tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post6356344707261830993..comments2024-01-31T01:40:00.672-08:00Comments on A Soul's Journey: Finding my Dharmic Path....Nirvani Teasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04526518403888488347noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-15080834332922263222013-02-11T20:42:22.317-08:002013-02-11T20:42:22.317-08:00.As a hindu I can only say ' welcome into the ....As a hindu I can only say ' welcome into the journey of self discovery'. I believe when we question who am i and why am here? we have just begun the most beautiful journey described by Sanatana Dharma.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-26827724514257219032012-11-14T17:48:41.413-08:002012-11-14T17:48:41.413-08:00How did I miss this wonderful post?
I left my c...How did I miss this wonderful post? <br /><br />I left my church about 12 years ago. I am sure you can understand how much it turned my life upside down. My marriage had just ended and I had NO support from my church friends. If I walked by them they would look the other direction. There were a handful of people who still would talk to me and for that I was so grateful. These are the people who (in my opinion) truly understand the gospel.<br />After leaving I started questioning. Actually I questioned before that but was rebuked for my curiosity and lack of understanding. At one point the leadership of the church came to my home and tried to cast demons from me. <br />Anyway, it is a very, very long story. I still do believe in Jesus and He is my Lord and Saviour. However, I am very drawn to Sikhism. I love the "treasures" of Compassion, Truth, Contentment, Humility and Love. Though I now consider myself a liberal Quaker I am open to listening to what others believe. Sometimes I hear something and it doesn't work for me but other times I will think on it. According to "Christianity" I am going to hell for that. That makes me sad but I have to live what is true in my heart.Birdiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03479872783727855901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-28210092969174738892012-11-12T14:15:02.638-08:002012-11-12T14:15:02.638-08:00Hello Nirvana and thanks so much!
Wow, now I wis...Hello Nirvana and thanks so much! <br /><br />Wow, now I wish that you, me and Christine could sit down and have a good chat! I agree with you about ISKCON. In the beginning of my investigations into Sanatana Dharma I listened to many, many podcasts by Charu Das, and while I think much of what he says is absolutely wonderful, ISKCON reminded me very much of Catholicism. <br /><br />I would love to visit the Himalayan Monastery someday. Their books and the information on their website are wonderful resources and I enjoy watching Satguru Veylanswami on their video podcasts. <br /><br />Are you studying Ayurveda on your own or more formally? I am once again setting my sites on the program in NM but in the meantime I'm thinking about taking Dr. Frawley's "Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, Mantra and Meditation" 300 hour correspondence course since I seem to have nothing but time at the moment. First I have to look over some of his books. I must admit to being so preferential to Dr. L's teachings that I've managed to ignore everyone else's, but perhaps that's not the most well-rounded approach, lol. I did take the correspondence course offerred through the Institute as well. It's a good foundation but doesn't provide you with any official certification at the end. I don't know, ultimately, how meaningful these various certifications are in light of such an ancient, rich and complicated subject...one could study it for many, many lifetimes.<br /><br />I think my email is on the sidebar of my blog if you ever want to email me privately about Hinduism. It sometimes takes me a day or two to respond to emails (just ask Christine, she knows!) but I do, eventually, write back.<br /><br />Love and Light,<br />Uma<br />Umāhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10680155603317072829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-37065804191750446562012-11-10T08:35:27.991-08:002012-11-10T08:35:27.991-08:00Hi Nirvani :) Oh, Yes I have read Llewellyn's...Hi Nirvani :) Oh, Yes I have read Llewellyn's latest book: Fragments of a Love Story, and fell in love! :) Actually it was Uma who told me about the book! :) Although I don't know the history of Sufism, there are certain aspects of Sufism, as I'm discovering, that still seem very steeped in patriarchal religious lineage, with a lot of rules, etc., not the freedom of the Heart that Lllewellyn talks of, which I am sure is true of any religious structure with a mystical side (like in Christianity for instance). I have also seen his videos on You Tube. I was smitten by the Truth of his words in his book and videos. :) But in terms of actually "studying" Sufism, I have not done that, and probably won't, as I have no desire to *become* a Sufi. It is not my path, but being a "Mystic" I love exploring the Truth in the mystical paths of others. Right now reading The Essential Rumi - loving it :) <br /><br />Aren't you just loving Uma's travels in India on her post now!!?<br /><br />Namaste :)Mystic Meanderinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746429719911446865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-26111054232410283932012-11-09T11:43:10.529-08:002012-11-09T11:43:10.529-08:00Thank you so much Uma and Christine! Uma I have be...Thank you so much Uma and Christine! Uma I have been following you for some time now and I found your blog Christine though hers and you both are two of my absolute favorite blogs! I am thrilled to hear from both of you:) I can identify with both of you on many levels. I am feeling more emboldened now to attend a Hindu temple...not that there are many to choose from here on Oahu. I did have a lovely experience visiting the Krishna temple here. I wrote about it in one of my blog posts and took some lovely pictures of the property. But I just am not drawn to the ISKCON movement. It feels a little too evangelical to me:)I hear there is a Shaivite sect here on my island but I have yet to find them. I don't believe there is an actual temple here. Kauai is just a quick plane ride away and my husband said he would love to go with me so we are planning a trip over for a weekend to visit the Himalayan Monastery. Uma, I would so love to chat more with you about your experiences with Hinduism...as we seem to have that very much in common...Not just that but I know you are into Ayurveda and I am studying it myself:)<br /><br />Christine, I too have been reading up on Sufism! I just love love love the beautiful spirit it brings. I have listened to all of Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee's videos on Youtube:) If you have not heard of him, he is a modern day Sufi Mystic and is an amazing man! I would love to know your thoughts on Sufism:)<br /><br />Thank you again ladies for replying here:) I really need to make more of an effort to post on blogs I love... I can be a bit shy about that, but I am always reading and digesting..hehehe<br /><br />Om Shanti,<br />Nirvani Nirvani Teasleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04526518403888488347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-16298496016041061912012-11-08T18:09:17.357-08:002012-11-08T18:09:17.357-08:00What a lovely personal sharing, Nirvani!
I resona...What a lovely personal sharing, Nirvani!<br /><br />I resonate with much of your journey. I was raised mainstream Christian, then became a fundamentalist Christian for several years. And in 1987 left the faith and started my exploration of other paths. Went into New Age Metaphysics for a few years. Then started exploring Buddhism - which like you, felt too "impersonal" - for me a little too practical with the emphasis on "mind training," although I love Buddhist wisdom. I've also explored Non-Duality teachings, both advaita and contemporary. I love to listen to Ram Das, but never felt the pull to become Hindu. In fact, after being reared in the strong patriarchal dogma of Christianity, with it's strong sense of right and wrong, etc., I find it hard to define myself, or identify with any particular religion. Which is probably why I feel like a "Meandering Mystic." :) I do feel a resonance with "The Divine Mother" - not the Virgin Mary, or the Hindu Mother, but more the Cosmic Mother, and pray to her often. Currently I am exploring mystical Sufism. <br /><br />Am looking forward to reading your blog!Mystic Meanderinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746429719911446865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-22251278318538088312012-11-08T13:08:15.940-08:002012-11-08T13:08:15.940-08:00Nirvani, WOW I am so happy to "meet" you...Nirvani, WOW I am so happy to "meet" you online and so very glad you left a comment on my blog today. Having been raised a strict Catholic (13 years in Catholic school!) I fell in love with Sanatana Dharma three years ago after some very strong signs led me to it on the very week my mom passed away. My life has changed completely since then and is still in the process of upheaval and change. My first time in a temple was on this recent three week trip to India and in fact we spent most of our time in India visiting temples, big and small. We were welcomed with open arms, and there was never, ever the feeling that we did not belong there as non-Indians. In terms of being open and accepting Hindus definitely proved to us that they practice what they preach ; ) <br />And Prabhat is right, Dancing with Shiva is a wonderful book and I've also read Merging with Shiva and this winter will tackle Loving Ganesha, as he has so clearly won my heart.Umāhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10680155603317072829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-68771695939578144312012-11-08T11:03:21.801-08:002012-11-08T11:03:21.801-08:00Thank you so much Sarah for your lovely compliment...Thank you so much Sarah for your lovely compliment! So true! I feel very blessed indeed! Have a beautiful day!<br /><br />Om Shanti!Nirvani Teasleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04526518403888488347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-62142138986152489132012-11-08T03:31:28.377-08:002012-11-08T03:31:28.377-08:00What a beautiful and personal post! The happiness ...What a beautiful and personal post! The happiness with your path just radiates off the page. I am so glad that you have a loving supportive family. That can be the most difficult part of breaking out of our expected life paths and pursuing what truly calls to us. <br />Blessed Be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-37967195230206337692012-11-07T21:12:31.161-08:002012-11-07T21:12:31.161-08:00Your Welcome Nirvani...Actually our friend group i...Your Welcome Nirvani...Actually our friend group is also planning to visit Kauai Monestary..lets see may be during thanksgiving ..Actually I recently shifted to Nashville..Before that I was at Kansas City,MO..So I am Not so familiar with people at Nashville...but yes I see many western Hindus at temple and last month we guys have lots of fun during Ganpati Visarjan......So I feel that you should Not Shy away from attending a temple...May be this is your First time so you are feeling nervous ...however I suggest just go there .observe things over there....I used to go temple every week I just go there and mediate for some time..It is calming experience...Best time is around 9 am or 11 am -12 pm as these are aarti timings.It is best time to visit temple these days as Deepavli celebrations are going in temple so it will be a Nice experience...Prabhat Chauhanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15928635851886918385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-80819235861075062002012-11-07T20:24:19.630-08:002012-11-07T20:24:19.630-08:00Thank you so much for your reply Prabhat...Your wo...Thank you so much for your reply Prabhat...Your words are very encouraging!...I actually had started reading Dancing with Shiva a while back and plan to visit the Himalayan Monestery on Kauai. I live on Oahu, but it is just a quick plane ride over there. I have a facebook friend who lives in Nashville named Brooke...she attends a Hindu temple there, maybe you know her:) Thank you again for the great advice...I will certainly take it to heart!<br /><br />Happy Deepavli to you as well!Nirvani Teasleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04526518403888488347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-63308021813150409692012-11-07T20:02:45.069-08:002012-11-07T20:02:45.069-08:00Namaste...
Shubh Deepavli in Advace..
AumNamaste...<br /><br />Shubh Deepavli in Advace..<br />AumPrabhat Chauhanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15928635851886918385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538452851055937254.post-84632787138189424742012-11-07T19:58:40.795-08:002012-11-07T19:58:40.795-08:00I think you should Read Dancing with Shiva..by Siv...I think you should Read Dancing with Shiva..by Sivaya Subramanyam Swami...and How to become a better Hindu...<br /><br />HInduism consider every person is born as Hindu..you need to recognize a true Hindu in yourself...Recognize your Dharma and follow it..That is Sanatan Dharma(Eternal Dharma)..People come close to Santan Dharma the day they start questioning...The Holy Text Geeta is all about Questioning......<br /><br />I believe that you should start going to your nearest Hindu Temple...I don't know your <br />location but I am here at Nashville,TN...There i can see during weekends a lot of Western Hindus come over there...Last Month they too participated in Ganesh Visarjan.....<br /><br />For a Hindu his faith is very personal to him because emphasize is on Your Dharma(righteous duty)..No Heaven for granted...Only thing that will decide is your "Karma" ... Hinduism/SantanDharma is NOT a salesman kind of religion so there No one will be fooling and forcing onceto convert ..but once you reach at the door of SantanDharma..you will always be embraced with open arms.. Prabhat Chauhanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15928635851886918385noreply@blogger.com