Guest guest Posted August 28, 1999 Report Share Posted August 28, 1999 Dear friends, If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength and energy. It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes research also. BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the source of doubt. Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or herself). Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of satiety for yourself. As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. dr c s shah -- ==================================== E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html ==================================== Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 1999 Report Share Posted August 29, 1999 Dear Dr. CS, is this in relation to the controversial article? I especially like what you say: " BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the source of doubt. " I went thru many struggles within my own mind when I wanted to see my teacher as absolutely perfect (what *I* considered perfect) in every way. I believe now (after years of mulling this over) that even a realized soul continues to have an operating personality which may not be " perfect " in the way we expect. That personality my be educated or ignorant, peaceful or volatile, boring or quirky. But, in the same way we have a body, we have a personality. the body may not be perfect, and the personality may not either. But like the body, the personality is a mechanism, perfect in the Immanence of God, but not in and of itself. But beyond that, or in a higher part of the Mind (Buddhi) is something more truly perfect. I am having a hard time with words here. Perhaps I could simply say that i feel that quirks of personality do not take away from perfection of God-Communion. I think of the story the Master told about one man finding a copper mine, then going further at the instruction of a sadhu and finding silver, then gold, then diamonds, the farther he went into the forest. Leo, my ashram-mate, just came in and I was sharing some of the list correspondence, which he found very interesting. He would like to add that the Master himself said we should throw out the head and the tail of the fish. Should we really care or be surprised at all if some of Swami V's attitudes were partly products of his culture and upbringing? (Leo would also like to add that the Master called Vivekananda a " chatterbox " but that " chatterbox " shook up the world! :-) ) I am a woman (this body anyway!), and have read a statement of Swami V's that 'of course the greatest [realized persons] were men' (may not be the exact quote, please correct if known) and that stung a bit, but it does not take away from my esteem for a great soul. It is not the point for me -- it is that inner thing, not his outward words. As for the article, I have seen similar scholarly dissections of Saint Therese of Lisieux and Sri Ramakrishna. The book on St. Therese tore her apart psychologically, but the author demonstrated not a jot of understanding of the mystical path (sadhaka state). It is possible to prove almost any point. I agree with Dr. S -- doubt really has nothing to do with another; it has to do with our own state of mind. We see according to our own state. We choose the objects in our mental house " Will this object bring me closer to God or not? " Having said all that, I must admit I am one of those who feels a lot of pain when one of ideals is pulled through the mud. Nevertheless, one must persevere!!! Spiritual life is not safe or easy. It is hard to find the " razor edge " between having our eyes fully open (and considering EVERYTHING -- which can be useless in certain cases), and having them shut (which is easy and comforting but prone to error). Myself, I have a tendency to 'tip' ! Namaste to all, Karen Dr C S Shah wrote: > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > Dear friends, > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > and energy. > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > research also. > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > source of doubt. > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > herself). > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > satiety for yourself. > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > dr c s shah > > -- > ==================================== > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > ==================================== > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > Join our community member news update at > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 1999 Report Share Posted August 29, 1999 I am submitting this for Leo, my brother in spiritual life, of Westend Ashram: From his journal: " Descending and pouncing on all thought and desire -- the mantra or exercise given by the Guru in satsang is falling upon everything prior to its arising -- meditation is near " Namaste, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 1999 Report Share Posted September 10, 1999 sorry to be going back in time ...but i really enjoyed this post.. it is so true... as Swamiji Himself said..' if there is anything in this world that strengthens you embrace it...if it weakens you...let it go! " or words to that effect. It is true that our Ishta must strengthen us...otherwise there would be no point in worship.. everything that we do must make us feel stronger...must make us feel energized...that alone would add to our spiritual growth namaskar and pranams' jairam > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > Dear friends, > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > and energy. > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > research also. > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > source of doubt. > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > herself). > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > satiety for yourself. > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > dr c s shah > > -- > ==================================== > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > ==================================== > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > Join our community member news update at > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 1999 Report Share Posted September 10, 1999 DEAR KAREN JUST WANTED TO COMMENT ON THIS POSTING AS WELL...I AM CATCHING UP ON MY READING... AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY TUPPENY WORTH OF COMMENTS ...I AM CAPITIALIZING MY RESPONSE ONLY TO DISTINGUISH IT FROM YOUR THOUGHTS... I AM NOT SHOUTING!! > Westend Ashram at Colorado Springs <urbanashram > > Dear Dr. CS, > > is this in relation to the controversial article? I especially like what you > say: > > " BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > source of doubt. " > > I went thru many struggles within my own mind when I wanted to see my > teacher as absolutely perfect (what *I* considered perfect) in every way. I > believe now (after years of mulling this over) that even a realized soul > continues to have an operating personality which may not be " perfect " in the > way we expect. That personality my be educated or ignorant, peaceful or > volatile, boring or quirky. But, in the same way we have a body, we have a > personality. the body may not be perfect, and the personality may not > either. But like the body, the personality is a mechanism, perfect in the > Immanence of God, but not in and of itself. But beyond that, or in a higher > part of the Mind (Buddhi) is something more truly perfect. I am having a > hard time with words here. Perhaps I could simply say that i feel that > quirks of personality do not take away from perfection of God-Communion. I > think of the story the Master told about one man finding a copper mine, then > going further at the instruction of a sadhu and finding silver, then gold, > then diamonds, the farther he went into the forest. I AGREE COMPLETELY AND YOU HAVE STATED IT SO WELL... > Leo, my ashram-mate, just came in and I was sharing some of the list > correspondence, which he found very interesting. He would like to add that > the Master himself said we should throw out the head and the tail of the > fish. Should we really care or be surprised at all if some of Swami V's > attitudes were partly products of his culture and upbringing? (Leo would > also like to add that the Master called Vivekananda a " chatterbox " but that > " chatterbox " shook up the world! :-) ) > > I am a woman (this body anyway!), and have read a statement of Swami V's > that 'of course the greatest [realized persons] were men' (may not be the > exact quote, please correct if known) and that stung a bit, but it does not > take away from my esteem for a great soul. It is not the point for me -- it > is that inner thing, not his outward words. THIS IS THE PART THAT MADE ME WANT TO RESPOND TO YOUR MSG. DID THE SWAMI V REALLY SAY THAT? HMMM! NEVERTHELESS EVEN IF IT WERE TRUE WE MUST ALSO REALIZE THAT THE GREATEST EVIL COMMITTED IN THIS WORLD WAS ALSO BY MEN...AND IT IS CONTINUING TO BE SO... THE RELATIVE WORLD WILL ALWAYS HAVE GOOD AND EVIL AND IF THE ARROW HAS HIT THE BULL'S EYE, IT IS BECAUSE THERE WERE THOUSAND ARROWS THAT MISSED... > As for the article, I have seen similar scholarly dissections of Saint > Therese of Lisieux and Sri Ramakrishna. The book on St. Therese tore her > apart psychologically, but the author demonstrated not a jot of > understanding of the mystical path (sadhaka state). It is possible to prove > almost any point. I agree with Dr. S -- doubt really has nothing to do with > another; it has to do with our own state of mind. We see according to our > own state. SO TRUE...AS RELATED BY VIVEKANANDA OF THE BABY ON THE TABLE WITH THE POT OF GOLD NEXT TO IT...IT WILL NOT SHOUT " THIEF THIEF " WHEN A THIEF STEALS THE GOLD AS IT HAS NO THIEF WITHIN...IN THE SAME WAY WE SEE WHAT IS WITHIN.. NAMASKAR > We choose the objects in our mental house " Will this object bring me closer > to God or not? " > Having said all that, I must admit I am one of those who feels a lot of pain > when one of ideals is pulled through the mud. Nevertheless, one must > persevere!!! Spiritual life is not safe or easy. > It is hard to find the " razor edge " between having our eyes fully open (and > considering EVERYTHING -- which can be useless in certain cases), and having > them shut (which is easy and comforting but prone to error). > > Myself, I have a tendency to 'tip' ! > > Namaste to all, > Karen > > > Dr C S Shah wrote: > > > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > > > Dear friends, > > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > > and energy. > > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > > research also. > > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > > source of doubt. > > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > > herself). > > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > > satiety for yourself. > > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > > > dr c s shah > > > > -- > > ==================================== > > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > > ==================================== > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > > Join our community member news update at > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > > > ------ > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > Vivekananda Centre London > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests. > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 1999 Report Share Posted September 10, 1999 This calls to mind the reaction I encountered when I withdrew my membership from the Protestant church my family belonged to. I received letters and was in other ways entreated " not to give up my faith. " I found this very odd. For rather than giving up my faith I was certain I was claiming it! By my faith in God I was ready to follow the path He laid before me, going on alone. I asked my Mother, " If my faith is in God, how am I giving THIS up? " She had no answer -- and I drew the notion that Christianty has been so married to church loyalty throughout its history that the meaning of true faith in God has been replaced by church membership. I waz blessed at the time to have a minister who knew what true faith was. Learning how I was being accousted, he stood up for me before the membership! It had been during our talks together that I had found courage to stand on my own faith.. Hence the key is in focus: If one's focus is on God, however conceived, religion can be the path to liberation. Jayanti At 8:25 PM -0600 on 9/9/99, JAIRAM SESHADRI wrote: > " JAIRAM SESHADRI " <seshadri > > > sorry to be going back in time ...but i really enjoyed this post.. > it is so true... > as Swamiji Himself said..' if there is anything in this world that > strengthens you embrace it...if it weakens you...let it go! " or words > to that effect. It is true that our Ishta must strengthen > us...otherwise there would be no point in worship.. > > everything that we do must make us feel stronger...must make us feel > energized...that alone would add to our spiritual growth > namaskar and pranams' > jairam > > > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > > > Dear friends, > > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > > and energy. > > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > > research also. > > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > > source of doubt. > > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > > herself). > > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > > satiety for yourself. > > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > > > dr c s shah > > > > -- > > ==================================== > > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > > ==================================== > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > > Join our community member news update at > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > > > ------ > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > Vivekananda Centre London > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > Celebrate the NEW ONElist! > Enter to win a trip to Hawaii! Go to: > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/hawaii2 " >Click Here</a> > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 1999 Report Share Posted September 11, 1999 Dear Jairam, I continue to get notices of messages undeliverable to you. Have you checked with your server? Edith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 1999 Report Share Posted September 11, 1999 this message is inspiring... at least for me... reminds me of the quote " Do not see the house of the Lord, see the Lord of the house " jairam > Jayanti <jayanti > > This calls to mind the reaction I encountered when I withdrew my membership > from the Protestant church my family belonged to. I received letters and > was in other ways entreated " not to give up my faith. " > > I found this very odd. For rather than giving up my faith I was certain I > was claiming it! By my faith in God I was ready to follow the path He laid > before me, going on alone. > > I asked my Mother, " If my faith is in God, how am I giving THIS up? " She > had no answer -- and I drew the notion that Christianty has been so married > to church loyalty throughout its history that the meaning of true faith > in God has been replaced by church membership. > > I waz blessed at the time to have a minister who knew what true faith > was. Learning how I was being accousted, he stood up for me before the > membership! > It had been during our talks together that I had found courage to stand on > my own faith.. > > Hence the key is in focus: If one's focus is on God, however conceived, > religion can be the path to liberation. > > Jayanti > > At 8:25 PM -0600 on 9/9/99, JAIRAM SESHADRI wrote: > > > > " JAIRAM SESHADRI " <seshadri > > > > > > sorry to be going back in time ...but i really enjoyed this post.. > > it is so true... > > as Swamiji Himself said..' if there is anything in this world that > > strengthens you embrace it...if it weakens you...let it go! " or words > > to that effect. It is true that our Ishta must strengthen > > us...otherwise there would be no point in worship.. > > > > everything that we do must make us feel stronger...must make us feel > > energized...that alone would add to our spiritual growth > > namaskar and pranams' > > jairam > > > > > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > > > > > Dear friends, > > > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > > > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > > > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > > > and energy. > > > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > > > research also. > > > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > > > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > > > source of doubt. > > > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > > > herself). > > > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > > > satiety for yourself. > > > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > > > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > > > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > > > > > dr c s shah > > > > > > -- > > > ==================================== > > > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > > > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > > > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > > > ==================================== > > > > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > > > Join our community member news update at > > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > > > > > ------ > > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > > Vivekananda Centre London > > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > Celebrate the NEW ONElist! > > Enter to win a trip to Hawaii! Go to: > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/hawaii2 " >Click Here</a> > > > > ------ > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > Vivekananda Centre London > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > ONElist: your connection to online communities. > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 1999 Report Share Posted September 12, 1999 Dear JaiRam, Thank you for you comments and your patience with me struggling to put into words something that is difficult for me to put in words! As for the Swami V quote, it was quite a long time ago that I read it. I have read a good deal of his works but am not good at remembering the book or reference! I particularly remember the sting I felt. But, it could have been a matter of, again, the context. I believe it was in the context of discussing whether women could attain to God-realization or some such, and that Swami V was saying something like, yes there are God-realized people who are women but the greatest of course are men (or something like that.). But who knows, I can't point to the reference... so I'm not giong to worry about it! Thanks for your note! Namaste, Karen JAIRAM SESHADRI wrote: > " JAIRAM SESHADRI " <seshadri > > DEAR KAREN > > JUST WANTED TO COMMENT ON THIS POSTING AS WELL...I AM CATCHING UP ON > MY READING... AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY TUPPENY WORTH OF COMMENTS ...I > AM CAPITIALIZING MY RESPONSE ONLY TO DISTINGUISH IT FROM YOUR > THOUGHTS... I AM NOT SHOUTING!! > > > Westend Ashram at Colorado Springs <urbanashram > > > > Dear Dr. CS, > > > > is this in relation to the controversial article? I especially like what you > > say: > > > > " BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > > source of doubt. " > > > > I went thru many struggles within my own mind when I wanted to see my > > teacher as absolutely perfect (what *I* considered perfect) in every way. I > > believe now (after years of mulling this over) that even a realized soul > > continues to have an operating personality which may not be " perfect " in the > > way we expect. That personality my be educated or ignorant, peaceful or > > volatile, boring or quirky. But, in the same way we have a body, we have a > > personality. the body may not be perfect, and the personality may not > > either. But like the body, the personality is a mechanism, perfect in the > > Immanence of God, but not in and of itself. But beyond that, or in a higher > > part of the Mind (Buddhi) is something more truly perfect. I am having a > > hard time with words here. Perhaps I could simply say that i feel that > > quirks of personality do not take away from perfection of God-Communion. I > > think of the story the Master told about one man finding a copper mine, then > > going further at the instruction of a sadhu and finding silver, then gold, > > then diamonds, the farther he went into the forest. > > I AGREE COMPLETELY AND YOU HAVE STATED IT SO WELL... > > > > Leo, my ashram-mate, just came in and I was sharing some of the list > > correspondence, which he found very interesting. He would like to add that > > the Master himself said we should throw out the head and the tail of the > > fish. Should we really care or be surprised at all if some of Swami V's > > attitudes were partly products of his culture and upbringing? (Leo would > > also like to add that the Master called Vivekananda a " chatterbox " but that > > " chatterbox " shook up the world! :-) ) > > > > I am a woman (this body anyway!), and have read a statement of Swami V's > > that 'of course the greatest [realized persons] were men' (may not be the > > exact quote, please correct if known) and that stung a bit, but it does not > > take away from my esteem for a great soul. It is not the point for me -- it > > is that inner thing, not his outward words. > > THIS IS THE PART THAT MADE ME WANT TO RESPOND TO YOUR MSG. DID THE > SWAMI V REALLY SAY THAT? HMMM! > NEVERTHELESS EVEN IF IT WERE TRUE WE MUST ALSO REALIZE THAT THE > GREATEST EVIL COMMITTED IN THIS WORLD WAS ALSO BY MEN...AND IT IS > CONTINUING TO BE SO... > THE RELATIVE WORLD WILL ALWAYS HAVE GOOD AND EVIL AND IF THE ARROW > HAS HIT THE BULL'S EYE, IT IS BECAUSE THERE WERE THOUSAND ARROWS THAT > MISSED... > > > As for the article, I have seen similar scholarly dissections of Saint > > Therese of Lisieux and Sri Ramakrishna. The book on St. Therese tore her > > apart psychologically, but the author demonstrated not a jot of > > understanding of the mystical path (sadhaka state). It is possible to prove > > almost any point. I agree with Dr. S -- doubt really has nothing to do with > > another; it has to do with our own state of mind. We see according to our > > own state. > > SO TRUE...AS RELATED BY VIVEKANANDA OF THE BABY ON THE TABLE WITH > THE POT OF GOLD NEXT TO IT...IT WILL NOT SHOUT " THIEF THIEF " WHEN A > THIEF STEALS THE GOLD AS IT HAS NO THIEF WITHIN...IN THE SAME WAY WE > SEE WHAT IS WITHIN.. > > NAMASKAR > > > We choose the objects in our mental house " Will this object bring me closer > > to God or not? " > > Having said all that, I must admit I am one of those who feels a lot of pain > > when one of ideals is pulled through the mud. Nevertheless, one must > > persevere!!! Spiritual life is not safe or easy. > > It is hard to find the " razor edge " between having our eyes fully open (and > > considering EVERYTHING -- which can be useless in certain cases), and having > > them shut (which is easy and comforting but prone to error). > > > > Myself, I have a tendency to 'tip' ! > > > > Namaste to all, > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dr C S Shah wrote: > > > > > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > > > > > Dear friends, > > > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > > > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > > > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > > > and energy. > > > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > > > research also. > > > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > > > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > > > source of doubt. > > > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > > > herself). > > > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > > > satiety for yourself. > > > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > > > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > > > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > > > > > dr c s shah > > > > > > -- > > > ==================================== > > > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > > > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > > > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > > > ==================================== > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > > > Join our community member news update at > > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > > > > > ------ > > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > > Vivekananda Centre London > > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests. > > > > ------ > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > Vivekananda Centre London > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests. > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 1999 Report Share Posted September 12, 1999 Jayanti, I agree with you: " Hence the key is in focus: If one's focus is on God, however conceived, religion can be the path to liberation. " I believe that we may have to " step off into the Abyss " so to speak, several times during our spiritual journey, in order to follow that voice! I also have a similar background and have mixed Christianity with Vedanta to great advantage (at least for me!) You are right - it can never be about an organization, though they may help us in our journey at certain times. Namaste, Karen Jayanti wrote: > Jayanti <jayanti > > This calls to mind the reaction I encountered when I withdrew my membership > from the Protestant church my family belonged to. I received letters and > was in other ways entreated " not to give up my faith. " > > I found this very odd. For rather than giving up my faith I was certain I > was claiming it! By my faith in God I was ready to follow the path He laid > before me, going on alone. > > I asked my Mother, " If my faith is in God, how am I giving THIS up? " She > had no answer -- and I drew the notion that Christianty has been so married > to church loyalty throughout its history that the meaning of true faith > in God has been replaced by church membership. > > I waz blessed at the time to have a minister who knew what true faith > was. Learning how I was being accousted, he stood up for me before the > membership! > It had been during our talks together that I had found courage to stand on > my own faith.. > > Hence the key is in focus: If one's focus is on God, however conceived, > religion can be the path to liberation. > > Jayanti > > At 8:25 PM -0600 on 9/9/99, JAIRAM SESHADRI wrote: > > > " JAIRAM SESHADRI " <seshadri > > > > > > sorry to be going back in time ...but i really enjoyed this post.. > > it is so true... > > as Swamiji Himself said..' if there is anything in this world that > > strengthens you embrace it...if it weakens you...let it go! " or words > > to that effect. It is true that our Ishta must strengthen > > us...otherwise there would be no point in worship.. > > > > everything that we do must make us feel stronger...must make us feel > > energized...that alone would add to our spiritual growth > > namaskar and pranams' > > jairam > > > > > Dr C S Shah <drcssha > > > > > > Dear friends, > > > If the person (or sect, or religion, or organization) you believe in > > > fails to infuse strength in your life and outlook, it is better to drop > > > him (or her, or it) an start searching for the new source of strength > > > and energy. > > > It would not be seen as 'wavering of mind, for search for Truth includes > > > research also. > > > BUT, it is futile to find or expect anyone as Complete Ideal. For it is > > > not the defect in the 'Ideal' but in our own personality that is the > > > source of doubt. > > > Doubts would linger till one realizes the truth for himself (or > > > herself). > > > Other person's satisfaction of hunger can never give you the feeling of > > > satiety for yourself. > > > As Swami Vivekananda said 'Only Self Realization can allay every doubt. > > > Only another Vivekananda can understand this Vivekananda in full.' > > > Sadhana is an attempt to reach near Swamiji. > > > > > > dr c s shah > > > > > > -- > > > ==================================== > > > E-magazine on science and spirituality. Visit: > > > http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/1704/index.html > > > http://members.xoom.com/drcsshah/neovedanta/index.html > > > ==================================== > > > > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > > > ONElist members: don't miss out on the latest news at ONElist > > > Join our community member news update at > > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/newsletter5 " >Click Here</a> > > > > > > ------ > > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > > Vivekananda Centre London > > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > > > > > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > > > Celebrate the NEW ONElist! > > Enter to win a trip to Hawaii! Go to: > > <a href= " http://clickme./ad/hawaii2 " >Click Here</a> > > > > ------ > > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > > Vivekananda Centre London > > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ > > --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ---------------------------- > > ONElist: your connection to online communities. > > ------ > Sri Ramakrishnaye Namah > Vivekananda Centre London > http://www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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