Japa Beads and the Practice of Mantram Repetition

                                  This is a picture of an example of mantram art I took at the retreat. Different people participated
                                                                   in this   and if you look closely you can see different mantrams including the Mahamantra, jai ram         
                                                                   sri   ram  jai jai ram, Jesus and others.





I recently wrote a post  about how I was going to try out adding chanting with japa mala beads to my spiritual disciplines. Mantram repetition is one of the practices that Eknath Easwaran, a renown spiritual teacher, taught. His body is no longer with us but his teachings remain alive through his books and the institution, the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, that is dedicated towards sharing his methods with others. He's never suggested implementing the use of japa beads as a way to practice mantram repetition but after watching a few YouTube videos and reading more about their use I became intrigued and decided to engage in the practice myself.

I asked my instructor at the retreat I went to recently, hosted by the Blue Mountain Center, if this was something that Easwaran would have acknowledged as a valid practice. He didn't see why not. He didn't consider it as necessary but if it aided one in centering on one's mantram than it could be invaluable to that individual.

I learned some new things about mantram repetition at the retreat that I hadn't known before. One such example is that there is  "mantram art", where one will create art by writing one's mantram in expressive ways.  I was also under the impression from everything I had read thus far that mantrams were generally said silently to oneself , so never really knew if chanting was seen as an effective way of practicing repeating one's mantram. Our instructor said that chanting was certainly acceptable.

There was also another concept introduced that was new to me: writing one's mantram.  Many practictioners will set aside time everyday to write their mantram repeatedly, usually in a particular journal or notebook set aside for that practice. My instructor had a journal specifically for writing his mantram and would always carry it with him using any spare moment to engage in the practice. He also mentioned that he would send his friends who also practiced mantram meditation cards where he simply wrote their mantram repeteatedly over and over again. It is said that where one repeats their mantram, whether vocally, internally, or on paper, that space or place is made a little bit holy. Easwaran would walk the shores that lined the Pacific near his home in California every morning and it is said that one can feel  peace and the presence of holiness on the beach where his feet so faithfully tread while repeating reverently the names of God countless times.


Easwaran instructs practitioners of mantram meditation to repeat one's mantram as often as can be remembered during any time when one isn't engaged in anything that requires full attention. This aids one centering themselves in the present moment. Many other spiritual teachers have suggested similar practices of repeating mantrams continually throughout the day. For example H.H. Srila Prabhupada, founder of the Hare Krishna movement, who brought the message of Krishna consciousness to the West. He teaches that in order to be centered in God one must practice repeating His holy names as often as is possible. This process helps purify one's heart as it removes superficial layers of ego that bind us to our desires for sense gratification and muddies our perception of God. So, this is a practice that is not only taught by Easwaran but by many others who have been instrumental in leading countless seekers towards more peaceful lives and God consciousness.

An example of when not to repeat one's mantram would be during a conversation or when reading. Given that, most times are perfect for saying one's mantram. For instance while in the shower, taking a walk, waiting in a line at a store or in traffic and performing household chores. So often our thoughts are  scattered and diverse. Being steeped in the superficial and material they often bring us agitation, anxiety and suffering as they inwardly draw us to become fixated on recalling things in the past we regret and fretting about perceived events in the future. Almost sealing our fates we commit ourselves to doom and spend precious time and energy contemplating various scenarios of ruinous moments that haven't even taken place yet nor necessarily need to. By slowing down and simply not clinging to those thoughts when they arise but using our mantram as an anchor tethering us to the present moment we can gain much clarity and peace and begin to shed shadowy garments of ego that obscure and cover our hearts from perceiving the light buried within. Resting securely in our awareness of the Divine,  we are more empowered to make choices that are prompted by compassion spreading the peace that we find within outwards to those around us.

In his book Original Goodness, Easwaran wrote:

" As our desire to draw closer to the Lord within us deepens, it draws self-centered desires into it like tributaries into a great river. The power of that love swells until it becomes cataclysmic; we begin to inspire other people through the transformation we have wrought in ourselves."

In many of his talks and books Easwaran will tell a story about a famous sculptor in India who made the most beautiful sculptures of elephants carved out of stone. One day the king came to visit the sculptor and inquire on how he was able to create such masterpieces. The sculptor replied that men would bring him great stones, massive and irregularly shaped, from the quarry that lay outside the town. For great periods of time he would merely gaze upon these massive heaps of stone and eventually instinct would take over.  Cultivated within him would be a sense of what no longer belonged there. Chipping away at all obstructions with great care, over time, the majestic elephant within waiting to be discovered would emerge. So too it is with the spiritual disciplines. They are designed to chip and erode away the layers of ego that hinder us from experiencing and realizing the Divine that lay within the deepest recesses of our consciousness.


 Yesterday morning, as I began chanting the realization of a truth that I have read about recently through my spiritual reading arose in my consciousness. Most mantrams are a sacred word or name of God. Mine is the mahamantra which includes holy names of God that have been around since ancient times. It is : Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.The Vedas, sacred texts originating from India, teach us that the very names of God transcendentally embody God Himself.

I couldn't help but think that that must mean that when we say the names of God we are invoking His presence into our awareness. Now I do realize that He is with us every moment, seated within the center of our consciousness. The spark of the Divine/Self/Krishna/Jehovah/Allah/the Supreme Reality- whatever be the way you best identify with the Eternal within, never leaves us. It is a constant reality, reality itself. Yet, there's something unique and spiritually tangible about saying the names of God if one opens oneself up to this transcendental reality. It's as if we are greeting that spark within, thus causing it to illuminate the inner chambers of our hearts with a warmth that spreads and a light that grows, allowing us to feel and perceive the presence of God and the interconnectedness we share with all of life in an even deeper way. Given that, the thought came to me that each name should be said with attention and reverence, with a heart of devotion, not merely out of a sense of duty to the process. This drew me in to the present moment considerably more  and all distracting thoughts seem to vanish completely. For nearly a whole round I was just there, completely there, lost in a pure Love. With each sound vibration waves of peace and joy flooded through my heart and mind, cleansing it of all other desires other than that of reaching out to God with gratitude and earnestness.


I have enjoyed the practice of chanting with my japa mala beads and plan on continuing. The practice of chanting in the morning provides a strong foundation for remembering to recall my mantram throughout the day, helping me to maintain my focus. I use them at night as well, when falling asleep. Easwaran teaches practitioners of mantram repetition to fall asleep while repeating their mantram  as that way it will become more deeply rooted in one's subconscious. I used to do this with difficulty as I would often get swept away by what Buddhists call my "monkey mind". Wandering and fleeting thoughts that one becomes attached to and thus causes one to become uncentered. The physical act of using my japa mala beads has been instrumental in aiding me to successfully fall asleep while repeating my mantram.  This is a spiritual discipline I would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in trying out a new practice.

Have you recently tried adding a new practice to your spiritual disciplines? If so...I'd love to hear about it.  Please share in the comment section! Thank you! :)



* Note: Easwaran uses the word mantram, though one can easily exchange that for mantra. The two are synonymous.

This Moment: A Friday Tradition

This Moment

"A single photo – no words – capturing a simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."

“This Moment” is a ritual found on Life inspired by theWee Man adopted from SouleMama which was introduced to me by Sarah-Jane author of http://samuelmichaels.com/. If you find yourself touched by a Moment and would like to participate, post your picture on a Friday and leave your link in the comments section.


It's been awhile since I've participated and posted a moment so thought I would today. Hope you enjoy!

Walking A Labyrinth: A Short Video

I went on a wonderful one-day retreat yesterday at the Mariandale Retreat Center in Ossining, New York. It was hosted by the Blue Mountain Center  of Tamales, CA and was focused on teaching Eknath Easwaran's method of passage meditation and mantram repetition as well as his eight-point system. I look forward to sharing in the coming days my experience at the retreat and some of what I learned with all of you.

In the meantime, I though I'd post a short video I made at the end of my time there. As we all said our goodbyes and were dismissed I decided to take the long way back to the parking lot. There was a beautiful trail that lined the Hudson river for some time and then took a sharp left and looped around the parking lot continuing onwards. Adjacent to the parking lot was a labyrinth. I just could not bear to leave without walking it! I have always been intrigued by labyrinths and have only had one other opportunity to walk one. My only other experience was on a labyrinth partially covered by snow this past winter. It was profound and I shared it here.

The video isn't the best quality and is quite short but it gives one an idea of what the labyrinth at the retreat center looks like. I also went over some mantrams (mantras) that are common for one to use for mantram repetition and what one might use while walking a labyrinth. In the Christian tradition they call them breath prayers, but are essentially the same. Oftentimes a breath prayer, used in the practice of centering prayer, is simply the name of Jesus or the Jesus Prayer "Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Really, when walking a labyrinth one can use whatever technique draws them inwards, deeper into their consciousness towards the Eternal seated at the center of their hearts. One need not even say a mantram at all as concentrating on one's breath might be preferable. Some might choose to consciously pray or talk to God or begin with an intention to find an answer and meditate on receiving that answer while moving deeper towards the center of the labyrinth. It all depends on what method is most effective for you spiritually.


Note: Blogger was giving me issues so I could not upload this video from my computer to blogger. I ended up having to upload it on YouTube to add it in this post. The video is sideways, for some reason I couldn't figure out on how to fix it! My apologies!







Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! Please leave them in the comments section. Thank you!

Letting Go: Saying Goodbye to my Grandmother (A Tribute)

I always found the love that my grandparents shared amazing and inspiring.                                                                          

                                                                           She was always beautiful.

                                                                          I had joy watching my children enjoy and love her.

"I'll be in heaven soon. Please don't cry, or you'll make me cry."

"I won't." I promised, inwardly wincing as she coughed. Her eyes widened as she sought with desperation to take in the lukewarm air of the hospital room but came short from receiving any satisfactory amount. The air that my lungs almost took for granted hers painfully struggled to breathe in.

"I know you will be okay." I said, looking deep into her eyes. Believing in my heart what I was saying was true though realizing that we were both probably having two completely different ideas of what death meant and what heaven might be. Those differences mattered little in this moment. What mattered most was being there for her. Surrounding her with love and compassion. 

I swallowed back the grief of knowing that the grandmother I had loved for thirty years was soon going to withdraw from her physical body and I'd no longer have the warm hand I now held. I know it was probably a selfish thought.  I couldn't help, though,  but mourn within at the thought that I'd soon no longer be able to look into her beautiful eyes for wisdom, love and comfort again. I'd soon no longer see that faint hint of mischievousness glimmer in them as she'd steal glances over at my grandfather across a crowded room. Ah, the love the two of them shared!  If only there was more of it in this world things would look a lot different.

I could perceive that she was on the verge of a journey and I felt both saddened by her nearing departure, wishing nothing more to tether her spirit to the dock it had been anchored to for so long, wanting her to continue to reside at the same harbor we had shared for so many years while also feeling a bit of excitement for her. I knew she was about to enter into the spiritual wholly unencumbered by the physical. Leaving the body that had betrayed her behind.  An inevitable transition which I could not interfere with as all around sat those of us who loved her reflecting with the same sad acceptance upon the reality that was now unfolding. I knew this time was coming for a couple of years now as her health has slowly been worsening. In all honesty, though, up until these last few weeks I thought there was more time. Maybe even another Christmas. I don't write the script though and it is pure futility resisting the direction the river of life chooses to flow.

Memories flashed through my consciousness as I sat there holding her hand. I thought about the countless Saturday night sleepovers I had in my youth. My sister and I in our pajamas curled up under one of the huge afghans she had lovingly knit together with bowls of ice cream sundaes that we knew our mother would never approve of eating at such a late hour. Scenes flickered like an old movie reel through my mind.

We always  waited for my grandfather to come home from working with prisoners at the city's jail. My grandmother's secret to a happy marriage when I asked her a few days before she passed: never go to bed without telling your spouse you love them and never go to bed angry with one another. No matter how long it takes don't go to bed with a seed of bitterness planted. Uproot it so that only love is left. (paraphrasing) I will never forget how we all embraced my grandfather as he entered the door. A small merry band heralding his return. The pungent smell of prison still on his clothes. I breathed it in, savoring the scent unique only to that one moment.

All was always good at my grandmother's. There were never harsh words spoken. There was always such a feeling of love; acceptance and playful joy emanated from every corner of their home. We'd laugh, talk, share. I always felt safe there. I remember the day the twin towers were struck and came tumbling down and all of America walked around fragmented, dazed and confused. My first instinct was to leave college and drive forty minutes to my grandparents home. It was there where I sat with them both sharing coffee and a healthy dose of comfort and familiarity.

I could almost smell the salt air of the ocean as I felt her hand squeezing mine. It was warmer than usual as she was growing feverish.  My mind reflected on all the summer vacations I shared with both my grandparents, discovering what treasures the ocean brought up in its persistent surf crashing upon the shore and now thinking sadly of the precious treasure that was now being swept away from me. That was going to merge with the great infinite unknown- life's greatest mystery-death.  One I believe that promises bliss and union and is nothing to fear. I looked at my grandmother who now closed her eyes and thought about how she had always met life's challenges with grace and strength. She was a woman who resolutely and with passion helped keep a marriage blazing with love for more than sixty years with my grandfather and helped raise three strong daughters. 

I continued to visit her at the hospital. Love surrounded her continually as we family members planned out our days and nights to make sure at every moment she'd have at least one hand to hold. The last time I saw her I just remember kissing her face and hands. It was as if I couldn't get enough of her at that moment because I knew it might be the last one. She was so very tired and her eyes hardly opened. The morphine drip had been in place for nearly a full day by then. She opened her eyes and made tremendous effort to squeeze my hand one last time and tell me that she loved me. I poured out "I love you's" to her, thanking her for being the best grandmother to me and great-grandmother to my children. I wished  her well telling her that she was about to take the most amazing journey and that God would always be there with her. That she would know true peace and her suffering was soon to end.  My soul reached out to hers in longing, not wanting to let go but the hands of peace cupped themselves around my heart and drew me back as it was time to leave. I had the feeling that I was leaving her for the last time but the hope that perhaps I would see her again the following day.

A little after four the next morning right before I was about to rise for chanting and meditation I received a call from my mother that she had passed. I had my cell phone by my bed and crawled back in it afterwards drawing the covers up high around me and unabashedly allowed my tears to soak them. I know there is a time for everything. Without darkness we would not know of light and without death we would not recognize the miracle of life. Death is a fate none can bypass. I used to picture it as a curtain closing upon us marking the end. Now I see it as more the opening of a curtain revealing the beginning of a new way. My grandmother a couple of days before she passed would keep telling us that she saw a beautiful gate opening to what was just pure light. Members of hospice would describe her state as having one foot on earth and one foot in the world that laid beyond our senses. I know now that she is on the other side of that gate and it brings me joy that she is now free of the pain she had to endure for so long. The memories of her will always keep her alive in all of our hearts.

This post is intended to not only reflect my thoughts and reflections towards losing my grandmother but also to serve as a tribute towards her. To recognize what an amazing person she was and how she caused gardens of love to blossom wherever her feet tread. I usually only include one picture in each post but I feel inspired to include more this time around so as to share a little of the person my grandmother was with all who happen by  in attempts of  honoring her memory. Hope you enjoy them. (Note: blogger is giving me issues so pardon the format)

Thoughts? I always love hearing them! Please leave them in the comments section. Thank you!

An Early Morning Poem

                        
                                               Courtesy of Google Images


May was the slowest month ever for my blog as I only produced two posts! In a way, not writing and posting so much did create a bit of restlessness. I love writing and sharing with others my thoughts and the information and sources I come across that I find inspiring. However, I think it was much needed time as I found myself concentrating more in my spiritual disciplines. The time helped me orient my spiritual compass in a more refined direction. I am still nowhere near as focused as I would like to be but am slowly getting there. I look forward to sharing some of the insights and sources of inspiration I have found during that time this coming month in future posts.

One habit I have gotten into over the last week or so has been rising up early at 4 am before dawn. I have found this a really great time to meditate, chant and read spiritual literature. The house is completely quiet besides the occasional sighs from our beloved golden retriever who likes to lay beside me on our living room floor.  I've been using my japa mala beads to aid me in chanting and have been meditating using Eknath Easwaran's technique of passage meditation. I have wanted to renew my practice of passage meditation as in a couple of weeks I am going on a one day retreat dedicated to helping those who attend advance and deepen in that discipline and want to prepare myself to get the most out of that time as I can.

This morning the sun rose in all its splendor above the treeline outside our windows that face the East and as I meditated I could hear the sounds of all kinds of birds coming out to greet the day. Geese could be heard calling out as they flew in an arc across the heavens. When I finished meditating I took out my journal and was inspired to write a short poem. I haven't titled it because frankly sometimes giving a title to a poem is a very distracting process for me. It almost takes as much time as it does to write the actual poem!

I hope you enjoy. :)




Untitled

Geese soar high overhead 

drawing the curtain open to a new day.
They sound their cries,

piercing silence with brilliant vibrations.
They don't ponder existence, nor God, as I do

in these early morning hours.
They merely move and have their being,

dancing the Kosmic dance with their Creator.

Fretting not about tomorrow they plunge

with wild abandon across the horizon,

melting into Love's first light.


Comments are always appreciated in the comments section. Thank you!

An Afternoon of Devotion at my Local Hare Krishna Temple

                                                
     This picture is of a harmonium, which is one of the primary instruments used in kirtan (chanting). Google images.

The door opened and a young woman in beautiful traditional Indian clothing ushered me warmly in. I took off my shoes and before long Jiva greeted me from the doorway. I embraced her quickly, refreshed at seeing someone familiar while in the midst of such a new experience. It had been a few weeks before my first visit to the temple which was merely to purchase japa mala beads for meditation. During my brief encounter with Jiva and her husband I had become curious about the beliefs of Hare Krishnas and had asked her many questions. I had enjoyed our conversation and felt intrigued to learn more and also come back to experience one of their services for myself.

As we approached the entrance to the temple room Jiva explained that they were just finishing their Tulsi ceremony and inquired whether or not I wished to take part. I said yes and soon found myself falling into line with others who were chanting while walking around a circle. In the center of the circle was a stand that stood about three feet tall and on it was placed a tulsi plant with a small bowl and spoon beside it.

As I walked my circuitous route I noted my surroundings. The room of the temple looked smaller than the last time I had visited. This was because a curtain had been drawn in front of where the deities were displayed. Intermittently throughout the service until the very end I noticed a devotee who would keep going behind the curtain and ring reverently what sounded like bells.

Flashes of my former life as a Christian blazed across my awareness. I had the quick thought that if I was asked if I wanted to participate in such a ritual just a year or so ago I would have outright refused. In fact, I would have never put myself in such a position to be asked in the first place. I would have considered entering a place of worship other than one that which glorified Jesus as being heresy and a sin and would have actually been very much afraid for the fate of my soul chanting the names of foreign gods. I consciously reminded myself that I no longer believe that way, shaking the small residual unease clean from my conscience. Blazing bright in my awareness was the truth that God is not so small as to dwell  in one religion only but dwells in the hearts of all sentient beings and is expressed in countless of ways.

My intention at the temple that Sunday afternoon was to witness and participate in how Hare Krishnas worship and tap into an awareness of the Divine. I wanted to learn all I could from those that seemed to find so much peace and happiness while on their spiritual path towards God. It was my desire to immerse myself with my surroundings and participate to my fullest capacity, leaving any potential inhibitions with my shoes at the door.

As we walked around in the circle Jiva came to me and instructed me to dip a tiny spoon in the bowl of water that was laid beside the tulsi plant and then let the water fall on the fingers of my opposite hand, allowing the excess water to simply fall on the smooth hard wood floor below. With the hand that had just gotten wet I dipped the spoon in again and poured its small contents onto a delicate leaf. I then resumed my position with the others, chanting and circling.

When we stopped the tulsi ritual we continued to chant. A friendly devotee handed me a small booklet to help me with the words which were unfamiliar and in sanskrit. Some might think that all that Hare Krishnas chant is the mahamantra but going to the service eroded that assumption from my conception of them. There were lots of other chants. Though of course, the mahamantra was emphasized.

Not long after mats were spread out all over the floor and I found a position on one of them as those around me settled onto their own. The same devotee handed me a copy of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is. That is the official translation devotees use of the Bhagavad Gita. It was translated by his divine grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the man who started the krishna consciousness movement in the west in the late 60's.  The temple president Pyari Mohan Prabhu then began the Bhagavad Gita class. As an interesting sidenote he is also Jiva's husband.

Unlike most sermons where the congregation's role is more like that of an audience the Bhagavad Gita class was much more intimate and interactive. Our teacher read from parts of the Gita which we repeated aloud and then read whatever notes the Gita would have on those verses and then discuss the theme of the selected verses. There was much back and forth between students and teacher. I appreciated such an exchange because it really seemed to foster true understanding. Questions weren't jotted down in a notebook to be perhaps emailed to the pastor at a later time only to receive a sometimes brief and unsatisfactory reply. Instead answers were immediately given and oftentimes in a warm and encouraging manner.

A principle that was discussed that resonated with me was the fact that we must seek out and be focused and aware of the eternal. That it is destructive to one's spiritual progress to become attached to the impermanent material stuff of life that the world offers us. That which quickly fades and tarnishes. Instead, our hearts should be set on and devoted to the Ultimate Truth, to Krishna/God. That is something that I have been actively working on in my personal life. 

Another thing that was emphasized was the need to recognize that God is personal and has a personality. I have to admit, that this is one area I struggle with accepting and understanding. Perhaps I always will.  During this time I listened intently as our teacher described how he once practiced Buddhism and meditated hoping to achieve a oneness with Brahman. This pursuit did not satisfy him completely and he still felt spiritually restless after years of pursuing this path. He noted that Brahman is only one aspect of God. There are three: Brahman, Supersoul and Personal God/Krishna. To neglect the personal aspect of God was not to achieve full realization into God's nature and a complete relationship with Him (Krishna consciousness).  For really, how can one have a relationship with something impersonal? I thought a lot about what he had to say, noting that many I've talked to and read while studying the Hare Krishna religion  have noted that they went from a nonpersonal to a personal belief in God after studying Buddhism and other eastern philosophies for years and believing in Brahman exclusively. That's kind of where I am right now. Seeing God in all and all in God. Seeing Him more as an Ultimate Reality of all things in which when we die we merge back into. A creative energy full of love and compassion weaving reality together. Through meditation I have felt and had awareness of the deep interconnectedness that all of life shares.

The teaching that devotees should only associate with other devotees came up in the class. This is also something heavily endorsed in a book I am reading that Jiva gave me, "The Nectar of Instruction". I could see the point to that teaching in one sense. As a Christian I once held that belief for the most part myself. There are many reasons to associate with other believers of the same faith. Not only does it give one a sense of fellowship and encouragement but it also provides one with accountability which is necessary for anyone digging deep and pursuing their faith to its fullest. Relationships with fellow believers can be profoundly edifying. At the same time, I wonder what this means for a new devotee that perhaps wasn't raised in such a community and has almost all friends and family who are not devotees. I can imagine that this approach could lead to definite feelings of being isolated from once meaningful relationships. Also, wouldn't a great way of witnessing and allowing the positive effects of one's spiritual beliefs be to actually form relationships with nonbelievers? I'd love the opportunity to interview a devotee who was not raised in this faith but converted to adulthood, to hear both the blessings and challenges such a conversion brought about in their lives. Perhaps that's an idea for another post.

We resumed chanting after the class and I could feel this beautiful sense of peace, a joyful energy emanating from the center of my consciousness. It pushed itself up through layers of stubborn ego. This feeling of love, awareness of God, only breaks through into my awareness during times of meditation, mindfulness and chanting. It welled up and outward. I felt my spirit take flight. Incense drifted, dancing amidst the sound vibrations of all who chanted. Their faces beamed with peace and devotion. A woman walked around holding a platter with flames. I watched intently as she walked up to devotees. They would sweep their hands along the top of the flames then move them in a sweeping motion across their foreheads. I knew she was going to come to me and was nervous because I've always been wary of fire. It took me years to even use our grill!  I felt a sense of trust in the process as I observed that  nobody taking part seemed to be ablaze. When the platter made its way to me I took a breath and then did as all the others did, swiftly moving my hands along the top of it and moving my hands in a sweeping motion across my forehead. The woman simply moved on and I resumed my chanting unscorched.

When the service came to the end the only part I didn't participate in unfolded. Devotees all went to the deities and participated in a ritual. I didn't really know what was being done and since I had no understanding of the ritual along with the fact that devotees believe the deities embody actual gods, I thought it best for me to refrain. I didn't want to do something wrong and insult anyone or offend a deity.

The service concluded in traditional Hare Krishna style-with a feast. The Hare Krishna religion is often referred to as the "kitchen religion" because of its emphasis on food. Hare Krishnas are vegetarian but not only do they abstain from eating the flesh of other sentient beings they also first offer their food to Krishna in love and devotion. Since God is within all of His creations, both sentient and non-sentient, when one consumes even something like a plant, which to our knowledge is not conscious, that person will still accumulate negative karma. When one first offers their food to Krishna/God their food is purified and is completely karma free. This food is called prasada and it is what is offered after every temple service. It was truly a feast for a wide variety of food was offered. Everything from fresh fruit to ethnic Indian dishes to bread was served.

My original post,  Journey for Japa Beads , received the most comments my blog has ever gotten for any article. Among the comments were some great spiritual discussions with current Hare Krishna devotees along with some criticism towards the organization that runs the temples, ISKON. I would encourage anyone who might want to look into the religion to read through the comments and then investigate it for themselves. The best way is probably to visit your own local temple and experience things firsthand. Though perplexed and little disturbed by some of the criticisms I have to say my own personal experience was a very positive one.



Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! Please leave them in the comments section. Thank you!

Radhanath Swami: True Religion Transforms

                                                             Source: Google Images

 It seems religion is used by so many these days to draw boundaries. To create an us vs.  them mentality. Since leaving organized religion behind me I often reflect on how grateful I am that I am no longer raising my children to see themselves as part of an exclusive group deserving God's grace and compassion while simultaneously viewing the rest of the world as others who will someday face the fate of a fiery hell. I realize that not everyone ascribing to religions feel this way, however, so many unfortunately do.

I believe every religion has the potential in fulfilling an important purpose. In particular, they have certainly been known to inspire followers towards greater capacities of compassion and service towards others, especially towards those who are suffering.  If a religion truly does this than surely it is of great benefit to humanity. All too often, however,  we see the results of this us v. them mentality fueled by religion playing itself out in the world.The sometimes horrifying results tend to overshadow any good religion has been shown capable of doing. We see in the news and in our daily lives how particular groups use the tenants of their faith to discriminate and judge. This destructive type of group thinking produces hatred, violence, prejudice and intolerance and keeps societies from moving forward to greater levels of empathy and progress. Such a narrow and prejudicial approach forbids the flowers of compassion to blossom. Peace begins to shrivel. We have seen  this all the world over time and time again. This causes many of us to wonder, and rightly so, if religion is ever a good thing at all.
 

I recently listened to a lecture by Radhanath Swami called "The Essence of Religions". It was spoken at a Unitarian Universalist church. I can honestly say Radhanath Swami had me at the edge of my seat the entire 58 minutes. He is an amazing speaker. His talk stirred my heart more than any sermon I had ever heard.  I couldn't help but  to think, while listening, that this is a man who truly has been touched with the knowledge of God.

I'd like to just share some short excerpts from his lecture. I found them heart-stirring and thought-provoking and think you will as well. First, though, I'd like to just paraphrase a short story that he shared near the beginning of the video. 

While he was in India, a friend of his, Narayan Prasad, would take him to his friend's office every day for an hour. Narayan came from the Hindu tradition while his friend, Muhummad, was Muslim and Radhanath Swami at the time did not ascribe to any particular tradition at all. They would all talk with one another sharing their various beliefs. Their exchange was one of mutual interest and did not involve one trying to convert the other. They all perceived that they had something to learn from each other rather than feeling they had something to prove to one another. Radhanath Swami described their discussions as illuminating. I can't help but wonder what this world would look like if more people, from various faiths, would get together and have such open-minded discussions!

One day, while Radhanath Swami and Narayan were talking along the Ganges river, he asked his friend, "How is it in a country where there is such ...violence between Hindus and Muslims you two are best friends?"

His friend answered, "A dog will recognize His master in whatever way the master dresses. The master might be in a tuxedo, in blue jeans and a t-shirt, in his underwear or no clothing at all. But the dog will recognize and love the master. If we cannot recognize our master, or God, when the Lord comes in different dresses to different people in different times and places, than we are lower than the dog. Than we have so much to learn from the dog."

I found that to be an extremely poignant remark. (Note: I think my atheist friends could easily replace "God" with "Truth.) Regardless if one believes that God, Himself, in personal form, comes down to communicate with man, I think many of us will recognize that the many figures of faith coming from the various traditions all had recognized some inherent truths that are universal. And it is these universal, transcendental truths that Radhanath Swami says are at the heart of and are the essence of all the religions.

"True religion is meant to bring about universal transformations." Radhanath Swami shared with listeners at his lecture. He went on to say, "In my searching... although I found very different philosophical interpretations, very different rituals, very different types of packaging of spirituality- I found that those who really sincerely went deep, they had very similar qualities.”  Examples of universal religious principals that Radhanath Swami gave were: love, forgiveness, tolerance and compassion.

I would highly recommend watching the complete lecture. You can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygQ-n50bZbI. I will conclude this post with sharing some reflections from Radhanath Swami that are densely packed with truth and understanding.

"When the ego rules over our consciousness it can create conflict and hatred politically...but the most dangerous dimension is when the ego comes into religion because we can take religious texts, religious traditions, and utilize them to give absolute authority to our ego. Now I hate you, now I am right and you are wrong and I have the power of God and you are dangerous to the world....

Spirituality is the greatest power. When it is in good hands it has the greatest benefits. When it is in the wrong hands it can have the greatest damage. There is a very very dire importance to understand what is the essence of religion. In a very broad sense it is to transform our consciousness from arrogance to humility. From vengeance to forgiveness. From greed to generosity. And most of all, it is meant to connect us to the love within us so that we might be instruments of compassion in everything we do. This is the universal principle of religion. To absorb ourselves in the love of God and to be truly and genuinely compassionate to all living things...

Wherever we find the love of God that is broad and deep and induces us to be truly compassionate and make sacrifices for the welfare of others. That is where truth is. That is real religion. It is not about being a Muslim or a Jew...It is about loving God. It is about connecting to that higher experience of love within our heart and being an instrument of compassion within this world. That is the essence and that is the greatest need..."


Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! Please share in the comments section! Thank you!