Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 Dear Sanjay, Your wise and tender comments to Sandy have given me the courage to discuss an experience I had in the spring of 1981, while I was a student at Cambridge. Words are inadequate to describe it but you, I feel, will understand and perhaps you will give me some clues as to where to look for it in I chart. Should I look at Jupiter even if he is malefic for my Aquarius Lagna and retrograde in my 6th house (Cancer). Can such a benefic as Jupiter really be malefic, or is he just trying to teach me a lesson for my own spiritual good, such as my ovarian cancer, which has certainly made me a better person. (Thank you once again for your kind help in this matter). Or should I look to my 12th house with Venus and Ketu. I don't mind if this is posted or not or if the moderators decide to edit it. I was cycling to a lecture contemplating the grey clouds forming in the sky, when suddenly everthing surrounding me was bathed in a golden light. My senses were sharpened and I felt I could see the atoms and molecules in the air and all the way to the end of the universe. There was such a feeling of joy, bliss and comfort and I knew then, without any doubt that I was connected to everything in the universe ... every atom, rock, stream, all living things ... everything ... and they were part of me. I heard no voice or saw no entity it was just a knowledge I was given. This was such a great gift that I felt ashamed and guilty that it had been given to me, as I didn't feel worthy of it. It has left me with the ability to feel that joy whenever I want to and I no longer have any fear of death ... a great comfort now that I have this life threatening illness. When I got to my lecture my friends could see something had happened to me and I was told I looked radiant, which is how I felt. So please help me. I know this important event must be in my chart. I was in Jupiter Moon dasa at the time. I am just an ordinary person so I don't feel I can look at the charts of saints for help. Thank you Sanjay and much happiness to you. Love, Gili you can't transcend what you haven't experienced >"Sanjay Rath" <srath > ><varahamihira>,"SJC" <> >CC: "Raghu Goravani" <> >[sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy >Questions >Sun, 3 Nov 2002 23:17:41 +0530 > > > >Om Gurave Namah >Dear Sandy, >To question is your BIRTH RIGHT..and never give it up for anything in this >world. Your questioning is setting me in a track which I felt was not >necessary as the west was not interested or never really went deep. >I need to give you a list to consider initially - > >My Spirit speaks.... >1. Never accept anything said as the perfect truth without examining it >from every possible standpoint. Realise that your own views will undergo a >change with time, and then come back to it and question it again. Kena >Upanishad shows a debate on the definition of God, and the conclusion is >that He cannot be defined, only experienced, and those who experience do >not have the language to explain. Limitations of the language, the human >mind in perceiving the beginning and end of time and space shall always >hinder any attempt to define God. > >2. Acceptance of such a limitation and still seeking Him is a sign of >spiritual maturity. Then the mind ceases to seek differences realising that >the differences are only superficial and skin deep and goes deeper to seek >similarities. This will show up in looking for similarities like: > > - similarities between the opposite sex, where you realise that the >sexual difference is only a matter of age (both mental and physical) and as >we grow, the opposite sex ceases to be different and we are all friends. >That is one of the definitions of the real self, the soul or Atma - it is >napunsaka i.e. eunuch sex, neither male nor female, that is why the Atma or >Ista devata Who is the ultimate goal of all souls is neither male nor >female and the English language forces me to use 'Him' which is WRONG nor >can I use the word 'It' for God which is derogatory in a sense..that's why >Ista mantra end with the napunsaka word Namah which is neither a male nor a >female address. > > - similarities between people cutting across cultures, where you >realise that the culture is only a case of the acculturation process and >that the person within is exactly like you. This brings in a feeling of >universal brotherhood called 'vasudaiva kutumbakkam' where you view the >entire creation as one family from the same parent(s)..children of God. > > - similarities between different creatures, where you realise that the >body is but the 'cage of clay created by varuna (an aspect of God) to >suffer our karma' and liberation lies in accepting that the visible truth, >the body of clay is a perishable item like the vegetable, and that which >has not perished, the spark that makes this block of clay stand up, walk >and do so many things, is the real self - So' ham. When this realisation >comes, the bite of a dog shall not deter the realised person from >preventing the punishment to the dog for biting, the bite of a scorpion >shall not prevent the realised person from trying to save it from drowning >in a flood..that is the compassion that one feels for all. Then he alone is >the Hamsa having realised the Param-Hamsa... > >3. Acceptance of the limitation of the mind to dwell in senses: The mind >shall dwell in the senses as it is the nature of the mind to react to the >sense organs. Blunting the sense organs will only make the person dull >witted or thick skinned but will not prevent the mind from dwelling in the >senses. What then can be the solution to tame this naughty child that must >play? It is your child, your mind and in its play it must be protected, >nurtured and prevented from sorrow, anger and such emotions that make it >lose its bearings and feel disturbed and pained..it is you, the conscious >you. Since the mind must play, give it a song to sing, for like any good >melody, which when hummed brings delight and joy, a song is the best thing >that keeps the mind happy. The Moon creates the vocalists and >singers...representing the mind and its constantly changing moods. > > - choose a melody that is the best for you, choose a song that is the >best for the real you and keep singing it so that the mind is >occupied..Gayatri twam gayantam..sing the Gayatri, sing it to your hearts >content. Let not the annotations of the pundits nor the austerity of the >sanyasis overcome your greater need to sing this song divine. sing the song >divine..the Bhagavat Gita (literally the song divine). Let not your >limitations of religion, caste and creed which are man made cause >boundaries to appear in the vision of the mind. There are no >boundaries..sing your song. > > - there is no right song, there are no wrong songs, anything that >rhymes with you and touches your heart is right for you so long as it is >not wrong for anybody else. For what is wrong for somebody else has to be >wrong for you for they are but an aspect of you, your co-born, born from >the same spiritual parents...so sing "om tat sat", sing "buddham saranam >gacchami", sing the lords prayer or whatever other song, and the Bhagavat >Gita sings-for in each of those songs and manifestations God resides and >causes the faith to rest and increase and this is the path to >liberation..sooner or later. > >So Sandy sing your song divine today. >Good night and sweet melodies, >Sanjay Rath > >71 Vasant Apartments, Mayur Vihar Ph-1, New Delhi 110091, India >Tel: +91-11-2713201 Web: http://srath.com http://.org > > > Sandy Crowther [sandy] > Sunday, November 03, 2002 12:42 AM > varahamihira > RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Re: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy >Questions > > > Dear Phyllis and Group, > > > > Thank you for your comments and your insights as to where to get Guru >Sanjay’s book. I have emailed manoramaoccult as you have suggested. > > > > The reason I have so many questions on Hinduism versus Buddhism, and the >dichotomies apparent in the teachings practiced by various Easterners as >being the paths of Absolute Truth, are many. > > > > As Westerners, we are not so well versed in the Veda(s), nor nearly as >rich as Easterners in spiritual culture by virtue of birthright. So to run >along a self-initiated spiritual path without seriously questioning these >teachings at some point, may result in stagnating error. Without coming to >the eventual realization (because of the mass amounts of authors professing >authority, and therefore writing on these subjects) or seeking the opinions >from those more experienced for the correct translations via authorship of >the Veda(s), one can spend a lifetime studying the wrong material, and make >very little progress on the spiritual path…if any at all. The Veda(s) are >spiritual energy in the form of sound vibration and clearly speak only to >the wise with pure hearts, so the steps to enlightenment are deep enough >without erring for decades on bad translations and wrong material. > > > > I have so many questions on all of it…I personally believe that we need >one religion, and one religion only for the planet, and believe the eastern >culture holds the keys toward the realization of our true nature and >spirituality…I just need to get a hold of the right “keys”…J > ~Namaste~ > > Sandy Crowther > > http://www.jupitersweb.com/ > > > > > Phyl Chubb MA [aboutyou] > Saturday, November 02, 2002 12:37 PM > varahamihira > [sJC: Varahamihira] Re: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions > > > > Dear Sandy, > > > > From my perspective your questions are more than valid, but then I too >am western born and bred in Christianity although I now practice Chan >Buddhism, simply because I can understand these teachings. I have been able >to 'go with the flow' with Hinduism because I accept their idea that there >is but one God and this God has many faces. Somehow this makes sense to me >as it allows for individual freedom in understanding the huge concept of >God. Anyway I am certainly looking forward to the answers you will receive. > > > > As for Sanjay's book I suggest you get it from India, from Manorama >Books. The service is both fast and resonable. Just contact >manoramaoccult and you will get whatever you need. > > > > Take care..................... > > Phyllis > > > > > > - > > > Sandy Crowther > > varahamihira > > Saturday, November 02, 2002 8:55 AM > > [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions > > > > Dear List, > > > > Namaste! > > > > My first post…J I am again trying to eliminate some confusion, and sort >out (in my mind) the different branches of Hinduism…so please excuse both >me, and my questions, if they seem elementary and inappropriate for this >list…I am not new to Jyotish, but I am quite new to this list. Jyotish and >spirituality go hand in hand, in my mind. When on the path to >enlightenment, in order to fully understand and absorb one teaching, I >think we also need absolute clarity, with respect to the other. I am just >looking to get closer to the Truth. > > > > Being born and raised a Roman Catholic girl in the USA, the Eastern >teachings are somewhat foreign to my native land of birth, however, none >the less totally fascinating to me, and have been for some time. I have >danced around over the years between practicing Theravadin Buddhism at >Vipassana with S.N. Goenka, to reading about different branches of >Hinduism, to following the teachings and Self-Realization Lessons of >Paramahansa Yogananda. In my search for both the truth and the secrets, I >have gathered books written by several authors on different branches. So I >guess what I do not understand, is why Hinduism contains so many divisions? >It is very confusing to this westerner, as those of us brought up in >Catholicism in the west are taught that there is one God by one name, which >is God. And his son is named Jesus Christ. There are saints that can be >prayed to, but only one God Almighty. So I remain in square one with >respect to attaining clarity over time about branches of eastern religion, >and as confused as ever. > > > > So I have a few questions if I may… > > > > For those of you well versed in the subject, what are your thoughts on >the trilogy written by the late Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Dancing >With Siva, Living With Siva, and Merging With Siva? He passed away last >year from cancer – (his birth data is Jan. 5, 1927 8:25 AM, Oakland, CA). >Anyway, his voluminous writings are so enjoyable to read from an American’s >perspective - as far as an American’s ability to truly understand, in an >English manner, the writings and beliefs that Hinduism offers, as English >translations to these concepts are readily comprehensible within the >writings by this author, and therefore leave the western reader with an >ability to both better understand the teachings, and relate. So I guess my >question is, are these writings intellectually and spiritually supportive, >or at a complete dichotomy, as far as relevance and beliefs to Vaisnaivism? >In other words, will the Saivite teachings totally spiritually contradict >the teachings of Vaisnaivism, or will they be supportive to learning >Hinduism? > > > > I have always been confused about the “differences” in branches of >Hinduism, and WHY there are even differences and different teachings to >Hinduism, and I therefore remain totally confused about what reading >material to defer to for the real Truth. And how many names are there for >One God? I really also enjoy the writings of Stephen Knapp, as he also has >a gift of writing about an Eastern subject with clarity. I realize that >much of what I am asking is probably largely based on individual personal >preferences, but I am interested in knowing the overall preferences for >this list. What about Buddhism, and the teachings of Osho and Eknath >Easwaran? And what are the list thoughts on who authors the best >translation of the Bhagavad-Gita? > > > > Also, would anyone know where I could purchase a copy of Sanjay’s book >on Vimshottari and Udu Dasas in the United States? I have checked with >several jyotish vendors online, and they don’t seem to carry the title. >Thanks… > > > > > > ~ Sincerely ~ > > Sandy Crowther > > http://www.jupitersweb.com/ > > > > > Hare Rama Krishna > Archive:varahamihira > Files:varahamihira > varahamihira/database > > > > > > Hare Rama Krishna > Archive:varahamihira > Files:varahamihira > varahamihira/database > > > > > > > > Hare Rama Krishna > Archive:varahamihira > Files:varahamihira > varahamihira/database > > > > _______________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail Attachment: (application/octet-stream) gili.jhd [not stored] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 Ps. Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church or shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to give the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a christian (Church of England, Protestant). Gili you can't transcend what you haven't experienced _______________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 Dear Sadashiv and Gili, Sadashiv – Yes…you are absolutely correct with respect to what I was referring to, which is guidance for spiritual discipline. My questions more revolved around why Hinduism has so many divisions in their ways of experiencing God. Also, if I want truth and meaning in my own personal spiritual discipline, the best route is satisfying my need to have clarity on what I am actually praying for or saying – so I translate the longer (Hindu) prayers in my daily spiritual discipline into my native language, for better focus and intent. I also add my own spin on meaningful English prayers. In the west, there are a few of us here that are like needles in a haystack…we spiritually long for more understanding than what our western environment provides. Gili, thanks for sharing the beautiful spiritual experience you encountered on your way to a lecture. I have also been fortunate enough to have the experience of a similar state, however my experience was not so spontaneous as yours relative to states of activity. In the early 90’s, I began a meditation retreat at the Vipassana Center, meditating for 11 days straight, approximately 18 hours a day, when one day I had the total experience of bliss and love, too profound for words to do justice to. I will never forget it. After experiencing that love and freedom, my desires to attain that state again actually resulted in impeding my free meditation, because instead of letting my meditation take its natural flow, I was trying too hard to achieve that experience of elation and ethereal bliss once again, which prior to that I didn’t know existed. That was a lesson in itself…but I walked on air the rest of that particular day, and will never forget that exhilarating state. Simply beautiful. I am still in waiting in meditation for it to occur again… Guess that’s why patience is such a virtue… mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"> Wingdings">J font-family:Arial">. Thanks for sharing… 12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" yes"> ~Namaste~ yes"> Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ 12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> -----Original Message----- Sada Dharwarkar [sada.dharwarkar (AT) teklogix (DOT) com] Friday, November 08, 2002 10:20 AM '' RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions color:black">Hello Gili, mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Sandy is talking about the guidance for discipline by which one can experience God. Guidance for discipline is religion, therefore religion is inseparable from God. Most important aspect is how much devotion we have in practising the discipline which ultimately leads us to experience God. Best Regards, Sadashiv. > > gilimary alvey [sMTP:lopamudraxxx (AT) hotmail (DOT) com] > Friday, November 08, 2002 9:18 AM > > Re: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu > Dichotomy Questions > > Ps. > Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because > this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church > or > shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to > give > the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way > > of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a > christian (Church of England, Protestant). > Gili > > you can't transcend what you haven't experienced > > > > _______________ > MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus > > > > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] > Send a blank mail > To : - > To : > > Your use of is subject to > line-break"> windowtext"> color:black">[Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] "Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 Dear Sandy, I hope I am not intruding.On reading your post, I felt that I should put in my two bits worth.Hindu prayers, as I understand our religion have their impact not only through their meaning but by the sound waves created by the very sounds and their pitch.For simplicity you may like to equate them to ultrasonic effect.This results in your being able to achieve the goal of self realisation better.There is a good site which teaches sanskrit and also has audio files giving the pronounciations at http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/sanskrit/tutor.html you wil be benefitted, I am sure. Once again asking your pardon for unsolicited intrusion. Chandrashekhar. - Sandy Crowther Friday, November 08, 2002 9:29 PM RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Dear Sadashiv and Gili, Sadashiv – Yes…you are absolutely correct with respect to what I was referring to, which is guidance for spiritual discipline. My questions more revolved around why Hinduism has so many divisions in their ways of experiencing God. Also, if I want truth and meaning in my own personal spiritual discipline, the best route is satisfying my need to have clarity on what I am actually praying for or saying – so I translate the longer (Hindu) prayers in my daily spiritual discipline into my native language, for better focus and intent. I also add my own spin on meaningful English prayers. In the west, there are a few of us here that are like needles in a haystack…we spiritually long for more understanding than what our western environment provides. Gili, thanks for sharing the beautiful spiritual experience you encountered on your way to a lecture. I have also been fortunate enough to have the experience of a similar state, however my experience was not so spontaneous as yours relative to states of activity. In the early 90’s, I began a meditation retreat at the Vipassana Center, meditating for 11 days straight, approximately 18 hours a day, when one day I had the total experience of bliss and love, too profound for words to do justice to. I will never forget it. After experiencing that love and freedom, my desires to attain that state again actually resulted in impeding my free meditation, because instead of letting my meditation take its natural flow, I was trying too hard to achieve that experience of elation and ethereal bliss once again, which prior to that I didn’t know existed. That was a lesson in itself…but I walked on air the rest of that particular day, and will never forget that exhilarating state. Simply beautiful. I am still in waiting in meditation for it to occur again… Guess that’s why patience is such a virtue… J. Thanks for sharing… 12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" ~Namaste~ Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ 12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Sada Dharwarkar [sada.dharwarkar (AT) teklogix (DOT) com]Friday, November 08, 2002 10:20 AM''RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Hello Gili,Sandy is talking about the guidance for discipline by which one canexperience God. Guidance for discipline is religion, therefore religion isinseparable from God. Most important aspect is how much devotion we have inpractising the discipline which ultimately leads us to experience God.Best Regards,Sadashiv.> > gilimary alvey [sMTP:lopamudraxxx (AT) hotmail (DOT) com]> Friday, November 08, 2002 9:18 AM> > Re: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu> Dichotomy Questions> > Ps.> Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because > this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church> or > shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to> give > the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way> > of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a > christian (Church of England, Protestant).> Gili> > you can't transcend what you haven't experienced> > > > _______________> MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus> > > > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]> Send a blank mail> To : -> To : > > Your use of is subject to > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 Arial">Dear Chandrashekhar, Arial"> Arial">You are not intruding…Your insights are most welcome… Arial"> Arial">I understand what you are saying about vibrations and their effects, and certainly I can appreciate that, and fully agree these have merit. I take that (most especially) into consideration with mantras, and make every effort to practice mantras as closely and correctly as possible. However, for the longer prayers, I translate them because I am so unfamiliar with Sanskrit. Having so many other daily obligations I must attend to, leaves me limited time to devote to learning sanskrit. So by the time I would get a clue of proficiency…I probably would be dead, as I am in my 50’s now. mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"> Wingdings">J 12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> (I should have started that learning endeavor many moons ago, and actually did, but got sidetracked raising a family.) So I guess what I’m saying, and I certainly could be wrong, is that self-effort to attain self-realization has to account for something in any language, irrespective of how versed we are. I can’t help but believe that God hears all the different tongues who reach for him, in an equal manner, dependent on devotion. So my heart and intent mean no disrespect to the rich eastern customs, but my language skills limit my full participation if my spiritual discipline must be based on those exact parameters. Arial"> 12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" yes"> ~Namaste~ yes"> Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ Dear Sandy, windowtext"> I hope I am not intruding.On reading your post, I felt that I should put in my two bits worth.Hindu prayers, as I understand our religion have their impact not only through their meaning but by the sound waves created by the very sounds and their pitch.For simplicity you may like to equate them to ultrasonic effect.This results in your being able to achieve the goal of self realisation better.There is a good site which teaches sanskrit and also has audio files giving the pronounciations at http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/sanskrit/tutor.html you wil be benefitted, I am sure. Once again asking your pardon for unsolicited intrusion. windowtext"> Chandrashekhar. margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">----- Original Message ----- margin-left:39.75pt;background:#E4E4E4;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold"> Sandy Crowther Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold"> font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold">Friday, November 08, 2002 9:29 PM margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold">RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Dear Sadashiv and Gili, solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Sadashiv – Yes…you are absolutely correct with respect to what I was referring to, which is guidance for spiritual discipline. My questions more revolved around why Hinduism has so many divisions in their ways of experiencing God. Also, if I want truth and meaning in my own personal spiritual discipline, the best route is satisfying my need to have clarity on what I am actually praying for or saying – so I translate the longer (Hindu) prayers in my daily spiritual discipline into my native language, for better focus and intent. I also add my own spin on meaningful English prayers. In the west, there are a few of us here that are like needles in a haystack…we spiritually long for more understanding than what our western environment provides. solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Gili, thanks for sharing the beautiful spiritual experience you encountered on your way to a lecture. I have also been fortunate enough to have the experience of a similar state, however my experience was not so spontaneous as yours relative to states of activity. In the early 90’s, I began a meditation retreat at the Vipassana Center, meditating for 11 days straight, approximately 18 hours a day, when one day I had the total experience of bliss and love, too profound for words to do justice to. I will never forget it. solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">After experiencing that love and freedom, my desires to attain that state italic">again actually resulted in impeding my free meditation, because instead of letting my meditation take its natural flow, I was trying too hard to achieve that experience of elation and ethereal bliss once again, which prior to that I didn’t know existed. That was a lesson in itself…but I walked on air the rest of that particular day, and will never forget that exhilarating state. Simply beautiful. I am still in waiting in meditation for it to occur again… Guess that’s why patience is such a virtue… mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"> Wingdings">J font-family:Arial">. Thanks for sharing… solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-begin'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" yes"> ~Namaste~ solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> Sandy Crowther solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">http://www.jupitersweb.com/ solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-end'> 12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black"> Sada Dharwarkar [sada.dharwarkar (AT) teklogix (DOT) com] Friday, November 08, 2002 10:20 AM '' RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> "Courier New";color:black">Hello Gili, mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Sandy is talking about the guidance for discipline by which one can experience God. Guidance for discipline is religion, therefore religion is inseparable from God. Most important aspect is how much devotion we have in practising the discipline which ultimately leads us to experience God. Best Regards, Sadashiv. > > gilimary alvey [sMTP:lopamudraxxx (AT) hotmail (DOT) com] > Friday, November 08, 2002 9:18 AM > > Re: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu > Dichotomy Questions > > Ps. > Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because > this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church > or > shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to > give > the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way > > of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a > christian (Church of England, Protestant). > Gili > > you can't transcend what you haven't experienced > > > > _______________ > MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus > > > > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] > Send a blank mail > To : - > To : > > Your use of is subject to > line-break"> windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black">[Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] "Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 Dear Sandy, Thank you for giving some time to my post.I most emphatically think that prayers in all languages and to all dieties in alll religion ultimately lead to the same Universal truth.However as I tried to explain,prayers in differrent languages were created by differrent sages to have a particular sonic efect in order to enable the brain to open up to religious experiences.This is why the prayers need to be recited in the language that they were created or composed. I think it is never too late to learn and you are trying your level best to do this.I am 57 and feel that I have just started understanding about both religion and astrology. I am pursuing knowlledge with vigour.You are too young to think that it might be late. May I suggest that you use "Omkar" and Beejmantra given by your Guru to overcome your difficulties? May I also suggest that you start mediatating for attaining the ultimate truth instead of the experience , which you so vividly described, this will eventually lead you to the vision you desire to experience again. Regards, Chandrashekhar. - Sandy Crowther Saturday, November 09, 2002 1:38 AM RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Dear Chandrashekhar, You are not intruding…Your insights are most welcome… I understand what you are saying about vibrations and their effects, and certainly I can appreciate that, and fully agree these have merit. I take that (most especially) into consideration with mantras, and make every effort to practice mantras as closely and correctly as possible. However, for the longer prayers, I translate them because I am so unfamiliar with Sanskrit. Having so many other daily obligations I must attend to, leaves me limited time to devote to learning sanskrit. So by the time I would get a clue of proficiency…I probably would be dead, as I am in my 50’s now. J (I should have started that learning endeavor many moons ago, and actually did, but got sidetracked raising a family.) So I guess what I’m saying, and I certainly could be wrong, is that self-effort to attain self-realization has to account for something in any language, irrespective of how versed we are. I can’t help but believe that God hears all the different tongues who reach for him, in an equal manner, dependent on devotion. So my heart and intent mean no disrespect to the rich eastern customs, but my language skills limit my full participation if my spiritual discipline must be based on those exact parameters. 12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" ~Namaste~ Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ Dear Sandy, I hope I am not intruding.On reading your post, I felt that I should put in my two bits worth.Hindu prayers, as I understand our religion have their impact not only through their meaning but by the sound waves created by the very sounds and their pitch.For simplicity you may like to equate them to ultrasonic effect.This results in your being able to achieve the goal of self realisation better.There is a good site which teaches sanskrit and also has audio files giving the pronounciations at http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/sanskrit/tutor.html you wil be benefitted, I am sure. Once again asking your pardon for unsolicited intrusion. Chandrashekhar. - Sandy Crowther Friday, November 08, 2002 9:29 PM RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Dear Sadashiv and Gili, Sadashiv – Yes…you are absolutely correct with respect to what I was referring to, which is guidance for spiritual discipline. My questions more revolved around why Hinduism has so many divisions in their ways of experiencing God. Also, if I want truth and meaning in my own personal spiritual discipline, the best route is satisfying my need to have clarity on what I am actually praying for or saying – so I translate the longer (Hindu) prayers in my daily spiritual discipline into my native language, for better focus and intent. I also add my own spin on meaningful English prayers. In the west, there are a few of us here that are like needles in a haystack…we spiritually long for more understanding than what our western environment provides. Gili, thanks for sharing the beautiful spiritual experience you encountered on your way to a lecture. I have also been fortunate enough to have the experience of a similar state, however my experience was not so spontaneous as yours relative to states of activity. In the early 90’s, I began a meditation retreat at the Vipassana Center, meditating for 11 days straight, approximately 18 hours a day, when one day I had the total experience of bliss and love, too profound for words to do justice to. I will never forget it. After experiencing that love and freedom, my desires to attain that state again actually resulted in impeding my free meditation, because instead of letting my meditation take its natural flow, I was trying too hard to achieve that experience of elation and ethereal bliss once again, which prior to that I didn’t know existed. That was a lesson in itself…but I walked on air the rest of that particular day, and will never forget that exhilarating state. Simply beautiful. I am still in waiting in meditation for it to occur again… Guess that’s why patience is such a virtue… J. Thanks for sharing… 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-begin'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" ~Namaste~ Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-end'> Sada Dharwarkar [sada.dharwarkar (AT) teklogix (DOT) com]Friday, November 08, 2002 10:20 AM''RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Hello Gili,Sandy is talking about the guidance for discipline by which one canexperience God. Guidance for discipline is religion, therefore religion isinseparable from God. Most important aspect is how much devotion we have inpractising the discipline which ultimately leads us to experience God.Best Regards,Sadashiv.> > gilimary alvey [sMTP:lopamudraxxx (AT) hotmail (DOT) com]> Friday, November 08, 2002 9:18 AM> > Re: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu> Dichotomy Questions> > Ps.> Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because > this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church> or > shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to> give > the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way> > of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a > christian (Church of England, Protestant).> Gili> > you can't transcend what you haven't experienced> > > > _______________> MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus> > > > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]> Send a blank mail> To : -> To : > > Your use of is subject to > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2002 Report Share Posted November 9, 2002 Dear Chandrashekhar, Thanks again very much for your insights…please see my comments below… Arial;color:#003300;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Dear Sandy, windowtext"> Thank you for giving some time to my post.I most emphatically think that prayers in all languages and to all dieties in alll religion ultimately lead to the same Universal truth.However as I tried to explain,prayers in differrent languages were created by differrent sages to have a particular sonic efect in order to enable the brain to open up to religious experiences.This is why the prayers need to be recited in the language that they were created or composed. color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Arial"> Arial;color:purple">Perhaps you are right about recitation of prayers in the language in which they were created, however, please bear with me for a moment…as I am still not convinced that this is absolutely necessary for reaching elevated states of self-realization. So I need to understand you better…as the west meets the east – so to speak. mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;color:purple; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"> symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:purple"> Arial;color:purple"> Arial;color:purple">My first concern…Do you think (based upon the sonic effect experience), that recitation of prayers in one’s own native language without any sonic effect is an inferior gesture in discipline, and therefore not considered as great or as powerful, or perhaps could actually impede the brain from opening up just as widely to the religious experience? In other words, is the sonic effect impact on the brain mandatory to elevate the brain to open up to the experience? Or could that not just as possibly be attained by dedication and devotion in one’s own native tongue? I think it is never too late to learn and you are trying your level best to do this.I am 57 and feel that I have just started understanding about both religion and astrology. I am pursuing knowlledge with vigour.You are too young to think that it might be late. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Arial"> Arial;color:purple">Yes…If I want to be totally honest with both you and myself…I am just plain resistant to learning Sanskrit at this stage of the game. So this old dog is just highly selective on the new tricks she wants to learn. I am a young 53. 12.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;color:purple;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:purple"> I began my study of astrology about 32 years ago and am still studying and still questioning various techniques and principles, still learning. I began my search for evaluating different manifestations of religion about 20 years ago. Not with as much evaluation intensity though, as I am evaluating now. The discipline itself just feels to me as the center from which the rewards will lie…and I cannot accept, at this point, that I will be judged for my progress based solely on my abilities to be well-versed and educated, or not, in any particular language. This, I guess, is my point. I question this. So if I struggle with the sonic sanskrit pronunciation to recite these prayers correctly, and my attention constantly wavers to wonder if I am reciting the phrase correctly, which ultimately distracts me from devotion, OR if I choose to spend my time in devotion with intensity of prayer in my native tongue without the constant concern and distraction, would the ultimate long-term effects of the discipline be all that different or of a lower nature? I would be interested in knowing how you feel about that. Is there a superiority to the language path we take to attain self-realization? In other words, is self-realization only attained by following the language of the East? And if we appreciate the richness, disciplines, and customs of the east, but prefer to utilize those customs with translations that speak to us, are we unequal or inferior in our attempts to reach Him in the eyes of the Lord? I just can’t find that to be an absolute Truth in my heart… May I suggest that you use "Omkar" and Beejmantra given by your Guru to overcome your difficulties? May I also suggest that you start mediatating for attaining the ultimate truth instead of the experience , which you so vividly described, this will eventually lead you to the vision you desire to experience again. 10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Arial"> Arial;color:purple">I think you may have misunderstood my experience…I was only initially distracted by the experience at my Vipassana stay…and I do meditate for attaining the ultimate truth and not for expectations, as the desire for the experience quickly taught me a lesson. So I am in a comfort zone with respect to meditatation…The road is long, but I’m confident I’ll get there eventually… 12.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;color:purple;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:purple"> Thanks… Arial;color:purple"> yes"> ~Namaste~ yes"> Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ Arial;color:purple"> Arial;color:purple"> Arial;color:purple"> Arial;color:purple"> Regards, Chandrashekhar. margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">----- Original Message ----- margin-left:39.75pt;background:#E4E4E4;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold"> Sandy Crowther Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold"> font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold">Saturday, November 09, 2002 1:38 AM margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold">RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">Dear Chandrashekhar, solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">You are not intruding…Your insights are most welcome… solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">I understand what you are saying about vibrations and their effects, and certainly I can appreciate that, and fully agree these have merit. I take that (most especially) into consideration with mantras, and make every effort to practice mantras as closely and correctly as possible. However, for the longer prayers, I translate them because I am so unfamiliar with Sanskrit. Having so many other daily obligations I must attend to, leaves me limited time to devote to learning sanskrit. So by the time I would get a clue of proficiency…I probably would be dead, as I am in my 50’s now. mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;mso-char-type:symbol; mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"> Wingdings">J 12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> (I should have started that learning endeavor many moons ago, and actually did, but got sidetracked raising a family.) So I guess what I’m saying, and I certainly could be wrong, is that self-effort to attain self-realization has to account for something in any language, irrespective of how versed we are. I can’t help but believe that God hears all the different tongues who reach for him, in an equal manner, dependent on devotion. So my heart and intent mean no disrespect to the rich eastern customs, but my language skills limit my full participation if my spiritual discipline must be based on those exact parameters. solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> yes"> ~Namaste~ solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> Sandy Crowther solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">http://www.jupitersweb.com/ solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black">Dear Sandy, black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black">I hope I am not intruding.On reading your post, I felt that I should put in my two bits worth.Hindu prayers, as I understand our religion have their impact not only through their meaning but by the sound waves created by the very sounds and their pitch.For simplicity you may like to equate them to ultrasonic effect.This results in your being able to achieve the goal of self realisation better.There is a good site which teaches sanskrit and also has audio files giving the pronounciations at http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/sanskrit/tutor.html you wil be benefitted, I am sure. Once again asking your pardon for unsolicited intrusion. windowtext"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black">Chandrashekhar. margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">----- Original Message ----- margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold"> Sandy Crowther margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold"> font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold">Friday, November 08, 2002 9:29 PM margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> font-weight:bold">RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Dear Sadashiv and Gili, solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Sadashiv – Yes…you are absolutely correct with respect to what I was referring to, which is guidance for spiritual discipline. My questions more revolved around why Hinduism has so many divisions in their ways of experiencing God. Also, if I want truth and meaning in my own personal spiritual discipline, the best route is satisfying my need to have clarity on what I am actually praying for or saying – so I translate the longer (Hindu) prayers in my daily spiritual discipline into my native language, for better focus and intent. I also add my own spin on meaningful English prayers. In the west, there are a few of us here that are like needles in a haystack…we spiritually long for more understanding than what our western environment provides. solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">Gili, thanks for sharing the beautiful spiritual experience you encountered on your way to a lecture. I have also been fortunate enough to have the experience of a similar state, however my experience was not so spontaneous as yours relative to states of activity. In the early 90’s, I began a meditation retreat at the Vipassana Center, meditating for 11 days straight, approximately 18 hours a day, when one day I had the total experience of bliss and love, too profound for words to do justice to. I will never forget it. solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">After experiencing that love and freedom, my desires to attain that state italic">again actually resulted in impeding my free meditation, because instead of letting my meditation take its natural flow, I was trying too hard to achieve that experience of elation and ethereal bliss once again, which prior to that I didn’t know existed. That was a lesson in itself…but I walked on air the rest of that particular day, and will never forget that exhilarating state. Simply beautiful. I am still in waiting in meditation for it to occur again… Guess that’s why patience is such a virtue… 12.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial">. Thanks for sharing… solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-begin'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" yes"> ~Namaste~ solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> Sandy Crowther solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt">http://www.jupitersweb.com/ solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-end'> 12.0pt;font-family:Arial"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black"> Sada Dharwarkar [sada.dharwarkar (AT) teklogix (DOT) com] Friday, November 08, 2002 10:20 AM '' RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> "Courier New";color:black">Hello Gili, mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Sandy is talking about the guidance for discipline by which one can experience God. Guidance for discipline is religion, therefore religion is inseparable from God. Most important aspect is how much devotion we have in practising the discipline which ultimately leads us to experience God. Best Regards, Sadashiv. > > gilimary alvey [sMTP:lopamudraxxx (AT) hotmail (DOT) com] > Friday, November 08, 2002 9:18 AM > > Re: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu > Dichotomy Questions > > Ps. > Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because > this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church > or > shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to > give > the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way > > of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a > christian (Church of England, Protestant). > Gili > > you can't transcend what you haven't experienced > > > > _______________ > MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus > > > > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] > Send a blank mail > To : - > To : > > Your use of is subject to > line-break"> windowtext"> margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> color:black">[Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] "Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> margin-left:79.5pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> margin-left:39.75pt;border:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid black 1.5pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt"> [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah] mso-fareast-font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> Send a blank mail To : - To : Your use of is subject to the Terms of Service. mso-color-alt:windowtext"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2002 Report Share Posted November 9, 2002 Dear Sandy, I agree with you that it is not absolutely necessary to pray in any particular language to attain the Goal of a "Saadhakaa" the seeker.I meant that using the original language helps achieve the goals faster in some cases.This is not restricted to Eastern Languages.All religion prefer using their respective ancient language in prayers, though the language of the country may be different for this reason. For one who is able to fix his mind on the abstract form of Godhead, language and even prayers are not necessary.At least this is what I feel. However when recital of mantras is done to obtain some relief, use of the original language, to my mind is a must as Mantraas derive the power from sound. If you devise your own prayers , this by itself is no impendiment in reaching the Absolute One.That goal needs cleansing of mind, true understanding (Gyana) and devotion only. Regards, Chandrashekhar. - Sandy Crowther Saturday, November 09, 2002 7:23 PM RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Dear Chandrashekhar, Thanks again very much for your insights…please see my comments below… Dear Sandy, Thank you for giving some time to my post.I most emphatically think that prayers in all languages and to all dieties in alll religion ultimately lead to the same Universal truth.However as I tried to explain,prayers in differrent languages were created by differrent sages to have a particular sonic efect in order to enable the brain to open up to religious experiences.This is why the prayers need to be recited in the language that they were created or composed. Perhaps you are right about recitation of prayers in the language in which they were created, however, please bear with me for a moment…as I am still not convinced that this is absolutely necessary for reaching elevated states of self-realization. So I need to understand you better…as the west meets the east – so to speak. J My first concern…Do you think (based upon the sonic effect experience), that recitation of prayers in one’s own native language without any sonic effect is an inferior gesture in discipline, and therefore not considered as great or as powerful, or perhaps could actually impede the brain from opening up just as widely to the religious experience? In other words, is the sonic effect impact on the brain mandatory to elevate the brain to open up to the experience? Or could that not just as possibly be attained by dedication and devotion in one’s own native tongue? I think it is never too late to learn and you are trying your level best to do this.I am 57 and feel that I have just started understanding about both religion and astrology. I am pursuing knowlledge with vigour.You are too young to think that it might be late. Yes…If I want to be totally honest with both you and myself…I am just plain resistant to learning Sanskrit at this stage of the game. So this old dog is just highly selective on the new tricks she wants to learn. I am a young 53. J I began my study of astrology about 32 years ago and am still studying and still questioning various techniques and principles, still learning. I began my search for evaluating different manifestations of religion about 20 years ago. Not with as much evaluation intensity though, as I am evaluating now. The discipline itself just feels to me as the center from which the rewards will lie…and I cannot accept, at this point, that I will be judged for my progress based solely on my abilities to be well-versed and educated, or not, in any particular language. This, I guess, is my point. I question this. So if I struggle with the sonic sanskrit pronunciation to recite these prayers correctly, and my attention constantly wavers to wonder if I am reciting the phrase correctly, which ultimately distracts me from devotion, OR if I choose to spend my time in devotion with intensity of prayer in my native tongue without the constant concern and distraction, would the ultimate long-term effects of the discipline be all that different or of a lower nature? I would be interested in knowing how you feel about that. Is there a superiority to the language path we take to attain self-realization? In other words, is self-realization only attained by following the language of the East? And if we appreciate the richness, disciplines, and customs of the east, but prefer to utilize those customs with translations that speak to us, are we unequal or inferior in our attempts to reach Him in the eyes of the Lord? I just can’t find that to be an absolute Truth in my heart… May I suggest that you use "Omkar" and Beejmantra given by your Guru to overcome your difficulties? May I also suggest that you start mediatating for attaining the ultimate truth instead of the experience , which you so vividly described, this will eventually lead you to the vision you desire to experience again. I think you may have misunderstood my experience…I was only initially distracted by the experience at my Vipassana stay…and I do meditate for attaining the ultimate truth and not for expectations, as the desire for the experience quickly taught me a lesson. So I am in a comfort zone with respect to meditatation…The road is long, but I’m confident I’ll get there eventually…J Thanks… ~Namaste~ Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ Regards, Chandrashekhar. - Sandy Crowther Saturday, November 09, 2002 1:38 AM RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Dear Chandrashekhar, You are not intruding…Your insights are most welcome… I understand what you are saying about vibrations and their effects, and certainly I can appreciate that, and fully agree these have merit. I take that (most especially) into consideration with mantras, and make every effort to practice mantras as closely and correctly as possible. However, for the longer prayers, I translate them because I am so unfamiliar with Sanskrit. Having so many other daily obligations I must attend to, leaves me limited time to devote to learning sanskrit. So by the time I would get a clue of proficiency…I probably would be dead, as I am in my 50’s now. J (I should have started that learning endeavor many moons ago, and actually did, but got sidetracked raising a family.) So I guess what I’m saying, and I certainly could be wrong, is that self-effort to attain self-realization has to account for something in any language, irrespective of how versed we are. I can’t help but believe that God hears all the different tongues who reach for him, in an equal manner, dependent on devotion. So my heart and intent mean no disrespect to the rich eastern customs, but my language skills limit my full participation if my spiritual discipline must be based on those exact parameters. ~Namaste~ Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ Dear Sandy, I hope I am not intruding.On reading your post, I felt that I should put in my two bits worth.Hindu prayers, as I understand our religion have their impact not only through their meaning but by the sound waves created by the very sounds and their pitch.For simplicity you may like to equate them to ultrasonic effect.This results in your being able to achieve the goal of self realisation better.There is a good site which teaches sanskrit and also has audio files giving the pronounciations at http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/sanskrit/tutor.html you wil be benefitted, I am sure. Once again asking your pardon for unsolicited intrusion. Chandrashekhar. - Sandy Crowther Friday, November 08, 2002 9:29 PM RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Dear Sadashiv and Gili, Sadashiv – Yes…you are absolutely correct with respect to what I was referring to, which is guidance for spiritual discipline. My questions more revolved around why Hinduism has so many divisions in their ways of experiencing God. Also, if I want truth and meaning in my own personal spiritual discipline, the best route is satisfying my need to have clarity on what I am actually praying for or saying – so I translate the longer (Hindu) prayers in my daily spiritual discipline into my native language, for better focus and intent. I also add my own spin on meaningful English prayers. In the west, there are a few of us here that are like needles in a haystack…we spiritually long for more understanding than what our western environment provides. Gili, thanks for sharing the beautiful spiritual experience you encountered on your way to a lecture. I have also been fortunate enough to have the experience of a similar state, however my experience was not so spontaneous as yours relative to states of activity. In the early 90’s, I began a meditation retreat at the Vipassana Center, meditating for 11 days straight, approximately 18 hours a day, when one day I had the total experience of bliss and love, too profound for words to do justice to. I will never forget it. After experiencing that love and freedom, my desires to attain that state again actually resulted in impeding my free meditation, because instead of letting my meditation take its natural flow, I was trying too hard to achieve that experience of elation and ethereal bliss once again, which prior to that I didn’t know existed. That was a lesson in itself…but I walked on air the rest of that particular day, and will never forget that exhilarating state. Simply beautiful. I am still in waiting in meditation for it to occur again… Guess that’s why patience is such a virtue… J. Thanks for sharing… 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-begin'> AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail Signature" ~Namaste~ Sandy Crowther http://www.jupitersweb.com/ 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'> field-end'> Sada Dharwarkar [sada.dharwarkar (AT) teklogix (DOT) com]Friday, November 08, 2002 10:20 AM''RE: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu Dichotomy Questions Hello Gili,Sandy is talking about the guidance for discipline by which one canexperience God. Guidance for discipline is religion, therefore religion isinseparable from God. Most important aspect is how much devotion we have inpractising the discipline which ultimately leads us to experience God.Best Regards,Sadashiv.> > gilimary alvey [sMTP:lopamudraxxx (AT) hotmail (DOT) com]> Friday, November 08, 2002 9:18 AM> > Re: [sJC: Achyuta Gurukul] RE: [sJC: Varahamihira] Hindu> Dichotomy Questions> > Ps.> Is it possible that Sandy is confusing religion with God? I ask because > this experience allowed me to feel able to worship in any temple, church> or > shrine and find God there. The core teachings of all religions seem to> give > the message of the joy of God I felt that day and religion is merely a way> > of trying to explain it and control its converts. I was brought up a > christian (Church of England, Protestant).> Gili> > you can't transcend what you haven't experienced> > > > _______________> MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus> > > > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]> Send a blank mail> To : -> To : > > Your use of is subject to > [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the [Om Kleem Krishnaaya Jagannathaaya namah]Send a blank mailTo : -To : Your use of is subject to the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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