develop such concentration, and to draw

the mind inwards, the kavach helps us remember Her; first all around

us, then in every part of us. So that every movement or our body

reminds us that She is here, always.

 

" what prevents knowledge from being practiced? " :

one thing, I feel, is perhaps that there is a tendency to expect

obvious results (the form of which we have already decided on

beforehand), and fast. So if after a while, when the excitement of

doing someting new has worn off, we still seem to be the same old so

and so, or even worse (which often happens), disappointment and

discouragement creep in.

Another thing is that we imagine (when I say 'we' I mean aspirants in

general) that we are the ones doing the work. And then we get tired

and feel it is an extra burden to us, and we already have to do this

and that and the other thing. And we forget that Mother does

everything. We have to learn to remember.

And then there is the whole army of the forces of division, who make

us think that there are much better ways of spending an afternoon etc.

etc. We get bored, and start to look elsewhere. Which makes us very

unhappy after a while, so that we come running back, which is the way

in which the Divine Mother gently teaches us discipline:)

I guess the Goddess of the Delight of Practice and the Goddess of

Purifying Austerity toss us back and forth between them, and they are

enjoying themselves very much,

 

with love,

Henny

 

 

 

, " srini_sadhu " <srini_sadhu

wrote:

>

> Namaste Everyone!

>

> Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

>

> I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

>

> First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

> the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

> Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna,

Vayu.

>

> What is it that binds the Gods?

>

> In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

> Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

>

> The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

> knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

>

> What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

>

> I look forward to hearing from all.

>

> Love

> srini

>

[Guest guest]

Namaste everybody,

 

" that which bind the the Gods of all the directions " i think is the

faith in the power of mantra

 

What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

well, we are inspired by the Guru because She has treaded the path we

know to be the one for us and She exudes SUCH light! Then it becomes

clear that a lot of the path is uphill, in the snow, barefoot, etc and

it's work!!! Work??? but it looks so easy from Her perspective! You

mean i have to work at it???? continuously????? no way! too hard!!

 

Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaai Maa!

 

 

, " srini_sadhu " <srini_sadhu wrote:

>

> Namaste Everyone!

>

> Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

>

> I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

>

> First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

> the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

> Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.

>

> What is it that binds the Gods?

>

> In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

> Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

>

> The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

> knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

>

> What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

>

> I look forward to hearing from all.

>

> Love

> srini

>

[Guest guest]

My answer was to the question: "What prevents knowledge from being practiced ? "... Ray Happy <amritanandamoyi wrote: Lack of faith in the Guru.srini_sadhu <srini_sadhu > wrote: Namaste Everyone!Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.First is the Viniyoga. In that, "that which bind the the Gods

of allthe directions" is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in theCosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.What is it that binds the Gods? In verse 3, "second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is theGoddess of the delight of Practice".The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives theknowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.What prevents knowledge from being practiced?I look forward to hearing from all.Lovesrini Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Namaste Srini,Thanks for your questions. Here is my 2 cents on "What prevents knowledge from being practiced?"There are several factors , of which are laziness, lack of motivation and worldly attractions to name a few.I would like to mention what gets me motivated and do my sadhana.Most of the time it is LIFE -- dinging me left, right and center, making me cry out "MAAAAAA Help Please " and then I run to the altar and chant and do pranayam with as much intensity as possible. There is also a more positive way that motivates me to do sadhana. It is in reading the biographies of the great sages. When I read a book on Shree Maa or Sarada or the disciples of Ramakrishna, I get so moved by their stories. Then a yearning sets in -- "oh to experience even one millionth of the Grace that these great souls experienced" ... And then before I know it, I am cheerfully sitting at my altar and asking Her for "Pure Devotion" .Thank you for the question.Jai MaaNanda

[Guest guest]

Hi Srini!

 

Good questions!

 

What is that tattva which binds the Devas...well, the obvious answer

is supreme consciousness, but that seems too general an answer...

 

I like Henny's answer, devotion, but I want to ask, " Devotion to

what? " because I think the object of devotion is significant.

 

To bind something the binding agency must be either stronger than that

which it binds, or must be allowed to bind by that which is bound

(voluntarily bound).

 

I wish I understood the Devas better - who and what they are, exactly.

They guard or rule the ten directions, are associated with various

qualities and/or elements (air, water, fire, etc). I have seen them

linked with each of the chakras, in our individual bodies, and of

course, in the Chandi they are responsible for the manifestation of

various qualities in Nature, which, when blocked, or twisted by

selfishness, manifest suffering, and when freed from selfishness,

manifest paradise - freedom from all want.

 

I don't understand astrology at all, but the Devas are represented by

each of the planets and collectively and individually they interact

with our karmas and tendencies to produce the circumstances of our

lives in this manifestation.

 

I think that if we are protected from something by this armor, we need

to look at it from the level of our karmas, since, to borrow an idea

from a famous physicist, " God does not play dice with the universe. "

(I hope I got that right).

 

As I understand, only the grace of God and guru offer complete

protection from our karmas, though apparently some gems can also offer

at least partial protection (another level of complexity that I don't

really understand), and worship of the individual Devas (like with the

navagraha sankalpa) offers some protection as well.

 

So, this kavach is recited for the satisfaction of the Respected

Mother of the Universe (Supreme Consciousness) - so we have worship

(devotion toward) of that which is greater than the Devas. Also, the

deity of the kavach is Chamunda, also greater than the Devas. The seed

is " the establishment of the Mother of Unity in the body " , so this

kavach is a kind of nyasa in which the Mother of Unity is worshiped

and established, and though I don't know who, exactly, She is, I

suspect She is a specific aspect, perhaps we can call Her a shakti, of

Chamunda, the deity. We, in effect, immerse ourselves in divinity,

just as we do in the various nyasas, but with the intention of

protection from all negativity.

 

I don't know if all of this makes any sense to anyone. I'm not sure I

really understand it myself. I'm really just thinking out loud.

 

To the question of knowledge and practice, I think, again, it's a

question of karma. Though I can't quote specific passages (it's been

too long since I've studied it, and I'm too lazy to pull my copy out

and look it up right now), the Yoga Sutras mentions more than once

that an aspirant's karmas can block their ability to achieve various

levels of purity or attainment. So, I think it's about karma.

 

I've always found these nine Durgas to be fascinating. There's just so

little mentioned...Why are they listed here, and what are we to get

from their mention here? Are they intended as signposts for our

sadhana? If that is so, then why are the descriptions so terse? Do

they relate to what occurs in the main text? Are they a kind of table

of contents to what happens later? Lots of questions, few answers. I

admit, because of my education I tend to be attracted to " stage

theories " , but for some reason these nine Durgas seem more significant

to me than the space devoted to them suggests. What do you think?

 

Also, Srini, you mentioned the devas in the Cosmic Puja associated

with the ten directions. I believe they are the same in the Shiva Puja

(advanced), except, I think, for above and below. Have you compared

them with the Devis given here, beginning with verse 16?

 

Jai Maa!

Chris

(Yes, I'm Chr1s K1rner - new mailbox - though I still have the old one)

 

 

 

, " srini_sadhu " <srini_sadhu wrote:

>

> Namaste Everyone!

>

> Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

>

> I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

>

> First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

> the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

> Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.

>

> What is it that binds the Gods?

>

> In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

> Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

>

> The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

> knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

>

> What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

>

> I look forward to hearing from all.

>

> Love

> srini

>

[Guest guest]

What is it that binds the Gods? Love and devotion binds the Gods. Since the Gods are within us, we really "bind" ourselves to them - or one might say we tune in to the Gods with devotion and the mantras.What prevents knowledge from being practiced?Karma. We must be very pure to practice the teachings of the Guru. If we don't have very pure karma, then we begin a process of purifying our karma after the initial inspiration. This could take years or even a lifetime. The trick is not to forget the teaching and inspiration during the process. Therefore we keep doing sadhana and keep remembering.Jai Maa.NirmalanandaRay Happy <amritanandamoyi wrote: Lack of faith in the Guru.srini_sadhu <srini_sadhu > wrote: Namaste Everyone!Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.First is the Viniyoga. In that, "that which bind the the Gods of allthe directions" is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in theCosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.What is it that binds the Gods? In verse 3, "second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is theGoddess of the delight of Practice".The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives theknowledge. But invariably the knowledge

is not practiced.What prevents knowledge from being practiced?I look forward to hearing from all.Lovesrini Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

Namaste'

 

I wanted to respond to a question from Vish and another from Srini.

Sorry this is so long...Please forgive me if I make any mistakes.

 

>Vish asked:

" While I have great faith that the kavach works, how can one know

objectively that one is putting on Chandi's armor? I can understand

that a pure soul can have total protection, but if a

devotee of limited awakening puts on Her armor, does that devotee

only gain partial protection? And, if that is so, what can one do

to increase the power of Her protection? "

 

My understanding of the Kavach is that the protection offered is more

of the realization that She is everywhere. I don't know if it

actually protects us from the world, but rather gives us the

understanding that what we perceive is Her lila all swirled together

with a lot of maya. The Kavach offers us a way to align our

individual consciousness with the greater Truth that She is

everywhere and everything by first recognizing that She is in all

parts of our bodies and our lives. I don't think there can be

a " partial protection " because there can never be less of God

anywhere. Since the protection is an increase in our faith and

devotion, the way we become more protected is by chanting it more!

 

 

>Srini asked:

" First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.

What is it that binds the Gods?

 

This reminds me of the first verse of the Durga Sapta Sloki where it

says " She, this Supreme Goddess, the Great Measurement of

Consciousness, attracts the perceiving capacity of all sensible

beings with such force as to thrust them into the ignorance of

egotistic attachment. "

 

I've been trying to understand this verse for a long time. I think

that what is being said here is that as soon as we begin to seek God

we are immediately caught in duality and bound by the belief that

there is some separation between ourselves and our Beloved. So we

(and /as the Gods) need the Kavatch to continually remind ourselves

that there is no separation.

 

>Srini asked:

" In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

What prevents knowledge from being practiced? "

 

I was just thinking about this the other day: First is the Goddess

of Inspiration - We become inspired to begin our relationship with

the Divine. Second, the Goddess of Sacred Study - we begin to study

to know about the Divine. Third is the Goddess of the Delight of

Practice - We find joy in learning and practice what we are

learning. There are uncountable things (asuras) which keep us from

practicing. They all have one thing in common; they are part of the

armies of thoughts that Maa is soon to rid us of. So when we are

able to find delight in our practice we know that the Divine is

actually responsive to us and our actions, again showing us that our

individual consciousness is One with that Divine Consciousness.

 

If it's okay I would like to continue this idea...

 

The Goddess of Purifying Austerity is Fourth - as our practice begins

to work it's magic on us we become more sattvik, desiring to act from

our own purity and desire for right living. We begin to focus more

attention on our relationship with the Divine, and less on the things

of the world. Fifth is the Goddess who Nurtures Divinity - we begin

to nuture the Divinity within ourselves, others and all of creation;

sharing love and beauty with our environment. Six is the One who is

Ever Pure - our practice becomes so much a part of who we are that we

come to the understanding that All is already perfect, whole and

complete. Seventh is the Dark Night of Overcoming Egotism -

Unfortunately, even with all of this understanding and practice we

still on occasion are tempted to not walk our talk. We can be

forgetful of what is true and then, before we even realize what has

happened, some sense of separation creeps in. But just when we think

all is lost, the Goddess of the Great Radiant Light is eighth - and

suddenly we remember Who we are, that our Divine Mother is here with

us always, that we have never been apart from Her, and we are One in

Her. Ninth is the Goddess who Grants Perfection - and we attain our

goal of Perfect Unity.

 

Thank you for giving me the chance to share these thoughts And

especially to Maa and Swamiji for giving us this sankalpa.

 

Jai Maa Jai Swamiji

 

OM Shanti

Morningsong

[Guest guest]

Namaste Srini

 

My understanding and responses to the questions are as below:

 

1 what binds gods ?

 

invariably it is shakti or the supreme power that pervades all

universe. It is cause of creation,destruction and maintenance. In

fact it is the invisible light or divine power.

 

a better understanding of this guiding light is beautifully extolled

in the GAYATRI MAHAMANTRA where the diving light as shakti is

extolled for her creation of 3 worlds and their support and that

which is fit to be worshipped and meditated and calls upon the light

(guiding shakti) to enlighten us and lead us to moksha(self

realisation).

 

2. Guru is devoid of any sin or blesmishes. Guru is so kind (heart

like butter) that he looks after welfare of the devotee.

 

In my underatdning a true Guru can give upadesh or knowledge to s

sincere sishya or disciple base don the intent. After the knowledge

it is up to the disciple to uphold the knowledge.

 

examples of this cana ben seen in many gurus like jesus christ who

took judas as his discple knowing he was going to betray him(jesus is

guru or gyani and he knows will of god has to happen that way.ie. a

divine play). he even takes his disciples to vineyard and says his

disciple should beconnected to him(vine).

 

Many guru like Shirdi sai baba did not have any disciples as it was

difficult to get a true disciple who can continue from where they

left.

 

bottomline is the individul shortcoming of sishya prevents him from

practising the knowledge.

 

JAI MAA

Amrish

 

 

 

 

, " srini_sadhu " <srini_sadhu

wrote:

>

> Namaste Everyone!

>

> Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

>

> I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

>

> First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

> the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

> Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna,

Vayu.

>

> What is it that binds the Gods?

>

> In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

> Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

>

> The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

> knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

>

> What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

>

> I look forward to hearing from all.

>

> Love

> srini

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Srini,Excuse me for differing but digbandha literally means " to bind the directions " . I am not certain that it is short for digdevatabandha which would be " to bind the devas of the ten directions " though of course Sanskrit avails many interpretations and glosses. My understanding is that you bind the directions by the recognition of sacred outlook (by calling to mind the presence of the directional deities). This means that rather than seeing space in an ordinary way, we see it as the display of consciousness.

As for whether knowledge is practiced or not-- how would you practice knowledge? You either recognize your nature, or you miss it. The teacher conveys methods, habits and energies. These are like seeds that we must tend against the weeds of our negative habitual tendencies. These seeds will flower into knowledge over time. I would say that perhaps one is looking in too short a time frame. The Guru is very patient. Once you have met the guru, liberation is inevitable after you have worked out your accumulated tendencies. My guru would say that a siddha guru is like a crocodile. Once they grab a hold of you, they never let go! I think that we have all seen changes in ourselves and our fellow travelers on the path over the years. As I get older I see that like Shani's influence, subtle and profound changes occur over time almost unnoticed. So in a round about way, I am saying that in fact what is transmitted *always* gets practiced.

With love,KalidasOn Jan 17, 2008 4:25 PM, srini_sadhu <srini_sadhu wrote:

 

 

 

 

Namaste Everyone!

 

Thank you for your thoughtful discussion.

 

I had some thoughts and queries for discussion.

 

First is the Viniyoga. In that, " that which bind the the Gods of all

the directions " is the principle. These Gods are enumerated in the

Cosmic Puja: Soma, Ishana, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairrita, Varuna, Vayu.

 

What is it that binds the Gods?

 

In verse 3, " second is the Goddess of Sacred Study and third is the

Goddess of the delight of Practice " .

 

The seeker is inspired and meets the Guru. S/he receives the

knowledge. But invariably the knowledge is not practiced.

 

What prevents knowledge from being practiced?

 

I look forward to hearing from all.

 

Love

srini