To: K-list
Recieved: 2000/09/08 09:27
Subject: [K-list] Re: Thanks Wim... and what about Shaktipat?
From: Bob Vincent
On 2000/09/08 09:27, Bob Vincent posted thus to the K-list:
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Hi Wim, Susan, all:
Thanks much for the feedback on shaktipat. Wim, you missed the
misspelling "shaktipot." Well, that one goes back 30 years plus for
me. There are better ways to run a shakti railroad. :-)
It seems to me we are talking about a wide range of energy
experiences here. The question is, what is shaktipat a la major
irreversible kundalini stimulation by another person (guru?) versus
all the other kinds of spiritual and/or spirituosensual highs we can
experience in life?
I have been to many retreats also, Susan, where sattva was literally
dripping off the walls and I was in a trance for the days or weeks I
was at these things. Was that shaktipat? I've had darshans ("glances
from the guru"), satsangs galore, and many instances where energy has
been transmitted to or from me. But is this all shaktipat? As with
samadhi, and as you mention, there are many grades of energy
transmission/shaktipat. There is certainly an environmental aspect-
the "who and the where" a person might be in relation to spiritual
energy. And as you point out, it sometimes has nothing to do with
where we are. It just happens through the ethers. Everyone seems to
have different susceptibilities to energy transmissions, and that may
be the underlying dynamic as to whether someone has them or not, and
to what degree.
It occurs to me that shaktipat can be a spiritual path unto itself,
where the aspirant engages in the dynamics of energy receipt and
transmission as a way of life. No doubt other spiritual practices
will arise as such a path advances, as is the case in all spiritual
paths, i.e., the connectiveness of yoga methods discussed earlier. It
seems that the early christians were on this sort of path. As Jesus
said, "When you gather in my name, I shall be with you."
I don't think anyone would deny the presence of some sort of energy
dynamics in their life. Some mysterious power operating behind the
scenes. It can be so subtle. And it can end up so huge and in your
face. It is a vast arena. Taking it from the subtle to the huge
(kundalini awakening) is the range we are exploring. Where does
shaktipat begin in this process? At the very beginning? Or somewhere
closer to the actual kundalini awakening event?
Anyway, we could split hairs about it forever, yes?
I guess the reason I brought up shaktipat is because, being a
professional speculator in both business and spiritual matters, I
look at two things: reward and risk.
One might ask, "Well, what are you afraid of? Get all the kundalini
shakti you can by shaktipat and by every other means. The more the
better." Maybe so. But once it becomes possible to get all that one
wants, a different question arises: "How do I maximize the rate of
this transformation without destroying the vehicle of experience,
this body/mind?" This is the original question I posed coming into
this sacred community. I don't know that it has an answer, except to
continue diligently along the chosen path and take each day as it
comes.
In my case, the "chosen path" is yoga disciplines, with particular
emphasis on deep meditation, kundalini/tantra practices, and a heavy
dose of surrender to the inner shiva/shaki dynamic going on in me.
Adding shaktipat by others is not front page news for me at this
time, but I can see how it could be for other people. It is a path,
and apparently not always a consciously chosen one.
In the case of "chosen," I think you have given the key words, Wim-
"Trust and surrender." Without these, how can we choose anything or
anyone who will affect our life so dramtically?
In the case of "not consciously chosen," well this is the tough one,
as it can sometimes result in a dramatic kundalini awakening. What is
the criteria for a person choosing to awaken soemone else's
kundalini? One answer might be, "Well, if the person is susceptible,
they are ready, and that is 'Grace' acting through me as I give this
gift." Maybe... Since I mentioned shaktipat on this list, I have
received several private emails from people who feel they might be in
this situation. They feel they may might have had uninvited shaktipat
and, at any rate, are experiencing the physical and emotional
extremes of a kundalini awakening. What is the best advice for people
in this situation, other than the standard kundalini guidelines? What
is the best thing to tell them about shaktipat? How do they develop
the trust and surrender after the fact? Probably the same way
spontaneous awakenings do, huh? A little bit at a time, a day at a
time. Well, do you see what I am getting at? I think rewards and
risks both need to be taken into account by any would be shaktipat
transmitters.
How was it you described the preferable shaktipat path, Susan? Did I
understand you correctly?
"...Maybe this is why I see more 'gentler'awakenings rather than
roaring up thru the spine like a freight train ripping the top of the
head off stuff, hail Mary, mother of grace awakenings that people
seem to have in India. But that is just me..."
And Wim's wisdom:
"...Shaktipat can only be given after the initial cornerstone of
trust and surrender is put in place. "Peri shaktal care" anyone?..."
Of course, to each their own. If we choose on our own to tip the
train on its rails while going 90 mph around the curve, that is
great. I have made that choice at times in the past, and reaped the
rewards for taking those risks. I say, if you want it, go for with
all your heart and soul. But do we as potential shaktipat
transmitters have the right to make that choice for someone else? I
think not. Satsang, darshan and the wonderful vibrating places we
create? Yes, absolutely. Shaktipat? Better be careful. It is someone
else's life we are energizing, and the karma shall be ours as much as
theirs.
Just some food for thought. I hope more discussion is stimulated,
especially to help those who feel they might have been shaktipated
unawares.
Peace,
Bob
http://www.kundalini-gateway.org
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