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-   -   Puja how to's (https://www.spiritualforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=122667)

Eelco 15-05-2018 03:21 AM

Puja how to's
 
Deepening my Sadhana and perhaps structuring it somewhat I came across the video lessons of Swami Satyananda Saraswati over on Shreema.org.


Below is a link to the first installment of a shiva puja for beginners.
Swami takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk us through the puja and explain a thing or two, then takes about 25 minutes to answer questions. All in all there are 5, 1 hour videos for just this Puja and there are many more on the site.
https://youtu.be/LO5ND7r8Hg0


I am enjoying his spirit and enthusiasm, but was wondering what "established" hindu's feel about him and his work.

The whole series with a brief overview of each class is found here:
http://www.shreemaa.org/shiva-beginn...a-video-class/

With Love
Eelco

Shivani Devi 15-05-2018 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eelco
Deepening my Sadhana and perhaps structuring it somewhat I came across the video lessons of Swami Satyananda Saraswati over on Shreema.org.


Below is a link to the first installment of a shiva puja for beginners.
Swami takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk us through the puja and explain a thing or two, then takes about 25 minutes to answer questions. All in all there are 5, 1 hour videos for just this Puja and there are many more on the site.
https://youtu.be/LO5ND7r8Hg0


I am enjoying his spirit and enthusiasm, but was wondering what "established" hindu's feel about him and his work.

The whole series with a brief overview of each class is found here:
[url]http://www.shreemaa.org/shiva-beginners-puja-video-class/[/URL



With Love
Eelco

Namaste

His spirit and enthusiasm is going to take a bit of getting used to...I had to turn it off after five minutes.

Besides that, when you said Swami Satyananda Saraswati, I was like "could it possibly BE?
Could Eelco have found some long lost videos from my guru-ji?"

My anticipation was building up big time... until I saw the video and went "what the?"

So, I am going to have to get over myself first. LOL

https://youtu.be/jPTRzOxmbZ8

*Goes and does some yoga nidra

Aum Namah Shivaya

Eelco 15-05-2018 04:28 AM

I'm sorry. He has the same name I'm afraid. That said looking for his books I did come across some of yours.. so slowly working through his yoga book.

With Love
Eelco

Vinayaka 15-05-2018 10:15 PM

Not a fan. Sorry. I've listened to his Sanskrit before.

I don't think there are many 'established' Hindus on this site. Most aren't really into the SBNR crowd, or wouldn't have heard of it. I'll try to find a much more traditional puja and link it for you, so you have a better idea of the Indian version, and then you can compare it yourself.

Here's a temple one ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtzwmYocvtw There are many such videos on youtube.

Eelco 16-05-2018 12:38 AM

Thank you.


I have watched the video.
There is little or no explanation involved. Some of the vids on youtube do show and explain the actions and order performed, but don't translate the mantra's very well.


The reason I asked about sheema.org's approach is that it's difficult for me to go to a temple and ask a pundit or teacher as there aren't that many (none) within a 100 miles or so around where I live. You say you don't like his sanskrit, but would you concur with his translations and explanations?


I know I could make up my own devotional practices, but somehow that doesn't feel quite right(yet)


With Love
Eelco

Shivani Devi 16-05-2018 07:12 AM

Namaste.

Honestly? I do not know if I am an 'established Hindu' or not. All I know, is that Lord Shiva is called "Asutosha" or easily satisfied.

I also know that Shiva Puja varies according to the school of thought, and some believe there is a 'right way' or their way is 'right'...while others believe that because Lord Shiva is also called "Bholenath" which denotes simplicity and the lack of any correct procedure, whatever you offer and however you do it, doesn't matter if it is done with the full bhava of Bhakti or unconditional love...and I subscribe to this theory. I just do puja like my heart tells me to do it.

For some purists, this is incorrect or blasphemy...but if they are doing it the 'right way' with indifference, by rote, or thinking about what they are going to eat for dinner...or their workplace dramas...or if their better half is going to be in a good mood, the 'right way' suddenly becomes the 'wrong way'.

I mean, the Aghori offer Shiva whisky, meat and bhang...and He'll take that, just as much as another who offers milk, fruit or bilva leaves.

Aum Namah Shivaya

Vinayaka 16-05-2018 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eelco
Thank you.


I have watched the video.
There is little or no explanation involved. Some of the vids on youtube do show and explain the actions and order performed, but don't translate the mantra's very well.


The reason I asked about sheema.org's approach is that it's difficult for me to go to a temple and ask a pundit or teacher as there aren't that many (none) within a 100 miles or so around where I live. You say you don't like his sanskrit, but would you concur with his translations and explanations?


I know I could make up my own devotional practices, but somehow that doesn't feel quite right(yet)


With Love
Eelco


I don't think many priests would have the time to teach you much about how to do pujas. They seem rather busy, and often teaching isn't really their role.
There is nothing wrong with the approach offered by sheema.org. Just not my cup of tea. The intent is more important, in my view, than the actual pronunciation, anyway. Siva will be pleased at any action of devotion at all.

A very simple puja is most likely the best way to start, and work your way up.

Shivani Devi 16-05-2018 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinayaka
Siva will be pleased at any action of devotion at all.

Precisely!

This is what makes Siva such an easy Deity to worship...however, even though I am a Shaivite, there are words from the Bhagavad Gita which I also apply here:

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति |
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: || 26||


patraṁ puṣhpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayachchhati
tadahaṁ bhaktyupahṛitam aśhnāmi prayatātmanaḥ

"If one offers to me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that article offered with love by my devotee in pure consciousness." - Bhagavad Gita 9:26

Eelco 16-05-2018 11:19 PM

Thanks for the encouragement.
From simple to elaborate it is..


With Love
Eelco

Shivani Devi 17-05-2018 11:50 AM

That is very good, my dear. Whatever works for you.

Aum Namah Shivaya


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