To henny on the security of other forms mentioned in Verse 122

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henny wrote:

the words 'without a doubt' led to this question: if the one who

resides in the liberation beyond form is liberated without a doubt,

does that mean that liberation in consecrated offerings, sacred

syllables and forms is still not quite secure? I've heard it said

that those who climb high can fall down very low. I also understand

that one 'break-through' or experience of samadhi does not mean final

liberation. So, does this mean that one is liberated only when firmly

established in the perfection of union (nirvikalpa samadhi), and that

even one who has experiences savikalpa samadhi can remain attached to

the reflection of Self and not be liberated? Perhaps I'm reading too

much into this. What do you think?

Dear henny ~ perhaps the other methods mentioned in the verse are like

steps in a ladder, or a kind of spiral staircase, leading us to the

ultimate Supreme. To be completely liberated, like Shree Maa and

Swamiji, does mean they are always "firmly established in the

perfection of union..." I also believe that are different levels of

experiencing Oneness. I know nothing of different forms of samadhi,

but I have experienced this Oneness severa times in my life. And of

course, that does not leave me "firmly established," but it does give

me a taste that keeps me climbing the ladder. And the ladder is

definitely secure, if only we continue to climb and hold firmly to

the sides.Think of Shree Maa and Swami as the sides of the ladder,

and the rungs the different means of prayer, worship, meditation,

etc. they are teaching us and guiding us through. They will not let

us fall, even though it may sometimes feel like we have stepped down

a rung or two. : )

 

Several days ago, I had such an experience. It was unexpected (as

these usually are for me) and incredible. I was sitting down and

happened to notice the pattern that this light was making on a table.

It was like the most exquisite lace doily, shot through with flashes

of white light. Very soon, "I" was gone. And I experienced that

Oneness with the accompanying sense of bliss, fullness and support.

The experience only lasted for a few seconds, but it was something I

really needed as I have been very discouraged about my health.

 

Now I think, that, while Shree Maa and Swamiji are always firmly

established in bliss, they must step out of the state of total unity

to use their hands and minds and love to do all the writing, singing,

guiding of devotess, etc. that they do. I think that these great Souls

are able to keep a part of themselves established in unity, while

coming out in order to accomplish what they want to do. It is one

reason for the rational mind, if used properly. We can turn it on, so

to speak, and it helps keep us from getting run over by a car when we

cross the street. But the more you experience the Oneness, the more

you want to experience it, and I believe that these small tastes help

devotees in their trek to the Supreme. Jai Maa , Jai Swamiji ~ Linda