To Sergio and all family: initiation

[Guest guest]

Namaste all family: I spoke to Swami about initiation. I asked him to

explain a statement he has made many times: " the disciple must " take

Initiation " , the Master does not give it. "

His explanation was short and to the point. I paraphrase: the Master

has knowledge, the student becomes inspired and wishes to learn it.

The Master gives him the means to go forward and stands ready to help

when the devotee needs it. The devotee must make their intention known

and demonstrate their sincerity by doing the work: learning, studying,

practicing, and questioning.

 

While most of us cannot see him fact to face, he and Maa have laid out

many different channels for us to explore our relationship with God,

and how to inculcate worship into our lives: how to lead a spiritual life.

Here are some of the channels Swami has provided: on-line video

classes-Chandi, Cosmic puja, how to start a homa, etc., group Chandi

homas-live at the Mandir and on-line every Sunday at 9:30 am, text

books for worship of many Deities, and Q and A with him at this club.

One only needs to become inspired, open a text, or visit the Mandir

web site, and explore. As one feels the inspiration grow through

regular practice, questions come. Then, through this club, or direct

to Swami, one posts questions, he responds.

A relationship builds with the Master. Over time, when one reaches a

certain level, one will feel inspired to visit the Mandir to meet

directly with the Master.

At each stage of one's growth, one takes another level of initiation.

Maa and Swami are reaching out. How we respond, and " take " what they

have to offer: that is up to each of us.

Search your heart, if you feel that Maa and Swami have something you

need, then dive in. They are here on this Earth to give each of us

the most precious gifts of all: their attention, wisdom, and pure

love. We just have to " take it " .

In closing, Maa has told me many times: " I cannot help someone unless

they are doing the sadhana as I do it, and I can only help them if

they ask. I cannot enter unless I am invited. "

Pray to Her and / or Swami for guidance, and listen in your heart for

their answer.

 

 

Jai Maa Jai Swami

 

vishweshwar

 

 

 

 

 

 

, " Sergio Knipe " <sergio.knipe

wrote:

>

> Namaste -

>

> Vishweshwar and Linda: thank you so much for your clarifications

regarding

> puja and recitation. I guess I will just have to give it a try and

see how

> it goes; then I will probably get back to you with more detailed

> questions. In the meanwhile, I received and have almost finished reading

> 'Before Becoming This': truly one of the most inspiring and exciting

books

> I have come across! I'm much looking forwards to tuning in to the online

> broadcast of the Chandi tomorrow (I love the way Swamiji seems genuinely

> happy when reciting the shlokas!)

>

> Sankar: much appreciated your thoughtful comments. I just wanted to

point

> out one thing: I have great respect for 'closed' traditions, and was not

> trying to complain about my reception at the ashram I visited. Simply, I

> don't thing it was the best place for me to turn as a beginner. Of

course

> I envy those who have the chance to receive proper initiation, but envy

> doesn't get you far in life...

>

> Jai Maa!

>

> Sergio

>