Guest guest Posted March 23, 2008 Report Share Posted March 23, 2008 Namaste Marsha and all family: Greetings and love. Marsha, thanks for the feedback. Glad Maa has touched your heart. I pray to Maa at the start of each post so that She will put Her shakti into the words, and that Her voice will emerge when folks read it. Seems as if She is answering our prayers. I will continue with the 4th chapter of the description of my first visit to the Mandir. As I sat in the Temple listening to everyone chant, I felt compelled to chant the Beginner Shiva Puja which I had been performing daily at home. I had been doing it in English, and attempting the transliteration, but was certainly not polished and I was not satisfied with my performance. But, I still felt Shiva's presence and Grace in my life, and He brought me to the Mandir to celebrate His Sacred Day, Shivaratri, so something good was happening. After sometime, Maa and Swami and the devotees left the Temple, and alone, I felt emboldened and went to the main altar and sat down in front of Maa's Shiva lingum. I did not know if it was proper to perform puja to the Master's lingum, but I felt that performing puja at that most sacred and blessed spot would help me really understand and experience the essence of Shiva. So, I opened the book, and began to chant slowly. The words came out of me, but there was no flow, no rythum, and I felt embarrassed to stumble and stammer in front of Shiva. But I was determined to complete the puja, so I forged on. After some time, out of the corenr of my eye, I saw Maa watching me from the entrance to the Temple. My voice lowered, and I awaited some comment, but She stood awhile, then turned and left. Satisfied that I had Her permission and blessings to continue, I struggled onwards. I kept praying to Shiva to forgive my poor pronunciation, and I felt His reply in my heart: " Bill, it does not matter how it sounds, you love me, just continue. It is not the words, but your devotion which count. " After 1 hour, Maa returned and watched me and silently sent me energy and encouragement, then turned and departed. Finally I was done. I had no more to say. I felt He had accepted my prayers and yet I wanted to stay there and absorb His Grace. I glanced around the Temple, looking for something, I knew not what, which I could offer to Him. Suddenly the thought came, " play the drum and chant to Me. " So, I arose and spied a 2 headed hand drum. I brought it back to the limgum, and sat down. Now, Dear Family, I had never played the drum, and according to my dear wife, I have a terrible sense of time and rythum. Well, I thought, Shiva asked me to play, so play I will. I began to tap on the drum, a simple beat, and chanted Om Namah Shiva, over and over, silently, to myself. Ah, this felt very good, very sweet, and made me very happy. So I played louder and chanted louder. That felt ever better, so I played louder still. Suddenly, " I " was not playing or chanting. Shiva was playing me. " I " watched myself playing faster and faster, and chanting louder and louder. Over and over " I " screamed Om Namah Shiva. " I " watched 2 devotees come and vacuum the carpet in the Temple, and Maa come and watch, and still " I " screamed Shiva's name. On and on " I " chanted and played, rising higher and higher, just filled with joy. Nothing more, just joy. Finally, the impulse came to stop. Nothing more could be said, nothing more played. Shiva had spoken, and " I " stopped. I awoke as if from an amazing dream. Time had stopped, yet eternities had passed. Time was complete and full. I was in Heaven. Three hours had passed. Jai Shiva To be continued………………. Jai Ma Jai Swami Love vishweshwar , " Marsha " <FarrarE wrote: > > Namaste Vishveshwar, > > > > Your account becomes more and more wonderful~ wonderful in the Highest sense > of the word! As I read all three of your chapters aloud to my husband and > friend Betsy, my voice broke and tears began to stream down my face .. I had > to make several attempts to completely read this part aloud: > > Spanning many lifetimes, Maa's Hand guided me, without my knowledge, > > to seek Her is many different forms and traditions. > > Now, I was Home. She brought me to Her, as if by a cord attached to > > my heart which She pulled to Her. Like a fisherman reeling in a > > catch, She brought me to Her. > > > > My mala arrived and will be soaked in milk tonight. I chose one with the > smaller mm rudrakshas . it fits well into my hand and will be easy to > 'finger' through. > > > > I am finalizing my strategy for maximizing the time between now May 4th to > become as 'familiar' as possible with the Chandi . some sections are very > challenging. > > My 'ear' for certain sound transitions isn't always good, so I have copied > the CD to my computer and am importing 'pieces' into the my Audacity Program > where I can manage the speed! The program also allows for easy 'repeats' of > selected verses for practice. > > > > Awaiting Chapter 4 > > > > Jai Maa~Jai Swamiji > > > > Marsha > > > > On > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > Friday, March 21, 2008 11:45 PM > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] To Marsha and all: Mandir visit, 3rd chapter > > > > Namaste Marsha and all family: I will continue my description of my > first visit to the Mandir. > I left my room and went to the kitchen. Simplicity itself, a small > travel trailer, filled to capacity with a large cooking stove, sink, > food storage, and a small table for eating. Outside the door, a > picnic table was arranged for larger groups in warm weather. > Wonderful smells were coming from the door of the trailer, and I > wondered what I would be served. > Well, Dear Family, the famous Mandir Prasad was served. To this day I > do not remember the meal, but I remember the fullness and the > gratitude and the wholeness in my body and soul. Maa taught that each > meal is a chance to give blessings to the devotees, and to share our > love and devotion. As the meal is prepared, mantras are chanted and > the kitchen bhava is elevated to the vibration of the Temple. Then, > before it is served, mantras of blessing are recited and then the food > is served. > It is no wonder that everyone who receives Prasad at the Mandir feels > they have had the best meal of their lives. > So, full of food, I offer to help clean the kitchen. All hands join > in the clean up and the job is quickly complete. Now, off to bed to > rest to be ready for the next's day's adventure. > Sleep in the Mandir is different than sleeping at one's home. Mantras > are in the air, and the atmosphere is light and soft, yet charged with > a subtle energy. Sleep at the Mandir is like drifting through the > Heavens rather than falling into deep slumber. Then very early, still > deep in the night, I am startled by the sounds of bells and singing. > The main altar of the Temple is on the other side of my bedroom wall > and morning aarti has begun. Is this the time to get out of bed I > wonder? Or should I rest in my room.? > There is a knock on the door, and a voice asks me to join everyone in > the Temple. > After a quick shower, I walk into the Temple. Words cannot describe > the scene which greets my sleepy eyes. A whole family of Gods and > Goddesses, dressed in the most beautiful clothes, and wearing jewels > and bedecked with flowers fill the Divine Cosmic Altar. About 20' > from side to side, and 10' from front to back, this huge altar is home > to the Gods and Goddess of Hinduism. While I did not recognize each > one by name, I did know that each was alive, and each greeted me with > love and joy. Maa and Swami were already performing their pujas, so I > sat down to meditate. > How I wished I could perform puja with the ease they did. I could not > pronounce the mantras, and did not know the mudras, and could not sit > perfectly straight like Swami, but I still felt welcomed and was > honored to be in the presence of such grandeur and beauty. It was > unlike any experience I ever had. The Temple was filled with the > sweet smell of incense, candles burned on the altar, and mantras were > softly spoken, as each person performed their own puja. Strange that > all the different mantras did not interfere with each other. Somehow > they all blended into a symphony of praise and joy. Each person > prayed to their own Deity, yet, each was praying to the same God. > > To be continued..... > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > vishweshwar > > <%40> , > " inspectionconnection108 " > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Marsha and all family: I continued up the driveway, looking > > for the Temple. I did not know what to expect. Some large building > > with high spires and bell towers? Or, a royal Temple, built in the > > style of classical Indian palaces? > > Instead, I saw a simple one story building, modest, and well kept. > > So, I pulled up in front of it, and parked. A devotee came out and > > asked if I was Bill, and I replied that I was. She said that Maa was > > worried because I was late. > > I explained that I had to pick up some personal items and an apple pie > > for the Mandir. > > Just then, Maa came from the Temple to greet me. I bowed to Her with > > folded hands, and greeted Her. She said: " How do you like it here at > > My home? This is Heaven. " > > I immediately replied that it felt like heaven to me. She took me > > inside and led me to a small room behind the main altar. Outfitted > > with a bed, dresser, and small closet, this was to be my room. She > > left me to unpack. Simple, practical, and comfortable, and as I > > unloaded my suitcase, I pondered the incredible series of events which > > led me to this quaint room, in the Temple of my Guru's Ashram. No > > fictional account could have been as amazing as this journey. > > Spanning many lifetimes, Maa's Hand guided me, without my knowledge, > > to seek Her is many different forms and traditions. > > Now, I was Home. She brought me to Her, as if by a cord attached to > > my heart which She pulled to Her. Like a fisherman reeling in a > > catch, She brought me to Her. > > My reverie was broken by a knock on the door. I invited her in and > > she asked me to dinner, and if I needed anything. > > I thought, what could I need? What could I ask for? Every comfort > > had been planned and organized for me. Then she said: " Did you know > > that Maa personally made the bed, and cleaned the room so it was > > perfect for your visit? > > Well, Dear Family, I was stunned. What Guru would perform this humble > > task for their disciple? She, guiding me through many lifetimes, > > would take the time to make the bed, and clean the room? > > Thus the first of many lessons, profound and life changing, began to > > unfold inside me. > > > > Now what would happen? What was I to do here? How would I spend my > > time? > > To be continued...... > > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > , " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Vishweshwar, > > > > > > > > > > > > Please continue . what a Heart warming account thus far! > > > > > > > > > > > > My date for a visit to the Mandir is May 4 . it should be beautiful > > in Napa > > > at that time. I've lived in that general area ... Santa Rosa and > Sonoma. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa ~ Jai Swamiji > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > > [ <%40> > ] On > > > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > > > Tuesday, March 18, 2008 11:01 PM > > > <%40> > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] To Marsha and all: Mandir visit > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Marsha and all family: The first time I came to the Mandir I > > > had no idea what to expect, or what the Mandir was like. Back then, > > > there was no web camera, no on-line club, no digital images, so I had > > > only my imagination. I met Maa and Swami when they were on a road > > > trip and they came to our town in Iowa. I fell in love with Her, and > > > wanted to visit. It was 6 long months before I could come. Maa > > > invited me for Shivaratri. She said it would be like Christmas, > > > Easter, Thnaksgiving, and New Year's Eve, all in one night worshiping > > > Shiva. > > > So I came by myself, without family or friends. I rented a car in San > > > Francisco and drove up. When I came to the hills above the city of > > > Napa, and began to climb the hill, I thought I was going into the > > > mountains, especially after the flat lands of Iowa. > > > Higher and higher I drove, over a very narrow and twisty road. On one > > > side were rocks and hills, and the other was deep valleys and > > > incredible views. > > > Finally I arrived at a very non-descript gravel drive, with a closed > > > gate. A little sign on a pole, barely visible, read: " SHREE MAA > > > WAY " . I knew I had arrived. > > > I pulled in, and closed the gate after me. I immediately felt > > > different. I had entered another world. The regular laws of nature > > > did not apply here. The large oak trees overhung the long 1 lane > > > gravel driveway, and the trees and large rocks were painted with > > > mystic letters and signs. A creek ran babbling throught the rocks and > > > trees. What did the mystic letters say, I wondered? > > > To be continued......... > > > > > > Jai Ma Jai Swami > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> , > > > " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Namaste Vishweshwar, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you .. my mala should arrive by the end of next week! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I received an email from Srini about the visit. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I am looking forward to reading all postings of experiences at the > > > Mandir. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa ~ Jai Swamiji > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > [ > <%40> > > <%40> ] > > > On > > > > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > > > > Monday, March 17, 2008 10:17 PM > > > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] to Marsha and all: Rudraksa Mala and > > Mandir > > > > visit > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Marsha: I would soak the mala overnight. > > > > Regarding visiting the Mandir, send an e mail to Srini through this > > > > club stating when you wish to come and for how long. He will confer > > > > with Swami. Maa and Swami maybe gone for several more weeks. > > > > Visiting the Mandir is a great privilege. The Mandir is Maa and > > > > Swami's home, and they desire that sincere devotees who visit > come to > > > > perform sadhana and seek to deepen their experience of the Divine. > > > > The refined atmosphere of the Mandir is unlike any place I have ever > > > > been. It is steeped in the coherence and sattwa resulting from > > > > countless hours of deep prayer, meditation, pujas, and homas. Please > > > > consider this when requesting a visit. > > > > I ask that others who have come to visit, post their experiences > here > > > > to help others prepare for the experience. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > <%40> , > > > > " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Vishweshwar, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you! .. I will order a mala and follow your instructions and > > > then > > > > > bring it with me when I visit! > > > > > > > > > > How long do I soak it ~ overnight? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What are the guidelines for arranging a visit? I want to wait > until > > > > Shree > > > > > Maa and Swamiji have returned. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa ~Jai Swami, > > > > > > > > > > Marsha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > > > > <%40> > > > > [ > <%40> > > <%40> > > > > > > <%40> ] > > > > On > > > > > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > > > > > Sunday, March 16, 2008 12:41 AM > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] to Marsha and all: Rudraksa Mala > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Marsha: The Mandir does not sell Malas, but, if you > are able > > > > > to come, ask Maa for a mala. She has given them to those who ask. > > > > > Typically prior to giving a mala to a devotee, She has offered > it to > > > > > Her Shiva lingum on Her altar. > > > > > In the meantime, suggest buying one, and prior to use, soak it in > > > > > milk, and then rise it off in clean water, and put sandlewood > oil on > > > > > it. I would also offer it during puja, to Shiva or Maa's > > picture, and > > > > > ask Maa and / or Shiva to bless it. > > > > > A mala is a sacred tool. There are wonderful verses we chant > in the > > > > > beginning of every puja, thanking our mala, and blessing it. Use > > those > > > > > when you obtain a new mala, and every day, every time, while > > > > > performing puja. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > > > > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > > <%40> , > > > > > " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Are there Rudraksa Malas available at the Mandir? . mine of > > > > > sandlewood is > > > > > > much worn (worn by time, and not all from japa I am reluctant to > > > > > admit). I > > > > > > know it is possible to find then on the internet, but prefer to > > > > have one > > > > > > from the Devi Mandir if possible. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I want to plan a visit to the Mandir this spring or > summer. > > > > > How do I > > > > > > arrange this? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Many thanks for posting the Siddha Kunjika Stotram. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Blessings, > > > > > > > > > > > > Marsha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Messages > </message/26171;_ylc=X3oDMTM3Y3Z0MD > VsBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRtc2dJZAMyNj > IyMwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN2dHBjBHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDEEdHBjSWQDMjYxNzE-> in this > topic (22) > </post;_ylc=X3oDMTJyaWFsdmllBF9TAzk > 3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRtc2dJZAMyNjIyMwRzZWM > DZnRyBHNsawNycGx5BHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDE-?act=reply & messageNum=26223> Reply > (via web post) | Start > </post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbTJ0NXY1BF9TAzk > 3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHB > jBHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDE-> a new topic > > Messages > </messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcjJnZmY0BF9 > TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN > tc2dzBHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDE-> | Database > </database;_ylc=X3oDMTJkdGlmc2J2BF9 > TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN > kYgRzdGltZQMxMjA2MTk2NjAx> > > Please visit us online at http://www.ShreeMaa.org > > > </;_ylc=X3oDMTJlN2ZycDdpBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwO > TkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTIwNjE5NjYwM > Q--> Image removed by sender. > Change > </join;_ylc=X3oDMTJndWU4cTY0BF9TAzk > 3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNzdG5 > ncwRzdGltZQMxMjA2MTk2NjAx> settings via the Web ( ID required) > Change settings via email: Switch > <-digest ?subject=Email%20Delivery:%20Diges > t> delivery to Daily Digest | Switch > <-traditional ?subject=Change%20Delivery%20 > Format:%20Traditional> format to Traditional > Visit > <;_ylc=X3oDMTJldTdlZ3A1BF9TAzk3MzU5 > NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNocGYEc3Rp > bWUDMTIwNjE5NjYwMQ--> Your Group | > <> Terms of Use | Un > <- ?subject=> > > Recent Activity > > . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Namaste Vishveshwar, … please continue …. each chapter holds many jewels …. Jai Maa~Jai Swamiji On Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 Saturday, March 22, 2008 8:30 PM [www.ShreeMaa.org] To Marsha and all: Mandir visit, 4th chapter Namaste Marsha and all family: Greetings and love. Marsha, thanks for the feedback. Glad Maa has touched your heart. I pray to Maa at the start of each post so that She will put Her shakti into the words, and that Her voice will emerge when folks read it. Seems as if She is answering our prayers. I will continue with the 4th chapter of the description of my first visit to the Mandir. As I sat in the Temple listening to everyone chant, I felt compelled to chant the Beginner Shiva Puja which I had been performing daily at home. I had been doing it in English, and attempting the transliteration, but was certainly not polished and I was not satisfied with my performance. But, I still felt Shiva's presence and Grace in my life, and He brought me to the Mandir to celebrate His Sacred Day, Shivaratri, so something good was happening. After sometime, Maa and Swami and the devotees left the Temple, and alone, I felt emboldened and went to the main altar and sat down in front of Maa's Shiva lingum. I did not know if it was proper to perform puja to the Master's lingum, but I felt that performing puja at that most sacred and blessed spot would help me really understand and experience the essence of Shiva. So, I opened the book, and began to chant slowly. The words came out of me, but there was no flow, no rythum, and I felt embarrassed to stumble and stammer in front of Shiva. But I was determined to complete the puja, so I forged on. After some time, out of the corenr of my eye, I saw Maa watching me from the entrance to the Temple. My voice lowered, and I awaited some comment, but She stood awhile, then turned and left. Satisfied that I had Her permission and blessings to continue, I struggled onwards. I kept praying to Shiva to forgive my poor pronunciation, and I felt His reply in my heart: " Bill, it does not matter how it sounds, you love me, just continue. It is not the words, but your devotion which count. " After 1 hour, Maa returned and watched me and silently sent me energy and encouragement, then turned and departed. Finally I was done. I had no more to say. I felt He had accepted my prayers and yet I wanted to stay there and absorb His Grace. I glanced around the Temple, looking for something, I knew not what, which I could offer to Him. Suddenly the thought came, " play the drum and chant to Me. " So, I arose and spied a 2 headed hand drum. I brought it back to the limgum, and sat down. Now, Dear Family, I had never played the drum, and according to my dear wife, I have a terrible sense of time and rythum. Well, I thought, Shiva asked me to play, so play I will. I began to tap on the drum, a simple beat, and chanted Om Namah Shiva, over and over, silently, to myself. Ah, this felt very good, very sweet, and made me very happy. So I played louder and chanted louder. That felt ever better, so I played louder still. Suddenly, " I " was not playing or chanting. Shiva was playing me. " I " watched myself playing faster and faster, and chanting louder and louder. Over and over " I " screamed Om Namah Shiva. " I " watched 2 devotees come and vacuum the carpet in the Temple, and Maa come and watch, and still " I " screamed Shiva's name. On and on " I " chanted and played, rising higher and higher, just filled with joy. Nothing more, just joy. Finally, the impulse came to stop. Nothing more could be said, nothing more played. Shiva had spoken, and " I " stopped. I awoke as if from an amazing dream. Time had stopped, yet eternities had passed. Time was complete and full. I was in Heaven. Three hours had passed. Jai Shiva To be continued………………. Jai Ma Jai Swami Love vishweshwar , " Marsha " <FarrarE wrote: > > Namaste Vishveshwar, > > > > Your account becomes more and more wonderful~ wonderful in the Highest sense > of the word! As I read all three of your chapters aloud to my husband and > friend Betsy, my voice broke and tears began to stream down my face .. I had > to make several attempts to completely read this part aloud: > > Spanning many lifetimes, Maa's Hand guided me, without my knowledge, > > to seek Her is many different forms and traditions. > > Now, I was Home. She brought me to Her, as if by a cord attached to > > my heart which She pulled to Her. Like a fisherman reeling in a > > catch, She brought me to Her. > > > > My mala arrived and will be soaked in milk tonight. I chose one with the > smaller mm rudrakshas . it fits well into my hand and will be easy to > 'finger' through. > > > > I am finalizing my strategy for maximizing the time between now May 4th to > become as 'familiar' as possible with the Chandi . some sections are very > challenging. > > My 'ear' for certain sound transitions isn't always good, so I have copied > the CD to my computer and am importing 'pieces' into the my Audacity Program > where I can manage the speed! The program also allows for easy 'repeats' of > selected verses for practice. > > > > Awaiting Chapter 4 > > > > Jai Maa~Jai Swamiji > > > > Marsha > > > > On > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > Friday, March 21, 2008 11:45 PM > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] To Marsha and all: Mandir visit, 3rd chapter > > > > Namaste Marsha and all family: I will continue my description of my > first visit to the Mandir. > I left my room and went to the kitchen. Simplicity itself, a small > travel trailer, filled to capacity with a large cooking stove, sink, > food storage, and a small table for eating. Outside the door, a > picnic table was arranged for larger groups in warm weather. > Wonderful smells were coming from the door of the trailer, and I > wondered what I would be served. > Well, Dear Family, the famous Mandir Prasad was served. To this day I > do not remember the meal, but I remember the fullness and the > gratitude and the wholeness in my body and soul. Maa taught that each > meal is a chance to give blessings to the devotees, and to share our > love and devotion. As the meal is prepared, mantras are chanted and > the kitchen bhava is elevated to the vibration of the Temple. Then, > before it is served, mantras of blessing are recited and then the food > is served. > It is no wonder that everyone who receives Prasad at the Mandir feels > they have had the best meal of their lives. > So, full of food, I offer to help clean the kitchen. All hands join > in the clean up and the job is quickly complete. Now, off to bed to > rest to be ready for the next's day's adventure. > Sleep in the Mandir is different than sleeping at one's home. Mantras > are in the air, and the atmosphere is light and soft, yet charged with > a subtle energy. Sleep at the Mandir is like drifting through the > Heavens rather than falling into deep slumber. Then very early, still > deep in the night, I am startled by the sounds of bells and singing. > The main altar of the Temple is on the other side of my bedroom wall > and morning aarti has begun. Is this the time to get out of bed I > wonder? Or should I rest in my room.? > There is a knock on the door, and a voice asks me to join everyone in > the Temple. > After a quick shower, I walk into the Temple. Words cannot describe > the scene which greets my sleepy eyes. A whole family of Gods and > Goddesses, dressed in the most beautiful clothes, and wearing jewels > and bedecked with flowers fill the Divine Cosmic Altar. About 20' > from side to side, and 10' from front to back, this huge altar is home > to the Gods and Goddess of Hinduism. While I did not recognize each > one by name, I did know that each was alive, and each greeted me with > love and joy. Maa and Swami were already performing their pujas, so I > sat down to meditate. > How I wished I could perform puja with the ease they did. I could not > pronounce the mantras, and did not know the mudras, and could not sit > perfectly straight like Swami, but I still felt welcomed and was > honored to be in the presence of such grandeur and beauty. It was > unlike any experience I ever had. The Temple was filled with the > sweet smell of incense, candles burned on the altar, and mantras were > softly spoken, as each person performed their own puja. Strange that > all the different mantras did not interfere with each other. Somehow > they all blended into a symphony of praise and joy. Each person > prayed to their own Deity, yet, each was praying to the same God. > > To be continued..... > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > vishweshwar > > <%40> , > " inspectionconnection108 " > <inspectionconnection108@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Marsha and all family: I continued up the driveway, looking > > for the Temple. I did not know what to expect. Some large building > > with high spires and bell towers? Or, a royal Temple, built in the > > style of classical Indian palaces? > > Instead, I saw a simple one story building, modest, and well kept. > > So, I pulled up in front of it, and parked. A devotee came out and > > asked if I was Bill, and I replied that I was. She said that Maa was > > worried because I was late. > > I explained that I had to pick up some personal items and an apple pie > > for the Mandir. > > Just then, Maa came from the Temple to greet me. I bowed to Her with > > folded hands, and greeted Her. She said: " How do you like it here at > > My home? This is Heaven. " > > I immediately replied that it felt like heaven to me. She took me > > inside and led me to a small room behind the main altar. Outfitted > > with a bed, dresser, and small closet, this was to be my room. She > > left me to unpack. Simple, practical, and comfortable, and as I > > unloaded my suitcase, I pondered the incredible series of events which > > led me to this quaint room, in the Temple of my Guru's Ashram. No > > fictional account could have been as amazing as this journey. > > Spanning many lifetimes, Maa's Hand guided me, without my knowledge, > > to seek Her is many different forms and traditions. > > Now, I was Home. She brought me to Her, as if by a cord attached to > > my heart which She pulled to Her. Like a fisherman reeling in a > > catch, She brought me to Her. > > My reverie was broken by a knock on the door. I invited her in and > > she asked me to dinner, and if I needed anything. > > I thought, what could I need? What could I ask for? Every comfort > > had been planned and organized for me. Then she said: " Did you know > > that Maa personally made the bed, and cleaned the room so it was > > perfect for your visit? > > Well, Dear Family, I was stunned. What Guru would perform this humble > > task for their disciple? She, guiding me through many lifetimes, > > would take the time to make the bed, and clean the room? > > Thus the first of many lessons, profound and life changing, began to > > unfold inside me. > > > > Now what would happen? What was I to do here? How would I spend my > > time? > > To be continued...... > > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > , " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Vishweshwar, > > > > > > > > > > > > Please continue . what a Heart warming account thus far! > > > > > > > > > > > > My date for a visit to the Mandir is May 4 . it should be beautiful > > in Napa > > > at that time. I've lived in that general area ... Santa Rosa and > Sonoma. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa ~ Jai Swamiji > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > > [ <%40> > ] On > > > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > > > Tuesday, March 18, 2008 11:01 PM > > > <%40> > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] To Marsha and all: Mandir visit > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Marsha and all family: The first time I came to the Mandir I > > > had no idea what to expect, or what the Mandir was like. Back then, > > > there was no web camera, no on-line club, no digital images, so I had > > > only my imagination. I met Maa and Swami when they were on a road > > > trip and they came to our town in Iowa. I fell in love with Her, and > > > wanted to visit. It was 6 long months before I could come. Maa > > > invited me for Shivaratri. She said it would be like Christmas, > > > Easter, Thnaksgiving, and New Year's Eve, all in one night worshiping > > > Shiva. > > > So I came by myself, without family or friends. I rented a car in San > > > Francisco and drove up. When I came to the hills above the city of > > > Napa, and began to climb the hill, I thought I was going into the > > > mountains, especially after the flat lands of Iowa. > > > Higher and higher I drove, over a very narrow and twisty road. On one > > > side were rocks and hills, and the other was deep valleys and > > > incredible views. > > > Finally I arrived at a very non-descript gravel drive, with a closed > > > gate. A little sign on a pole, barely visible, read: " SHREE MAA > > > WAY " . I knew I had arrived. > > > I pulled in, and closed the gate after me. I immediately felt > > > different. I had entered another world. The regular laws of nature > > > did not apply here. The large oak trees overhung the long 1 lane > > > gravel driveway, and the trees and large rocks were painted with > > > mystic letters and signs. A creek ran babbling throught the rocks and > > > trees. What did the mystic letters say, I wondered? > > > To be continued......... > > > > > > Jai Ma Jai Swami > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> , > > > " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Namaste Vishweshwar, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you .. my mala should arrive by the end of next week! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I received an email from Srini about the visit. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I am looking forward to reading all postings of experiences at the > > > Mandir. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa ~ Jai Swamiji > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > [ > <%40> > > <%40> ] > > > On > > > > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > > > > Monday, March 17, 2008 10:17 PM > > > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] to Marsha and all: Rudraksa Mala and > > Mandir > > > > visit > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Marsha: I would soak the mala overnight. > > > > Regarding visiting the Mandir, send an e mail to Srini through this > > > > club stating when you wish to come and for how long. He will confer > > > > with Swami. Maa and Swami maybe gone for several more weeks. > > > > Visiting the Mandir is a great privilege. The Mandir is Maa and > > > > Swami's home, and they desire that sincere devotees who visit > come to > > > > perform sadhana and seek to deepen their experience of the Divine. > > > > The refined atmosphere of the Mandir is unlike any place I have ever > > > > been. It is steeped in the coherence and sattwa resulting from > > > > countless hours of deep prayer, meditation, pujas, and homas. Please > > > > consider this when requesting a visit. > > > > I ask that others who have come to visit, post their experiences > here > > > > to help others prepare for the experience. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > <%40> , > > > > " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Vishweshwar, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you! .. I will order a mala and follow your instructions and > > > then > > > > > bring it with me when I visit! > > > > > > > > > > How long do I soak it ~ overnight? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What are the guidelines for arranging a visit? I want to wait > until > > > > Shree > > > > > Maa and Swamiji have returned. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa ~Jai Swami, > > > > > > > > > > Marsha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > > > > <%40> > > > > [ > <%40> > > <%40> > > > > > > <%40> ] > > > > On > > > > > Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 > > > > > Sunday, March 16, 2008 12:41 AM > > > > > > <%40> > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > > > [www.ShreeMaa.org] to Marsha and all: Rudraksa Mala > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Marsha: The Mandir does not sell Malas, but, if you > are able > > > > > to come, ask Maa for a mala. She has given them to those who ask. > > > > > Typically prior to giving a mala to a devotee, She has offered > it to > > > > > Her Shiva lingum on Her altar. > > > > > In the meantime, suggest buying one, and prior to use, soak it in > > > > > milk, and then rise it off in clean water, and put sandlewood > oil on > > > > > it. I would also offer it during puja, to Shiva or Maa's > > picture, and > > > > > ask Maa and / or Shiva to bless it. > > > > > A mala is a sacred tool. There are wonderful verses we chant > in the > > > > > beginning of every puja, thanking our mala, and blessing it. Use > > those > > > > > when you obtain a new mala, and every day, every time, while > > > > > performing puja. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa Jai Swami > > > > > > > > > > vishweshwar > > > > > > > > > > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > <%40> > > > > <%40> , > > > > > " Marsha " <FarrarE@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Are there Rudraksa Malas available at the Mandir? .. mine of > > > > > sandlewood is > > > > > > much worn (worn by time, and not all from japa I am reluctant to > > > > > admit). I > > > > > > know it is possible to find then on the internet, but prefer to > > > > have one > > > > > > from the Devi Mandir if possible. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I want to plan a visit to the Mandir this spring or > summer. > > > > > How do I > > > > > > arrange this? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Many thanks for posting the Siddha Kunjika Stotram. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Blessings, > > > > > > > > > > > > Marsha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Messages > </message/26171;_ylc=X3oDMTM3Y3Z0MD > VsBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRtc2dJZAMyNj > IyMwRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN2dHBjBHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDEEdHBjSWQDMjYxNzE-> in this > topic (22) > </post;_ylc=X3oDMTJyaWFsdmllBF9TAzk > 3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRtc2dJZAMyNjIyMwRzZWM > DZnRyBHNsawNycGx5BHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDE-?act=reply & messageNum=26223> Reply > (via web post) | Start > </post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmbTJ0NXY1BF9TAzk > 3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHB > jBHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDE-> a new topic > > Messages > </messages;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcjJnZmY0BF9 > TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN > tc2dzBHN0aW1lAzEyMDYxOTY2MDE-> | Database > </database;_ylc=X3oDMTJkdGlmc2J2BF9 > TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawN > kYgRzdGltZQMxMjA2MTk2NjAx> > > Please visit us online at http://www.ShreeMaa.org > > > </;_ylc=X3oDMTJlN2ZycDdpBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwO > TkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTIwNjE5NjYwM > Q--> Image removed by sender. > Change > </join;_ylc=X3oDMTJndWU4cTY0BF9TAzk > 3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNzdG5 > ncwRzdGltZQMxMjA2MTk2NjAx> settings via the Web ( ID required) > Change settings via email: Switch > <-digest ?subject=Email%20Delivery:%20Diges > t> delivery to Daily Digest | Switch > <-traditional ?subject=Change%20Delivery%20 > Format:%20Traditional> format to Traditional > Visit > <;_ylc=X3oDMTJldTdlZ3A1BF9TAzk3MzU5 > NzE0BGdycElkAzEwOTkyNjMwBGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA3NTk5MQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNocGYEc3Rp > bWUDMTIwNjE5NjYwMQ--> Your Group | > <> Terms of Use | Un > <- ?subject=> > > Recent Activity > > . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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