Re: The Transcendental Ecstasy of Bhakti
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~
namasté
This message is for those that do not have these experiences. Note that the experiences are all well and good, even enjoyable. I am happy for those that do. Yet that said, experiences are not mandatory or necessary - they fall under 'nice to have' category.
But yajvan, why do you say this ? Because these experiences come and go. If they are ~experienced~ they are sensed, some part of our sensing ability is engaged. The Self lies beyond this sensing. It is the fruit of ones sādhana¹. If these experiences come, they are icing on the cake. If they do not, all well and good and we continue with our practice.
Many begin their sādhana with this in mind - the experiences. The human condition is an experience machine. We want this in everything we do , even in our unfoldment. But when this does not occur ( for most) then they think they are unsuccessful and may cast aside their practice with I told ya so, nothing happened. . This is not the case. No effort is ever lost¹ says kṛṣṇa-jī .
But what does one do ? Expect nothing. Expecting an experience sets up anticipation and in some cases disappointment. With no expectations one just goes about their business within their practice - no stress no strain. If something occurs fine, and I know it will pass, so why make a big deal about it. If something does not occur, fine , I did not expect it anyway.
iti śivaṁ
words
- sādhana - we know this means practice; it is defined as leading straight to a goal , guiding well , furthering . That suggests one-pointedness
- bhāgavad gītā - chapter 2, 40th verse.
यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
because you are identical with śiva
_
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