Archive - May 2006

Date

Who We Are

Shree Maa

~~OM~~

Shree Maa's Ashram is as big as your heart. Together with Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Shree Maa teaches the meaning and method of worship. Through the tantric traditions of prayer and meditation, Shree Maa and Swamiji teach that every home is a temple devoted to God. Shree Maa's Ashram is home to a world of seekers devoted to the goal of self-realization.

The Guru is an example of inspired leadership and faultless karma. Wherever there is perfect union with God, perfect teaching, and perfect understanding, the Guru is present. Worship is karma performed with respectful attention, sincerity, and devotion.

Wisdom flows from the Guru to the student. The student learns to worship by learning to pay attention to the teachings of the Guru. Respect to the Guru is offered through paying attention. The student offers the highest respect when the student emulates the teachings of the Guru. Becoming one with the object of respect is the highest respect that anyone can offer. Therefore, the goal of the student is to follow the Guru's example so closely that one cannot tell who the Guru is and who is the disciple.

The practice of concentrating attention is called meditation. The student new to the practice of meditation begins to understand that concentrating the attention is an all-inclusive process of daily living. Loving, being respectful, worshiping, serving, and paying attention increase the efficiency of our lives.

Submitted by site-editor on Wed, 2006-05-31 21:14.

Prayers and Blessings


~~OM~~

We invite you to participate along with us in the advanced spiritual practices we are performing to receive extra blessings for yourselves and your loved ones. Both as individuals and as a prayer group, at the Devi Mandir we are performing many kinds of classical austerities that are part of the tradition of tapasya, which generate tremendous spiritual power and the capacity to share blessings. Since ancient times these types of austerities have been described in scripture, yet are rarely found in practice in the modern world.

Your support for these practices, either by joining us from wherever you are, by performing seva to facilitate the continuation of these austerities, or by making financial contributions, will allow you, your families and friends to participate in the blessings that they generate.

This yajna at the Devi Mandir is being performed with the most amazing sincerity, with knowledge and true devotion, and is an example of the utmost dedication in prayer. If you have the opportunity to have Shree Maa, Swamiji, or others of the Devi Mandir family pray for those who could benefit from extra blessings, you will see the effects that devoted worship can bring to the cosmic forces affecting us all.

Please be assured that your prayer requests will be treated with great respect, sanctity and extremely sincere and focussed prayers will be offered on behalf of those you name. We can add their names to our general sankalpa or address a specific need as you request.

  • We are performing a Sahasra Chandi Yajna, one thousand recitations of the Chandi Path at the sacred fire. To learn about the other pujas that we perform regularly and their benefits please click here: Pujas
  • A schedule of all the festivals that we celebrate is available here: Festivals
  • To request a prayer and pray with us please fill the following information and click the submit button:

Your Name:  

Your Email: 

Name of the person to be blessed, their email and purpose of blessing:

Submitted by site-editor on Wed, 2006-05-31 21:07.

Events and Festivals

~~OM~~

To find out the time for an event in your time zone, please check our world clock here.

To learn more about the Pujas that are performed regularly at Devi Mandir please click here.

Panchanga 2007-2008

To obtain a copy of the Hindu Calendar calculated for California PST Time send us an email. See our world clock to adjust for your time zone.

Festivals 2008

Vaishakha Shukla:

05/07 Tritiya Akshaya Tritiya
05/09 Pancami Shankaracarya Jayanti
05/11 Saptami Ganga Saptami
05/13 Navami Sita Navami
05/18 Chaturdashi Narashimha Chaturdashi
05/19 Purnima Buddha Purnima

Vaishakha Kishna:

05/30 Ekadashi Upavas

Jyaishtha Shukla:

06/04 Dwitiya Shri Kurmmadevavirbhav
06/05 Tritiya Rambha Tritiya Vrat
06/06 Chaturthi Uma Chaturthi Vrat
06/07 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat
06/08 Shashthi Jamai Shashthi
06/12 Dashami Dashahara, Shri Ganga Puja, Ambuvachi Nivritti
06/13 Ekadashi Upavas
06/18 Purnima Shri Jagannathdev Snan Yatra

Jyaishtha Krishna:

06/29 Ekadashi Upavas

Ashadh Shukla:

07/03 Pratipad Shri Durga Vipattarini Navaratri Vrat begins
07/04 Dwitiya Shri Jagannathdev Ratha Yatra
07/05 Tritiya Vipattarini Vrat, Chaturmasya Vratarambha
07/07 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat
07/09 Saptami Shri Surya Puja
07/10 Ashthami Shri Jagannathdev Punar Yatra, Shri Durga Vipattarini, Mahashtami Puja
07/12 Dashami Shri Jagannathdev Punar Yatra Complete, Shri Durga Vipattarini, Navaratri Vrat Complete
07/13 Ekadashi Shri Hare Sayan Upavas
07/17 Purnima Guru Purnima

Ashadh Krishna:

07/22 Pancami Nag Pancami Vrat
07/28 Ekadashi Upavas

Shravan Shukla:

08/05 Pancami Manasa Devi Astha Nag Puja
08/06 Shashthi Shri Lakshmi Puja
08/07 Saptami Shri Sitala Saptami Puja
08/12 Ekadashi Shri Krishna Jhulan Yatra Begins, Upavas
08/14 Trayodashi Shri Krishna Jhulan Yatra Complete
08/16 Purnima Shri Baladev Janma Yatra, Rishi Tarpan, Rakshabandhan

Shravan Krishna:

08/22 Saptami Sitala Saptami
08/23 Ashthami Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Janmashtami Vrat
08/24 Navami Shri Krishna Janmashtami Vrat
08/26 Ekadashi Upavas
08/29 Chaturdashi Aghora Chaturdashi Vrat
08/30 Amavasya Alokamavasya Vrat

Bhadrapad Shukla:

09/03 Chaturthi Ganesha Chaturthi Vrat, Shri Lakshmi Puja
09/04 Pancami Viswakarma Puja, Sat Pancami Vrat, Rishi Pancami Vrat
09/05 Shashthi Mahan Shashthi
09/06 Saptami Lalita Saptami Vrat
09/07 Ashthami Radhashtami Vrat
09/08 Navami Tala Navami Vrat
09/10 Ekadashi Upavas
09/11 Dwadashi Vaman Dwadashi Vrat
09/13 Chaturdashi Ananta Chaturdashi Vrat
09/14 Purnima Shri Satyanarayan Vrat

Bhadrapad Krishna:

09/15 Pratipad Pitri Paksha Tarppan viddhi Begins
09/22 Ashthami Jitashtami Vrat
09/23 Navami Shri Durga Devi Kalparambha & Bodhan
09/24 Ekadashi Upavas
09/28 Amavasya Mahalaya Shraddha

Aswin Shukla:

09/29 Pratipad Shri Durga Devi Navaratri Vrat Begins
10/03 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat
10/05 Shashthi Shri Durga Devi Amantran & Adhivas
10/06 Saptami Shri Durga Devi Saptami Vihita Puja
10/07 Ashthami Shri Durga Devi Ashthami Vihita Puja, Sandhi Puja
10/08 Navami Shri Durga Devi Navami Vihita Puja
10/09 Dashami Shri Durga Devi Dashami Vihita Puja, Vijaya Visarjan
10/10 Ekadashi Upavas
10/14 Purnima Shri Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Shri Satyanarayan Vrat

Aswin Krishna:

10/17 Chaturthi Dasaratha Chaturthi Vrat
10/24 Ekadashi Upavas
10/27 Chaturdashi Kali Puja Bhuta Chaturdashi Vrat, Chaturdashi Dipa Danam, Shri Syama Puja, Kali Puja
10/28 Amavasya Dipawali Parvan Shraddha
Submitted by site-editor on Wed, 2006-05-31 20:03.

Sahasra Chandi Yajna

~~OM~~

This fire has been consecrated for the Sahasra Chandi Yajna, and has been burning continuously 24 hours a day since January 24, 2005.

This video shows how the fire was invited and inaugurated, established and energized, and how it is being worshipped.


Below are links to audio classes about the Sahasra Chandi Yajna. In these classes we quote the Chandi itself to describe the tradition of a thousand day yajna. It is the most amazing experience that we can attain in life! The ability to cloister our senses so that we want nothing more than to sing and chant to the Divine Mother Goddess in worship throughout the day and the night. This is what we propose to do. This discussion tells us from where the tradition has emanated, and what are the possible effects that it can have in our lives.

To hear the classes you should have the quicktime or real audio players.

Submitted by site-editor on Wed, 2006-05-31 19:36.

Our Website in Other Languages

~~OM~~

Submitted by site-editor on Wed, 2006-05-31 19:31.

Testimonials

General

Videos

From our Classes

From our Book Buyers

~~OM~~

General

Namaste Swamiji,

Thank you again for your wisdom and perspective. Your feedback sits with me deeply and will be something I walk within, listen for and learn to understand over these coming months. I hope to find truth in this path that I am on, and to make decisions that continually take me closer to mutually-shared pure love, acceptance and support.

I hope to be able to connect with my friend around your counsel, and that she and I may find a virtuous and blessed way together... or to virtuously and blessedly come to know that our ways may not be best served together. I hope we're able to richly connect around this and to find what's true.

Thank you again.

Love, G

***

Shree Maa: Recollections by Linda Johnson

Learning that my husband had deadly form of bone cancer was a horrible shock. For nearly a year the doctors had been telling us that the pain in Johnathan's leg was just a torn muscle. Now at least we knew the truth: it had been a malignant tumor all along, a particularly virulent form of cancer that is nearly impossible to treat.

As the grim diagnosis sank in, I thought of Kali, the Hindu Goddess who destroys everything that is less than divine. Suffering and death are two of the tools She uses to drive us back to God. There was a mantra for this Goddess that Shree Maa repeated constantly while we traveled with her in India. I asked Johnathan if he remembered it and he spoke the manta out loud. Before he reached the last syllable the phone started ringing.

It was Shree Maa.

The last we heard, Shree Maa was still in India and was not expected back to the United States for several more weeks. It turned out two days previously she had abruptly changed her plans, flown back to her ashram in California, picked up the phone, and called Johnathan.

We explained what was happening and the next day we had an extraordinary blessing of having Shree Maa, one of the most beloved saints of North India, visit our home in Sonoma. She and Swami Satyananda sat with Johnathan for hours, singing hymns to the Divine Mother, recommending protective mantras for us to chant and healing rituals we should perfume. Placing her hand of Johnathan's head, she gave him her blessing.

Two days later we received an emergency call from Johnathan's doctor. He explained that he had just received the results of Johnathan's biopsy and it completely contradicted the results of all previous tests they had run. It turned out Johnathan did not have incurable bone cancer after all, but another type of cancer that could be treated easily. (To this day Dr. O'Donnell insists he and the team of oncologists he was working with were certain Johnathan had bone cancer, and the fact that it turned out to be a different type of malignancy came as a total shock to him.)

Johnathan is fine now, though we continue doing our protective mantras and healing pujas daily just in case. Johnathan did have to go through chemotherapy and radiation treatment (which he sailed through effortlessly) because it was our karma to experience this medical crisis. Yet somehow Shree Maa shifted the course of reality so that the full impact of our karma was blunted, and the awful outcome the doctors originally predicted never happened.

"She arranges the stars for you," Swami Satyananda smilingly told Johnathan after the tumor disappeared. How amazing that in these dark and cynical times, saints like Shree Maa still walk among us. How utterly amazing!

From Shree Maa: The Life of a Saint, p 223-224

***

My first encounter with Shree Maa and Swamiji was last month, when my Gita study class was invited to visit the Devi Mandir. Before I returned from the Mandir, I "signed on" to complete the Peace Sankalpa, and nothing has been the same since. Once home, I started my recitations, sometimes silently and sometimes aloud. After a week or so, my 17 year old son started to imitate me, "only he was saying sarvaa bgjklfda plkdj mdnkjm." In other words, he sounded out the first word and then just mumbled the rest. So I asked him if he wanted to learn the mantra, to which he responded enthusiastically -- yes. He memorized it, and the English translation, in less than 5 minutes. He was quickly able to recite it quite fast and clear.

This might not seem that remarkable, however, my son is autistic. He is fairly high functioning, and has pretty good language skills, but I can assure you there is no way that I can get him to recite anything that he doesn't want to. I know, because I have tried!! He now says the mantra every morning upon rising, and it is the last thing he says as he falls asleep at night. I have suggested that he pay attention, and if he hears it in his head, to let it come through naturally. I also suggested that, if he is moved to do so, he can say it before his meals. If this continues to grow, I am going to get him a hand counter so he can keep track of how many he says each day. That is something I think he might like.

Last month, Swamiji blessed him with the gift of a rudraksha bead for healing, which he happily (and seriously) wears around his neck all the time. He never stops talking about Maa. He listens to her sing, he wants to cook the recipes from her cookbook, sometimes he will sit next to me at the computer for the beginning of the Gita classes, and he keeps their picture in his room. Something magical is happening in my home, and to my son.

Last night, in Gita class, Swamiji answered my question about "those with small intelligence" and their ability to reach God. (Ch.7, v.23). He said that those with limited mental capacity often have a pureness about them that allows them to see/know things more easily than the rest of us, due in part, to not having the same distractions the rest of us deal with every day. And yes, they can reach God. (This is my feeble paraphrasing, forgive me for not properly quoting Swamiji).

My son is a very pure spirit, only seeing the good in others, assuming everyone loves him as much as he loves everyone, and now, he has connected to the loving energy of Maa. He has actually said to me, "Maa can see my soul all the way from California. I know she loves me." He is so blessed. I am so blessed. We are all so blessed. Jai Maa!

Wendy

***

Namaste,

Thanks for your prayer to MAA for my welfare. By her grace I have got a new job today. This speaks that prayer has a tremendous power.

I am indebted to the Divine Mother and the whole Devi Mandir Family for the kind action.

Regards,

Dinesh

***

Dear Devi Mandir Family,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your Prayers and Kindness. My surgery results show NO malignancy.

Jai Maa!

Jai Maa's Children!

Nageshwari

***

Shree Maa is a pure example of Truth in the Kali Age.

Ramnath Aghori Baba, 217 years old, spoken before a large gathering of disciples in 1976

***

This Devi Mandir is definitely a Rishi's ashram, and I can tell that you, Swami Satyananda and Shree Maa, that you were both Rishis in your previous lives. Your Sanskrit pronunciation is impeccable and your explanations are full of wisdom. Your books are an extremely valuable contribution to Sanskrit literature and your devotion is unswerving. You maintain the highest standards of Hindu culture in the tradition of the Vedic Rishis, and your pujas and homas are in exact accordance with the descriptions of the scriptures.

Napeshwara is without a doubt the thirteenth Jyotir Lingam, and I give my blessings that any devotee who comes here to Napeshwar Dham will receive the darshan of Lord Shiva and the blessings of fulfillment of their every desire. They will have wealth, longevity, good health, peace and liberation. They will be blessed with spiritual knowledge and Godliness and satisfaction all the days of their lives.

I bless you that this Devi Mandir and Napeshwara Dham will become a place of spiritual pilgrimage for all the western countries, and that devotees from around the world will come here to have darshan of the Lord. The work that you, Swami Satyananda and Shree Maa, are performing will be remembered by history as a tremendous benefit not only to Hindu culture, but also to all of mankind.

Swami Purnananda Giri, Niranjaniya Akara Mahant, Moksha Dham, Jageshwar, Uttaranchal, India, October 24, 2001, Ashwin Mase Shukla Pakshe Navamam Tithau

***

I recently received a recording of Swami Satyananda's Rudrashtadyayi, and took it to the Bakreswar Temple of Lord Shiva where this text is recited daily by the priests of the temple. I am also a priest of the temple, following in my family's tradition since over 100 generations. I was born in a Brahmin family, and completed a Master's Degree in Sanskrit as well as in Education. In addition to being a priest of this temple, I am employed by the Government of India as a District Inspector of Education.

I played this recording for the other priests in the temple, and now we listen to it daily and chant along with the text. This recording is not regional chanting, particular to any special language group or dialect. It is the actual recording of a Rishi reciting the Vedic texts. Just by listening to this recording the meanings of the text become clear. In fact, it is so accurate that we are able to translate most of the meanings just by listening to the recording. We also greatly appreciate Swamiji's translations in Bengali and English.

Sushil Choudhury, 4/25/2002

***

I know we are not supposed to use up posts with just a simple "Thank you," but I must state out loud for at least the group to hear (though I know you all know this already anyway) how incredibly and continually impressed I am with Swamiji and his answers. He is an absolute treasure of knowledge, very rare even amongst all the Indian Sadhus I have encountered -- which have been more than a few. His answers are never more verbose than they need to be and they show such a seat of authority and great clarity.

I am very thankful for all your help Swamiji and for this group. I stay silent often but it is a daily part of my life and a great resource for me in my own development of wisdom and furtherance of Bhakti.

Eternal Pranams,

Surya

***

I second your comments Surya. I am amazed when I think about the positive impact that these two people have had on my path and continued spiritual growth. Swamiji is a rare treasure.

SIVA/SHAKTI = SWAMIJI/SHREEMAA. Thank you both.

Eric Jensen

***

Namaste,

My heart always bursts to capacity when someone recognizes our beautiful Swamiji's Spiritual Prowess! His Wisdom is as vast as the Cosmic Sea. We are so very blessed not only to have Him so generously sharing His Wisdom with us through His books, Satsangs, and this Forum, but also to have Him on this planet at this time. I also have had the grace to experience the Divine Presence of many Sadhus in this life,[here and in India], but Swamiji's generosity and enthusiasm of Spirit is something very rare and precious. I bow to Him with all my heart! Thank you for your very sweet acknowledgement and thanks to our dear Swamiji!

Jai Chandi Shree Maa! Jai Shiva Swamiji! [The Jewels of Napa] Jai Thakur Ramakrishna Deva!

Your sister,

Muktimaa

***

The discussion on the Devi Mandir Yahoo Group has been useful on so many levels! I can see much time and thought went into the asking and the answering of these questions, and I wish to express my gratitude.

Jai MAA!

Leela

***

Jai Maa Durga!

I am writing this e-mail to thank you. I am a 35-year old Hindu Brahmin born and bred in England. Through your books and videos I have learned a tremendous amount about the worship of our mutual Ishta Devata - Maa Bhagavati. Therefore in the tradition of Hinduism, you are my Guru and I am paying you my respects.

A sahasra thanks to you once again.

Your disciple,

Vinay

***

Dear Shree Maa,

I have been thinking of you often. You are so fully established in the transcendent that you never leave the feet of the Supreme no matter what occurs around you. You don't "do" service; you "are" service - every thought and act of yours benefits others. I feel so small and selfish and ignorant before you, truly ashamed of how worldly I still am before your unwavering spiritual focus.

Maa, if it weren't for people like Swami and you, there would be nothing but delusion and despair. Your state is the only sure evidence we have of transcendent grace and an end to suffering. I have so often wished I could move with you in meditation and experience what you experience. I salute you again and again!

With deepest reverence,

Linda Johnsen

***

Namaste to All,

My name is Devi Spring, and I am a Universalist Shakta bhakta from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I find that the teachings of Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Devi Mandir are a great inspiration to me, as is the life and gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, which is what brings me to this group!

Devi

***

Dear Swamiji,

I think "Tattva Jnana" is the best thing you've ever done. It's absolutely fabulous. How I wish I had had this in front of me when I was working on some of my previous books!

You have a way of wording definitions that throws completely new light on a subject. I found my understanding (such as it is) of one subject after another expanding amazingly. Even topics I'd heard explained a hundred times before suddenly resonated with whole new depths of meaning. I took copious notes on virtually every page.

Every tradition explains philosophical terms somewhat differently, and the different ways you explained this matter was fascinating and also made sense.

I'll be highly recommending your "Tattva Jnana" to friends of mine who're struggling to understand Sanskrit philosophical terminology.

Wishing you the very best,

Linda Johnsen

***

Dear Swamiji,

My medical tests came back with a good result: I am healthy. Thank you for your prayers and praise be to Lord Ganesh.

Shaktiprasad

***

Dear Swamiji,

The temple building you and Shree Maa have enlivened is full of light and much joy. It carries Mother Divine's energy on a very high level. It is your devotion that has brought this about.

I'm very pleased also to hear that you are teaching and sharing the Rudra hymns. I like your book very much - it was an excellent idea to use the Shukla Yajur Veda Rudra hymns. You did a perfect job in creating a very "user friendly" text with clear Sanskrit and transliteration and absolutely beautiful meanings.

In fact, everything you and Shree Maa have produced over the years has been very helpful, beautifully done and inspiring. So I wish you and Shree Maa many continuing blessings and send you both much love.

Henry Herzberger

***

Videos

Sundari recounts receiving the ultimate blessing from Shree Maa. Click on the image to hear and watch her story!

Deepa experienced the depth of Shree Maa's love. Click on the image to hear and watch her story!

***

From our Classes

Dear Swamiji

Our Pranams to you. We want tell you how much we look forward to the evenings at 6.30 pm gathering around the fire at the Mandir even though we are located many many miles away. The webcam has been such a blessing and has brought You into our homes every day. The classes and the privilege to clarify our doubts online are such wonderful blessings that you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for nourishing us. You are aptly named the "Bliss of Truth" because communion with You is our Satsanga. We look forward to more and more Satsanga with you both online and in person.

Love from Nanda and Online Class Participants

***

Thank you Swamiji, for this absolutely wonderful, awesome class, filled with so much information, from the basics to the sublime.

Wendy, New Jersey

***

Swamiji, Pranams to Shiva as you're helping us. Your books and discourses are a HUGE blessing and help.

Janitri, Virginia

***

Pranams and thank you - thank you - thank you!!

Usha, Canada

***

Thank you, Swamiji, for the knowledge that you have given us. We are privileged and blessed to learn these scriptures from you.

Kumari, Vallejo

***

Great class Swamiji! Pranams.

Rolf, Mountain View

***

Namaste Swamiji,

I am so thrilled to be emailing you at this time. I am again blessed to be doing Ganga sadhana. I have been in India for 5 months and at the ashram for 3. This time I brought with me your Devi Gita, Hanuman Puja, Chandi Path and I have the Lalita Trishati Stotram. I just purchased the Sundar Kanda here.

I put a number of your video classes on my mp3 player - it has been such a blessing for me. Last night I completed the Lalita Trishati Stotram video. I have loved it since you taught it to us at Dave and Liz’s house in Colorado. From the 181-st name you began making offerings to the fire. I loved it. It was as though I was sitting across from you at the havan kund. I began pulling offerings out of my heart and putting them in the fire along with you. It was fantastic.

There is so much in the Hanuman Puja. I am so glad I brought it. I have been practicing the mantras.

Thank you again Swamiji. All of your efforts have helped me a great deal in my bhakti. Actually Devi Mandir is so helpful for me in my specific practices. It is amazing how you are able to keep up such a high level of energy and inspiration, it is infectious and I need that.

Mark Rosen, Banks of Ganga, India

***

Namaste Swamiji,

Thank you so very very much for broadcasting these teachings. I used to come for all the darshans when you and Shree Maa traveled to Chicago years ago. It was these darshans that first opened my heart and caused me to weep. These bliss tears just keep on falling. :) A beautiful blessing. It was nice seeing you live again. Beautiful teachings. Thank you so very much.

Jai Ma!

Kalyani

***

I just finished attending an on-line class by Swamiji on the Devi Gita, a text that gives practical guidelines for yogic practice, and I want to try to convey how valuable the class was to me. I was delighted with the class! I missed the first half of it, but once I tuned in I realized I could not afford to miss a single session, and it was surprisingly easy to re-organize my schedule to make that possible! Hearing the explanations of the Devi Gita helped me so much.

Swamiji's teachings are of exquisite quality and usefulness. No information is held back, and the knowledge is conveyed with such genuine inspiration and such penetrating clarity that one can not help falling in love with yoga all over again during each session. If I can manage to convey even a few morsels of what I have learned from these classes to my students here in New Zealand, they will be well nourished and well guided indeed.

I have trained with some of the brightest lights in the Sanatana Dharma tradition. Among my teachers are Hart DeFouw, Robert Svoboda, Vasant Lad, and Professor Ram Karan Sharma. I have been studying and working in the Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and yoga field for over 12 years now, and have not yet come across such a clearly explained and refined system of yogic
practice as that taught by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

Barbara Cook, Tauranga, New Zealand

***

Thank you for giving me the privilege to learn from you. I am continually in awe of the great knowledge, the sincerity, the enthusiasm, the consistency, and above all, the loving devotion that you bring to each class. Your words have changed my life.

Sarita, Suneel, Anika, and I send you all our love and best wishes on this Father's day and always.

Rolf, Mountain View

***

Swamiji is a living example of all that is glorious in the Universe — all the beauty, all the tenderness, all the selflessness, all the generosity, and abundance of spirit. Every class that He teaches is an opportunity to absorb this glory. For this, I am ever and always appreciative.

Love, joy, appreciation,

Karen, Colorado

***

Pranams Swamiji! I wish to express how privileged I feel to be a part of the Devi Mandir. My life revolves around your daily scripture classes, putting into practice what I am learning to chant, and continuing my love affair with the divine. My very soul thanks you for this blessing! I bow to you!!!

Jai Maa! Jai Thakur!

Usha

***

I can't even say how much you have taught me. Oh but you can! How can I reward you? Maybe with doves and eagles as your friend or a big feast! Happy Fathers Day! Hrinnnnnnngggggggg!

Sincerely,

Angel, Atlanta

***

Thank you Beloved Swamiji for all your teachings. These classes are priceless. Your enthusiasm and love for the subject permeates every word. You are like the ghee to our fire of love for Mom. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you for doing this and for all the service during class. You are always asking the questions in such a gentle and kind voice. Thank you.

Parvati, Sacramento

***

Devi Gita class has taught me so much Swamiji. Outlining it with meditation has shone a light into my heart showing me even more clearing that we are one. Now meditating before leaving the bed has been added to my morning joys. The Bhuta Suddhi of Advanced Siva Puja will be added to my puja because you have made me feel comfortable with it in class. Devi Gita will be added to my practice when class is complete because of your dedication to present it so well. You have given me a hunger to study it further and recite it often. You have shown me the Gems it holds and shares.

THANK YOU SWAMI FOR BEING YOU

FOR TEACHING US

FOR ANSWERING OUR QUESTIONS

FOR BEING THERE FOR US

Love and Devotion,

Devi

Hari Om Swamiji,

I have been listening to your online classes on Bhagavad Gita. Your classes are great. It has helped me understand some things in life.

Mangalam Sankupellay

***

From our Book Buyers

From the buyers of our books on Amazon Marketplace:

"Arrived in good condition. Included free Durga puja CD."

Date: 1/29/2008 Rated by Buyer: Angela Roberts

"Arrived quickly in excellent condition"

Date: 1/23/2008 Rated by Buyer: Roger O. Jeanty

"Speedy delivery and the books were as stated in excellent new condition"

Date: 1/8/2008 Rated by Buyer: Jean-Marc Manning

"Very fast Good"

Date: 1/1/2008 Rated by Buyer: MR JEAN PHILIPPE BEC

"Book arrived promptly, in perfect condition, and seller included a free CD, not previously mentioned. Thank you!"

Date: 12/31/2007 Rated by Buyer: Frances Williams

"Fast shipping , arrived perfect, great seller thanks for the free gift"

Date: 12/22/2007 Rated by Buyer: Louis Peacock

"Item arrived promptly and with an added bonus. Thank you."

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***

Submitted by site-editor on Wed, 2006-05-31 19:30.

Festivals 2006


~~OM~~


Festivals 2006

 

Paush Shukla:

01/03 Pancami Shri Lakshmi Puja, Sat Pancami Vrat

01/04 Shashthi Annarupa Shashthi

01/05 Saptami Shri Vastu Puja

01/06 Ashthami Shri Lakshmi Puja

01/09 Ekadashi Trailinga Swami Birthday, Upavas

01/10 Dwadashi Kurmma Dwadashi Vrat

 

Paush Krishna:

01/25 Ekadashi Upavas

01/28 Chaturdashi Shri Ratantikalika Puja

 

Magh Shukla :

01/29 Pratipad Durga Devi Magh Navaratri Vrat begins

02/01 Chaturthi Swami Vivekananda's Birthday, Shri Ganesha Puja

02/02 Pancami Saraswati Puja & Lakshmi Puja, Shri Pancami, Sat Pancami Vrat

02/03 Shashthi Sital Shashthi

02/04 Saptami Arogya Saptami Vrat, Makari Saptami

02/05 Ashthami Bhishmashtami Vrat and Tarpan

02/08 Ekadashi Upavas

02/10 Trayodashi Shri Nityananda Trayodashi Vrat

02/12 Purnima Maghi Purnima

 

Magh Krishna:

02/16 Chaturthi Sankat Chaturthi Vrat

02/21 Ashthami Sakasthaka Shraddha

02/23 Ekadashi Upavas

02/25 Trayodashi nishi yukta, Shri Maha Shivaratri Vrat

 

Phalgun Shukla:

03/03 Pancami Sat    Pancami Vrat

03/04 Shashthi Gorupini Shashthi

03/09 Ekadashi Shri Ramakrishna’s Birthday

03/13 Holi

 

Phalgun Krishna:

03/19 Pancami Shri Krishna Pancama Dol Yatra

03/20 Shashthi Skanda Shashthi

03/22 Ashthami Shri Sitalashtami

03/25 Ekadashi Upavas

03/27 Trayodashi Madhu Krishna Trayodashi

 

Caitra Shukla:

03/29 Pratipad Vasanti Durga Devi Navaratri Vrat

04/02 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat

04/03 Shashthi Shri Vasanti Durga Devi Puja, Amantran adhivas

04/04 Saptami Shri Vasanti Durga Devi Puja, Saptami Vihita Puja

04/05 Ashthami Shri Vasanti Devi Puja, Ashthami Vihita Puja, Sandhi Puja, Annapurna Puja

04/06 Navami Ram Navami

04/07 Dashami Shri Vasanti Durga Devi Pujam Navaratri Vrat Complete

04/08 Ekadashi Upavas

04/13 Purnima Hanuman Jayanti

 

Caitra Krishna:

04/23 Ekadashi Upavas

 

Vaishakha Shukla:

04/30 Tritiya Akshaya Tritiya

05/01 Pancami Shankaracarya Jayanti

05/04 Saptami Ganga Saptami

05/06 Navami Sita Navami

05/11 Chaturdashi Narashimha Chaturdashi

05/12 Purnima Buddha Purnima

 

Vaishakha Kishna:

05/22 Ekadashi Upavas

 

Jyaishtha Shukla:

05/28 Dwitiya Shri Kurmmadevavirbhav

05/29 Tritiya Rambha Tritiya Vrat

05/30 Chaturthi Uma Chaturthi Vrat

05/31 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat

06/01 Shashthi Jamai Shashthi

06/02 Saptami Ambuvachi Pravritti

06/06 Dashami Dashahara, Shri Ganga Puja, Ambuvachi Nivritti

06/07 Ekadashi Upavas

06/08 Dwadashi Campak Dwadashi Vrat

06/11 Purnima Shri Jagannathdev Snan Yatra

 

Jyaishtha Krishna :

06/21 Ekadashi Upavas

 

Ashadh Shukla :

06/26 Pratipad Shri Durga Vipattarini Navaratri Vrat begins

06/27 Dwitiya Shri Jagannathdev Ratha Yatra

06/28 Tritiya Vipattarini Vrat, Chaturmasya Vratarambha

06/30 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat

07/02 Saptami Shri Surya Puja

07/03 Ashthami Shri Jagannathdev Punar Yatra, Shri Durga Vipattarini, Mahashtami Puja

07/05 Dashami Shri Jagannathdev Punar Yatra Complete, Shri Durga Vipattarini, Navaratri Vrat Complete

07/06 Ekadashi Shri Hare Sayan Upavas

07/10 Purnima Guru Purnima

 

Ashadh Krishna:

07/14 Pancami Nag Pancami Vrat

07/20 Ekadashi Upavas

 

Shravan Shukla :

07/29 Pancami Manasa Devi Astha Nag Puja

07/31 Shashthi Shri Lakshmi Puja

08/01 Saptami Shri Sitala Saptami Puja

08/05 Ekadashi Shri Krishna Jhulan Yatra Begins, Upavas

08/07 Trayodashi Shri Krishna Jhulan Yatra Complete

08/08 Purnima Shri Baladev Janma Yatra, Rishi Tarpan, Rakshabandhan

 

Shravan Krishna :

08/15 Saptami Sitala Saptami

08/15 Ashthami Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Janmashtami Vrat

08/16 Navami Shri Krishna Janmashtami Vrat

08/18 Ekadashi Upavas

08/22 Chaturdashi Aghora Chaturdashi Vrat

08/23 Amavasya Alokamavasya Vrat

 

 

Bhadrapad Shukla:

08/27 Chaturthi Ganesha Chaturthi Vrat, Shri Lakshmi Puja

08/28 Pancami Viswakarma Puja, Sat Pancami Vrat, Rishi Pancami Vrat

08/29 Shashthi Mahan Shashthi

08/30 Saptami Lalita Saptami Vrat

08/31 Ashthami Radhashtami Vrat

09/01 Navami Tala Navami Vrat

09/03 Ekadashi Upavas

09/04 Dwadashi Vaman Dwadashi Vrat

09/06 Chaturdashi Ananta Chaturdashi Vrat

09/07 Purnima Shri Satyanarayan Vrat

 

Bhadrapad Krishna :

09/08 Pratipad Pitri Paksha Begins

09/14 Ashthami Jitashtami Vrat

09/15 Navami Shri Durga Devi Kalparambha & Bodhan

09/17 Ekadashi Upavas

09/21 Amavasya Mahalaya Shraddha

 

Aswin Shukla :

09/23 Pratipad Shri Durga Devi Navaratri Vrat Begins

09/27 Pancami Sat Pancami Vrat

09/28 Shashthi Shri Durga Devi Amantran & Adhivas

09/29 Saptami Shri Durga Devi Saptami Vihita Puja

09/30 Ashthami Shri Durga Devi Ashthami Vihita Puja, Sandhi Puja

10/01 Navami Shri Durga Devi Navami Vihita Puja

10/02 Dashami Shri Durga Devi Dashami Vihita Puja, Vijaya Visarjan

10/03 Ekadashi Upavas

10/06 Purnima Shri Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Shri Satyanarayan Vrat

 

Aswin Krishna:

10/10 Chaturthi Dasaratha Chaturthi Vrat

10/17 Ekadashi Upavas

10/20 Chaturdashi Kali Puja Bhuta Chaturdashi Vrat, Chaturdashi Dipa Danam, Shri Syama Puja, Kali Puja

10/21 Amavasya Dipawali Parvan Shraddha

 

 
Submitted by webdev on Wed, 2006-05-31 10:56.

What We Do

~~OM~~

The Sanatana Dharma defines eight forms of behavior called "achara" which are appropriate for spiritual life:

  • Vaishnavachara which means find our inspiration.
  • Vedicachara which means learn about that which we love.
  • Shaivachara which means practise that which we learn about.
  • Vamachara which means, "Beloved Behavior," perform every action in life efficiently.
  • Dakshinachara which means, "Preferred Path," reduce our necessity to perform worldly actions.
  • Siddhantachara which means make our behavior correspond to the activities spoken of in the scriptures. These are primarily seven
    • Puja (Worship)
    • Path (Recitation)
    • Homa (Sacred Fire Ceremenony)
    • Sangeet (Singing)
    • Nrit (Dancing)
    • Pravachan (an explanation of the meanings and applications, how to integrate these various activities into our lives)
    • Arpana (offering)
  • Yogachara means "Behavior of Union".
  • Kulachara means "Behavior of Excellence," whether sitting still in meditation or actively pursuing some objective, the attitude toward life remains the same in every circumstance.

In the Devi Mandir we cultivate the knowledge and practice of the eight different forms of behavior performed by spiritual seekers. We seek contentment, peace and happiness from the world around us. Sanatana Dharma (The Eternal Ideal of Perfection) teaches us that the peace is within us. Shree Maa and Swamiji as Gurus of this temple can help us find this peace. Sanatana Dharma is a way of living each moment of our lives in fulfillment of the highest ideal of perfection. The essential ingredient is attention, attention to any task at hand. Discriminating attention, where the consequence is evaluated before we act or react to circumstances. Efficient evaluation leads to a focus on the central purpose of our existence, to know and realize that we are divine beings, privileged to have the capacity to worship the divine in us and around us. This absorbed attention when applied to daily life becomes the seed that can bloom into concentration, in turn leading to meditation and at its pinnacle in samadhi.

Shree Maa & Swami Satyananda Saraswati's basic teaching is that every home is a temple, and all of the occupants within are the priests; that a Guru is an example of inspired leadership, and wherever there is teaching the Guru is present; and that whenever anyone performs any action with respectful attention, sincerity and devotion, that person is performing worship. We must live efficiently to worship well. This is fundamental to our evolution in progress towards any ideal we maintain. Sanatana Dharma becomes a way of life by emphasizing the development of the faculties and inspiring the commitment required to move towards realizing divinity in and around us. Swamiji says, "Worship itself means paying attention. Learning takes place when one pays attention. When we love something or someone, we pay attention. We offer respect through paying attention. The practice of concentrating our attention is called meditation. Through the practice of meditation we learn how to learn, we learn how to love, we learn how to respect, how to worship, how to pay attention -- how to increase the efficiency of every function in our lives." So respectful attention is a primary qualification of this lineage and anything worthwhile done with respectful attention is worship. By this explanation of Sanatana Dharma there is worship in every church, mosque, temple, every place of work and every home where sincere respectful attention is practiced.

In order to pay attention, we must concentrate our efforts. This demands control of the mind to focus its attention. The teaching of Shree Maa and Swamiji is practical in this regard. Their work teaches us the empirical methods to gain control of the mind. To control the mind we must understand its relationship to our soul and our lives. On page 135 (verse 35) of the Devi Gita is an excellent illustration of these relationships. Swamiji's translation says "The Soul is known as the master of the chariot, and the body is the chariot. The Intellect is known as the driver, and the mind is the reins. The organs of knowledge and action are the horses, and all perceivable objects become concerns for attention". When the Soul is united with the organs of knowledge, action and the mind, then It becomes the enjoyer of all experience. Whoever is Ignorant (of this), unmindful (not attentive) and always impure, has no capacity to attain (this Wisdom). Such people remain in bondage to the objects and relationships of the world.

There is an absolute guarantee from rishis thousands of years ago in the Chandi that its practice will yield control of the mind. Swamiji spent three years in Rishikesh virtually locked up in a small room, painstakingly translating this scripture in English (1981). A word can mean several things in Sanskrit. Swamiji demonstrates that it requires attention and bhava to translate the words of a rishi written a millennium ago. This bhava is visible in the translation and practice for those who can hear Swamiji speak to Mother Chandi through the chanting.

Controlling the mind has obvious practical applications in our lives in addition to its value in prayer to the divine. Thus Swamiji says, the Chandi Path - also known as the Durga Saptasati is a practical training Manual. As human beings we have become habituated to being beset with thought. Through the study and practice of this work according to the prescribed procedure, we seek to free ourselves from this habit, to take the "EGO I" out of thought, to find the remedy of that all too chronic disease, Attachment, and to expand our awareness beyond the relationships of this physical body so as to intuit by direct perception the Bliss of the Universe.

Saptasati is a Way. Daily reciting the verses, we offer to Mother all our troubles, afflictions, all manner of thoughts and perturbations -- even the very Ego itself; and one by one She cuts them down, purifies them with the vibrations of Her mantras, until we, too, become the One of Intuitive Vision who only desires the Highest Wisdom which removes the attachments of the Ego. Shree Maa says, "Be like the fish at the bottom of a pond. The fish lives in the mud but is never dirty". The mind is drawn in different directions by the constant stimulation of the senses, torn between options, possibilities, and anxieties and on and on. Where is the focus? This attention to the priorities is what mother emphasizes through this example. By being efficient we can endeavor to worship and develop the desire and the BHAVA to realize we are divine. By controlling the mind we can be the fish which is not soiled by the mud of confused and undirected thoughts caused by the stimulus from the world.

Shree Maa and Swamiji provide us an example, an inspiration and the scriptural tools to prioritize our objectives, taking a greater perspective than only goals for this life. Their work provides us with the understanding of the techniques to focus our attention with a loving bhava. Their translation of scripture offers manuals that lovingly train us in the methods of offering attentive respect. These tools help define the criteria by which to discriminate which actions will take us closer to the goal. Shree Maa and Swamiji provide us an example, an inspiration and the scriptural tools to prioritize our objectives. Their work provides us with the understanding of the techniques to focus our attention with a loving bhava. Their translation of scripture offers manuals that lovingly train us in the methods of offering attentive respect. These tools help define the criteria by which to discriminate which actions will take us closer to the goal.

Submitted by site-editor on Tue, 2006-05-30 18:18.

Our Mission

~~OM~~

Our Creed and Mission Statement

We believe in One All-Pervading, Infinite Divinity, which resides in every being of Creation, and is especially manifest in the hearts of all humanity. That this Deity inspires within seekers sincerity, joy, love and wisdom, and the highest respect for all that lives. That all bodies are temples for the holy spirit, and that the duty of man is to honor God through loving service to all created beings, and attentive devotion in the pursuit of self-realization.

The primary purpose of the Devi Mandir is to inspire the worship of Divine. Our goal is to create the desire in you to follow the example of the Sadhus (the efficient ones) and the rishis (the wise ones). These are not just historical figures. If you look around you, you will find these people exist today. We find such beings in Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati. By following their example well we become spiritual beings and satisfy the purpose of our existence. Some of us become the sadhus and rishis for future generations. The scripture of Sanatana Dharma (The Eternal Ideal Of Perfection) is never complete; each of us contributes in its writing by living the example.

Submitted by site-editor on Tue, 2006-05-30 18:17.

Goals of the Devi Mandir

~~OM~~

  • Our purpose is to inspire and empower people to cultivate a closer relationship with God.
  • Our mission is to teach people how to worship.
  • Our vision is to establish a temple in every home and in every heart, and to educate every individual to be the priest or priestess of their temple.
  • Our goal is to demonstrate the sincerity of our convictions through efficiency in our every action.
  • Our hope is to empower people to economic and spiritual independence through the pursuit of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.
  • Our message is our way of life.
Submitted by site-editor on Tue, 2006-05-30 18:16.
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