Guest guest Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will take some planning. So, anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours Zachary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2006 Report Share Posted February 28, 2006 little knowledge about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will take some planning. So,anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yoursZachary Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 Dear Zac, My contribution to your question is: keep holy company, if you can find it, and severely limit worldly associations. Fill the mind with holy thoughts, and eliminate unnecessary thoughts of the world. Use the (considerable) time and energy thereby saved to pray earnestly to God, who is your very own, to bring you into the presence of a guru who can guide you to your goal. A swami is a renunciate, a full-time professional in the field, who lives for God, and God alone, no compromise whatsoever with the ways of the world. If that's your goal, begin thinking that way right now, and arrange your life correspondingly---and your path will be smooth. Affectionately, Tanmaya , "zac_m38" <zac_m38 wrote: > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will > take some planning. > So, > anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours > Zachary > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 Dear Zachary, You are in the best place for what you want. What you want might even change over time. One thing I have noticed is that Swamiji, even thought he himself is extremely disciplined and knowedgeable, does not say anyone else should do anything particular, even to say that they are Hindu. Their way is very inspired by Saraswati. So learning and growing is primary. Each mantra or Sanskrit letter deepens you in the Eternal Way. Maa and Swamiji teach by example so we benefit ourselves most by being both subtle and practical in our observation and listening. I wish for you all the peace you desire. steve , "zac_m38" <zac_m38 wrote: > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will > take some planning. > So, > anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours > Zachary > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 Zachary, Brother, start by taking small steps, first. Asking the questions is a good start. Your question (karmic unfoldment) is coming from a deep source; remembering is good. The spiritual involves discerning karmic patterns, both good, the bad, and the ugly. As you watch your (feelings) all potentiality will come to the surface in some way that your spirit, will want and yearn. The clues that is coming from within will speak of not one, two, maybe three different pathways in the life course towards your spiritual truth that will lead you to divine nature within. In the course of life changes, takes time and be open to making adjustments as you process a powerful step, so be easy with one self. Emotions and our personal philosophy will play a big part as how we interpret and understand a path and journey. Consciousness is always present as Being. So, invite Being within to the table, to mediate on the Beloved within. It takes a life journey sometimes to balance the lover/Beloved, I thou relationship. Be practical in your search, and listen to your spirit; the Creator will always speak, and be present to you. Exciting! May your journey be filled with peace and in all goodness; Om Shanti Prema, Om Sai Ram Jai Guru Dev Om Shiva/Shakti Brother Edward - zac_m38 Tuesday, February 28, 2006 2:42 PM being a devotee Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will take some planning. So,anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yoursZachary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 ty_maa I very much enjoy reading your posts. They are always thoughtful and considerate. Discussion and traditional studies of "religion" seem mostly a matter of semantics. I always like what Ramakrishna's said -- something along the lines -- As many people, so many religions. Religion as generally thought of and practiced throughout the ages and in the present to me seems typically full of discrimination along these lines: rules of behavoir holier than Thou organization do x, get y should and shouldn't all you need to do is you just don't know or haven't experienced it yet presumptions of knowing better or what's best for others I only need to do this... all you need to do is that....my way is better, more effective....Jesus is Lord, Krishna is the ultimate etc. and other such dogma suited to someone's or a group's agenda and goals -- which everyone is no doubt free to have and follow as they like. History has shown clearly however that that kind of discrimination bubbles up again and again in collective consciousness in wars. Is the experience of God - with and/or without form - conditional? How can that be if God is everywhere and Self reveals itself to the Self through the Self? Isn't anything else just opinion, ego and dualistic? Give more than you take. G.O.D. - go on duty. Up and doing. Character is the proof in the figgy pudding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 Dear Zach, wanting to be a swami is a beatiful goal to have, it seems to me. And what is even more beautiful is that here you have a prime example in Swamiji. So, keeping your desire to become like him in the back of your mind, why not begin taking small steps by trying to do as he does? If he does puja, why not learn how to do puja? If he recites the Chandi, why not learn how? If he has learned how to be efficient in every little thing, why shouldn't you try to learn as well? And, if he is patient, loving, has a keen sense of humour, why not cultivate those attributes in your own life? Stick around, take the opportunities to learn that are given here and you'll find, I think, that your questions will get answered as you go along. At least, that's how it works for me (and I haven't got all the answers yet:)), hope this helps you a little, with love, Henny -- In , "zac_m38" <zac_m38 wrote: > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will > take some planning. > So, > anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours > Zachary > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 Dear Henny, what a beautiful and encouraging note you have given to me. I start to keep in mind what you say by learning by example. I think some of the other have posted have the importance of being practical. I would like to be practical to come close to swamiji and begin to be a swami., and to learn from him and serve. What is puja, is it offering to a deity. What is CHandi? And of course the other virtues you mention I strive toward. Your note considers the long haul of learning to be a swami. THis is\ much appreciated Thanks > Dear Zach, > > wanting to be a swami is a beatiful goal to have, it seems to me. And > what is even more beautiful is that here you have a prime example in > Swamiji. So, keeping your desire to become like him in the back of > your mind, why not begin taking small steps by trying to do as he > does? If he does puja, why not learn how to do puja? If he recites the > Chandi, why not learn how? If he has learned how to be efficient in > every little thing, why shouldn't you try to learn as well? And, if he > is patient, loving, has a keen sense of humour, why not cultivate > those attributes in your own life? Stick around, take the > opportunities to learn that are given here and you'll find, I think, > that your questions will get answered as you go along. At least, > that's how it works for me (and I haven't got all the answers yet:)), > > hope this helps you a little, > > with love, > Henny > > > > > -- In , "zac_m38" <zac_m38@> wrote: > > > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have > little knowledge > > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I > see many > > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, > and how it is > > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva > or shakti. > > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. > I am > > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that > can train me > > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and > begin, to be > > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I > think it will > > take some planning. > > So, > > anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours > > Zachary > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 ---Hello Edward, Thank you. I really apprecite you taking time to write. What are some small steps I could take? There is so much I'd like to do, but I can narrow it down, is that what your saying. I really want to serve God, but first I want to feel empowered some , and like most people my life isnt't too simple. I really resonate with what you say. If we could be in touch it would be great. Again. I really appreciate what you say and can see it is helpful to me as well as generous, Have a happy day. Zachary > Brother, start by taking small steps, first. Asking the questions is a good start. Your question (karmic unfoldment) is coming from a deep source; remembering is good. The spiritual involves discerning karmic patterns, both good, the bad, and the ugly. As you watch your (feelings) all potentiality will come to the surface in some way that your spirit, will want and yearn. The clues that is coming from within will speak of not one, two, maybe three different pathways in the life course towards your spiritual truth that will lead you to divine nature within. In the course of life changes, takes time and be open to making adjustments as you process a powerful step, so be easy with one self. Emotions and our personal philosophy will play a big part as how we interpret and understand a path and journey. Consciousness is always present as Being. So, invite Being within to the table, to mediate on the Beloved within. It takes a life journey sometimes to balance the lover/Beloved, I thou relationship. Be practical in your search, and listen to your spirit; the Creator will always speak, and be present to you. Exciting! > > May your journey be filled with peace and in all goodness; > Om Shanti Prema, > Om Sai Ram > Jai Guru Dev > Om Shiva/Shakti > > Brother Edward > > > - > zac_m38<zac_m38 > To: <> > Tuesday, February 28, 2006 2:42 PM > being a devotee > > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will > take some planning. > So, > anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours > Zachary > > > -- ---------- > > > a.. Visit your group "<>" on the web. > > b.. > <- ?subject=Un> > > c.. Terms of Service<>. > > > -- ---------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2006 Report Share Posted March 1, 2006 Dear Devanathji, You have certainly put your finger on one of the main difficulties in religious discussions: the need to clearly define terms. Another real problem, one that has troubled mankind so much, is the mixing of religion and politics---whether at the very local level, or in international relations. One thing that is sorely needed for peace is a sort of unified field theory of religion which could unite all religious persuasions, yet leave each one independent and respected by all. Sri Ramakrishna has done this experientially by having the direct, divine realization of the various deities and avataras of the many religions, and finding them all to be equally true. This is absolutely unique in religious history. For Him all were aparoksha, not invisible matters of belief, but of tangeable, direct perception. And the Vedanta philosophy of ancient India presents a similar unifying force which validates, philosophically, the same (sadly and unnecessarily often warring) religions. The confusion of undefined terms arises, in my observation, because there are several levels in the evolution of a religion, from the start to the finished form. The first level is always the direct experience of the great prophet, sage or avatara who also "grounds" his or her divine realization into the consciousness of humanity. Thus giving mankind a new vision of, and a new way of relating to, the Infinite and Transendental God---the One. Then, after a longer or shorter period, come the systematizers who endeavor to tie up the loose ends of the sheer, raw, overpowering, Reality of the Descent of God onto Mother Earth into a neater package which they believe will be more palatable and practical for the common devotee. I believe these folks are perfectly sincere in what they do, but it is at this point that Vinod was no doubt pointing by saying that "religions are manmade" There is a story about all this you know---there is always a story. It seems there was once a very pious devotee of God who lived in a small village in India. Every day, without fail, he performed his daily pujas with the greatest faith and devotion. Over the years, his devotion, and the length of time he spent in his worship, increased, and by and by he became highly revered as a truly holy person-very saintly indeed. It was his custom, at the beginning of his worship, to catch the family cat and tie it to a post, because he could never be sure how long his puja would take, and whether he would remain conscious of the outer world. So he tied the cat in order to keep it from disturbing the worship articles, or even eating the food to be offered, as cats are prone to do. Gradually, the saint's reputation spread throughout the whole district, and visitors would come from even far-away villages to experience the holy presence of the devotee's worship. One thing they noticed that was unique to his worship was that in the beginning he would always catch a cat and tie it to a post. One such visitor spoke of this to the members of his own village when he returned home, and, in their effort to be like the saint, those villagers began to experiment with catching and tying a cat to a post before their pujas as well. One day, a relative visiting this village noticed the cats tied to posts in front of every worship hall, and took the idea home to his village. There they debated the subject throughout the night and concluded that if one cat was good, two cats would be better. So that village began the two-cat custom. It wasn't long before the competitive spirit took over---or maybe it was just the natural desire to find an easy means to increase devotion---but before long, as one travelled further from the village of the saintly devotee, increasing numbers of cats could be observed tied to posts in front of puja rooms. In far-off regions of the district, simple people were not able to afford the great number of cats required for a proper puja; only the independenlty wealthy could do so. And so these devotees, blessed with suficient means, began to form a hierachy of holiness based upon the number of cats a household could afford, and they were paid due respect, with not a little envy, by those less fortunate. Sri Ramakrishna taught that it requires great effort to have pure, unalloyed devotion to God, but that one who has such simple and pure devotion, one who loves God for God's sake alone, will not make a false step. With love to you, and to all, Tanmaya , "Devanath Saraswati" <devnath9 wrote: > > ty_maa > > I very much enjoy reading your posts. They are always thoughtful and considerate. > > Discussion and traditional studies of "religion" seem mostly a matter of semantics. > > I always like what Ramakrishna's said -- something along the lines -- As many people, so > many religions. > > Religion as generally thought of and practiced throughout the ages and in the present to > me seems typically full of discrimination along these lines: > > rules of behavoir > holier than Thou > organization > do x, get y > should and shouldn't > all you need to do is > you just don't know or haven't experienced it yet > presumptions of knowing better or what's best for others > > I only need to do this... all you need to do is that....my way is better, more effective....Jesus > is Lord, Krishna is the ultimate etc. and other such dogma suited to someone's or a > group's agenda and goals -- which everyone is no doubt free to have and follow as they > like. History has shown clearly however that that kind of discrimination bubbles up again > and again in collective consciousness in wars. > > Is the experience of God - with and/or without form - conditional? How can that be if God > is everywhere and Self reveals itself to the Self through the Self? Isn't anything else just > opinion, ego and dualistic? > > Give more than you take. G.O.D. - go on duty. Up and doing. Character is the proof in the > figgy pudding. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 Hi Zac, The nature of Being is just that (natural) which wants and yearns for the holy wisdom, and subsequently, to search the Guru, the Teacher will always wait and sometimes appear, when the appearing is good. Please, forgive me, but I am not he. I am very pleased, however, to note that you have the confidence, especially what you are saying to you in the search of the Highest that is within you. The Guru will enhance that which is already there. This is what is speaking to you. So, when you hear resonance coming from without, you are in effect hearing that (tone) within first. This is causing you to move in the direction of Becoming a Swamiji. I love the process. Another step is calming the ocean of mind; (meditation), in addition, repetition of the sacred mantras, and pray to your deity, the Creator. The Guru will provide. These are some of the steps I refer you to, walking with the silent listener, as in the (Heart whisperer), that moves you, forgive my puns. Swamiji and Mataji, whom I've never met, but know can show you the rest. I am not a teacher or Guru and don't wish to be pretentious, but if you wish to follow in the steps of a renunciate, your heart will direct you to the one teacher that will awaken your light and your way further, so you can properly experience your spiritual course, and the Guru such as Swamiji and Mataji, will also protect you from any harm, that's if they are your teachers. And with the blessing of Creator, in all His faces, and Guru, will show you the way to a Swami Order. But, first take these steps into knowing and willing to serve what may come your way. See God in all things, which no doubt you do and feel the compassion of your own process. Be around those that will enhance and bless your spirit, and spend company with good and Hoy people. Swamiji and Mataji are such Masters. The brothers and sister in this community will also walk with you. Hope this little note has helped. In all humility, all good and in peace, in service to you, my brother Om Sai Ram Jai Guru Dev Om Shiva/Shakti Jai Edward - zac_m38 Wednesday, March 01, 2006 1:21 PM Re: being a devotee ---Hello Edward, Thank you. I really apprecite you taking time to write. What are some small steps I could take? There is so much I'd like to do, but I can narrow it down, is that what your saying. I really want to serve God, but first I want to feel empowered some , and like most people my life isnt't too simple.I really resonate with what you say. If we could be in touch it would be great. Again. I really appreciate what you say and can see it is helpful to me as well as generous, Have a happy day.Zachary > Brother, start by taking small steps, first. Asking the questions is a good start. Your question (karmic unfoldment) is coming from a deep source; remembering is good. The spiritual involves discerning karmic patterns, both good, the bad, and the ugly. As you watch your (feelings) all potentiality will come to the surface in some way that your spirit, will want and yearn. The clues that is coming from within will speak of not one, two, maybe three different pathways in the life course towards your spiritual truth that will lead you to divine nature within. In the course of life changes, takes time and be open to making adjustments as you process a powerful step, so be easy with one self. Emotions and our personal philosophy will play a big part as how we interpret and understand a path and journey. Consciousness is always present as Being. So, invite Being within to the table, to mediate on the Beloved within. It takes a life journey sometimes to balance the lover/Beloved, I thou relationship. Be practical in your search, and listen to your spirit; the Creator will always speak, and be present to you. Exciting! > > May your journey be filled with peace and in all goodness;> Om Shanti Prema,> Om Sai Ram> Jai Guru Dev > Om Shiva/Shakti> > Brother Edward> > > ----- Original Message ----- > zac_m38<zac_m38 > To: <> > Tuesday, February 28, 2006 2:42 PM> being a devotee> > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have little knowledge > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. I see many > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, and how it is > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of shiva or shakti. > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions also. I am > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, that can train me > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and begin, to be > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a swami," I think it will > take some planning. > So,> anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours> Zachary> > > > > > > > > > > > > a.. Visit your group "<>" on the web.> > b.. > <?subject=Un>> > c.. Terms of Service<>. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2006 Report Share Posted March 2, 2006 Dear Zach, I'm glad you feel encouraged; courage and determination are some of the attributes we all need as we're walking the path of a devotee:). But now for something really practical, I would like to talk to you a little about puja. First, let's listen to Swamiji telling us what puja is: "You can create a ritual of worship, which will focus your mind and make it habituated to sitting still. We call that ritual of worship puja. Puja is a guided meditation, It will calm your mind. All you have to do is follow the instructions and recite the mantras and you will be guided into a state of meditation. There are many forms of puja. A simple puja would begin by lighting a candle and a stick of incense and putting a flower on an altar. Then sit there for a few minutes and say "Om namah Shivaya" either internally or out loud [...] >From that simple puja, you can get more sophisticated and elaborate." (from 'Before Becoming This', a book which I greatly recommend and which is available via the Devi Mandir website). So you see, Zach, you can start with simple things and then build on that. Elsewhere, Swamiji has defined puja as "that which gives birth to merit", and he points out that, as the greatest merit you could ever get is to sit in the presence of God, puja can also be explained as the activity which gives you the privilege of sitting in the presence of divinity. Starting with ritual worship at your altar (which need not be an elaborate affair at all), you can learn to become receptive and attentive to the divine, and ultimately, your whole life becomes worship as you walk with God (that's not to say that we all get that far, but that is where a simple practice may lead). So I would think this is definitely something worth learning. Now, please allow me to tell you something about my own experience. Having come to this place about a year ago, it fairly quickly become obvious to me that the gurus of this ashram knew what they were talking about. And they were saying to my inner ear: "Look, you might think all this Indian stuff is funny or the thing least likely to get you involved, but it has worked for us just as it has worked for others for thousands of years. This path has made us Knowers of Divinity and we would like to show you the way and give you all the information you need. We have made books and cd's to make things easy for you, we have brought a group of people together via the internet who can help you and walk along with you, but you must start walking yourself." And I thought 'well, why not give this a try', and ordered the Beginner's Shiva puja book. Fortunately for me, right at that time, our Nandaji had started posting the Beginner's Shiva Puja course in this group, which allowed me to ask all kinds of questions. And so I started to perform Shiva puja, and it was not an easy matter. Apart from struggling with the Sanskrit, there were things to do and to remember, and my knees hurt and my nose itched etc. etc. But then gradually, it grew on me, and without working on it, the mantras started to remember themselves and after a few months, I knew how to do this puja. And the beautiful thing is, I never got bored. It is difficult to explain, but I'll try: imagine what your consciousness would be like if all the fear, the anger, the petty desires, the love of error, the self-doubt, old hurts etc, etc, were removed. Can you imagine the clarity, the calm, the peace, the luminosity, the joy of that state? Well, performing Shiva puja has given me at least some idea of it, a fore-taste or vision, a wink if you like. I feel as if every time I sit for puja, some of the dirt gets flushed out so that more light can come in. Of course there are days when I can't concentrate or don't feel like it, but that does not seem to matter. I still feel better afterwards. And now, having learned how to enhance my puja from Parvatiji, who has been kind enough to give a course to that effect, my day is not complete without it and I hope to be able to learn the more advanced puja some day. If you had asked me a year ago "who is Shiva", I would not have been able to tell you, and even now I cannot. But I can say that as you start practicing puja and the experience deepens, He will reveal Himself to you gradually and I believe that ultimately you will get to know Him. So if you should decide the path offered by Shree Maa and Swamiji is the one for you, this is my very practical advice to you, for what it's worth (it really is the only thing I can honestly tell you from experience): get the Beginner's Shiva book (there's also a CD so you can hear how it's done) or, if you prefer, the Beginner's Durga book. (Nandaji has created a file for the Beginner's course, so you can use that as a guide as well) Or, if you like neither Shiva nor Durga, get the book anyway and after you've learned how to perform puja, choose anything you like that represents divinity to you, and give expression to your thankfulness and love, to your yearning and heartfelt desire. Once you've learned how to perform a simple puja, you can create your own. It is a beautiful thing, but I think I have made my feelings clear so I'll stop going on about it. There is much more to explore, and others are better qualified than I to tell you about the Chandi Path and other practices like fire sacrifice (and there's the info on the website). But I thought I'd show you that it is possible to start a practice in small ways and expand from there. Dear brother, this is a great place to be, but should you decide this is not for you, I wish you well and pray that you will find what you're looking for, may the Divine Mother guide you always, with love, Henny , "zac_m38" <zac_m38 wrote: > > Dear Henny, what a beautiful and encouraging note you have given to > me. I start to keep in mind what you say by learning by example. I > think some of the other have posted have the importance of being > practical. I would like to be practical to come close to swamiji and > begin to be a swami., and to learn from him and serve. > What is puja, is it offering to a deity. What is CHandi? And of > course the other virtues you mention I strive toward. Your note > considers the long haul of learning to be a swami. THis is\ much > appreciated > Thanks > > Dear Zach, > > > > wanting to be a swami is a beatiful goal to have, it seems to me. > And > > what is even more beautiful is that here you have a prime example > in > > Swamiji. So, keeping your desire to become like him in the back of > > your mind, why not begin taking small steps by trying to do as he > > does? If he does puja, why not learn how to do puja? If he recites > the > > Chandi, why not learn how? If he has learned how to be efficient in > > every little thing, why shouldn't you try to learn as well? And, if > he > > is patient, loving, has a keen sense of humour, why not cultivate > > those attributes in your own life? Stick around, take the > > opportunities to learn that are given here and you'll find, I > think, > > that your questions will get answered as you go along. At least, > > that's how it works for me (and I haven't got all the answers > yet:)), > > > > hope this helps you a little, > > > > with love, > > Henny > > > > > > > > > > -- In , "zac_m38" <zac_m38@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear friends, I am interested in leading a devout life. I have > > little knowledge > > > about hinduism, praryer mantra, but I want to know how it works. > I > > see many > > > names written. TO start I would like to know the story of Shiva, > > and how it is > > > relevant, being a mythical story today. what is the "power "of > shiva > > or shakti. > > > What does it mean to be hindu.? What is the aim of relgions > also. > > I am > > > looking for a guide to help. Any one with a capacity to help, > that > > can train me > > > in spiritual knowlege. I would love to put aside my doubts, and > > begin, to be > > > peacefull and know. I wrote to swamiji, "i wanto to be a > swami," I > > think it will > > > take some planning. > > > So, > > > anyone, can you help? please write. Kindly yours > > > Zachary > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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