Original post: Darroth
ok, with my finals coming up, I have started asking Saraswati for her help. Two days ago I started mantra practice. And yesterday night I was offering water and light on my alter to the Buddhas and to Saraswati (improper I know). I only have one candle and it was flickering. I remembered something about candles reacting to spirits and since my candle doesn't normally flicker, I thought "what the heck?" and asked (very politely) for Saraswati to show herself by stopping the candle from flickering.
Now at this point, I was leaning towards the candle and speaking to it. I finished my request, and waited. I didn't move and I held my breath. After about 2 seconds THE FLAME STOPPED!
I what to share this, and to ask if it is normal for a deity to indulge a first time worshiper?
Contact with Saraswati (?)
-
Occult Forum Archive
- Magister
- Posts: 287885
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:32 am
-
Occult Forum Archive
- Magister
- Posts: 287885
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:32 am
Contact with Saraswati (?)
Original post: Frater Mugen
Sorry if my post seems unhelpful considering the question of your post. I'd just like to make some comments on the contents of the post, but would like to refrain from answering any questions you posed.
Definitely an interesting story, and as I have some finals coming up myself, perhaps I will try a similar ritual. I was going to draw up some Daoist talismans, but because you shared your story you gave me the idea that I might perform Kaji (mutual empowerment) with a Buddhist deity as well. However, I have some questions and comments. Keep in mind my perspective is not entirely sectarian, but my perspective on the matter might be primarily influenced by Shingon (Japanese tantric Buddhism).
Why do you feel it is innappropriate to pay homage to the Buddhas and a Deva in the same rite? It is true that, from a Buddhist perspective, you cannot seek refuge in a Deva, but that does not mean they cannot be petitioned for assistance. Deva also have a place in some forms of Buddhism. In Japanese esoteric Buddhism, Sarasvati is called Benzai-ten. I would think, though, that asking for Sarasvati's aid would be best for artistic learning such as music, poetry, literature, etc., but if that's the content of your finals then all the better. If, however, the Buddhist in you is still wary of paying homage to a Deva for academic success, then another option would be the wise Bodhisattva Manjusri. Majusri can represent wisdom and intelligence, and at least in Japan is paid homage to by students wanting to pass exams and all that good stuff. I would actually consider Majusri a better option unless your exams are artistic in nature. Another potential option would be the Bodhisattva Akasagarbha, who can represent wisdom and memory, but I would go with Majusri if you can help it.
Sorry if my post seems unhelpful considering the question of your post. I'd just like to make some comments on the contents of the post, but would like to refrain from answering any questions you posed.
Definitely an interesting story, and as I have some finals coming up myself, perhaps I will try a similar ritual. I was going to draw up some Daoist talismans, but because you shared your story you gave me the idea that I might perform Kaji (mutual empowerment) with a Buddhist deity as well. However, I have some questions and comments. Keep in mind my perspective is not entirely sectarian, but my perspective on the matter might be primarily influenced by Shingon (Japanese tantric Buddhism).
Why do you feel it is innappropriate to pay homage to the Buddhas and a Deva in the same rite? It is true that, from a Buddhist perspective, you cannot seek refuge in a Deva, but that does not mean they cannot be petitioned for assistance. Deva also have a place in some forms of Buddhism. In Japanese esoteric Buddhism, Sarasvati is called Benzai-ten. I would think, though, that asking for Sarasvati's aid would be best for artistic learning such as music, poetry, literature, etc., but if that's the content of your finals then all the better. If, however, the Buddhist in you is still wary of paying homage to a Deva for academic success, then another option would be the wise Bodhisattva Manjusri. Majusri can represent wisdom and intelligence, and at least in Japan is paid homage to by students wanting to pass exams and all that good stuff. I would actually consider Majusri a better option unless your exams are artistic in nature. Another potential option would be the Bodhisattva Akasagarbha, who can represent wisdom and memory, but I would go with Majusri if you can help it.
-
Occult Forum Archive
- Magister
- Posts: 287885
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:32 am
Contact with Saraswati (?)
Original post: moonburn33
Yes, as far as I know it is a little unusual. Mostly because people don't really want to see evidence. Maybe that's just what Saraswati thought that you needed at the time. Ask her.
Yes, as far as I know it is a little unusual. Mostly because people don't really want to see evidence. Maybe that's just what Saraswati thought that you needed at the time. Ask her.
-
Occult Forum Archive
- Magister
- Posts: 287885
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:32 am
Contact with Saraswati (?)
Original post: adept_nul
[QUOTE=Darroth;303594]THE FLAME STOPPED![/QUOTE]
You have never seen a candle flame go out before?
[QUOTE=Darroth;303594]THE FLAME STOPPED![/QUOTE]
You have never seen a candle flame go out before?
-
Occult Forum Archive
- Magister
- Posts: 287885
- Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2009 1:32 am
Contact with Saraswati (?)
Original post: moonburn33
That's a good point.
Tell us how you feel a week or two from now.
Physical results of practice can lead to truly sincere, wondrous experiences. But when all is said and done, don't let it lead you away from the zafu. Or whatever you put in the zafu's place.
That's a good point.
Tell us how you feel a week or two from now.
Physical results of practice can lead to truly sincere, wondrous experiences. But when all is said and done, don't let it lead you away from the zafu. Or whatever you put in the zafu's place.
Re: Contact with Saraswati (?)
The Devas are conscious beings with free will. One cannot predict how they will act. But, if you focus on them they are aware of you. It's akin to posting on the forum; sometimes there are answers or sometimes not depending on the circumstances of what those of us who are reading them are doing or they can be acting on levels and in ways we are not aware. So, the Devi could certainly respond. The best thing is to express gratitude and honor her.