srini_sadhu: Om Sang Saraswatyai Namaha
BharatiMa: Jai Maa
srini_sadhu: Swamiji sent His blessings for a good class
srini_sadhu: This class is about the first sutra in the Kashyapa Sutras
srini_sadhu: In this class we would like to cover 5 topics.
srini_sadhu: The way it will be easiest is if I write about a topic first.
srini_sadhu: And then open it for discussion.
srini_sadhu: Then we will move on to the next topic.
srini_sadhu: Is that OK?
Janitri Rybacki: yes
Tara Boyce: sounds good
BharatiMa: terrific
Jan Newman: I thought Swamiji was teaching over the webcam and
discussing the Sanskrit. was that something else?
srini_sadhu: That was something else Jan
srini_sadhu: We would like to take the discussion in this class and apply it in our lives.
srini_sadhu: We can do this by taking the theme of the class and creating a personal log or diary.
Ramya: Jan - those are Cosmic Puja classes Swamiji will have next class tomorrow evening 6.30 PM PST
srini_sadhu: It will be wonderful if we share our learnings through the week with each other.
srini_sadhu: We want to use our group energy to nourish each other and come closer to God
Ram Prasana: hey srini joined in for the kashyapa sutras class
srini_sadhu: Namaste Prasana!
Ram Prasana: Jai Ma
srini_sadhu: Any questions so far
srini_sadhu: Topics we will cover are: (1) Introduction (2) Sutra # 1
(3) Kinds of Karma (4) Prarabdha karma (5) Project (6) Nitya karma
Ramya: Prasanna, Usha - We just started the discussion on Kashyapa Sutras - We will cover 5 topics today
srini_sadhu: The first is the introduction
srini_sadhu: Ok Let us discuss the wise Kashyapa
srini_sadhu: Kashyapa: One of the Seven rishis
BharatiMa: there are 2 jans-whcih one
srini_sadhu: Kashyapa shone so brilliantly that He was known as Human Sun.
srini_sadhu: Kashyapa sutras consists of 15 verses
srini_sadhu: These are Guidelines for our journey with and to God.
srini_sadhu: Su means excellent
Trayate means That which takes away
srini_sadhu: Sutra: Takes away all obstructions to Excellence
srini_sadhu: (2) Sutra # 1: Prarabdha Vasat Janma
srini_sadhu: Janma means birth
Vasat means bound, dependent upon
Jan Newman: So if su is excellance and tra means takes away I presume that this is the same tra and Mantra and that usually translates and protects the mind. how does this compare?
srini_sadhu: Prarabdha karma - Actions commenced in the past which are coming to fruition now and in the future
Ramya: Jan- Mantra is translated as Takes away the Mind
Sarada Devi: like the arrow
Ramya: "Man" is Mind and "Trayate" is takes away
srini_sadhu: The Sutra says Birth is dependent on the prarabdha karma
srini_sadhu: Yes, Usha!
Ramya: We are protected because we are in a still mind - Jan, is that ok?
srini_sadhu: Discussion?
Sarada Devi: It seems karma is something that CAN be altered ???
ty_maa: can we put an end to prarabdha karma in this life?
Ramya: What is karma?
Jan Newman: What is the difference between bandha and vasat?
BharatiMa: how can we alter past karma?
srini_sadhu: I think they are the same thing. But I need to do more research Jan
Tara Boyce: i have heard that being around great beings such as Maa and Swami can help you complete your prarabdha karma, but that we often pick up the old tendencies that create more prarabdha karma
srini_sadhu: OK great questions, let us describe the types of Karma and then we will get more clarity
Ram Prasana: I have the same question as ty_maa... can we practice methods to adopt prarabdha karma ?
srini_sadhu: There are 4 types of Karma
ty_maa: can we change the karmic roadmap through spiritual practice?
Ram Prasana: I meant remove prarabdha karma ...
srini_sadhu: Samksipta, Varthaman, Prarabdha, Nitya
srini_sadhu: Kumari (Ty-Maa) and Prasana these are great questions and we will get to them in a while
srini_sadhu: Samksipta - Karma which is completed and done with
Sarada Devi: no more seeds
srini_sadhu: We did an action in the past, we received the fruit and the transaction is complete nothing more is left to be done
srini_sadhu: Yes, Usha
srini_sadhu: Vartmana Karma is present karma
srini_sadhu: What are we doing now
srini_sadhu: Typing messages on messenger and sharing
ty_maa: how can we spiritualize our karma?
Sarada Devi: the two last ones must interact
srini_sadhu: Prarabdha is an action we took in the past for which we have not received a fruit
srini_sadhu: Some call it fate or destiny
srini_sadhu: Now the great question is can we alter our prarabdha?
srini_sadhu: What does everyone think?
Ramya: But it is our own past actions - in this or previous lives.
Tara Boyce: yes! with the grace!
ty_maa: spiritual seekers and those doing sadhana are beyond karma?
Sarada Devi: yes - but it does not come cheap
Jan Newman: By present actions
Janitri Rybacki: yes, i believe that we can change the praradhba karma
by loving God, Mother, chanting, mantras, and making life a service...
Ram Prasana: I have generally heard that u can deal with other types of karma except Prarabdha... one has to undergo fruits of prarabdha...
ty_maa: love for God.
Ramya: If prarabdha is karma we have done in past - how can we alter it? We have to face the consequences, is it not?
ty_maa: the Guru can do anything.
Janitri Rybacki: i believe that this karma can be changed by
Mother...if our actions merit it
ty_maa: but, the Guru makes us work hard?
BharatiMa: but what can we do?
ty_maa: pray.
BharatiMa: what else?
Tara Boyce: sadhana
Jan Newman: I don't believe that we are talking about the Guru's karma, only our own so it is our own actions and intentions that change this.
srini_sadhu: The arrow we shot in the past (prarabdha) is going to land. But Sadhana and other good things helps us to face/accept the arrow with an altered attitude
ty_maa: love God. do good actions. be a good devotee. learn from our teachers.
srini_sadhu: It is like an anesthetic
Ramya: That altered attitude - attitude of acceptance is the Grace of God and Guru - my understanding.
BharatiMa: does the way we react to the arrow landing make a
difference?
Nanda Krishnamurthi: if prarabdha karma = Hot oven , then Sadhan = Oven Mitt
srini_sadhu: The arrow lands, touches our skin, but we don’t feel the pain if we are doing sadhana
BharatiMa: we feel the pain. so, how do we react?
srini_sadhu: Great question Vish?Bharathi! What does everyone think?
ty_maa: Swamiji told us the story the other night in CP class about the drowning man who was gasping for air. when we have that kind of desire for God, then we may realize Her.
Ram Prasana: I think in reality when one is going thru a hard time in life that is generally prarabdha... its the most lousy of the four types of karma and hard to overcome... this is what I feel at the moment
Sarada Devi: cultivate compassion, hold on to Mother
Janitri Rybacki: i still believe that Mother can relieve this
karma...Her Grace alone is the rain when the karma seems scorching...
srini_sadhu: Beautiful!
BharatiMa: even realized beings have 5 element bodies have to react to the influences of the realtive. do they react differently than we do? If so, how do they react?
Ramya: Thanks Janitri - that is so beautiful and full of hope!
Ramya: I think God's Grace can help to ameliorate our karma - but what about us? How can we help or hurt our future - that is the question Bharati is asking?
ty_maa: is Karma accelerated for a spiritual seeker?
Jan Newman: Compassion is the key. We are undertaking this hardship for our own and others' benefit and to relieve ours and others suffering
srini_sadhu: As an example, we face a circumstance because of our prarabdha.
srini_sadhu: We feel pain or happiness, what should we do then?
ty_maa: we can spiritualize our karma and not make new karma.
BharatiMa: good. How do we do that?
srini_sadhu: Like win a lottery or lose our bank balance
Sarada Devi: be not attached to either - sadhana
ty_maa: one great teacher once said that we only need 10% of our mind to do the work in the world and 75% to think of God.
ty_maa: sorry, 90%.
BharatiMa: if we are not attached are more arrows still fired? will there still be more karma ti experience?
srini_sadhu: When it lands and hits its mark,
We can react and send off another arrow

Or

srini_sadhu: Stop and look at where we landed before we start shooting off arrows again
Sarada Devi: endless cycle without intervention of grace
ty_maa: spiritualizing everyday life by serving God in man.
srini_sadhu: Swamiji says Put one instant of discrimination between the stimulus and the response, then we could live life perfectly.
BharatiMa: what do others think we should do? react quickly and without discrimination? or pause and reflect before acting?
ty_maa: discriminate between the real (God) and the unreal (world).
Ramya: Swamiji explains "Grace" or "Kripa" as "Kri" to do and "pa" to Get -- So we get Grace by making effort.
Sarada Devi: work at being awake - sadhana again
Ram Prasana: I think sadhana can bring us to a stage where we do not react...
ty_maa: God is everywhere. God and God alone.
BharatiMa: now about discriminate as to how we will react? what action we will perform next?
ty_maa: We can do our work as worship.
BharatiMa: tell me how you react when someone is mean to you?
srini_sadhu: I think three things help cultivate discrimination:
sadhana, contemplation and swadhyaya, and satsang with wise souls
Ramya: Bharatimaa - i feel bad and sad
Ram Prasana: bharatima... accept them as God...
srini_sadhu: I generally feel anger Vish/Bharathi
Janitri Rybacki: what is swadhyaya? thank you...
ty_maa: repeat the holy mantra. that spiritualizes the experience.
srini_sadhu: Swadhyaya is scriptural study
Ram Prasana: in the sense that understand that they are not the doers and God is doign through them... its all god's will
ty_maa: yes! it's all God.
BharatiMa: if you accept them as god, you still have to react to them. so how to react? what actions should you perform to further your goal towards God?
srini_sadhu: This constant remembrance at every breath and moment is true discrimnation, how do we cultivate it?
Ram Prasana: u should not react
ty_maa: japam and daily meditation. prayer.
Sarada Devi: japa japa japa
BharatiMa: but we alwys react. that is nature of life. cause and effect. i need to know what to do so that i do not create more karma?
srini_sadhu: Vish/Bharathi, some say when we feel anger we should not react and we should breathe, chant a mantra, or walk away
ty_maa: reading of the holy books on a daily basis. puja.
srini_sadhu: This way we will create less new prarabdha
Ramya: Maa says we should be conscious every moment - if we are conscious every momen - we will not react.
Sarada Devi: the great question how do i stay awake?
ty_maa: daily sadhana will keep us centered and focused. no doubts.
BharatiMa: if i stop and take a breath, then pause, and see and feel God in that person, then i still have to react. it is the primary question: how to stay awake and stay in the moment
ty_maa: japam, japam, japam keeps us in the presence of God.
Ram Prasana: bharatima... one way is that as u do sadhana u will see that happen urself...
Ramya: Maa says be conscious every moment.
srini_sadhu: The other thing to do is everyday reflect on whether we used discrimination or not in various situations before we go to bed
Sarada Devi: always and everywhere!
Ramya: If we are conscious we remember God and invite God's Grace, we do not react to situations.
srini_sadhu: Do you guys maintain a spiritual diary?
BharatiMa: so if i am conscious, then i will react in a more balanced way, and produce less drastic, and more positive karma by my actions?
forall10q: yes
srini_sadhu: How does it help you forall10q?
forall10q: very much!
BharatiMa: how does it help others?
srini_sadhu: Could you share, I would love to learn from you!
Ram Prasana: srini, what is a spiritual diary about...
Ramya: My learning so far - To create a beautiful future, make a conscious present.
srini_sadhu: Something like how many hours of sdhana you did, what are things you did wrong, how you can correct it, and so on
forall10q: yes, that is what i do
Ramya: How to be conscious in the present? Do sadhana, keep spiritual diary.
srini_sadhu: Maa says to write a diary everynight
Ramya: forall10q - i also really want to do this.
Sarada Devi: yes
Ramya: Maa says that everyday we can make a goal - what we want to do that day and at night reflect on what we did right, what mistakes and make a plan for the next day.
Sarada Devi: sankalpa
Ramya: Making a concrete goal will help us be focussed, alert and not react to situations
Ramya: What do you guys think? is it ok so far?
Janitri Rybacki: yes, this is very good and helpful
Sarada Devi: nice connection
Ramya: Thanks Janitiri
BharatiMa: i think if Maa says we should keep a spiritual diary it must produce good results.
srini_sadhu: We would be very happy if all of us could do little project this week that will help us cultivate discrimination!
forall10q: it is the only diary i have been able to keep
Ramya: If we have to cultivate discrimination we have to work at it and keeping a personal log is one tool to help us!
Ramya: We can each think of one goal we want to focus on this week
srini_sadhu: For example, I am trying to be more conscious of what I eat.
Ramya: Secret, secret - he eats too many sweets
BharatiMa: if we each take a sankalpa to do this for 1 week, we can share our process on the club and review next class? what does everyone think?
Janitri Rybacki: absolutely!
forall10q: ok
Ramya: The goal can be anything we want to work on in our life -- being more conscious of eating, doing more sadhana, sitting in asana longer...
Ramya: any more ideas on possible goals?
srini_sadhu: Building stamina
Ramya: I am keeping my goal as being more conscious in my speech.
srini_sadhu: Smile at everyone
forall10q: for me - touching Mother Earth
Ramya: Thanks forall10q - is the goal helping Mother Earth in some way every day?
forall10q: yes - connecting
Ramya: That's beautiful!
srini_sadhu: The second item in the diary could be 2. What helped you in your goal?
BharatiMa: vish: i want to pause and reflect before i respond to someone who is confrontational.
Ramya: That's a really good goal Vish! Thanks for sharing!
srini_sadhu: 3. What are obstructions?
srini_sadhu: 4. Learning from today - What you will do differently
tomorrow?
srini_sadhu: 5. How did yesterday's learning help today?
Ramya: We can send you this list by email. Do you feel like joining us - make a little goal and practise discrimination all week?
Janitri Rybacki: yes,
Ramya: Thanks Janitri - are you thinking about your goal?
Ram Prasana: yes
Janitri Rybacki: yes, a cleaner environment (clean office, house, car)
BharatiMa: vish: we have a great opportunity to help and support each
other in this spiritual practice. could we talk about this on the club? and share stories there?
srini_sadhu: Yes!
Ramya: Thanks Janitiri - you goal is so tangible - it is great. Swamiji says we should be able to measure it and see it - And you will really see it, right!
srini_sadhu: We have a few minutes left, could we summarize?
Ramya: ok
Sarada Devi: and it needs to be doable so force can collect
srini_sadhu: We are all bound by unfinished karma: prarabdha.
Ramya: Yes - Usha. Also it is personal - we each have to choose according to our circumstance and capacity.
srini_sadhu: Maa says we can make friends with Prarabdha
Sarada Devi: love and compassion
srini_sadhu: How? we should try to perform every action as thoroughly and efficiently as possible
srini_sadhu: so we don't have to come back to finish our incomplete work.
Sarada Devi: YES
srini_sadhu: The difference between the Yogi, the being of union, and the bhogi, the being of selfish enjoyment, is the moment of discrimination.
srini_sadhu: Yogis ask, “what actions of mine would bring me closer to the goal.”
srini_sadhu: As we cultivate this habit of discrimination, we find that anger, passion, greed, lust, avarice and ignorance all dissolve into discrimination.
Ramya: Our making our personal diaries -- logs - will help us to develop this discrimination
srini_sadhu: We hope you enjoyed this discussion!
Ramya: My prayers to God, to help us in this journey together to Divine Light and Love!
Sarada Devi: thank you everyone
Janitri Rybacki: soooo very much...thank U Ramya and Srini and every1 else!
forall10q: Thank you!
Jan Newman: Thanks
srini_sadhu: I pray for our continued friendship and love
Ramya: See you all next week! Looking forward to learning through the week! Jai Maa!

~~OM~~

1. Sutra 1: Birth is dependent on Prarabdha Karma.
2. Sutra 2: The existence of every individual soul is bound by desires.
3. Sutra 3: The ultimate aim of life is victory over death.
4. Sutra 4: The fruit of the attempt to satisfy desire is either knowledge or ignorance.
5. Sutra 5: This creation is a collection of souls who are making their personal pilgrimages by means of the laws of harmony and unity, of peace and truth.
6. Sutra 6: The highest attainment of existence is illumination, intuitive experience, self-realization.
7. Sutra 7: When one attains to the radiance of Maya, one attains to the attainment of all attainments.
8. Sutra 8: By cutting bondage, we attain to the eternal consciousness of Infinite Goodness (Sada Shiva).
9. Sutra 9: The conflict between wisdom and ignorance makes a great confusion.
10. Sutra 10: Victory destroys Pain
11. Sutra 11: The attainment of perfection of breath or the life force gives one an abundance of peace.
12. Sutra 12: The search is for the principle which is of the quality of perfect equilibrium and balance or beyond all qualities.
13. Sutra 13:The intrinsic form of the Supreme Soul is eternal liberation.
14. Sutra 14: The residence of he who resides in self-realization, in perfect liberation, is advaita (non-duality)
15. Sutra 15:The respected Guru is the Cause of all causes.




To obtain a copy of Shree Maa: The Guru and the Goddess, which contains Swamiji's commentary on the Kashyapa Sutras, click here.

Discussion 1: Sutra #1 - Prarabdhavasat Janma

1. Powerpoint presentation
2. Sutra #1: Chat Session # 1
3. Sutra #1: Chat Session # 2

Discussion 2: Sutra #2 - Kamabandham Jivabhavam

1. Sutra #2: Chat Session # 1
2. Sutra #2: Chat Session # 2

Discussion 3:

Sutra #3 - Janmasresthatvam Mrtyunjayatam

Sutra #4 - Kamaradhanena Vidyavidyaphalitam

1. Sutras #3 and #4: Chat Session # 1
2. Sutras #3 and #4: Chat Session # 2

Discussion 4:

Sutra #5 - Srstidharmena Jivayatra

Sutra #6 - Jivasaubhagyam Prakasanam

1. Sutras #5 and #6: Chat Session # 1
2. Sutras #5 and #6: Chat Session # 2

Discussion 5:

Sutra #7 - Mayarahitasya Siddhatvasiddih

Sutra #8 - Pasacchedanena Sadasivatvam

Sutra #9 - Jnanajnanadvandvajam Kolahalam

1. Sutras #7, #8, and #9: Chat Session # 1
2. Sutras #7, #8, and #9: Chat Session # 2

Discussion 6:

Sutra #10 - Jayatvam Dukhahhetuh

Sutra #11 - Pranasiddhih Santyankuram

1. Sutras #10 and #11: Chat Session # 1
2. Sutras #10 and #11: Chat Session # 2

Discussion 7:

Sutra #12 - Ajapantam Nirgunatattvanirupanam

Sutra #13 - Nitya Muktasya Paranatmasvarupam

Sutra #14 - Advaitantam Vimuktisthanam

1. Sutras #12, #13, and #14: Chat Session # 1
2. Sutras #12, #13, and #14: Chat Session # 2

Sadhus of Devi Mandir are offering an online chat discussion on the Kashyapa Sutras from Swamiji's book, Shree Maa: The Guru and the Goddess.

For more details about the chat, email us.
To view class materials click here.

srini_sadhu: Today's Class is on Kashyapa Sutra # 1
srini_sadhu: In this class we would like to cover 6 topics.
srini_sadhu: The way it will be easiest is if I write about a topic
The way it will be easiest is if I write about a topic first.
srini_sadhu: And then open it for discussion. Then we will move on
to the next topic.
srini_sadhu: Is that OK?
henny_v_i: ok
c_morningsong: ok
xiaqi250: OK
bharatima: ok
kaliananda_saraswati: ok
srini_sadhu: We would like to take the discussion in this class and apply it in our lives.
srini_sadhu: We can do this by taking the theme of the class and creating a personal log or diary
n_ramya108: It will be wonderful if we share our learnings through the week with each other.
srini_sadhu: We want to use our group energy to nourish each other and come closer to God.
srini_sadhu: We will talk about the personal log in more concrete terms later.
srini_sadhu: Topics we will cover are: (1) Introduction (2) Sutra # 1 (3) Kinds of Karma (4) Prarabdha karma (5) Project (6) Nitya karma
srini_sadhu: Introduction
srini_sadhu: Kashyapa: One of the Seven rishis
srini_sadhu: Kashyapa shone so brilliantly that He was known as Human Sun.
srini_sadhu: Kashyapa sutras has 15 verses
n_ramya108: These sutras are guidelines for our journey WITH and TO God.
srini_sadhu: Su means excellent
srini_sadhu: Trayate means That which takes away
n_ramya108: Sutra: Takes away all obstructions to Excellence
srini_sadhu: Sutra is an abbreviated outline
n_ramya108: Isn't that Great - An outline that takes away obstructions to Excellence

srini_sadhu: Questions, discussion?
xiaqi250: A sentence on who were the seven rishis?
srini_sadhu: Gautama, Bharadvaja, Viswamitra, Kasyapa, Jamadgni, Vasishta, Atri
xiaqi250: Are they the rishis who are the source of the vedas?
srini_sadhu: Every Cycle of Creation has a different set of 7 Rishis
srini_sadhu: Each of them Contributed to our Body of Knowledge and Wisdom
n_ramya108: These are their names - They were and are enlighted Beings, helping us and all of creation with their wisdom and light! That is my understanding
srini_sadhu: The Vedas are mostly attributed to Vyasa who is not in this list. Vyas was an incarnation of Vishnu
srini_sadhu: Now should we go to the Sutra?
n_ramya108: The first sutra is "Janma Vasat Prarabdha
n_ramya108: Sorry it is Prarabha Vasat Janma
srini_sadhu: Janma means birth
srini_sadhu: Vasat means dependent upon
srini_sadhu: Prarabhda karma - Actions commenced in the past which are coming to fuition now and in the future
srini_sadhu: Birth is dependent on the prarabdha karma is the essence of this Sutra.
n_ramya108: Birth of not only the body, but birth of every moment
srini_sadhu: OK so far?
kaliananda_saraswati: ok
orca999l: Yes
henny_v_i: ok
n_ramya108: What does Karma mean?
srini_sadhu: It means action
n_ramya108: Thanks!
srini_sadhu: But also means consequence of an action
srini_sadhu: There are four types of Karma
srini_sadhu: Samksipta, Varthaman, Prarabdha, Nitya
n_ramya108: Samksipta - Karma which is completed and done with
n_ramya108: Varthaman - Karma which is going on right now
n_ramya108: Prarabdha - Karma which were begun in the past and which will come to fruition in the future
n_ramya108: Nitya - Eternal
srini_sadhu: Let us discuss these 4 powerful concepts!
srini_sadhu: Discussion?
xiaqi250: I'm not sure I understand the difference between varthaman and prarabdha.
srini_sadhu: Varthaman is what action we are doing now
srini_sadhu: Like I am typing a message now.
srini_sadhu: That is my Varthamana
srini_sadhu: Prarabdha is stuff I did in the past
xiaqi250: Does prarabdha include actions begun in the past of my current life, or does it refer to rebirth and actions of past lives only?
srini_sadhu: Like, I chose to come Devi Mandir
n_ramya108: Alan - it includes BOTH - current and all past lives
srini_sadhu: Because I made that choice I get to learn and share with all of you now
orca999l: I've always looked at Karma in a linear fashion. Would Nitya Karma be a cyclic form that surfaces through out all our lives?
srini_sadhu: Prarabdha are the choices we made in the past, both current and past life
bharatima: I see Prarabdha karma as actions begun in the past but have not yet come into fruition yet
xiaqi250: Does some varthamana turn into praarbdha?
henny_v_i: so it is prarabdha karma that gets you closer to God if you choose to come to the Devi Mandir now?
srini_sadhu: Yes Alan
n_ramya108: That's true Bharati and Vish - Swamiij says that Prarabdha is the arrow that leaves the bow of the archer
n_ramya108: Nothing the archer can do except watch and see where it lands
srini_sadhu: Yes Henny!
bharatima: nitya is complete union-when mind is completely settled w/out action-yoga=nitya karma=eternal
kaliananda_saraswati: but past is not necessarily past lives
srini_sadhu: Vartmana are the arrows that you are about to release from the bow.
kaliananda_saraswati: each second that passes is the "past"
orca999l: Thanks Bharatima
srini_sadhu: When we do Nitya Karma, we create no new prarabdha
srini_sadhu: This is the highest state of union
bharatima: nitya is no action
c_morningsong: m: what does it mean to 'do" nitya karma?
bharatima: perfectly still consciousness
srini_sadhu: Nitya Karma can include dhyana (meditation), karma (work), jnana(wisdom) and bhakti (devotion)
n_ramya108: It is action from a place of stillness - being with God inside
srini_sadhu: When we do these perfectly, we are united with God and create no new karma
henny_v_i: Is this meant with 'I am not the doer?"
srini_sadhu: So Samkshipta, Vartmana, Prarabdha, Nitya, is it OK?
srini_sadhu: Henny, that would be one way of thing of it If you are united with your beloved, who is doing the karma?
srini_sadhu: You or God?
henny_v_i: They would be the same
orca999l: If you are perfectly united is there still you & god?
srini_sadhu: I haven't experienced that state
so I would not know.
srini_sadhu: But theoretically, yes
orca999l: Thank you Rangan.
srini_sadhu: Could we discuss Prarabdha and how we it affects our lives
srini_sadhu: Arrow that leaves the bow of the archer
srini_sadhu: Nothing the archer can do about it, except to watch and see where it may land.
srini_sadhu:
When the arrow lands, if we react, we shoot another arrow.
bharatima: when one is perfectly united I would think there is no "you" that is our understanding
srini_sadhu: Reactions of revulsion or desire.
kaliananda_saraswati: Srini, was yes to Henny's response?
srini_sadhu: Yes kali, Yes to henny
kaliananda_saraswati: ok, thanks.
srini_sadhu: So when we experience likes and dislikes as we face events, circumstances, and stimuli, we are reacting and sending new arrows
srini_sadhu: So when we face a circumstance, or event because of prarabdha, what can we do about it?
srini_sadhu: What do you guys think?
chandimaakijai: so when an arrow lands, and the instinct is one of revulsion, then how should one respond ?
srini_sadhu: that is the question Nanda Ma. What should we do?
henny_v_i: perhaps we can at least be aware of the reaction
kaliananda_saraswati: think of what we want to accomplish?
n_ramya108: If we feel revulsion and we express it -- where will it take us?
kaliananda_saraswati: and whether our reaction would help or hinder that accomplishment
bharatima: "stop and put 1 instant of discrimination between stimulus and response, then we could live life perfectly"
orca999l: Try our best to stay in the momment? Don't focus on past or future. Try not to intentionally harm.
srini_sadhu: Thank you Vish/Bharati
n_ramya108: Thanks Marsha - so beautifully put
chandimaakijai: from a practical standpoint, i think that the minute a situation make me feel revulsion, then i have lost control already
srini_sadhu: Breathe and remember our purpose
n_ramya108: I guess that is the moment of discrimination Marsha
chandimaakijai: the only way i can deal reasonably with a repulsive situtation is not get repulsed by it ... if that makes sense
bharatima: nanda "if we must respond we should give a response designed to free ourselves from further troubles. think what we are going to do" DISCRIMINATION
srini_sadhu: Nanda Ma, I think with God and Guru's grace as we do more sadhana and seva, these moments of revulsion become less frequent
n_ramya108: But now when they occur, we try not to add to them by acting on them - is that what you all are saying?
srini_sadhu: For example, we may dislike cleaning the bathroom
srini_sadhu: Someone asks you to do it
srini_sadhu: We feel revulsion
orca999l: I know when I do my morning prayer it helps greatly with my attitude through out the day.
xiaqi250: Are all the fruits of prarabdha karma undesireable by definition? What if something happens to us and we're happy about it? Does that mean it wasn't the result of prarabdha karma?
srini_sadhu: But as we do more sadhana, we reflect on the purpose of our life and hang out with wise souls, we cultivate an attitude of love
bharatima: but when the revulsion comes we need to take a deep breath and be clear aabout what our goal is
chandimaakijai: sure ... sadhana is a catch all remedy .... it is just that the sadhana prepares us to look at a situation objectively and not feel any revulsion or subjective emotion .... my humble two cents
srini_sadhu: And we clean the bathroom with pure joy
n_ramya108: Everything is result of prarabdha karma - we are in touch with Swamiji and Maa, we are able to see Chandi Maa in the altar - all that too is our past samskaras (inclinations)
n_ramya108: My understanding - it is all from Prarabdha - the way to a beautiful future is to make sure that our Present karma is beautiful -
xiaqi250: So prarabdha karma is not necessarily a bad thing? It can lead us to Devi Mandir.
?
n_ramya108: i think the emphasis on "bad" Alan is to warn us to make us more conscious
bharatima: "to remain free from action we must stop and look where the arrow landed before we start shooting off mor arrows
n_ramya108: Yes Alan, exactly - to Mother's Feet! The more we long for it today - the more it will help us in future!
srini_sadhu: So we all have prarabdha - unfinished Karma
chandimaakijai: alan - i remember swamiji's words - "pain is the test, pleasure is the examination"... so long as the positive fruit of prarabdha karma doesnt make us stop our sadhana (things are going well so why pray) then i wud say we should enjoy and be grateful for our prarabha....
srini_sadhu: What does this imply for us
srini_sadhu: Swamiji says, we should try to perform every action as thoroughly and efficiently as possible
xiaqi250: Thanks Nanda.
srini_sadhu: So that we don't have to come back to finish our incomplete work.
bharatima: alan-once we start coming to mandir, we learn about conscious action, performing every action as thoroughly and efficiently as possible so we don't come back to finish incomplete work
xiaqi250: Thanks Bharati/Vish
n_ramya108: We learn that from Swamiji's teachings - in the Mandir, in our house, in our work place
bharatima: nanda goal is UDASA.
bharatima: it symbolizes acceptance, freedom from reaction, complete surrender
bharatima: no new arrows are shot off
srini_sadhu: We would like to discuss how we can take this sutra and practically apply it in our lives this week!
bharatima: dispassionately watch arrows land that were fired in the past w/out firing again
srini_sadhu: How can we cultivate discrimination and remember our goal as we act in our lives
n_ramya108: Morning song? Henny?
srini_sadhu: How does that sound?
henny_v_i: I try to look upon all things happening as if Divine Mother arrranged it like this for me. I try.
n_ramya108: That is so beautiful Henny - sweet acceptance!
henny_v_i: Well, I try, but fail many times...
srini_sadhu: One of the things we can all do as a group is a define a goal for this week
c_morningsong: by remembering that our intention is always to draw closer to Her feet?
bharatima: sr-make the goal and read it each morning to remind us
n_ramya108: We are little babies learning - Mother will hold our hand!
srini_sadhu: Examples of goals: increase peace, will power, stamina ..
kaliananda_saraswati: I always pray for pure devotion to Mother that Her Will be done.
srini_sadhu: Any other ideas?
n_ramya108: Can we discusss possible GOALS that we would like to follow this week?
chandimaakijai: goal - consistent sadhana and offering its fruits to the benefit of the world
n_ramya108: Maa says we should be consious in every act -- i thought this week i will try to be more conscious in my speech
n_ramya108: Thanks Nanda!
xiaqi250: I like the idea of trying/learning to put an instant of discrimination before reacting to circumstances.
bharatima: sr regular sadhana which will lead to more balanced mind/body. this will allow more objectiviity/less indiscriminate firing of arrows. more rest.
n_ramya108: Srini is off line - something with his computer
bharatima: alan-great
n_ramya108: Alan - what goal will help to do that - i thought i would try to practise that in my speech (to the extent possible)
kaliananda_saraswati: I like Alan's goal and would do the same.
henny_v_i: I like Ramya's goal; can I join you, Ramya?
orca999l: I'm with you Ramya.Consious speech is one of my stumbling blocks.
n_ramya108: Kali - how to do it?
n_ramya108: Thanks Henny!!!!! I am sooooo excited - maybe we can email each other and share and help ---- Thank you MARSHA too!!!
c_morningsong: m: I would like to try to bring awareness into all of my actions/ responces so that I am re-acting with the desired effect in mind
henny_v_i: Yes! I'll need all the help I can get

kaliananda_saraswati: by taking time to think on what we are saying
kaliananda_saraswati: and how it will affect us, the other party(ies) and the universe as a whole
n_ramya108: Morning song - sounds like your goal is close to Alans
n_ramya108: Kali - thanks it is so motivatng!
bharatima: we agree with all these goals.
orca999l: It's a deal Ramya. Thank you
n_ramya108: Srini's goal - to conscious of what he eats
n_ramya108: This is what we thought we could do - each person can pick a goal
n_ramya108: All goals are good - but we need one for ourselves to commit to for one week.
bharatima: vish's goal-to remember that every experience is to bring him closer to God, every experience is a chance to see God in everything.
n_ramya108: Thanks Vish!
n_ramya108: Let's maintain a log.
n_ramya108: Entry 1: What is my goal for this week?
bharatima: a log???
n_ramya108: A diary
n_ramya108: Entry 2: What helped me to come closer today?
n_ramya108: Entry 3: What are obstructions?
n_ramya108: Entry 4: What did i learn today - what will i do differently tomorrow?
n_ramya108: Entry 5: How did i implement what i learnt yesterday?
n_ramya108: Each day we try to answer these questions - we can share what we feel comfortable and move step by step, hand in hand to God!

n_ramya108: what do you guys think?
orca999l: Sounds great to me.
c_morningsong: m: sounds good
henny_v_i: this is a very powerful tool, I think. Takes some courage to use

n_ramya108: Its between us and our Divine Mother!
She will help us!
henny_v_i: Jai Maa!
n_ramya108: Maa says that every night we should think of what we did that day and how we could do better and make a plan for next day.
kaliananda_saraswati: I will try, at least to start with, and see how it works
n_ramya108: Thanks Kali!
kaliananda_saraswati: Jai Maa
bharatima: vish-i find that posting every night helps me review my progress every day and posting then is a reflex\ction of my actions
n_ramya108: Thanks Vish!
n_ramya108: We are almost done - so let us summarize
henny_v_i: Your posts are beautiful!
n_ramya108: Swamiji says that the difference between a Yogi, the being of union, and the bhogi, the being of selfish enjoyment, is the moment of discrimination.
n_ramya108:
Yogis ask, “what actions of mine would bring me closer to the goal.”
bharatima: vish we can all post and this can help us stay focused on our goals-our energy will be focused on that process?
n_ramya108: As we cultivate this habit of discrimination, we find that anger, passion, greed, lust, avarice and ignorance all dissolve into discrimination.
n_ramya108: We will send you guys an email with the list of these questions to use as workbook, as much as you like - during this week. You can adapt it to your needs.
n_ramya108: Is it ok? Any other questions?
henny_v_i: thank you!
c_morningsong: m: thank you
orca999l: Thank you
xiaqi250: Thanks!
bharatima: hen-thanks vish
kaliananda_saraswati: Thanks
n_ramya108: Thank you all for coming - really looking forward to learning and practising together!
bharatima: we thank you all for joining us here. what a great beginning. vish and bharati
kaliananda_saraswati: Jai Maa
chandimaakijai: thank you to all
n_ramya108: See you soon - also if we have any questions we can post on yahoo club and we can ask Swamiji for His insights. Thank you!

'Holy Mother' Delivers Message

By Paul Logan, Journal Staff Writer

Friday, November 10, 2000

A woman many believe to be one of the rarest individuals on earth "a living saint" has come to Albuquerque to share her love.

Shree Maa, "the respected Holy Mother," said Thursday she is here because "I love to see my family. The whole universe is my family."

Draped in layers of orange, red, gold and yellow clothing with beads around her neck and wrists, the graying, middle-aged Hindu holy woman with a gentle voice is about 5-feet, 5 inches tall and less than 100 pounds.

Maa said she has been enlightened since her birth in Assam, the northeast corner of India. Having enlightenment includes experiencing pure love and comprehending truth.

Sitting cross-legged on a couch at a Northeast Heights home, Maa said she attended an international yogi conference in Texas and is returning by motor home to California. Her home is a modest trailer in the mountains, about a half hour outside of Napa.

Maa said she has been sent "to perform God's work in this world."

Maa spends about nine months each year traveling throughout the world to share her teachings.

Instead of attracting followers, she said wants to show people of all faiths how "to build temples in their hearts and in their minds."

Her assistant, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, or Swamiji, said a person's every action can change a house into a temple. By respecting one's actions, a person is paying attention to what he or she is doing.

"So any action that we do without selfishness can be a form of worship," Swamiji said. "We can make divine everything that we do."

During the interview, some of Maa's devotees were chanting scriptures in Sanskrit in another room. Nearby, a coffee table had been converted into an altar with pictures and symbols from the world's great religions, including Jesus, Buddha and Mary as well as flowers of every color and candles.

Swamiji said Maa adheres to the famous Indian proverb: "Just as many as there are individuals, so many are there paths to God."

He said her programs are open to everyone and called them "unique" because "she makes worship fun."

Maa said she offers those who attend three things: pure love, accepting everyone for what they are; inspiration, meaning she motivates each person to help make them better; and appreciation, recognizing every effort a person makes.

She met the late Mother Teresa, who some Catholics considered a living saint, years ago in Calcutta. Maa said she wanted to see her "because she is my family, also ... I love her."

Maa's message includes being true to one's self because then a person is without fear. With a clear conscience, a person's heart is silent. "That," she said, "is peace."

Also:

• Be simple. Many words burden the soul. Let the heart's message be communicated through actions.
• Be free. Leave selfishness behind. "People whose opinions are valued will love us for what we are, not for what we have," she said.
• Take refuge in God. One's friends or relatives will not take a person to heaven. Salvation is gained through wisdom.
• Cultivate wisdom. Learn from everyone, everywhere. Then use that knowledge, which brings one in harmony with the universe.
• Develop discrimination. Pursue only those desires that will make one free.
• Let actions manifest love. People want realization, liberation, to become enlightened. Do not think it is something different from doing for others as you would have them do for you," she said.

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m., at Futures For Children building, 9600 Tennyson NE (332-4146); Saturday, 1 p.m., the home of Al and Dianne Lopez, 900 Avenida Cielito NE (255-4169); and Sunday, 1 p.m., again at Futures For Children

WHAT: Programs of meditation, singing, storytelling on Friday and Sunday; fire ceremony on Saturday

HOW MUCH: Free and open to everyone