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Guru Mantra - Guru Stotram

gurur brahma, gurur vishnu, gurur devo mahesvara,

guru sakshat, param brahma, tushamai sri guruve namaha

I offer my efforts and bow down before all my teachers (guru), that teacher which is this birth, that I have taken, that teacher which is this life I continue to lead, that teacher which is all hardship and calamity in my way, that teacher who sits nearby and that teacher who is beyond all this formless and supreme.  Translation - Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati

  

Guru - remover of darkness

Brahama -  creator (birth) life is always regenerating

Visnu – preserver (life) the quality of life how you live it, not just surviving but also living with compassion.

Shiva – destroyer (death) creates room for life, everything and everyone is dying if we can come to terms with this idea we find peace.

Sri – beautiful, we acknowledge there is beauty in the guru

Namaha - bow,  we bow down to this cycle, we call guru

Birth, Life and Death…the trinity, a beginning, middle, end!  The father, the Son, the Holy Ghost.  This is a beautiful cycle, everything and everyone is an opportunity for each of us to remove the darkness within.   All colors reside in the color black, if we can see that in darkness there is light then we will not be disheartened by the facade of darkness.   As we evolve and understand life, we will see light even in the dark so rather then see black as dark we can see it as the color of change.   If we can see all situations in our life as a springboard for change and growth then the darkness that comes with difficulties, can be transformed.  There is a cycle, dawn, daylight and night, not one of of us is free from birth, life and death.   The life of a Jivanmukta is one who is free from bondage and delusion and understands  the role guru plays in life.  As a yogini, I have come to see life as a play and that part of myself (that is everlasting) watches the drama unfold, when I am IN tune, I live a life of non-attachment.   Understanding a yogic lifestyle is the way I tune in.  This includes understanding my attachments to something, someone or even this body as my guru. 

Shiva is the transcendental aspect of God, the ocean of pure consciousness, generally known as Brahman.  In Hindu mythology, there are three cosmic Deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who are responsible for the creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe respectively.   Shiva is the Deity responsible for the destruction of the universe for the purpose of fresh creation.  These three Deities are personifications of the three gunas in Nature.  Brahma represents rajas, Vishnu represents sattva and Shiva represents tamas.   In Hindu mythology, Shiva is shown to dwell with Parvati (Shakti) in Mount Kailash, a high mountain peak in the Himalayas.   Siva minus Parvati, is Nirguna (beyond the gunas) Brahman.   With Parvati or Shakti he becomes the Saguna (with gunas) Brahman.     

The holy union of male and female creates completion although the text suggests shiva becomes enlightened when he is beyond the gunas and YET parvati remains as his partner.   By embracing all aspects of the gunas, I embrace my earthly existence and I am able to transcend the mundane.  In the beginning of my yogic studies, I felt compelled to live a life of celibacy and I did for many years, not because I made a vow to any organization but because I wanted to experience a life not driven by my sexuality.   Now I feel I can approach union with a depth of holiness and a sense of spiritual value.

Dasi - one who serves (female), Shiva - the divine consiousness.

Shivadasi/Felise

Hari Om Tat Sat I can hardly believe its winter 2008….  

Mom has been recovering but I am helping her.  In July 2007 I fell down the stairs and herniated 3 discs L4 L5 and S1.  Injuries happen and as a yoga teacher, it’s challenging.  How I assist people and how I practice has changed because of my injury.  My own personal practice has been very delicate and restorative in order to support the healing process.  I am hoping to get back to a rigorous practice but it is important to honor the changes in my body.  

2007 was an intense year for me, recovering from a serious parasitic infection (India), sinus surgery, herniated discs, a sprained ankle, transition out of NYC and mom….cant think of year in my life that has offered more challenges.  Deep inside I was keenly aware I had to make some changes and when I did, I felt a shift.  I think it shows in my eyes.  Father Anthony (a long time friend) invited me to his Church and did a beautiful healing ceremony with me and I was deeply touched, I had a profound connection and some healthy tears.  I am still here in NJ, doing what I love to do, teaching yoga, investigating life and offering my insights to those whom seek out my voice!  I am not stopping and of course, I am constantly changing!   

We (my beloved students and friends) donated 1,104, to an orphanage in Surkhet Nepal  blinknow.org and we helped buy 8 beds $280, 8 mattress $120, 8 sheets $40, 8 mosquito nets $24, 8 quilts $40, 10 tali $50, set of pots and pans $50, 2 solar panels $250 each.   Maggie, the founder just arrived in Nepal and I am looking forward to her photos, which I will post.