LIVING DHARMA TODAY
Authentic Dharma for Today's World
____________
January 25, 2009 - Founded in 1998
(Eleven Years of Excellence in the Service of Dharma)
"Dr. Frank Morales represents the Sankalpa [the will] of the Hindu
people and the cause of Sanatana Dharma. I urge all Hindus
everywhere to give him your full support, assistance, and
encouragement in his crucial work. He needs and deserves our help."
- Dr. David Frawley (Oct. 14, 2007)
____________
Editor's Corner
Welcome to LIVING DHARMA TODAY, the free online newsletter dedicated
to the spiritual teachings of Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya, and to
the global renewal of Sanatana Dharma.
Though 2008 was a year of great economic catastrophe for much of the
world, and 2009 promises to also be a year of similar perilous
economic and political developments, this new year also offers us many
unique opportunities for personal spiritual growth, and for the
revival of Sanatana Dharma globally. Where there are tremendous
challenges, after all, there is also the opportunity for tremendous
achievement!
As we enter into this new year, there have been many new and exciting
developments in the teaching mission of Sri Acharyaji, with many more
to come!
The first of these changes is the new name of our old newsletter
Dharma Journal. Signaling the new dynamic momentum of our activities,
we are now called LIVING DHARMA TODAY. LIVING DHARMA TODAY is
dedicated to bringing you the most cutting-edge articles, news, and
information on the global Dharma community. As our new name
indicates, our focus is on Dharma as the dynamic, living gift that it
is for us today. Dharma is alive! Dharma is meant to be lived. And
Dharma represents the future of our planet.
Read our news section below for more new developments!
Aum Shanti,
Tulasi Devi
Editor
LIVING DHARMA TODAY
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The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
Always perform your duty efficiently and without any selfish
attachment to the results, because by doing work without attachment
one attains Supreme. (3.19)
King Janaka and others attained perfection of Self-realization by
selfless service (Karma-yoga) alone. You should also perform your duty
with a view to guide people, and for the welfare of the society. (3.20)
Because whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard
they set up, the world follows. (3.21)
O Arjuna, there is nothing in the three worlds — heaven, earth, and
the lower regions — that should be done by Me, nor there is anything
unobtained that I should obtain, yet I engage in action. (3.22)
Because, if I do not engage in action relentlessly, O Arjuna, people
would follow My path in everyway. These worlds would perish if I do
not work, and I shall be the cause of confusion and destruction of all
these people. (3.23-24)
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Sanatana Dharma is the Eternal Natural Way
"Sanatana Dharma (commonly referred to erroneously as "Hinduism") is a
spiritual path that has existed since the beginning of time. It is a
path that is both ancient in origin, and profound in its understanding
of the nature of reality. Sanatana Dharma is completely unlike any
other religious tradition in existence. Rather than reflecting the
dogmatically inclined expressions of denominationalism, sectarianism,
and divisive religious doctrines that are of more recent origin,
Sanatana Dharma is a spiritual expression of the divine intelligence
that naturally underlies the more empirical aspects of our cosmos.
Sanatana Dharma is the Eternal Natural Way. As such, this path
represents the pre-religious, primordial essence of all true
spirituality, philosophy, and yearning to know the higher Reality, as
well as the very foundation of any and all attempts to establish a
civilization based upon eternal ideals."
- Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
From: " Sanatana Dharma: Eternal Natural Way ". To be
released June, 2009. http://dharmacentra
____________
Announcements:
1. New Dharmacentral.
Since its inception in 1998, Dharma Central
(http://www.dharmace
highest quality, and most authoritative information on the philosophy,
practices, history, and true nature of Dharma.
Now Dharma Central has been completely recreated to reflect the new
conditions that our world is facing in 2009! The old Dharma Central
is retired, and a new and exciting era for Dharma Central has begun.
With many more features, a radically updated look, and constant
updates, Dharma Central has now been retooled to serve your needs
better, and to serve a world that needs Dharma now more than ever.
If you haven't visited Dharma Central in some time, come see our new
changes!
The New Dharma Central: http://www.dharmace
2. Acharyaji's Fast Update:
As was previously announced, on January 5, 2009, Sri Dharma Pravartaka
Acharya began an arduous thirty day fast. Living on only water and
juice, and engaging in intense public meditation and prayer every day
of this period, Sri Acharyaji has undertaken this very austere Great
Vow for Dharma (Dharmodaya Maha Vrata) in order to prepare the
spiritual groundwork for the revival of Dharma in our world, as well
as to encourage others to practice Dharma more faithfully.
While such Maha Vratas have been performed in the past by great gurus,
rishis, and Acharyas, as recounted in the ancient Hindu scriptures,
such an undertaking is very rarely performed in today's era. As of
this writing, Sri Acharyaji is on day 20 of his thirty day fast, and
has lost 15 pounds. We thank all the hundreds of people who have sent
their heartfelt messages of solidarity, concern, and support for Sri
Acharyaji during this historically significant occasion.
For more information about the nature of this fast, as well as
constantly updated photos, videos, daily updates on Sri Acharyaji's
progress, and information on how you can be involved, please visit
Dharma Central:
http://dharmacentra
Latest video interview of Sri Acharyaji discussing the Dharmodaya Maha
Vrata:
http://www.youtube.
3. "Taking Refuge in Dharma" Book:
Are you interested in understanding the traditional process involved
in taking initiation from an authentic guru? Sri Acharyaji has now
written a booklet designed to answer all your questions called:
"Taking Refuge in Dharma: The Initiation Guidebook." To order your
copy, please visit us online: http://dharmacentra
4. Do You Live in the Midwest? Join Midwest Dharma!
http://groups.
The purpose of Midwest Dharma is to provide announcements about the
classes, seminars, pravachanas (spiritual talks), and satsang
schedules of Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.)
in the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.
Dr. Morales serves as the Resident Acharya (Spiritual Preceptor) of
the Hindu Temple of Nebraska, and as the Founder-President of the
International Sanatana Dharma Society.
Currently, Sri Acharya Ji conducts two weekly Satsangs in Omaha,
Nebraska (Every Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30 PM at the Omaha Healing Arts
Center; and every Sunday at noon at the Hindu Temple of Omaha), and a
monthy Satsang in Lincoln, NE. In addition, Sri Acharya Ji conducts a
full schedule of classes at the
Hindu Temple in Omaha, as well as frequent seminars and intensives.
Do not miss this rare opportunity to learn from an authentic and
highly recognized Dharma Teacher.
Please Join Now: http://groups.
5. Multi-Media / IT Volunteer Help Needed
"Dharma Outreach through Cutting Edge Media Technology"
Our goal is to create our own alternative global Dharma media
infrastructure, completely independent from mainstream media outlets.
We are in the process of producing the highest quality media
presentations on Sanatana
Dharma in the world today. This media includes the production of DVDs,
books, magazines, websites, Internet forums, CDs, and other forms of
media. We will also be producing Hindu television and radio shows. To
accomplish this, we need your volunteer help.
If you have any knowledge or expertise in web design, graphic design,
video editing, sound editing, Internet commerce, podcasting, online
promotion, forum development, or other aspects of Internet
development, please
contact us today and help us to increase the presence of Sanatana
Dharma on the
Internet.
We would also greatly appreciate any digital video/audio equipment,
computers, monitors, or other IT hardware equipment you would like to
donate.
Please also forward to us any copyright-free, royalty-free
Hindu/Dharma images you have for use in our presentations.
Please Contact:
Tulasi Devi
Director of Multimedia Development
International Sanatana Dharma Society
heatherlim7@
(281) 235-3181
We appreciate your help in our mission to teach Dharma to a suffering
world.
6. "Dr. Morales List" reaches 5700 members on Yahoo Groups!:
Sri Acharyaji's primary message group now has over 5700 members,
placing it in the top 3 largest Yahoo groups dedicated to Sanatana
Dharma. It has been the fastest growing Hindu group in the history of
Yahoo Groups! If you're not already a member, please join today and
begin receiving some of the very best information on Sanatana Dharma
available anywhere today: http://groups.
7. Dharma Nation Channel:
The new Dharma Nation Channel is one of the fastest growing channels
dedicated to authentic Sanatana Dharma on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.
We will be adding HUNDREDS more videos to the Dharma Nation Channel in
the next few months. Please check back often.
Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya (Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.) is widely
recognized as one of the most important, inspiring, and authentic
Dharma teachers in the world today. Sri Acharyaji teaches authentic
Dharma philosophy in a manner that is practical for today's world,
intellectually stimulating, and designed to lead his students to a
direct experience of the Divine. This channel is dedicated to sharing
Sri Acharyaji's teachings with the world.
Please subscribe to the Dharma Nation Channel to see many more
upcoming videos. Please link to this new exciting channel. Please
forward this important notice to anyone interested in understanding
and serving Sanatana Dharma. Help us to serve you, and to serve
Dharma. Thank you.
DHARMA NATION CHANNEL
http://www.youtube.
____________
" Always have an open mind, but never at the expense of a sharp
intellect. Discernment without an open mind leads to fanaticism and
empty skepticism. But an open mind without discernment leads to
costly mistakes and the deepening of illusion. Be open, yet
discerning, in all your thinking. Learn to use the power of
discernment in all your decisions. Discernment is having the ability
to separate truth from untruth, real from unreal, good from
deleterious. Discernment is a sharp sword with which you can separate
what is truly in your best interest from that which only seems to be."
- Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya
From: "The Art of Wisdom: Affirmations for Boundless Living".
Released April, 2008. http://dharmacentra
____________
Yogini: The Enlightened Woman
Written by Shambhavi Chopra
From the book, Yogini: Unfolding the Goddess Within by Shambhavi Chopra
In the Bhavani-nama-
Bhavani) as beautifully explained by Pandit Jankinath Kaul, "A Yogini
is one who is possessed of magical powers.'' Para Shakti, the Supreme
Shakti, in the form of Durga is given the name Yogini. She assumes
various forms and takes on different divine energies to maintain
harmony in the Universe, to combat evil and uphold the good. A woman
who gains a transcendental state in sadhana comes back as a celestial
Yogini or Bhairavi, a female adept at Yoga. She carries the energy of
Durga within her.
A true Yogini is an enlightened woman with exuberant passion,
spiritual powers and deep insight. Yoginis communicate a sense of
freedom, a sheer mastery in whatever they do. With their compelling
gazes, they can hypnotize even a great yogi and are capable of
changing their shapes at will. Tantric scholars have written about
Yoginis as independent, outspoken, forthright women with a
gracefulness of spirit. Without them, yoga can fail in its purpose and
remain sterile.
Shakta texts honor both women and the Earth alike as sources of
energy, vitality, physical and spiritual well-being. Noting this
analogy between a Yogini and the earth, an eleventh-century Tibetan
Cakrasamvara commentary states: "Having recognized a Yogini who will
delight and transmit energy and power to him, and feeling passionately
attracted to her, if the male aspirant does not worship that Yogini,
she will not bless the yogi, and spiritual attainments will not
arise.'' Miranda Shaw's book, Passionate Enlightenment, which was
introduced to me by Lokesh Chandraji, first exposed the world of the
Yogini to me from a Buddhist perspective.
In Hindu thought, the Yogini represents the Yoga Shakti herself, the
Kundalini, as well as the resident powers or female deities of the
different chakras. The Yogini possesses the power of Yoga herself and
can awaken that in others, not only generally but at any point or
place in the body or mind. A man's ability to achieve the higher
states of Yoga can be facilitated by his association with such a
female companion who reflects this energy.
Just as a Goddess blesses and benefits her devotees, and the Shakti
vivifies all biological, cultural, and religious practices, so a woman
can channel this life force or spiritual energy to her
consort-devotee. A woman is no more depleted by providing this
spiritual nourishment than a mother by nursing her child. In fact, it
causes deeper energies to well up from within her.
This spiritual energy is not something that a man can extract or take
from a Yogini at will. She chooses when and on whom to bestow her
blessings. Her ability to enhance a man's spiritual development
depends upon her innate divinity as awakened and brought to fruition
by her own yogic practices, which include envisioning herself in the
forms of various Goddesses and investing herself with Their
appearances and ornaments, tender and wrathful expressions, and
supernatural powers for liberating beings. By conferring energy and
grace upon a man - ''blessing '' or ''empowering'
weakening herself but rather sharing her energy voluntarily with one
who has won her favour by meeting the various requirements that she
may impose.
This relationship parallels human-divine relationships in so far as
the deity is the benefactor and the human devotee is the beneficiary.
Although the Deity may derive some gratification from the
relationship, the devotee has much more to gain than does the
sovereign object of his devotion. What supplicants ultimately want
from their deity is supreme deliverance or liberation, and this is
what male Tantrics should seek to gain from their relationships with
spiritual women. Tantric texts reiterate that a man cannot gain
enlightenment without respecting women and allying himself inwardly
with a woman. The woman's beneficence is a gracious, yet voluntary
response to her devotee's supplication, homage and worship.
The Goddess is a great Yogini, devoted to Shiva, yet matching His
powers. She is the embodiment of pure energy, the Mother and matrix of
all manifestation, the source of all time, space and creation. As they
practiced Yoga together, Shakti accepted Shiva as her Guru, and he
taught her the ways of transcendent being to guide her to her ultimate
liberation. Shiva in turn also accepted Shakti as his Guru, and she
initiated him into his ultimate liberation through putting him in
touch with the supreme power of consciousness.
The Goddess Chhinnamasta, the deity who cuts off her own head,
symbolizes the great Yogini, the wonderful consciousness beyond the
mind. She represents the opened Third Eye from which flashes forth the
lightening of direct perception that destroys all duality and
negativity. She is the Yoga Shakti or power of Yoga in its most
dramatic action of granting enlightenment. Hence she is also known as
Vajra Yogini. The Vajra is the supreme lightning force of the inner Self.
Chhinnamasta is the Para-Dakini, the supreme or foremost of the
Dakinis, the attendant Goddesses on the yogic path, who are the
yoginis as the powers of the chakras. Sadhakas seeking the path of
occult or yogic powers should worship her, as reiterated by David
Frawley in his book Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses, invoking
her through the mantra based on her name as Vajra Vairochani. This
facilitates all inner transformations in a dramatic way.
The Yogini is also Bhairavi or the Goddess of Fire below in the
muladhara or root chakra. It is she who becomes Chhinnamasta as she
reaches the third eye and opens the crown chakra beyond. Her blood is
light that illumines everything.
Mary Magdalene was such a Yogini, manifesting her Shakti through the
flow of light from her heart and soul. Her Divine love was
unconditional and independent of external situations and dogmas. Yet
Divine love is not limited to the ascetic. In my understanding of
Tantra, if two spiritually evolved beings come together in
unconditional love, they also can create an energy field that is most
positive and rare, exuding high vibrational levels of peace and love
into the universe.
The ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, Tibet and India have esoteric
traditions glorifying the initiatory power of the woman. She is
considered to be the high priestess who unfolds all higher knowledge
and powers for us. She is Sophia, the source and font of wisdom or
Prajna, the deepest insight into the nature of things. Tantric
teachings stress the importance of physical beauty in a companion but
only to initially stimulate and then elevate passion from the sensual
to the spiritual plane. The beauty of the soul surpasses physical beauty.
The `initiatory' power of woman is tremendous, providing the force of
passion that is necessary for developing experiential mysticism. By
sharing the secrets of love, a woman can bestow transcendental power
on her lover. The highest form of Shakti is the direct expression of
the wisdom-energy she releases, creating a joyful transformation. A
woman can initiate her partner into such mystical experiences through
trust, surrender to higher ideals and spontaneity. It is the Goddess
within each woman who really initiates.
To be a Yogini is the highest spiritual goal for all women. It is the
way to become one with the Goddess within and to bring her out in
expression to uplift the world that is really her creation. Yet it is
not an outer appearance but a state of inner energy and ecstasy that
makes the Yogini. She cannot be manipulated, defined or even ever
entirely known.
For more information of Sri Shambhavi Chopra, please visit her website
at:
http://www.shambhav
____________
"Dr. Frank Morales represents the Sankalpa [the will] of the Hindu
people and the cause of Sanatana Dharma. I urge all Hindus
everywhere to give him your full support, assistance, and
encouragement in his crucial work. He needs and deserves our help."
- Dr. David Frawley (Oct. 14, 2007)
____________
For further information on the philosophy and path of Dharma, please
visit us on the web:
National Sri Acharyaji Links
http://www.dharmace
http://groups.
http://www.youtube.
http://dharmacentra
http://www.drfrankm
http://www.myspace.
http://groups.
http://dharmanation
http://www.facebook
http://www.facebook
http://groups.
Dharma Media Links
http://dharmacentra
http://dharmacentra
http://dharmacentra
http://flickr.
Midwest Links
http://groups.
http://www.meetup.
http://www.myspace.
http://groups.
Other Highly Recommended Dharma Links
http://www.vedanet.
http://www.shambhav
http://www.hinduism
Thank you to all our many members and readers for your enthusiastic
support and encouragement of Dharma Journal and the teaching efforts
of Dr. Frank Morales. We wouldn't be able to accomplish anything
without your well-wishes.
Please forward this LIVING DHARMA TODAY newsletter to all your
friends, family, blogs, and discussion lists interested in Sanatana
Dharma, meditation, and Yoga spirituality.
(c) 2009, Dharma Journal. Volume 11, issue 1
Welcome to the Dharma Revolution!
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