Group Mission

[Guest guest]

The primary mission of this group, is to foster dialogue and

discussion about various paths and practices. As has been pointed

out in the welcome letter, and its related posts, this forum does

not promote a single Guru, Path or Guru wannabe. The only single

premise is that all paths lead to "God" (realization), each

individual is attracted to that which he/she is ready for at present

and walking the talk is more important than mere talk.

 

With regard to groups participation, I find that those that are

dedicated to a single Guru or diety, have more consistent member

participation. This has been a source of curiosity for me for a

while, though now I feel I am understaning it better.

 

In satsanghs united by a Diety or Guru, there is the glue of

devotion and love for their Ishta devata or guru which keeps

devotees bound. In devotion, practice involves different expressions

of devotion - written, praising the Lord, singing, celebrating that

love, each according to the media, all of which strengthens that

devotional love.

 

In ours on the other hand, there nothing tangible and material to

get attached to. Attachment to an impersonal concept

of "realization" is hard for most, and unless one is actually

experiencing the results of sadhna the idea remains in the

intellect. People wrap themselves into knots arguing over who said

what and what which scripture means and who has what credentials!!

Meanwhile, genuine seekers are intimidated and are unable or

unwilling to participate and one is nowhere near getting to ideas

about how to walk the talk one talks. I'm beginning to see its like

discussing apples and oranges, tastes that need totally different

taste buds!

 

I noticed an interesting event in our Bhajan group. A few of us are

straddlers, whose primary path is meditation and yoga, and at the

same time giving respect and enjoy devotionals to all. One such

person suggested a few minutes of meditation after the singing. I

was amazed to discover that those who sit for hours and hours

singing at the top of their voices, are unable and unwilling to sit

in silence for a few minutes!!! Watching and participating in this

interesting event has made me wonder ... is there a possible

incompatibility of the two practices, unless one is beyond divisive

modes.

 

Some thoughts I wanted to share with our members.

 

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

 

_/\_ Tat Twam asi

 

Uma