Guest guest Posted February 9, 1999 Report Share Posted February 9, 1999 MGEO, Hello my friend. I have a friend in Romania named Codrin. He is a very spiritually advanced individual that is close in age to you. I am going to do a couple of things, and then I will get back to you. I may be of some help. Light Marcus Macavei George <mgeo < > Tuesday, February 09, 1999 6:49 PM New member - George's presentation >mgeo (Macavei George) > > >Namaskar Harsha Ji! >Namaskar All! > >I am a young man from Romania who wants to meet through this list >people with a very deep interest for Self-Realization. My name is >George Macavei, I am 28 years old, and I live in Bucharest. I >apologize for my English, which is not so good, but now I tray to >improve it. I also want to announce you that due of my skill in >English writing I will not be able to write too much on this list, >but if there will be deep subjects of discussion I will try to write >my point of view on this list. If someone wants to write and ask >this George clear, deep and subtle questions, then feel free to >write directly to this email address: < mgeo > > >Now will follow a brief history and presentation of me and my >spiritual goal. > >My interest in Yoga and spiritual practices started since 1987 when I >read a book for Hatha-Yoga. After that I read other spiritual books >and I was interested in Advaita-Vedanta, Jnana-Yoga, Taoism and Zen. >In 1988 I read for first time "Self-Inquiry" in a Romanian translation, >and I was attracted by Ramana's teaching. > >In November 1992 I became unemployed and I used that opportunity to >increase my Atma-Vichara practice. After few months I was able to >meditate seven times a day one hour each time. The thing I enjoy the >most is practicing "Atma Vichara" (Self-Inquiry) for five hours a day. >I also read and study books with Ramana's teachings. For me, Ramana's >teachings are the deepest of all Indian philosophies. >I never had a physical Guru, and all my knowledge was given to my mind >by inner Sat-Guru, who is all the time present. > >I was in India between September 28, 1997 and January 22,1998 and I >visited Sri Ramanashramam in Tiruvannamalai and other spiritual places. > >For that travel I got necessary money from a Romanian friend who >migrated in 1993 in Canada (Montreal). I dreamed to see India since >1987 and after 10 years of waiting I saw my dream come true thanks >to my friend. > >I am one who is interested most of all, in Self-Realization and I give >all my energy for this aim. I don't want to spend time with unimportant >activities or things. All what I am looking for, is a place where I >want to live, and to practice constant meditation. Here in Romania >ashrams, retreats, or spiritual centers are not available and neither >will they be in the near future. >Unfortunately, from the financial point of view, I am a person with a >very low income, no material possessions, and no other possibilities. >In Romania, to have a permanent job is a thing which can't help a >person to travel in India or other foreign country, because the average >salary per economy is about 100 US$ per month (no this is not a joke). > >I finish here my introduction to you, and I will continue with a very >important questions of this unreal George. > >My question : Is there anybody, who knows in this world a place, where >a poor person with a very sincere and deep interest in Absolute Truth >is welcome, accepted and considered useful for other people? I am >interested in living very simple and doing my inner practice (for 8-10 >hours daily) in an ashram, retreat, spiritual center, or anything like >this. > >I know that many people could consider my request very strange, >but I hope that at least people from this list will understand this >illusory George and his need very well. I will be grateful, if >someone can give me an advice or any kind of concrete help. > >If something written above is not too clear please feel free to >ask me any questions you wish about me. > >Om! Shanti! Om! > >Love and Wisdom, >George > > > >------ >To from this mailing list, or to change your subscription >to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at and >select the User Center link from the menu bar on the left. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 1999 Report Share Posted February 9, 1999 Good point Dr. --remember "George" that the ultimate truth lies just where you are at...there is an old American saying :"Wherever you go--there you are". Harsha (Dr. Harsh K. Luthar) <hluthar < > Tuesday, February 09, 1999 7:07 PM Re: New member - George's presentation >"Harsha (Dr. Harsh K. Luthar)" <hluthar > >Namaskar George Ji and welcome to this Satsangha. We are delighted to have >you among us. As far as Ashrams to live in and meditate in for the whole >day, and not have to pay rent or anything - I do not know much about that. >There might be such places but they probably require some type of Ashram >work. Earning a living is not opposed to Self Realization as Ramana Maharshi >pointed out many times. Have you thought about the Catholic trappist monks >traditions. They live in solitude and practice meditation most of the day. >Perhaps others may have suggestions for you. > >Harsha > > > >Macavei George [mgeo] >Tuesday, February 09, 1999 3:19 PM > > New member - George's presentation > >mgeo (Macavei George) > > >Namaskar Harsha Ji! >Namaskar All! > >I am a young man from Romania who wants to meet through this list >people with a very deep interest for Self-Realization. My name is >George Macavei, I am 28 years old, and I live in Bucharest. I >apologize for my English, which is not so good, but now I tray to >improve it. I also want to announce you that due of my skill in >English writing I will not be able to write too much on this list, >but if there will be deep subjects of discussion I will try to write >my point of view on this list. If someone wants to write and ask >this George clear, deep and subtle questions, then feel free to >write directly to this email address: < mgeo > > >Now will follow a brief history and presentation of me and my >spiritual goal. > >My interest in Yoga and spiritual practices started since 1987 when I >read a book for Hatha-Yoga. After that I read other spiritual books >and I was interested in Advaita-Vedanta, Jnana-Yoga, Taoism and Zen. >In 1988 I read for first time "Self-Inquiry" in a Romanian translation, >and I was attracted by Ramana's teaching. > >In November 1992 I became unemployed and I used that opportunity to >increase my Atma-Vichara practice. After few months I was able to >meditate seven times a day one hour each time. The thing I enjoy the >most is practicing "Atma Vichara" (Self-Inquiry) for five hours a day. >I also read and study books with Ramana's teachings. For me, Ramana's >teachings are the deepest of all Indian philosophies. >I never had a physical Guru, and all my knowledge was given to my mind >by inner Sat-Guru, who is all the time present. > >I was in India between September 28, 1997 and January 22,1998 and I >visited Sri Ramanashramam in Tiruvannamalai and other spiritual places. > >For that travel I got necessary money from a Romanian friend who >migrated in 1993 in Canada (Montreal). I dreamed to see India since >1987 and after 10 years of waiting I saw my dream come true thanks >to my friend. > >I am one who is interested most of all, in Self-Realization and I give >all my energy for this aim. I don't want to spend time with unimportant >activities or things. All what I am looking for, is a place where I >want to live, and to practice constant meditation. Here in Romania >ashrams, retreats, or spiritual centers are not available and neither >will they be in the near future. >Unfortunately, from the financial point of view, I am a person with a >very low income, no material possessions, and no other possibilities. >In Romania, to have a permanent job is a thing which can't help a >person to travel in India or other foreign country, because the average >salary per economy is about 100 US$ per month (no this is not a joke). > >I finish here my introduction to you, and I will continue with a very >important questions of this unreal George. > >My question : Is there anybody, who knows in this world a place, where >a poor person with a very sincere and deep interest in Absolute Truth >is welcome, accepted and considered useful for other people? I am >interested in living very simple and doing my inner practice (for 8-10 >hours daily) in an ashram, retreat, spiritual center, or anything like >this. > >I know that many people could consider my request very strange, >but I hope that at least people from this list will understand this >illusory George and his need very well. I will be grateful, if >someone can give me an advice or any kind of concrete help. > >If something written above is not too clear please feel free to >ask me any questions you wish about me. > >Om! Shanti! Om! > >Love and Wisdom, >George > > > >------ >To from this mailing list, or to change your subscription >to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at and >select the User Center link from the menu bar on the left. > > >------ >To from this mailing list, or to change your subscription >to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at and >select the User Center link from the menu bar on the left. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 1999 Report Share Posted February 9, 1999 Namaskar George Ji and welcome to this Satsangha. We are delighted to have you among us. As far as Ashrams to live in and meditate in for the whole day, and not have to pay rent or anything - I do not know much about that. There might be such places but they probably require some type of Ashram work. Earning a living is not opposed to Self Realization as Ramana Maharshi pointed out many times. Have you thought about the Catholic trappist monks traditions. They live in solitude and practice meditation most of the day. Perhaps others may have suggestions for you. Harsha Macavei George [mgeo] Tuesday, February 09, 1999 3:19 PM New member - George's presentation mgeo (Macavei George) Namaskar Harsha Ji! Namaskar All! I am a young man from Romania who wants to meet through this list people with a very deep interest for Self-Realization. My name is George Macavei, I am 28 years old, and I live in Bucharest. I apologize for my English, which is not so good, but now I tray to improve it. I also want to announce you that due of my skill in English writing I will not be able to write too much on this list, but if there will be deep subjects of discussion I will try to write my point of view on this list. If someone wants to write and ask this George clear, deep and subtle questions, then feel free to write directly to this email address: < mgeo > Now will follow a brief history and presentation of me and my spiritual goal. My interest in Yoga and spiritual practices started since 1987 when I read a book for Hatha-Yoga. After that I read other spiritual books and I was interested in Advaita-Vedanta, Jnana-Yoga, Taoism and Zen. In 1988 I read for first time "Self-Inquiry" in a Romanian translation, and I was attracted by Ramana's teaching. In November 1992 I became unemployed and I used that opportunity to increase my Atma-Vichara practice. After few months I was able to meditate seven times a day one hour each time. The thing I enjoy the most is practicing "Atma Vichara" (Self-Inquiry) for five hours a day. I also read and study books with Ramana's teachings. For me, Ramana's teachings are the deepest of all Indian philosophies. I never had a physical Guru, and all my knowledge was given to my mind by inner Sat-Guru, who is all the time present. I was in India between September 28, 1997 and January 22,1998 and I visited Sri Ramanashramam in Tiruvannamalai and other spiritual places. For that travel I got necessary money from a Romanian friend who migrated in 1993 in Canada (Montreal). I dreamed to see India since 1987 and after 10 years of waiting I saw my dream come true thanks to my friend. I am one who is interested most of all, in Self-Realization and I give all my energy for this aim. I don't want to spend time with unimportant activities or things. All what I am looking for, is a place where I want to live, and to practice constant meditation. Here in Romania ashrams, retreats, or spiritual centers are not available and neither will they be in the near future. Unfortunately, from the financial point of view, I am a person with a very low income, no material possessions, and no other possibilities. In Romania, to have a permanent job is a thing which can't help a person to travel in India or other foreign country, because the average salary per economy is about 100 US$ per month (no this is not a joke). I finish here my introduction to you, and I will continue with a very important questions of this unreal George. My question : Is there anybody, who knows in this world a place, where a poor person with a very sincere and deep interest in Absolute Truth is welcome, accepted and considered useful for other people? I am interested in living very simple and doing my inner practice (for 8-10 hours daily) in an ashram, retreat, spiritual center, or anything like this. I know that many people could consider my request very strange, but I hope that at least people from this list will understand this illusory George and his need very well. I will be grateful, if someone can give me an advice or any kind of concrete help. If something written above is not too clear please feel free to ask me any questions you wish about me. Om! Shanti! Om! Love and Wisdom, George ------ To from this mailing list, or to change your subscription to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at and select the User Center link from the menu bar on the left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 1999 Report Share Posted February 9, 1999 George; I do not believe that your request is at all strange. There will always be persons who seek the life of the Spirit and Service to God above all else. I understand that in India, and in other Eastern countries, the desire for intense Sadhana is offered deep respect. Swami Satyananda of Deoghar, India, though in his 70's, spends all of his time performing very intense Sadhana. If you would like more information, it can be had at www.ozemail.au/~yogapage/india/byb/htm. Also, I have recently contacted a Romanian guru, Swami Vivekananda Saraswati, who has an ashram in Rishikesh, India. If you inquire to me personally, I will give you his e-mail address. Also, in many Buddhist traditions, the monastic lifestyle is revered. Of course, work is always involved in Ashram life. I do not know of many or any institutions that will support an aspirant only doing their personal sadhana each day. There are places in America where one can work for six hours or so a day and have the rest of the time for practice. I can recommend some to you if you post me at my own address. If you will allow me an observation: I have utmost respect for one whose hard work has put him or her in touch with the inner Teacher. However, along with nearly all Eastern traditions, I believe that the Teacher is the key to Truth. Our egos are extremely powerful and subversive. The most revered Gurus and Teachers have all had Teachers of their own. If your search takes the direction of finding the Teacher meant for you, perhaps that will also take you to the place where you need to be. Feel free to write for further discussion. In Devotion, Madhya Nandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 1999 Report Share Posted February 9, 1999 Namaskar Harsha Ji! Namaskar All! I am a young man from Romania who wants to meet through this list people with a very deep interest for Self-Realization. My name is George Macavei, I am 28 years old, and I live in Bucharest. I apologize for my English, which is not so good, but now I tray to improve it. I also want to announce you that due of my skill in English writing I will not be able to write too much on this list, but if there will be deep subjects of discussion I will try to write my point of view on this list. If someone wants to write and ask this George clear, deep and subtle questions, then feel free to write directly to this email address: < mgeo > Now will follow a brief history and presentation of me and my spiritual goal. My interest in Yoga and spiritual practices started since 1987 when I read a book for Hatha-Yoga. After that I read other spiritual books and I was interested in Advaita-Vedanta, Jnana-Yoga, Taoism and Zen. In 1988 I read for first time "Self-Inquiry" in a Romanian translation, and I was attracted by Ramana's teaching. In November 1992 I became unemployed and I used that opportunity to increase my Atma-Vichara practice. After few months I was able to meditate seven times a day one hour each time. The thing I enjoy the most is practicing "Atma Vichara" (Self-Inquiry) for five hours a day. I also read and study books with Ramana's teachings. For me, Ramana's teachings are the deepest of all Indian philosophies. I never had a physical Guru, and all my knowledge was given to my mind by inner Sat-Guru, who is all the time present. I was in India between September 28, 1997 and January 22,1998 and I visited Sri Ramanashramam in Tiruvannamalai and other spiritual places. For that travel I got necessary money from a Romanian friend who migrated in 1993 in Canada (Montreal). I dreamed to see India since 1987 and after 10 years of waiting I saw my dream come true thanks to my friend. I am one who is interested most of all, in Self-Realization and I give all my energy for this aim. I don't want to spend time with unimportant activities or things. All what I am looking for, is a place where I want to live, and to practice constant meditation. Here in Romania ashrams, retreats, or spiritual centers are not available and neither will they be in the near future. Unfortunately, from the financial point of view, I am a person with a very low income, no material possessions, and no other possibilities. In Romania, to have a permanent job is a thing which can't help a person to travel in India or other foreign country, because the average salary per economy is about 100 US$ per month (no this is not a joke). I finish here my introduction to you, and I will continue with a very important questions of this unreal George. My question : Is there anybody, who knows in this world a place, where a poor person with a very sincere and deep interest in Absolute Truth is welcome, accepted and considered useful for other people? I am interested in living very simple and doing my inner practice (for 8-10 hours daily) in an ashram, retreat, spiritual center, or anything like this. I know that many people could consider my request very strange, but I hope that at least people from this list will understand this illusory George and his need very well. I will be grateful, if someone can give me an advice or any kind of concrete help. If something written above is not too clear please feel free to ask me any questions you wish about me. Om! Shanti! Om! Love and Wisdom, George Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 1999 Report Share Posted February 9, 1999 Dear George, >From the life of Ramana Maharshi you will know that his enlightenment was spontaneous. Enlightenment is never a result of anything; it is recognizing +who you are+. As Western life is founded on personality and materialism, disappointment, leading to giving up self with all its social and cultural conditioning, often is a blessing in disguise. There is no contradiction between Self-realization and having a job; the Self will be recognized the moment all identifications with self are (momentarily) dropped. One of the identifications is being a meditator with the expectation of realizing Self; it could be a formidable obstacle. Read about the life of the Buddha; consider the state of mind when leaving behind loved ones, then meditating and practicing some five years of asceticism - with the only result of almost starving to death. The utter disillusion ( no happiness from loved ones, no happiness from "ascetic practices", all "alternatives" exhausted) did what the "practices" didn't: giving up self (and its conditionings) - hence the "no-self" in Buddhism. When I visited Sri Lanka in 1974, there were several foreign monks. They had the same privileges as Sri Lankan monks. As a monk isn't allowed to touch money, all services, like transport and Medicare are free for monks and nuns. If the above rule still is valid and you are certain to live a life of meditation, it can be lived there. There are people, earning less than $100 a month and nevertheless contributing to the sangha; they expect spiritual support. In Sri Lanka, you will have to practice Hinayana Buddhism. There are many monasteries and beautiful caves, situated on the top of hills; on top of some of the hills there is even a (holy) well. The other side of the coin is the civil war. Jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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