Christmas Trees

[Guest guest]

It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking about

getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already gotten

one.

 

I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I feel

guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it.

 

I do really like Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas tree

a true symbol of Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the

lifeforce that flows through it, selflessly providing everything we

need to live. At the height of Winter, the season of darkness and

death, the evergreen demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and the

certain return of life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer

of gratitude for the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and

faith for the year to come.

 

But I feel the Christmas tree has become little more than another

seasonal decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its

sublime symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration

simply for decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out of

it. I would like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas tree.

I would like to be able to look at our tree this year and see Divine

Mother, in the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.

 

I'm thinking some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra. I'm

wondering if Shree Maa might be willing to create something

appropriate and establish it. I would like to be able to put up not

merely a tree this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol

represents, so that each time I see it, I remember Her and am

grateful.

 

Chris

[Guest guest]

Chris,

Just wanted you to know that in the Mandir, some of the trees are

considered as masculine and have three sandal lines across them and a

white scarf. The feminine ones have a red scarf across them. I dont

know if Mother did a ceremony to establish them (maybe long standing

disciples can answer) .

 

Maa also ends every chant with a "victory to the Earth Mother".

 

Latha

 

 

 

, "Chris Kirner"

<chriskirner1956> wrote:

> It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking

about

> getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already

gotten

> one.

>

> I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

> downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

> just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I

feel

> guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it.

>

> I do really like Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas

tree

> a true symbol of Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the

> lifeforce that flows through it, selflessly providing everything we

> need to live. At the height of Winter, the season of darkness and

> death, the evergreen demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and

the

> certain return of life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer

> of gratitude for the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and

> faith for the year to come.

>

> But I feel the Christmas tree has become little more than another

> seasonal decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its

> sublime symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration

> simply for decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out

of

> it. I would like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas

tree.

> I would like to be able to look at our tree this year and see

Divine

> Mother, in the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.

>

> I'm thinking some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra.

I'm

> wondering if Shree Maa might be willing to create something

> appropriate and establish it. I would like to be able to put up not

> merely a tree this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol

> represents, so that each time I see it, I remember Her and am

> grateful.

>

> Chris

[Guest guest]

Dear Chris,

I, too, found myself re-thinking the Christmas tree this year. We

happened to get quite a tall tree year and after my husband strung

the white lights on it, my children and I hung the ornaments. Some

ornaments older than their grandmother, plenty that were made by

their own hands--all crinkled, well loved. I could barely reach the

top of the tree with a tall ladder to put the angel on (she is

holding a white light). As we sat looking at the tree and the lights

in the darkened room, I began to be sorry. Sorry for cutting this

beautiful tree down. How many years did it grow? Do I need to take

this living thing and make it my symbol of the season?

Now, I know we take living things all the time for our own use. Most

of us offer flowers, grass leaves, etc. during puja and worship. I

guess it was just the size of this tree that got me. I'm not sure

what we will do in the future. But I sure am rethinking the whole

tree thing. Thanks for posting this, Chris.

Love to All, Lynne

-

Chris Kirner

Tuesday, December 02, 2003 6:53 AM

Christmas Trees

It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking about

getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already gotten

one.I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I feel

guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it. I do really like

Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas tree a true symbol of

Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the lifeforce that flows

through it, selflessly providing everything we need to live. At the

height of Winter, the season of darkness and death, the evergreen

demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and the certain return of

life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer of gratitude for

the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and faith for the year to

come.But I feel the Christmas tree has become little more than another

seasonal decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its

sublime symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration

simply for decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out of

it. I would like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas tree.

I would like to be able to look at our tree this year and see Divine

Mother, in the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.I'm

thinking some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra. I'm

wondering if Shree Maa might be willing to create something

appropriate and establish it. I would like to be able to put up not

merely a tree this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol

represents, so that each time I see it, I remember Her and am

grateful. ChrisTo from this group, send an email

to:Your use of

is subject to the

[Guest guest]

That is lovely, Chris. I am not into shopping and have never enjoyed

the commercialism of Christmas. At this time, I live in a tiny rural

community at 6,200 ft elevation in the San Jacinto Mountains of

Southern California. Mother has decorated my surroundings with

numerous tall pine trees, sculptured boulders and mountain faces and

ever changing qualities of light. Soon there will be the frosting of

snow and the twinkling of icicles. She does all the decorating for

me. Jai Maa!!

"Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956 >

Tue, 02 Dec 2003 11:53:10 -0000

Christmas Trees

It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking about

getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already gotten

one.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I feel

guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it.

I do really like Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas tree

a true symbol of Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the

lifeforce that flows through it, selflessly providing everything we

need to live. At the height of Winter, the season of darkness and

death, the evergreen demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and the

certain return of life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer

of gratitude for the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and

faith for the year to come.

But I feel the Christmas tree has become little more than another

seasonal decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its

sublime symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration

simply for decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out of

it. I would like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas tree.

I would like to be able to look at our tree this year and see Divine

Mother, in the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.

I'm thinking some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra. I'm

wondering if Shree Maa might be willing to create something

appropriate and establish it. I would like to be able to put up not

merely a tree this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol

represents, so that each time I see it, I remember Her and am

grateful.

Chris

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[Guest guest]

Maybe this will help you with the spirit of the season Its called

"Pancha Ganapati" Its a western Hindu Tradition. Since celebrating

Christmas is a Christian Holiday, Pancha Ganapati Was created for

Hindu's By Hindu's To enjoy in the Season!!

The December gift-giving festival called Pancha Ganapati

Pancha Ganapati, a five-day festival celebrated from December 21

through 25, has become a favorite in homes all over the world. The

winter solstice has always been a festive time of year in all

countries, religions and among Hindus especially, for it is a

traditional season for the worship of Lord Ganesha, the

elephant-headed lord of culture and the arts.

In the Sri Lankan tradition, for example, thirty days are dedicated to

Ganesha worship during December-January in the festival called Markali

Pillaiyar. In Vedic astrology this time of year marks the end of the

sun's southward movement and the beginning of its movement north.

Pancha Ganapati is a Hindu expression of this natural season of

worship, gift-giving and celebration.

During each of the five days, a special sadhana, spiritual discipline,

is focused upon by the entire family. Because of the festival's

importance as a new beginning and mending of all past mistakes, a

festive shrine is created in the main living room of the home. At the

center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord

Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, any large picture or

statue of Lord Ganesha will do. Each morning the children dress or

decorate Ganesha anew in a different color: golden yellow on December

21, then royal blue, ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant

orange. These are the colors of His five powers, or shaktis.

Each day a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Lord

Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Chants, songs

and bhajans are sung in His praise. After puja, the abundant, diverse

sweets are shared by one and all as prasada. Each day gifts are given

to the children, who place them before Pancha Ganapati to open only on

the fifth day. Gifts need not be extravagent or expensive; they should

be within the means of each family. Handmade presents are by far the

most precious. Ganesha does not want gift-giving to promote Western

commercialism but to further the great Hindu culture. Clearly, killer

games should never be given. Greeting cards, ideally made by the

children, offer Hindu art and wisdom, such as verses from the Vedas.

Here is how the five-day celebration is observed.

December 21, yellow: The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha

Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate

family members. The day begins early, and the entire family works

together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols,

rangoli, lamps and more. Then a grand puja is performed invoking the

spirit of Pancha Ganapati in the home. The sadhana of the day now

begins. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any

strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make

amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental

pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to

all by one and all, they speak of each other's good qualities and

resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of

trying to change others and the practicality of changing one's self

to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged

and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati. As

family harmony is important to all Hindus, this sadhana must be taken very, very seriously.

December 22, blue: Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love

and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and

presenting them with heartfelt. The sadhana of the day is to offer

apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives

and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness

is sought, apologies made and tensions released. Gifts received are

placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

December 23, red: The sadhana for the third day is to create a

vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual

merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting

gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and

employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the

settling of all debts and disputes. Gifts received are placed

unopened before the Deity.

December 24, green: The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the

vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and

the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share

and enjoy their artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha,

Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu Dharma and

making plans to bring more cultural refinements into the home. More

gifts are placed before Pancha Ganapati.

December 25, orange: The family sadhana for the final day is to bring

forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas

well performed during the first four days, the family is now more

open and aware of Ganesha's grace, and their love for Him is now

overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring

of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings

fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them

anew for the coming year.

We can clearly see that religion and tradition are interlocked in the

annals of time back many thousands of years, and how tradition moves

forward from one generation to the next, setting the patterns for

humanity. Every time-honored tradition loyally serves mankind, and by

following it through the context of one of the great religions of the

world, one cannot go astray. Jai Ganapati! May He lead us always

along the right path.

I hope this helps!

Aum Gam Ganapatiya Namaha

Aaron

Ardis Jackson <anandamama (AT) earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

That is lovely, Chris. I am not into shopping and have never enjoyed

the commercialism of Christmas. At this time, I live in a tiny rural

community at 6,200 ft elevation in the San Jacinto Mountains of

Southern California. Mother has decorated my surroundings with

numerous tall pine trees, sculptured boulders and mountain faces and

ever changing qualities of light. Soon there will be the frosting of

snow and the twinkling of icicles. She does all the decorating for

me. Jai Maa!!

"Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956 >

Date: Tue, 02 Dec 2003 11:53:10 -0000To:

Subject: Christmas Trees

It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking about

getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already gotten

one.I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I feel

guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it. I do really like

Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas tree a true symbol of

Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the lifeforce that flows

through it, selflessly providing everything we need to live. At the

height of Winter, the season of darkness and death, the evergreen

demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and the certain return of

life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer of gratitude for

the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and faith for the year to

come.But I feel the

Christmas tree has become little more than another seasonal

decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its sublime

symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration simply for

decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out of it. I would

like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas tree. I would like

to be able to look at our tree this year and see Divine Mother, in

the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.I'm thinking

some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra. I'm wondering if

Shree Maa might be willing to create something appropriate and

establish it. I would like to be able to put up not merely a tree

this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol represents, so

that each time I see it, I remember Her and am grateful. Chris

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[Guest guest]

Lynne McKinnon <omgirl (AT) patmedia (DOT) net> wrote:

Dear Chris,

I, too, found myself re-thinking the Christmas tree this year. We

happened to get quite a tall tree year and after my husband strung

the white lights on it, my children and I hung the ornaments. Some

ornaments older than their grandmother, plenty that were made by

their own hands--all crinkled, well loved. I could barely reach the

top of the tree with a tall ladder to put the angel on (she is

holding a white light). As we sat looking at the tree and the lights

in the darkened room, I began to be sorry. Sorry for cutting this

beautiful tree down. How many years did it grow? Do I need to take

this living thing and make it my symbol of the season?

Now, I know we take living things all the time for our own use. Most

of us offer flowers, grass leaves, etc. during puja and worship. I

guess it was just the size of this tree that got me. I'm not sure

what we will do in the future. But I sure am rethinking the whole

tree thing. Thanks for posting this, Chris.

Love to All, Lynne

-

Chris Kirner

Tuesday, December 02, 2003 6:53 AM

Christmas Trees

It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking about

getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already gotten

one.I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I feel

guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it. I do really like

Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas tree a true symbol of

Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the lifeforce that flows

through it, selflessly providing everything we need to live. At the

height of Winter, the season of darkness and death, the evergreen

demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and the certain return of

life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer of gratitude for

the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and faith for the year to

come.But I feel the

Christmas tree has become little more than another seasonal

decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its sublime

symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration simply for

decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out of it. I would

like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas tree. I would like

to be able to look at our tree this year and see Divine Mother, in

the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.I'm thinking

some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra. I'm wondering if

Shree Maa might be willing to create something appropriate and

establish it. I would like to be able to put up not merely a tree

this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol represents, so

that each time I see it, I remember Her and am grateful. ChrisTo

from this group, send an email

to:Your use of is

subject to the To from this

group, send an email to:Your

use of is subject to the

 

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[Guest guest]

real estate just so I can pick my spot one day in the mountains.

Seems to be a sure way of making money and I really want a quiet place

for sadhana in nature. You are so lucky!Ardis Jackson <anandamama (AT) earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

That is lovely, Chris. I am not into shopping and have never enjoyed

the commercialism of Christmas. At this time, I live in a tiny rural

community at 6,200 ft elevation in the San Jacinto Mountains of

Southern California. Mother has decorated my surroundings with

numerous tall pine trees, sculptured boulders and mountain faces and

ever changing qualities of light. Soon there will be the frosting of

snow and the twinkling of icicles. She does all the decorating for

me. Jai Maa!!

"Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956 >

Date: Tue, 02 Dec 2003 11:53:10 -0000To:

Subject: Christmas Trees

It's that time again (for those of us who do) to begin thinking about

getting and decorating a Christmas tree, if we haven't already gotten

one.I don't know about the rest of you, but I, for one, have become

downright Scroogey about Christmas these last few years (humbug). I

just can't relate to all the commercialism and the stress, and I feel

guilty for not buying (forgive the pun) into it. I do really like

Christmas trees though. I see in the Christmas tree a true symbol of

Divine Mother. It represents the earth, and the lifeforce that flows

through it, selflessly providing everything we need to live. At the

height of Winter, the season of darkness and death, the evergreen

demonstrates the eternal nature of life, and the certain return of

life and light in the spring. It is both a prayer of gratitude for

the gifts of the previous year, and of hope and faith for the year to

come.But I feel the

Christmas tree has become little more than another seasonal

decoration, one among many. Even though I recognize its sublime

symbology, the decades of unthinking use, of decoration simply for

decoration's sake, has taken all of the sacredness out of it. I would

like to put the sacredness back into the Christmas tree. I would like

to be able to look at our tree this year and see Divine Mother, in

the same way I might see Jesus when I look at a cross.I'm thinking

some kind of ceremony is necessary, maybe a mantra. I'm wondering if

Shree Maa might be willing to create something appropriate and

establish it. I would like to be able to put up not merely a tree

this year, but a tangible aura of all that the symbol represents, so

that each time I see it, I remember Her and am grateful. Chris

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