[Advaita-l] Importance of Ashram

[Anuj]

Thank you Mahesh, I am actually going to be visiting the ashram for 4 days
this week while Swamiji is there to get a feel for the place. I know I will
be happy there to have like minded people and time to my-self.
I appretiate your support and know that Swamiji's no 'BS' style :) is
particularly why I like him. Sorry about the pun.

Happy New Year, and may peace be with you

Anuj


On 12/31/07, Mahesh Ursekar <mahesh.ursekar at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Pranams Anuj!
>
> Congrats on ur decision to follow the spiritual path as such a young age!
> The mind is sharp and able to absorb new ideas easily. I wish u much
> success
> in ur endeavor.
>
> I didn't read all the posts in this thread but from the little I read, u
> seem to have made up ur mind to join the academy. I think it is a wise
> decision. I say this having attended lectures by Swamiji's students for
> the
> past one year.
>
> Some ++
> a. The ashram has students from all over the world (including students
> from
> the US). It is quite 'modern' in terms of living & food arrangements so u
> will not find urself out of place there
> b. Swamiji himself has studied in the UK and so is comfortable &
> conversant
> with ideas of the West. In this respect, his teaching is a wonderful blend
> of the East & the West
> c. His teaching is 100% rational with no element of superstition or
> ritualistic leanings or blind beliefs. In fact, I was surprised to note
> that
> there was no temple on the Ashram premises!
>
> Some -- (or are they?)
> a. He has been criticised by some ex-students for not teaching books like
> the Brahma-sutras. Some of the major books for study at the ashram are:
> 'Vedanta Treatise', 'Atma Bodha', 'Gita' & 'Choice Upanishads' (all books
> written or commented on by Swamiji). I think it will now include 'The fall
> of the Human Intellect', his latest book. As far as I am concerned, the BS
> is a 'technical' book which would be important for an academic philosopher
> but not one who has accepted Advaita Vedanta as the final teaching &
> wishes
> to tread the path towards self-realization through it.
>
> In my brief stay at the Academy, I found it to have a wonderful
> atmosphere,
> condusive to deep contemplation & study. I recommend it whole-heartedly!
>
> Best wishes, Mahesh
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 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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