Guest guest Posted November 22, 2003 Report Share Posted November 22, 2003 Namaste Astraea, Very happy to know of your sankalpa . My best wishes for its fruition. I am sure as time goes on you will be the best to determine the pace at which you want to chant the Gayatri. For me , I am a very passionate person - all or nothing. And spending 3 hrs for Chandi sends the blood rushing. I am doing all kinds of goof ups as you probably gathered from my journal, but still thats the only way for me. The more realistic pace would be to set aside a half hour in the evening and chant one chapter at a time. But .... my ego wants me to spurred on by a more magnificent sankalpa .. Whatever be the deal, I know that She will take care - after all, arent our attempts just to impress Her? You should tell us from time to time on your progress in your sankalpa too. It would be great to hear from you. Love Latha , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> wrote: > Namaste Latha, > Thank you so much for sharing your journal with us. It is very > pertinent to me. I've been experimenting with the Savitri Gayatri and > have found that it takes me about 20 minutes to chant one mala. Not > good! There's no way I'm going to have time to chant ten malas a day > for 125 continuous days. At this pace, ten malas a day equals about 3 > & a half hours a day of japa. > > I am chanting one mala a day of the Savitri Gayatri and at this > tortoise pace, I should have 125,000 reps completed in about 3 and a > half YEARS! But this pace is more realistic. > > Hurrah and kudos to you for even attempting the whole Chandi everyday > for six months! > > Astraea > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Dear All, > > > > The update on my Chandi-date... > > > > Executive summary :- I dont care for any bragging rights anymore... > > > > Nov 18th :- Amazing day - the sky looked bluer , the grass greener, > I > > could deal with some of the jerks at work and could actually look > at > > them compassionately (in my mind). I went around with a foolish > smile > > on my face ... I am ready to accept a sainthood. > > > > Then came the evening and my date with Chandi. I sat in front of > her > > promptly at 8 pm and started with great gusto. A half hour later I > > complete the prayog and then I break my asan - my feet are sore and > > could use the break and while I take it why not check my email ... > > > > I take another break after the first episode ... and again check my > > email. This happens after the 2nd episode and pretty soon I am > > checking my email after every chapter... I am disgusted with myself > > but cannot stop the compulsion... > > > > I read a zen story on the web today . The student asks the Guru how > > long it would take him to master a technique. The Guru said that it > > would take 10 years. The student asks if he doubled his efforts how > > long would it take him then. The Guru replied that it would take > him > > 20 years... > > > > Moral of the story :- Sometimes extra effort alone is not enough. > The > > key is in relaxed and optimal effort. > > > > So I wonder "Have I bitten off more than I can chew . Should I have > > done a 108 day effort or even a 10 day effort first before > committing > > to a 6 month race. Who am I trying to impress anyway? > > > > I chant - nowhere near the performance of the first few days. > > Clearly its not happening today. I go upto Chapter 8 - Maa has > killed > > the Seed of Desire and ready to work on Self Deprecation. Yawn. All > > the thoughts and guilt and frustration take their toll. I just need > > to crash. "I will come back to you tomorrow morning Maa I promise " > I > > go to sleep. > > > > Nov 19th :- > > > > I get up in the morning and race through the rest of the chapters. > > And head for work. Something is not quite right - I have taken a > > sankalpa but I am not following through with it properly . Too many > > breaks and finishing up in the morning ... it doesnt add up OK and > > the bhav is missing. > > > > What's the deal with wanting to check my email every 2 minutes . > > Since when did a sankalpa include, taking a break in between > episodes > > to check email... Then again, why am I not feeling inspired enough > to > > get through the chant? > > > > And then it hits me "The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a > single > > step" I am getting overwhelmed by the 3 hour window . It is easier > to > > manage 1 minute than 1 hour - easier to manage one word than the > > entire Chandi. So instead of telling myself I need to get through > the > > entire book, I will just chant one word, and then another and then > > another ... > > > > I feel lighter already. Someone (I think it was Kelly) mentioned > > about the common sense of the Chandi. Well there you are , start > > small ... one step at a time , one mantra at a time and it will add > > up. > > > > I sit in front of Her with renewed vigor. Everytime I feel tempted > to > > stop and daydream, I focus back "one word at a time" > > > > and it adds up . The chapters fly past. > > > > I am a happy camper today. > > > > > > Nov 20th :- . > > > > The last few days I have come home and not flopped in front of the > > TV. I have been mindful of the need to chant. Today I yield to > > temptation . I resisted "The Bachelor" yesterday but cannot > > resist the "Survivor" today. > > > > I watch Survivor ... and stay back to watch Peter Jennings on the > > conspiracy behind JFK's death... It is 9.30. I dont have any guilt > at > > all - havent I got up in the mornings and finshed up my parayan? . > I > > go to my altar , put my pillow nearby and go to sleep. > > > > The respect for the chanting is missing. > > > > Nov 21st : - > > > > I am up at 5 AM. I evaluate my position . I need or need not chant > > the Chandi - it is my choice. However if I choose to do it then I > > just go by the rules. > > > > And the rules include > > 1) Dont get up in the middle of the chanting unless it is > absolutely > > essential (a bathroom break maybe) . But since when did a sankalpa > > include taking email breaks ? > > 2) Respect for the sankalpa - if something is worth doing then it > is > > worth doing well. I show respect to Maa and Swamiji by chanting > like > > them. No breaks. No chanting upto chapter 8 at night and getting up > > in the morning to finish the rest. I start it - I finish it. Else I > > dont start it. > > 3) If I feel tired and drowsy, I just chant the next word and the > > next and so on... Concentrate on the minute and the hours will take > > care of themselves. > > > > > > I start the Chandi. I want to make up for missing out last night's > > parayan. I am nowhere near the first day performance. But I am > happy - > > I have set down the rules that I want to follow and I am going by > > them. > > > > I finish 4 hrs later - I have certainly taken my time today. I have > > taken some steps towards improving myself and respect myself more > for > > having done that. > > > > I will do the 6 months ... but I am beginning to think that this > > should be a lifetime habit. Any process that can help me in 1 week > to > > respect myself more is surely good enough to hang onto for the rest > > of my life. > > > > My focus is now on improving the quality of the attention I pay to > my > > chanting... > > > > I dont want to brag about my sankalpa - "chanting cover to cover > for > > 6 months" anymore. It is too sacred for me to make light of it or > > boast about it.. > > > > It is transforming.. > > > > Thank you Maa. > > Love > > Latha > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Dear All, > > > Here is an update on my Chandi sankalpa. Five down - 5 months 25 > > days > > > to go > > > > > > For those with limited time and patience.(Mahamuni :-) ?) > > > Executive summary - "God is his heaven and everything is all > right > > > with the world and I am chanting" > > > > > > For those that care (Kelly? I am counting on ya) .... here you go. > > > > > > I started on Nov 13 - the first day was AWESOME. Spine straight, > 3 > > > verse to a breath pranayam, purposeful intent ... felt like a > > climax > > > scene out of a movie. > > > > > > Nov 14 - I posted here asking for blessings. All you wonderful > > folks > > > respond . I am thrilled and all pumped up - no way I can back out > > of > > > a sankalpa without losing face. Day 2 was good too. I write to > Maa > > > and Swami asking for their blessings. > > > > > > Nov 15 - The best day so far. I am staying overnight at the > Mandir > > > and start at 8 pm. Of course there are some brothers and sisters > > > hanging around at the temple. I love playing to an audience . And > > > another devotee sits next to me and reads along silently. Cool - > > > Chanting hasnt been this good. > > > > > > One thing worries me though, havent heard from Maa or Swami so > far. > > > And Swami usually responds fairly quickly. I wrote again in the > > > morning to Swami... lets hope I have an answer from him when I am > > > back home. > > > > > > Besides there was no class today, Maa and Swami are unwell. Maybe > > > thats why Swami didnt get a chance to check his email.. Maybe. > > > > > > Nov 16 - Cook breakfast for Maa and Swami. New recipe - Turns out > > > terrible - for this I opt out of Sundar kand ? Too late to do > cook > > > anything else and so I go and make my offering. Maa asks > > > sweetly 'You didnt go to the satsang ?" I pretend not to > > > understand "You mean Santa Rosa next week Maa ?" . "The satsang > > with > > > Parvati" she says. Gulp ! " They have already left Maa" - my > > > brilliant rejoinder. "OK" she smiles. I scram as fast as I can , > > get > > > directions and land up just in time for the Sundar Kand. > > > I get home at about 9 pm and start my Chandi. My mind is too > > > distracted from the events of the day. Besides no email from > Swami > > or > > > Maa about blessing the sankalpa either. > > > I start at 9 - a bit sluggish. Pranayam not very good, blocked > > nose, > > > distracted mind. I keep changing seat positions in the middle of > > > chanting . After Prayog, I get up and check my email again. > Nothing. > > > I go back and start chanting the episodes... still couldnt settle > > > down, so I prop my back against the wall, stretch my legs . Yawn. > > Its > > > been a long day. I muddle through till chapter 8 . Its 11.30 pm . > > > Whatever happened to my 2 hr 40 min performance of yesterday . > > > All kinds of Asuras take over - "get a quick nap" , "no one will > > > know " and others. Finally I succumb to "get a quick nap". I > > > compromise, no bed , just a pillow very near my altar and set the > > > alarm at 4 am. > > > 4 am comes and goes. Get up with a start at 6 AM. No wash > nothing, > > no > > > bathroom break no nothing , I just sit immediately, light the > lamp > > > and race through from chapter 8 to end of book as if my life > > depends > > > on it. > > > Whew , thus ended my fourth day or recitation of Chandi. > > > > > > Nov 15 - > > > I am smart , I am prepared. I will start earlier to avoid > > temptations > > > of sleep and laziness. Besides I will not chant unless I am > sitting > > > properly. I see Parvati's post on correct posture and mentally > tell > > > myself "if I slouch I will see Maa tapping my back" or even "Maa > > > tapping Parvati's back" > > > > > > I still havent heard from Swamiji or Maa. I am reading some of > the > > > posts in this site and I read one from Rudran2 who said that he > had > > > been chanting the Chandi for 4 yrs without initiation. His tech > > > stocks went down and he is now scavenging .... > > > > > > Help !! Panic overtakes me . I have a sankalpa and I gotta do it > > > but .... I dont wanna scavenge. "Cant you trust that God will > take > > > care . You are just praying to God, why do you have to worry" - I > > > keep talking to myself. I read the introduction in the Chandi and > > > Swami says "Do not worry about anything. If you recite devotedly, > > it > > > will become known to you" So I take heart from that. It still > would > > > be nice to get a formal signoff or blessing from Maa and Swami. > > > > > > Then the Kindest Moderator in the World - Sarada Saraswati comes > > > online on IM. I share my panic with him and he promises to talk > > with > > > Maa and get back to me. SUCH a sweetheart. > > > > > > Meanwhile I continue chanting .. I finish prayog, come to the > PC , > > > nope Sarada hasnt had a chance to talk with Maa yet. > > > Grr.. > > > I come back finish episodes 1 and 2 and come back to the PC. > Sarada > > > is there and he says "I spoke to Maa " and I am like "And ...." > > > He is taking his own cool time that boy ... A few excruciating > > > moments later he says > > > "Mother is VERY happy with your sankalpa" > > > Yippeeee! > > > And then he said "she just said to not have any desires" > > > Oh Oh. Ok I think. But atleast I got the blessings . THANK YOU > MAA! > > > I go back and complete the Chandi. > > > > > > So far so good. I have the formal blessings and I am chanting. > God, > > > if in someway my chanting and this "diary" can help anyone at all > I > > > offer it to You. > > > > > > Hasta la vista. > > > > > > Love > > > Latha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2003 Report Share Posted November 23, 2003 Namaste Latha, Thank you for your support. I know I'm NOT going to be attempting the Chandi anytime soon. I haven't even finished reading it in English. Then it will be all I can do to sit still and LISTEN to it (MP3) for 3 hours! Astraea , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Namaste Astraea, > > Very happy to know of your sankalpa . My best wishes for its > fruition. > > I am sure as time goes on you will be the best to determine the pace > at which you want to chant the Gayatri. > > For me , I am a very passionate person - all or nothing. And spending > 3 hrs for Chandi sends the blood rushing. I am doing all kinds of > goof ups as you probably gathered from my journal, but still thats > the only way for me. The more realistic pace would be to set aside a > half hour in the evening and chant one chapter at a time. But .... my > ego wants me to spurred on by a more magnificent sankalpa .. Whatever > be the deal, I know that She will take care - after all, arent our > attempts just to impress Her? > > You should tell us from time to time on your progress in your > sankalpa too. It would be great to hear from you. > > Love > Latha > > > > , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> > wrote: > > Namaste Latha, > > Thank you so much for sharing your journal with us. It is very > > pertinent to me. I've been experimenting with the Savitri Gayatri > and > > have found that it takes me about 20 minutes to chant one mala. Not > > good! There's no way I'm going to have time to chant ten malas a > day > > for 125 continuous days. At this pace, ten malas a day equals about > 3 > > & a half hours a day of japa. > > > > I am chanting one mala a day of the Savitri Gayatri and at this > > tortoise pace, I should have 125,000 reps completed in about 3 and > a > > half YEARS! But this pace is more realistic. > > > > Hurrah and kudos to you for even attempting the whole Chandi > everyday > > for six months! > > > > Astraea > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Dear All, > > > > > > The update on my Chandi-date... > > > > > > Executive summary :- I dont care for any bragging rights > anymore... > > > > > > Nov 18th :- Amazing day - the sky looked bluer , the grass > greener, > > I > > > could deal with some of the jerks at work and could actually look > > at > > > them compassionately (in my mind). I went around with a foolish > > smile > > > on my face ... I am ready to accept a sainthood. > > > > > > Then came the evening and my date with Chandi. I sat in front of > > her > > > promptly at 8 pm and started with great gusto. A half hour later > I > > > complete the prayog and then I break my asan - my feet are sore > and > > > could use the break and while I take it why not check my email ... > > > > > > I take another break after the first episode ... and again check > my > > > email. This happens after the 2nd episode and pretty soon I am > > > checking my email after every chapter... I am disgusted with > myself > > > but cannot stop the compulsion... > > > > > > I read a zen story on the web today . The student asks the Guru > how > > > long it would take him to master a technique. The Guru said that > it > > > would take 10 years. The student asks if he doubled his efforts > how > > > long would it take him then. The Guru replied that it would take > > him > > > 20 years... > > > > > > Moral of the story :- Sometimes extra effort alone is not enough. > > The > > > key is in relaxed and optimal effort. > > > > > > So I wonder "Have I bitten off more than I can chew . Should I > have > > > done a 108 day effort or even a 10 day effort first before > > committing > > > to a 6 month race. Who am I trying to impress anyway? > > > > > > I chant - nowhere near the performance of the first few days. > > > Clearly its not happening today. I go upto Chapter 8 - Maa has > > killed > > > the Seed of Desire and ready to work on Self Deprecation. Yawn. > All > > > the thoughts and guilt and frustration take their toll. I just > need > > > to crash. "I will come back to you tomorrow morning Maa I > promise " > > I > > > go to sleep. > > > > > > Nov 19th :- > > > > > > I get up in the morning and race through the rest of the > chapters. > > > And head for work. Something is not quite right - I have taken a > > > sankalpa but I am not following through with it properly . Too > many > > > breaks and finishing up in the morning ... it doesnt add up OK > and > > > the bhav is missing. > > > > > > What's the deal with wanting to check my email every 2 minutes . > > > Since when did a sankalpa include, taking a break in between > > episodes > > > to check email... Then again, why am I not feeling inspired > enough > > to > > > get through the chant? > > > > > > And then it hits me "The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a > > single > > > step" I am getting overwhelmed by the 3 hour window . It is > easier > > to > > > manage 1 minute than 1 hour - easier to manage one word than the > > > entire Chandi. So instead of telling myself I need to get through > > the > > > entire book, I will just chant one word, and then another and > then > > > another ... > > > > > > I feel lighter already. Someone (I think it was Kelly) mentioned > > > about the common sense of the Chandi. Well there you are , start > > > small ... one step at a time , one mantra at a time and it will > add > > > up. > > > > > > I sit in front of Her with renewed vigor. Everytime I feel > tempted > > to > > > stop and daydream, I focus back "one word at a time" > > > > > > and it adds up . The chapters fly past. > > > > > > I am a happy camper today. > > > > > > > > > Nov 20th :- . > > > > > > The last few days I have come home and not flopped in front of > the > > > TV. I have been mindful of the need to chant. Today I yield to > > > temptation . I resisted "The Bachelor" yesterday but cannot > > > resist the "Survivor" today. > > > > > > I watch Survivor ... and stay back to watch Peter Jennings on the > > > conspiracy behind JFK's death... It is 9.30. I dont have any > guilt > > at > > > all - havent I got up in the mornings and finshed up my > parayan? . > > I > > > go to my altar , put my pillow nearby and go to sleep. > > > > > > The respect for the chanting is missing. > > > > > > Nov 21st : - > > > > > > I am up at 5 AM. I evaluate my position . I need or need not > chant > > > the Chandi - it is my choice. However if I choose to do it then I > > > just go by the rules. > > > > > > And the rules include > > > 1) Dont get up in the middle of the chanting unless it is > > absolutely > > > essential (a bathroom break maybe) . But since when did a > sankalpa > > > include taking email breaks ? > > > 2) Respect for the sankalpa - if something is worth doing then it > > is > > > worth doing well. I show respect to Maa and Swamiji by chanting > > like > > > them. No breaks. No chanting upto chapter 8 at night and getting > up > > > in the morning to finish the rest. I start it - I finish it. Else > I > > > dont start it. > > > 3) If I feel tired and drowsy, I just chant the next word and the > > > next and so on... Concentrate on the minute and the hours will > take > > > care of themselves. > > > > > > > > > I start the Chandi. I want to make up for missing out last > night's > > > parayan. I am nowhere near the first day performance. But I am > > happy - > > > I have set down the rules that I want to follow and I am going > by > > > them. > > > > > > I finish 4 hrs later - I have certainly taken my time today. I > have > > > taken some steps towards improving myself and respect myself more > > for > > > having done that. > > > > > > I will do the 6 months ... but I am beginning to think that this > > > should be a lifetime habit. Any process that can help me in 1 > week > > to > > > respect myself more is surely good enough to hang onto for the > rest > > > of my life. > > > > > > My focus is now on improving the quality of the attention I pay > to > > my > > > chanting... > > > > > > I dont want to brag about my sankalpa - "chanting cover to cover > > for > > > 6 months" anymore. It is too sacred for me to make light of it > or > > > boast about it.. > > > > > > It is transforming.. > > > > > > Thank you Maa. > > > Love > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > > wrote: > > > > Dear All, > > > > Here is an update on my Chandi sankalpa. Five down - 5 months > 25 > > > days > > > > to go > > > > > > > > For those with limited time and patience.(Mahamuni :-) ?) > > > > Executive summary - "God is his heaven and everything is all > > right > > > > with the world and I am chanting" > > > > > > > > For those that care (Kelly? I am counting on ya) .... here you > go. > > > > > > > > I started on Nov 13 - the first day was AWESOME. Spine > straight, > > 3 > > > > verse to a breath pranayam, purposeful intent ... felt like a > > > climax > > > > scene out of a movie. > > > > > > > > Nov 14 - I posted here asking for blessings. All you wonderful > > > folks > > > > respond . I am thrilled and all pumped up - no way I can back > out > > > of > > > > a sankalpa without losing face. Day 2 was good too. I write to > > Maa > > > > and Swami asking for their blessings. > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - The best day so far. I am staying overnight at the > > Mandir > > > > and start at 8 pm. Of course there are some brothers and > sisters > > > > hanging around at the temple. I love playing to an audience . > And > > > > another devotee sits next to me and reads along silently. Cool - > > > > > Chanting hasnt been this good. > > > > > > > > One thing worries me though, havent heard from Maa or Swami so > > far. > > > > And Swami usually responds fairly quickly. I wrote again in the > > > > morning to Swami... lets hope I have an answer from him when I > am > > > > back home. > > > > > > > > Besides there was no class today, Maa and Swami are unwell. > Maybe > > > > thats why Swami didnt get a chance to check his email.. Maybe. > > > > > > > > Nov 16 - Cook breakfast for Maa and Swami. New recipe - Turns > out > > > > terrible - for this I opt out of Sundar kand ? Too late to do > > cook > > > > anything else and so I go and make my offering. Maa asks > > > > sweetly 'You didnt go to the satsang ?" I pretend not to > > > > understand "You mean Santa Rosa next week Maa ?" . "The satsang > > > with > > > > Parvati" she says. Gulp ! " They have already left Maa" - my > > > > brilliant rejoinder. "OK" she smiles. I scram as fast as I > can , > > > get > > > > directions and land up just in time for the Sundar Kand. > > > > I get home at about 9 pm and start my Chandi. My mind is too > > > > distracted from the events of the day. Besides no email from > > Swami > > > or > > > > Maa about blessing the sankalpa either. > > > > I start at 9 - a bit sluggish. Pranayam not very good, blocked > > > nose, > > > > distracted mind. I keep changing seat positions in the middle > of > > > > chanting . After Prayog, I get up and check my email again. > > Nothing. > > > > I go back and start chanting the episodes... still couldnt > settle > > > > down, so I prop my back against the wall, stretch my legs . > Yawn. > > > Its > > > > been a long day. I muddle through till chapter 8 . Its 11.30 > pm . > > > > Whatever happened to my 2 hr 40 min performance of yesterday . > > > > All kinds of Asuras take over - "get a quick nap" , "no one > will > > > > know " and others. Finally I succumb to "get a quick nap". I > > > > compromise, no bed , just a pillow very near my altar and set > the > > > > alarm at 4 am. > > > > 4 am comes and goes. Get up with a start at 6 AM. No wash > > nothing, > > > no > > > > bathroom break no nothing , I just sit immediately, light the > > lamp > > > > and race through from chapter 8 to end of book as if my life > > > depends > > > > on it. > > > > Whew , thus ended my fourth day or recitation of Chandi. > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - > > > > I am smart , I am prepared. I will start earlier to avoid > > > temptations > > > > of sleep and laziness. Besides I will not chant unless I am > > sitting > > > > properly. I see Parvati's post on correct posture and mentally > > tell > > > > myself "if I slouch I will see Maa tapping my back" or > even "Maa > > > > tapping Parvati's back" > > > > > > > > I still havent heard from Swamiji or Maa. I am reading some of > > the > > > > posts in this site and I read one from Rudran2 who said that he > > had > > > > been chanting the Chandi for 4 yrs without initiation. His tech > > > > stocks went down and he is now scavenging .... > > > > > > > > Help !! Panic overtakes me . I have a sankalpa and I gotta do > it > > > > but .... I dont wanna scavenge. "Cant you trust that God will > > take > > > > care . You are just praying to God, why do you have to worry" - > I > > > > keep talking to myself. I read the introduction in the Chandi > and > > > > Swami says "Do not worry about anything. If you recite > devotedly, > > > it > > > > will become known to you" So I take heart from that. It still > > would > > > > be nice to get a formal signoff or blessing from Maa and Swami. > > > > > > > > Then the Kindest Moderator in the World - Sarada Saraswati > comes > > > > online on IM. I share my panic with him and he promises to > talk > > > with > > > > Maa and get back to me. SUCH a sweetheart. > > > > > > > > Meanwhile I continue chanting .. I finish prayog, come to the > > PC , > > > > nope Sarada hasnt had a chance to talk with Maa yet. > > > > Grr.. > > > > I come back finish episodes 1 and 2 and come back to the PC. > > Sarada > > > > is there and he says "I spoke to Maa " and I am like "And ...." > > > > He is taking his own cool time that boy ... A few excruciating > > > > moments later he says > > > > "Mother is VERY happy with your sankalpa" > > > > Yippeeee! > > > > And then he said "she just said to not have any desires" > > > > Oh Oh. Ok I think. But atleast I got the blessings . THANK YOU > > MAA! > > > > I go back and complete the Chandi. > > > > > > > > So far so good. I have the formal blessings and I am chanting. > > God, > > > > if in someway my chanting and this "diary" can help anyone at > all > > I > > > > offer it to You. > > > > > > > > Hasta la vista. > > > > > > > > Love > > > > Latha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2003 Report Share Posted November 24, 2003 Namaste Astraea, I was referring to your Savitri Gayatri Sankalpa. FYI, you can do the chant much faster if accompanied by pranayam. Best wishes, Latha , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> wrote: > Namaste Latha, > Thank you for your support. I know I'm NOT going to be attempting the > Chandi anytime soon. I haven't even finished reading it in English. > Then it will be all I can do to sit still and LISTEN to it (MP3) for > 3 hours! > > Astraea > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Namaste Astraea, > > > > Very happy to know of your sankalpa . My best wishes for its > > fruition. > > > > I am sure as time goes on you will be the best to determine the > pace > > at which you want to chant the Gayatri. > > > > For me , I am a very passionate person - all or nothing. And > spending > > 3 hrs for Chandi sends the blood rushing. I am doing all kinds of > > goof ups as you probably gathered from my journal, but still thats > > the only way for me. The more realistic pace would be to set aside > a > > half hour in the evening and chant one chapter at a time. But .... > my > > ego wants me to spurred on by a more magnificent sankalpa .. > Whatever > > be the deal, I know that She will take care - after all, arent our > > attempts just to impress Her? > > > > You should tell us from time to time on your progress in your > > sankalpa too. It would be great to hear from you. > > > > Love > > Latha > > > > > > > > , "astraea2003" > <astraea2003> > > wrote: > > > Namaste Latha, > > > Thank you so much for sharing your journal with us. It is very > > > pertinent to me. I've been experimenting with the Savitri Gayatri > > and > > > have found that it takes me about 20 minutes to chant one mala. > Not > > > good! There's no way I'm going to have time to chant ten malas a > > day > > > for 125 continuous days. At this pace, ten malas a day equals > about > > 3 > > > & a half hours a day of japa. > > > > > > I am chanting one mala a day of the Savitri Gayatri and at this > > > tortoise pace, I should have 125,000 reps completed in about 3 > and > > a > > > half YEARS! But this pace is more realistic. > > > > > > Hurrah and kudos to you for even attempting the whole Chandi > > everyday > > > for six months! > > > > > > Astraea > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > > wrote: > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > > > The update on my Chandi-date... > > > > > > > > Executive summary :- I dont care for any bragging rights > > anymore... > > > > > > > > Nov 18th :- Amazing day - the sky looked bluer , the grass > > greener, > > > I > > > > could deal with some of the jerks at work and could actually > look > > > at > > > > them compassionately (in my mind). I went around with a foolish > > > smile > > > > on my face ... I am ready to accept a sainthood. > > > > > > > > Then came the evening and my date with Chandi. I sat in front > of > > > her > > > > promptly at 8 pm and started with great gusto. A half hour > later > > I > > > > complete the prayog and then I break my asan - my feet are sore > > and > > > > could use the break and while I take it why not check my > email ... > > > > > > > > I take another break after the first episode ... and again > check > > my > > > > email. This happens after the 2nd episode and pretty soon I am > > > > checking my email after every chapter... I am disgusted with > > myself > > > > but cannot stop the compulsion... > > > > > > > > I read a zen story on the web today . The student asks the Guru > > how > > > > long it would take him to master a technique. The Guru said > that > > it > > > > would take 10 years. The student asks if he doubled his efforts > > how > > > > long would it take him then. The Guru replied that it would > take > > > him > > > > 20 years... > > > > > > > > Moral of the story :- Sometimes extra effort alone is not > enough. > > > The > > > > key is in relaxed and optimal effort. > > > > > > > > So I wonder "Have I bitten off more than I can chew . Should I > > have > > > > done a 108 day effort or even a 10 day effort first before > > > committing > > > > to a 6 month race. Who am I trying to impress anyway? > > > > > > > > I chant - nowhere near the performance of the first few days. > > > > Clearly its not happening today. I go upto Chapter 8 - Maa has > > > killed > > > > the Seed of Desire and ready to work on Self Deprecation. Yawn. > > All > > > > the thoughts and guilt and frustration take their toll. I just > > need > > > > to crash. "I will come back to you tomorrow morning Maa I > > promise " > > > I > > > > go to sleep. > > > > > > > > Nov 19th :- > > > > > > > > I get up in the morning and race through the rest of the > > chapters. > > > > And head for work. Something is not quite right - I have taken > a > > > > sankalpa but I am not following through with it properly . Too > > many > > > > breaks and finishing up in the morning ... it doesnt add up OK > > and > > > > the bhav is missing. > > > > > > > > What's the deal with wanting to check my email every 2 > minutes . > > > > Since when did a sankalpa include, taking a break in between > > > episodes > > > > to check email... Then again, why am I not feeling inspired > > enough > > > to > > > > get through the chant? > > > > > > > > And then it hits me "The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a > > > single > > > > step" I am getting overwhelmed by the 3 hour window . It is > > easier > > > to > > > > manage 1 minute than 1 hour - easier to manage one word than > the > > > > entire Chandi. So instead of telling myself I need to get > through > > > the > > > > entire book, I will just chant one word, and then another and > > then > > > > another ... > > > > > > > > I feel lighter already. Someone (I think it was Kelly) > mentioned > > > > about the common sense of the Chandi. Well there you are , > start > > > > small ... one step at a time , one mantra at a time and it will > > add > > > > up. > > > > > > > > I sit in front of Her with renewed vigor. Everytime I feel > > tempted > > > to > > > > stop and daydream, I focus back "one word at a time" > > > > > > > > and it adds up . The chapters fly past. > > > > > > > > I am a happy camper today. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 20th :- . > > > > > > > > The last few days I have come home and not flopped in front of > > the > > > > TV. I have been mindful of the need to chant. Today I yield to > > > > temptation . I resisted "The Bachelor" yesterday but cannot > > > > resist the "Survivor" today. > > > > > > > > I watch Survivor ... and stay back to watch Peter Jennings on > the > > > > conspiracy behind JFK's death... It is 9.30. I dont have any > > guilt > > > at > > > > all - havent I got up in the mornings and finshed up my > > parayan? . > > > I > > > > go to my altar , put my pillow nearby and go to sleep. > > > > > > > > The respect for the chanting is missing. > > > > > > > > Nov 21st : - > > > > > > > > I am up at 5 AM. I evaluate my position . I need or need not > > chant > > > > the Chandi - it is my choice. However if I choose to do it then > I > > > > just go by the rules. > > > > > > > > And the rules include > > > > 1) Dont get up in the middle of the chanting unless it is > > > absolutely > > > > essential (a bathroom break maybe) . But since when did a > > sankalpa > > > > include taking email breaks ? > > > > 2) Respect for the sankalpa - if something is worth doing then > it > > > is > > > > worth doing well. I show respect to Maa and Swamiji by chanting > > > like > > > > them. No breaks. No chanting upto chapter 8 at night and > getting > > up > > > > in the morning to finish the rest. I start it - I finish it. > Else > > I > > > > dont start it. > > > > 3) If I feel tired and drowsy, I just chant the next word and > the > > > > next and so on... Concentrate on the minute and the hours will > > take > > > > care of themselves. > > > > > > > > > > > > I start the Chandi. I want to make up for missing out last > > night's > > > > parayan. I am nowhere near the first day performance. But I am > > > happy - > > > > I have set down the rules that I want to follow and I am going > > by > > > > them. > > > > > > > > I finish 4 hrs later - I have certainly taken my time today. I > > have > > > > taken some steps towards improving myself and respect myself > more > > > for > > > > having done that. > > > > > > > > I will do the 6 months ... but I am beginning to think that > this > > > > should be a lifetime habit. Any process that can help me in 1 > > week > > > to > > > > respect myself more is surely good enough to hang onto for the > > rest > > > > of my life. > > > > > > > > My focus is now on improving the quality of the attention I pay > > to > > > my > > > > chanting... > > > > > > > > I dont want to brag about my sankalpa - "chanting cover to > cover > > > for > > > > 6 months" anymore. It is too sacred for me to make light of > it > > or > > > > boast about it.. > > > > > > > > It is transforming.. > > > > > > > > Thank you Maa. > > > > Love > > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > <lathananda> > > > > wrote: > > > > > Dear All, > > > > > Here is an update on my Chandi sankalpa. Five down - 5 months > > 25 > > > > days > > > > > to go > > > > > > > > > > For those with limited time and patience.(Mahamuni :-) ?) > > > > > Executive summary - "God is his heaven and everything is all > > > right > > > > > with the world and I am chanting" > > > > > > > > > > For those that care (Kelly? I am counting on ya) .... here > you > > go. > > > > > > > > > > I started on Nov 13 - the first day was AWESOME. Spine > > straight, > > > 3 > > > > > verse to a breath pranayam, purposeful intent ... felt like a > > > > climax > > > > > scene out of a movie. > > > > > > > > > > Nov 14 - I posted here asking for blessings. All you > wonderful > > > > folks > > > > > respond . I am thrilled and all pumped up - no way I can back > > out > > > > of > > > > > a sankalpa without losing face. Day 2 was good too. I write > to > > > Maa > > > > > and Swami asking for their blessings. > > > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - The best day so far. I am staying overnight at the > > > Mandir > > > > > and start at 8 pm. Of course there are some brothers and > > sisters > > > > > hanging around at the temple. I love playing to an audience . > > And > > > > > another devotee sits next to me and reads along silently. > Cool - > > > > > > > Chanting hasnt been this good. > > > > > > > > > > One thing worries me though, havent heard from Maa or Swami > so > > > far. > > > > > And Swami usually responds fairly quickly. I wrote again in > the > > > > > morning to Swami... lets hope I have an answer from him when > I > > am > > > > > back home. > > > > > > > > > > Besides there was no class today, Maa and Swami are unwell. > > Maybe > > > > > thats why Swami didnt get a chance to check his email.. Maybe. > > > > > > > > > > Nov 16 - Cook breakfast for Maa and Swami. New recipe - Turns > > out > > > > > terrible - for this I opt out of Sundar kand ? Too late to do > > > cook > > > > > anything else and so I go and make my offering. Maa asks > > > > > sweetly 'You didnt go to the satsang ?" I pretend not to > > > > > understand "You mean Santa Rosa next week Maa ?" . "The > satsang > > > > with > > > > > Parvati" she says. Gulp ! " They have already left Maa" - my > > > > > brilliant rejoinder. "OK" she smiles. I scram as fast as I > > can , > > > > get > > > > > directions and land up just in time for the Sundar Kand. > > > > > I get home at about 9 pm and start my Chandi. My mind is too > > > > > distracted from the events of the day. Besides no email from > > > Swami > > > > or > > > > > Maa about blessing the sankalpa either. > > > > > I start at 9 - a bit sluggish. Pranayam not very good, > blocked > > > > nose, > > > > > distracted mind. I keep changing seat positions in the > middle > > of > > > > > chanting . After Prayog, I get up and check my email again. > > > Nothing. > > > > > I go back and start chanting the episodes... still couldnt > > settle > > > > > down, so I prop my back against the wall, stretch my legs . > > Yawn. > > > > Its > > > > > been a long day. I muddle through till chapter 8 . Its 11.30 > > pm . > > > > > Whatever happened to my 2 hr 40 min performance of yesterday . > > > > > All kinds of Asuras take over - "get a quick nap" , "no one > > will > > > > > know " and others. Finally I succumb to "get a quick nap". I > > > > > compromise, no bed , just a pillow very near my altar and set > > the > > > > > alarm at 4 am. > > > > > 4 am comes and goes. Get up with a start at 6 AM. No wash > > > nothing, > > > > no > > > > > bathroom break no nothing , I just sit immediately, light > the > > > lamp > > > > > and race through from chapter 8 to end of book as if my life > > > > depends > > > > > on it. > > > > > Whew , thus ended my fourth day or recitation of Chandi. > > > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - > > > > > I am smart , I am prepared. I will start earlier to avoid > > > > temptations > > > > > of sleep and laziness. Besides I will not chant unless I am > > > sitting > > > > > properly. I see Parvati's post on correct posture and > mentally > > > tell > > > > > myself "if I slouch I will see Maa tapping my back" or > > even "Maa > > > > > tapping Parvati's back" > > > > > > > > > > I still havent heard from Swamiji or Maa. I am reading some > of > > > the > > > > > posts in this site and I read one from Rudran2 who said that > he > > > had > > > > > been chanting the Chandi for 4 yrs without initiation. His > tech > > > > > stocks went down and he is now scavenging .... > > > > > > > > > > Help !! Panic overtakes me . I have a sankalpa and I gotta do > > it > > > > > but .... I dont wanna scavenge. "Cant you trust that God will > > > take > > > > > care . You are just praying to God, why do you have to > worry" - > > I > > > > > keep talking to myself. I read the introduction in the Chandi > > and > > > > > Swami says "Do not worry about anything. If you recite > > devotedly, > > > > it > > > > > will become known to you" So I take heart from that. It still > > > would > > > > > be nice to get a formal signoff or blessing from Maa and > Swami. > > > > > > > > > > Then the Kindest Moderator in the World - Sarada Saraswati > > comes > > > > > online on IM. I share my panic with him and he promises to > > talk > > > > with > > > > > Maa and get back to me. SUCH a sweetheart. > > > > > > > > > > Meanwhile I continue chanting .. I finish prayog, come to the > > > PC , > > > > > nope Sarada hasnt had a chance to talk with Maa yet. > > > > > Grr.. > > > > > I come back finish episodes 1 and 2 and come back to the PC. > > > Sarada > > > > > is there and he says "I spoke to Maa " and I am > like "And ...." > > > > > He is taking his own cool time that boy ... A few > excruciating > > > > > moments later he says > > > > > "Mother is VERY happy with your sankalpa" > > > > > Yippeeee! > > > > > And then he said "she just said to not have any desires" > > > > > Oh Oh. Ok I think. But atleast I got the blessings . THANK > YOU > > > MAA! > > > > > I go back and complete the Chandi. > > > > > > > > > > So far so good. I have the formal blessings and I am > chanting. > > > God, > > > > > if in someway my chanting and this "diary" can help anyone at > > all > > > I > > > > > offer it to You. > > > > > > > > > > Hasta la vista. > > > > > > > > > > Love > > > > > Latha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 Namaste Latha, I found when chanting the Gayatri the way Shree Maa or Sri Karunamayi chants it, is slooow going -- it takes about 20 minutes to chant one mala. But I found by cutting out all melody and speeding things up, I can chant one mala in less than 15 minutes. By taking off the "cover", I can chant a mala in 10 minutes. I'm curious though, how would you use special breathing to speed up a mantra like the Gayatri? Astraea , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Namaste Astraea, > > I was referring to your Savitri Gayatri Sankalpa. > > FYI, you can do the chant much faster if accompanied by pranayam. > > Best wishes, > Latha > > > > , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> > wrote: > > Namaste Latha, > > Thank you for your support. I know I'm NOT going to be attempting > the > > Chandi anytime soon. I haven't even finished reading it in English. > > Then it will be all I can do to sit still and LISTEN to it (MP3) > for > > 3 hours! > > > > Astraea > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Namaste Astraea, > > > > > > Very happy to know of your sankalpa . My best wishes for its > > > fruition. > > > > > > I am sure as time goes on you will be the best to determine the > > pace > > > at which you want to chant the Gayatri. > > > > > > For me , I am a very passionate person - all or nothing. And > > spending > > > 3 hrs for Chandi sends the blood rushing. I am doing all kinds of > > > goof ups as you probably gathered from my journal, but still > thats > > > the only way for me. The more realistic pace would be to set > aside > > a > > > half hour in the evening and chant one chapter at a time. > But .... > > my > > > ego wants me to spurred on by a more magnificent sankalpa .. > > Whatever > > > be the deal, I know that She will take care - after all, arent > our > > > attempts just to impress Her? > > > > > > You should tell us from time to time on your progress in your > > > sankalpa too. It would be great to hear from you. > > > > > > Love > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > , "astraea2003" > > <astraea2003> > > > wrote: > > > > Namaste Latha, > > > > Thank you so much for sharing your journal with us. It is very > > > > pertinent to me. I've been experimenting with the Savitri > Gayatri > > > and > > > > have found that it takes me about 20 minutes to chant one mala. > > Not > > > > good! There's no way I'm going to have time to chant ten malas > a > > > day > > > > for 125 continuous days. At this pace, ten malas a day equals > > about > > > 3 > > > > & a half hours a day of japa. > > > > > > > > I am chanting one mala a day of the Savitri Gayatri and at this > > > > tortoise pace, I should have 125,000 reps completed in about 3 > > and > > > a > > > > half YEARS! But this pace is more realistic. > > > > > > > > Hurrah and kudos to you for even attempting the whole Chandi > > > everyday > > > > for six months! > > > > > > > > Astraea > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > <lathananda> > > > > wrote: > > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > > > > > The update on my Chandi-date... > > > > > > > > > > Executive summary :- I dont care for any bragging rights > > > anymore... > > > > > > > > > > Nov 18th :- Amazing day - the sky looked bluer , the grass > > > greener, > > > > I > > > > > could deal with some of the jerks at work and could actually > > look > > > > at > > > > > them compassionately (in my mind). I went around with a > foolish > > > > smile > > > > > on my face ... I am ready to accept a sainthood. > > > > > > > > > > Then came the evening and my date with Chandi. I sat in front > > of > > > > her > > > > > promptly at 8 pm and started with great gusto. A half hour > > later > > > I > > > > > complete the prayog and then I break my asan - my feet are > sore > > > and > > > > > could use the break and while I take it why not check my > > email ... > > > > > > > > > > I take another break after the first episode ... and again > > check > > > my > > > > > email. This happens after the 2nd episode and pretty soon I > am > > > > > checking my email after every chapter... I am disgusted with > > > myself > > > > > but cannot stop the compulsion... > > > > > > > > > > I read a zen story on the web today . The student asks the > Guru > > > how > > > > > long it would take him to master a technique. The Guru said > > that > > > it > > > > > would take 10 years. The student asks if he doubled his > efforts > > > how > > > > > long would it take him then. The Guru replied that it would > > take > > > > him > > > > > 20 years... > > > > > > > > > > Moral of the story :- Sometimes extra effort alone is not > > enough. > > > > The > > > > > key is in relaxed and optimal effort. > > > > > > > > > > So I wonder "Have I bitten off more than I can chew . Should > I > > > have > > > > > done a 108 day effort or even a 10 day effort first before > > > > committing > > > > > to a 6 month race. Who am I trying to impress anyway? > > > > > > > > > > I chant - nowhere near the performance of the first few > days. > > > > > Clearly its not happening today. I go upto Chapter 8 - Maa > has > > > > killed > > > > > the Seed of Desire and ready to work on Self Deprecation. > Yawn. > > > All > > > > > the thoughts and guilt and frustration take their toll. I > just > > > need > > > > > to crash. "I will come back to you tomorrow morning Maa I > > > promise " > > > > I > > > > > go to sleep. > > > > > > > > > > Nov 19th :- > > > > > > > > > > I get up in the morning and race through the rest of the > > > chapters. > > > > > And head for work. Something is not quite right - I have > taken > > a > > > > > sankalpa but I am not following through with it properly . > Too > > > many > > > > > breaks and finishing up in the morning ... it doesnt add up > OK > > > and > > > > > the bhav is missing. > > > > > > > > > > What's the deal with wanting to check my email every 2 > > minutes . > > > > > Since when did a sankalpa include, taking a break in between > > > > episodes > > > > > to check email... Then again, why am I not feeling inspired > > > enough > > > > to > > > > > get through the chant? > > > > > > > > > > And then it hits me "The journey of a 1000 miles begins with > a > > > > single > > > > > step" I am getting overwhelmed by the 3 hour window . It is > > > easier > > > > to > > > > > manage 1 minute than 1 hour - easier to manage one word than > > the > > > > > entire Chandi. So instead of telling myself I need to get > > through > > > > the > > > > > entire book, I will just chant one word, and then another and > > > then > > > > > another ... > > > > > > > > > > I feel lighter already. Someone (I think it was Kelly) > > mentioned > > > > > about the common sense of the Chandi. Well there you are , > > start > > > > > small ... one step at a time , one mantra at a time and it > will > > > add > > > > > up. > > > > > > > > > > I sit in front of Her with renewed vigor. Everytime I feel > > > tempted > > > > to > > > > > stop and daydream, I focus back "one word at a time" > > > > > > > > > > and it adds up . The chapters fly past. > > > > > > > > > > I am a happy camper today. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 20th :- . > > > > > > > > > > The last few days I have come home and not flopped in front > of > > > the > > > > > TV. I have been mindful of the need to chant. Today I yield > to > > > > > temptation . I resisted "The Bachelor" yesterday but > cannot > > > > > resist the "Survivor" today. > > > > > > > > > > I watch Survivor ... and stay back to watch Peter Jennings on > > the > > > > > conspiracy behind JFK's death... It is 9.30. I dont have any > > > guilt > > > > at > > > > > all - havent I got up in the mornings and finshed up my > > > parayan? . > > > > I > > > > > go to my altar , put my pillow nearby and go to sleep. > > > > > > > > > > The respect for the chanting is missing. > > > > > > > > > > Nov 21st : - > > > > > > > > > > I am up at 5 AM. I evaluate my position . I need or need not > > > chant > > > > > the Chandi - it is my choice. However if I choose to do it > then > > I > > > > > just go by the rules. > > > > > > > > > > And the rules include > > > > > 1) Dont get up in the middle of the chanting unless it is > > > > absolutely > > > > > essential (a bathroom break maybe) . But since when did a > > > sankalpa > > > > > include taking email breaks ? > > > > > 2) Respect for the sankalpa - if something is worth doing > then > > it > > > > is > > > > > worth doing well. I show respect to Maa and Swamiji by > chanting > > > > like > > > > > them. No breaks. No chanting upto chapter 8 at night and > > getting > > > up > > > > > in the morning to finish the rest. I start it - I finish it. > > Else > > > I > > > > > dont start it. > > > > > 3) If I feel tired and drowsy, I just chant the next word and > > the > > > > > next and so on... Concentrate on the minute and the hours > will > > > take > > > > > care of themselves. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I start the Chandi. I want to make up for missing out last > > > night's > > > > > parayan. I am nowhere near the first day performance. But I > am > > > > happy - > > > > > I have set down the rules that I want to follow and I am > going > > > by > > > > > them. > > > > > > > > > > I finish 4 hrs later - I have certainly taken my time today. > I > > > have > > > > > taken some steps towards improving myself and respect myself > > more > > > > for > > > > > having done that. > > > > > > > > > > I will do the 6 months ... but I am beginning to think that > > this > > > > > should be a lifetime habit. Any process that can help me in 1 > > > week > > > > to > > > > > respect myself more is surely good enough to hang onto for > the > > > rest > > > > > of my life. > > > > > > > > > > My focus is now on improving the quality of the attention I > pay > > > to > > > > my > > > > > chanting... > > > > > > > > > > I dont want to brag about my sankalpa - "chanting cover to > > cover > > > > for > > > > > 6 months" anymore. It is too sacred for me to make light of > > it > > > or > > > > > boast about it.. > > > > > > > > > > It is transforming.. > > > > > > > > > > Thank you Maa. > > > > > Love > > > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > > <lathananda> > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > Here is an update on my Chandi sankalpa. Five down - 5 > months > > > 25 > > > > > days > > > > > > to go > > > > > > > > > > > > For those with limited time and patience.(Mahamuni :-) ?) > > > > > > Executive summary - "God is his heaven and everything is > all > > > > right > > > > > > with the world and I am chanting" > > > > > > > > > > > > For those that care (Kelly? I am counting on ya) .... here > > you > > > go. > > > > > > > > > > > > I started on Nov 13 - the first day was AWESOME. Spine > > > straight, > > > > 3 > > > > > > verse to a breath pranayam, purposeful intent ... felt like > a > > > > > climax > > > > > > scene out of a movie. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 14 - I posted here asking for blessings. All you > > wonderful > > > > > folks > > > > > > respond . I am thrilled and all pumped up - no way I can > back > > > out > > > > > of > > > > > > a sankalpa without losing face. Day 2 was good too. I write > > to > > > > Maa > > > > > > and Swami asking for their blessings. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - The best day so far. I am staying overnight at the > > > > Mandir > > > > > > and start at 8 pm. Of course there are some brothers and > > > sisters > > > > > > hanging around at the temple. I love playing to an > audience . > > > And > > > > > > another devotee sits next to me and reads along silently. > > Cool - > > > > > > > > > Chanting hasnt been this good. > > > > > > > > > > > > One thing worries me though, havent heard from Maa or Swami > > so > > > > far. > > > > > > And Swami usually responds fairly quickly. I wrote again in > > the > > > > > > morning to Swami... lets hope I have an answer from him > when > > I > > > am > > > > > > back home. > > > > > > > > > > > > Besides there was no class today, Maa and Swami are unwell. > > > Maybe > > > > > > thats why Swami didnt get a chance to check his email.. > Maybe. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 16 - Cook breakfast for Maa and Swami. New recipe - > Turns > > > out > > > > > > terrible - for this I opt out of Sundar kand ? Too late to > do > > > > cook > > > > > > anything else and so I go and make my offering. Maa asks > > > > > > sweetly 'You didnt go to the satsang ?" I pretend not to > > > > > > understand "You mean Santa Rosa next week Maa ?" . "The > > satsang > > > > > with > > > > > > Parvati" she says. Gulp ! " They have already left Maa" - > my > > > > > > brilliant rejoinder. "OK" she smiles. I scram as fast as I > > > can , > > > > > get > > > > > > directions and land up just in time for the Sundar Kand. > > > > > > I get home at about 9 pm and start my Chandi. My mind is > too > > > > > > distracted from the events of the day. Besides no email > from > > > > Swami > > > > > or > > > > > > Maa about blessing the sankalpa either. > > > > > > I start at 9 - a bit sluggish. Pranayam not very good, > > blocked > > > > > nose, > > > > > > distracted mind. I keep changing seat positions in the > > middle > > > of > > > > > > chanting . After Prayog, I get up and check my email again. > > > > Nothing. > > > > > > I go back and start chanting the episodes... still couldnt > > > settle > > > > > > down, so I prop my back against the wall, stretch my legs . > > > Yawn. > > > > > Its > > > > > > been a long day. I muddle through till chapter 8 . Its > 11.30 > > > pm . > > > > > > Whatever happened to my 2 hr 40 min performance of > yesterday . > > > > > > All kinds of Asuras take over - "get a quick nap" , "no one > > > will > > > > > > know " and others. Finally I succumb to "get a quick nap". > I > > > > > > compromise, no bed , just a pillow very near my altar and > set > > > the > > > > > > alarm at 4 am. > > > > > > 4 am comes and goes. Get up with a start at 6 AM. No wash > > > > nothing, > > > > > no > > > > > > bathroom break no nothing , I just sit immediately, light > > the > > > > lamp > > > > > > and race through from chapter 8 to end of book as if my > life > > > > > depends > > > > > > on it. > > > > > > Whew , thus ended my fourth day or recitation of Chandi. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - > > > > > > I am smart , I am prepared. I will start earlier to avoid > > > > > temptations > > > > > > of sleep and laziness. Besides I will not chant unless I am > > > > sitting > > > > > > properly. I see Parvati's post on correct posture and > > mentally > > > > tell > > > > > > myself "if I slouch I will see Maa tapping my back" or > > > even "Maa > > > > > > tapping Parvati's back" > > > > > > > > > > > > I still havent heard from Swamiji or Maa. I am reading some > > of > > > > the > > > > > > posts in this site and I read one from Rudran2 who said > that > > he > > > > had > > > > > > been chanting the Chandi for 4 yrs without initiation. His > > tech > > > > > > stocks went down and he is now scavenging .... > > > > > > > > > > > > Help !! Panic overtakes me . I have a sankalpa and I gotta > do > > > it > > > > > > but .... I dont wanna scavenge. "Cant you trust that God > will > > > > take > > > > > > care . You are just praying to God, why do you have to > > worry" - > > > I > > > > > > keep talking to myself. I read the introduction in the > Chandi > > > and > > > > > > Swami says "Do not worry about anything. If you recite > > > devotedly, > > > > > it > > > > > > will become known to you" So I take heart from that. It > still > > > > would > > > > > > be nice to get a formal signoff or blessing from Maa and > > Swami. > > > > > > > > > > > > Then the Kindest Moderator in the World - Sarada Saraswati > > > comes > > > > > > online on IM. I share my panic with him and he promises to > > > talk > > > > > with > > > > > > Maa and get back to me. SUCH a sweetheart. > > > > > > > > > > > > Meanwhile I continue chanting .. I finish prayog, come to > the > > > > PC , > > > > > > nope Sarada hasnt had a chance to talk with Maa yet. > > > > > > Grr.. > > > > > > I come back finish episodes 1 and 2 and come back to the > PC. > > > > Sarada > > > > > > is there and he says "I spoke to Maa " and I am > > like "And ...." > > > > > > He is taking his own cool time that boy ... A few > > excruciating > > > > > > moments later he says > > > > > > "Mother is VERY happy with your sankalpa" > > > > > > Yippeeee! > > > > > > And then he said "she just said to not have any desires" > > > > > > Oh Oh. Ok I think. But atleast I got the blessings . THANK > > YOU > > > > MAA! > > > > > > I go back and complete the Chandi. > > > > > > > > > > > > So far so good. I have the formal blessings and I am > > chanting. > > > > God, > > > > > > if in someway my chanting and this "diary" can help anyone > at > > > all > > > > I > > > > > > offer it to You. > > > > > > > > > > > > Hasta la vista. > > > > > > > > > > > > Love > > > > > > Latha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 If you want to chant out loud with Pranayam, breathe in enough air for the number of mantras you will do and then chant the mantra. The key is consistency. Most people can chant the Gayatri Mantra two or three times with one gulp of air. I know that it has been said in this forum recently that the "cover" is not part of the Gayatri Mantra, but in the Devi Bhagavatam there is an entire chapter on Gayatri and I have never seen it left off. The "cover" seems to be the real key to the power of the Mantra. When we say, Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah, we are applying the mantra to the gross level, subtle level, and causal level thus in my own humble opinion making the Mantra much more powerful. If you look at the Gayatri Viddhi in the Cosmic Puja which comes from the Devi Bhagavatam, Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah, is also used. , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> wrote: > Namaste Latha, > I found when chanting the Gayatri the way Shree Maa or Sri Karunamayi > chants it, is slooow going -- it takes about 20 minutes to chant one > mala. But I found by cutting out all melody and speeding things up, I > can chant one mala in less than 15 minutes. By taking off > the "cover", I can chant a mala in 10 minutes. > > I'm curious though, how would you use special breathing to speed up a > mantra like the Gayatri? > > Astraea > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Namaste Astraea, > > > > I was referring to your Savitri Gayatri Sankalpa. > > > > FYI, you can do the chant much faster if accompanied by pranayam. > > > > Best wishes, > > Latha > > > > > > > > , "astraea2003" > <astraea2003> > > wrote: > > > Namaste Latha, > > > Thank you for your support. I know I'm NOT going to be attempting > > the > > > Chandi anytime soon. I haven't even finished reading it in > English. > > > Then it will be all I can do to sit still and LISTEN to it (MP3) > > for > > > 3 hours! > > > > > > Astraea > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > > wrote: > > > > Namaste Astraea, > > > > > > > > Very happy to know of your sankalpa . My best wishes for its > > > > fruition. > > > > > > > > I am sure as time goes on you will be the best to determine the > > > pace > > > > at which you want to chant the Gayatri. > > > > > > > > For me , I am a very passionate person - all or nothing. And > > > spending > > > > 3 hrs for Chandi sends the blood rushing. I am doing all kinds > of > > > > goof ups as you probably gathered from my journal, but still > > thats > > > > the only way for me. The more realistic pace would be to set > > aside > > > a > > > > half hour in the evening and chant one chapter at a time. > > But .... > > > my > > > > ego wants me to spurred on by a more magnificent sankalpa .. > > > Whatever > > > > be the deal, I know that She will take care - after all, arent > > our > > > > attempts just to impress Her? > > > > > > > > You should tell us from time to time on your progress in your > > > > sankalpa too. It would be great to hear from you. > > > > > > > > Love > > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "astraea2003" > > > <astraea2003> > > > > wrote: > > > > > Namaste Latha, > > > > > Thank you so much for sharing your journal with us. It is > very > > > > > pertinent to me. I've been experimenting with the Savitri > > Gayatri > > > > and > > > > > have found that it takes me about 20 minutes to chant one > mala. > > > Not > > > > > good! There's no way I'm going to have time to chant ten > malas > > a > > > > day > > > > > for 125 continuous days. At this pace, ten malas a day equals > > > about > > > > 3 > > > > > & a half hours a day of japa. > > > > > > > > > > I am chanting one mala a day of the Savitri Gayatri and at > this > > > > > tortoise pace, I should have 125,000 reps completed in about > 3 > > > and > > > > a > > > > > half YEARS! But this pace is more realistic. > > > > > > > > > > Hurrah and kudos to you for even attempting the whole Chandi > > > > everyday > > > > > for six months! > > > > > > > > > > Astraea > > > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > > <lathananda> > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > > > > > > > The update on my Chandi-date... > > > > > > > > > > > > Executive summary :- I dont care for any bragging rights > > > > anymore... > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 18th :- Amazing day - the sky looked bluer , the grass > > > > greener, > > > > > I > > > > > > could deal with some of the jerks at work and could > actually > > > look > > > > > at > > > > > > them compassionately (in my mind). I went around with a > > foolish > > > > > smile > > > > > > on my face ... I am ready to accept a sainthood. > > > > > > > > > > > > Then came the evening and my date with Chandi. I sat in > front > > > of > > > > > her > > > > > > promptly at 8 pm and started with great gusto. A half hour > > > later > > > > I > > > > > > complete the prayog and then I break my asan - my feet are > > sore > > > > and > > > > > > could use the break and while I take it why not check my > > > email ... > > > > > > > > > > > > I take another break after the first episode ... and again > > > check > > > > my > > > > > > email. This happens after the 2nd episode and pretty soon I > > am > > > > > > checking my email after every chapter... I am disgusted > with > > > > myself > > > > > > but cannot stop the compulsion... > > > > > > > > > > > > I read a zen story on the web today . The student asks the > > Guru > > > > how > > > > > > long it would take him to master a technique. The Guru said > > > that > > > > it > > > > > > would take 10 years. The student asks if he doubled his > > efforts > > > > how > > > > > > long would it take him then. The Guru replied that it would > > > take > > > > > him > > > > > > 20 years... > > > > > > > > > > > > Moral of the story :- Sometimes extra effort alone is not > > > enough. > > > > > The > > > > > > key is in relaxed and optimal effort. > > > > > > > > > > > > So I wonder "Have I bitten off more than I can chew . > Should > > I > > > > have > > > > > > done a 108 day effort or even a 10 day effort first before > > > > > committing > > > > > > to a 6 month race. Who am I trying to impress anyway? > > > > > > > > > > > > I chant - nowhere near the performance of the first few > > days. > > > > > > Clearly its not happening today. I go upto Chapter 8 - Maa > > has > > > > > killed > > > > > > the Seed of Desire and ready to work on Self Deprecation. > > Yawn. > > > > All > > > > > > the thoughts and guilt and frustration take their toll. I > > just > > > > need > > > > > > to crash. "I will come back to you tomorrow morning Maa I > > > > promise " > > > > > I > > > > > > go to sleep. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 19th :- > > > > > > > > > > > > I get up in the morning and race through the rest of the > > > > chapters. > > > > > > And head for work. Something is not quite right - I have > > taken > > > a > > > > > > sankalpa but I am not following through with it properly . > > Too > > > > many > > > > > > breaks and finishing up in the morning ... it doesnt add > up > > OK > > > > and > > > > > > the bhav is missing. > > > > > > > > > > > > What's the deal with wanting to check my email every 2 > > > minutes . > > > > > > Since when did a sankalpa include, taking a break in > between > > > > > episodes > > > > > > to check email... Then again, why am I not feeling inspired > > > > enough > > > > > to > > > > > > get through the chant? > > > > > > > > > > > > And then it hits me "The journey of a 1000 miles begins > with > > a > > > > > single > > > > > > step" I am getting overwhelmed by the 3 hour window . It is > > > > easier > > > > > to > > > > > > manage 1 minute than 1 hour - easier to manage one word > than > > > the > > > > > > entire Chandi. So instead of telling myself I need to get > > > through > > > > > the > > > > > > entire book, I will just chant one word, and then another > and > > > > then > > > > > > another ... > > > > > > > > > > > > I feel lighter already. Someone (I think it was Kelly) > > > mentioned > > > > > > about the common sense of the Chandi. Well there you are , > > > start > > > > > > small ... one step at a time , one mantra at a time and it > > will > > > > add > > > > > > up. > > > > > > > > > > > > I sit in front of Her with renewed vigor. Everytime I feel > > > > tempted > > > > > to > > > > > > stop and daydream, I focus back "one word at a time" > > > > > > > > > > > > and it adds up . The chapters fly past. > > > > > > > > > > > > I am a happy camper today. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 20th :- . > > > > > > > > > > > > The last few days I have come home and not flopped in front > > of > > > > the > > > > > > TV. I have been mindful of the need to chant. Today I yield > > to > > > > > > temptation . I resisted "The Bachelor" yesterday but > > cannot > > > > > > resist the "Survivor" today. > > > > > > > > > > > > I watch Survivor ... and stay back to watch Peter Jennings > on > > > the > > > > > > conspiracy behind JFK's death... It is 9.30. I dont have > any > > > > guilt > > > > > at > > > > > > all - havent I got up in the mornings and finshed up my > > > > parayan? . > > > > > I > > > > > > go to my altar , put my pillow nearby and go to sleep. > > > > > > > > > > > > The respect for the chanting is missing. > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 21st : - > > > > > > > > > > > > I am up at 5 AM. I evaluate my position . I need or need > not > > > > chant > > > > > > the Chandi - it is my choice. However if I choose to do it > > then > > > I > > > > > > just go by the rules. > > > > > > > > > > > > And the rules include > > > > > > 1) Dont get up in the middle of the chanting unless it is > > > > > absolutely > > > > > > essential (a bathroom break maybe) . But since when did a > > > > sankalpa > > > > > > include taking email breaks ? > > > > > > 2) Respect for the sankalpa - if something is worth doing > > then > > > it > > > > > is > > > > > > worth doing well. I show respect to Maa and Swamiji by > > chanting > > > > > like > > > > > > them. No breaks. No chanting upto chapter 8 at night and > > > getting > > > > up > > > > > > in the morning to finish the rest. I start it - I finish > it. > > > Else > > > > I > > > > > > dont start it. > > > > > > 3) If I feel tired and drowsy, I just chant the next word > and > > > the > > > > > > next and so on... Concentrate on the minute and the hours > > will > > > > take > > > > > > care of themselves. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I start the Chandi. I want to make up for missing out last > > > > night's > > > > > > parayan. I am nowhere near the first day performance. But I > > am > > > > > happy - > > > > > > I have set down the rules that I want to follow and I am > > going > > > > by > > > > > > them. > > > > > > > > > > > > I finish 4 hrs later - I have certainly taken my time > today. > > I > > > > have > > > > > > taken some steps towards improving myself and respect > myself > > > more > > > > > for > > > > > > having done that. > > > > > > > > > > > > I will do the 6 months ... but I am beginning to think that > > > this > > > > > > should be a lifetime habit. Any process that can help me in > 1 > > > > week > > > > > to > > > > > > respect myself more is surely good enough to hang onto for > > the > > > > rest > > > > > > of my life. > > > > > > > > > > > > My focus is now on improving the quality of the attention I > > pay > > > > to > > > > > my > > > > > > chanting... > > > > > > > > > > > > I dont want to brag about my sankalpa - "chanting cover to > > > cover > > > > > for > > > > > > 6 months" anymore. It is too sacred for me to make light > of > > > it > > > > or > > > > > > boast about it.. > > > > > > > > > > > > It is transforming.. > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you Maa. > > > > > > Love > > > > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > > > <lathananda> > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > Dear All, > > > > > > > Here is an update on my Chandi sankalpa. Five down - 5 > > months > > > > 25 > > > > > > days > > > > > > > to go > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For those with limited time and patience.(Mahamuni :- ) ?) > > > > > > > Executive summary - "God is his heaven and everything is > > all > > > > > right > > > > > > > with the world and I am chanting" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For those that care (Kelly? I am counting on ya) .... > here > > > you > > > > go. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I started on Nov 13 - the first day was AWESOME. Spine > > > > straight, > > > > > 3 > > > > > > > verse to a breath pranayam, purposeful intent ... felt > like > > a > > > > > > climax > > > > > > > scene out of a movie. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 14 - I posted here asking for blessings. All you > > > wonderful > > > > > > folks > > > > > > > respond . I am thrilled and all pumped up - no way I can > > back > > > > out > > > > > > of > > > > > > > a sankalpa without losing face. Day 2 was good too. I > write > > > to > > > > > Maa > > > > > > > and Swami asking for their blessings. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - The best day so far. I am staying overnight at > the > > > > > Mandir > > > > > > > and start at 8 pm. Of course there are some brothers and > > > > sisters > > > > > > > hanging around at the temple. I love playing to an > > audience . > > > > And > > > > > > > another devotee sits next to me and reads along silently. > > > Cool - > > > > > > > > > > > Chanting hasnt been this good. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > One thing worries me though, havent heard from Maa or > Swami > > > so > > > > > far. > > > > > > > And Swami usually responds fairly quickly. I wrote again > in > > > the > > > > > > > morning to Swami... lets hope I have an answer from him > > when > > > I > > > > am > > > > > > > back home. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Besides there was no class today, Maa and Swami are > unwell. > > > > Maybe > > > > > > > thats why Swami didnt get a chance to check his email.. > > Maybe. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 16 - Cook breakfast for Maa and Swami. New recipe - > > Turns > > > > out > > > > > > > terrible - for this I opt out of Sundar kand ? Too late > to > > do > > > > > cook > > > > > > > anything else and so I go and make my offering. Maa asks > > > > > > > sweetly 'You didnt go to the satsang ?" I pretend not to > > > > > > > understand "You mean Santa Rosa next week Maa ?" . "The > > > satsang > > > > > > with > > > > > > > Parvati" she says. Gulp ! " They have already left Maa" - > > my > > > > > > > brilliant rejoinder. "OK" she smiles. I scram as fast as > I > > > > can , > > > > > > get > > > > > > > directions and land up just in time for the Sundar Kand. > > > > > > > I get home at about 9 pm and start my Chandi. My mind is > > too > > > > > > > distracted from the events of the day. Besides no email > > from > > > > > Swami > > > > > > or > > > > > > > Maa about blessing the sankalpa either. > > > > > > > I start at 9 - a bit sluggish. Pranayam not very good, > > > blocked > > > > > > nose, > > > > > > > distracted mind. I keep changing seat positions in the > > > middle > > > > of > > > > > > > chanting . After Prayog, I get up and check my email > again. > > > > > Nothing. > > > > > > > I go back and start chanting the episodes... still > couldnt > > > > settle > > > > > > > down, so I prop my back against the wall, stretch my > legs . > > > > Yawn. > > > > > > Its > > > > > > > been a long day. I muddle through till chapter 8 . Its > > 11.30 > > > > pm . > > > > > > > Whatever happened to my 2 hr 40 min performance of > > yesterday . > > > > > > > All kinds of Asuras take over - "get a quick nap" , "no > one > > > > will > > > > > > > know " and others. Finally I succumb to "get a quick > nap". > > I > > > > > > > compromise, no bed , just a pillow very near my altar and > > set > > > > the > > > > > > > alarm at 4 am. > > > > > > > 4 am comes and goes. Get up with a start at 6 AM. No wash > > > > > nothing, > > > > > > no > > > > > > > bathroom break no nothing , I just sit immediately, > light > > > the > > > > > lamp > > > > > > > and race through from chapter 8 to end of book as if my > > life > > > > > > depends > > > > > > > on it. > > > > > > > Whew , thus ended my fourth day or recitation of Chandi. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Nov 15 - > > > > > > > I am smart , I am prepared. I will start earlier to avoid > > > > > > temptations > > > > > > > of sleep and laziness. Besides I will not chant unless I > am > > > > > sitting > > > > > > > properly. I see Parvati's post on correct posture and > > > mentally > > > > > tell > > > > > > > myself "if I slouch I will see Maa tapping my back" or > > > > even "Maa > > > > > > > tapping Parvati's back" > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I still havent heard from Swamiji or Maa. I am reading > some > > > of > > > > > the > > > > > > > posts in this site and I read one from Rudran2 who said > > that > > > he > > > > > had > > > > > > > been chanting the Chandi for 4 yrs without initiation. > His > > > tech > > > > > > > stocks went down and he is now scavenging .... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Help !! Panic overtakes me . I have a sankalpa and I > gotta > > do > > > > it > > > > > > > but .... I dont wanna scavenge. "Cant you trust that God > > will > > > > > take > > > > > > > care . You are just praying to God, why do you have to > > > worry" - > > > > I > > > > > > > keep talking to myself. I read the introduction in the > > Chandi > > > > and > > > > > > > Swami says "Do not worry about anything. If you recite > > > > devotedly, > > > > > > it > > > > > > > will become known to you" So I take heart from that. It > > still > > > > > would > > > > > > > be nice to get a formal signoff or blessing from Maa and > > > Swami. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Then the Kindest Moderator in the World - Sarada > Saraswati > > > > comes > > > > > > > online on IM. I share my panic with him and he promises > to > > > > talk > > > > > > with > > > > > > > Maa and get back to me. SUCH a sweetheart. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Meanwhile I continue chanting .. I finish prayog, come to > > the > > > > > PC , > > > > > > > nope Sarada hasnt had a chance to talk with Maa yet. > > > > > > > Grr.. > > > > > > > I come back finish episodes 1 and 2 and come back to the > > PC. > > > > > Sarada > > > > > > > is there and he says "I spoke to Maa " and I am > > > like "And ...." > > > > > > > He is taking his own cool time that boy ... A few > > > excruciating > > > > > > > moments later he says > > > > > > > "Mother is VERY happy with your sankalpa" > > > > > > > Yippeeee! > > > > > > > And then he said "she just said to not have any desires" > > > > > > > Oh Oh. Ok I think. But atleast I got the blessings . > THANK > > > YOU > > > > > MAA! > > > > > > > I go back and complete the Chandi. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > So far so good. I have the formal blessings and I am > > > chanting. > > > > > God, > > > > > > > if in someway my chanting and this "diary" can help > anyone > > at > > > > all > > > > > I > > > > > > > offer it to You. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hasta la vista. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Love > > > > > > > Latha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 Namaste Sarada, Thank you for the direction and explanation. If you look in the Devi Mandir Lakshmi puja book (bottom of page 12) you will see the Savitri Gayatri used without its "cover". I'm curious why the other Gayatri mantras are chanted without a "cover"? Astraea , "Sarada" <sarada_saraswati> wrote: > If you want to chant out loud with Pranayam, breathe in enough air > for the number of mantras you will do and then chant the mantra. The > key is consistency. Most people can chant the Gayatri Mantra two or > three times with one gulp of air. I know that it has been said in > this forum recently that the "cover" is not part of the Gayatri > Mantra, but in the Devi Bhagavatam there is an entire chapter on > Gayatri and I have never seen it left off. The "cover" seems to be > the real key to the power of the Mantra. When we say, Bhur, Bhuvah, > Svah, we are applying the mantra to the gross level, subtle level, > and causal level thus in my own humble opinion making the Mantra > much more powerful. If you look at the Gayatri Viddhi in the Cosmic > Puja which comes from the Devi Bhagavatam, Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah, is > also used. > , "astraea2003" <astraea2003> > wrote: > > Namaste Latha, > > I found when chanting the Gayatri the way Shree Maa or Sri > Karunamayi > > chants it, is slooow going -- it takes about 20 minutes to chant > one > > mala. But I found by cutting out all melody and speeding things > up, I > > can chant one mala in less than 15 minutes. By taking off > > the "cover", I can chant a mala in 10 minutes. > > > > I'm curious though, how would you use special breathing to speed > up a > > mantra like the Gayatri? > > > > Astraea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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