Guest guest Report post Posted February 24, 2003 Mohini Devi : the Enchantress, the Personification of Romance and The Goddess who destroys the infatuation of a devotee. Mohini in the Puranas, Epics and Vedas: (See message 2659 ) On the Churning of the Ocean. "But Vishnu, assuming an exquisite and ravishing woman- form, deluded and fascinated them, and while they disagree amongst themselves, he stole away the draught and brought it to the gods, who drank deep from the cup of life" The Saundaryalahari (Flood of Beauty), traditionally ascribed to Shankaracarya, is one of the principal texts of Shakta Tantrism, known all over India. In sloka 5, reference made to the incarnation of Vishnu as Mohini. haristvAmArAdhya praNatajanasaubhAgyajananiiM purA nArii bhUtvA puraripumapi kShobhamanayat | smaro'pi tvAM natvA ratinayanalehyena vapuShA muniinAmapyantaH prabhavati hi mohAya mahatAm || Hari, after propitiating you, who are the mother of welfare for folk bowed in worship,once became a female and agitated him (Shiva) who is the enemy of the cities; Smara (Kama) himself, after bowing to you with his body that is worthy of being caressed by the eyes of Rati, has the power to produce illusion within even mighty sages. (The Saundaryalahari; or, Flood of Beauty — Edited and translated by W. Norman Brown (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1958). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 24, 2003 , "Nora <ashwini_puralasamy>" <ashwini_puralasamy> wrote: > Mohini Devi : the Enchantress, the Personification of Romance and > The Goddess who destroys the infatuation of a devotee. > > Mohini in the Puranas, Epics and Vedas: (See message 2659 ) On the > Churning of the Ocean. > > "But Vishnu, assuming an exquisite and ravishing woman- > form, deluded and fascinated them, and while they disagree amongst > themselves, he stole away the draught and brought it to the gods, who > drank deep from the cup of life" Shri Gurudev Mahehendranath wrote a few words about Mohini in his Aingimatikos. It's funny - laugh! http://www.mahendranath.org/ainigmatikos.mhtml For more information about Shri Gurudev, see: http://www.mahendranath.org/ Regards, Adityanath Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 24, 2003 Greetings to all, This is something which i read about Mother Mohini...Decided to share it with all... The Erotic Illusion of Crossdressing Crossdressing is highly erotic. It draws attention to the "real" gender of the crossdresser, while at the same time creates a hyper- sexual illusion. When the average heterosexual male (in our homo- negative culture) encounters a highly passable male-to-female crossdresser, who to his eyes is an attractive female, he is presented at once with a dilemma. What he sees appears to be a potential sex partner -- but his society says this is a no-no. The resulting tension is reminiscent of the allure of the "exotic" female. The straight male who is not repulsed by the dilemma may find himself drawn irresistibly towards crossdressers, particularly if he harbors any bisexual tendencies at all. As a crossdresser I have seen the effects of this allure quite often. One such "admirer" described to me his first chance meeting with a crossdresser on a subway. She had very long legs and wore a short red dress. He wasn't sure what made him realize that the woman he saw was a crossdresser, but after realizing it, he felt an intense desire that transformed his life. She smiled as he left the subway, and his heart leapt. Thereafter he found himself fantasizing about crossdressers, eventually even seeking them out -- at least to talk. For him, and for numerous other admirers I have conversed with, crossdressers exert a magically sexual pull. In a way, the illusion of crossdressing is magic. The crossdresser, upon dressing in "drag," becomes more than he or she was before, and often feels more attractive in the guise of the opposite sex. The very sensation of silks and nylon stockings for the male, or slacks and tie for the female, creates an erotic high that never diminishes. How this relates to Mohini will become immediately clear. The most well-known story involving Mohini is the role she played in keeping the asuras (demons) from getting a share of the amrit, the medicine that provides strength and immortality. Mohini in Hindu Mythology Brahma tells the devas (gods) that they can obtain the amrit by churning the ocean. To do this they decide to stir it with a mountain -- but to do so, they have to enlist the help of the asuras. The asuras, hoping to get all of it so they can pursue their evil agendas, agree to help churn the ocean. After great difficulty (and several adventures) the ocean finally surrenders the amrit they seek. At once the scene becomes chaotic. Vishnu, the preserver of order, assumes the guise of Mohini. Mohini is described as an enchantress, the most alluring female imaginable. It takes her little effort to grab the hearts and libidos of the asuras. They agree to let her distribute the amrit, and promise to abide by her decision. Mohini promptly distributes the amrit among the devas and keeps the asuras from getting any. Finally a battle erupts, but the asuras cannot hope to match the newly-invigorated devas. Modern readers will detect in this story a hint of sexism -- in the suggestion that it takes a man to be a really alluring woman. However, the real focus of this story seems to be the irresistable erotic pull created by the transgender illusion. It is reasonable to assume that the asuras know Mohini is really Vishnu in disguise. After all, Shiva, who also succumbs to Mohini's charms, knows who Mohini "really" is. However, the illusion is powerful enough that they surrender to it. The Mohini-Attam is a traditional dance form that celebrates the story of how Mohini uses her charm to save Shiva from Bhasmasura, a terrible demon. Bhasmasura, by performing admirable ascetic sacrifices, wins the favor of Shiva, who is the god of ascetism. Shiva grants him a boon, and Bhasmasura asks for the ability to turn anyone he touches on the head into ash. Shiva agrees, whereupon the demon attacks him and attempts to reduce him to ash! Shiva convinces Vishnu to intervene, and Vishnu assumes the form of Mohini. Bhasmasura is taken with Mohini, who convinces him to mimic every move she makes during an alluring dance. Bhasmasura is so distracted by her beauty and grace that she tricks him into patting himself on the head -- thus saving Shiva. There is a long-standing connection between theatrical dance and crossdressing. Crossdressing and dance were used in the worship of Dionysos in ancient Greece, and a popular interpretation of the Salome myth holds that Salome was male. (Salome is the "daughter of Herodias" in the Bible who dances so alluringly for Herod, Herodias is able to convince him to have John the Baptist executed.) In modern culture this translates into, among other manifestations, the drag show. This is also indicative of another current long connected with crossdressing -- that of the trickster. Tricksters from all ages and times, from Loki to Bugs Bunny, are often shown using crossdressing as a way of getting what they want. The final tale about Mohini involves her coupling with Shiva. Shiva sees Mohini frolicing in a garden, and despite himself, is drawn to her. By succumbing to her charms and allowing her to seduce him, Shiva admits the power of Vishnu's magic. Mohini bears Shiva a child, known as Ayyappan (or Hariharaputra, a name derived from the titles of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara)). Ayyappan is a dual-gendered god who brings serenity to those who honor him. (Homo-negative critics, of course, use the myth of Ayyappan to attack the pagan tradition that birthed him.) OM SHAKTHI , "Nora <ashwini_puralasamy>" <ashwini_puralasamy> wrote: > Mohini Devi : the Enchantress, the Personification of Romance and > The Goddess who destroys the infatuation of a devotee. > > Mohini in the Puranas, Epics and Vedas: (See message 2659 ) On the > Churning of the Ocean. > > "But Vishnu, assuming an exquisite and ravishing woman- > form, deluded and fascinated them, and while they disagree amongst > themselves, he stole away the draught and brought it to the gods, who > drank deep from the cup of life" > > The Saundaryalahari (Flood of Beauty), traditionally ascribed to > Shankaracarya, is one of the principal texts of Shakta Tantrism, > known all over India. In sloka 5, reference made to the incarnation > of Vishnu as Mohini. > > haristvAmArAdhya praNatajanasaubhAgyajananiiM > purA nArii bhUtvA puraripumapi kShobhamanayat | > smaro'pi tvAM natvA ratinayanalehyena vapuShA > muniinAmapyantaH prabhavati hi mohAya mahatAm || > > Hari, after propitiating you, who are the mother of welfare for folk > bowed in worship,once became a female and agitated him (Shiva) who is > the enemy of the cities; Smara (Kama) himself, after bowing to you > with his body that is worthy of being caressed by the eyes of Rati, > has the power to produce illusion within even mighty sages. > > (The Saundaryalahari; or, Flood of Beauty — Edited and translated > by > W. Norman Brown (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1958). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 Greetings Adityanath Shri Gurudev Mahehendranath wrote a few words about Mohini in his Aingimatikos. It's funny - laugh! http://www.mahendranath.org/ainigmatikos.mhtml Thank you for the link. Make an interesting reading and Yes! I had a good laugh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 The Bible says men are not to wear womens clothes and women are not to wear mens clothes. This is God's will, therefore anything else is a punishable offense. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 The Bible says men are not to wear womens clothes and women are not to wear mens clothes. This is God's will, therefore anything else is a punishable offense. There are women who wears Jeans, is that okay for the bible? That is why I think Hinduism is more flexible and applicable. The GODDESS and GOD can turn themselves into Male and Female and vice versa. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 Dear Jack: May I respectfully remind you that this is a Hinduism club, not a Christian Evangelical forum for sharing "biblically sanctioned" expressions of social conservatism and not a hideaway for indulging "Goddess"-oriented sexual fetishes. *** The Bible says men are not to wear womens clothes and women are not to wear mens clothes. This is God's will, therefore anything else is a punishable offense. *** It seems rather disrespectful to toss around such Bible Belt platitudes without including the slightest reference to (or showing the merest familiarity with) the Hindu side ofthe issue. I am not a Vaishnava, and I do not understand the subtleties of these crossdressing rituals, and so I do not judge. There are certainly knowledgeable Hindus who disagree with ritual crossdressing, yes. There are also advanced Hindus (Ramakrishna among them) who advocate the technique under prescribed circumstances. But whatever the case, there is no need to act like a bull in a china shop, using social directives from the Old Testament to attack traditions that you do not understand. *** Maybe what Hindu's really need is Eternal Life. ... You Hindu's have forgotten about someone called Satan, so you get taken for a ride by him. *** This quote from another of your posts, written a few days ago, contains a similarly hamfisted assault on an ancient and complex system of customs and beliefs of which you appear to have not even the most rudimentary understanding. Furthermore, when three Hindu members answered your concerns (with considerably more respect than you displayed toward them), you did not offer the courtesy of a reply or even an acknowledgement to any of them. Instead, you returned to pick-up mode: *** Please, I want a goddess so I can enjoy with her. Where have they been? Why not with me? Jack S. *** Jack, may I respectfully request that you show a greater measure of respect for this forum, its members, and the belief systems under discussion here? If not, there are plenty of Christian Evangelist and Sexual Fetish groups which would provide a more appropriate home for your interests. Aum Maatangyai Namahe DB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 Good one, Noraji.;-)) "Nora <ashwini_puralasamy" <ashwini_puralasamy wrote:The Bible says men are not to wear womens clothes and women are not to wear mens clothes. This is God's will, therefore anything else is a punishable offense. There are women who wears Jeans, is that okay for the bible? That is why I think Hinduism is more flexible and applicable. The GODDESS and GOD can turn themselves into Male and Female and vice versa. With Mail you can get a bigger mailbox -- choose a size that fits your needs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 Geez! Devi Bhakta now you have frighten him. You are too serious sometimes! Jack just told me that its okay for women to wear jeans provided she bought it in a women shop and made by women. I wanted to ask weather it is okay for me to use cloths made by Men. As most of my clothings especially my Sari blouse, dresses and even my pants are tailored made sewn by Male Tailor. Its not to say that I don't like Female Tailor, but this Male Tailor, he is nice, friendly , reasonable and he lives near my place. Even his workmanship I would say is superb. Jack ! you're still there Jack ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 Jack Styger wrote The Bible says men are not to wear womens clothes and women are not to wear mens clothes. This is God's will, therefore anything else is a punishable offense. Whaaaa? I'm sorry, I think I've missed something - are you making a general, stand-alone statement or are you referring to a previous post? Beeecaauussee...think ya may be posting to the wrong group, there, young man...Personally "God" only says what has been spoken to your own spirit or to what has been written by another that you agree to accept, therefore, if this is what you believe, then you and only you will be punished because this is your reality, not mine. Not to mention the fact that this statement you've made is completely out of context... Charmed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 25, 2003 Thank you! **both hands thrown up in exasperated gratitude** Charmed "Devi Bhakta <devi_bhakta" <devi_bhakta wrote:Dear Jack: May I respectfully remind you that this is a Hinduism club, not a Christian Evangelical forum for sharing "biblically sanctioned" expressions of social conservatism and not a hideaway for indulging "Goddess"-oriented sexual fetishes. *** The Bible says men are not to wear womens clothes and women are not to wear mens clothes. This is God's will, therefore anything else is a punishable offense. *** It seems rather disrespectful to toss around such Bible Belt platitudes without including the slightest reference to (or showing the merest familiarity with) the Hindu side ofthe issue. I am not a Vaishnava, and I do not understand the subtleties of these crossdressing rituals, and so I do not judge. There are certainly knowledgeable Hindus who disagree with ritual crossdressing, yes. There are also advanced Hindus (Ramakrishna among them) who advocate the technique under prescribed circumstances. But whatever the case, there is no need to act like a bull in a china shop, using social directives from the Old Testament to attack traditions that you do not understand. *** Maybe what Hindu's really need is Eternal Life. ... You Hindu's have forgotten about someone called Satan, so you get taken for a ride by him. *** This quote from another of your posts, written a few days ago, contains a similarly hamfisted assault on an ancient and complex system of customs and beliefs of which you appear to have not even the most rudimentary understanding. Furthermore, when three Hindu members answered your concerns (with considerably more respect than you displayed toward them), you did not offer the courtesy of a reply or even an acknowledgement to any of them. Instead, you returned to pick-up mode: *** Please, I want a goddess so I can enjoy with her. Where have they been? Why not with me? Jack S. *** Jack, may I respectfully request that you show a greater measure of respect for this forum, its members, and the belief systems under discussion here? If not, there are plenty of Christian Evangelist and Sexual Fetish groups which would provide a more appropriate home for your interests. Aum Maatangyai Namahe DB Blessed Be, Charmed Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, and more Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 26, 2003 Dear Nora, you misunderstood. If the garment is for a woman it does not matter who makes it a man or a woman O.K. dear Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 26, 2003 Well this is what you told me " women can wear blue jeans; it's ok girls but you buy yours in a womens store and made for women. And now you said : If the garment is for a woman it does not matter who makes it a man or a woman. But how about if the garment is for women but sold in a Men's store. You know now too they have T-shirts and Shorts that both Men and Women can wear. Now with unemployment, rising cost etc I think this makes more sense, don't you think. We can save money. My husband can wear my T-shirt because it look cool with his long pants, and I can use his T-shirt because it match with my skirts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 26, 2003 Another interesting story about Mohini: Siva saved the world by destroying TripurAsura. The other Asuras feared that Shiva will continue to destroy their entire community, prayed to Vishnu. Vishnu promised and at the advise of Sage Narada, worship Shri Devi in a form of Sri Cakra. He meditate on Shri Devi by repeating the Devi Mahamantra. Devi ParaShakti appeared before Vishnu and taught him the Mantra and the mode of worshipping the Shri Cakra. Result of this worshipping : Vishnu became a great devi upasakas and is able to transform himself into any form he wished for. Once Shiva glanced at Mohini, his mind got agitated and he lost control of his senses. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 26, 2003 Hi Nora, You can do what you want but 'cross dressing' is not right. I am familiar with many indian gurus for decades. I had met Krishnamurti personally in Ojai, Ca.and heard him speak several times.I have also read books by and about Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Yogananda, and of course Sathya Sai Baba. Some even call Swami 'the Divine Mother' or Shiva or Krishna. I also am familiar with Meher Baba to a large degree. And have read Hare Krishna books for 30 years. I go to the Rathayatra in NYC in June. Oh, yeah another 'guru' I am very familiar with is Sant Thakur Singh. I took initiation from him in 1994. However I started eating eggs on my own recently. I prefer being a lacto/ovo vegetarian rather than a more strict form. Blessings, Jack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites