Dear Benjamin a.k.a. Ghanta, I so clearly remember you and have
asked your dad about you from time to time. I hope you will visit
this site now and again!

You mention, "Sri Chinmoy was very compassionate towards me when I
was in the centre. I was always made to feel important for reasons I
still do not understand but I am very much appreciative for it." Do
you have any idea of what a special kid you were? Remember how much
everyone liked you? I am going to look for videos with you in them
to give to your dad for sharing with you. Then you will remember.
Plus, the compassion and love that Sri Chinmoy has for all can only
be felt and not fully described or understood. You were such an
open-hearted kid and I can tell from your post that you still are -
open-hearted that is.I am sure you were receptive to his love and
concern for you.

Tell me though, are you easier to understand now? We used to
lovingly tease you when you spoke. Between your Aussie accent and
the rapidity with which you spoke, we were sometimes left scratching
our heads. Your heart, however, was easy to understand.

Take care of yourself and let us hear from you again.  Niriha




--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, menace60005
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> [From Benjamin Pierce, a.k.a. Ghanta]
>
> Hi All
> I am an ex member of the Sri Chinmoy centre. I spent many years
> after the path dwelling on personal problems and have unfortunately
> directed some of these feelings towards Sri Chinmoy, who was not
> responsible for my life actions before and after the centre. I will
> be honest and say that Sri Chinmoy was very compassionate towards me
> when I was in the centre. I was always made to feel important for
> reasons I still do not understand but I am very much appreciative
> for it. My father who is an active member is almost 60, yet as young
> and fit as any person my age and I will admit I have seldom regrets
> of any of my experiences on the path. Who else can tell of riding an
> elephant or climbing a pyramid as a teenager, or meeting famous
> celebrities? I have had my issues since leaving, but Sri Chinmoy is
> not the reason for them and he did nothing I feel but encourage me
> to pursue the best I could have been. I have made my peace with god
> and wish him and his group all the best in their effort to promote
> world peace and harmony around the globe.
>
> Yours Faithfully
> Benjamin Pierce
> a.k.a. Ghanta
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, richard13_oxford
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi Colm,
> >
> > It is an exciting time when you first launch into the spiritual
> > life. You become aware of many different experiences; and life
seems
> > to have a greater sense of purpose.
> >
> > However the very nature of the spiritual life is that, it is
> > different than a life based on the pursuit of outer happiness. As
> > you say, it is not that this kind of life is bad. It is just that
> > when we feel genuine aspiration, this old lifestyle can no longer
> > satisfy us like it used to. Therefore it is inevitable that we
will
> > to some extent drift away from our previous associations.
Although,
> > sometimes out of habit, the mind clings to things that don't give
us
> > joy anymore.
> >
> > Like yourself, I started meditating in my last few years at
> > University. My friends thought it was rather quaint but they
didn't
> > really appreciate such a lifestyle themselves. In this environment
> > it wasn't easy to meditate early every morning, etc. But I also
knew
> > it would be impossible for me to be happy living the secular life.
> > So I persisted and after a while outer circumstances started to
> > become easier.
> >
> > In theory, an advanced seeker can ignore the world and meditate in
> > solitude. However, we are not advanced seekers nor does Sri
Chinmoy
> > want us to live in isolation from the world. The spiritual life is
> > challenging and friends who are sympathetic can inspire us and
help
> > maintain our enthusiasm. This is one reason why Sri Chinmoy places
> > so much emphasis on joy weekends.
> >
> > If I got the opportunity, I would like to cycle in the hills of
> > Galway. If not, maybe you will come and visit England. Anyway, at
> > least you have a brother on the same path. You can often get
> > inspiration from speaking with people on the telephone.
> >
> >
> > Wishing you happiness in rainy Galway,
> >
> >
> >  Richard
> >
> >  Oxford
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, colmbolmcolm
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > I want to be brave enough to be my true self all the time. It's
> > > tough though. College consists of 95% percent of people who
love to
> > > be under the influence of either alcohol, drugs, relationships
or
> > > their friends. Unfortunately, I don't know any others in the 5%
> > > category, but I always know I have all my new friends (and my
big
> > > brother) on the other side of the country in the Dublin centre.
> > >
> > > I find it awkward to be around the friends I've made in Galway.
> > > Unfortunately, when I hang around with them all I get is
negativity.
> > > It's not severe but it holds me back; pulls me back to the
heartless
> > > mind. I take people's uninspiring conversations and remarks and
I
> > > let my mind away with agreeing with them. It's difficult to do
> > > anything because I've always just taken this stuff in. I've
always
> > > agreed and contributed to negativity when I never really wanted
to.
> > > Most of my friends know my mind but not my heart. I'm always
nice,
> > > always friendly; this they see, but to them I am still
receptive to
> > > any sorts of thoughts they wish to express.
> > >
> > > All of them are quite aware of my change in lifestyle, and
presume
> > > they let there imagination run wild as to this talk of
meditation. I
> > > think maybe I should tell some of them; then I think not. I feel
> > > like I shouldn't have to cut my friends out altogether, but I
just
> > > don't want be influenced by any of them. I have one good friend
I
> > > can talk to freely, but of course he would have to be an
agnostic.
> > > He has little time for me these days, anyway. Should I ignore
> > > everyone? I know the answer is no.
> > >
> > > I yearn to meet some like-minded people here in Galway. I know
they
> > > exist but I don't know how to find them! I know it's a small
issue
> > > on my path and it's something I only have to put up with until I
> > > finish my exams in June. However, I think it's something that
won't
> > > be sorted out until I sort it out. I don't want to be roped into
> > > being the part of my mind I don't like. I want to be my heart.
I am
> > > so happy on the path of my heart I never ever want to leave. I
know
> > > that if I stay true to my heart I will stay true to myself, but
I
> > > guess I'm trying not to offend anyone in the mean time.
> > >
> > > It's tough.
> > >
> > >            -=>Colm.

Dear Benjamin,

I would like to applaud you. I think it takes a lot of courage to
say what you've said. You deserve very special praise and gratitude!

There's something about faith and human nature that causes many
people who leave a spiritual path to become bitter and angry.
Instead of living on good terms with their former faith - which is
the healthiest kind of adjustment - they may use the Internet to
stalk and harass their former friends and teacher. Once they start
down that road, it's as if they can no longer hear the voice of
conscience, so they continue to act destructively and suffer much.

When people have love for God, they can find much joy and beauty in
Sri Chinmoy's path. But sometimes when people leave, it's as if they
become addicted to hate. Then, in order to justify their hate, they
will constantly speak ill of their former friends and teacher. It's
a kind of temporary insanity, but for some people it lasts a long
time.

Every spiritual movement has its detractors, so when you're
struggling to make a positive adjustment, you may encounter people
who try and turn you negative, and exploit you to say bad things
about Sri Chinmoy Centre. These may be people who were expelled, or
who have converted to a different faith and are fanatically opposed
to their former faith. They will tell you, "Welcome brother!" and
make you feel like a big man for speaking ill of the Centre. There
are also people who, when they get therapy or anti-cult counseling,
come out the other end telling completely wacky stories which are
contradicted by objective evidence.

Like any person who goes through major changes in life, you may find
yourself looking for a "narrative" that explains it all - a way of
telling your story that helps you feel accepted by a peer group. The
danger is that there are people who will encourage you to adopt a
false narrative which says "All my problems are the fault of Sri
Chinmoy," and will pat you on the back for giving them a
"testimonial" which they can use to attack Sri Chinmoy Centre.

I believe you have encountered such people, and they've tried hard
to mess with your head. That's why I feel you deserve very special
praise and gratitude. In spite of having fallen victim to this kind
of temporary insanity, you've managed to break free! You are
listening more to the voice of conscience, which is telling you (as
you said) that Sri Chinmoy was very compassionate towards you, that
he did nothing but encourage you to pursue the best in yourself, and
that he is not responsible for your life actions before and after
the Centre. (Is he even responsible for everything current Centre
members do? I think not...)

Maybe your gracious words represent not an ending, but a new
beginning, and a springboard for you to accomplish more in life.
Whatever your goals, I hope you will find peace, light and joy. If
there's anything to forgive, I'm sure everyone here will be happy to
forgive you so you can move forward in a positive way. Here we are
so close to 2005, we can all stand to put alot of excess baggage
behind us! I hope you will also forgive us for just being human
beings, and not always having a magic answer to the many challenges
a young man faces in a world filled with suffering.

Having a teacher and a path are fantastic resources, but there's
still the daily struggle to apply those resources. We each struggle
with our own nature, and sometimes our nature may take us in the
opposite direction from where we were trying to go. We have to
really *want* to change - otherwise, just having a teacher and path
may not be enough. If we cannot cultivate much love for God, then we
will feel that the teacher is bad, the path is bad, and the other
students are all bad. But as Piyasi and Kamalika pointed out, when
we feel love for God, this love acts as a connecting link between
ourselves and other human beings. Instead of doubting and
criticizing, we spontaneously feel love and oneness.

Sometimes we have to be a little bit careful about the company we
keep, because bad friends can exert a lot of unconscious pressure on
us to get into trouble. Good friends can help us honour the best in
ourselves, the part that wants to live in light.

Community has always been an important part of each authentic
spiritual path. To join in the life of a thriving spiritual
community is to enjoy a virtuous circle of influences. Yet,
destructive groups also try and use the power of community for
ignoble purposes. Just as a prayer circle or meditation group may
help to bring out people's virtue, a hate group can turn people into
a vicious mob. Scholars who have studied the anti-cult movement have
pointed out that it has what might be called a "cultlike" structure.
Peer pressure is used to try and persuade people to adopt a negative
view of spiritual groups.

Atheists may deliver blistering hellfire and brimstone sermons
against spiritual groups, but if we can feel connected with a
spiritual community, this can help us to feel grounded, and remind
us of our deep inner idealism.

Sorry for all the philosophizing! These are just some things I have
been thinking about lately.

I hope you will always remember, Ben, that you are a good person,
and that your father loves you very much. As for Sri Chinmoy, if you
no longer think of him as your guru, maybe you can think of him as a
friend, someone whose blessings go with you.

When we're growing up we have many teachers, and some of them stick
in our minds, even if we no longer see them. So at a crucial moment,
someone might think: "What would Mrs. O'Grady, my ninth grade
English teacher, tell me to do in this situation?" The great thing
about living on good terms with your spiritual background is that
it's something you can call on in tough times. Take care.

Assistant Moderator


--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, menace60005
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> [From Benjamin Pierce, a.k.a. Ghanta]
>
> Hi All
> I am an ex member of the Sri Chinmoy centre. I spent many years
> after the path dwelling on personal problems and have unfortunately
> directed some of these feelings towards Sri Chinmoy, who was not
> responsible for my life actions before and after the centre. I will
> be honest and say that Sri Chinmoy was very compassionate towards me
> when I was in the centre. I was always made to feel important for
> reasons I still do not understand but I am very much appreciative
> for it. My father who is an active member is almost 60, yet as young
> and fit as any person my age and I will admit I have seldom regrets
> of any of my experiences on the path. Who else can tell of riding an
> elephant or climbing a pyramid as a teenager, or meeting famous
> celebrities? I have had my issues since leaving, but Sri Chinmoy is
> not the reason for them and he did nothing I feel but encourage me
> to pursue the best I could have been. I have made my peace with god
> and wish him and his group all the best in their effort to promote
> world peace and harmony around the globe.
>
> Yours Faithfully
> Benjamin Pierce
> a.k.a. Ghanta
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, richard13_oxford
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi Colm,
> >
> > It is an exciting time when you first launch into the spiritual
> > life. You become aware of many different experiences; and life seems
> > to have a greater sense of purpose.
> >
> > However the very nature of the spiritual life is that, it is
> > different than a life based on the pursuit of outer happiness. As
> > you say, it is not that this kind of life is bad. It is just that
> > when we feel genuine aspiration, this old lifestyle can no longer
> > satisfy us like it used to. Therefore it is inevitable that we will
> > to some extent drift away from our previous associations. Although,
> > sometimes out of habit, the mind clings to things that don't give us
> > joy anymore.
> >
> > Like yourself, I started meditating in my last few years at
> > University. My friends thought it was rather quaint but they didn't
> > really appreciate such a lifestyle themselves. In this environment
> > it wasn't easy to meditate early every morning, etc. But I also knew
> > it would be impossible for me to be happy living the secular life.
> > So I persisted and after a while outer circumstances started to
> > become easier.
> >
> > In theory, an advanced seeker can ignore the world and meditate in
> > solitude. However, we are not advanced seekers nor does Sri Chinmoy
> > want us to live in isolation from the world. The spiritual life is
> > challenging and friends who are sympathetic can inspire us and help
> > maintain our enthusiasm. This is one reason why Sri Chinmoy places
> > so much emphasis on joy weekends.
> >
> > If I got the opportunity, I would like to cycle in the hills of
> > Galway. If not, maybe you will come and visit England. Anyway, at
> > least you have a brother on the same path. You can often get
> > inspiration from speaking with people on the telephone.
> >
> >
> > Wishing you happiness in rainy Galway,
> >
> >
> >  Richard
> >
> >  Oxford
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, colmbolmcolm
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > I want to be brave enough to be my true self all the time. It's
> > > tough though. College consists of 95% percent of people who love to
> > > be under the influence of either alcohol, drugs, relationships or
> > > their friends. Unfortunately, I don't know any others in the 5%
> > > category, but I always know I have all my new friends (and my big
> > > brother) on the other side of the country in the Dublin centre.
> > >
> > > I find it awkward to be around the friends I've made in Galway.
> > > Unfortunately, when I hang around with them all I get is negativity.
> > > It's not severe but it holds me back; pulls me back to the heartless
> > > mind. I take people's uninspiring conversations and remarks and I
> > > let my mind away with agreeing with them. It's difficult to do
> > > anything because I've always just taken this stuff in. I've always
> > > agreed and contributed to negativity when I never really wanted to.
> > > Most of my friends know my mind but not my heart. I'm always nice,
> > > always friendly; this they see, but to them I am still receptive to
> > > any sorts of thoughts they wish to express.
> > >
> > > All of them are quite aware of my change in lifestyle, and presume
> > > they let there imagination run wild as to this talk of meditation. I
> > > think maybe I should tell some of them; then I think not. I feel
> > > like I shouldn't have to cut my friends out altogether, but I just
> > > don't want be influenced by any of them. I have one good friend I
> > > can talk to freely, but of course he would have to be an agnostic.
> > > He has little time for me these days, anyway. Should I ignore
> > > everyone? I know the answer is no.
> > >
> > > I yearn to meet some like-minded people here in Galway. I know they
> > > exist but I don't know how to find them! I know it's a small issue
> > > on my path and it's something I only have to put up with until I
> > > finish my exams in June. However, I think it's something that won't
> > > be sorted out until I sort it out. I don't want to be roped into
> > > being the part of my mind I don't like. I want to be my heart. I am
> > > so happy on the path of my heart I never ever want to leave. I know
> > > that if I stay true to my heart I will stay true to myself, but I
> > > guess I'm trying not to offend anyone in the mean time.
> > >
> > > It's tough.
> > >
> > >            -=>Colm.

Dear all,

It's funny how you notice the change in people who you previously
thought were immovably welded to negativity.

I do my research in a small office with four others, and people from
the office next door or upstairs are always dropping in to talk about
work ...sometimes they just call in in the hope of finding someone to
kill some time with. There's one guy in particular who really used to
get me down - he's quite a xenophobic character and sometimes I had to
leave the room or stick on headphones because some of the stuff he was
spouting on about was so depressing. I have a small discreet picture
of Sri Chinmoy in my office beside my computer, and for quite some
time this was the subject of some snide remarks by this particular
character. In the beginning I just laughed it off because I didn't
want to make an issue of it, but he sensed that here was some kind of
weakness he could joke about because I was almost apologetic over it.

What I learned, as Lucian said, is not to be apologetic about any
aspect of your spirituality, and to claim it as the key ingredient in
a normal, natural life. If you can't do this, then people will sense
some kind of vulnerability, zone in on some aspect they consider
strange, and think that here is something to make an issue about. You
can be unapologetic without rubbing your lifestyle into peoples faces;
I think after a while everyone learns to get the balance right, which
goes something like this:

  - Judge people's receptivity and use appropriate language - don't
blow people out of the water with in-your-face statements.
  - But at the same time, dont be timid...you're essentially talking
about your life here.
(If anyone has any other guidelines, please contribute, I'm only
learning as I go along...)

I think also if you have to respond to someone who is not so
receptive, I found the best course of action (with this particular
gentleman) was to know where he is trying to lead you and refuse to
go there, constantly keep him on the back foot, and appeal to his
basic goodness. For example, there are some aspects of my faith
which he finds ludicrous - so if he starts talking about those
things, I just grab the conversation by the scruff of the neck and
try and lead him away from those topics and towards everyday things.

The other key ingredient, the AM has mentioned, is to see the good
points in everyone and realise everyone is consciously or
unconsciously trying to make progress in his own way. I found myself
trying to remember his intermittent childlike displays (he's
constantly coming into the office, picking up some arbitrary object,
and seeing what he can do with them - once he made Christmas
decorations out of a colleague's karate belts, another time he
rubberstamped all my teabags with a smiley face) or the hard work he
puts in trying to mantain a sports club in college with little or no
appreciation to show for it. After a while these initial mental
attempts at seeing the good in him gradually took on a more
spontaneous form, and as Kamalika says, affection started coming
naturally.

The strange thing is - when ever I have to leave these green shores
(which is quite often) I usually have quite a few lectures or
tutorials I need a replacement for, and this guy is the one who more
often than not steps into the breach for me, usually going out of his
way to do so. It's really nice when that happens, because at those
times I can really feel his basic decency coming to the fore.

Shane.




--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, kamalika_gyorgyjakab
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Dear Piyasi,
>
> You spoke on my behalf too, and I appreciate that someone gave
> expression to that kind of experience too.
>
> The only thing I can add is, that in recent times I happily
> discovered a new wave of love. It's really amazing: we sit, talk,
> eat, or eventually work (it happens quite often) :-) with some
> (almost any) of my colleagues, and then suddenly I just feel
> something like "Oh, how much I love this person!!!" I know it's a
> God-like love and not a kind of attachment, for I feel that this
> stream of deep affection is not a "reward" for something that the
> respective person did or gave to me, I just love the person for what
> he or she is and I expect nothing from him or her, not even to be
> loved back.
>
> And when I first could feel this in connection with a person who had
> never been sincere to me (this is a way of saying that we are not on
> good terms, or don't get along well), I actually started shedding
> tears of spontaneous gratitude to God that the day dawned when I can
> love an "enemy." :-)
>
> This was one of the most rewarding and most tangible (however, not
> material) gifts my spiritual life gave me. When moments like this
> came and invaded me, I felt like I learnt a workshop secret of God.
>
> Love to you all,
>
> Kamalika
>
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, piyasi29
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > After over 20 years,I still spend most of my outer life working
> with
> > people who are not committed to a spiritual path. I am a teacher
> and
> > as the work is intensely busy, you cannot remain focussed on your
> > spiritual life all the time. However, every so oten,I have
> > interesting experiences which are reminders that my soul or my
> Guru
> > or the Supreme are always "thinking" of me.
> >
> > I have noticed that when I am sitting in a staff meeting or
> > conference amongst many people and we are all listening to
> something,
> > suddenly out of the blue,I get a beautiful feeling of love and joy
> in
> > my heart which is like an effortless meditation.
> >
> > As the people I work with are not interested in following a
> > spiritual life themselves, I don't discuss it much, but they are
> good
> > people. They know a little about my spiritual life are very
> > respectful of my commitment to and confidence in what I believe
> and
> > follow. Some have adopted a vegetarian diet and others try to cut
> > down on drinking and smoking. A few have taken up hatha yoga or
> other
> > physical exercise programmes.
> >
> > Sometimes, it is difficult and I feel I must be wasting my
> precious
> > time being involved with people who are not following a spiritual
> > life, but often little remarks from my work colleagues or from the
> > children prove that they appreciate something that has come from
> my
> > inner life and make it all worthwhile.
> >
> > Piyasi

Dear Morris, Tatiana, Doris & Others
Thank you for your interest and reciprocative oneness.
Waiting for the 'fine tuning'!

Gratefully yours,
Rintu

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, morrisklein27
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Dear Rintu,
>
> I really enjoyed your description of Panditji Hari Prasad
Chaurasia's
> Indian flute concert.
>
> Thank you for describing it so vividly and in such exciting detail.
>
>
> A fellow lover of Indian music,
>
>
>
> Morris Klein

Dharmaja, Are you alright?!  How did you construe the AM's post as
mockery? And sarcasm?!  I have witnessed Sri Chinmoy reading from one
of his newly printed books and coming across either a mispelled word
or an incorrect word.  How disappointed he seemed.  Often he does not
say anything.  We can discern that a mistake has been made because he
reads it a couple of times - once as written, notices that it is
wrong and then corrects it.  Other times when this has happened, I
have heard him give a powerful talk about the importance of
performing work with care and concern.  He has also said that
carelessness affects all areas of our spiritual life and that it is
of utmost importance to be diligent against such carelessness,
sloppiness and laziness.

If you found the AM's post offensive, read mine. I did not mean to be
offensive and it is clear that the AM did not intend offense. Being
an older sibling and having love and concern for my (many) younger
siblings, I recognized a similar tone in the AM's post to Sarah. I
feel that all of us have to guard against sloppiness in all of our
service in life whether it be serving in a soup kitchen or working as
an executive in a multinational corporation.  My personal feeling is
that when I quote an author, I have a responsibility to quote
accurately lest I become like a certain news channel known for its
distortions.

Respectfully, Niriha



--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Dear Everyone,
>
> In response to Sarah's post, I think that the moderator responded
in
> a manner that was unnessarily sarcastic.  In the referenced
> aphorism, in the second-to-the-last line, the word "and" should be
> replaced with the word "at."
>
> This could easily be remedied with a minor edit, instead of mockery.
>
> Dharmaja
> San Diego, California
> ___________________________
>
>
> Dear Dharmaja: I've found through hard experience that if the
> "proofreading elf" just fixes everything, then certain people will
> turn in sloppy copy every day. Over the course of time, I do ask
> regular posters to learn how this Yahoo service works, to reply to
> messages "in thread," and to quote Sri Chinmoy's writings
> accurately. I've found that some snapping by the Assistant Alligator
> is necessary. I apologize to anyone who is offended by this. It is
> not meant unkindly.
>
> I'm just an ordinary human being subject to my moods, and sometimes
> I feel like a mother who's cleaned up one too many careless spills!
> It's stressful trying to please all the different posters, while
> also trying to realize certain ideals with this group. Maybe someone
> better qualified can be found.
>
> In saying "Please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?" I did
> not intend mockery or sarcasm. I was trying to remind all posters
> that this should be a basic "reality check" when posting to a list
> of over 600 people.
>
> The Internet is crawling with cynics and critics much harsher than I
> am. I hope an occasional sharp comment will help remind people not
> to post things which are poorly written, fanatical or icky sweet. I
> often remind people to "keep it real, keep it natural" because in
> these difficult times, clear honest communication is a skill which
> spiritual seekers need to develop, if they hope to be understood in
> the world at large. Anyway, let's not turn this into another huge
> thread about posting. :-)
>
> Assistant Moderator
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sare_bear2713
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > [unofficial version]
> >
> > God just gives and gives.
> > He does not take.
> > He does not even know
> > The clever art of lending,
> > Which we learn and the very dawn
> > Of our earth-sojourn.
> >
> > -Sri Chinmoy
> >
> >
> >
> > [Sarah, please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?
> > -Assistant Moderator]

Hi Richard,

Thank you for this wonderful link to an abode of spiritual poetry.
Simply overwhelming! I like your selection of poets.

Would it be possible to add some other poets who have not written in
English but their works were translated? Of course, the poems would
have to be spiritual or devotional.

I do believe there are more poets that this beautiful Mother Earth
of ours gave birth to. What do you think of the suggestion?

Anita


--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, richard13_oxford
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Readers of this Inspiration group may be interested in visiting the
> new Poetseers website:
>
> http://www.poetseers.org/
>
> Every day we try to put up a new Poem of the Day, from a wide
> selection of spiritual poets.
>
>
> Many of the photos used on the site are from the galleries at the
> Sri Chinmoy Centre site. Thank-you to all the photographers; there
> are many beautiful photos to choose from.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Richard
> Oxford

Here is something I read that might be helpful to parents: "Conflict
is a part of life.  It is difficult to avoid conflict as we move
through life because of all the people we come in contact with.
Because it is unavoidable, learning the best, healthiest way to
resolve conflict is beneficial.  We can choose to be reckless and
harmful or we can choose to be calm and helpful to the situation and
to ourselves.  To come to a peaceful resolution, listen carefully to
all sides of the problem and try to think of a solution that will
benefit everyone involved.  Offer ideas and explain how and why your
ideas will bring peace to the problem for all."

Maybe we can help our children to learn to do this. (But only when
they are directly involved, as your husband suggests.)  What do you
think?



--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sarah_inseattle
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> The other night at the dinner table, my son recounted an incident
at
> a recent soccer practice.  One boy had tried to be humorous with
> another boy, who instead became angry.  Witnessing the exchange, my
> son had stepped in to try to smooth things over.
>
> My husbanded listened quietly.  He then responded thoughtfully,
> telling our son it is unwise to get involved in situations like
> that.  Let the two boys could resolve it themselves.  He gently
> reminded him of a past attempt at peace-making that had been
grossly
> misconstrued, causing a lot of pain.  I was impressed with my
> husband's wisdom.  He gave me a new perspective.
>
>  After dinner, a friend called for ideas about teaching children to
> meditate.  In the course of conversation, I remembered and shared a
> few quotes from a wonderful little book for children called, I Have
a
> Beautiful Smile, I Am a Soulful Cry, written by Sri Chinmoy in
1992.
>
> After the phone call, I was re-reading the book when one aphorism
> jumped out at me:
>
>  "When kids of my age fight in the street, I ask God what I
> should
> do.  He says, `Look at them and pray to Me.  Do not do anything
> else.' "
>
> Once again, I find myself marveling at the  "co-incidence" of
> coming
> across timely words from our Master that perfectly address a
current
> situation.    I showed the passage to both my husband and my son.
>
> This little book, I Have a Beautiful Smile, I am a Soulful Cry, is
> heart-warming and beautiful in its simplicity.  The preface
> reads, "The aphorisms in this little book were written by Sri
> Chinmoy
> the child-seeker-heart to inspire the soulful hearts of children
> everywhere."  (There is a lot of wisdom for adults, as well!)
> Following are selected aphorisms; the entire book can be viewed
> online at http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/smile-cry/.
>
> I love God constantly.
>
> I need God constantly.
>
> I pray to God every morning to give me joy.
>
> I meditate on God every evening.
>
> I get so much joy from my prayer and mediation.
>
> Every day I exercise for at least ten minutes to keep my body fit.
>
> Every day with my hands I make at least one beautiful thing.
>
> Every day inside my mind I create at least one beautiful thought.
>
> Every day I pray to God to teach me to smile with my heart
> beautifully, more beautifully, and most beautifully.
>
> My soul wants me to be excellent in everything.
>
> I sincerely respect my teachers.
>
> When I pray to God for stupid things, He cries and cries.  When I
> pray to God for simplicity, honesty, and purity, He smiles and
> smiles.  He says to me, "My child, you already have them, but I
> shall
> give you more, infinitely more."
>
> Nobody has to force me to confess my mistakes.
>
> I have made many mistakes, but God tells me not to worry.  He just
> asks me not to repeat them.  He also tells me to be careful not to
> make any new mistakes.
>
> I am so fortunate to be a member of a very spiritual family.  I
have
> such wonderful parents: they never quarrel.
>
> I have such wonderful spiritual brothers and sisters: they also
never
> quarrel and fight.
>
> I have already read quite a few prayer books, and I am sure I shall
> read countless prayer books in this lifetime.
>
> I am proud of myself because my parents trust me.
>
> My parents are proud of me because I obey them.
>
> My father tells me that Heaven loves me for what I have: a
beautiful
> smile.
>
> My mother tells me that earth loves me for what I am: a soulful cry.
>
>
> Yours in Oneness,
> Sarah
> Seattle

Hello Everyone!

Is there anyone who could provide us with the latest prayers that Sri
Chinmoy gave in the past days?

I am sure people in their respective countries would appreciate it
very much and be very grateful! (Including myself:))

Thank you in advance,
Tirtha

They are still very, very unofficial, but here are some recent
aphorisms by Sri Chinmoy:




God the Justice-Eye teaches me and perfects me.

Man's life is the pendulum between division-night and oneness-
light.

Willingly God lives everywhere,
But happily and proudly God lives
Only in the aspiration heart.

My heart and I invoke only the unknowable.

Alas, I am imprisoned by the things that I do not have.

The sound of night can never feel the joy of silence.

Immortal is the silence-dream of the aspiration-heart.

The mind touches God's Head to examine.

The heart clasps God's Feet to worship.

My soul-dictionary does not house the word "despair."

My Lord forgives all my blunders save and except my disobedience.

My inmost source and my topmost God are one and inseparable.

Today my soul has brought me and my heart to the kingdom of delight.

My heart and I are God's love-service-blossoms.

I shall reunite my life with my God–surrender-songs.



November 26, 2004


The love of God is everywhere the same.

The prayers to God are almost everywhere the same.

The meditations on God are not the same everywhere.

The realisations of God are not the same in every human being.
Some God-realised souls stand at the foot of the tree,
while others are at the middle of the God-realisation-tree.
Still others reach the topmost branch of the God realization tree,
but they are very few in number.

The emptiness of the heart is absolutely necessary
for the total God-acceptance, God-realisation and God-manifestation.

The aspiration-dreams of the seekers ceaselessly ascend and ascend.

The realisation-realities of a God-realised soul sleeplessly
blossom and blossom.

My Lord says to me:
"My child, you always make me laugh.
Can you not make me smile, once in a while?"

My Lord says to me:
"My child,
now that you have made your unconditional surrender
cheerful, complete and perfect,
your life will be the uppermost
on my list of priorities."

If I do not have inner peace,
I shall never be able to make my Lord Supreme proud of me.

Every second is a golden opportunity
to make my Lord the sole possessor
of my inner life and my outer life.

How can I be a loser in the battlefield of my life if I have
already claimed my Lord as my own, very own?

As my Lord's compassion-Eye thrills me,
even so my gratitude-heart thrills my Lord.

- Sri Chinmoy

Sarah, When (not if) I write 'my story' I will give all credit to
your enthusiastic support!

Forgive me for not responding to your post of more than a month ago
where you asked me about how I became Sri Chinmoy's student. That is
a story, I must say. I promise to write it at some point, when time
permits.

All the best to you and your wonderful family.  Niriha


--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sarah_inseattle
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Niriha,
>
> I hope you have set aside a copy of this story for your life-story
> book!  We *love* these stories.  Perhaps your book will be a
> collection of tales, rather than a start-to-finish affair...?
>
> Gratefully,
> Sarah
> Seattle
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Someone posted that they could not find a previous post and that
it
> > had seemed to vanish. Our Assistant Moderator replied, "Things
> > rarely vanish and are eaten by dogs far less often than children
> > claim." While this statement evoked a chuckle, it also made me
> think
> > of something. . .
> >
> > Many years ago, in 1979 to be exact, I wrote a note to Sri Chinmoy
> > stating that I was concerned that I had a serious illness that I
> was
> > using to my own advantage. I explained that while the illness was
> > indeed very serious, I did not have many symptoms and often none.
> > However, my concern was that the illness was my "the dog ate it"
> > excuse for everything. For example, if I failed to complete an
> > assignment while at university, I simply stated that I had not
felt
> > well. Since all of my professors knew of my illness, no questions
> > were ever asked and extensions and sympathy were offered. I had
the
> > perfect excuse for anything and everything, and this is what
> > concerned me. At that time, my use of the illness for my own
> > convenience was of greater concern to me than the illness itself.
> >
> > The adage "be careful of what you ask for" could be applied here.
> > Less than one month later, I became very ill and thus began an
> > ongoing challenge of dealing with an illness that was to last for
> > almost three decades.
> >
> > Leaving out more than thirty years of the story, I would like to
> say
> > that as of three years ago, my doctor told me that I am his
miracle
> > patient and that he can find no trace of the illness that I had
> been
> > diagnosed with in 1968 when I went to donate blood. (Yes, though I
> > just dated myself I have never been concerned with age, other than
> > as a reminder that there is so much to accomplish and limited time
> > in which to do it).
> >
> > I relate this because I feel it is a graphic example of how an
> > enlightened Master is able to work with his student to transform
> and
> > remove what are sometimes ages old human and spiritual obstacles.
> > The literal meaning of the word "Guru" is "remover of obstacles."
> > Were it not for having the guidance of my beloved Guru through
what
> > often felt like climbing Mt. Everest, I never, never could have
> come
> > through this physically, mentally.
> >
> >           "Your Master is the sacred bridge
> >           To help you cross the turbulent life-river
> >              And reach your destined goal."
> >
> >                            - Sri Chinmoy

Hi Tatiana,  I remember speaking to you about my experiences dealing
with illness.  I was inspired to do so because it was obvious that
you are at present suffering from some physical difficulties.  While
driving you, I had a strong feeling that you will be able to
transcend your difficulty.

In my own case, I thought carefully about my illness in terms of why
I seemed to hold on to it, of what importance it was to me and what
it represented to me. I was struck by the dissection of the
word "disease" - dis ease.  So I asked myself, "what am I uneasy
about that I am not dealing with and perhaps turning into illness?"
I must say, I learned a lot from having had a long term illness.  I
clearly remember when I was first diagnosed at 18, telling my very
upset mother not to worry because the disease would go away when I
learned what I was supposed to learn from it.  I said it so matter of
factly because at the time I deeply felt that to be true. And it was
true.

I hope little by little you will find that you feel better and are
stronger.  I found meditation to be the best medicine.

All the best to you.  Niriha



--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, tatiana_thehague
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thank you Niriha for your inspiring recovery story. You told me the
> story before in your car, but at the time I was very, very tired
and
> there was not much energy left to let the story "sink in"
>
> I was very happy to read it here again,
>
> Tatiana
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Someone posted that they could not find a previous post and that
it
> > had seemed to vanish. Our Assistant Moderator replied, "Things
> > rarely vanish and are eaten by dogs far less often than children
> > claim." While this statement evoked a chuckle, it also made me
> think
> > of something. . .
> >
> > Many years ago, in 1979 to be exact, I wrote a note to Sri Chinmoy
> > stating that I was concerned that I had a serious illness that I
> was
> > using to my own advantage. I explained that while the illness was
> > indeed very serious, I did not have many symptoms and often none.
> > However, my concern was that the illness was my "the dog ate it"
> > excuse for everything. For example, if I failed to complete an
> > assignment while at university, I simply stated that I had not
felt
> > well. Since all of my professors knew of my illness, no questions
> > were ever asked and extensions and sympathy were offered. I had
the
> > perfect excuse for anything and everything, and this is what
> > concerned me. At that time, my use of the illness for my own
> > convenience was of greater concern to me than the illness itself.
> >
> > The adage "be careful of what you ask for" could be applied here.
> > Less than one month later, I became very ill and thus began an
> > ongoing challenge of dealing with an illness that was to last for
> > almost three decades.
> >
> > Leaving out more than thirty years of the story, I would like to
> say
> > that as of three years ago, my doctor told me that I am his
miracle
> > patient and that he can find no trace of the illness that I had
> been
> > diagnosed with in 1968 when I went to donate blood. (Yes, though I
> > just dated myself I have never been concerned with age, other than
> > as a reminder that there is so much to accomplish and limited time
> > in which to do it).
> >
> > I relate this because I feel it is a graphic example of how an
> > enlightened Master is able to work with his student to transform
> and
> > remove what are sometimes ages old human and spiritual obstacles.
> > The literal meaning of the word "Guru" is "remover of obstacles."
> > Were it not for having the guidance of my beloved Guru through
what
> > often felt like climbing Mt. Everest, I never, never could have
> come
> > through this physically, mentally.
> >
> >           "Your Master is the sacred bridge
> >           To help you cross the turbulent life-river
> >              And reach your destined goal."
> >
> >                            - Sri Chinmoy

I hereby accept my comeuppance (is that a real word?).

To lighten my mood, I am borrowing from the SF Chronicle:

One snowman is bragging to the other snowman about how he was able
to lose 10 pounds.

The second snowman says, "Oh yeah, great, but that was the easy
part, because it was all water weight!"

(Do I hear sounds of groaning?)

Dharmaja
_________________________

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Dharmaja, Are you alright?!  How did you construe the AM's post as
> mockery? And sarcasm?!  I have witnessed Sri Chinmoy reading from
one
> of his newly printed books and coming across either a mispelled
word
> or an incorrect word.  How disappointed he seemed.  Often he does
not
> say anything.  We can discern that a mistake has been made because
he
> reads it a couple of times - once as written, notices that it is
> wrong and then corrects it.  Other times when this has happened, I
> have heard him give a powerful talk about the importance of
> performing work with care and concern.  He has also said that
> carelessness affects all areas of our spiritual life and that it
is
> of utmost importance to be diligent against such carelessness,
> sloppiness and laziness.
>
> If you found the AM's post offensive, read mine. I did not mean to
be
> offensive and it is clear that the AM did not intend offense.
Being
> an older sibling and having love and concern for my (many) younger
> siblings, I recognized a similar tone in the AM's post to Sarah. I
> feel that all of us have to guard against sloppiness in all of our
> service in life whether it be serving in a soup kitchen or working
as
> an executive in a multinational corporation.  My personal feeling
is
> that when I quote an author, I have a responsibility to quote
> accurately lest I become like a certain news channel known for its
> distortions.
>
> Respectfully, Niriha
>
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Dear Everyone,
> >
> > In response to Sarah's post, I think that the moderator
responded
> in
> > a manner that was unnessarily sarcastic.  In the referenced
> > aphorism, in the second-to-the-last line, the word "and" should
be
> > replaced with the word "at."
> >
> > This could easily be remedied with a minor edit, instead of
mockery.
> >
> > Dharmaja
> > San Diego, California
> > ___________________________
> >
> >
> > Dear Dharmaja: I've found through hard experience that if the
> > "proofreading elf" just fixes everything, then certain people
will
> > turn in sloppy copy every day. Over the course of time, I do ask
> > regular posters to learn how this Yahoo service works, to reply
to
> > messages "in thread," and to quote Sri Chinmoy's writings
> > accurately. I've found that some snapping by the Assistant
Alligator
> > is necessary. I apologize to anyone who is offended by this. It
is
> > not meant unkindly.
> >
> > I'm just an ordinary human being subject to my moods, and
sometimes
> > I feel like a mother who's cleaned up one too many careless
spills!
> > It's stressful trying to please all the different posters, while
> > also trying to realize certain ideals with this group. Maybe
someone
> > better qualified can be found.
> >
> > In saying "Please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?" I did
> > not intend mockery or sarcasm. I was trying to remind all posters
> > that this should be a basic "reality check" when posting to a
list
> > of over 600 people.
> >
> > The Internet is crawling with cynics and critics much harsher
than I
> > am. I hope an occasional sharp comment will help remind people
not
> > to post things which are poorly written, fanatical or icky
sweet. I
> > often remind people to "keep it real, keep it natural" because in
> > these difficult times, clear honest communication is a skill
which
> > spiritual seekers need to develop, if they hope to be understood
in
> > the world at large. Anyway, let's not turn this into another huge
> > thread about posting. :-)
> >
> > Assistant Moderator
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sare_bear2713
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > [unofficial version]
> > >
> > > God just gives and gives.
> > > He does not take.
> > > He does not even know
> > > The clever art of lending,
> > > Which we learn and the very dawn
> > > Of our earth-sojourn.
> > >
> > > -Sri Chinmoy
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Sarah, please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?
> > > -Assistant Moderator]

Hi Dharmaja, 'Comeuppance' is a word which means "deserved
punishment."  But no one is punishing!!  I was just shocked at your
interpretation of the AM's gentle admonishment to Sarah.  I guess as
I mentioned, my practice as an older sibling made it clear to me
where he was coming from.

But on to lighter and whiter subjects.  I enjoyed the snowman joke.
It also made me think of something peculiar from my youth.  When I
was about seven, I heard the song from "White Christmas" that has
lines that say, "In the meadow we will build a snowman, and pretend
that he is Parson Brown.  He'll say 'are you married?' - we'll say 'No
man, but you can do the job when you're in town.'" That song drove me
crazy!! I could not figure out why anyone would want to pretend that
a beautiful white snowman was the color parson brown - parson brown
in my mind was a brown with a reddish tint to it, a bit like cinnamon.
Then I could not understand why they wanted a snowman to perform the
ceremony! Why not a minister, priest or pastor? I had never heard the
word 'parson.'

Once I came across an article with kids' interpretations of word
meanings and it was very funny - as you usually are.  Niriha





--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> I hereby accept my comeuppance (is that a real word?).
>
> To lighten my mood, I am borrowing from the SF Chronicle:
>
> One snowman is bragging to the other snowman about how he was able
> to lose 10 pounds.
>
> The second snowman says, "Oh yeah, great, but that was the easy
> part, because it was all water weight!"
>
> (Do I hear sounds of groaning?)
>
> Dharmaja
> _________________________
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Dharmaja, Are you alright?!  How did you construe the AM's post
as
> > mockery? And sarcasm?!  I have witnessed Sri Chinmoy reading from
> one
> > of his newly printed books and coming across either a mispelled
> word
> > or an incorrect word.  How disappointed he seemed.  Often he does
> not
> > say anything.  We can discern that a mistake has been made
because
> he
> > reads it a couple of times - once as written, notices that it is
> > wrong and then corrects it.  Other times when this has happened,
I
> > have heard him give a powerful talk about the importance of
> > performing work with care and concern.  He has also said that
> > carelessness affects all areas of our spiritual life and that it
> is
> > of utmost importance to be diligent against such carelessness,
> > sloppiness and laziness.
> >
> > If you found the AM's post offensive, read mine. I did not mean
to
> be
> > offensive and it is clear that the AM did not intend offense.
> Being
> > an older sibling and having love and concern for my (many)
younger
> > siblings, I recognized a similar tone in the AM's post to Sarah.
I
> > feel that all of us have to guard against sloppiness in all of
our
> > service in life whether it be serving in a soup kitchen or
working
> as
> > an executive in a multinational corporation.  My personal feeling
> is
> > that when I quote an author, I have a responsibility to quote
> > accurately lest I become like a certain news channel known for
its
> > distortions.
> >
> > Respectfully, Niriha
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear Everyone,
> > >
> > > In response to Sarah's post, I think that the moderator
> responded
> > in
> > > a manner that was unnessarily sarcastic.  In the referenced
> > > aphorism, in the second-to-the-last line, the word "and" should
> be
> > > replaced with the word "at."
> > >
> > > This could easily be remedied with a minor edit, instead of
> mockery.
> > >
> > > Dharmaja
> > > San Diego, California
> > > ___________________________
> > >
> > >
> > > Dear Dharmaja: I've found through hard experience that if the
> > > "proofreading elf" just fixes everything, then certain people
> will
> > > turn in sloppy copy every day. Over the course of time, I do ask
> > > regular posters to learn how this Yahoo service works, to reply
> to
> > > messages "in thread," and to quote Sri Chinmoy's writings
> > > accurately. I've found that some snapping by the Assistant
> Alligator
> > > is necessary. I apologize to anyone who is offended by this. It
> is
> > > not meant unkindly.
> > >
> > > I'm just an ordinary human being subject to my moods, and
> sometimes
> > > I feel like a mother who's cleaned up one too many careless
> spills!
> > > It's stressful trying to please all the different posters, while
> > > also trying to realize certain ideals with this group. Maybe
> someone
> > > better qualified can be found.
> > >
> > > In saying "Please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?" I
did
> > > not intend mockery or sarcasm. I was trying to remind all
posters
> > > that this should be a basic "reality check" when posting to a
> list
> > > of over 600 people.
> > >
> > > The Internet is crawling with cynics and critics much harsher
> than I
> > > am. I hope an occasional sharp comment will help remind people
> not
> > > to post things which are poorly written, fanatical or icky
> sweet. I
> > > often remind people to "keep it real, keep it natural" because
in
> > > these difficult times, clear honest communication is a skill
> which
> > > spiritual seekers need to develop, if they hope to be
understood
> in
> > > the world at large. Anyway, let's not turn this into another
huge
> > > thread about posting. :-)
> > >
> > > Assistant Moderator
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sare_bear2713
> > > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > [unofficial version]
> > > >
> > > > God just gives and gives.
> > > > He does not take.
> > > > He does not even know
> > > > The clever art of lending,
> > > > Which we learn and the very dawn
> > > > Of our earth-sojourn.
> > > >
> > > > -Sri Chinmoy
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Sarah, please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?
> > > > -Assistant Moderator]

Dharmaja,

Great joke - no groaning here, honest!  I will be telling it to my co-
workers tomorrow - if I can remember it that long ;-)

And yes, comeuppance is actually a word.  It's right here in my
Webster's.  Comedown is also a word, but not comedownance....hmmm ;-)

Your reply (and those of others) reminds that it is a fine skill
indeed, to receive correction graciously instead of defensively.

How I hope I can muster the same graciousness the next time I am
taken to task.  I usually have to defend myself sixty two times...

sigh....However, it really helps to see others take admonishment with
good cheer.

Thanks for being a good example!

Terri



--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> I hereby accept my comeuppance (is that a real word?).
>
> To lighten my mood, I am borrowing from the SF Chronicle:
>
> One snowman is bragging to the other snowman about how he was able
> to lose 10 pounds.
>
> The second snowman says, "Oh yeah, great, but that was the easy
> part, because it was all water weight!"
>
> (Do I hear sounds of groaning?)
>
> Dharmaja
> _________________________
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Dharmaja, Are you alright?!  How did you construe the AM's post
as
> > mockery? And sarcasm?!  I have witnessed Sri Chinmoy reading from
> one
> > of his newly printed books and coming across either a mispelled
> word
> > or an incorrect word.  How disappointed he seemed.  Often he does
> not
> > say anything.  We can discern that a mistake has been made
because
> he
> > reads it a couple of times - once as written, notices that it is
> > wrong and then corrects it.  Other times when this has happened,
I
> > have heard him give a powerful talk about the importance of
> > performing work with care and concern.  He has also said that
> > carelessness affects all areas of our spiritual life and that it
> is
> > of utmost importance to be diligent against such carelessness,
> > sloppiness and laziness.
> >
> > If you found the AM's post offensive, read mine. I did not mean
to
> be
> > offensive and it is clear that the AM did not intend offense.
> Being
> > an older sibling and having love and concern for my (many)
younger
> > siblings, I recognized a similar tone in the AM's post to Sarah.
I
> > feel that all of us have to guard against sloppiness in all of
our
> > service in life whether it be serving in a soup kitchen or
working
> as
> > an executive in a multinational corporation.  My personal feeling
> is
> > that when I quote an author, I have a responsibility to quote
> > accurately lest I become like a certain news channel known for
its
> > distortions.
> >
> > Respectfully, Niriha
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear Everyone,
> > >
> > > In response to Sarah's post, I think that the moderator
> responded
> > in
> > > a manner that was unnessarily sarcastic.  In the referenced
> > > aphorism, in the second-to-the-last line, the word "and" should
> be
> > > replaced with the word "at."
> > >
> > > This could easily be remedied with a minor edit, instead of
> mockery.
> > >
> > > Dharmaja
> > > San Diego, California
> > > ___________________________
> > >
> > >
> > > Dear Dharmaja: I've found through hard experience that if the
> > > "proofreading elf" just fixes everything, then certain people
> will
> > > turn in sloppy copy every day. Over the course of time, I do ask
> > > regular posters to learn how this Yahoo service works, to reply
> to
> > > messages "in thread," and to quote Sri Chinmoy's writings
> > > accurately. I've found that some snapping by the Assistant
> Alligator
> > > is necessary. I apologize to anyone who is offended by this. It
> is
> > > not meant unkindly.
> > >
> > > I'm just an ordinary human being subject to my moods, and
> sometimes
> > > I feel like a mother who's cleaned up one too many careless
> spills!
> > > It's stressful trying to please all the different posters, while
> > > also trying to realize certain ideals with this group. Maybe
> someone
> > > better qualified can be found.
> > >
> > > In saying "Please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?" I
did
> > > not intend mockery or sarcasm. I was trying to remind all
posters
> > > that this should be a basic "reality check" when posting to a
> list
> > > of over 600 people.
> > >
> > > The Internet is crawling with cynics and critics much harsher
> than I
> > > am. I hope an occasional sharp comment will help remind people
> not
> > > to post things which are poorly written, fanatical or icky
> sweet. I
> > > often remind people to "keep it real, keep it natural" because
in
> > > these difficult times, clear honest communication is a skill
> which
> > > spiritual seekers need to develop, if they hope to be
understood
> in
> > > the world at large. Anyway, let's not turn this into another
huge
> > > thread about posting. :-)
> > >
> > > Assistant Moderator
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sare_bear2713
> > > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > [unofficial version]
> > > >
> > > > God just gives and gives.
> > > > He does not take.
> > > > He does not even know
> > > > The clever art of lending,
> > > > Which we learn and the very dawn
> > > > Of our earth-sojourn.
> > > >
> > > > -Sri Chinmoy
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Sarah, please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?
> > > > -Assistant Moderator]

Oh yeah ...!

Unfortunately, instead of losing "water" weight, I gained some in
the last couple of weeks, and I don't think it to be water weight,
groan, groan, groan :)

Anita

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> I hereby accept my comeuppance (is that a real word?).
>
> To lighten my mood, I am borrowing from the SF Chronicle:
>
> One snowman is bragging to the other snowman about how he was able
> to lose 10 pounds.
>
> The second snowman says, "Oh yeah, great, but that was the easy
> part, because it was all water weight!"
>
> (Do I hear sounds of groaning?)
>
> Dharmaja
> _________________________
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Dharmaja, Are you alright?!  How did you construe the AM's post
as
> > mockery? And sarcasm?!  I have witnessed Sri Chinmoy reading
from
> one
> > of his newly printed books and coming across either a mispelled
> word
> > or an incorrect word.  How disappointed he seemed.  Often he
does
> not
> > say anything.  We can discern that a mistake has been made
because
> he
> > reads it a couple of times - once as written, notices that it is
> > wrong and then corrects it.  Other times when this has happened,
I
> > have heard him give a powerful talk about the importance of
> > performing work with care and concern.  He has also said that
> > carelessness affects all areas of our spiritual life and that it
> is
> > of utmost importance to be diligent against such carelessness,
> > sloppiness and laziness.
> >
> > If you found the AM's post offensive, read mine. I did not mean
to
> be
> > offensive and it is clear that the AM did not intend offense.
> Being
> > an older sibling and having love and concern for my (many)
younger
> > siblings, I recognized a similar tone in the AM's post to Sarah.
I
> > feel that all of us have to guard against sloppiness in all of
our
> > service in life whether it be serving in a soup kitchen or
working
> as
> > an executive in a multinational corporation.  My personal
feeling
> is
> > that when I quote an author, I have a responsibility to quote
> > accurately lest I become like a certain news channel known for
its
> > distortions.
> >
> > Respectfully, Niriha
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear Everyone,
> > >
> > > In response to Sarah's post, I think that the moderator
> responded
> > in
> > > a manner that was unnessarily sarcastic.  In the referenced
> > > aphorism, in the second-to-the-last line, the word "and"
should
> be
> > > replaced with the word "at."
> > >
> > > This could easily be remedied with a minor edit, instead of
> mockery.
> > >
> > > Dharmaja
> > > San Diego, California
> > > ___________________________
> > >
> > >
> > > Dear Dharmaja: I've found through hard experience that if the
> > > "proofreading elf" just fixes everything, then certain people
> will
> > > turn in sloppy copy every day. Over the course of time, I do
ask
> > > regular posters to learn how this Yahoo service works, to
reply
> to
> > > messages "in thread," and to quote Sri Chinmoy's writings
> > > accurately. I've found that some snapping by the Assistant
> Alligator
> > > is necessary. I apologize to anyone who is offended by this.
It
> is
> > > not meant unkindly.
> > >
> > > I'm just an ordinary human being subject to my moods, and
> sometimes
> > > I feel like a mother who's cleaned up one too many careless
> spills!
> > > It's stressful trying to please all the different posters,
while
> > > also trying to realize certain ideals with this group. Maybe
> someone
> > > better qualified can be found.
> > >
> > > In saying "Please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?" I
did
> > > not intend mockery or sarcasm. I was trying to remind all
posters
> > > that this should be a basic "reality check" when posting to a
> list
> > > of over 600 people.
> > >
> > > The Internet is crawling with cynics and critics much harsher
> than I
> > > am. I hope an occasional sharp comment will help remind people
> not
> > > to post things which are poorly written, fanatical or icky
> sweet. I
> > > often remind people to "keep it real, keep it natural" because
in
> > > these difficult times, clear honest communication is a skill
> which
> > > spiritual seekers need to develop, if they hope to be
understood
> in
> > > the world at large. Anyway, let's not turn this into another
huge
> > > thread about posting. :-)
> > >
> > > Assistant Moderator
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sare_bear2713
> > > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > [unofficial version]
> > > >
> > > > God just gives and gives.
> > > > He does not take.
> > > > He does not even know
> > > > The clever art of lending,
> > > > Which we learn and the very dawn
> > > > Of our earth-sojourn.
> > > >
> > > > -Sri Chinmoy
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Sarah, please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?
> > > > -Assistant Moderator]

To assistant moderator,
Thank you for detecting my spelling error. It is bad enough in my
own writing, but with an aphorism?! It is absolutely true that we
would not learn from errors if we were not aware of them. It only
takes a few seconds to double-check what we've typed. Also it was a
good reminder to try to be 100% focussed on the task at hand and not
half-hearted. Keep doing what you are doing.

Sarah
Melbourne

Is that my dear little Assistant Moderator? Ah, how could I not forget
you, the little cherub sitting up the front of the classroom in ninth
grade diligently writing away when everyone else was throwing paper
aeroplanes...I remember the other boys and girls used to give you such
a teasing for your unusual name, they used to come up with playground
rhymes like 'Dear Assistant Moderator, you're a super whizz
orator'...some of the more enterprising little tykes might even have
made a whole song out of it, God bless their sweet little cotton socks.

And of course, you had this very endearing habit of leaning into
everyone elses copybook and correcting their spelling mistakes for them.

Mrs O'Grady


*******


Shane, that is not me. I actually didn't begin studying for the
geekhood till much later on in life, after I realised it was too
much trouble being a "cool" type. :-)

In ninth grade, more likely you would have found me in the park
playing my guitar, or sitting in detention for tearing pages out of
my copy of Ivanhoe and using them for toilet paper.

Anyway, I wouldn't get too uppity. Mrs. O'Grady - from the land of
the bogs and the little people - was really the janitor, and drank
like a fish. But like that Twilight Zone episode where the
characters keep coming back in different roles, I promoted her to
English teacher. Next time 'round she'll be a death row inmate
wearing a leprechaun suit...

And Shane, I've notified the Viennese police of your exact
whereabouts, and they're beginning extradition proceedings
forthwith. :-) The Association of Macedonian Driving Instructors is
also prepared to administer forty lashes with a wet kreplach.

"Wuffo I wanna read no Ivanhoe?" - a quote from my youth


Assistant Moderator


--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, srichinmoyinspiration
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Dear Benjamin,
>
> I would like to applaud you. I think it takes a lot of courage to
> say what you've said. You deserve very special praise and gratitude!
>
> There's something about faith and human nature that causes many
> people who leave a spiritual path to become bitter and angry.
> Instead of living on good terms with their former faith - which is
> the healthiest kind of adjustment - they may use the Internet to
> stalk and harass their former friends and teacher. Once they start
> down that road, it's as if they can no longer hear the voice of
> conscience, so they continue to act destructively and suffer much.
>
> When people have love for God, they can find much joy and beauty in
> Sri Chinmoy's path. But sometimes when people leave, it's as if they
> become addicted to hate. Then, in order to justify their hate, they
> will constantly speak ill of their former friends and teacher. It's
> a kind of temporary insanity, but for some people it lasts a long
> time.
>
> Every spiritual movement has its detractors, so when you're
> struggling to make a positive adjustment, you may encounter people
> who try and turn you negative, and exploit you to say bad things
> about Sri Chinmoy Centre. These may be people who were expelled, or
> who have converted to a different faith and are fanatically opposed
> to their former faith. They will tell you, "Welcome brother!" and
> make you feel like a big man for speaking ill of the Centre. There
> are also people who, when they get therapy or anti-cult counseling,
> come out the other end telling completely wacky stories which are
> contradicted by objective evidence.
>
> Like any person who goes through major changes in life, you may find
> yourself looking for a "narrative" that explains it all - a way of
> telling your story that helps you feel accepted by a peer group. The
> danger is that there are people who will encourage you to adopt a
> false narrative which says "All my problems are the fault of Sri
> Chinmoy," and will pat you on the back for giving them a
> "testimonial" which they can use to attack Sri Chinmoy Centre.
>
> I believe you have encountered such people, and they've tried hard
> to mess with your head. That's why I feel you deserve very special
> praise and gratitude. In spite of having fallen victim to this kind
> of temporary insanity, you've managed to break free! You are
> listening more to the voice of conscience, which is telling you (as
> you said) that Sri Chinmoy was very compassionate towards you, that
> he did nothing but encourage you to pursue the best in yourself, and
> that he is not responsible for your life actions before and after
> the Centre. (Is he even responsible for everything current Centre
> members do? I think not...)
>
> Maybe your gracious words represent not an ending, but a new
> beginning, and a springboard for you to accomplish more in life.
> Whatever your goals, I hope you will find peace, light and joy. If
> there's anything to forgive, I'm sure everyone here will be happy to
> forgive you so you can move forward in a positive way. Here we are
> so close to 2005, we can all stand to put alot of excess baggage
> behind us! I hope you will also forgive us for just being human
> beings, and not always having a magic answer to the many challenges
> a young man faces in a world filled with suffering.
>
> Having a teacher and a path are fantastic resources, but there's
> still the daily struggle to apply those resources. We each struggle
> with our own nature, and sometimes our nature may take us in the
> opposite direction from where we were trying to go. We have to
> really *want* to change - otherwise, just having a teacher and path
> may not be enough. If we cannot cultivate much love for God, then we
> will feel that the teacher is bad, the path is bad, and the other
> students are all bad. But as Piyasi and Kamalika pointed out, when
> we feel love for God, this love acts as a connecting link between
> ourselves and other human beings. Instead of doubting and
> criticizing, we spontaneously feel love and oneness.
>
> Sometimes we have to be a little bit careful about the company we
> keep, because bad friends can exert a lot of unconscious pressure on
> us to get into trouble. Good friends can help us honour the best in
> ourselves, the part that wants to live in light.
>
> Community has always been an important part of each authentic
> spiritual path. To join in the life of a thriving spiritual
> community is to enjoy a virtuous circle of influences. Yet,
> destructive groups also try and use the power of community for
> ignoble purposes. Just as a prayer circle or meditation group may
> help to bring out people's virtue, a hate group can turn people into
> a vicious mob. Scholars who have studied the anti-cult movement have
> pointed out that it has what might be called a "cultlike" structure.
> Peer pressure is used to try and persuade people to adopt a negative
> view of spiritual groups.
>
> Atheists may deliver blistering hellfire and brimstone sermons
> against spiritual groups, but if we can feel connected with a
> spiritual community, this can help us to feel grounded, and remind
> us of our deep inner idealism.
>
> Sorry for all the philosophizing! These are just some things I have
> been thinking about lately.
>
> I hope you will always remember, Ben, that you are a good person,
> and that your father loves you very much. As for Sri Chinmoy, if you
> no longer think of him as your guru, maybe you can think of him as a
> friend, someone whose blessings go with you.
>
> When we're growing up we have many teachers, and some of them stick
> in our minds, even if we no longer see them. So at a crucial moment,
> someone might think: "What would Mrs. O'Grady, my ninth grade
> English teacher, tell me to do in this situation?" The great thing
> about living on good terms with your spiritual background is that
> it's something you can call on in tough times. Take care.
>
> Assistant Moderator
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, menace60005
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > [From Benjamin Pierce, a.k.a. Ghanta]
> >
> > Hi All
> > I am an ex member of the Sri Chinmoy centre. I spent many years
> > after the path dwelling on personal problems and have unfortunately
> > directed some of these feelings towards Sri Chinmoy, who was not
> > responsible for my life actions before and after the centre. I will
> > be honest and say that Sri Chinmoy was very compassionate towards me
> > when I was in the centre. I was always made to feel important for
> > reasons I still do not understand but I am very much appreciative
> > for it. My father who is an active member is almost 60, yet as young
> > and fit as any person my age and I will admit I have seldom regrets
> > of any of my experiences on the path. Who else can tell of riding an
> > elephant or climbing a pyramid as a teenager, or meeting famous
> > celebrities? I have had my issues since leaving, but Sri Chinmoy is
> > not the reason for them and he did nothing I feel but encourage me
> > to pursue the best I could have been. I have made my peace with god
> > and wish him and his group all the best in their effort to promote
> > world peace and harmony around the globe.
> >
> > Yours Faithfully
> > Benjamin Pierce
> > a.k.a. Ghanta
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, richard13_oxford
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi Colm,
> > >
> > > It is an exciting time when you first launch into the spiritual
> > > life. You become aware of many different experiences; and life seems
> > > to have a greater sense of purpose.
> > >
> > > However the very nature of the spiritual life is that, it is
> > > different than a life based on the pursuit of outer happiness. As
> > > you say, it is not that this kind of life is bad. It is just that
> > > when we feel genuine aspiration, this old lifestyle can no longer
> > > satisfy us like it used to. Therefore it is inevitable that we will
> > > to some extent drift away from our previous associations. Although,
> > > sometimes out of habit, the mind clings to things that don't give us
> > > joy anymore.
> > >
> > > Like yourself, I started meditating in my last few years at
> > > University. My friends thought it was rather quaint but they didn't
> > > really appreciate such a lifestyle themselves. In this environment
> > > it wasn't easy to meditate early every morning, etc. But I also knew
> > > it would be impossible for me to be happy living the secular life.
> > > So I persisted and after a while outer circumstances started to
> > > become easier.
> > >
> > > In theory, an advanced seeker can ignore the world and meditate in
> > > solitude. However, we are not advanced seekers nor does Sri Chinmoy
> > > want us to live in isolation from the world. The spiritual life is
> > > challenging and friends who are sympathetic can inspire us and help
> > > maintain our enthusiasm. This is one reason why Sri Chinmoy places
> > > so much emphasis on joy weekends.
> > >
> > > If I got the opportunity, I would like to cycle in the hills of
> > > Galway. If not, maybe you will come and visit England. Anyway, at
> > > least you have a brother on the same path. You can often get
> > > inspiration from speaking with people on the telephone.
> > >
> > >
> > > Wishing you happiness in rainy Galway,
> > >
> > >
> > >  Richard
> > >
> > >  Oxford
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, colmbolmcolm
> > > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I want to be brave enough to be my true self all the time. It's
> > > > tough though. College consists of 95% percent of people who
love to
> > > > be under the influence of either alcohol, drugs, relationships or
> > > > their friends. Unfortunately, I don't know any others in the 5%
> > > > category, but I always know I have all my new friends (and my big
> > > > brother) on the other side of the country in the Dublin centre.
> > > >
> > > > I find it awkward to be around the friends I've made in Galway.
> > > > Unfortunately, when I hang around with them all I get is
negativity.
> > > > It's not severe but it holds me back; pulls me back to the
heartless
> > > > mind. I take people's uninspiring conversations and remarks and I
> > > > let my mind away with agreeing with them. It's difficult to do
> > > > anything because I've always just taken this stuff in. I've always
> > > > agreed and contributed to negativity when I never really
wanted to.
> > > > Most of my friends know my mind but not my heart. I'm always nice,
> > > > always friendly; this they see, but to them I am still
receptive to
> > > > any sorts of thoughts they wish to express.
> > > >
> > > > All of them are quite aware of my change in lifestyle, and presume
> > > > they let there imagination run wild as to this talk of
meditation. I
> > > > think maybe I should tell some of them; then I think not. I feel
> > > > like I shouldn't have to cut my friends out altogether, but I just
> > > > don't want be influenced by any of them. I have one good friend I
> > > > can talk to freely, but of course he would have to be an agnostic.
> > > > He has little time for me these days, anyway. Should I ignore
> > > > everyone? I know the answer is no.
> > > >
> > > > I yearn to meet some like-minded people here in Galway. I know
they
> > > > exist but I don't know how to find them! I know it's a small issue
> > > > on my path and it's something I only have to put up with until I
> > > > finish my exams in June. However, I think it's something that
won't
> > > > be sorted out until I sort it out. I don't want to be roped into
> > > > being the part of my mind I don't like. I want to be my heart.
I am
> > > > so happy on the path of my heart I never ever want to leave. I
know
> > > > that if I stay true to my heart I will stay true to myself, but I
> > > > guess I'm trying not to offend anyone in the mean time.
> > > >
> > > > It's tough.
> > > >
> > > >            -=>Colm.

Here is a truly inspiring aphorism that I found today..

"Each happy thought
and each happy feeling
gives me the strength
of a roaring lion."

- Sri Chinmoy (Jan 10, 2003)

Hi Dharmaja

Thank you for your 'Post posting'. I enjoyed the bit about the wish-
fulfilling genie, and have, in the past taken a moment to ask
myself 'What could I wish for now?' The thing is, after thinking for
a short while, I realise that there is nothing really to wish for!
Wherever I am in life is a result of things that have happened in the
past 'good' and 'bad', and where I'm going is...well, I'll find out
when I get there.  But right here, right now, things are fine. When I
was younger I remember my Mother telling me that some people weren't
able to do jobs they enjoyed.  I remember forcefully replying that I
wasn't going to be one of those people! And now I'm realising that
it's all a matter of one's attitude.

Thank you for being so generous with your 'Bank of Life' account.

Ed



--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Dear Everyone,
>
> I have been reading "Etiquette", written by Emily Post in 1922.
> Therein you'll find a few gems that can be looked upon in a
> spiritual context.  I present this excerpt from her book.
> _______________________________
>
> One's Position in the Community
>
> The Choice
> First of all, it is necessary to decide what one's personal idea of
> position is, whether this word suggests merely a social one, or
> position established upon the foundation of communal consequence.
>
> In other words, you who are establishing yourself, would you, if
you
> could have your wish granted by a genie, choose to have the
populace
> look upon you askance and in awe, because of your wealth and
> elegance, or would you wish to be loved, not as a power conferring
> favors which belong really to the first picture, but as a fellow-
> being with an understanding heart?
>
> The granting of either wish is not a bit beyond the possibilities
of
> anyone. It is merely a question of depositing securities of value
in
> the bank of life.
>
> The Bank of Life
> Life, whether social or business, is a bank in which you deposit
> certain funds of character, intellect and heart; or other funds of
> egotism, hard-heartedness and unconcern; or deposit — nothing! And
> the bank honors your deposit, and no more. In other words, you can
> draw nothing out but what you have put in.
> ___________________________________
> submitted by Dharmaja

Beverly,

Thanks for posting this beautiful aphorism. It is such an inspiring
and powerful aphorism!

With gratitude,
Jayita

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, beverly_canada
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> You have no idea
> How much you do for mankind
> When you love God unconditionally,
> Even for a fleeting moment.
>
>  - Sri Chinmoy
> From "Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees", Part 11, No. 10090.

Dear Jayita,

As I told you already in a previous post, I am in a similar
situation.

One day I found a conflict so unbearable that out of despair I
smiled. In the beginning it felt like a fake smile but after a while
it worked. It really works. Everybody was smiling back, some were
asking me whether I had won a million of dollars. Maybe I did.

The conflict is the same, but my attitude has changed. Sometimes
there is a reason why we are suffering. I tried to face my problem
and it was always the same- fear. Fear that I had and have to let go,
also to develop more faith in my self and in others. I must not be
attached to past sad experiences.

When Sri Chinmoy was in Zürich two years ago he visited our
enterprise and he composed a song for us as follows:

"The Secrets of Perfection Flames
To strengthen and enlighten our earthly frames."

Doris


--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, jayita_2708
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Last night, I was talking to one of the members of the Centre and
> complaining to them about my situation at work. At the moment, I am
> just finding it terribly uninspiring and feeling like my
> consciousness is descending further and further whilst I am there.
> Anyhow, they mentioned that Sri Chinmoy had said that a smile from
> one's Guru is indeed a powerful antidote to negative forces or
> situations. So during the day, I tried to think of Sri Chinmoy
> smiling. Whilst I did not triumphantly succeed, I am sure it helped.
> Tomorrow I will try a little harder to really see and feel Sri
> Chinmoy's smiling presence at my workplace!
>
> Here are some nice aphorisms by Sri Chinmoy on smiles;
>
> "Turn your attention to the inner corners of your life. Lo, God
> smiles at you and you have every reason to expect Joy everlasting."
>
> "The year has ended. The role of my little "I" has at last ended. My
> Supreme is now teaching me how to smile His transcendental Smile."
>
> "Our human nature likes more to destroy than to build, more to cry
> than to smile, and more to correct the world than to love and
> embrace the world."
>
> "Do you need happiness?
> Then do just three things:
> Meditate regularly,
> Smile soulfully,
> Love untiringly."
>
> "Do not depend on
> Earthy applause.
> Depend only on
> God's Compassion-Smile"
>
> "Man's longing
> For God's Victory
> Always blossoms into
> His own victory-smile"
>
> Peace, joy and love to you all!
>
> Jayita

Thank you everyone for your kind comments and support. The site is a
lot of fun to work on. I learn something new every day about my
spiritual teacher.

A special thanks to Nayak. Your comments and others like them will add
tremendously to the site.

Atulya

Well Colm, you have certainly started an interesting discussion here
and I think we are all learning something from it.

I would like to add a few comments on this topic that relate not
only to Colm's comments but to other responses that have come along.

First, I would like to share a rather eye-opening experience I had
last year at a part-time job. I have a full time job working in a
divine enterprise, however I took an evening office job with a tax
services company. My co-workers were nice enough people, I guess.
The job involved considerable training before and during working
hours... and because of the high learning curve, most of my
discussions with co-workers revolved around tax related issues. I
found little occasion to share details of my life outside of the
office, and though I have talked to countless people over the years
about my spiritual path, both superficially and more in depth, at
this job, I found less occasion than usual to share my lifestyle
with my co-workers.

It seemed to me that few people at this company had interests in
anything even slightly outside the typical western culture of home
and family, television, etc.

So, I kept most of my spirituality kind of "hidden." If I had cause
to mention details of my work/life outside the tax office, I would
share as little as possible and steer the conversation to something
more general.

Well my secrecy just aroused curiousity on the part of my
co-workers. Naturally my co-workers sensed my lifestyle (single,
childless, no talk of dating ever!) was different by choice, and not
wanting to appear too probing by inquiring too much... [I think they
weren't exactly sure what to ask :-) ] some of my co-workers
speculated among themselves about my single status and considered
options that left me a little surprised! You can perhaps imagine
what they thought. (I want to mention here that I truly intend no
judgement or insult regarding some secular lifestyles - only that I was
surprised at the speculation that resulted.)

Needless to say, none of this speculation was done with ill intent.
My co-workers liked me well enough. They were simply trying to
figure out which hole to peg me in; and since I am not a nun, they
could think of few reasons why I might be so happily single.

I found the experience very instructive. In my reluctance to seem
unusual or different....I was causing people to wonder if I was,
hmmm, unusual or different. The irony was not lost on me. It made me
realise that if I can just be myself, people are much more
comfortable with that, and oftentimes people will then share aspects
of themselves that I had not imagined they possessed.

I believe Sri Chinmoy commented on this topic a few years back -
suggesting that the very things we fear others will judge us harshly
for are the very same things that others will admire in us.

Colm, although the challenges you face as a college student are
different and perhaps greater than in the working world, this issue
of "fitting in" is something that we all grapple with through the
decades ;-) I guess it is a monster with many forms.

Really, I think as dedicated spiritual seekers we are pioneers in
the world of consciousness. I'm not by any means master of the art
of detachment, but I find more and more, I can identify with Sri
Chinmoy's advice that as seekers we have only to do what we feel is
right and surrender the results to the Supreme. So with a measure of
common sense and respect for others' beliefs, we can share our inner
wealth, knowing that we are not responsible for others' reactions.

As Kamalika was saying, if we can find a way to genuinely like, love
and adore the various people in our lives, that opens the door to
mutual understanding. Real love opens any heart.

I hope this is not too redundant... but this is a lesson which I
have always known deep in my heart but that I have quite often
forgotten. When I feel that a certain person is difficult or
unpleasant to deal with, that is exactly the time to concentrate on
some quality or habit they have that I really like (this thing can
be tinier than the tiniest or larger than the largest), but to
genuinely like something about them. When I am able to do this,
difficulties immediately decrease. Understanding and mutual good
will immediately increase. So much unneccessary strife can be
avoided when we apply this philosophy. Of course, this is all
covered quite concisely by Sri Chinmoy in "Wings of Joy," but my
real life experience has taught me a lot too.

So Colm, these words of wisdom are not only for you....but for me
and others as well. It is surprising perhaps how sometimes things
that should be obvious to long-time seekers are often forgotten.

Hope I have not prattled on beyond my due. Very much enjoying this
discussion.

Terri

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, lucianbalmer
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> I started my spiritual life in my first year of high school. It
> sounds like you're heading in the right direction - stay in your
> heart, and follow the dictates of your heart. I made the statement
> about my lifestyle change very clear, and most people became quite
> accepting. Claim your spirituality as your very own, be brave and
> true to your heart, and let them decide whether or not they want to
> be friends with you. After all, that is what Sri Chinmoy does with
> humanity!
>
> Some of my best friendships in high school came about only because
> someone had recognized me as a spiritual seeker, and they themselves
> were consciously or unconsciously seeking. Many of the teachers
> still know me as 'the Buddhist kid.' Close enough.
>
> One key thing I have learned (this is in my case): It is most likely
> not your duty to please your friends in the way they want to be
> pleased. Humanity wants vital and mental satisfaction, and we should
> be offering only divine satisfaction.* When they are putting out
> some sort of negativity, I'm sure they are waiting for you to
> respond, waiting for self-affirmation. At that point you have to
> make the decision, to please them (and your mind) or to please the
> highest within yourself.
>
> I hope I don't sound like I'm lecturing you (I'm sure you get enough
> of that); I just wanted to share my experiences with school, because
> it was a very tough time for me as well.
>
> - Lucian
> San Francisco
>
>
>
> [*As in all human relationships, sometimes there's a need for
> compromise, which can be difficult for spiritual seekers. One wants
> to be true to oneself and one's faith, and yet not be in people's
> face with a "my way or the highway" attitude. Maybe a better word
> than compromise is "flexibility." Being a spiritual seeker doesn't
> mean forcing everything into some Manichean good vs. evil paradigm.
> To paraphrase Sri Chinmoy: Every human being has to struggle with
> his or her own nature. So it's good to be flexible in dealing with
> people, showing patience, understanding and compassion. -Assistant
> Moderator]
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, colmbolmcolm
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > I want to be brave enough to be my true self all the time. It's
> > tough though. College consists of 95% percent of people who love
to
> > be under the influence of either alcohol, drugs, relationships or
> > their friends. Unfortunately, I don't know any others in the 5%
> > category, but I always know I have all my new friends (and my big
> > brother) on the other side of the country in the Dublin centre.
> >
> > I find it awkward to be around the friends I've made in Galway.
> > Unfortunately, when I hang around with them all I get is
> negativity.
> > It's not severe but it holds me back; pulls me back to the
> heartless
> > mind. I take people's uninspiring conversations and remarks and I
> > let my mind away with agreeing with them. It's difficult to do
> > anything because I've always just taken this stuff in. I've always
> > agreed and contributed to negativity when I never really wanted
to.
> > Most of my friends know my mind but not my heart. I'm always nice,
> > always friendly; this they see, but to them I am still receptive
to
> > any sorts of thoughts they wish to express.
> >
> > All of them are quite aware of my change in lifestyle, and presume
> > they let there imagination run wild as to this talk of
meditation.
> I
> > think maybe I should tell some of them; then I think not. I feel
> > like I shouldn't have to cut my friends out altogether, but I just
> > don't want be influenced by any of them. I have one good friend I
> > can talk to freely, but of course he would have to be an agnostic.
> > He has little time for me these days, anyway. Should I ignore
> > everyone? I know the answer is no.
> >
> > I yearn to meet some like-minded people here in Galway. I know
they
> > exist but I don't know how to find them! I know it's a small issue
> > on my path and it's something I only have to put up with until I
> > finish my exams in June. However, I think it's something that
won't
> > be sorted out until I sort it out. I don't want to be roped into
> > being the part of my mind I don't like. I want to be my heart. I
am
> > so happy on the path of my heart I never ever want to leave. I
know
> > that if I stay true to my heart I will stay true to myself, but I
> > guess I'm trying not to offend anyone in the mean time.
> >
> > It's tough.
> >
> >            -=>Colm.

Niriha,

I am so happy to hear it is "when" not "if" you write your story.

Can't wait to hear the story of how you came to Sri Chinmoy's path.

I remain your eternal cheerleader!

In oneness,
Sarah
Seattle

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Sarah, When (not if) I write 'my story' I will give all credit to
> your enthusiastic support!
>
> Forgive me for not responding to your post of more than a month ago
> where you asked me about how I became Sri Chinmoy's student. That
is
> a story, I must say. I promise to write it at some point, when time
> permits.
>
> All the best to you and your wonderful family.  Niriha
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sarah_inseattle
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Niriha,
> >
> > I hope you have set aside a copy of this story for your life-
story
> > book!  We *love* these stories.  Perhaps your book will be a
> > collection of tales, rather than a start-to-finish affair...?
> >
> > Gratefully,
> > Sarah
> > Seattle
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Someone posted that they could not find a previous post and
that
> it
> > > had seemed to vanish. Our Assistant Moderator replied, "Things
> > > rarely vanish and are eaten by dogs far less often than
children
> > > claim." While this statement evoked a chuckle, it also made me
> > think
> > > of something. . .
> > >
> > > Many years ago, in 1979 to be exact, I wrote a note to Sri
Chinmoy
> > > stating that I was concerned that I had a serious illness that
I
> > was
> > > using to my own advantage. I explained that while the illness
was
> > > indeed very serious, I did not have many symptoms and often
none.
> > > However, my concern was that the illness was my "the dog ate
it"
> > > excuse for everything. For example, if I failed to complete an
> > > assignment while at university, I simply stated that I had not
> felt
> > > well. Since all of my professors knew of my illness, no
questions
> > > were ever asked and extensions and sympathy were offered. I
had
> the
> > > perfect excuse for anything and everything, and this is what
> > > concerned me. At that time, my use of the illness for my own
> > > convenience was of greater concern to me than the illness
itself.
> > >
> > > The adage "be careful of what you ask for" could be applied
here.
> > > Less than one month later, I became very ill and thus began an
> > > ongoing challenge of dealing with an illness that was to last
for
> > > almost three decades.
> > >
> > > Leaving out more than thirty years of the story, I would like
to
> > say
> > > that as of three years ago, my doctor told me that I am his
> miracle
> > > patient and that he can find no trace of the illness that I
had
> > been
> > > diagnosed with in 1968 when I went to donate blood. (Yes,
though I
> > > just dated myself I have never been concerned with age, other
than
> > > as a reminder that there is so much to accomplish and limited
time
> > > in which to do it).
> > >
> > > I relate this because I feel it is a graphic example of how an
> > > enlightened Master is able to work with his student to
transform
> > and
> > > remove what are sometimes ages old human and spiritual
obstacles.
> > > The literal meaning of the word "Guru" is "remover of
obstacles."
> > > Were it not for having the guidance of my beloved Guru through
> what
> > > often felt like climbing Mt. Everest, I never, never could
have
> > come
> > > through this physically, mentally.
> > >
> > >           "Your Master is the sacred bridge
> > >           To help you cross the turbulent life-river
> > >              And reach your destined goal."
> > >
> > >                            - Sri Chinmoy

Hi all,

May I suggest that it is the limitations of our medium---
"e-mailish" forum that this is--- which leave room for multiple
interpretations of the same couple of sentences.  In our forum, we
cannot hear the tone of voice to help us glean intent.  Yet in order
to comprehend what we are reading we have to make some assumptions
about intent.

I feel all our hearts resonating together in this forum. The
exchange serves as a humbling reminder to choose my words
thoughtfully as they will help readers make assumptions about who I
am.

In oneness,
Sarah
Seattle
(another Sarah)

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> I hereby accept my comeuppance (is that a real word?).
>
> To lighten my mood, I am borrowing from the SF Chronicle:
>
> One snowman is bragging to the other snowman about how he was able
> to lose 10 pounds.
>
> The second snowman says, "Oh yeah, great, but that was the easy
> part, because it was all water weight!"
>
> (Do I hear sounds of groaning?)
>
> Dharmaja
> _________________________
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, niriha7
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Dharmaja, Are you alright?!  How did you construe the AM's post
as
> > mockery? And sarcasm?!  I have witnessed Sri Chinmoy reading
from
> one
> > of his newly printed books and coming across either a mispelled
> word
> > or an incorrect word.  How disappointed he seemed.  Often he
does
> not
> > say anything.  We can discern that a mistake has been made
because
> he
> > reads it a couple of times - once as written, notices that it is
> > wrong and then corrects it.  Other times when this has happened,
I
> > have heard him give a powerful talk about the importance of
> > performing work with care and concern.  He has also said that
> > carelessness affects all areas of our spiritual life and that it
> is
> > of utmost importance to be diligent against such carelessness,
> > sloppiness and laziness.
> >
> > If you found the AM's post offensive, read mine. I did not mean
to
> be
> > offensive and it is clear that the AM did not intend offense.
> Being
> > an older sibling and having love and concern for my (many)
younger
> > siblings, I recognized a similar tone in the AM's post to Sarah.
I
> > feel that all of us have to guard against sloppiness in all of
our
> > service in life whether it be serving in a soup kitchen or
working
> as
> > an executive in a multinational corporation.  My personal
feeling
> is
> > that when I quote an author, I have a responsibility to quote
> > accurately lest I become like a certain news channel known for
its
> > distortions.
> >
> > Respectfully, Niriha
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, dharmaja
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear Everyone,
> > >
> > > In response to Sarah's post, I think that the moderator
> responded
> > in
> > > a manner that was unnessarily sarcastic.  In the referenced
> > > aphorism, in the second-to-the-last line, the word "and"
should
> be
> > > replaced with the word "at."
> > >
> > > This could easily be remedied with a minor edit, instead of
> mockery.
> > >
> > > Dharmaja
> > > San Diego, California
> > > ___________________________
> > >
> > >
> > > Dear Dharmaja: I've found through hard experience that if the
> > > "proofreading elf" just fixes everything, then certain people
> will
> > > turn in sloppy copy every day. Over the course of time, I do
ask
> > > regular posters to learn how this Yahoo service works, to
reply
> to
> > > messages "in thread," and to quote Sri Chinmoy's writings
> > > accurately. I've found that some snapping by the Assistant
> Alligator
> > > is necessary. I apologize to anyone who is offended by this.
It
> is
> > > not meant unkindly.
> > >
> > > I'm just an ordinary human being subject to my moods, and
> sometimes
> > > I feel like a mother who's cleaned up one too many careless
> spills!
> > > It's stressful trying to please all the different posters,
while
> > > also trying to realize certain ideals with this group. Maybe
> someone
> > > better qualified can be found.
> > >
> > > In saying "Please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?" I
did
> > > not intend mockery or sarcasm. I was trying to remind all
posters
> > > that this should be a basic "reality check" when posting to a
> list
> > > of over 600 people.
> > >
> > > The Internet is crawling with cynics and critics much harsher
> than I
> > > am. I hope an occasional sharp comment will help remind people
> not
> > > to post things which are poorly written, fanatical or icky
> sweet. I
> > > often remind people to "keep it real, keep it natural" because
in
> > > these difficult times, clear honest communication is a skill
> which
> > > spiritual seekers need to develop, if they hope to be
understood
> in
> > > the world at large. Anyway, let's not turn this into another
huge
> > > thread about posting. :-)
> > >
> > > Assistant Moderator
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sare_bear2713
> > > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > [unofficial version]
> > > >
> > > > God just gives and gives.
> > > > He does not take.
> > > > He does not even know
> > > > The clever art of lending,
> > > > Which we learn and the very dawn
> > > > Of our earth-sojourn.
> > > >
> > > > -Sri Chinmoy
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Sarah, please read what you wrote. Does it make sense?
> > > > -Assistant Moderator]

Dear "scooper963",

How thoughtful of you to make this post in support of parents. May
I know the source?

Your post reminds me that what we model for our children in our own
interactions is so important. They are watching and absorbing our
behavior!

In oneness,
Sarah
Seattle

--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, scooper963
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Here is something I read that might be helpful to
parents: "Conflict
> is a part of life.  It is difficult to avoid conflict as we move
> through life because of all the people we come in contact with.
> Because it is unavoidable, learning the best, healthiest way to
> resolve conflict is beneficial.  We can choose to be reckless and
> harmful or we can choose to be calm and helpful to the situation
and
> to ourselves.  To come to a peaceful resolution, listen carefully
to
> all sides of the problem and try to think of a solution that will
> benefit everyone involved.  Offer ideas and explain how and why
your
> ideas will bring peace to the problem for all."
>
> Maybe we can help our children to learn to do this. (But only when
> they are directly involved, as your husband suggests.)  What do
you
> think?
>
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sarah_inseattle
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hello Everyone,
> >
> > The other night at the dinner table, my son recounted an
incident
> at
> > a recent soccer practice.  One boy had tried to be humorous with
> > another boy, who instead became angry.  Witnessing the exchange,
my
> > son had stepped in to try to smooth things over.
> >
> > My husbanded listened quietly.  He then responded thoughtfully,
> > telling our son it is unwise to get involved in situations like
> > that.  Let the two boys could resolve it themselves.  He gently
> > reminded him of a past attempt at peace-making that had been
> grossly
> > misconstrued, causing a lot of pain.  I was impressed with my
> > husband's wisdom.  He gave me a new perspective.
> >
> >  After dinner, a friend called for ideas about teaching children
to
> > meditate.  In the course of conversation, I remembered and
shared a
> > few quotes from a wonderful little book for children called, I
Have
> a
> > Beautiful Smile, I Am a Soulful Cry, written by Sri Chinmoy in
> 1992.
> >
> > After the phone call, I was re-reading the book when one
aphorism
> > jumped out at me:
> >
> >  "When kids of my age fight in the street, I ask God what I
> > should
> > do.  He says, `Look at them and pray to Me.  Do not do anything
> > else.' "
> >
> > Once again, I find myself marveling at the  "co-incidence" of
> > coming
> > across timely words from our Master that perfectly address a
> current
> > situation.    I showed the passage to both my husband and my son.
> >
> > This little book, I Have a Beautiful Smile, I am a Soulful Cry,
is
> > heart-warming and beautiful in its simplicity.  The preface
> > reads, "The aphorisms in this little book were written by Sri
> > Chinmoy
> > the child-seeker-heart to inspire the soulful hearts of children
> > everywhere."  (There is a lot of wisdom for adults, as well!)
> > Following are selected aphorisms; the entire book can be viewed
> > online at http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/smile-cry/.
> >
> > I love God constantly.
> >
> > I need God constantly.
> >
> > I pray to God every morning to give me joy.
> >
> > I meditate on God every evening.
> >
> > I get so much joy from my prayer and mediation.
> >
> > Every day I exercise for at least ten minutes to keep my body
fit.
> >
> > Every day with my hands I make at least one beautiful thing.
> >
> > Every day inside my mind I create at least one beautiful thought.
> >
> > Every day I pray to God to teach me to smile with my heart
> > beautifully, more beautifully, and most beautifully.
> >
> > My soul wants me to be excellent in everything.
> >
> > I sincerely respect my teachers.
> >
> > When I pray to God for stupid things, He cries and cries.  When
I
> > pray to God for simplicity, honesty, and purity, He smiles and
> > smiles.  He says to me, "My child, you already have them, but I
> > shall
> > give you more, infinitely more."
> >
> > Nobody has to force me to confess my mistakes.
> >
> > I have made many mistakes, but God tells me not to worry.  He
just
> > asks me not to repeat them.  He also tells me to be careful not
to
> > make any new mistakes.
> >
> > I am so fortunate to be a member of a very spiritual family.  I
> have
> > such wonderful parents: they never quarrel.
> >
> > I have such wonderful spiritual brothers and sisters: they also
> never
> > quarrel and fight.
> >
> > I have already read quite a few prayer books, and I am sure I
shall
> > read countless prayer books in this lifetime.
> >
> > I am proud of myself because my parents trust me.
> >
> > My parents are proud of me because I obey them.
> >
> > My father tells me that Heaven loves me for what I have: a
> beautiful
> > smile.
> >
> > My mother tells me that earth loves me for what I am: a soulful
cry.
> >
> >
> > Yours in Oneness,
> > Sarah
> > Seattle

Dear Sarah and Anita,

   Thank you very much for your replies!  And thank you very much
Sarah for the info on Godspell!

   Oh, my favourite musical... I don't know!  I really love Yentl with
Barbra Streisand (although I don't know if you can classify that as a
musical :0)).  The pieces "Papa can you hear me", and "A piece of
Sky" send shivers down my spine.  I've been really fond of Andrew
Lloyd Webber's music, too.  My favourites have included songs
from "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Pie Jesu."

   Many of my favourite songs have also been from Disney movies,
especially the "I want" songs :0) like "My Reflection" from "Mulan."
Here's an excerpt from the pop version of it:

"There's a heart that must be free to fly,
  That burns with a need to know the reason why.
  ...
  When will my reflection show who I am inside?"

   ...Right now I'm listening to Charlotte Church.  She must be an
especially bright jewel of God here on earth, I feel.  She's quite
young, but has an incredible singing talent.  She sings quite a lot
of spiritual songs.  Here's and exerpt from one from the
album "Prelude," which strikes me as quite powerful:

"Dream a dream,
And see through angel's eyes,
A place where we can fly away.
Ride with me upon a shining star.
Above the moonlit sky,
we will find Elysium."

Love,
         Jan :0)



[Let's not forget that lilting melody "Springtime For Hitler,"
from The Producers! -Assistant Moderator]


--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sarah_inseattle
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Hi Jan,
>
> Here is a web site with all the lyrics to the Godspell musical:
>
> http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/godspell/daybyday.htm
>
> I believe there are also sites that will let you listen to them.
> Also, the muscial Godspell was made into a movie and may be
> available on video.
>
> There was Jesus Christ Superstar - do you know that "spiritual
> musical"? But it is a lot "heavier" than Godspell.
>
> I love musicals, too. What is your favorite? I like Fiddler on the
> Roof very much. Especially the song, "Sunrise, Sunset."
>
> In oneness,
> Sarah
> Seattle
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, jan_klaile
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Dear friends,
> >
> >   Lately I've been inspired by the song "Day by Day" from the
> > musical Godspell.  The lyrics are striking in their succinctness,
> > simplicity and directness.  They are sung over and over again:  A
> > bit like a western bhajan, in fact :0).  Here they are:
> >
> > "Day by day,
> > Day by day,
> > Oh dear Lord,
> > Three things I pray:
> > To see thee more clearly,
> > Love thee more dearly,
> > Follow thee more nearly,
> > Day by day."
> >
> >   I'd love to hear more songs from "Godspell".
> >   Are there any other spiritual musicals out there, does anyone
> > know?  I love musicals!!!
> >
> >  Love,
> >        Jan :0)

Thank you Terri.
Thanks also to Lucian and Palyati.

I definately feel far more courageous in being true to myself. I have
already put this wisdom to play. I realise that I am afraid of others
reactions, of what others will think. I now realise that each time I
am faced with a confrontation, once I stay true to myself, God will
love me more. This is all I need!

                                 -=>Colm.

-Who should really be cramming for exams! aaaaaaaahhh!!





--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, carr_terri
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Well Colm, you have certainly started an interesting discussion here
> and I think we are all learning something from it.
>
> I would like to add a few comments on this topic that relate not
> only to Colm's comments but to other responses that have come along.
>
> First, I would like to share a rather eye-opening experience I had
> last year at a part-time job. I have a full time job working in a
> divine enterprise, however I took an evening office job with a tax
> services company. My co-workers were nice enough people, I guess.
> The job involved considerable training before and during working
> hours... and because of the high learning curve, most of my
> discussions with co-workers revolved around tax related issues. I
> found little occasion to share details of my life outside of the
> office, and though I have talked to countless people over the years
> about my spiritual path, both superficially and more in depth, at
> this job, I found less occasion than usual to share my lifestyle
> with my co-workers.
>
> It seemed to me that few people at this company had interests in
> anything even slightly outside the typical western culture of home
> and family, television, etc.
>
> So, I kept most of my spirituality kind of "hidden." If I had cause
> to mention details of my work/life outside the tax office, I would
> share as little as possible and steer the conversation to something
> more general.
>
> Well my secrecy just aroused curiousity on the part of my
> co-workers. Naturally my co-workers sensed my lifestyle (single,
> childless, no talk of dating ever!) was different by choice, and not
> wanting to appear too probing by inquiring too much... [I think they
> weren't exactly sure what to ask :-) ] some of my co-workers
> speculated among themselves about my single status and considered
> options that left me a little surprised! You can perhaps imagine
> what they thought. (I want to mention here that I truly intend no
> judgement or insult regarding some secular lifestyles - only that I
was
> surprised at the speculation that resulted.)
>
> Needless to say, none of this speculation was done with ill intent.
> My co-workers liked me well enough. They were simply trying to
> figure out which hole to peg me in; and since I am not a nun, they
> could think of few reasons why I might be so happily single.
>
> I found the experience very instructive. In my reluctance to seem
> unusual or different....I was causing people to wonder if I was,
> hmmm, unusual or different. The irony was not lost on me. It made me
> realise that if I can just be myself, people are much more
> comfortable with that, and oftentimes people will then share aspects
> of themselves that I had not imagined they possessed.
>
> I believe Sri Chinmoy commented on this topic a few years back -
> suggesting that the very things we fear others will judge us harshly
> for are the very same things that others will admire in us.
>
> Colm, although the challenges you face as a college student are
> different and perhaps greater than in the working world, this issue
> of "fitting in" is something that we all grapple with through the
> decades ;-) I guess it is a monster with many forms.
>
> Really, I think as dedicated spiritual seekers we are pioneers in
> the world of consciousness. I'm not by any means master of the art
> of detachment, but I find more and more, I can identify with Sri
> Chinmoy's advice that as seekers we have only to do what we feel is
> right and surrender the results to the Supreme. So with a measure of
> common sense and respect for others' beliefs, we can share our inner
> wealth, knowing that we are not responsible for others' reactions.
>
> As Kamalika was saying, if we can find a way to genuinely like, love
> and adore the various people in our lives, that opens the door to
> mutual understanding. Real love opens any heart.
>
> I hope this is not too redundant... but this is a lesson which I
> have always known deep in my heart but that I have quite often
> forgotten. When I feel that a certain person is difficult or
> unpleasant to deal with, that is exactly the time to concentrate on
> some quality or habit they have that I really like (this thing can
> be tinier than the tiniest or larger than the largest), but to
> genuinely like something about them. When I am able to do this,
> difficulties immediately decrease. Understanding and mutual good
> will immediately increase. So much unneccessary strife can be
> avoided when we apply this philosophy. Of course, this is all
> covered quite concisely by Sri Chinmoy in "Wings of Joy," but my
> real life experience has taught me a lot too.
>
> So Colm, these words of wisdom are not only for you....but for me
> and others as well. It is surprising perhaps how sometimes things
> that should be obvious to long-time seekers are often forgotten.
>
> Hope I have not prattled on beyond my due. Very much enjoying this
> discussion.
>
> Terri
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, lucianbalmer
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > I started my spiritual life in my first year of high school. It
> > sounds like you're heading in the right direction - stay in your
> > heart, and follow the dictates of your heart. I made the statement
> > about my lifestyle change very clear, and most people became quite
> > accepting. Claim your spirituality as your very own, be brave and
> > true to your heart, and let them decide whether or not they want
to
> > be friends with you. After all, that is what Sri Chinmoy does with
> > humanity!
> >
> > Some of my best friendships in high school came about only because
> > someone had recognized me as a spiritual seeker, and they
themselves
> > were consciously or unconsciously seeking. Many of the teachers
> > still know me as 'the Buddhist kid.' Close enough.
> >
> > One key thing I have learned (this is in my case): It is most
likely
> > not your duty to please your friends in the way they want to be
> > pleased. Humanity wants vital and mental satisfaction, and we
should
> > be offering only divine satisfaction.* When they are putting out
> > some sort of negativity, I'm sure they are waiting for you to
> > respond, waiting for self-affirmation. At that point you have to
> > make the decision, to please them (and your mind) or to please the
> > highest within yourself.
> >
> > I hope I don't sound like I'm lecturing you (I'm sure you get
enough
> > of that); I just wanted to share my experiences with school,
because
> > it was a very tough time for me as well.
> >
> > - Lucian
> > San Francisco
> >
> >
> >
> > [*As in all human relationships, sometimes there's a need for
> > compromise, which can be difficult for spiritual seekers. One
wants
> > to be true to oneself and one's faith, and yet not be in people's
> > face with a "my way or the highway" attitude. Maybe a better word
> > than compromise is "flexibility." Being a spiritual seeker doesn't
> > mean forcing everything into some Manichean good vs. evil
paradigm.
> > To paraphrase Sri Chinmoy: Every human being has to struggle with
> > his or her own nature. So it's good to be flexible in dealing with
> > people, showing patience, understanding and compassion. -Assistant
> > Moderator]
> >
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, colmbolmcolm
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > I want to be brave enough to be my true self all the time. It's
> > > tough though. College consists of 95% percent of people who
love
> to
> > > be under the influence of either alcohol, drugs, relationships
or
> > > their friends. Unfortunately, I don't know any others in the 5%
> > > category, but I always know I have all my new friends (and my
big
> > > brother) on the other side of the country in the Dublin centre.
> > >
> > > I find it awkward to be around the friends I've made in Galway.
> > > Unfortunately, when I hang around with them all I get is
> > negativity.
> > > It's not severe but it holds me back; pulls me back to the
> > heartless
> > > mind. I take people's uninspiring conversations and remarks and
I
> > > let my mind away with agreeing with them. It's difficult to do
> > > anything because I've always just taken this stuff in. I've
always
> > > agreed and contributed to negativity when I never really wanted
> to.
> > > Most of my friends know my mind but not my heart. I'm always
nice,
> > > always friendly; this they see, but to them I am still
receptive
> to
> > > any sorts of thoughts they wish to express.
> > >
> > > All of them are quite aware of my change in lifestyle, and
presume
> > > they let there imagination run wild as to this talk of
> meditation.
> > I
> > > think maybe I should tell some of them; then I think not. I feel
> > > like I shouldn't have to cut my friends out altogether, but I
just
> > > don't want be influenced by any of them. I have one good friend
I
> > > can talk to freely, but of course he would have to be an
agnostic.
> > > He has little time for me these days, anyway. Should I ignore
> > > everyone? I know the answer is no.
> > >
> > > I yearn to meet some like-minded people here in Galway. I know
> they
> > > exist but I don't know how to find them! I know it's a small
issue
> > > on my path and it's something I only have to put up with until I
> > > finish my exams in June. However, I think it's something that
> won't
> > > be sorted out until I sort it out. I don't want to be roped into
> > > being the part of my mind I don't like. I want to be my heart.
I
> am
> > > so happy on the path of my heart I never ever want to leave. I
> know
> > > that if I stay true to my heart I will stay true to myself, but
I
> > > guess I'm trying not to offend anyone in the mean time.
> > >
> > > It's tough.
> > >
> > >            -=>Colm.

Dear Shane
If you happen to see Mrs O'Grady sometime would you be so kind as to
let her know that her recent posting on the inspiration site made me
smile and smile and smile.... infact I'm still smiling...

Thanks

Anubha
Australia

Hi Jan, The Assistant Moderator mentioned (see end of your post) the
song "Springtime for Hitler" from The Producers for its lilting
melody. Projjwal starred in an off, off, off Broadway production
(Vietnam to be exact) that was a take off or more accurately, rip
off :-) of some scenes from The Producers. For those who must see
it, you can contact me offline as I videoed it. Projjwal has a copy
- I have the original :-)) (that is the symbol for a big smile).
Niriha

PS I saw Mel Brooks (the producer of The Producers) several times
when I was a babysitter (nanny) in the building where he lives on
the upper east side in New York City.



--- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, jan_klaile
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> Dear Sarah and Anita,
>
>   Thank you very much for your replies!  And thank you very much
> Sarah for the info on Godspell!
>
>   Oh, my favourite musical... I don't know!  I really love Yentl
with
> Barbra Streisand (although I don't know if you can classify that as
a
> musical :0)).  The pieces "Papa can you hear me", and "A piece of
> Sky" send shivers down my spine.  I've been really fond of Andrew
> Lloyd Webber's music, too.  My favourites have included songs
> from "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Pie Jesu."
>
>   Many of my favourite songs have also been from Disney movies,
> especially the "I want" songs :0) like "My Reflection"
from "Mulan."
> Here's an excerpt from the pop version of it:
>
> "There's a heart that must be free to fly,
>  That burns with a need to know the reason why.
>  ...
>  When will my reflection show who I am inside?"
>
>   ...Right now I'm listening to Charlotte Church.  She must be an
> especially bright jewel of God here on earth, I feel.  She's quite
> young, but has an incredible singing talent.  She sings quite a lot
> of spiritual songs.  Here's and exerpt from one from the
> album "Prelude," which strikes me as quite powerful:
>
> "Dream a dream,
> And see through angel's eyes,
> A place where we can fly away.
> Ride with me upon a shining star.
> Above the moonlit sky,
> we will find Elysium."
>
> Love,
>         Jan :0)
>
>
>
> [Let's not forget that lilting melody "Springtime For Hitler,"
> from The Producers! -Assistant Moderator]
>
>
> --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, sarah_inseattle
> <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Jan,
> >
> > Here is a web site with all the lyrics to the Godspell musical:
> >
> > http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/godspell/daybyday.htm
> >
> > I believe there are also sites that will let you listen to them.
> > Also, the muscial Godspell was made into a movie and may be
> > available on video.
> >
> > There was Jesus Christ Superstar - do you know that "spiritual
> > musical"? But it is a lot "heavier" than Godspell.
> >
> > I love musicals, too. What is your favorite? I like Fiddler on the
> > Roof very much. Especially the song, "Sunrise, Sunset."
> >
> > In oneness,
> > Sarah
> > Seattle
> >
> > --- In Sri_Chinmoy_Inspiration@yahoogroups.com, jan_klaile
> > <no_reply@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear friends,
> > >
> > >   Lately I've been inspired by the song "Day by Day" from the
> > > musical Godspell.  The lyrics are striking in their
succinctness,
> > > simplicity and directness.  They are sung over and over again:
A
> > > bit like a western bhajan, in fact :0).  Here they are:
> > >
> > > "Day by day,
> > > Day by day,
> > > Oh dear Lord,
> > > Three things I pray:
> > > To see thee more clearly,
> > > Love thee more dearly,
> > > Follow thee more nearly,
> > > Day by day."
> > >
> > >   I'd love to hear more songs from "Godspell".
> > >   Are there any other spiritual musicals out there, does anyone
> > > know?  I love musicals!!!
> > >
> > >  Love,
> > >        Jan :0)