[FairfieldLife] Guru Dev - another old Hindi book discovered - श्रीशंकराचार्य- वाक्सुधा
Back in 1947 a Hindi book was published called श्रीशंकराचार्य-वाक्सुधा 'Shri Shankaracharya Vaksudha', credited to Shri 108 Dandi Swami Adwaitanand Saraswati, compiled and edited by one Mahesh Prasad Ji (no doubt the name Maharishi was known by then). It is a slim volume of some 135 odd pages giving a profile of the life and teachings of Shankaracharya Swami Brahmanand Saraswati, later better known as Guru Dev. It seems it was this publication that formed the basis of the later Hindi biography entitled श्री ज्योतिष्पीठोद्धारक 'Shri Jyotishpeethoddharaka', published in 1965. It is said that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi claimed the work as his own, allegedly telling an assistant, Australian TM teacher Edna Linnel, ‘We shall see what they have done with it.’ Seemingly 'Shri Shankaracharya Vaksudha' is the work which Maharishi was referring to in 1968 when he said ‘I have written long ago, maybe twenty or thirty years ago, I wrote a book, a small cover, about two hundred pages, and that was in Hindi, account of Guru Dev. But in that description, hear what I said! Not the instances were cited, but the inferences drawn from the instances. Not the instances make history!’. I have come by an original copy of this book, see:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Shri_Shankaracharya_Vaksudha.html
[FairfieldLife] Re: More on the incredible clips from the Outnumbered TV series
There was an episode of 'Outnumbered' yesterday, I don't know whether or not you can see the re-run showing on BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fq31t --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk shempmcg...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Are the clips a true representation of what 'Outnumbered' is like? Hugh Dennis appears on comedy quiz programs quite a lot, and is part of a generation of very funny gifted comedians here, there seems to be a glut of them, we are very lucky. I came across 'Outnumbered' by chance and found it to be totally gripping, but I can't define why. It isn't as cerebral as Monty Python, Not the Nine O'clock News or any of the other greats, but it has its own power to put our lives on parade. From what I understand, the cast is left to improvise quite a lot, so perhaps that is why the material feels so fresh? Well, the kids are incredibly and if, indeed, the kids are ad-libbing, they are masters at it. The little boy and little girl are perfect. And it's their sincerity that does it; they aren't trying to be cutesy-wootsy or funny. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk shempmcgurk@ wrote: I'll tell you what I love about the 3 clips I've seen so far. Firstly, there's no laugh track which more often than not absolutely kills any comedy for me (and a laugh track is to be differentiated from the laughing from a live studio audience DURING the taping of a show). Secondly, this is NOT slap-your-knee funny; it is situational funny, for lack of a better term. I much prefer this kind of comedy. The best example of it that I know is the movie Flirting with distaster with Ben Stiller and Patricia Arquette. Thirdly, the kids who are the actors -- as well as the adults -- are not TRYING to play funny; they are reading and acting their lines quite sincerely and it is the situation itself and the script which is just incredibly hilarious. There is an axiom in Hollywood that if you're an actor doing a comedy, you don't try and play funny; you do the lines and your role as seriously and sincerely as possible, the funny will automatically come. And that's why I think this works. In the Awkward questions about Jesus clip, everyone in it is doing that perfectly from the Vicar (who's wonderful) to all of the kids. This is a gem of a series and I can't wait until it is available on DVD in the States! Of course, the series could be shit and we are just seeing the absolute best of it...but somehow I doubt it. Perhaps Paul Mason who is ensconced in Jolly Old England sees the series? Could he please tell us whether the series is as good as the clips? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, guyfawkes91 no_reply@ wrote: No holds barred comedy. OMG, OMG, OMG!! I can barely breath this is so funny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al3CCSEl-fMNR=1 .. if it goes to hell it can have cheese on toast Followed by this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ZdXr--4QAfeature=related In sickness#65279; or in health. May the force be with you..because you're worth it I think I'd die of laughter if I watched a whole show.
[FairfieldLife] Re: More on the incredible clips from the Outnumbered TV series
There was an episode of 'Outnumbered' yesterday, I don't know whether or not you in the US can see the re-run showing on BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fq31t --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandp...@... wrote: There was an episode of 'Outnumbered' yesterday, I don't know whether or not you can see the re-run showing on BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fq31t --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk shempmcgurk@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Are the clips a true representation of what 'Outnumbered' is like? Hugh Dennis appears on comedy quiz programs quite a lot, and is part of a generation of very funny gifted comedians here, there seems to be a glut of them, we are very lucky. I came across 'Outnumbered' by chance and found it to be totally gripping, but I can't define why. It isn't as cerebral as Monty Python, Not the Nine O'clock News or any of the other greats, but it has its own power to put our lives on parade. From what I understand, the cast is left to improvise quite a lot, so perhaps that is why the material feels so fresh? Well, the kids are incredibly and if, indeed, the kids are ad-libbing, they are masters at it. The little boy and little girl are perfect. And it's their sincerity that does it; they aren't trying to be cutesy-wootsy or funny. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk shempmcgurk@ wrote: I'll tell you what I love about the 3 clips I've seen so far. Firstly, there's no laugh track which more often than not absolutely kills any comedy for me (and a laugh track is to be differentiated from the laughing from a live studio audience DURING the taping of a show). Secondly, this is NOT slap-your-knee funny; it is situational funny, for lack of a better term. I much prefer this kind of comedy. The best example of it that I know is the movie Flirting with distaster with Ben Stiller and Patricia Arquette. Thirdly, the kids who are the actors -- as well as the adults -- are not TRYING to play funny; they are reading and acting their lines quite sincerely and it is the situation itself and the script which is just incredibly hilarious. There is an axiom in Hollywood that if you're an actor doing a comedy, you don't try and play funny; you do the lines and your role as seriously and sincerely as possible, the funny will automatically come. And that's why I think this works. In the Awkward questions about Jesus clip, everyone in it is doing that perfectly from the Vicar (who's wonderful) to all of the kids. This is a gem of a series and I can't wait until it is available on DVD in the States! Of course, the series could be shit and we are just seeing the absolute best of it...but somehow I doubt it. Perhaps Paul Mason who is ensconced in Jolly Old England sees the series? Could he please tell us whether the series is as good as the clips? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, guyfawkes91 no_reply@ wrote: No holds barred comedy. OMG, OMG, OMG!! I can barely breath this is so funny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al3CCSEl-fMNR=1 .. if it goes to hell it can have cheese on toast Followed by this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ZdXr--4QAfeature=related In sickness#65279; or in health. May the force be with you..because you're worth it I think I'd die of laughter if I watched a whole show.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Which Maharishi Flip-Flop Teaching has the worst karma?
Yes TurquoiseB, I would have to say A-um to that, for that is what happened. It was quite a mystery. I mean, it was Maharishi's whole thing that TM did not need any adjuncts, nothing extra to gain the benefits of any other system of practice or philosophy. Then it was a whole turnabout and it was time to sign up for walking through walls, materialising fruit and lift off. And most importantly, virtually the whole of the TM philosophy did a somersault. So, necessarilly, those who indulge in Maharishi-speak find themselves not only frog-hopping on their butts but doing wierd contortions in their minds in order to defend his thinking. Not necessary when dealing with his original teachings, only necessary in order to deal with the 'other' Maharishi teaching. Mind you I think his original philosophy was a bit far-fetched too, in that meditation is an end in itself, clarity of consciousness, it does not need to prove itself of benefit elsewhere. And it anything but proved that it does benefit anyone else but the practitioner, that it pure speculation. Personally, I find meditation cleans the windscreen of the mind, but beyond that, in practical terms I would not make any further claims for it. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: Recent talk of needing a guru here has reminded me of a phenomenon that many TB TMers are either unaware of (because they started TM so much later than others here and thus missed the earlier teachings) or they have blotted out the earlier teachings from their minds (because they don't want to deal with the fact that Maharishi completely reversed himself). I call this phenomenon the Maharishi Flip-Flop. It's where Maharishi started his career as a spiritual teacher teaching one thing -- emphatically -- and then LATER flip-flopped and began teaching or doing *exactly the opposite* of what he had said/taught before. The most famous example of this, of course, is the siddhis. In courses throughout the late 60s, Maharishi was clear to the point of being emphatic that they were dangerous and should *not* be pursued by spiritual seekers. The whole capture the fort analogy was *invented* as a reply to students who asked about the siddhis and how to achieve them. MMY's teaching *at that time* was that it was safer to capture the fort, and allow such siddhis to blossom on their own, if they did. He definitely *discouraged* people from ever trying to achieve the siddhis. Of course, we all know how that turned out. And a number of us here probably now feel that his earlier teaching -- before the flip-flop -- was more correct. But for me, the Maharishi Flip-Flop teaching that has had the most debilitating effect on students, and has thus incurred the most negative karma, is the flip-flop he made on gurus and whether one should rely on them when it comes to advice on how to live one's life. I remember Maharishi clearly addressing this issue in response to a question from the audience, the first time I ever saw him, in 1967. The person asked him for advice on how to resolve a quandary or problem in his life. In effect, the questioner was asking Maharishi to make the decision for him -- tell him what to do, give him the right answer. Maharishi categorically refused to do so, and explained why. He said, If I tell you what to do...what decision to make ...what happens the *next* time you need to make a decision? You'll come running to me asking me to make it for you. He then went on to give a long talk on how the idea of gurus telling their students what to do and how to live was a *mistake*, because It makes the students weaker. As they become dependent on the guru or teacher to make decisions for them, they lose the ability to make decisions themselves. At this point, as he always did, Maharishi segued into a discussion of TM, and how theoretically it would enable the student to become stronger and more able to make his OWN decisions, and not need anyone to make them for him. Cut to only a few years later, and how Maharishi began to treat the meditators and TM teachers who had signed on to the TM movement. It was a complete and total flip-flop. He began to dictate what they should wear and not wear, what they should eat and not eat, what they should believe and not believe, and who they should hang around with and not hang around with. It is not unfair to say that on courses *every* aspect of a TM student's life was dictated to him; every minute of every day was *literally* being told what to do, by the guru. And soon this being told what to do began to creep over into the lives of the TM teachers when they were *not* on courses as well. And I think that most here have seen the debilitating effects of coming to rely on Maharishi to tell them what to do. Tens of thousands of TM teachers literally *lost their ability* to think for themselves and
[FairfieldLife] Re: More on the incredible clips from the Outnumbered TV series
Are the clips a true representation of what 'Outnumbered' is like? Hugh Dennis appears on comedy quiz programs quite a lot, and is part of a generation of very funny gifted comedians here, there seems to be a glut of them, we are very lucky. I came across 'Outnumbered' by chance and found it to be totally gripping, but I can't define why. It isn't as cerebral as Monty Python, Not the Nine O'clock News or any of the other greats, but it has its own power to put our lives on parade. From what I understand, the cast is left to improvise quite a lot, so perhaps that is why the material feels so fresh? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk shempmcg...@... wrote: I'll tell you what I love about the 3 clips I've seen so far. Firstly, there's no laugh track which more often than not absolutely kills any comedy for me (and a laugh track is to be differentiated from the laughing from a live studio audience DURING the taping of a show). Secondly, this is NOT slap-your-knee funny; it is situational funny, for lack of a better term. I much prefer this kind of comedy. The best example of it that I know is the movie Flirting with distaster with Ben Stiller and Patricia Arquette. Thirdly, the kids who are the actors -- as well as the adults -- are not TRYING to play funny; they are reading and acting their lines quite sincerely and it is the situation itself and the script which is just incredibly hilarious. There is an axiom in Hollywood that if you're an actor doing a comedy, you don't try and play funny; you do the lines and your role as seriously and sincerely as possible, the funny will automatically come. And that's why I think this works. In the Awkward questions about Jesus clip, everyone in it is doing that perfectly from the Vicar (who's wonderful) to all of the kids. This is a gem of a series and I can't wait until it is available on DVD in the States! Of course, the series could be shit and we are just seeing the absolute best of it...but somehow I doubt it. Perhaps Paul Mason who is ensconced in Jolly Old England sees the series? Could he please tell us whether the series is as good as the clips? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, guyfawkes91 no_reply@ wrote: No holds barred comedy. OMG, OMG, OMG!! I can barely breath this is so funny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al3CCSEl-fMNR=1 .. if it goes to hell it can have cheese on toast Followed by this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ZdXr--4QAfeature=related In sickness#65279; or in health. May the force be with you..because you're worth it I think I'd die of laughter if I watched a whole show.
[FairfieldLife] Awkward Questions about Jesus
An intro to 'Outnumbered'... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQak6ng0RXQ
[FairfieldLife] Re: Enjoy the Rose! - Indifference tothe thorns is Bliss!
David, Well, Guru Dev speaks of thorns as a means to distinguish the Acacia from the Mango, and he refers to the practice of spreading thorns to keep away monkeys from crops. Further, he uses the Hindi word for thorns - kantak - in a poetic sense when he mentions that:- Thug log saadh vesh apana kar sachche saadhuon ki bari raksha karte hain, jaise gulab ke pushpon ko kantak raksha karte hain. 'Thugs who dress in the clothes of hermits greatly protect true sadhus, in the manner that thorns protect the rose.' (my own translation, from 'Guru Dev as Presented by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi' - ISBN 978-0-9562228-2-4) Guru Dev tended to call a thorn a thorn, so to speak. But a Guru offering an analogy about thorns that wither away without one's giving any attention... Please cite your source. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, David Palmer davidpalmer...@... wrote: Dear Paul, It is not by doubting the words of the Guru that one gains knowledge, but by trying to understand them, and by practicing the teaching. If you have doubts over the validity of a statement, then humbly question the teacher. Dismissing the whole teaching is not helpful. The rose and its thorns is just a metaphor to convey the idea of duality, positive and negative, but even here we can see that the actual role of the thorns is to protect our beautiful rose, which means the thorns are also precious. Do you get the idea? .
[FairfieldLife] Re: Enjoy the Rose! - Indifference tothe thorns is Bliss!
David To follow my earlier post which dealt with Guru Dev and the subject of thorns, here is another to address your suggestion that I was dismissing the teaching of TM - I am not! You couldn't be further from the truth as I have practiced this form of meditation for nigh on forty years, only breaking the routine to experiment short-term with variants of the technique. But I AM dismissing much of the philosophical 'teaching' associated with the teaching of TM. I would like to see meditation taught free of indoctrination about 'higher' states of consciousness, free of the drip-feeding of dubious scientific claims, and also stripped of the fanciful philosphies, especially those dealing with how to think. In my view these aspects of the 'teaching' tend to distort the process and result in a cult think, rather than happy, alert and well-motivated individuals. Jai Guru Dev Premanand Paul --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandp...@... wrote: David, Well, Guru Dev speaks of thorns as a means to distinguish the Acacia from the Mango, and he refers to the practice of spreading thorns to keep away monkeys from crops. Further, he uses the Hindi word for thorns - kantak - in a poetic sense when he mentions that:- Thug log saadh vesh apana kar sachche saadhuon ki bari raksha karte hain, jaise gulab ke pushpon ko kantak raksha karte hain. 'Thugs who dress in the clothes of hermits greatly protect true sadhus, in the manner that thorns protect the rose.' (my own translation, from 'Guru Dev as Presented by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi' - ISBN 978-0-9562228-2-4) Guru Dev tended to call a thorn a thorn, so to speak. But a Guru offering an analogy about thorns that wither away without one's giving any attention... Please cite your source. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, David Palmer davidpalmer108@ wrote: Dear Paul, It is not by doubting the words of the Guru that one gains knowledge, but by trying to understand them, and by practicing the teaching. If you have doubts over the validity of a statement, then humbly question the teacher. Dismissing the whole teaching is not helpful. The rose and its thorns is just a metaphor to convey the idea of duality, positive and negative, but even here we can see that the actual role of the thorns is to protect our beautiful rose, which means the thorns are also precious. Do you get the idea? .
[FairfieldLife] Re: Enjoy the Rose! - Indifference tothe thorns is Bliss!
'We forgive the thorns, and trust that they will wither without our attention.' This is such a good example of the potential disconnect between the experience of meditation and indoctrinated mumbo-jumbo that can sometimes associated with it. David, in case you are really in any doubt about the harsh realities of thorns... thorns can be very, very painful and can even bring about infected injuries. And thorns don't just wither away, they lurk about waiting to do their thorny business. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, davidpalmer108 davidpalmer...@... wrote: Thanks for your very friendly and encouraging responses to my first post. Someone said Ignorance is Bliss, and it is such a beautiful point that he made that I must elaborate on it.(Everyone is the Guru deep down, and it is locating His message, reflected in the speech of this or that nervous system, that we must strive to do, to save us from being caught in unpleasantness): We should strive to enjoy the beauty of the roses, not focus on the thorns; we forgive the thorns, and trust that they will wither without our attention. Every thing in creation is relative and dual; everything has beauty from one angle, and not such from another. Even Maharishi and TM cannot escape this. Maharishi was just a man (albeit an exceptionally great one in all of history) and we cannot expect perfection from him, and also the Spiritual Regeneration Movement could never, because it is also relative, be perfect. But let us all enjoy the magnificence of the goals and achievements of Maharishi and TM, let us not dwell on the failings, it is unkind to those well-meaning souls who are striving for our benefit. Who could conceive of, and establish a Global Country of World Peace unifying the whole of humanity in Harmony? It is such a huge, wonderful vision. Let us all enjoy it together, and encourge it to grow! Jai Guru Dev David
[FairfieldLife] Re: Narayana Kavach Mantra in TM Initiation Puja
Remember the incident involving an intruder at George Harrison's home:- 'I made the decision to shout back at him to distract him. I looked down and shouted Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna. The tactic did not work and the intruder advanced up the stairs.' http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2000/nov/15/stevenmorris --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, bob_brigante no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, min.pige min.pige@ wrote: yes please post and thanks! --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, John jr_esq@ wrote: To All: In my reading of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, I found a passage relating to mantras for protection. I found that the Narayana Kavach is similar to the TM initiation puja. If anyone is interested, I'll post it. ** John, I am going to link to the translation I like, from the Concise Srimad Bhagavatam: http://snipurl.com/nejba [books_google_com] Curious, I clicked on this excerpt and read it and found: Visanipa said: When confronted by danger a devotee should bathe, sit facing the north and recite the prayer sacred to Narayana. By the mystic process known as nyasa he should transmute his body into the holy name of the Lord. Contemplating the self as the supreme being endowed with power, knowledge, austerity and respledence, he should pray: May sri Hari protect me in all ways. May the divine fish protect me in water; the divine dward on land; the lord of colossal form in the air; lord Narasimha in the forest and in battle; the divine boar on the road; lord Rama on mountain peaks and other places. May Narayana protect me from violent actions... etc., ad nauseum Now here's my question for John (jr_esq) and others who actually profess to believe that the vedic literature holds all the cosmic wisdom and knowledge in life, and that if we want to live a long, fruitful, and enlightened life we should do exactly what this vedic literature says: Assume that you find yourself in danger. Assume further that the danger is in the form of an intruder in your house who is waving a knife and acting crazy. Are you going to follow the advice of the scripture above to protect yourself? If so, might I suggest that you will be dead before you've had time to fill the bathtub, much less bathe and sit facing the north and chant this crap. The divine fish and the divine dwarf don't enter into it; they are non-starters in this game, no matter how long you pray to them. The other gods are going to be similarly absent. You can go the scriptural route if you want. Me, I consider it rank superstition. I'd look around for the nearest Louisville Slugger and try my best to put the intruder's head over the fences. There may be a time for enjoying fairy tales. When one is in danger does not strike me as one of those times. Besides, fairy tales are not always what people think they are: :-)
[FairfieldLife] YouTube video - Guru Dev sings 'Shri Charpata Panjarika Stotram'
Link to 'Shri Charpata Panjarika Stotram' ('Bhaja Govindam') sung by Guru Dev
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbEDqdJSxoofeature=channel_page
[FairfieldLife] Re: What happened to Michael Jackson?
Richard As far as I can gather Guru Dev seldom visited Jyotirmath, perhaps only twice during his tenure as Shankaracharya. His main ashram was in Benares (it is still there) that ashram is dedicated to his guru and funded by a trust in Dandi Swami Krishanand's name. Regarding his expenditures, all sources are agreed that he used some sort of divine purse, that he had some sort of siddhi that dealt with material funds. Yes, I know it seems very childish to believe such things are possible, but unless accounts of some trust are discovered, which show that Guru Dev was supported by benefactors' donations, I for one will continue to keep an open mind. On the subject of controversy, I recently had a German initiator contact me to tell me how Maharishi declared to about seventy course participants on the Spiritual Guides Course in Rishikesh early 1970 that Guru Dev had been killed by rat poison administered repeatedly by the cook. And I had thought this was just a rumour created and circulated on AMT. Does anyone else at FFL remember Maharishi saying this? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, WillyTex no_re...@... wrote: Wait a minute: How long will it take for Rick Archer, or for that fellow Vaj or that scumbag paulmason, to start claiming that none of these Saints actually were present on this occasion in Delhi, 1943? About thirty-six minutes, Nabby. Nabby wrote: I do not believe they sent cash as He did not allow such contributions; but flowers and fruits, chairs and tents; obviously. Have you ever heard of the Jyotirmath Trust Fund? What do you think a Trust Fund does, Nabby? It takes donations from wealthy patrons and puts it in the bank in a 'trust fund' to be spent for worthy causes. Where do you think they got all the money to rebuild the Jyotirmath Ashram? Yes, I insist that Guru Dev attended, if not organized, the Delhi Mahayagna in 1943, and with the help of Mr. Raj Varma and his nephew, Bal Bramhacharya who also attended the event, sitting right next to the Guru Dev.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Swell cover of Voodoo Chile (slight return)?
Card, I sent you a Sanskrit doodle of Jimi Hendrix by email, did you get it yet? ... Paul --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, cardemaister no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, WillyTex no_reply@ wrote: cardemaister wrote: Swell cover of Voodoo Chile (slight return)? Stevie Ray Vaughan - Voodoo Chile (Slight Return): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GSpbuFSr2o Everybody knows SRV's cover, but there obviously are people even in the UK, who can imitate Jimi reasonably well!
[FairfieldLife] Maharishi in Nepal in 1974
Apparently, in 1973 Maharishi sent Hans Bruncken to Calcutta 1973 to teach SCI. But Hans found that the intelligencia there wanted to support communism and not their own tradition knowledge. In 1974 Hans and Charlotte moved to Katmandu where they again began teaching SCI and came into contact with the government. Whereupon Maharishi then asked the government to allow initiation of all the Nepalese people to which the government agreed. So, every day Hans talked to one of the ministers, and the King was also involved in this. It is claimed that because the king is a descendent from Lord Rama the Nepalese understood Maharishi's idea of making a `Rashta Cavach', an `umbrella for defence', to destroy communism in Asia and wherever. For this reason, MMY wanted to establish a TV station at Swayambunath and distribute TVs in every village and have relay stations in the mountains and to that end he sent a plane filled with technical equipment and engineers. The idea of Mahishi was to celebrate the puja on TV with the pundits in the villages, and then Maharishi would tell the people how to meditate, because they all have their family mantras. The only thing was, 'to do it easily like it is done in TM'. But apparently, when the West German government heard about this, they forced the Nepalese government to stop the project. So the Prime Minister himself decided to open the gates for Maharishi but that the door opener will not be seen! MMY agreed and went there and during one week initiated 35,000 people in Ratna Park. At Swayambunath the TV Station had been established and TV sets had been brought to all influential people, so they could see TV 24 hours a day. Nepalese artists stood in queues to present their songs etc. So the influential people were distracted from what was happening in Ratna Park. However, after one week groups came to disturb the whole thing, therefore Maharishi left and departed next day early in the morning with the plane. Maharishi said, `This thing has stopped the communism in Asia.' So is this an example of the phrase `The elephant has two kinds of teeth, one to show and one to eat.' apparently so popular with Maharishi?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
It has been suggested/requested that I put up sample pages of the Guru Dev trilogy, so I have put together some pdfs which are available at the following links:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/GuruDevLifeStory.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/AKtransrough.htm
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
Officially the books are not being published until June, but since they have been printed and people have been itchy to get hold of copies I have made some available through my website at http://www.paulmason.info/booksetc.html With regard to over-the-counter sales of the Guru Dev books in Fairfield. Any bookshop will be able stock these Guru Dev books as the books have ISBN numbers and thus can therefore be ordered anywhere in the world. 108 Discourses of Guru Dev: The Life and Teachings of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath (1941-53) - Volume I ISBN: 978-0-9562228-0-0 The Biography of Guru Dev: The Life and Teachings of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath (1941-53) - Volume II ISBN: 978-0-9562228-1-7 Guru Dev as presented by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: The Life and Teachings of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath (1941-53) - Volume III ISBN: 978-0-9562228-2-4 Jai Guru Dev --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, dhamiltony2k5 dhamiltony...@... wrote: Paul, Can these Guru Dev books be made available for purchase at 21st Century Bookstore in Fairfield? Walk in and buy them? -D in FF --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Just a quick word about the posting costs on these books. I have elected to bear the costs, so they are Free of PP. The FREE postage offers savings to all, especially overseas customers, as to send the Guru Dev books to the States costs about £5 per copy, about £15 for the set of 3. International Air Mail costs about £10 per book, £30 per set, as detailed in Royal Mail guide. I just posted some to the States today. http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400036mediaId=400347 --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rflex@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: You asked that I notify when the Guru Dev trilogy is available. I had hoped to be able to also announce the release of the Guru Dev DVD I am preparing, but that will be some weeks yet. However, anyone wanting copies of the books can go to:- http://www.paulmason.info/booksetc.html --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rflex@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: The three volumes of the Guru Dev trilogy will be available through the following:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/GuruDevLifeStory.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/AKtransrough.htm Paul, please give notice here when these volumes become available. Thanks, Paul.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
Just a quick word about the posting costs on these books. I have elected to bear the costs, so they are Free of PP. The FREE postage offers savings to all, especially overseas customers, as to send the Guru Dev books to the States costs about £5 per copy, about £15 for the set of 3. International Air Mail costs about £10 per book, £30 per set, as detailed in Royal Mail guide. I just posted some to the States today. http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400036mediaId=400347 --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rf...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: You asked that I notify when the Guru Dev trilogy is available. I had hoped to be able to also announce the release of the Guru Dev DVD I am preparing, but that will be some weeks yet. However, anyone wanting copies of the books can go to:- http://www.paulmason.info/booksetc.html --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rflex@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: The three volumes of the Guru Dev trilogy will be available through the following:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/GuruDevLifeStory.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/AKtransrough.htm Paul, please give notice here when these volumes become available. Thanks, Paul.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
You asked that I notify when the Guru Dev trilogy is available. I had hoped to be able to also announce the release of the Guru Dev DVD I am preparing, but that will be some weeks yet. However, anyone wanting copies of the books can go to:- http://www.paulmason.info/booksetc.html --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rf...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: The three volumes of the Guru Dev trilogy will be available through the following:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/GuruDevLifeStory.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/AKtransrough.htm Paul, please give notice here when these volumes become available.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
Hi, the books weigh a lot, on account of using heavy paper. Does anyone have a passion for old guitars? I just bought an old archtop made in Slovenia by a company called Melodija Mendes. I had to make a new nut and get a bridge together. I just took a photo of it, displayed at:- http://www.paulmason.info/paulmason/profile.htm --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rf...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: The three volumes of the Guru Dev trilogy will be available through the following:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/GuruDevLifeStory.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/AKtransrough.htm Paul, please give notice here when these volumes become available.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
= Posted through Grouply, the better way to access your Yahoo Groups like this one. http://www.grouply.com/?code=post
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
These translations have now been reviewed, revised, polished up and included in a book, the first of three illustrated volumes on Guru Dev soon to available via www.paulmason.info Currently working on an AV package to be available as a DVD/CD including onscreen translations of all available audio material of Guru Dev.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev - Our happiness or unhappiness is OUR responsibility
The three volumes of the Guru Dev trilogy will be available through the following:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/GuruDevLifeStory.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/AKtransrough.htm --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandp...@... wrote: These translations have now been reviewed, revised, polished up and included in a book, the first of three illustrated volumes on Guru Dev soon to available via www.paulmason.info Currently working on an AV package to be available as a DVD/CD including onscreen translations of all available audio material of Guru Dev.
[FairfieldLife] Press Release - 'Beatles inspire ambitious translation project'
pdf of Press Release available at:- http://www.paulmason.info/PressRelease/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Paul Mc Cartney, the TMO (P. Mason)
JohnY - that's exactly what I meant!! I have seen the decline of the teaching TM and it directly correlates to the emergence of the aggressive World Planners and the introduction of TMsidhis. Before that people were given a pretty free hand to organise and teach. There were TM centres dotted all over the place. Nowadays there is no mention of TM whatsoever. The reason? Well the main reason is that many TM teachers are disenchanted with the TM organistion, and hearing of the aggressive protection of its trademarks, individual independent teachers are loathe for it to be known they are still teaching. So it appears that the TMO actually retards the teaching of TM! --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, jyouells2000 john_youe...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, amritasyaputra amritasyaputra@ wrote: Like the cancer cell that kills the cell that has fed it, you wish all bad to the TM movement. Why don't you start a grass root organisation for yourself and the like and let this TM Movement in peace? It would save you from all the hatred you are spreading in your brain and around yourself. Shaas It's not hatred, it's sadness. 25 years of good will frittered away, leaving a fund raising and real estate business as it's skeletal remains. The TMO doesn't teach TM anymore, and hasn't for quite some time. Soon there won't be anyone left in the west to raise funds from JohnY --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: TMO issues aside, I would love to hear Paul McCartney Mike Love duet on 'Back in the USSR' - also to hear Paul Horn blow some airy flute what about Ringo Paul working together again, that would be nice. Someone compared the Paul concert to George's concert in England. If it is a fraction as good, then it will be really very good. I attended George's concert it was rivetting - Ringo turned up for the encore and it was a real pleasure to hear them play!!! With regards to the TMO hopefully the TMO will collapse, very quickly, and if it does, I predict this would put meditation back at the grass roots level, where it belongs, out of the clutches of the Lords and Ladies of the New Raj. Why I reckon there would be a lot more interest in meditation if there weren't this queer organisation lurking about, giving people the willies!
[FairfieldLife] Paul Mc Cartney, the TMO
TMO issues aside, I would love to hear Paul McCartney Mike Love duet on 'Back in the USSR' - also to hear Paul Horn blow some airy flute what about Ringo Paul working together again, that would be nice. Someone compared the Paul concert to George's concert in England. If it is a fraction as good, then it will be really very good. I attended George's concert it was rivetting - Ringo turned up for the encore and it was a real pleasure to hear them play!!! With regards to the TMO hopefully the TMO will collapse, very quickly, and if it does, I predict this would put meditation back at the grass roots level, where it belongs, out of the clutches of the Lords and Ladies of the New Raj. Why I reckon there would be a lot more interest in meditation if there weren't this queer organisation lurking about, giving people the willies!
[FairfieldLife] Re: TM puja is religious, as are other elements of TM practice
A useful online Sanskrit dictionary resource is at:- http://spokensanskrit.de/ For the word 'puja' or 'puujaa' the following link is preset:- http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php? script=HKtinput=puujaacountry_ID=trans=Translatedirection=AU --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj vajradh...@... wrote: On Jan 25, 2009, at 10:40 PM, off_world_beings wrote: The word 'puja' either means 'preparing for purifying', or 'the birth (begining) of the purifying life' . That is its ACTUAL meaning. You might want to at least look at a Sanskrit dictionary next time OffWorld. Just because the movement you're involved with disseminates misinformation to it's adherents and many of them actually believe what they're told, it doesn't typically work that way in the real world: 1 pUjA f. honour , worship , respect , reverence , veneration , homage to superiors or adoration of the gods Gr2S. Mn. MBh. c. BTW, that's the complete Monier-Wiliams citation. Wow, that does sound scientific! :-)))
[FairfieldLife] Maharishi's place and date-of-birth
I have just put up a copy of the profile pages of one of Maharishi's passports at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/introduction.htm#MMYpassport I have also put up a copy of a note he wrote back in April 1955.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Maharishi's place and date-of-birth
This passport is from June 1970 and in his 1973 passport he signs much the same. When he signed peoples books he didn't sign himself Maharishi, he actually wrote a form of 'Jaya Gurudeva' (but ommitting the tops of the letters). To date I have not seen a signature where he signed as Maharishi. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, curtisdeltablues curtisdeltabl...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusoss1008 no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: I have just put up a copy of the profile pages of one of Maharishi's passports at:- paul mason, you are a very sick person. Get professional help. Yes Paul, you should not be exposing primary documents from Maharishi's life, the movement will tell you what you need to know and how you should feel about it. This exchange is so revealing about how the movement views information. It is dangerous and needs to be controlled. If if can't be controlled then you need to demonize the person providing uncontrolled information. I appreciate Paul's work. It is the kind of research that the movement itself would be doing if it wasn't so busy trying to control the spin of everything in its teaching. Through Paul's scholarship we get a more complete picture of the history of TM. Very dangerous to the party line, I know! Thank you Paul. I really enjoyed reading that and seeing Bal Brahmachari Mahesh's passport. I wonder what year he started signing it Maharishi? Did he legally change his name? His eyes are listed as black in color. How goth is that! Very EMO!
[FairfieldLife] Re: Point / Counterpoint
what I want to know is if Donovan actually continued practising TM all those years or even a significant proportion of them. He was certainly very quiet about it if he did. I kept a very close eye on his career and have no recollection of him speaking up for TM during his 'Well Known Hasbeen' years. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: Point: Donovan gets recognized with an award from the French for his body of work. Counterpoint: The French have long been known for their inability to notice that the people they are giving awards to look a lot like the zombie of an Elizabethan fop. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7836659.stm Point: He mentions TM and David Lynch in the article. Counterpoint: When the image of TM meditators being presented to the world is personified by Donovan looking like he does in these photos and by David Lynch, my bet is that initiations are not exactly going to soar as a result.
[FairfieldLife] Re: If it's in Sanskrit it must be true request
Heyam Burstabubblam Anagatam Avert the bubble that has not yet to burst. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Peter drpetersutp...@... wrote: I had a very spacey friend on a course once who claimed he must be entering a higher state of consciousness because he was hearing sanskrit at times when certain people spoke to him. When I asked him what he heard, he repeated the stock phrases that all TMer's know. I had to burst his bubble, unfortunately, when I suggested that maybe they actually where repeating those particular well worn phrases and it had nothing to do with his consciousness. --- On Mon, 1/19/09, raunchydog raunchy...@... wrote: From: raunchydog raunchy...@... Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: If it's in Sanskrit it must be true request To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, January 19, 2009, 9:31 AM Barry, Very funny pick up lines. Here's a few for the women. The most righteous pranam during a full moon doesn't take a back seat to your nice buns. Your rasayana for the smell of sweat on a hot male body is working on my olfactory bulb. Is that a lingum in your pocket or are you just feeling blissful? Slick abhayanga, Dude. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, cardemaister no_reply@ wrote: I guess almost everybody knows that 'parame vyoman' according to Maharishi means 'beyond aakaasha'? I didn't know that before I listened to http://www.spiritualregeneration.org/audios/1959_Glow.mp3 Mea culpa. Unlike Card and almost everybody I lack your familiarity with Sanskrit. However, having noticed the reverence for Sanskrit that many have, and the way that they automatically assume that anything said in Sanskrit is not only true but Truth of the highest order, and pretty much synonymous with the word of God, I am hoping that some of the Sanskrit scholars here can help me. I am starting to meet more people around here who are or have been involved in Eastern spirituality. I have noticed that many of them *also* have the same reverence for Sanskrit that TMers have, and tend to assume that If it's in Sanskrit, it must be true. So, because my Spanish is still weak, my plan is to memorize a few phrases in Sanskrit that I can use when I meet these spiritually-minded seekers. I hope someone can provide me with translations of the following common phrases to help me out. If you do, I promise to memorize them faithfully and try to pronounce them correctly. Thanks in advance. 1. I know you've been told before that you are beautiful, but I once vacationed in Brahmaloka and happened to see the goddess Lakshmi stepping out of her bath, and you are *much* hotter than she is. 2. Your aura is as pure as moonlight reflecting off a new snowfall in the high Himalayas. You have great breasts, too. 3. I am not from here. I am a Hindu God in dis- guise, here to search for a woman to marry and take back with me to rule Brahmaloka by my side. 4. I do not wish to brag, but when Shiva saw my lingam he had to undergo several months of intense psychiatric therapy to get his Self- confidence back. 5. None of those other goddesses meant a thing to me, baby. It's always been you...only you. To subscribe, send a message to: fairfieldlife-subscr...@yahoogroups.com Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!'Yahoo! Groups Links
[FairfieldLife] Re: Maharishi films
The ashram Maharishi used for his course back then was south of Rishikesh, at a place called Ram Nagar. The ashram was established as Baba Kamliwala Panchayat Kshetra, founded by Baba Vishuddhananda (aka. Baba Kali Kamli Wale). Guru Dev was invited there and in April 1952 stayed there at Atma Vigyan Bhavan staying in Shri Shankaracharya Nivas . If anyone gets some up-to-date snapshots I would love to see them. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, David Fiske fiskeda...@... wrote: Yes I saw Devendra, Vernon Katz, Jerry J who has trouble downloading too, Ulla and Nikolaus Blucher (last letter received from the Prince in 2000) and the chap either from Denmark or Sweden. Paul Mason was very helpful and I got in, as was Rick. Theo Fehr who sent the original link I had met in India (1969 I guess) along with his very first wife Francisca. Gives one deep nostalgia for the period when I was a simple believer. Does anyone know where the first course (1960) in Ram Nagar was? My half brother John Wills was on it and his son is going on a pilgrimage there to get closer to his Dad but they can't locate the ashram Maharishi rented for the course. love, David
[FairfieldLife] Connecting with Guru Dev (was 'abandoning thought')
Interesting to note that apparently Maharishi was utterly convinced that one can receive benefit from the enlightened, even after their death, which to some extent accounts for his claim that he was guided by Guru Dev:- Now after leaving the body nothing remains in the Relative, just Absolute. Then how do we invoke and to whom? And if nobody is to be invoked, then what is the use? Some such similar question I asked Guru Dev once, what happened was naturally people come to the ashram from all over india to pay respects to Guru Dev, once or twice a year according to their own convenience. And when they would come they would narrate all sorts of stories, the child was sick or they had a law suit, all sorts of difficulties and then thinking of Guru Dev, that thing disappeared. And hearing all these things for a long time, one night I asked Guru Dev 'What is this?' These people don't even write to Guru Dev, Guru Dev doesn't know they are in difficulty on the surface of life and then how do they report they had a vision or some thought of Guru Dev and then from that time everything started to be smooth? If they wrote a letter and the difficulties came to the notice of Guru Dev and then they got out of their difficulty, I could understand it, but they don't write letters. they just have the devotion to Guru Dev and they have some thought of Guru Dev, And Guru Dev reply was 'It's the department of the Almighty and he does it' continued at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/sources/text/MMY.htm --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, curtisdeltablues curtisdeltablues@ wrote: It underlines the point that enlightenment gives you wisdom. The story I was referring to was when Trotaka revealed his enlightenment to the others. Shankara was insisting that they all wait for him [Trotaka] and the others snickered that he didn't understand it anyway. He came in singing his cognized ? Trotaka stakham sp? verses revealing his complete knowledge. Which, coincidentally, just happened to be a sappy love song to his teacher, expressing his total devotion to him. THAT is what Maha- rishi was trying to put forth as the primary criterion of enlightenment. I memorized them on my TTC, it is a beautiful song. This is from a TTC tape on him. His wisdom came from his enlightenment and he put all the smartypants guys to shame. And his enlightenment came from being slavishly devoted to his master and willing to do any- thing that this master said, without a moment's hesitation. Notice the trend here? His verses were so perfect that it blew them away with his mental ability gained not through pulling all-nighters, but by his devotion and enlightenment. And the lesson being clearly taught here was that the latter (enlightenment) came from the former (devotion). Trotaka didn't have to crack the books to get smart, all he had to do was do whatever he was told to do by his master. I'm just reiterating the point I made earlier, that Maharishi was trying to cultivate that sense of devotion to one's master that *he* considered the highest in his students by telling emotional feel good stories. This story is NOT about Trotaka's intellect; the intellect is presented as *secondary*, some- thing that happened *as the result* of total, unthinking bhakti. In fact, the development of the intellect in the other students is what is being presented as secondary. They are being presented not as happening as Trotaka because they were not as sold out to their master as he was. I'm not saying that this theory of enlighten- ment through devotion is unique, nor am I sug- gesting that it's not valid for some people, who are made that way. What I am suggesting is that Maharishi, by telling this story over and over and over, was trying to establish it as *the* path for people who might NOT be made that way. In my estimation he clearly saw total, unthinking devotion to one's master AS the highest path, because *he* was made that way, and he wanted to remake all of his students over to be like him. I am gracious enough to believe that in the beginning he did this because he really thought that *his* path -- the only one he was capable of because *he* was not a great intellect or drawn to any of the other many viable paths to enlightenment -- was the best path to teach others, for their own good. But at the same time, I think it is important to remember that the master that Maharishi was teaching his students the value of being slavishly devoted to was HIM. I believe that on one level Maharishi may have been trying to convince his students that bhakti and slavish devotion were good things because in his opinion they could lead to enlightenment. But on another, I equally believe that he was trying to establish that same unthinking
[FairfieldLife] Re: The dismantling of the TMO as we know it
I remember the first tape recall that you mention, in the mid-1970's, prior to the release of the boxed tape of Humboldt lectures. Is that right that the tapes were actually destroyed? If so that is gross. Interestingly, it would make the contents of the mp3 recordings which are now circulating via www.spirualregeneration.org news even to people at TMO HQ, no wonder they are popular. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, guyfawkes91 guyfawkes91@ wrote: It could be that someone might have sufficient intelligence to realize that the good bits of Maharishi's message can only be saved from being dragged down with the collapse of Vlodrop's authority by copying the tape library as widely as possible. It could be that the extremist faction will do everything in their power to stop that happening, even unto burning the master tapes. People do go mad you know. Just for the record, this has already happened many times, but with Maharishi's approval, and at his direction. In the Western Regional Office, I was in charge of the tapes to be sent out to centers for resi- dence courses and advanced lectures. Periodically, we would get a message from International Staff that one of them was being recalled. When that happened, we had to call all the centers and try to get them to send us any copies they had of these tapes, even if they had purchased them and not borrowed them from us. We were told to promise them that the tapes would be replaced with a new one in time. (Suffice it to say that never happened.) When all the copies of the tapes were sent back to Switzerland, I have it on good authority (the Regional Coordinator I worked for watching it happen) that the master tapes were destroyed. The thing they were trying to perform revisionist history on at the time fell into two categories. The first was tapes on which Maharishi said some- thing that could be construed to suggest that TM was a religion. (The court cases were still going on at this time and they didn't want any of these tapes subpoenaed.) The second, interestingly enough given recent threads on FFL, was any tapes on which Maharishi promised enlightenment as a result of doing TM, and within a fixed, promised period of time. After the 5-8 year period had clearly expired with no one being enlightened, Maharishi's and the TMO's first impulse was to make it appear as if the 5-8 year claim was never made. I heard that a similar recall was made of tapes distributed during the early days of the TM-siddhi program (during and prior to the first few courses) that promised explicitly that people would learn to levitate. I was on my TM-siddhi course at the time, however, and didn't see this one first-hand. The others I did. This is just presented as history, to show that your scenario is not unlikely in the least. The precedent for it was set by Maharishi himself during his lifetime.
[FairfieldLife] Re: The dismantling of the TMO as we know it
I remember the first tape recall that you mention, in the mid-1970's, prior to the release of the boxed tapes of Humboldt lectures. Is that right that the tapes were actually destroyed? If so that is gross. Interestingly, it would make the contents of the mp3 recordings which are now circulating via http://www.spiritualregeneration.org news even to people at TMO HQ, no wonder they are so popular. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, guyfawkes91 guyfawkes91@ wrote: It could be that someone might have sufficient intelligence to realize that the good bits of Maharishi's message can only be saved from being dragged down with the collapse of Vlodrop's authority by copying the tape library as widely as possible. It could be that the extremist faction will do everything in their power to stop that happening, even unto burning the master tapes. People do go mad you know. Just for the record, this has already happened many times, but with Maharishi's approval, and at his direction. In the Western Regional Office, I was in charge of the tapes to be sent out to centers for resi- dence courses and advanced lectures. Periodically, we would get a message from International Staff that one of them was being recalled. When that happened, we had to call all the centers and try to get them to send us any copies they had of these tapes, even if they had purchased them and not borrowed them from us. We were told to promise them that the tapes would be replaced with a new one in time. (Suffice it to say that never happened.) When all the copies of the tapes were sent back to Switzerland, I have it on good authority (the Regional Coordinator I worked for watching it happen) that the master tapes were destroyed. The thing they were trying to perform revisionist history on at the time fell into two categories. The first was tapes on which Maharishi said some- thing that could be construed to suggest that TM was a religion. (The court cases were still going on at this time and they didn't want any of these tapes subpoenaed.) The second, interestingly enough given recent threads on FFL, was any tapes on which Maharishi promised enlightenment as a result of doing TM, and within a fixed, promised period of time. After the 5-8 year period had clearly expired with no one being enlightened, Maharishi's and the TMO's first impulse was to make it appear as if the 5-8 year claim was never made. I heard that a similar recall was made of tapes distributed during the early days of the TM-siddhi program (during and prior to the first few courses) that promised explicitly that people would learn to levitate. I was on my TM-siddhi course at the time, however, and didn't see this one first-hand. The others I did. This is just presented as history, to show that your scenario is not unlikely in the least. The precedent for it was set by Maharishi himself during his lifetime.
[FairfieldLife] Re: The dismantling of the TMO as we know it
As to the provenance of the tapes that have surfaced on mp3, the very oldest of those of Maharishi, and one of the most revealing was actually discovered on a long overlooked cassette tucked away in someone's belongings. Parts of the tape were discovered to have been recorded back-to-front (!) but thanks to the wonders of modern technology it was flipped and now all can hear Maharishi letting the kittens out to scamper about. Ironically, in spite of the fact that the contents contradict his later statements it makes for possibly the best and most compelling intro talk I ever heard him give. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: I remember the first tape recall that you mention, in the mid-1970's, prior to the release of the boxed tapes of Humboldt lectures. Is that right that the tapes were actually destroyed? If so that is gross. Interestingly, it would make the contents of the mp3 recordings which are now circulating via http://www.spiritualregeneration.org news even to people at TMO HQ, no wonder they are so popular. The fact that these MP3s exist at all is IMO due to the way that these recalls were handled. In the Regional Office we were clearly told to promise all the TM teachers that when they sent us the recalled tapes that they had paid for with their own money, they would be replaced with new tapes as soon as they were released, or that they would be compensated for what they originally paid for them. That never happened. So, once bitten, twice shy. In the future when we sent out a recall notice, many of the TM teachers lied and said that they didn't own any of the recalled tapes. They kept them instead. That is almost certainly where many of these tapes on the site you speak of came from. I've seen this same phenomenon in several different spiritual traditions since. It is *not* just TM- specific. But it seems to me to go hand in hand with the glorification of subjective experience that one finds in enlightenment traditions. If you believe that your current state of consciousness somehow defines reality more than reality does, you tend to believe that you can reinvent reality and change the past. I saw Rama - Frederick Lenz try to do this and get nailed for it on the TV show Dateline. He claimed to be a successful businessman whose money came from his software businesses. The reporter did a few minutes of research and proved that the claim was not true. He then asked Rama on camera to name a few of the Fortune 500 companies that he claimed were using his software products. He couldn't think of a single name. Some CEO, eh? :-) To some extent I associate this belief that you can reinvent history with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and I associate some aspects of that dis- order with popular spiritual teachers. They exist in a cocoon of Yes Men, in which literally every- thing they say is accepted at face value *for no other reason than that they said it*. Spend a few years in an environment like this, and you'd start to believe that you really *can* reinvent history. You do it every day, and your followers fall for it. Personally, I think that a more honest approach, if one were a spiritual teacher, would be to preserve and make available *everything* one said along the way. Even the mistakes. *Especially* the mistakes. Yeah, I know that this would invalidate the dogma that the enlightened are perfect and can't *make* mistakes, but I don't believe that anyway. And to get caught trying to practice revisionist history over the mistakes only compounds them. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, guyfawkes91 guyfawkes91@ wrote: It could be that someone might have sufficient intelligence to realize that the good bits of Maharishi's message can only be saved from being dragged down with the collapse of Vlodrop's authority by copying the tape library as widely as possible. It could be that the extremist faction will do everything in their power to stop that happening, even unto burning the master tapes. People do go mad you know. Just for the record, this has already happened many times, but with Maharishi's approval, and at his direction. In the Western Regional Office, I was in charge of the tapes to be sent out to centers for resi- dence courses and advanced lectures. Periodically, we would get a message from International Staff that one of them was being recalled. When that happened, we had to call all the centers and try to get them to send us any copies they had of these tapes, even if they had purchased them and not borrowed them from us. We were told to promise them that the tapes would be replaced with a new one
[FairfieldLife] Re: Question for Paul Mason
Vaj, a Sanskrit Poet of Benares, an Ashu Kavi (spontaneous poet), Pt. Veni Madava Sastri 'Shashtrartha Maharathi' wrote verses about Guru Deva in about 1952. But, Guru Dev asked for them to be taken to the river. 'Tie it down with a big stone, heavy, put it in the Ganges!' However, there still exist five verses of Sanskrit verse by this same poet, dedicated to Guru Dev, the fourth of which Maharishi included in the TM puja. These are to be found in Sanskrit and translated into Hindi and English at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/praarthanaa.htm Also posted there is a transcript of the story of the poet the puja as told by Maharishi on a course in Rishikesh 1969. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj vajradh...@... wrote: You have posted on the textual pieces that make up the TM initiation puja. I'd also heard the story of the pundit-poet who composed a tribute to SBS, which on reading it, he asked MMY to throw away. Are these two stories connected? i.e. is the TM puja connected to this same tribute?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Question for Paul Mason
Vaj, it is the fifth verse that is included in the puja and it is likely these five verses are all that survived the submersion, probably re-written with the help of the poet. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandp...@... wrote: Vaj, a Sanskrit Poet of Benares, an Ashu Kavi (spontaneous poet), Pt. Veni Madava Sastri 'Shashtrartha Maharathi' wrote verses about Guru Deva in about 1952. But, Guru Dev asked for them to be taken to the river. 'Tie it down with a big stone, heavy, put it in the Ganges!' However, there still exist five verses of Sanskrit verse by this same poet, dedicated to Guru Dev, the fourth of which Maharishi included in the TM puja. These are to be found in Sanskrit and translated into Hindi and English at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/praarthanaa.htm Also posted there is a transcript of the story of the poet the puja as told by Maharishi on a course in Rishikesh 1969. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj vajradhatu@ wrote: You have posted on the textual pieces that make up the TM initiation puja. I'd also heard the story of the pundit-poet who composed a tribute to SBS, which on reading it, he asked MMY to throw away. Are these two stories connected? i.e. is the TM puja connected to this same tribute?
[FairfieldLife] Re: MMY's Interpretation of the Rig Veda
Does pandit Hari P actually extol TM publicly? He played his flute at a local church a few months back. Image that, this great superstar coming to St Ives Cornwall --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Richard J. Williams willy...@... wrote: Vaj wrote: That was one of MMY's great suits, he could hunt down and find the best gurus, pandits and vaidyas... Maybe it was the pundits that 'hunt down' the Marshy, Vaj - Dr. Dwivedi, Dr. Triguna, Dr. Balaraj Maharishi, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Debu Chaudhuri, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, among others. If so, they must have been VERY impressed with the TM program. Apparently all these pundits are vey avid TMers in their TM practice. Some of them really are 'the best gurus, pandits and vaidyas'. This it it, this is the one: 'Flying Beyond' by Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia Maharishi Gandharva Veda: http://www.gandharva.nl/ Read more: Subject: Flying Beyond Author: Willytex Newsgroups: alt.meditation.transcendental Date: Mon, Mar 8 2004 http://tinyurl.com/8bu9xe Subject: Chaurasia Author: Willytex Newsgroups: alt.meditation.transcendental Date: Mon, Mar 8 2004 http://tinyurl.com/94sfgw Subject: Call of the Valley Author: Willytex Newsgroups: alt.meditation.transcendental Date: Fri, Jun 3 2005 http://tinyurl.com/6w9sef
[FairfieldLife] Re: MMY's Interpretation of the Rig Veda
Allegedly, in 2006 journalists were offered backsheesh flights etc to go interview Maharishi at Vlodrop, but there were few takers, in fact I recall only two writers who accepted the King's Shilling. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj vajradh...@... wrote: On Jan 13, 2009, at 12:09 PM, Richard J. Williams wrote: Vaj wrote: That was one of MMY's great suits, he could hunt down and find the best gurus, pandits and vaidyas... Maybe it was the pundits that 'hunt down' the Marshy, Vaj - Dr. Dwivedi, Dr. Triguna, Dr. Balaraj Maharishi, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Debu Chaudhuri, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, among others. If so, they must have been VERY impressed with the TM program. Most were involved for the money MMY paid, some actually had intellectual property stolen by MMY and I doubt few would have anything to do with him before his death. MMY had to pay for those who visited him according to Eastern Philosophy Prof. Dana Sawyer and that feeling was the prevailing one among Indian notables. Think of them as paid consultants-- that's the impression I get from those familiar. Sad but true.
[FairfieldLife] Re: MMY's Interpretation of the Rig Veda
Allegedly, in 2006 journalists were offered backsheesh flights etc to go interview Maharishi at Vlodrop, but there were few takers for the King's Shilling, in fact I recall only two newpaper columnists popping over at that time and it not known whether they were press- ganged. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj vajradh...@... wrote: On Jan 13, 2009, at 12:09 PM, Richard J. Williams wrote: Vaj wrote: That was one of MMY's great suits, he could hunt down and find the best gurus, pandits and vaidyas... Maybe it was the pundits that 'hunt down' the Marshy, Vaj - Dr. Dwivedi, Dr. Triguna, Dr. Balaraj Maharishi, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Debu Chaudhuri, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, among others. If so, they must have been VERY impressed with the TM program. Most were involved for the money MMY paid, some actually had intellectual property stolen by MMY and I doubt few would have anything to do with him before his death. MMY had to pay for those who visited him according to Eastern Philosophy Prof. Dana Sawyer and that feeling was the prevailing one among Indian notables. Think of them as paid consultants-- that's the impression I get from those familiar. Sad but true.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Charlie Lutes' explanation on why people are gay
Homophobia... isn't that the fear of getting caught using your
imagination in a way that could get you branded odd?
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, do.rflex do.rf...@... wrote:
In my years of working for Charlie he was occasionally asked why
people are gay. And while Charlie was a bit of a homophobe himself,
he
made it clear that the soul is without gender and incarnates into
the
world of polarities via either a male or female body.
He also added that in order to fathom the range of human experience
and to learn the 'lessons of life' as he put it, the soul often
changes the gender of the body it uses for this to happen.
He made it clear that when this change happens, the person who was
previously, for example, a man, may now have the body of a woman but
can and often does retain the desires of the man they were - and
vice-versa. ---
This isn't something limited to the views of Charlie. That the soul
is
without gender is a common understanding. And that the soul
incarnates
into bodies of both genders is also commonly understood. {Even the
Hindu gods are found in the literature to have occasionally changed
gender.]
That people retain their desires from a previous gender is no
surprise, and neither is it a 'sin' worthy of death as Billy G and
other homophobic bigots are eager to proclaim.
---
You have taken on the human form to gain Divine Mind through
knowledge and experience in the field of combined opposites.
~~ Charlie Lutes
[FairfieldLife] Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' - Maharishi 1957
Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' Address of His Holiness Maharishi Bal Brahmachari Mahesh Yogi delivered at the 15th Session of the World Vegetarian Congress held at Madras on 30 -11-1957 My own Self as Representatives of East and West: We are here today to find a solution for a complicated problem of existence, confronting the whole humanity on the civilised world - the problem of safety of life, of love, protection, peace and happiness: not only of individuals but of the whole creation and of nature too. All the creatures are sprung from God. Man is probably the polished son of God. And so unto him the great responsibility. Man must be sensible enough to look to the protection of life on earth, the precious property of the Great Father. Vegetarianism is a direct means to this, is the claim of this World Vegetarian Congress. True it is. Accepted that Vegetarianism leads man for all Good. Accepting all values of Vegetarianism, the question arises how we are going to establish it. How are we going to change the 'Killing world' of today into a non-killing world of tomorrow? How are we going to change the spirit of killing, the spirit of aggression, the spirit of violence into the spirit of kindness and love - overflowing love for the whole creation? How are we going to change hardness and cruelty of heart to softness and overflowing love for everybody? .. Full transcript at:- ../../../message/%20http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Tor\ ch_Divine.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm ../../../message/%20http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Tor\ ch_Divine.htm
[FairfieldLife] Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' - Maharishi 1957
Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' Address of His Holiness Maharishi Bal Brahmachari Mahesh Yogi delivered at the 15th Session of the World Vegetarian Congress held at Madras on 30 -11-1957 My own Self as Representatives of East and West: We are here today to find a solution for a complicated problem of existence, confronting the whole humanity on the civilised world - the problem of safety of life, of love, protection, peace and happiness: not only of individuals but of the whole creation and of nature too. All the creatures are sprung from God. Man is probably the polished son of God. And so unto him the great responsibility. Man must be sensible enough to look to the protection of life on earth, the precious property of the Great Father. Vegetarianism is a direct means to this, is the claim of this World Vegetarian Congress. True it is. Accepted that Vegetarianism leads man for all Good. Accepting all values of Vegetarianism, the question arises how we are going to establish it. How are we going to change the 'killing world' of today into a non-killing world of tomorrow? How are we going to change the spirit of killing, the spirit of aggression, the spirit of violence into the spirit of kindness and love - overflowing love for the whole creation? How are we going to change hardness and cruelty of heart to softness and overflowing love for everybody? .. Full transcript at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm
[FairfieldLife] Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' - Maharishi 1957
Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' Address of His Holiness Maharishi Bal Brahmachari Mahesh Yogi delivered at the 15th Session of the World Vegetarian Congress held at Madras on 30 -11-1957 My own Self as Representatives of East and West: We are here today to find a solution for a complicated problem of existence, confronting the whole humanity on the civilised world - the problem of safety of life, of love, protection, peace and happiness: not only of individuals but of the whole creation and of nature too. All the creatures are sprung from God. Man is probably the polished son of God. And so unto him the great responsibility. Man must be sensible enough to look to the protection of life on earth, the precious property of the Great Father. Vegetarianism is a direct means to this, is the claim of this World Vegetarian Congress. True it is. Accepted that Vegetarianism leads man for all Good. Accepting all values of Vegetarianism, the question arises how we are going to establish it. How are we going to change the 'Killing world' of today into a non-killing world of tomorrow? How are we going to change the spirit of killing, the spirit of aggression, the spirit of violence into the spirit of kindness and love - overflowing love for the whole creation? How are we going to change hardness and cruelty of heart to softness and overflowing love for everybody? .. Full transcript at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm ../../../../../message/%20http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetariani\ sm_Torch_Divine.htm
[FairfieldLife] Re: Maharishi: 'Which god you like?' - USA 1959
Offworld, I don't have a problem with what Maharishi said about selection of mantras, I merely put the recording up because I thought it would interest FFL'ers and because it also illustrated the link between TM and religion, which for me is not a problem. That was the issue, that the TM movement is still trying to convince itself of the lack of such a connection. For me that is a bit like saying that water is not wet. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, off_world_beings no_re...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com mailto:FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com , nablusoss1008 no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com mailto:FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com , Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Of all the lowly creatures that post on FFL Paul Mason is the perhaps the lowliest, utterly devoted as he is to make a cheap little dollar. Mr. paul Mason, and Mr Nablusoss. What did Maharishi say wrong in this explanation? Honestly, I actually do not see what is wrong with any of it. Can someone explain this to me? The quoted statement makes perfect sense. Nature is very natural, mantras are good, but the MOST important thing is the 'correct angle' and let go...as Maharishi used to say. The 'correct angle' did not mean the 'perfect mantra', it only meant the 'path of least resistance', and that is in the technique, not the sound given, but the system for applying it. I honestly don't see why Paul Mason or Nablussos has a problem with what was quoted of Maharishi by Paul Mason here? Please explain. OffWorld
[FairfieldLife] Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' - Maharishi 1957
Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' Address of His Holiness Maharishi Bal Brahmachari Mahesh Yogi delivered at the 15th Session of the World Vegetarian Congress held at Madras on 30 -11-1957 My own Self as Representatives of East and West: We are here today to find a solution for a complicated problem of existence, confronting the whole humanity on the civilised world - the problem of safety of life, of love, protection, peace and happiness: not only of individuals but of the whole creation and of nature too. All the creatures are sprung from God. Man is probably the polished son of God. And so unto him the great responsibility. Man must be sensible enough to look to the protection of life on earth, the precious property of the Great Father. Vegetarianism is a direct means to this, is the claim of this World Vegetarian Congress. True it is. Accepted that Vegetarianism leads man for all Good. Accepting all values of Vegetarianism, the question arises how we are going to establish it. How are we going to change the 'Killing world' of today into a non-killing world of tomorrow? How are we going to change the spirit of killing, the spirit of aggression, the spirit of violence into the spirit of kindness and love - overflowing love for the whole creation? How are we going to change hardness and cruelty of heart to softness and overflowing love for everybody? .. Full transcript at:- http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm %20http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm
[FairfieldLife] Re: Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' - Maharishi 1957
Thanks for sorting out the link... --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Richard M compost...@... wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Vegetarianism and All Isms Through Spiritual 'Ism' Address of His Holiness Maharishi Bal Brahmachari Mahesh Yogi delivered at the 15th Session of the World Vegetarian Congress held at Madras on 30 -11-1957 My own Self as Representatives of East and West: We are here today to find a solution for a complicated problem of existence, confronting the whole humanity on the civilised world - the problem of safety of life, of love, protection, peace and happiness: not only of individuals but of the whole creation and of nature too. All the creatures are sprung from God. Man is probably the polished son of God. And so unto him the great responsibility. Man must be sensible enough to look to the protection of life on earth, the precious property of the Great Father. Vegetarianism is a direct means to this, is the claim of this World Vegetarian Congress. True it is. Accepted that Vegetarianism leads man for all Good. Accepting all values of Vegetarianism, the question arises how we are going to establish it. How are we going to change the 'Killing world' of today into a non-killing world of tomorrow? How are we going to change the spirit of killing, the spirit of aggression, the spirit of violence into the spirit of kindness and love - overflowing love for the whole creation? How are we going to change hardness and cruelty of heart to softness and overflowing love for everybody? .. Full transcript at:- ../../../../../message/%20http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetariani\ sm_Torch_Divine.htm That link seems screwed Paul? S/b: http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Vegetarianism_Torch_Divine.htm
[FairfieldLife] Jai Guru Dev
It is extremely odd that anyone should misunderstand my motives for researching and publishing on TM, Maharishi and Guru Dev. So here is an explanation, of sorts. It is really very simple. I was/am interested in the claim that this method of meditation is a viable alternative to recreational drugs (including alcohol) and that it can elevate one's level of consciousness. In 1970 I went to visit Maharishi in Rishikesh after hitch-hiking from England. Andreas Muller suggested I learn transcendental meditation, Bevan Morris gave me an explanatory talk about it, and I got initiated the next day. I got benefits from my periods of meditation, and one of the first I noticed was the increased confidence to express a point of view. After returning to the west I continued practicing meditation and looked into the teachings and lifestory of Maharishi. After being commissioned to write his biography by Element Books I wrote what I believed to be an unbiased and factual account of his life and teachings. It was then that I realised that the movement saw me as a threat when they tried to get the book withdrawn. A few years back I put together a website and have since fulfilled a longterm desire to translate the extant published teachings and lifestory of Guru Dev (although as yet I have not tidied up the work and published in book form). From time to time, sharing material on newsgroups I have been asked my opinion of Maharishi, TM etc and have given my responses. Under pressure from character attacks I have even blistered somewhat. So what? Apparently, at some time I wrote that I thought that Maharishi was a confidence trickster. Well, hearing this I thought about it again, and I still think he was. However, that does not mean that I think his teachings were all bad or that meditation is not worthwhile. I still find it very stimulating to get my head around his lectures, especially the early ones, but I don't believe he knew what he was talking about some of the time, but that never stopped him talking. I practice transcendental meditation to this day (I have only occasionally taken time off the practice in order to experiment - is that a bad thing? Maharishi was always experimenting with people to see what worked, what did not). It seems to me that had I been more polarised, showing support and admiration for the movement I could have sold millions of books or had I been polarised against the movement I would have sold even more, but the fact that I remain relatively neutral and just watch the river flow means that the only people who read my material are those that are genuinely interested. à¤à¤¯ à¤à¥à¤°à¥à¤¦à¥à¤µ jay gurudeva
[FairfieldLife] Re: David OJ: Attorney's Letter re TM Religion
Of all the words that might well be applied to Maharishi's teachings, the words religious, cultic, Hindu, are probably the most apt. Maharishi was initially very open about the fact that TM had everything to do with gods and that selection of the mantra was solely based on which god you liked. It's true, I have a recording of him saying just this. He was telling this to westerners in the USA in 1959. So what changed? It seems that Maharishi eventually discovered that westerners were largely giving up on religion, in fact for many the word religion was fast becoming a dirty word. I guess it is possible that those in charge of PR at TM HQ do not know the history of the movement. So they come up with their 'look we can prove it is not a religion!' stance. Like the shift from casual clothes to cult-like business suits, discredit them and their verbose attempts to deny TM's religious connections only serve to make them look untrustworthy. For centuries people have been settling down with their 'guru mantra' and 'meditating' - letting go of the mantra and 'transcending'. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Marek Reavis reavisma...@... wrote: Although the meditation itself is not (or at least doesn't *have* to be done as) a religious practice, the puja certainly is and every initiator is schooled and tested on exactly what the Sanskrit words mean and what internal feelings those words are supposed to evoke in the initiator. To say that the teacher may not know what they mean is not just disingenuous, it's a lie. And the puja unquestionably deals with and articulates a point of view regarding the ultimate truth. The initiator may not ultimately subscribe to the teachings contained in the puja, but we were all mightily encouraged to adopt and conform to those teachings and most, if not all my initiator colleagues did, and without question. If anything, we were eager to be taught what it really meant and what was the real truth behind what it was we were initiating people into. It seems absurd to me that movement apologists continue dancing around the issue. Who cares? For myself, I'm happy to have been a devoted member of a hindu cult; I'm happy to continue to subscribe to some of the tenets, though not as fervently or dogmatically as in the past; but pujas and yagyas and all day meditation programs at one end of the spectrum are certainly religious, even if twice daily meditation at the other end of the spectrum may not be. ** --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Rick Archer rick@ wrote: -Original Message- From: David Orme-Johnson [mailto:davi...@] Sent: Friday, December 12, 2008 3:40 PM To: David Orme-Johnson Subject: Attorney's Letter re TM Religion Dear Colleagues, I have just posted on wwwTruthAboutTM.com a profound letter by a leading attorney on the question of whether the TM program is a religion. He considers the issue from the perspective of the legal definition of religion, and concludes that the TM program is not a religion. Citing legal precedents, he argues that allowing TM practice in schools during quiet time does not conflict with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. All the best, David - Individual Effects The Issue: Is the Transcendental Meditation program a religion? Carter Phillips Letter Re the Constitutionality of the TM Program in Public Schools. http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/ind ex .cfm#Phillips_letter#Phillips_letter -- -- -- -- --- April 9, 2007 Re: Transcendental Meditation Program in Public Schools Constitutional To Whom It May Concern: We have been asked to respond to concerns that the Transcendental Meditation (TM) Program, implemented in public schools, may violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Establishment Clause generally forecloses school sanctioned religious activity. Because the TM program is not a religious activity, the Establishment Clause does not preclude its use in public schools. Even if the TM program were deemed to be a religious activity, as long as it is implemented as part of a Quiet Time program, its practice in the public schools still would not violate the First Amendment. BACKGROUND The TM Program in public schools voluntarily instructs students in the beneficial Transcendental Meditation technique that they can practice for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day during a school's Quiet Time program The program has been implemented successfully in public schools and other institutions
[FairfieldLife] Maharishi: 'Which god you like?' - USA 1959
Questioner - Maharishi, how may a person find, you know, which of the, of the, the five materials [elements?] are predominant in them? Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - They, they have their method of, uh, oh, from the tendencies they know, from the, from the cut of the face they know. From the tendency. From the tendency. Q - Do you take that into consideration when you give the person a mantra? M M Y - I don't go into all these vibrations, botherations. I ask him Which god you like? He says Shiva - Okay, Shiva! [Maharishi laughs, very loudly] Where is the time to go into complications and all that? Ask him What he like? and that is it. [more laughter, the laughter now sounding strained] And somebody comes, Oh my, I don't have any liking for anybody, then I trace behind, And then, When you were young? and Which temple you were going more? and What your father was worshipping? and then he comes round. [Maharishi resumes the laughter] Q - How would you apply this to the westerners? M M Y - Oh here we don't go into these minute details. [more strained laughter] We get the mantra direct and that does all good for him. [yet more laughter] In to.. not into so much details. To listen to this use the following link: http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/sources/mp3s/Maharishi1959USA.mp3
[FairfieldLife] Re: Maharishi: 'Which god you like?' - USA 1959
Nablusoss, you recently recirculated a piece of my research in full, the 1952 speech of Maharishi announcing Guru Dev's arrival in Delhi, which I turned up some years back. You quoted it in full (even using my own typewritten format, as used on my website, but without any acknowledgement). Be careful what you quote, for you just might find that it is material I have mined. And where does that leave you, aiding and abetting me in spreading my research? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Marek Reavis reavisma...@... wrote: Nablusoss1008, I disagree with your point of view, here. In my opinion, Paul is a fine man whose research and writing has been of inestimable value in understanding both Maharishi and Guru Dev. His criticism of Maharishi is neither mean-spirited nor without foundation. Furthermore, regardless of any critiques he may have leveled against Maharishi, it's my understanding that he maintains both respect and admiration for him and his mission. ** --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusoss1008 no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Of all the lowly creatures that post on FFL Paul Mason is the perhaps the lowliest, utterly devoted as he is to make a cheap little dollar. This fool, not understanding what he does to himself, will contiune to ruin whatever good fortune he built up during countless incarnations. Now he has taken on a battle against The Masters of Wisdom. Please pray for this lost soul.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Why some people 'hate' MMY......
I have had (friendly) emails on the side from quite a few of the posters here, and it is disturbing to see some of you post 'hate' mail against critics of Maharishi. Actually, it is quite possible to be critical of someone without hating him. But anyway, I suspect you are in good company as Maharishi has never been good at dealing with criticism, so I guess he deserves to be represented by you and your ilk. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Magoo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mainly because he robbed them of their ignorance, and you know the old saying, Ignorance is Bliss. Some of these folks were 'happy' in the comfort of their ego-instigated desires and ambitions (sankalpas), and along comes MMY and steals all that 'peace' away by the application of the ointment of knowledge!! This isn't what they had bargained for at all...and NOW, well now, NO peace. Once the light has dawned the darkness and shadows (wickedness) struggle to hold on, and hence the dilemma. What happened to the peace, energy and happiness MMY promised; now I'm miserable in the awareness of my own wickedness, NO, NO, NO, I won't give in, I will fight!! So now you now how TMfree-blog got started:-) P.S. Like MMY use to say, When the majestic Elephant walks thru the village, the dogs start barking.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Why some people 'hate' MMY......
Hi Richard The thing is that quoting facts is better than heresay. My bio of Maharishi many, many verbatim quotes that even many TM teachers had not heard before. However, because there is a lot of frustrated individuals who have yet to offer any original research, they resort to personal attacks. I have read your research on Sri Vidhya the early history of the movement etc and it interests me. But none of the posters who are so prone to vitriolic outbursts have produced any research at all, just billowing hot-air, and sometimes polluted at that. That I produce wodges of quotes from Maharishi, Guru Dev, Satyanand, Charlie Lutes seems to be of no value to these so-called defenders of Maharishi and TM. They seem to think they will earn their laurels by being anti-Paul Mason? Whatever! But at the end of the day, they know they have contributed nothing worthwhile for their cause. So, it is sour grapes, and those who really have something to contribute to the story are happy to exchange cordial emails with me. Jay Gurudev --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Richard J. Williams [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Paul Mason wrote: I have had (friendly) emails on the side from quite a few of the posters here, and it is disturbing to see some of you post 'hate' mail against critics of Maharishi. Actually, it is quite possible to be critical of someone without hating him. But anyway, I suspect you are in good company as Maharishi has never been good at dealing with criticism, so I guess he deserves to be represented by you and your ilk. One informer here called me crazy, another called me nuts, Paul. Judy lied and said I lived under a bridge. Can you believe that? They really hate me, Paul, but I like your book and I don't care what they say about you. Barry has a nice thread about what these TMers really believe.
[FairfieldLife] Sorry Rick but maybe I had something to do with FFL going pearshaped
When I first came to FFL it was because I wished to contact Richard Williams (because he seemed the most prominent voice of those looking for answers about Maharishi). Well, I was politely pointed in the direction of AMT. But whilst here I noticed it was a pretty orderly restrained sort of a gentleman's club sort of atmosphere, with some well-reasoned and polite debate going on. I was glad I had found FFL. They marshalled their arguments with information that they had worked hard to find. I cite L B Shriver in particular, not because I agreed with his viewpoint, but he actually bothered to research before he put forward his thoughts. Well, at Google AMT I attempted to level with those who had unfairly criticised my bio, only to find the criticism was founded on ignorance, the critic had not actually read the book, and someone else just assumed they knew what they were talking about, so more uninformed criticism! That was my introduction to TM forums. After a time I mentioned FFL at AMT and Uncle Tantra (Turquoise) migrated to FFL and it seemed that things at FFL were thereby improved, not that they needed to really. However, something else happened, there was a change in the ethos, for the worse. This might have been the time that certain other individuals turned up too, but it soon turned into what AMT had been, a playground without any supervision. That would have been fine of course if things had stayed playful. Interestingly, the deterioration in the standard of debates where the postings are now usually reduced to personal insults, racism, the use of hate vocabulary 'evil','wicked', 'rakshasa' 'dog' etc etc. has meant that there is no longer any real point in contributing.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Why some people 'hate' MMY......
Perhaps people who are determined to write poison pen letters such as the one you wrote earlier ought first to consider writing under your given name. It appears so cowardly otherwise. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Magoo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig sparaig@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: I have had (friendly) emails on the side from quite a few of the posters here, and it is disturbing to see some of you post 'hate' mail against critics of Maharishi. Actually, it is quite possible to be critical of someone without hating him. But anyway, I suspect you are in good company as Maharishi has never been good at dealing with criticism, so I guess he deserves to be represented by you and your ilk. What is an ilk? Yeah..it sounds a little hateful to me!
[FairfieldLife] Re: Sorry Rick but maybe I had something to do with FFL going pearshaped
FFL was pleasant because for the most part the people wanted it like that. (Although I did get an email on the side who was trying to poison my mind about Richard. I found it odd at the time. It was the only sign I say that TM forums could be unpleasant. Now who sent that...? He posted at AMT too, in those days. Bob someone or other I believe.) Vaj, I think you are right, the basic motivation of the 'insurgents' seems combative, bombastic. It is almost always confrontational and looking for a fight. There is an inbuilt assumption that one is spoiling for a fight. It doesn't even seem to occur to them that there might be anything to be gained from an exchange of information and opinions, without resorting to unpleasantness. I saw the way Richard was ragged on AMT, but largely it was undeserved, he was just looking for answers. It seemed to me he wasn't getting them on TM forums. But why rag him? I have travelled widely in the Islamic world and NEVER come up against the fundamentalists. They get on underground trains whilst decent people are going off to work, all shades of human skin, all kinds of humanity, and let off bombs. The fundamentalist doesn't have regard for others. The TM-terrorist has no regard for others either. Perhaps it is the Maharishi's fault, with his 'damn democracy' and his 'scorpion nation', he is encouraging rabid behaviour in his shock troops. So perhaps Maharishi was once a saint and then he lost it, but there is no reason for everyone to lose it! Please turn over a new leaf everyone and at least be polite to one another. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Mar 17, 2007, at 6:54 PM, Peter wrote: I agree with you. Many, not all though, of the AMT people have ruined FFL. Other than my joking posts, I rarely post anymore. I second that, moderating is needed by someone otherwise this list is down the tubes. Really, that was likely their goal all along. One of them even said she'd do this till she died. That doesn't sound much different from an Islamic terrorist. The list has been destroyed by insurgents, quite literally.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Sorry Rick but maybe I had something to do with FFL going pearshaped
I went to a party held by some devotees of a spiritual path, I was surprised that they were all sitting around smoking spliffs and getting into drink too. I was even more surprised when one of the kids came and sat on my head. It was hard for the stoned party goers to realise how much the kids needed a bit of attention and parenting, as their philosphy was live and let live. Mmmm, by the way, did I mention it was the kid's birthday party? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Mar 17, 2007, at 7:22 PM, Rick Archer wrote: I second that, moderating is needed by someone otherwise this list is down the tubes. Really, that was likely their goal all along. One of them even said she'd do this till she died. That doesn't sound much different from an Islamic terrorist. The list has been destroyed by insurgents, quite literally. How would you suggest it be moderated? If someone volunteered to do it, what criteria would they follow? How would they be objective? I seem to remember New Morn came up with some nice ideas that seemed worth implementing. IIRC it was something like first time you're banned for posting a couple of days and then each time thereafter, longer. It seems to me there would have to be a limit, a three strikes and you're out kinda thing. I really don't think it would be hard to implement because it really is a case of 'a couple of bad apples spoiling the whole bunch'.
[FairfieldLife] Misrepresention by twisting the truth
Rick, if I were to single out one person who has brought this forum into disrepute it would be Judy Stein. But you know that. She has done it to AMT, which is something of a wasteland. Do you want FFL to go the same way?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Misrepresention by twisting the truth
Of course there are others who do their level best to make FFL unfit for debate, but they are followers, they seldom start the ball rolling. But importantly, Vaj got the analogy right, its about preserving the barrel of apples by shedding the few. TM is a solitary practice, a practice which gives no specific evidence of its practice. Who is to say that Judith Stein or Nabulus practice TM and that I do not. I don't care whether or not people practice TM or not, but I do care that free-speech is jeopardised by the behaviour of the few. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rick, if I were to single out one person who has brought this forum into disrepute it would be Judy Stein. But you know that. She has done it to AMT, which is something of a wasteland. Do you want FFL to go the same way?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Misrepresention by twisting the truth
I don't consider Judy Stein as a critic, merely as a nuisance. Her criticism of my biography, which is what I'm known for, was based on erroneous hearsay. She has never engaged me honestly in debate in a bid for truth, just timewasting in order to try and catch me out. There is always the assumption driving her that there is a hidden aggenda to uncover, some motive behind what one is saying that she will discover. Sad really, as she 'seems' interested in the philosphy of SCI, but perhaps she is worried that someone will disabuse her of her illusions about its correctness or completeness. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, authfriend [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Rick, if I were to single out one person who has brought this forum into disrepute it would be Judy Stein. But you know that. She has done it to AMT, which is something of a wasteland. Do you want FFL to go the same way? (Oddly enough, I just happen to be one of Paul's major critics.)
[FairfieldLife] Re: Misrepresention by twisting the truth
Perhaps you really don't get it, so I'll explain just the once. Terrorism, the unpleasant combative, thrusting, in-your-face attitudes drive polite civil debaters away. That is what it is for, it is not about encouraging debate but about posturing and misrepresenting until you find the 'opponent' has exited in disgust. This was the MO used at AMT and it is now the MO used at FFL. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Magoo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: snip but I do care that free-speech is jeopardised by the behaviour of the few. You know, I have never heard a sillier comment. I'm not sure I even understand it...free speech is a threat to free speech?, someone please help me out here!
[FairfieldLife] Re: Sorry Rick but maybe I had something to do with FFL going pearshaped
Do you practice TM? I doubt it. You and the other trouble makers just like blah-blah-blah blah-blah-blah. I'd be surprised if you found time to practice meditation. Certainly, you like to appear as if you are well informed and that you have some connection with Guru Dev, but really is it more than blah-blah-blah? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, jim_flanegin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, authfriend jstein@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj vajranatha@ wrote: snip I second that, moderating is needed by someone otherwise this list is down the tubes. Really, that was likely their goal all along. One of them even said she'd do this till she died. That doesn't sound much different from an Islamic terrorist. The list has been destroyed by insurgents, quite literally. Wait, wait, wait. *TMers* are supposed to be the paranoid ones on this forum. Jeez, talk about feeling threatened. It's understandable that folks who've enjoyed playing around in an echo chamber for some time would get their noses out of joint when some new voices come along that don't quite blend in and may even challenge the comfortable echoes. But to call them *terrorists*?? And Vaj has now joined Barry in developing some kind of phobia about identifying me by name. He also, perhaps needless to say, grossly misrepresents something I said. And no, none of us came here with the intention of sending this forum down the tubes. Looks like the tide has turned against those who as you say have enjoyed FFL as a free dumping ground on all things TM...perhaps they must now open their wallets to those over at TM Free Blog- a symbiotic match if I ever saw one.
[FairfieldLife] Maharishi tells how he instituted a fee to learn meditation
http://tmfree.blogspot.com/2007/03/maharishi-tells-how-he-instituted- fee.html http://tmfree.blogspot.com/index.html
[FairfieldLife] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi The Beatles: The Movie
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi The Beatles: The Movie http://tmfree.blogspot.com/2007/03/indian-film-director-mira-nair-is- to.html
[FairfieldLife] FFL used to be such an intelligent reasonable sort of group....
Many years ago I heard an expression, 'If I could find an open mind I'd get some sin and drop it in'. I was horrified, I have never had any use for concepts such as sin or evil. However, over the years I have met the occasional person who seemed to be suffering from mental illness, and on occasion heard such suffering connected with the devil and being evil. I never took such comments seriously. That is until I read the poison penned letters of a couple of respondents on FFL and I ended the day pondering as to whether I had encountered pure evil. Is it actually possible that they are practising TM? I don't think so.
[FairfieldLife] TM-Terrorists or just sad cases?
Many years ago I heard an expression; 'If I could find an open mind I'd get some sin and drop it in'. I was horrified, I have never had any use for concepts such as 'sin' or 'evil'. However, over the years I met several people who seemed to be suffering from mental illness, and heard such mental ill health connected with the devil. I never took such comments seriously. Yet more recently I have heard terrorists being branded 'evil', but still I resisted the term. That is until I read the poison penned letters of a couple of respondents addressed to me at FFL. I ended the day feeling that I had encountered pure evil. It was a feeling not a thought. I could feel the poison, it endured for most of the night. It was clearly not light that they had showered me with!! These posters and others of their ilk, who pose as supporters of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi yet post malevolent attacks on others, is it really possible that they actually practice TM? No, I don't think so.
[FairfieldLife] Re: FFL used to be such an intelligent reasonable sort of group....
Learning TM forces TM initiates into an unenviable situation - either carry-on regardless and get 'checked' from time-to-time or shell out lots of dosh and join in the courses that are held in the hope of getting better info about the meditation. I attended SCI tape meetings and they were just dull, I attended TM retreats/advances, and they were just like nursery school for TM initiates, run by initiates who had few of the answers but who for the most part just enjoyed being in-charge. So, I tend to suspect you are right, a lone TM-er could get strung- out. In fact I know someone who did and he tried to top himself several times. So, he was 'unstressing' and that this was some kinda retribution for sending out a photocopy of the so-so secret mantras to one of the governors. Apparently it made her quite upset to see the list on the paper. He was such a sweet guy, he thought the world of MMY and his meditation... There were just some questions that bugged him and no- one had any answers for him. So they ended up demonising him. I think he was a victim of the mass-production system. I can't imagine that he ever intended any upset to anyone. Steve Jeffery, love you man! --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Feb 28, 2007, at 8:21 AM, Paul Mason wrote: Many years ago I heard an expression, 'If I could find an open mind I'd get some sin and drop it in'. I was horrified, I have never had any use for concepts such as sin or evil. However, over the years I have met the occasional person who seemed to be suffering from mental illness, and on occasion heard such suffering connected with the devil and being evil. I never took such comments seriously. That is until I read the poison penned letters of a couple of respondents on FFL and I ended the day pondering as to whether I had encountered pure evil. Is it actually possible that they are practising TM? I don't think so. Some people DO develop meditational disorders Paul and these do manifest in a variety of ways. They actually are more common in mass meditation methods like TM because there is no individualized methods given to correct problems before or after they arise. These disorders are often exacerbated by situations where people are told to continue meditating rather than applying an antidote or where purification is skipped. It is a very sad thing to see. Physical abuse, even broken ones, heal slowly over time. Internal abuse can be even more insidious and be much longer lasting.
[FairfieldLife] Just for the record - Paul Mason is not anti-TM or anti-MMY
Although I believe that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has used deceptive means to spread the teaching of transcendental meditation, I am confident that his motives have been well intended. Although I have voiced criticism of Maharishi, it should not be construed that I believe him to have just been in it for the money or the fame. This statement should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the man or his teachings. Just that I believe him to have intended well by his actions. I do not regret learning TM nor practicing it for well over three decades. As it happens I was originally prompted to write his biography as a showcase for some his wonderfully original thinking, it was only after the first few chapters I came to question some of his methods of spreading his beliefs.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Just for the record - Paul Mason is not anti-TM or anti-MMY
Q. Isn't it true to say that the Maharishi is nothing other than an opportunistic? A. Yup Q. self-promoting A. Yup Q. maverick, A. Yup Q. who wilfully misleads his supporters A. Yup Q. and anyone else who has the time, the inclination and the money to listen to him? A. Yup Q. Some say the TM method is a good one, some say not? A. Yup Although I believe that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has used deceptive means to spread the teaching of transcendental meditation, I am confident that his motives have been well intended. Although I have voiced criticism of Maharishi, it should not be construed that I believe him to have just been in it for the money or the fame. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, authfriend [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Although I believe that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has used deceptive means to spread the teaching of transcendental meditation, I am confident that his motives have been well intended. Although I have voiced criticism of Maharishi, it should not be construed that I believe him to have just been in it for the money or the fame. From a post by Paul Mason on TMFree: Q. In conclusion then, isn't it true to say that the Maharishi is nothing other than an opportunistic, self-promoting maverick, who wilfully misleads his supporters and anyone else who has the time, the inclination and the money to listen to him? A. Some say the TM method is a good one, some say not.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Just for the record - Paul Mason is not anti-TM or anti-MMY
Quotes from the characters created by playrights are often wrongly attributed to the writer himself/herself. Although the question and answer was intended to be provocative it was not intended serve as a guide to my opinions of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. But I concede, on reflection, that some might see the remarks otherwise. So, I have taken this opportunity to ammend the online text of this QA, to change the line in question, to bring it more into synch with my own opinion: Q. In conclusion then, isn't it true to say that the Maharishi is nothing other than an opportunistic, self-promoting maverick who, though probably well-meaning, wilfully misleads his supporters and anyone else who has the time, the inclination and the money to listen to him? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, authfriend [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Q. Isn't it true to say that the Maharishi is nothing other than an opportunistic? A. Yup Q. self-promoting A. Yup Q. maverick, A. Yup Q. who wilfully misleads his supporters A. Yup Q. and anyone else who has the time, the inclination and the money to listen to him? A. Yup Q. Some say the TM method is a good one, some say not? A. Yup Although I believe that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has used deceptive means to spread the teaching of transcendental meditation, I am confident that his motives have been well intended. Although I have voiced criticism of Maharishi, it should not be construed that I believe him to have just been in it for the money or the fame. Suggested rewrite: Isn't it true to say that the Maharishi isn't in it just for the fame or money, but is nothing other than an opportunistic, self-promoting, well- intentioned maverick, who with the best of motives wilfully misleads his supporters and anyone else who has the time, the inclination and the money to listen to him?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Just for the record - Paul Mason is not anti-TM or anti-MMY
Confronted with the prospect of millions of people saying no to the religious sounding meditation that he was teaching, one can see why he might be tempted to tinker some. Whether the work he put in (and he has put a lot a lot of work in) really worked out, must be a personal evaluation. Meditation, for all the hype about changing the world, is fundamentally about sitting down, resting and getting a bit more cosmic. No meter or statistic is going to answer the question satisfactorilly, only individuals. As for self-promoting, I don't suppose there can be any real doubt that he has lapped up the adulation and praise, hugely. But in his defence he has deflected a good deal of the adoration towards his deceased master, and that is wise. Personally, I wouldn't say that modest was one of his middle names, but then who cares? You either enjoying meditating or not. That is the bottom line. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Magoo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Quotes from the characters created by playrights are often wrongly attributed to the writer himself/herself. Although the question and answer was intended to be provocative it was not intended serve as a guide to my opinions of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. But I concede, on reflection, that some might see the remarks otherwise. So, I have taken this opportunity to ammend the online text of this QA, to change the line in question, to bring it more into synch with my own opinion: Q. In conclusion then, isn't it true to say that the Maharishi is nothing other than an opportunistic, self-promoting maverick who, though probably well-meaning, wilfully misleads his supporters and anyone else who has the time, the inclination and the money to listen to him? The real question, if your conclusion is right, then is,...why, and do the ends justify the means. I think with MMY perhaps so. The only thing I would take issue with you is 'self-promoting', perhaps you should use that with a capital 'S' as in Self(God) promoting, isn't that closer to his real character?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Just for the record - Paul Mason is not anti-TM or anti-MMY
Q. Okay, just what does one do if a complete stranger starts launching verbal attacks on you? A. One can use it as an opportunity to practice tolerance in the face of intoleration I suppose. FFL seems to be full of such opportunities these days, despite it being against the guidelines of such groups. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, peterklutz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Quotes from the characters created by playrights are often wrongly attributed to the writer himself/herself. Although the question and answer was intended to be provocative it was not intended serve as a guide to my opinions of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Who do you think you are fooling? Grow a spine.
[FairfieldLife] Re: the fate of trash like Paul Mason
Hi fellow FFLers I have recently had troubles connecting to the internet, a problem that the ISP acknowledges is their responsibility. I mention this because I have only just picked up on this curious strand trashing me. Why is it that those talking heads who try to trash me, never ever come up with any souceable useful information to gainsay any of my research or propositions? You just use me as the fall guy to give vent to your fury which might be more appropriately directed to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Shame on you!!! Ironically, it is you who wish to appear as supporters, protectors and advocates of TM, that seem to disprove just about ALL the claims MMY made for his meditation. Is it true that none of you are meditators and that you are hirelings of some fundamentalist anti-MMY, anti-TM organisation in the pay of the CIA? Jay Gurudev --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusos108 nablusos108@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, bob_brigante no_reply@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusos108 nablusos108@ wrote: I have no strong opinion on Heaven or Hell. Perhaps those states of Bliss and Tamas excist, perhaps not. But if Hell excists I think this Paul Mason fellow is a strong candidate for a prolonged stay in one of those premises. I mean, spreading slander about an outstanding Saint for money ?? It's like a plea for a stay in an unpleasant place. IMO. To be subdued and treated by Tamas for a long period of time at least is a guarantee for not having to deal with this lowlife fellow in our next incarnation. *** Yeah, Mason is a jerk, but jerks/demons are part of creation, and in fact, creation COULD NOT EXIST without demons. Why? Because the jig would be up if life were too sattvic (transparent) -- it would be trying to play hide-and-so-seek with no trees to hide behind. So although the dull-witted and demonic level is dominant now, and will naturally be reduced in the natural course of time, there will always be some demonic activity, even in the Sat Yuga. From Vasistha's Yoga p. 201 http://tinyurl.com/6xndt : This seemingly unending world-appearance is sustained by impure (rajasa) and dull (tamasa) beings, even as a superstructure is sustained by pillars. But it is playfully and easily abandoned by those who are of a pure nature, even as the slough is effortlessly abandoned by a snake. Very interesting comment. You are absolutely correct. One should try to ignore/accept demonic forces represented by beings like Paul Mason as a part of nature. But it is not easy... Please reread the comments above in the light of what I just wrote to Tom T. The speakers are two long-time TMers who consider themselves On The Program and sane. They believe strongly in Maharishi and TM. And they have NO PROBLEM with going onto a public forum and calmly discussing their belief that Paul, who did nothing more than write a few things they don't like is a DEMON, and in league with demonic forces. THAT, not the simple, easily-learned technique of Transcendental Meditation, is unfortunately the legacy of Maharishi and the TM movement. What started (at least in the minds of the early TM teachers) as a noble, well-intentioned attempt to make the benefits of meditation available to as many people as possible at a reasonable cost has degenerated over the years into the proponents of Maharishi's teachings calmly declaring someone a DEMON because he doesn't agree with what they believe. THAT is a more than a little scary in my opinion. What's equally scary is the people who regularly react to those who write things that disagree with what they believe by attempting, seemingly ration- ally, to discredit the writer. These people are on a seemingly never-ending campaign to portray the more well-spoken critics of TM as 1) having hidden motives, 2) being untrustworthy, 3) lying when they express simple *opinion*, and other similar things. To me, both sets of people represent the same cult phenomenon, just to different degrees. And to be honest, the latter are more dangerous. They attempt to HIDE their systematic demonization. At least Bob, Nablusos, and Frank Lotz are honest about it.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - Separating Fact From Fiction
Turquoise, I thought I'd pop back to get a rain check on my posting yesterday and the first post I saw was yours. The odd thing is that I haven't really said anything at http://tmfree.blogspot.com/ that should upset anyone. After three and a half decades of research on the topic, I just distilled a few points, that must be common knowledge to those posting on FFL. Surely? I was surprised anyone responded to it actually. As for the idea of me being damaged. Well I can only use Maharishi's excellent analogy, that one's vision is determined by the tint of the glasses one wears. If I am being perceived as damaged, then perhaps they need to refresh their outlook. The Maharishi and the movement have had ample time and opportunity to put me right about any information I might have got askew. In fact I wrote an open letter addressed to the man himself, asking that he do just that. Since I already had a friendship with Bevan Morris, it would have been so easy for him to clear up any misconceptions and these could have been included in the revised edition. Hey ho, Paul --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Peter, you are asking why I continue speak out about MMY and his teachings. The answer is remarkably simple. Having learned TM I decided to practice it come-what-may, for at least ten years, to see how it measured up to its claims. I decided to let the time run longer, and longer, and longer. (In fact I even vowed to continue its practise even if MMY disavowed the teaching.) I put the together 'The Maharishi: The Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World', and as Vaj rightly says, it is the only objective biography of the man and his teaching extant. But I didn't stop researching the Maharishi, TM and his master, I kept up the project for much longer, and I have shared much of the Guru Dev translation work free-of-charge on my website http://www.paulmason.info/ . I kept practising the TM technique more many more years after the publication. But after more than three and a half decades it struck me it was about time I actually decided it was time to come to some sort of verdict, about TM and about MMY. Since I am recognised as an authority on the subject (at least by those honest enough to admit it) I thought I'd share my verdict. I posted this on TM-Free Blog a few days ago. But afterwards I realised that there must still be great many people who still don't even have the basic points. I notice you don't attempt to correct me on any point raised in the blog. That is interesting, very interesting Finally, the suggestion that I get on and attend to my own life. Well, as it happens, I most certainly do (which is the main reason I seldom log on to the TM forums. But, as it happens I consider that sharing the enormous amount of research on the MMY is a part of attending to my life. It would be all too convenient for those who just want to hear sweet truths if I were to be quiet. You have your views on MMY, I have never once tried to silence you or anyone else on the subject. I have never suggested that you go and attend to your life. It seems the truth has got you just a tad mad at me, just a tad. But as another responent pointed out to someone else, don't shoot the messenger or in your case encourage the messenger to turn his attention to something else. It sounds just a bit like that bit in the Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy and Toto were told to ignore 'the Man Behind The Curtain'. Paul PS To the so-called supports of the Maharishi and of TM, on FFL, don't convince me much, you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy sparring and being unpleasant to one another, and to those you perceive as threats. Is that what practising TM impels you to do? It never did that to me, that's for sure. Nice statement, Paul. What we saw in the last couple of days, in reaction to the things you've posted, is a far greater condemnation of Maharishi than anything you could have written about him. Most of the responses here on Fairfield Life to what you wrote had a clear and unmistakable intent. They were intended to shoot the messenger and to demonize you. In three cases (the ravings of Frank Lotz and Peter Klutz and Nablusos), they did this *literally*, saying explicitly that you were in league with demonic forces. The rest who railed against you here did *exactly* what I suggested a few days ago that TMers With Baggage *would* do in a situation like this, and tried to portray you as somehow DAMAGED, and having something WRONG with you because of what you said. In my opinion this response is cult behavior, and the fact that Maharishi allowed and even cultivated
[FairfieldLife] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - Separating Fact From Fiction
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - Separating Fact From Fiction http://tmfree.blogspot.com/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - Separating Fact From Fiction
Peter, you are asking why I continue speak out about MMY and his teachings. The answer is remarkably simple. Having learned TM I decided to practice it come-what-may, for at least ten years, to see how it measured up to its claims. I decided to let the time run longer, and longer, and longer. (In fact I even vowed to continue its practise even if MMY disavowed the teaching.) I put the together 'The Maharishi: The Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World', and as Vaj rightly says, it is the only objective biography of the man and his teaching extant. But I didn't stop researching the Maharishi, TM and his master, I kept up the project for much longer, and I have shared much of the Guru Dev translation work free-of-charge on my website http://www.paulmason.info/ . I kept practising the TM technique more many more years after the publication. But after more than three and a half decades it struck me it was about time I actually decided it was time to come to some sort of verdict, about TM and about MMY. Since I am recognised as an authority on the subject (at least by those honest enough to admit it) I thought I'd share my verdict. I posted this on TM-Free Blog a few days ago. But afterwards I realised that there must still be great many people who still don't even have the basic points. I notice you don't attempt to correct me on any point raised in the blog. That is interesting, very interesting Finally, the suggestion that I get on and attend to my own life. Well, as it happens, I most certainly do (which is the main reason I seldom log on to the TM forums. But, as it happens I consider that sharing the enormous amount of research on the MMY is a part of attending to my life. It would be all too convenient for those who just want to hear sweet truths if I were to be quiet. You have your views on MMY, I have never once tried to silence you or anyone else on the subject. I have never suggested that you go and attend to your life. It seems the truth has got you just a tad mad at me, just a tad. But as another responent pointed out to someone else, don't shoot the messenger or in your case encourage the messenger to turn his attention to something else. It sounds just a bit like that bit in the Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy and Toto were told to ignore 'the Man Behind The Curtain'. Paul PS To the so-called supports of the Maharishi and of TM, on FFL, don't convince me much, you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy sparring and being unpleasant to one another, and to those you perceive as threats. Is that what practising TM impels you to do? It never did that to me, that's for sure. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Peter [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I love the question and answer format. Paul, you don't know jack sh*t about the relationship between MMY and SBS. Why don't you just attend to your own life instead of this crusade to discredit, expose, diminish MMY. He's doing just fine on his own doing such a thing! --- Paul Mason [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - Separating Fact From Fiction http://tmfree.blogspot.com/ To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] __ __ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink QA. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545367
[FairfieldLife] Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis'
Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis' translated into English http://tmfree.blogspot.com/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis'
'He combines in himself the knowledge of the Self with the mysterious powers - the siddhis arising out of yogic perfection and hard penances, which he has undergone throughout his life.' - Brahmachari Mahesh, October 1952. Note in particular the words 'yogic perfection'. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis' translated into English http://tmfree.blogspot.com/ Though MMY will never admit it, he surpassed his Master many decades ago.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis'
You assert that MMY has surpassed Guru Dev. I point out that even fifty years ago MMY perceived Guru Dev to have 'yogic perfection'. Why should he have changed his mind? And why change the subject? It is not my opinion that is in contention it is yours. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: 'He combines in himself the knowledge of the Self with the mysterious powers - the siddhis arising out of yogic perfection and hard penances, which he has undergone throughout his life.' - Brahmachari Mahesh, October 1952. Note in particular the words 'yogic perfection'. Are you saying that MMY is less perfect than gurudev? How would you know? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig sparaig@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis' translated into English http://tmfree.blogspot.com/ Though MMY will never admit it, he surpassed his Master many decades ago.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis'
Ho. Lawson English posting on google group AMT tells us, referring to Guru Dev: 'Like I said on FFL: MMY, though he will never acknowledge the fact, surpassed his Master many decades ago.' 'And I know insider stories that you don't know and couldn't know unless you have Indian friends with family connections to the SBS succession story.' Paul Mason says: Which you are going to share? Put up or shut Lawson. Lawson: Nope. I'm just going to claim special knowledge and laugh. Paul Mason: Then Lawson, you are a coward as well as a fool! Interestingly, you are the first and only person I know of who has every attempted to cast aspertions on the reputation of Guru Dev. In your bid to champion his student Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, you dishonour his guru? You have my utter contempt and scorn 1. for being a coward 2. being so dishonourable. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis' translated into English http://tmfree.blogspot.com/ Though MMY will never admit it, he surpassed his Master many decades ago.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis'
Despite the fact that I come from a society without a guru tradition, I can spot the difference between a spiritual guru and a confidence trickster, in my opinion Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the latter. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: 'He combines in himself the knowledge of the Self with the mysterious powers - the siddhis arising out of yogic perfection and hard penances, which he has undergone throughout his life.' - Brahmachari Mahesh, October 1952. Note in particular the words 'yogic perfection'. Are you saying that MMY is less perfect than gurudev? How would you know? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig sparaig@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis' translated into English http://tmfree.blogspot.com/ Though MMY will never admit it, he surpassed his Master many decades ago.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev (Maharishi's guru) speaks on 'siddhis'
For all we know Mahesh was a perfectly adequate secretary. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, authfriend [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Despite the fact that I come from a society without a guru tradition, I can spot the difference between a spiritual guru and a confidence trickster, in my opinion Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the latter. Doesn't speak so highly of Guru Dev that he couldn't tell the difference, does it, Paul?
[FairfieldLife] TM-Free; 'TM, gods siddhis'
Today I posted a short blog on TM-Free. A respondent doubted my interpretation of Guru Dev's teachings on siddhis so I went back to the text of his satsang, and I re-read the relevant section, about enlisting the help of the deity of the mantra that siddhis can also come from Yakshas, Bhutas, Pretas and Pishachas.. You might be interested to check it out http://tmfree.blogspot.com/2007/02/tm-gods-siddhis.html
[FairfieldLife] Guru Dev quotations on Japa meditation
After translating the Guru Dev's quotations on Japa Yoga, I have put some of the most relevant quotes together as a file which can be double- side printed. It is in the 'files' section of FFL named:- GuruDevjapameditation.pdf Over the last week or so I have been using his technique, and find it feels very comfortable to practise. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev quotations on Japa meditation
Basically, japa is the repetition of a mantra, and dhyaana is the act of contemplation. Best thing to do is quote the dictionary, then you have something more reliable than hearsay. jaapa n.mas. same as japa, a rosary for counting Mantras. japa n.mas. the silent repetition of a Mantra, muttering of prayers, adoration, worshipping -tapa devotion, worship. dhyaana n.mas. consideration, meditation, contemplation, reflection, thought, self-communication, heed, imagination, attention, musing, reverie, study; --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Please clarify: What is Japa and how does it differ from: - meditation - Transcendental Meditation --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: After translating the Guru Dev's quotations on Japa Yoga, I have put some of the most relevant quotes together as a file which can be double- side printed. It is in the 'files' section of FFL named:- GuruDevjapameditation.pdf Over the last week or so I have been using his technique, and find it feels very comfortable to practise. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev quotations on Japa meditation
I have been instructed in japa technique by Dandi Swami Narayanand Saraswati, a direct disciple of Guru Dev. He practises japa silently, (however, by lip reading it is not difficult to ascertain the mantra he is using). --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: So Japa is not necessarily synonymous with transcendental meditation I gather? It seems to be ORAL repetition of a mantra, but not necessarily chanting as do the Hare Krishnas? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: Basically, japa is the repetition of a mantra, and dhyaana is the act of contemplation. Best thing to do is quote the dictionary, then you have something more reliable than hearsay. jaapa n.mas. same as japa, a rosary for counting Mantras. japa n.mas. the silent repetition of a Mantra, muttering of prayers, adoration, worshipping -tapa devotion, worship. dhyaana n.mas. consideration, meditation, contemplation, reflection, thought, self-communication, heed, imagination, attention, musing, reverie, study; --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, shempmcgurk shempmcgurk@ wrote: Please clarify: What is Japa and how does it differ from: - meditation - Transcendental Meditation --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: After translating the Guru Dev's quotations on Japa Yoga, I have put some of the most relevant quotes together as a file which can be double- side printed. It is in the 'files' section of FFL named:- GuruDevjapameditation.pdf Over the last week or so I have been using his technique, and find it feels very comfortable to practise. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Come
I received this email today, it appears genuine, anyone else received a copy? Hello, Some of you I have had little contact with lately and I do not know if any of you are still practicing TM. This is an all call to come to Fairfield to practice and fly in the domes. The course is free with at least one month to go or more; and now the sidhis are free for a limited time, to anyone who has the practicing knowledge of TM. In fact, the TM organization is now willing to pay people to come and participate in group programs in the domes here in Fairfield. Spread the word. Bevan said today,...the money is here but the people are not. I know many who, after being away from TM and Fairfield for as much as 25 years, are moving back to be here to take advantage of this little pearl in the middle of the universe. I hear Maharishi's voice and hear how he is trying any way he knows, still, to raise the numbers in the dome (about 1,000 daily now) to help the world become a peaceful place for us to live and to maintain peace. There will be 1,000 homes built in Vedic City for those on a regular program, made of a marble composite. Beautiful, affordable. No trailers. The land is being readied and the construction site is very busy. If you can, please come to program. Experiences are growing rapidly of fulfillment 24/7 in many. It is what many of you have been waiting for or have even forgotten about after all these years. The goal is in reach for you more than ever. The whole atmosphere in Fairfield is transforming to an even more incredible place to be right now. Remember talk of the domino effect? I believe it's happening. Come. With appreciation, Mary To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Surely MMY would not deliberately deceive the English?
On 29th September 1967 'The Frost Programme' included an interview with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at London Airport. During the chat the topic of mantras came up. His answer would give the listener the idea that the TM movement used a palette of 'thousands' of mantras, which, if it were not true, would amount to false advertising. Frost - Is that the same sound that you give to each person? MMY - No, each person gets different but we don't have as many sounds as we have men in the world. So they are grouped together. Frost - How many sounds are there? MMY - Oh there are lots of sounds. Frost - I mean hundreds or thousands or ...? MMY - You could say thousands. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev on changing gurus
'bhakta' - adj. divided into parts, separate, devoted, engrossed, attentive, attached, cooked, pious; n.mas. a votary, a devout person, a worshipper, a follower. Incidentally, I ommitted to mention that connecting my own database dictionary of Hindi Sanskrit words, I then use a specially evolved program to connect to MSaccess. The program is called 'HandiHindi Gizmo (TM)'. If this program were developed it could greatly assist translaters, and eventually might even be able to offer up some basic MT (machine translation). If, maybe, etc but as LB mentioned there is more than science to translation. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Re: Guru Dev on changing gurus --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, sparaig sparaig@ wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning no_reply@ wrote: [...] And the translation refers to the one who was going to the guru as a guru-bhakt at least TM teacher / gov. We do, or have, followed a teacher/guru. Bhakti means love/worship/etc. Many TM teachers, and most meditators/sidhas, are NOT in a guru-bhkti relationship with MMY, or so I believe. Unless, of course, the term bhakti changes radically when added to guru which doesn't seem likely. I was going by Paul's translation of guru-bhak, follower. Paul what was your reasoning/ basis for saying followeer and not devotee. It occured to me that a full-on bhakti relation might be implied. And it also occurred me that, in an indian 1940's context, many if not most of the regular householder folk, flocking to see SBS once or twice a year, would be considered guru-bhaks, followers,even devotees. Even, and perhaps specifically, the cooks, carpenters, shopkeepers, policmen etc who saw him infrequently, and many who never had a personal audience with him. They may have done guru puja to him every morning. They may have fully prostrated themselves on the ground before him. Thats a devotee in my book. Yet not a 24/7 staffer. I would look to translators, interpretors, cultural historians, and 80 year old hindus for clarification. Until then, you will have your read of it, I will have mine. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] I am everywhere, I am omnipresent
'Swami' Sattyanand speaks on Guru Dev:- 'When in 1953 Guru Dev left this mortal frame and attained nirvana I was at Banares, another place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and at that moment I was staying in the ashram of Guru Dev. Everybody knew that I am very attached to Guru Dev and devoted to Guru Dev, and then news came to Benares that Guru Dev has attained nirvana. I was sitting somewhere with a group of my friends and the news was relayed there. When my friends heard that Guru Dev was no more they were very anxious about me and when they conveyed that news, they were rather alert to appraise whatever reaction is and what happened I simply, when I heard that news I became very sad, very sorry and I just kept my head on the table before me. And all of them were very anxious what will become of me. But soon after, while I was very morose, sorrow, sad, entire world was empty for me and I did not understand what to do without Guru Dev, just a half a minute or two seconds after a flash came and it appeared to me that Guru Dev was scolding me; What a fool you are! You have been with me for all these many months and years, and you heard my discourses too. Is it a moment of feeling sorry? Why should you be sorry today? And you think that I am gone, where am I gone? Till now whenever you wanted to meet me you had, you had to come to the place where I was, and today when I have attained nirvana, I am everywhere, I am omnipresent. Where have I gone? Very foolish for you to mourn on this occasion. I am with you, here, there, everywhere. Why should you be sorry? And the moment this flash came my face became very brilliant, I became very cheerful. And when I raised my head, my friends who were standing there very anxious and held in suspense, they were upset to see my brilliant and cheerful face. And then they said, What has happened to you? I said, No you can't understand, nothing has happened to me, I am alright, now let me go back to the ashram and make the necessary arrangements.' To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: I am everywhere, I am omnipresent
Link to Satyanand page http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/Satyanand.htm --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 'Swami' Sattyanand speaks on Guru Dev:- 'When in 1953 Guru Dev left this mortal frame and attained nirvana I was at Banares, another place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and at that moment I was staying in the ashram of Guru Dev. Everybody knew that I am very attached to Guru Dev and devoted to Guru Dev, and then news came to Benares that Guru Dev has attained nirvana. I was sitting somewhere with a group of my friends and the news was relayed there. When my friends heard that Guru Dev was no more they were very anxious about me and when they conveyed that news, they were rather alert to appraise whatever reaction is and what happened I simply, when I heard that news I became very sad, very sorry and I just kept my head on the table before me. And all of them were very anxious what will become of me. But soon after, while I was very morose, sorrow, sad, entire world was empty for me and I did not understand what to do without Guru Dev, just a half a minute or two seconds after a flash came and it appeared to me that Guru Dev was scolding me; What a fool you are! You have been with me for all these many months and years, and you heard my discourses too. Is it a moment of feeling sorry? Why should you be sorry today? And you think that I am gone, where am I gone? Till now whenever you wanted to meet me you had, you had to come to the place where I was, and today when I have attained nirvana, I am everywhere, I am omnipresent. Where have I gone? Very foolish for you to mourn on this occasion. I am with you, here, there, everywhere. Why should you be sorry? And the moment this flash came my face became very brilliant, I became very cheerful. And when I raised my head, my friends who were standing there very anxious and held in suspense, they were upset to see my brilliant and cheerful face. And then they said, What has happened to you? I said, No you can't understand, nothing has happened to me, I am alright, now let me go back to the ashram and make the necessary arrangements.' To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: I am everywhere, I am omnipresent
The ashram in Benares (Varanasi) pre-dates the 'Brahmanivas' ashram in Alopi Bag, Allahabad, by about fifteen years. Guru Dev was not offered the property in Allahabad until about 1950. 'At sunrise on the first of April 1941, a small delegation of selected people headed by Swami Gyanandji Maharaj arrived at his Ashram. This Ashram, known as Brahmnivas at Sidhigiribagh, Maharaj Shri had constructed five years earlier in memory of his Guru in whose name he had also formed the Shri 1008 Swami Krishnanand Saraswati Trust.' - 'The Whole Thing The Real Thing' - Prem Pasricha's transcreation of Rameshwar Tiwari's Hindi biography of Guru Dev. 'In Varanasi, Maharaj Shri got an Ashram built in Siddhagiri Bagh, Chhotigaivi. Moreover, a Sanskrit College was established in the memory of his Sad Guru Dev where students receive free education upto Acharya. The Ashram is a three storeyed building, where fifty families can be accomodated. These two buildings are under the management of Shri Krishanand Saraswati Trust.' - p72 'Strange Facts about a Great Saint' - Raj Varma --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, t3rinity [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: 'Swami' Sattyanand speaks on Guru Dev:- 'When in 1953 Guru Dev left this mortal frame and attained nirvana I was at Banares, another place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and at that moment I was staying in the ashram of Guru Dev. Was there an Ashram of Guru Dev in Benares? I know there was one main Ashram in Allahabad. Great story, thanks To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: I am everywhere, I am omnipresent
The ashram in Benares (Varanasi) pre-dates the 'Brahmanivas' ashram in Alopi Bag, Allahabad, by about fifteen years. Guru Dev was not offered the property in Allahabad until about 1950. 'At sunrise on the first of April 1941, a small delegation of selected people headed by Swami Gyanandji Maharaj arrived at his Ashram. This Ashram, known as Brahmnivas at Sidhigiribagh, Maharaj Shri had constructed five years earlier in memory of his Guru in whose name he had also formed the Shri 1008 Swami Krishnanand Saraswati Trust.' - 'The Whole Thing The Real Thing' - Prem Pasricha's transcreation of Rameshwar Tiwari's Hindi biography of Guru Dev. 'In Varanasi, Maharaj Shri got an Ashram built in Siddhagiri Bagh, Chhotigaivi. Moreover, a Sanskrit College was established in the memory of his Sad Guru Dev where students receive free education upto Acharya. The Ashram is a three storeyed building, where fifty families can be accomodated. These two buildings are under the management of Shri Krishnanand Saraswati Trust.' - p72 'Strange Facts about a Great Saint' - Raj Varma --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, t3rinity [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: 'Swami' Sattyanand speaks on Guru Dev:- 'When in 1953 Guru Dev left this mortal frame and attained nirvana I was at Banares, another place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and at that moment I was staying in the ashram of Guru Dev. Was there an Ashram of Guru Dev in Benares? I know there was one main Ashram in Allahabad. Great story, thanks To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Interpreting Guru Dev
Intriguing to find out how long it took Guru Dev to deliver the 'Shri Shankaracharya UpadeshAmrit' satsangs. I put my transcripts of the recordings of his satsangs into MSword to check the word count calculated his wpm, checked the word count of the SSUA satsangs, got a figure of about 4hr20mins. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, L B Shriver [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have just finished reading New Morning's post on Innocence (112511). Highly perceptive regarding the nature of many of the exchanges here on FFL, and the underlying psychology. I would like to add a few thoughts about interpreting the words of Guru Dev, which are now becoming available for all to read. I have not gone back to examine all the threads based on Paul's release of selected discourses, but I have looked into a few and it seems as though they are launching at least as many debates as they are settling. The 108 pieces of darshan in the Upadesh Amrit collection represent only a fragment of Guru Dev's public discourses. Strung together, they would amount to a couple of hours, at most. Nevertheless, I believe they represent the wholeness of his teaching, and represent it accurately. On the other hand, the words in this collection are from his public discourses, not from his private talks with close disciples. To the best of my knowledge, no material of the second type exists, although we cannot rule out that possibility altogether. It has previously been pointed out that Brahmanandaji's teachings were somewhat conditioned by historical and cultural conditions of his time and place. As New Morning has pointed out in a different context, perhaps we could all benefit by considering the limitations we bring to interpreting them. Also, with regard to those who feel especially close or intimate relationship with Brahmanandaji in this lifetime, I would offer one small suggestion: We have seen so many examples wherein the guru whispers one thing into the ear of the disciple at his right hand, and something entirely different to the disciple at his left. Would it have been different with Guru Dev? Do we know for sure, one way or the other? If we are confident that Guru Dev speaks to us directly, that is fine, but we should keep in mind: This is what he says to me. What he says to another is none of my business. L B S To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Guru Dev on changing gurus
'Some people say that having taken a guru you should not make another. But this doctrine is not of the shaastra, this is [just] mind's imagination. The guru is gone to for [ones own] happiness. Up until when bhagavad (God, Vishnu, Shiva) is gained, up until then you can go and change guru. So then we haven't seen any guru-bhakt (follower) always studying in the same 'class' of a guru out of fear. Actually it is natural to transfer 'class' and to transfer guru. It is not disrespectful to the former guru, actually the guru's dignity/respect has been done, but you will go beyond that study if you get the discipline of new gurus.' [exerpt of 'Shri Shankaracharya UpadeshAmrita' kaNa 69 of 108] translation - Paul Mason © 2006 http://www.paulmason.info/gurudev/upadesh.htm#changeguru To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Interpreting Guru Dev
The only interpreting that should be done on Guru Dev is in the choice of word to use for translating a Hindi or Sanskrit word. So the word 'parivartana' is interpreted as 'change' or 'transfer'. So it is unlikely that he meant 'interchange' or 'mutability' or 'reduction'. However he used the English word 'class' so I would interpret that he probably meant 'class', but I guess we could argue. Dictionary definition:- parivartana - n.mas. reversal alternation, reciprication, transference, commutation, reduction, transmission, variation, turn, mutability, modulation, mutation, shift, interchange, transposition, change, revolution; 'Some people say that having taken a guru you should not make another. But this doctrine is not of the shaastra, this is [just] mind's imagination. The guru is gone to for happiness. Up until when bhagavad (God, Vishnu, Shiva) is gained, up until then you can go and change guru. So then we haven't seen any guru-bhakt (follower) always studying in the same 'class' of a guru out of fear. Actually it is natural to transfer 'class' and to transfer guru. It is not disrespectful to the former guru, actually the guru's dignity/respect has been done, but you will go beyond that study if you get the disciplineship of new gurus.' [exerpt of 'Shri Shankaracharya UpadeshAmrita' kaNa 69 of 108] translation - Paul Mason © 2006 --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, jim_flanegin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just want to make one point regarding the the discussion on interpreting Guru Dev. Why interpret at all? It is like interpreting the sun. I think sometimes we can get so intellectually caught up in experiences that we become nearly blind to the experience itself. Live it for what it is. If there is a need to interpret it, that already removes us from the experience. Just live it, like the pervasive warmth of the sun. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] The man in the painting speaks!
For those who wonder what significance Guru Dev has for them, that is for them to figure, after all each and every one of them had their fruit, flowers handkerchief ( money?) offered to his portrait. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev on changing gurus
'Bhagavad' is the word used in the text (I just double-checked). But of course the transcriber could have misheard or indeed the typesetter might have mispelled the word. But either way, Bhagavan or Bhagavad, same really, means 'Lord' or 'God' or 'OMnipotent One'. I wouldn't describe myself as 'fluent', no, but on the other hand I do check every single word and the words I don't know I look up in one of my dictionaries, I use four different Hindi dictionaries (Allied, Oxford, National Bhargava's), and a M-W Sanskrit 'slab'. Any new definitions get added to a database, which enables me, with the help of MSaccess, to offer text and get a list of all available words related to the current translation. This can be really useful when Guru Dev uses obscure terms which he sometimes does. Although it would be preferable to be really fluent, the downside of a fluent speaker is that they are unlikely to look up commonly used words as a consequence can miss an obscure meaning. However, if anyone knows anyone who can help on this project I would be very happy to hear from them. I first came by two books of writings in 1975 (at Jyotir Math), got them both translated in India, (and an awful mess that turned out to be). Incidentally, has anyone tried the Guru Dev meditation technique, as outlined in the satsang a few days ago. I would be interested to hear of any observations. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, gerbal88 no_reply@ wrote: In Seelisberg, Mahesh quipped *if your guru isn't giving you what you want, get a different guru* -- I'm sure I've mentioned this before. That appears consistent with the SBS quote The guru is gone to for [ones own] happiness. Up until when bhagavad (God, Vishnu, Shiva) is gained, up until then you can go and change guru. If one teacher has not provided what one needs, has not made one happy, has not brought one Bhagavad (note to Paul and LB, its not Bhagavan?), then one legitimately seeks a new teacher. What is puzzling is, refering to Ricks point, if one has a new teacher, why do theywant / seek / insist on being admitted back into the fold /practices/ ashram/aka domes of their former teacher? To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev on changing gurus
Hi, I am already acquainted with Dana Sawyer, thanks. He sent me a very interesting essay to read on his meetings around Rishikesh. I liked his no-nonsense style and his humour, I hope he gets around to publishing such stuff. As for his being fluent in Hindi, I wonder if this is correct? With regard to the source material. The few quotations I have offered lately are from 'Shri Shankaracharya UpadeshAmrita'. Last year(?) or the year before (?) I have read other translations of 'Shri Shankaracharya UpadeshAmrita' so yes, I am confident that I know what Guru Dev is saying. But I look forward to seeing more translations, as it will be interesting to compare, I am not in competition with anyone. I translated 'Amrit Kana', the book of quotations compiled by MMY, and published just after Guru Dev's meeting with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in December 1950. As yet though, I have ommitted to complete my translation of the introduction (by MMY), which is largely written in praise of Guru Dev, a quote from katha-upanishad, a tale from the Puranas (as I recall), and a description of the meeting with Radhakrishnan. Actually there was a speech in English too. I posted it before on the internet but why not put it out again? One of Radhakrishnan's associates, I think it was American Paul Schilp, had this to say about Guru Dev:- 'To-day we are here to do homage to his Holiness, Shri Jagatguru Shankaracharya Ananta Sri Vibhusita Swami Brahmananda Saraswati of Jyotirmath, Badarikasram - the Superman, the seer, the sage, who is one of the few rare individuals amongst the billions of the citizens of the world, whom we would unhesitatingly choose if and when we would be called upon to describe the spiritual and cultural capital of our nation, if and when the world would feel the need of evoking the part our nation can play in it, who is beyond any controversy, one of the rare few who have contributed and can still contribute something to universal peaceful progress, who have risen by their talent and genius above their fellow countrymen, above their fellowmen of the world and have thus gained a place for themselves at the head of humanity, at the extreme spearhead of civilization. Standing here at a time when everywhere in the world everybody feels not a little bewildered at an immense increase in the sense of human power, we can hardly exaggerate the necessity of teachers like his Holiness the Jagatguru. You will pardon me if I venture; at this assemblage of eminent philosophers, to refer to an aspect of our Hindu Philosophy which seems for the time being, to be too much belittled by the power- intoxicated world. Our Vedic philosophers The civilized world today is indeed in an age of spiritual chaos, intellectual doubt and political decadence. Civilized man today no doubt has acquired immense scientific and mechanical resources, but seems hopelessly to lack the wisdom to apply them to the best advantage. This is way we witness a growing sense of frustration seizing every mind almost everywhere. The whole world seems to be suffering from an epidemic of hysteria. We do not know which way the truth lies. Perhaps even here it will be true to say that every truth, however true in itself, yet taken apart from others, becomes only a snare. In reality, perhaps, each is one thread of a complex weft, and no thread can be taken apart from the weft. But this much seems to be certain that there is this paralysing fear and alarm almost everywhere in the world-everywhere even the most powerful mind have not succeeded in escaping it altogether. Everywhere humanity is beginning to feel that we are being betrayed by what is false within, - we are almost giving way to find ourselves spiritually paralysed. This indeed is a deadly malady. The patient here must first of all be brought to see that he is sick and to want to get well and to do of himself what is needed to get well. Perhaps something is away both with the heart and the brain. The world needs philosopher-teachers like His Holiness Shri Jagatguru Shankaracharya who can reveal the world of values and can make us realize that, that is the real world. The world badly needs guidance to a creed of values and ideals. The world needs a teacher who can dispel our fears and can remove all sense of frustration or least in so far as it is only an internal malady. We need a teacher who has succeeded in gaining for himself freedom to be along, who does not require any power, who can cure both heart and Brain. We are in an age in which the meeting of the traditionally alien cultures of the Orient and the Occident has become inevitable. We need a teacher with sufficient gift of intellectual imagination and divine inspiration who can help the smooth working of this meeting, the working out of this meeting in such a way
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Dev on changing gurus
those of the other. We cannot avoid the sight of conflicting economic, political, religious, artistic and other ideological doctrines and the consequent fear and feeling of helplessness, We need a teacher who can teach us how to get out of the crisis in valuation in this realm of conflict, who can teach us how to avert the danger of spiritual paralysis facing us. His Holiness Sri Jagatguru Shankaracharya, having gained the freedom to be alone, did also fully realize the means of escaping from loneliness. In these days of doubts and difficulties if we can at all safely turn our eyes for guidance to any one it should be to this superman the overpowering influence of whose genius appears indeed in the light of divine inspiration, the superman who has succeeded in ridding himself of any ambition for power. Saintly guidance from a seer like Sri Jagatguru alone can ensure an abiding peace.' --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Paul Mason premanandpaul@ wrote: 'Bhagavad' is the word used in the text (I just double-checked). But of course the transcriber could have misheard or indeed the typesetter might have mispelled the word. But either way, Bhagavan or Bhagavad, same really, means 'Lord' or 'God' or 'OMnipotent One'. I wouldn't describe myself as 'fluent', no, but on the other hand I do check every single word and the words I don't know I look up in one of my dictionaries, I use four different Hindi dictionaries (Allied, Oxford, National Bhargava's), and a M-W Sanskrit 'slab'. Any new definitions get added to a database, which enables me, with the help of MSaccess, to offer text and get a list of all available words related to the current translation. This can be really useful when Guru Dev uses obscure terms which he sometimes does. Although it would be preferable to be really fluent, the downside of a fluent speaker is that they are unlikely to look up commonly used words as a consequence can miss an obscure meaning. Thanks. I laud yours and others, such as LB's, efforts. Its valuable to me. The more I read, some pretty fundamental quetions arise. See adjacent posts. However, my sense of your process,and that of LB's editing of his copy of the material (its the same source -- hindi manuscript -- for both of you,correct?), is that while its thorough and meticulous, it may be subject to the poetry effect of Bly and ? mentioned in posts a few days ago regarding arabic / sufi poetry. That is, do you you have a sense of what SBS must have meant, and the 2-20 meanings in the dictionary for each word are chosen to jibe with that must be area of meaning? What if your feeling is wrong? Then again, translators not having that must be feeling may produce disasters. And what about idioms, yogi slang :), and regional meanings of the words? If one is either not fluent in hindi, and/or not intimately current on the syntax and venacular of yogis and swamis 1920-1950, can some meanings be missed? These are simply observations/ questions. Not criticisms of your efforts. However, if anyone knows anyone who can help on this project I would be very happy to hear from them. I have a virtual foundation (that is, it is still an intent, a bubble (of bliss)) at this point, but it is making progress, sprouting nicely. My intent, among other things, is to support research like this, and work others do on swami / dundee traditions. And other things. Perhaps the virtual bubble blooms, perhaps not. Its a personal intent, but not so much in my hands. If it appeals to you, mentally, or on paper, articulate what you need, the costs, duration, and intended work product. Perhaps your pull will make my push flow into manifest form. By the way, Dana Sawyer, who has posted here a bit via Rick, is fluent in Hindi, is a professor of Asian Studies, and having interviewed hndreds of swamis and sadhus, must have a feel for their idioms/slang etc. He may be a great resource for your work. Rick could probably facilitate intros. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
