New Member Introduction - Ravindra Shivde

Note from the List Moderators:

Namaste,

We extend a cordial welcome to another new member to the list.

We would like all members, (new - old - returning) - to feel at home

in this 'advaita-cyber-satsang', and share the spiritual wisdom they

are familiar with, within the scope of this list.

Those who feel shy and prefer to remain anonymous can still send

their ideas/questions/etc. to any of the Moderators for a response.

We hope you will enjoy your participation, and share your joy with

us.

Advaitin List Moderators

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Dear Moderators,

Thank you for your warm welcome. Herewith I present a brief

biographical profile of myself:

My full name is Ravindra Shankar Shivde. I was born in a middle class

Maharashtrian family. I had my upbringing and schooling in a small

city called Nasik.

I completed my college education and medical studies in Mumbai.

Thereafter I returned to Nasik and am in medical practice,for

last 23 yrs. I am married and my wife is also a doctor. we have one

daughter.

My background was somewhat mixed. My father had leftist leanings, was a

staunch materialist and eschewed all traditional religious practices

and rituals. However he allowed full freedom to my mother who had little

education but deep faith.Under these influences, the attitude which I

developed towards spiritual matters may be described as skeptical, but

liberal and open to reasoning. I vacillated for years between theism

and atheism. In 1974 I was introduced to Advaita philosophy through

Vivekanand's writings. This philosophy provided most satisfactory

answers

to questions which had been plaguing me for years- of course at

intellectual level.

In 1976 I met Shri K. Padmanabha Menon(Atmananda's son),

and received some guidance from him; but did not see him again. Since

then I have not received any personal guidance from a master. When I

re-read Shri Atmanandanda's teachings, after 28 years, on a website, I

was

strongly attracted.I have kept up the study of traditional scriptures

and the practice of self-enquiry in my spare moments. I correspond with

some like minded seekers on E-groups including somawake

and atmadnyana

My interests, apart from Philosophy, include History, Literature,

Languages, Music, Trekking, Computers and Rotary Club activities.

I feel deeply honoured and delighted at this opportunity of

communicating with your erudite group.

With best wishes

Ravi