Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Hi Karen, and welcome! No, definitely not. Swamiji has addressed this question before. The scriptures (though I don't know which one, and cannot quote it verbatim) say that a Hindu is one who is peaceful and does not harm any living creature, who has a one pointed mind and experiences the union of all things in One (there is more, I think, but I can't remember). The point is that being a true Hindu is really an attainment, rather than a religion. I know there are groups out there who say that one should legally change their name, go to their priest and former church and announce their conversion, etc., etc. But Swamiji and Shree Maa do not ascribe to these views. My opinion (though one shouldn't really have opinions) is that these people are more interested in politics than God. I truly hope you will stick around here and learn and grow in your inherent divinity with all of us. Please don't be a stranger, and ask lots of questions! May She richly bless your every effort. (oh, just as an aside, there's another Karen here, and even though your emails are different, it's possible some of us may confuse the two of you from time to time - don't let it bother you if it happens - we'll get used to it) Jai Maa! Chris , "Karen" <sstr_karen wrote: > > Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Om Namah Shivaya! You need to do only what is comfortable for you. Maa and Swamiji are there to send messages of love and not to induce fear. As love includes all and accepts everyone as how he or she is, you need not go through any conversion. All you need is the interest to be a desciple which you already have. By the way for all Sri Ganesha devotees, today is a very auspicious day to worship lord Ganesha as it is called Vigna Vinayaka Chaturthi and it falls on tuesday this time giving added importance. Those who worship the Lord Ganesha today will have all the obstacles in their path of life removed. May Lord Ganesha remove the obstacles in whatever you all want to achieve in life, Cheers, mahadevan venkitaraman , "Karen" <sstr_karen wrote: > > Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Namaste Karen, It is wonderful that Ganesha is showing you the way. Take one step at a time, and you will be led to the correct pathway. The family thing is best approached in small steps. You can certainly become a devotee of Shree Maa if you feel that in your heart. The conversion will happen automatically. There are many initiations along the way, both formal and intuitive, and eventually the devotee becomes the disciple. The initiation or conversion necessary right now is the one of establishing with pure love, Shree Maa in the temple of your heart. I think you are already doing this Wonderful to hear from you. Jai Ganesha ! Jai Maa ! Karen <sstr_karen > wrote: Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Namaste: This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? Peace, Shankari Kali Karen <sstr_karen > wrote: Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Om Namah Shivaya! This is just my opinion. As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of fearing someone. The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. Cheers, Mahadevan Venkitaraman , Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: > > Namaste: > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? > > Peace, > Shankari Kali > > > Karen <sstr_karen wrote: Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 I don't know about the name change, but there are lots of approaches you can take toward the vegetarian issue. First, you might explain that you've been a vegetarian for so long that meat no longer agrees with your system. Many meat eaters think we will be malnourished if we don't eat meat. So you could comment on how much other wonderful food they have for you to eat. You could also provide your own vege food - there are turkey substitutes available in health food stores. It's hard then for others to be critical if you are eating almost the same thing that they are :-) Finally, if you think they might be receptive, you could explain that meat contains uric acid that can irritate the nerves and make it harder to sit still for long periods of worship and meditation. I would defintely NOT lecture them about ahimsa and the immorality of killing, which they might take as criticism of their own lifestyle. Jai Maa! Shankari Kali <shankari_kali > wrote: Namaste: This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? Peace, Shankari Kali Karen <sstr_karen > wrote: Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Gary, This is a good idea. Does this work in your family? From the responses it seems that one should be as non-defensive as possible in regards to one's lifestyle when dealing with family. Probably a very good idea. They do tend to think that vegetarians are malnourished, and really there is no point in engaging in too much conversation in that regard. Bringing one's own soy turkey is a unique idea. I might try that out. Thanks, Shankari Kali Gary <aniruddhan > wrote: I don't know about the name change, but there are lots of approaches you can take toward the vegetarian issue. First, you might explain that you've been a vegetarian for so long that meat no longer agrees with your system. Many meat eaters think we will be malnourished if we don't eat meat. So you could comment on how much other wonderful food they have for you to eat. You could also provide your own vege food - there are turkey substitutes available in health food stores. It's hard then for others to be critical if you are eating almost the same thing that they are :-) Finally, if you think they might be receptive, you could explain that meat contains uric acid that can irritate the nerves and make it harder to sit still for long periods of worship and meditation. I would defintely NOT lecture them about ahimsa and the immorality of killing, which they might take as criticism of their own lifestyle. Jai Maa! Shankari Kali <shankari_kali > wrote: Namaste: This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? Peace, Shankari Kali Karen <sstr_karen > wrote: Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. Don't be flakey. Get Mail for Mobile and always stay connected to friends. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Namaste, I never thought of it this way before, but it seems that the deeper a person goes into spirituality, the less affect other's criticisms are. The world's jabs do not personally affect you. They are not jabbing at you personally. They are criticizing what they think you are from their perspective. In that way you become non-defensive even to the most recalcitrant relatives. I like this attitude that you have. Maybe it will help me deal more effectively with my relatives. Peace, Shankari Kali mahadevanv <mahadevanv > wrote: Om Namah Shivaya! This is just my opinion. As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of fearing someone. The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. Cheers, Mahadevan Venkitaraman , Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: > > Namaste: > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? > > Peace, > Shankari Kali > > > Karen <sstr_karen wrote: Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. > Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Mail Beta. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 20, 2007 Namaste Karen! This is such a powerful question. I don't think it's necessary to change your legal name to be considered fully committed to your path. For each person, that will look different. I use my spiritual name frequently, but amongst my family and work, who have always known me by my legal name, I continue to use it. For me, integrating my spirituality into my daily life is of the utmost importance - while naming is powerful in many respects, names in and of themselves are external and ultimately meaningless. I feel deeply that our spiritual names give us, amongst other things, a particular vibration to strive toward; our legal names remind us of the intention with which we came into this world as beings. Both of my names come from Goddess; the first was completely unintentional - my parents didn't know that "Erin" means "Belonging to the Goddess Eriu," the Earth Mother of Ireland. But that became a powerful karmic indicator to me. My spiritual name - Sundari - was quite intentionally given to me by my teacher when I received diksha into the beautiful embrace of Maa Kali (Jai Mahadevi!). Later I would discover that my ishtadevi is Maa Kamakhya, who is also known as Maha Tripura Sundari! So, these things weave throughout our lives. Maa is everywhere. Whether someone calls me Erin or Sundari or "hey, you!" is immaterial. The Mother Goddess knows me as Her child, and my spirit has lived many lifetimes with many different names. So, in a way, embracing every facet of my being through different names is part of my heartwork, holding that place of balance between East and West. I am no longer vegetarian, though I was for seven years. I do eat "mostly vegetarian" and sometimes vegan these days, and opt for meat when my body really wants it. At any rate, my reason for mentioning this is that I come from a family of staunch meat-eaters - many of them are hunters and fishermen (and in that respect, I appreciate their connection to the land, and their communion with nature and with the food they kill - they do not kill for sport, they actually eat the meat they kill, pray for the spirit of the animals in their own way, and so understand more fully the process of life and death; some of you may severely object to this entirely, and I respect that, but this is my experience of it). Anyway, I got a lot of flak for being vegetarian for a while - lots of jokes and misunderstandings about what I would and wouldn't eat. For instance, a lot of people assume that being vegetarian means eating no red meat; I finally explained it light-heartedly as "I don't eat anything with a face." This was amusing to them (and easy enough to remember!), and so they accepted it. Also, no matter how much they joked at me about my food choices, there was always enough vegetarian fare at family meals. At Thanksgiving, my mother even took care to use vegetable broth for the stuffing, and to cook it outside the turkey so that I could eat it! They also started serving a lot more vegetables at meals I joined - healthier for everyone. I think it could be helpful to focus on where they do accomodate and accept your choices, rather than the places where they don't. To be very vocally grateful for the vegetarian food that is provided, and like others have suggested, provide your own vegetarian options. And, as was already said, don't try to get them to change their own eating habits - if by example you are healthy and happy, then that is the best way to show others that vegetarianism is a healthy option. I found through my own vegetarianism, and occasional veganism (I occasionally do a limited sankalpa to cleanse my system or cultivate mindfulness), that all of this is about awareness and mindfulness. When my body craves meat, and I eat meat, I try to make sure it's from ethically raised animals, and I give thanks to the spirit of that animal. And I give thanks to the land for the vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., that I eat. Sure, I'm not always perfect about this awareness, but for me, it's something to strive toward. Jai Maa Kamakhya, Jai Maa Kali, Sundari On 2/20/07, mahadevanv <mahadevanv > wrote: > > Om Namah Shivaya! > This is just my opinion. > As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal > choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of > fearing someone. > The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa > modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. > As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine > presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks > more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble > from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own > parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path > and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with > sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. > > Cheers, > > Mahadevan Venkitaraman > > <%40>, > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali > wrote: > > > > Namaste: > > > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring > this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names > after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this > name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your > name? > > > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused > many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for > example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any > solutions to these type of problems? > > > > Peace, > > Shankari Kali > > > > > > Karen <sstr_karen wrote: > Namaste, > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I > have not > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems > in > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally > changing my > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of > Shree > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very > much. Is > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Shankari Kali, They still thought I was crazy :-)... but were eventually more accepting of my craziness. The main thing is for us to act harmoniously and let others do as they will. As Lord Jesus said, one can be more defiled by what comes out of one's mouth than what goes into it. Aum Shanti. Shankari Kali <shankari_kali > wrote: Gary, This is a good idea. Does this work in your family? From the responses it seems that one should be as non-defensive as possible in regards to one's lifestyle when dealing with family. Probably a very good idea. They do tend to think that vegetarians are malnourished, and really there is no point in engaging in too much conversation in that regard. Bringing one's own soy turkey is a unique idea. I might try that out. Thanks, Shankari Kali Gary <aniruddhan > wrote: I don't know about the name change, but there are lots of approaches you can take toward the vegetarian issue. First, you might explain that you've been a vegetarian for so long that meat no longer agrees with your system. Many meat eaters think we will be malnourished if we don't eat meat. So you could comment on how much other wonderful food they have for you to eat. You could also provide your own vege food - there are turkey substitutes available in health food stores. It's hard then for others to be critical if you are eating almost the same thing that they are :-) Finally, if you think they might be receptive, you could explain that meat contains uric acid that can irritate the nerves and make it harder to sit still for long periods of worship and meditation. I would defintely NOT lecture them about ahimsa and the immorality of killing, which they might take as criticism of their own lifestyle. Jai Maa! Shankari Kali <shankari_kali > wrote: Namaste: This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? Peace, Shankari Kali Karen <sstr_karen > wrote: Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. Don't be flakey. Get Mail for Mobile and always stay connected to friends. Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Answers Food & Drink Q&A. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Thanks for this tip. Jai Ganesha! , "mahadevanv" <mahadevanv wrote: > > Om Namah Shivaya! > > You need to do only what is comfortable for you. Maa and Swamiji > are there to send messages of love and not to induce fear. As love > includes all and accepts everyone as how he or she is, you need not go > through any conversion. All you need is the interest to be a desciple > which you already have. > > By the way for all Sri Ganesha devotees, today is a very auspicious > day to worship lord Ganesha as it is called Vigna Vinayaka Chaturthi > and it falls on tuesday this time giving added importance. Those who > worship the Lord Ganesha today will have all the obstacles in their > path of life removed. > > May Lord Ganesha remove the obstacles in whatever you all want to > achieve in life, > > Cheers, > > mahadevan venkitaraman > > > , "Karen" <sstr_karen@> wrote: > > > > Namaste, > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have > not > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing > my > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. > Is > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > Karen > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Om Nama Sivaya My name change was about 30 years ago starting with a personal choice of name, then the legal change, and then a Namakarana Samskara Ceremony ( a religious name-giving welcome to Hinduism ). My Mother said it was ok with her and she said of course that it was my choice. Later passed out name change announcements to the various business people that I worked with. In the many years since some people have said what a nice name, some were eager to say it correctly, some were curious of its origin or meaning. Kanda Aran mahadevanv Tue, 20 Feb 2007 2:01 PM Re: [www.ShreeMaa.org] Discipleship Om Namah Shivaya! This is just my opinion. As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of fearing someone. The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. Cheers, Mahadevan Venkitaraman , Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: > > Namaste: > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? > > Peace, > Shankari Kali > > > Karen <sstr_karen wrote: Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. > Please visit us online at http://www.ShreeMaa.org Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 namaste, hmm, i have been pondering that question myself..i would like to make a deeper connection to my devotion to kali/shiva i am willing to change my name.to what dont have a clue.. namaste > > Om Nama Sivaya > > My name change was about 30 years ago starting with a personal choice of name, then the legal change, and then a Namakarana Samskara Ceremony ( a religious name-giving welcome to Hinduism ). My Mother said it was ok with her and she said of course that it was my choice. Later passed out name change announcements to the various business people that I worked with. In the many years since some people have said what a nice name, some were eager to say it correctly, some were curious of its origin or meaning. > > Kanda Aran > > > > > > > mahadevanv > > Tue, 20 Feb 2007 2:01 PM > Re: [www.ShreeMaa.org] Discipleship > > > Om Namah Shivaya! > This is just my opinion. > As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal > choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of > fearing someone. > The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa > modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. > As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine > presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks > more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble > from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own > parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path > and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with > sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. > > Cheers, > > Mahadevan Venkitaraman > > > > > , Shankari Kali <shankari_kali@> > wrote: > > > > Namaste: > > > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring > this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names > after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this > name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your > name? > > > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused > many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for > example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any > solutions to these type of problems? > > > > Peace, > > Shankari Kali > > > > > > Karen <sstr_karen@> wrote: > Namaste, > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I > have not > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems > in > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally > changing my > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of > Shree > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very > much. Is > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from > real people who know. > > > > > > > Please visit us online at http://www.ShreeMaa.org > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Dear Karen, There is no need to convert formally to become shri Ganesha's devotee. You can worship to him the way you want to. Though there is a custom in hinduism that when you take formal discipleship, usually Guru gives you a new name more suited to your new discipline.But again it depends on Guru. Rita > Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Well, my family doesn't really give me any grief anymore, at least not directly, but when acquaintances ask about my choice, I usually follow the same tack that Gary does, and focus on the fact that meat doesn't agree with me, that I feel better when I don't eat it. I may mention being at peace with other life, if it seems appropriate, but I usually do not. Jai Maa! Chris , Gary <aniruddhan wrote: > > I don't know about the name change, but there are lots of approaches you can take toward the vegetarian issue. First, you might explain that you've been a vegetarian for so long that meat no longer agrees with your system. Many meat eaters think we will be malnourished if we don't eat meat. So you could comment on how much other wonderful food they have for you to eat. You could also provide your own vege food - there are turkey substitutes available in health food stores. It's hard then for others to be critical if you are eating almost the same thing that they are :-) Finally, if you think they might be receptive, you could explain that meat contains uric acid that can irritate the nerves and make it harder to sit still for long periods of worship and meditation. I would defintely NOT lecture them about ahimsa and the immorality of killing, which they might take as criticism of their own lifestyle. Jai Maa! > > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: Namaste: > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? > > Peace, > Shankari Kali > > > Karen <sstr_karen wrote: Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. > > > > > > Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Namaste Sundari Thank you for this post. A sentence that you wrote in it has actually begun a paradigm shift for me! You wrote below, "our legal names remind us of the intention with which we came into this world as beings." I have never loved my given name (even as a young child I once decided to start calling myself Nina!). The primary reason being it has such a strong association with Wendy from 'Peter Pan,' the mother of all the lost boys. This has definitely been a recurring theme in my life and I have been waiting for just the right moment, with the help of just the right teacher, to change my name. After reading your sentence, something changed inside me. While the thought is not a new one, the timing in my life right now was perfect for me to finally see that by being the mother to all the "lost boys" I have been given an opportunity to turn my life into one of service. Making the connection between service and my name has completely changed the way I see the meaning of the name Wendy. So I have tweaked the meaning somewhat, to read as, Wendy, mother who serves God's children (young and old alike). And while I still look forward to the day I am blessed with a spiritual name, I have found deeper peace with my birth name. And for that, I thank you. May you always be filled with peace and joy and love and light. Jai Maa * Jai Swamiji wendy , Sundari <erin.johansen wrote: > > Namaste Karen! > > This is such a powerful question. I don't think it's necessary to change > your legal name to be considered fully committed to your path. For each > person, that will look different. I use my spiritual name frequently, but > amongst my family and work, who have always known me by my legal name, I > continue to use it. For me, integrating my spirituality into my daily life > is of the utmost importance - while naming is powerful in many respects, > names in and of themselves are external and ultimately meaningless. I feel > deeply that our spiritual names give us, amongst other things, a particular > vibration to strive toward; our legal names remind us of the intention with > which we came into this world as beings. > > Both of my names come from Goddess; the first was completely unintentional - > my parents didn't know that "Erin" means "Belonging to the Goddess Eriu," > the Earth Mother of Ireland. But that became a powerful karmic indicator to > me. My spiritual name - Sundari - was quite intentionally given to me by my > teacher when I received diksha into the beautiful embrace of Maa Kali (Jai > Mahadevi!). Later I would discover that my ishtadevi is Maa Kamakhya, who is > also known as Maha Tripura Sundari! So, these things weave throughout our > lives. Maa is everywhere. > > Whether someone calls me Erin or Sundari or "hey, you!" is immaterial. The > Mother Goddess knows me as Her child, and my spirit has lived many lifetimes > with many different names. So, in a way, embracing every facet of my being > through different names is part of my heartwork, holding that place of > balance between East and West. > > I am no longer vegetarian, though I was for seven years. I do eat "mostly > vegetarian" and sometimes vegan these days, and opt for meat when my body > really wants it. At any rate, my reason for mentioning this is that I come > from a family of staunch meat-eaters - many of them are hunters and > fishermen (and in that respect, I appreciate their connection to the land, > and their communion with nature and with the food they kill - they do not > kill for sport, they actually eat the meat they kill, pray for the spirit of > the animals in their own way, and so understand more fully the process of > life and death; some of you may severely object to this entirely, and I > respect that, but this is my experience of it). Anyway, I got a lot of flak > for being vegetarian for a while - lots of jokes and misunderstandings about > what I would and wouldn't eat. For instance, a lot of people assume that > being vegetarian means eating no red meat; I finally explained it > light-heartedly as "I don't eat anything with a face." This was amusing to > them (and easy enough to remember!), and so they accepted it. > > Also, no matter how much they joked at me about my food choices, there was > always enough vegetarian fare at family meals. At Thanksgiving, my mother > even took care to use vegetable broth for the stuffing, and to cook it > outside the turkey so that I could eat it! They also started serving a lot > more vegetables at meals I joined - healthier for everyone. > > I think it could be helpful to focus on where they do accomodate and accept > your choices, rather than the places where they don't. To be very vocally > grateful for the vegetarian food that is provided, and like others have > suggested, provide your own vegetarian options. And, as was > already said, don't try to get them to change their own eating habits - if > by example you are healthy and happy, then that is the best way to show > others that vegetarianism is a healthy option. > > I found through my own vegetarianism, and occasional veganism (I > occasionally do a limited sankalpa to cleanse my system or cultivate > mindfulness), that all of this is about awareness and mindfulness. When my > body craves meat, and I eat meat, I try to make sure it's from ethically > raised animals, and I give thanks to the spirit of that animal. And I give > thanks to the land for the vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., that I eat. > Sure, I'm not always perfect about this awareness, but for me, it's > something to strive toward. > > > Jai Maa Kamakhya, Jai Maa Kali, > Sundari > > > > On 2/20/07, mahadevanv <mahadevanv wrote: > > > > Om Namah Shivaya! > > This is just my opinion. > > As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal > > choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of > > fearing someone. > > The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa > > modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. > > As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine > > presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks > > more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble > > from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own > > parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path > > and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with > > sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. > > > > Cheers, > > > > Mahadevan Venkitaraman > > > > <% 40>, > > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali@> > > wrote: > > > > > > Namaste: > > > > > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring > > this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names > > after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this > > name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your > > name? > > > > > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused > > many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for > > example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any > > solutions to these type of problems? > > > > > > Peace, > > > Shankari Kali > > > > > > > > > Karen <sstr_karen@> wrote: > > Namaste, > > > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I > > have not > > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems > > in > > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally > > changing my > > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of > > Shree > > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very > > much. Is > > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 For what it's worth, this being still uses his birth name in the worldly world. It just depends on one's situation. For example if you're a salesman in a big company, changing to a sanskrit name might be very difficult. But if you're a self imployed person, not dealing directly with the public in a certain way, then it's not so much of a problem. As we progress along the path, God will purify our life situations more and more, until using our spiritual / sanskrit name will be easy, and will just happen organically. It took years for my family to accept that I was a vegetarian. One uncle kept offering me ham samwiches, for example, for years, and everytime I would say, no - I don't eat meat. Another always would invite for grilled ribs. My grandmother, interestingly, was more open, but it took some time before she realized that it was not o.k. to put meat stock in the food. She would say, "it's vegetarian", but there would be meat broth in it. When I explained that vegetarians don't eat that either, she started cooking for me pure vegetarian. It takes time, but they will eventually come around ! Jai Maa, Jai Swamiji Shankari Kali <shankari_kali > wrote: Namaste: This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? Peace, Shankari Kali Karen <sstr_karen > wrote: Namaste, I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is formal conversion necessary? Aum Shanti, Karen Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Games. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Namaste dear family, With regard to name change, if we are devotees of Maa, then She will give us the new name at just the right time. It may be better to wait patiently until Maa feels the time is right. Maybe we could pray to Her for this. Maa definately hears when devotees call Her. The new name will be more meaningful when Maa gives it, if we wait patiently, allowing Maa to chose the time and place. Just a thought. Jai Maa. way131 <wendy131 (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote: Namaste Sundari Thank you for this post. A sentence that you wrote in it has actually begun a paradigm shift for me! You wrote below, "our legal names remind us of the intention with which we came into this world as beings." I have never loved my given name (even as a young child I once decided to start calling myself Nina!). The primary reason being it has such a strong association with Wendy from 'Peter Pan,' the mother of all the lost boys. This has definitely been a recurring theme in my life and I have been waiting for just the right moment, with the help of just the right teacher, to change my name. After reading your sentence, something changed inside me. While the thought is not a new one, the timing in my life right now was perfect for me to finally see that by being the mother to all the "lost boys" I have been given an opportunity to turn my life into one of service. Making the connection between service and my name has completely changed the way I see the meaning of the name Wendy. So I have tweaked the meaning somewhat, to read as, Wendy, mother who serves God's children (young and old alike). And while I still look forward to the day I am blessed with a spiritual name, I have found deeper peace with my birth name. And for that, I thank you. May you always be filled with peace and joy and love and light. Jai Maa * Jai Swamiji wendy , Sundari <erin.johansen wrote: > > Namaste Karen! > > This is such a powerful question. I don't think it's necessary to change > your legal name to be considered fully committed to your path. For each > person, that will look different. I use my spiritual name frequently, but > amongst my family and work, who have always known me by my legal name, I > continue to use it. For me, integrating my spirituality into my daily life > is of the utmost importance - while naming is powerful in many respects, > names in and of themselves are external and ultimately meaningless. I feel > deeply that our spiritual names give us, amongst other things, a particular > vibration to strive toward; our legal names remind us of the intention with > which we came into this world as beings. > > Both of my names come from Goddess; the first was completely unintentional - > my parents didn't know that "Erin" means "Belonging to the Goddess Eriu," > the Earth Mother of Ireland. But that became a powerful karmic indicator to > me. My spiritual name - Sundari - was quite intentionally given to me by my > teacher when I received diksha into the beautiful embrace of Maa Kali (Jai > Mahadevi!). Later I would discover that my ishtadevi is Maa Kamakhya, who is > also known as Maha Tripura Sundari! So, these things weave throughout our > lives. Maa is everywhere. > > Whether someone calls me Erin or Sundari or "hey, you!" is immaterial. The > Mother Goddess knows me as Her child, and my spirit has lived many lifetimes > with many different names. So, in a way, embracing every facet of my being > through different names is part of my heartwork, holding that place of > balance between East and West. > > I am no longer vegetarian, though I was for seven years. I do eat "mostly > vegetarian" and sometimes vegan these days, and opt for meat when my body > really wants it. At any rate, my reason for mentioning this is that I come > from a family of staunch meat-eaters - many of them are hunters and > fishermen (and in that respect, I appreciate their connection to the land, > and their communion with nature and with the food they kill - they do not > kill for sport, they actually eat the meat they kill, pray for the spirit of > the animals in their own way, and so understand more fully the process of > life and death; some of you may severely object to this entirely, and I > respect that, but this is my experience of it). Anyway, I got a lot of flak > for being vegetarian for a while - lots of jokes and misunderstandings about > what I would and wouldn't eat. For instance, a lot of people assume that > being vegetarian means eating no red meat; I finally explained it > light-heartedly as "I don't eat anything with a face." This was amusing to > them (and easy enough to remember!), and so they accepted it. > > Also, no matter how much they joked at me about my food choices, there was > always enough vegetarian fare at family meals. At Thanksgiving, my mother > even took care to use vegetable broth for the stuffing, and to cook it > outside the turkey so that I could eat it! They also started serving a lot > more vegetables at meals I joined - healthier for everyone. > > I think it could be helpful to focus on where they do accomodate and accept > your choices, rather than the places where they don't. To be very vocally > grateful for the vegetarian food that is provided, and like others have > suggested, provide your own vegetarian options. And, as was > already said, don't try to get them to change their own eating habits - if > by example you are healthy and happy, then that is the best way to show > others that vegetarianism is a healthy option. > > I found through my own vegetarianism, and occasional veganism (I > occasionally do a limited sankalpa to cleanse my system or cultivate > mindfulness), that all of this is about awareness and mindfulness. When my > body craves meat, and I eat meat, I try to make sure it's from ethically > raised animals, and I give thanks to the spirit of that animal. And I give > thanks to the land for the vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., that I eat. > Sure, I'm not always perfect about this awareness, but for me, it's > something to strive toward. > > > Jai Maa Kamakhya, Jai Maa Kali, > Sundari > > > > On 2/20/07, mahadevanv <mahadevanv wrote: > > > > Om Namah Shivaya! > > This is just my opinion. > > As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal > > choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not out of > > fearing someone. > > The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa > > modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of yourself. > > As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine > > presence), you will find the problems you have with your family looks > > more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the trouble > > from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My own > > parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path > > and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with > > sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. > > > > Cheers, > > > > Mahadevan Venkitaraman > > > > <% 40>, > > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali@> > > wrote: > > > > > > Namaste: > > > > > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring > > this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names > > after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this > > name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your > > name? > > > > > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused > > many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for > > example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any > > solutions to these type of problems? > > > > > > Peace, > > > Shankari Kali > > > > > > > > > Karen <sstr_karen@> wrote: > > Namaste, > > > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I > > have not > > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems > > in > > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally > > changing my > > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of > > Shree > > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very > > much. Is > > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Don't be flakey. Get Mail for Mobile and always stay connected to friends. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Namaste, To embrace Hinduism is to embrace the Highest Ideal of Perfection in each and every moment. As this is a seed. it will naturally, if cultivated, grow and flower in your whole life. Some may not respect your Ideal of Perfection and that is OK, sometimes you have to agree to disagree. However, if every time you live your Highest Ideal of Perfection, others are causing you distress and you feel you must go hide in the bathroom so that you can be true to yourself and so that no one will see, then it is wiser to not associate with such people. To let go of the family and friends who do not respect your personal decisions in life is what all seekers face. Ultimately we all gain a greater family in the body of God. It takes courage to truly walk a spiritual path, we must come face to face with our deepest fears and attachments. If we adorn ourselves with the trappings of religion before our hearts open and we grow as spiritual beings, we may be deceiving ourselves and playing to the ego. However, as we grow we will change, and our adornments will reflect that growth. Shanti Nickolas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Namaste Wendy, I'm so glad you found peace through my words. I was simply writing from my heart, and so it's wonderful that through such an imperfect medium as email a perfect connection between two hearts could be made. Jai Jagadambe! -Sundari On 2/21/07, way131 <wendy131 (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote: > > Namaste Sundari > Thank you for this post. A sentence that you wrote in it has actually > begun a paradigm shift for me! You wrote below, "our legal names > remind us of the intention with which we came into this world as > beings." > I have never loved my given name (even as a young child I once > decided to start calling myself Nina!). The primary reason being it > has such a strong association with Wendy from 'Peter Pan,' the mother > of all the lost boys. This has definitely been a recurring theme in > my life and I have been waiting for just the right moment, with the > help of just the right teacher, to change my name. > After reading your sentence, something changed inside me. While the > thought is not a new one, the timing in my life right now was perfect > for me to finally see that by being the mother to all the "lost boys" > I have been given an opportunity to turn my life into one of service. > Making the connection between service and my name has completely > changed the way I see the meaning of the name Wendy. So I have > tweaked the meaning somewhat, to read as, Wendy, mother who serves > God's children (young and old alike). > And while I still look forward to the day I am blessed with a > spiritual name, I have found deeper peace with my birth name. > And for that, I thank you. > > May you always be filled with peace and joy and love and light. > Jai Maa * Jai Swamiji > wendy > > <%40>, > Sundari <erin.johansen wrote: > > > > Namaste Karen! > > > > This is such a powerful question. I don't think it's necessary to > change > > your legal name to be considered fully committed to your path. For > each > > person, that will look different. I use my spiritual name > frequently, but > > amongst my family and work, who have always known me by my legal > name, I > > continue to use it. For me, integrating my spirituality into my > daily life > > is of the utmost importance - while naming is powerful in many > respects, > > names in and of themselves are external and ultimately meaningless. > I feel > > deeply that our spiritual names give us, amongst other things, a > particular > > vibration to strive toward; our legal names remind us of the > intention with > > which we came into this world as beings. > > > > Both of my names come from Goddess; the first was completely > unintentional - > > my parents didn't know that "Erin" means "Belonging to the Goddess > Eriu," > > the Earth Mother of Ireland. But that became a powerful karmic > indicator to > > me. My spiritual name - Sundari - was quite intentionally given to > me by my > > teacher when I received diksha into the beautiful embrace of Maa > Kali (Jai > > Mahadevi!). Later I would discover that my ishtadevi is Maa > Kamakhya, who is > > also known as Maha Tripura Sundari! So, these things weave > throughout our > > lives. Maa is everywhere. > > > > Whether someone calls me Erin or Sundari or "hey, you!" is > immaterial. The > > Mother Goddess knows me as Her child, and my spirit has lived many > lifetimes > > with many different names. So, in a way, embracing every facet of > my being > > through different names is part of my heartwork, holding that place > of > > balance between East and West. > > > > I am no longer vegetarian, though I was for seven years. I do > eat "mostly > > vegetarian" and sometimes vegan these days, and opt for meat when > my body > > really wants it. At any rate, my reason for mentioning this is that > I come > > from a family of staunch meat-eaters - many of them are hunters and > > fishermen (and in that respect, I appreciate their connection to > the land, > > and their communion with nature and with the food they kill - they > do not > > kill for sport, they actually eat the meat they kill, pray for the > spirit of > > the animals in their own way, and so understand more fully the > process of > > life and death; some of you may severely object to this entirely, > and I > > respect that, but this is my experience of it). Anyway, I got a lot > of flak > > for being vegetarian for a while - lots of jokes and > misunderstandings about > > what I would and wouldn't eat. For instance, a lot of people assume > that > > being vegetarian means eating no red meat; I finally explained it > > light-heartedly as "I don't eat anything with a face." This was > amusing to > > them (and easy enough to remember!), and so they accepted it. > > > > Also, no matter how much they joked at me about my food choices, > there was > > always enough vegetarian fare at family meals. At Thanksgiving, my > mother > > even took care to use vegetable broth for the stuffing, and to cook > it > > outside the turkey so that I could eat it! They also started > serving a lot > > more vegetables at meals I joined - healthier for everyone. > > > > I think it could be helpful to focus on where they do accomodate > and accept > > your choices, rather than the places where they don't. To be very > vocally > > grateful for the vegetarian food that is provided, and like others > have > > suggested, provide your own vegetarian options. And, as was > > already said, don't try to get them to change their own eating > habits - if > > by example you are healthy and happy, then that is the best way to > show > > others that vegetarianism is a healthy option. > > > > I found through my own vegetarianism, and occasional veganism (I > > occasionally do a limited sankalpa to cleanse my system or cultivate > > mindfulness), that all of this is about awareness and mindfulness. > When my > > body craves meat, and I eat meat, I try to make sure it's from > ethically > > raised animals, and I give thanks to the spirit of that animal. And > I give > > thanks to the land for the vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., that I > eat. > > Sure, I'm not always perfect about this awareness, but for me, it's > > something to strive toward. > > > > > > Jai Maa Kamakhya, Jai Maa Kali, > > Sundari > > > > > > > > On 2/20/07, mahadevanv <mahadevanv wrote: > > > > > > Om Namah Shivaya! > > > This is just my opinion. > > > As far changing name, it could possibly be just the personal > > > choice for your commitment into spirituality and should be not > out of > > > fearing someone. > > > The most important aspect of your personality which Shree Maa > > > modifies on is to foster self respect and give you more of > yourself. > > > As you more and more imbibe the presence of Shree Maa (divine > > > presence), you will find the problems you have with your family > looks > > > more and more trivial. You must try not to bother about the > trouble > > > from the family as you are not hurting anyone intentionally. My > own > > > parents feel they have lost me as I am more into my spiritual path > > > and my mom tried all sorts of nagging. But I can view my mom with > > > sympathy as I walk through my spiritual path. > > > > > > Cheers, > > > > > > Mahadevan Venkitaraman > > > > > > <%40><% > 40>, > > > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > Namaste: > > > > > > > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you > bring > > > this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their > names > > > after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use > this > > > name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about > your > > > name? > > > > > > > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused > > > many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey > for > > > example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. > Any > > > solutions to these type of problems? > > > > > > > > Peace, > > > > Shankari Kali > > > > > > > > > > > > Karen <sstr_karen@> wrote: > > > Namaste, > > > > > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I > > > have not > > > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create > problems > > > in > > > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally > > > changing my > > > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of > > > Shree > > > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very > > > much. Is > > > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > > > > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- ------- erin (AT) erinjohansen (DOT) com www.erinjohansen.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Namaste: Thank you for writing this. It seemed to be something that I needed to hear. Shanti, Shankari Kali Nickolas <lordpyrocrow > wrote: Namaste, To embrace Hinduism is to embrace the Highest Ideal of Perfection in each and every moment. As this is a seed. it will naturally, if cultivated, grow and flower in your whole life. Some may not respect your Ideal of Perfection and that is OK, sometimes you have to agree to disagree. However, if every time you live your Highest Ideal of Perfection, others are causing you distress and you feel you must go hide in the bathroom so that you can be true to yourself and so that no one will see, then it is wiser to not associate with such people. To let go of the family and friends who do not respect your personal decisions in life is what all seekers face. Ultimately we all gain a greater family in the body of God. It takes courage to truly walk a spiritual path, we must come face to face with our deepest fears and attachments. If we adorn ourselves with the trappings of religion before our hearts open and we grow as spiritual beings, we may be deceiving ourselves and playing to the ego. However, as we grow we will change, and our adornments will reflect that growth. Shanti Nickolas Don't be flakey. Get Mail for Mobile and always stay connected to friends. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Namaste Chris: Unfortunately my family gives me quite a bit of grief over being vegetarian. Just sitting quietly saying that I simply cannot eat meat causes a big issue that they just won't let go of. If I dare mention that I am Hindu, I incur many insults. I recently finally told my parents that I am Hindu, and I am still hearing about it. I guess like someone said that you can't remain in the bathroom hiding forever. You have to finally be yourself. You don't have to be defensive about it, but you have to live your own life. Peace, Shankari Kali Chris Kirner <chriskirner1956 > wrote: Well, my family doesn't really give me any grief anymore, at least not directly, but when acquaintances ask about my choice, I usually follow the same tack that Gary does, and focus on the fact that meat doesn't agree with me, that I feel better when I don't eat it. I may mention being at peace with other life, if it seems appropriate, but I usually do not. Jai Maa! Chris , Gary <aniruddhan wrote: > > I don't know about the name change, but there are lots of approaches you can take toward the vegetarian issue. First, you might explain that you've been a vegetarian for so long that meat no longer agrees with your system. Many meat eaters think we will be malnourished if we don't eat meat. So you could comment on how much other wonderful food they have for you to eat. You could also provide your own vege food - there are turkey substitutes available in health food stores. It's hard then for others to be critical if you are eating almost the same thing that they are :-) Finally, if you think they might be receptive, you could explain that meat contains uric acid that can irritate the nerves and make it harder to sit still for long periods of worship and meditation. I would defintely NOT lecture them about ahimsa and the immorality of killing, which they might take as criticism of their own lifestyle. Jai Maa! > > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: Namaste: > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your name? > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any solutions to these type of problems? > > Peace, > Shankari Kali > > > Karen <sstr_karen wrote: Namaste, > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > formal conversion necessary? > > Aum Shanti, > > Karen > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from real people who know. > > > > > > Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. > Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Autos' Green Center. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 22, 2007 Namaste and welcome to the Great Devi Mandir family of friends and co-seekers of truth and spirited discussion forum: Indeed the question is often pondered by many who wish to raise their level of consciousness and "feel' the powers of the various gods and goddesses within their souls- often without much help from those who might claim success But alas, there are many who get carried away and feel that some form of external changes like name change could help identify the transformation. Then there are who rightly feel that to complete the changes of pattern olf life, food habits, clothing and outer looks would complement their sincere efforts and go all the way. But the fact remains untouched, since Shree Maa and Swamiji have not deliberately 'forced" or coerced anyone to drop names and assume another "authentic" Sanskrit: name for the sake of identity. If someone chooses to do so, they are most welcome. So this applies to veganism, vegetarianism, avoidance of many of the older"westernized" foods , names and clothings et al. But then there are whole bunch of people, who make this so much as TOP priority that their needs and meaningfulness falls short of normal expectations. There is this old story about Markendaya, a devout Shiva devotee who was hunter cum meat eater, and who had no qualms of offering his half tasted morsels of meat as "pooja" item to Shiva. There are numerous other stories like these , hence have no worries!! Since, you have already "noticed" the effects of the devotion to Ganesh, you are doubly cleared of any leftover nuances. As Ganesh is the ultimate remover of all obstacles, even these doubts and queries will get dissolved, as time goes by, and slowly you feel the eternal and everlasting love and grace of Shree Maa and Swamiji, who will certainly guide your path to further self-evaluations and self-realization, while being showered by the sweet power of DEVI, KALI MAA and CHANDI MAA. As long as one is willing to look deeper than the physical outside layers, and feels the innate touching of the "atman" by the f0rce of the gods we worship, then we can boldly proclaim that these external changes do not matter , whatsoever. Have greater courage and devotion, faith and clarity of thoughts will follow without fail!!! Jai Maa and Jai Swamiji Lovingly, Babu Krishnan , "ritagupta50" <ritagupta50 wrote: > > Dear Karen, > There is no need to convert formally to become shri Ganesha's devotee. > You can worship to him the way you want to. > Though there is a custom in hinduism that when you take formal > discipleship, usually Guru gives you a new name more suited to your new > discipline.But again it depends on Guru. > Rita > > > > Namaste, > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have > not > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing > my > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. > Is > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > Karen > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 22, 2007 Hi Shankari Kali, There is comfort and warmth in a close-knit family, but there is a definite downside, isn't there? My family has always been on the distant side of the continuum, so there is very little "digging" for information, and very little overt criticism. I have not hidden my choices or beliefs, but my tendency is to keep them largely to myself, and in my family that is generally respected. Jai Maa! Chris , Shankari Kali <shankari_kali wrote: > > Namaste Chris: > > Unfortunately my family gives me quite a bit of grief over being vegetarian. Just sitting quietly saying that I simply cannot eat meat causes a big issue that they just won't let go of. If I dare mention that I am Hindu, I incur many insults. I recently finally told my parents that I am Hindu, and I am still hearing about it. > > I guess like someone said that you can't remain in the bathroom hiding forever. You have to finally be yourself. You don't have to be defensive about it, but you have to live your own life. > > Peace, > Shankari Kali > > Chris Kirner <chriskirner1956 wrote: Well, my family doesn't really give me any grief anymore, at least not > directly, but when acquaintances ask about my choice, I usually follow > the same tack that Gary does, and focus on the fact that meat doesn't > agree with me, that I feel better when I don't eat it. I may mention > being at peace with other life, if it seems appropriate, but I usually > do not. > > Jai Maa! > Chris > > , Gary <aniruddhan@> wrote: > > > > I don't know about the name change, but there are lots of approaches > you can take toward the vegetarian issue. First, you might explain > that you've been a vegetarian for so long that meat no longer agrees > with your system. Many meat eaters think we will be malnourished if we > don't eat meat. So you could comment on how much other wonderful food > they have for you to eat. You could also provide your own vege food - > there are turkey substitutes available in health food stores. It's > hard then for others to be critical if you are eating almost the same > thing that they are :-) Finally, if you think they might be receptive, > you could explain that meat contains uric acid that can irritate the > nerves and make it harder to sit still for long periods of worship and > meditation. I would defintely NOT lecture them about ahimsa and the > immorality of killing, which they might take as criticism of their own > lifestyle. Jai Maa! > > > > Shankari Kali <shankari_kali@> wrote: Namaste: > > > > This is actually a very good question. Interesting that you bring > this up. I would like to know if everyone legally changed their names > after they became devotees to Shree Maa and Swamiji. Do you use this > name when you go to work for example? Do people harass you about your > name? > > > > Also, I have been a vegetarian for 13 years, and this has caused > many problems with my family. They really want me to eat turkey for > example, but I cannot, and it appears to be very hostile to them. Any > solutions to these type of problems? > > > > Peace, > > Shankari Kali > > > > > > Karen <sstr_karen@> wrote: Namaste, > > > > I have been a devotee of Sri Ganesha since October, although I have not > > formally coverted to Hinduism. Ganesha has been guiding me on my > > spiritual path. I love the Hinduism, but it would create problems in > > my family if I became a Hindu in the customary way, legally changing my > > name, etc. I would like to know if I may become a disciple of Shree > > Maa, as this is a very inclusive path and appeals to me very much. Is > > formal conversion necessary? > > > > Aum Shanti, > > > > Karen > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Have a burning question? Go to Answers and get answers from > real people who know. > > > > > > > > > > > > Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. > > > > > > > > > > Looking for earth-friendly autos? > Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Autos' Green Center. > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
