Guest guest Posted March 15, 2004 Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and sustaining devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the envisioning, of God. Svahaa! Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if so, how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2004 Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 Hi Steve, When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if I am taking the time to watch the English translation as well as chanting the Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. When I started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. I also enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I do the Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the Napesvara Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the Cosmic Puja and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and it takes me longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji once "what is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's how I feel. Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time job, I have lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and efficient was when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I usually spend thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to eat was all "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in the evening to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). I am reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast this Navaratri! Love to everyone, Ardis "bingo_ridley" <sconnor (AT) austin (DOT) rr.com> Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and sustaining devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the envisioning, of God. Svahaa! Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if so, how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. Steve / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2004 Report Share Posted March 15, 2004 this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a problem with sleep.) yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > Hi Steve, > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if I am > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as chanting the > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. When I > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. I also > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I do the > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the Napesvara > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the Cosmic Puja > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and it takes me > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji once "what > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's how I feel. > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time job, I have > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and efficient was > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I usually spend > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to eat was all > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in the evening > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). I am > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast this > Navaratri! > > Love to everyone, > Ardis > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and sustaining > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if so, > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > Steve Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is continuous. Jai Maa! "bingo_ridley" <sconnor (AT) austin (DOT) rr.com> Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a problem with sleep.) yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > Hi Steve, > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if I am > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as chanting the > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. When I > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. I also > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I do the > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the Napesvara > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the Cosmic Puja > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and it takes me > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji once "what > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's how I feel. > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time job, I have > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and efficient was > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I usually spend > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to eat was all > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in the evening > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). I am > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast this > Navaratri! > > Love to everyone, > Ardis > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and sustaining > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if so, > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > Steve > > > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . Sponsor / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 I love Elana reminding you to "go do Shiva". It looks like she really enjoys it too! "bingo_ridley" <sconnor (AT) austin (DOT) rr.com> Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a problem with sleep.) yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > Hi Steve, > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if I am > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as chanting the > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. When I > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. I also > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I do the > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the Napesvara > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the Cosmic Puja > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and it takes me > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji once "what > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's how I feel. > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time job, I have > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and efficient was > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I usually spend > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to eat was all > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in the evening > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). I am > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast this > Navaratri! > > Love to everyone, > Ardis > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and sustaining > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if so, > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > Steve > > > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . Sponsor / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 ardis, i thought so! the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for example. steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > continuous. Jai Maa! > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > problem with sleep.) > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > Hi Steve, > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > I am > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > chanting the > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > When I > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > I also > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > do the > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > Napesvara > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > Cosmic Puja > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > it takes me > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > once "what > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > how I feel. > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > job, I have > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > efficient was > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > usually spend > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > eat was all > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > the evening > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > I am > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > this > > Navaratri! > > > > Love to everyone, > > Ardis > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > sustaining > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > so, > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . > > > > Sponsor > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 yes she is really awesome, such a dear heart. i got her to say SVAHAA with me at the appropriate times, she really enjoys that. steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > I love Elana reminding you to "go do Shiva". It looks like she really > enjoys it too! > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > problem with sleep.) > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > Hi Steve, > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > I am > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > chanting the > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > When I > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > I also > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > do the > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > Napesvara > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > Cosmic Puja > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > it takes me > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > once "what > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > how I feel. > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > job, I have > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > efficient was > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > usually spend > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > eat was all > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > the evening > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > I am > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > this > > Navaratri! > > > > Love to everyone, > > Ardis > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > sustaining > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > so, > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . > > > > Sponsor > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 Hi Steve, At a certain point with japa, the mantra becomes the set-point for your mind. You can actually hear the mantra going on inside, even when you are not deliberately thinking it. You can intend this to happen. This is why it is good to really pay attention, be intense and really focus on the sound. Do intense japa. Your mind will fall in love with the mantra. Another thing I do is this. When you repeat the mantra, at first, does it feel like you are doing this in your head? If so, put your hand in front of your face, and pull the vibration of the mantra down into your heart by sliding your hand from the crown to the heart chakra. Put your hand on your heart. Tune in. Doing this places your mind at the feet of your inner Guru, who resides in your heart. You will be doing japa in your heart. When the mind and heart vibrate as One, there is great bliss. Practice staying in that vibration while doing other things. When it is time to think, think. That vibration of the mantra will be in the background of your mind while you are doing what is needed. And if you forget or outer things get negative, think the mantra pull it back down into your heart again, re-set your set-point with that simple gesture. Some people put a small picture of their Ishta-Guru in a locket or medicine bag, after worshipping it, and wear it next to their heart. You could also ask for some Vibhuti from the Mandir. Hope this helps. Maureen - bingo_ridley Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:12 AM Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion ardis,i thought so!the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for example.steve--- In , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote:> How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is> continuous. Jai Maa!> > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...>> > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000> > Subject: Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion> > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can> do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i> have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i> can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and> elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she> eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a> problem with sleep.)> > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO> DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went.> > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you> stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a> recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-)> > steve> > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...>> wrote:> > Hi Steve,> > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if> I am> > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as> chanting the> > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily.> When I> > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends.> I also> > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I> do the> > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the> Napesvara> > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the> Cosmic Puja> > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and> it takes me> > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji> once "what> > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's> how I feel.> > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time> job, I have> > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and> efficient was> > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I> usually spend> > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to> eat was all> > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in> the evening> > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja).> I am> > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast> this> > Navaratri!> > > > Love to everyone,> > Ardis> > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...>> > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000> > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for> Devotion> > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and> > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of> > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this.> > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and> sustaining> > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the> > envisioning, of God. Svahaa!> > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if> so,> > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way,> > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic.> > > > Steve> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links> > To visit your group on the web, go to:> > /> > > > To from this group, send an email to:> > > > <?> subject=Un>> > > > Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service> > <> .> > > > Sponsor > > > > > Links> > /> > To from this group, send an email to:> > <?subject=Un>> > Terms of Service> <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 Maureen, Thank you, especially about the pulling the mantra down to the heart and the Vibhuti ... and the Ishta-Guru locket ... so very good ... Pranams, Steve , "Maureen Nielson" <mnielson@n...> wrote: > Hi Steve, > At a certain point with japa, the mantra becomes the set-point for your mind. You can actually hear the mantra going on inside, even when you are not deliberately thinking it. You can intend this to happen. This is why it is good to really pay attention, be intense and really focus on the sound. Do intense japa. Your mind will fall in love with the mantra. > Another thing I do is this. When you repeat the mantra, at first, does it feel like you are doing this in your head? If so, put your hand in front of your face, and pull the vibration of the mantra down into your heart by sliding your hand from the crown to the heart chakra. Put your hand on your heart. Tune in. Doing this places your mind at the feet of your inner Guru, who resides in your heart. You will be doing japa in your heart. When the mind and heart vibrate as One, there is great bliss. Practice staying in that vibration while doing other things. When it is time to think, think. That vibration of the mantra will be in the background of your mind while you are doing what is needed. And if you forget or outer things get negative, think the mantra pull it back down into your heart again, re-set your set-point with that simple gesture. Some people put a small picture of their Ishta-Guru in a locket or medicine bag, after worshipping it, and wear it next to their heart. You could also ask for some Vibhuti from the Mandir. > > Hope this helps. > Maureen > > > > - > bingo_ridley > > Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:12 AM > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > ardis, > > i thought so! > > the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i > know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for > example. > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > > continuous. Jai Maa! > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so > i > > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where > i > > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > > problem with sleep.) > > > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > > > steve > > > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > > wrote: > > > Hi Steve, > > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > > I am > > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > > chanting the > > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > > When I > > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > > I also > > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > > do the > > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > > Napesvara > > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > > Cosmic Puja > > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > > it takes me > > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > > once "what > > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > > how I feel. > > > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > > job, I have > > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > > efficient was > > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > > usually spend > > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > > eat was all > > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > > the evening > > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > > I am > > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > > this > > > Navaratri! > > > > > > Love to everyone, > > > Ardis > > > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > > Devotion > > > > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. > Of > > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > > sustaining > > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > > so, > > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a > way, > > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > > > <? > > subject=Un> > > > > > > Terms of > Service > > > <> . > > > > > > > > Sponsor > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . > > > > > - ----------- > Links > > > / > > b.. > > > c.. Terms of Service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 When you have established a practice of continual japa, it continues on its own. When I am going to sleep, I always do japa for several hours before succumbing to sleep. It is actually more restful than sleep. When I wake up the mantra is already going. If I wake up during the night, the mantra is there. It is a total joy to me. So it continues when I am driving to work. When I need to concentrate on my work (I am an accountant), I do so. When there are breaks from that type of concentration, the mantra returns. The mantra is like breathing. It is the thread that links all of my sadhana and my life in the world. Jai Maa!!!! "bingo_ridley" <sconnor (AT) austin (DOT) rr.com> Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:12:39 -0000 Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion ardis, i thought so! the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for example. steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > continuous. Jai Maa! > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > problem with sleep.) > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > Hi Steve, > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > I am > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > chanting the > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > When I > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > I also > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > do the > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > Napesvara > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > Cosmic Puja > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > it takes me > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > once "what > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > how I feel. > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > job, I have > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > efficient was > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > usually spend > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > eat was all > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > the evening > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > I am > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > this > > Navaratri! > > > > Love to everyone, > > Ardis > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > sustaining > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > so, > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . > > > > Sponsor > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 Great answer, Maureen! If I had read yours first, I wouldn't have had to answer! "Maureen Nielson" <mnielson (AT) netins (DOT) net> Tue, 16 Mar 2004 11:33:02 -0600 <> Re: Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion Hi Steve, At a certain point with japa, the mantra becomes the set-point for your mind. You can actually hear the mantra going on inside, even when you are not deliberately thinking it. You can intend this to happen. This is why it is good to really pay attention, be intense and really focus on the sound. Do intense japa. Your mind will fall in love with the mantra. Another thing I do is this. When you repeat the mantra, at first, does it feel like you are doing this in your head? If so, put your hand in front of your face, and pull the vibration of the mantra down into your heart by sliding your hand from the crown to the heart chakra. Put your hand on your heart. Tune in. Doing this places your mind at the feet of your inner Guru, who resides in your heart. You will be doing japa in your heart. When the mind and heart vibrate as One, there is great bliss. Practice staying in that vibration while doing other things. When it is time to think, think. That vibration of the mantra will be in the background of your mind while you are doing what is needed. And if you forget or outer things get negative, think the mantra pull it back down into your heart again, re-set your set-point with that simple gesture. Some people put a small picture of their Ishta-Guru in a locket or medicine bag, after worshipping it, and wear it next to their heart. You could also ask for some Vibhuti from the Mandir. Hope this helps. Maureen - bingo_ridley <sconnor (AT) austin (DOT) rr.com> Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:12 AM Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion ardis, i thought so! the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for example. steve , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > continuous. Jai Maa! > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so i > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where i > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > problem with sleep.) > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > Hi Steve, > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > I am > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > chanting the > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > When I > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > I also > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > do the > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > Napesvara > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > Cosmic Puja > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > it takes me > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > once "what > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > how I feel. > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > job, I have > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > efficient was > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > usually spend > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > eat was all > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > the evening > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > I am > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > this > > Navaratri! > > > > Love to everyone, > > Ardis > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. Of > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > sustaining > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > so, > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a way, > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . > > > > Sponsor > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <? subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 Thank you so much for sharing that. It inspires me to step up my own japa efforts. I sense that you are truly on just the right track to something so valuable. More than that, you seem to me to be on a treasure train. I simply must gain myself a boarding pass to the very same. , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > When you have established a practice of continual japa, it continues on its > own. When I am going to sleep, I always do japa for several hours before > succumbing to sleep. It is actually more restful than sleep. When I wake > up the mantra is already going. If I wake up during the night, the mantra > is there. It is a total joy to me. So it continues when I am driving to > work. When I need to concentrate on my work (I am an accountant), I do so. > When there are breaks from that type of concentration, the mantra returns. > The mantra is like breathing. It is the thread that links all of my sadhana > and my life in the world. Jai Maa!!!! > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:12:39 -0000 > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > ardis, > > i thought so! > > the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i > know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for > example. > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > > continuous. Jai Maa! > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so > i > > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where > i > > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > > problem with sleep.) > > > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > > > steve > > > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > > wrote: > > > Hi Steve, > > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > > I am > > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > > chanting the > > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > > When I > > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > > I also > > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > > do the > > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > > Napesvara > > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > > Cosmic Puja > > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > > it takes me > > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > > once "what > > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > > how I feel. > > > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > > job, I have > > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > > efficient was > > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > > usually spend > > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > > eat was all > > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > > the evening > > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > > I am > > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > > this > > > Navaratri! > > > > > > Love to everyone, > > > Ardis > > > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > > Devotion > > > > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. > Of > > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > > sustaining > > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > > so, > > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a > way, > > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > > > <? > > subject=Un> > > > > > > Terms of > Service > > > <> . > > > > > > > > Sponsor > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . Links > > / > > > > <?subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 Thank you. For more inspiration, Sarada Devi (Ramakrishna's spiritual partner) spent many, many hours a day in japa. She slept very little. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, including Ramakrishna. When I first went to the Devi Mandir, a devotee named Sarada was the first person to encourage me to practice japa. I was a little skeptical at first. Now I am very grateful to her. "rudran2" <stechiekov > Wed, 17 Mar 2004 01:47:28 -0000 Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion Thank you so much for sharing that. It inspires me to step up my own japa efforts. I sense that you are truly on just the right track to something so valuable. More than that, you seem to me to be on a treasure train. I simply must gain myself a boarding pass to the very same. , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> wrote: > When you have established a practice of continual japa, it continues on its > own. When I am going to sleep, I always do japa for several hours before > succumbing to sleep. It is actually more restful than sleep. When I wake > up the mantra is already going. If I wake up during the night, the mantra > is there. It is a total joy to me. So it continues when I am driving to > work. When I need to concentrate on my work (I am an accountant), I do so. > When there are breaks from that type of concentration, the mantra returns. > The mantra is like breathing. It is the thread that links all of my sadhana > and my life in the world. Jai Maa!!!! > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:12:39 -0000 > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion > > > ardis, > > i thought so! > > the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i > know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for > example. > > steve > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > > continuous. Jai Maa! > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so > i > > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where > i > > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > > problem with sleep.) > > > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > > > steve > > > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > > wrote: > > > Hi Steve, > > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if > > I am > > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > > chanting the > > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > > When I > > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends. > > I also > > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > > do the > > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > > Napesvara > > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > > Cosmic Puja > > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > > it takes me > > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > > once "what > > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > > how I feel. > > > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > > job, I have > > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > > efficient was > > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > > usually spend > > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > > eat was all > > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > > the evening > > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > > I am > > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > > this > > > Navaratri! > > > > > > Love to everyone, > > > Ardis > > > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > > Devotion > > > > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. > Of > > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > > sustaining > > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > > so, > > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a > way, > > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > > > <? > > subject=Un> > > > > > > Terms of > Service > > > <> . > > > > > > > > Sponsor > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? > subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . > > > > > > > Links > > / > > > > <?subject=Un> > > Terms of Service > <> . / <?subject=Un> Terms of Service <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2004 Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 me too rudran ... all aboooooaaaaard!!! steve , "rudran2" <stechiekov> wrote: > Thank you so much for sharing that. It inspires me to step up my own > japa efforts. I sense that you are truly on just the right track to > something so valuable. More than that, you seem to me to be on a > treasure train. I simply must gain myself a boarding pass to the very > same. > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote: > > When you have established a practice of continual japa, it > continues on its > > own. When I am going to sleep, I always do japa for several hours > before > > succumbing to sleep. It is actually more restful than sleep. When > I wake > > up the mantra is already going. If I wake up during the night, the > mantra > > is there. It is a total joy to me. So it continues when I am > driving to > > work. When I need to concentrate on my work (I am an accountant), I > do so. > > When there are breaks from that type of concentration, the mantra > returns. > > The mantra is like breathing. It is the thread that links all of > my sadhana > > and my life in the world. Jai Maa!!!! > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:12:39 -0000 > > > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion > > > > > > ardis, > > > > i thought so! > > > > the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i > > know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for > > example. > > > > steve > > > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > > wrote: > > > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is > > > continuous. Jai Maa! > > > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000 > > > > > > Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > > Devotion > > > > > > > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can > > > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so > > i > > > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where > > i > > > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and > > > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she > > > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a > > > problem with sleep.) > > > > > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO > > > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went. > > > > > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you > > > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a > > > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-) > > > > > > steve > > > > > > , Ardis Jackson > <anandamama@e...> > > > wrote: > > > > Hi Steve, > > > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on > if > > > I am > > > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as > > > chanting the > > > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily. > > > When I > > > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on > weekends. > > > I also > > > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I > > > do the > > > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the > > > Napesvara > > > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the > > > Cosmic Puja > > > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and > > > it takes me > > > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji > > > once "what > > > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's > > > how I feel. > > > > > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time > > > job, I have > > > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and > > > efficient was > > > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I > > > usually spend > > > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to > > > eat was all > > > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in > > > the evening > > > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja). > > > I am > > > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast > > > this > > > > Navaratri! > > > > > > > > Love to everyone, > > > > Ardis > > > > > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...> > > > > > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000 > > > > > > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > > > Devotion > > > > > > > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and > > > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. > > Of > > > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this. > > > > > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and > > > sustaining > > > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the > > > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa! > > > > > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if > > > so, > > > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a > > way, > > > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic. > > > > > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <? > > > subject=Un> > > > > > > > > Terms of > > Service > > > > <> . > > > > > > > > > > > > Sponsor > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > > > <? > > subject=Un> > > > > > > Terms of > Service > > > <> . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > / > > > > > > > > <? subject=Un> > > > > Terms of Service > > <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2004 Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 Steve, you are most welcome. Us die-hard bhaktis have to stick together. :-) I heard somewhere that if one can't get a response from one's Guru, that one can go to one's Guru's Guru...Ramakrishna/Sarada, in this case. Master certainly knows how you feel. And Holy Mother initiated everyone who came to her, regardless. Try pulling on Her shawl a bit with the Guru Gita. You are part of the family. Namaste. Maureen - bingo_ridley Tuesday, March 16, 2004 12:31 PM Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion Maureen, Thank you, especially about the pulling the mantra down to the heart and the Vibhuti ... and the Ishta-Guru locket ... so very good ...Pranams,Steve, "Maureen Nielson" <mnielson@n...> wrote:> Hi Steve,> At a certain point with japa, the mantra becomes the set-point for your mind. You can actually hear the mantra going on inside, even when you are not deliberately thinking it. You can intend this to happen. This is why it is good to really pay attention, be intense and really focus on the sound. Do intense japa. Your mind will fall in love with the mantra.> Another thing I do is this. When you repeat the mantra, at first, does it feel like you are doing this in your head? If so, put your hand in front of your face, and pull the vibration of the mantra down into your heart by sliding your hand from the crown to the heart chakra. Put your hand on your heart. Tune in. Doing this places your mind at the feet of your inner Guru, who resides in your heart. You will be doing japa in your heart. When the mind and heart vibrate as One, there is great bliss. Practice staying in that vibration while doing other things. When it is time to think, think. That vibration of the mantra will be in the background of your mind while you are doing what is needed. And if you forget or outer things get negative, think the mantra pull it back down into your heart again, re-set your set-point with that simple gesture. Some people put a small picture of their Ishta-Guru in a locket or medicine bag, after worshipping it, and wear it next to their heart. You could also ask for some Vibhuti from the Mandir.> > Hope this helps. > Maureen> > > > - > bingo_ridley > To: > Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:12 AM> Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for Devotion> > > ardis,> > i thought so!> > the japa ... what do you do when you have intellectual activities? i > know this sounds dumb ... but how far can that go? at one's job, for > example.> > steve> > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...> > wrote:> > How about "all of the above". I forgot to mention japa, which is> > continuous. Jai Maa!> > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...>> > > > Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:56:07 -0000> > > > Subject: Re: Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for > Devotion> > > > > > this is so cool, i am impressed. i need to arrange things so i can> > do that. i am always pushing the envelope here with family life so > i> > have to keep everybody happy. fortunately we are in a groove where > i> > can do the shiva puja or part of the chandi in the evening, and> > elana (our disabled daughter) will hang out with me until she> > eventually goes to sleep ... so that helps everyone. (she has a> > problem with sleep.)> > > > yesterday in the evening she spelled on her communication board GO> > DO SHIVA. so it was time, and we went.> > > > ardis do you also meditate, go direct to the infinite, or do you> > stick with recitations/pujas, or do both, or meditate after a> > recitation? maybe "all of the above" :-)> > > > steve> > > > , Ardis Jackson <anandamama@e...>> > wrote:> > > Hi Steve,> > > When I chant the Chandi, it can take me 4-7 hours depending on if> > I am> > > taking the time to watch the English translation as well as> > chanting the> > > Sanskrit. When I wasn't working, I was able to do this daily.> > When I> > > started working again, I started chanting the Chandi on weekends.> > I also> > > enjoy chanting the Lalita Trishati Stotram and the Guru Gita. I> > do the> > > Beginner's Shiva Puja and the Beginner's Durga Puja and the> > Napesvara> > > Suprabhatam Stotram the most frequently. Not so often, I do the> > Cosmic Puja> > > and the Advanced Shiva Puja. I am not as familiar with them and> > it takes me> > > longer. I also love the Sundar Kand. I remember asking Swamiji> > once "what> > > is your favorite". He said "they all are my favorites." That's> > how I feel.> > > > > > Since I am not married and live alone and only work a part time> > job, I have> > > lots of time for sadhana. The time I felt the most joyful and> > efficient was> > > when I did the fast for Navaratri. Suddenly all the time I> > usually spend> > > thinking about food, buying food, fixing meals and going out to> > eat was all> > > "available" for sadhana. It was great! I went from one hour in> > the evening> > > to 6-8 hours in the evening (in addition to morning Shiva puja).> > I am> > > reminding myself of this so that I will make my sankalpa to fast> > this> > > Navaratri!> > > > > > Love to everyone,> > > Ardis> > > > > > "bingo_ridley" <sconnor@a...>> > > > > > Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:57:40 -0000> > > To: > > > Extended Asanas -- Organizing Life for> > Devotion> > > > > > > > > In the Chandi class, there was some talk on asanas and> > > sitting/recitations that went on for 3-4 hours, 8-9 hours, etc. > Of> > > course Swamiji and Shree Maa do this.> > > > > > In my mind, this is important to access depth of mind and> > sustaining> > > devotion. So much needs to be clarified in the seeing, the> > > envisioning, of God. Svahaa!> > > > > > Does anyone/everyone here take on longer duration asanas, and if> > so,> > > how do you adjust daily life to accomodate such practice? In a > way,> > > this is more on the "Organizing Life for Devotion" topic.> > > > > > Steve> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Links> > > > > > /> > > > > > To from this group, send an email to:> > > > > > <?> > subject=Un>> > > > > > Your use of is subject to the Terms of > Service> > > <> .> > > > > > > > Groups Sponsor > > > > > > > > > > Groups Links> > > > /> > > > To from this group, send an email to:> > > > <?> subject=Un>> > > > Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service> > <> .> > > > > > Links> > a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:> /> > b.. > > > c.. Your use of is subject to the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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