Download or read book In Praise of Adya Kali written by Aditi (Devi Ma.) and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book details the goddess Kali and the culture of devotion to her in West Bengal and South Asia. The term Adya means primal, original or archean. Adya Kali is the primordial energy, the shakti, that creates, preserves, and transforms/dissolves all existence. She is the womb that births all, and the tomb that swallows all. In Praise of Adya Kali is different from most contemporary books about Kali because it offers a liturgy of worship, a type of spiritual practice (sadhana) that the reader (both male and female) can use over the course of days, weeks, or months, to cultivate a direct devotional relationship to Kali. But, beyond that, In Praise of Adya Kali is a context-setting guide. Rather than simply recommending that we recite these sacred names, each one a prayer, the author establishes this practice as a general orientation to life. Furthermore, and most compelling, the text and Commentaries on this liturgy contain an intimate revelation of how the goddess establishes herself in her devotees' bodies and thus intervenes, by unconditional love and acceptance, in their lives. A lengthy Introduction, both scholarly and personal, describes the goddess and the possibilities that these prayers will offer. Aditi Devi guides us in how to build a shrine to Kali, various types of offerings to make to her, and suggests a schedule for how to use this liturgy with a long-term commitment over the course of 108 nights. This book presents a serious practice, not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage, strength and joy to permit the goddess's energy to slowly, sensuously and irrevocably be invoked-conceived, allowed to gestate, birthed according to her will. And while the orientation here is toward realizing her sacred presence in the "womb" of the devotee, the practice can be undertaken by anyone. The physical form of the body is not a limitation, as the author notes: "In this lineage we practice into the depths of whatever form we have, & arise from within that, knowing that we are her, male or female. This Song of the Hundred Names is a powerful teaching that all forms are her forms." Male, female or other gendered, we are presented with the possibility to experience the depths of our own internal feminine energies & thereby come into greater healing & wholeness, more readily able to express this often neglected part of ourselves. Aditi Devi's long study & spiritual practice within living tantric lineages in South Asia has made this book possible.
Download or read book In Praise of Adya Kali written by Aditi Devi and published by SCB Distributors. This book was released on 2013-12-12 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Praise of Adya Kali details the goddess Kali, and her culture of devotion in West Bengal and South Asia. Different from most contemporary books about this Dark Goddess, this book offers a liturgy of worship—a spiritual practice, the Song of the Hundred Names of Adya Kali, that readers can use to cultivate a direct devotional relationship to Kali. In Praise of Adya Kali is also a context-setting guide, establishing this practice as a general orientation to life. Most compelling, the text of this liturgy and Commentaries contain an intimate revelation of how the goddess establishes herself in her devotees’ bodies and thus intervenes, by unconditional love and acceptance, in their lives. A lengthy Introduction, both scholarly and personal, describes the goddess and the possibilities that these prayers will offer. Aditi Devi guides us in how to build a shrine to Kali, various types of offerings to make to her, and suggests a schedule for how to use this liturgy with a long-term commitment over the course of 108 nights. “This Song of the Hundred Names is a powerful teaching that all forms are her forms,” the author notes. Male, female, or other gendered, readers are presented with the possibility to experience the depths of their own internal feminine energies, and thereby come into greater healing and wholeness, more readily able to express this often neglected part of ourselves.
Download or read book In Praise of the Goddess written by and published by Nicolas-Hays, Inc.. This book was released on 2003-12-01 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: About 16 centuries ago, an unknown Indian author or authors gathered together the diverse threads of already ancient traditions and wove them into a verbal tapestry that today is still the central text for worshippers of the Hindu Devi, the Divine Mother. This spiritual classic, the Devimahatmya, addresses the perennial questions of the nature of the universe, humankind, and divinity. How are they related, how do we live in a world torn between good and evil, and how do we find lasting satisfaction and inner peace? These questions and their answers form the substance of the Devimahatmya. Its narrative of a dispossessed king, a merchant betrayed by the family he loves, and a seer whose teaching leads beyond existential suffering sets the stage for a trilogy of myths concerning the all-powerful Divine Mother, Durga, and the fierce battles she wages against throngs of demonic foes. In these allegories, her adversaries represent our all-too-human impulses toward power, possessions, and pleasure. The battlefields symbolize the field of human consciousness on which our lives' dramas play out in joy and sorrow, in wisdom and folly. The Devimahatmya speaks to us across the ages of the experiences and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. We sense their enchantment at nature's bounty and their terror before its destructive fury, their recognition of the good and evil in the human heart, and their understanding that everything in our experience is the expression of a greater reality, personified as the Divine Mother.
Download or read book Kali Puja written by and published by Sunstar Publishing. This book was released on 2004-01 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kali is the Goddess who takes away darkness. She cuts down all impurities, consumes all iniquities, purifies, Her devotees with the sincerity of Her Love. Now we can worship Her according to the ancient tradition. Kali Puja is a treasure house of Her Wisdom. It contains abundance Kali's tools for living: Her sattvic worship, Her Hundred Names, Her Thousand Names, Her Armor, the mantras for offering bhanga, alcohol, animal sacrifice and how to give birth to spiritual children. These offerings have great spiritual significance when performed with the mantras which explain the meanings and appropriate circumstances for such worship.
Download or read book Awakening to Kali written by Sally Kempton and published by Sounds True. This book was released on 2014-10-01 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The sages of Tantra taught that when we follow the path of Shakti, the sacred feminine principle personified by the goddesses of yoga, we awaken the full potential of our own inner energies. Kali, teaches Sally Kempton, may be both the most powerful—and misunderstood—goddess of all. Kali—her name means “Black One”—is the original Dark Goddess, whose hidden gift is ecstasy. She brings both fierceness and love, destruction and rebirth—and untamed courage and freedom for those willing to fully comprehend and embrace her many gifts. In this e-book, readers are invited to explore teachings, stories, meditations, prayers, poems, mantras, invocations, and rituals to align with this cosmic force of radical transformation. Kali as the Mirror of Our Own Inner State Kali the Blood Drinker The Two Faces of the Dark Goddess Kali and the Ego Kali’s Fierce Forms Kali’s Role in Spiritual Liberation Contemplation: The Felt Sense of Kali in Your Life The Tantric Kali: Deity of Heroes The Kali Woman: Archetype of Feminine Power, Sexuality, and Force A Kali Asana Practice A Contemplation on Kali’s Audacity The Shadow Kali Kali as the Inner Voice of Destructive Rage Dialoguing with Kali (a guided practice) Kali as the Human Teacher A Visualization Practice for Offering Your Negative Tendencies to Kali’s Fire Unlocking the Hidden Kali Meditation: Kali as the Great Void
Download or read book Absent Mother God of the West written by Neela Bhattacharya Saxena and published by Lexington Books. This book was released on 2015-12-15 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book about the missing Divine Feminine in Christianity and Judaism chronicles a personal as well as an academic quest of an Indian woman who grew up with Kali and myriad other goddesses. It is born out of a women's studies course created and taught by the author called The Goddess in World Religions. The book examines how the Divine Feminine was erased from the western consciousness and how it led to an exclusive spiritually patriarchal monotheism with serious consequences for both women’s and men’s psychological and spiritual identity. While colonial, proselytizing and patriarchal ways have denied the divinity inherent in the female of the species, a recent upsurge of body-centric practices like Yoga and innumerable books about old and new goddesses reveal a deep seated mother hunger in the western consciousness. Written from a practicing Hindu/Buddhist perspective, this book looks at the curious phenomenon called the Black Madonna that appears in Europe and also examines mystical figures like Shekhinah in Jewish mysticism. People interested in symbols of the goddess, feminist theologians, and scholars interested in the absence of goddesses in monotheisms may find this book’s perspective and insights provocative.
Download or read book Women Challenge The Lie written by Regina Sara Ryan and published by SCB Distributors. This book was released on 2017-02-02 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book invites women of all ages into a conversation that challenges the pervasive lie of “never good enough.” This common subtext of modern life undermines a woman’s appreciation of her own inherent beauty and goodness. The authors recommend 8 Radical Moves that women can make, alone or ideally in the good company of other women, to take on this challenge, to deepen this conversation. The Moves are radical because they aim directly at the center of a woman’s being, the inner space of her true nature, her basic goodness, rather than because they require any extreme actions. Nonetheless, the conviction that “never good enough” is a lie requires more than lip service. The authors guide readers in identifying the courage, strength and love they already possess, but habitually deny, to embrace and live by this conviction of self respect, day to day in mind, body and heart. They further encourage women to make this stand with and in the presence of other women to increase everybody’s likelihood for success. Regina Sara Ryan, author of numerous books in wellness, women’s studies and spirituality (Wellness Workbook; Woman Awake; Igniting the Inner Life) is an elder in her seventies. Shinay Tredeau, a yoga teacher, lifestyle coach, dancer and emerging writer is a “millennial” in her twenties. Together, they bring to this warm and personal treatment a synergy of years of experience in contemplative spiritual practice and dynamic body discipline. Their message is addressed to their sisters, mothers, friends and students, of all ages; to any who suffer from the dis-ease of self-hatred in some form. Each of the 8 Radical Moves provides a slightly different access to clearer self-understanding, leading to self-compassion. For some, the Move to “Inhabit Your Body” will be key to claiming (or reclaiming) a more loving relationship with themselves. For others, the Move called “Learn to Fly” will be just the encouragement needed to refine a spiritual search. Other topics include: • the danger of comparisons with other women • the need to face dark emotions, with compassion • the power of friendship in the quest for self-acceptance • the use of journal writing to articulate developing truth • gratitude as a way of life. This straightforward and challenging narrative is filled with dozens of personal stories, making it ideal for women’s groups and book clubs to study and practice.
Download or read book Twenty Four Aspects of Mother Kali written by Babaji Bob Kindler and published by SRV Associations. This book was released on 1996-07-04 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Eternal salutations to Sri Durga, to Sri Kali, the boundless ocean of spiritual Wisdom who is the Divine Mother of the Universe. This ever-present Goddess epitomizes both the bliss of unlimited Awareness and the enthralling play of universal projection. She manifests countless beings abiding in an infinite set of worlds, seen and unseen, gross and subtle, hidden and exposed. Her existence is confirmed by the holy scriptures, for She is perceived intellectually by means of the Six Darshanas, Her perpetually flowing streams of eternal spiritual knowledge. She is approached and contacted by the devotees through intense sadhana, spiritual disciplines prescribed by the guru, and She is accessible through contemplation and meditation. Ultimately, She is realized as the essence of limitless Consciousness, infinite, indivisible, all-pervading and absolute... The Twenty-Four Aspects of Mother Kali, then, represent in book form an attempt to remind humanity of their divine parentage, of their divine nature, of their source of origin. It is hoped that those who are still asleep to this supreme verity called the Divine Mother of the Universe will have their inherent spirituality awakened; that those who have fallen into complacency or despondency will have their commitment to this non-dual Truth of existence rekindled; that those who are already abiding in this Truth will further exult in this sublime Essence of pure Being and continue to spread the pure light of Timeless Awareness to all inhabitants sporting consciously or unconsciously in the boundless ocean of the Universal Mother’s ineffable Grace.
Download or read book New Age Purohit Darpan Kali Puja written by Kanai Mukherjee and published by Association of Grandparents of Indian Immigrants. This book was released on with total page 143 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is compiled with the goal of explaining the hidden history, significance, and meaning of the mantras used in common Hindu puja rituals performed by the Bengalis to the Bengali immigrants.
Download or read book Dev written by John Stratton Hawley and published by Motilal Banarsidass Publ.. This book was released on 1998 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have severely limited the portrayal of the divine as feminine. But in Hinduism "God" very often means "Goddess." This extraordinary collection explores twelve different Hindu goddesses, all of whom are in some way related to Devi, the Great Goddess. They range from the liquid goddess-energy of the River Ganges to the possessing, entrancing heat of Bhagavati and Seranvali. They are local, like Vindhyavasini, and global, like Kali; ancient, like Saranyu, and modern, like "Mother India." The collection combines analysis of texts with intensive fieldwork, allowing the reader to see how goddesses are worshiped in everyday life. In these compelling essays, the divine feminine in Hinduism is revealed as never before--fascinating, contradictory, powerful.
Download or read book Mahanirvana Tantra written by Sir John Woodroffe and published by Nuvision Publications. This book was released on 2007-06 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: These texts describe the esoteric teachings of Tantra, a belief system which originated in India, practiced by a number of Hindus and Buddhists. Tantra has become a synonym in the West for unbridled sexuality; however, sexuality is only one faucet of theis elaborate spiritual practice.
Download or read book Simple Kali Puja written by Swami Saraswati and published by . This book was released on 2011-07-04 with total page 30 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This booklet presents a ceremony in the tradition of Sri Ramakrishna, who worshiped the Divine Mother with selfless devotion and a longing heart. With practice it can be completed within a short time. It can be used for daily worship or for special days sacred to Her, such as the new moon.
Download or read book Dev m h tmyam in praise of the goddess written by and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Offering Flowers Feeding Skulls written by June McDaniel and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2004-08-05 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Indian state of West Bengal is home to one of the world's most vibrant traditions of goddess worship. The year's biggest holidays are devoted to the goddesses Durga and Kali, with lavish rituals, decorated statues, fireworks, and parades. In Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls, June McDaniel provides a broad, accessibly written overview of Bengali goddess worship. McDaniel identifies three major forms of goddess worship, and examines each through its myths, folklore, songs, rituals, sacred texts, and practitioners. In the folk/tribal strand, which is found in rural areas, local tribal goddesses are worshipped alongside Hindu goddesses, with an emphasis on possession, healing, and animism. The tantric/yogic strand focuses on ritual, meditation, and visualization as ways of experiencing the power of the goddess directly. The devotional or bhakti strand, which is the most popular form, involves the intense love and worship of a particular form of the goddess. McDaniel traces these strands through Bengali culture and explores how they are interwoven with each other as well as with other forms of Hinduism. She also discusses how these practices have been reinterpreted in the West, where goddess worship has gained the values of sexual freedom and psychological healing, but lost its emphases on devotion and asceticism. Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls takes the reader inside the lives of practicing Shaktas, including holy women, hymn singers, philosophers, visionaries, gurus, ascetics, healers, musicians, and businessmen, and offers vivid descriptions of their rituals, practices, and daily lives. Drawing on years of fieldwork and extensive research, McDaniel paints a rich, expansive portrait of this fascinating religious tradition.
Download or read book Mahanirvana Tantra written by Anonymous and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2021-10-21 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written as a dialogue between the god Shiva and goddess Shaki, Mahanirvana Tantra describes the chakras ("disk" or "wheel", refering to the energy centers in our body), ceremonies, yogic practices and mantras for meditation, as well as a summary of the Hindu laws (dharma) regarding sexual behavior._x000D_ Contents:_x000D_ Questions relating to the Liberation of Beings_x000D_ Introduction to the Worship of Brahman_x000D_ Description of the Worship of the Supreme Brahman_x000D_ Introduction of the Worship of the Supreme Prakriti_x000D_ The Formation of the Mantras, Placing of the Jar, and Purification of the Elements of Worship_x000D_ Placing of the Shri-patra, Homa, Formation of the Chakra, and other Rites_x000D_ Hymn of Praise (Stotra), Amulet (Kavacha), and the description of the Kula-tattva_x000D_ The Dharmma and Customs of the Castes and Ashramas_x000D_ The Ten Kinds of Purificatory Rites (Sangskara)_x000D_ Rites relating to Vriddhi Shraddha, Funeral Rites, and Purnabhisheka_x000D_ The Account of Expiatory Rites_x000D_ An Account of the Eternal and Immutable Dharmma_x000D_ Installation of the Devata_x000D_ The Consecration of Shiva-linga and Description of the Four Classes of Avadhutas
Download or read book Mahanirvana Tantra of the Great Liberation written by Anonymous and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2022-01-04 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written as a dialogue between the god Shiva and goddess Shaki, Mahanirvana Tantra describes the chakras ("disk" or "wheel", refering to the energy centers in our body), ceremonies, yogic practices and mantras for meditation, as well as a summary of the Hindu laws (dharma) regarding sexual behavior. Contents: Questions relating to the Liberation of Beings Introduction to the Worship of Brahman Description of the Worship of the Supreme Brahman Introduction of the Worship of the Supreme Prakriti The Formation of the Mantras, Placing of the Jar, and Purification of the Elements of Worship Placing of the Shri-patra, Homa, Formation of the Chakra, and other Rites Hymn of Praise (Stotra), Amulet (Kavacha), and the description of the Kula-tattva The Dharmma and Customs of the Castes and Ashramas The Ten Kinds of Purificatory Rites (Sangskara) Rites relating to Vriddhi Shraddha, Funeral Rites, and Purnabhisheka The Account of Expiatory Rites An Account of the Eternal and Immutable Dharmma Installation of the Devata The Consecration of Shiva-linga and Description of the Four Classes of Avadhutas
Download or read book The Tribes and Castes of Bengal written by H. H. Risley and published by . This book was released on 1891 with total page 486 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
