A question for the group - Short Intensive Sadhana or Long non-intensive one

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your input.

 

There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

 

You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back burner

and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

 

And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

time .

 

Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

 

 

That is the background and now here are the questions

1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp" like

sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any dangers

to this approach?

2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit to

this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep sadhana

fresh and interesting ?

 

 

OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

inspiring responses.

 

JAI MAA

Nanda

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa,

Here is my 2 cents worth....

1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term

intensive bootcamp" like sadhana? Is there even any

benefit to doing so? Are there any dangers

to this approach?

I think with Gurujis and only Gurujis blessings and

instructions, a "short term intensive bootcamp" like

sadhana will be beneficial and should not have any

danger.

 

2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana

which gets predictable/repetitive and sometimes

boring". Is there any benefit to this approach ? Are

there any dangers to look out for ?

I think that even if it gets predictable, boring

etc... one should consistently do a sadhna the reason

being I have been told that knowingly or unknowingly

if you perform any action, you still get a reaction.

And doing sadhna is a good action. About any

dangers... I also, would like to hear from others.

 

3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached

to keep sadhana fresh and interesting ?

I also, would like to hear from others.

 

Jai Maa

Bharat Patel

 

 

 

 

=====

With Best Regards

[Guest guest]

It saddens me that you feel that long term sadhana gets

predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring. Have you ever sat with

Swamiji while he did Cosmic Puja? He brings the same concentration,

devotion and passion each time he does it.

I spent several years doing the same sadhana each day. The core was

the Shiva Puja Beginner in the morning and the Durga Puja Beginner in

the evening. Then I would read about Ramakrishna and the Holy Mother

and their disciples. On weekends I would devote myself to the longer

works: Chandi Path, the Cosmic Puja, the Guru Gita, the Lalita

Trishati Stotram, Kali Puja, the Sahasranams. And whenever possible,

japa and songs.

Each time I sat in front of my altar I would feel the same joyful

anticipation. I was blessed with the privilege of worship, of

sitting in the presence of God. I loved getting all the offerings

together. Finding beautiful flowers. It was all an act of love with

the attitude of gratitude.

I have found the forum’s short term intensives to be helpful.

They have given me new energy to focus on my sadhana. But for me, the

regular sadhana is the foundation upon which the rest is built.

May everyone find the sadhana that suits their spiritual growth best.

Pray to Divine Mother to show you the way. Don’t give up. Give

it your best effort each day.

Love and blessings,

Ardis

on 1/23/05 9:20 AM, Nanda at chandimaakijai wrote:

Dear All,

Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your input.

There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back burner

and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

time .

Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

That is the background and now here are the questions

1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp" like

sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any dangers

to this approach?

2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit to

this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep sadhana

fresh and interesting ?

OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

inspiring responses.

JAI MAA

Nanda

/

<?subject=Un>

Terms of Service

<> .

[Guest guest]

Ask yourself, "What is the purpose of my Sadhana? What is my goal for my

Sadhana?"

 

Then open yourself to the honest answers. What ever desire is there, is

real and should be explored. No matter what the desire is, allow the act

of exploring it be the sadhana. If the desire is to know more of God,

then read scriptures, explore what others have written about Her.

 

If you wish to experience Her then use that desire to sit in meditation,

sit at the Fire, or sing praises to Her and Her likeness.

 

If you desire worldly experience, or worldly objects then accept that

its okay to have those desires and explore those desires with Her in

heart and mind. There is no right or wrong from Her perspective. She

does not judge you as minds may. She only asks that you accept the

consequences of your actions and love Her as She loves you.

 

If you desire to desire Her more than the world (even though you

acknowledge you desire the world more than Her), then explore those

feelings by reading the Chandi in English and REALIZE that Chandi is the

method, the process, and the energy by which thoughts, desires,

samskaras, and attachments are purified for us.

 

The mind enjoys making rules, following them and breaking them.

Consciousness has no rules, She always knows the right thing. Its only

the mind that disputes Her truth.

 

You only need to follow rules and a path to goddess if you believe in

those rules and path. You can achieve those goals by working within

those rules, or you can just sit and watch the stillness or the mind.

The stillness is Her and you can feel and see that. Or when you watch

the mind and its thoughts, You are the Goddess. At any rate once the

duality is seen, the bridge is built and the connection made.

 

There are no correct or incorrect ways to worship Her. Just Worship Her.

The idea that short intense is different from long not so intense comes

from a moody mind and holds no real meaning.

 

She is always there. You are always there. The mind isn't real or there.

 

Namaste Bhendevi.

 

Nanda wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back burner

> and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp" like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

>

>

>

------

> * Links*

>

> *

> /

>

> *

>

> <?subject=Un>

>

> * Terms of

> Service <>.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Nanda,

Interesting questions...and I think some of the answers change as the

length of time doing sadhana goes on. I now equate the boredom you

speak of with the noise of the mind. Just one more tricky devise of

the ego to not let go. And as the years have gone and I face what is

left of my life I am struck with how little I have changed and can

only blame my own irregularity

in my sadhana for that.

I do think there is great benefit of a short term intensive bootcamp if

it inspires you to continue a regular practice.

The benefits of a regular practice are the growth , change and ability

to actually reach the goal.

And I suppose that I am starting to see that the path and goal are not

mutally exclusive.

Jai Maa

Grace

 

On 24/01/2005, at 4:20 AM, Nanda wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your

> input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back burner

> and focus  on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp" like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

>

>

>

>

Links

>

> •

> /

>  

> •

>

>  

> • Terms of

> Service.

>

>

Attachment: (text/enriched) [not stored]

[Guest guest]

everything we do requires thought and care.

 

so even boredom becomes some sort of problem to be solved. like one's

knees hurting, not having enough time. etc.

 

little things can be done. like having the devotions in another place,

etc. eat outside. small things to vary the day but not break the

commitment.

 

i believe both the intensives and daily regular practice are good.

ideally we can go slow and steady but some of us have to burn up the

mat.

 

god doesn't care how we get there, as long as we do it with love and

devotion.

 

you could say, devotion requires regularity. and that is probably the

best kind. i wouldn't like my wife to be devoted only on days she

feels very ardent and on other days be aloof or cold.

 

 

 

, "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your

input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

burner

> and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit

to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

[Guest guest]

the boredom, yes, that is what one might call it, but what is it

really?

 

it is a form of frustration, the mind is not yet focussed.

 

there are many forms of this. we all have our own kind of obstacles.

 

the boredom then has to be more or less faced. eventually, hopefully,

we get in tune and it fades away. fusion of mind is a consequence and

somewhat of a reward of your practice.

 

we all have our struggles. swamiji said in an e-mail to me: it is a

constant battle. in this case nanda-warrior has the demon of boredom

to clobber with her pike.

 

we have the fabrications of mind. we have what IS. between these 2

there is friction. this is what we have been given.

 

wield thy weapon in your steady hand of practice nanda and this demon

too will fall!!!!!! jai nanda! honor to your good works -- light will

dawn soon, actually, it dawns every day!

 

 

 

 

, Grace Green <gmgreen108@w...>

wrote:

> Dear Nanda,

> Interesting questions...and I think some of the answers change as

the

> length of time doing sadhana goes on. I now equate the boredom you

> speak of with the noise of the mind. Just one more tricky devise

of

> the ego to not let go. And as the years have gone and I face what

is

> left of my life I am struck with how little I have changed and can

> only blame my own irregularity

> in my sadhana for that.

> I do think there is great benefit of a short term intensive

bootcamp if

> it inspires you to continue a regular practice.

> The benefits of a regular practice are the growth , change and

ability

> to actually reach the goal.

> And I suppose that I am starting to see that the path and goal are

not

> mutally exclusive.

> Jai Maa

> Grace

>

> On 24/01/2005, at 4:20 AM, Nanda wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > Dear All,

> >

> > Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get

your

> > input.

> >

> > There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> > ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month

....maybe

> > even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

> >

> > You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

burner

> > and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

> >

> > And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks

at a

> > time .

> >

> > Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a

minimum I

> > would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> > regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really

excited

> > about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

> >

> >

> > That is the background and now here are the questions

> > 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

like

> > sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

dangers

> > to this approach?

> > 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> > predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any

benefit to

> > this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> > 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

sadhana

> > fresh and interesting ?

> >

> >

> > OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> > inspiring responses.

> >

> > JAI MAA

> > Nanda

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Links

> >

> > •

> > /

> >

> > •

> >

> >

> > • Terms

of

> > Service.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

, "Steve Connor" <sconnor@a...>

wrote: "you could say, devotion requires regularity. and that is

probably the best kind. i wouldn't like my wife to be devoted only on

days she feels very ardent and on other days be aloof or cold."

 

Steve! My Pranams! That is sooooo good! WOW!! That says it all!

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Ramakrishna Deva!

muktimaa

[Guest guest]

These are my answers :

1) I think each and every sadhana is good, but the short sadhana has a

danger : we are focusing in the goal, not in the path, so we can to

be disappoint, we can think this sadhana is not working . Swamiji

explain in the book Before becoming this p 146, something about this.

 

2) I think this sadhana is ok, if we understand he is the way to God,

and we enjoy the process. but he has a danger too: when we doing the

sadhana without love, only because is obligatory .

 

3) The way is fall in love with our Gurudeva and our Istha deva. In

this book p 134 Maa tell us about How we can feel love

 

Jai Maa!

With love Kalachandra

 

Nanda <chandimaakijai > wrote:

Dear All,Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and

get your input.There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana

that I feelready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month

....maybeeven a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.You know, the

dream of - let me put everything else on the back burnerand focus on

REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.And I have done some intensive

sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at atime .Then there is a question

of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum Iwould do a mala or chant

or puja everyday. And sometimes withregularity, comes boredom - a

feeling that I am not really excitedabout my spiritual sadhana on a

daily basis.That is the background and now here are the questions1)

What is the benefit of doing a "short term

intensive bootcamp" likesadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing

so? Are there any dangersto this approach?2) What is the benefit to

doing a "long term sadhana which getspredictable/repetitive and

sometimes boring". Is there any benefit tothis approach ? Are there

any dangers to look out for ?3) Is there a way that we can combine

both approached to keep sadhanafresh and interesting ?OK dear all - I

look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,inspiring

responses.JAI MAANandaKalacandra dd

Acesso Grátis - Internet rápida e grátis. Instale o discador do agora.

[Guest guest]

You are so sweet, querida Kalachandra! Thanks for your references (the scholar at work!).

Most of all, thank you for #3, the reminder to fall in love with our Gurudeva and our Isthadeva.

Jai Maa Jai Swamiji Jai Ramakrishna Jai Sarada Devi

on 1/23/05 2:25 PM, Kala Chandra at kalachandra2003 .br wrote:

Dear Nanda

These are my answers :

1) I think each and every sadhana is good, but the short sadhana has a

danger : we are focusing in the goal, not in the path, so we can to

be disappoint, we can think this sadhana is not working . Swamiji

explain in the book Before becoming this p 146, something about this.

2) I think this sadhana is ok, if we understand he is the way to God,

and we enjoy the process. but he has a danger too: when we doing the

sadhana without love, only because is obligatory .

3) The way is fall in love with our Gurudeva and our Istha deva. In

this book p 134 Maa tell us about How we can feel love

Jai Maa!

With love Kalachandra

Nanda <chandimaakijai > wrote:

Dear All,

Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your input.

There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back burner

and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

time .

Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

That is the background and now here are the questions

1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp" like

sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any dangers

to this approach?

2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit to

this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep sadhana

fresh and interesting ?

OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

inspiring responses.

JAI MAA

Nanda

Kalacandra dd

Acesso Grátis

<http://br.rd./mail/taglines/*http://br.acesso./>

- Internet rápida e grátis. Instale o discador do agora.

/

<?subject=Un>

Terms of Service

<> .

[Guest guest]

Your question is great food for thought and it takes the mind back to

our Chandi discussion of the atha kilakam -

 

no mantro nausadham tatra na kincidapi vidyate|

vina japyena siddhyeta sarvam uccatanadikam||

 

There is no mantra, no medicine, nor anything else known, by which

indifference to all can be attained without repeated application.

With the above in view the continuous sadhana is the one I would

choose. The intensity of the sadhana is up to the individual but

Gurujis always say, add five minutes each month.

The short intensive sadhana seems somewhat like a clinical love affair.

Is it possible for you to discuss this with Swami and get his advice?

For you to ask these questions mean that you are worried about it and

want to do better but that ego is a tricky one and makes us prolong

detachment in many ways.

 

I bow to you stark honesty.

May Divine Mother continue to bless you.

 

Kalia

 

Nanda <chandimaakijai > wrote:

Dear All,Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and

get your input.There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana

that I feelready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month

....maybeeven a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.You know, the

dream of - let me put everything else on the back burnerand focus on

REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.And I have done some intensive

sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at atime .Then there is a question

of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum Iwould do a mala or chant

or puja everyday. And sometimes withregularity, comes boredom - a

feeling that I am not really excitedabout my spiritual sadhana on a

daily basis.That is the background and now here are the questions1)

What is the benefit of doing a "short term

intensive bootcamp" likesadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing

so? Are there any dangersto this approach?2) What is the benefit to

doing a "long term sadhana which getspredictable/repetitive and

sometimes boring". Is there any benefit tothis approach ? Are there

any dangers to look out for ?3) Is there a way that we can combine

both approached to keep sadhanafresh and interesting ?OK dear all - I

look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,inspiring

responses.JAI MAANanda

Meet the all-new My – Try it today!

[Guest guest]

Dear Nanda,

As always... thank you for your rich sharing here on the Forum.

 

A while back (just before you told us of your new name from Maa) you

shared a dialogue with Nisargadatta Maharaj where he addressed this

somewhat:

NM: No need of faith which is but expectation of results. Here the

action only counts. Whatever you do for the sake of truth will

lead you to the truth. Only be earnest and honest. The shape it takes

hardly matters.

Q: Unbelievable! How can dull repetition in boredom verging on

despair, be effective ?

NM: The very facts of repetition, of struggling on and on and of

endurance and perseverance, in spite of boredom and despair and

complete lack of conviction are really crucial. The are not

important by themselves, but the sincerity behind them is all-

important. There must be a push from within and pull from without.

 

I think that we need both of them: the steady, daily sadhana with

its continuation right through the boredom and other difficulties;

and the intensive retreat times. If there neede dto be a choice, I

lean toward the regular daily as the most important and valuable.

Yet we often come to new levels when we go through those intensive

retreat times. Fortuanately there isn't an either/or situation

here. We can do both. And should. If you sit at the shore and watch

the waves you will note that there is a time when some really big

ones come through, but at other times they are milder. So I have

found that these big waves of intensive sadhana roll in and through

me, too. I welcome that and look forward to it. I see others who do

more or less of this kind of practice and try not to judge myself by

that (Self-conceit and Self-deprecation... those nasty guys), but,

as Patanjali Maharaj has told us, to take delight whenever I come

upon the virtuous. Then it is an inspiration rather than a

discouragement.

Now are there any tips on how to blend them in a way that will

minimize those times of boredom and discouragement?... Again,

something from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Pratipaksha Bhavana. There

are two sides to Pratipaksha Bhavana. One is to replace negative

thoughts with positive ones, while the other is to analyze where the

negative ones take you - always resulting in pain. Now I have found

that this is a practice that only can be used when there is a

pattern of thought that you have identified. Then you can be ready

when it pops up in your mind and have a replacement thought all set

to go. In this case, as soon as we began to have thoughts of boredom

or discouragement about our daily sadhana, we could replace it with

a thought such as: "This sadhana is my lifeline to my very Self. The

discouragement is just my lower natures being burned away.Jai Maa.

jai Maa." And then keep up your practice. If you really brought this

new, ready-prepared thought to mind when ever the other thoughts

arose, those negative thought would soon stop coming. The other part

of Pratipaksha Bhavana is very useful, too. Take a good look at

where entertaining these negative thoughts take you. it makes it

easier to catch them and be ready for them. We really do have the

capacity to direct our mind.

 

Again, thanks for bringing this to the Forum.

love always,

jayadeva

 

 

, "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get

your input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

burner

> and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at

a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum

I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit

to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

[Guest guest]

Dear Jayadev thank you for all of what you shared. I have picked out

the parts that spoke to me especially.

I think that we need both of them: the steady, daily sadhana with

its continuation right through the boredom and other difficulties;

and the intensive retreat times. If there neede dto be a choice, I

lean toward the regular daily as the most important and valuable.

Yet we often come to new levels when we go through those intensive

retreat times. Fortuanately there isn't an either/or situation

here. We can do both. And should. If you sit at the shore and watch

the waves you will note that there is a time when some really big

ones come through, but at other times they are milder. So I have

found that these big waves of intensive sadhana roll in and through

me, too. I welcome that and look forward to it.

I see others who do more or less of this kind of practice and try not to judge myself by

that (Self-conceit and Self-deprecation... those nasty guys), but,

as Patanjali Maharaj has told us, to take delight whenever I come

upon the virtuous. Then it is an inspiration rather than a

discouragement.

"This sadhana is my lifeline to my very Self. The

discouragement is just my lower natures being burned away.

Jai Maa. jai Maa."

[Guest guest]

jai jai jai.

 

i think what ardis is saying is important. i agree it is not

either/or.

 

a big push then NO sadhana is probably not a great idea.

 

but regular sadhana then an acceleration is sometimes the thing to do.

the devotee's passion gets more focussed, or some opportunity in life,

like a break, arises to concentrate.

 

we all need to do what we can do. swamiji and shree maa advocate the

regular practice. this no doubt makes for a more stabilized

well-rounded individual. one that can express his or her freedom in

all aspects of life. the spirituality is more fully grounded.

 

some people are like bees, maybe they burn out but they fly straight

to the source. that kind of practice too has its place.

 

shree maa and swamiji demonstrate integration of spirituality in life.

that is how i see it. regularity of practice is key to this, it is

bringing all of one's life to god. we don't see much of that here [in

the secular west.] so they are saying, here is another way, where the

altar is in the center of the home, it is the best room, we visit it

every day, it is the most important part of our lives.

 

actually, if you think about it, just one day of the guru's practice

would probably equal an "intensive" type sadhana for most of us ...

iow, almost impossible to sustain ... it's all relative.

 

so what are we left with? the guru's say "do something every day." so

then that's the best thing to do, if one has a faith in their

teachings. but to interpret that to mean, avoid strenuous pushes to

the ultimate, i think that would be an error. because that in itself

can extend capacity, so what is a big push today, might become the

regular practice for tomorrow.

 

, Ardis Jackson <ardis1@v...> wrote:

> > Dear Jayadev thank you for all of what you shared. I have picked

out the parts

> > that spoke to me especially.

> >

> > I think that we need both of them: the steady, daily sadhana with

> > its continuation right through the boredom and other difficulties;

> > and the intensive retreat times. If there neede dto be a choice, I

> > lean toward the regular daily as the most important and valuable.

> > Yet we often come to new levels when we go through those intensive

> > retreat times. Fortuanately there isn't an either/or situation

> > here. We can do both. And should. If you sit at the shore and

watch

> > the waves you will note that there is a time when some really big

> > ones come through, but at other times they are milder. So I have

> > found that these big waves of intensive sadhana roll in and

through

> > me, too. I welcome that and look forward to it.

> >

> > I see others who do more or less of this kind of practice and try

not to judge

> > myself by

> > that (Self-conceit and Self-deprecation... those nasty guys), but,

> > as Patanjali Maharaj has told us, to take delight whenever I come

> > upon the virtuous. Then it is an inspiration rather than a

> > discouragement.

> >

> > "This sadhana is my lifeline to my very Self. The

> > discouragement is just my lower natures being burned away.

> > Jai Maa. jai Maa."

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa, Nandaji and our beloved family,

i thought i would remind everyone what Swamiji answered in the FAQ in

regards to how we can stay inspired with our Sankalpa/Sadhana.

Swamiji said when asked that question:

 

"In the Ramayana there are nine steps of Devotion explained:

 

1. Associate with saintly people

 

2. Enjoy stories of divinity and divinely inspired beings

 

3. Feel the privilege to perform selfless service as an expression of

love

 

4. Sing of divine qualities or characteristics without any selfish

motivation

 

5. Recite mantras with full faith

 

6. Perform all actions with tranquility, and see every circumstance

as an opportunity to manifest perfection

 

7. See the world as equal to God, and regard the company of saintly

beings as a greater opportunity than the perception of God

 

8. Be satisfied with whatever we receive as the fruit of our actions,

and do not contemplate the faults of others

 

9. Remain with simplicity all the time, renounce conniving for

selfish ends, and take delight in faith in God with neither

exultation nor unhappiness

 

These are the nine steps of devotion.

 

Try these in order to keep your inspiration alive"

 

This is Truly THE DIVINE RECIPE that has worked for sincere seekers

throughout the ages.

Love! Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Ramakrishna Deva!

 

muktimaa

 

 

 

, "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get your

input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

burner

> and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit

to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

[Guest guest]

To my mind, sadhana is very subjective and our Dharma gives wide

freedom for doing the same. Each individual has to determine what

suits him/her best or he/she must follow implicitly what Guru

advises. In general one starts on this journey of finding oneself

with a short but regular practice every day. It is important to make

it a habit. Mind will then automatically practice it. With practice

love for it will also grow. As soul advances on this journey, desire

to do more and progress faster will arise from within. That is the

time when one would like to do intensive Sadhana for some time.

Continuous intensive sadhana is possible only for advanced souls.

Desire for intensive sadhana, when comes from within will help

overcome all obstructions in the path. It is only when our this

desire is lukewarm problems like boredom etc arise. Sri Ramakrishna

used to advise his householder bhaktas to do regular sadhana daily

at the same time and occasionally go on retreat for intensive

sadhana for some days/weeks. His advise to young (potential sadhus)

was of course different. There can not be a better advise than what

God Himself gives.

Chetan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get

your input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

burner

> and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at

a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum

I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit

to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda

[Guest guest]

, "cvmerani" <cvmerani@r...> wrote:

>

"It is only when our desire is lukewarm problems like boredom etc.

arise. Sri Ramakrishna used to advise his householder bhaktas to do

regular sadhana daily,

at the same time and occasionally go on retreat for intensive

sadhana for some days/weeks. His advise to young (potential sadhus)

was of course different. There can not be a better advise than what

God Himself gives."

 

Jai Maa, Chetan!

Thank-you so very much for this sweet Wisdom Nectar flowing from the

Divine Lips of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Deva! Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji!

Jai Ramakrishna Deva!

muktimaa

 

 

 

>

> To my mind, sadhana is very subjective and our Dharma gives wide

> freedom for doing the same. Each individual has to determine what

> suits him/her best or he/she must follow implicitly what Guru

> advises. In general one starts on this journey of finding oneself

> with a short but regular practice every day. It is important to

make

> it a habit. Mind will then automatically practice it. With practice

> love for it will also grow. As soul advances on this journey,

desire

> to do more and progress faster will arise from within. That is the

> time when one would like to do intensive Sadhana for some time.

> Continuous intensive sadhana is possible only for advanced souls.

> Desire for intensive sadhana, when comes from within will help

> overcome all obstructions in the path. It is only when our this

> desire is lukewarm problems like boredom etc arise. Sri Ramakrishna

> used to advise his householder bhaktas to do regular sadhana daily

> at the same time and occasionally go on retreat for intensive

> sadhana for some days/weeks. His advise to young (potential sadhus)

> was of course different. There can not be a better advise than what

> God Himself gives.

>

Chetan

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> , "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

> wrote:

> >

> >

> > Dear All,

> >

> > Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get

> your input.

> >

> > There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> > ready and willing to set aside some time

(days/weeks/month ...maybe

> > even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

> >

> > You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

> burner

> > and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

> >

> > And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks

at

> a

> > time .

> >

> > Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a

minimum

> I

> > would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> > regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> > about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

> >

> >

> > That is the background and now here are the questions

> > 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

> like

> > sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

> dangers

> > to this approach?

> > 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> > predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any

benefit

> to

> > this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> > 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

> sadhana

> > fresh and interesting ?

> >

> >

> > OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> > inspiring responses.

> >

> > JAI MAA

> > Nanda

[Guest guest]

Sadhana is the purpose to which the sadak dedicates his/her life. It

is a life long commitment, not a fling or mere flirtation.

 

#1. The purpose of forming a short term intensive sadhana depends

upon the intention of the sadak. Spiritual practices are beneficial

and need not be dangerous.

 

#2. A committed sadak benefits from a long term sankalpa by

repetitively boring deeply into the core nature of his/her own self.

Chapter 8 of the Rudri indicates that all beings and things are

fabric of the self which we all are.

 

To some boring is an adjetive. To others it is a verb, but all are

ourselves. The purpose then of doing long term sadhana is too

transform jhana bhava into the attainment of jhana. To attain such

is to become yogic, sevic, pujic and bhaktic all encapsuled within

jhana. Once achieved terms of endearment become firmly

established. "Dear all" then is correct, proper and achievable. So

rudran2 surmises on this 89th day of a 144 day sankalpa.

 

Jai Guru!

 

 

, "Nanda" <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

>

> Wanted to share this question that has been on my mind and get

your input.

>

> There are times when I feel so inspired to do sadhana that I feel

> ready and willing to set aside some time (days/weeks/month ...maybe

> even a year) to do only sadhana and nothing else.

>

> You know, the dream of - let me put everything else on the back

burner

> and focus on REALLY intensive sadhana for a while.

>

> And I have done some intensive sadhana in spurts of a few weeks at

a

> time .

>

> Then there is a question of "regular" sadhana - where at a minimum

I

> would do a mala or chant or puja everyday. And sometimes with

> regularity, comes boredom - a feeling that I am not really excited

> about my spiritual sadhana on a daily basis.

>

>

> That is the background and now here are the questions

> 1) What is the benefit of doing a "short term intensive bootcamp"

like

> sadhana? Is there even any benefit to doing so? Are there any

dangers

> to this approach?

> 2) What is the benefit to doing a "long term sadhana which gets

> predictable/repetitive and sometimes boring". Is there any benefit

to

> this approach ? Are there any dangers to look out for ?

> 3) Is there a way that we can combine both approached to keep

sadhana

> fresh and interesting ?

>

>

> OK dear all - I look forward to your well-thought out, intuitive,

> inspiring responses.

>

> JAI MAA

> Nanda