Sri Sarada Society Notes Dedicated to Holy Mother Spring 2002, Volume 8, Issue 1 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> True Patience: Meeting Life's challenges Adapted from an article by Annapurna Sarada, of the Sarada Ramakrishna Vivekananda Associations of Oregon, San Francisco and Hawaii (SRV). It is the second in a series on Holy Mother's three favorite teachings, Purity, Patience and Perserverence. *********************************************** What is the nature of patience? What does it consist of? Is it merely "putting up with troubles?" Holy Mother's life of extreme patience shows us that it certainly includes the quality of titiksha, forbearance in disagreeable circumstances. However, her steadiness in patience shows us that it is based upon something more than mere passivity, resignation or submissiveness. Patience, in order to be lasting, must be founded on viveka, discrimination between the real and the unreal, and vairagya, detachment from the unreal. Holy Mother consistently taught us to pursue this all-important perspective, a practice that has been called "mano yoga," the yoga of mental discernment and mindfulness. Mother reminds us, "Even this body, the identification of the self with the body, must go. What is this body, my darling? It is nothing but three pounds of ash when it is cremated." We may wonder what remains. "It is the body alone that changes, the Atman remains the same," Mother answers. By detaching our self-identity from the body, life-force, mind, intellect, and ego -- and the false understanding that these are real and capable of fulfilling us -- we nurture our identification with the all-pervading Self. This Self, or Atman, is the deathless Witness of all phenomena and is eternally free, pure Consciousness. This identification revolutionizes one's experience of the world, amounting to a transcendence based upon all-pervasiveness and all-inclusiveness -- the very heart of the universal Motherhood we see in Holy Mother. Such a being "sees as God sees," as Meister Eckhart puts it. Thus, Mother affirms and encourages us, "Therefore, forgetting your personality, try to realize your identity with God." This realization frees us from brooding and chaffing at the impositions of this transitory world, gross and subtle. What was formerly a practice of patience and forbearance in personally trying circumstances, becomes an attainment wielded without the slightest touch of rancor, just as space (akasha) patiently provides location for the entire universe. As we see in Holy Mother, she was not just the mother of a handful of devotees; she was established in awareness of her Self as the Mother of all beings in all realms. To follow her example of steady patience, our discrimination and detachment must mature and free us from suffering at all levels. In the language of the Bhagavad Gita, all possible sufferings arise from three categories: adhyatma, adhibhuta and adhidaiva. Though pain is inevitable for the embodied, suffering, and its consequent anxiety, irritation, and intolerance, are modifications of the mind, which is distinct from the Self. Transcendence of these sufferings is one of the great attainments of life and is an integral component of that steady patience we see in Holy Mother's life. Adhyatma is suffering that arises from internal causes associated with the body due to birth, growth, disease, old age, decay, death, or from those arising in the subtle body: the mind (manas), intellect (buddhi) and ego (ahamkara). The sufferings of this latter group include grief, shame, unworthiness, despair, anger, pride, jealousy, fear, lust, greed, and so on -- all of which are brought on by our false identification with mind and body, and our feeling of separation from God. Mother once confided in a disciple that once she had met the Master, she never knew what worry was. From her earliest years, her mind was trained to think of and dwell in God alone, the ultimate antidote to all anxiety. Swami Vivekananda has also stated that all are atheists, even those who profess belief in God, if they indulge in any kind of worry at all. Adhibhuta is the suffering that comes from external objects. It refers to what other people, animals and the environment can inflict on the psycho-physical being, as well as the suffering caused by seeking after experiences in the "external world." It is important to note that Holy Mother taught that "the universe is simply mind made manifest. It is our tendency to see creation as somehow outside the Self that causes so much strife. From both the standpoint of creation/multiplicity and Ultimate Reality/absolute unity, we can hear Holy Mother saying, "No one is a stranger, my child, the whole world is your own." Adhidaiva relates to suffering caused by the celestial and subtle realms or powers, referring to those forces that benefit by one's attachment to the world, who receive pleasure from the selfish and unmindful use of the senses and sense objects. This refers in particular to the cosmic forces that empower the senses. So long as one leads a worldly life, these forces remain mostly quiescent. However, those treading the path of spiritual life, practicing detachment and mastery of the senses, often find resistance coming from all quarters: family, friends, work, society. When detachment and selflessness get established, these forces are overcome. When we look at Holy Mother's life -- her residence in the tiny nahabat, long absences from Sri Ramakrishna and hardships faced following his death, trials with devotees and relatives, and ill health -- we admire and revere her patience and equanimity under all circumstances. Patience, practiced with discrimination and detachment, in accord with Mother's example and teachings, begins as a spiritual discipline for the purification of the mind. Through self-effort and grace, it transforms into a natural spiritual quality -- one of the gems possessed by the illumined being. Photo -- Mother with Radhu Photo Caption -- Family Life: Holy Mother's niece, Radhu, gave her aunt many trying moments. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In Mother's Words: "One must be patient like the earth. What iniquities are being perpetuated on her! Yet she quietly endures them all. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SPIRITUAL UNFOLDING Atmavrata Puri (formerly Elvira Graci) tells about life in spiritual community on Salt Spring Island, B.C. She is a long-time devotee who has taken Sannyas (vows of renunciation and spiritual commitment). Her ordination took place at the Sri Saradeswari Ashram (Gauri Ma Ashram) in Kolkata (Calcutta). Traditional Hinduism identifies Sannyas as the final stage in life. *********************************************** The Mahapurush Forest of Peace Monastery and Community, is a non-affiliated spiritual community founded on the spiritual vision and goal of its members that of offering ourselves to the quest of inner transformation And union with the Divine. Over twenty-five years ago, Sam Graci, Purnavrata (formerly Gail Pearpoint) and I shared a vision of living in spiritual community. Our common inspiration and Vedanta tradition is that of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Five years ago we joined together on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia to lay the spiritual foundation of what is now called the Mahapurush Forest of Peace Monastery and Community. Sam operates a small business that financially supports the community. We are situated on 12 acres in a serene and beautiful natural setting surrounded by forest and meditative paths. The property has been divided into two compounds, one the residence of our community brother, Sam, and the other the monastic setting where both Purnavrata and I reside and where rooms are made available to retreatants. The Community has expanded to include outside members who share the observances and daily recall of our Community precepts. Our shared practices andobservances also include prayer, meditation, silent periods, and study, balanced with work, outreach activities, exercise and "creative leisure." Each Monday is a designated day of silence and at the end of each month we observe three days of silence. The primary outreach services we provide to others are the setting, space and support for weekly scheduled meditations, prayer and study (people of all traditions and faiths are welcome), Tai Chi classes and retreats. One of the main practices of our small community has been that of developing awareness, appreciation, seeing each other in the highest light while "working" individually and collectively on our shortcomings and divisions. Taking into account our own particular yearnings and spiritual vision, along with factors of life experiences, etc., the formation of the Community has been a creative exploration requiring earnest prayer, discernment, and thoughtful considerations of moderation and balance. Through Mother's Grace, the community is deepening and maturing as we continually open to her Will, Mercy and Love. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ALL ARE WELCOME Children are gathering in Mother's presence to play happily, recall blessed moments and discuss common challenges we encounter in spiritual life. Where? In Holy Mother's Courtyard, an online Internet forum. Here are excerpts from some of the entries. *********************************************** Paritosh Kaul in Queens, New York, shares memories of Holy Mother's disciples: "I don't know how many of you were able to meet Pravrajika Mokshaprana, who was the second President of the Sarada Math... "My second meeting took place at Sarada Math, Dakshineswar, where I spoke to her for some time. That day she presented me with two photographs, one of Mother and the other of the Panchavati at Dakshineswar. Then she presented me with "Inspired Talks" by Swami Vivekananda and wrote, 'May Swamiji inspire you.' "I later started to write to her. Those letters were what gave a glimpse of her personality. She was all Mother and was always concerned about my wellbeing, what had happened, what exams did I appear in and what were the results. She herself would give me small details about the weather in Dakshineswar, or where she had been so that I always felt a strong connection. In every letter, whether it was a postcard or a letter, there was always one small spiritual pearl there. Even a small thing, like 'Do your japa regularly,' so that even with the relationship, she made sure that the spiritual ideal was not compromised." __________________________________________ And Vriji Aswani in Wilmslow, Cheshire, United Kingdom, introduces Story Time: "I like stories. So I will tell one to the children of the Mother." Once there was a king who was going to put to death many people, but before doing so he offered a challenge. If any of them could come up with something, which would make him happy when he was sad, and sad when he was happy, he would spare their lives. All night the wise men meditated on the matter. In the morning they brought the king a ring. The king said that he did not see how the ring would serve to make him happy when he was sad and sad when he was happy. The wise men pointed to the inscription. When the king read it, he was so delighted that he spared them all. And the inscription? "THIS TOO SHALL PASS." _________________________________________ Again, Paritosh writes, "I know we are all busy. Yet just a few conversations here would go a long way in making the courtyard reverberate with the laughter and conversations of her children." All are welcome in Mother's Courtyard. You will find your way there by entering Holy Mother's Cyber-Tantu at http://www.srisarada.org. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Who We Are: Sri Sarada Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the furtherance of Holy Mother's inspiration in the West, particularly as it manifests through women. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sri Sarada Math News PRAVRAJIKAS TO VISIT UNITED STATES THIS SUMMER Plans are unfolding for a visit by Pravrajika Satchitprana and Pravrajika Prabuddhaprana. The two sannyasinis from Sri Sarada Math, Dakshineswar, India, will arrive in the United States on June 28 and remain through early September. This is Pravrajika Satchitprana's first visit to North America. She has made three prior visits to devotees in South America, where she has been warmly received. (See following article.) Pravrajika Prabuddhaprana accompanied Pravrajika Vivekaprana and Pravrajika Amalaprana in 1993 when they came to Chicago to participate in the Parliament of the World's Religions. Pravrajika Prabuddhaprana is the first American to join Sri Sarada Math in India. While in America Pravrajika Satchitprana and Pravrajika Prabuddhaprana will make pilgrimage to many of the places associated with Swami Vivekananda. They will also be giving lectures and holding retreats with devotees on the East and West Coasts, and in Puerto Rico. Sri Sarada Society is sponsoring the visit together with other devotee groups. Updated information will be available on the Internet. For easy reference go to http://srisarada.org/tour.html. Inquiries by telephone may be made by contacting Joan at (518) 869-6088 on the East Coast and Amrita at (805) 684-2509 on the West Coast. _______________________________________ PRAVRAJIKA VISIT TO URUGUAY The small Vedanta Centre of Uruguay, Ramakrishna Shanti Ashrama, with branches in Montevideo (Capital City) and La Paloma (200 km from the Capital), had the blessing and privilege of receiving Pravrajika Satchitprana, from Sri Sarada Math, Dakshineswar, India. This was her third visit to the country and it was the longes -- from September 16 to November 2, 2001. Previously, she has been in Uruguay in 1997 and 1998. Her agenda was always very intense. It included giving morning and evening classes, leading seminars and retreats, and availing herself, very generously, for many personal interviews. Pravrajika Satchitprana possesses authority, great knowledge, charm and a wonderful power of communication. She knows how to explain these ideas to Westerners. As a result, the response from audiences at various places along the tour was always excellent: warm and very much interested in what she had to say. Pravrajika Satchitprana had time enough to visit more cities than on previous visits. Her tour included Montevideo, Duranzo, La Paloma and Rocha. People attended classes regularly creating a very intense atmosphere, making it possible to develop very profound topics. Durga Puja was celebrated October 23-25. A retreat on the Chandi was the culmination of Mataji's stay. She was very much inspired, her talks were very substantial and profound. The topic, the Divine Mother, was new to many participants, thus creating a highly spiritual and exhilarating climax with the enthusiastic involvement of all. >Pravrajika Satchitpranaji's visit gave Uruguay devotees great spiritual incentive and a yearning to go deeper into the Vedantic truths. Mataji has many followers here that are eagerly awaiting her return. We are deeply and profoundly grateful for the blessings that the Divine Mother poured over Uruguay in sending to this far-off lands, and so many times, her dear daughter. Mataji left Uruguay for Brazil on Nov. 2, remaining in South America until early January 2002. Her routine was very intense till the very end of her visit. by Sarasvati, a Uruguay Devotee _______________________________________ NEW CENTER CELEBRATED Sri Sarada Math celebrates the beginning of construction of the Order's new premises at Sidhgiri Bag, Varanasi, India. The dedication ceremony was performed by Revered Pravrajika Shraddhaprana Mataji, President, Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, on April 1, 2002. A public meeting was held at the center the following day. The new center was made possible by all who contributed to the Varanasi Project. The first phase of constuction is expected to be completed in time for the dedication. Revered Swami Ranganathananda Maharaj, President, and Revered Swami Gahanananda Maharaj, Vice President, of the Ramakrishna Order visited and blessed the new site in February. Holy Mother spent time in Varanasi, or Banaras, as it was then called, and considered it a very sacred city. It was there that Sri Ramakrishna had a vision of Mother Kali untying the knots of bondage and Lord Shiva whispering the mantra of liberation into the ears of the departed. The first President of Sri Sarada Math, Revered Bharatiprana Mataji, spent twenty-seven years of her life in Varanasi performing intense tapasya. Revered Mokshaprana Mataji, the second president of Sri Sarada Math, also had great love for the Holy City of Shiva. She had an earnest desire that a Math center be established there. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> How To Contact Us: Sri Sarada Society, P.O. Box 38116, Albany, New York 12203, Phone (518) 869-6088, Fax (518) 869-6084, E-mail info@srisarada.org, Holy Mother's Web Site http://www.srisarada.org/ <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SIMPLY IDEAL A Book Review Vedanta: A Simple Introduction by Pravrajika Vrajaprana, published by Vedanta Press, Hollywood, 1999, 89 pages. *********************************************** If you have been wanting a book about Vedanta to give to an inquisitive friend or family member, "Vedanta: A Simple Introduction" may be just what you are looking for. Undaunting in tone and appearance, this slender volume offers a fresh, clearly written overview. Basic concepts are explained in very visual terms. Karma, maya, and samskaras are likened to boomerangs, clouds covering the sun, and grooves on the mind, respectively. When the mind's usual state is described as "A lake that is whipped by waves, fouled by pollution, muddied by tourists and made turbulent by speedboats," the image is easily grasped. This book will help any spiritual adherent understand better the core of his or her own tradition against the universal, all-embracing backdrop of Vedanta. The chapter on Harmony of Religions simply, sincerely, honors each radition. Like a good teacher, the author is keenly aware of her readers throughout. Anticipating where misunderstandings are likely to occur, she draws the reader's attention to the point she is making using a short question and answer format. The logical presentation of her explanations is another example of her concern for the reader. The author, a nun at the Sarada Convent in Santa Barbara, California, has plenty of experience in distilling the principles and concepts into written form. She has edited books and articles on Vedanta for publication in both India and the United States, which include writings of Swami Shraddhananda and Swami Lokeswarananda. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Editorial Staff: Joan Shack, Janet Walker, Hema Iyer, Pat Gibbons, and Jayanti Production/Layout: Jayanti <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sri Sarada Society Notes ONLINE Copyrighted 2002 by Sri Sarada Society