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adreamgodus

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  1. Om Shanti There is a beautiful story related to the life of Sage Vyasa and his disciple Jainini. Jainini was a great scholar and a sincere disciple of Vyasa, but he took pride in his own intellectual knowledge. One day Vyasa was dictating on a scripture and Jainini was taking notes. Vyasa composed a verse making the point, valavad indriya gramam panditan apakarshanti— "the senses are so powerful that the man of knowledge also sometimes commits mistakes." Upon hearing this, Jainini thought, "It is not possible. If a person is a man of knowledge,how can he be overpowered with the temptation of the senses? Rather, he will overcome them." With this thought, he modified the verse to say, valavad indriya gramam panditan-apakarshanti— "Even if the senses are powerful, the man of knowledge is free from mistakes." Omniscient Vyasa did not impart anything. He wanted to teach his disciple in a different way the truth of life. That afternoon, Vyasa told Jainini that he must go for some urgent work to a distant place and it might happen that he would be absent for several days. He entrusted Jainini to take care of the sacrificial fire. Then Vyasa left. That evening after prayer, Jainini retired to the room of the sacrificial fire to meditate. There was a storm and rain outside and very strong wind. Jainini heard someone knocking at the door. He opened the door and saw a pretty, young lady. He inquired what he could do for her. She said, "I am on the way to my village, but because of the rain and storm I cannot go. Can you please give me shelter for the night?" Jainini, out of hospitality allowed her to come inside and spend the night in the cottage. The young lady said that it was not good for a brahmachari (celibate) to be in the same room at night. So, Jainini went out and tried to sleep outside. Now, the play of delusion started. Jainini sat silently, but his mind was running toward this youthful lady and her beauty. He thought to himself, "it would be good to spend the lonely night conversing with her. So he knocked on the door and told her that it was cold outside and it would be nice to be inside. She protested, but Jaimini forced his way inside. He tried to talk with her and was constantly looking at her, which she did not like. Slowly his senses were growing powerful and clouding his conscience. He went close to her and touched her and told her to be together for a while, for fun and pleasure. She said, "You are a brahmachari, you should not think like this. It is not good." Being blinded with passion, he touched her feet and asked for her approval. She at last agreed with the condition that he should kneel down like a horse and she would sit on his back and he should make seven rounds, near the sacrificial fire. Then he could have her. Jaimini agreed. While Jaimini was trying to walk like an animal with the lady sitting on his back, she started murmuring the verse that Vyasa dictating in the morning which Jaimini had modified, "Even if the senses are powerful,a man of knowledge does not commit mistake." When Jaimini heard this, he realized his own weakness. He stood up to leave her, but her two big arms clasped him and held him. They were not the tempting arms of the maiden, but the arms of his loving guru Vyasa. Thus Vyasa taught his disciple the truth of life and how to be always careful and watchful in every step of life. from: humaneliberation@ sheryogi@ Om Shanti
  2. Om Shanti "I have no desire for wealth or name or fame or enjoyments, they are dust unto me.... I want to help my brethren. I have not the 'tact to earn money', bless the Lord.... What reason is there for me to conform to the vagaries of the world around me and not obey the voice of Truth within? The mind is still weak; it sometimes mechanically clutches at earthly help....But I am not afraid.... Fear is the greatest sin, my religion teaches..." -Swami Vivekananda Om Shanti
  3. Om Shanti Sorry, but, i don't concure. Stores are not spamming, how silly to say. In fact, who ever hear of a story told only One time? Therefore, Dear, you message given is not understood. I took note of the link and saw many wonderful stories in another location of which i will copy to yet another location. So thank you. If you are worried about a post that is applied to different domains-then you are in the wrong place to find fault as many of the posts are presented this way. For me, it is wonderful for then i can check the many articles of which there was not prior knowledge. There are literally thousands of posts here of some merit and it is nice when we have a guiding post! However, i do think that hiding being 'guest' names is more similar to spamming-the product in this case being as fear! The first gate, i dare say! Om shanti
  4. Om Shanti Seven Jars by Sri Ramakrishna A barber, who was passing under a haunted tree heard a voice say, "will you accept seven jars full of gold?" The barber looked around, but could see no one. The offer of seven jars of gold, however, roused his cupidity and he cried aloud, "yes, I shall accept the seven jars." At once came the reply. "Go home, I have carried the jars to your house." The barber ran home in hot haste to verify the truth of his strange announcement. And when he entered the house, he saw the jars before him. He opened them and found them all full of gold, except the last one which was only half-full. A strong desire now arouse in the mind of the barber to fill the seventh jar also; for without it his happiness was incomplete. He therefore converted all his ornaments into gold coins and put them into the jar; but the mysterious vessel was as before. So one day he requested the king to increase his pay, saying his income was not sufficient to maintain him self on. Now the barber was a favourite of the king, and as soon as the request was made the king doubled his pay. All this pay he save and put into the jar, but the greed jar showed no signs of filling. At last he began to live by begging from door to door, and his professional income and the income from begging all went into the insatiable cavity of the mysterious jar. Months passed, and the condition of the miserable and miserly barber grew worse every day. Seeing his sad plight, the king asked him one day, "hello! When your pay was half of what you now get, you were happy, cheerful and contented; but with double the pay, I see your morose, careworn and dejected. What is the matter with you? Have you got 'the seven jars'?" The barber was taken aback by this question and replied, "Your Majesty, who has informed you of this?" the king said, "Don't you know that these are the signs of the person to whom the Yaksha consigns the seven jars. He offered me also the same jars, but I asked him whether his money might be spent or was merely to be hoarded. No sooner had I asked this question then the Yaksha ran away without any reply. Don't you know that no one can spend that money? It only brings with it the desire of hoarding. Go at once and return the money." The barber was brought to his senses by this advice, and he went to the haunted tree and said, "Take back your gold, O Yaksha." The Yaksha replied, "All right." When the barber returned home, he found that the seven jars had vanished and mysteriously as they were brought in, and with it also had vanished his life-long savings. Such is the state of some men in the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who do not understand the difference between what is real expenditure and what is real income, lose all they have. Om Shanti
  5. Om Shanti... The Serpent and a Sage by Sri Ramakrishna A serpent dwelt in a certain locality. No one dared to pass by that way, for whoever did so was instantaneously bitten to death by that serpent. Once a holy man passed by. As usual the serpent pursued that sage with a view of biting him, but when it approached the holy man, it lost all its ferocity and was over-powered by his gentleness. Seeing the snake, the holy man said, Well, friend, do you want to bite me? The snake was abashed and made no reply. At this the sage said again, Hearken, friend, do not injure anyone in future. The snake bowed and nodded assent. After the sage had gone his own way, the snake entered its hole, and thenceforth began to live a life of innocence and purity without even wishing to harm anyone. In a few days the snake had lost all its venom and was no more dangerous, and so people began to tease it. Some pelted stones at it and others dragged it mercilessly by the tail. Thus there was no end to its troubles. Fortunately, sometime after, the sage again passed that way seeing the bruised and battered condition of the poor snake, was very much moved to pity and inquired about the cause of its distress. At this the snake replied. Sir, I have been reduced to this state, because I have not been injuring anyone since I received your instruction. But alas! They are so merciless! The sage smilingly said Dear friend, I only advised you not to bite anyone, but I never asked you not to hiss and frighten others. Although you should not bite any creature, still you should keep every one at a considerable distance from you by "hissing". Similarly, if you live in the world, make yourself feared and respected. Do not injure, but do not at the same time let others injure you. Om Shanti
  6. Om Shanti... Dear Debbie, If you must apologize, then do so to your God. Or someone better than this simple sadhaka. My attempts to add a little of the experience and knowledge i have gained from this area of issues related to isms-has Now been transferred to the topic of Debbie's feelings- a nice display of them, i should say. I did note the subtle hint of anger that was of interest to me- Now that was honest! And, it felt good-matching my own! Great! So now, you threaten to just Sit and read the posts so as to not offend? -dear, you have NOT been reading the posts-this is why you have my various responses. You are misreading my posts and coming up with a bunch of poppy-cock that is very disappointing. To boot, you have a few well wishers-too! Not bad! There were attempts to take a volatile topic from the shadows so as to take another look at the issues. But, what happens is that we have Debbie's bruised ego to tend to... Dear Debbie, do hold down the topic now with how you are different and can not understand how the world is so bad with this 'race' issue. Maybe your feelings from the heart will make it all better! After all, people have been hearning about feelings for a long time now-maybe one more from the heart sermon will do us good! In the mean time, I'm off this topic now. Back to my poems and parables!- shikha!
  7. Om Shanti... It is nice what you have said-and true in many ways... WE have forgotten who and what we are..and in chasing the image our fear- you have said it. i liked your post, thank you.
  8. Om Shanti... We are speaking of Gunas? Now, what is the esoteric meaning of the Vedic verse? your sister in spirit.
  9. Om Shanti... Dear Debbie, Unfortunately, it seems that you have missed the primary message of my post. it happens. Most likely, i have committed the same. More so, the post was also presented to others as an informative insight into academic research into the issues related to isms. The Color consciousness here was one target of my post...and was not only directed towards you. But, i have not asked you to quote from the Scriptures and in fact, have not myself-so why are you saying this? Dear, when we speak there are two features that operate at the same time: what we Intend and what is Perceived. Now, one can operate from the stereotype and speak expected words from this zone of behavior or one can operate so as to shake loose a few of the cultural and mental traps that are part of an expected response. For many, the expected is more pleasing and it thus granted higher 'status'. This is all good and well, for folks that are Not ready for shaking the foundations of thought. But, for folks that are ready to seek deeper in to the causes of what and why it happens-well, only the unexpected, as far as i am able to understand it, is the key. Your response, was the expected one. sorry, but, your classic response has created disappointment in me. You claim that saying you are white means nothing, then i ask, why do you use it? Honesty, is the issue here. You call people Indians, and then claim a color for yourself. Why not say variations of brown for most of the Indians and then, maybe white would have fit in better. Why the difference? All of this is said in service and not to be harsh. You have been in this club long enough to note the issues that are linked with color-all of the talk about Lord Krishna's color, etc. This color issue is one of the major hurdles of modern peoples... And it hurts me to see so many beautiful people feel less because of a silly emphasis on color. From too dark to to white-it all is the same issue! re: "Sometimes people try so hard to hate someone because of how they look, where theylive, what they wear, color of skin, etc...the list can go on and on, that they do not stop to see the goodness that lies within." *If you know this, then why do you add to the problem? Step out and be free-free from Both the plus and minus of what this form of identification entails. I too was raised in a home that honored the worlds peoples and cultures, yet, even there, issues related to color took seed to some degree. From relatives, society, the school, the media etc.... You have ignored altogether the whole issue related to power and external influences that was in my post. This was more important that how you perceive you are... For, the world is a pollutant to our heart-sad but very true. re: ,but we can not let that hinder us in our journey. I feel we are in this world all together and many of us are search-ing for our own path to God and how we can better serve Him OR Serve HER. I worship MahaKaliji. Of course we can not let this silly world hinder us. We must recognize it's lure and then use it to help us to locate and note our own demons. For example, your manner in speaking and presentation is bringing up a few of those pockets of pain...this is good for it allows me another opportunity to grow...and maybe a few 'others' that have had similar pain.. This is good and i Thank you. However, Dear, remember this, even if, it is painful....that: Many of the world's peoples did open up their hearts to God [via missionaries] and in the process lost their lands, their children, and their freedom. No matter that all of this is Maya- as this whole issue is contained, therein. Do try to remember this legacy of the "White" world. Then and Now-this time, it is called a war against terrorism, for example. So, when you ponder the use of this word to describe you, remember ALL that it carries. And, then what i am saying will be understood better. More so, i am not blaming you or anyone for what has happened in the world as a result of aggression from any culture or people-so no need to defend or feel responsible--these are not going to bring growth and Love to our world. The Only way is trough Honest Dialogue and methods to create change through personal example. The world is tired of talk. We need Champions of Character...those that seek, as i have noted you have done in other posts, to bring Peace and Love to a world that honours Hate and war. Only Love-imperfect at first, but, it shall grow into something out of this world into Perfect Prema [love]. I would like to quote Swami Vivekananda: "I will compare truth to a corrosive substance of infinite power. It burns its way in wherever it falls -in soft substance at once, hard granite slowly, but it must. What is writ is writ. I am so, so sorry, that I cannot make myself 'sweet' and accommodating to every black falsehood. But I cannot. I have suffered for it all my life, but I cannot." Dear Debbie, we are what we say, and to disown our words will not take away the meaning beneath the form. Now, my words are harsh--and, perhaps, this is me and my way. Your words are presently sweet, perhaps, this is you and your way. No matter. WE are here and are looking towards the horizon-and with that look, dear, we will meet the Sun of Truth! Love, shikha
  10. Om Shanti Dearest Debbie, dear, thank you for taking the time to respond to my post... I would like to point out a few issues related to 'isms'-that is, not just issues realated to 'race' [truly a vile word]. But, issues realted to all categories of how we gage the world's peoples. Note, dear, that any ism is not an isolated event, but, a host of 'events' that appear to assist the perceiver AND the perceived into a 'game of isms'-the skirmish [be it subtle or overt] and the reaction to this event. These are the issues by which one must observe any ism or as you prefer, race issues. One, if i may, note that you refer to your self as "white"-WE ARE NOT COLORS like paints in a box. I hate this method of viewing the beauty of human glory and hope in time to wash all of this programming from my mind. But, if we are to be colors, dear, then may i be so bold s to say, that most likely you would really be pink...? Now sit back and note the reasons for saying this... Two, the Family may begin the issues related to race, but, society takes what threads that are woven into the early childhood knots and weaves a blanket that begins to smother the true victim of any "ism." Three, if we take a look around and note the REAL issue related to any ism -the issue being Power. Who has it and how to maintain it. This 'power' becomes a tool by which to exert privilege which once tasted is very hard to share with the totality. Why, i am not sure. Memory is one vibrant feature here, smile. This is rather a pointed way to look at this issue..for it is very complex and goes beyond loving families and a few fast friends. I wish it were so easy. It is not. At least, to me, that is. Isms relate to how we relate to ALL people. The beggar on the street, the physically challenged person in our community, the elderly, the poor, the rich, the ugly, the pretty, the smart, the not smart, the male, the not male, the this or that and all in between. It is about our attitudes of a group that allows one to feel privilege or superior than another, Or, even less than another group , too. A very subtle method of reacting to our world. A world created from building blocks that we may not even note as they are hidden within the very foundation of our thought processes. Processes that are beneath thought and again, i say, the value of meditation. Not to mention the karmic issues related to our clan and collective consciousness. It is my belief, that the vast majority of persons born in the world today have deep issues related to 'color' and economic politics which are encouraged via the Educational, the Economic, especially the Media systems and all 'other' Institutional systems which endeavor to insure that those in power remain. Even being a parent is a form of ism, to some degree. I could go on and on-but what point is there..for all of these systems are only reflections of Maya and have meaning only in terms of how we allow them to help or hinder our Liberation. It seems, that the issue is power as this is the magic of life and death in terms of manifested energy and form. As sadhakas or spiritual seekers, we are engaged in how to relate to power every time we meditate and chant our mantra and bow to the Beloved. Yet, the wise sadhaka knows that true power is Within and the rest well, this lesson is an ongoing process. Now, the reason that i called you 'pink' is for you to ponder issues related to power... White is a power word and hence, it becomes a cultural marker in speech of which i shall not go into detail here. How did it feel to be called Pink instead of white? It has been noted how many of the persons of European Heritage notate this descriptive [ie, white]-why? The issues of "race" are deeper than a mere loving family and a few fast friends that are 'different'. Whole societies are built upon issues related to race or national origin or caste or language group, or tribe, ect - But, this was said before, i think in earlier posts. All words that describe in terms of "they" or "them' are profane-may we all understand this deeply. It is a hard lesson, i am coming to learn daily. Society defines us thus-yet, we must attempt to define ourselves differently- We must become free from the these c hains of nama rupa! In a media such as this cyber temple, our words should be our calling card- ..for this is the core of our mind that also reflects our character more than any jail-house image could. Yet, these, too, are Mother Maya- quite a fix, i dare say. So, what color are we? So, what country are we? So, what path are we? So, what are we, any way? How about the color and county and path of Love... A rainbow of colors and flavors and scents andsongs and textures... wow, i love that! Can't we All just be a tattered and love worn rug, of peace and love. So, Dear Debbieji, a dear Child of Divine LIGHT- i praise that temple of Love within your heart's core! with love, sister, your sister is spirit.
  11. Om Shanti... I love all of this! We are all seeking to understand in words that which can only be felt! We are so marvelous-here is a thought: Which is Maya? The Glove, the Hand, or that That which comprises the Hand? Each finger of the glove notes it's separateness and will attempt to show how much it understands of it's unique position on Handhood. Please smile here. The Hand, it may look at the fingers and think how quaint, but, not see, that it does the same in comparrison with the rest of the body. And, so it goes all the way down to the cells that must differentiate so as to be a hand in the first place. Now, these cells may consult each DNA to find confrimation of what they are to do and be, but, then, we come to the next question: Do we say that the DNA/RNA-are these Brahman. We note how we are so attached to our ideals and our point of view-look at how i need to add my two rupies/cents worth! The question: WHY? Why take the time and effort to show our perspective? Is it really sharing? well? What difference will it make to know if we are this or that? When we find these insights that illumine our mind from time to time does it really help us in mukti? It seems to, at the time. Later? well, we can each judge this one. Look at the whole dance-why do we do it? If we feel that we have to show another we have become trapped in Maya. How clever She--hos lovely with Her Charms- catching her darlings as they attempt so speak about Truth! We should all be smiling at the mazes of mad. Or Mayavada as our Ram has said-i am aries so i like your name, smile. So that gloved hand, what is Not Maya? From this question, we may come to something interesting. What are we Not? I love this one. Sorry that i dont have alot of quotes then get lost inside of me and come out in waves of ignorance. smile. Now, on a serious note: i love all of our being jiva's-such effort and such care and, yes, such love for truth! may we unveil it!
  12. Quote: If there is nothing other than the one nondual indivisible Brahman. Where is the question of jivas and illusion (bondage)? What is the root cause of bondage? Who perceives it? How did this perception come about? Why would the completely nondual Brahman who is full of bliss and lacking nothing put itself within bondage (i.e. allow perception of avidya) in the form of jiva? End Quote. Let Shiva tread where angles dare! This was a question that had troubled me and one day i happened to come across Sri Shankara's Viveka Chudamani. Where Maya and Brahman [sat] Both exists as we see Radha and Krishna or Shiva and Shakti. This is a given and i am sure not the question. We must ask this question, however: Is Maya, bondage? Now, note, that as we have different Paths to Truth, there is this subtle feeling that our Truth is more True that the other's truth. Hence, the bondage. Bondage to the concept of One truth for All or several Truths for each. Here is the separation. And, even in the question of 'questions' we find what you have asked: Who perceives? Maya does. Correct? smile. Then, if Maya is the perceiver of that which can not perceive then we ask is Truth itself True or that which perceives Truth, True? Brahman is Truth because it is All. Thus, by All standards it is true. As a Swamiji, dear Indus, we may say, You are the vessel of truth, but, this truth is not verified until a devotee perceives this Truth in you-the Devotee as jiva, is Maya. Yet, to see we need a mirror. Thus we then understand what we already know. We may know we have a face, etc., but, the mirror allows us to understand it via the illusion of separation. The root cause, by this reasoning, is so as to Understand what we Know. Knowing we can walk is nothing until we take the steps. We fall and then we continue to walk. Assuming we are going somewhere, when, in truth, what we need requires stationary methods- but, until we walk, how will we know. Look how this jiva speaks what the Swami already knows. It is really quite lovely this garden of life. Bliss, as to the last question, is not enough. We need more as humans, thus we may note the creator. We need to understand..this is the purpose, i believe, of The Path-to understand all of the aspects of Sat...the full glory, be it Deva Krishna or Devi Kali. We may ponder this urge to learn-in all segments of all society-instinct really is enough, but, we wanted to expand and understand-the urge of the Great One--a vast Parent to observe the little ones develop into segments of selfhood. Why? Past understanding, i know not. Possibly, if you will stop ignoring me, you will answer. it was fun to try. And for all of the cynics out there-some of us have to take a swirl, too. Just consider yourselves the pioneers. much love!
  13. Om Shanti.. Thank you dear heart, for, the lovely asasana on Mukti and it's many aspects... But, were we not saying the same thing? I am lost, please exlpain further so that this mind may understand more. I love how much we care and love and hope that each ray of light finds its merry way home. your sister in spirit, shikha
  14. Om Shanti Here lies the ocean of peace, Helmsman, launch the boat. You will always be the comrade. Take, O take him to your heart. In the path of the Infinite will shine the "Dhruba-tara". (North Star) Giver of freedom, your forgiveness, your mercy will be wealth inexhaustible in the eternal journey. May the mortal bonds perish, May the vast universe take him in its arms, And may he know in his fearless heart The great unknown. From Sesh Lekha, translation: Amiya Chakravarty Om Shanti
  15. Om Shanti As Devotees of God Absolute, no matter the title or Path we take to Truth, it is best to remember.. God is All. God is All. God is All. It does not matter if God is called Lord Krishna or Guru...what is important is the nature of 'your' Love. Prema is devoid of cages-all features of Maya. Listen to the Song, Dear Hearts, and worry not about the Singer... "I have enjoyed direct and interrupted knowledge [of] young men and women who long for God from childhood for God-realization and who do not rely upon the conventional world for any satisfaction are simply Divine Reality, intensely manifested through the exalted form. They are God nakedly longing for God, free from the veils of separation and duality... It is just God longing for God. This is the supreme mystery- the Divine Play as humanity, the 'naralila', totally unveiled and free from the slightest state of duality... Constantly and even desperately I would used to question companions, or anyone who would listen, about why my love for this particular young man had become so intense.... ...from the standpoint of ancient scriptures, ...that someone of the plane of God-vision ..can not enjoy ordinary levels of sensory mental consciousness without being in the companionship of pure-hearted loves of Truth, persons whose instincts have been sanctified. The Very sight of such true lovers gives the one established in God-consciousness a thrill of delight and allows for peacefulness of spirit... Sri Paramahamasa Ramakrishna [page 83-84, Great Swan, Meeting with Ramakrishna by Lex Hixon] Om Shanti
  16. Om Shanti... If interested in learning about my specifc path, please visit my heart... Tantrik_Divinity-an_Introduction/ Here is the essence of introductory Tantra in a simple format that shares the many treads of our Path's purpose: The path as the key to the final Truth, the ultimate Goal. The goal, not the method is of central focus. For indeed, Dear Hearts, we are One, One, Om... Om Shanti
  17. Om Shanti... Dear Vsdprasad, well, dear, now you're on the spot! How about sharing a few of those childhood stories with our members? We wait with bated breaths.... Here is another story... --The Little Musk deer-- In India, there is a beautiful tale about the Little Musk Deer, who in seeking the Divine, goes on a special spiritual search... One day, it has been said, a little musk deer went to his granny musk deer. He was very puzzled. "Granny", he said, "I smell a haunting fragrance. What is it? Where is it coming from?" "Why don't you go and smell the animals in the forest to see if it comes from them," said the Granny. So the musk deer went to the lion, smelled the lion, and said, "No it's not the lion". Then he went to the tiger and said, "Oh no, it is definitely not from the tiger." Then the monkey, the bear, the fish, the elephant: one by one, he went to all of the animals in the forest. Finally, quite baffled, returning to Granny, the Little Deer said, "I have been to every animal in the forest,and none of them has this perfume." Granny just smiled wisely and said, here, smell your own paw." The little musk deer lifed his paw, gave it a sniff, and let out a cry of joy. It comes from me? It comes form me! It comes form me. Dear Ones, always, we must remember, the magic: That Divinity is Within! Om Shanti
  18. Om Shanti.. Dear Bhaktajoy, i have enjoyed looking at the link provided..thank you! Here is a another story, may it be enjoyed... --The Humble Clay Pot-- A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each side of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion at the end of the long walk back. For two good years this happened on a daily basis with the water bearer delivering one and one half pots of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But, the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and one day spoke to the water bearer at the stream in which the water was gathered. The pot said, "I am from the clay of the river, maybe, to this very river I should return so that you can have a more perfect pot to carry the water". The water bearer, in compassion, seeing the shame of the cracked pot said, "Friend, when we go back to the master's house today, look amongst the beautiful flowers along the path". As they traveled along the road, the cracked pot saw the beautiful flowers blooming along with dancing butterflies. An aroma of sweet divinity from the many flowers that grew there enveloped the air. The pot was indeed overjoyed. Yet, as they arrived to the master's house the pot was again sad, as it noted that half of it's water had again spilt out. On the way back, the bearer pointed out a section of barren ground and then told the pot this story... When I saw that you were cracked I planted seeds, so as to take advantage of the water that spilt along the way ...and for these two years you, with the water that fell from your cracks, have created this beautiful garden that otherwise would not be. When the pot thought of the blessing that had occurred due to these supposed flaws it smiled deeply. To think that the cracks actually created a blessing in another life. **What may seem as a weakness, may, in truth, be our greatest strength. --this story is from the web, but, has been embellished a little by me. Om Shanti
  19. Om Shanti... It was nice to know that you enjoyed this story...please add a story too, then, in this way...we may allow for a true garden of beauty to bloom... blooms for many seasons! Om Shanti
  20. Om Shanti SELF-SURRENDER Once a brahmin priest worshipped the Lord with many different kinds of flowers. Then he asked, "Lord! Do you want any other flower now? Are you satisfied now?" The priest was proud that he had done something big, that he had given the Lord everything. The Lord said, "There is one more flower." "What flower is that," asked the priest. "Manasa pushpa (mind-flower)," said the Lord. "Where can I find that," asks the priest. "Right here," says the Lord. He meant the flower that is the heart. Without knowing this, the priest wandered all over looking for manasa pushpa, all due to the lack of sraddha (devotion). After running around for a long time, he came back exhausted and fell at the Lord's feet and said with great sadness, "Lord, I could not get manasa pushpa anywhere; please be satisfied with this! I have only my heart to give you!" The Lord replied, "This is the manasa pushpa I asked for! What I want is the flower of purity and love. Without that, even if you spend millions and do puja for a hundred births, you will not get My presence for even a second. The attitude of surrender is the bridge that brings you close to Me. You have not put up that bridge. I am waiting near you for that." -a story from Vinatta Kumar's collection of Hindu stories Om Shanti
  21. Om Shanti The Story of Jatila In a village in India there was once a little boy whose name was Jatila. Jatila's mother was a widow and there was no one to help her. She earned a little money by spinning yarn. She and Jatila always had just enough to eat, but they were very poor. Every day Jatila's mother prayed to Sri Krishna. She asked him to help her to look after her little boy because she wanted him to grow up into a strong and good man. When Jatila was old enough his mother sent him to school. The school was far away in the next village and to get there Jatila had to walk through a forest. The tall trees in the forest made the footpath very dark, and Jatila felt afraid. Some of the trees had long low branches that looked like arms trying to catch him. Other trees had creepers growing on them, and the stems of the creepers looked like huge snakes. I wish I had someone with me,' Jatila thought to himself. 'It wouldn't be so bad if I had someone to talk to.' But Jatila was alone, so he hurried on and reached the school as quickly as he could. Jatila was happy at school. He liked the teacher and during playtime he had some fun with the other boys. When school was over, however, and it was time to go home, Jatila suddenly remembered that he would again have to walk through the forest. It was much worse this time. The forest was darker than ever and there were strange shadows everywhere. There were those arms, always trying to catch him! And there were those things, like snakes climbing up the trunks of the trees. Jatila began to run. He ran and ran all the way through the forest and did not stop until he reached home. As soon as he saw his mother, Jatila' began to cry. 'What has happened?' asked his mother. And 'she took him on her lap to comfort him. 'Did the teacher scold you?' 'Oh, no, Ma,' replied Jatila. 'I was happy at school. But it's the forest, Ma. It's such a long way through the forest, and I'm all alone, so 1 feel afraid.' 'But there's nothing to be afraid of in the forest,' said his mother. 'You'll soon get used to it.' 'No, Ma,' said Jatila. 'I feel very frightened. Please send someone with me.' 'But who can I send, Jatila?' replied his mother. 'There is no one who can go with you.' Jatila's mother closed her eyes and seemed to be thinking very hard. Suddenly she opened them again and her face lit up with a smile. 'Of course!' she cried. 'How silly of me to forget. There is your big brother in the forest. He will go with you and take care of you.' Jatila was astonished. 'Big brother?' he said. 'Have 1 got a big brother, Ma?' 'Yes, child,' she said. 'His name is Madhusudan.' 'But where is he, Ma?' asked Jatila. 'Why doesn't he live here with us ?' 'He lives in the forest,' his mother answered. 'He looks after the cows there. But if you call to him tomorrow on your way to school, 1 am sure he will leave his cows and walk with you through the forest.' Jatila was very happy. Now. instead of feeling afraid of the forest he was longing for the next day to come so that he could run quickly to the forest and see his big brother there. Early the next morning Jatila said good-bye to his mother and went off to school. His mother stood at the door of her cottage watching him as he hurried eagerly towards the forest. 'Oh, Madhusudan,' she prayed, 'please take care of my little boy.' As soon as Jatila entered the forest he stood still. 'Oh, big brother Madhusudan,' he called. 'Please come and walk with me through the forest.' Jatila waited and listened, but no one answered, and no one came. 'He must be a long way off,' thought Jatila. 'I'll call louder.' So again he called, as loud as he could, but still no one came. 'I know he is here in the forest,' Jatila said to himself, 'and 1 know he will come because Ma said he would.' Again and again Jatila called to his big brother, but still no one came. Jatila began to cry. 'Ma said you would come,' he sobbed. 'Where are you?' At that moment Jatila heard the sound of a flute.. Such sweet music he had never heard. The music came closer and closer, and then at last Jatila saw a boy coming towards him down the forest path. He was a most handsome boy. On his head he wore a crown, bright and beautiful, with a peacock's feather in it. He was playing the flute, and he seemed to shine with happiness. Jatila joyfully ran to the handsome boy. 'Are you Madhusudan, my big brother?' he asked. 'Ma said that if I called to you, you would leave your cows and walk with me through the forest. I have to go to school, you see.' 'Yes, I am your big brother,' replied the boy. 'Come along,' I'll walk with you through the forest.' Jatila walked. with his big brother and told him about his life at home and how glad he was that he was now big enough to go to school. He quite forgot how frightened he had felt the day before. When they came to the end of the forest path, Madhusudan stopped. 'I shall go back now,' he said. 'But will you walk with.me again in the evening?' Jatila asked. 'I shall feel very frightened if you don't come.' 'Oh, yes,' replied Madhusudan. 'Just call to me and I'll come to you.' Every morning and every evening as soon as he reached the forest Jatila called to his big brother. And always his big brother came and walked with him. Jatila talked to him happily about his mother and about everything that happened at school, and Madhusudan listened and sometimes played his flute. One evening on his way home from school, Jatila told his big brother about a feast they were going to have at school. The teacher had said that every child must bring something to the feast. 'And tomorrow,' Jatila explained, 'I shall have to say what I am going to take.' 'Well, what are you going to take?' asked Madhusudan. 'I don't know,' replied Jatila. 'We are very poor, you see. Perhaps I won't be able to take anything.' 'Ask Ma about it,' Madhusudan said. 'She will know what to do.' When Jatila asked his mother what he would be able to take to the feast, she looked very sad. 'I have nothing to give you, Jatila,' she said. 'And I have no money, so I cannot buy anything either. Why don't you ask your big brother about it ?' 'He told me to ask you about it,' Jatila replied. 'He said you would know what to do.' His mother smiled. 'Did he?' she said. 'Very well. Tell him that I depend upon him.' The next morning on his way to school, Jatila explained to his big brother that his mother was so poor to send anything to the feast. 'She said she depended upon you,' Jatila added. 'All right,' Madhusudan replied laughing, 'tell your teacher that you will bring curds to the feast. And tell him that you will bring enough for everyone.' Jatila laughed. 'It will have to be a very big pot of curds then,' he said, 'because there will be about twenty of us.' The day of the feast came and Jatila ran happily to meet his big brother in the forest. He was eagerly looking forward to taking that big pot of curds to school. His big brother came walking down the forest path as usual, and he brought with him a pot of curds. 'Give this to your teacher,' he said as he gave it to Jatila. Jatila took the pot but he looked at it sadly. It was not a big pot at all. It was a very small pot. There would be curds only for about six people, he thought. Madhusudan looked at Jatila 's sad face. 'Give it to your teacher,' he said. 'It will be enough.' When Jatila's teacher saw the small pot of curds he was very angry. 'You promised to bring curds for everyone,' he said, 'so I did not arrange for any more. What is the use of this small pot of curds when there are so many of us ? You have spoiled the feast, Jatila.' The small pot of curds was placed on one side. The feast was nearly over when the teacher remembered it. 'We should not waste the curds,' he said. 'A few children may have some. Jatila, bring the pot of curds.' Jatila took the pot and gave some curds to three or four children. Then he noticed something very strange. As he took curds out of the pot it filled up again. So he walked down the two rows of children and put plenty of curds on each child's leaf-plate. The teacher watched Jatila in amazement. 'Jatila,' he cried, 'you have given curds to everyone. Howe did you do that? I thought you brought only one small pot of curds.' 'Yes, sir.' Jatila replied. 'This is the pot. But look, it is still full.' 'Impossible!' cried the teacher. 'where did you get this pot of curds form? Tell me at once.? 'Sir,' said Jatila, 'my big brother gave it to me.' 'Your big brother? I didn't know you had a big brother,' the teacher said. 'I didn't know either,' replied Jatila, 'until I began to come to school. He walks with me through the forest, you see.' 'But where does he live? What is his name?' asked the teacher, feeling greatly puzzled. Jatila then told his teacher all about Madhusudhan - What he did, what he looked like, and how sweetly he could play the flute. 'Jatila,' said the teacher, 'I would like to see this big brother of yours. Can I go with You to meet. him?' Oh, yes, of course,' replied Jatila eagerly. 'Come with me to the forest this evening. I have only to call him and he comes to me. When it was time for Jatila to go home, his teacher went with him to the forest. Jatila called as usual to Madhusudan, but he did not come. Again and again Jatila called, but still he did not come. 'I think, Jatila,' said the teacher, 'that you have not been speaking the truth. You have no big brother who lives in the forest.' Jatila began to cry. 'It is true. It is true,' he wept. 'I have a big brother, I tell you. His name is Madhusudan. He gave me the curds.' 'Where is he, then?' said the teacher. 'Oh, big brother Madhusudan,' called Jatila loudly. 'You must come to me now. You must. If you don't, my teacher will never believe that 1 have spoken the truth.' At that moment Jatila heard the sound of a flute. 'There'!' he cried, 'He is coming! See how beautifully he plays the flute.' The teacher listened to the flute and eagerly looked around for the player. But still Madhusudan did not come. Instead, a beautiful voice spoke from somewhere among the trees of the forest. 'Jatila,' said the voice, 'it will be a long time yet before your teacher is able to see me. You have seen me, Jatila, because of your mother. She is pure and good and full of faith. She begged me to take care of you in the forest and that is why 1 came to walk with you every day. You have seen me because your mother had faith in me and because you had faith in your mother.' Then, at last, Jatila understood. His big brother who lived in the forest really was Madhusudan. Om Shanti from the web
  22. Om Shanti Please accept my apology for a public format...email/private mails are not available. I would like to post a few of your informative posts in my club-the titles of which will requested and credit will given to the author. Please let me know-my email address or private mail in on file. Thank you, shikha
  23. <font color="blue"> Om Shanti.... "He gave me a song of pearls, each bead a majestic moment that cascaded upon this quivering heart... and there, his very hand.. took that gift apart! Leaving tears were joy had shown a prayer of purity unadorned- A barren and desolate shrine of sweet melodies for the magic of his methods in a tangle of stars A space held in temples of electronic bars... Speaking of love he quoted many it seems but these words, not from his heart, no, not even his dreams... only words gathered as clouds of the Mind's sky pretty puffs of vanity that drift by... How foolish to belive in a world long gone a magical moment lost in song... words not equal to this task so dear... Only the lover that is sincere.. would know the riddle of this melody... sung without words and thus, unheard by many, it seems... a song of Love as God in brilliant majesty!" -shikha, 2002- for each of you, my dears Om Shanti </font color>
  24. Part IV In the stormy east-wind straining, The pale yellow woods were waning, The broad stream in his banks complaining, Heavily the low sky raining Over towered Camelot; Down she came and found a boat Beneath a willow left afloat, And round about the prow she wrote The Lady of Shalott. And down the river's dim expanse, Like some bold seër in a trance Seeing all his own mischance-- With a glassy countenance Did she look to Camelot. And at the closing of the day She loosed the chain, and down she lay; The broad stream bore her far away, The Lady of Shalott. Lying, robed in snowy white That loosely flew to left and right-- The leaves upon her falling light-- Through the noises of the night She floated down to Camelot: And as the boat-head wound along The willowy hills and fields among, They heard her singing her last song, The Lady of Shalott. Heard a carol, mournful, holy, Chanted loudly, chanted lowly, Till her blood was frozen slowly, And her eyes were darkened wholly, Turned to towered Camelot. For ere she reached upon the tide The first house by the water-side, Singing in her song she died, The Lady of Shalott. Under tower and balcony, By garden-wall and gallery, A gleaming shape she floated by, Dead-pale between the houses high, Silent into Camelot. Out upon the wharfs they came, Knight and burgher, lord and dame, And round the prow they read her name, The Lady of Shalott. Who is this? and what is here? And in the lighted palace near Died the sound of royal cheer; And they crossed themselves for fear, All the knights at Camelot: But Lancelot mused a little space; He said, "She has a lovely face; God in his mercy lend her grace, The Lady of Shalott."
  25. Om Shanti The Lady of Shalott by Lord Alfred Tennyson Part III A bow-shot from her bower-eaves, He rode between the barley-sheaves, The sun came dazzling through the leaves, And flamed upon the brazen greaves Of bold Sir Lancelot. A red-cross knight for ever neeled To a lady in his shield, That sparkled on the yellow field, Beside remote Shalott. The gemmy bridle glittered free, Like to some branch of stars we see Hung in the golden Galaxy. The bridle bells rang merrily As he rode down to Camelot: And from his blazoned baldric slung A mighty silver bugle hung, And as he rode his armour rung, Beside remote Shalott. All in the blue unclouded weather Thick-jewelled shone the saddle-leather, The helmet and the helmet-feather Burned like one burning flame together, As he rode down to Camelot. As often through the purple night, Below the starry clusters bright, Some bearded meteor, trailing light, Moves over still Shalott. His broad clear brow in sunlight glowed; On burnished hooves his war-horse trode; From underneath his helmet flowed His coal-black curls as on he rode, As he rode down to Camelot. From the bank and from the river He flashed into the crystal mirror, "Tirra lirra," by the river Sang Sir Lancelot. She left the web, she left the loom, She made three paces through the room, She saw the water-lily bloom, She saw the helmet and the plume, She looked down to Camelot. Out flew the web and floated wide; The mirror cracked from side to side; "The curse is come upon me," cried The Lady of Shalott. Om Shanti
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