one-pointedness vs. aversion, gurus, sadhana, list focus, etc.

[Guest guest]

Om Amriteswaryai Namaha!

Well, this has certainly been a thought-provoking topic. I know I've seriously questioned my beliefs in the last few days, and I thank you all for your insights.

One thing that came to mind in the subject of going to see other gurus, was how Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went to see every single one of the great munis who lived in the forest during their time of exile. They did not take diksha from any of them, for Rama was deeply committed to his own guru, but they took the padadhooli (dust of their holy feet) and moved on. Each darshan was a blessing, but never a distraction. Amma has also taken her children to visit plenty of other saints and holy places. She even encouraged a friend of mine to study Vipassana with Goenka years ago.

Looking through my Amma books, it appears that her teachings are quite contradictory on this subject, although I would guess that it was to the bramacharis that she made the statement about infidelity in a marriage. She also speaks very highly about being in the physical presence of mahatmas, and I can't assume that she meant only herself. But I do see two potential dangers in adopting a stance on the issue; 1) In our attraction to other masters, no matter how great or authentic, we may lose that precious one-pointedness and focus. 2) In our aversion towards other masters, we rely heavily on Amma's form, only being open to the teachings/practices which emanated from "her" specifically. Is this not also a delusion? It's not a rhetorical question, I'm actually wondering because it's still unclear to me. Isn't she asking us to see her in everyone and everything? So there is the question for me, where does one-pointed devotion become the blinders on a horse? And where does

widening the range of "forms" we are open to receiving her grace in become a dilution of our bhakti? This may be a question that must be put to Amma directly someday, as it seems so deep and full of intricacies.

This summer I asked Amma to prescribe a specific meditation technique and sadhana for me. I really wanted her to make it crystal clear what was best for me. But she said "It doesn't matter which practices you do. Do whatever you feel drawn to. What is important is to do your sadhana with vairagya and abhyasa (dispassion and constant effort)." It's a powerful message, although I don't know if it applies universally or if it was just meant for me (it's always hard to know the difference with Amma), but what I understand is that Amma was telling me to stop messing around and just go deep. So my sadhana since then has become very focused and regular. I chose the practices that I felt the most drawn to, since Amma didn't specify for me, and I do them every single day without interruption. And some of the practices are not Amma-specific. For instance, I use a meditation technique from Sivananda on the pranava, I do Sri Chakra Meru abhishekam as prescribed by Karunamayi, and I

read and study the teachings of Nisargadatta, Ramakrishna, Gandhiji and others. I also chant my mantra and sing bhajans every night. But to me, Amma IS the pranava on which I meditate. Amma IS the form of the holy Sri Chakra. The teachings of these other masters only serve to clarify and strengthen my faith in Amma. And when I sing, it is to Amma. Not Sivananda, Karunamayi or Nisargadatta. I have no confusion about the direction of my devotion. When the Dalai Llama gave a talk in Pasadena a few years ago, he said, "Whatever I say, take what is of use to you and discard the rest."

These things, which some might consider a distraction in THEIR relationship to Amma, are for me such a blessing to my own relationship with her. But again, this was Amma's advice to me, to just pick something and stick with it. For someone else she might (and probably would) say something entirely different. Interestingly, my experience has been that the practices I chose have deepened that inner connection with her far beyond my expectations. But I suspect that that is only due to the commitment to the practice, not because the practices themselves are superior to any other practices.

As far as the focus of this list goes, it seems to me, after careful reflection, that I believe that the focus of this list should be reoriented towards the Amma-specific, and I am also happy to have the free speech zone in which to share/receive the other great blessings that fall outside of that sphere. I vote for restoring this group to its roots. I can recall many times throughout the years that this group has really helped me, and I hate to see the frustration and straying from its core values. I do appologize for any way that I have contributed to the disharmony here.

love,

Prajna

 

 

"Children, all of spirituality is contained in that one word: Awareness." - Amma

[Guest guest]

Jai Ma!

I just want to relate a story I remember from Big Swamiji (I think from last year's retreat). It was the story of a little boy who was lost in a market with so many people walking around. He was calling "Amma! Amma!" and nobody was responding.

Suddenly, he started calling "Pushpa! Pushpa!" (I forgot the name Swami used). His mother came running after him. After embracing and kissing him, the mother asked the child why he called her with her first name instead of with "Amma". The child explained that most of the women there were Ammas, but there was only one Pushpa.

This is my recollection of the story.

V.

 

Prajna - Brianna <prajnaji > wrote:

Om Amriteswaryai Namaha!

 

Well, this has certainly been a thought-provoking topic. I know I've seriously questioned my beliefs in the last few days, and I thank you all for your insights.

 

One thing that came to mind in the subject of going to see other gurus, was how Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went to see every single one of the great munis who lived in the forest during their time of exile. They did not take diksha from any of them, for Rama was deeply committed to his own guru, but they took the padadhooli (dust of their holy feet) and moved on. Each darshan was a blessing, but never a distraction. Amma has also taken her children to visit plenty of other saints and holy places. She even encouraged a friend of mine to study Vipassana with Goenka years ago.

 

Looking through my Amma books, it appears that her teachings are quite contradictory on this subject, although I would guess that it was to the bramacharis that she made the statement about infidelity in a marriage. She also speaks very highly about being in the physical presence of mahatmas, and I can't assume that she meant only herself. But I do see two potential dangers in adopting a stance on the issue; 1) In our attraction to other masters, no matter how great or authentic, we may lose that precious one-pointedness and focus. 2) In our aversion towards other masters, we rely heavily on Amma's form, only being open to the teachings/practices which emanated from "her" specifically. Is this not also a delusion? It's not a rhetorical question, I'm actually wondering because it's still unclear to me. Isn't she asking us to see her in everyone and everything? So there is the question for me, where does one-pointed devotion become the blinders on a horse? And where does

widening the range of "forms" we are open to receiving her grace in become a dilution of our bhakti? This may be a question that must be put to Amma directly someday, as it seems so deep and full of intricacies.

 

This summer I asked Amma to prescribe a specific meditation technique and sadhana for me. I really wanted her to make it crystal clear what was best for me. But she said "It doesn't matter which practices you do. Do whatever you feel drawn to. What is important is to do your sadhana with vairagya and abhyasa (dispassion and constant effort)." It's a powerful message, although I don't know if it applies universally or if it was just meant for me (it's always hard to know the difference with Amma), but what I understand is that Amma was telling me to stop messing around and just go deep. So my sadhana since then has become very focused and regular. I chose the practices that I felt the most drawn to, since Amma didn't specify for me, and I do them every single day without interruption. And some of the practices are not Amma-specific. For instance, I use a meditation technique from Sivananda on the pranava, I do Sri Chakra Meru abhishekam as prescribed by Karunamayi, and I

read and study the teachings of Nisargadatta, Ramakrishna, Gandhiji and others. I also chant my mantra and sing bhajans every night. But to me, Amma IS the pranava on which I meditate. Amma IS the form of the holy Sri Chakra. The teachings of these other masters only serve to clarify and strengthen my faith in Amma. And when I sing, it is to Amma. Not Sivananda, Karunamayi or Nisargadatta. I have no confusion about the direction of my devotion. When the Dalai Llama gave a talk in Pasadena a few years ago, he said, "Whatever I say, take what is of use to you and discard the rest."

 

These things, which some might consider a distraction in THEIR relationship to Amma, are for me such a blessing to my own relationship with her. But again, this was Amma's advice to me, to just pick something and stick with it. For someone else she might (and probably would) say something entirely different. Interestingly, my experience has been that the practices I chose have deepened that inner connection with her far beyond my expectations. But I suspect that that is only due to the commitment to the practice, not because the practices themselves are superior to any other practices.

 

As far as the focus of this list goes, it seems to me, after careful reflection, that I believe that the focus of this list should be reoriented towards the Amma-specific, and I am also happy to have the free speech zone in which to share/receive the other great blessings that fall outside of that sphere. I vote for restoring this group to its roots. I can recall many times throughout the years that this group has really helped me, and I hate to see the frustration and straying from its core values. I do appologize for any way that I have contributed to the disharmony here.

 

love,

 

Prajna

 

"Children, all of spirituality is contained in that one word: Awareness." - Amma

[Guest guest]

Jai Ma!

 

I just want to relate a story I remember from Big Swamiji (I think

from last year's retreat). It was the story of a little boy who was

lost in a market with so many people walking around. He was

calling "Amma! Amma!" and nobody was responding.

Suddenly, he started calling "Pushpa! Pushpa!" (I forgot the name

Swami used). His mother came running after him. After embracing

and kissing him, the mother asked the child why he called her with

her first name instead of with "Amma". The child explained that most

of the women there were Ammas, but there was only one Pushpa.

This is my recollection of the story.

 

V.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ammachi, Prajna - Brianna <prajnaji

wrote:

>

> Om Amriteswaryai Namaha!

>

> Well, this has certainly been a thought-provoking topic. I know

I've seriously questioned my beliefs in the last few days, and I

thank you all for your insights.

>

> One thing that came to mind in the subject of going to see other

gurus, was how Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went to see every single

one of the great munis who lived in the forest during their time of

exile. They did not take diksha from any of them, for Rama was

deeply committed to his own guru, but they took the padadhooli (dust

of their holy feet) and moved on. Each darshan was a blessing, but

never a distraction. Amma has also taken her children to visit

plenty of other saints and holy places. She even encouraged a friend

of mine to study Vipassana with Goenka years ago.

>

> Looking through my Amma books, it appears that her teachings are

quite contradictory on this subject, although I would guess that it

was to the bramacharis that she made the statement about infidelity

in a marriage. She also speaks very highly about being in the

physical presence of mahatmas, and I can't assume that she meant

only herself. But I do see two potential dangers in adopting a

stance on the issue; 1) In our attraction to other masters, no

matter how great or authentic, we may lose that precious one-

pointedness and focus. 2) In our aversion towards other masters, we

rely heavily on Amma's form, only being open to the

teachings/practices which emanated from "her" specifically. Is this

not also a delusion? It's not a rhetorical question, I'm actually

wondering because it's still unclear to me. Isn't she asking us to

see her in everyone and everything? So there is the question for me,

where does one-pointed devotion become the blinders on a horse? And

where does

> widening the range of "forms" we are open to receiving her grace

in become a dilution of our bhakti? This may be a question that must

be put to Amma directly someday, as it seems so deep and full of

intricacies.

>

> This summer I asked Amma to prescribe a specific meditation

technique and sadhana for me. I really wanted her to make it crystal

clear what was best for me. But she said "It doesn't matter which

practices you do. Do whatever you feel drawn to. What is important

is to do your sadhana with vairagya and abhyasa (dispassion and

constant effort)." It's a powerful message, although I don't know if

it applies universally or if it was just meant for me (it's always

hard to know the difference with Amma), but what I understand is

that Amma was telling me to stop messing around and just go deep. So

my sadhana since then has become very focused and regular. I chose

the practices that I felt the most drawn to, since Amma didn't

specify for me, and I do them every single day without interruption.

And some of the practices are not Amma-specific. For instance, I use

a meditation technique from Sivananda on the pranava, I do Sri

Chakra Meru abhishekam as prescribed by Karunamayi, and I

> read and study the teachings of Nisargadatta, Ramakrishna,

Gandhiji and others. I also chant my mantra and sing bhajans every

night. But to me, Amma IS the pranava on which I meditate. Amma IS

the form of the holy Sri Chakra. The teachings of these other

masters only serve to clarify and strengthen my faith in Amma. And

when I sing, it is to Amma. Not Sivananda, Karunamayi or

Nisargadatta. I have no confusion about the direction of my

devotion. When the Dalai Llama gave a talk in Pasadena a few years

ago, he said, "Whatever I say, take what is of use to you and

discard the rest."

>

> These things, which some might consider a distraction in THEIR

relationship to Amma, are for me such a blessing to my own

relationship with her. But again, this was Amma's advice to me, to

just pick something and stick with it. For someone else she might

(and probably would) say something entirely different.

Interestingly, my experience has been that the practices I chose

have deepened that inner connection with her far beyond my

expectations. But I suspect that that is only due to the commitment

to the practice, not because the practices themselves are superior

to any other practices.

>

> As far as the focus of this list goes, it seems to me, after

careful reflection, that I believe that the focus of this list

should be reoriented towards the Amma-specific, and I am also happy

to have the free speech zone in which to share/receive the other

great blessings that fall outside of that sphere. I vote for

restoring this group to its roots. I can recall many times

throughout the years that this group has really helped me, and I

hate to see the frustration and straying from its core values. I do

appologize for any way that I have contributed to the disharmony

here.

>

> love,

>

> Prajna

>

>

> "Children, all of spirituality is contained in that one word:

Awareness." - Amma

>

>

>