Guest guest Report post Posted May 22, 2008 i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text phonetically should set you on a good " path " (ha-ha get it?). so far its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has tried this? , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74 wrote: > > Namaste Dear Family, > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > not progressed after that. > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > Jai Maa, > > Regards, > Prathibha > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Namaste Prathibha, For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala stotram kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire book over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a base - the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the Goddess (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode 1, next base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and i pray that you will find some method that works for you. May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. Jai Maa , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74 wrote: > > Namaste Dear Family, > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > not progressed after that. > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > Jai Maa, > > Regards, > Prathibha > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Dear Kaliananda, Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to keep persevering. Jai Maa, Prathibha , " kaliananda_saraswati " <kaliananda_saraswati wrote: > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala stotram > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire book > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a base - > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the Goddess > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode 1, next > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and i pray > that you will find some method that works for you. > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > Jai Maa > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74@> > wrote: > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > not progressed after that. > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Regards, > > Prathibha > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 23, 2008 Dear bmarley, Thank you for sharing this with me. I will try this option out. Jai Maa, Prathibha , " bmarley343200000 " <bmarley343 wrote: > > i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. > > first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to > recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the > text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you > properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the > words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after > you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text > phonetically should set you on a good " path " (ha-ha get it?). so far > its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves > of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has > tried this? > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > not progressed after that. > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Regards, > > Prathibha > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 24, 2008 dear Pratibha, i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more. She just want us to do much as we can ! , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74 wrote: > > Dear Kaliananda, > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > keep persevering. > > Jai Maa, > Prathibha > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala stotram > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire book > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a base - > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the Goddess > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode 1, next > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and i pray > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74@> > > wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Regards, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 25, 2008 Namaste everybody, When i first started chanting the chandi, i chanted along with Swamiji in His recording of the text. Then Maa recorded a 3 CD set with just Her and a tambor.....it's a reeeeally fabulous recording and also a little faster. it worked wonders for my recitation and i recommend it for anybody who longs for Chandi Maa. Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa! , " bmarley343200000 " <bmarley343 wrote: > > i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. > > first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to > recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the > text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you > properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the > words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after > you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text > phonetically should set you on a good " path " (ha-ha get it?). so far > its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves > of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has > tried this? > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > not progressed after that. > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Regards, > > Prathibha > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 26, 2008 Thank You for this information, Gauri. Can we order Maa's 3 cd set from the bookstore, as I have not seen it? Please let me know. With Much Love, Sanatani -------------- Original message ---------------------- " gauri_108 " <gauri_108 > Namaste everybody, > > When i first started chanting the chandi, i chanted along with Swamiji > in His recording of the text. Then Maa recorded a 3 CD set with just > Her and a tambor.....it's a reeeeally fabulous recording and also a > little faster. it worked wonders for my recitation and i recommend it > for anybody who longs for Chandi Maa. > > Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa! > > > , " bmarley343200000 " > <bmarley343 wrote: > > > > i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. > > > > first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to > > recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the > > text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you > > properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the > > words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after > > you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text > > phonetically should set you on a good " path " (ha-ha get it?). so far > > its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves > > of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has > > tried this? > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Regards, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > Namaste everybody, When i first started chanting the chandi, i chanted along with Swamiji in His recording of the text. Then Maa recorded a 3 CD set with just Her and a tambor.....it's a reeeeally fabulous recording and also a little faster. it worked wonders for my recitation and i recommend it for anybody who longs for Chandi Maa. Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa! , " bmarley343200000 " <bmarley343 wrote: > > i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. > > first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to > recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the > text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you > properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the > words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after > you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text > phonetically should set you on a good " path " (ha-ha get it?). so far > its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves > of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has > tried this? > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > not progressed after that. > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Regards, > > Prathibha > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 26, 2008 For learning the meaning of the Sanskrit in the Chandi...there is a computer program that is a Chandi, called Supermemo. You program Her with words and meanings, and She programs you to remember the meaning, just as you are on the verge of forgetting. She actually accesses your moment of forgetting by calculating it by interacting with you. Based upon your unique relationship, She will calculate the time it takes you personally to forget about Her, and then reminds you, each time calculating when you will forget, this continues a few cycles, until She has enabled you to remember her with up to 96-98% retention. She finetunes the process of repeated application in converting the Chandi into retained knowledge.Jai Maa!Ericurbansaints wrote: Thank You for this information, Gauri. Can we order Maa's 3 cd set from the bookstore, as I have not seen it? Please let me know. With Much Love, Sanatani -------------- Original message ---------------------- "gauri_108" <gauri_108 > > Namaste everybody, > > When i first started chanting the chandi, i chanted along with Swamiji > in His recording of the text. Then Maa recorded a 3 CD set with just > Her and a tambor.....it's a reeeeally fabulous recording and also a > little faster. it worked wonders for my recitation and i recommend it > for anybody who longs for Chandi Maa. > > Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa! > > > , "bmarley343200000" > <bmarley343 wrote: > > > > i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. > > > > first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to > > recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the > > text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you > > properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the > > words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after > > you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text > > phonetically should set you on a good "path" (ha-ha get it?). so far > > its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves > > of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has > > tried this? > > > > > > > > , "sharanam_lalitambike" > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Regards, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > "gauri_108" <gauri_108 Subject: [www.ShreeMaa.org] Re: Chanting the ChandiSun, 25 May 2008 04:28:32 +0000 Namaste everybody, When i first started chanting the chandi, i chanted along with Swamiji in His recording of the text. Then Maa recorded a 3 CD set with just Her and a tambor.....it's a reeeeally fabulous recording and also a little faster. it worked wonders for my recitation and i recommend it for anybody who longs for Chandi Maa. Jaaaaaaaaaaai Maa! , "bmarley343200000" <bmarley343 wrote: > > i will share my method . maybe it will be helpful. > > first download swamiji speaking the chundi chapter that you want to > recite in sanskrit to your computer. sit down at your altar with the > text. pray to saraswati for the sanskrit to come through you > properly. and play one of the files relatively loud and look at the > words. and begin to speak what you hear a fraction of a second after > you hear it. that and a little bit of inference of speaking the text > phonetically should set you on a good "path" (ha-ha get it?). so far > its been working quite nicely for me and set me in the right grooves > of pronunciation. hope this helps. wondering also if anyone else has > tried this? > > > > , "sharanam_lalitambike" > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > not progressed after that. > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Regards, > > Prathibha > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 27, 2008 Dear Gauri, Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from the Devi Kavacham. Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. Any thoughts on this? Thank you, Jai Maa, Prathibha , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108 wrote: > > dear Pratibha, > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more. > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > keep persevering. > > > > Jai Maa, > > Prathibha > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > stotram > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire book > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a base - > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the Goddess > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode 1, next > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and > i pray > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times but have > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at Kilakam and > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here based > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 27, 2008 Pratibha, I agree. Since our doing Shiva Puja, we have started feeling like "if we take a sankalpa then we need to get it done"... that somehow has penetrated our head. Discipline is so vital for a fruitful sadhana... Joy Maa ! Prasana sharanam_lalitambike <prats74 wrote: Dear Gauri,Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit mymind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start fromthe Devi Kavacham. Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had adiscussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learnthe Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day forthis entire year between chapters 1 through 13. Any thoughts on this?Thank you,Jai Maa,Prathibha , "gauri_108" <gauri_108 wrote:>> dear Pratibha,> > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long> and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take> things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more.> She just want us to do much as we can !> > , "sharanam_lalitambike"> <prats74@> wrote:> >> > Dear Kaliananda,> > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the> > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to> > keep persevering.> > > > Jai Maa,> > Prathibha> > > > , "kaliananda_saraswati"> > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote:> > >> > > > > > Namaste Prathibha,> > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala> stotram> > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and> > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entirebook> > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as abase -> > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of theGoddess> > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode1, next> > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again.> > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is> > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and> i pray> > > that you will find some method that works for you.> > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire.> > > > > > Jai Maa> > > > > > > > > , "sharanam_lalitambike"<prats74@>> > > wrote:> > > >> > > > Namaste Dear Family,> > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of timesbut have> > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped atKilakam and> > > > not progressed after that.> > > >> > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from herebased> > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi?> > > >> > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the> > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess.> > > >> > > > Jai Maa,> > > >> > > > Regards,> > > > Prathibha> > > >> > >> >> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 28, 2008 Namaste Pratibha and Prasana, that's a great idea. Swamiji once suggested memorizing 2 slokas a day...in a year one will know all 13 chapters! jaaaaaaaaaaaaaai Maa , Ray Happy <amritanandamoyi wrote: > > Pratibha, I agree. > > Since our doing Shiva Puja, we have started feeling like " if we take a sankalpa then we need to get it done " ... that somehow has penetrated our head. > > Discipline is so vital for a fruitful sadhana... > > Joy Maa ! > Prasana > > > > sharanam_lalitambike <prats74 wrote: > Dear Gauri, > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > the Devi Kavacham. > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > Any thoughts on this? > > Thank you, > Jai Maa, > Prathibha > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more. > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > > stotram > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire > book > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > base - > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > Goddess > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > 1, next > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and > > i pray > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > but have > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > Kilakam and > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here > based > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 28, 2008 Namaste Prathibha and all, I have been reading all of these Chandi posts and loving them all. I have also been meaning to respond with what I do, and finally, when I read this post I knew I had to respond immediately! I have taken a ~2 year sankalpa to learn the Chandi. This is what I do: every day I begin with the Devata Pranam through the Shanti Path (the first 34 pages of the book). Then I chant the kavacam, athargala stotram and the kilakam. Then the devi suktam (although I have just switched to saving this for last, as I find it is a wonderful way to end the practice, esp. when I chant along with Maa's CD). And then, I begin with Chapter One, and every day I learn one new verse. I chant the sloka 108 times. The next day, I chant the next verse 108 times. I also chant all the verses I have already learned. So, for example, day 1 -- I chant verse one 108 times. Day 2, I chant verse one and then chant v2, 108 times. Day 3, I chant verses 1 & 2,and then chant v3, 108 times, etc. When I get to then end of the chapter I spend a week chanting that chapter straight through. I hope I am clear about this. Sometimes I follow along with the CD and sometimes not. Some verses are more difficult for me to pronounce than others, so I am happy to have Swamiji's very slow chanting so I can learn the correct pronunciation. Since there are 700 verses, 13 chapters, it will take just over two years to complete this. Yes, it is a long time, but I have to admit, i am loving the slowness of it. Also, whenever I am able to, I chant along via the webcam on Sundays. This is a wonderful way to practice what you have learned. I can definitely see the difference in my comfort with the slokas I have practiced and the ones still to come. Thank you everyone, for sharing yoru Chandi experiences. They have all inspired me. Every day I find I fall in love with Chandi just a little bit more. Every day I find I remember Her name for a few more seconds than the day before. We may all walk on this path at a different pace, with a different step, but we are ON the path... and that first step is the biggest ... May Maa Chandi bless you in all that you do. lovelove ambika , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74 wrote: > > Dear Gauri, > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > the Devi Kavacham. > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > Any thoughts on this? > > Thank you, > Jai Maa, > Prathibha > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more. > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > > stotram > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire > book > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > base - > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > Goddess > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > 1, next > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and > > i pray > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > but have > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > Kilakam and > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here > based > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 28, 2008 Dear Ambika, Thank you for this wonderful post! It is very inspiring to hear about your love and patience with learning the Chandi. I hope I can also be as patient and persevere. Your method comes across to me as a great technique to learn the Chandi thoroughly. It also seems to me that we have more time for absorption of a verse in the overall context of the Chandi. The technique you have employed seems to me like it guides the mind into gentle submission to the Chandi by virtue of a slower-paced learning process, ensuring steadiness in developing the sadhana. One question I had was do you also try to grasp the meaning along with the pronounciation when you try to learn a verse? Thank you once again for this great note, Jai Maa! Prathibha , " way131 " <wendy131 wrote: > > Namaste Prathibha and all, > > I have been reading all of these Chandi posts and loving them all. I > have also been meaning to respond with what I do, and finally, when I > read this post I knew I had to respond immediately! > > I have taken a ~2 year sankalpa to learn the Chandi. This is what I do: > every day I begin with the Devata Pranam through the Shanti Path (the > first 34 pages of the book). Then I chant the kavacam, athargala > stotram and the kilakam. Then the devi suktam (although I have just > switched to saving this for last, as I find it is a wonderful way to > end the practice, esp. when I chant along with Maa's CD). > And then, I begin with Chapter One, and every day I learn one new > verse. I chant the sloka 108 times. The next day, I chant the next > verse 108 times. > I also chant all the verses I have already learned. So, for example, > day 1 -- I chant verse one 108 times. Day 2, I chant verse one and > then chant v2, 108 times. Day 3, I chant verses 1 & 2,and then chant v3, > 108 times, etc. > > When I get to then end of the chapter I spend a week chanting that > chapter straight through. > > I hope I am clear about this. > > Sometimes I follow along with the CD and sometimes not. Some verses > are more difficult for me to pronounce than others, so I am happy to > have Swamiji's very slow chanting so I can learn the correct > pronunciation. > > Since there are 700 verses, 13 chapters, it will take just over two > years to complete this. Yes, it is a long time, but I have to admit, > i am loving the slowness of it. > > Also, whenever I am able to, I chant along via the webcam on Sundays. > This is a wonderful way to practice what you have learned. I can > definitely see the difference in my comfort with the slokas I have > practiced and the ones still to come. > > Thank you everyone, for sharing yoru Chandi experiences. They have all > inspired me. > Every day I find I fall in love with Chandi just a little bit more. > Every day I find I remember Her name for a few more seconds than the > day before. > We may all walk on this path at a different pace, with a different > step, but we are ON the path... and that first step is the biggest ... > > May Maa Chandi bless you in all that you do. > > lovelove > ambika > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Dear Gauri, > > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > > the Devi Kavacham. > > > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn > > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for > > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > > > Any thoughts on this? > > > > Thank you, > > Jai Maa, > > Prathibha > > > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take > > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more. > > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > > > stotram > > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire > > book > > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > > base - > > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > > Goddess > > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > > 1, next > > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the > chant is > > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and > > > i pray > > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > > but have > > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > > Kilakam and > > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here > > based > > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 28, 2008 Namaste' Prathibha... Swamiji once said that if you do a mala a day of the verses of the Chandi (ie 1st verse 1st day, 2nd verse second day, etc....) in a little less than two years you will have learned the entire Chandi! JAI MAA OM Shanti Morningsong , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74 wrote: > > Dear Gauri, > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > the Devi Kavacham. > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > Any thoughts on this? > > Thank you, > Jai Maa, > Prathibha > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to take > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant more. > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > > stotram > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire > book > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > base - > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > Goddess > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > 1, next > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the chant is > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you and > > i pray > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > but have > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > Kilakam and > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here > based > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 29, 2008 Dear Morningsong, Thanks for the info. The fact that Chandi is huge (700 verses)seems like a difficult goal " in my mind " to learning it, but breaking it into smaller parts will hopefully help me accomplish the whole, Maa and Swamiji willing! This has removed my mental block and I hope I make good progress. Thank you! Jai Maa!, Prathibha , " c_morningsong " <c_morningsong wrote: > > Namaste' Prathibha... > > Swamiji once said that if you do a mala a day of the verses of the > Chandi (ie 1st verse 1st day, 2nd verse second day, etc....) in a > little less than two years you will have learned the entire Chandi! > > JAI MAA > > OM Shanti > Morningsong > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Dear Gauri, > > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > > the Devi Kavacham. > > > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to > learn > > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day > for > > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > > > Any thoughts on this? > > > > Thank you, > > Jai Maa, > > Prathibha > > > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very > long > > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too > much. > > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her to > take > > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant > more. > > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have > to > > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, > athargala > > > stotram > > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the > entire > > book > > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > > base - > > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > > Goddess > > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > > 1, next > > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the > chant is > > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with you > and > > > i pray > > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > > but have > > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > > Kilakam and > > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from > here > > based > > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have > the > > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 29, 2008 Namaste Prathiba, I am glad to hear this post was helpful to you. One thing, this is not really my method -- it is a variation of Swamiji's suggested method to memorize the Chandi. I have heard Him say on more than one occasion that if you wanted to memorize the Chandi, do it one verse at a time/one verse per day. Memorizing is not my goal - pronunciation and understanding is... at this point. So to answer your question -- yes. I do read the English translation. Sometimes I read it beforehand, sometimes after, and sometimes I kind of read it simultaneously! The hard part is that sometimes a verse is only half of a sentence, so it doesn't make complete sense. But then, I read on!! Do persevere... With Maa and Swamiji at our back, giving blessings, we can succeed. It also makes it a lot easier to get up in the morning, especially during the cold, dark winter!! And if you miss a day, just keep moving on -- FYI -- if I miss a day, sometimes I do two slokas the following day (but sometimes not!!!) Good luck, and please feel free to share your experience here. We are all learning and loving this together. Also, if you have any other specific questions, you are welcome to email me offline, if you prefer. Jai Maa! ambika , " sharanam_lalitambike " <prats74 wrote: > > Dear Ambika, > Thank you for this wonderful post! It is very inspiring to hear about > your love and patience with learning the Chandi. I hope I can also be > as patient and persevere. > > Your method comes across to me as a great technique to learn the > Chandi thoroughly. It also seems to me that we have more time for > absorption of a verse in the overall context of the Chandi. The > technique you have employed seems to me like it guides the mind into > gentle submission to the Chandi by virtue of a slower-paced learning > process, ensuring steadiness in developing the sadhana. > > One question I had was do you also try to grasp the meaning along with > the pronounciation when you try to learn a verse? > > Thank you once again for this great note, > > Jai Maa! > Prathibha > > , " way131 " <wendy131@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Prathibha and all, > > > > I have been reading all of these Chandi posts and loving them all. I > > have also been meaning to respond with what I do, and finally, when I > > read this post I knew I had to respond immediately! > > > > I have taken a ~2 year sankalpa to learn the Chandi. This is what I do: > > every day I begin with the Devata Pranam through the Shanti Path (the > > first 34 pages of the book). Then I chant the kavacam, athargala > > stotram and the kilakam. Then the devi suktam (although I have just > > switched to saving this for last, as I find it is a wonderful way to > > end the practice, esp. when I chant along with Maa's CD). > > And then, I begin with Chapter One, and every day I learn one new > > verse. I chant the sloka 108 times. The next day, I chant the next > > verse 108 times. > > I also chant all the verses I have already learned. So, for example, > > day 1 -- I chant verse one 108 times. Day 2, I chant verse one and > > then chant v2, 108 times. Day 3, I chant verses 1 & 2,and then chant v3, > > 108 times, etc. > > > > When I get to then end of the chapter I spend a week chanting that > > chapter straight through. > > > > I hope I am clear about this. > > > > Sometimes I follow along with the CD and sometimes not. Some verses > > are more difficult for me to pronounce than others, so I am happy to > > have Swamiji's very slow chanting so I can learn the correct > > pronunciation. > > > > Since there are 700 verses, 13 chapters, it will take just over two > > years to complete this. Yes, it is a long time, but I have to admit, > > i am loving the slowness of it. > > > > Also, whenever I am able to, I chant along via the webcam on Sundays. > > This is a wonderful way to practice what you have learned. I can > > definitely see the difference in my comfort with the slokas I have > > practiced and the ones still to come. > > > > Thank you everyone, for sharing yoru Chandi experiences. They have all > > inspired me. > > Every day I find I fall in love with Chandi just a little bit more. > > Every day I find I remember Her name for a few more seconds than the > > day before. > > We may all walk on this path at a different pace, with a different > > step, but we are ON the path... and that first step is the biggest ... > > > > May Maa Chandi bless you in all that you do. > > > > lovelove > > ambika > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Gauri, > > > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > > > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > > > the Devi Kavacham. > > > > > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > > > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn > > > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for > > > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > > > > > Any thoughts on this? > > > > > > Thank you, > > > Jai Maa, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > > > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > > > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her > to take > > > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant > more. > > > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > > > > stotram > > > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire > > > book > > > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > > > base - > > > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > > > Goddess > > > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > > > 1, next > > > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the > > chant is > > > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with > you and > > > > i pray > > > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > <prats74@> > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > > > but have > > > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > > > Kilakam and > > > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here > > > based > > > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 29, 2008 Namaste Ambika,I appreciate your method of study. All of you are inspiring me to start the process of internalising the Chandi. It seems the truth that enduring knowledge is not gained without memorisation and memories are not formed without repeated application becomes more obvious. For instance, prior to a recent biochemistry exam, the professor had given us a sample midterm which seemed to demand detailed familiarization with both names, molecular structures of metabolic pathways, several of them, along with electron flow mechanisms of enzymes on their substrates. I was very scared, there was not enough time to memorize, but I memorized as much as I could staying up all night before the midterm, not having realised this level of detailed study was expected. I expected to fail the exam but decided I would cut my losses and learn the material for knowledge's sake itself. When I went to take the exam, I found that it was more lenient than the practice midterm, and I was able to answer a lot of questions, with a mixture of memorization and understanding. However I would have done better had I allocated sufficient time to thoroughly memorize everything. Somehow it is my belief that when we memorize we may not first understand everything but from memorization, we enable a strong foundation that leads to understanding. A child learns language by committing the words first to memory, and only by using those words repeatedly in sentences does their meaning become established. So I thank you for your post. It has helped me clarify my own learning process and has encouraged me to set a further goal to study the Chandi more deeply.Namaste!Jai Maa! Jai Swami!Ericway131 <wendy131 wrote: Namaste Prathiba, I am glad to hear this post was helpful to you. One thing, this is not really my method -- it is a variation of Swamiji's suggested method to memorize the Chandi. I have heard Him say on more than one occasion that if you wanted to memorize the Chandi, do it one verse at a time/one verse per day. Memorizing is not my goal - pronunciation and understanding is... at this point. So to answer your question -- yes. I do read the English translation. Sometimes I read it beforehand, sometimes after, and sometimes I kind of read it simultaneously! The hard part is that sometimes a verse is only half of a sentence, so it doesn't make complete sense. But then, I read on!! Do persevere... With Maa and Swamiji at our back, giving blessings, we can succeed. It also makes it a lot easier to get up in the morning, especially during the cold, dark winter!! And if you miss a day, just keep moving on -- FYI -- if I miss a day, sometimes I do two slokas the following day (but sometimes not!!!) Good luck, and please feel free to share your experience here. We are all learning and loving this together. Also, if you have any other specific questions, you are welcome to email me offline, if you prefer. Jai Maa! ambika , "sharanam_lalitambike" <prats74 wrote: > > Dear Ambika, > Thank you for this wonderful post! It is very inspiring to hear about > your love and patience with learning the Chandi. I hope I can also be > as patient and persevere. > > Your method comes across to me as a great technique to learn the > Chandi thoroughly. It also seems to me that we have more time for > absorption of a verse in the overall context of the Chandi. The > technique you have employed seems to me like it guides the mind into > gentle submission to the Chandi by virtue of a slower-paced learning > process, ensuring steadiness in developing the sadhana. > > One question I had was do you also try to grasp the meaning along with > the pronounciation when you try to learn a verse? > > Thank you once again for this great note, > > Jai Maa! > Prathibha > > , "way131" <wendy131@> wrote: > > > > Namaste Prathibha and all, > > > > I have been reading all of these Chandi posts and loving them all. I > > have also been meaning to respond with what I do, and finally, when I > > read this post I knew I had to respond immediately! > > > > I have taken a ~2 year sankalpa to learn the Chandi. This is what I do: > > every day I begin with the Devata Pranam through the Shanti Path (the > > first 34 pages of the book). Then I chant the kavacam, athargala > > stotram and the kilakam. Then the devi suktam (although I have just > > switched to saving this for last, as I find it is a wonderful way to > > end the practice, esp. when I chant along with Maa's CD). > > And then, I begin with Chapter One, and every day I learn one new > > verse. I chant the sloka 108 times. The next day, I chant the next > > verse 108 times. > > I also chant all the verses I have already learned. So, for example, > > day 1 -- I chant verse one 108 times. Day 2, I chant verse one and > > then chant v2, 108 times. Day 3, I chant verses 1 & 2,and then chant v3, > > 108 times, etc. > > > > When I get to then end of the chapter I spend a week chanting that > > chapter straight through. > > > > I hope I am clear about this. > > > > Sometimes I follow along with the CD and sometimes not. Some verses > > are more difficult for me to pronounce than others, so I am happy to > > have Swamiji's very slow chanting so I can learn the correct > > pronunciation. > > > > Since there are 700 verses, 13 chapters, it will take just over two > > years to complete this. Yes, it is a long time, but I have to admit, > > i am loving the slowness of it. > > > > Also, whenever I am able to, I chant along via the webcam on Sundays. > > This is a wonderful way to practice what you have learned. I can > > definitely see the difference in my comfort with the slokas I have > > practiced and the ones still to come. > > > > Thank you everyone, for sharing yoru Chandi experiences. They have all > > inspired me. > > Every day I find I fall in love with Chandi just a little bit more. > > Every day I find I remember Her name for a few more seconds than the > > day before. > > We may all walk on this path at a different pace, with a different > > step, but we are ON the path... and that first step is the biggest ... > > > > May Maa Chandi bless you in all that you do. > > > > lovelove > > ambika > > > > > > , "sharanam_lalitambike" > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Gauri, > > > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > > > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > > > the Devi Kavacham. > > > > > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > > > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to learn > > > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a day for > > > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > > > > > Any thoughts on this? > > > > > > Thank you, > > > Jai Maa, > > > Prathibha > > > > > > , "gauri_108" <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very long > > > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too much. > > > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her > to take > > > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant > more. > > > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > > > > > , "sharanam_lalitambike" > > > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I have to > > > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > , "kaliananda_saraswati" > > > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, athargala > > > > stotram > > > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the entire > > > book > > > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > > > base - > > > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > > > Goddess > > > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > > > 1, next > > > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the > > chant is > > > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with > you and > > > > i pray > > > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , "sharanam_lalitambike" > > > <prats74@> > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > > > but have > > > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > > > Kilakam and > > > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed from here > > > based > > > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can have the > > > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 29, 2008 Dear Ambika, Thank you for clarifying. Jai Maa, Jai Swamiji! Their love for us is immeasurable and boundless. Thank you Maa and Swamiji for being in our lives and enriching it with your presence. Jai Maa, Prathibha , " way131 " <wendy131 wrote: > > Namaste Prathiba, > > I am glad to hear this post was helpful to you. > > One thing, this is not really my method -- it is a variation of > Swamiji's suggested method to memorize the Chandi. I have heard Him > say on more than one occasion that if you wanted to memorize the > Chandi, do it one verse at a time/one verse per day. Memorizing is not > my goal - pronunciation and understanding is... at this point. > > So to answer your question -- yes. I do read the English translation. > Sometimes I read it beforehand, sometimes after, and sometimes I kind > of read it simultaneously! The hard part is that sometimes a verse is > only half of a sentence, so it doesn't make complete sense. But then, > I read on!! > > Do persevere... With Maa and Swamiji at our back, giving blessings, we > can succeed. It also makes it a lot easier to get up in the morning, > especially during the cold, dark winter!! > And if you miss a day, just keep moving on -- FYI -- if I miss a day, > sometimes I do two slokas the following day (but sometimes not!!!) > > Good luck, and please feel free to share your experience here. We are > all learning and loving this together. Also, if you have any other > specific questions, you are welcome to email me offline, if you prefer. > > Jai Maa! > > ambika > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > Dear Ambika, > > Thank you for this wonderful post! It is very inspiring to hear about > > your love and patience with learning the Chandi. I hope I can also be > > as patient and persevere. > > > > Your method comes across to me as a great technique to learn the > > Chandi thoroughly. It also seems to me that we have more time for > > absorption of a verse in the overall context of the Chandi. The > > technique you have employed seems to me like it guides the mind into > > gentle submission to the Chandi by virtue of a slower-paced learning > > process, ensuring steadiness in developing the sadhana. > > > > One question I had was do you also try to grasp the meaning along with > > the pronounciation when you try to learn a verse? > > > > Thank you once again for this great note, > > > > Jai Maa! > > Prathibha > > > > , " way131 " <wendy131@> wrote: > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha and all, > > > > > > I have been reading all of these Chandi posts and loving them all. I > > > have also been meaning to respond with what I do, and finally, when I > > > read this post I knew I had to respond immediately! > > > > > > I have taken a ~2 year sankalpa to learn the Chandi. This is what > I do: > > > every day I begin with the Devata Pranam through the Shanti Path (the > > > first 34 pages of the book). Then I chant the kavacam, athargala > > > stotram and the kilakam. Then the devi suktam (although I have just > > > switched to saving this for last, as I find it is a wonderful way to > > > end the practice, esp. when I chant along with Maa's CD). > > > And then, I begin with Chapter One, and every day I learn one new > > > verse. I chant the sloka 108 times. The next day, I chant the next > > > verse 108 times. > > > I also chant all the verses I have already learned. So, for example, > > > day 1 -- I chant verse one 108 times. Day 2, I chant verse one and > > > then chant v2, 108 times. Day 3, I chant verses 1 & 2,and then chant v3, > > > 108 times, etc. > > > > > > When I get to then end of the chapter I spend a week chanting that > > > chapter straight through. > > > > > > I hope I am clear about this. > > > > > > Sometimes I follow along with the CD and sometimes not. Some verses > > > are more difficult for me to pronounce than others, so I am happy to > > > have Swamiji's very slow chanting so I can learn the correct > > > pronunciation. > > > > > > Since there are 700 verses, 13 chapters, it will take just over two > > > years to complete this. Yes, it is a long time, but I have to admit, > > > i am loving the slowness of it. > > > > > > Also, whenever I am able to, I chant along via the webcam on Sundays. > > > This is a wonderful way to practice what you have learned. I can > > > definitely see the difference in my comfort with the slokas I have > > > practiced and the ones still to come. > > > > > > Thank you everyone, for sharing yoru Chandi experiences. They have all > > > inspired me. > > > Every day I find I fall in love with Chandi just a little bit more. > > > Every day I find I remember Her name for a few more seconds than the > > > day before. > > > We may all walk on this path at a different pace, with a different > > > step, but we are ON the path... and that first step is the biggest ... > > > > > > May Maa Chandi bless you in all that you do. > > > > > > lovelove > > > ambika > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Gauri, > > > > Thanks for your response. I used to do that once but yes, I admit my > > > > mind took over and I stopped that as well:)I will try to start from > > > > the Devi Kavacham. > > > > > > > > Another thought I wanted to share with the family is that I had a > > > > discussion with Prasana. We thought it might probably help us to > learn > > > > the Chandi if we take a sankalpa to read one or two shlokas a > day for > > > > this entire year between chapters 1 through 13. > > > > > > > > Any thoughts on this? > > > > > > > > Thank you, > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > , " gauri_108 " <gauri_108@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > dear Pratibha, > > > > > > > > > > i say just chant the kavach every day. it shouldn't take very > long > > > > > and you can do it before the mind has a chance to protest too > much. > > > > > By installing the Goddesses all over our body, we energize Her > > to take > > > > > things over...eventually She will give you the strength to chant > > more. > > > > > She just want us to do much as we can ! > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > > > <prats74@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Kaliananda, > > > > > > Thank you for sharing this with me. I even tried the joining the > > > > > > Chandi Sankalpa for a while but couldnt keep up. I guess I > have to > > > > > > keep persevering. > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > , " kaliananda_saraswati " > > > > > > <kaliananda_saraswati@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Prathibha, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For a very long time i was offering daily the kavacam, > athargala > > > > > stotram > > > > > > > kilakam, ksama prathana, 32 Names, siddha kunjika strotram and > > > > > > > bhagavatistutih. Now i do the best possible to offer the > entire > > > > book > > > > > > > over a 7 day period commencing each day with pgs 14 to 37 as a > > > > base - > > > > > > > the first evening the offering ends at Highest meaning of the > > > > Goddess > > > > > > > (106) : 2nd evening base pages plus Narvana Vidhih and episode > > > > 1, next > > > > > > > base and episode two etc. until the end and start again. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > At times it is a fight with the mind and will but after the > > > chant is > > > > > > > feels really good. I am sure that others will share with > > you and > > > > > i pray > > > > > > > that you will find some method that works for you. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > May Chandi Maa bless your effort and desire. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > , " sharanam_lalitambike " > > > > <prats74@> > > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Namaste Dear Family, > > > > > > > > I have tried to begin learning the Chandi a couple of times > > > > but have > > > > > > > > given up somewhere along the way. I have been stopped at > > > > Kilakam and > > > > > > > > not progressed after that. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Can you please give me pointers on how I can proceed > from here > > > > based > > > > > > > > on your experiences with learning the Chandi? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Shree Maa and Swamiji, please grace us so we can > have the > > > > > > > > privilege of reciting the Chandi and pleasing the Goddess. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jai Maa, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Regards, > > > > > > > > Prathibha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted May 30, 2008 Hi Eric Memorizing Chandi, for me, feels like waaaay too daunting a task at this point. Perhaps one day it will begin to happen. I will say that one thing that IS happening (which my brothers and sisters at the Devi Mandir told me would happen) is that I am getting muscle memory in my mouth. That is, sometimes the words just come out of my mouth and I have barely used my eyes to read them on the page. It feels so good when that happens -- just easy and natural. I hope you are listening to Swamiji's classes on the Chandi Path. You can get to them from the website (scroll down to the videos link). They will certainly inspire you. Listening to Swamiji talk about the Chandi Path is absolutely heart opening -- you will have no choice but to sit up straight and start chanting!!! Jai Maa! lovelove ambika , Eric Cassils <Quanchula1 wrote: > > Namaste Ambika, > > I appreciate your method of study. All of you are inspiring me to start the process of internalising the Chandi. It seems the truth that enduring knowledge is not gained without memorisation and memories are not formed without repeated application becomes more obvious. For instance, prior to a recent biochemistry exam, the professor had given us a sample midterm which seemed to demand detailed familiarization with both names, molecular structures of metabolic pathways, several of them, along with electron flow mechanisms of enzymes on their substrates. I was very scared, there was not enough time to memorize, but I memorized as much as I could staying up all night before the midterm, not having realised this level of detailed study was expected. I expected to fail the exam but decided I would cut my losses and learn the material for knowledge's sake itself. When I went to take the exam, I found that it was more lenient than the practice midterm, and I was able to answer a > lot of questions, with a mixture of memorization and understanding. However I would have done better had I allocated sufficient time to thoroughly memorize everything. Somehow it is my belief that when we memorize we may not first understand everything but from memorization, we enable a strong foundation that leads to understanding. A child learns language by committing the words first to memory, and only by using those words repeatedly in sentences does their meaning become established. So I thank you for your post. It has helped me clarify my own learning process and has encouraged me to set a further goal to study the Chandi more deeply. > > Namaste! > Jai Maa! Jai Swami! > Eric > > way131 <wendy131 wrote: Namaste Prathiba, > > I am glad to hear this post was helpful to you. > > One thing, this is not really my method -- it is a variation of > Swamiji's suggested method to memorize the Chandi. I have heard Him > say on more than one occasion that if you wanted to memorize the > Chandi, do it one verse at a time/one verse per day. Memorizing is not > my goal - pronunciation and understanding is... at this point. > > So to answer your question -- yes. I do read the English translation. > Sometimes I read it beforehand, sometimes after, and sometimes I kind > of read it simultaneously! The hard part is that sometimes a verse is > only half of a sentence, so it doesn't make complete sense. But then, > I read on!! > > Do persevere... With Maa and Swamiji at our back, giving blessings, we > can succeed. It also makes it a lot easier to get up in the morning, > especially during the cold, dark winter!! > And if you miss a day, just keep moving on -- FYI -- if I miss a day, > sometimes I do two slokas the following day (but sometimes not!!!) > > Good luck, and please feel free to share your experience here. We are > all learning and loving this together. Also, if you have any other > specific questions, you are welcome to email me offline, if you prefer. > > Jai Maa! > > ambika Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
