Recent discussion on human/superhuman aspects of guru

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa!

 

I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how human and divine

aspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of my first major contact

with Shree Maa.

 

She had come to Philadelphia on one of Her tours, and the first night we had a

bhajan session. Words cannot describe how amazing the energy was that night.

Every time Maa began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew, I was

overflowing with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body was surging

with shakti.

 

At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in the presence of

God. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as if some large and

unimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a subtle form. I didn't have

any visions, but it was just a felt perception that I was in the presence of

the Divine, and that this presence was connected to Maa.

 

Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine form? Was it the subtle bodies

of celestial beings who had come for Maa's darshan? Was it just my own

imagination? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it was overwhelming

and awe-inspiring. I remember looking at Maa and not being able to tell if She

was looking at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the room, or

completely beyond.

 

The next day I came for a homa program. I was standing at the back of the

house, when suddenly Maa came around the corner and was standing RIGHT next to

me. The sudden shock of seeing Her so close made me raise my hands in surprise.

Maa immediately grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much girlish

enthusiasm, "Hi! How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah! How can You be

holding my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted to run away,

but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued towards Her chair.

It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense God-experience in Maa's

presence, and then to have Her just take my hand and "chat".

 

In the presence of many holy people, I become completely shy and tongue-tied.

The divine energy inspires so much awe, that I freeze up and just start to

stare. Yet, some of the saints I've met will seem to make specific efforts to

interact in a very human way. I've felt that they do this to help me loosen up

and feel more comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that they were

trying to get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence of intense

shakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced to talk or do

some task, I have to integrate the energy with human activities. It seems to be

an important skill, being able to function in the midst of intense energy.

 

But I still find it jarring to see saints somehow switch from incredibly

elevated states to a more "human" kind of interaction. It's really their

compassionate grace, though. It often helps disciples to have a human dimension

to the guru relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain human activities,

like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once was asking me with

great interest what kinds of foods I like. I mentioned potatoes, and She asked

me in what preparation? The only thing that came to mind was "mashed potatoes".

Then She asked, "Do all Americans like mashed potatoes very much?" I found it

so mind-boggling that She could be interested in this, but very endearing and

funny at the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in Her presence!

 

It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the guru, but the human

aspects often help us to feel that we have something in common with the guru,

and therefore we have a chance to become more like them! If gurus were too

otherworldly and unapproachable, we might just give up because their state

seems so unattainable for us.

 

I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to deepen the

inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical contact,

the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in its desire

to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage extended

contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond is formed and

strengthened. Teachings and grace flow through this psychic bond, according to

the intensity and receptivity of the disciple. This is how some gurus prefer to

operate, instead of openly or externally.

 

Jai Maa!

Ekta

 

 

 

__

Sports

Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

http://football.fantasysports.

[Guest guest]

Ekta,

 

Your description of being with Mother was very moving. I had a similar

experience of being "surprised" by her. I was standing, after a

program, eyes closed, enjoying the bhaava that permeated the room,

while Maa was on the other side (it seemed like a mile away, like they

were little child figures, way away) with some women who were bowing,

and hugging, and touching her feet in a very loving and worshipful way.

Suddenly I opened my eyes and she was Right There. She was so small, I

remember looking down on her, but all I could think was, Oh, My God

There She Is!

 

I wanted to bow, touch her feet, anything to demonstrate my respect,

but I had never done such a thing before, and I knew I would only get

self-couscious and ruin all the beautiful bhaava, so I just bowed my

head. She asked me my name, and I told her. She Looked at me, or

blessed me, or both, then just spun around and walked off like a young

girl. It was such a small event, but I remember every little detail.

 

Jai Maa!

Chris

 

 

 

 

 

, Eleathea Barraclough

<eleathea> wrote:

> Jai Maa!

>

> I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how human and

divine

> aspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of my first major

contact

> with Shree Maa.

>

> She had come to Philadelphia on one of Her tours, and the first

night we had a

> bhajan session. Words cannot describe how amazing the energy was

that night.

> Every time Maa began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew, I was

> overflowing with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body

was surging

> with shakti.

>

> At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in the

presence of

> God. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as if some large and

> unimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a subtle form. I

didn't have

> any visions, but it was just a felt perception that I was in the

presence of

> the Divine, and that this presence was connected to Maa.

>

> Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine form? Was it the

subtle bodies

> of celestial beings who had come for Maa's darshan? Was it just my own

> imagination? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it was

overwhelming

> and awe-inspiring. I remember looking at Maa and not being able to

tell if She

> was looking at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the room, or

> completely beyond.

>

> The next day I came for a homa program. I was standing at the back

of the

> house, when suddenly Maa came around the corner and was standing

RIGHT next to

> me. The sudden shock of seeing Her so close made me raise my hands

in surprise.

> Maa immediately grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much girlish

> enthusiasm, "Hi! How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah! How

can You be

> holding my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted to

run away,

> but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued towards

Her chair.

> It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense God-experience in

Maa's

> presence, and then to have Her just take my hand and "chat".

>

> In the presence of many holy people, I become completely shy and

tongue-tied.

> The divine energy inspires so much awe, that I freeze up and just

start to

> stare. Yet, some of the saints I've met will seem to make specific

efforts to

> interact in a very human way. I've felt that they do this to help me

loosen up

> and feel more comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that

they were

> trying to get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence

of intense

> shakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced to

talk or do

> some task, I have to integrate the energy with human activities. It

seems to be

> an important skill, being able to function in the midst of intense

energy.

>

> But I still find it jarring to see saints somehow switch from incredibly

> elevated states to a more "human" kind of interaction. It's really their

> compassionate grace, though. It often helps disciples to have a

human dimension

> to the guru relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain human

activities,

> like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once was asking

me with

> great interest what kinds of foods I like. I mentioned potatoes, and

She asked

> me in what preparation? The only thing that came to mind was "mashed

potatoes".

> Then She asked, "Do all Americans like mashed potatoes very much?" I

found it

> so mind-boggling that She could be interested in this, but very

endearing and

> funny at the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in Her

presence!

>

> It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the guru, but

the human

> aspects often help us to feel that we have something in common with

the guru,

> and therefore we have a chance to become more like them! If gurus

were too

> otherworldly and unapproachable, we might just give up because their

state

> seems so unattainable for us.

>

> I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to

deepen the

> inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical

contact,

> the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in

its desire

> to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage extended

> contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond is

formed and

> strengthened. Teachings and grace flow through this psychic bond,

according to

> the intensity and receptivity of the disciple. This is how some

gurus prefer to

> operate, instead of openly or externally.

>

> Jai Maa!

> Ekta

>

>

>

> __

> Sports

> Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

> http://football.fantasysports.

[Guest guest]

JAI MAA EKTA WHAT AN HONEST NICE ACCOUNT.

 

no wonder one can get tongue-tied. we all influence each other all the

time. a person so advanced is not living in the mind during meditation

at the least. so we FEEL that force that is owned by no one, by God,

by all.

 

so the tongue of mind is tied, for a little bit anyway!

 

then ... you want to get there anytime anywhere ... calling

s.a.d.h.a.n.a and t.a.p.a.s for intense love to overcome

separation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

, Eleathea Barraclough

<eleathea> wrote:

> Jai Maa!

>

> I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how human and

divine

> aspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of my first major

contact

> with Shree Maa.

>

> She had come to Philadelphia on one of Her tours, and the first

night we had a

> bhajan session. Words cannot describe how amazing the energy was

that night.

> Every time Maa began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew,

I was

> overflowing with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body

was surging

> with shakti.

>

> At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in the

presence of

> God. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as if some large

and

> unimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a subtle form. I

didn't have

> any visions, but it was just a felt perception that I was in the

presence of

> the Divine, and that this presence was connected to Maa.

>

> Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine form? Was it the

subtle bodies

> of celestial beings who had come for Maa's darshan? Was it just my

own

> imagination? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it was

overwhelming

> and awe-inspiring. I remember looking at Maa and not being able to

tell if She

> was looking at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the

room, or

> completely beyond.

>

> The next day I came for a homa program. I was standing at the back

of the

> house, when suddenly Maa came around the corner and was standing

RIGHT next to

> me. The sudden shock of seeing Her so close made me raise my hands

in surprise.

> Maa immediately grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much

girlish

> enthusiasm, "Hi! How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah! How

can You be

> holding my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted to

run away,

> but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued towards

Her chair.

> It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense God-experience in

Maa's

> presence, and then to have Her just take my hand and "chat".

>

> In the presence of many holy people, I become completely shy and

tongue-tied.

> The divine energy inspires so much awe, that I freeze up and just

start to

> stare. Yet, some of the saints I've met will seem to make specific

efforts to

> interact in a very human way. I've felt that they do this to help me

loosen up

> and feel more comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that

they were

> trying to get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence

of intense

> shakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced to

talk or do

> some task, I have to integrate the energy with human activities. It

seems to be

> an important skill, being able to function in the midst of intense

energy.

>

> But I still find it jarring to see saints somehow switch from

incredibly

> elevated states to a more "human" kind of interaction. It's really

their

> compassionate grace, though. It often helps disciples to have a

human dimension

> to the guru relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain human

activities,

> like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once was asking

me with

> great interest what kinds of foods I like. I mentioned potatoes, and

She asked

> me in what preparation? The only thing that came to mind was "mashed

potatoes".

> Then She asked, "Do all Americans like mashed potatoes very much?" I

found it

> so mind-boggling that She could be interested in this, but very

endearing and

> funny at the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in Her

presence!

>

> It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the guru, but

the human

> aspects often help us to feel that we have something in common with

the guru,

> and therefore we have a chance to become more like them! If gurus

were too

> otherworldly and unapproachable, we might just give up because their

state

> seems so unattainable for us.

>

> I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to

deepen the

> inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical

contact,

> the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in

its desire

> to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage

extended

> contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond is

formed and

> strengthened. Teachings and grace flow through this psychic bond,

according to

> the intensity and receptivity of the disciple. This is how some

gurus prefer to

> operate, instead of openly or externally.

>

> Jai Maa!

> Ekta

>

>

>

> __

> Sports

> Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

> http://football.fantasysports.

[Guest guest]

think of all the layers and experiences in your mind and heart and how

that moved them around, and how you are even now still changing. jai

maa chris.

 

, "Chris Kirner"

<chriskirner1956> wrote:

> Ekta,

>

> Your description of being with Mother was very moving. I had a

similar

> experience of being "surprised" by her. I was standing, after a

> program, eyes closed, enjoying the bhaava that permeated the room,

> while Maa was on the other side (it seemed like a mile away, like

they

> were little child figures, way away) with some women who were

bowing,

> and hugging, and touching her feet in a very loving and worshipful

way.

> Suddenly I opened my eyes and she was Right There. She was so

small, I

> remember looking down on her, but all I could think was, Oh, My God

> There She Is!

>

> I wanted to bow, touch her feet, anything to demonstrate my respect,

> but I had never done such a thing before, and I knew I would only

get

> self-couscious and ruin all the beautiful bhaava, so I just bowed my

> head. She asked me my name, and I told her. She Looked at me, or

> blessed me, or both, then just spun around and walked off like a

young

> girl. It was such a small event, but I remember every little detail.

>

> Jai Maa!

> Chris

>

>

>

>

>

> , Eleathea Barraclough

> <eleathea> wrote:

> > Jai Maa!

> >

> > I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how human

and

> divine

> > aspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of my first

major

> contact

> > with Shree Maa.

> >

> > She had come to Philadelphia on one of Her tours, and the first

> night we had a

> > bhajan session. Words cannot describe how amazing the energy was

> that night.

> > Every time Maa began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew,

I was

> > overflowing with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body

> was surging

> > with shakti.

> >

> > At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in the

> presence of

> > God. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as if some

large and

> > unimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a subtle form.

I

> didn't have

> > any visions, but it was just a felt perception that I was in the

> presence of

> > the Divine, and that this presence was connected to Maa.

> >

> > Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine form? Was it the

> subtle bodies

> > of celestial beings who had come for Maa's darshan? Was it just

my own

> > imagination? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it was

> overwhelming

> > and awe-inspiring. I remember looking at Maa and not being able to

> tell if She

> > was looking at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the

room, or

> > completely beyond.

> >

> > The next day I came for a homa program. I was standing at the back

> of the

> > house, when suddenly Maa came around the corner and was standing

> RIGHT next to

> > me. The sudden shock of seeing Her so close made me raise my hands

> in surprise.

> > Maa immediately grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much

girlish

> > enthusiasm, "Hi! How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah!

How

> can You be

> > holding my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted

to

> run away,

> > but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued

towards

> Her chair.

> > It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense God-experience

in

> Maa's

> > presence, and then to have Her just take my hand and "chat".

> >

> > In the presence of many holy people, I become completely shy and

> tongue-tied.

> > The divine energy inspires so much awe, that I freeze up and just

> start to

> > stare. Yet, some of the saints I've met will seem to make specific

> efforts to

> > interact in a very human way. I've felt that they do this to help

me

> loosen up

> > and feel more comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that

> they were

> > trying to get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence

> of intense

> > shakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced to

> talk or do

> > some task, I have to integrate the energy with human activities.

It

> seems to be

> > an important skill, being able to function in the midst of intense

> energy.

> >

> > But I still find it jarring to see saints somehow switch from

incredibly

> > elevated states to a more "human" kind of interaction. It's really

their

> > compassionate grace, though. It often helps disciples to have a

> human dimension

> > to the guru relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain

human

> activities,

> > like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once was

asking

> me with

> > great interest what kinds of foods I like. I mentioned potatoes,

and

> She asked

> > me in what preparation? The only thing that came to mind was

"mashed

> potatoes".

> > Then She asked, "Do all Americans like mashed potatoes very

much?" I

> found it

> > so mind-boggling that She could be interested in this, but very

> endearing and

> > funny at the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in

Her

> presence!

> >

> > It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the guru,

but

> the human

> > aspects often help us to feel that we have something in common

with

> the guru,

> > and therefore we have a chance to become more like them! If gurus

> were too

> > otherworldly and unapproachable, we might just give up because

their

> state

> > seems so unattainable for us.

> >

> > I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to

> deepen the

> > inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of

physical

> contact,

> > the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in

> its desire

> > to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage

extended

> > contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond

is

> formed and

> > strengthened. Teachings and grace flow through this psychic bond,

> according to

> > the intensity and receptivity of the disciple. This is how some

> gurus prefer to

> > operate, instead of openly or externally.

> >

> > Jai Maa!

> > Ekta

> >

> >

> >

> > __

> > Sports

> > Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

> > http://football.fantasysports.

[Guest guest]

Dear Ekta,

 

thank you so much for your honest and insightful post. It is very

helpful,

 

with love,

 

Henny

 

 

, Eleathea Barraclough <eleathea@y..

..> wrote:

> Jai Maa!

>

> I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how human and

divine

> aspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of my first major

contact

> with Shree Maa.

>

> She had come to Philadelphia on one of Her tours, and the first

night we had a

> bhajan session. Words cannot describe how amazing the energy was

that night.

> Every time Maa began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew, I

was

> overflowing with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body

was surging

> with shakti.

>

> At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in the

presence of

> God. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as if some large

and

> unimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a subtle form. I

didn't have

> any visions, but it was just a felt perception that I was in the

presence of

> the Divine, and that this presence was connected to Maa.

>

> Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine form? Was it the

subtle bodies

> of celestial beings who had come for Maa's darshan? Was it just my

own

> imagination? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it was

overwhelming

> and awe-inspiring. I remember looking at Maa and not being able to

tell if She

> was looking at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the

room, or

> completely beyond.

>

> The next day I came for a homa program. I was standing at the back

of the

> house, when suddenly Maa came around the corner and was standing

RIGHT next to

> me. The sudden shock of seeing Her so close made me raise my hands

in surprise.

> Maa immediately grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much

girlish

> enthusiasm, "Hi! How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah! How

can You be

> holding my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted to

run away,

> but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued towards

Her chair.

> It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense God-experience in

Maa's

> presence, and then to have Her just take my hand and "chat".

>

> In the presence of many holy people, I become completely shy and

tongue-tied.

> The divine energy inspires so much awe, that I freeze up and just

start to

> stare. Yet, some of the saints I've met will seem to make specific

efforts to

> interact in a very human way. I've felt that they do this to help me

loosen up

> and feel more comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that

they were

> trying to get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence

of intense

> shakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced to

talk or do

> some task, I have to integrate the energy with human activities. It

seems to be

> an important skill, being able to function in the midst of intense

energy.

>

> But I still find it jarring to see saints somehow switch from

incredibly

> elevated states to a more "human" kind of interaction. It's really

their

> compassionate grace, though. It often helps disciples to have a

human dimension

> to the guru relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain human

activities,

> like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once was asking

me with

> great interest what kinds of foods I like. I mentioned potatoes, and

She asked

> me in what preparation? The only thing that came to mind was "mashed

potatoes".

> Then She asked, "Do all Americans like mashed potatoes very much?" I

found it

> so mind-boggling that She could be interested in this, but very

endearing and

> funny at the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in Her

presence!

>

> It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the guru, but

the human

> aspects often help us to feel that we have something in common with

the guru,

> and therefore we have a chance to become more like them! If gurus

were too

> otherworldly and unapproachable, we might just give up because their

state

> seems so unattainable for us.

>

> I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to

deepen the

> inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical

contact,

> the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in

its desire

> to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage

extended

> contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond is

formed and

> strengthened. Teachings and grace flow through this psychic bond,

according to

> the intensity and receptivity of the disciple. This is how some

gurus prefer to

> operate, instead of openly or externally.

>

> Jai Maa!

> Ekta

>

>

>

> __

> Sports

> Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

> http://football.fantasysports.

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa!I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how

human and divineaspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of

my first major contactwith Shree Maa. She had come to Philadelphia on

one of Her tours, and the first night we had abhajan session. Words

cannot describe how amazing the energy was that night.Every time Maa

began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew, I wasoverflowing

with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body was surgingwith

shakti. At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in

the presence ofGod. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as

if some large andunimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a

subtle form. I didn't haveany visions, but it was just a felt

perception that I was in the presence ofthe Divine, and that this

presence was

connected to Maa. Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine

form? Was it the subtle bodiesof celestial beings who had come for

Maa's darshan? Was it just my ownimagination? I have absolutely no

idea. All I know is that it was overwhelmingand awe-inspiring. I

remember looking at Maa and not being able to tell if Shewas looking

at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the room,

orcompletely beyond.The next day I came for a homa program. I was

standing at the back of thehouse, when suddenly Maa came around the

corner and was standing RIGHT next tome. The sudden shock of seeing

Her so close made me raise my hands in surprise.Maa immediately

grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much girlishenthusiasm, "Hi!

How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah! How can You beholding

my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted to run

away,but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued

towards

Her chair.It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense

God-experience in Maa'spresence, and then to have Her just take my

hand and "chat".In the presence of many holy people, I become

completely shy and tongue-tied.The divine energy inspires so much

awe, that I freeze up and just start tostare. Yet, some of the saints

I've met will seem to make specific efforts tointeract in a very human

way. I've felt that they do this to help me loosen upand feel more

comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that they weretrying to

get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence of

intenseshakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced

to talk or dosome task, I have to integrate the energy with human

activities. It seems to bean important skill, being able to function

in the midst of intense energy. But I still find it jarring to see

saints somehow switch from incrediblyelevated states to a more

"human"

kind of interaction. It's really theircompassionate grace, though. It

often helps disciples to have a human dimensionto the guru

relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain human

activities,like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once

was asking me withgreat interest what kinds of foods I like. I

mentioned potatoes, and She askedme in what preparation? The only

thing that came to mind was "mashed potatoes".Then She asked, "Do all

Americans like mashed potatoes very much?" I found itso mind-boggling

that She could be interested in this, but very endearing andfunny at

the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in Her

presence!It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the

guru, but the humanaspects often help us to feel that we have

something in common with the guru,and therefore we have a chance to

become more like them! If gurus were toootherworldly and

unapproachable, we might just give up

because their stateseems so unattainable for us.I've often felt that

physical distance from the guru can help to deepen theinner

relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical

contact,the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle

realms in its desireto make some kind of contact. Often, the longing

will encourage extendedcontemplation and meditation on the guru, such

that a subtle bond is formed andstrengthened. Teachings and grace flow

through this psychic bond, according tothe intensity and receptivity

of the disciple. This is how some gurus prefer tooperate, instead of

openly or externally.Jai Maa!Ekta

__ Sports

Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

http://football.fantasysports.

Make your home page

[Guest guest]

oh, ekta!

 

thank you for sharing this story and your experience of the divine/human

guru aspects. i know what you mean. you make some good points about why

they might interact in a human way with them. but then, to me, while i

know i would be expecting the otherworldy aspect, part of me also wants

to see some of the human, too, for just that reason of relating.

 

here's a question: do you think the penetrating mind activity is

conscious or a subconscious act?

 

Eleathea Barraclough wrote:

>I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to deepen the

>inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical contact,

>the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in its desire

>to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage extended

>contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond is formed and

>strengthened.

>

>Jai Maa!

>Ekta

>

--

 

Be Love,

Egyirba (Berijoy)

http://www.egyirba.net

 

Every artist was first an amateur. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Guest guest]

Nearly every day

 

Jai Maa!

Chris

 

 

, "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...> wrote:

> think of all the layers and experiences in your mind and heart and how

> that moved them around, and how you are even now still changing. jai

> maa chris.

>

> , "Chris Kirner"

> <chriskirner1956> wrote:

> > Ekta,

> >

> > Your description of being with Mother was very moving. I had a

> similar

> > experience of being "surprised" by her. I was standing, after a

> > program, eyes closed, enjoying the bhaava that permeated the room,

> > while Maa was on the other side (it seemed like a mile away, like

> they

> > were little child figures, way away) with some women who were

> bowing,

> > and hugging, and touching her feet in a very loving and worshipful

> way.

> > Suddenly I opened my eyes and she was Right There. She was so

> small, I

> > remember looking down on her, but all I could think was, Oh, My God

> > There She Is!

> >

> > I wanted to bow, touch her feet, anything to demonstrate my respect,

> > but I had never done such a thing before, and I knew I would only

> get

> > self-couscious and ruin all the beautiful bhaava, so I just bowed my

> > head. She asked me my name, and I told her. She Looked at me, or

> > blessed me, or both, then just spun around and walked off like a

> young

> > girl. It was such a small event, but I remember every little detail.

> >

> > Jai Maa!

> > Chris

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > , Eleathea Barraclough

> > <eleathea> wrote:

> > > Jai Maa!

> > >

> > > I was reading with interest the recent discussions on how human

> and

> > divine

> > > aspects of gurus seem to conflict. It reminded me of my first

> major

> > contact

> > > with Shree Maa.

> > >

> > > She had come to Philadelphia on one of Her tours, and the first

> > night we had a

> > > bhajan session. Words cannot describe how amazing the energy was

> > that night.

> > > Every time Maa began to sing, and as the group bhakti energy grew,

> I was

> > > overflowing with tears, just crying uncontrollably. My whole body

> > was surging

> > > with shakti.

> > >

> > > At a certain point I grew aware of a "feeling" that I was in the

> > presence of

> > > God. I don't know how else to describe it. It was as if some

> large and

> > > unimaginably holy presence was filling the room in a subtle form.

> I

> > didn't have

> > > any visions, but it was just a felt perception that I was in the

> > presence of

> > > the Divine, and that this presence was connected to Maa.

> > >

> > > Was it Her aura expanding to its complete divine form? Was it the

> > subtle bodies

> > > of celestial beings who had come for Maa's darshan? Was it just

> my own

> > > imagination? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it was

> > overwhelming

> > > and awe-inspiring. I remember looking at Maa and not being able to

> > tell if She

> > > was looking at me or not, if She was focused on anything in the

> room, or

> > > completely beyond.

> > >

> > > The next day I came for a homa program. I was standing at the back

> > of the

> > > house, when suddenly Maa came around the corner and was standing

> > RIGHT next to

> > > me. The sudden shock of seeing Her so close made me raise my hands

> > in surprise.

> > > Maa immediately grasped my hand in Hers and said with so much

> girlish

> > > enthusiasm, "Hi! How are you?" Mentally, I was thinking, "Aaaah!

> How

> > can You be

> > > holding my hand so casually?! You're God!" I felt so shy I wanted

> to

> > run away,

> > > but I squeaked out "I'm good, Maa". She smiled and continued

> towards

> > Her chair.

> > > It was so utterly jarring to have such an intense God-experience

> in

> > Maa's

> > > presence, and then to have Her just take my hand and "chat".

> > >

> > > In the presence of many holy people, I become completely shy and

> > tongue-tied.

> > > The divine energy inspires so much awe, that I freeze up and just

> > start to

> > > stare. Yet, some of the saints I've met will seem to make specific

> > efforts to

> > > interact in a very human way. I've felt that they do this to help

> me

> > loosen up

> > > and feel more comfortable in their presence. I've also felt that

> > they were

> > > trying to get me to be more "grounded". Sometimes, in the presence

> > of intense

> > > shakti, I might lose most mental functions, but if I'm forced to

> > talk or do

> > > some task, I have to integrate the energy with human activities.

> It

> > seems to be

> > > an important skill, being able to function in the midst of intense

> > energy.

> > >

> > > But I still find it jarring to see saints somehow switch from

> incredibly

> > > elevated states to a more "human" kind of interaction. It's really

> their

> > > compassionate grace, though. It often helps disciples to have a

> > human dimension

> > > to the guru relationship, so the gurus will engage in certain

> human

> > activities,

> > > like chatting casually, making jokes, etc. One saint once was

> asking

> > me with

> > > great interest what kinds of foods I like. I mentioned potatoes,

> and

> > She asked

> > > me in what preparation? The only thing that came to mind was

> "mashed

> > potatoes".

> > > Then She asked, "Do all Americans like mashed potatoes very

> much?" I

> > found it

> > > so mind-boggling that She could be interested in this, but very

> > endearing and

> > > funny at the same time. It definitely helped me to loosen up in

> Her

> > presence!

> > >

> > > It's hard to reconcile the divine and human aspects of the guru,

> but

> > the human

> > > aspects often help us to feel that we have something in common

> with

> > the guru,

> > > and therefore we have a chance to become more like them! If gurus

> > were too

> > > otherworldly and unapproachable, we might just give up because

> their

> > state

> > > seems so unattainable for us.

> > >

> > > I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to

> > deepen the

> > > inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of

> physical

> > contact,

> > > the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in

> > its desire

> > > to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage

> extended

> > > contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond

> is

> > formed and

> > > strengthened. Teachings and grace flow through this psychic bond,

> > according to

> > > the intensity and receptivity of the disciple. This is how some

> > gurus prefer to

> > > operate, instead of openly or externally.

> > >

> > > Jai Maa!

> > > Ekta

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > __

> > > Sports

> > > Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

> > > http://football.fantasysports.

[Guest guest]

steve interrupting:

 

CONSCIOUS!

 

jai maaaaaa!

 

 

, Devi's Daughter

<devi.daughter@g...> wrote:

> oh, ekta!

>

> thank you for sharing this story and your experience of the

divine/human

> guru aspects. i know what you mean. you make some good points about

why

> they might interact in a human way with them. but then, to me,

while i

> know i would be expecting the otherworldy aspect, part of me also

wants

> to see some of the human, too, for just that reason of relating.

>

> here's a question: do you think the penetrating mind activity is

> conscious or a subconscious act?

>

> Eleathea Barraclough wrote:

>

> >I've often felt that physical distance from the guru can help to

deepen the

> >inner relationship. When there is longing and no chance of physical

contact,

> >the mind starts to penetrate more deeply into the subtle realms in

its desire

> >to make some kind of contact. Often, the longing will encourage

extended

> >contemplation and meditation on the guru, such that a subtle bond

is formed and

> >strengthened.

> >

> >Jai Maa!

> >Ekta

> >

> --

>

> Be Love,

> Egyirba (Berijoy)

> http://www.egyirba.net

>

> Every artist was first an amateur. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Guest guest]

thank you, beloved steveji! you may always interrupt!

 

Steve Connor wrote:

>steve interrupting:

>

>CONSCIOUS!

>

>jai maaaaaa!

>

--

 

Be Love,

Egyirba (Berijoy)

http://www.egyirba.net

 

We want to worship a living God. I have not seen anything but God all my

life, nor have you.

To see this chair you first see God, and then the chair, in and through

Him. He is everywhere, saying, "I am."

The moment you feel "I am," you are conscious of Existence. Where shall

we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts

and in every living being? * Vivekananda *