Shree Maa shares wisdom

June 13, 2007

Namaste Everybody,

Shree Maa wanted to share this wisdom with Her club children -- please read and

share

your thoughts, insights, questions with all of us ! Jai Maa!

Shree Maa was reading a Bengali book and explaining from the teachings of

Shankaracharya and Sri Ramakrishna the nature of Supreme Divinity.

Acharya Shankaracharya realized and lived with Supreme Divinity. When he was

eight

years old, he mastered all the scriptures and renounced the comforts of home and

adopted a life of sannyas. He did intense spiritual practices for three years

after that and

obtained the highest wisdom and knowledge.

Shankaracharya realized that pure consciousness is the supreme truth. The

perceivable

world is not the highest reality. For example, when we are sleeping, we watch a

dream.

When we wake up, we know that there is no truth in the dream. There are times

in our

sleep when we are able to see a dream. However, when we awaken we can say with

certainty that what we saw is the dream is not our present reality. In a

similar way, we

understand that Brahman (Supreme Divinity) alone is true.

Prior to obtaining Supreme Wisdom, we feel that this perceivable world alone is

true

reality. However, when the grace of God and Guru removes our ignorance, we

realize the

nature of true existence.

Shankaracharya does not accept that the energy of Supreme Divinity is different

from

Supreme Divinity. His teachings say that they are not different and they are

both truth.

When Supreme Divinity and the energy of Supreme Divinity is combined together

and they

are one, the energy of Supreme Divinity is not illuminated.

We can understand how the energy of Supreme Divinity is illuminated by

considering the

following example. A snake is lying silently on the ground. It is silent, but

when you look

at it, you know it is a snake. When it moves, it is a snake. When it is quiet

also, it is a

snake. We cannot say that because a snake is quiet, it has no energy to move.

The

Supreme Divinity and the energy of the Supreme Divinity are therefore not

different. The

snake was alive, even though the energy which empowers it to move was not

manifest.

The snake was still present when it chose to manifest its capacity to move.

Some other examples which serve to illustrate this difference are that of fire

(the object)

and its heat (energy), a jeweled-stone (the object) and its light (energy).

When we think of

a jeweled-stone we remember its light in our mind. Similarly, when we remember

the

light of the stone, we remember the jewel. Without the jewel, we cannot think

of the stone

and vice versa. This is the same with Supreme Divinity and the energy (shakti)

of Supreme

Divinity.

That which is called Brahma (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is called Kali in

the Tantras

and Sri Krishna in the Puranas.

Sri Ramakrishna says that before we realize Supreme Wisdom, we learn or have an

intellectual understanding that the perceivable world is not the highest truth.

However,

once we are enlightened, we see that the world is verily truth. It is so

beautiful and

completely infused with divinity. Shree Maa says, " How will you reach Supreme

Divinity,

without seeing the beauty in all of creation? "

In our everyday life we see and interact in the perceivable world, regarding it

as real and

true. However, the way a man of wisdom perceives and interacts is different.

How is it

different? A man of wisdom sees pure consciousness in everything and

everywhere. God

fills each aspect of creation at every moment. God is everywhere and in

everything.

Shree Maa smiles gently and explains, " Satyam (Truth), Shivam (Infinite

Consciouness),

Sundaram (Beauty). When we see beauty everywhere and live with truth, we live

with pure

consciousness, we live with God. "

Another example to illustrate this point is walking to the roof of a

multi-storied building.

If we just reach the top of the building, we don't have a complete

understanding. But

when we take the staircase and walk step by step, we realize that the steps and

the roof

are all made from the same material (example, bricks, cement). Similarly,

before we

obtain true wisdom, we don't have a good idea about the nature of Supreme

Divinity, the

individual soul and this perceivable world. To obtain this highest

understanding, we have

no choice but to do spiritual practices, have faith in God and Guru and move

forward.

When we have true wisdom, we see that all is Supreme Divinity. Shree Maa says,

" All is

beautiful. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. " In every object of creation, what we can

see and

what we can't see, what is here now today and what was there yesterday and what

will be

tomorrow -- everywhere in everything at every moment -- there is God. There is

Infinite

consciousness.

Shree Maa whispers sweetly, " Shivam, Shivam, Shivam. "

June 13, 2007

What a profound and beautiful teaching...that made my day (or more?)

Thank you

Jai Maa

Sushuddha

On 6/12/07, n_ramya108 <n_ramya108 wrote:

Namaste Everybody,Shree Maa wanted to share this wisdom with Her club children -- please read and share your thoughts, insights, questions with all of us ! Jai Maa!Shree Maa was reading a Bengali book and explaining from the teachings of Shankaracharya and Sri Ramakrishna the nature of Supreme Divinity.Acharya Shankaracharya realized and lived with Supreme Divinity. When he was eight years old, he mastered all the scriptures and renounced the comforts of home and adopted a life of sannyas. He did intense spiritual practices for three years after that and obtained the highest wisdom and knowledge. Shankaracharya realized that pure consciousness is the supreme truth. The perceivable world is not the highest reality. For example, when we are sleeping, we watch a dream. When we wake up, we know that there is no truth in the dream. There are times in our sleep when we are able to see a dream. However, when we awaken we can say with certainty that what we saw is the dream is not our present reality. In a similar way, we understand that Brahman (Supreme Divinity) alone is true.Prior to obtaining Supreme Wisdom, we feel that this perceivable world alone is true reality. However, when the grace of God and Guru removes our ignorance, we realize the nature of true existence. Shankaracharya does not accept that the energy of Supreme Divinity is different from Supreme Divinity. His teachings say that they are not different and they are both truth. When Supreme Divinity and the energy of Supreme Divinity is combined together and they are one, the energy of Supreme Divinity is not illuminated.We can understand how the energy of Supreme Divinity is illuminated by considering the following example. A snake is lying silently on the ground. It is silent, but when you look at it, you know it is a snake. When it moves, it is a snake. When it is quiet also, it is a snake. We cannot say that because a snake is quiet, it has no energy to move. The Supreme Divinity and the energy of the Supreme Divinity are therefore not different. The snake was alive, even though the energy which empowers it to move was not manifest. The snake was still present when it chose to manifest its capacity to move.

Some other examples which serve to illustrate this difference are that of fire (the object) and its heat (energy), a jeweled-stone (the object) and its light (energy). When we think of a jeweled-stone we remember its light in our mind. Similarly, when we remember the light of the stone, we remember the jewel. Without the jewel, we cannot think of the stone and vice versa. This is the same with Supreme Divinity and the energy (shakti) of Supreme Divinity.That which is called Brahma (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is called Kali in the Tantras and Sri Krishna in the Puranas.Sri Ramakrishna says that before we realize Supreme Wisdom, we learn or have an intellectual understanding that the perceivable world is not the highest truth. However, once we are enlightened, we see that the world is verily truth. It is so beautiful and completely infused with divinity. Shree Maa says, " How will you reach Supreme Divinity, without seeing the beauty in all of creation? " In our everyday life we see and interact in the perceivable world, regarding it as real and true. However, the way a man of wisdom perceives and interacts is different. How is it different? A man of wisdom sees pure consciousness in everything and everywhere. God fills each aspect of creation at every moment. God is everywhere and in everything.

Shree Maa smiles gently and explains, " Satyam (Truth), Shivam (Infinite Consciouness), Sundaram (Beauty). When we see beauty everywhere and live with truth, we live with pure consciousness, we live with God. "

Another example to illustrate this point is walking to the roof of a multi-storied building. If we just reach the top of the building, we don't have a complete understanding. But when we take the staircase and walk step by step, we realize that the steps and the roof are all made from the same material (example, bricks, cement). Similarly, before we obtain true wisdom, we don't have a good idea about the nature of Supreme Divinity, the individual soul and this perceivable world. To obtain this highest understanding, we have no choice but to do spiritual practices, have faith in God and Guru and move forward.When we have true wisdom, we see that all is Supreme Divinity. Shree Maa says, " All is beautiful. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. " In every object of creation, what we can see and what we can't see, what is here now today and what was there yesterday and what will be tomorrow -- everywhere in everything at every moment -- there is God. There is Infinite consciousness. Shree Maa whispers sweetly, " Shivam, Shivam, Shivam. "

-- Matthew GindinTO, Canada

416-633-7765

June 14, 2007

This isn't so much of a question as it is an observation...if only to

eliminate the distance between the observer and the observed...!

Is it not also true that the past and the future are also as illusory

and irrelevant as the dreams we have when we sleep? That we obsess

on the past takes away from our seeing clearly in the present. That

we are concerned about the future also takes away from our

participation in the present. If the present moment isn't observed

in its glorious, complete perfection, the beauty of the moment is

lost.

I see an autistic child throw a rock into the water. He is delighted

by the ripple and the splash. He does it again and leaps with joy.

He would do this for hours and hours on end and never tire of the

pure joy from each and every splash. Every one is new. He sees its

perfection clearly, every time.

He tolerates every face and judges no one. He'd probably make a very

good renuciate, because very little concerns him and very few worldly

things affect him. As Edward so eloquently put it, education is

probably just a side show. Most of our organized institutions are

sideshows. It takes away from the reality that there is sheer

laughter in a rock being thrown in the water, a thunderstorm

threatening overhead, the wind blowing dandelion seeds all over the

yard, or 40,000 people doing " the wave " at a baseball game. Utter

joy. Every time.

I am not aware that he ever dreams, for the most part because there

is nothing left unfinished. All happens in perfect order. He doesn't

worry, worrying is such a waste of time. If allowed to, he lives in

simple bliss.

Such a beautiful sight to see....

much love and peace to all!

sal.

, " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108

wrote:

>

> Namaste Everybody,

>

> Shree Maa wanted to share this wisdom with Her club children --

please read and share

> your thoughts, insights, questions with all of us ! Jai Maa!

>

> Shree Maa was reading a Bengali book and explaining from the

teachings of

> Shankaracharya and Sri Ramakrishna the nature of Supreme Divinity.

>

> Acharya Shankaracharya realized and lived with Supreme Divinity.

When he was eight

> years old, he mastered all the scriptures and renounced the

comforts of home and

> adopted a life of sannyas. He did intense spiritual practices for

three years after that and

> obtained the highest wisdom and knowledge.

>

> Shankaracharya realized that pure consciousness is the supreme

truth. The perceivable

> world is not the highest reality. For example, when we are

sleeping, we watch a dream.

> When we wake up, we know that there is no truth in the dream.

There are times in our

> sleep when we are able to see a dream. However, when we awaken we

can say with

> certainty that what we saw is the dream is not our present

reality. In a similar way, we

> understand that Brahman (Supreme Divinity) alone is true.

>

> Prior to obtaining Supreme Wisdom, we feel that this perceivable

world alone is true

> reality. However, when the grace of God and Guru removes our

ignorance, we realize the

> nature of true existence.

>

> Shankaracharya does not accept that the energy of Supreme Divinity

is different from

> Supreme Divinity. His teachings say that they are not different

and they are both truth.

> When Supreme Divinity and the energy of Supreme Divinity is

combined together and they

> are one, the energy of Supreme Divinity is not illuminated.

>

> We can understand how the energy of Supreme Divinity is illuminated

by considering the

> following example. A snake is lying silently on the ground. It is

silent, but when you look

> at it, you know it is a snake. When it moves, it is a snake. When

it is quiet also, it is a

> snake. We cannot say that because a snake is quiet, it has no

energy to move. The

> Supreme Divinity and the energy of the Supreme Divinity are

therefore not different. The

> snake was alive, even though the energy which empowers it to move

was not manifest.

> The snake was still present when it chose to manifest its capacity

to move.

>

> Some other examples which serve to illustrate this difference are

that of fire (the object)

> and its heat (energy), a jeweled-stone (the object) and its light

(energy). When we think of

> a jeweled-stone we remember its light in our mind. Similarly, when

we remember the

> light of the stone, we remember the jewel. Without the jewel, we

cannot think of the stone

> and vice versa. This is the same with Supreme Divinity and the

energy (shakti) of Supreme

> Divinity.

>

> That which is called Brahma (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is

called Kali in the Tantras

> and Sri Krishna in the Puranas.

>

> Sri Ramakrishna says that before we realize Supreme Wisdom, we

learn or have an

> intellectual understanding that the perceivable world is not the

highest truth. However,

> once we are enlightened, we see that the world is verily truth. It

is so beautiful and

> completely infused with divinity. Shree Maa says, " How will you

reach Supreme Divinity,

> without seeing the beauty in all of creation? "

>

> In our everyday life we see and interact in the perceivable world,

regarding it as real and

> true. However, the way a man of wisdom perceives and interacts is

different. How is it

> different? A man of wisdom sees pure consciousness in everything

and everywhere. God

> fills each aspect of creation at every moment. God is everywhere

and in everything.

>

> Shree Maa smiles gently and explains, " Satyam (Truth), Shivam

(Infinite Consciouness),

> Sundaram (Beauty). When we see beauty everywhere and live with

truth, we live with pure

> consciousness, we live with God. "

>

> Another example to illustrate this point is walking to the roof of

a multi-storied building.

> If we just reach the top of the building, we don't have a complete

understanding. But

> when we take the staircase and walk step by step, we realize that

the steps and the roof

> are all made from the same material (example, bricks, cement).

Similarly, before we

> obtain true wisdom, we don't have a good idea about the nature of

Supreme Divinity, the

> individual soul and this perceivable world. To obtain this highest

understanding, we have

> no choice but to do spiritual practices, have faith in God and Guru

and move forward.

>

> When we have true wisdom, we see that all is Supreme Divinity.

Shree Maa says, " All is

> beautiful. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. " In every object of creation,

what we can see and

> what we can't see, what is here now today and what was there

yesterday and what will be

> tomorrow -- everywhere in everything at every moment -- there is

God. There is Infinite

> consciousness.

>

> Shree Maa whispers sweetly, " Shivam, Shivam, Shivam. "

>

June 15, 2007

Dear Sal and Everybody,

Namaste!

Thanks so much Sal for sharing your beautiful observation. I was wondering - if

you and

everybody can share their ideas on how we can do this -- live in the present

moment.

I am not sure i understand what eliminate the distance between observer and

observed

means? Can you please explain to me and how we can do this?

Thanks so much for sharing and helping us all learn, absorb and think about

wisdom!

Jai Maa!

ramya

, " sal. " <salpaulsen wrote:

>

> This isn't so much of a question as it is an observation...if only to

> eliminate the distance between the observer and the observed...!

>

> Is it not also true that the past and the future are also as illusory

> and irrelevant as the dreams we have when we sleep? That we obsess

> on the past takes away from our seeing clearly in the present. That

> we are concerned about the future also takes away from our

> participation in the present. If the present moment isn't observed

> in its glorious, complete perfection, the beauty of the moment is

> lost.

>

> I see an autistic child throw a rock into the water. He is delighted

> by the ripple and the splash. He does it again and leaps with joy.

> He would do this for hours and hours on end and never tire of the

> pure joy from each and every splash. Every one is new. He sees its

> perfection clearly, every time.

>

> He tolerates every face and judges no one. He'd probably make a very

> good renuciate, because very little concerns him and very few worldly

> things affect him. As Edward so eloquently put it, education is

> probably just a side show. Most of our organized institutions are

> sideshows. It takes away from the reality that there is sheer

> laughter in a rock being thrown in the water, a thunderstorm

> threatening overhead, the wind blowing dandelion seeds all over the

> yard, or 40,000 people doing " the wave " at a baseball game. Utter

> joy. Every time.

>

> I am not aware that he ever dreams, for the most part because there

> is nothing left unfinished. All happens in perfect order. He doesn't

> worry, worrying is such a waste of time. If allowed to, he lives in

> simple bliss.

>

> Such a beautiful sight to see....

>

> much love and peace to all!

> sal.

>

> , " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108@>

> wrote:

> >

> > Namaste Everybody,

> >

> > Shree Maa wanted to share this wisdom with Her club children --

> please read and share

> > your thoughts, insights, questions with all of us ! Jai Maa!

> >

> > Shree Maa was reading a Bengali book and explaining from the

> teachings of

> > Shankaracharya and Sri Ramakrishna the nature of Supreme Divinity.

> >

> > Acharya Shankaracharya realized and lived with Supreme Divinity.

> When he was eight

> > years old, he mastered all the scriptures and renounced the

> comforts of home and

> > adopted a life of sannyas. He did intense spiritual practices for

> three years after that and

> > obtained the highest wisdom and knowledge.

> >

> > Shankaracharya realized that pure consciousness is the supreme

> truth. The perceivable

> > world is not the highest reality. For example, when we are

> sleeping, we watch a dream.

> > When we wake up, we know that there is no truth in the dream.

> There are times in our

> > sleep when we are able to see a dream. However, when we awaken we

> can say with

> > certainty that what we saw is the dream is not our present

> reality. In a similar way, we

> > understand that Brahman (Supreme Divinity) alone is true.

> >

> > Prior to obtaining Supreme Wisdom, we feel that this perceivable

> world alone is true

> > reality. However, when the grace of God and Guru removes our

> ignorance, we realize the

> > nature of true existence.

> >

> > Shankaracharya does not accept that the energy of Supreme Divinity

> is different from

> > Supreme Divinity. His teachings say that they are not different

> and they are both truth.

> > When Supreme Divinity and the energy of Supreme Divinity is

> combined together and they

> > are one, the energy of Supreme Divinity is not illuminated.

> >

> > We can understand how the energy of Supreme Divinity is illuminated

> by considering the

> > following example. A snake is lying silently on the ground. It is

> silent, but when you look

> > at it, you know it is a snake. When it moves, it is a snake. When

> it is quiet also, it is a

> > snake. We cannot say that because a snake is quiet, it has no

> energy to move. The

> > Supreme Divinity and the energy of the Supreme Divinity are

> therefore not different. The

> > snake was alive, even though the energy which empowers it to move

> was not manifest.

> > The snake was still present when it chose to manifest its capacity

> to move.

> >

> > Some other examples which serve to illustrate this difference are

> that of fire (the object)

> > and its heat (energy), a jeweled-stone (the object) and its light

> (energy). When we think of

> > a jeweled-stone we remember its light in our mind. Similarly, when

> we remember the

> > light of the stone, we remember the jewel. Without the jewel, we

> cannot think of the stone

> > and vice versa. This is the same with Supreme Divinity and the

> energy (shakti) of Supreme

> > Divinity.

> >

> > That which is called Brahma (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is

> called Kali in the Tantras

> > and Sri Krishna in the Puranas.

> >

> > Sri Ramakrishna says that before we realize Supreme Wisdom, we

> learn or have an

> > intellectual understanding that the perceivable world is not the

> highest truth. However,

> > once we are enlightened, we see that the world is verily truth. It

> is so beautiful and

> > completely infused with divinity. Shree Maa says, " How will you

> reach Supreme Divinity,

> > without seeing the beauty in all of creation? "

> >

> > In our everyday life we see and interact in the perceivable world,

> regarding it as real and

> > true. However, the way a man of wisdom perceives and interacts is

> different. How is it

> > different? A man of wisdom sees pure consciousness in everything

> and everywhere. God

> > fills each aspect of creation at every moment. God is everywhere

> and in everything.

> >

> > Shree Maa smiles gently and explains, " Satyam (Truth), Shivam

> (Infinite Consciouness),

> > Sundaram (Beauty). When we see beauty everywhere and live with

> truth, we live with pure

> > consciousness, we live with God. "

> >

> > Another example to illustrate this point is walking to the roof of

> a multi-storied building.

> > If we just reach the top of the building, we don't have a complete

> understanding. But

> > when we take the staircase and walk step by step, we realize that

> the steps and the roof

> > are all made from the same material (example, bricks, cement).

> Similarly, before we

> > obtain true wisdom, we don't have a good idea about the nature of

> Supreme Divinity, the

> > individual soul and this perceivable world. To obtain this highest

> understanding, we have

> > no choice but to do spiritual practices, have faith in God and Guru

> and move forward.

> >

> > When we have true wisdom, we see that all is Supreme Divinity.

> Shree Maa says, " All is

> > beautiful. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. " In every object of creation,

> what we can see and

> > what we can't see, what is here now today and what was there

> yesterday and what will be

> > tomorrow -- everywhere in everything at every moment -- there is

> God. There is Infinite

> > consciousness.

> >

> > Shree Maa whispers sweetly, " Shivam, Shivam, Shivam. "

> >

>

June 15, 2007

I hope this will make sense...its relatively easy to grasp

conceptually, but to actually put into practice....therein lies the

secret of living the ultimate bliss.

Our mind's collection of experiences separates us from that which we

are looking at, which is why we cannot see an object, a person

completely and clearly for its intrinsic perfection. We cannot see

the " God " . There is a distance of time and space and thought from

one object, or the experience and memory of that object, to what is

before us in the present moment. That is the distance between the

observer and the observed and why it is so difficult to live clearly,

purely in the present moment.

Eliminating the distance would be like always seeing everything as if

for the first time, with no filters, no judgement, no preconception,

no comparison, always from the heart with love. We see it the second

time and are conditioned to compare it to something else, thus begins

building the distance.

Children first see everything purely and actually for what it is.

The conditioning also begins very early. They don't know hate until

tell them to hate. They don't discern ugly from pretty. Those are

lables that are taught. We tell them to avoid strangers, otherwise

how would they know someone to be strange. They trust everyone and

see the beauty in everything because they see with their hearts, not

with their minds. The conditioning begins once someone hurts them,

the food brings displeasure, the ride is scary, the noise is loud, or

any variety of experiences that separates one from another.

To see everything, always, perfectly in its inherent, God-like,

wondrous capacity is really pretty cosmic...which I would venture to

guess is the living ultimate enlightenment.

I'm sorry, for all these words, I hope there is a glimmer of

clarity...I can " see " it but I rarely live it myself...I do relish

the times I grasp it for a fleeting moment...!

much love and peace to all!

sal.

, " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108

wrote:

>

> Dear Sal and Everybody,

>

> Namaste!

>

> Thanks so much Sal for sharing your beautiful observation. I was

wondering - if you and

> everybody can share their ideas on how we can do this -- live in

the present moment.

>

> I am not sure i understand what eliminate the distance between

observer and observed

> means? Can you please explain to me and how we can do this?

>

> Thanks so much for sharing and helping us all learn, absorb and

think about wisdom!

>

> Jai Maa!

>

> ramya

>

> , " sal. " <salpaulsen@> wrote:

> >

> > This isn't so much of a question as it is an observation...if

only to

> > eliminate the distance between the observer and the observed...!

> >

> > Is it not also true that the past and the future are also as

illusory

> > and irrelevant as the dreams we have when we sleep? That we

obsess

> > on the past takes away from our seeing clearly in the present.

That

> > we are concerned about the future also takes away from our

> > participation in the present. If the present moment isn't

observed

> > in its glorious, complete perfection, the beauty of the moment is

> > lost.

> >

> > I see an autistic child throw a rock into the water. He is

delighted

> > by the ripple and the splash. He does it again and leaps with

joy.

> > He would do this for hours and hours on end and never tire of the

> > pure joy from each and every splash. Every one is new. He sees

its

> > perfection clearly, every time.

> >

> > He tolerates every face and judges no one. He'd probably make a

very

> > good renuciate, because very little concerns him and very few

worldly

> > things affect him. As Edward so eloquently put it, education is

> > probably just a side show. Most of our organized institutions

are

> > sideshows. It takes away from the reality that there is sheer

> > laughter in a rock being thrown in the water, a thunderstorm

> > threatening overhead, the wind blowing dandelion seeds all over

the

> > yard, or 40,000 people doing " the wave " at a baseball game.

Utter

> > joy. Every time.

> >

> > I am not aware that he ever dreams, for the most part because

there

> > is nothing left unfinished. All happens in perfect order. He

doesn't

> > worry, worrying is such a waste of time. If allowed to, he lives

in

> > simple bliss.

> >

> > Such a beautiful sight to see....

> >

> > much love and peace to all!

> > sal.

> >

> > , " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108@>

> > wrote:

> > >

> > > Namaste Everybody,

> > >

> > > Shree Maa wanted to share this wisdom with Her club children --

> > please read and share

> > > your thoughts, insights, questions with all of us ! Jai Maa!

> > >

> > > Shree Maa was reading a Bengali book and explaining from the

> > teachings of

> > > Shankaracharya and Sri Ramakrishna the nature of Supreme

Divinity.

> > >

> > > Acharya Shankaracharya realized and lived with Supreme

Divinity.

> > When he was eight

> > > years old, he mastered all the scriptures and renounced the

> > comforts of home and

> > > adopted a life of sannyas. He did intense spiritual practices

for

> > three years after that and

> > > obtained the highest wisdom and knowledge.

> > >

> > > Shankaracharya realized that pure consciousness is the supreme

> > truth. The perceivable

> > > world is not the highest reality. For example, when we are

> > sleeping, we watch a dream.

> > > When we wake up, we know that there is no truth in the dream.

> > There are times in our

> > > sleep when we are able to see a dream. However, when we awaken

we

> > can say with

> > > certainty that what we saw is the dream is not our present

> > reality. In a similar way, we

> > > understand that Brahman (Supreme Divinity) alone is true.

> > >

> > > Prior to obtaining Supreme Wisdom, we feel that this

perceivable

> > world alone is true

> > > reality. However, when the grace of God and Guru removes our

> > ignorance, we realize the

> > > nature of true existence.

> > >

> > > Shankaracharya does not accept that the energy of Supreme

Divinity

> > is different from

> > > Supreme Divinity. His teachings say that they are not

different

> > and they are both truth.

> > > When Supreme Divinity and the energy of Supreme Divinity is

> > combined together and they

> > > are one, the energy of Supreme Divinity is not illuminated.

> > >

> > > We can understand how the energy of Supreme Divinity is

illuminated

> > by considering the

> > > following example. A snake is lying silently on the ground.

It is

> > silent, but when you look

> > > at it, you know it is a snake. When it moves, it is a snake.

When

> > it is quiet also, it is a

> > > snake. We cannot say that because a snake is quiet, it has no

> > energy to move. The

> > > Supreme Divinity and the energy of the Supreme Divinity are

> > therefore not different. The

> > > snake was alive, even though the energy which empowers it to

move

> > was not manifest.

> > > The snake was still present when it chose to manifest its

capacity

> > to move.

> > >

> > > Some other examples which serve to illustrate this difference

are

> > that of fire (the object)

> > > and its heat (energy), a jeweled-stone (the object) and its

light

> > (energy). When we think of

> > > a jeweled-stone we remember its light in our mind. Similarly,

when

> > we remember the

> > > light of the stone, we remember the jewel. Without the jewel,

we

> > cannot think of the stone

> > > and vice versa. This is the same with Supreme Divinity and the

> > energy (shakti) of Supreme

> > > Divinity.

> > >

> > > That which is called Brahma (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is

> > called Kali in the Tantras

> > > and Sri Krishna in the Puranas.

> > >

> > > Sri Ramakrishna says that before we realize Supreme Wisdom, we

> > learn or have an

> > > intellectual understanding that the perceivable world is not

the

> > highest truth. However,

> > > once we are enlightened, we see that the world is verily

truth. It

> > is so beautiful and

> > > completely infused with divinity. Shree Maa says, " How will

you

> > reach Supreme Divinity,

> > > without seeing the beauty in all of creation? "

> > >

> > > In our everyday life we see and interact in the perceivable

world,

> > regarding it as real and

> > > true. However, the way a man of wisdom perceives and interacts

is

> > different. How is it

> > > different? A man of wisdom sees pure consciousness in

everything

> > and everywhere. God

> > > fills each aspect of creation at every moment. God is

everywhere

> > and in everything.

> > >

> > > Shree Maa smiles gently and explains, " Satyam (Truth), Shivam

> > (Infinite Consciouness),

> > > Sundaram (Beauty). When we see beauty everywhere and live with

> > truth, we live with pure

> > > consciousness, we live with God. "

> > >

> > > Another example to illustrate this point is walking to the roof

of

> > a multi-storied building.

> > > If we just reach the top of the building, we don't have a

complete

> > understanding. But

> > > when we take the staircase and walk step by step, we realize

that

> > the steps and the roof

> > > are all made from the same material (example, bricks, cement).

> > Similarly, before we

> > > obtain true wisdom, we don't have a good idea about the nature

of

> > Supreme Divinity, the

> > > individual soul and this perceivable world. To obtain this

highest

> > understanding, we have

> > > no choice but to do spiritual practices, have faith in God and

Guru

> > and move forward.

> > >

> > > When we have true wisdom, we see that all is Supreme Divinity.

> > Shree Maa says, " All is

> > > beautiful. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. " In every object of

creation,

> > what we can see and

> > > what we can't see, what is here now today and what was there

> > yesterday and what will be

> > > tomorrow -- everywhere in everything at every moment -- there

is

> > God. There is Infinite

> > > consciousness.

> > >

> > > Shree Maa whispers sweetly, " Shivam, Shivam, Shivam. "

> > >

> >

>

June 15, 2007

Dear Sal,

Which is to say (and very well said) that it is the unreal past and the

unreal future which stand between oneself and the Present Reality.

Yet still, it leaves one question (a very practical one in its

implications) unanswered, how can that which is unreal obscure the one

Reality?

Respectfully,

Tanmaya

, " sal. " <salpaulsen wrote:

>

> I hope this will make sense...its relatively easy to grasp

> conceptually, but to actually put into practice....therein lies the

> secret of living the ultimate bliss.

>

> Our mind's collection of experiences separates us from that which we

> are looking at, which is why we cannot see an object, a person

> completely and clearly for its intrinsic perfection. We cannot see

> the " God " . There is a distance of time and space and thought from

> one object, or the experience and memory of that object, to what is

> before us in the present moment. That is the distance between the

> observer and the observed and why it is so difficult to live clearly,

> purely in the present moment.

>

> Eliminating the distance would be like always seeing everything as if

> for the first time, with no filters, no judgement, no preconception,

> no comparison, always from the heart with love. We see it the second

> time and are conditioned to compare it to something else, thus begins

> building the distance.

>

> Children first see everything purely and actually for what it is.

> The conditioning also begins very early. They don't know hate until

> tell them to hate. They don't discern ugly from pretty. Those are

> lables that are taught. We tell them to avoid strangers, otherwise

> how would they know someone to be strange. They trust everyone and

> see the beauty in everything because they see with their hearts, not

> with their minds. The conditioning begins once someone hurts them,

> the food brings displeasure, the ride is scary, the noise is loud, or

> any variety of experiences that separates one from another.

>

> To see everything, always, perfectly in its inherent, God-like,

> wondrous capacity is really pretty cosmic...which I would venture to

> guess is the living ultimate enlightenment.

>

> I'm sorry, for all these words, I hope there is a glimmer of

> clarity...I can " see " it but I rarely live it myself...I do relish

> the times I grasp it for a fleeting moment...!

>

> much love and peace to all!

> sal.

>

> , " n_ramya108 " n_ramya108@

> wrote:

> >

> > Dear Sal and Everybody,

> >

> > Namaste!

> >

> > Thanks so much Sal for sharing your beautiful observation. I was

> wondering - if you and

> > everybody can share their ideas on how we can do this -- live in

> the present moment.

> >

> > I am not sure i understand what eliminate the distance between

> observer and observed

> > means? Can you please explain to me and how we can do this?

> >

> > Thanks so much for sharing and helping us all learn, absorb and

> think about wisdom!

> >

> > Jai Maa!

> >

> > ramya

> >

> > , " sal. " <salpaulsen@> wrote:

> > >

> > > This isn't so much of a question as it is an observation...if

> only to

> > > eliminate the distance between the observer and the observed...!

> > >

> > > Is it not also true that the past and the future are also as

> illusory

> > > and irrelevant as the dreams we have when we sleep? That we

> obsess

> > > on the past takes away from our seeing clearly in the present.

> That

> > > we are concerned about the future also takes away from our

> > > participation in the present. If the present moment isn't

> observed

> > > in its glorious, complete perfection, the beauty of the moment is

> > > lost.

> > >

> > > I see an autistic child throw a rock into the water. He is

> delighted

> > > by the ripple and the splash. He does it again and leaps with

> joy.

> > > He would do this for hours and hours on end and never tire of the

> > > pure joy from each and every splash. Every one is new. He sees

> its

> > > perfection clearly, every time.

> > >

> > > He tolerates every face and judges no one. He'd probably make a

> very

> > > good renuciate, because very little concerns him and very few

> worldly

> > > things affect him. As Edward so eloquently put it, education is

> > > probably just a side show. Most of our organized institutions

> are

> > > sideshows. It takes away from the reality that there is sheer

> > > laughter in a rock being thrown in the water, a thunderstorm

> > > threatening overhead, the wind blowing dandelion seeds all over

> the

> > > yard, or 40,000 people doing " the wave " at a baseball game.

> Utter

> > > joy. Every time.

> > >

> > > I am not aware that he ever dreams, for the most part because

> there

> > > is nothing left unfinished. All happens in perfect order. He

> doesn't

> > > worry, worrying is such a waste of time. If allowed to, he lives

> in

> > > simple bliss.

> > >

> > > Such a beautiful sight to see....

> > >

> > > much love and peace to all!

> > > sal.

> > >

> > > , " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108@>

> > > wrote:

> > > >

> > > > Namaste Everybody,

> > > >

> > > > Shree Maa wanted to share this wisdom with Her club children --

> > > please read and share

> > > > your thoughts, insights, questions with all of us ! Jai Maa!

> > > >

> > > > Shree Maa was reading a Bengali book and explaining from the

> > > teachings of

> > > > Shankaracharya and Sri Ramakrishna the nature of Supreme

> Divinity.

> > > >

> > > > Acharya Shankaracharya realized and lived with Supreme

> Divinity.

> > > When he was eight

> > > > years old, he mastered all the scriptures and renounced the

> > > comforts of home and

> > > > adopted a life of sannyas. He did intense spiritual practices

> for

> > > three years after that and

> > > > obtained the highest wisdom and knowledge.

> > > >

> > > > Shankaracharya realized that pure consciousness is the supreme

> > > truth. The perceivable

> > > > world is not the highest reality. For example, when we are

> > > sleeping, we watch a dream.

> > > > When we wake up, we know that there is no truth in the dream.

> > > There are times in our

> > > > sleep when we are able to see a dream. However, when we awaken

> we

> > > can say with

> > > > certainty that what we saw is the dream is not our present

> > > reality. In a similar way, we

> > > > understand that Brahman (Supreme Divinity) alone is true.

> > > >

> > > > Prior to obtaining Supreme Wisdom, we feel that this

> perceivable

> > > world alone is true

> > > > reality. However, when the grace of God and Guru removes our

> > > ignorance, we realize the

> > > > nature of true existence.

> > > >

> > > > Shankaracharya does not accept that the energy of Supreme

> Divinity

> > > is different from

> > > > Supreme Divinity. His teachings say that they are not

> different

> > > and they are both truth.

> > > > When Supreme Divinity and the energy of Supreme Divinity is

> > > combined together and they

> > > > are one, the energy of Supreme Divinity is not illuminated.

> > > >

> > > > We can understand how the energy of Supreme Divinity is

> illuminated

> > > by considering the

> > > > following example. A snake is lying silently on the ground.

> It is

> > > silent, but when you look

> > > > at it, you know it is a snake. When it moves, it is a snake.

> When

> > > it is quiet also, it is a

> > > > snake. We cannot say that because a snake is quiet, it has no

> > > energy to move. The

> > > > Supreme Divinity and the energy of the Supreme Divinity are

> > > therefore not different. The

> > > > snake was alive, even though the energy which empowers it to

> move

> > > was not manifest.

> > > > The snake was still present when it chose to manifest its

> capacity

> > > to move.

> > > >

> > > > Some other examples which serve to illustrate this difference

> are

> > > that of fire (the object)

> > > > and its heat (energy), a jeweled-stone (the object) and its

> light

> > > (energy). When we think of

> > > > a jeweled-stone we remember its light in our mind. Similarly,

> when

> > > we remember the

> > > > light of the stone, we remember the jewel. Without the jewel,

> we

> > > cannot think of the stone

> > > > and vice versa. This is the same with Supreme Divinity and the

> > > energy (shakti) of Supreme

> > > > Divinity.

> > > >

> > > > That which is called Brahma (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is

> > > called Kali in the Tantras

> > > > and Sri Krishna in the Puranas.

> > > >

> > > > Sri Ramakrishna says that before we realize Supreme Wisdom, we

> > > learn or have an

> > > > intellectual understanding that the perceivable world is not

> the

> > > highest truth. However,

> > > > once we are enlightened, we see that the world is verily

> truth. It

> > > is so beautiful and

> > > > completely infused with divinity. Shree Maa says, " How will

> you

> > > reach Supreme Divinity,

> > > > without seeing the beauty in all of creation? "

> > > >

> > > > In our everyday life we see and interact in the perceivable

> world,

> > > regarding it as real and

> > > > true. However, the way a man of wisdom perceives and interacts

> is

> > > different. How is it

> > > > different? A man of wisdom sees pure consciousness in

> everything

> > > and everywhere. God

> > > > fills each aspect of creation at every moment. God is

> everywhere

> > > and in everything.

> > > >

> > > > Shree Maa smiles gently and explains, " Satyam (Truth), Shivam

> > > (Infinite Consciouness),

> > > > Sundaram (Beauty). When we see beauty everywhere and live with

> > > truth, we live with pure

> > > > consciousness, we live with God. "

> > > >

> > > > Another example to illustrate this point is walking to the roof

> of

> > > a multi-storied building.

> > > > If we just reach the top of the building, we don't have a

> complete

> > > understanding. But

> > > > when we take the staircase and walk step by step, we realize

> that

> > > the steps and the roof

> > > > are all made from the same material (example, bricks, cement).

> > > Similarly, before we

> > > > obtain true wisdom, we don't have a good idea about the nature

> of

> > > Supreme Divinity, the

> > > > individual soul and this perceivable world. To obtain this

> highest

> > > understanding, we have

> > > > no choice but to do spiritual practices, have faith in God and

> Guru

> > > and move forward.

> > > >

> > > > When we have true wisdom, we see that all is Supreme Divinity.

> > > Shree Maa says, " All is

> > > > beautiful. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. " In every object of

> creation,

> > > what we can see and

> > > > what we can't see, what is here now today and what was there

> > > yesterday and what will be

> > > > tomorrow -- everywhere in everything at every moment -- there

> is

> > > God. There is Infinite

> > > > consciousness.

> > > >

> > > > Shree Maa whispers sweetly, " Shivam, Shivam, Shivam. "

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

June 15, 2007

Insights from `Shree Maa on SupremeDivinity'Brahman is the ultimate truth…There is nothing but Brahman – when we wake up from the dream we call life; we understand there is only Brahman…And you are this Brahman…What is the nature of Shakti ? Just like you cannot differentiate fire from its heat so also you cannot differentiate between pure consciousness and its energy. As I understand it, this is not like the example of potential and kinetic energy because inherent in that definition is a property of becoming, but more like example of fire and its heat, that is, it is different way of looking into the same Brahman where there is no becoming. For example to say potential and kinetic makes its nature change but to say fire(light) and its heat is to describe the same thing. The reason I stress this is that once you acknowledge becoming you are part of the dream but Shakti is not part of the dream but looking at the same Brahman (for a lack of words) from a different angle – this please understand it not a point of view from a normal human being but from the perspective of realized being – they live and act in this world but in them there is not acknowledgement of becoming…`That which is called Brahman (Supreme Divinity) in the Vedas, is called Kali in the Tantras and Sri Krishna in the Puranas' – through Brahman and Vedas we get the definition of the goal, through Kali and the Tantras we come to terms with what this means in practical terms (starting from where we are) and through Sri Krishna (and also other Avatars) and the Guru we are inspired and lead directly to the goal…Brahman – sat chit ananda ; Kali – aim hrim klim ; Sri Krishna - satyam sivam sundaram. They are the same, just seen from different angles…A realized being like Maa sees everything filled with truth, consciousness and beauty, we whereas can only see satyam sivam sundaram(truth, consciousness and beauty) truly reflected in them and therefore are drawn towards them like a magnet…Therefore with a Grace of a Guru or God seek this ultimate Truth…To reach the top of the building you need climb up the stairs, so with help of God or Guru, climb the steps through sadhana and reach your goal…

June 15, 2007

Namaste'

First I want to thank everyone for their beautiful thoughts and prayers

that have been offered to and for my family over the past couple of

weeks. The love that has been showered upon us has been a great

blessing.

I wanted to share part of my process regarding this question of being

in the present moment. I have been making a very conscious effort to

remain present to the moment throughout the past couple of weeks. To a

large extent it has been purely to protect my heart. If I find myself

going into the past it is to painful, and thinking about the future

without my son brings up even more pain. The only way to stay balanced

has been to be with the moment, to feel my feelings now so that they

don't pile up and attack me when I'm least expecting them. To do this

I just keep breathing, doing sadhana, not making plans, not looking for

ways to escape, staying present with my daughter and Caseys friends,

and taking care of my own basic needs. I'm learning about the

transitoriness of life at a very deep level as well as where my

attachments are.

In the past when I thought about my own passing it was always easy to

think of being non-attached to my own body, but on the day of my son's

creamation I had to look at my attachment to his physical body. That

was somewhat of a shock to learn that I have great attachment to the

body of my child. It was a comfort to receive the small box which

contains all that is left of the body his spirit inhabited.

By staying in the moment I am able to feel him around me, in his room,

in his dog coming to me for reassurance, and in his friends telling me

how much they love him. I find that looking deeply into each moment

allows me to stay present, and maybe that has been the biggest gift

from him so far.

I know that this journey is just beginning, but if I keep my attention

on my next step, instead of next week, month, or year there is comfort

in the present moment, and then I can remember that there is no ending

in God, no time, and nowhere to be but where I am right now.

OM Shanti

Morningsong

, " n_ramya108 " <n_ramya108 wrote:

>

> Dear Sal and Everybody,

>

> Namaste!

>

> Thanks so much Sal for sharing your beautiful observation. I was

wondering - if you and

> everybody can share their ideas on how we can do this -- live in the

present moment.

June 15, 2007

Namaste Sal and Everybody!

Thanks very much Sal - it is so beautiful to read your post and to understand.

Somewhere

i heard this saying " Let Go and Let God " -- feels from your post that if we let

go of all our

impressions there is only the joy of living, seeing, hearing and being with God!

thank you very much for sharing and helping me understand! Thanks!