Welcome Sergio-

[Guest guest]

Namaste Sergio: Welcome to our family. Regarding your question about

Devi worship, while I am not familiar with the mantra your quote,

there are many, many very powerful and beautiful mantras available

through the Devi Mandir. Maa and Swami teach that each person has a

right and responsibility to cultivate their own relationship with the

Divine, in whatever aspect they feel drawn to. For example there are

mantras and pujas to practice for Kali, Lalita, Lakshmi, Saraswati,

Durga, and Annapurna.

Maa and Swami have told us that one does not need to be initiated, one

just needs to have the desire to love and worship God, and choose an

aspect of Him / Her to worship. Then begin simply. Perform japa of

their mantra, and begin the relationship with God. Start today, don't

delay, don't wait for or seek permission from anyone outside.

We all support your desire to worhsip God, so use your discrimination

and choose to accept advice from those who are illuminated and ego-

less, instead of those seeking to control you.

Maa and Swami are pure beings of the highest order. They have

performed the same japa and pujas and homas that have been taught and

practiced for thousands of years in India, and they have reached the

goal. Now, selflessly, and with overflowing hearts, they turn to us

and say, " take whatever you need, practice it, and if it works for

you, move forward with enthusiasm. If you do not feel comfortable

with that practice or that mantra, then there are many more to choose

from. "

Maa and Swami have told us that there are those who seek to control

mantras and worship, and they have met many during their long lives

and travels throughout India. But Maa and Swami advocate freedom for

each individual to worship as they desire, and have taught any sincere

devotee how to perform japa, puja, homa, meditation, etc. There is no

charge, no initiation, no delay.

 

Maa and Swami have given us much knowledge in the form of video

classes, accessed free on-line at www.shreemaa.org, numerous texts

which they have translated for worship of all the main Gods and

Goddesses in the Hindu tradition, a beautiful ashram in Napa

California for contemplation and advanced training, and this forum in

which to share their teachings.

Video classes on-line include: Shiva puja, Cosmic Puja, Chandi Path,

Annapurna, to name a few. Texts for worship include, as a partial

list: Shiva Puja-Beginners and Advanced, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Lalita

Puja and Her 300 and 1000 Names, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, Lakshmi

Puja and Her 1000 names, Saraswati Puja, Cosmic Puja, etc.

Maa and Swami have also written a wonderful book called: " Before

Becoming This " , which documents a series of interviews with them

regarding all aspects of life and worship. Maa wrote a biography

called: " Living with the Soul " , documenting her life and interviews

with devotees.

There are also many instructional videos, such as: " How to Start the

Sacred Fire " , etc.

Maa has recorded many CD's of beautiful bhajans.

All of these are available for sale on-line at www.shreemaa.org The

video classes can be accessed for free at the site, and studied at

your leisure.

This is a unique family. The only fees charged are for books and

CD's, because Maa and Swami do not believe knowledge can be bought or

sold. It can only be given, and received, freely, from heart to heart.

So, take advantage of what Maa and Swami have prepared for us. Once

you have viewed the web site, and chosen some aspect of God to

worship, begin and enjoy. As you have questions or comments come to

the club and share with us.

 

Jai Ma Jai Swami

 

vishweshwar

 

 

 

-- In , " Sergio Knipe " <sergio.knipe

wrote:

>

> Namaste.

>

> I have just joined the Devi Mandir list, following the kind advice of

> Swamiji (who suggested I direct some of my questions to the list). It is

> not my intention to clog everyone's mailbox with personal matters, but I

> understand the purpose of this group is for people 'to exchange

spiritual

> knowledge'. I am seriously interested in Sanatana Dharma and am seeking

> for some genuine guidance/advice.

>

> A little background first. I am European (I live in England), but have

> started exploring the Indian tradition some three years ago. Since

then, I

> have been praying to the Devi (my ishtadevata), while trying to learn

> Sanskrit and reading as much as I could. I have come upon a lot of

> conflicting information though, and now am plagued with doubts.

>

> When I started praying to the Devi, I figured it might be easiest to do

> japa to cultivate bhakti (an accessible path in this yuga, right?). So I

> needed a mantra. After reading various mantras, I figured that 'safest'

> one I could use was 'OM SHRI MATRE NAMAH'. I understand this is the

Shakta

> mahamantra and is open to all. Is this correct?

>

> I have recently visited a large ashram in Europe with a large mandir to

> Shri Lalita (won't specify where), seeking further guidance. There I was

> told that while mahamantras are theoretically open to all, they were not

> going to give me any or encourage me to use them.

>

> I understand - and was told - that without initiation I cannot do proper

> puja (which requires pranapratishstha), recite mantras or chant

texts like

> the Sri Lalita Sahasranama.

>

> I respect the value of orthodoxy, and don't want to do anything wrong. I

> also realise I have no qualifications whatsoever. I do, however, wish to

> pray to the Devi. What should I do?

>

> I would be happy to get in touch with other devotees who think they

might

> help me out, or point me in the right direction. Please feel free to

write

> to me if you wish.

>

> I hope my request does not come across as inappropriate or invasive.

>

> Thank you to Swamiji and Shree Maa for all their wonderful and inspiring

> work -

> Best regards to you all,

>

> Sergio

>