Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 Dear Steve, I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ... A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning healing, reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. I wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated but not committed to anything. And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was getting frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me and I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is to dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start digging and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have got in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and stick with it " I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble feeling is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is to master atleast one technique first before we explore into other practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and IT IS THE WAY for me. Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's input. Jai Maa Latha , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> wrote: > Swamiji, > > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our dialogue > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well. > > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not wish to > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I will > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > God ...] > > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you tried, > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit? > > I want to have it all! as my daughter says. > > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this: > > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > commonalities of "This" and "That" ... > > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, and > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ... > > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until the > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and others > began to take its place ... > > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial Buddha, > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ... > > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around the > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > suddenly ... > > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ... > > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > hole ... > > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now. > > :-) > > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. correct my > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess smite all > wrong thought. > > steve c. > > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my own > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU ART > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Question from Steve : > > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as it > > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all sorts > of > > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > practices? > > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your > > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on God? > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to him > my > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings I > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to show me > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many things > I > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > enhanced > > my spirit! > > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. It > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 thank you my good friend latha. steve austin of connor, tx. , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Dear Steve, > > I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he > gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ... > > A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning healing, > reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and > signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. I > wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated but > not committed to anything. > > And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was getting > frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me and > I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is to > dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start digging > and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have got > in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and stick > with it " > > I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is > upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact > that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give > an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for > anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble feeling > is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is to > master atleast one technique first before we explore into other > practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now > know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and > IT IS THE WAY for me. > > Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's > input. > Jai Maa > Latha , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> > wrote: > > Swamiji, > > > > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our dialogue > > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well. > > > > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not wish > to > > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I will > > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > > God ...] > > > > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you > tried, > > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit? > > > > I want to have it all! as my daughter says. > > > > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this: > > > > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > > commonalities of "This" and "That" ... > > > > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, and > > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ... > > > > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until > the > > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and others > > began to take its place ... > > > > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial > Buddha, > > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ... > > > > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around the > > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > > suddenly ... > > > > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ... > > > > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > > hole ... > > > > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now. > > > > :-) > > > > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. correct > my > > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess smite > all > > wrong thought. > > > > steve c. > > > > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my > own > > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU > ART > > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Question from Steve : > > > > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as it > > > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all > sorts > > of > > > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > > practices? > > > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your > > > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on God? > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to > him > > my > > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings I > > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to show > me > > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many > things > > I > > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > > enhanced > > > my spirit! > > > > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. It > > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 yes dig deep. sometimes you hit a certain bedrock. you have to decide, can you break throught that stone or not? forunately, this chandi patah is so rich is seems fertile with soft earth we can dig into. also this question, what is this life, seems similar in that it seems somehow endless. the other paths i mentioned had an apparent end or impasse, at least in my exp. some very strange endings in some cases, that were inexplicable, i no doubt would have benefitted by a guru. for sure, doing the chandi patah is the thing for all of us here. the universality of this hindu "way" [for want of another term] seems extremely beneficial, in this view of sadhus who gain various experiences according to their exposure. this makes a very rich an tolerant atmosphere of inquiry and influence, like what we have seen in the West in creative and technical fields. this in contrast to our more provincial experience, where we at times seek an absolute path, and end up with opinions that don't seem to budge. either way, diluting one's efforts with superficial seeking, or being overly myopic, sure do have their disadvantages! s , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Dear Steve, > > I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he > gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ... > > A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning healing, > reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and > signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. I > wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated but > not committed to anything. > > And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was getting > frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me and > I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is to > dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start digging > and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have got > in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and stick > with it " > > I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is > upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact > that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give > an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for > anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble feeling > is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is to > master atleast one technique first before we explore into other > practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now > know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and > IT IS THE WAY for me. > > Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's > input. > Jai Maa > Latha , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> > wrote: > > Swamiji, > > > > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our dialogue > > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well. > > > > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not wish > to > > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I will > > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > > God ...] > > > > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you > tried, > > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit? > > > > I want to have it all! as my daughter says. > > > > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this: > > > > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > > commonalities of "This" and "That" ... > > > > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, and > > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ... > > > > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until > the > > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and others > > began to take its place ... > > > > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial > Buddha, > > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ... > > > > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around the > > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > > suddenly ... > > > > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ... > > > > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > > hole ... > > > > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now. > > > > :-) > > > > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. correct > my > > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess smite > all > > wrong thought. > > > > steve c. > > > > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my > own > > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU > ART > > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Question from Steve : > > > > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as it > > > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all > sorts > > of > > > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > > practices? > > > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your > > > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on God? > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to > him > > my > > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings I > > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to show > me > > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many > things > > I > > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > > enhanced > > > my spirit! > > > > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. It > > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 apologies for the repeated responses ... in summation ... i agree. when a great or loving being lends us a hand, we should take that hand, and be lifted up. why look around for help when it is here. peace, peace, peace. i am doing the kavach too today. i wonder, what is the meaning of this pin that must be undone, and the curses of brahma? no doubt this has been discussed somewhere. perhaps for now the meaning is, the self-limitations of mankind, and removing them. steve , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > Dear Steve, > > I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he > gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ... > > A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning healing, > reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and > signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. I > wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated but > not committed to anything. > > And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was getting > frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me and > I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is to > dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start digging > and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have got > in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and stick > with it " > > I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is > upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact > that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give > an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for > anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble feeling > is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is to > master atleast one technique first before we explore into other > practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now > know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and > IT IS THE WAY for me. > > Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's > input. > Jai Maa > Latha , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> > wrote: > > Swamiji, > > > > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our dialogue > > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well. > > > > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not wish > to > > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I will > > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > > God ...] > > > > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you > tried, > > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit? > > > > I want to have it all! as my daughter says. > > > > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this: > > > > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > > commonalities of "This" and "That" ... > > > > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, and > > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ... > > > > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until > the > > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and others > > began to take its place ... > > > > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial > Buddha, > > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ... > > > > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around the > > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > > suddenly ... > > > > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ... > > > > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > > hole ... > > > > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now. > > > > :-) > > > > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. correct > my > > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess smite > all > > wrong thought. > > > > steve c. > > > > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my > own > > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU > ART > > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Question from Steve : > > > > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as it > > > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all > sorts > > of > > > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > > practices? > > > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your > > > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on God? > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to > him > > my > > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings I > > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to show > me > > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many > things > > I > > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > > enhanced > > > my spirit! > > > > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. It > > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 Steve, It has primarily to do with using the Chandi for selfish purposes. Swamiji discusses it in one of the first couple of onlie Chandi lessons. Chris , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> wrote: > apologies for the repeated responses ... > > in summation ... > > i agree. when a great or loving being lends us a hand, we should > take that hand, and be lifted up. why look around for help when it > is here. > > peace, peace, peace. > > i am doing the kavach too today. i wonder, what is the meaning of > this pin that must be undone, and the curses of brahma? no doubt > this has been discussed somewhere. perhaps for now the meaning is, > the self-limitations of mankind, and removing them. > > steve > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote: > > Dear Steve, > > > > I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he > > gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ... > > > > A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning > healing, > > reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and > > signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. I > > wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated but > > not committed to anything. > > > > And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was > getting > > frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me > and > > I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is > to > > dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start > digging > > and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have > got > > in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and > stick > > with it " > > > > I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is > > upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact > > that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give > > an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for > > anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble > feeling > > is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is > to > > master atleast one technique first before we explore into other > > practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now > > know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and > > IT IS THE WAY for me. > > > > Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's > > input. > > Jai Maa > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> > > wrote: > > > Swamiji, > > > > > > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our > dialogue > > > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well. > > > > > > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not wish > > to > > > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I will > > > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > > > God ...] > > > > > > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you > > tried, > > > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit? > > > > > > I want to have it all! as my daughter says. > > > > > > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this: > > > > > > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > > > commonalities of "This" and "That" ... > > > > > > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, > and > > > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ... > > > > > > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until > > the > > > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and > others > > > began to take its place ... > > > > > > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial > > Buddha, > > > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ... > > > > > > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around > the > > > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > > > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > > > suddenly ... > > > > > > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ... > > > > > > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > > > hole ... > > > > > > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > > > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > > > > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now. > > > > > > :-) > > > > > > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. > correct > > my > > > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess smite > > all > > > wrong thought. > > > > > > steve c. > > > > > > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my > > own > > > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU > > ART > > > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > <lathananda> > > > wrote: > > > > Question from Steve : > > > > > > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as > it > > > > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all > > sorts > > > of > > > > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > > > practices? > > > > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your > > > > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on God? > > > > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to > > him > > > my > > > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings I > > > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to show > > me > > > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many > > things > > > I > > > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > > > enhanced > > > > my spirit! > > > > > > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. It > > > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 chris, i will check out those lessons, thanx. steve , "Chris Kirner" <chriskirner1956> wrote: > Steve, > > It has primarily to do with using the Chandi for selfish purposes. > Swamiji discusses it in one of the first couple of onlie Chandi > lessons. > > Chris > > > , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> > wrote: > > apologies for the repeated responses ... > > > > in summation ... > > > > i agree. when a great or loving being lends us a hand, we should > > take that hand, and be lifted up. why look around for help when it > > is here. > > > > peace, peace, peace. > > > > i am doing the kavach too today. i wonder, what is the meaning of > > this pin that must be undone, and the curses of brahma? no doubt > > this has been discussed somewhere. perhaps for now the meaning is, > > the self-limitations of mankind, and removing them. > > > > steve > > > > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > > wrote: > > > Dear Steve, > > > > > > I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he > > > gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ... > > > > > > A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning > > healing, > > > reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and > > > signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. > I > > > wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated > but > > > not committed to anything. > > > > > > And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was > > getting > > > frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me > > and > > > I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is > > to > > > dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start > > digging > > > and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have > > got > > > in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and > > stick > > > with it " > > > > > > I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is > > > upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very > fact > > > that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to > give > > > an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for > > > anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble > > feeling > > > is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is > > to > > > master atleast one technique first before we explore into other > > > practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now > > > know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , > and > > > IT IS THE WAY for me. > > > > > > Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's > > > input. > > > Jai Maa > > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> > > > wrote: > > > > Swamiji, > > > > > > > > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our > > dialogue > > > > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well. > > > > > > > > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not > wish > > > to > > > > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I > will > > > > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > > > > God ...] > > > > > > > > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you > > > tried, > > > > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit? > > > > > > > > I want to have it all! as my daughter says. > > > > > > > > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this: > > > > > > > > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > > > > commonalities of "This" and "That" ... > > > > > > > > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, > > and > > > > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ... > > > > > > > > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until > > > the > > > > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and > > others > > > > began to take its place ... > > > > > > > > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial > > > Buddha, > > > > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ... > > > > > > > > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around > > the > > > > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > > > > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > > > > suddenly ... > > > > > > > > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ... > > > > > > > > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > > > > hole ... > > > > > > > > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > > > > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > > > > > > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now. > > > > > > > > :-) > > > > > > > > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. > > correct > > > my > > > > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess > smite > > > all > > > > wrong thought. > > > > > > > > steve c. > > > > > > > > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my > > > own > > > > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU > > > ART > > > > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! > > > > > > > > , "Latha Nanda" > > > <lathananda> > > > > wrote: > > > > > Question from Steve : > > > > > > > > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as > > it > > > > > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all > > > sorts > > > > of > > > > > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > > > > practices? > > > > > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your > > > > > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on > God? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Swamiji's response : > > > > > > > > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > > > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to > > > him > > > > my > > > > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings > I > > > > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to > show > > > me > > > > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > > > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many > > > things > > > > I > > > > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > > > > enhanced > > > > > my spirit! > > > > > > > > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. > It > > > > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2004 Report Share Posted May 25, 2004 You are very fortunate and wise to recognize this Truth. - Latha Nanda Tuesday, May 25, 2004 12:04 PM Practices enhancing the spirit Dear Steve,I will forward your question to Swamiji for his comments when he gets the time, but I also wanted to add my own two cents ...A few years ago , I was in an exploratory phase - learning healing, reiki, vedanta (Gita classes) and meeting every Guru in town and signing up for all kinds of classes and discourses and seminars. I wanted a "well rounded" opinion , you see , and was fascinated but not committed to anything.And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was getting frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me and I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is to dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start digging and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have got in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and stick with it "I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble feeling is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is to master atleast one technique first before we explore into other practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and IT IS THE WAY for me.Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's input.Jai MaaLatha--- In , "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> wrote:> Swamiji,> > More comments/questions on your response here ... as our dialogue > here is of such great value to Westerners and others as well.> > [some day, I see a world, where Man and Woman say: I do not wish to > go to Disney World this year; this year, for my vacation, I will > shed my clothing, and grow my hair, and look into the Mind of > God ...]> > The question: what were some of those illogical practices you tried, > what were some of those practices that enhanced your spirit?> > I want to have it all! as my daughter says.> > This sadhu here, travelling incognito in the West, did this:> > dwelled on I Am That, contemplating the subtle distinctions and > commonalities of "This" and "That" ...> > let the mind die away and be replaced by all subtle energies, and > the energies of trees, all visual stimuli, etc. ....> > pressed down on the mind, to forcibly make the mind quit, until the > various structures of awareness began to shut down ... and others > began to take its place ...> > recited the virtues of the Gita and imagined the primordial Buddha, > in an attempt to evoke the Divine ...> > pressed awareness down into the heart channel to hover around the > heart center, waiting to be accepted into that bliss; sometimes > falling as if from a great height suddenly, or rising just as > suddenly ...> > stay awake when asleep, and sleep when awake ...> > folowing a great silence like a hound chasing a rabbit down a > hole ...> > ask myself repeatedly, how is it that i exist? what is this > awareness? what s truth? where is God? what is God? > > this sadhu had no Guru to report to, so I am telling you now.> > :-)> > thank you for all inspiration. be the free sadhu you are. correct my > errors or validate any course to continue. may the goddess smite all > wrong thought.> > steve c.> > i have a wish to emulate your practice and take a picture of my own > head and put it under the sword of the Mother. OM TAT SAT! THOU ART > ALL. SVAAHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!> > , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> > wrote:> > Question from Steve :> > > > I am interested in the association of sadhus in your life, as it> > relates to our own cyber-sangha. Did you associate with all sorts > of> > sadhus? In other words, did they have different Gurus and > practices?> > How did you share your experiences? How did you keep your> > associations from becoming "social" and always focussed on God?> > > > > > Swamiji's response :> > > > I met many kinds of sadhus from many different sects and > > philosophies. But I always returned to my Guru to describe to him > my > > adventures, experiences, and to share with him the teachings I > > received. Some of them were illogical, and he was able to show me > > the errors. SOme of them were practical, and he advised me to > > integrate their teachings into the sadhana he gave me. Many things > I > > tried were totally off the wall. Some of the things really > enhanced > > my spirit!> > > > That is why no two sadhus have exactly the same repertoire. It > > continually evolves according to the inputs we receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2004 Report Share Posted May 26, 2004 , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote:> > And I was telling one of my teachers at that point how I was getting > frustrated that I hadnt found what I wanted. He told this to me and > I never forgot "When you are drilling for water, all you need is to > dig really deep in one spot . What you are doing is to start digging > and then jumping to the next spot without giving it all you have got > in that one spot . The goal is the water , so pick a spot and stick > with it " My teacher gave me the same example sometime back, when I used to pester Him to give me various mantras and always ask Him if I can recite(include in daily recital) this stotra, that stotra, x - sahasranama, y-kavacha, z-hridaya etc etc... Rgds > I think at this point, Swamiji has given us the methods and it is > upto us to use them as much as we can. This itself - the very fact > that we can sit for 3 hrs in an Asan and chant the Chandi (to give > an example) , is a practice that enhances the spirit. As for > anything else "outside" the realm of this sadhana, my humble feeling > is that, we will be led to it in due course. I think the point is to > master atleast one technique first before we explore into other > practices. Atleast that is my feeling for now. Personally, I now > know that chanting the Chandi in one asan is the goal for me , and > IT IS THE WAY for me. > > Thanks for bring up this point. I would also love know of other's > input. > Jai Maa > Latha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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