Symbolism of Khadgamala Stotram?

June 17, 2004

, "sunelectric101"

<ouranian@l...> wrote:

> Namaste DB & Pranams,

>

> I read your recent post regarding the Khadgamala Stotram. A couple

of

> things come to mind. The real meaning and import of Tantrik

symbolism

> can only be grasped through Sadhana and explanation from a Guru.

No

> intellectualizing, no matter how erudite, well footnoted and

backed

> by scholars can ever take the place of the expereince that comes

from

> Sadhana.

>

> Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to imply that Srividya is a

cult

> of anti-intellectualism or a celebration of "know nothingness" but

> intellectual understanding is *at best* only auxillary to

> *experiencing* what the symbols are pointing to. Too much

> intellectualizing about these things without Sadhana is playing

with

> the surfaces of Srividya. It may be entertaining and even

> illuminating but it is still surfaces.

Right! Not just entertaining, but it may even work the opposite way,

as we can see from DB's mention of that strange and disrespectful

attitude displayed towards Khadgamala by that individual(what does

she think of herself?).

This is what happens when it falls into unworthy hands.

> My 2 cents on Siva/Sakti & the Khadgamala Stotram?

> Put down the book on gender studies, pick up the Stotram and chant

> daily *over a long period of time* relax and observe the changes

> within and without. Pray that Devi send you someone to clarify

>your

> mind and best explain that which you need to know. (winks at

>Kochu)

Best advice. You could have posted this a little earlier though.

Strange that a stotra of such great value inspired gender arguments,

politics and irrelevant thoughts instead of spiritual ones.

Enjoy!

>

> Somewhere in San Francisco having fun

>

> ~SE101

>

> "One may be like a child, a madman, a king,

> independent minded, like a lord hero....

> Effulgent One, the way to be is to act

> howsoever one wills, knowing both Akula and Devi's Kula."

>

> (Kaula Jnana Nirnaya, XII. 3-6.)

June 17, 2004

I respectfully disagree that it is best to disregard information of

social unrest such as what politics shows, and I encourage

incorporating the information to bring harmony rather than fighting.

Are you asking what Devi thinks of herself? Or what Amma thinks of

herself? I think she thinks about unconditional compassionate love

for all living beings, and I agree with that.

Om Parashakyai Namah.

, "Satish Arigela"

<satisharigela> wrote:

> , "sunelectric101"

> <ouranian@l...> wrote:

> > Namaste DB & Pranams,

> >

> > I read your recent post regarding the Khadgamala Stotram. A

couple

> of

> > things come to mind. The real meaning and import of Tantrik

> symbolism

> > can only be grasped through Sadhana and explanation from a Guru.

> No

> > intellectualizing, no matter how erudite, well footnoted and

> backed

> > by scholars can ever take the place of the expereince that comes

> from

> > Sadhana.

> >

> > Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to imply that Srividya is a

> cult

> > of anti-intellectualism or a celebration of "know nothingness"

but

> > intellectual understanding is *at best* only auxillary to

> > *experiencing* what the symbols are pointing to. Too much

> > intellectualizing about these things without Sadhana is playing

> with

> > the surfaces of Srividya. It may be entertaining and even

> > illuminating but it is still surfaces.

>

> Right! Not just entertaining, but it may even work the opposite

way,

> as we can see from DB's mention of that strange and disrespectful

> attitude displayed towards Khadgamala by that individual(what does

> she think of herself?).

> This is what happens when it falls into unworthy hands.

>

> > My 2 cents on Siva/Sakti & the Khadgamala Stotram?

> > Put down the book on gender studies, pick up the Stotram and

chant

> > daily *over a long period of time* relax and observe the changes

> > within and without. Pray that Devi send you someone to clarify

> >your

> > mind and best explain that which you need to know. (winks at

> >Kochu)

>

> Best advice. You could have posted this a little earlier though.

> Strange that a stotra of such great value inspired gender

arguments,

> politics and irrelevant thoughts instead of spiritual ones.

>

> Enjoy!

>

> >

> > Somewhere in San Francisco having fun

> >

> > ~SE101

> >

> > "One may be like a child, a madman, a king,

> > independent minded, like a lord hero....

> > Effulgent One, the way to be is to act

> > howsoever one wills, knowing both Akula and Devi's Kula."

> >

> > (Kaula Jnana Nirnaya, XII. 3-6.)

June 17, 2004

Namaste MA and Pranams,

Regarding your reply below; OK I am game.

I will pick up the gender studies if you will pick up the

Stotram. What are the names of a couple of books that you like

and would reccomend?

~SE101

, "Mary Ann" <maryann@m...>

wrote:

> I guess thousands of years without thinking and just acting are not

> responsible for the violence and oppression in the world? Pick up

> your gender studies book and start learning to incorporate it and

the

> spiritual information together to bring unity and wholeness rather

> than compartmentalization and continued violence - that's my

> observation, anyway, my 2 cents. Winks at Devi and Amma.

>

> , "sunelectric101"

> <ouranian@l...> wrote:

> > Namaste DB & Pranams,

> >

> > I read your recent post regarding the Khadgamala Stotram. A

couple

> of

> > things come to mind. The real meaning and import of Tantrik

> symbolism

> > can only be grasped through Sadhana and explanation from a Guru.

No

> > intellectualizing, no matter how erudite, well footnoted and

backed

> > by scholars can ever take the place of the expereince that comes

> from

> > Sadhana.

> >

> > Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to imply that Srividya is a

> cult

> > of anti-intellectualism or a celebration of "know nothingness"

but

> > intellectual understanding is *at best* only auxillary to

> > *experiencing* what the symbols are pointing to. Too much

> > intellectualizing about these things without Sadhana is playing

> with

> > the surfaces of Srividya. It may be entertaining and even

> > illuminating but it is still surfaces.

> >

> > My 2 cents on Siva/Sakti & the Khadgamala Stotram?

> > Put down the book on gender studies, pick up the Stotram and

chant

> > daily *over a long period of time* relax and observe the changes

> > within and without. Pray that Devi send you someone to clarify

your

> > mind and best explain that which you need to know. (winks at

Kochu)

> >

> > Somewhere in San Francisco having fun

> >

> > ~SE101

> >

> > "One may be like a child, a madman, a king,

> > independent minded, like a lord hero....

> > Effulgent One, the way to be is to act

> > howsoever one wills, knowing both Akula and Devi's Kula."

> >

> > (Kaula Jnana Nirnaya, XII. 3-6.)

> >

> > , "Devi Bhakta"

> > <devi_bhakta> wrote:

> > > A member of the group yesterday sent me an interesting comment

on

> > > the Khadgamala Stotram: basically, she found its core symbolism

> to

> > > be off-putting -- and as a result is reluctant to try it. Maybe

> > > others among you have have reacted similarly, I don't know. In

> any

> > > event, I felt it was merely a misunderstanding -- but I thought

> I'd

> > > share my response, and invite other members to comment:

> > >

> > > The member told me she felt conceptually alienated from the

> > > Khadgamala Stotram because, "For me, the symbolism of the SWORD

> and

> > > the mention of COITUS was enough to send me away. The SWORD is

a

> > > power symbol." Specifically, she said, one denoting patriarchal

> > > domination, as argued in Eisler's "The Chalice and the Blade."

> The

> > > COITUS of Shakti and Shiva, for its part, was objectionable

> because

> > > it relied on rigidly enforced social codes and sexual roles.

She

> > > added an Indian correspondent had once told her that "he sees

> > Shakti

> > > as power. Hence, a sword. But I see Shakti as energy, limitless

> > > possibilities, including for conscious peace and prosperity -

not

> > as

> > > a SWORD."

> > >

> > > My reply:

> > >

> > > I agree with your definition of power to a large extent, but

not

> > > with your interpretation of the symbolism in this particular

case.

> > >

> > > Remember, the Sanskrit word 'SHAKTI' does in fact mean power,

or

> > > energy. The term 'Shakti Sadhana,' believe it or not, is often

> > > translated into English as 'The Cult of Power.' Sir John

> > Woodroffe's

> > > six-volume survey of Shakta theology and practice is

> entitled 'The

> > > World as Power.' But Woodroffe, like most commentators, goes

out

> of

> > > his way to clarify that POWER does not imply any kind of

earthly

> > > coercive force. It simply means POWER as a universal force -- a

> > mere

> > > synonym for ENERGY, really, which does in fact seem to be a

much

> > > less loaded, much more neutral term.

> > >

> > > So let's stick with ENERGY as the definition of SHAKTI.

However,

> > > let's first acknowledge that in fact POWER is the default

> > > translation of the term by most English-speaking Indians. Thus,

I

> > > would assume, [your correspondent's] use of the term was quite

> > > innocent.

> > >

> > > Whether you call it POWER or ENERGY, the meaning conveyed does

> > > indeed encompass yours: 'energy, limitless possibilities,

> including

> > > for conscious peace and prosperity.' It is *all* Energy,

whether

> > > perceived (from our perspective) as positive or negative in

> effect.

> > > Einstein said all matter is energy. Shaktism says everything

that

> > > is, is energy -- that it constitutes the three worlds, and that

> it

> > > is all DEVI. SHIVA is the term for Consciousness. Consciousness

> > > energized by Power = the UNIVERSE. Energy animated by

> CONSCIOUSNESS

> > > = the UNIVERSE. Love -- the desire of SHAKTI and SHIVA to

Unite --

>

> > > is the essence of all Creation.

> > >

> > > That is where the term 'IN COITUS' comes in. That note in the

> > > Khadgamala was mine; the Khadgamala itself says 'on the lap

of' --

>

> > > but Shaktas are very suspicious of this term, which is often

> > > manipulated in mainstream Hinduism into a mini consort goddess

on

> > > the lap of a gigantic Supreme God. The actual historical-

> religious

> > > meaning of the term is much more direct: They are having sex.

As

> > the

> > > final verses of the Khadgamala clarify, the configuration is

> Shakti

> > > sitting atop the supine Shiva -- just as you so often see in

> Shakta

> > > (and even Shaiva) art.

> > >

> > > The meaning is that SHAKTI is here fully animated by

> Consciousness -

> > -

> > > as noted elsewhere in the Stotram, She is in an eternal state

of

> > > orgasm. The human sexual impulse is merely a metaphor for the

> > Cosmic

> > > Creative Impulse that created that all we see and do not see.

Her

> > > Energy (or Power, if you will) is fully animated and in a state

> of

> > > active unfolding of Creation. The Stotram is inviting us to

ride

> > > that wave with Her; in essence, to become Her.

> > >

> > > As for the SWORD, I am aware of Eisler's "Chalice and the

Blade"

> > > analysis, and in general I find her argument to be convincing.

To

> > be

> > > fair, however, Shaktism -- and in fact, Hinduism as a whole --

> has

> > a

> > > very different, very ancient saet of interpretations for SWORD

> > > iconography. Eisler's analysis, I think, applies to Persia and

> > > points West -- not to the very different

iconographical/religious

> > > histories of India, China, Japan, etc.

> > >

> > > In Hinduism, the SWORD virtually always symbolizes the power

> > (Energy)

> > > that enables us to transcend attachment, enabling Self-

> Realization.

> > > The Deity holds the SWORD (be the Deity female or male) as a

> > promise

> > > to her or his devotee that the Deity will be the portal through

> > > which this desireable goal can be achieved.

> > >

> > > That is the Sword referred to by the Khadgamala. As Amritaji

> wrote,

> > > specifically describing the Khadgamala's symbolism: "Khadga

means

> a

> > > sword and mala means a garland. The Sword [metaphorically]

severs

> > > the head, separating body from mind. It can be interpreted also

> as

> > > Wisdom -- that which separates, categorizes, and classifies. So

> > > it is a symbol of Knowledge. Khadgamala is about imagining a

> > garland

> > > of synergistic ideas, nourishing and protecting them and

putting

> > > life into them."

> > >

> > > To me, it sounds like you and he are talking about the same

thing!

> > >

> > > [so ... any comments, corrections or other viewpoints? I'd

> welcome

> > > your input. ]

> > >

> > > Aum Maatangyai Namahe

June 17, 2004

In a message dated 6/17/2004 12:51:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

maryann writes:

> The "phallus" does nothing in terms of reproduction or procreation.

> It is an image, a symbol. It's the penis that participates in sexual

> acts. I guess we are having biology and physiology lessons as Nora

> joked.

>

I know what you're saying, but I used it to mean penis simply because I

thought it sounded better at the time. sheeesh! Yes it's a symbol, but it can

also

be used to refer to the organ itself as well.

Why is everybody picking on me? I agreed with what you said! hahah My only

point was that the whole giving/recieving of "love" was being looked at in a

very narrow physical sense.

Look up phallus and penis will be definition #2 guarenteed, I'm sure you know

what I meant, listen if you ladies are going to be getting so aggresive you

might as well go the whole way and just cut off my head. hahaha

June 17, 2004

I am game to work with the Stotram if you read Chalice & the Blade.

The book is on the Shakti Sadhana reading list and it's worth reading

if you can make it through. Some find it dense going. I loved it. So

far, that is my only recommendation. Thanks for asking

, "sunelectric101"

<ouranian@l...> wrote:

> Namaste MA and Pranams,

>

> Regarding your reply below; OK I am game.

> I will pick up the gender studies if you will pick up the

> Stotram. What are the names of a couple of books that you like

> and would reccomend?

>

> ~SE101

>

> , "Mary Ann" <maryann@m...>

> wrote:

> > I guess thousands of years without thinking and just acting are

not

> > responsible for the violence and oppression in the world? Pick up

> > your gender studies book and start learning to incorporate it and

> the

> > spiritual information together to bring unity and wholeness

rather

> > than compartmentalization and continued violence - that's my

> > observation, anyway, my 2 cents. Winks at Devi and Amma.

> >

> > , "sunelectric101"

> > <ouranian@l...> wrote:

> > > Namaste DB & Pranams,

> > >

> > > I read your recent post regarding the Khadgamala Stotram. A

> couple

> > of

> > > things come to mind. The real meaning and import of Tantrik

> > symbolism

> > > can only be grasped through Sadhana and explanation from a

Guru.

> No

> > > intellectualizing, no matter how erudite, well footnoted and

> backed

> > > by scholars can ever take the place of the expereince that

comes

> > from

> > > Sadhana.

> > >

> > > Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to imply that Srividya is a

> > cult

> > > of anti-intellectualism or a celebration of "know nothingness"

> but

> > > intellectual understanding is *at best* only auxillary to

> > > *experiencing* what the symbols are pointing to. Too much

> > > intellectualizing about these things without Sadhana is playing

> > with

> > > the surfaces of Srividya. It may be entertaining and even

> > > illuminating but it is still surfaces.

> > >

> > > My 2 cents on Siva/Sakti & the Khadgamala Stotram?

> > > Put down the book on gender studies, pick up the Stotram and

> chant

> > > daily *over a long period of time* relax and observe the

changes

> > > within and without. Pray that Devi send you someone to clarify

> your

> > > mind and best explain that which you need to know. (winks at

> Kochu)

> > >

> > > Somewhere in San Francisco having fun

> > >

> > > ~SE101

> > >

> > > "One may be like a child, a madman, a king,

> > > independent minded, like a lord hero....

> > > Effulgent One, the way to be is to act

> > > howsoever one wills, knowing both Akula and Devi's Kula."

> > >

> > > (Kaula Jnana Nirnaya, XII. 3-6.)

> > >

> > > , "Devi Bhakta"

> > > <devi_bhakta> wrote:

> > > > A member of the group yesterday sent me an interesting

comment

> on

> > > > the Khadgamala Stotram: basically, she found its core

symbolism

> > to

> > > > be off-putting -- and as a result is reluctant to try it.

Maybe

> > > > others among you have have reacted similarly, I don't know.

In

> > any

> > > > event, I felt it was merely a misunderstanding -- but I

thought

> > I'd

> > > > share my response, and invite other members to comment:

> > > >

> > > > The member told me she felt conceptually alienated from the

> > > > Khadgamala Stotram because, "For me, the symbolism of the

SWORD

> > and

> > > > the mention of COITUS was enough to send me away. The SWORD

is

> a

> > > > power symbol." Specifically, she said, one denoting

patriarchal

> > > > domination, as argued in Eisler's "The Chalice and the

Blade."

> > The

> > > > COITUS of Shakti and Shiva, for its part, was objectionable

> > because

> > > > it relied on rigidly enforced social codes and sexual roles.

> She

> > > > added an Indian correspondent had once told her that "he sees

> > > Shakti

> > > > as power. Hence, a sword. But I see Shakti as energy,

limitless

> > > > possibilities, including for conscious peace and prosperity -

> not

> > > as

> > > > a SWORD."

> > > >

> > > > My reply:

> > > >

> > > > I agree with your definition of power to a large extent, but

> not

> > > > with your interpretation of the symbolism in this particular

> case.

> > > >

> > > > Remember, the Sanskrit word 'SHAKTI' does in fact mean power,

> or

> > > > energy. The term 'Shakti Sadhana,' believe it or not, is

often

> > > > translated into English as 'The Cult of Power.' Sir John

> > > Woodroffe's

> > > > six-volume survey of Shakta theology and practice is

> > entitled 'The

> > > > World as Power.' But Woodroffe, like most commentators, goes

> out

> > of

> > > > his way to clarify that POWER does not imply any kind of

> earthly

> > > > coercive force. It simply means POWER as a universal force --

a

> > > mere

> > > > synonym for ENERGY, really, which does in fact seem to be a

> much

> > > > less loaded, much more neutral term.

> > > >

> > > > So let's stick with ENERGY as the definition of SHAKTI.

> However,

> > > > let's first acknowledge that in fact POWER is the default

> > > > translation of the term by most English-speaking Indians.

Thus,

> I

> > > > would assume, [your correspondent's] use of the term was

quite

> > > > innocent.

> > > >

> > > > Whether you call it POWER or ENERGY, the meaning conveyed

does

> > > > indeed encompass yours: 'energy, limitless possibilities,

> > including

> > > > for conscious peace and prosperity.' It is *all* Energy,

> whether

> > > > perceived (from our perspective) as positive or negative in

> > effect.

> > > > Einstein said all matter is energy. Shaktism says everything

> that

> > > > is, is energy -- that it constitutes the three worlds, and

that

> > it

> > > > is all DEVI. SHIVA is the term for Consciousness.

Consciousness

> > > > energized by Power = the UNIVERSE. Energy animated by

> > CONSCIOUSNESS

> > > > = the UNIVERSE. Love -- the desire of SHAKTI and SHIVA to

> Unite --

> >

> > > > is the essence of all Creation.

> > > >

> > > > That is where the term 'IN COITUS' comes in. That note in the

> > > > Khadgamala was mine; the Khadgamala itself says 'on the lap

> of' --

> >

> > > > but Shaktas are very suspicious of this term, which is often

> > > > manipulated in mainstream Hinduism into a mini consort

goddess

> on

> > > > the lap of a gigantic Supreme God. The actual historical-

> > religious

> > > > meaning of the term is much more direct: They are having sex.

> As

> > > the

> > > > final verses of the Khadgamala clarify, the configuration is

> > Shakti

> > > > sitting atop the supine Shiva -- just as you so often see in

> > Shakta

> > > > (and even Shaiva) art.

> > > >

> > > > The meaning is that SHAKTI is here fully animated by

> > Consciousness -

> > > -

> > > > as noted elsewhere in the Stotram, She is in an eternal

state

> of

> > > > orgasm. The human sexual impulse is merely a metaphor for the

> > > Cosmic

> > > > Creative Impulse that created that all we see and do not see.

> Her

> > > > Energy (or Power, if you will) is fully animated and in a

state

> > of

> > > > active unfolding of Creation. The Stotram is inviting us to

> ride

> > > > that wave with Her; in essence, to become Her.

> > > >

> > > > As for the SWORD, I am aware of Eisler's "Chalice and the

> Blade"

> > > > analysis, and in general I find her argument to be

convincing.

> To

> > > be

> > > > fair, however, Shaktism -- and in fact, Hinduism as a whole --

> > has

> > > a

> > > > very different, very ancient saet of interpretations for

SWORD

> > > > iconography. Eisler's analysis, I think, applies to Persia

and

> > > > points West -- not to the very different

> iconographical/religious

> > > > histories of India, China, Japan, etc.

> > > >

> > > > In Hinduism, the SWORD virtually always symbolizes the power

> > > (Energy)

> > > > that enables us to transcend attachment, enabling Self-

> > Realization.

> > > > The Deity holds the SWORD (be the Deity female or male) as a

> > > promise

> > > > to her or his devotee that the Deity will be the portal

through

> > > > which this desireable goal can be achieved.

> > > >

> > > > That is the Sword referred to by the Khadgamala. As Amritaji

> > wrote,

> > > > specifically describing the Khadgamala's symbolism: "Khadga

> means

> > a

> > > > sword and mala means a garland. The Sword [metaphorically]

> severs

> > > > the head, separating body from mind. It can be interpreted

also

> > as

> > > > Wisdom -- that which separates, categorizes, and classifies.

So

> > > > it is a symbol of Knowledge. Khadgamala is about imagining a

> > > garland

> > > > of synergistic ideas, nourishing and protecting them and

> putting

> > > > life into them."

> > > >

> > > > To me, it sounds like you and he are talking about the same

> thing!

> > > >

> > > > [so ... any comments, corrections or other viewpoints? I'd

> > welcome

> > > > your input. ]

> > > >

> > > > Aum Maatangyai Namahe

June 17, 2004

In a message dated 6/17/2004 1:02:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

satisharigela writes:

> Strange that a stotra of such great value inspired gender arguments,

> politics and irrelevant thoughts instead of spiritual ones.

>

haha it must be all that sword" symbolisim making people aggresive hahah and

no I am not talking about penises!

*

June 17, 2004

Dear Devi_bhakta

with all due respect,and I am not trying to be smart or funny when

I ask this....its been said that the recitation shall give

any reciter the sword that will empower him to be the lord of the

cosmos....is it that simple?sounds easy.My assumption is

ofcourse this has to be done with total devotion.

correct me if I am wrong.

warm regards.

Chumki.

, "Devi Bhakta"

<devi_bhakta> wrote:

> Dear Mary Ann:

>

> Any level of sadhana is effective at its own level. Any sadhana is a

> million times than no sadhana.

>

> Simple praying is effective in general, especially if done on a

> regular basis. Countless masses of people will attest to this.

> Mantra japa is powerful, and mantra japa with guru diksha even more

> so. Chanting Her names is very purifying, and can transform your

> world in time. Seva is high sadhana indeed; it is the way we achieve

> the state in which our every thought and movement is an act of

> worship.

>

> The Khadgamala, however, is a gateway to an entirely different

> level. It is, to use modern parlance, a "power tool." It is a

> mystical formula for kicking your sadhana into overdrive; like

> switching from typewriter to word processor. I am sorry to bring

> these rather crude metaphors into a refined conversation -- but

> those who take the time to learn the Khadgamala will very quickly

> understand what this means. And I think that is what SE101 is trying

> to convey.

>

> Does the Khadgamala render all other tools obsolete? Of course not;

> that is absurd. Even a carpenter with the very best power tools

> still uses handtools all the time, as the job requires. But with

> power tools, you can often do the job with more efficiency, speed

> and precision. So that, for instance, you spend less time building

> your home and more time living in it.

>

> My feeling, again, is this: The Khadgamala Stotram is an

> extraordinarily powerful and versatile power tool. As with any power

> tool, some will look and say, "Ugh, it's too complicated. Forget

> it." Others, though, will take the time to read the instructions,

> learn the technique -- and pretty soon (as with cordless drills and

> word processors) they'll be saying, "How did I ever live without it?"

>

> That's why we're going through the headache of getting the

> Khadgamala "out there" as a special gift of love to every member. No

> one's forcing anyone to open the gift. But if they do, it might

> really change their lives.

>

> That's all.

>

> Aum Maatangyai Namahe

>

> , "Mary Ann" <maryann@m...>

> wrote:

> > Is chanting the 108 names effective too, or only Khadga Mala

> Stotram?

> > What about doing seva? What about chanting mantra given by guru?

June 17, 2004

, "Chumki" <blueblackeyes>

wrote:

>

> Dear Devi_bhakta

> with all due respect,and I am not trying to be smart or funny when

> I ask this....its been said that the recitation shall give

> any reciter the sword that will empower him to be the lord of the

> cosmos....is it that simple?sounds easy.My assumption is

> ofcourse this has to be done with total devotion.

> correct me if I am wrong.

>

> warm regards.

>

> Chumki.

>

> Is that you Chumki ? Long time. Nice to see you

Shyama Dhan Ki Sabai Paye Kali Dhan Ki Sabai Paye

Abodh Man Bojhena E Ki Chaye

Nirguni Kamalakanta Tabu Se Charana Dhyaye!

For those who do not understand Bengali the meaning is this. The

wealth of Shyama and Kali, is that easily accessible to all ? The

innocent mind still wishes for that not even understanding what it is

wishing for. The attributeless Kamalakanta (great devotee of Mother)

still meditates upon Mother's Lotus Feet.

June 17, 2004

without devotion which must come naturally nothing works

Chumki <blueblackeyes wrote:

Dear Devi_bhakta

with all due respect,and I am not trying to be smart or funny when

I ask this....its been said that the recitation shall give

any reciter the sword that will empower him to be the lord of the

cosmos....is it that simple?sounds easy.My assumption is

ofcourse this has to be done with total devotion.

correct me if I am wrong.

warm regards.

Chumki.

, "Devi Bhakta"

<devi_bhakta> wrote:

> Dear Mary Ann:

>

> Any level of sadhana is effective at its own level. Any sadhana is a

> million times than no sadhana.

>

> Simple praying is effective in general, especially if done on a

> regular basis. Countless masses of people will attest to this.

> Mantra japa is powerful, and mantra japa with guru diksha even more

> so. Chanting Her names is very purifying, and can transform your

> world in time. Seva is high sadhana indeed; it is the way we achieve

> the state in which our every thought and movement is an act of

> worship.

>

> The Khadgamala, however, is a gateway to an entirely different

> level. It is, to use modern parlance, a "power tool." It is a

> mystical formula for kicking your sadhana into overdrive; like

> switching from typewriter to word processor. I am sorry to bring

> these rather crude metaphors into a refined conversation -- but

> those who take the time to learn the Khadgamala will very quickly

> understand what this means. And I think that is what SE101 is trying

> to convey.

>

> Does the Khadgamala render all other tools obsolete? Of course not;

> that is absurd. Even a carpenter with the very best power tools

> still uses handtools all the time, as the job requires. But with

> power tools, you can often do the job with more efficiency, speed

> and precision. So that, for instance, you spend less time building

> your home and more time living in it.

>

> My feeling, again, is this: The Khadgamala Stotram is an

> extraordinarily powerful and versatile power tool. As with any power

> tool, some will look and say, "Ugh, it's too complicated. Forget

> it." Others, though, will take the time to read the instructions,

> learn the technique -- and pretty soon (as with cordless drills and

> word processors) they'll be saying, "How did I ever live without it?"

>

> That's why we're going through the headache of getting the

> Khadgamala "out there" as a special gift of love to every member. No

> one's forcing anyone to open the gift. But if they do, it might

> really change their lives.

>

> That's all.

>

> Aum Maatangyai Namahe

>

> , "Mary Ann" <maryann@m...>

> wrote:

> > Is chanting the 108 names effective too, or only Khadga Mala

> Stotram?

> > What about doing seva? What about chanting mantra given by guru?

/

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June 22, 2004

KK wrote : Thank you Noraji for the reference for Sri Chakra .

However I was looking for scriptural reference for Khadgamala

Stotram. I think it is an excellent work revealed by Divine to 2

shaktha mahans(I hope you dont mind me addresing them such) but I was

wondering if it is stated in the shastric work or was it for the

first time revealed to this great gurus...............

Perhaps you did not get the chance to read my previous message : 10597

"When She, the Supreme Sakti, out of her own will [ assumes ] the

form of the universe, observing her own self effusion [ sphurattama ]

the [ Sri-]Cakra emerges"

Yoninihrdaya tantra, 1.9cd-10ab. And I think there are various others

shaktas scriptures. Another source quote to me by our group adviser

is the srividyarnava. You have indeed bring out an interesting

point, abt Shakta's text/scriptures. Hmmmmm maybe next project.

Thank

you KK.

Sri Cakra is essentially worship of the mother goddess and almost

always associate with Sri Vidya. Its origin cannot be precisely

determined, but based from what I have read so far, it can be traced

back to the Vedic Corpus, especially the Atharva Collection. There is

a possibilities [ in my opinion ] that is actually a folk cult with

its origins in times preceeding to the formation of the Vedic corpus.

But in due time , the folk elements and sophiscated Vedic ideas were

fused together and the cult and practices assumed its present form.

The worship of Sri Cakra itself is elaborated, complex and can only

be undertaken with the guidance of a guru. If you read again Devi

Bhakta commentary : "Again, the full pooja of these Devis takes

hours, because at each point we pause and do smaller, detailed

poojas. Hence the sages of yore created an ALTERNATIVE, SHORT-FORM

recitation known as the Khadgamala Stotram more suitable for the

demands of modern life. Hours of long ritual compressed to less than

half an hour of intense meditation that will give you a ticket on the

same plane as the great Srividya Upasakas" Isnt this the role of

the gurus, to prescribe rituals or practices that are practical and

suitable to us.

"I hope others do not end up arguing on this too.."

I would say "lets have an intellectual discussion about

this".

"By the way is can you share what has one to do to learn Sri

Vidya upasana since you know Guru Amritanandaji to certain extent.

Ever thought of bringing the Mahan to Malaysia as well . Just once at

least ........................"

I am being told, there are people who spend whole life time looking

for Sri Vidya and yet they never find it. There are people who never

think about it, and yet they get it. So I do not have the answer to

your question : what one has to do to learn Sri Vidya. I shall let

our other learned members answer this.

I admire and respect Guru Amritananda tremendously, but I have never

have the opportunity to meet him in person. He is Devi Bhakta Guru

and yes! it is my dream that one day, Guru Amritanandaji would bless

us in this part of the world with his presence [ maybe both of us can

work this together]. I am sure there are a lot of sadhaka & sadhika

here [ Malaysia and Singapore ]who are dying to meet him in person.

DEVI's willing, perhaps our dreams will materializes. Lets us

send a petition to DEVI. Come on members from Singapore & Malaysia,

you all know what to do!

I am sure Guru Amritananda is reading this message and smiling.

June 22, 2004