Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Prologue : Those that know Swamiji , know him as the efficient (he is a Sadhu) , wise (he is a Rishi) man, with a great sense of humor . People also wonder how he fits so much in his work day and does hours of sadhana and has the time to attend to his numerous devotees and disciples ... He is a man filled with so much love in his heart and takes the time to respond to the least of the questions from his numerous devotees. Here is a dialogue between Swamiji and me, in the last few days. It all started with one question ... Latha wrote : When does a sadhak's life take a serious turn towards God ? Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: Every day Latha wrote : Dear Swamiji, Pranams. Thank you for your response. While I understand the importance of your response - ie turn to God everyday - my question is more to do with - at what juncture does a person take a serious interest in sadhana as part of his/her life. When does it become something more than doing/reciting for the sake of a desired fruit/or because mom wants it/or escape from suffering to HEY THIS IS A REALLY NEAT WAY OF LIVING MY LIFE. When does that shift happen to an individual? ( I got an answer as I was writing this question - to me it would happen when the individual sees the value that he gets out of the sadhana. But I would love to know your response anyway) Thank you for your time. Jai Maa Love Latha Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: At 5 AM tomorrow morning! Latha wrote : Dear Swamiji, Pranams. This whole thread is becoming funny, but I really do mean it as a serious question. Please excuse me while I dig a little. Ok - are you saying a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual cannot be determined b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one "tomorrow" the shift will happen c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga d) you are just teasing me e) none of the above I thought this was a straightforward question - do x,y and z and then this shift will happen. Anyway, I would really love to know your response. Thanks and love Latha Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: You didn't give me f - all of the above. Latha wrote : Dear Swamiji, Pranams. Japanese Koans easier to understand. Yours puzzledly Latha Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: You are really amazing! They are all correct. a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual cannot be determined It cannot be determined because you can always go deeper. b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one "tomorrow" the shift will happen It will definitely happen one tomorrow, if not today. c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga If you really fall in love and let go it will happen this 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga. d) you are just teasing me and I am teasing you because you are so much fun! Latha ,throws her hands up, rolls her eyes and says a prayer for whirled peas. Epilogue: Latha DID get up at 5 am on 1st Dec 2004, and remembered Swamiji's words. Nothing earth shattering happened - just a sense of tenderness in the heart that she is blessed to have constant satsanga with such a great soul. Swamiji , you do really pour it on ! And, She WILL get up at 5 AM everyday. This is her promise to Swamiji . A sadhak needs discipline to be a disciple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 A friend emailed me a story. The story is unimportant. I felt it was proof that the mind of the writer of the story was attempting to separate god and goddess, and trying to say one was better than another. I forwarded it to Swamiji and asked him if I was right and how could I discuss this with my friend. His reply, as usual was perfect and simple. "Do you want to fight about it?" Talk about a slap on the egoic face. No Swamiji. I want only peace, um excuse me whirled peas. Thanks for reminding me. Brian "Purity is within the eye of the beholder. To god, everything is perfectly pure." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 hey, that is sweet. pranams to you both! steve , "Latha Nanda" <lathananda> wrote: > > > Prologue : > Those that know Swamiji , know him as the efficient (he is a > Sadhu) , wise (he is a Rishi) man, with a great sense of humor . > > People also wonder how he fits so much in his work day and does > hours of sadhana and has the time to attend to his numerous > devotees and disciples ... > > He is a man filled with so much love in his heart and takes the time > to respond to the least of the questions from his numerous devotees. > > Here is a dialogue between Swamiji and me, in the last few days. It > all started with one question ... > > > > Latha wrote : > > When does a sadhak's life take a serious turn towards God ? > > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: Every day > > Latha wrote : > > Dear Swamiji, > Pranams. > Thank you for your response. While I understand the importance > of your response - ie turn to God everyday - my question is > more to do with - at what juncture does a person take a serious > interest in sadhana as part of his/her life. When does it > become something more than doing/reciting for the sake of a > desired fruit/or because mom wants it/or escape from suffering > to HEY THIS IS A REALLY NEAT WAY OF LIVING MY LIFE. > When does that shift happen to an individual? ( I got an answer > as I was writing this question - to me it would happen when the > individual sees the value that he gets out of the sadhana. But > I would love to know your response anyway) > Thank you for your time. > Jai Maa > Love > Latha > > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: At 5 AM tomorrow morning! > > Latha wrote : > > Dear Swamiji, > Pranams. This whole thread is becoming funny, but I really do > mean it as a serious question. Please excuse me while I dig a little. > > Ok - are you saying > a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual > cannot be determined > b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one > "tomorrow" the shift will happen > c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga > d) you are just teasing me > e) none of the above > > I thought this was a straightforward question - do x,y and z > and then this shift will happen. Anyway, I would really love > to know your response. > > Thanks and love > Latha > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: You didn't give me f - all of > the above. > > Latha wrote : > > Dear Swamiji, > Pranams. > Japanese Koans easier to understand. > Yours puzzledly > Latha > > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: > > You are really amazing! They are all correct. > > a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual > cannot be determined > > > It cannot be determined because you can always go deeper. > > b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one > "tomorrow" the shift will happen > > It will definitely happen one tomorrow, if not today. > > c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga > > If you really fall in love and let go it will happen this 1st Dec > 2004 this Kali yuga. > > d) you are just teasing me > > and I am teasing you because you are so much fun! > > > Latha ,throws her hands up, rolls her eyes and says a prayer for > whirled peas. > > > Epilogue: > > Latha DID get up at 5 am on 1st Dec 2004, and remembered Swamiji's > words. Nothing earth shattering happened - just a sense of > tenderness in the heart that she is blessed to have constant > satsanga with such a great soul. Swamiji , you do really pour it > on ! > > And, She WILL get up at 5 AM everyday. This is her promise to > Swamiji . A sadhak needs discipline to be a disciple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Thanks for the story and the insights. This reminds me of my experiences with my guru Swami Bhashyananda. When I first met him he told me to meditate every morning and evening and to read something uplifting every day. He said I could write to him about my experiences and talked with him in person. I did this for the first year and when he came to town, I was brimming with stories to tell him about my profound insights and deep meditative experiences He smiled listening to me and congratualted me on such progress. I just knew I was in line for some really advanced practices. I said, maharaj what shoudl I do now. He said well with the wonderful progress you have made I suggest that you meditate every morning and evening and read something uplifting every day. I was somewhat shocked, but did it. This repeated over the next four years. Today, I got up and meditated, read something uplifting, storiies of Narada and Kartikeya, and like last evening will meditate again tonight. The experiences are different at different times, but I greatly value his emphasis on daily practice that he gave me 26 years ago. I watched him and every day he got up by at least 3:30 AM and began his sadhana. When I traveled to India with him we got to the hotel in New Delhi at about 1 AM. I went to sleep in the room with him and woke up about 4 AM to see him meditating. He opened his eyes and laughing said, so you finally decided to get up. By his grace, I was able to meet three of the monastic disciples of Sri Sarada Devi on that trip and to touch her relics at Udbhodan. I saw Dakshineswar, Belur Math, Jayrambati, and Karmar Pukur. As I stood in the Ganga in front of Swamiji Shrine at Belur, I felt the connection from the source to the mouth of the river and the great power that Ganga Ma has had throughout the ages. For the discipline and grace that my guru offered me, I am profoundly grateful. ArjunaLatha Nanda <lathananda > wrote: Prologue :Those that know Swamiji , know him as the efficient (he is a Sadhu) , wise (he is a Rishi) man, with a great sense of humor . People also wonder how he fits so much in his work day and does hours of sadhana and has the time to attend to his numerous devotees and disciples ...He is a man filled with so much love in his heart and takes the time to respond to the least of the questions from his numerous devotees.Here is a dialogue between Swamiji and me, in the last few days. It all started with one question ...Latha wrote :When does a sadhak's life take a serious turn towards God ?Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: Every dayLatha wrote :Dear Swamiji,Pranams.Thank you for your response. While I understand the importanceof your response - ie turn to God everyday - my question ismore to do with - at what juncture does a person take a seriousinterest in sadhana as part of his/her life. When does itbecome something more than doing/reciting for the sake of a desired fruit/or because mom wants it/or escape from sufferingto HEY THIS IS A REALLY NEAT WAY OF LIVING MY LIFE.When does that shift happen to an individual? ( I got an answeras I was writing this question - to me it would happen when theindividual sees the value that he gets out of the sadhana. ButI would love to know your response anyway)Thank you for your time. Jai MaaLoveLathaSwami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: At 5 AM tomorrow morning!Latha wrote :Dear Swamiji,Pranams. This whole thread is becoming funny, but I really domean it as a serious question. Please excuse me while I dig a little.Ok - are you sayinga) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual cannot be determinedb) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one"tomorrow" the shift will happenc) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yugad) you are just teasing mee) none of the aboveI thought this was a straightforward question - do x,y and zand then this shift will happen. Anyway, I would really loveto know your response. Thanks and loveLathaSwami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: You didn't give me f - all of the above.Latha wrote :Dear Swamiji,Pranams.Japanese Koans easier to understand.Yours puzzledlyLathaSwami Satyananda Saraswati wrote:You are really amazing! They are all correct.a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual cannot be determinedIt cannot be determined because you can always go deeper.b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one"tomorrow" the shift will happenIt will definitely happen one tomorrow, if not today.c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yugaIf you really fall in love and let go it will happen this 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga.d) you are just teasing meand I am teasing you because you are so much fun!Latha ,throws her hands up, rolls her eyes and says a prayer for whirled peas.Epilogue:Latha DID get up at 5 am on 1st Dec 2004, and remembered Swamiji's words. Nothing earth shattering happened - just a sense of tenderness in the heart that she is blessed to have constant satsanga with such a great soul. Swamiji , you do really pour it on ! And, She WILL get up at 5 AM everyday. This is her promise to Swamiji . A sadhak needs discipline to be a disciple. 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Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 Arjuna, Thank you for sharing this wonderful bit about your gurudeva. I love sharing the love others have for their gurus; the relationship of guru and disciple is one of the most beautiful on earth. It is also great fun to read of the experiences of others at the beginning. It is universal, I think, that when we begin, we do a few postures, close our eyes for a while, do some deep breathing, and see a few lights and we suddenly find we are ready for samadhi! May God bless you and your daily practice. Chris , Arjuna <arjunaacharya> wrote: > Dear Latha, > Thanks for the story and the insights. This reminds me of my experiences with my guru Swami Bhashyananda. When I first met him he told me to meditate every morning and evening and to read something uplifting every day. He said I could write to him about my experiences and talked with him in person. I did this for the first year and when he came to town, I was brimming with stories to tell him about my profound insights and deep meditative experiences He smiled listening to me and congratualted me on such progress. I just knew I was in line for some really advanced practices. I said, maharaj what shoudl I do now. He said well with the wonderful progress you have made I suggest that you meditate every morning and evening and read something uplifting every day. I was somewhat shocked, but did it. This repeated over the next four years. Today, I got up and meditated, read something uplifting, storiies of Narada and Kartikeya, and like last evening will meditate again > tonight. The experiences are different at different times, but I greatly value his emphasis on daily practice that he gave me 26 years ago. I watched him and every day he got up by at least 3:30 AM and began his sadhana. When I traveled to India with him we got to the hotel in New Delhi at about 1 AM. I went to sleep in the room with him and woke up about 4 AM to see him meditating. He opened his eyes and laughing said, so you finally decided to get up. By his grace, I was able to meet three of the monastic disciples of Sri Sarada Devi on that trip and to touch her relics at Udbhodan. I saw Dakshineswar, Belur Math, Jayrambati, and Karmar Pukur. As I stood in the Ganga in front of Swamiji Shrine at Belur, I felt the connection from the source to the mouth of the river and the great power that Ganga Ma has had throughout the ages. For the discipline and grace that my guru offered me, I am profoundly grateful. > Arjuna > > Latha Nanda <lathananda> wrote: > > > Prologue : > Those that know Swamiji , know him as the efficient (he is a > Sadhu) , wise (he is a Rishi) man, with a great sense of humor . > > People also wonder how he fits so much in his work day and does > hours of sadhana and has the time to attend to his numerous > devotees and disciples ... > > He is a man filled with so much love in his heart and takes the time > to respond to the least of the questions from his numerous devotees. > > Here is a dialogue between Swamiji and me, in the last few days. It > all started with one question ... > > > > Latha wrote : > > When does a sadhak's life take a serious turn towards God ? > > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: Every day > > Latha wrote : > > Dear Swamiji, > Pranams. > Thank you for your response. While I understand the importance > of your response - ie turn to God everyday - my question is > more to do with - at what juncture does a person take a serious > interest in sadhana as part of his/her life. When does it > become something more than doing/reciting for the sake of a > desired fruit/or because mom wants it/or escape from suffering > to HEY THIS IS A REALLY NEAT WAY OF LIVING MY LIFE. > When does that shift happen to an individual? ( I got an answer > as I was writing this question - to me it would happen when the > individual sees the value that he gets out of the sadhana. But > I would love to know your response anyway) > Thank you for your time. > Jai Maa > Love > Latha > > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: At 5 AM tomorrow morning! > > Latha wrote : > > Dear Swamiji, > Pranams. This whole thread is becoming funny, but I really do > mean it as a serious question. Please excuse me while I dig a little. > > Ok - are you saying > a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual > cannot be determined > b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one > "tomorrow" the shift will happen > c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga > d) you are just teasing me > e) none of the above > > I thought this was a straightforward question - do x,y and z > and then this shift will happen. Anyway, I would really love > to know your response. > > Thanks and love > Latha > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: You didn't give me f - all of > the above. > > Latha wrote : > > Dear Swamiji, > Pranams. > Japanese Koans easier to understand. > Yours puzzledly > Latha > > > Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote: > > You are really amazing! They are all correct. > > a) that the moment of shift in the seriousness in an individual > cannot be determined > > > It cannot be determined because you can always go deeper. > > b) if i keep at the sadhana at 5 am every morning - then one > "tomorrow" the shift will happen > > It will definitely happen one tomorrow, if not today. > > c) you REALLY mean 5 am tomorrow - ie 1st Dec 2004 this Kali yuga > > If you really fall in love and let go it will happen this 1st Dec > 2004 this Kali yuga. > > d) you are just teasing me > > and I am teasing you because you are so much fun! > > > Latha ,throws her hands up, rolls her eyes and says a prayer for > whirled peas. > > > Epilogue: > > Latha DID get up at 5 am on 1st Dec 2004, and remembered Swamiji's > words. Nothing earth shattering happened - just a sense of > tenderness in the heart that she is blessed to have constant > satsanga with such a great soul. Swamiji , you do really pour it > on ! > > And, She WILL get up at 5 AM everyday. This is her promise to > Swamiji . A sadhak needs discipline to be a disciple. > > > Sponsor > > > > Links > > > / > > > > > > > > > > > All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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