Guest guest Posted January 12, 2004 Report Share Posted January 12, 2004 Beloved Members of the Devi Mandir , I have put together all of Swami Satyananda Saraswati's posts from the inception of the group in September until Dec.31.03. Finding them invaluable myself... I thought it might help the new members joining in. Again, I highly recommend that time permitting, all the new members should read as many of the earlier posts as they provide an insight on various translations of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, scriptures, pujas, personal experiences of chanting/worship and heartwarming stories about visits to the Devi Mandir, Shree Maa and Swamiji. Q: How important is it to perform your daily Sadhana program at the same place and time everyday? A: The more we perform at the same place and same time, the easier it becomes. It becomes second nature to us. Then it becomes our true nature. First, when we are out and about, our minds are engaged in various contemplations, so it is all the more difficult to make them sit still. Second, when we have new surroundings and new timings, it is that such more difficult to compose ourselves and get into the bhava of true devotion. When we perform at the same time and place, we go deeper and are less distracted. After some time the mantras remember us, rather than our having to memorize the mantras. --- Q: Can only those people that have conducive astrological positions progress in the spiritual path? Are the rest of us merely pretenders ? A: That is a false proposition. Chapter 12 of the Chandi specifically says that the recitation of Chandi removes all the malevolent effects of the planets. --- Q: In the dhyanam to Durga in the Durga Puja, in the 12th shloka,"chanda" appears to be translated both as "passion" and as "fear." (as in "The Terrible Slayer of Passion," or "She Who Tears Apart Fear.") How can we understand this more deeply? A: Passion, fear, desire - these are all inseparably connected. Whatever we are passionate about, we desire. When we desire, there is a fear that our desire will not be fulfilled. They all work together. --- Q: Is the purpose of being vegetarian more than not harming animals? I use an animal skin as an asan. Do I have a karmic responsibility to the animal who lost their skin for my benefit? A: The purpose is more than not harming, although that is one of many good reasons. The primary reason is that we take the fuel according to the work we want to perform. If you put diesel in a gasoline engine, it will not function properly. If you put the food of aggressive action into the body of a meditator, it will not be easy to quiet the mind. We need all the help we can get. --- Q:When we recite "Kusasane Sthitho Brahma ...Kusasana namostute " we are asked to tie a thread. Do we tie on the left hand if we are female, and the right if we are male ? A: Yes, that is the custom. In that way the two make a whole. Q: At times while chanting Chandi, I'll find my breath expanding over time during that one recitation, and wanting to go beyond the original rhythm with which I started. For example, I may begin 3 verses to the breath, then experience a tendency in my breath to chant more; however, I stay with the 3 verses since that is how I started. Should we stick to one rhythm for each recitation, once we've begun? Can we add more verses to the breath, and continue in that fashion? If we must stay with one rhythm throughout, what is the reason for this? A: There are reasons for both expanding the length of the practice, the number of verses per breath, and also for maintaining consistency. We don't to do both. When you are able to increase, then do so. But try to maintain that new rhythm throughout the balance. What we want to avoid is being erratic.Consistency is the key. --- Q: When we chant, is it more effective to do it in a monotone voice? Does it make a difference? A.: When we sing, we take more breaths. When we chant, we take in a deeper inhalation and pronounce the mantra(s) on the exhilation. The tone of our chanting, whether or not it is musical, determines the speed of the pronunciation. So when we want to recite more verses to the breath, monotone is best. When we want to be entertaining or explaining or both, then musical tones are best. ========================== Q: Most every scripture purports itself to be the ultimate road to realization. Why is it necessary to have that statement included? A.: Because it is true, and it boosts the faith of the practicianers. --- Q: We are taught that vairaagya and viveka (dispassion, or detachment, and discrimination) are extremely important attitudes and qualities in spiritual life.For many of us, this is easy to understand intellectually, but can be hard to incorporate and practice.You gave us some techniques already to cultivate vairaagya in our practice.Can you tell us how to cultivate and strengthen viveka? Also, which shastras or particular scripture do you recommend consulting which would tell us about other important qualities to cultivate, and also give us a context for that? (I am familiar with Devi Gita, are there others you would recommend?) A: Discrimination is cultivated through goal setting. When you have defined the goal, the path becomes academic. Then we obviously have criteria by which to discriminate. All we have to do is to remember the goal and ask if this decision takes me closer or farther away. Every scripture is revered because it defines the goals and spiritual life and demonstrates the path. If writings are regarded as scripture it is because they have these qualities. ================================================== What a wonderful seva to the Divine Mother, to provide a forum for distributing spiritual knowledge. Q. 1) How do you pronounce "phaT" as in "astrAya phaT" Is it with an "f" sound as in "fot" or is it with a "p" sound as in "pot"? A. from Swamiji: F or PH as in Philosophy. 2) Can one start at the beginning of the text, go . far as possible in one sitting, take a break and come back where they left off? Over a period of a week, for example, until the text is finished? A from Swaniji: Yes, as long as we are students, She will certainly forgive us. We are trrying to do our best. The prescriptions to perform the entire recitation in one asana is for those who are striving for the highest goal. The rest of us will perform to the extent of our capacity, and then continually try to increase our capacity. That is the tapasyA 3) Can the navarna vidhih be used as a system of worship all by itself, or must it be recited along with the entire text? A: It can be recited alone, with other texts, but must surely be performed when reciting the Chandi. =========================================== Q: What is Ananda Gandha? What is its role? is there a special meditation for it? A: Ananda Ganda means the fragrance of delight or of bliss. In our pujas we call gandha uttama, the most excellent of scents. Please see the mantras for offering incense. Its function is to fill the olfactory sense, sense of smell, with blissful fragrance, and to direct all perception to the contemplation of the divine. The entire science of aroma therapy has been derived from these offerings. Must. Not can. In our tradition, Lord Shiva is the GURU, and all others are links in the chain which bind us to the Supreme. We are all Gurus, gurus, upagurus, little gurus -- in whatever nomenclature you choose to describe. Q: And that thought prompts another query. Can I consider you and Shree Maa also my Gurus even though I have not met you and have any instruction from (not counting the online classes and your emails)? Yes, if we present as a source of inspiration to you, if you feel motivated to follow the example of our discipline, if you are directed to study our teachings, we can be gurus to you without being in physical proximity to you. Obviously we have met, because I am personally Aing your Q. But we will want to meet physically when the opportunity presents itself, because that will enhance our relationship. I bow to the pure disciple. ========================== Q First please answer, was Jesus from the east or the west? Let's ask the same Q about Mohammed and the Bal Shem Tov. According to our philosophy, there have been enlightened beings in eveery tradition, in every country around the world. And they have all left behind tools by which we can pursue our own enlightenment. A We've been translating Ramakrishna's Katha Amrita, and he calls it VYAKULATA, the sincere, intense, longing with a Capital L. The story is told of the guru who was asked, "How can I see God?" The guru replied, "I will show you," and took the disciple to the bank of the river. The two waded into the waters to bathe, and the guru held the discipe's head under the water. When the disciple started to gasp for air and to fight for his life, the guru pulled him up and asked, "How did you feel?"The disciple replied, "I felt like I would die!" Then the guru replied, "When you feel like that for God, then you can hope to have His darshan!" ============= Q May this find you at heavenly best! My husband Michael and I would like to ask you to please recommend the most important texts/classes from your "college of higher learning." We also wonder if there might be a best order of study. Many, many thanks!! A There are three distinct aspects of our practice: 1. Puja, which includes japa and meditation. 2. Path, which is the recitation of the scriptures. 3. Homa, which is the sacred fire ceremony. To learn the pujas start with the smaller ones first: Shiva and Durga Beginners. Then work your way to the intermediate pujas like Hanuman. Then go to the advanced like Shiva Advanced and the Cosmic PujA Add some new material from each book on a regular basis, expanding your worship 15 minutes a month. To learn the Path, how to recite the scriptures, take a scripture and chant for a specified period every day. There are many of them: Chandi, Bhagavad Gita, Devi Gita, Guru Gita, Lalitha, Sundar Kanda - There are many to choose from. Start with a few chapters and become comfortable with them, and then add more chapters every week. If you take the Chandi, for example, start with the Armor, Bolt, and Pin, then add the Highest Meaniing, the Tantric Devi Shukta, and the Key to Perfection. Then keep adding to it every month. Let your sadhana grow organically. There is a beginner's homa in the Hanuman Puja, a more advanced homa in the Shiva Advanced. Also there is a Video CD. Then start reciting the Sahasra Namas: Shiva, Kali, Lakshmi, Vishnu, Annapurna, we are just finishing Gayatri (almost ready for publication). In the evenings study the philosophy behind the sadhana: Kashyap Sutras, Before Becoming This, Life of a Saint, Devi Gita We're working on a new translation of Ramakrishna's story. There are many to choose from, and you can intergrate the internet classes into the study. Also look at our stories and articles on our web site. You'll find menus for the pujas, stories, parables, quite a collection. ======================= Q. from Kelly: I've noticed that Shree Ma will chant certain vedic mantra's differently than how I have been taught, like the Gayatri. How important is it to get the intonations perfect when each teacher teaches it slightly different? I've been told vedic chants must be perfect otherwise other 'malefic' influences will be attracted when chanted incorrectly. How does one know the way they are taught is the way it was intended? A First, that you do it, is more important than how you do it. The most important ingredient is your intention. The proscription against mispronunciation is for professionals who want to altar other people's karma because of their prayers. For students who want to purify themselves and reach to Godliness, the intention and effort is more valuable than the perfection of the technical presentation. Consider our own experiences. When our children brought home a drawing they made in kindergarden, didn't we praise them and place the picture on the refrigerator? If we could be so encouraging with our children, how much more the Divine Mother will do for us. There are 22 major languages of India, with 247 dialects officially recognised. The pronunciation of Sanskrit is different in every region, and every region does it differently. Try to come . close as you possibly can to what your gurus teach, and realize that wherever you go someone will say you are not correct. But their judgement does not matter. You will get your certificate from Her. ======================================== Q from Nitya: Durga Navaratri is approaching, and my mind is more fully with Durga- MA I regularly offer Durga puja, and also chant Chandi Pathah; in both texts prayer is made to the Nine Durgas (in Chandi Pathah, this is in Devya Kavacham, 3rd through 5th shlokas). My Q: My understanding is that the nine Durgas--from Goddess of Inspiration (Shailaputri) to the Goddess Who Grants Perfection (Siddhidaatri)-- are the divine processes of our Selves as we approach God through our prayer and sadhanA Is this true? Also, are the nine Durgas a cycle, through which we spiral through again and again on our eternal journey? A: They are a process. they are a cycle, but they are also the Goddesses who take us along the path. There is actually a Goddess who become embodied as Inspiration. You can feel Her blessings every time we get excited about something. Yes, it is true. But their definitions will continue to expand as we move deeper and deeper into the experience. =========================================== Q Would like to know something about the significance of Deepavali. It would be nice if you could throw some light. Swamiji: There is so much to share: Ram returned to Ayodhya on Diwali. It is the Festival of Light, the end of darkness, celebration of the Sanskrit New Year. ==========Q&A with Swami Satyananda Saraswati: On Life In An Ashram 1. When there is a group of serious seekers, searching for union with the universe or God, what principles need to be honored to create harmony and mutual respect? The Q is extremely subjective, and there is no one A that will fit all the time in all circumstances. However, we have all observed that there are four main elements in each of our disciplines: attention, knowledge, devotion, and service; dhyan, jnan, bhakti, and karmA These four are present in everyone's discipline, no matter what path we choose to practice. But the emphasis is constantly shifting for us all. At one time we are more a student, another time we are called upon to be a teacher; sometimes we are engaged in deep meditation, while other times we are called to serve. When we realize that our balance is always changing, and the needs of our associates and community is always changing, then we find that in acknowledging the elasticity of our paths, we create greater harmony and mutual respect. In giving up our dogmatic nature, we build bridges of harmony which demonstrate respect. 2. What is the proper attitude for living in an ashram, what is needed in terms of behavior and attitude to gain the most from contact with a saint? Sincerity and humility. A guru is an example that we wish to follow. In order to become a disciple, it is required to have a sincere desire to follow the example of the guru. Disciples are people who make changes in their lives. They do what the guru does, chant the way she chants, worship the way she worships, cook and clean as per the example provided. If we do not have the humility to admit that my former way of life was not satisfying, then we cannot seek to make changes with sincerity. It is not important to find the best guru. What is important is to become the best disciple. Remember, it is not about performing spiritual practices. The goal is to lead a spiritual life. Practices are only important in so far as they help us to remember that the objective is to lead a spiritual life! Spirituality means giving more than we take. 3. What do the days look like in an ashram, what are the regular daily activities at Devi Mandir? Shree Maa says that God means "Go on Duty". God gave us twenty four hours in a day so that we can work eight hours a day for God, eight hours a day for our families and communities, and eight hours a day for ourselves. We believe that the person who accomplishes 24 hours of work in a 24 hour period stands still. In order to gain a benefit, one must accomplish 25 hours or work in a 24 hour period. Then there is gain. Sadhu means efficient. Sadhus become so efficient at everything they do, that they don't waste time or resources. Then they don't require to repeat actions that are incomplete. They get it done right the first time. Our days begin with worship and they end with worship. Throughout the day there are structured breaks for worship. The length of the worship varies according to the activities that we are performing, and those activities vary according to the needs of our community. But the most important remembrance of living in an ashram is our sense of purpose: to keep God in the center of our lives, to serve God, to serve the gurus, to serve each other. 4. You are responsible for maintaining this structure called an ashram, how does that support and how does it conflict with your personal sadhana? What sacrifices are needed to be a "leader" or "servant" of the aspirants living in the ashram community? There is always a balance between too much and too little to be maintained, and consider it my privilege to have an ashram community to assist me in making those decisions. Like every family, we have a limited amount of resources, and we are constantly working to adjust the allocation of those resources so we can accomplish the goals of our community in the most efficient manner. Therefore, the ashram community does not conflict with my personal sadhana It is one of the expressions of my sadhanA It is a result of my sadhanA Love is such an experience -- you have to give it away in order to make it grow. There are three things that are necessary to leadership: Pure love, Inspiration, and Appreciation. Pure love means I accept you the way you are. Inspiration motivates you to make changes. Appreciation expresses gratitude for every effort. These three are the necessary ingredients for inspiring participation. I believe that is the only way we can serve. 5. What is the proper attitude around money? I never see "fundraisers" for Devi Mandir, yet things get done -- can you talk a little about "Dakshina" and how it works in India and here in America? Money is a form of energy that we are all accustomed to using. But we all know that it is neither the most important energy nor the most efficient energy. It is only one form of energy. When we fall in love, money is relatively unimportant. In fact, when we fall in love, food and sleep also become relatively unimportant. Now we all know how little effort is required to fall in love. It just happens of its own accord. What is difficult is how to stay in love? That requires effort, understanding, communication, surrender. Dakshina means that which is given without effort, because of our understanding, in order to communicate the intensity of our surrender, a token of our respect which demonstrates the sincerity of our love, and how much we appreciate what your being means to me. Dakshina is not an agreed upon business transaction. It is not a fee levied for the performance of a religious ritual, nor a tax collected by a guru or ashram in exchange for teachings or initiations or participation in religious functions. Dakshina is offered as a privilege to support what I believe in, to honor the conveyor of knowledge, in all humility to share respect, and to enable the recipient to do more in order to make this world a better place. In the Devi Mandir, Shree Maa and I believe in the functions of nature. We see that it is both the duty and the privilege for the flowers to give their nectar to the bees. It is both the duty and the privilege for the bees to take the nectar from the flowers. Neither need to advertise or to fundraise. If we will only exude our wonderful fragrances, the bees will come of their own accord. We are only responsible for fun raising. 6. How does an ashram relate to the larger community? Is there any responsibility to have contact with the larger community, or is self sufficiency a goal? Does an ashram have a responsibility to perform Seva in the larger community? As many as there are seekers, so many are the paths. Each individual and each ashram has its own goals and relationships with the larger community. Some ashrams have one or two devotees, others have thousands. This is by no means a measure of the success of the ashrams. It is rather an expression of the intentions of the participants. Some sadhus want to fund raise and engage in social service projects, while others want to stay home and perform sadhanA In either case there will come a time when we want to give back to our communities. Even Hereclitus, after years of wandering on the mountain tops naked, left a copy of his book in the temple of Apollo. No one stays on the top of the mountain. Either they do not find what they are looking for and require to return to society for the needs of the body, or they do find what they are looking for and feel they must share it. ============= Q: What is the difference between Homa and Yagna and what mantras and actions such as pradakshina and mudras are used to begin these rituals - I have tried to discern the from Siva Puajs - but as usual just end up bewildering myself. DhanyavaadaH A from Swamiji: Often the two are used synonymously, but actually there is a difference. Homa is a fire ceremony which is of a shorter duration, and comprises a smaller scope of sankalpA For example, if we were to perform a Sahasranam, a thousand names of one God or Goddess, along with attendant mantras, this would be a homA Yajna by comparison is generally of much longer duration, and entails a more involved sankalpA For example, if we were to perform a Sahasra Chandi Yajna, reading the entire Chandi Path before the same fire every day for a thousand days, along with various scriptures and mantras, this would be a yajnA ================== Swami Satyananda Saraswati: Sanskrit and Love Try to come as close as possible with English language to the true meaning of a text or mantra There's even more in the Sanskrit that we can't even speak. No, it is not about being a Sanskrit scholar. If you study Sanskrit from the purview of intuitive understanding as a sadhu, you will never become a Sanskrit scholar. You will become a lover. This is the whole thing about being a lover, about falling in love so deeply that you maintain the lover affair to maintain the romance. It's just as exciting to you after 35 years as it is the first day. And that's true with everything we do, whether it be a personal relationship or relationship with God, and everything in between. It's not hard to fall in love, but to stay there is the mystery. How do you maintain that love, that bhava? If you become a Sanskrit scholar you would not necessarily become a lover. But if you become a lover you will understand the meaning whether you're a Sanskrit scholar or not. And the more you practice being the lovers, the more we understand it's not about being technically correct. It's not about being a walking dictionary. It's not about being able to defeat others in debate. It's about being in love all the time, or as much of the time as we can possibly keep ourselves in that bhava. Whether we're digging holes or reading the Vedas, it's still the same puja. It's the same demonstration of our love. And I believe this whole sadhana is about maintaining the love affair. It's not hard to get inspired, but to stay there takes some real sadhanA And I'm sorry you who have been in relationships for longest periods can tell us some the wisdom of that. It takes real sadhana to maintain that love affair - to keep it fresh and alive and unique and exciting - no to let it deplete, not let it dissipate, not let it become a responsibility or a chore, or something we have to perform - like I'm going to bribe God by singing some poetry. No, it's about being the lover. And when you're the lover, then you'll understand it. Not by being the scholar. Now if part of your lover affair is demonstrating your love by studying more and more, then it's not about being a scholar, it's about being a lover and Sanskrit happens to be the medium that we're using in order to maintain the attitude of the relationship -- in order to demonstrate the privilege it is to be a lover. But it's definitely not about being technically correct or not about studying grammar or memorizing conjugations. It is totally about the bliss of the love affair all the time – so much as possible. The practices that we do are valuable only so far as they keep reminding us what a privilege it is to be in love. Swamiji said that Rama and his lineage were kings and that hunting was a part of their daily life. But when Ram went to the forest for 13 years he did not eat meat. Also, After Ram and Sita were united they had two children names Lav and Kush. Swamiji was not aware that Ram drank alcohol or that the Brahmin priests took out certain parts of the scriptures. Hope this helps a little bit. Post from Parvati. Swamiji use to sing on those rare occasions. It was always very special when he would sing this song and we would all join in and sing together. "From you I receive, and to you I give. Together we share, and through this we live." =================================== What are mudras? Mudras are symbolic gestures which demonstrate a specific attitude of respect, according to the various meanings found in the ceremonies of worship. Every time the fingers assume the appropriate positions, the mind automatically conceives the corresponding attitude. Therefore, mu dras are an effective technique to bring the mind to a state of harmony. -- ===================================== Swamiji talks about correct chanting The Question of pronunciation is one of the major issues which pundits use in the game of one-up-man-ship, to show their superiority over other pundits from other locations. And unfortunately, among academia, pundits, and sadhus, there is often a perceived need to demonstrate authority as to learning and experience. The reality is that India has over twenty-two major languages officially recognized by the government, Each of them has its own script, and the number and names of the characters of each script is different. Also they are pronounced differently in each language. Sanskrit is most frequently taught in the native scripts, just like in the Western countries we are teaching using Roman characters along with Devanagri. So if you learn Sanskrit in Tamil Nadu, you will pronounce according to the Tamil script, and if you learn in Bengal, you will pronounce according to the Bengali script. They are no where near the same. But everyone in every region understands that they are pronouncing correctly. And here is where the fun begins. To witness so many pundits in so many localities arguing over the pronunciation of scriptures which proclaim the need to give up all attachment and surrender the ego in the love of God! This is one of the marvels of religious experience! Recently we took a pundit from Uttar Pradesh and a pundit from West Bengal along with an American and European group of devotees on a pilgrimage to the Mallik Arjuna Temple of AndrA Our goal was to perform the Chandi Yajna and the Rudrastadhyayi. The results were hilarious! There is only one correct pronunciation. If you are singing from your heart for the purpose of sincere prayer, and if you know what you are saying and why you are saying it, and others who hear your prayer can also understand the meaning of your prayer, and are inspired to pray themselves, then you are doing it correctly. The rest of us are all students! And to the extent that we are capable, fellow students will want to help each other in moving closer towards our goals of learning. All the music, all the tunes, all the ornamentations, are the stuff of Bollywood movies. But they are not necessarily the ultimate definition of Sanskrit literature. Attention, intention, motivation, sincerity, bhava, and understanding all go together to make a proper presentation. And even while I have a foreign tongue, and even though I have studied Sanskrit in the North, South, East, and West of India (so that I do not claim allegiance to any one form or style of chanting), and even though I have spent a considerable amount of time in the last fifteen years outside of India, even still, I am the author of more than thirty-five translations of major scriptures from Sanskrit, published in Hindi, Bengali, English, French, Portuguese, and German, and my pronunciation of Sanskrit texts of mantras has been broadcast from the temple speakers in major temples in various locations all around India. I am not saying that I have the right way. I am asking you to learn what you can from me and go forward! ===================== Swami Satyananda's Answer to Rolando's Question Chandah means the meters, the number of syllables in each verse, and that will remain consistent no matter who is reciting. It will not change because it is an intrinsic part of the poetry. However, the svara, the musical tones, even though noted in the original text, will be interpreted differently by the various schools in various regions. Every disciple will want to learn the pronunciation of their Guru Kula, the family of his or her Guru. But to suggest that that way is the traditional way, or the one correct way, is as foolish as awarding oneself a certificate for being the most humble. Certainly follow the way(s) that your Guru(s) have shown you, but be aware of what you are saying and why you are saying it, and apply that knowledge in your life. As Shankaracharya stated, "Don't debate idle philosophies with intellectuals." =============================================== Q What is the significance of the 1008 names or 108 names of any God/Goddess? A Every vibration in existence is a name of God. And they are all at least ever so slightly or some what different. Even still, the rishis cognized specific names, indicating special attributes that they wanted to describe as intrinsic to that form of divinity. All these thousand names have found homes in the Puranas, like Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana, Devi Bhagavatam, etc. So we study and recite the names, qualities, attributes, feelings that are particular to each form of deity so that we can inculcate them into our being. Q: What is Kunjika Siddhi vs Siddha Kunjika Stotram They are one and the same. In the present text it is called the Siddha Kunjika Stotram, as compared with Kunjika Siddhi. However the meaning and origin is the same. The Key to Perfection is the understanding of the Navarna mantra. The procedure is the recitation of the full Chandi Path and then the Siddha Kunjika Stotram. If you study our translation beginning on page 370, it will become self-evident as to why this is so efficacious. If you have other Questions, please do not hesitate. ============= More Q&A with Swamiji on the Chandi 1) What is the significance of the Devi Mayi chapter in the Chandi? Swamiji says:- Devimayi is a later addition to the full Chandi Path. It was written by Abhinava Gupta, and I don't remember the year. But it says that the Chandi extends far beyond the recitation of the mantras of this book. Every vibration of existence is Her song. When we remember that fact, then what else would we want to do in our lives but sing to Her? 2) Why are there two prayers of forgiveness in the Chandi? Swamiji says:- We can't have too much. The first one was original. The second is by Shankaracharya. 3)What is the significance of the meditations before every chapter ? Swamiji says:- The meditations describe the form of the presiding deity of each chapter. The presiding deity works according to the descriptions of the Brahmadishapa VImocanam, in which the bija mantra of the chapter and the negative quality to be overcome are described. Jaa Maa! Questions to the group from Swamiji 1. What is the most important attribute of a spiritual seeker? 2. What is the meaning of the Guru and is it necessary to have a Guru in order to reach the Supreme Divinity? 3. Lakshmi Puja is coming. Who is Lakshmi and why do we worship Her? How do we worship Her? 4. What is the significance of Chandi and how does it relate to you? 5. Chapter One of the Chandi begins telling the story of someone who became Savarni. What or who is Savarni, and why would we want to know how he became who he is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Jai Maa, Jai Swamiji Amu Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 Supreme swan, used as a title of respect to someone who has great discrimination. The title is not taken to one's self. Disciples call their guru by the title. Of course, now a days people some times introduce themselves with the title, which is comparable to proclaiming "I am Supreme amongst the humble." , Amu <apratimbarua> wrote: > Thank you for Swamiji's posts. It has been most inspiring. I have heard that Paramhans refers to a particular kind of Siddhi which frees one from being bound by any tradition or rules. What does Paramhans mean? How does one become a Paramhans? > Jai Maa, Jai Swamiji > Amu > > > > > Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2004 Report Share Posted January 21, 2004 Dear Swamiji, You have always been a paramahansa to me. You not only do you have great discrimination, you teach discrimination to people like me who came to you lacking in this area. You shine your light on the goal so we can learn to discriminate the most efficient path to follow. I miss being in your physical presence... at the fire and at satsang. But I always feel your presence in my life. You still light up my life. Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vicce Om Namah Shivaya Jai Jai Swamiji Ki Jai "swami_satyanandasaraswati" <swami_satyanandasaraswati > Thu, 22 Jan 2004 00:55:28 -0000 Re: Swamiji's posts from Sept - Dec. 2003 Supreme swan, used as a title of respect to someone who has great discrimination. The title is not taken to one's self. Disciples call their guru by the title. Of course, now a days people some times introduce themselves with the title, which is comparable to proclaiming "I am Supreme amongst the humble." , Amu <apratimbarua> wrote: > Thank you for Swamiji's posts. It has been most inspiring. I have heard that Paramhans refers to a particular kind of Siddhi which frees one from being bound by any tradition or rules. What does Paramhans mean? How does one become a Paramhans? > Jai Maa, Jai Swamiji > Amu > > > > > Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.