Guest guest Posted March 24, 2008 Report Share Posted March 24, 2008 Namaste Marsha: You have a great plan to prepare for your visit. Another way to prepare: suggest joining us on-line Sunday morning for the group Chandi. Sharing in the group energy really propels one's growth. Do you play an instrument or sing? It is great fun to learn some of the tunes we sing each Saturday night so when you come you can fit right in. Join us on-line Saturday night while Maa leads us through the Mandir songbook. You can pick some of the tunes out at the Mandir web site and sing along with Maa. Do you enjoy seva? Do you have a particular talent or skill which you would like to share? Do you enjoy sadhana? Do you have questions your need answered or pujas you need to learn? You do not have to post your responses, just create a list of your desires and needs in order to maximize your visit. Maa desires that each devotee who visits come to perform sadhana in order to deepen their experience and to take advantage of the power of the Mandir. From my perspective, it is a privilege beyond measure to visit the Mandir. Lifetimes of sadhana prepare one to visit this sacred spot. The Mandir is truly a place of pilgrimage. You are blessed to be coming. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Jai Maa Jai Swami 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, Thank you for the suggestions. I will join in at those times when Shree Maa and Swamiji return and the webcam is fired up again. Yes on the seva … I will do whatever needs doing that I am capable of. Originally I thought I wantedto to learn the Durga Puja. I do have the book and cd, but don’t know enough yet to ask questions. I am thinking now that I have my hands full with the Chandi Path! At this time It seems I am pulling many pieces together from over the years to create my sadhana which I believe it will come together as a result of my visit to the Mandir. I do, truly feel Blessed by the opportunity to visit. Jai Maa ~ Jai Swamiji Marsha On Behalf Of inspectionconnection108 Sunday, March 23, 2008 7:51 PM [www.ShreeMaa.org] To Marsha: preparing to visit Namaste Marsha: You have a great plan to prepare for your visit. Another way to prepare: suggest joining us on-line Sunday morning for the group Chandi. Sharing in the group energy really propels one's growth. Do you play an instrument or sing? It is great fun to learn some of the tunes we sing each Saturday night so when you come you can fit right in. Join us on-line Saturday night while Maa leads us through the Mandir songbook. You can pick some of the tunes out at the Mandir web site and sing along with Maa. Do you enjoy seva? Do you have a particular talent or skill which you would like to share? Do you enjoy sadhana? Do you have questions your need answered or pujas you need to learn? You do not have to post your responses, just create a list of your desires and needs in order to maximize your visit. Maa desires that each devotee who visits come to perform sadhana in order to deepen their experience and to take advantage of the power of the Mandir. From my perspective, it is a privilege beyond measure to visit the Mandir. Lifetimes of sadhana prepare one to visit this sacred spot. The Mandir is truly a place of pilgrimage. You are blessed to be coming. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Jai Maa Jai Swami 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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