Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Namaste brothers & sisters, Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I’d like to get some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding this emotion. I’m not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I enjoy seeing other people’s perspectives on spiritual topics. I’ve been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several months. I had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by day. I’ve completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3-4 times per year on special occasions.) I’ve stopped swearing (profanity) and talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which continues to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to continually improve myself and become closer to the Divine. I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in any activity where I “could be” doing something more related to worship or such. I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non-bhajan music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen to the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won’t help in my spiritual advancement. It’s not necessarily bad music, but it is pleasing to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games online, when I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. It’s many little things like this that are causing me to feel guilty. I don’t restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. Up to this point, I’ve viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good mother, understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is right. I feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and duty, all the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. Have any of you dealt with this before? I’m assuming many of us have, in dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this world. I know that most people can not become completely removed from attachments overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences and lessons in life to bring us to that point. I’d enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you have viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. Thank you so much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I truly adore our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that binds us as One! Jai Ma!!! ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Dear Bela, The next post by Mary Ann gives Amma's direct words as an answer to your question. When in a conscious state of surrender, there is no fear, no guilt, no sorrow or disappointment. Keep your eyes on Amma and enjoy your life. Guilt is a waste of time... particularly if it doesn't cause you to change your behavior. On Jan 16, 2006, at 5:37 PM, Bela Gaytan wrote: > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I’d like to > get > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding this > emotion. I’m not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I enjoy > seeing > other people’s perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > I’ve been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several > months. I > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by > day. > I’ve completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3-4 > times > per year on special occasions.) I’ve stopped swearing (profanity) and > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which > continues > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to > continually > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in any > activity where I “could be†doing something more related to worship > or such. > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my > non-bhajan > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to > listen to > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won’t help in my > spiritual advancement. It’s not necessarily bad music, but it is > pleasing > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games > online, when > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > It’s many little things like this that are causing me to feel > guilty. I > don’t restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. > Up to > this point, I’ve viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good > mother, > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is > right. I > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and > duty, all > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I’m assuming many of us > have, in > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this > world. I > know that most people can not become completely removed from > attachments > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences > and > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > I’d enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you > have > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. Thank > you so > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I > truly adore > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that > binds us as > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•`       ..::Bela::..  > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The > heart > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > > > > Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! > > > > > > > ▪  Visit your group "Ammachi" on the web. >  > ▪  >  Ammachi >  > ▪  Terms of > Service. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 By taking babysteps every day in the "right" direction and then just letting go of expectations and being especially kind to me (I'd be kind to God, right?), attachments melt gently by themselves with so little stress. Little by little. Lots of patience. Living, loving, laughing all the while. Ammachi, "Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela@g...> wrote: > > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I'd like to get > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding this > emotion. I'm not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I enjoy seeing > other people's perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > I've been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several months. I > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by day. > I've completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3- 4 times > per year on special occasions.) I've stopped swearing (profanity) and > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which continues > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to continually > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in any > activity where I "could be" doing something more related to worship or such. > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non- bhajan > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen to > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won't help in my > spiritual advancement. It's not necessarily bad music, but it is pleasing > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games online, when > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > It's many little things like this that are causing me to feel guilty. I > don't restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. Up to > this point, I've viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good mother, > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is right. I > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and duty, all > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I'm assuming many of us have, in > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this world. I > know that most people can not become completely removed from attachments > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences and > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > I'd enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you have > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. Thank you so > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I truly adore > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that binds us as > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 AMMA says that HER GREATEST ATTRIBUTE IS FORGIVENESS. we have to accept this and surrender to it in order for it to work.guilt means that you are holding yourself responsible for something that happened in the past. THE PAST IS GONE,HOWEVER THAT MEANS NOTHING IF WE DONT LET OT GO. NO ONE CAN DO ANYTHING TO RELIEVE YOU OF YOUR GUILT IF YOU DONT ACCEPT AMMAs UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND FORGIVENESS. YOU MUST EMBRACE THAT SHE LOVES YOU SO MUCH.YOU ARE NOT THOSE EMOTIONS OF GUILT! YOU ARE AMMAs BELOVED DARLING CHILD ,BUT YOU MUST ACCEPT THIS.TO TRULY ACCEPT THIS IS TO RELIEVE YOURSELF OF GUILT. WHEN AMMAs son was in prison and he was feeling GUILTY,he couldnt believe that AMMA STILL LOVED him.when he realized this ,the GUILT AND THE PAST WAS GONE. WHAT YOU NEED MY BELOVED SISTER IS COURAGE.YOU NEED TO LOOK THAT GUILT IN THE FACE AND TELL IT TO GO TO HELL.YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DO THIS. AMMA IS IN YOU ,THROUGH YOU, AND AROUND YOU.YOU CAN FACE EVERYTHING WITH HER STRENGTH. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR EMOTIONS.IT OUR ATTACHMENT TO THEM THAT IS THE PROBLEM.OFFER IT ALL TO YOUR ALTER AND CRY OUT TO AMMA LIKE YOUY NEVER HAVE BEFORE. AFTER YOU DO THIS ,YOU WILL BE GREATFUL TO THE GUILT AS YOU WILL REALIZE THAT IT IS YOUR TEACHER AND GUIDE. >"Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela >Ammachi ><Ammachi> > Feeling Guilt... >Mon, 16 Jan 2006 20:37:17 -0500 > >Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > >Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I’d like to get >some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding this >emotion. I’m not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I enjoy >seeing >other people’s perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > >I’ve been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several months. >I >had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by day. >I’ve completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3-4 times >per year on special occasions.) I’ve stopped swearing (profanity) and >talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which >continues >to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to continually >improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > >I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in any >activity where I “could be” doing something more related to worship or >such. >I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non-bhajan >music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen to >the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won’t help in my >spiritual advancement. It’s not necessarily bad music, but it is pleasing >to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games online, when >I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > >It’s many little things like this that are causing me to feel guilty. I >don’t restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. Up to >this point, I’ve viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good mother, >understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is right. >I >feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and duty, >all >the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > >Have any of you dealt with this before? I’m assuming many of us have, in >dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this world. I >know that most people can not become completely removed from attachments >overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences and >lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > >I’d enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you have >viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. Thank you so >much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I truly >adore >our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that binds us >as >One! Jai Ma!!! > > > >¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- >¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) >((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. >-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. > > > >"Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart >that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the >choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > _______________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Dear friend in Amma, Ah guilt rears its lovely head! I can relate to this since I was raised Catholic (and no offense to any on here...lol..) I imagine most of us on this loop probably can relate to guilt. I used to have a case of the guilts to the extreme-seemingly I couldn't ever being doing what I thought I SHOULD be doing! If I did one thing, it should be another. I went through some of the same types of things as you have. Is it ok to listen to this music? Can I eat this? Can I watch TV? I think I finally realized that I don't believe that Amma teaches we cannot listen to other music or participate fully in life as householders. We can always remember Amma while engaging in all activities. And as I understand it, the danger is the attachment to any thing, not enjoying it. One way to eliminate guilt is to make sure we include doing all the things we need to do. It won't always be perfectly balanced, but over time, we can see a pattern in our lives and adjust as needed. So be sure spiritual practice is included every day. If you do IAM, doing that once a day perhaps. Maybe twice if you can. Then make sure the dog is fed, you go to work (or whatever you do-I'm not sure of your situation and I apologize here). But take time for each thing of major importance. I commend you on not drinking. I just had one drink with some friends and regretted it deeply! The next morning I could still feel the cloud in my mind. I felt so bad about ruining my clarity because of my curiosity. But thankfully I learned quickly-at least on that account. It's not true of all things. Just thinking of Amma while you do dishes, or vacuum, driving your car, walking outside...Amma is always with us so I do not believe you need to use the space in your mind for worry or guilt. Replace it with thoughts of Amma. in Amma, adriane Ammachi, "Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela@g...> wrote: > > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I'd like to get > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding this > emotion. I'm not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I enjoy seeing > other people's perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > I've been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several months. I > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by day. > I've completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3- 4 times > per year on special occasions.) I've stopped swearing (profanity) and > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which continues > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to continually > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in any > activity where I "could be" doing something more related to worship or such. > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non- bhajan > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen to > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won't help in my > spiritual advancement. It's not necessarily bad music, but it is pleasing > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games online, when > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > It's many little things like this that are causing me to feel guilty. I > don't restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. Up to > this point, I've viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good mother, > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is right. I > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and duty, all > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I'm assuming many of us have, in > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this world. I > know that most people can not become completely removed from attachments > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences and > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > I'd enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you have > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. Thank you so > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I truly adore > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that binds us as > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Namah Shivayah Bela, I think this is something we can all relate to. I certainly can attest to feeling this way. I think it is part of the whole process. In fact, I have been really beating myself up lately over feeling like I am a terrible devotee and really thinking that my being in Amma's grace was some kind of cosmic accident...of course, I know this is not true, but getting into the depths of guilt sometimes makes me feel this way. It comes and goes, and I think it is probably very healthy to a certain degree. I would venture to guess that even the feeling of guilt is sometimes created by Amma in order to provoke something within the devotee...not necessarily to provoke us into changing the things we feel guilty about...but to even to make us address issues we may have with guilt itself. When we think of the millions of possible reasons why we truly are feeling a certain way, it can sometimes make it easier to deal with. I try to devote everything I do to Amma....even if I am doing something that is not particularly Amma related.....but then again, what is NOT Amma related???????? Perhaps that is part of the answer. Thank you for your post. It is always comforting to know we are not the only ones feeling these things. Be as gentle on yourself as Amma would be if you approached her with your question. Jai Jai Jai Jai Ma! Ananthsree http://www.ammaschildren.com Ammachi, "Adriane" <a1driane@s...> wrote: > > Dear friend in Amma, > Ah guilt rears its lovely head! I can relate to this since I was > raised Catholic (and no offense to any on here...lol..) I > imagine most of us on this loop probably can relate to guilt. I used > to have a case > of the guilts to the extreme-seemingly I couldn't ever being doing > what I thought I SHOULD be doing! If I did one thing, it should be > another. I went through some of the same types of things as you have. > Is it ok to listen to this music? Can I eat this? Can I watch TV? > > I think I finally realized that I don't believe that Amma teaches we > cannot listen to other music or participate fully in life as > householders. We can always remember Amma while engaging in all > activities. And as I understand it, the danger is the attachment to > any thing, not enjoying it. > > One way to eliminate guilt is to make sure we include doing all the > things we need to do. It won't always be perfectly balanced, but over > time, we can see a pattern in our lives and adjust as needed. So be > sure spiritual practice is included every day. If you do IAM, doing > that once a day perhaps. Maybe twice if you can. Then make sure the > dog is fed, you go to work (or whatever you do-I'm not sure of your > situation and I apologize here). But take time for each thing of > major importance. > > I commend you on not drinking. I just had one drink with some friends > and regretted it deeply! The next morning I could still feel the > cloud in my mind. I felt so bad about ruining my clarity because of > my curiosity. But thankfully I learned quickly-at least on that > account. It's not true of all things. > > Just thinking of Amma while you do dishes, or vacuum, driving your > car, walking outside...Amma is always with us so I do not believe you > need to use the space in your mind for worry or guilt. Replace it > with thoughts of Amma. > > in Amma, > adriane > > > > Ammachi, "Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela@g...> wrote: > > > > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I'd like > to get > > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding > this > > emotion. I'm not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I > enjoy seeing > > other people's perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > > > > > I've been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several > months. I > > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by > day. > > I've completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3- > 4 times > > per year on special occasions.) I've stopped swearing (profanity) > and > > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which > continues > > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to > continually > > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in > any > > activity where I "could be" doing something more related to worship > or such. > > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non- > bhajan > > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to > listen to > > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won't help in > my > > spiritual advancement. It's not necessarily bad music, but it is > pleasing > > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games > online, when > > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > > > > > It's many little things like this that are causing me to feel > guilty. I > > don't restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. > Up to > > this point, I've viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good > mother, > > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is > right. I > > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and > duty, all > > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I'm assuming many of us > have, in > > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this > world. I > > know that most people can not become completely removed from > attachments > > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences > and > > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > > > > > I'd enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you > have > > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. > Thank you so > > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I > truly adore > > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that > binds us as > > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. > > > > > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. > The heart > > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is > the > > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 To me listening to music is also a way of accessing the divine, I mean the kind of music that really makes your heart glad, that touches the soul in some way. It may not be defined as spiritual, but even the old 60s Japanese song Sukiyaki (anyone remember it? that was the name used to market it in the west anyway) touches me in a deep place that feels like the core of life, and i never get tired of hearing it. So I put music in a different category than video games! Tho I don't like to listen to the radio, most of what is on doesn't make the world light up that way. But now, spiritual music which exalts the divine, there you are really talking. Lately I have been playing a lot of Shree Maa's Sakali Tumar Iccha, which is very moving (it's on her website and I think also on her Ramprasad bhajans CD). I realize this doesn't answer your real point, Bela, which i also experience: the mind's insistence on doing what it wants, getting the excited stimulation it desires, rather than emptying out into silence, and building more steadiness of practice. We resist discipline so much. What I have been working on is to spread out the discipline of this returning to the inner Wisdom, so that it touches all the hours, not just the morning meditation. To embrace a rhythmic return and remembrance, which is what the Muslims have encoded in their five times of prayer, but it could take many forms. As for guilt, someone recently posted a talk by Swamiji (i think) in which he says, "Amma does not want us to suppress our desires and feelings. Rather, she wants us to cultivate detachment." and also says that Surrender is when we stop fighting our thoughts and emotions and learn to watch them without being afraid or angry, and we could add here, feeling guilty. Just to offer them up... And maybe to just make yourself get up from the games, even for just a few minutes, take a break and see if you really want to continue? Not easy, these struggles, I know. But this is what I am trying now. all praises, Max >I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to >listen to my non-bhajan music. At times, I feel >guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen >to the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to >music that won’t help in my spiritual >advancement. It’s not necessarily bad music, >but it is pleasing to my ears. -- Max Dashu Suppressed Histories Archives Global Women's History http://www.suppressedhistories.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Did you know that Shree Maa sing's Sakali Tumar Iccha in English on her CD "Oh Dark Night Mother?" Truly inspired. On Jan 16, 2006, at 11:58 PM, Max Dashu wrote: > To me listening to music is also a way of > accessing the divine, I mean the kind of music > that really makes your heart glad, that touches > the soul in some way. It may not be defined as > spiritual, but even the old 60s Japanese song > Sukiyaki (anyone remember it? that was the name > used to market it in the west anyway) touches me > in a deep place that feels like the core of life, > and i never get tired of hearing it. > > So I put music in a different category than video > games! Tho I don't like to listen to the radio, > most of what is on doesn't make the world light > up that way. But now, spiritual music which > exalts the divine, there you are really talking. > Lately I have been playing a lot of Shree Maa's > Sakali Tumar Iccha, which is very moving (it's on > her website and I think also on her Ramprasad > bhajans CD). > > I realize this doesn't answer your real point, > Bela, which i also experience: the mind's > insistence on doing what it wants, getting the > excited stimulation it desires, rather than > emptying out into silence, and building more > steadiness of practice. We resist discipline so > much. What I have been working on is to spread > out the discipline of this returning to the inner > Wisdom, so that it touches all the hours, not > just the morning meditation. To embrace a > rhythmic return and remembrance, which is what > the Muslims have encoded in their five times of > prayer, but it could take many forms. > > As for guilt, someone recently posted a talk by > Swamiji (i think) in which he says, "Amma does > not want us to suppress our desires and feelings. > Rather, she wants us to cultivate detachment." > and also says that Surrender is when we stop > fighting our thoughts and emotions and learn to > watch them without being afraid or angry, and we > could add here, feeling guilty. Just to offer > them up... And maybe to just make yourself get up > from the games, even for just a few minutes, take > a break and see if you really want to continue? > Not easy, these struggles, I know. But this is > what I am trying now. > > all praises, > Max > > >I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to > >listen to my non-bhajan music. At times, I feel > >guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen > >to the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to > >music that won’t help in my spiritual > >advancement. It’s not necessarily bad music, > >but it is pleasing to my ears. > > -- > Max Dashu > Suppressed Histories Archives > Global Women's History > http://www.suppressedhistories.net > > > > > > Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! > > > > > > > ▪  Visit your group "Ammachi" on the web. >  > ▪  >  Ammachi >  > ▪  Terms of > Service. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 OM NAMAH SIVAYA i can appreciate your feelings of guilt. i have felt great guilt for most of my life. for the things i did, and for the things i didn't do. guilt for the things i had, as well as feeling bad for the things i didn't. recently i realized that those feeling come from my comparing to things outside myself. looking at others was a definite obstacle for me. in guilt we gain nothing because we neither fully experience what we are doing nor do we experience what we wish/think we should be doing. we are cheating ourselves. we are only believing we should be or are a certain way. believing is in the head. i want to know. knowing is in the heart. when we do as Amma says and come from the heart, there is only one, LOVE. then we are able to fully experience the Now. life becomes an experiment to gain the experience. we find out who we are. not by comparing twos but by living the One. for me turning inward stops the comparisions. JAI MA Ammachi, "Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela@g...> wrote: > > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I'd like to get > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding this > emotion. I'm not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I enjoy seeing > other people's perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > I've been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several months. I > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by day. > I've completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3-4 times > per year on special occasions.) I've stopped swearing (profanity) and > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which continues > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to continually > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in any > activity where I "could be" doing something more related to worship or such. > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non- bhajan > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to listen to > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won't help in my > spiritual advancement. It's not necessarily bad music, but it is pleasing > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games online, when > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > It's many little things like this that are causing me to feel guilty. I > don't restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. Up to > this point, I've viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good mother, > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is right. I > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and duty, all > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I'm assuming many of us have, in > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this world. I > know that most people can not become completely removed from attachments > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences and > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > I'd enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you have > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. Thank you so > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I truly adore > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that binds us as > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Good to hear from you, Karen. Your message immediately brought to mind your photo that you sent Shree Maa and Swamiji for Guru Purnima. Beautiful. And I love your message. Pahari Maa On Jan 16, 2006, at 6:09 PM, Karen wrote: > By taking babysteps every day in the "right" direction and then just > letting go of expectations and being especially kind to me (I'd be > kind to God, right?), attachments melt gently by themselves with so > little stress. Little by little. Lots of patience. Living, loving, > laughing all the while. > > Ammachi, "Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela@g...> wrote: > > > > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I'd like > to get > > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding > this > > emotion. I'm not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I > enjoy seeing > > other people's perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > > > > > I've been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several > months. I > > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by > day. > > I've completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3- > 4 times > > per year on special occasions.) I've stopped swearing (profanity) > and > > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which > continues > > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to > continually > > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in > any > > activity where I "could be" doing something more related to worship > or such. > > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non- > bhajan > > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to > listen to > > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won't help in > my > > spiritual advancement. It's not necessarily bad music, but it is > pleasing > > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games > online, when > > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > > > > > It's many little things like this that are causing me to feel > guilty. I > > don't restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. > Up to > > this point, I've viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good > mother, > > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is > right. I > > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and > duty, all > > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I'm assuming many of us > have, in > > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this > world. I > > know that most people can not become completely removed from > attachments > > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences > and > > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > > > > > I'd enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you > have > > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. > Thank you so > > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I > truly adore > > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that > binds us as > > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•`       ..::Bela::..  > > > > > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. > The heart > > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is > the > > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! > > > > > > > Mata amritanandamayi > > > > > > ▪  Visit your group "Ammachi" on the web. >  > ▪  >  Ammachi >  > ▪  Terms of > Service. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 thankyou for this most gentle approach. >"Karen" <forall10q >Ammachi >Ammachi > Re: Feeling Guilt... >Tue, 17 Jan 2006 02:09:21 -0000 > >By taking babysteps every day in the "right" direction and then just >letting go of expectations and being especially kind to me (I'd be >kind to God, right?), attachments melt gently by themselves with so >little stress. Little by little. Lots of patience. Living, loving, >laughing all the while. > >Ammachi, "Bela Gaytan" <bela.fela@g...> wrote: > > > > Namaste brothers & sisters, > > > > > > > > Lately I have been feeling a lot of guilt in my life, and I'd like >to get > > some ideas, feedback, and perhaps personal experiences regarding >this > > emotion. I'm not quite sure how to feel about the guilt, and I >enjoy seeing > > other people's perspectives on spiritual topics. > > > > > > > > I've been making a lot of progress in my life in the past several >months. I > > had my surgery and have been working on improving my health day by >day. > > I've completely given up drinking (whereas I was drinking perhaps 3- >4 times > > per year on special occasions.) I've stopped swearing (profanity) >and > > talking negatively. I have increased compassion for people (which >continues > > to grow). I am such a better person overall, as I strive to >continually > > improve myself and become closer to the Divine. > > > > > > > > I have been feeling guilty lately, though, when I am partaking in >any > > activity where I "could be" doing something more related to worship >or such. > > I adore listening to bhajans, but I also like to listen to my non- >bhajan > > music. At times, I feel guilty… knowing that I am fully able to >listen to > > the bhajans but I am choosing to listen to music that won't help in >my > > spiritual advancement. It's not necessarily bad music, but it is >pleasing > > to my ears. I feel guilt at times when I choose to play games >online, when > > I could be doing japa or puja, praying or meditating, etc. > > > > > > > > It's many little things like this that are causing me to feel >guilty. I > > don't restrict myself from doing them though, even with the guilt. >Up to > > this point, I've viewed it in this manner – Amma, like any good >mother, > > understands that we need to grow gradually and learn to do what is >right. I > > feel as though she wants me to explore these feelings of guilt and >duty, all > > the while embracing me tightly as I am still her daughter. > > > > > > > > Have any of you dealt with this before? I'm assuming many of us >have, in > > dealing with detachment and letting go of our attachments in this >world. I > > know that most people can not become completely removed from >attachments > > overnight, that it takes time, practice, and many, many experiences >and > > lessons in life to bring us to that point. > > > > > > > > I'd enjoy learning how some of you have dealt with this, or how you >have > > viewed such feelings. Any input/feedback is gladly welcomed. >Thank you so > > much for being such an important group of people in my lives! I >truly adore > > our diversity, yet the strength, which is our dearest Amma, that >binds us as > > One! Jai Ma!!! > > > > > > > > ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- > > ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) > > ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. > > -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. > > > > > > > > "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. >The heart > > that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is >the > > choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Oh, I guess that is the one I taped it off of. It is wonderful! Max >Did you know that Shree Maa sing's Sakali Tumar Iccha in English on her >CD "Oh Dark Night Mother?" Truly inspired. -- Max Dashu Suppressed Histories Archives Global Women's History http://www.suppressedhistories.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Dearest Karen, Thank you for your perspective on this! I have noticed that some things thus far (attachments) have gone by easily… and without really much focus on detaching myself from them. But it has been like you said – little by little, and with lots of patience. I try to be easy on myself, and remind Bela that I can not change overnight and it takes time and patience. Just like getting rid of bad habits, it takes time to gradually wean yourself away from these behaviours. Factor in that it’s sometimes difficult to teach an old dog new tricks… and it makes the roller coaster ride all the more enjoyable! ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma _____ Ammachi [Ammachi] On Behalf Of Karen Monday, January 16, 2006 9:09 PM Ammachi Re: Feeling Guilt... By taking babysteps every day in the "right" direction and then just letting go of expectations and being especially kind to me (I'd be kind to God, right?), attachments melt gently by themselves with so little stress. Little by little. Lots of patience. Living, loving, laughing all the while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Dearest Ananthasree, Thank you so much for your lovely post. I also felt like perhaps this guilt is a good thing, in a way. I can use it as a tool to analyze various areas of my life. Why do I feel guilty? Do I feel that something I am doing is wrong? So far, my answer is no to that one. But, take it one step further and I ask myself this question ~ the things I feel guilty about, could I be putting my time and energy towards a more positive use? Now, my reply to this one is always a yes. I realized something today… while I was getting ready for work. One of my biggest feelings of guilt (and this might sound petty to many of you) but is my music. I don’t listen to anything demeaning or terrible, but it’s not music that uplifts your spirit. Just music I love the tune, the lyrics, and the singer’s voice. I would feel guilty if I popped in my Disturbed CD, versus my bhajans CD. Well, as I was getting ready this morning, I realized all morning long, I had been singing bhajans, not my other music. I noticed this most of the day – that I was always singing bhajans in my head, versus the other music I like. It made me feel as though a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders! It made me realize that my heart is with Amma, as always. Again, all of this may seem quite trivial to others, but to me it felt beautiful! I’m usually hard on myself, for any mistakes that I make in life. I’ve always been my worst critic. I’ve learned to lighten up, gradually, and don’t beat myself up over my learning experiences (after all, isn’t that what mistakes all are?), but rather live, learn, and carry on. But thank you for your reminder to be gentle on myself. I could certainly always use improvement in that area! Jai Ma! ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma _____ Ammachi [Ammachi] On Behalf Of Ananthasree Tuesday, January 17, 2006 1:05 AM Ammachi Re: Feeling Guilt... Namah Shivayah Bela, I think this is something we can all relate to. I certainly can attest to feeling this way. I think it is part of the whole process. In fact, I have been really beating myself up lately over feeling like I am a terrible devotee and really thinking that my being in Amma's grace was some kind of cosmic accident...of course, I know this is not true, but getting into the depths of guilt sometimes makes me feel this way. It comes and goes, and I think it is probably very healthy to a certain degree. I would venture to guess that even the feeling of guilt is sometimes created by Amma in order to provoke something within the devotee...not necessarily to provoke us into changing the things we feel guilty about...but to even to make us address issues we may have with guilt itself. When we think of the millions of possible reasons why we truly are feeling a certain way, it can sometimes make it easier to deal with. I try to devote everything I do to Amma....even if I am doing something that is not particularly Amma related.....but then again, what is NOT Amma related???????? Perhaps that is part of the answer. Thank you for your post. It is always comforting to know we are not the only ones feeling these things. Be as gentle on yourself as Amma would be if you approached her with your question. Jai Jai Jai Jai Ma! Ananthsree http://www.ammaschildren.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Dearest Max, I, too, derive the same type of bliss from listening to uplifting music! The music I felt more guilty about was music that reached me, due to past experiences, feelings that were expressed in the songs and such, that didn’t necessarily relate to religion or spirituality. And I also love Sukiyaki! (**) It’s almost comical, thinking about it. Hindsight is always so much more insightful, eh? I spend, perhaps 15 minutes every day or two playing a game online. I have to laugh now, about feeling guilty about it. As for music, I guess I felt more guilt over it, as I am able to listen to music while I work, and it helps to drown out the noise and such around me. Today I chose to listen to the 1000 Names of The Divine Mother, Amma bhajans, and Creed. I noticed I felt soooooo much better all day, and that my mind seemed so much more clear. Moderation is the key, I am learning… ¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) ((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:- ..::Brightest Blessings::.. -:¦:- ((¸¸.•´.¸..•` ..::Bela::.. "Like nectar in the fresh morning flower, let goodness fill you. The heart that unfolds all its petals spreading the fragrance of goodness is the choicest offering at the altar of God" - Amma _____ Ammachi [Ammachi] On Behalf Of Max Dashu Tuesday, January 17, 2006 2:58 AM Ammachi Re: Feeling Guilt... To me listening to music is also a way of accessing the divine, I mean the kind of music that really makes your heart glad, that touches the soul in some way. It may not be defined as spiritual, but even the old 60s Japanese song Sukiyaki (anyone remember it? that was the name used to market it in the west anyway) touches me in a deep place that feels like the core of life, and i never get tired of hearing it. So I put music in a different category than video games! Tho I don't like to listen to the radio, most of what is on doesn't make the world light up that way. But now, spiritual music which exalts the divine, there you are really talking. Lately I have been playing a lot of Shree Maa's Sakali Tumar Iccha, which is very moving (it's on her website and I think also on her Ramprasad bhajans CD). I realize this doesn't answer your real point, Bela, which i also experience: the mind's insistence on doing what it wants, getting the excited stimulation it desires, rather than emptying out into silence, and building more steadiness of practice. We resist discipline so much. What I have been working on is to spread out the discipline of this returning to the inner Wisdom, so that it touches all the hours, not just the morning meditation. To embrace a rhythmic return and remembrance, which is what the Muslims have encoded in their five times of prayer, but it could take many forms. As for guilt, someone recently posted a talk by Swamiji (i think) in which he says, "Amma does not want us to suppress our desires and feelings. Rather, she wants us to cultivate detachment." and also says that Surrender is when we stop fighting our thoughts and emotions and learn to watch them without being afraid or angry, and we could add here, feeling guilty. Just to offer them up... And maybe to just make yourself get up from the games, even for just a few minutes, take a break and see if you really want to continue? Not easy, these struggles, I know. But this is what I am trying now. all praises, Max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Hi Bela, Well, that's one of the beauties of music in languages you don't understand -- you don't know what they are saying! The Ramakrishna quote is one of the most profound teachings, I love it too. Max >feelings that were expressed in the songs and such, that didn’t >necessarily relate to religion or spirituality. And I also love Sukiyaki! -- Max Dashu Suppressed Histories Archives Global Women's History http://www.suppressedhistories.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.