Guest guest Posted July 12, 1999 Report Share Posted July 12, 1999 Those dominated by the 'devotional attitude and mood', emphasise the importance of 'Special Days'. But, those dominated by the 'knowledge attitude and mood', do not attach much or any importance to the 'special days'. Although Thakur had the realisation of the 'Formless Absolute', He gave more importance to the 'devotional mood', at least in respect of all his householder disciples and most of his monk disciples. He always emphasised the importance of observing 'Ekaadasi' (the 11th after the 'No/Full Moon Day'). Further, He used to say that 'Tuesday' was auspicious for the 'Divine Mother, Kali'. But, from the Vedantic point of view, all days are of equal importance. Here is a literal translation of a vedantic verse pertaining to the topic. 1 Without us, wherefore is 'Day' (or) 'Country' (Place) ? 2 Upon examining, if We are the body, we will fall within 'Day' (and) 'Place'. 3 Are We the body ? 4 Since We are the 'One', (on) 'This Day', 'That Day' (both past and future), and 'EveryDay', 5 We are (as) We (ourselves) devoid of 'Day' (and) 'Place'. However, the responsibility of anyone denying the importance of 'Special Days' is very great; he has to enquire into His True Self and abids As It, unceasingly. In the very least, he has to atleast meditate on the 'Formless Reality' or on the 'Personal God' everyday, without fail. However, in the case of the devotee, the responsibility is less. He has to observe strictly the 'scriptural injunctions', according to his station of life, on the 'Special Days'. But, he may pray to or meditate on the 'Personal God', in a relaxed manner, accrding to his convenience, and hence without any sense of guilt or responsibility and with great love, on all other days. It does not matter, even if he fails to pray or meditate on any day. He may only perform his daily works in a spirit of surrender to God and stop there. Thakur's saying, in relation to those following the Path of Knowledge, is relevant here. If we say 'oohh' upon our leg being pricked by a thorn, of what avail it is to say 'I am Brahman'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 1999 Report Share Posted July 13, 1999 Shankar, thank you for your wonderful posting on observance of the Self! Namaste, Thomas ******************************************************* " WE ARE EACH OUR OWN PATH " +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ find yourself at the Arcanta website... http://www.arcanta.com __ NAMASTE On Mon, 12 Jul 1999 20:08:35 Shankar wrote: >Those dominated by the 'devotional attitude and mood', emphasise the importance of 'Special Days'. But, those dominated by the 'knowledge attitude and mood', do not attach much or any importance to the 'special days'. > >Although Thakur had the realisation of the 'Formless Absolute', He gave more importance to the 'devotional mood', at least in respect of all his householder disciples and most of his monk disciples. > >He always emphasised the importance of observing 'Ekaadasi' (the 11th after the 'No/Full Moon Day'). Further, He used to say that 'Tuesday' was auspicious for the 'Divine Mother, Kali'. > >But, from the Vedantic point of view, all days are of equal importance. Here is a literal translation of a vedantic verse pertaining to the topic. > >1 Without us, wherefore is 'Day' (or) 'Country' (Place) ? >2 Upon examining, if We are the body, we will fall within 'Day' (and) 'Place'. >3 Are We the body ? >4 Since We are the 'One', (on) 'This Day', 'That Day' (both past and future), and 'EveryDay', >5 We are (as) We (ourselves) devoid of 'Day' (and) 'Place'. > >However, the responsibility of anyone denying the importance of 'Special Days' is very great; he has to enquire into His True Self and abids As It, unceasingly. In the very least, he has to atleast meditate on the 'Formless Reality' or on the 'Personal God' everyday, without fail. > >However, in the case of the devotee, the responsibility is less. He has to observe strictly the 'scriptural injunctions', according to his station of life, on the 'Special Days'. > >But, he may pray to or meditate on the 'Personal God', in a relaxed manner, accrding to his convenience, and hence without any sense of guilt or responsibility and with great love, on all other days. > >It does not matter, even if he fails to pray or meditate on any day. He may only perform his daily works in a spirit of surrender to God and stop there. > >Thakur's saying, in relation to those following the Path of Knowledge, is relevant here. > >If we say 'oohh' upon our leg being pricked by a thorn, of what avail it is to say 'I am Brahman'? > Angelfire for your free web-based e-mail. http://www.angelfire.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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