It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

[Guest guest]

I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

forums.

 

Anyway, here it is...

 

I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist, Charismatic

community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied in

Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with Sri

Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism and

drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that I

have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

 

I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why so

many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I think

about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

where is our universe heading.

 

And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any of

the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

 

On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We simply

enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm, and

dry. What else could I possibly want?

 

Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us. My

God. My Beloved.

 

And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen to

music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

about God just about every waking second.

 

But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

 

I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all of

them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a lot

of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless, infinite

Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal level?

Where do I go to worship?

 

I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

 

But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are discussed.

There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or xenophobia.

And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to be

100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful uplifting

services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic are

the least uplifting.

 

I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups I've

found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and happiness.

And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm not

looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

happiness. I'm looking for God.

 

Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa is

quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

 

I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It feels

like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still, and

search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

options?

 

Any ideas what I can do?

[Guest guest]

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

 

"I'm not looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance,

or even happiness. I'm looking for God."

 

Blessings to you!

The above line is the one that really, really pulled at my heart

strings and opened up my flood gates. [my nose is running as i type

this.] i truly feel the sincerity in your statement, and all i can

say, is i have complete faith that "You WILL find God!":<) i bow to

your longing...

 

Your sister beyond forever,

muktimaa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist,

Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied

in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with

Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism

and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that

I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why

so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I

think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any

of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We

simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm,

and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us.

My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen

to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all

of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a

lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless,

infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal

level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are

discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or

xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to

be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful

uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic

are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups

I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and

happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm

not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa

is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It

feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still,

and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

 

I recognize much of what you say in my own path and circumstances. And

yes, it can feel like a lonely business if there does not seem to be a

kindred spirit for miles around, and I too sometimes long for some

company here in my part of the world.

But I would like to share with you something our dear Kalachandra told

me when I had just joined this group and questioned the possibility of

entertaining a relationship with guru's living on the other side of

the globe. She said (and I paraphrase) that physical distance is of no

importance at all because what matters is what's in your heart. If you

are willing to open your heart, the guru's and the Devi Mandir will

come to you, no matter where you live and take up residence in your

heart.

I found this to be true. Just by hanging around here, joining in and

participating in the sankalpas, I've been led to find people who've

shared their wisdom and love with me, who picked me up when I was are

down, and who've gladly shared with me the spiritual treasures they've

brought back from their individual journeys, who've inspired me and

made me laugh (and cry sometimes). I have found that it is possible to

pray together, to sing and dance together and to come together in

worship, all in the sacred space we might call the Divine Heart of the

Infinite, for lack of a better word, the Sacred Space created and

nurtured by our beloved teachers.

To worship an infinite, featureless God may well need 'the flight of

the alone to the Alone', I do not know. For me, God has features: the

features of Shree Maa and Swamiji, of Nanda and Linda, of Muktimaa and

all the other family members, of the people I see on the videos, and

more and more lately, of the people I meet on the street. Because I

find that the more I dare open my heart, the more my heart can

accomodate and the less lonely I feel. There is sat-sangha, a coming

together in truth, to be had everywhere if we dare open up and look

beneath the surface, I have come to suspect. And I personally find

that a very exciting prospect,

 

with love,

Henny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- In , "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist,

Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied

in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with

Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism

and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that

I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why

so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I

think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any

of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We

simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm,

and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us.

My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen

to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all

of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a

lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless,

infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal

level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are

discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or

xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to

be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful

uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic

are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups

I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and

happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm

not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa

is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It

feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still,

and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

[Guest guest]

hello wmbittner

 

i live a long way away too. we all suffer in general similar things. a

few things you can think about that might help. keep in mind these

thoughts are non-judgmental, as i have suffered or enjoyed these ups

and downs myself.

 

in the highest sense, you and swamiji are at the same place right now.

we might understand that at one moment, and not grasp that at another

moment, and instead feel longing, dejection, etc.

 

where there appears to be no guru, dvine company, sangha, etc.,

you, you alone have to provide that within. then you generate

spiritual warmth from inside. you start with being very kind to family.

 

your own focus, prayer and understanding is what matters, then

everything else follows. ask for god/truth, think about giving, and

what else will matter? nothing.

 

be careful not to contemplate the negative void. as i enter the

silence, i think about compassion, and then the silence i enter

does not have a featureless or isolated quality.

 

steve

 

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner wrote:

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist, Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm, and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us. My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless, infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still, and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

[Guest guest]

Things that I have found helpful....

 

Namascar Brother (I think this is appropriate and I will explain),

I see from the many posts and inspiring stories over the last weeks

that many of us in this Devi Mandir online satsanga related very

personally to your posts. I hope you are feeling at home. Thus my use

of the term Brother or God Brother. I can relate to most of what you

have shared.

 

I will share two things that have been helping me recently with the

longing for sincere spiritual community (Shree Maa says that we NEED

satsanga).

 

One is that every Thursday (traditionally a day to honor the Guru), at

minimum, I do one mala each of mantra for Shree Maa and for Swamiji. I

hold them in my mind and heart and look at their pictures while I do

this. This brings me closer in my heart to them. They are the best

living examples of what I aspire to and so I want to be close to them.

I want to follow their example.

 

I honor all Gods and great beings who are examples of Love. Maa Durga

is my Ishta. I believe that this type of practice would be appropriate

for any inspiring avatar - Jesus, Buddha, etc. - or living Saint. It

has been recommended to me not to mediate on simple living persons who

are not realized beings.

 

I use the following mantras on Thursdays:

om sanatani maya vidhahe jnana prakasayai dimahe tanno srimam

prachodayat

 

Om we meditate upon the Eternal Measurement of Consciousness,

contemplate She who illuminates wisdom. May that Shree Maa grant us

increase.

 

And for Swamiji, the great example of dedication to the Mother, I do

the following mantra for Rudra with Swamiji in mind. May his practice

continue to inspire us:

 

om tat purusaya vidmahe mahadevaya dhimahi tanno rudrah prachodayat

 

We meditate upon That Universal Consciousness, contemplate the Great

God. May the Reliever of Suffereing grant us increase.

 

The second thing that is helping me when I am longing to renounce the

world and live a life as a sadvi/sadhu (being totally in sadhana is

what I long for because all I really want is to be with God/dess), is a

quote from a western Buddhist Nun who is/was one of us suffering beings

out here in the world and who shares practical experience. Pema Chodron

said, "The dharma-the Buddha's teaching-is about letting go of the

story line and opening to WHAT IS: to the people in our life, to the

situations we're in, to our thoughts, to our emotions. We have a

certain life, and whatever life we're in is a vehicle for waking up.

Jai Maa!

Om Tat Sat

 

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa is

quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

 

I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It feels

like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still, and

search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

options? Any ideas what I can do?

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your response.

> One is that every Thursday (traditionally a day to honor the Guru), at

> minimum, I do one mala each of mantra for Shree Maa and for Swamiji.

 

What is a mala?

> I believe that this type of practice would be appropriate

> for any inspiring avatar - Jesus, Buddha, etc. - or living Saint. It

> has been recommended to me not to mediate on simple living persons

who are not realized beings.

 

I assume this would also apply to saints/avatar who are not alive (or

at least, not incarnated in the form that we know them), such as Sri

Ramakrishna or St. Francis?

 

And I really did enjoy the quote by Pema Chodron. I definitely plan to

pass it on.

 

Thank you again, Brother.

 

Peace

 

Bill

[Guest guest]

I feel that if an idividual is searching for God, he/she is on the

right path when the person looks within him/herself.

 

My thoughts,Sonia Chopra

-- In , "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist,

Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied

in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with

Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism

and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that

I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why

so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I

think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any

of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We

simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm,

and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us.

My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen

to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all

of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a

lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless,

infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal

level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are

discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or

xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to

be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful

uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic

are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups

I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and

happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm

not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa

is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It

feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still,

and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

[Guest guest]

Bill,

A mala can look very much like a Catholic Rosary, used in a similar

way. The practice is, however, much older. Other spiritual communities

also use similar tools to count prayers, mantras, or repetition of the

names of God or attributes of God/dess. Buddhists also use a mala.

Lord Buddha was after all a Hindu. I believe other yogic traditions as

well as followers of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) use

malas or something similar. Malas in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions

usually have 108 beads or seeds and a Guru bead. I am not an expert.

There are many different types, some made of sandal wood, others

rudraksha seeds, some crystal or tigers eye. I have often thought it

would be fun to explore the use of malas and rosary across the religions.

 

In a way, the God/Goddess, Guru and mantra enliven the mala. Not sure

how to explain this. Please, I mean no disrespect to anyone of any

tradition with my response to the question. Perhaps others that know

more authoritatively can fill you in.

 

One can count the sixteen lines between the digits of the figures in

place of having a mala (include tips of the fingers). This can help

with concentration. I was taught to do a minimum of sixteen mantras in

any series. Other traditional numbers are 108, 1008 and so on. Of

course in some of our pujas Shree Maa says, "repeat 11 times'.

 

There are many mantras you can do. Many have been posted on this

forum. Perhaps you could ask Swamiji for a recommendation of a first

mantra. Or simply repeat 'love love love love' or 'om shanti (peace)

om shanti' or from the Gospel of St. Thomas, 'the kindom god is within

you and all around you'...get the idea?

 

Yes, I have been told that it is OK to meditate upon avatars and

saints no long in body. They can be our example and our inspiration

toward our own Realization.

 

Pema Chodron is very inspiring, and is a grandmother, and has very

much been 'one of us' on this life path in the world. Glad you enjoyed

her quote.

 

Have fun exploring. Jai Maa!

 

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner wrote:

>

> Thank you for your response.

>

> > One is that every Thursday (traditionally a day to honor the

Guru), at

> > minimum, I do one mala each of mantra for Shree Maa and for Swamiji.

>

> What is a mala?

>

> > I believe that this type of practice would be appropriate

> > for any inspiring avatar - Jesus, Buddha, etc. - or living Saint. It

> > has been recommended to me not to mediate on simple living persons

> who are not realized beings.

>

> I assume this would also apply to saints/avatar who are not alive (or

> at least, not incarnated in the form that we know them), such as Sri

> Ramakrishna or St. Francis?

>

> And I really did enjoy the quote by Pema Chodron. I definitely plan to

> pass it on.

>

> Thank you again, Brother.

>

> Peace

>

> Bill

>

[Guest guest]

company here in my part of the world. But I would like to share with

you something our dear Kalachandra told me when I had just joined

this group and questioned the possibility of entertaining a

relationship with guru's living on the other side of the globe. She

said (and I paraphrase) that physical distance is of no importance at

all because what matters is what's in your heart. If you are willing

to open your heart, the guru's and the Devi Mandir will come to you,

no matter where you live and take up residence in your heart. I found

this to be true. Just by hanging around here, joining in and

participating in the sankalpas, I've been led to find people who've

shared their wisdom and love with me, who picked me up when I was are

down, and who've gladly shared with me the spiritual treasures they've

brought back from their individual journeys, who've inspired me and

made me laugh (and cry sometimes). I have found that it is

possible to pray together, to sing and dance together and to come

together in worship, all in the sacred space we might call the Divine

Heart of the Infinite, for lack of a better word, the Sacred Space

created and nurtured by our beloved teachers.To worship an infinite,

featureless God may well need 'the flight of the alone to the Alone',

I do not know. For me, God has features: the features of Shree Maa and

Swamiji, of Nanda and Linda, of Muktimaa and all the other family

members, of the people I see on the videos, and more and more lately,

of the people I meet on the street. Because I find that the more I

dare open my heart, the more my heart can accomodate and the less

lonely I feel. There is sat-sangha, a coming together in truth, to be

had everywhere if we dare open up and look beneath the surface, I have

come to suspect. And I personally find that a very exciting

prospect,with

love,Henny- In , "wmbittner1966"

<wmbittner wrote:>> I have submitted the following question (as

long as it might be) to> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your

opinions. Also, I must> apologize that it does repeat much of what

I've already mentioned in> my introduction. I just didn't want to

assume that Swamiji reads the> forums.> > Anyway, here it is...> > I

have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised>

in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist,

Charismatic> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became

religiously> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with

Christian> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions.

Dallied in> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in

love with Sri> Ramakrishna.

Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.> And recently,

I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism and> drawn back

to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that I> have read

and listened to on the Devi Mandir site. > > I've always been very

religious or spiritual. I think about God all> the time. I also

wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in> mind when He/She

created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why so> many bad things

happen to people, and how we can stop people from> hurting each other

in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I think> about what's

"out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and> where is our

universe heading. > > And I think about what is true and untrue, real

and unreal. Do any of> the religions have it 100% correct? If not,

which one has gotten the> closest? Is there a

right and wrong way to love and serve God? > > On a personal level, I

am very happy and content. I have a wonderful> wife and a lovely

stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,> but we make ends

meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We simply> enjoy each

other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm, and> dry.

What else could I possibly want?> > Nothing but what I believe is

every human's nature and ultimate> destiny, to know and experience

He/She who created and sustains us. My> God. My Beloved.> > And on a

personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen to> music

and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think> about

God just about every waking second. > > But on a communal level,

things aren't going so well. > > I've either experienced or read a

lot about most of the world's> religions.

And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all of> them, but

I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a lot> of Sri

Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized> that I

a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless, infinite>

Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal

level?> Where do I go to worship?> > I feel comfortable in most

houses of worship. I find great solace> sitting in the presence of

the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a> saint, icon, or murti. Or

even in the barest "house of God." > > But I feel less comfortable

when the specifics of dogma are discussed.> There is often either the

subtlest or most blatant shades of> superstition, anthromorphism,

fundamentalism, elitism, or xenophobia.> And I'm especially

uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to be> 100% fact,

direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful uplifting> services

are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic are> the

least uplifting. > > I'm very successful meditating alone. But most

meditation groups I've> found are of the new-age/self-help kind,

which are more focused on> emotional and pysical healing and/or

visualizing wealth and happiness.> And rarely, if ever, is there any

mention of God in any form. I'm not> looking for peace, health,

wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even> happiness. I'm looking for

God.> > Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi

Mandir, I> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there.

But Napa is> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy

worshipping at the> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered

across America. But the> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and

New

York.> > I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation.

It feels> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit

still, and> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are

there other> options?> > Any ideas what I can do?>

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

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shaktimaa

Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

Sat, 25 Mar 2006 01:41:19 +0000

Whenever I get to feeling lonely I try to remind myself that there is

nothing separate from where I am right now. Knowing (ie. telling

myself over and over) that I am already One with anything or anyone I

would desire often works, but on those occasion when it doesn't I look

around me and remember that everything I see is God, and it becomes

impossible to be lonely when everything is God - even me!

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same >situation. It

feels like my only option is to give up on >communal worship, sit

still, and search for God in my >heart, others, and nature? Or are

there other options?

If there is a Church of Religious Science or Unity Church (a New

Thought Church) nearby you might check them out. The one in my

neighborhood has a very Hindu like outlook, focusing on the ideas of

maintaining a strong personal spiritual practice; that there is truth

in all religions; there is only One God, Life, Spirit and it is

equally everywhere, all the time; and the Divinity of the Soul. They

are a fun, yet deeply spiritual and well practiced group with a

Vaishnavite as the senior minister, the wife of a former Buddhist

monk as the assistant minister, and a Saivite as the musical

director.

I hope this was helpful.

OM Shanti

Morningsong

Digest Number 1156

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 20:36:39 +0000Comment: DomainKeys? See

http://antispam./domainkeys

Mailing-List: list ; contact -owner

24 Mar 2006 20:33:19 -0000

Digest Number 1156

There are 24 messages in this issue.

 

Topics in this digest:

 

1. Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

"muktimaa" <muktimaa

2. Re: EMS Totals

nierika

3. Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

"henny_v_i" <HvI

4. Re: To sadumaa about Cosmic Puja Again

nierika

5. Daily Refection March 23 – Prayer

"shree_maa_devotee" <shree_maa_devotee

6. Re: To Nanda about Mantras for cooking/offering/serving/blessing food

nierika

7. Re: The 24th day of March is a very special day...

Devi's Daughter <devi.daughter

8. The Universal Importance of Mantra

"forall10q" <forall10q

9. Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

"Steve Connor" <sconnor

10. Devotion

george kimball <vinayami22

11. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

"C. P. Kumar" <cpkumar

12. Cosmic Puja Sankalpa for Navaratri - Please save this post

Nanda <chandimaakijai

13. Cry need to Trust over Mantra & Maa for perform Sadhana

"sanjaysharma159" <sanjaysharma159

14. Re: To Linda about new reply information

"henny_v_i" <HvI

15. Re: Cosmic Puja Sankalpa for Navaratri - Please save this post

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

16. Re: Devotion

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

17. Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri Ramakrishna conversation

"muktimaa" <muktimaa

18. Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

19. Re: Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri Ramakrishna

conversation

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

20. Re: to Sadumaaji: Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri

Ramakrishna

"muktimaa" <muktimaa

21. Invitation to pray, and the story behind the Mantra

Prayer Club <_prayer_club

22. Re: Shree Maa's question 2 - Devotion

"jjjingleheimers" <jjjingleheimers

23. Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

"wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

24. Re: Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri Ramakrishna co...

kandaaran

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 1

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 19:38:23 -0000

"muktimaa" <muktimaa

Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

 

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

 

"I'm not looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance,

or even happiness. I'm looking for God."

 

Blessings to you!

The above line is the one that really, really pulled at my heart

strings and opened up my flood gates. [my nose is running as i type

this.] i truly feel the sincerity in your statement, and all i can

say, is i have complete faith that "You WILL find God!":<) i bow to

your longing...

 

Your sister beyond forever,

muktimaa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist,

Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied

in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with

Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism

and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that

I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why

so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I

think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any

of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We

simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm,

and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us.

My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen

to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all

of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a

lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless,

infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal

level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are

discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or

xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to

be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful

uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic

are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups

I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and

happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm

not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa

is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It

feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still,

and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 2

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 16:37:10 EST

nierika

Re: EMS Totals

 

 

Nanda wrote:

 

Total number of malas per each

planet 710 1022 822 1174 1119 1275 699 602 575 7998

>

> Homa Portion of the Sankalpa

>

> Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus

Saturn Rahu Ketu Individual Totals Total malas by end of year

6 15 8 17 19 21 10 12 12 120 Sadhu Maa 6 15 8 17 19

 

 

 

Dear Nanda ~ were we supposed to have, at some time, sent you an estimate of

our EMS totals for the year and for each planet? Please let me know because I

didn't do it, but I'd love to, as a way of giving myself an incentive to

reach a goal. Thank you ~ Linda

 

P.S. I hope this goes to the right place because I really don't understand

the new way we are supposed to respond to digest posts. (I'm also sending to

your regular email in case I've misunderstood or done it wrong and my question

doesn't go to the digest.)

 

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 3

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 21:58:23 -0000

"henny_v_i" <HvI

Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

 

Namaste,

 

I recognize much of what you say in my own path and circumstances. And

yes, it can feel like a lonely business if there does not seem to be a

kindred spirit for miles around, and I too sometimes long for some

company here in my part of the world.

But I would like to share with you something our dear Kalachandra told

me when I had just joined this group and questioned the possibility of

entertaining a relationship with guru's living on the other side of

the globe. She said (and I paraphrase) that physical distance is of no

importance at all because what matters is what's in your heart. If you

are willing to open your heart, the guru's and the Devi Mandir will

come to you, no matter where you live and take up residence in your

heart.

I found this to be true. Just by hanging around here, joining in and

participating in the sankalpas, I've been led to find people who've

shared their wisdom and love with me, who picked me up when I was are

down, and who've gladly shared with me the spiritual treasures they've

brought back from their individual journeys, who've inspired me and

made me laugh (and cry sometimes). I have found that it is possible to

pray together, to sing and dance together and to come together in

worship, all in the sacred space we might call the Divine Heart of the

Infinite, for lack of a better word, the Sacred Space created and

nurtured by our beloved teachers.

To worship an infinite, featureless God may well need 'the flight of

the alone to the Alone', I do not know. For me, God has features: the

features of Shree Maa and Swamiji, of Nanda and Linda, of Muktimaa and

all the other family members, of the people I see on the videos, and

more and more lately, of the people I meet on the street. Because I

find that the more I dare open my heart, the more my heart can

accomodate and the less lonely I feel. There is sat-sangha, a coming

together in truth, to be had everywhere if we dare open up and look

beneath the surface, I have come to suspect. And I personally find

that a very exciting prospect,

 

with love,

Henny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- In , "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist,

Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied

in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with

Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism

and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that

I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why

so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I

think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any

of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We

simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm,

and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us.

My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen

to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all

of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a

lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless,

infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal

level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are

discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or

xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to

be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful

uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic

are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups

I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and

happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm

not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa

is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It

feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still,

and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 4

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:30:49 EST

nierika

Re: To sadumaa about Cosmic Puja Again

 

 

sadumaa wrote:

 

......I think my next

sankalpa will be to read the cosmic puja in English! It is in the mail

to me...just in time!

 

 

 

Dear sadumaa ~ I think I sent this, but I'm not sure it got anywhere; I'm a

bit confused by the new "Reply" information we received. I am so joyous to

make my sankalpa the Cosmic Puja. I can't wait to get started. Since this is an

8-day sankalpa, does anyone know when we begin? (This is the very first time

that I have had the book on hand before we start the sankalpa. I am

ecstatic!) Jai Maa , Jai Swamiji ~ Linda P.S. Could someone explain to me

what the

subject heading is "Cosmic Puja Again"? Has the group used the Cosmic Puja

before?

 

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

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______________________

 

Message: 5

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 23:55:05 -0000

"shree_maa_devotee" <shree_maa_devotee

Daily Refection March 23 – Prayer

 

Daily Refection:

March 23 – Prayer

 

The best way to pray is with mantra, literally, that which takes away

the mind. Now when you have a stimulus and you are ready to respond,

use a mantra and take away your mind. Take a breath and put a mantra

with your breath. Hold it for a moment then say the mantra again. Get

yourself clear on your objectives, your motivations and your methods.

 

from The Guru and the Goddess

Copyright 1995, 1998 Devi Mandir Publications

Third Edition

www.shreemaa.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 6

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:23:37 EST

nierika

Re: To Nanda about Mantras for cooking/offering/serving/blessing food

 

 

Nanda wrote:

 

Here is something that Maa encourages us to do - to cook , offer to God,

and serve food , chanting mantra all the time.

 

Mantra during cooking:

The mantra could be one's own Guru mantra, or a mantra that one prefers

, or "Om Hrim Chandikayai Namah".

 

Mantra for offering:

We chant the Annapurna mantra

"Om Annapurne Sada purne Shankara prana vallabhe

Jnana vairagya siddhyartham Bikshaam dehe namostute

Mata cha Parvati devi Pita Devo Maheshwarah

Bandava Shiva Bhaktascha Swadesho Bhuvanatrayam"

 

Mantra for serving:

When we serve food to our family/friend/guest we chant "Om Hrim

Chandikayai Namah"

 

Mantra for blessing / prayer of gratitude for the food on our plate:

"Om Brahmarpanam Brahma havir Brahmagnau Brahmana hutam

Brahmaiva tena gantavyam Brahma karma Samadhinah

 

Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnaat Purnamudachyate

Purnasya Purnamaadaya Purnameva Vasishyate"

 

 

 

Dear Nanda ~ these all sound so wonderful, and I will love to use them.

You've given the general usage for the mantras. Is there any chance you could

provide the translations as well? Thank you ~ Linda P.S. I have always

especially liked the one that starts with

Om Purnamadah...

 

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

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______________________

 

Message: 7

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:36:57 -0700

Devi's Daughter <devi.daughter

Re: The 24th day of March is a very special day...

 

wow! thank you so much! i am so grateful for this flower that was

plucked for me.

 

thank you very much!

 

_birthday_club wrote:

> The 24th day of March is a very special day, because...it is Berijoy

> (a.k.a. Egyirba)'s birthday! Dear Berijoy/Egyirba, a very happy

> birthday from all your friends and family at the Devi Mandir

> Group! To mark the occasion, here's a fragrant poetic flower from

> Ramakrishna's luxurious garden of The Nectar of Eternal Bliss, picked

> for you:

>

> "Truth, God-Consciousness, and Divine Bliss

> dwell deep within the temple of my heart.

> When will that day come,

> when they reveal themselves to me?

> Slowly, slowly, I sink into that Sea of Joy.

> How can this Ocean of Wisdom reside

> within my small heart.

> My mind is filed with wonder

> as I fall at the Feet of the Beloved."

>

> May the Sea of Joy submerge you and carry you tomorrow and all days,

>

> Devi Mandir Birthday Club

>

> * those wishing to congratulate the birthday girl personally can find

> her e-mail address via message 16898.

 

--

 

Be Love,

Egyirba

 

-=-=-

......

What is to be done will be done at the proper time. Don?t worry.

Abide in the heart and surrender your acts to the divine. --Ramana Maharshi

 

 

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

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Message: 8

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 02:18:59 -0000

"forall10q" <forall10q

The Universal Importance of Mantra

 

All the mystics tell us to live each moment as if it were our last, and

the man or woman who repeats the Mantram regularly and with real

devotion is actually preparing for this. The person who has become

established in the mantram, who has made the mantram an integral part

of his or her consciousness, is prepared for death at all times.

Mahatma Gandhi, explaining this state, said once that it would be

easier for his life to stop than for his mantram Rama to cease

reverberating in his consciousness. And this is indeed how it came to

pass: when his body was pierced by the assassin's bullets, Gandhi

blessed his attacker with folded hands and fell with Rama on his lips

and in his heart.

 

Excerpted from "The Mantram handbook"

by Eknath Easwaran

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 9

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 02:16:28 -0000

"Steve Connor" <sconnor

Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

 

hello wmbittner

 

i live a long way away too. we all suffer in general similar things. a

few things you can think about that might help. keep in mind these

thoughts are non-judgmental, as i have suffered or enjoyed these ups

and downs myself.

 

in the highest sense, you and swamiji are at the same place right now.

we might understand that at one moment, and not grasp that at another

moment, and instead feel longing, dejection, etc.

 

where there appears to be no guru, dvine company, sangha, etc.,

you, you alone have to provide that within. then you generate

spiritual warmth from inside. you start with being very kind to family.

 

your own focus, prayer and understanding is what matters, then

everything else follows. ask for god/truth, think about giving, and

what else will matter? nothing.

 

be careful not to contemplate the negative void. as i enter the

silence, i think about compassion, and then the silence i enter

does not have a featureless or isolated quality.

 

steve

 

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner wrote:

>

> I have submitted the following question (as long as it might be) to

> Swamiji. But I also wanted any of your opinions. Also, I must

> apologize that it does repeat much of what I've already mentioned in

> my introduction. I just didn't want to assume that Swamiji reads the

> forums.

>

> Anyway, here it is...

>

> I have a long and varied religious background. Born Catholic. Raised

> in an interdenominational, though somewhat fundamentalist, Charismatic

> community. Embraced my Catholicity in college. Became religiously

> inactive after college. Eventually came to disagree with Christian

> dogma, while embracing the validity of all world religions. Dallied in

> Unitarian Universalism. Discovered Hinduism and fell in love with Sri

> Ramakrishna. Discovered the Reform branch of Judaism and converted.

> And recently, I've found myself drifting away from Reform Judaism and

> drawn back to Sri Ramakrishna. And I've also been drawn to all that I

> have read and listened to on the Devi Mandir site.

>

> I've always been very religious or spiritual. I think about God all

> the time. I also wonder who and where God is, and what He/She had in

> mind when He/She created the universe. I wonder why we're here, why so

> many bad things happen to people, and how we can stop people from

> hurting each other in the name of religion. A lot of the time, I think

> about what's "out there," what will happen to me when I'll die, and

> where is our universe heading.

>

> And I think about what is true and untrue, real and unreal. Do any of

> the religions have it 100% correct? If not, which one has gotten the

> closest? Is there a right and wrong way to love and serve God?

>

> On a personal level, I am very happy and content. I have a wonderful

> wife and a lovely stepdaughter. I have a steady job. We're not rich,

> but we make ends meet. We don't buy much nor go many places. We simply

> enjoy each other's company at home. I'm loved, fed, clothed, warm, and

> dry. What else could I possibly want?

>

> Nothing but what I believe is every human's nature and ultimate

> destiny, to know and experience He/She who created and sustains us. My

> God. My Beloved.

>

> And on a personal level, this is going very well. I read. I listen to

> music and classes. I meditate. I spend time in nature. And I think

> about God just about every waking second.

>

> But on a communal level, things aren't going so well.

>

> I've either experienced or read a lot about most of the world's

> religions. And even though I find beauty, truth, and wisdom in all of

> them, but I'm skeptical of much of their details. After reading a lot

> of Sri Ramakrishna, and those that he has inspired, I have realized

> that I a most comfortable with the concept of a featureless, infinite

> Divine. The only problem is, how does one do this on a communal level?

> Where do I go to worship?

>

> I feel comfortable in most houses of worship. I find great solace

> sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, Torah, statue of a

> saint, icon, or murti. Or even in the barest "house of God."

>

> But I feel less comfortable when the specifics of dogma are discussed.

> There is often either the subtlest or most blatant shades of

> superstition, anthromorphism, fundamentalism, elitism, or xenophobia.

> And I'm especially uncomfortable when these beliefs are claimed to be

> 100% fact, direct from God. On one hand, the most beautiful uplifting

> services are the one's most dogmatic, and the one's least dogmatic are

> the least uplifting.

>

> I'm very successful meditating alone. But most meditation groups I've

> found are of the new-age/self-help kind, which are more focused on

> emotional and pysical healing and/or visualizing wealth and happiness.

> And rarely, if ever, is there any mention of God in any form. I'm not

> looking for peace, health, wealth, meaning, self-acceptance, or even

> happiness. I'm looking for God.

>

> Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

> feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa is

> quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

> many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

> closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

>

> I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It feels

> like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still, and

> search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

> options?

>

> Any ideas what I can do?

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 10

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 19:13:36 -0800 (PST)

george kimball <vinayami22

Devotion

 

Imagine that you had built a ship to sail across the great ocean in order to

reach the promised land that you had heard about so often. For years you sailed

getting better and better at navigating your ship, keeping the ship on

course,knowing how to read the weather, knowing when to stop and get

supplies(and from whom) These necities have become second nature to you. You

are confident that no matter what you incounter you will be able to keep on

course. Then all of a sudden you sail into a reagion of sea that is completly

unperidictible! Your compus keeps giving false directions. The weather becomes

irratic. Nothing is making sence,eccept one thing, your reason for being on the

journey to begin with. At this point you must make a dicision. You know how to

get back but you dont know how to go on. You realize that your reason for your

journey is more important than anything else. You don`t want to go back. And so

you continue on with what you think is the best possible course.

You are devoted to your journery.

 

 

 

Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 11

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:50:48 +0530

"C. P. Kumar" <cpkumar

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

 

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

 

 

***************************************************

 

Without intense yearning, a man cannot realize God.

 

***************************************************

 

 

- from "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna" (Abridged Edition): The Master and Vijay

Goswami

 

Love, Light and Peace...

Kumar

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

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______________________

 

Message: 12

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 23:14:14 -0800 (PST)

Nanda <chandimaakijai

Cosmic Puja Sankalpa for Navaratri - Please save this post

 

Dear All,

Well, Spring Navaratri starts on Wednesday March 29th and as you probably know

by now, one of our group sankalpas is to chant the entire Cosmic Puja from

cover to cover in 8 days.

 

I discussed with Sriniji and he has kindly agreed to answer any high level

questions as we get a glimpse into this wonderful practice during the 8 days.

Sriniji also broke down the puja into intuitive and logical sections - so that

we can cover one section per day of our sankalpa.

 

So for all of us that will be participating, here is the suggested breakup of

the puja

Day 1 - March 29 - From beginning to page 36

Day 2 - March 30 - From Page 37 to 68

Day 3 - March 31 - From 69 to 102

Day 4 - Apr 1 - From 103 to 186

Day 5 - Apr 2 - From 187 to 219

Day 6 - Apr 3 - From 220 to 288

Day 7 - Apr 4 - From 289 to 320 (before Ganesh Puja)

Day 8 - Apr 5 - From 320 (Ganesh puja) to the end.

Day 9 - Apr 6 - Sing and dance with joy, Giving thanks to all our Gurus.

 

Here is looking forward to Navaratri.

JAI MAA

Nanda

 

 

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

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______________________

 

Message: 13

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 09:25:09 -0000

"sanjaysharma159" <sanjaysharma159

Cry need to Trust over Mantra & Maa for perform Sadhana

 

That word grant relief in restless mental is called " Mantra". Saint

Kabir had no extraordinary mantra to recite, japa. He had always kept

in mind his Self Made simple Mantra "Ram". and you can find out the

real "Ram" in his each & every thought, & act. But we have to

undergo in his TRUST upon his mantra & God .Are we persist the way

during so alled "SADHANA" ?

if yes than there is no stoppage to grow to be KABIR & RAMKRISHNA

Ramkrishana Paramhans had only `'MAA'' as mool Mantra. Maa is most

effective mantra in spiritual world in my sight . only "Maa"If one

have no any mantra or you can not spell out any other Mantra

Correctly then you are requested to do "Sadhana"in "Navratra" by

means of "Maa" mantra. In other words trust on that word use that

word for all time by heart .you will certainly modify yourself .

There are so Many Mantra for "Sadhana" in Navratra or daily.

 

Om Ain Hirin Kilin Chamundaayi Vichche

************************************

Sarv mangal mangalaye shive Sarwarth Sadhike

Sharanye triambike gauri Narayani Namastute

*****************************************

Shanagart Dinart Paritran Parayane

Sarvasyartirhare Devi Narayani Namastute

*****************************************

Karotu Sa na shubh hiteshwari Shubhani Bhadrayani bhi hantu chapadah

Vidyavantan ,yashvantan,lakshamivantan janan kuru

Rupan dehi jayan dehi yasho dehi dwisho jahi .

In Spite of knowing something about puja I can not perform that in

this Navratri

Owing to whole navratri I will travel here and there.But certainly do

Mansa puja

through "Maa"Mantra and Nawaran Mantra.with fully trust upon Maa

Durga.

Do you……?

With regards

Sanjay Sharma

"Mridaani Rudraani Shiv-Shiv Bhawaani."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 14

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 07:23:55 -0000

"henny_v_i" <HvI

Re: To Linda about new reply information

 

Dear Linda,

 

now I'm confused too: what new reply information? Have I missed

something???

 

with love,

Henny

 

 

, nierika wrote:

>

>

> sadumaa wrote:

>

> ...I think my next

> sankalpa will be to read the cosmic puja in English! It is in the

mail

> to me...just in time!

>

>

>

> Dear sadumaa ~ I think I sent this, but I'm not sure it got

anywhere; I'm a

> bit confused by the new "Reply" information we received. I am so

joyous to

> make my sankalpa the Cosmic Puja. I can't wait to get started.

Since this is an

> 8-day sankalpa, does anyone know when we begin? (This is the very

first time

> that I have had the book on hand before we start the sankalpa. I am

> ecstatic!) Jai Maa , Jai Swamiji ~ Linda P.S. Could someone

explain to me what the

> subject heading is "Cosmic Puja Again"? Has the group used the

Cosmic Puja

> before?

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 15

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:35:47 -0000

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

Re: Cosmic Puja Sankalpa for Navaratri - Please save this post

 

Nanda, Srini and Swamiji,

If this is our first time through the Cosmic Puja and English is our

first language, would it be appropriate to read the Cosmic Puja in

English for meaning for our Navaratri sankalpa or would it be better

to attempt the chanting in Sanskrit? I know that even without

understanding the meaning, the Sanskrit has benefit. My appologize if

others have already asked this. I have been offline due to work and

travel this week.

 

Thank you for any guidance and thanks for my book. It arrived

yesterday along with some goodies! smile

Jai Maa Durga

OM, Sadhumaa

, Nanda <chandimaakijai wrote:

>

> Dear All,

> Well, Spring Navaratri starts on Wednesday March 29th and as you

probably know by now, one of our group sankalpas is to chant the

entire Cosmic Puja from cover to cover in 8 days.

>

> I discussed with Sriniji and he has kindly agreed to answer any

high level questions as we get a glimpse into this wonderful practice

during the 8 days. Sriniji also broke down the puja into intuitive

and logical sections - so that we can cover one section per day of

our sankalpa.

>

> So for all of us that will be participating, here is the

suggested breakup of the puja

> Day 1 - March 29 - From beginning to page 36

> Day 2 - March 30 - From Page 37 to 68

> Day 3 - March 31 - From 69 to 102

> Day 4 - Apr 1 - From 103 to 186

> Day 5 - Apr 2 - From 187 to 219

> Day 6 - Apr 3 - From 220 to 288

> Day 7 - Apr 4 - From 289 to 320 (before Ganesh Puja)

> Day 8 - Apr 5 - From 320 (Ganesh puja) to the end.

> Day 9 - Apr 6 - Sing and dance with joy, Giving thanks to all our

Gurus.

>

> Here is looking forward to Navaratri.

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 16

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:37:13 -0000

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

Re: Devotion

 

Beautifully put. Jai Maa!

 

 

, george kimball <vinayami22

wrote:

>

> Imagine that you had built a ship to sail across the great ocean in

order to reach the promised land that you had heard about so often.

For years you sailed getting better and better at navigating your

ship, keeping the ship on course,knowing how to read the weather,

knowing when to stop and get supplies(and from whom) These necities

have become second nature to you. You are confident that no matter

what you incounter you will be able to keep on course. Then all of a

sudden you sail into a reagion of sea that is completly

unperidictible! Your compus keeps giving false directions. The

weather becomes irratic. Nothing is making sence,eccept one thing,

your reason for being on the journey to begin with. At this point

you must make a dicision. You know how to get back but you dont know

how to go on. You realize that your reason for your journey is more

important than anything else. You don`t want to go back. And so you

continue on with what you think is the best possible course.

> You are devoted to your journery.

>

>

>

> Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low

rates.

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 17

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 15:06:11 -0000

"muktimaa" <muktimaa

Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri Ramakrishna conversation

 

Jai Maa, beloved family,

 

Here is one of the initial conversations between M, the chronicler of

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, and Thakur Himself, Sri Ramakrishna:

 

M had yet to learn the distinction between knowledge and ignorance.

Up to this time he had thought that one got knowledge from books and

schools. Later on he gave up this false idea. He was taught that to

know God is knowledge, and not to know Him, ignorance. When Sri

Ramakrishna exclaimed, "And you are a jnani!" M's ego was again badly

shocked.

 

Master: "Well, do you believe in God with form or without form?"

 

M, rather surprised, said to himself: "How can one believe in God

without form when one believes in God with form? And if one believes

in God without form, how can one believe that God has a form? Can

these two contradictory ideas be true at the same time? Can a white

liquid like milk be black?"

 

M: "Sir, I like to think of God as formless."

 

Master: "Very good. It is enough to have faith in either aspect. You

believe in God without form; that is quite all right. But never for a

moment think that this alone is true and all else false. Remember

that God with form is just as true as God without form. But hold fast

to your own conviction."

 

The assertion that both are equally true amazed M; he had never

learnt this from his books. Thus his ego received a third blow; but

since it was not yet completely crushed, he came forward to argue

with the Master a little more.

 

M: "Sir, suppose one believes in God with form. Certainly He is not

the clay image!"

 

Master (interrupting): "But why clay? It is an image of Spirit."

 

M could not quite understand the meaning of this "image of

Spirit.But, sir," he said to the Master, "one should explain to

those who worship the clay image that it is not God, and that, while

worshipping it, they should have God in view and not the clay image.

One should not worship clay."

 

Master (sharply): "That's the one hobby of you Calcutta people -

giving lectures and bringing others to the light! Nobody ever stops

to consider how to get the light himself. Who are you to teach others?

 

"He who is the Lord of the Universe will teach everyone. He alone

will teach us, who has created this universe; who has made the sun

and moon, men and beasts, and all other beings; who has provided

means for their sustenance; who has given children parents and

endowed them with love to bring them up. The Lord has done so many

things - will He not show people the way to worship Him? If they need

teaching, then He will be the Teacher. He is our Inner Guide.

 

"Suppose there is an error in worshipping the clay image; doesn't God

know that through it He alone is being invoked? He will be pleased

with that very worship. Why should you get a headache over it? You

had better try for knowledge and devotion yourself."

 

This time M felt that his ego was completely crushed. He now said to

himself: "Yes, he has spoken the truth. What need is there for me to

teach others? Have I known God? Do I really love Him? How true is the

proverb: I haven't room enough for myself in my bed, and I am

inviting a friend to share it with me! I know nothing about God, yet

I am trying to teach others. What a shame! How foolish I am! This is

not mathematics or history or literature, that one can teach it to

others. No, this is the deep mystery of God. What he says appeals to

me." This was M's first argument with the Master, and happily his

last.

 

Master: "You were talking of worshipping the clay image. Even if the

image is made of clay, there is need for that kind of worship. God

Himself has provided different forms of worship. He who is the Lord

of the Universe has arranged all these forms to suit different men in

different stages of knowledge."

 

"The mother cooks different dishes to suit the stomachs of her

different children. Suppose she has five children. If there is a fish

to cook, she prepares various dishes from it - pilau, pickled fish,

fried fish, and so on - to suit their different tastes and powers of

digestion.

 

"Do you understand me?"

 

M (humbly): "Yes, sir. How, sir, may I fix my mind on God?"

 

Master: "Repeat God's name and sing His glories, and now and then

visit God's devotees and holy men. The mind cannot dwell on God if it

is immersed day and night in worldliness, in worldly duties and

responsibilities; it is most necessary to go into solitude now and

then and think of God. To fix the mind on God is very difficult, in

the beginning, unless one practises meditation in solitude. When a

tree is young it should be fenced all around; otherwise it may be

destroyed by cattle."

 

"There are three ways of meditating: think of God while doing your

duties, or meditate on Him in a secluded corner of your house, or

contemplate Him in a wood. And you should always discriminate between

the Real, and the unreal: God alone is real, the Eternal Substance;

all else is unreal, that is, impermanent. By discriminating thus, one

should shake off impermanent objects from the mind."

 

M (humbly): "How ought we to live the world?"

 

Master: "Do all your duties, but keep your mind on God. Live with

all - with wife and children, father and mother - and serve them.

Treat them as if they were very dear to you, but know in your heart

of hearts that they do not belong to you.

 

"A maidservant in the house of a rich man performs all the household

duties, but her thoughts are fixed on her own home in her native

village. She brings up her master's children as if they were her own.

She even speaks of them as 'my Rama' or 'my Hari.' But in her own

mind she knows very well that they do not belong to her at all.

 

"If you enter the world without first cultivating love for God, you

will be entangled more and more. You will be overwhelmed with its

danger, its grief, its sorrows. And the more you think of worldly

things, the more you will be attached to them."

 

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Thakur Ramakrishna Deva!

Your sister continually in awe of Thakur,

muktimaa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 18

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 14:20:40 -0000

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

 

Things that I have found helpful....

 

Namascar Brother (I think this is appropriate and I will explain),

I see from the many posts and inspiring stories over the last weeks

that many of us in this Devi Mandir online satsanga related very

personally to your posts. I hope you are feeling at home. Thus my use

of the term Brother or God Brother. I can relate to most of what you

have shared.

 

I will share two things that have been helping me recently with the

longing for sincere spiritual community (Shree Maa says that we NEED

satsanga).

 

One is that every Thursday (traditionally a day to honor the Guru), at

minimum, I do one mala each of mantra for Shree Maa and for Swamiji. I

hold them in my mind and heart and look at their pictures while I do

this. This brings me closer in my heart to them. They are the best

living examples of what I aspire to and so I want to be close to them.

I want to follow their example.

 

I honor all Gods and great beings who are examples of Love. Maa Durga

is my Ishta. I believe that this type of practice would be appropriate

for any inspiring avatar - Jesus, Buddha, etc. - or living Saint. It

has been recommended to me not to mediate on simple living persons who

are not realized beings.

 

I use the following mantras on Thursdays:

om sanatani maya vidhahe jnana prakasayai dimahe tanno srimam

prachodayat

 

Om we meditate upon the Eternal Measurement of Consciousness,

contemplate She who illuminates wisdom. May that Shree Maa grant us

increase.

 

And for Swamiji, the great example of dedication to the Mother, I do

the following mantra for Rudra with Swamiji in mind. May his practice

continue to inspire us:

 

om tat purusaya vidmahe mahadevaya dhimahi tanno rudrah prachodayat

 

We meditate upon That Universal Consciousness, contemplate the Great

God. May the Reliever of Suffereing grant us increase.

 

The second thing that is helping me when I am longing to renounce the

world and live a life as a sadvi/sadhu (being totally in sadhana is

what I long for because all I really want is to be with God/dess), is a

quote from a western Buddhist Nun who is/was one of us suffering beings

out here in the world and who shares practical experience. Pema Chodron

said, "The dharma-the Buddha's teaching-is about letting go of the

story line and opening to WHAT IS: to the people in our life, to the

situations we're in, to our thoughts, to our emotions. We have a

certain life, and whatever life we're in is a vehicle for waking up.

Jai Maa!

Om Tat Sat

 

, "wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

wrote:

Actually, from what I've read, heard, and saw about Devi Mandir, I

feel like I would feel comfortable worshipping God there. But Napa is

quite a haul from Pittsburgh, PA. I'd also enjoy worshipping at the

many Ramakrishna Mission societies scattered across America. But the

closest one's are in Washington, D.C. and New York.

 

I'm sure many of you may have been, or in the same situation. It feels

like my only option is to give up on communal worship, sit still, and

search for God in my heart, others, and nature? Or are there other

options? Any ideas what I can do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 19

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:41:03 -0000

"sadumaa" <sadumaa

Re: Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri Ramakrishna

conversation

 

Thank you Muktimaa.

 

, "muktimaa" <muktimaa wrote:

>

> Jai Maa, beloved family,

>

> Here is one of the initial conversations between M, the chronicler

of

> The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, and Thakur Himself, Sri Ramakrishna:

>

> M had yet to learn the distinction between knowledge and ignorance.

> Up to this time he had thought that one got knowledge from books

and

> schools. Later on he gave up this false idea. He was taught that to

> know God is knowledge, and not to know Him, ignorance. When Sri

> Ramakrishna exclaimed, "And you are a jnani!" M's ego was again

badly

> shocked.

>

> Master: "Well, do you believe in God with form or without form?"

>

> M, rather surprised, said to himself: "How can one believe in God

> without form when one believes in God with form? And if one

believes

> in God without form, how can one believe that God has a form? Can

> these two contradictory ideas be true at the same time? Can a white

> liquid like milk be black?"

>

> M: "Sir, I like to think of God as formless."

>

> Master: "Very good. It is enough to have faith in either aspect.

You

> believe in God without form; that is quite all right. But never for

a

> moment think that this alone is true and all else false. Remember

> that God with form is just as true as God without form. But hold

fast

> to your own conviction."

>

> The assertion that both are equally true amazed M; he had never

> learnt this from his books. Thus his ego received a third blow; but

> since it was not yet completely crushed, he came forward to argue

> with the Master a little more.

>

> M: "Sir, suppose one believes in God with form. Certainly He is not

> the clay image!"

>

> Master (interrupting): "But why clay? It is an image of Spirit."

>

> M could not quite understand the meaning of this "image of

> Spirit.But, sir," he said to the Master, "one should explain to

> those who worship the clay image that it is not God, and that,

while

> worshipping it, they should have God in view and not the clay

image.

> One should not worship clay."

>

> Master (sharply): "That's the one hobby of you Calcutta people -

> giving lectures and bringing others to the light! Nobody ever stops

> to consider how to get the light himself. Who are you to teach

others?

>

> "He who is the Lord of the Universe will teach everyone. He alone

> will teach us, who has created this universe; who has made the sun

> and moon, men and beasts, and all other beings; who has provided

> means for their sustenance; who has given children parents and

> endowed them with love to bring them up. The Lord has done so many

> things - will He not show people the way to worship Him? If they

need

> teaching, then He will be the Teacher. He is our Inner Guide.

>

> "Suppose there is an error in worshipping the clay image; doesn't

God

> know that through it He alone is being invoked? He will be pleased

> with that very worship. Why should you get a headache over it? You

> had better try for knowledge and devotion yourself."

>

> This time M felt that his ego was completely crushed. He now said

to

> himself: "Yes, he has spoken the truth. What need is there for me

to

> teach others? Have I known God? Do I really love Him? How true is

the

> proverb: I haven't room enough for myself in my bed, and I am

> inviting a friend to share it with me! I know nothing about God,

yet

> I am trying to teach others. What a shame! How foolish I am! This

is

> not mathematics or history or literature, that one can teach it to

> others. No, this is the deep mystery of God. What he says appeals

to

> me." This was M's first argument with the Master, and happily his

> last.

>

> Master: "You were talking of worshipping the clay image. Even if

the

> image is made of clay, there is need for that kind of worship. God

> Himself has provided different forms of worship. He who is the Lord

> of the Universe has arranged all these forms to suit different men

in

> different stages of knowledge."

>

> "The mother cooks different dishes to suit the stomachs of her

> different children. Suppose she has five children. If there is a

fish

> to cook, she prepares various dishes from it - pilau, pickled fish,

> fried fish, and so on - to suit their different tastes and powers

of

> digestion.

>

> "Do you understand me?"

>

> M (humbly): "Yes, sir. How, sir, may I fix my mind on God?"

>

> Master: "Repeat God's name and sing His glories, and now and then

> visit God's devotees and holy men. The mind cannot dwell on God if

it

> is immersed day and night in worldliness, in worldly duties and

> responsibilities; it is most necessary to go into solitude now and

> then and think of God. To fix the mind on God is very difficult, in

> the beginning, unless one practises meditation in solitude. When a

> tree is young it should be fenced all around; otherwise it may be

> destroyed by cattle."

>

> "There are three ways of meditating: think of God while doing your

> duties, or meditate on Him in a secluded corner of your house, or

> contemplate Him in a wood. And you should always discriminate

between

> the Real, and the unreal: God alone is real, the Eternal Substance;

> all else is unreal, that is, impermanent. By discriminating thus,

one

> should shake off impermanent objects from the mind."

>

> M (humbly): "How ought we to live the world?"

>

> Master: "Do all your duties, but keep your mind on God. Live with

> all - with wife and children, father and mother - and serve them.

> Treat them as if they were very dear to you, but know in your heart

> of hearts that they do not belong to you.

>

> "A maidservant in the house of a rich man performs all the

household

> duties, but her thoughts are fixed on her own home in her native

> village. She brings up her master's children as if they were her

own.

> She even speaks of them as 'my Rama' or 'my Hari.' But in her own

> mind she knows very well that they do not belong to her at all.

>

> "If you enter the world without first cultivating love for God, you

> will be entangled more and more. You will be overwhelmed with its

> danger, its grief, its sorrows. And the more you think of worldly

> things, the more you will be attached to them."

>

> Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Thakur Ramakrishna Deva!

> Your sister continually in awe of Thakur,

> muktimaa

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 20

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 16:54:20 -0000

"muktimaa" <muktimaa

Re: to Sadumaaji: Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri

Ramakrishna

 

, "sadumaa" <sadumaa wrote:

>

> Thank you Muktimaa.

 

Jai Maa, my beloved soul sister! :<)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

> , "muktimaa" <muktimaa@> wrote:

> >

> > Jai Maa, beloved family,

> >

> > Here is one of the initial conversations between M, the

chronicler

> of

> > The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, and Thakur Himself, Sri

Ramakrishna:

> >

> > M had yet to learn the distinction between knowledge and

ignorance.

> > Up to this time he had thought that one got knowledge from books

> and

> > schools. Later on he gave up this false idea. He was taught that

to

> > know God is knowledge, and not to know Him, ignorance. When Sri

> > Ramakrishna exclaimed, "And you are a jnani!" M's ego was again

> badly

> > shocked.

> >

> > Master: "Well, do you believe in God with form or without form?"

> >

> > M, rather surprised, said to himself: "How can one believe in God

> > without form when one believes in God with form? And if one

> believes

> > in God without form, how can one believe that God has a form? Can

> > these two contradictory ideas be true at the same time? Can a

white

> > liquid like milk be black?"

> >

> > M: "Sir, I like to think of God as formless."

> >

> > Master: "Very good. It is enough to have faith in either aspect.

> You

> > believe in God without form; that is quite all right. But never

for

> a

> > moment think that this alone is true and all else false. Remember

> > that God with form is just as true as God without form. But hold

> fast

> > to your own conviction."

> >

> > The assertion that both are equally true amazed M; he had never

> > learnt this from his books. Thus his ego received a third blow;

but

> > since it was not yet completely crushed, he came forward to argue

> > with the Master a little more.

> >

> > M: "Sir, suppose one believes in God with form. Certainly He is

not

> > the clay image!"

> >

> > Master (interrupting): "But why clay? It is an image of Spirit."

> >

> > M could not quite understand the meaning of this "image of

> > Spirit.But, sir," he said to the Master, "one should explain

to

> > those who worship the clay image that it is not God, and that,

> while

> > worshipping it, they should have God in view and not the clay

> image.

> > One should not worship clay."

> >

> > Master (sharply): "That's the one hobby of you Calcutta people -

> > giving lectures and bringing others to the light! Nobody ever

stops

> > to consider how to get the light himself. Who are you to teach

> others?

> >

> > "He who is the Lord of the Universe will teach everyone. He alone

> > will teach us, who has created this universe; who has made the

sun

> > and moon, men and beasts, and all other beings; who has provided

> > means for their sustenance; who has given children parents and

> > endowed them with love to bring them up. The Lord has done so

many

> > things - will He not show people the way to worship Him? If they

> need

> > teaching, then He will be the Teacher. He is our Inner Guide.

> >

> > "Suppose there is an error in worshipping the clay image; doesn't

> God

> > know that through it He alone is being invoked? He will be

pleased

> > with that very worship. Why should you get a headache over it?

You

> > had better try for knowledge and devotion yourself."

> >

> > This time M felt that his ego was completely crushed. He now said

> to

> > himself: "Yes, he has spoken the truth. What need is there for me

> to

> > teach others? Have I known God? Do I really love Him? How true is

> the

> > proverb: I haven't room enough for myself in my bed, and I am

> > inviting a friend to share it with me! I know nothing about God,

> yet

> > I am trying to teach others. What a shame! How foolish I am! This

> is

> > not mathematics or history or literature, that one can teach it

to

> > others. No, this is the deep mystery of God. What he says appeals

> to

> > me." This was M's first argument with the Master, and happily his

> > last.

> >

> > Master: "You were talking of worshipping the clay image. Even if

> the

> > image is made of clay, there is need for that kind of worship.

God

> > Himself has provided different forms of worship. He who is the

Lord

> > of the Universe has arranged all these forms to suit different

men

> in

> > different stages of knowledge."

> >

> > "The mother cooks different dishes to suit the stomachs of her

> > different children. Suppose she has five children. If there is a

> fish

> > to cook, she prepares various dishes from it - pilau, pickled

fish,

> > fried fish, and so on - to suit their different tastes and powers

> of

> > digestion.

> >

> > "Do you understand me?"

> >

> > M (humbly): "Yes, sir. How, sir, may I fix my mind on God?"

> >

> > Master: "Repeat God's name and sing His glories, and now and then

> > visit God's devotees and holy men. The mind cannot dwell on God

if

> it

> > is immersed day and night in worldliness, in worldly duties and

> > responsibilities; it is most necessary to go into solitude now

and

> > then and think of God. To fix the mind on God is very difficult,

in

> > the beginning, unless one practises meditation in solitude. When

a

> > tree is young it should be fenced all around; otherwise it may be

> > destroyed by cattle."

> >

> > "There are three ways of meditating: think of God while doing

your

> > duties, or meditate on Him in a secluded corner of your house, or

> > contemplate Him in a wood. And you should always discriminate

> between

> > the Real, and the unreal: God alone is real, the Eternal

Substance;

> > all else is unreal, that is, impermanent. By discriminating thus,

> one

> > should shake off impermanent objects from the mind."

> >

> > M (humbly): "How ought we to live the world?"

> >

> > Master: "Do all your duties, but keep your mind on God. Live with

> > all - with wife and children, father and mother - and serve them.

> > Treat them as if they were very dear to you, but know in your

heart

> > of hearts that they do not belong to you.

> >

> > "A maidservant in the house of a rich man performs all the

> household

> > duties, but her thoughts are fixed on her own home in her native

> > village. She brings up her master's children as if they were her

> own.

> > She even speaks of them as 'my Rama' or 'my Hari.' But in her own

> > mind she knows very well that they do not belong to her at all.

> >

> > "If you enter the world without first cultivating love for God,

you

> > will be entangled more and more. You will be overwhelmed with its

> > danger, its grief, its sorrows. And the more you think of worldly

> > things, the more you will be attached to them."

> >

> > Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Thakur Ramakrishna Deva!

> > Your sister continually in awe of Thakur,

> > muktimaa

> >

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 21

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 09:22:35 -0800 (PST)

Prayer Club <_prayer_club

Invitation to pray, and the story behind the Mantra

 

Beloved Prayer Club participants,

 

A reminder that we will be chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra 21 times

tomorrow (Saturday). Our prayers are lovingly dedicated to everyone "in the

list" - ie

Prayer%20Club%20List%20of%20the%\

20Month/

 

Did you know the story of the origin of the Maha mrityunjaya mantra ?

 

Swamiji narrated this story to us the day before Shivaratri.

 

The story goes that Daksha gave his 27 daughters in marriage to the Moon God

-Soma aka Chandra. This was with the understanding that Soma would be fair to

all the wives and would spend equal time in the house of each wife. However,

Soma became partial to one wife- Rohini and began to spend all his time with

her. This enraged all her sisters, who complained to their father.

 

Daksha took his son-in-law to task. Soma once again promised to be fair, but

soon went back to his old ways. Once he entered Rohini's house, he didnt want to

leave.

 

Daksha in a fit of anger cursed Soma - that he would from that day start

shrinking into nothingness.

 

Sure enough, Soma began to see his body decrease in size. When he was in this

state of desperation, he was advised (by Narad Muni? writer is unsure here) to

chant the Maha mrityunjaya Mantra in the honor of Shiva -the Lord who conquers

death.

 

Soma built a Shiva Linga and chanted the Mahamrityunjaya mantra with devotion.

Lord Shiva, pleased with Soma's tapasya appeared before him. He alleviated

Daksha's curse - and said that Soma would expand in size for 15 days of the

month and shrink for the next 15 days.

 

The place where Soma built the Shiva Linga is now revered as "Somanath" - one

of the Jyotirlingams.

 

Soma also got the blessing that he would become an ornament in Lord Shiva'

hair and that he would inspire pure devotion in the heart of all devotees...

 

JAI SHIVA

 

 

 

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using

Messenger with Voice.

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 22

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 17:46:57 -0000

"jjjingleheimers" <jjjingleheimers

Re: Shree Maa's question 2 - Devotion

 

Devotion is, as Ramakrishna Parahamsa says, obsession, according to my

experience. Obsession about a beloved, a country, or perhaps a form

of God. Or a concept such as our origin or what happens after death.

Romantic obsession is probably the most powerful.

A devotee experiences all the characteristics of life in duality such

as fear and insecurity (will my beloved reject me?), possesiveness (I

want my beloved to be my own), anger (at the beloved for rejection),

selfishness (caring about oneself and the beloved to the exclusion of

worldly affairs), etc. Since these are directed only towards the

beloved, a devotee may be indifferent to bodily comforts, money,

others opinions or even death, leading an observer to think that the

devotee has transcended all these worldly emotions and needs.

But devotion gives an incredible high and ability to withstand all

hurdles except the ones where the beloved is concerned, and it is

addictive.

 

JS

 

, "Mahamuni" <mahamuni wrote:

>

> Devotion is giving without expectation of the results or anything in

return. It is giving more than we take. It is the precious jewel

that I am striving for in all that I do, say or think.

>

> Jai Maa!

>

> Surya

>

>

> , "n_ramya108" <n_ramya108@> wrote:

> >

> > Namaste Everybody,

> >

> > Every time we chant the Chandi as a group, in chapter 13 when Goddess

> appears Swamiji

> > asks for the boon of "pure devotion". Recently Maa was talking about

> devotion and She

> > asks all of you "What is devotion?"

> >

> > Please share your thoughts and feelings!

> >

> > Jai MAA!

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

--

>

>

>

> a.. Visit your group "" on the web.

>

> b..

>

>

> c.. Terms of

Service.

>

>

>

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 23

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 18:17:43 -0000

"wmbittner1966" <wmbittner

Re: It's lonely when you're so drawn to an infinite, featureless God.

 

Thank you for your response.

> One is that every Thursday (traditionally a day to honor the Guru), at

> minimum, I do one mala each of mantra for Shree Maa and for Swamiji.

 

What is a mala?

> I believe that this type of practice would be appropriate

> for any inspiring avatar - Jesus, Buddha, etc. - or living Saint. It

> has been recommended to me not to mediate on simple living persons

who are not realized beings.

 

I assume this would also apply to saints/avatar who are not alive (or

at least, not incarnated in the form that we know them), such as Sri

Ramakrishna or St. Francis?

 

And I really did enjoy the quote by Pema Chodron. I definitely plan to

pass it on.

 

Thank you again, Brother.

 

Peace

 

Bill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

 

Message: 24

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 14:37:12 EST

kandaaran

Re: Form or formless? Both are equally true. Sri Ramakrishna co...

 

 

In a message dated 3/24/2006 9:15:43 A.M. Mountain Standard Time,

muktimaa writes:

 

"Suppose there is an error in worshipping the clay image; doesn't God

know that through it He alone is being invoked? He will be pleased

with that very worship. Why should you get a headache over it? You

had better try for knowledge and devotion yourself."

 

 

 

Namaste muktimaa

 

Om Namah Sivaya. Thanks muktimaa.

 

Love

 

Kanda

 

 

[This message contained attachments]

 

 

 

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______________________

 

 

 

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