Derailed By Silent Meditation c/o AVA Tue. 7:30pm Ojai

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Derailed By Silent Meditation c/o AVA Tue. 7:30pm OjaiThu, 16 Jun

2005 13:55:17 -0700"Roberts, William NAVSEA" <william.roberts (AT) navy (DOT) mil>To:

<mayesvara (AT) earthlink (DOT) net>

(If you are unsure why you are receiving this newsletter please jump to the end

for clarification.)

This Issues Topic Of Discussion:

Derailed By Silent Meditation

Hari Bolo Friends of the Vedas!Please accept my respects. All glory to the

transcendental light of the Bhagavad-Gita as It Is!

The Next Gathering Of:

The American Vedic Association’s Bhagavad Gita Discussion and Fellowship is:

3st Tue: Jun-21-2005 Derailed by Silent Meditation

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Derailed

By Silent Meditation" - If meditation is not what you think, then what isn't

it? Don't be derailed by mind games, guided rumination and upright sleeping.

Discover the simplest and most rewarding process of mediation handed down by

the sages for this millennium at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

Meets At: 687 Villanova Road, Ojai, California 93023 (805) 640-0405

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Email Delivery Ooopps…

Apparently the last issue of the AVA newsletter did not get delivered to about

230 address on our distribution list. It is unclear why so many names failed

to get the transmission. I chose not to resend the newsletter because doing

so would have resulted in the majority of the AVA rs getting two

copies. Instead I request that if you did not get the last issue of the AVA

newsletter, which was about Distinguishing Between Good and Bad, and you would

like to get that issue, then let me know and I will be happy to send it to

those who want me to.

Ojai. July 4th Parade and AVA Vegetarian Food Booth at Sarazotti Park!

The day before our next meeting the city of Ojai will hold it’s annual July 4th

hometown parade. We are happy to announce that the American Vedic Association

is working closely with the event coordinators who appreciate the large

colorful tents we bring to keep people out of the direct sunlight, and the

great Vegetarian food we serve on that special day. Everything we do at the

American Vedic Association is intended to educate people in the benefits of

Vedic culture and on this day, you are all invited to try some excellent

Vegetarian food at an price you can not beat! For around $6 you will be able

to purchase a full meal plate that includes Yellow Rice, Sauteed Herbal

Vegetables , Fried Califlower Savory, Large Lentil Chip, and a glass of

Strawberry Lemonaid and a sweet. Wow! This is such a great deal many of our

patrons tell us it is what motivates them to come out of the house and

participate

in the Sarazottie July 4th festivities. We hope to see you there!

 

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*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Start This Issue Feature Article *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Derailed By Silent Meditation

Meditate Silently at the Mall?

It’s never been very clear to me why people who believe so strongly in the

practice of “Silent Meditation” need to hold regularly scheduled meetings to

practice that discipline. It’s not as if silent mediation required a partner

like ping-pong, nor is it like golf where one could play alone, but few do

because half the game is the socializing that goes on between the greens.

The whole purpose of silent meditation is to withdraw the senses from their

objects, clear the mind, focus the life force, and free the soul from the trap

of false identification with the mundane. None of these require the presence

of another person and therefore having people around when attempting to go

deeply within simply doesn’t make any sense. Why then do those who claim to

be serious about practicing that type of meditation go out their way to meet

others at a public place which is not conducive to silence? If you are seeking

undisturbed privacy you stay home, not go to the mall!

Could it possibly be that meditation has become so “Hip” that the only way to

let others know you are a part of the in-crowd is to be sure to show up for the

weekly meditation hour with your kapok cushion, natural biodegradable latex mat

and happy Buddha tee-shirt? But if silent meditation is such an uplifting

experience, why has it taken on the mood of a social club similar to the bridge

parties my mother attended when I was young? How could such an environment be

conducive to withdrawing the senses? What will be next...? Planters Dry

Roasted Peanuts in Chinese candy dishes next to the ceremonial bronze gong?

It an attempt to answer this question I have been told that the Sunday Morning

sit-in is justified by the fact that it helps those who want to “Sit” keep

their commitment to do so. This makes a little sense if we think of it in

context with the concept of “Accountability”, the magic tool used by sponsors

who lead substance abuse addicts out of their personal hell via any of several

“12 Step programs”. When managed correctly, being accountable to a mentor can

boost one’s self-esteem enough to provide the alternative positive

reinforcement necessary to displace the lure of the destructive

“Quick High” attained by substance abuse. But if silent meditation is so

rewarding why do those who claim that it brings them so much joy need to be

enticed to practice that discipline with the same type of motives used to keep

drug addicts from slowly killing themselves?

Become a Superhero… Meditate!

Those who are enamored by silent meditation make so many grandiose claims about

its benefits they sound hauntingly similar to late night infomercials.

Personal testimonies are often cited to buttress up the validity of keeping

one’s mouth shut, but intelligent people know that antidotal evidence is

subjective and limited to the experiences of the individual. Children are

equally enamored by fictional characters like Mickey Mouse and Barney, the

singing purple dinosaur. But kids don’t understand that the real purpose of

these cartoon icons they idolize, is that they are marketing props designed to

attract huge corporate revenues for mega corporations! Ironically the very

character traits that children are so enamored by often annoy sensitive parents

who do not appreciate how these larger then life commercials logos exploit the

imagination of their children and the discretionary funds they

have in their wallet!

In a similar way there are a lot of so-called “Silent Mediators” who are

anything but silent. They exploit the innocent by selling them books which

claim how silence is the source of creativity and how by that technique alone,

they will eventually be capable of telepathically understanding everything like

Leonard Nimoy could with his Spock “Mind-meld” or like other Masters of The

Universe Superheros!

Only those who do not understand the Bhagavad-Gita would make these types of

childish and misleading statements because Krishna clearly declares that He

brings us what we lack based on our devotion to him, not on how long we stare

at the tip of our nose.

“But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My

transcendental form -- to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they

have.” - Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It Is 9.22

If silence was such a great benediction then those who are hearing/speech

impaired would historically be the source of the most peaceful, creative, and

“Enlightened” masters on the face of the earth,.. but that is obviously not

true. In fact an obsession with silence is often a harbinger of mental

illness. When someone doesn’t want to deal with the issues in their life they

recede into their own imaginary worlds and become non-communicative. People

who are emotionally constipated and incapable of expressing their feeling are

also known to shut out those who they share their lives with by giving them the

“Silent Treatment.” It is also interesting to note that the worst

non-violent punishment our society delves out correcting incorrigible offenders

of the law is to toss them into “Solitary Confinement!” The reason why that is

considered so heinous is because the nature of the soul is active and desires

loving exchanges. But if one truly believes otherwise, then there are several

ways one could arrange for the State to make the perfect environment to

practice silent meditation for a very long time with all expenses paid!

Is Silent Meditation A Valid Process?

So why is silent meditation surrounded by so much glee-club hyperbole? Why

have so many apparently “Realized Souls” given this process of mystic

meditation such stellar endorsements? To find our answer let’s first begin

with what Krishna has to say specifically about speech:

“Austerity of speech consists in speaking truthfully and beneficially and in

avoiding speech that offends. One should also recite the Vedas regularly” -

Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It Is Chapter 17 “The Divisions of Faith” Text15.

If silent meditation was such a critical part of becoming self realized then why

is Krishna recommending that one should regularly recite the Vedas? This is a

very important point and understanding it is what separates those who are true

“Mahatmas” from eccentric personalities who promote their own ideas about what

it means to be “Enlightened” in order to attract followers or make a business

out of those seeking to grow spiritually.

Not wanting to communicate is attractive to those who don’t know what to say

because they don’t accept any authority regarding the nature of the absolute.

They seem to be very willing to accept the opinions of the paparazzi about

their favorite Hollywood Star in “People Magazine” but they remain reticent

about NOT accepting what Lord Brahma or other highly respected authorities have

to say about the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Once one agrees to consider

input from reliable sources like the Vedas, they can take advantage of an

endless stream of wonderfully exhilarating information about the soul, time,

the material world, and most importantly who God is. One who carries that

torchlight of

knowledge is immediately inspired to want to speak about it and share with

others. Even the Bible recognizes this phenomena and advocates the active

process of verbally praising the Supreme Lord:

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament

of his power.1 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his

excellent greatness.2 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with

psaltery and harp.3 Praise him with the timbre and dance: praise him with

stringed instruments and organs.4 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise

him upon the high sounding

cymbals.5 Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!

6” - Psalms 150 1-6

Trumpets, harps, timbres, organs, and loud cymbals don’t sound like

Silent Meditation to me. Where did the proponents of this new age myth come up

with the idea that fossilizing one’s spiritual growth in a shell of silence was

the ultimate stage of realization?

OK… Being Silent has It’s Place

Being silent has its place in spiritual discipline but it is an intermediate

state, not a pinnacle as is often implied by the ill informed. This point is

more easily comprehended with the analogy of how a student who disrupts the

class with nonsense behavior will get exiled to the principal’s office. Those

who disrespect their teacher and refuse to participate nicely with the lesson

that is planned are better off sitting alone in the principal’s office because

it gives them a chance to contemplate their selfish actions. If they do that

pensively enough then they may eventually get in touch with what they are

missing out on and perhaps even their own obnoxious tendencies. Only then will

they be welcome to sit with the other students, rejoin their studies and

continue growing.

Hedonistic people are like the brats in the classroom of life. Instead of

accepting good instructions, from a bona-fide teacher, properly trained in the

Science of Self Realization, they adopt all sorts of rogue ideas about

spiritual life from all sorts of suspicious types who often show up in

advertisements found in the back of the “Whole Life Times!” Those who are a

bit savvier might find a guru that comes from India and tells cute stories

about oceans, elephants or snakes that they never heard before. But just

because they carry a blanket, have matted hair, sat in the same place for long

periods of time or only communicating with a chalk board, does not

automatically mean they are qualified to teach about the Absolute Truth.

So for those who have not been properly trained in theVedic Sciences, then it is

indeed better for them to sit silently than to disturb the ether by babbling

perverting interpretations of Vedic aphorisms like “I Am That, You Are That,

and That’s All There Is” etc. Those who parrot such mantras out of context, or

not even realizing what they are saying is incomplete, are textbook examples of

a little knowledge being dangerous.

The Mega-Truth about Meditation

The mega-truth is that meditation is one of the many subtle sciences originally

taught with great detail in the Vedas. Dhyana yoga (sustained deep meditative

trance) is a very serious practice that goes way beyond sustaining a full lotus

position and skipping a few meals. What the microwave generation has come to

accept as ‘Meditation,” is actually a greatly diluted portion of the complete

process Krishna gave Arjuna for meditating in the Bhagavad-Gita Gita:

“To practice yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay kusa grass

on the ground and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat

should be neither too high nor too low and should be situated in a sacred

place. The yogi should then sit on it very firmly and practice yoga to purify

the heart by controlling his mind, senses and activities and fixing the mind on

one point. One should hold one's body, neck and head erect in a straight line

and stare steadily at the tip of the nose. Thus, with an un-agitated, subdued

mind, devoid of fear, completely free from sex life, one should meditate upon

Me within the heart and make Me the ultimate goal of life”. - Bhagavad-Gita

Gita As It Is Chapter 6 “Sankhya-Yoga”, Texts 11-14

This is serious stuff and for good reason! The details spelled out here are

the mechanical way one can transcend the harsh influences of conditional life

and that is no small undertaking. Notice how Krishna says one should go to a

secluded place in the forest and sit on a deerskin? Krishna doesn’t suggest

going to “Club Med” and take a towel. The deerskin is important because it

implies that the yogi will sit for such long periods of time that the oils in

the dear pelt would be necessary to repel the snakes that would eventually come

out of the forest and disturb the trance of the yogi.

Arjuna Rejected The Silent Meditation Process!

Ever since the Beatles went to India it has become stylish to burn incense,

practice yoga, chant Om, and practice Silent Meditation. But in the age of

Kali, nobody is qualified to practice it properly. That is why Arjuna, a very

accomplished, powerful and austere warrior referred to as “Sinless”, clearly

rejected this method immediately after Krishna proposed it:

“O Madhusudana, the system of yoga which You have summarized appears impractical

and unendurable to me, for the mind is restless and unsteady. For the mind is

restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krsna, and to subdue it, I

think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.” - Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It

Is Chapter 6 “Sankhya-Yoga”, Text 34.

The mature spiritualist does not think he/she is more capable then

Arjuna was and will concur with his decision to reject Sankya Yoga. Then, if

they are thoroughly honest, they will also follow in Arjuna’s footsteps and

adopt the Bhakti Yoga path which Krishna later confirms is the highest of all

Yoga/Meditation Processes.

And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me,

thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me --

he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That

is My opinion. - Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It Is Chapter 6 “Sankhya-Yoga”, Text 47.

Unfortunately these very important points are not appreciated by profit

motivated entrepreneurs who prefer to market their own slick hybrid version of

“Instant Meditation” with bodacious claims about how it is a panacea for

personal conflicts, stress, sexual dysfunction, and even low sales results!

Yup… Now all it takes is a hand full of Ben Franklins and you can get into a

weekend seminar to learn Mediation 101. By the time you get back to work on

Monday morning you’ll be looking real cool and have the best water cooler

stories for the rest of the month!

When the belligerent student exiled from the class finally gets tired of sitting

by himself, he may actually mature enough to realize the importance of

participating in class and respecting the instructions of the teacher. The

exaggerated accolades about mindless adherence to not breaking the “Code of

Silence” seems to be exactly what the singer-song-writer Paul Simon is

referring to in the concluding verses of the popular song he penned called the

“Sounds of Silence”:

"Fools", said I, "You do not know Silence like a cancer growsHear my words that

I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you"But my words, like silent

raindrops fell and echoed… In the wells of silenceand the people bowed and

prayed, to the neon god they made

And the sign flashed out its warning in the words that it was formingand the

sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway wallsand

tenement halls" And whispered in the sounds of silence.

-Paul Simon: Sounds of Silence.

What’s An Aspiring Meditator to Do?

If one is fortunate then their experimentation with silent meditation will

quickly lead them to the same conclusion George Harrison arrived at after he

explored that path thouroughly in the early 60’s:

“One of the main differences between silent meditation and chanting is that

silent meditation is rather dependent on concentration, but when you chant,

it's more of a direct connection with God…. Chanting Hare Krsna is a type of

meditation that can be practiced even if the mind is in turbulence. You can

even be doing it and other things at the same time. That's what's so nice. In

my life there's been many times the mantra brought things around. It keeps me

in tune with reality, and the more you sit in one place and chant, the more

incense you offer to Krsna in the same room, the more you purify the vibration,

the more you can achieve what you're trying to do, which is just trying to

remember God, God, God, God, God, as often as possible. And if you're talking

to Him with the mantra, it certainly helps.” -. George Harrison, Chant and be

Happy Chapter

One: “The Hare Krishna Mantra, There’s Nothing Higher” p. 9. -Bhaktivedanta BookTrust

When all the fanfare about sitting still for 20 minutes a day is seen from this

informed perspective, it’s easy to understand why Krishna’s devotee considers

“Silent Meditation” as no more significant than “Sleeping Vertically. ” It

may help rest the body, but the only spiritual thing about this over promoted

technique is that it would keep those who believe it is the highest stage of

spiritual evolution from speaking so much misleading opinionated nonsense if

they would simply practice what they preach!

But unfortunately they don’t do that and so there is a lot of confusion. Those

who claim silent meditation is the highest path, are not honest enough to admit

their inability to practice it properly like Arjuna did immediately after he

heard how rigorous one must be for that process to be effective. Overcome by

their own imaginative ideas about spiritual life, they run the risk of having

their devotional train completely derailed and may languor for many lives in a

state of spiritual suspension. This is often the outcome of one who attempts

to stop the mind through the mechanical means of silent meditation but fails in

that effort as Arjuna implies will be the result for everyone in the age of

Kail. When all the hoop-la wears off, the unsuccessful monist regresses

right back into his disruptive ways, just like the delinquent student who will

eventually gets completely suspended from school if he

remains defiant.

The Meditation Recommended For This Age Is Not Silent!

The more hopeful alternative is that the defunct silent meditator will realize

that his self imposed solitary confinement is not only an artificial austerity

in the mode of ignorance, but a complete waste of time and rooted in atheism:

(Faithlessness)

Any sacrifice performed without regard for the directions of scripture, without

distribution of prasadam [spiritual food], without chanting of Vedic hymns and

remunerations to the priests, and without faith is considered to be in the mode

of ignorance. - Bhagavad-Gita Gita as It Is Chapter 6 “The Divisions of Faith”,

Text 13.

Such blind adherence to imaginary spiritual practices fail to deliver the real

ecstasy of life which is to hear, chant, discuss, glorify and always remember

the name, fame and pastimes of the unlimited Supreme Personality of Godhead

Lord Sri Krishna. That is not an imaginary state of awareness, nor is it an

artificial imposition on the mind or a concocted tidbit of the Snakya Yoga

system that Arjuna unequivocally declared was beyond his ability to do.

No. The culmination of the silent meditation process is useless unless it leads

one to restoring their lost relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead

whereupon one is anything but silent. If you happened to run into a high

profile politician, movie star, or athlete at your local market, you wouldn’t

be able to stop talking about it with your friends, associates, and co-workers

etc. When one actually breaks thru the dry speculations put forth by the

impersonalists, and awakes to their eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord

they are similarly inspired. Krishna Himself confirms that this is what real

meditation is all about, and the reservoir of pleasure we all so anxiously

seek, and is the origin of the bliss that the soul cries for;

“The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to

My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always

enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” - Bhagavad-Gita Gita As It

Is, Chapter 10 “The Opulence Of the Absolute” Text 9.

Click Here for More on This Verse-->: http://vedabase.net/bg/10/9/en

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* End This Issue Commentary *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Vegetarian Cooking!

We are happy to see how nicely the AVA congregational members are

improving their Vegetarian culinary skills! Adopting a diet that allows the

other creatures to live their lives peacefully is a tradition that extends way

back in both Vedic as well as Buddhist traditions. One would think that all

serious transcendentalists would understand this simple principal, but when one

is more interested collecting tuitions for a weekend seminar then in teaching

what is correct because it might drive cash customers away, then everything

that follows immediately becomes suspect.

Instead of avoiding the dilemma of converting to a Vegetrian diet,

consider coming to an AVA meeting and learn how to cook wonderful Vegetarian

foods using herbs and spices that not only taste good, but make eating a

tremendously fulfilling experience! Cooking begins around 5:30 pm prior to the

AVA meeting and anyone wishing to help out and learn is welcome to join us at

that time! :-)

Pubic Engagements?

As the AVA newsletter continues to find new audiences some have asked

about the possibility of bringing the subjects we discuss into other

gatherings. If it is possible to schedule those requests we will be happy to

do so as part of our service to the community. For this purpose AVA has

compiled a list of contemporary subjects that we have essays, books, charts,

graphs, and in some case videos to augment our presentations. For more

information about scheduling an engagement to learn more about the Vedic

Siddhanta (Conclusion) please contact us directly.

Suggest A Subject?

Many of the subjects we cover in the AVA newsletter come from questions

or subjects that are only vaguely commented on by other sources. If you have

a subject you would like us to address, please send that in to us and we will

consider it for a future AVA topic. Simple questions are also addressed at the

Bhagavad-Gita fellowship for the benefit of all those who attend.

Vedic Authority

What makes the AVA program different from all other contemporary sources of

transcendent learning is that we rely on the methodical, thorough and

scientific way the Vedas portray the world we live in. The Vedas are so vast

and unlike any other literature known to man, they are often criticized as

confusing and esoteric. But this is because the secret of the Vedas can only

be unlocked by one who has been properly trained on how to “decode” them and

although that sounds like an exhausting study it is actually quite easy if the

candidate is willing to accept instructions from a good source. In fact, the

path of Bhakti (Loving Devotion To The Supreme Lord In His Personal Form) is so

powerful that the essences of all the Vedas become automatically realized to

that soul who surrenders to the Personality of Godhead and engages in

devotional service to Him.

“A person who accepts the path of devotional service is not bereft of the

results derived from studying the Vedas, performing austere sacrifices, being

charity or perusing philosophical and furtive activities. Simply by performing

devotional service he attains al theses and at the end he reaches the supreme

eternal abode.” - Bhagavad Gita As It Is Chapter 8 “Attaining The Supreme”

Text 28

To grow transcendentally requires a reliable authority like the Bhagavad Gita,

(The torchlight of knowledge, Bg. 10.11) One is free to reject Vedic

authority, but the consequences of doing so returns one to the word of

speculation, conjecture, flawed empirical analysis, and a plethora of silly

ideas about what spiritual life is from psychologists, therapists, self

declared gurus, charlatans, and carpetbag religionists to name just a few.

Back Issues Of AVA Newsletter

All of the subjects that we have already covered in 2005 have also been included

on the list that follows the feature article. If you would a digital copy of a

past AVA newsletter let us know and we will be happy to forward it to you for

your further erudition.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hoping this meets you in good health, happy spirits and enthusiastically engaged

in the service of Lord Krishna.Your Servant,

mayesvara dasa (md @ jagannatha.com)AKA: William Roberts* Director

American Vedic Association

Dispel the Darkness of Ignorance With the Torchlight of Knowledge! - Bg. 10.11

687 Villanova RoadOjai California, 93023(805) 640-0405 ava @ jagannatha.com*

William Roberts is the founding director of The American Vedic Association. He

began studying Vedic philosophy in 1973 and assimilated the works of eminent

Vaishnava saints while living in India for several years. He became and

ordained Brahman priest under the tutelage of the world-class authority on

Bhakti Yoga, HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. The American Vedic Association is

currently sponsoring the Free Bhagavad Gita Fellowship gatherings held on the

first and third Tuesday of every month. For more information call: (805)

640-0405 Or Contact:

william.roberts @ jagannatha.com

Bhagavad Gita As It Is Discussion Fellowship

Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the MonthSanskrit, Mantra, Kirtan, Prasadam!

• ۩‎ • ۩ ‎• AVA Schedule 2005 • ۩ ‎• ۩ ‎•

Date/Event Meeting Subject

January

1st Tue: Jan-04-2005 Vows, Resolutions & Austerities

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Vows,

Resolutions, Austerities" - How sacred is your word? Is it OK to make vows

then break them? Are austerities like meditation, mantras or yoga important?

If so why and which types? Find Out! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Jan-18-2005 You Are NOT Your Body!

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "You Are

Not Your Body!" -Transcendentalists know they are NOT their body but there is

much dispute among themselves as to what we then are. Some suggest energy, but

energy cannot love. Some say Love, but love implies something to be loved.

Find out how the Vedas resolve this conundrum at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always

Free!

February

1st Tue: Feb-01-2005 DeFrocking Religious Phobias

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship:

"Defrocking Religious Phobias" - Is religion an emotional fantasy perpetuated

by uneducated, superstitious loosers? How can we distinguish between Godly,

Inspired acts and crass self deception? Are all sacred scriptures obsolete? Is

it even possible to figure this out on our own? Hear the Vedic Version at AVA.

7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Feb-15-2005 Primorial Valentine

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Primordial

Valentine! - We all seek affection, but the perfection of affection can only

come from a perfect source. All Avataras advise that restoring our lost

relationship with God is both our highest duty and reward, but just how does

one go about doing that? Find out at AVA! 7:30pm Tuesday. 640-0405 Always

Free!

March

1st Tue: Mar-01-2005 What To Do; What Not To Do & Why!

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "What To

Do; What Not To Do & Why"- Some say you will instinctively know right from

wrong when you face it. Others sing; "Don't Worry-Be Happy", while still

others say there is nothing to be done! This advice may sound good, but does

it make any sense? Find out at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Mar-15-2005 Who Is Lord Caitanya?

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Who Is

Lord Caitanya?" - In 1486 Lord Caitanya appeared just as the Puranas

predicted. He taught that God can be fully realized simply by reciting his

Sacred name, dancing estatically, and eating blessed vegetarian food. To

acknowledge the appearance day of this magnamious incarnation of God, the AVA

program will include a documentary, a video about His life and teachings along

with a wonderful feast, divine music and great dialogue. 7:30pm 640-0405

Always Free!

April

1st Tue: Apr-05-2005 Are You An April Fool Being Cheated?

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Are You

An April Fool Being Cheated?" - Con-Artists win the "Con"fidence of those they

intend to cheat by offering something too good to be true to someone too

foolish to notice. Cheaters sell immitation quality to those who are too cheep

to purchase the real thing. Therefore this world is referred to as the land of

the: "Cheaters and the Cheated." Don't be

fooled by the rhetorich of carpetbag gurus. Learn how to see through their con

at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Apr-19-2005 Carniverous Environmentalis = Kleptomaniac Security Guards

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship:

"Carniverous Environmentalist = Kleptomaniac Security Guards!" - Vedic culture

thrived for thousands of years without destroying the sanctity of the air,

water and earth, but it was also an agrarinan society of Vegetarians. They

understood the scientific connection between the slaughter of innocent animails

for food, violence between nations and the preservation of the echosystem. You

can too at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

May

1st Tue: May-03-2005 Is Knowledge Necessary, Useful or Just Plain Irrelevant?

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Is

knowledge Necessary, Useful Or Just Plain Irrelevant?" - Must you be smart to

realize your full spiritual potential? If not, then are the realizations of

the great prophets that are preserved in sacred literature irrelevant? How can

we know anything for sure, and what distinguishes the important from and mundane

distractions. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: May-17-2005 What Is Om & Why Vibrate That?

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "What is

Om & Why Vibrate That?" - Vibrating the sacred sylable "OM" has become very

fashionable at many public meditations and group gathering. But how many

people know where that tradition comes from and why that particular sound

vibration is so special? Find out the difinitive answer to that question at

AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

June

1st Tue: Jun-07-2005 Distinguishing Good From Evil

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship:

"Distinguishing Good From Evil" - Some teach "Love What Is" & "There Is No

Right Or Wrong". Buts some of Plato's greatest work revolved around

distinguish right from wrong. When multi-cultural beliefs are amalgamated,

determining what is ethically correct can get very

complicated. Find out how there is no moral ambiguity for the student of the

Vedas. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Jun-21-2005 Derailed by Silent Meditation

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Derailed

By Silent Meditation" - If meditation is not what you think, then what isn't

it? Don't be derailed by mind games, guided rumination and upright sleeping.

Discover the simplist and most reqarding process of mediation handed down by

the sages for this millennium at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

Half Year MARK 2005

July

1st Tue: Jul-05-2005 No-One Is Independent!

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "No-One Is

Independent!" - As a child we are taught to "Question Authority & Think For

Oneself", but regardless of how hard we try none of us have control over the

outcome of our efforts. Find out what the ultimate determining force is in

regards to all our endeavors at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Jul-19-2005 Nine Paths to Perfection

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Nine

Paths To Perfection" - Some teach that we are flawed and will always be that

way so why try to become pure? Others expect their guru to inoculate them from

nonsense behavior and say it is the "Only Way". But the Vedas teach that there

are nine ways one can mature spiritually. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

August

1st Tue: Aug-02-2005 Huge Ancient Rolling Temples!

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Huge

Ancient Rolling Temples" - For thousands of years the people of Orissia India

have celebrated a great festival with huge 50ft tall rolling temples on a base

with 16 wheels taller then a man. That pagentry and drama has come to the

West in the form of "Rathayatra" (Festival Of The Chariots) and you are

invited. Get The Details at AVA. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free.

3rd Tue: Aug-16-2005 Liberation is The Booby-Prize!

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship:

"Liberation Is The Booby Prize!" - So many people talk about attaining Nirvanan

or Liberation from material miseries. But according to the Vedas, merging into

the impersonal void is not the ultimate goal. The real goal is abundant loving

exchanges. Find out more at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

Appearance Day Of Lord Sri Krishna! - Fri: Aug-20-2005 6:30

۩ ‎Sat: Aug-20-2005 Appearance Day Of Lord Sri Krishna!

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Krishna's

Appearance Day!" - You've been reading our zany advertisements all year, now

it's time to come out and join in this exotic annual spiritual party

celebrating the appearance of Lord Krishna! The festival includes great music,

discussion, video, and of course the best vegetarian love feast you could

possibly imagine! Don't miss this exciting event and, as usual, it's Always

Free! 6:30pm 640-0405

September

1st Tue: Sep-06-2005 Hogs, Dogs, Camels & Asses

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Hogs,

Dogs, Camels & Asses" - The Vedas warn that we should not waste human

consciousness living like the animals. Instead we should use our God given

intelligence to restore our lost relationship with the Supreme Lord and return

Back To Godhead, our proper residence. Find out how at AVA. 7:30pm 640-0405

Always Free!

3rd Tue: Sep-20-2005 "Materialistic" Fanatic

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship:

"Materialistic Fanatics" - One of the things we all share in greater or lesser

degrees is an addiction to our material condition. Some are fanatically

attached to the mundane, while others know it is an illusion but can't seem to

sidestep it's influence. Find out how to get untangled at AVA! 7:30pm

640-0405 Always Free!

October

1st Tue: Oct-04-2005 Prodical Sons Know Everything, Adults Surrender

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Prodical

SOns Know Everything, Adults Surrender" - We have all observed how proud an

adolescent can be. Some mature into sober adulthood and get a good education,

while others retain their childish pride and insist they: "Don’t

need-nuthin-from-nobody." Find out if you are you a spiritual adolescent at

AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Oct-18-2005 Party-Yoga or Hedonism?

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Party

Yoga or Hedonism?" - Bhakti yoga doesn't require entangling your limbs or

staring at your nose. It's more equivalent to a galactic party where life is

celebrated with intimate friends from all over the universe. Get with the

program and take up Party-Yoga at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

November

1st Tue: Nov-01-2005 Vedic Understanding of Universal Time & Creation

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Vedic

Understanding of Universal Time & Creation" - The Vedas provide a detailed

description of universal time and a scientific explanation of how the entire

creation began with a sound vibration. Discover how the archaeological record

seems to confirm the Vedic version of Genesis at AVA. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always

Free!

3rd Tue: Nov-15-2005 The Non-Judgement Myth

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "The

Non-Judgement Myth" - A lot of people plea: "Don't be judgmental!". But what

does that really mean? At AVA you will learn how to make wise non-prejudicial

decisions, and avoid the trap of claiming aloofness, while your senses rage out

of control and make all your decisions for you! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

December

1st Tue: Dec-06-2005 All Faiths Equal Sophistry

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "All

Faiths Equal Sophistry" - It is poor discretion that leads one to claim that

"All religions are the same." They may share some characteristics like all

schools do, but a junior college is not the same as Harvard University! Learn

spiritual discrimination at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!

3rd Tue: Dec-20-2005 Gods "Prayer-Order" Warehouse?

American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Gods

Prayer Order Warehouse?"- There is only one legitimate thing that is devotee of

God would ever request. Everything else springs from selfish ignorance and

spiritual immaturity. If you don't know what that simple request is then find

out at the next AVA meeting. 7:30 pm 640-0405 Always Free!

c/o William Roberts / mayesvara dasa : AVA Director (805) 640-0405

-----Why This

Newsletter Was Sent To You & the AVA PurposeThis newsletter is being sent to

you because someone felt you might have an interest in the “Science of Self

Realization” as it is explained in the Vedic literature of ancient India. It is

posted only twice a month and its primary purpose it to remind the American

Vedic Association congregation to attend the bi-monthly Bhagavad Gita

Appreciation Gathering that are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

The material presented in this newsletter is based on the conclusions of the

Vedic Literature as understood by India’s foremost authorities on that subject

namely: Lord Brahma, Maharaja Pariksit, Narada Muni, Madhavacarya,

Ramanujacarya, Krishna Dasa Kaviraja, Narotama Das Thakur, the Six Goswamie’s

of Vrindaban, Bhaktivenode Thakur and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to name just a

few. The purpose of this correspondence is to help readers properly explain

Sanskrit terms, clarify misunderstandings about Indian Theology, and make the

Vedic conclusion more accessible to the common Western mind.

Questions are always welcome and may be integrated into future newsletters. It

is our hope that you will find the content to be informative and meaningful.

It is also an invitation for to consider joining us at one of our bi-monthly

Bhagavad Gita as It Is meetings if you happen to be within a reasonable driving

distance from Ojai, California, USA.

Must Say No?

Most people are familiar with the Biblical advice given in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Give not what is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before

swine. Lest they trample them under their feet, and turn against and rend* you.”

- Bible, Matthew Chapter7, Text 6. (*rend = tear you apart violently.)

This is not only a common theme found in all great Scriptures, but even secular

teachers have no interest in trying to explain something to a defiant student.

Therefore if you prefer not to receive any further information about the Vedas,

AVA events, or the process of spiritual growth honored by the great sages of

ancient India, then simply request us to remove you from our mailing list and

we will lament seeing you go when we do.

“Bewildered by the modes of material nature, the ignorant fully engage

themselves in material activities and become attached. But the wise should not

unsettle them, although these duties are inferior due to the performers lack of

knowledge. “ - Bg 3.29

Thank you for your patience!

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