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Welcome Sergio,Just wanted to say it is wonderful to meet. Look forward to getting to know you here in group.As Vish has said you will find love and freedom here to grow.PLEASE feel free to ask questions because we all learn from each other. What ever we in group can not answer will be forwarded to Swami ji. Namaste,Devi-- 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 exchangespiritual> 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

>