[Advaita-l] Importance of Ashram

[Anuj]

Thank you both Siva and Ramesh, I agree that there are places which
might not be cohesive for my purposes so I must be cautious.  Where I
am planning on going however (http://www.vedantaworld.org/) is a
sincere and time proven place. I have met the founder Swami
Parthasarthy personally and some of his disciples as well and know
that this is the right place for me to further my understanding and
search.

Please visit the website so you may see for yourself.

Thank you again for adding me to the list and I look forward to the
knowledge that resides within.

Anuj

On 12/3/07, sivaramakrishnan muthuswamy <muthushiv at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Dear Rameshji,
> I am bit puzzled with your advice to Mr.Anuj.  Ashram is a great setting where one can practice spirituality.  That is why Adi Shankaracharya himself set up ashrams at various corners in India.   I am sure Mr.Anuj would have contemplated on choosing a good Ashram as he is 28yrs old.  Infact  in this present yuga, only ashrams can provide proper requisite for sastras prescribed spiritual practice.  Grahasthashram life or living the life of bramachari outside the ashram setting without being watched is dangerous as the progress cannot be watched for.   I consider Ashram's life is drinking nector.  There is no point in watching the nector from outside.
> Even to study Vedanta we need like minded people.  Otherwise why in olden days Gurukul has been created?  Currently we don't have that kind of system.  Ashram offers a great place to study Vedanta under the true guidance of the noble Guru.  The Advaitic knowledge is a transcendental knowledge.  Only a true teacher alone can impart that.  The knowledge outside this system will be only scholarly.  The uselessness of this has been pointed out by Adi Shankaracharya in Baja Govindam.
> Having said that, I should say the compassion Rameshji is having for his anuj Mr.Anuj is really huge.  I am sure he really wants his anuj to select an enlightened master so that he is not disappointed.  I completely agree that part. My main objection comes only on his later part of his statement where he suggestes "it
>  is better to watch and participate from the outside instead of
>  becoming a member.."
> Having clear in mind that every event in this world is happening at the will of the lord, I wouldn't worry much about Mr.Anuj's future.  Forgive me Rameshji if my words are not correct.
> sincerely yours
> Siva Muthuswamy
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: RAMESH RAMANAN <rameshramanan at yahoo.co.uk>
> To: A discussion group for Advaita Vedanta <advaita-l at lists.advaita-vedanta.org>
> Sent: Monday, December 3, 2007 8:03:33 AM
> Subject: Re: [Advaita-l] New member introduction: Anuj
>
>
> Hi Anuj, welcome to the fold. But before joining any ashram, please
>  check out its credentials thoroughly or you will soon be disillusioned. It
>  is better to watch and participate from the outside instead of
>  becoming a member. Best wishes and love, Ramesh
>
> "Jaldhar H. Vyas" <jaldhar at braincells.com> wrote:  Hello, my name is
>  Anuj, I currently live in San Francisco, but am
> moving back to India (New Delhi) sometime in the next month after
> having spent 10 years here in the US. I am 28 and have decided to
> follow my spiritual calling and join an ashram to further my
> understanding of Vedanta over the next 3-4 years. I am joining this
> group because I would like to read about other's ideas and have a
> place to learn from like minded people.
>
> I hope this is all you needed. Oh1 yes, and I agree to the terms and
> conditions of this group/website. :)
>
> Namaste,
> Anuj
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