Guest guest Report post Posted December 31, 2008 Namasthe, Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 6, 2009 Dear devotee respected members of the group and moderators: It has been my common observation that when someone asks a question, one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are good upasakas here. I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami Krishnananda Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite scholar and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used to work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He used to sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some work or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and attending to phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR OF HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE DISCIPLES AND USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in August. And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad who used to work 22 hours! The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the fair copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras everyday. His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets up at 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried to balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. NOW COMING TO THE POINT: Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara Upasana. You can refer them. AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is to make the dozing members to wake up. " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " ....awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am helpless. I too would like to relapse into solitude. with regards, sriram , " yogi_or " <yogior wrote: > > Namasthe, > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 7, 2009 Namasthe, Thanks for your reply. I tried in the web site for more information but there was only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna rao garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and Sri.Ganapathi muni. Can you please tell me where I can get more information . There was no info in the files section as well. Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the mother and Sri.Amritananada. I will be coming to India again in April. I will be greatful for your kind guidance. Mother bless all. Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. V.Rajnikanth On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi wrote: > Dear devotee > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a question, > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are good > upasakas here. > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami Krishnananda > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite scholar > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used to > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He used to > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some work > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and attending to > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR OF > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE DISCIPLES > AND > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in August. > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad who > used to work 22 hours! > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the fair > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras everyday. > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets up at > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried to > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > Upasana. You can refer them. > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is to > make > the dozing members to wake up. > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am helpless. I > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > with regards, > sriram > > , " yogi_or " <yogior wrote: > > > > Namasthe, > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 10, 2009 Dear Sadhaka Reading the Post. We should motivate our selves in planning our time more responsibly and utilise it for our best purpose Coming to Tara Mantra anustana. One need not feel that Theres is COMPULSION that only " Woman " have to initiate it " GENTS " after Completing the Purascharana can INITIATE the Mantra. But if a Sadhaka is initiated by a " Woman " for TARA MANTRA its a great blessing and Mantra Siddhi is Definite. Woman initiation is unique for TARA Sadhana. Regards Diwakar , " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi wrote: > > Dear devotee > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a question, > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are good > upasakas here. > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami Krishnananda > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite scholar > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used to > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He used to > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some work > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and attending to > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR OF > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE DISCIPLES AND > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in August. > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad who > used to work 22 hours! > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the fair > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras everyday. > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets up at > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried to > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > Upasana. You can refer them. > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is to make > the dozing members to wake up. > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am helpless. I > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > with regards, > sriram > > > , " yogi_or " <yogior@> wrote: > > > > Namasthe, > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 12, 2009 Dear rajanikanth, Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for you. These were posted long back. The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda. Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " . It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati / Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage is Vaikhari. Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM. It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta. Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " .(the Boat to cross the ocean). GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI. It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she is " Ugra Tara " . In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse. Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda Brahman. Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie., Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " . Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra. There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's gurunatha. The 4 mantras of Tara are: 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha 4) Shuddha Pranava These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat 3) Hrim Streem Phat 4) OM The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim, sauh). Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this, one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha. Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits at the tip of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda Bhairavi). In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother. Out of her compassion towards her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children. SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA. Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since, the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one. As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal. Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt. Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples. A WORD OF CAUTION: BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP. THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA. With warm regards and happy pongal, sriram , " V.Rajnikanth " <yogior wrote: > > Namasthe, > Thanks for your reply. > I tried in the web site for more information but there was > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna rao > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and Sri.Ganapathi > muni. > Can you please tell me where I can get more information . > There was no info in the files section as well. > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the > mother and > Sri.Amritananada. > I will be coming to India again in April. > I will be greatful for your kind guidance. > Mother bless all. > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. > > V.Rajnikanth > > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi > wrote: > > > Dear devotee > > > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a question, > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are good > > upasakas here. > > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami Krishnananda > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite scholar > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used to > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He used to > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some work > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and attending to > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR OF > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE DISCIPLES > > AND > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in August. > > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, Hyderabad who > > used to work 22 hours! > > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the fair > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras everyday. > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets up at > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried to > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > > Upasana. You can refer them. > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is to > > make > > the dozing members to wake up. > > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am helpless. I > > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > > > with regards, > > sriram > > > > , " yogi_or " <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 12, 2009 Sriram Garu Namasthe, First let me thank you for your kind reply. I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I got interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same. Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be intiated in the Great mantra. One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram near Anakapalli,Vishakapatnam. During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I started to do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga Ashtami day during Navarathri. During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was told that Iam not doing it rightly. I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and told my predicament.He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you continue with the mantra mother will guide you'. Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be completing one lakh. I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me. My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation and to improve my sadhana. Mother bless all. Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu. On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathiwrote: > Dear rajanikanth, > > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for > you. These were posted long back. > > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda. > > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " . > > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati / > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage > is Vaikhari. > > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM. > > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta. > > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " .(the > Boat to cross the ocean). > > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI. > > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she > is " Ugra Tara " . > > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse. > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para, > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda > Brahman. > > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie., > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " . > > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra. > > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's > gurunatha. > > The 4 mantras of Tara are: > > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha > 4) Shuddha Pranava > > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat > 3) Hrim > Streem Phat 4) OM > > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim, > sauh). > > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this, > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha. > > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits > at the tip > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda > Bhairavi). > > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother. > Out of her compassion towards > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children. > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA. > > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since, > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one. > > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal. > > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt. > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples. > > A WORD OF CAUTION: > > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP. > > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA. > > With warm regards and happy pongal, > sriram > > <%40>, " V.Rajnikanth " > <yogior wrote: > > > > Namasthe, > > Thanks for your reply. > > I tried in the web site for more information but there > was > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna > rao > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and > Sri.Ganapathi > > muni. > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information . > > There was no info in the files section as well. > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the > > mother and > > Sri.Amritananada. > > I will be coming to India again in April. > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance. > > Mother bless all. > > > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. > > > > V.Rajnikanth > > > > > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi > > wrote: > > > > > Dear devotee > > > > > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > > > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a > question, > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are > good > > > upasakas here. > > > > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami > Krishnananda > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite > scholar > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used > to > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He > used to > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some > work > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and > attending to > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > > > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR > OF > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE > DISCIPLES > > > AND > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > > > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in > August. > > > > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, > Hyderabad who > > > used to work 22 hours! > > > > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha > Swamigal > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the > fair > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras > everyday. > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets > up at > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > > > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried > to > > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > > > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > > > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > > > Upasana. You can refer them. > > > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > > > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is > to > > > make > > > the dozing members to wake up. > > > > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > > > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am > helpless. I > > > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > > > > > with regards, > > > sriram > > > > > > <%40>, " yogi_or " > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 15, 2009 Dear Sriram ji,  i have been reading the discussions in this group and been guided few times by learned people about one or two doubts i have raised. I'm neither practising anything nor have i done any rituals. But a simple housewife interested in knowing about Mother. I used to read Lalitha Sahasram at home and also in groups with other ladies. But after joining this group i have learned that there an ocean of knowledge that i need to know to understand anything, although i have seen some women claiming to be upasaskas and giving mantras.  Sir, i'm in India right now and want to be guided in my life at the moment. i have been waiting to meet you in person ever since i joined the group, as i want to be guided in my life at this moment, and follow the right path. Although i wanted to be initiated with some mantra, i don't know if i'm ready for anything but that can be tested by you anyway. Sir, Could i please meet you in person when i come to visit Hyderabad? Could you please give me contact details?  Humble pranams.  Aruna --- On Tue, 13/1/09, V.Rajnikanth <yogior wrote: V.Rajnikanth <yogior Re: Re: Tara Upasana Tuesday, 13 January, 2009, 12:25 AM Sriram Garu Namasthe, First let me thank you for your kind reply. I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I got interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same. Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be intiated in the Great mantra. One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram near Anakapalli,Vishakap atnam. During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I started to do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga Ashtami day during Navarathri. During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was told that Iam not doing it rightly. I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and told my predicament. He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you continue with the mantra mother will guide you'. Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be completing one lakh. I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me. My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation and to improve my sadhana. Mother bless all. Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu. On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathi@ grouply.com>wrote: > Dear rajanikanth, > > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for > you. These were posted long back. > > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda. > > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " . > > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati / > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage > is Vaikhari. > > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM. > > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta. > > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " .(the > Boat to cross the ocean). > > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI. > > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she > is " Ugra Tara " . > > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse. > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para, > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda > Brahman. > > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie., > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " . > > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra. > > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's > gurunatha. > > The 4 mantras of Tara are: > > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha > 4) Shuddha Pranava > > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat > 3) Hrim > Streem Phat 4) OM > > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim, > sauh). > > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this, > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha. > > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits > at the tip > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing) . Hence, she is > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda > Bhairavi). > > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother. > Out of her compassion towards > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children. > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA. > > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since, > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one. > > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal. > > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt. > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples. > > A WORD OF CAUTION: > > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP. > > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA. > > With warm regards and happy pongal, > sriram > > @ .com <%40gro ups.com>, " V.Rajnikanth " > <yogior wrote: > > > > Namasthe, > > Thanks for your reply. > > I tried in the web site for more information but there > was > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna > rao > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and > Sri.Ganapathi > > muni. > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information . > > There was no info in the files section as well. > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the > > mother and > > Sri.Amritananada. > > I will be coming to India again in April. > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance. > > Mother bless all. > > > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. > > > > V.Rajnikanth > > > > > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi > > wrote: > > > > > Dear devotee > > > > > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > > > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a > question, > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are > good > > > upasakas here. > > > > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami > Krishnananda > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite > scholar > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used > to > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He > used to > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some > work > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and > attending to > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > > > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR > OF > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE > DISCIPLES > > > AND > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > > > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in > August. > > > > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, > Hyderabad who > > > used to work 22 hours! > > > > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha > Swamigal > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the > fair > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras > everyday. > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets > up at > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > > > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried > to > > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > > > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > > > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > > > Upasana. You can refer them. > > > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > > > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is > to > > > make > > > the dozing members to wake up. > > > > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > > > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am > helpless. I > > > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > > > > > with regards, > > > sriram > > > > > > @ .com <%40gro ups.com>, " yogi_or " > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 15, 2009 My dear rajanikanth, You must be very careful in using certain technical jargons like " hatha yoga " , " kriya yoga " etc. These techniques require personal guidance of an adept guru who is expert in yoga sastra (mind you hatha yoga is not limited to asanas) which cannot be learnt through books. Most of the westerners are also getting carried away by claiming themselves to be " kali upasaks " by reading a couple of books by Arthor Avalon and others. I see a wave of craze among the westerners for Dasa Mahavidyas and Kaulachara. Some of them are also organizing seminars, workshops and private consulting firms for Dasa Mahavidya. Thanks to some of the " popular " gurus (I don't want to name them). Unfortunately, for them the Kaulachara is limited to wine and women. By the way, on what observations and facts, the mother told you that you were not doing the sadhana properly? Moreover, that you have been initiated in mantra by " X " guru, why do you want to shift to " Y " guru which implies " lack of faith in the words of X " . Prahlada Sastry, (as Amritananda is known with this name in Andhra University), rightly pointed out that there are certain pre- requisites for the tara anushtana. So, without a proper base, there is every danger of the building might getting collapsed. My gurunatha was approached by Prahlada Sastry before the construction of Devi Puram Temple for the guidance and dhyana slokas of the avarana devatas of Devi Khadgamala. Shri NP Sastry was bent upon displaying the " naked pictures " of goddesses in the temple which disturbed my guruputri Smt. Srilakshmi, my gurupatni Smt. Varalakshmi and my gurunatha. So, I am tightlipped in this issue. Some of the upasakas in this forum hail from the parampara of Devipuram and hope they can guide you well in this matter. But anushtana of Gayatri, Siva Panchakshari, Maha Ganapati, Bala prior to taking up of higher dikshas of srividya is highly recommended. Even Smt. Visalakshi and Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni also prescribe certain mandatory mantra anushtana prior to taking up of Tara which is also called Nila Saraswati. BTW, I don't recommend any gurus in this forum. But yes, some of the persons I recommend for guidance in sadhana and they are parama pujya shri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal, parama pujya shri Mani Dravida Sastrigal, parama pujya Shri Pudukottai Ramanatha Iyer of Pudukottai and last but not the least His Holiness Shri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal of Sringeri Sarada Pitha. When you visit India, do visit Sringeri. A wonderful, soul-stirring place for japa and anushtana. Every place is sanctified by the holy presence of Adi Sankara and his band of disciples from Sureshwara to Bharati Tirtha. Visit the Navavarana Archana of Shri Narahari Bhatt to the Sphatika Sriyantra. It is really a delight to see as he performs the 10 mudras to Sarada Parameshwari. Visit the Kigga where Sage Rishya Sringa performed penance. Visit Malahanikareshwara where Vibhandaka performed penance. Visit Hornad, the divine place where Mother sports are Annapurneshwari who served Adi Sankara with Rice Porridge (payasanna). That is all I know. I AM SORRY IF I HAVE HURT THE FEELING OF SOME OF THE UPASAKAS. BUT I AM FRANK AND FAIR IN THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO SRIVIDYA, SVADHARMA ACHARANA, VEDA VIDYA. NO MORE MAILS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED BY ME IN THIS REGARD. With regards, Sriram , V.Rajnikanth <yogior wrote: > > Sriram Garu Namasthe, > First let me thank you for your kind reply. > I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I got > interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same. > Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be > intiated in the Great mantra. > One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram near > Anakapalli,Vishakapatnam. > During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested > him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi > and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you > dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the > mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I started to > do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga Ashtami day > during Navarathri. > During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was > told that Iam not doing it rightly. > I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and told my > predicament.He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you > continue with the mantra mother will guide you'. > Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be completing one > lakh. > I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am > interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me. > My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation > and to improve my sadhana. > Mother bless all. > Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu. On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathiwrote: > > > Dear rajanikanth, > > > > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for > > you. These were posted long back. > > > > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent > > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in > > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda. > > > > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a > > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame > > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare > > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is > > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " . > > > > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati / > > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa > > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped > > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is > > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the > > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta > > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni > > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and > > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the > > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage > > is Vaikhari. > > > > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM. > > > > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence > > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from > > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta. > > > > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to > > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal > > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM > > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada > > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare > > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross > > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " . (the > > Boat to cross the ocean). > > > > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI. > > > > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess > > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she > > is " Ugra Tara " . > > > > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over > > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse. > > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para, > > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair > > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her > > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by > > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless > > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara > > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of > > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda > > Brahman. > > > > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie., > > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says > > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages > > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The > > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama > > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " . > > > > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is > > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the > > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra. > > > > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of > > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda > > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through > > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and > > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is > > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's > > gurunatha. > > > > The 4 mantras of Tara are: > > > > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra > > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra > > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha > > 4) Shuddha Pranava > > > > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat > > 3) Hrim > > Streem Phat 4) OM > > > > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim, > > sauh). > > > > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose > > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the > > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE > > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives > > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this, > > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha. > > > > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the > > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in > > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare > > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of > > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form > > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham > > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits > > at the tip > > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she > > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is > > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic > > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun > > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda > > Bhairavi). > > > > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother. > > Out of her compassion towards > > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children. > > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS > > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA. > > > > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also > > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since, > > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians > > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one. > > > > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has > > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research > > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had > > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri > > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal. > > > > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt. > > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the > > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples. > > > > A WORD OF CAUTION: > > > > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE > > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO > > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP. > > > > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING > > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA. > > > > With warm regards and happy pongal, > > sriram > > > > <% 40>, " V.Rajnikanth " > > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > Thanks for your reply. > > > I tried in the web site for more information but there > > was > > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna > > rao > > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and > > Sri.Ganapathi > > > muni. > > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information . > > > There was no info in the files section as well. > > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. > > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the > > > mother and > > > Sri.Amritananada. > > > I will be coming to India again in April. > > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance. > > > Mother bless all. > > > > > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. > > > > > > V.Rajnikanth > > > > > > > > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > Dear devotee > > > > > > > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > > > > > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a > > question, > > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are > > good > > > > upasakas here. > > > > > > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami > > Krishnananda > > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite > > scholar > > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used > > to > > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He > > used to > > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some > > work > > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and > > attending to > > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > > > > > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR > > OF > > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE > > DISCIPLES > > > > AND > > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > > > > > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in > > August. > > > > > > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, > > Hyderabad who > > > > used to work 22 hours! > > > > > > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha > > Swamigal > > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the > > fair > > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras > > everyday. > > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets > > up at > > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > > > > > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried > > to > > > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > > > > > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > > > > > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > > > > Upasana. You can refer them. > > > > > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > > > > > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is > > to > > > > make > > > > the dozing members to wake up. > > > > > > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > > > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > > > > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > > > > > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am > > helpless. I > > > > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > > > > > > > with regards, > > > > sriram > > > > > > > > <% 40>, " yogi_or " > > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > > > > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > > > > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 15, 2009 shrI gurubhyo namaH shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH Folks: Just one more comment. It appears (if I understand correctly), that the original poster has been initiated into ShodaShI It is said in various shrI vidyA texts that there is no greater mantrA than this. In my opinion, if the devotee has been initiated into ShodashI, then other mantras are super-fluous. Just my 2 cents. Thanks and Regards. KR. shrI mAtre namaH Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 15, 2009 Dear Sriram, Thanks for your elucidation. Maha shodasi is given only to the deserving - Yaso deyam shiro deyam na deyam shodasakshari - that is how it goes. Perhaps you have not come across upasakas who have mastered the art and live a life with the athma vidhya. You would also know that I have for the first time in the world brought out the mudras to the forefront by publishing srividhya pooja paddathi in sanskrit and tamil as far back as 1960. I have also published vanadurga vidhanam, prathyinkira vidhanam, sambasadasiva ayutha namavali - which are all firsts and shortly bringing out sarabha kalpam. Regarding kaula chara, unfortunately " srividhya " has become " stri vidhya " and in the forthcoming seminar in Hyderabad, I am presenting a paper on pancha makara - a totally different concept, which none can object.They are totally soul oriented and not connected with body and mind. Those of the upasakas who cannot beyond body and mind, cannot reach the goal of human life - merging with the Divine Mother_. Regarding Devipuram, I have also visited and now the idols are there have been redone to some extent to remove the sexuality appearance. As regards Tara or any other upasana, once the vidhyavan has been given peeta athikaram and also sarvamanthra athikaram, the disciple can be initiated. However the guru must be capable of transmitting the total energy of the devatha and also connect the disciple to the guru mandalam. This is an unique technique developed by our mandalam and offered to any one absolutely free of any cost. Of course intensive sadhana is a must to achieve the goal. I belong to the siddhamalli (Tinnevelly district) parampara which is one of the foremost paramparas and are doing yomen service to the society to guide them correctly in regard to devi upasana. It is absolutely necessary, that the upasakas under this group should personally meet some time to exchange ideas so that there is no difference in our ideals. regarding hatha yoga, you are right. People mistake human vital energy as hatha yoga which is not. I have not come across any one who had mastered this so far. Anything relative to body and mind shall ultimately fail. regards. S.SHANGARANARAYANAN : sriram_sapthasathi: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:04:15 +0000 Re: Tara Upasana My dear rajanikanth,You must be very careful in using certain technical jargons like " hatha yoga " , " kriya yoga " etc. These techniques require personal guidance of an adept guru who is expert in yoga sastra (mind you hatha yoga is not limited to asanas) which cannot be learnt through books. Most of the westerners are also getting carried away by claiming themselves to be " kali upasaks " by reading a couple of books by Arthor Avalon and others. I see a wave of craze among the westerners for Dasa Mahavidyas and Kaulachara. Some of them are also organizing seminars, workshops and private consulting firms for Dasa Mahavidya. Thanks to some of the " popular " gurus (I don't want to name them). Unfortunately, for them the Kaulachara is limited to wine and women. By the way, on what observations and facts, the mother told you that you were not doing the sadhana properly? Moreover, that you have been initiated in mantra by " X " guru, why do you want to shift to " Y " guru which implies " lack of faith in the words of X " . Prahlada Sastry, (as Amritananda is known with this name in Andhra University), rightly pointed out that there are certain pre-requisites for the tara anushtana. So, without a proper base, there is every danger of the building might getting collapsed. My gurunatha was approached by Prahlada Sastry before the construction of Devi Puram Temple for the guidance and dhyana slokas of the avarana devatas of Devi Khadgamala. Shri NP Sastry was bent upon displaying the " naked pictures " of goddesses in the temple which disturbed my guruputri Smt. Srilakshmi, my gurupatni Smt. Varalakshmi and my gurunatha. So, I am tightlipped in this issue. Some of the upasakas in this forum hail from the parampara of Devipuram and hope they can guide you well in this matter. But anushtana of Gayatri, Siva Panchakshari, Maha Ganapati, Bala prior to taking up of higher dikshas of srividya is highly recommended. Even Smt. Visalakshi and Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni also prescribe certain mandatory mantra anushtana prior to taking up of Tara which is also called Nila Saraswati. BTW, I don't recommend any gurus in this forum. But yes, some of the persons I recommend for guidance in sadhana and they are parama pujya shri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal, parama pujya shri Mani Dravida Sastrigal, parama pujya Shri Pudukottai Ramanatha Iyer of Pudukottai and last but not the least His Holiness Shri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal of Sringeri Sarada Pitha. When you visit India, do visit Sringeri. A wonderful, soul-stirring place for japa and anushtana. Every place is sanctified by the holy presence of Adi Sankara and his band of disciples from Sureshwara to Bharati Tirtha. Visit the Navavarana Archana of Shri Narahari Bhatt to the Sphatika Sriyantra. It is really a delight to see as he performs the 10 mudras to Sarada Parameshwari. Visit the Kigga where Sage Rishya Sringa performed penance. Visit Malahanikareshwara where Vibhandaka performed penance. Visit Hornad, the divine place where Mother sports are Annapurneshwari who served Adi Sankara with Rice Porridge (payasanna). That is all I know. I AM SORRY IF I HAVE HURT THE FEELING OF SOME OF THE UPASAKAS. BUT I AM FRANK AND FAIR IN THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO SRIVIDYA, SVADHARMA ACHARANA, VEDA VIDYA. NO MORE MAILS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED BY ME IN THIS REGARD.With regards,Sriram--- In , V.Rajnikanth <yogior wrote:>> Sriram Garu Namasthe,> First let me thank you for your kind reply.> I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I got> interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same.> Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be> intiated in the Great mantra.> One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram near> Anakapalli,Vishakapatnam.> During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested> him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi> and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you> dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the> mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I started to> do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga Ashtami day> during Navarathri.> During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was> told that Iam not doing it rightly.> I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and told my> predicament.He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you> continue with the mantra mother will guide you'.> Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be completing one> lakh.> I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am> interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me.> My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation> and to improve my sadhana.> Mother bless all.> Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu.> > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathiwrote:> > > Dear rajanikanth,> >> > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for> > you. These were posted long back.> >> > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent> > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in> > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda.> >> > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a> > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame> > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is> > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " .> >> > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati /> > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa> > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped> > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is> > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the> > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta> > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni> > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and> > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the> > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage> > is Vaikhari.> >> > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM.> >> > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence> > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from> > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta.> >> > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to> > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal> > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM> > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada> > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross> > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " .(the> > Boat to cross the ocean).> >> > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI.> >> > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess> > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she> > is " Ugra Tara " .> >> > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over> > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse.> > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para,> > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair> > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her> > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by> > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless> > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara> > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of> > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda> > Brahman.> >> > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie.,> > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says> > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages> > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The> > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama> > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " .> >> > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is> > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the> > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra.> >> > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of> > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda> > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through> > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and> > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is> > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's> > gurunatha.> >> > The 4 mantras of Tara are:> >> > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra> > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra> > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha> > 4) Shuddha Pranava> >> > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat> > 3) Hrim> > Streem Phat 4) OM> >> > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim,> > sauh).> >> > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose> > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the> > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE> > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives> > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this,> > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha.> >> > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the> > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in> > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of> > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form> > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham> > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits> > at the tip> > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she> > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is> > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic> > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun> > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda> > Bhairavi).> >> > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother.> > Out of her compassion towards> > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children.> > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS> > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA.> >> > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also> > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since,> > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians> > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one.> >> > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has> > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research> > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had> > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri> > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal.> >> > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt.> > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the> > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples.> >> > A WORD OF CAUTION:> >> > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE> > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO> > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP.> >> > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING> > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA.> >> > With warm regards and happy pongal,> > sriram> >> > <%40>, " V.Rajnikanth " > > <yogior@> wrote:> > >> > > Namasthe,> > > Thanks for your reply.> > > I tried in the web site for more information but there> > was> > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna> > rao> > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and> > Sri.Ganapathi> > > muni.> > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information .> > > There was no info in the files section as well.> > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana.> > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the> > > mother and> > > Sri.Amritananada.> > > I will be coming to India again in April.> > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance.> > > Mother bless all.> > >> > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu.> > >> > > V.Rajnikanth> > >> > >> > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi@>> > > wrote:> > >> > > > Dear devotee> > > >> > > > respected members of the group and moderators:> > > >> > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a> > question,> > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY> > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are> > good> > > > upasakas here.> > > >> > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami> > Krishnananda> > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite> > scholar> > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used> > to> > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He> > used to> > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some> > work> > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and> > attending to> > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc...> > > >> > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR> > OF> > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE> > DISCIPLES> > > > AND> > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY.> > > >> > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in> > August.> > > >> > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt,> > Hyderabad who> > > > used to work 22 hours!> > > >> > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha> > Swamigal> > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the> > fair> > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras> > everyday.> > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets> > up at> > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana.> > > >> > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried> > to> > > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana.> > > >> > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT:> > > >> > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara> > > > Upasana. You can refer them.> > > >> > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY> > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI.> > > >> > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is> > to> > > > make> > > > the dozing members to wake up.> > > >> > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > >> > > > ....awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached....> > > >> > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU.> > > >> > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am> > helpless. I> > > > too would like to relapse into solitude.> > > >> > > > with regards,> > > > sriram> > > >> > > > --- In <%40>, " yogi_or " > > <yogior@> wrote:> > > > >> > > > > Namasthe,> > > > >> > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana.> > > > >> > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu> > > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]> > >> >> > > >> > > > -- > With best regards,> V.Rajnikanth,> yogior,> yogi_or,> yogi_or Mobile :+44 07595021150(London)> > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 16, 2009 Sriram Garu Namasthe, I learnt Hatha Yoga at Sivananda Ashram in Chennai and I have completed Teacher Training Course and Advanced Teacher training Course in Sivananda Ashram at Neyyar Dam,Kerala. If one wants to be initiated into Kriya Yoga one has to practise the techniques given in the lessons sent periodically by YSS,Ranchi and at the end they will request a feedback from the Saadhaka and if they are satisfied with the reply they will initiate the saadhak. In my case I could complete only a certain number since I relocated.But my interest in the same is undiminished. As I mentioned earlier I started the Japa of ten malas from Navarathri and during the course twice before going to sleep I requested mother to let me know whether Iam doing the Japa correctly and both the times I was told Iam incorrect.Thats how I telephoned the Guruji and he said he was not a Tara Upasaka and asked me to continue with the same mantra and mother will take care.I have got great respect for him and as he said Iam continuing with the mantra. As I was closely following the posts in the group I knew that there are many advanced saadhaks and they will definitely guide me and that's how I happened to send the mail to the group. My sincere thanks for enlightning me in this regard. Lokah samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu. With best Regards, V.Rajnikanth On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:04 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathiwrote: > My dear rajanikanth, > > You must be very careful in using certain technical jargons > like " hatha yoga " , " kriya yoga " etc. These techniques require > personal guidance of an adept guru who is expert in yoga sastra (mind > you hatha yoga is not limited to asanas) which cannot be learnt > through books. > > Most of the westerners are also getting carried away by claiming > themselves to be " kali upasaks " by reading a couple of books by > Arthor Avalon and others. I see a wave of craze among the westerners > for Dasa Mahavidyas and Kaulachara. Some of them are also organizing > seminars, workshops and private consulting firms for Dasa Mahavidya. > Thanks to some of the " popular " gurus (I don't want to name them). > Unfortunately, for them the Kaulachara is limited to wine and > women. > > By the way, on what observations and facts, the mother told you that > you were not doing the sadhana properly? Moreover, that you have > been initiated in mantra by " X " guru, why do you want to shift to " Y " > guru which implies " lack of faith in the words of X " . > > Prahlada Sastry, (as Amritananda is known with this name in Andhra > University), rightly pointed out that there are certain pre- > requisites for the tara anushtana. So, without a proper base, there > is every danger of the building might getting collapsed. My > gurunatha was approached by Prahlada Sastry before the construction > of Devi Puram Temple for the guidance and dhyana slokas of the > avarana devatas of Devi Khadgamala. Shri NP Sastry was bent upon > displaying the " naked pictures " of goddesses in the temple which > disturbed my guruputri Smt. Srilakshmi, my gurupatni Smt. Varalakshmi > and my gurunatha. So, I am tightlipped in this issue. > > Some of the upasakas in this forum hail from the parampara of > Devipuram and hope they can guide you well in this matter. > > But anushtana of Gayatri, Siva Panchakshari, Maha Ganapati, Bala > prior to taking up of higher dikshas of srividya is highly > recommended. Even Smt. Visalakshi and Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni > also prescribe certain mandatory mantra anushtana prior to taking up > of Tara which is also called Nila Saraswati. > > BTW, I don't recommend any gurus in this forum. > > But yes, some of the persons I recommend for guidance in sadhana and > they are parama pujya shri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal, parama pujya > shri Mani Dravida Sastrigal, parama pujya Shri Pudukottai Ramanatha > Iyer of Pudukottai and last but not the least His Holiness Shri > Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal of Sringeri Sarada Pitha. > > When you visit India, do visit Sringeri. A wonderful, soul-stirring > place for japa and anushtana. Every place is sanctified by the holy > presence of Adi Sankara and his band of disciples from Sureshwara to > Bharati Tirtha. Visit the Navavarana Archana of Shri Narahari Bhatt > to the Sphatika Sriyantra. It is really a delight to see as he > performs the 10 mudras to Sarada Parameshwari. Visit the Kigga where > Sage Rishya Sringa performed penance. Visit Malahanikareshwara where > Vibhandaka performed penance. Visit Hornad, the divine place where > Mother sports are Annapurneshwari who served Adi Sankara with Rice > Porridge (payasanna). > > That is all I know. > > I AM SORRY IF I HAVE HURT THE FEELING OF SOME OF THE UPASAKAS. BUT I > AM FRANK AND FAIR IN THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO SRIVIDYA, SVADHARMA > ACHARANA, VEDA VIDYA. > > NO MORE MAILS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED BY ME IN THIS REGARD. > > With regards, > Sriram > > <%40>, V.Rajnikanth > <yogior wrote: > > > > Sriram Garu Namasthe, > > First let me thank you for your kind reply. > > I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I > got > > interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same. > > Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a > Guru to be > > intiated in the Great mantra. > > One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram > near > > Anakapalli,Vishakapatnam. > > During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and > requested > > him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with > Shodasi > > and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where > in you > > dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to > give the > > mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I > started to > > do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga > Ashtami day > > during Navarathri. > > During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa > correctly,I was > > told that Iam not doing it rightly. > > I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and > told my > > predicament.He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont > worry you > > continue with the mantra mother will guide you'. > > Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be > completing one > > lakh. > > I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am > > interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me. > > My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the > intiation > > and to improve my sadhana. > > Mother bless all. > > Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram > <sriram_sapthasathiwrote: > > > > > > Dear rajanikanth, > > > > > > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste > for > > > you. These were posted long back. > > > > > > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a > prominent > > > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in > > > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda. > > > > > > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a > > > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame > > > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare > > > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which > is > > > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " . > > > > > > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati / > > > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa > > > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when > worshipped > > > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine > Gender is > > > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the > > > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta > > > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta > Agni > > > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and > > > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, > the > > > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth > stage > > > is Vaikhari. > > > > > > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM. > > > > > > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence > > > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from > > > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta. > > > > > > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also > means 'to > > > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal > > > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM > > > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested > Nada > > > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare > > > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross > > > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " . > (the > > > Boat to cross the ocean). > > > > > > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI. > > > > > > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . > Goddess > > > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she > > > is " Ugra Tara " . > > > > > > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread > over > > > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse. > > > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para, > > > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted > Hair > > > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her > > > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by > > > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is > lifeless > > > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since > Tara > > > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time > of > > > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through > Sabda > > > Brahman. > > > > > > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie., > > > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says > > > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages > > > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The > > > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category > of " Uttama > > > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " . > > > > > > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is > > > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the > > > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra. > > > > > > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana > of > > > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda > > > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others > through > > > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and > > > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is > > > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's > > > gurunatha. > > > > > > The 4 mantras of Tara are: > > > > > > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra > > > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra > > > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha > > > 4) Shuddha Pranava > > > > > > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum > Phat > > > 3) Hrim > > > Streem Phat 4) OM > > > > > > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim, > > > sauh). > > > > > > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose > > > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the > > > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE > > > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE > gives > > > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this, > > > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha. > > > > > > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the > > > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara > Vidya in > > > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare > > > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form > of > > > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the > form > > > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham > > > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and > sits > > > at the tip > > > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, > she > > > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is > > > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the > poetic > > > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun > > > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda > > > Bhairavi). > > > > > > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of > mother. > > > Out of her compassion towards > > > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her > children. > > > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS > > > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA. > > > > > > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also > > > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. > Since, > > > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians > > > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one. > > > > > > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior > has > > > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense > research > > > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who > had > > > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri > > > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal. > > > > > > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt. > > > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the > > > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples. > > > > > > A WORD OF CAUTION: > > > > > > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE > > > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO > > > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP. > > > > > > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, > PARTICIPATING > > > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA. > > > > > > With warm regards and happy pongal, > > > sriram > > > > > > <%40> <% > 40>, " V.Rajnikanth " > > > > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > Thanks for your reply. > > > > I tried in the web site for more information but > there > > > was > > > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna > > > rao > > > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and > > > Sri.Ganapathi > > > > muni. > > > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information . > > > > There was no info in the files section as well. > > > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. > > > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the > > > > mother and > > > > Sri.Amritananada. > > > > I will be coming to India again in April. > > > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance. > > > > Mother bless all. > > > > > > > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. > > > > > > > > V.Rajnikanth > > > > > > > > > > > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi@> > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > Dear devotee > > > > > > > > > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > > > > > > > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a > > > question, > > > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO > BUSY > > > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are > > > good > > > > > upasakas here. > > > > > > > > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami > > > Krishnananda > > > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite > > > scholar > > > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He > used > > > to > > > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He > > > used to > > > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in > some > > > work > > > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and > > > attending to > > > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > > > > > > > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 > HOUR > > > OF > > > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE > > > DISCIPLES > > > > > AND > > > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > > > > > > > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in > > > August. > > > > > > > > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, > > > Hyderabad who > > > > > used to work 22 hours! > > > > > > > > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha > > > Swamigal > > > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes > the > > > fair > > > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras > > > everyday. > > > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again > gets > > > up at > > > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > > > > > > > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who > tried > > > to > > > > > balance their professional as well as their personal > anushtana. > > > > > > > > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > > > > > > > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on > Tara > > > > > Upasana. You can refer them. > > > > > > > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED > BY > > > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA > SIDDHI. > > > > > > > > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention > is > > > to > > > > > make > > > > > the dozing members to wake up. > > > > > > > > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > > > > > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > > > > > > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > > > > > > > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am > > > helpless. I > > > > > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > > > > > > > > > with regards, > > > > > sriram > > > > > > > > > > <%40><% > 40>, " yogi_or " > > > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > > > > > > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > > > > > > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 17, 2009 >>Amritananada and requested > him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi > and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you > dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the > mantra and << I doubt your intentions when it comes to bringing in the name Amritananda. " If " what you said above is true, it is plain non-sense. No one starts with shoDhasi just like that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 17, 2009 , " Kumar Ramachandran " <kramach wrote: > It is said in various shrI vidyA texts that there is no greater mantrA than > this. > In my opinion, if the devotee has been initiated into ShodashI, then other > mantras are super-fluous. No doubt that shoDashI is a great mantra but initiation into ShoDasi does not make the rest of the mantra-s super-fluous. If that is indeed the case, our ancestors would have discarded the rest of the mantra-s (well barring those mantra-s that serve as pre-reqs) long back. As an example: To over come a certain abhichAra performed with the mantra of a certain devata the prescription is to perform a homa with shoDashi+a certain shiva mantra+ another devi mantra. This is just an example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 18, 2009 shrI gurubhyo namaH shri mahAgaNapataye namaH Yes I think my statement is a generalization, which may not apply to specific situations. Specific situations may need specific remedies. Thanks and Regards shrI mAtre namaH : ] On Be half Of Satish Saturday, January 17, 2009 12 r :49 PM Re: Tara Upasana @ <%40> .com, " Kumar Ramachandran " <kramach wrote: > It is said in various shrI vidyA texts that there is no greater mantrA than > this. > In my opinion, if the devotee has been initiated into ShodashI, then other > mantras are super-fluous. No doubt that shoDashI is a great mantra but initiation into ShoDasi does not make the rest of the mantra-s super-fluous. If that is indeed the case, our ancestors would have discarded the rest of the mantra-s (well barring those mantra-s that serve as pre-reqs) long back. As an example: To over come a certain abhichAra performed with the mantra of a certain devata the prescription is to perform a homa with shoDashi+a certain shiva mantra+ another devi mantra. This is just an example. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 18, 2009 Each mantra has an anga, upanga, prathyinga sahita gurupaduka mantras. Maha Shodasi also has varahi, mathangi and maha guru paduka etc., and therefore other mantras also are associated with it. For example in a super specialty hospital one is admitted for recovery and there there are severla experts who come and examine their part of the body and then take a joint decision. Similarly all mantras play their part in one's upasana and therefore treating them as superfluous is not in order. Regards, S.SHANGARANARAYANAN : satisharigela: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:49:07 +0000 Re: Tara Upasana , " Kumar Ramachandran " <kramach wrote:> It is said in various shrI vidyA texts that there is no greater mantrA than> this.> In my opinion, if the devotee has been initiated into ShodashI, then other> mantras are super-fluous.No doubt that shoDashI is a great mantra but initiation into ShoDasi does not make the rest of the mantra-s super-fluous. If that is indeed the case, our ancestors would have discarded the rest of the mantra-s(well barring those mantra-s that serve as pre-reqs) long back.As an example: To over come a certain abhichAra performed with the mantra of a certain devata the prescription is to perform a homa withshoDashi+a certain shiva mantra+ another devi mantra.This is just an example. _______________ For the freshest Indian Jobs Visit MSN Jobs http://www.in.msn.com/jobs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 19, 2009 Namasthe, I don't exactly remember what it was,the mistake is mine as I could not remever whether it was Shodasi or Something else since my memory plays havoc all the time . Lokah samatha sukhinioh bhavanthu With regards, V.Rajnikanth Sent from my iPhone On 17 Jan 2009, at 17:42, " Satish " <satisharigela wrote: > >>Amritananada and requested > > him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with > Shodasi > > and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where > in you > > dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to > give the > > mantra and << > > I doubt your intentions when it comes to bringing in the name > Amritananda. " If " what you said above is true, it is plain non-sense. > No one starts with shoDhasi just like that. > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2009 My dear rajanikanth, The objective of my post is not to discourage you. You deserve my love and respect. Pl. don't misunderstand me. My advice to all the members is that just exercise their " discriminatory power " in choosing the gurus and understand their " own limitations " in tantric upasana. Pl. continue with your sadhana and mother as gururupini would guide you. with warm regards and love, sriram , " V.Rajnikanth " <yogior wrote: > > Namasthe, > I don't exactly remember what it was,the mistake is mine as I could > not remever whether it was Shodasi or Something else since my memory > plays havoc all the time . > > Lokah samatha sukhinioh bhavanthu > > With regards, > V.Rajnikanth > > Sent from my iPhone > > On 17 Jan 2009, at 17:42, " Satish " <satisharigela wrote: > > > >>Amritananada and requested > > > him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with > > Shodasi > > > and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where > > in you > > > dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to > > give the > > > mantra and << > > > > I doubt your intentions when it comes to bringing in the name > > Amritananda. " If " what you said above is true, it is plain non- sense. > > No one starts with shoDhasi just like that. > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2009 Dear aruna, Namaste and thanks for your compliments. But i am no great person and neither am i worthy of giving appointments to anybody. I am just as ordinary as anybody else. My only concern is that srividya is almost talk of the day and Panchadasi / Shodasi / Dasa Mahavidya Mantras have become " more popular " than Barrack Obama or Ramalinga Raju. Not getting married-take to srividya; fired from the job - take to srividya; promotions - take to srivdya; for processing of visa - take to srividya; settlements of court cases - take to srividya. THIS IS THE FATE OF SRIVIDYA AND NAVARANA ARCHANA. My sincere advice to you is to seek the guidance of Shri Bharati tirtha mahaswamigal of Sringeri Sarada Pitha and seek His blessings. I personally have come up in my professional life because of the blessings and mantra akshata of Shri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal. Just visit Sringeri and have the darshan of Saradambal, Chandramoulishwara Puja and navarana archana of Sphatika Sriyantra. You will feel the difference. If swamigal is please, he may probably bless you with mantra upadesa also!! with best wishes and warm regards, sriram , aruna behara <aruna_behara22 wrote: > > Dear Sriram ji, >  > i have been reading the discussions in this group and been guided few times by learned people about one or two doubts i have raised. > I'm neither practising anything nor have i done any rituals. > But a simple housewife interested in knowing about Mother. > I used to read Lalitha Sahasram at home and also in groups with other ladies. > But after joining this group i have learned that there an ocean of knowledge that i need to know to understand anything, although i have seen some women claiming to be upasaskas and giving mantras. >  > Sir, i'm in India right now and want to be guided in my life at the moment. > i have been waiting to meet you in person ever since i joined the group, as i want to be guided in my life at this moment, and follow the right path. Although i wanted to be initiated with some mantra, i don't know if i'm ready for anything but that can be tested by you anyway. Sir, Could i please meet you in person when i come to visit Hyderabad? > Could you please give me contact details? >  > Humble pranams. >  > Aruna > > --- On Tue, 13/1/09, V.Rajnikanth <yogior wrote: > > V.Rajnikanth <yogior > Re: Re: Tara Upasana > > Tuesday, 13 January, 2009, 12:25 AM Sriram Garu Namasthe, > First let me thank you for your kind reply. > I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I got > interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same. > Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be > intiated in the Great mantra. > One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram near > Anakapalli,Vishakap atnam. > During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested > him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi > and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you > dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the > mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I started to > do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga Ashtami day > during Navarathri. > During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was > told that Iam not doing it rightly. > I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and told my > predicament. He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you > continue with the mantra mother will guide you'. > Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be completing one > lakh. > I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am > interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me. > My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation > and to improve my sadhana. > Mother bless all. > Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu. > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathi@ grouply.com>wrote: > > > Dear rajanikanth, > > > > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for > > you. These were posted long back. > > > > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent > > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in > > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda. > > > > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a > > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame > > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare > > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is > > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " . > > > > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati / > > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa > > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped > > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is > > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the > > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta > > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni > > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and > > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the > > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage > > is Vaikhari. > > > > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM. > > > > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence > > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from > > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta. > > > > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to > > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal > > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM > > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada > > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare > > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross > > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " . (the > > Boat to cross the ocean). > > > > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI. > > > > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess > > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she > > is " Ugra Tara " . > > > > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over > > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse. > > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para, > > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair > > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her > > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by > > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless > > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara > > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of > > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda > > Brahman. > > > > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie., > > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says > > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages > > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The > > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama > > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " . > > > > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is > > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the > > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra. > > > > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of > > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda > > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through > > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and > > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is > > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's > > gurunatha. > > > > The 4 mantras of Tara are: > > > > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra > > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra > > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha > > 4) Shuddha Pranava > > > > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat > > 3) Hrim > > Streem Phat 4) OM > > > > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim, > > sauh). > > > > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose > > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the > > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE > > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives > > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this, > > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha. > > > > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the > > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in > > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare > > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of > > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form > > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham > > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits > > at the tip > > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she > > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing) . Hence, she is > > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic > > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun > > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda > > Bhairavi). > > > > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother. > > Out of her compassion towards > > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children. > > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS > > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA. > > > > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also > > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since, > > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians > > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one. > > > > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has > > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research > > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had > > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri > > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal. > > > > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt. > > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the > > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples. > > > > A WORD OF CAUTION: > > > > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS-CHECK THE > > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO > > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP. > > > > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING > > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA. > > > > With warm regards and happy pongal, > > sriram > > > > @ .com <%40gro ups.com>, " V.Rajnikanth " > > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > Thanks for your reply. > > > I tried in the web site for more information but there > > was > > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna > > rao > > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and > > Sri.Ganapathi > > > muni. > > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information . > > > There was no info in the files section as well. > > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana. > > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the > > > mother and > > > Sri.Amritananada. > > > I will be coming to India again in April. > > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance. > > > Mother bless all. > > > > > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu. > > > > > > V.Rajnikanth > > > > > > > > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi > > > wrote: > > > > > > > Dear devotee > > > > > > > > respected members of the group and moderators: > > > > > > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a > > question, > > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY > > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are > > good > > > > upasakas here. > > > > > > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami > > Krishnananda > > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite > > scholar > > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used > > to > > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He > > used to > > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some > > work > > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and > > attending to > > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc... > > > > > > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR > > OF > > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE > > DISCIPLES > > > > AND > > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY. > > > > > > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in > > August. > > > > > > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt, > > Hyderabad who > > > > used to work 22 hours! > > > > > > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha > > Swamigal > > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the > > fair > > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras > > everyday. > > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets > > up at > > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana. > > > > > > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried > > to > > > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana. > > > > > > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT: > > > > > > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara > > > > Upasana. You can refer them. > > > > > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY > > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI. > > > > > > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is > > to > > > > make > > > > the dozing members to wake up. > > > > > > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > > > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached.... > > > > > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU. > > > > > > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am > > helpless. I > > > > too would like to relapse into solitude. > > > > > > > > with regards, > > > > sriram > > > > > > > > @ .com <%40gro ups.com>, " yogi_or " > > <yogior@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namasthe, > > > > > > > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana. > > > > > > > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2009 Dear sir, I would like to humbly answer some of your points. Please bear with me. The tradition of upasana, tantra vidya in general and srividya in particular is still vibrant among some of the traditional smarta families. So, i don't understand how for the " first time " you brought out the mudras to the world. Needless to mention the yeoman service of Shri Chidanandanatha of Guhananda Mandali and Smt. Rajam Mami and some others about whom i usually mention in my mails. So, i don't know what you meant by " introduction of mudras " for the first time. Probably you might have mentioned about the book of publication. Well, is there any other treatise on Srividya Bahiryaga Krama other than Kalpa Sutra, Nityotsava etc..I would like to hear.... Now regarding the publications on vanadurga etc. etc., the palm leaf manuscripts are preserved among some of the upasakas. One such person was Shri. Sitaram Joshi of Hyderabad who was a highly elevated srividyopasaka who used to be in trance for most of the hours before sriyantra. He was called " Shukla Maharaj " in old city for his upasana bala and even hardcore muslims would not dare to approach him as his coutenance would radiate brahma tejas. My gurunatha Now, regarding the interpretations of 5 Ms, i think the Kularnava Tantra has already explained the " esoteric " sense of makAra-panchaka. Kanchi periyaval was once approached to write commentary on Sandhyavandana. He remarked saying that already 100 interpretations are there so i don't want to create 101th. What we require in this era is SVADHARMANUSHTANA, GAYATRI UPASANA, REGULAR SANDHYA VANDANA, PANCHAYATANA WORSHIP etc. If we regularly do these things, i think Mother Gayatri (who is Veda Mata and Divine Inspirer in us as she is Dhi-prerika), would SURELY SHOW US THE WAY LEAD US TO THE RIGHT PATH AND SHOW US THE RIGHT GURU. One need not grope for new meanings, new interpretations and it is enough if we sincerely follow our daily ablutions, follow the sadachara and respect the ideals and teachings of Sringeri Sarada Pitha which is the torch-bearer on South India as far as the Sankara Sampradaya is concerned. Moreover all the acharyas are Hatha Yogis. My gurunatha has personally witnessed some yogic powers of present acharya. Just my 2 cents and pl. don't get hurt as we are exchanging our views. Regarding my presence in Seminar in Hyderabad, i am presently quite busy with my Internal Audits in office along with our Board Chairman and Directors. I would be free on Saturday. So, see you on Saturday. with regards, sriram , S Sangaranarayanan <sangarsai wrote: > > > Dear Sriram, > > Thanks for your elucidation. > > Maha shodasi is given only to the deserving - Yaso deyam shiro deyam na deyam shodasakshari - that is how it goes. > > Perhaps you have not come across upasakas who have mastered the art and live a life with the athma vidhya. You would also know that I have for the first time in the world brought out the mudras to the forefront by publishing srividhya pooja paddathi in sanskrit and tamil as far back as 1960. I have also published vanadurga vidhanam, prathyinkira vidhanam, sambasadasiva ayutha namavali - which are all firsts and shortly bringing out sarabha kalpam. > > Regarding kaula chara, unfortunately " srividhya " has become " stri vidhya " and in the forthcoming seminar in Hyderabad, I am presenting a paper on pancha makara - a totally different concept, which none can object.They are totally soul oriented and not connected with body and mind. Those of the upasakas who cannot beyond body and mind, cannot reach the goal of human life - merging with the Divine Mother_. > > Regarding Devipuram, I have also visited and now the idols are there have been redone to some extent to remove the sexuality appearance. > > As regards Tara or any other upasana, once the vidhyavan has been given peeta athikaram and also sarvamanthra athikaram, the disciple can be initiated. However the guru must be capable of transmitting the total energy of the devatha and also connect the disciple to the guru mandalam. This is an unique technique developed by our mandalam and offered to any one absolutely free of any cost. Of course intensive sadhana is a must to achieve the goal. > > I belong to the siddhamalli (Tinnevelly district) parampara which is one of the foremost paramparas and are doing yomen service to the society to guide them correctly in regard to devi upasana. > > It is absolutely necessary, that the upasakas under this group should personally meet some time to exchange ideas so that there is no difference in our ideals. > > regarding hatha yoga, you are right. People mistake human vital energy as hatha yoga which is not. I have not come across any one who had mastered this so far. Anything relative to body and mind shall ultimately fail. > > regards. > S.SHANGARANARAYANAN > > > > : sriram_sapthasathi: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:04:15 +0000 Re: Tara Upasana > > > > My dear rajanikanth,You must be very careful in using certain technical jargons like " hatha yoga " , " kriya yoga " etc. These techniques require personal guidance of an adept guru who is expert in yoga sastra (mind you hatha yoga is not limited to asanas) which cannot be learnt through books. Most of the westerners are also getting carried away by claiming themselves to be " kali upasaks " by reading a couple of books by Arthor Avalon and others. I see a wave of craze among the westerners for Dasa Mahavidyas and Kaulachara. Some of them are also organizing seminars, workshops and private consulting firms for Dasa Mahavidya. Thanks to some of the " popular " gurus (I don't want to name them). Unfortunately, for them the Kaulachara is limited to wine and women. By the way, on what observations and facts, the mother told you that you were not doing the sadhana properly? Moreover, that you have been initiated in mantra by " X " guru, why do you want to shift to " Y " guru which implies " lack of faith in the words of X " . Prahlada Sastry, (as Amritananda is known with this name in Andhra University), rightly pointed out that there are certain pre-requisites for the tara anushtana. So, without a proper base, there is every danger of the building might getting collapsed. My gurunatha was approached by Prahlada Sastry before the construction of Devi Puram Temple for the guidance and dhyana slokas of the avarana devatas of Devi Khadgamala. Shri NP Sastry was bent upon displaying the " naked pictures " of goddesses in the temple which disturbed my guruputri Smt. Srilakshmi, my gurupatni Smt. Varalakshmi and my gurunatha. So, I am tightlipped in this issue. Some of the upasakas in this forum hail from the parampara of Devipuram and hope they can guide you well in this matter. But anushtana of Gayatri, Siva Panchakshari, Maha Ganapati, Bala prior to taking up of higher dikshas of srividya is highly recommended. Even Smt. Visalakshi and Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni also prescribe certain mandatory mantra anushtana prior to taking up of Tara which is also called Nila Saraswati. BTW, I don't recommend any gurus in this forum. But yes, some of the persons I recommend for guidance in sadhana and they are parama pujya shri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal, parama pujya shri Mani Dravida Sastrigal, parama pujya Shri Pudukottai Ramanatha Iyer of Pudukottai and last but not the least His Holiness Shri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal of Sringeri Sarada Pitha. When you visit India, do visit Sringeri. A wonderful, soul-stirring place for japa and anushtana. Every place is sanctified by the holy presence of Adi Sankara and his band of disciples from Sureshwara to Bharati Tirtha. Visit the Navavarana Archana of Shri Narahari Bhatt to the Sphatika Sriyantra. It is really a delight to see as he performs the 10 mudras to Sarada Parameshwari. Visit the Kigga where Sage Rishya Sringa performed penance. Visit Malahanikareshwara where Vibhandaka performed penance. Visit Hornad, the divine place where Mother sports are Annapurneshwari who served Adi Sankara with Rice Porridge (payasanna). That is all I know. I AM SORRY IF I HAVE HURT THE FEELING OF SOME OF THE UPASAKAS. BUT I AM FRANK AND FAIR IN THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO SRIVIDYA, SVADHARMA ACHARANA, VEDA VIDYA. NO MORE MAILS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED BY ME IN THIS REGARD.With regards,Sriram , V.Rajnikanth <yogior@> wrote:>> Sriram Garu Namasthe,> First let me thank you for your kind reply.> I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after reading Autobiography of Yogi I got> interested in Kriya Yoga and tried to practice the same.> Recently I got interested in Tara Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be> intiated in the Great mantra.> One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at Devipuram near> Anakapalli,Vishakapatnam.> During my visit to India in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested> him to intiate me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi> and then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in you> dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to give the> mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to London I started to> do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra starting on Durga Ashtami day> during Navarathri.> During the course I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was> told that Iam not doing it rightly.> I telephoned the Guruji(he is affectionately called Guruji) and told my> predicament.He said 'Iam sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you> continue with the mantra mother will guide you'.> Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th of this month I will be completing one> lakh.> I dont know what it means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am> interested and believe that Mother will definitely guide me.> My sincere request is to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation> and to improve my sadhana.> Mother bless all.> Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu.> > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram <sriram_sapthasathi@>wrote:> > > Dear rajanikanth,> >> > Some notes on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for> > you. These were posted long back.> >> > The monosyllabic word " OM " which is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent> > position in Veda, Tantra and Purana. This word though available in> > Yajurveda is however not clearly traceable in Rig Veda.> >> > Yaska in his Nirukta says that this OM traces out its origin in a> > popular mantra in Rig Veda which is denoted by " Akshara Parame> > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the state of imperishability. " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " denotes imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is> > denoted by " Akshare Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " .> >> > It is this Vak which is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati /> > Rudra / Indra. The Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa> > Agni. And hence, Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped> > as Feminine Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is> > Indra / Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the> > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta> > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni> > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and> > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, the> > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth stage> > is Vaikhari.> >> > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from this Nada which is OM.> >> > It is this OM which takes us across the Ocean of Samsara and hence> > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni which is non-different from> > Goddess Durga that is extolled in Durga Sukta.> >> > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or savior. It also means 'to> > take across' ie., which takes us across the ocean of phenomenal> > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is the feminine form of OM> > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. She is the Unmanifested Nada> > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness and hence denoted by " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross> > the ocean like a boat. And hence, she is described as the " nAva " .(the> > Boat to cross the ocean).> >> > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI.> >> > It is this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess> > Tara has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she> > is " Ugra Tara " .> >> > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair spread over> > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on the corpse.> > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for stages ie., Para,> > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are described as her Matted Hair> > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the samsara bandhana with her> > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her upasaka which is denoted by> > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether without which Cosmos is lifeless> > and this is described as Tara dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara> > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the Great Silence (that exists at the time of> > Dissolution) with her Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda> > Brahman.> >> > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie.,> > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says> > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages> > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The> > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama> > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " .> >> > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect is> > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the> > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra.> >> > There are certain rules and regulations laid down for the upasana of> > Chitra and Sukla which lays stress and importance on daily Veda> > Adhyayana, speaking truth at any cost, never hurting others through> > mind, body and speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and> > Sukla is Tara which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is> > the mantra of Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's> > gurunatha.> >> > The 4 mantras of Tara are:> >> > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, Aastra> > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra> > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha> > 4) Shuddha Pranava> >> > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat> > 3) Hrim> > Streem Phat 4) OM> >> > The 3rd mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim,> > sauh).> >> > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara whose> > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also the> > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE tuttArE> > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, turE gives> > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To learn this,> > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's gurunatha.> >> > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra is the> > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or Akshara Vidya in> > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig Veda as " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is the feminine form of> > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier mails. This OM is the form> > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham> > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has entered the Mouth and sits> > at the tip> > of the tongue. She is ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she> > is Saras-vati (the one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is> > Saraswathi in the form of Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic> > power, and Vak Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun> > (Martanda), it becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda> > Bhairavi).> >> > In a nutshell, Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother.> > Out of her compassion towards> > her children, she is always ready to give liberation to her children.> > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS> > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA.> >> > Now, Tantric Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also> > worship this Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since,> > the Buddha was the most compassionate personality, tibetians> > correlate this Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one.> >> > As regards the books on Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has> > published a good book on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research> > by Mr. Bagchi (a Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had> > the personal guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri> > Vamakshepa who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal.> >> > Apart from this, Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt.> > Karra Vishalakshi both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the> > parampara of Tara upasana is continuing among their disciples.> >> > A WORD OF CAUTION:> >> > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS- CHECK THE> > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP INTO> > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND POMP.> >> > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, PARTICIPATING> > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA KRAMA.> >> > With warm regards and happy pongal,> > sriram> >> > --- In <% 40>, " V.Rajnikanth " > > <yogior@> wrote:> > >> > > Namasthe,> > > Thanks for your reply.> > > I tried in the web site for more information but there> > was> > > only one post on the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna> > rao> > > garu,on srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and> > Sri.Ganapathi> > > muni.> > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information .> > > There was no info in the files section as well.> > > Can you please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana.> > > Recently I had been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the> > > mother and> > > Sri.Amritananada.> > > I will be coming to India again in April.> > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance.> > > Mother bless all.> > >> > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu.> > >> > > V.Rajnikanth> > >> > >> > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi@>> > > wrote:> > >> > > > Dear devotee> > > >> > > > respected members of the group and moderators:> > > >> > > > It has been my common observation that when someone asks a> > question,> > > > one should atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY> > > > WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are> > good> > > > upasakas here.> > > >> > > > I would like to mention my personal experience with Swami> > Krishnananda> > > > Saraswati of DLS Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite> > scholar> > > > and walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used> > to> > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He> > used to> > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be engrossed in some> > work> > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing letters, answering and> > attending to> > > > phone calls, corresponding with his disciples etc...> > > >> > > > INSPITE OF HIS STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR> > OF> > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE> > DISCIPLES> > > > AND> > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS PERSONAL SECRETARY.> > > >> > > > He was such a great soul who shed his mortal body last year in> > August.> > > >> > > > And similarly Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt,> > Hyderabad who> > > > used to work 22 hours!> > > >> > > > The present jagatguru of Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha> > Swamigal> > > > evevery studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the> > fair> > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras> > everyday.> > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and then again gets> > up at> > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily anushtana.> > > >> > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful personalities who tried> > to> > > > balance their professional as well as their personal anushtana.> > > >> > > > NOW COMING TO THE POINT:> > > >> > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in this forum on Tara> > > > Upasana. You can refer them.> > > >> > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY> > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI.> > > >> > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my intention is> > to> > > > make> > > > the dozing members to wake up.> > > >> > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > >> > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached....> > > >> > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU.> > > >> > > > If still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am> > helpless. I> > > > too would like to relapse into solitude.> > > >> > > > with regards,> > > > sriram> > > >> > > > <%40>, " yogi_or " > > <yogior@> wrote:> > > > >> > > > > Namasthe,> > > > >> > > > > Respected elders,can you please shed light on Tara Upasana.> > > > >> > > > > Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu> > > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]> > >> >> > > >> > > > -- > With best regards,> V.Rajnikanth,> yogior@,> yogi_or@,> yogi_or@> Mobile :+44 07595021150(London)> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]_______________ > What can you do with the new Windows Live? Find out > http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/default.aspx > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2009 Sorry for the typos. The name is " Sitaram Shukla " and hence he is called " Shukla Maharaj " . , " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi wrote: > > Dear sir, > > I would like to humbly answer some of your points. Please bear with > me. > > The tradition of upasana, tantra vidya in general and srividya in > particular is still vibrant among some of the traditional smarta > families. So, i don't understand how for the " first time " you > brought out the mudras to the world. > > Needless to mention the yeoman service of Shri Chidanandanatha of > Guhananda Mandali and Smt. Rajam Mami and some others about whom i > usually mention in my mails. > > So, i don't know what you meant by " introduction of mudras " for the > first time. Probably you might have mentioned about the book of > publication. Well, is there any other treatise on Srividya Bahiryaga > Krama other than Kalpa Sutra, Nityotsava etc..I would like to hear.... > > Now regarding the publications on vanadurga etc. etc., the palm leaf > manuscripts are preserved among some of the upasakas. One such > person was Shri. Sitaram Joshi of Hyderabad who was a highly elevated > srividyopasaka who used to be in trance for most of the hours before > sriyantra. He was called " Shukla Maharaj " in old city for his upasana > bala and even hardcore muslims would not dare to approach him as his > coutenance would radiate brahma tejas. > > Now, regarding the interpretations of 5 Ms, i think the Kularnava > Tantra has already explained the " esoteric " sense of makAra- panchaka. > > Kanchi periyaval was once approached to write commentary on > Sandhyavandana. He remarked saying that already 100 interpretations > are there so i don't want to create 101th. > > What we require in this era is SVADHARMANUSHTANA, GAYATRI UPASANA, > REGULAR SANDHYA VANDANA, PANCHAYATANA WORSHIP etc. If we regularly > do these things, i think Mother Gayatri (who is Veda Mata and Divine > Inspirer in us as she is Dhi-prerika), would SURELY SHOW US THE WAY > LEAD US TO THE RIGHT PATH AND SHOW US THE RIGHT GURU. > > One need not grope for new meanings, new interpretations and it is > enough if we sincerely follow our daily ablutions, follow the > sadachara and respect the ideals and teachings of Sringeri Sarada > Pitha which is the torch-bearer on South India as far as the Sankara > Sampradaya is concerned. Moreover all the acharyas are Hatha Yogis. > My gurunatha has personally witnessed some yogic powers of present > acharya. > > Just my 2 cents and pl. don't get hurt as we are exchanging our > views. > > Regarding my presence in Seminar in Hyderabad, i am presently quite > busy with my Internal Audits in office along with our Board Chairman > and Directors. I would be free on Saturday. So, see you on Saturday. > > with regards, > sriram > > > > , S Sangaranarayanan <sangarsai@> > wrote: > > > > > > Dear Sriram, > > > > Thanks for your elucidation. > > > > Maha shodasi is given only to the deserving - Yaso deyam shiro > deyam na deyam shodasakshari - that is how it goes. > > > > Perhaps you have not come across upasakas who have mastered the art > and live a life with the athma vidhya. You would also know that I > have for the first time in the world brought out the mudras to the > forefront by publishing srividhya pooja paddathi in sanskrit and > tamil as far back as 1960. I have also published vanadurga vidhanam, > prathyinkira vidhanam, sambasadasiva ayutha namavali - which are all > firsts and shortly bringing out sarabha kalpam. > > > > Regarding kaula chara, unfortunately " srividhya " has become " stri > vidhya " and in the forthcoming seminar in Hyderabad, I am presenting > a paper on pancha makara - a totally different concept, which none > can object.They are totally soul oriented and not connected with body > and mind. Those of the upasakas who cannot beyond body and mind, > cannot reach the goal of human life - merging with the Divine Mother_. > > > > Regarding Devipuram, I have also visited and now the idols are > there have been redone to some extent to remove the sexuality > appearance. > > > > As regards Tara or any other upasana, once the vidhyavan has been > given peeta athikaram and also sarvamanthra athikaram, the disciple > can be initiated. However the guru must be capable of transmitting > the total energy of the devatha and also connect the disciple to the > guru mandalam. This is an unique technique developed by our mandalam > and offered to any one absolutely free of any cost. Of course > intensive sadhana is a must to achieve the goal. > > > > I belong to the siddhamalli (Tinnevelly district) parampara which > is one of the foremost paramparas and are doing yomen service to the > society to guide them correctly in regard to devi upasana. > > > > It is absolutely necessary, that the upasakas under this group > should personally meet some time to exchange ideas so that there is > no difference in our ideals. > > > > regarding hatha yoga, you are right. People mistake human vital > energy as hatha yoga which is not. I have not come across any one who > had mastered this so far. Anything relative to body and mind shall > ultimately fail. > > > > regards. > > S.SHANGARANARAYANAN > > > > > > > > @: sriram_sapthasathi@: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:04:15 > +0000 Re: Tara Upasana > > > > > > > > My dear rajanikanth,You must be very careful in using certain > technical jargons like " hatha yoga " , " kriya yoga " etc. These > techniques require personal guidance of an adept guru who is expert > in yoga sastra (mind you hatha yoga is not limited to asanas) which > cannot be learnt through books. Most of the westerners are also > getting carried away by claiming themselves to be " kali upasaks " by > reading a couple of books by Arthor Avalon and others. I see a wave > of craze among the westerners for Dasa Mahavidyas and Kaulachara. > Some of them are also organizing seminars, workshops and private > consulting firms for Dasa Mahavidya. Thanks to some of the " popular " > gurus (I don't want to name them). Unfortunately, for them the > Kaulachara is limited to wine and women. By the way, on what > observations and facts, the mother told you that you were not doing > the sadhana properly? Moreover, that you have been initiated in > mantra by " X " guru, why do you want to shift to " Y " guru which > implies " lack of faith in the words of X " . Prahlada Sastry, (as > Amritananda is known with this name in Andhra University), rightly > pointed out that there are certain pre-requisites for the tara > anushtana. So, without a proper base, there is every danger of the > building might getting collapsed. My gurunatha was approached by > Prahlada Sastry before the construction of Devi Puram Temple for the > guidance and dhyana slokas of the avarana devatas of Devi Khadgamala. > Shri NP Sastry was bent upon displaying the " naked pictures " of > goddesses in the temple which disturbed my guruputri Smt. Srilakshmi, > my gurupatni Smt. Varalakshmi and my gurunatha. So, I am tightlipped > in this issue. Some of the upasakas in this forum hail from the > parampara of Devipuram and hope they can guide you well in this > matter. But anushtana of Gayatri, Siva Panchakshari, Maha Ganapati, > Bala prior to taking up of higher dikshas of srividya is highly > recommended. Even Smt. Visalakshi and Shri Vashishta Ganapati Muni > also prescribe certain mandatory mantra anushtana prior to taking up > of Tara which is also called Nila Saraswati. BTW, I don't recommend > any gurus in this forum. But yes, some of the persons I recommend for > guidance in sadhana and they are parama pujya shri Goda Venkateswara > Sastrigal, parama pujya shri Mani Dravida Sastrigal, parama pujya > Shri Pudukottai Ramanatha Iyer of Pudukottai and last but not the > least His Holiness Shri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal of Sringeri > Sarada Pitha. When you visit India, do visit Sringeri. A wonderful, > soul-stirring place for japa and anushtana. Every place is sanctified > by the holy presence of Adi Sankara and his band of disciples from > Sureshwara to Bharati Tirtha. Visit the Navavarana Archana of Shri > Narahari Bhatt to the Sphatika Sriyantra. It is really a delight to > see as he performs the 10 mudras to Sarada Parameshwari. Visit the > Kigga where Sage Rishya Sringa performed penance. Visit > Malahanikareshwara where Vibhandaka performed penance. Visit Hornad, > the divine place where Mother sports are Annapurneshwari who served > Adi Sankara with Rice Porridge (payasanna). That is all I know. I AM > SORRY IF I HAVE HURT THE FEELING OF SOME OF THE UPASAKAS. BUT I AM > FRANK AND FAIR IN THIS ISSUE PERTAINING TO SRIVIDYA, SVADHARMA > ACHARANA, VEDA VIDYA. NO MORE MAILS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED BY ME IN > THIS REGARD.With regards,Sriram , > V.Rajnikanth <yogior@> wrote:>> Sriram Garu Namasthe,> First let me > thank you for your kind reply.> I was a hatha yogi till 2002 after > reading Autobiography of Yogi I got> interested in Kriya Yoga and > tried to practice the same.> Recently I got interested in Tara > Upasana and was searcing for a Guru to be> intiated in the Great > mantra.> One of my well wishers told me to meet Sri.Amritananda at > Devipuram near> Anakapalli,Vishakapatnam.> During my visit to India > in October I visited Sri.Amritananada and requested> him to intiate > me into the mantra.First he said I should start with Shodasi> and > then Tara Mantra otherwise it is like deposting a cheque where in > you> dont have a credit balance but later for some reason he chose to > give the> mantra and that was in Navaratri and after returning to > London I started to> do Japa of ten malas per day with the mantra > starting on Durga Ashtami day> during Navarathri.> During the course > I asked mother whether Iam doing the japa correctly,I was> told that > Iam not doing it rightly.> I telephoned the Guruji(he is > affectionately called Guruji) and told my> predicament.He said 'Iam > sorry Iam not a Tara Upasaka and dont worry you> continue with the > mantra mother will guide you'.> Iam continuing the Japa and by 17th > of this month I will be completing one> lakh.> I dont know what it > means by Tara upasana and its procedure but I am> interested and > believe that Mother will definitely guide me.> My sincere request is > to let me know whom to approach to get the intiation> and to improve > my sadhana.> Mother bless all.> Lokah Samastha Sukhinoh Bhavanthu.> > > > > > > > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 7:23 AM, sriram > <sriram_sapthasathi@>wrote:> > > Dear rajanikanth,> >> > Some notes > on Goddess Tara by me which is a Cut, copy and paste for> > you. > These were posted long back.> >> > The monosyllabic word " OM " which > is Pranava Nada occupies a prominent> > position in Veda, Tantra and > Purana. This word though available in> > Yajurveda is however not > clearly traceable in Rig Veda.> >> > Yaska in his Nirukta says that > this OM traces out its origin in a> > popular mantra in Rig Veda > which is denoted by " Akshara Parame> > Vyoman " . Akshara denotes the > state of imperishability. " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " denotes > imperishable highest heaven. This OM which is> > denoted by " Akshare > Parame Vyoman " in Rig Veda is the " Vak " .> >> > It is this Vak which > is extolled in Veda as Agni / Brahmanaspati /> > Rudra / Indra. The > Word `Durga' is also worshipped as the Vak rupa> > Agni. And hence, > Agni is called Jatavedas. The Agni when worshipped> > as Feminine > Gender as " Durga " . When worshipped as Masculine Gender is> > Indra / > Rudra. In Rig Veda, the Agni is none other than Indra, the> > > resplendent and effulgent one. This Indra shines as both Avyakta> > > (Unmanifested) and Vyakta (Manifested) Agni. It is this Avykta Agni> > > in the form of Vak becomes the Nada (the primordial sound) and> > > expresses itself as Vyakta Agni. The first stage of Nada is Para, > the> > second is Pashyanti, the third stage is Madhyama and the forth > stage> > is Vaikhari.> >> > Thus, the entire cosmos is vomited from > this Nada which is OM.> >> > It is this OM which takes us across the > Ocean of Samsara and hence> > called Tara. It is this Tara rupa Agni > which is non-different from> > Goddess Durga that is extolled in > Durga Sukta.> >> > Now, the term " tAra " means the deliverer or > savior. It also means 'to> > take across' ie., which takes us across > the ocean of phenomenal> > existence or samsara. The Goddess Tara is > the feminine form of OM> > ie., Tara is the personification of OM. > She is the Unmanifested Nada> > that exists in Ether ofConsciousness > and hence denoted by " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " . Tara is the > Jatavedas of Veda which makes us cross> > the ocean like a boat. And > hence, she is described as the " nAva " .(the> > Boat to cross the > ocean).> >> > GODDESS TARA IS SABDA-BRAHMA SWARUPINI.> >> > It is > this Tara having bluish colour is called " Nila Tara " . Goddess> > Tara > has both Ghora and Aghora forms. In her Ghora form, she> > is " Ugra > Tara " .> >> > In the portrait of Tara, she is shown having matted hair > spread over> > 4 directions. Holding scissors, lotus and dancing on > the corpse.> > Since, Nada is of the form of Tara which has for > stages ie., Para,> > Pashyanti, Madhyama, Vaikhari, these are > described as her Matted Hair> > spread in 4 directions. She cuts the > samsara bandhana with her> > scissors, bestows the knowledge to her > upasaka which is denoted by> > Lotus. She is the Prana in the Ether > without which Cosmos is lifeless> > and this is described as Tara > dancing on the Corpse. Also, since Tara> > is Nada-rupa, she cuts the > Great Silence (that exists at the time of> > Dissolution) with her > Scissors and manifests the Cosmos through Sabda> > Brahman.> >> > > Now, according to Tantra Sastra, every deity has three forms ie.,> > > Adhyatmika, Adibhoutika and Adhidaivika. Shri Ganapati Muni says> > > that these dasa-mahavidyas are categorized as per these 3 stages> > > depending upon the " Uttama Varga " and " Madhyama Varga " . The> > > Kamalatmika Vidya and Tripurasundari come in the category of " Uttama> > > Varga " whereas the rest of the vidyas come under " Madhyama Varga " .> > >> > Now, the Goddess Tara has 2 attributes. The adhyatmika aspect > is> > Goddess Tara, the adibhoutika aspect is Goddess Sukla and the> > > adhdaivika aspect is Goddess Chitra.> >> > There are certain rules > and regulations laid down for the upasana of> > Chitra and Sukla > which lays stress and importance on daily Veda> > Adhyayana, speaking > truth at any cost, never hurting others through> > mind, body and > speech etc. The antarmukhopasana of this Chitra and> > Sukla is Tara > which is the Upasana of Pranava (OM). Given below is> > the mantra of > Goddess Tara which should be learnt from one's> > gurunatha.> >> > > The 4 mantras of Tara are:> >> > 1) Pranava, Maya, Stree, Koorcha, > Aastra> > 2) Maya Stree Koorcha, Astra> > 3) Maya Stree, Koorcha> > > 4) Shuddha Pranava> >> > These 4 represent 1) Om Hrim Streem Hum Phat > 2) Hrim Streem Hum Phat> > 3) Hrim> > Streem Phat 4) OM> >> > The 3rd > mantra is equated to Bala Mantra of Srividya (aim, klim,> > sauh).> > >> > Apart from these mantras, there is a popular mantra for Tara > whose> > secrets have to be learnt from a suitable guru which is also > the> > deliverer from the ocean of mundane existence. It is " tArE > tuttArE> > turE swAha " prefixed by Pranava. The words tAre, tuttArE, > turE gives> > out the complete functional aspect of Goddess Tara. To > learn this,> > one should cling to the holy padukas of one's > gurunatha.> >> > Now, of all the mantras of the Tara, the 4th Mantra > is the> > Shuddopasana of Tara which is called Udgita Vidya or > Akshara Vidya in> > Veda. This Shuddha Upasana is mentioned in Rig > Veda as " Akshare> > Parame Vyoman " as I mentioned. Goddess Tara is > the feminine form of> > this OM-Kara as I described in my earlier > mails. This OM is the form> > of Vak as Avykta Agni. Veda says " Agnir > Vai Vak Bhutva Mukham> > Pravishat " ie., This Vak becoming Agni has > entered the Mouth and sits> > at the tip> > of the tongue. She is > ever-flowing in the form of Vak and hence, she> > is Saras-vati (the > one that is ever-flowing). Hence, she is> > Saraswathi in the form of > Nila Tara that is worshipped for the poetic> > power, and Vak > Shuddhi. This Tara when worshipped amidst the Sun> > (Martanda), it > becomes Ugra Tara (Martanda> > Bhairavi).> >> > In a nutshell, > Goddess Tara is the most compassionate form of mother.> > Out of her > compassion towards> > her children, she is always ready to give > liberation to her children.> > SHE IS THE GREAT GODDESS OF LIBERATION > AND HENCE HER SCIENCE IS> > CALLED TARA MAHAVIDYA.> >> > Now, Tantric > Buddhists, which is an off-shoot of shakti cult, also> > worship this > Tara which is the personification of Compassion. Since,> > the Buddha > was the most compassionate personality, tibetians> > correlate this > Tara with Buddha, a compassionate one.> >> > As regards the books on > Tara Upasana, the Datia Pitha of Gwalior has> > published a good book > on Tara Upasana. There was an intense research> > by Mr. Bagchi (a > Bengali scholar) on this aspect of Goddess who had> > the personal > guidance from the great tara upasaka and tantric Shri> > Vamakshepa > who lived in Tara Pith of West Bengal.> >> > Apart from this, Shri > Vashishta Ganapati Muni and her consort Smt.> > Karra Vishalakshi > both were Tara Mantra Siddhas and still the> > parampara of Tara > upasana is continuing among their disciples.> >> > A WORD OF > CAUTION:> >> > BEFORE GETTING INTO TANTRIKOPASANA, PL. VERIFY, CROSS- > CHECK THE> > BACKGROUND OF GURUS AND THEIR MANTRA SIDDHI. DON'T JUMP > INTO> > CONCLUSIONS BY OBSERVING THEIR PARAPHERNALIA, SHOW-OFF AND > POMP.> >> > THERE IS MORE TO KOWLACHARA RATHER THAN SIPPING WINE, > PARTICIPATING> > IN THE BHAIRAVI RITUALS AND PERFORMNG DUTI YAGA > KRAMA.> >> > With warm regards and happy pongal,> > sriram> >> > --- > In <% > 40>, " V.Rajnikanth " > > <yogior@> wrote:> > >> > > > Namasthe,> > > Thanks for your reply.> > > I tried in the group > web site for more information but there> > was> > > only one post on > the subject which was your reply to Sri.krishna> > rao> > > garu,on > srichakras and there you refer Tara upasana and> > Sri.Ganapathi> > > > muni.> > > Can you please tell me where I can get more information .> > > > There was no info in the files section as well.> > > Can you > please refer anyone for me to take tara upasana.> > > Recently I had > been to devipuram and had the darshan of both the> > > mother and> > > > Sri.Amritananada.> > > I will be coming to India again in April.> > > > I will be greatful for your kind guidance.> > > Mother bless all.> > > >> > > Lokah smastha sukhino bavanthu.> > >> > > V.Rajnikanth> > >> > > >> > > On 6 Jan 2009, at 14:35, " sriram " <sriram_sapthasathi@>> > > > wrote:> > >> > > > Dear devotee> > > >> > > > respected members of > the group and moderators:> > > >> > > > It has been my common > observation that when someone asks a> > question,> > > > one should > atleast try to answer it. I don't think we are TOO BUSY> > > > WITH > OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES. I am sure most of the members are> > good> > > > > upasakas here.> > > >> > > > I would like to mention my personal > experience with Swami> > Krishnananda> > > > Saraswati of DLS > Rishikesh. This swamiji was a highly erudite> > scholar> > > > and > walking dakshinamurthy (as named by Swami Sivananda). He used> > to> > > > > work, read, do sadhana etc. etc. for 21 hours a day. Hardly He> > > used to> > > > sleep 2 hours!! Rest of the day, he used to be > engrossed in some> > work> > > > or other, doing anushtana, writing > letters, answering and> > attending to> > > > phone calls, > corresponding with his disciples etc...> > > >> > > > INSPITE OF HIS > STRICT AND BUSY SCHDULE, HE COULD MAKE OUT 1 HOUR> > OF> > > > > HIS " BUSY SCHEDULE " TO ANSWER THE QUERIES / DOUBTS OF THE> > > DISCIPLES> > > > AND> > > > USED TO DICTATE THE ANSWERS TO HIS > PERSONAL SECRETARY.> > > >> > > > He was such a great soul who shed > his mortal body last year in> > August.> > > >> > > > And similarly > Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mutt,> > Hyderabad who> > > > > used to work 22 hours!> > > >> > > > The present jagatguru of > Sringeri Mutt HH Shri Bharati Tirtha> > Swamigal> > > > evevery > studies the scriptures, takes down the notes, makes the> > fair> > > > > copy of the scriptures and then refers the books on sastras> > > everyday.> > > > His holiness studies till 1:00 PM (Midnight) and > then again gets> > up at> > > > 3:30 Morning for his daily > anushtana.> > > >> > > > We should try to emulate these wonderful > personalities who tried> > to> > > > balance their professional as > well as their personal anushtana.> > > >> > > > NOW COMING TO THE > POINT:> > > >> > > > Much has been discussed by me and by members in > this forum on Tara> > > > Upasana. You can refer them.> > > >> > > > > AS REGARDS THE MANTRA ANUSHTANA, IT HAS TO BE DULY INITIATED BY> > > > > A " WOMAN " WHO IS INTO TARA UPASANA AND ATTAINED HAS MANTRA SIDDHI.> > > > >> > > > If my mail sounds harsh, i am sorry for that as my > intention is> > to> > > > make> > > > the dozing members to wake up.> > > > >> > > > " uttiSTha jAgrata prApya varAnnibodhata " > > > >> > > > > ...awake, arise and stop not till the goal is reached....> > > >> > > > > THIS IS MY NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU.> > > >> > > > If > still, you remain to be at the back sitters, then i am> > helpless. > I> > > > too would like to relapse into solitude.> > > >> > > > with > regards,> > > > sriram> > > >> > > > > <%40>, " yogi_or " > > <yogior@> wrote:> > > > >> > > > > > Namasthe,> > > > >> > > > > Respected elders,can you please > shed light on Tara Upasana.> > > > >> > > > > Loka samastha sukino > bhavanthu> > > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > > [Non-text portions of > this message have been removed]> > >> >> > > >> > > > -- > With best > regards,> V.Rajnikanth,> yogior@,> yogi_or@,> yogi_or@> Mobile :+44 > 07595021150(London)> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed]> > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________ > > What can you do with the new Windows Live? Find out > > http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/default.aspx > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted January 21, 2009 What you have said regarding Kriya is only true if you want to receive it through YSS or SRF. There are many other lineages of that Kriya, as both Sri Sri Lahiri Mahasaya and Swami Sriyukteswar had other qualified disciples who were/are authorized to teach. There are many fakes out there as well. Also there are other lineages of " Kriya " Yoga, that have nothing to do with Sri Sri Lahiri Mahasaya. Even He changed what He was given from His Guru, Mahamuni Babaji, to make it more suitable for His disciples to assimilate and practice. You can't put boxes around Yogas. It doesn't work like this. Gurus even teach different disciples differently. Sri Sri Lahiri Mahasaya did this as well. It is well known. JAI AMMA MAA! Surya Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
