04-08-2006, 08:47 AM
Quote:What is your devotional practice, given the fact that u r not attached to any religion?
If u dont mind me asking of course. I mean how do u apply this??
Namaste,
Well, my answer to prayer is meditation, but it is essentially the same practice. In the morning when i wake up, I give thanks to God, and spend time in appreciation for the day he has given, and seek his guidance on the tasks of the day. I meditate in the early afternoon, no specific time although usually before 2 or 3, to observe the movement of the day so far and reflect on what I might have missed at the time. I do the same at night before bed, and meditate upon the meaning of the day. these times are, for me, times when I can detach my thoughts from mundane events and observe myself and my heart. More and more I spend greater lengths of time in meditation. It is not quite a habit yet, but it is natural now.
This practice reflects my belief that we must be able to Observe the world and our reaction to it if we are to see the subtle language of God and hear his messages. So, I devote much of my mind to simply mindfulness of thought, action, and wether it represents what I truly wish to put forth.
I seek guidance because I believe that what I want in life is to make a positive impact on my world and all those around me in it. I believe that the greatest good one can do is to simply align one's own will with the will of God. I used to have a great many emotional problems, and at times I seemed to have no reason in my mind at all. Mindfulness of the living God and his intention, through devotional thought and action, lifted me above this state of consciousness so that I could observe and understand rather than react rashly to whatever I thought threatened me or my ego.
At midday and before bed I normally chant a mantra, which is like a prayer. It is a hindu mantra called the Gayatri mantra, but as I have mentioned about words before, their importance lies in their intention. This practice is done as japa mala, or the practice of chanting while counting beads. Each 'set' consists of 108 repetitions. The mantra itself is a prayer which first adores the source of creation and the many wonders it gives us, then prays for illumination and understanding of the divine intelligence. Essentially "let me know the will of god and know how to follow it." I chant Om mane padme hum, which is a mantra most people are familiar with. It is a prayer to have compassion in one's heart. This one I chant on and off all day, especially if I have much on my mind. It is not always good to think on the petty exchanges of the day when you are in the thick of your own irritation at things.
Based on my understanding of the nature of God thus far - which is to say, based on the personal revelations that have occurred in my life to date - I act according to a simply code of morality and ethics. Harbor no negative intention, do not judge yourself or others, Never harm another - physically, psychologically, economically, etc. - except in direct defense of human life, Recognize unconditional equanimity among all beings, and be as responsible as you can for your fellow human being. These five basic principles, to me, cover every situation I have encountered in my life, since I began to seek God.
To me, devotional practice is not a certain practice at certain times, with strict guidelines. As you say, Allah is always with us, never are we gone from his presence. And so it is - true devotional practice is to be ever mindful of the will of God, and be ever mindful of one's thoughts and actions. So, my main devotional practice is just this - to be mindful.
I do believe that there is a goal in life, with regards to the afterlife, but am oft criticized for it. I have recently discovered that it was a gnostic concept at one point. my take on Jesus is that he was in fact the son of god, in as much as we are all the children of God, but his words were meant to lead us towards an unconditional faith in God and in Ourselves as beings worthy of his Grace. When he said, "I am the way" I do not think he meant we must go through him to get to god, but rather the way to God is through a life like his, faith, devotion, service. More importantly, I believe that whether he was crucified or not - because honestly, a lot of people have been ressurected, even in the bible, this is not special - he did Ascend, as have others in many culture's pasts. I believe that his message, maybe his part, was that Ascension is the ideal of the devotee. I don't know what this means, but there was a time when I thought i was 'saved'. When I considered my thoughts on Christ, though, I ultimately didn't believe that he was the Lamb, the sacrifice that cleansed me of sin because I do not think that is necessary - God may forgive who he will, and if we can forgive then God does forgive, no intercession necessary. But, the acceptance of the Ascension grew in me, and since I have begun to see it as the end result of a life long process of devotion and purification. The study of Alchemy and hermetic tradition as reinforced my devotion to this ideal.
I believe God asks of me as much as i am able to give, but not more. If i would do his will, i must be able to live in this world and do it. As long as the intention is in the right spirit, and the action does not harm myself or others, my life is mine to live and appreciate in any way I choose. In a way, I suppose this is a similar thought to another thread I was reading, something about verses in the qu'ran about bearing one's own load...
There is more to my thoughts on this, but largely only extensions and reasons for these basic ideals and practices. I do believe in the practice of highly ritualized prayer for attainment, which is comparable to hermetic ritual magical practice. My paradigm is somewhat different from the average hermeticist, but the spirit is the same. Through complex ritual, the mind is sharpened and focused towards a specific intention, and it is during this state of mind that the greatest revelations can occur, in my experience. I see the mind, the body, and the spirit as the three essential parts of our being which are our tools with which to achieve all things in both this life and the next. We must master each aspect, and temper them into worthy tools to use in service to God and to Mankind.
here I'll break, I hope there is much more to say.
Namaste
Mahasvapna