(100303,2,'2013-09-23 22:53:51','2013-09-24 05:53:51','<a href=\"/events/festivals/\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-80 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s 2013 Yoni Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Altar-e1380001560155.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe invite you to explore these galleries for images and stories of our work and worship. Let this be a moment of meditation for you today. Jai Maa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h2><a title=\"2013 Yoni Puja Festival\" href=\"/events/festivals/\">2013 Yoni Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\nOn the night of Sunday, June 9, 2013, we gathered together in community to celebrate the time when Goddess bleeds. Also known as Ambubachi Mela, this festival is a weaving of indigenous, Earth-centered, and Goddess mysteries. It culminates in the drinking of <i>yoni tattva</i>, the essence of the Divine Female.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n[tabgroup]\r\n[tab title=\"Kali Puja Festivals\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a title=\"2009 Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival/\">6th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100131 imgborder\" alt=\"6th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival-&amp;-Fundraiser\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/6th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival-Fundraiser.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn the night of Saturday, October 17, 2009, we gathered together in community to honor Kali, Dark Goddess, Devourer of Time, She of No Beginning and No Ending, Mother of the Universe. The work of preparing for this annual celebration and festival was intense; and everyone in community worked overtime to make the space and our spirits ready to welcome Her in during this special Divali time, Festival of Lights, the Tantric New Year and opening to Kali\'s deepest mysteries. Prior to opening the doors to let everyone in for worship, some of SHARANYA\'s initiates and Daughters of Kali gathered to ground into the temple space and focus for the worship and work to be done.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\">5th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100133 imgborder\" alt=\"5th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/5th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe night of October 25th was our 5th Annual Kali Puja Festival, a celebration of the Divine Mother. Over 80 people attended from all paths and backgrounds, bringing their curiosity, open hearts, and love of the Divine our gathering. The evening was mild and warm, with a beautiful waning moon in the sky winding toward Divali. Incense, candles and beautiful, community-created altars to each of the cardinal directions blessed the space. Here is some of what we experienced together. Jai Maa!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\">4th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100137 imgborder\" alt=\"4th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/4th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe night of November 10, 2007 was our 4th Annual Kali Puja Festival, a celebration of the Divine Mother. Over 70 people attended from all paths and backgrounds, bringing their curiosity, open hearts, and love of the Divine to our gathering. The evening was stormy, adding a special coziness to the ritual. This night, community gathers to create the sacred container for our evening\'s work. Much planning, thought and preparation goes into our Kali Puja!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival/\">2nd Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100138 imgborder\" alt=\"2th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn the night of Saturday, November 5, 2005, SHARANYA community welcomed in the Divine Mother during our 2nd Annual Kali Puja Festival. Held at Fort Mason in San Francisco, just next to the life-giving ocean waters. About 50 devotees joined hands to cast our sacred circle for the night. Community built altars and decorated the space to create a magickal and memorable event. Each direction was consecrated. Here, we hailed the energies of the north.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\">First Annual Kali Puja Festival (2004)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100140 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s-First-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYAs-First-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe air was cool when we arrived at Fort Mason to set up for this big adventure, our First Annual Kali Puja Festival. We had been worshiping together in our Sanctuary for a few years now and had already initiated our first Daughters of Kali. Our second chakra of seekers had formed, and we were growing a community! This puja, we felt, was a way to share our love of Maa with others.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Yoni Puja Festivals\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\">Yoni Puja (June 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100153 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni-Puja-(June-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Puja-June-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn Sunday, June 14, 2009, community gathered in a devotional and celebratory festival honoring Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness. We came together during the auspicious time of abundance known as Ambubachi Mela in the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This is the time when <i>Devi</i>, Goddess, bleeds.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\">First Annual Yoni Puja (2006)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100154 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni-Puja-(Spring-2006-&amp;-Summer-2007)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Puja-Spring-2006-Summer-2007.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIn February of 2006, SHARANYA offered our first Yoni Puja dedicated to the Divine Female, Divine Feminine, Gaia, Women, and our sacred bodies. Community members built a beautiful yoni gateway through which ritual participants passed, complete with a pink rose-filled clitoris-like topping. Everyone danced in honor of the Mystery, inclusive of the Sacred Male, and all received a special darshan.\r\n\r\nAgain in June of 2007, we joined in the festival of Devi to honor the Sacred Female through Yoni Puja, and we have continued the tradition every year since at the time of Solstice in correspondence with <a title=\"Festivals\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/events/festivals/\">Ambubachi Mela </a>in India.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Worship &amp; Events\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (April 2010)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100143 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(April-2010)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-April-2010.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (September 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100144 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(September-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-September-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (August 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100145 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(August-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-August-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\">Trans/Trance: My Big Fat Gay Puja!</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100146 imgborder\" alt=\"TransTrance-My-Big-Fat-Gay-Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TransTrance-My-Big-Fat-Gay-Puja.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (February 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100147 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(February-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-February-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (August 2008)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100148 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(August-2008)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-August-2008.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a title=\"2007 Kali Puja SoCal\" href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal/\">Orange County Kali Puja</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100149 imgborder\" alt=\"Orange-County-Kali-Puja-Workshop\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Orange-County-Kali-Puja-Workshop.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\">South Altar at Spiral Dance</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100152 imgborder\" alt=\"South-Altar-at-Spiral-Dance\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/South-Altar-at-Spiral-Dance.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[/tabgroup]','Galleries','','inherit','open','open','','99940-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 22:53:51','2013-09-24 05:53:51','',99940,'<a href=\"/events/festivals/\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-80 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s 2013 Yoni Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Altar-e1380001560155.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe invite you to explore these galleries for ',0,'revision','',0),(100304,2,'2013-09-23 22:54:52','2013-09-24 05:54:52','<a href=\"/events/festivals/\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-80 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s 2013 Yoni Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Altar-e1380001560155.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe invite you to explore these galleries for images and stories of our work and worship spanning the past fifteen years. Let this be a moment of meditation for you today and be on the look out for regular updates. Jai Maa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h3><a title=\"2013 Yoni Puja Festival\" href=\"/events/festivals/\">2013 Yoni Puja Festival</a></h3>\r\nOn the night of Sunday, June 9, 2013, we gathered together in community to celebrate the time when Goddess bleeds. Also known as Ambubachi Mela, this festival is a weaving of indigenous, Earth-centered, and Goddess mysteries. It culminates in the drinking of <i>yoni tattva</i>, the essence of the Divine Female.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n[tabgroup]\r\n[tab title=\"Kali Puja Festivals\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a title=\"2009 Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival/\">6th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100131 imgborder\" alt=\"6th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival-&amp;-Fundraiser\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/6th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival-Fundraiser.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn the night of Saturday, October 17, 2009, we gathered together in community to honor Kali, Dark Goddess, Devourer of Time, She of No Beginning and No Ending, Mother of the Universe. The work of preparing for this annual celebration and festival was intense; and everyone in community worked overtime to make the space and our spirits ready to welcome Her in during this special Divali time, Festival of Lights, the Tantric New Year and opening to Kali\'s deepest mysteries. Prior to opening the doors to let everyone in for worship, some of SHARANYA\'s initiates and Daughters of Kali gathered to ground into the temple space and focus for the worship and work to be done.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\">5th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100133 imgborder\" alt=\"5th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/5th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe night of October 25th was our 5th Annual Kali Puja Festival, a celebration of the Divine Mother. Over 80 people attended from all paths and backgrounds, bringing their curiosity, open hearts, and love of the Divine our gathering. The evening was mild and warm, with a beautiful waning moon in the sky winding toward Divali. Incense, candles and beautiful, community-created altars to each of the cardinal directions blessed the space. Here is some of what we experienced together. Jai Maa!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\">4th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100137 imgborder\" alt=\"4th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/4th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe night of November 10, 2007 was our 4th Annual Kali Puja Festival, a celebration of the Divine Mother. Over 70 people attended from all paths and backgrounds, bringing their curiosity, open hearts, and love of the Divine to our gathering. The evening was stormy, adding a special coziness to the ritual. This night, community gathers to create the sacred container for our evening\'s work. Much planning, thought and preparation goes into our Kali Puja!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival/\">2nd Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100138 imgborder\" alt=\"2th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn the night of Saturday, November 5, 2005, SHARANYA community welcomed in the Divine Mother during our 2nd Annual Kali Puja Festival. Held at Fort Mason in San Francisco, just next to the life-giving ocean waters. About 50 devotees joined hands to cast our sacred circle for the night. Community built altars and decorated the space to create a magickal and memorable event. Each direction was consecrated. Here, we hailed the energies of the north.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\">First Annual Kali Puja Festival (2004)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100140 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s-First-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYAs-First-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe air was cool when we arrived at Fort Mason to set up for this big adventure, our First Annual Kali Puja Festival. We had been worshiping together in our Sanctuary for a few years now and had already initiated our first Daughters of Kali. Our second chakra of seekers had formed, and we were growing a community! This puja, we felt, was a way to share our love of Maa with others.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Yoni Puja Festivals\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\">Yoni Puja (June 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100153 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni-Puja-(June-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Puja-June-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn Sunday, June 14, 2009, community gathered in a devotional and celebratory festival honoring Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness. We came together during the auspicious time of abundance known as Ambubachi Mela in the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This is the time when <i>Devi</i>, Goddess, bleeds.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\">First Annual Yoni Puja (2006)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100154 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni-Puja-(Spring-2006-&amp;-Summer-2007)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Puja-Spring-2006-Summer-2007.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIn February of 2006, SHARANYA offered our first Yoni Puja dedicated to the Divine Female, Divine Feminine, Gaia, Women, and our sacred bodies. Community members built a beautiful yoni gateway through which ritual participants passed, complete with a pink rose-filled clitoris-like topping. Everyone danced in honor of the Mystery, inclusive of the Sacred Male, and all received a special darshan.\r\n\r\nAgain in June of 2007, we joined in the festival of Devi to honor the Sacred Female through Yoni Puja, and we have continued the tradition every year since at the time of Solstice in correspondence with <a title=\"Festivals\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/events/festivals/\">Ambubachi Mela </a>in India.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Worship &amp; Events\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (April 2010)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100143 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(April-2010)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-April-2010.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (September 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100144 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(September-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-September-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (August 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100145 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(August-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-August-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\">Trans/Trance: My Big Fat Gay Puja!</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100146 imgborder\" alt=\"TransTrance-My-Big-Fat-Gay-Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TransTrance-My-Big-Fat-Gay-Puja.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (February 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100147 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(February-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-February-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (August 2008)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100148 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(August-2008)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-August-2008.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a title=\"2007 Kali Puja SoCal\" href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal/\">Orange County Kali Puja</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100149 imgborder\" alt=\"Orange-County-Kali-Puja-Workshop\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Orange-County-Kali-Puja-Workshop.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\">South Altar at Spiral Dance</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100152 imgborder\" alt=\"South-Altar-at-Spiral-Dance\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/South-Altar-at-Spiral-Dance.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[/tabgroup]','Galleries','','inherit','open','open','','99940-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 22:54:52','2013-09-24 05:54:52','',99940,'<a href=\"/events/festivals/\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-80 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s 2013 Yoni Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Altar-e1380001560155.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe invite you to explore these galleries for ',0,'revision','',0),(100305,2,'2013-09-23 22:57:09','2013-09-24 05:57:09','<a href=\"/events/festivals/\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-80 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s 2013 Yoni Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Altar-e1380001560155.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe invite you to explore these galleries for images and stories of our work and worship spanning the past fifteen years. Let this be a moment of meditation for you today and be on the look out for regular updates as we continue our devotions, events and celebrations in Her name. Jai Maa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h3><a title=\"2013 Yoni Puja Festival\" href=\"/events/festivals/\">2013 Yoni Puja Festival</a></h3>\r\nOn the night of Sunday, June 9, 2013, we gathered together in community to celebrate the time when Goddess bleeds. Also known as Ambubachi Mela, this festival is celebrated annually in northeastern India. At SHARANYA, it is a weaving of indigenous, Earth-centered, and Goddess mysteries that culminates in the drinking of <i>yoni tattva</i>, the essence of the Divine Female.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n[tabgroup]\r\n[tab title=\"Kali Puja Festivals\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a title=\"2009 Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival/\">6th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100131 imgborder\" alt=\"6th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival-&amp;-Fundraiser\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/6th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival-Fundraiser.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn the night of Saturday, October 17, 2009, we gathered together in community to honor Kali, Dark Goddess, Devourer of Time, She of No Beginning and No Ending, Mother of the Universe. The work of preparing for this annual celebration and festival was intense; and everyone in community worked overtime to make the space and our spirits ready to welcome Her in during this special Divali time, Festival of Lights, the Tantric New Year and opening to Kali\'s deepest mysteries. Prior to opening the doors to let everyone in for worship, some of SHARANYA\'s initiates and Daughters of Kali gathered to ground into the temple space and focus for the worship and work to be done.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-kali-puja-festival\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\">5th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100133 imgborder\" alt=\"5th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/5th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe night of October 25th was our 5th Annual Kali Puja Festival, a celebration of the Divine Mother. Over 80 people attended from all paths and backgrounds, bringing their curiosity, open hearts, and love of the Divine our gathering. The evening was mild and warm, with a beautiful waning moon in the sky winding toward Divali. Incense, candles and beautiful, community-created altars to each of the cardinal directions blessed the space. Here is some of what we experienced together. Jai Maa!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2008-10-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\">4th Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100137 imgborder\" alt=\"4th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/4th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe night of November 10, 2007 was our 4th Annual Kali Puja Festival, a celebration of the Divine Mother. Over 70 people attended from all paths and backgrounds, bringing their curiosity, open hearts, and love of the Divine to our gathering. The evening was stormy, adding a special coziness to the ritual. This night, community gathers to create the sacred container for our evening\'s work. Much planning, thought and preparation goes into our Kali Puja!\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2007-11-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival/\">2nd Annual Kali Puja Festival</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100138 imgborder\" alt=\"2th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2th-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn the night of Saturday, November 5, 2005, SHARANYA community welcomed in the Divine Mother during our 2nd Annual Kali Puja Festival. Held at Fort Mason in San Francisco, just next to the life-giving ocean waters. About 50 devotees joined hands to cast our sacred circle for the night. Community built altars and decorated the space to create a magickal and memorable event. Each direction was consecrated. Here, we hailed the energies of the north.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2005-kali-puja-festival\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\">First Annual Kali Puja Festival (2004)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100140 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s-First-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYAs-First-Annual-Kali-Puja-Festival.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe air was cool when we arrived at Fort Mason to set up for this big adventure, our First Annual Kali Puja Festival. We had been worshiping together in our Sanctuary for a few years now and had already initiated our first Daughters of Kali. Our second chakra of seekers had formed, and we were growing a community! This puja, we felt, was a way to share our love of Maa with others.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2004-kali-puja-festival/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Yoni Puja Festivals\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\">Yoni Puja (June 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100153 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni-Puja-(June-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Puja-June-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOn Sunday, June 14, 2009, community gathered in a devotional and celebratory festival honoring Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness. We came together during the auspicious time of abundance known as Ambubachi Mela in the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This is the time when <i>Devi</i>, Goddess, bleeds.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-yoni-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\">First Annual Yoni Puja (2006)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100154 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni-Puja-(Spring-2006-&amp;-Summer-2007)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Puja-Spring-2006-Summer-2007.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIn February of 2006, SHARANYA offered our first Yoni Puja dedicated to the Divine Female, Divine Feminine, Gaia, Women, and our sacred bodies. Community members built a beautiful yoni gateway through which ritual participants passed, complete with a pink rose-filled clitoris-like topping. Everyone danced in honor of the Mystery, inclusive of the Sacred Male, and all received a special darshan.\r\n\r\nAgain in June of 2007, we joined in the festival of Devi to honor the Sacred Female through Yoni Puja, and we have continued the tradition every year since at the time of Solstice in correspondence with <a title=\"Festivals\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/events/festivals/\">Ambubachi Mela </a>in India.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/first-yoni-pujas/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Worship &amp; Events\"]\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (April 2010)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100143 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(April-2010)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-April-2010.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2010-04-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (September 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100144 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(September-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-September-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-09-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (August 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100145 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(August-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-August-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-08-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\">Trans/Trance: My Big Fat Gay Puja!</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100146 imgborder\" alt=\"TransTrance-My-Big-Fat-Gay-Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TransTrance-My-Big-Fat-Gay-Puja.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-03-public-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (February 2009)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100147 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(February-2009)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-February-2009.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-02-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\">Kali Puja (August 2008)</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100148 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali-Puja-(August-2008)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kali-Puja-August-2008.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2008-08-kali-puja/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n<h2><a title=\"2007 Kali Puja SoCal\" href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal/\">Orange County Kali Puja</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100149 imgborder\" alt=\"Orange-County-Kali-Puja-Workshop\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Orange-County-Kali-Puja-Workshop.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2007-07-socal\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last]\r\n<h2><a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\">South Altar at Spiral Dance</a></h2>\r\n<a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100152 imgborder\" alt=\"South-Altar-at-Spiral-Dance\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/South-Altar-at-Spiral-Dance.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce ut felis cursus, congue nunc eget, molestie felis. Maecenas dapibus convallis nunc sed malesuada. Morbi semper urna erat, ut vehicula sapien vulputate hendrerit. Cras venenatis convallis facilisis. Duis aliquet orci id placerat semper. Morbi vel dignissim mi. Morbi quis neque pulvinar, faucibus nunc ac, sodales neque. Phasellus fringilla eros ac magna semper, sed hendrerit nisi tincidunt. Nullam eu fringilla dui.\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"/galleries/2009-samhain-altar/\">View the gallery &gt;</a></em></strong>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[/tabgroup]','Galleries','','inherit','open','open','','99940-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 22:57:09','2013-09-24 05:57:09','',99940,'<a href=\"/events/festivals/\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-80 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA\'s 2013 Yoni Puja\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Yoni-Altar-e1380001560155.jpg\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe invite you to explore these galleries for ',0,'revision','',0),(100306,2,'2013-09-23 23:00:12','2013-09-24 06:00:12','Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, and Yoginis) an opportunity to discover Her mysteries more deeply and sweetly. Each voyage invites the devotee to delve deeper into her or his spiritual path, expand horizons, learn first-hand about living Goddess traditions and experience the history and culture of the birthplace of Tantra.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIf you join us, you will access and visit temples and spiritual sites otherwise hard to reach, gaining entrance to a world often off-limits to foreign visitors. Come with us to meet priests, tantrics, women adepts, and spiritual seekers devoted to the Divine Mother!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"20\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"> </a></h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_100156\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"558\"]<a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100156 imgborder \" alt=\"India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News.jpg\" width=\"558\" height=\"314\" /></a> Blessings of the Divine Mother Kamakhya at her temple outside of Guwahti in Assam.[/caption]','Pilgrimage','','inherit','open','open','','99136-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:00:12','2013-09-24 06:00:12','',99136,'Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, and Yoginis) an oppor',0,'revision','',0),(100307,2,'2013-09-23 23:06:09','2013-09-24 06:06:09','Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (for example, through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, or Yoginis) an opportunity to discover Her mysteries more deeply and sweetly. Each voyage invites the devotee to delve deeper into her or his spiritual path, expand horizons, learn first-hand about living Goddess traditions and experience the history and culture of the birthplace of Tantra.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIf you join us, you will access and visit temples and spiritual sites otherwise hard to reach, gaining entrance to a world often off-limits to foreign visitors. Come with us to meet Tantrics, adepts, and myriad spiritual seekers devoted to the Divine Mother.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"20\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSHARANYA hosted annual pilgrimages from 2000 through 2009. We will likely resume in 2016. <br><br>\r\n\r\n<h3><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"> </a></h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_100156\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"558\"]<a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100156 imgborder \" alt=\"India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News.jpg\" width=\"558\" height=\"314\" /></a> Blessings of the Divine Mother Kamakhya at her temple outside of Guwahti in Assam.[/caption]','Pilgrimage','','inherit','open','open','','99136-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:06:09','2013-09-24 06:06:09','',99136,'Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (for example, through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, or Yogin',0,'revision','',0),(100308,2,'2013-09-23 23:09:31','2013-09-24 06:09:31','Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (for example, through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, or Yoginis) an opportunity to discover Her mysteries more deeply and sweetly. Each voyage invites the devotee to delve deeper into her or his spiritual path, expand horizons, learn first-hand about living Goddess traditions and experience the history and culture of the birthplace of Tantra.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIf you join us, you will access and visit temples and spiritual sites otherwise hard to reach, gaining entrance to a world often off-limits to foreign visitors. Come with us to meet Tantrics, adepts, and myriad spiritual seekers devoted to the Divine Mother.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"20\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<blockquote>SHARANYA hosted annual pilgrimages from 2000 through 2009. We will likely resume in 2016.</blockquote> <br><br>\r\n\r\n<h3><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"> </a></h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_100156\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"558\"]<a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100156 imgborder \" alt=\"India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News.jpg\" width=\"558\" height=\"314\" /></a> Blessings of the Divine Mother Kamakhya at her temple outside of Guwahti in Assam.[/caption]','Pilgrimage','','inherit','open','open','','99136-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:09:31','2013-09-24 06:09:31','',99136,'Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (for example, through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, or Yogin',0,'revision','',0),(100309,2,'2013-09-23 23:10:18','2013-09-24 06:10:18','Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (for example, through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, or Yoginis) an opportunity to discover Her mysteries more deeply and sweetly. Each voyage invites the devotee to delve deeper into her or his spiritual path, expand horizons, learn first-hand about living Goddess traditions and experience the history and culture of the birthplace of Tantra.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIf you join us, you will access and visit temples and spiritual sites otherwise hard to reach, gaining entrance to a world often off-limits to foreign visitors. Come with us to meet Tantrics, adepts, and myriad spiritual seekers devoted to the Divine Mother.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"20\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<blockquote>SHARANYA hosted annual pilgrimages to India from 2000 through 2009. We plan to resume in 2016.</blockquote> <br><br>\r\n\r\n<h3><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"> </a></h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_100156\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"558\"]<a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SHARANYA2006IndiaPilgrimage.pdf\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100156 imgborder \" alt=\"India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/India-Pilgrimage-SHARANYA-in-the-News.jpg\" width=\"558\" height=\"314\" /></a> Blessings of the Divine Mother Kamakhya at her temple outside of Guwahti in Assam.[/caption]','Pilgrimage','','inherit','open','open','','99136-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:10:18','2013-09-24 06:10:18','',99136,'Pilgrimage—a sacred journey—has the capacity, should we choose to engage it, to take us to the heart of our beingness. Pilgrimage offers those seeking Goddess in Her most powerful forms (for example, through Kali, any of the Mahavidyas, Matrikas, or Yogin',0,'revision','',0),(100310,2,'2013-09-23 23:19:47','2013-09-24 06:19:47','<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\n\nShakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to relate. She rests on a bed of will, knowledge and action, entwined with Shiva, the pure consciousness that follows her call, in order to relax into some powerful creation work. There is not a moment that goes by in which I do not feel her. I am surrounded by the subtle notes of intuition that arise in her presence and the not-so-subtle ripples of her battles in this realm. I know you know what I mean. The trees, oceans, bears and wind all speak her name. A kirtan (call and response) ensues, and those who are attuned listen. The chanting has its charms.\n\nRecently, she asked me to give more of myself. \"But I already...,\" I start to say, and she just kisses me sweetly, replying, \n<blockquote>Darling, I know how much you do. Still, there is more to be done.</blockquote>\nShe is right, of course, and I acknowledge that my energy is dispersed and needs to focus for better effect in the world. There are some things that are too important to be lost in my chaos. How then to manage this, I wonder; but not for long. My spiritual practice guides me to breakthrough on the inner planes that has real outer world ramifications and manifestations. I learn the first lessons of empowered spiritual leadership: listen, tell your truth, take responsibility, stand your ground.\n\nShe then asks me what I believe in. I go back to a childhood filled with lies, betrayal, physical violence, and an empty fridge until Grandma comes to fill it up. I realize that I have spent much of my life creating values in response to those around me, and I need to ask what is there that is genuinely born from within me. I meditate on my birth and the will to survive interweaves tightly with the wounding of abandonment. What is mine? I sink into awareness around subsequent years of therapy, anger, resentment, and a sense of loss in relationship to my youth. I take pause and realize that I have grown much, and the obstacles have provided me with strength and power. In my crafting of faith, these avenues of challenge have led directly to the unseen realms upon which I draw heavily in my work for social transformation. Nothing is wasted.\n\nShe called me today to ask that I make a personally significant donation to a cause I care a lot about. I was not planning on giving again before the year was out, but she just winked and said, \n<blockquote>You can do it. The women need your money as much as they need your prayers.</blockquote>\nNothing could be more true. Had I not dived deep into my own story, I know the insights that came around what I believe and value would not have been revealed. I would not have found either justification or motivation for a financial contribution. Moreover, it would not have seemed relevant. No one would have benefited and I would have been less humble.\n\nA brother in the work of ministry had her card not long ago, one on which she had written my name. \"Spirit babies\" was all that was otherwise noted, and I was asked to help create a ritual for all the mamas and papas who grieved or sorrowed over the loss of a child through abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. My own embodied experiences were present in the mix of emotions that circled through me with the call. I felt honored to be asked. I will help, and I will write a prayer that brings healing, if none but my own, and will ask for an opening to her mysteries, the greatest of them perhaps held in the spaces of life and death.\n\nWhat is being created in response to her call? A life worth living.','Maa is calling me in this moment...','','inherit','open','open','','99055-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:19:47','2013-09-24 06:19:47','',99055,'<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\n\nShakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to rel',0,'revision','',0),(100311,2,'2013-09-23 23:21:06','2013-09-24 06:21:06','','Dakshinkali','','inherit','open','open','','dscn1590','','','2013-09-23 23:21:06','2013-09-24 06:21:06','',99055,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100312,2,'2013-09-23 23:22:46','2013-09-24 06:22:46','<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\nShakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to relate. She rests on a bed of will, knowledge and action, entwined with Shiva, the pure consciousness that follows her call, in order to relax into some powerful creation work. There is not a moment that goes by in which I do not feel her. I am surrounded by the subtle notes of intuition that arise in her presence and the not-so-subtle ripples of her battles in this realm. I know you know what I mean. The trees, oceans, bears and wind all speak her name. A kirtan (call and response) ensues, and those who are attuned listen. The chanting has its charms.\r\n\r\nRecently, she asked me to give more of myself. \"But I already...,\" I start to say, and she just kisses me sweetly, replying, \r\n<blockquote>Darling, I know how much you do. Still, there is more to be done.</blockquote>\r\nShe is right, of course, and I acknowledge that my energy is dispersed and needs to focus for better effect in the world. There are some things that are too important to be lost in my chaos. How then to manage this, I wonder; but not for long. My spiritual practice guides me to breakthrough on the inner planes that has real outer world ramifications and manifestations. I learn the first lessons of empowered spiritual leadership: listen, tell your truth, take responsibility, stand your ground.\r\n\r\nShe then asks me what I believe in. I go back to a childhood filled with lies, betrayal, physical violence, and an empty fridge until Grandma comes to fill it up. I realize that I have spent much of my life creating values in response to those around me, and I need to ask what is there that is genuinely born from within me. I meditate on my birth and the will to survive interweaves tightly with the wounding of abandonment. What is mine? I sink into awareness around subsequent years of therapy, anger, resentment, and a sense of loss in relationship to my youth. I take pause and realize that I have grown much, and the obstacles have provided me with strength and power. In my crafting of faith, these avenues of challenge have led directly to the unseen realms upon which I draw heavily in my work for social transformation. Nothing is wasted.\r\n\r\nShe called me today to ask that I make a personally significant donation to a cause I care a lot about. I was not planning on giving again before the year was out, but she just winked and said, \r\n<blockquote>You can do it. The women need your money as much as they need your prayers.</blockquote>\r\nNothing could be more true. Had I not dived deep into my own story, I know the insights that came around what I believe and value would not have been revealed. I would not have found either justification or motivation for a financial contribution. Moreover, it would not have seemed relevant. No one would have benefited and I would have been less humble.\r\n\r\nA brother in the work of ministry had her card not long ago, one on which she had written my name. \"Spirit babies\" was all that was otherwise noted, and I was asked to help create a ritual for all the mamas and papas who grieved or sorrowed over the loss of a child through abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. My own embodied experiences were present in the mix of emotions that circled through me with the call. I felt honored to be asked. I will help, and I will write a prayer that brings healing, if none but my own, and will ask for an opening to her mysteries, the greatest of them perhaps held in the spaces of life and death.\r\n\r\nWhat is being created in response to her call? A life worth living.','Maa is calling me in this moment...','','inherit','open','open','','99055-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:22:46','2013-09-24 06:22:46','',99055,'<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\nShakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to r',0,'revision','',0),(100313,2,'2013-10-20 22:32:26','2013-10-21 05:32:26','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\n\nBe assured, we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. \n\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience in the reflections of one of our initiates in what follows, and through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Jai Maa!<br><br>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<h5>What is Kali Puja?</h5>\n\nWe at SHARANYA honor the Goddess as the cosmic interconnectedness of all beings, the Mother of Life, and the pathway to illumination and ultimate bliss. Through Her grace and love, She guides us into the depths of our innermost being and inspires us to live in the fullness of our humanity. Specifically, we worship Maa Kali, the fierce and compassionate Mother Goddess of Hinduism, in both Her transcendent and immanent forms. Blending authentic ritual methodologies of both East and West, we are more fully able to open our hearts to Her love and offer devotion and prayer for personal, collective, and planetary evolution.\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-100107 imgborder\" alt=\"PujaAltarMainIIFramed\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PujaAltarMainIIFramed.jpg\" />\n\nOur puja ritual begins by casting a circle hand to hand, creating a sacred space between the worlds. We honor and invoke the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, the elements of life, as guides and allies in our worship. Through breath, song, movement, and speech, three unique voices call forth the elemental powers, honoring the diversity of spiritual traditions gathered. As we conjure the elements, we draw power from each corner of the Universe and remember our intimate (inter)dependence upon them in our lives.\n\nWith the circle cast and the elements present, the gods can come forth. We first invoke Agni, Lord of the sacrificial fire, the dancing flame of all beings. Agni helps open a channel for us to commune with the Divine. Agni is also one of the most ancient deities of the Vedic tradition, honored with the first nine verses of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious text still used today. Our ceremony continues to open to the Divine by next calling Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Obstacles who opens our minds and hearts to touch the Great Mystery. Through His worship, we are resolved of all that hinders our path and keeps us from fully experiencing the Divine.\n\nMoving into deeper awareness of God and Self, we invoke Lord Shiva, the destroyer of life, sensuous yogi, Father of the Three Worlds, and Cosmic Consciousness alive in all things. His is the dance that turns the cycles of the seasons, the stars in orbit, and the ebb and flow the Universe. We welcome Him with our voices, chanting sacred verses that have lived in the hearts of humanity for thousands of years. Together we offer flowers and praise Shiva singing \"Shiva Shambo Mahadeva Shambo\", honoring Shiva as the Great God and the bringer of peace. Opening to His love and compassion, we see the beauty and divinity of the world.\n\nFully in the flow of Divine awareness, we then call forth Maa Kali to join our circle. With deep yearning in our beingness, we welcome the Goddess with mantras that have been sung to Her for millennia. We bow to Her divine presence and perform aarti, offering incense, water, food, fan, and light before Her living image. Together we sing \"Jai Maa\", Victory to the Mother, as we open fully and allow Her to touch our hearts. We breathe Her in, reaching ecstatic states through which we can more deeply experience Her beauty and grace. With the use of camphor, wine, tobacco, beer, and Tarot cards, we further deepen our awareness and allow Her messages to come forth.\n\nDespite Her seemingly frightening imagery, Maa Kali\'s unique form inspires visions of living, dynamic, interconnected reality. To those who love Her, Maa Kali is the epitome of beauty, wisdom, and wonder in the world. She is the Queen of the deepest Mysteries, the Dark Mother of all beings, and the guide to our most authentic Self. Through Her worship, we connect to the primal powers of creation and disillusion, both beautiful and fierce. We release fear and notions of what \"should be\" or \"must be\" and allow Her to free us from illusion, giving way to true liberation and freedom.\n\nThrough puja (worship) offered to Maa Kali, we allow the Goddess to heal us and renew our souls. When we set time aside, as a community or alone, to perform puja to the Divine Mother, we connect to the original whim of God to know Herself. As we attune to the elemental powers and offer devotion to the gods, we transform ourselves and give birth to new worlds of being. Puja becomes part of the cosmic creation, allowing us to journey beyond time space reality and aid in the continuation of life on this planet. It grants us the ability to move from individual heart space into places of unlimited possibility. We awaken to the Goddess in every facet of our being and transform our reality, coming to see Maa Kali as the Holy Mother in whom we live, move, and have our selves made whole.\n\n<hr \\>\n<em>Offered by Jaratura, a Sha\'can In</em>','Our Kali Puja','','inherit','open','open','','99054-autosave-v1','','','2013-10-20 22:32:26','2013-10-21 05:32:26','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100314,2,'2013-09-23 23:26:47','2013-09-24 06:26:47','','Spiral Dance Kali Altar','','inherit','open','open','','dscn1594','','','2013-09-23 23:26:47','2013-09-24 06:26:47','',99054,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100315,2,'2013-09-23 23:28:16','2013-09-24 06:28:16','<center><img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/Shappodhara.jpg\"></center>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal...to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit...to bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.  Well, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort (we hope) by saying we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering...and we have come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. \r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The vibe is loving, embracing, inclusionary, welcoming...\r\n\r\nEnter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>.\r\n\r\nJai Maa! And we look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies. \r\n\r\n  ','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:28:16','2013-09-24 06:28:16','',99054,'<center><img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/Shappodhara.jpg\"></center>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal...to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit...to bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but fe',0,'revision','',0),(100316,2,'2013-09-23 23:29:06','2013-09-24 06:29:06','<blockquote>[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"5\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;</blockquote>','Blog','','inherit','open','open','','99348-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:29:06','2013-09-24 06:29:06','',99348,'<blockquote>[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"5\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;</blockquote>',0,'revision','',0),(100317,2,'2013-09-23 23:32:07','2013-09-24 06:32:07','Women have long been the keepers of spiritual wisdom and insight, with numerous traditions around the globe providing examples of women\'s esteemed presence, practice, leadership, and mystical experience in communion with the Divine, however that may be defined. Still, in a world dominated by patriarchal faiths and institutions, women are often excluded from positions of spiritual leadership?????even in traditions where goddess is honored. More specifically, the role of women is often confined to either that of supplicant in the house of god or to that of household worshiper, women being relegated in many faiths to supportive roles alone, with their powers and passions confined to the more private spheres of life.\r\n\r\nWithin contemporary Paganism and some forms of Hinduism, notably Shakkta Tantra, however, a different story is clear: women are spiritual and community leaders within their traditions, commanding respect and honor for the carrying out of their sacred charge as defined within those communities and traditions. While ordination requirements, roles, and specific functions may vary, I argue in this presentation to the American Academy of Religion at yesterday\'s <a href=\"http://www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Regions/Western/Website/\">Western Regional Conference</a> and based on preliminary findings, that women clergy from the goddess-centered pathways of Paganism and Hinduism, regardless of personal and regional variances, offer us today both inspiration and an opportunity toward post-patriarchal renderings of power and authority in our spiritual communities and houses of worship. With this, women clergy too offer new possibilities as role models in not only the immediacy of their congregations and spiritual communities, but also in all the spaces they choose to inhabit as empowered female leaders.\r\n\r\nDo you act as a spiritual leader in your goddess-centered tradition? Tell us more! Take our <a href=\"http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/questionnaire.php?action=email&sId=1393&email=\">on-line survey</a> and read the full text of my Goddess Studies panel presentation <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/voices/AAR2009WESCOR.pdf\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n','Voices of the Goddess: Women Clergy in East & West','','inherit','open','open','','99040-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:32:07','2013-09-24 06:32:07','',99040,'Women have long been the keepers of spiritual wisdom and insight, with numerous traditions around the globe providing examples of women\'s esteemed presence, practice, leadership, and mystical experience in communion with the Divine, however that may be de',0,'revision','',0),(100318,2,'2013-09-23 23:35:01','2013-09-24 06:35:01','Mantra (<i>mantram</i> in the singular) are an important part of spiritual practice in many religious traditions. At SHARANYA, we understand mantra to be a core component of individual and community work because of the multiple levels on which they can operate to effectuate positive transformation.\n\nA mantram is a sound or series of sounds--usually delivered in the Sanskrit language--designed with a particular intention, purpose and effect in mind. All mantra were originally perceived by sages and offered to spiritual seekers to help them reach enlightenment. While specific mantra can channel great power by virtue of resonance with cosmic energies (and can therefore sometimes be challenging to work with), most mantra are easy to use as part of a daily spiritual discipline.\n\nMantra japa is the practice of using a <i>mala</i> (rosary) or other means to count the number of repetitions of any mantra so that the energy of the sound vibration of the mantra increases and thus bestoes the practitioner with a wealth of vital energy with which the sound connects for spiritual growth, healing and facilitation of shifts of consciousness.\n\nFor example, one may chant Kali\'s <i>bija mantra</i>, Her seed syllable, KRIM over and over (often, the number of repetitions recommended is 108, a number which aligns with the 27 astrological houses as divided into 4) to allow the vibrational energies of the Divine to assist in one\'s practice and life. Again, in using such a mantra, it is important to understand and be willing to work deeply with the energy of <i>Devi</i> (Goddess) as Kali in all Her forms...from the personal goddess, to Her transcendent manifestations, to Her presence beyond form and name. This is because the mantra, being sound, vibrates in all these realms across time and space and draws on the power of each. It is for this reason that many on the spiritual path utilize certain mantra only after an intense period of study, self-reflection, and spiritual strengthening through <i>sadhana</i> (spiritual practice).\n\nShould you wish to work with the many mantra provided on this site, use all your faculties and senses in determining what is right for your practice and path...and feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. We are happy to help guide you in the work. ','Mantra as Part of Daily Practice','','inherit','open','open','','99021-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:35:01','2013-09-24 06:35:01','',99021,'Mantra (<i>mantram</i> in the singular) are an important part of spiritual practice in many religious traditions. At SHARANYA, we understand mantra to be a core component of individual and community work because of the multiple levels on which they can op',0,'revision','',0),(100319,2,'2013-09-23 23:35:05','2013-09-24 06:35:05','Mantra (<i>mantram</i> in the singular) are an important part of spiritual practice in many religious traditions. At SHARANYA, we understand mantra to be a core component of individual and community work because of the multiple levels on which they can operate to effectuate positive transformation.\r\n\r\nA mantram is a sound or series of sounds--usually delivered in the Sanskrit language--designed with a particular intention, purpose and effect in mind. All mantra were originally perceived by sages and offered to spiritual seekers to help them reach enlightenment. While specific mantra can channel great power by virtue of resonance with cosmic energies (and can therefore sometimes be challenging to work with), most mantra are easy to use as part of a daily spiritual discipline.\r\n\r\nMantra japa is the practice of using a <i>mala</i> (rosary) or other means to count the number of repetitions of any mantra so that the energy of the sound vibration of the mantra increases and thus bestoes the practitioner with a wealth of vital energy with which the sound connects for spiritual growth, healing and facilitation of shifts of consciousness.\r\n\r\nFor example, one may chant Kali\'s <i>bija mantra</i>, Her seed syllable, KRIM over and over (often, the number of repetitions recommended is 108, a number which aligns with the 27 astrological houses as divided into 4) to allow the vibrational energies of the Divine to assist in one\'s practice and life. Again, in using such a mantra, it is important to understand and be willing to work deeply with the energy of <i>Devi</i> (Goddess) as Kali in all Her forms...from the personal goddess, to Her transcendent manifestations, to Her presence beyond form and name. This is because the mantra, being sound, vibrates in all these realms across time and space and draws on the power of each. It is for this reason that many on the spiritual path utilize certain mantra only after an intense period of study, self-reflection, and spiritual strengthening through <i>sadhana</i> (spiritual practice).\r\n\r\nShould you wish to work with the many mantra provided on this site, use all your faculties and senses in determining what is right for your practice and path...and feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. We are happy to help guide you in the work. ','Mantra as Part of Daily Practice','','inherit','open','open','','99021-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:35:05','2013-09-24 06:35:05','',99021,'Mantra (<i>mantram</i> in the singular) are an important part of spiritual practice in many religious traditions. At SHARANYA, we understand mantra to be a core component of individual and community work because of the multiple levels on which they can op',0,'revision','',0),(100320,2,'2013-09-23 23:37:18','2013-09-24 06:37:18','Mantra (<i>mantram</i> in the singular) are an important part of spiritual practice in many religious traditions. At SHARANYA, we understand mantra to be a core component of individual and community work because of the multiple levels on which they can operate to effectuate positive transformation.\r\n\r\nA mantram is a sound or series of sounds, often delivered in the Sanskrit language, designed with a particular intention, purpose and effect in mind. All mantra were originally perceived by sages and offered to spiritual seekers to help them reach enlightenment. While specific mantra can channel great power by virtue of resonance with cosmic energies (and can therefore sometimes be challenging to work with), most mantra are easy to use as part of a daily spiritual discipline.\r\n\r\nMantra japa is the practice of using a <i>mala</i> (rosary) or other means to count the number of repetitions of any mantra so that the energy of the sound vibration of the mantra increases and thus bestoes the practitioner with a wealth of vital energy with which the sound connects for spiritual growth, healing and facilitation of shifts of consciousness.\r\n\r\nFor example, one may chant Kali\'s <i>bija mantra</i>, Her seed syllable, KRIM over and over (often, the number of repetitions recommended is 108, a number which aligns with the 27 astrological houses as divided into 4) to allow the vibrational energies of the Divine to assist in one\'s practice and life. Again, in using such a mantra, it is important to understand and be willing to work deeply with the energy of <i>Devi</i> (Goddess) as Kali in all Her forms: from the personal goddess, to Her transcendent manifestations, to Her presence beyond form and name. This is because the mantra, being sound, vibrates in all these realms across time and space and draws on the power of each. It is for this reason that many on the spiritual path utilize certain mantra only after an intense period of study, self-reflection, and spiritual strengthening through <i>sadhana</i> (spiritual practice).\r\n\r\nShould you wish to work with the many mantra provided on this site, use all your faculties and senses in determining what is right for your practice and path...and feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. We are happy to help guide you in the work. ','Mantra as Part of Daily Practice','','inherit','open','open','','99021-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:37:18','2013-09-24 06:37:18','',99021,'Mantra (<i>mantram</i> in the singular) are an important part of spiritual practice in many religious traditions. At SHARANYA, we understand mantra to be a core component of individual and community work because of the multiple levels on which they can op',0,'revision','',0),(100322,2,'2013-09-23 23:40:16','2013-09-24 06:40:16','<!-- BEGIN Mantra of the Month -->\r\n<!-- Audio thumbnail and title link -->\r\n<h2><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/themes/churchope/lib/metabox/images/i_audio.png\" />\r\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_gallery/kalis-names/\">September\'s Featured Mantra: Kali\'s Names</a></h2>\r\n<!-- Header image -->\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_gallery/kalis-names/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-99337 imgborder alignnone\" alt=\"51 names\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/51-names.jpg\" width=\"534\" height=\"178\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<!-- Audio player -->\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/51names.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n<h2><b style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Translation:</b></h2>\r\n<em>I call to you: Kali of the cremation grounds, auspicious Kali, she who bears the skull cup (remover of the ego), secret one and she who is above all else; Ultimate goddess, black night, eternal mother, she who is the one beyond the fear of time and who illuminates the entire clan wave of my ancestors; She who gives desire, is desire and desired, the one who is the nature of desire, whose thighs are anointed with the juice of musk and who moves softly like the elephants.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_gallery/kalis-names/\">Learn more about this mantra...</a></em></strong><br><br>\r\n\r\n<!-- END Mantra of the Month -->\r\n\r\n<hr style=\"border-top: 3px solid #aaa; margin: 30px 0;\" />\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"24\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[terms_gallery terms=\"24\" perpage=\"10\" pagination=\"on\" layout=\"medium\" isotope=\"on\" ]','Mantra','','inherit','open','open','','99154-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:40:16','2013-09-24 06:40:16','',99154,'<!-- BEGIN Mantra of the Month -->\r\n<!-- Audio thumbnail and title link -->\r\n<h2><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/themes/churchope/lib/metabox/images/i_audio.png\" />\r\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_ga',0,'revision','',0),(100323,2,'2013-09-23 23:41:51','2013-09-24 06:41:51','<!-- BEGIN Mantra of the Month -->\r\n<!-- Audio thumbnail and title link -->\r\n<h2><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/themes/churchope/lib/metabox/images/i_audio.png\" />\r\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_gallery/kalis-names/\">September\'s Featured Mantra: Kali\'s Names</a></h2>\r\n<!-- Header image -->\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_gallery/kalis-names/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-99337 imgborder alignnone\" alt=\"51 names\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/51-names.jpg\" width=\"534\" height=\"178\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<!-- Audio player -->\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/51names.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n<h2><b style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Translation:</b></h2>\r\n<em>I call to you: Kali of the cremation grounds, auspicious Kali, she who bears the skull cup (remover of the ego), secret one and she who is above all else; Ultimate goddess, black night, eternal mother, she who is the one beyond the fear of time and who illuminates the entire clan wave of my ancestors; She who gives desire, is desire and desired, the one who is the nature of desire, whose thighs are anointed with the juice of musk and who moves softly like the elephants.</em><br><br>\r\n\r\n<strong><em><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_gallery/kalis-names/\">Learn more about this mantra...</a></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<!-- END Mantra of the Month -->\r\n\r\n<hr style=\"border-top: 3px solid #aaa; margin: 30px 0;\" />\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"24\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n<hr style=\"border-top: 3px solid #aaa; margin: 30px 0;\" />\r\n\r\n[terms_gallery terms=\"24\" perpage=\"10\" pagination=\"on\" layout=\"medium\" isotope=\"on\" ]','Mantra','','inherit','open','open','','99154-revision-v1','','','2013-09-23 23:41:51','2013-09-24 06:41:51','',99154,'<!-- BEGIN Mantra of the Month -->\r\n<!-- Audio thumbnail and title link -->\r\n<h2><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/themes/churchope/lib/metabox/images/i_audio.png\" />\r\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_ga',0,'revision','',0),(100324,2,'2013-09-25 00:01:40','2013-09-25 07:01:40','SHARANYA is a unique 501(c)(3) religious organization and <em>Devi Mandir</em> (goddess temple) evolving Śākta Tantra from ancient roots to serve those who seek to know Goddess beyond the boundaries of geography and religious dogma. With an authentic lineage in Shakta Tantra (embodied goddess-centered spirituality) birthed in northeastern India and contextualized for today, ours is an honoring of traditional spiritual technologies employed in service to personal transformation and social justice. Our tradition is called <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can</a>.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Our Covenant\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<ol><b>I. Sa\'ham (She I am). </b> <i>I am the Goddess manifest; I recognize Her in all of Creation.</i></ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><b>II. I remember all that is, was and ever will be.</b> <i>Live the present moment, honor the ancestors, respect the future generations;  time is not linear, but travels in a sacred spiral that spans all of existence.</i></ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><b>III. I provoke, invoke and live the Divine Will.</b> <i>Commit to transforming yourself, your community and the planet by doing the work of spirituality; make your practice that of the awakened mystic in our time.</i></ol>\r\n\r\n<center>\r\n<b>Evam Astu!</b><br>\r\n\r\n<i>So mote it be!</i><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: xx-large;\">\\</span></center>[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Our Mission\" active=\"\"]To promote healing, truth, and personal transformation through integration of embodied worship, spiritual discipline and devotion, creating an engaged spirituality in service to social justice.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Our Vision\" active=\"\"]Our vision is of a harmonious global community where our inherent divinity—the essence of male and female—is welcomed, balanced, sustained, honored, and celebrated as quintessential to creation. Through open hearts, surrendered egos, willingness, and a deep commitment, we create a compassionate and strong, safe space to engage spirituality that brings Devi, Goddess, home to each one of us.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n<br>\r\nThe word SHARANYA is from Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, and means \"refuge\" or \"sanctuary.\" Founded on August 2, 1998 by a scholar and activist, this public charity (EIN: 94-3334334) received federal tax-exempt status in February 2002 in order to support a local and international community through a variety of programs and services.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOur community is open to all seeking to better understand the ways of Goddess—particularly in her antinomian, chthonic, relational, cyclical, and embodied forms. In our community:<br><br>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><ul><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> We seek to know Her throughout the spaces of Self and World.</ul></ul>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><ul><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>  We dedicate ourselves to Her devotion.</ul></ul>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><ul><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>  We make a commitment to action and service for the betterment of all beings.</ul></ul>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><ul><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>  We embrace the work of conscious relationship between the Sacred Female and Sacred Male.</ul></ul>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><ul><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>  We strive to resacralize the Feminine and unpathologize the Masculine.</ul></ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"general\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]','About Us','','inherit','open','open','','20-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:01:40','2013-09-25 07:01:40','',20,'SHARANYA is a unique 501(c)(3) religious organization and <em>Devi Mandir</em> (goddess temple) evolving Śākta Tantra from ancient roots to serve those who seek to know Goddess beyond the boundaries of geography and religious dogma. With an authentic line',0,'revision','',0),(100325,2,'2013-09-25 00:07:05','2013-09-25 07:07:05','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service. We welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. <br><br>\r\n\r\nAs a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.\r\n\r\nThere are always opportunities to join us. Help deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. We welcome your participation and inspiration!\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Get involved\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to meet the needs of our community and to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Promoting projects engaged in interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nReview our website for information on these initiatives and <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n\r\nSHARANYA clergy and elders also serve local community by offering various spiritual services:\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:07:05','2013-09-25 07:07:05','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100326,2,'2013-09-25 00:10:45','2013-09-25 07:10:45','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service. <br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to meet the needs of our community and to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Promoting projects engaged in interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!\r\n\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n\r\nSHARANYA clergy and elders also serve local community by offering various spiritual services:\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:10:45','2013-09-25 07:10:45','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100327,2,'2013-09-25 00:11:26','2013-09-25 07:11:26','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service. <br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Promoting projects engaged in interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!\r\n\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n\r\nSHARANYA clergy and elders also serve local community by offering various spiritual services:\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:11:26','2013-09-25 07:11:26','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100328,2,'2013-09-25 00:12:42','2013-09-25 07:12:42','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service. <br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!\r\n\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n\r\nSHARANYA clergy and elders also serve local community by offering various spiritual services:\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:12:42','2013-09-25 07:12:42','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100329,2,'2013-09-25 00:14:07','2013-09-25 07:14:07','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service. <br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nSHARANYA clergy and elders also serve local community by offering various spiritual services:\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:14:07','2013-09-25 07:14:07','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100330,2,'2013-09-25 00:36:08','2013-09-25 07:36:08','We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa.  <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community. \n\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality? \n\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations.  Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?  \n\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way! \n\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\n\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect. \n','Deep Spirituality: Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:36:08','2013-09-25 07:36:08','',99035,'We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa.  <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradi',0,'revision','',0),(100331,2,'2013-09-25 00:35:38','2013-09-25 07:35:38','','Kali Sanctuary Image','','inherit','open','open','','kaliimage','','','2013-09-25 00:35:38','2013-09-25 07:35:38','',99035,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100332,2,'2013-09-25 00:36:35','2013-09-25 07:36:35','We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa.  <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community. \r\n\r\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality? \r\n\r\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations.  Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?  \r\n\r\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way! \r\n\r\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\r\n\r\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect. \r\n','Deep Spirituality: Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:36:35','2013-09-25 07:36:35','',99035,'We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa.  <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradi',0,'revision','',0),(100334,2,'2015-06-15 09:52:13','2015-06-15 16:52:13','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.<br><br>\n\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/the-path/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\n\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your own personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\n<ul>\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\n</ul>\n[/toggle]\n\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\n[/toggle]\n\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\n[/toggle]\n\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Advisors\" active=\"\"]SHARANYA is supported by a Council and Board made up of adepts, devotees and academics from the US and India. We are grateful for their partnership and support.\n<ul>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Rashbehari is a temple Panda, or approved facilitator, at Kalighat Mandir in Kolkata, West Bengal. In addition to guiding SHARANYA pilgrims at this famous Shakta Pitha (the sacred site where Maa Kali\'s big toe is said to have fallen to Earth) for over ten years, Rashbehari is a child of Maa, offering her bhajans (songs) and playing tunes to delight Her on his harmonium. Rashbehari\'s love of the Divine Mother is deep and infuses all he does. His graciousness, hospitality, delight in the Mystery, and care for those who seek to know Her is profound and has resulted in a long and deep friendship with the organization. He has also been instrumental in our discovery of the delight of Shyama Krishna, the Black Krishna, as found at Kalighat. <I>Hai Krishna Karuna Sindhu Dino Bhuntu Jagamapate Gopesha Gopeka Kanta Sri Radha Kanta Namo-stute!</I>\"]Rashbehari Das[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Shyam is the Founder and President, and residing Priest of the Maa Batakali Temple in Puri, Orissa (India). He has spent his life dedicated to the goddess Kali, and also organizes for social change in his hometown under the auspices of the Maa Batakali Cultural Mission-Puri. In conjunction with Chandra, who serves as the Chairman of the Puri Branch, Shyam has developed a Constitution that provides guidance for programs of transformation in a multiplicity of arenas.\"]Shyam Sundar Dash[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Based in Kolkata (Calcutta), Milan is a Development Consultant and a researcher providing services to NGO/PVOs, research institutes, government bodies, universities, and donor agencies. He focuses on training, research, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, documentation, planning and budgeting. Further, he is a certified National Trainer and Researcher on HIV/AIDS, with qualifications as an abstract reviewer of different national and international conferences. Milan frequently presents papers at conferences worldwide on different issues of development, such as: the World Bank, sociology, demography, sustainable development and agriculture, women in development, children, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.\"]Milan K. Dinda, Ph.D.[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Originally from Kolkata and now based in Toronto, Ontario (Canada), Ravi brings extensive experience to the organization from years of working in the nonprofit sector, both in India and Canada. His ability to work across cultures and translate among them is a gift he shares openly. Ravi has been a friend to the organization even prior to its official formation, helping guide inquiries and make introductions to people and places throughout the Indian subcontinent since 1998. Over the years, he has gifted SHARANYA with his willingness to aid with all manner of support, and has consistently opened both his home and his heart, facilitating understanding, relationship, and the building of bridges to others and to his homeland.\"]Ravi Jain, MPH[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Elena is a Hindu pujari, Christian minister, and Wiccan clergy. She founded the Circle of the Feminine Divine in Stockton, California, a worship and study group devoted to exploring the meaning of the \'Motherhood of God\' and its implications for understanding the world\'s religions. She served for two years as President of the Interfaith Council of San Joaquin in Stockton, and is a guest lecturer at the University of the Pacific. Her first book, <I>Combating Inner Terrorism: Strategies of the Goddess from the Devi Mahatmyam</I>, is now available everywhere.\"]Elena Kelly[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Jeff holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, where he is also the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies. He has written a number of books on comparative mystical literature, American countercultural translations of Asian religious traditions, and the history of Western esotericism from ancient Gnosticism to the New Age. These include: <i>Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion</i> (Chicago, 2007), <i>The Serpent\'s Gift: Gnostic Reflections on the Study of Religion</i> (Chicago, 2006), <i>Roads of Excess, Palaces of Wisdom: Eroticism and Reflexivity in the Study of Mysticism </i>(Chicago, 2001), and <i>Kali\'s Child: The Mystical and the Erotic in the Life and Teachings of Ramakrishna</i> (Chicago, 1995). Spiritually speaking, Jeff underwent an overwhelming, spontaneous <i>shakti-pat</i> or initiatory experience in Calcutta in 1989 during Kali-Puja, about which, out of which, and toward which he has written, thought, taught, and intuited ever since (the fullest description of this event can be found in <i>Roads of Excess, Palaces of Wisdom</i>, hence his Sanskrit motto on both his letterhead and business card: <i>svapna-siddha</i>, \'realized in a dream.\' Hence also his desire to support spiritual communities like SHARANYA. Pretty much nothing about him that you read on the Internet is true.\"]Jeffrey J. Kripal, Ph.D.[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Murray has been a regular puja attendee since 2007 and has also become a valued volunteer supporting SHARANYA behind the scenes. He provides logistical support as well as photography at nearly all of the organization\'s public activities. A computer software engineer by trade, he has been donating his skills and resources to support SHARANYA\'s online presence, most recently focused on enabling the online school, <i>Kali Vidya</i>.\"]Murray Kucherawy[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Nancy\'s connection to the Divine Mother came directly from her love of the natural world and her feminist convictions. She teaches yoga classes and offers Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy in combination with Reike and counseling in Berkeley. She is a tremendous devotee of Maa and considers it a joy and an honor to be affiliated with SHARANYA and its important mission in the world. <I>May all beings find love and purpose. May we all personally, collectively, and planetary find our way to renewal and survival. Jai Ma and Blessed Be.</I>\"]Nancy Leatzow[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"William developed his love for the many paths and faces of the goddess beginning with his own awakening inspired by his Grandmother, a devout Baptist Christian and pioneer woman who, as a little girl, migrated west traveling in a covered wagon. In his family travels, William lived much of his youth in East Africa. Living both in the African jungles and stateside, he developed an intimate appreciation and connection with indigenous peoples, shamanistic practices, the animal kingdom, and deep ecology. He has explored parapsychology and the turn-of-the-century works of the theosophists and steeped himself in many branches of the human potential movement, with roots both western and eastern. He has a strong and abiding connection with SHARANYA, and since 1997 through his own humble connection with the amazing graces of Maa has held the work of SHARANYA in great esteem.\"]William Moulton[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Initiated by her parents into Shakta Tantra and the mysteries of Tara Mata, Chitrika has been a dedicated practitioner of the faith from her youth and a beloved child of Maa for as long as she can remember. Today, she leads homa (fire ceremony) rites, puja, and Tantric ritual for community regularly in Kolkata and Tarapith, West Bengal. A jotish (astrologer), she also brings this ancient wisdom to bear on her work with those she advises in the ways of the Divine Mother. <em>Joi Tara!</em>\"]Chitrika Nyayaratna, M.A.[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Jim is Director of the Asian and Comparative Studies Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) where he has taught Sanskrit as well as Indian religion and philosophy for 27 years. His primary association with Goddess is in the Divine Mother (once named Mirra Alfassa), who was the spiritual partner of Sri Aurobindo. Jim has also done extensive research on the Sri Vidya tradition and on the Sri Cakra, which is seen as the subtle form of the Goddess in that tradition. He has spent many years teaching about the Indian Tantric tradition and reading the Sanskrit texts of that tradition. Jim holds a doctorate from UC Berkeley in South Asian Literature (Tamil).\"]James Ryan, Ph.D.[/tooltip]</li>\n	<li>[tooltip tip=\"Stuart, also known as Jivanand, has been a marriage therapist for 30 years, and was first choice to codirect Ram Dass\'s \'prison ashram\' and first in the US to bring yoga to the homeless mentally-ill in the 1970s. Stuart is Co-president of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology and a 20-year trustee for CIIS. He is the author of <i>Eros Consciousness & Kundalini</i>, <i>Words From the Soul</i>, and <i>Your Perfect Lips</i>, as well as numerous articles and chapters on  psychotherapy and tantra yoga with presentations throughout the US, India, Europe and Russia. A thirty-year adept at anahata-nad, spontaneous yogic chanting, he has three CDs with Axis Mundi. Stuart holds a BA from Princeton and a Ph.D. from CIIS.\"]Stuart Sovatsky, Ph.D.[/tooltip]</li>\n</ul>\n[/toggle]\n\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Initiates & Elders\" active=\"\"]Foundational to SHARANYA is our core of initiate practitioners who have committed to personal transformation and the work of engaged spiritual leadership. Through our ritual and teaching circles, these elders deepen the heart of Sha\'can and our community\'s evolution.\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Balipriya.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Balipriya.jpg\" alt=\"Balipriya\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-101167 imgborder\" /></a>[tooltip tip=\"Balipriya Dahl has been actively involved in SHARANYA for over seven years and has been an initiate for six years. She is a member of the Yogini Teaching and Ritual Chakras, of Matrika Chakra, and an Apprentice. At the end of her Apprenticeship next year (in November 2015), she intends to ordain in the Sha\'can tradition, Goddess willing. She seeks to debunk the myths and misinformation surrounding Tantra, making it accessible to a wider audience while maintaining and honoring its rich lineage.\"]Balipriya Dahl[/tooltip]</li></ul>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<p>\n<ul><li>[tooltip tip=\"Shuddha is entering into her fourth year in SHARANYA, and has been an initiate for two years. She is a member of the Yogini Teaching and Ritual Circles, Matrika Chakra, and regularly attends monthly Kali Puja.  With the blessings and direction of Kali Maa and Chandra Maa, Shuddha hopes to follow the path to ordination and bring comfort, compassion, and healing to those with palliative/end-of-life care needs.\"]Shuddha Butler[/tooltip]</li></ul>\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Jayada.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Jayada.jpg\" alt=\"Jayada\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-101197 imgborder\" /></a>[tooltip tip=\"The first time I saw Maa I fell in love (it was as an image in <i>Be Here Now</i> by Ram Das when I was a child) and I searched for Her, consciously and unconsciously, until I finally caught up with Her, a little, when I found Sharanya in 2007. Deepening into my relationship with Maa Kali has been one of the defining turning points in my life. I initiated into the Sha\'can tradition in 2008, and have been active in the community as a priestess and celebrant ever since.\"]Jayada Shannon[/tooltip]</li></ul>\n\n<ul><li>[tooltip tip=\"Purnamanaha Qalandar is a lover of the Dark One, follower of the Old Ways and ancestors, and initiated tantric yogini.  Purnamanaha was guided to SHARANYA through The Spiral Dance almost a decade ago. A self-described \"queer, pro-womanist/mujerista, vegetarian/vegan, red anarchist shakta muslim,\" he has also received initiation into the Chishtī Order and is passionate about multireligious leadership and sacred activism. He has earned advanced degrees in divinity and social welfare, and advocates for intersectional, counter-oppressive frameworks for radical communal (r)evolution.\"]Purnamanaha Qalandar[/tooltip]</li></ul>\n[/toggle]\n\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-autosave-v1','','','2015-06-15 09:52:13','2015-06-15 16:52:13','',99127,'http://SHARANYAisasmallandgrowingcommunity-supportedorganization,runfullybydevoteevolunteers.Allofourworkintheworld,frompujasandmeditationcircles,toprojectworkinIndia,iscarriedoutfromaplaceofloveanddesireforengagementwit',0,'revision','',0),(100336,2,'2013-09-25 00:38:22','2013-09-25 07:38:22','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service. <br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nSHARANYA clergy and elders also serve local community by offering various spiritual services:\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:38:22','2013-09-25 07:38:22','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100337,2,'2013-09-25 00:39:36','2013-09-25 07:39:36','We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa. <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community.\r\n\r\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations. Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way!\r\n\r\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\r\n\r\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect.','Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:39:36','2013-09-25 07:39:36','',99035,'We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa. <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradit',0,'revision','',0),(100338,2,'2013-09-25 00:41:22','2013-09-25 07:41:22','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:41:22','2013-09-25 07:41:22','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100339,2,'2013-09-25 00:42:14','2013-09-25 07:42:14','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:42:14','2013-09-25 07:42:14','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100340,2,'2013-09-25 00:42:53','2013-09-25 07:42:53','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your own personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:42:53','2013-09-25 07:42:53','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100341,2,'2013-09-25 00:43:36','2013-09-25 07:43:36','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your own personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:43:36','2013-09-25 07:43:36','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100342,2,'2013-09-25 00:45:30','2013-09-25 07:45:30','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your own personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Renewal of Vows</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Spiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Birth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Coming of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Croning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n<span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\n<ol>Crossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:45:30','2013-09-25 07:45:30','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100343,2,'2013-09-25 00:46:13','2013-09-25 07:46:13','SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement with Maa and Her creation through <i>seva</i> or spiritual service.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome new community participation in all of our endeavors. As a spiritual seeker, you are invited to attend our public services and to learn about the Sha\'can tradition by sitting in circle and volunteering. If you wish to participate but are located far from our home, we invite you to enroll in <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\">Kali Vidya</a>, our online mystery school.<br><br>\r\n\r\nHelp deepen and expand our offerings as well as your own personal commitment to the Divine and spiritual community as you feel called. There are always opportunities to join us, and we welcome your participation and inspiration!<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"33\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What we do\" active=\"\"]We function on multiple levels to serve the overall mission and vision of the organization by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Offering worship services and helping to fulfill the spiritual needs of community</li>\r\n	<li>Co-creating the Sha\'can tradition as a spiritual evolution of Eastern and Western thought, the(a)ology, lived experience, and devotion</li>\r\n	<li>Making the Divine Feminine/Divine Female in all Her guises, but particularly those of South Asian lineage honored by the Shakta Tantric path, accessible to Westerners</li>\r\n	<li>Educating about South Asian culture and religion</li>\r\n	<li>Offering rites of passage and life event ceremonies</li>\r\n	<li>Facilitating transformation for girls and women in order to promote self-esteem and empowerment</li>\r\n	<li>Providing spiritual pilgrimage opportunities</li>\r\n	<li>Engaging in interfaith dialogue and promoting cross-cultural awareness</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Volunteer\" active=\"\"]Visit our VolunteerMatch page to learn about current volunteer needs in support of the organization.\r\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/results/org_detail.jsp?orgid=16615\" target=\"other\">\r\n<img alt=\"[VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins.]\" src=\"http://www.volunteermatch.org/images/2.0/new_logo.gif\" width=\"207\" height=\"102\" border=\"0\" /></a></p>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Services\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span> Weddings, Handfasting &amp; Commitment Ceremonies</ol>\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\nRenewal of Vows</ol>\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\nSpiritual Guidance</ol>\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\nBirth Rituals &amp; Blessingways</ol>\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\nComing of Age, Puberty Rites &amp; Menarche Rituals</ol>\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\nCroning &amp; Menopause Rituals</ol>\r\n<ol><span style=\"color: #9c1601; font-family: wingdings; font-size: x-large;\">{</span>\r\nCrossing Over, Burial Rites &amp; Funerals</ol>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nReview the rest of our website for information on our offerings and initiatives. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\">Contact us</a> if we may provide additional information about ways to participate in the SHARANYA community.','Community','','inherit','open','open','','99127-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 00:46:13','2013-09-25 07:46:13','',99127,'SHARANYA is a small and growing community-supported organization, run fully by devotee volunteers. All of our work in the world, from pujas and meditation circles, to project work in India, is carried out from a place of love and desire for engagement wit',0,'revision','',0),(100345,2,'2013-09-25 20:55:05','2013-09-26 03:55:05','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100331 imgborder\" /></a>We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa. <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community.\r\n\r\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations. Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way!\r\n\r\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\r\n\r\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect.','Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 20:55:05','2013-09-26 03:55:05','',99035,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100331 imgbo',0,'revision','',0),(100346,2,'2013-09-25 20:56:09','2013-09-26 03:56:09','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100331 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" /></a>We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa. <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community.\r\n\r\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations. Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way!\r\n\r\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\r\n\r\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect.','Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 20:56:09','2013-09-26 03:56:09','',99035,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100331 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" wid',0,'revision','',0),(100347,2,'2013-09-25 20:59:26','2013-09-26 03:59:26','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380167925386.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100331 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" /></a>We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa. <strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community.\r\n\r\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations. Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way!\r\n\r\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\r\n\r\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect.','Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 20:59:26','2013-09-26 03:59:26','',99035,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380167925386.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100331 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" wid',0,'revision','',0),(100348,2,'2013-09-25 21:01:13','2013-09-26 04:01:13','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380167925386.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100331 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" width=\"350\" height=\"467\" /></a>We at SHARANYA are planting seeds for conversations about all aspects of human engagement in and with life when visited through the lens of deep spirituality and our heart-felt love of Maa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Deep spirituality</strong> is a term we use in our tradition to highlight a recognition that inner and outer worlds inform and create reality; that the whole of the cosmos is interrelated, that sustainability is the heart of our soul\'s yearning, and that social justice is the result of a heightened spiritual awareness. This concept is ancient at the same time that it is new; and our intention is to connect old wisdom with new manifestations and get us conjuring together in community.\r\n\r\nIs what you practice a form of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nWe know and experience ourselves the challenges of how to be spiritual in the mundane world; how to be fully who we are during our day job; how to show up as someone who practices <i>choice spirituality</i>, a path that is a luxury to discover and not marginalizing in its characteristics or connotations. Can deep spirituality help us with these challenges? Can community? Can our individual practice, especially when offered and undertaken from a place of deep spirituality?\r\n\r\nNo matter what your spiritual inspiration or longing, deep spirituality recognizes the need for individual change, the reconciling of worlds, the opening of hearts, and the surrendering of egos. In doing so, we individually and collectively affirm that life-affirming change in the world is possible, and moreover, real. At SHARANYA, this is at the heart of our tradition, Sha\'can, a Western Shakta Tantra. It is much of what our committed practice with one another cultivates, and we invite you to journey with us in your own way!\r\n\r\nProponents of deep spirituality understand that being deeply spiritual is not enough. Deep spirituality says that we each have a sacred charge to take that spirituality out into the world, again, in our own unique way--even if that is by virtue of merely living from a place of authenticity, as a willing participant in life with commitment to a transforming self/Self and honoring that which we are and that which we are becoming. Deep spirituality is in this way an evolving (r)evolution of thought and practice set in the contexts we individually and collectively inhabit. It is inspired and informed by transpersonal psychology, various wisdom traditions, ancient truths and mysticisms, and other \"deep\" movements (for example, deep ecology, deep ecumenism and depth psychology, et al.).\r\n\r\nWhat resonates with your own engagement of deep spirituality? We welcome your thoughts and assistance in helping to crystalize more concretely ideas about what deep spirituality is and does while at the same time instigating insights and potentially the impetus for more pathways to living life in integrity and with respect.','Choosing Our Path and Making a Difference','','inherit','open','open','','99035-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:01:13','2013-09-26 04:01:13','',99035,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380167925386.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100331 imgborder\" alt=\"SHARANYA Sanctuary Kali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/kaliimage-e1380094553655.jpg\" wid',0,'revision','',0),(100349,2,'2013-09-25 21:08:28','2013-09-26 04:08:28','What a wonderful vehicle for the growth and celebration of Maa in community - welcome! \r\n\r\nI look forward to our sharing and explorations here, as well as to gathering and answering questions about the Sha\'can tradition in theory and practice. As our community grows and we listen to voices from around with world, it will be intriguing to hear how you honor Maa and in what forms you most often work with Her. It will be a beautiful acknowledgement of our individually unique yet interconnected paths to learn what puja is like in your community, home space or coven.  \r\n\r\nAs things progress, themes posted here will reflect what we, at SHARANYA, believe regarding our Divine Mother as well as what we actually do when bringing our offerings and honorings to Her. Maa shows Her face in myriad ways, and how She manifests in our respective practices is naturally nuanced. By sharing our tradition and learnings with one another, and through seeking the same from those drawn to Her embrace, we hope to help foster a deeper sense of community and a greater ability for seekers on the path to feel comfortable and welcome working with Her. \r\n\r\nSo, as you find this space, please know you are invited to join us in the journey. Please email <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\"> info@sharanya.org</a> to have your questions brought to the dialogue. \r\n\r\nOm shanti shanti shanti!\r\n\r\n<i>Sa\'ham</i> (She I Am)','Jai Maa!','','inherit','open','open','','99002-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:08:28','2013-09-26 04:08:28','',99002,'What a wonderful vehicle for the growth and celebration of Maa in community - welcome! \r\n\r\nI look forward to our sharing and explorations here, as well as to gathering and answering questions about the Sha\'can tradition in theory and practice. As our comm',0,'revision','',0),(100350,2,'2013-09-25 21:11:27','2013-09-26 04:11:27','I marched last Friday. I marched because for me, it was the right thing to do. But I marched in silence amidst the cheers and horns and chants. I walked in silence because the power of my presence, mine joined with so many others, made a statement in and of itself. I walked in silence because the quiet time was at once good for self-reflection and supportive of communion with my mother, a proud lesbian, who I know was watching and walking with me from the other side. Silence because I had moved past my upset into grief...and my grief was both small and monumental. Small in its holding of personal loved ones and friends during this challenging time; monumental because I could not separate this protest from Gandhi\'s salt march (which ultimately led to the liberation of India), from the Civil Rights movement in this country not too long ago, or from my personal activism in Pennsylvania and D.C. as a 20-something fighting for animal rights. All were striking a similar chord in my heart, a chord that was reverberating with the pain of the oppressed and marginalized, the voiceless and the silenced. I have counted myself, at times, among them, and like many of  you, have found that often my only solace is Her. Only the power of silence, the place that contains the whole of human experience on its way to remembering the Divine, can contain all that. \n\nFrom my moments of silent contemplation, witnessing, and reflection, I slowly came to realize as I walked that my personal beliefs were such a small part of the picture. Of course, mine is just one vote, but I don\'t just mean small in that sense. I mean that what I believe is only a fraction of the power I have to create change. Yes, my beliefs got me there, walking down Market Street, and yes, that was important. But what became overwhelmingly clear as I felt my insides aching was that what mattered more than my beliefs was my feelings about them and how I engaged that in the world. In working through my incredulousness that people could hold (fill in your adjective here) views on marriage, I first dealt with my anger and then my hurt. I then came gradually to connect more with the feelings of empathy I carried with and for others in the parade. Finally, I allowed my awareness to leap out of the container my beliefs had shaped, a container filled with dualistic thinking about morality and ethics (most in black and white), and found a place of compassion that had no boundaries, that was every color of the rainbow at the same time that it was astoundingly clear; a translucence in which mind, heart, spirit and soul together resided. My power to create change, I remembered, lies in all of me.\n\nI laughed as I thought that only a weekend prior, I had been sitting on a ferry on the way to Catalina pissed off by the choices of the woman who sat in front of me, wearing her buttons and political sweatshirt proudly. Why, I thought, did she have to sit directly in my line of sight? Initially, I lamented my bad luck. Then I was angry. Then I felt hurt. She had it out for me, didn\'t she? My thoughts ensued, a rolling escalation of feelings...she stood in opposition to all in which I believed, acted to impinge upon my personal freedom and the freedom of those I love, hated what I cared for most, and probably only #$%*ed in one position. Then, I stopped the tirade and just looked. What did I know about her? Did we have anything in common? Did she, too, love chocolate, her cat, and her boyfriend? Were her reasons for doing so wrong? I opened my heart to her and settled back in my seat, the feelings quieting into a place strengthened by spiritual practice, finally dissolving into a place of peacefulness. When I next opened my eyes, she was gone, moved to another part of the ship.  \n\nYet, here we all were at this march making a statement; it was an important statement about equality and social justice. At certain times when the passion moved through me, I raised my fist feeling the power of those gathered: straight, gay, transgendered, and those who prefer more fluid definitions of sexual orientation. Sometimes, I  choked on a sob. Sometimes, I smiled and felt overcome with joy because so many were willing to be so out. I left the march moved. I left empowered. I left hopeful, trusting that this issue too would be behind us soon. I left thinking that perhaps this time we can do the right thing in a good, lasting, and beautiful way--a way that carries the tears of pain and hurt into an ocean of acceptance and love; a way that transforms rage and the only way into compassion and the way of honored possibilities; a way that lays the ground work for the future. \n\nHow do we get there? That, I believe, is for each of us personally to answer for ourselves, with our loved ones, with our families, and in our communities. I do believe that a helpful starting place in this is an open heart that has done its spiritual homework and continues to make that commitment with every breath...one that is full in its humanity; one that honors, listens and challenges; one that breathes into tension, surrenders, and chooses love above fear. A teacher reminded me the other night that when fear is present, there is no compassion. Did you know that compassion means literally, to be together in suffering?  If we have compassion, we are together; if we do not, we are not. No matter where we stand in the political spectrum, we are suffering by virtue of our beingness. From this place, what do we choose? ','The Choices We Make','','inherit','open','open','','99034-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:11:27','2013-09-26 04:11:27','',99034,'I marched last Friday. I marched because for me, it was the right thing to do. But I marched in silence amidst the cheers and horns and chants. I walked in silence because the power of my presence, mine joined with so many others, made a statement in and ',0,'revision','',0),(100351,2,'2013-09-25 21:11:53','2013-09-26 04:11:53','I marched last Friday. I marched because for me, it was the right thing to do. But I marched in silence amidst the cheers and horns and chants. I walked in silence because the power of my presence, mine joined with so many others, made a statement in and of itself. I walked in silence because the quiet time was at once good for self-reflection and supportive of communion with my mother, a proud lesbian, who I know was watching and walking with me from the other side. Silence because I had moved past my upset into grief...and my grief was both small and monumental. Small in its holding of personal loved ones and friends during this challenging time; monumental because I could not separate this protest from Gandhi\'s salt march (which ultimately led to the liberation of India), from the Civil Rights movement in this country not too long ago, or from my personal activism in Pennsylvania and D.C. as a 20-something fighting for animal rights. All were striking a similar chord in my heart, a chord that was reverberating with the pain of the oppressed and marginalized, the voiceless and the silenced. I have counted myself, at times, among them, and like many of  you, have found that often my only solace is Her. Only the power of silence, the place that contains the whole of human experience on its way to remembering the Divine, can contain all that. \r\n\r\nFrom my moments of silent contemplation, witnessing, and reflection, I slowly came to realize as I walked that my personal beliefs were such a small part of the picture. Of course, mine is just one vote, but I don\'t just mean small in that sense. I mean that what I believe is only a fraction of the power I have to create change. Yes, my beliefs got me there, walking down Market Street, and yes, that was important. But what became overwhelmingly clear as I felt my insides aching was that what mattered more than my beliefs was my feelings about them and how I engaged that in the world. In working through my incredulousness that people could hold (fill in your adjective here) views on marriage, I first dealt with my anger and then my hurt. I then came gradually to connect more with the feelings of empathy I carried with and for others in the parade. Finally, I allowed my awareness to leap out of the container my beliefs had shaped, a container filled with dualistic thinking about morality and ethics (most in black and white), and found a place of compassion that had no boundaries, that was every color of the rainbow at the same time that it was astoundingly clear; a translucence in which mind, heart, spirit and soul together resided. My power to create change, I remembered, lies in all of me.\r\n\r\nI laughed as I thought that only a weekend prior, I had been sitting on a ferry on the way to Catalina pissed off by the choices of the woman who sat in front of me, wearing her buttons and political sweatshirt proudly. Why, I thought, did she have to sit directly in my line of sight? Initially, I lamented my bad luck. Then I was angry. Then I felt hurt. She had it out for me, didn\'t she? My thoughts ensued, a rolling escalation of feelings...she stood in opposition to all in which I believed, acted to impinge upon my personal freedom and the freedom of those I love, hated what I cared for most, and probably only #$%*ed in one position. Then, I stopped the tirade and just looked. What did I know about her? Did we have anything in common? Did she, too, love chocolate, her cat, and her boyfriend? Were her reasons for doing so wrong? I opened my heart to her and settled back in my seat, the feelings quieting into a place strengthened by spiritual practice, finally dissolving into a place of peacefulness. When I next opened my eyes, she was gone, moved to another part of the ship.  \r\n\r\nYet, here we all were at this march making a statement; it was an important statement about equality and social justice. At certain times when the passion moved through me, I raised my fist feeling the power of those gathered: straight, gay, transgendered, and those who prefer more fluid definitions of sexual orientation. Sometimes, I  choked on a sob. Sometimes, I smiled and felt overcome with joy because so many were willing to be so out. I left the march moved. I left empowered. I left hopeful, trusting that this issue too would be behind us soon. I left thinking that perhaps this time we can do the right thing in a good, lasting, and beautiful way--a way that carries the tears of pain and hurt into an ocean of acceptance and love; a way that transforms rage and the only way into compassion and the way of honored possibilities; a way that lays the ground work for the future. \r\n\r\nHow do we get there? That, I believe, is for each of us personally to answer for ourselves, with our loved ones, with our families, and in our communities. I do believe that a helpful starting place in this is an open heart that has done its spiritual homework and continues to make that commitment with every breath...one that is full in its humanity; one that honors, listens and challenges; one that breathes into tension, surrenders, and chooses love above fear. A teacher reminded me the other night that when fear is present, there is no compassion. Did you know that compassion means literally, to be together in suffering?  If we have compassion, we are together; if we do not, we are not. No matter where we stand in the political spectrum, we are suffering by virtue of our beingness. From this place, what do we choose? ','The Choices We Make','','inherit','open','open','','99034-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:11:53','2013-09-26 04:11:53','',99034,'I marched last Friday. I marched because for me, it was the right thing to do. But I marched in silence amidst the cheers and horns and chants. I walked in silence because the power of my presence, mine joined with so many others, made a statement in and ',0,'revision','',0),(100352,2,'2013-09-25 21:15:54','2013-09-26 04:15:54','<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100311 imgborder\" alt=\"Dakshinkali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\" /></a>Shakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to relate. She rests on a bed of will, knowledge and action, entwined with Shiva, the pure consciousness that follows her call, in order to relax into some powerful creation work. There is not a moment that goes by in which I do not feel her. I am surrounded by the subtle notes of intuition that arise in her presence and the not-so-subtle ripples of her battles in this realm. I know you know what I mean. The trees, oceans, bears and wind all speak her name. A kirtan (call and response) ensues, and those who are attuned listen. The chanting has its charms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRecently, she asked me to give more of myself. \"But I already...,\" I start to say, and she just kisses me sweetly, replying,\r\n<blockquote>Darling, I know how much you do. Still, there is more to be done.</blockquote>\r\nShe is right, of course, and I acknowledge that my energy is dispersed and needs to focus for better effect in the world. There are some things that are too important to be lost in my chaos. How then to manage this, I wonder; but not for long. My spiritual practice guides me to breakthrough on the inner planes that has real outer world ramifications and manifestations. I learn the first lessons of empowered spiritual leadership: listen, tell your truth, take responsibility, stand your ground.\r\n\r\nShe then asks me what I believe in. I go back to a childhood filled with lies, betrayal, physical violence, and an empty fridge until Grandma comes to fill it up. I realize that I have spent much of my life creating values in response to those around me, and I need to ask what is there that is genuinely born from within me. I meditate on my birth and the will to survive interweaves tightly with the wounding of abandonment. What is mine? I sink into awareness around subsequent years of therapy, anger, resentment, and a sense of loss in relationship to my youth. I take pause and realize that I have grown much, and the obstacles have provided me with strength and power. In my crafting of faith, these avenues of challenge have led directly to the unseen realms upon which I draw heavily in my work for social transformation. Nothing is wasted.\r\n\r\nShe called me today to ask that I make a personally significant donation to a cause I care a lot about. I was not planning on giving again before the year was out, but she just winked and said,\r\n<blockquote>You can do it. The women need your money as much as they need your prayers.</blockquote>\r\nNothing could be more true. Had I not dived deep into my own story, I know the insights that came around what I believe and value would not have been revealed. I would not have found either justification or motivation for a financial contribution. Moreover, it would not have seemed relevant. No one would have benefited and I would have been less humble.\r\n\r\nA brother in the work of ministry had her card not long ago, one on which she had written my name. \"Spirit babies\" was all that was otherwise noted, and I was asked to help create a ritual for all the mamas and papas who grieved or sorrowed over the loss of a child through abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. My own embodied experiences were present in the mix of emotions that circled through me with the call. I felt honored to be asked. I will help, and I will write a prayer that brings healing, if none but my own, and will ask for an opening to her mysteries, the greatest of them perhaps held in the spaces of life and death.\r\n\r\nWhat is being created in response to her call? A life worth living.','Maa is calling me in this moment...','','inherit','open','open','','99055-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:15:54','2013-09-26 04:15:54','',99055,'<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e138016',0,'revision','',0),(100353,2,'2013-09-25 21:16:42','2013-09-26 04:16:42','<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100311 imgborder\" alt=\"Dakshinkali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"301\" /></a>Shakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to relate. She rests on a bed of will, knowledge and action, entwined with Shiva, the pure consciousness that follows her call, in order to relax into some powerful creation work. There is not a moment that goes by in which I do not feel her. I am surrounded by the subtle notes of intuition that arise in her presence and the not-so-subtle ripples of her battles in this realm. I know you know what I mean. The trees, oceans, bears and wind all speak her name. A kirtan (call and response) ensues, and those who are attuned listen. The chanting has its charms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRecently, she asked me to give more of myself. \"But I already...,\" I start to say, and she just kisses me sweetly, replying,\r\n<blockquote>Darling, I know how much you do. Still, there is more to be done.</blockquote>\r\nShe is right, of course, and I acknowledge that my energy is dispersed and needs to focus for better effect in the world. There are some things that are too important to be lost in my chaos. How then to manage this, I wonder; but not for long. My spiritual practice guides me to breakthrough on the inner planes that has real outer world ramifications and manifestations. I learn the first lessons of empowered spiritual leadership: listen, tell your truth, take responsibility, stand your ground.\r\n\r\nShe then asks me what I believe in. I go back to a childhood filled with lies, betrayal, physical violence, and an empty fridge until Grandma comes to fill it up. I realize that I have spent much of my life creating values in response to those around me, and I need to ask what is there that is genuinely born from within me. I meditate on my birth and the will to survive interweaves tightly with the wounding of abandonment. What is mine? I sink into awareness around subsequent years of therapy, anger, resentment, and a sense of loss in relationship to my youth. I take pause and realize that I have grown much, and the obstacles have provided me with strength and power. In my crafting of faith, these avenues of challenge have led directly to the unseen realms upon which I draw heavily in my work for social transformation. Nothing is wasted.\r\n\r\nShe called me today to ask that I make a personally significant donation to a cause I care a lot about. I was not planning on giving again before the year was out, but she just winked and said,\r\n<blockquote>You can do it. The women need your money as much as they need your prayers.</blockquote>\r\nNothing could be more true. Had I not dived deep into my own story, I know the insights that came around what I believe and value would not have been revealed. I would not have found either justification or motivation for a financial contribution. Moreover, it would not have seemed relevant. No one would have benefited and I would have been less humble.\r\n\r\nA brother in the work of ministry had her card not long ago, one on which she had written my name. \"Spirit babies\" was all that was otherwise noted, and I was asked to help create a ritual for all the mamas and papas who grieved or sorrowed over the loss of a child through abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. My own embodied experiences were present in the mix of emotions that circled through me with the call. I felt honored to be asked. I will help, and I will write a prayer that brings healing, if none but my own, and will ask for an opening to her mysteries, the greatest of them perhaps held in the spaces of life and death.\r\n\r\nWhat is being created in response to her call? A life worth living.','Maa is calling me in this moment...','','inherit','open','open','','99055-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:16:42','2013-09-26 04:16:42','',99055,'<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e138016',0,'revision','',0),(100354,2,'2013-09-25 21:17:39','2013-09-26 04:17:39','<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100311 imgborder\" alt=\"Dakshinkali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"301\" /></a>Shakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to relate. She rests on a bed of will, knowledge and action, entwined with Shiva, the pure consciousness that follows her call, in order to relax into some powerful creation work. There is not a moment that goes by in which I do not feel her. I am surrounded by the subtle notes of intuition that arise in her presence and the not-so-subtle ripples of her battles in this realm. I know you know what I mean. The trees, oceans, bears and wind all speak her name. A kirtan (call and response) ensues, and those who are attuned listen. The chanting has its charms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRecently, she asked me to give more of myself. \"But I already...,\" I start to say, and she just kisses me sweetly, replying, \"Darling, I know how much you do. Still, there is more to be done.\"\r\n\r\nShe is right, of course, and I acknowledge that my energy is dispersed and needs to focus for better effect in the world. There are some things that are too important to be lost in my chaos. How then to manage this, I wonder; but not for long. My spiritual practice guides me to breakthrough on the inner planes that has real outer world ramifications and manifestations. I learn the first lessons of empowered spiritual leadership: listen, tell your truth, take responsibility, stand your ground.\r\n\r\nShe then asks me what I believe in. I go back to a childhood filled with lies, betrayal, physical violence, and an empty fridge until Grandma comes to fill it up. I realize that I have spent much of my life creating values in response to those around me, and I need to ask what is there that is genuinely born from within me. I meditate on my birth and the will to survive interweaves tightly with the wounding of abandonment. What is mine? I sink into awareness around subsequent years of therapy, anger, resentment, and a sense of loss in relationship to my youth. I take pause and realize that I have grown much, and the obstacles have provided me with strength and power. In my crafting of faith, these avenues of challenge have led directly to the unseen realms upon which I draw heavily in my work for social transformation. Nothing is wasted.\r\n\r\nShe called me today to ask that I make a personally significant donation to a cause I care a lot about. I was not planning on giving again before the year was out, but she just winked and said,\r\n<blockquote>You can do it. The women need your money as much as they need your prayers.</blockquote>\r\nNothing could be more true. Had I not dived deep into my own story, I know the insights that came around what I believe and value would not have been revealed. I would not have found either justification or motivation for a financial contribution. Moreover, it would not have seemed relevant. No one would have benefited and I would have been less humble.\r\n\r\nA brother in the work of ministry had her card not long ago, one on which she had written my name. \"Spirit babies\" was all that was otherwise noted, and I was asked to help create a ritual for all the mamas and papas who grieved or sorrowed over the loss of a child through abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. My own embodied experiences were present in the mix of emotions that circled through me with the call. I felt honored to be asked. I will help, and I will write a prayer that brings healing, if none but my own, and will ask for an opening to her mysteries, the greatest of them perhaps held in the spaces of life and death.\r\n\r\nWhat is being created in response to her call? A life worth living.','Maa is calling me in this moment...','','inherit','open','open','','99055-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:17:39','2013-09-26 04:17:39','',99055,'<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e138016',0,'revision','',0),(100355,2,'2013-09-25 21:18:22','2013-09-26 04:18:22','<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft  wp-image-100311 imgborder\" alt=\"Dakshinkali Maa\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e1380168375966.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"301\" /></a>Shakti is calling me to rise up. She is calling me to risk. She is calling me to relate. She rests on a bed of will, knowledge and action, entwined with Shiva, the pure consciousness that follows her call, in order to relax into some powerful creation work. There is not a moment that goes by in which I do not feel her. I am surrounded by the subtle notes of intuition that arise in her presence and the not-so-subtle ripples of her battles in this realm. I know you know what I mean. The trees, oceans, bears and wind all speak her name. A kirtan (call and response) ensues, and those who are attuned listen. The chanting has its charms.\r\n\r\nRecently, she asked me to give more of myself. \"But I already...,\" I start to say, and she just kisses me sweetly, replying, \"Darling, I know how much you do. Still, there is more to be done.\"\r\n\r\nShe is right, of course, and I acknowledge that my energy is dispersed and needs to focus for better effect in the world. There are some things that are too important to be lost in my chaos. How then to manage this, I wonder; but not for long. My spiritual practice guides me to breakthrough on the inner planes that has real outer world ramifications and manifestations. I learn the first lessons of empowered spiritual leadership: listen, tell your truth, take responsibility, stand your ground.\r\n\r\nShe then asks me what I believe in. I go back to a childhood filled with lies, betrayal, physical violence, and an empty fridge until Grandma comes to fill it up. I realize that I have spent much of my life creating values in response to those around me, and I need to ask what is there that is genuinely born from within me. I meditate on my birth and the will to survive interweaves tightly with the wounding of abandonment. What is mine? I sink into awareness around subsequent years of therapy, anger, resentment, and a sense of loss in relationship to my youth. I take pause and realize that I have grown much, and the obstacles have provided me with strength and power. In my crafting of faith, these avenues of challenge have led directly to the unseen realms upon which I draw heavily in my work for social transformation. Nothing is wasted.\r\n\r\nShe called me today to ask that I make a personally significant donation to a cause I care a lot about. I was not planning on giving again before the year was out, but she just winked and said,\r\n<blockquote>You can do it. The women need your money as much as they need your prayers.</blockquote>\r\nNothing could be more true. Had I not dived deep into my own story, I know the insights that came around what I believe and value would not have been revealed. I would not have found either justification or motivation for a financial contribution. Moreover, it would not have seemed relevant. No one would have benefited and I would have been less humble.\r\n\r\nA brother in the work of ministry had her card not long ago, one on which she had written my name. \"Spirit babies\" was all that was otherwise noted, and I was asked to help create a ritual for all the mamas and papas who grieved or sorrowed over the loss of a child through abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. My own embodied experiences were present in the mix of emotions that circled through me with the call. I felt honored to be asked. I will help, and I will write a prayer that brings healing, if none but my own, and will ask for an opening to her mysteries, the greatest of them perhaps held in the spaces of life and death.\r\n\r\nWhat is being created in response to her call? A life worth living.','Maa is calling me in this moment...','','inherit','open','open','','99055-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:18:22','2013-09-26 04:18:22','',99055,'<small><a href=\"www.womenofspiritandfaith.org\">Women of Spirit and Faith</a> asked for November: \"What is the Divine Feminine calling you to do in this moment?\" </small>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DSCN1590-e138016',0,'revision','',0),(100356,2,'2013-09-25 21:24:07','2013-09-26 04:24:07','<center><img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/Shappodhara.jpg\"></center>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.  Well, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort (we hope) by saying we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering...and we have come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. \r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n\r\n<ul>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>.</ul>\r\n\r\n<ul>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ul> \r\n\r\n  ','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:24:07','2013-09-26 04:24:07','',99054,'<center><img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/Shappodhara.jpg\"></center>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt',0,'revision','',0),(100357,2,'2013-09-25 21:24:29','2013-09-26 04:24:29','What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.  Well, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort (we hope) by saying we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering...and we have come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. \r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n\r\n<ul>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>.</ul>\r\n\r\n<ul>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ul> \r\n\r\n  ','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:24:29','2013-09-26 04:24:29','',99054,'What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that i',0,'revision','',0),(100358,2,'2013-09-25 21:25:39','2013-09-26 04:25:39','What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.  \r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. \r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n\r\n<ul>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>.</ul>\r\n\r\n<ul>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ul> \r\n\r\n  ','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:25:39','2013-09-26 04:25:39','',99054,'What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that i',0,'revision','',0),(100359,2,'2013-09-25 21:26:12','2013-09-26 04:26:12','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100314 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>\r\n<ul>.</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a>\r\n<ul>for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ul>','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:26:12','2013-09-26 04:26:12','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100314 imgborder\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e',0,'revision','',0),(100360,2,'2013-09-25 21:26:49','2013-09-26 04:26:49','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100314 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>\r\n<ul>.</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a>\r\n<ul>for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ul>','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:26:49','2013-09-26 04:26:49','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100314 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-',0,'revision','',0),(100361,2,'2013-09-25 21:28:18','2013-09-26 04:28:18','What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>\r\n<ul>.</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a>\r\n<ul>for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ul>','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:28:18','2013-09-26 04:28:18','',99054,'What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that i',0,'revision','',0),(100362,2,'2013-09-25 21:30:18','2013-09-26 04:30:18','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\n<ol>Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>.</ol>\r\n<ol>We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.</ol>','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:30:18','2013-09-26 04:30:18','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e13801682',0,'revision','',0),(100363,2,'2013-09-25 21:31:15','2013-09-26 04:31:15','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming.\r\nEnter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:31:15','2013-09-26 04:31:15','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100364,2,'2013-09-25 21:31:33','2013-09-26 04:31:33','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:31:33','2013-09-26 04:31:33','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100365,2,'2013-09-25 21:32:11','2013-09-26 04:32:11','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:32:11','2013-09-26 04:32:11','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100366,2,'2013-09-25 21:32:28','2013-09-26 04:32:28','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:32:28','2013-09-26 04:32:28','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100367,2,'2013-09-25 21:33:13','2013-09-26 04:33:13','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to join us! The container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:33:13','2013-09-26 04:33:13','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100368,2,'2013-09-25 21:33:49','2013-09-26 04:33:49','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. We invite you to join us! \r\n\r\nThe container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja: What\'s It All About? ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:33:49','2013-09-26 04:33:49','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100369,2,'2013-09-25 21:34:18','2013-09-26 04:34:18','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. We invite you to join us! \r\n\r\nThe container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Visit our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events\">calendar</a> for dates of upcoming ceremonies.','Our Kali Puja  ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:34:18','2013-09-26 04:34:18','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100371,2,'2013-09-25 21:36:56','2013-09-26 04:36:56','At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness. We honor through Maa her relationship to an unpathologized Sacred Male as manifest particularly through Shiva. This relationship is at the heart of the birthing potentials of the universe.\r\n\r\nCeremony is held in the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Sha\'can tradition</a> and lead by Rashani (ordained clergy) with help from community. Our puja infuses methods and practices from East and West in order to create a sacred space for worship, deepening, and opening on the path of the <i>bhakta</i>, or devotee of the Divine. An <a title=\"RSVP for Kali Puja\" href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\" target=\"_blank\">R.S.V.P.</a> is requested if you would like to participate.\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"2\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"puja-2\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What to bring\" active=\"\"]Offerings for the main altar are welcome. It is customary to bring flowers, fruit, wine, vegetarian offerings, or sweets and to refrain from wearing black to our public rituals. If you wish to wear a special color for Kali, we invite you to don red, a color associated with Her power in the phenomenal world as <i>shakti</i>, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed. [/toggle] </span>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Donations\" active=\"\"]A sliding scale donation of $21-11 is suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and <i>prasad</i> (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted. If you wish, you may <a title=\"Donate to SHARANYA\" href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=%2094-3334334&amp;vlrStratCode=QfHkjvv7O3iNUsVQhMSxvV1lSAo5hzn%2bjcTdl9IU4KAZH1KCyhNWvn%2fBXD%2bsythO\" target=\"_blank\">donate online</a>. We appreciate the offerings you make to support our work and the community. Jai Maa! [/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What is puja like?\" active=\"\"]Our pujas are participatory, devotional, sometimes deeply transformational and often, fun! The ritual begins by casting a circle hand to hand, creating a sacred space between the worlds. We honor and invoke the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, the elements of life, as guides and allies in our worship. Through breath, song, movement, and speech in both English and Sanskrit, unique voices then call forth ancestors and the Divine.\r\n\r\nWe first invoke Agni, Lord of the sacrificial fire, the dancing flame of all beings. Agni helps open a channel for us to commune with the Divine. Agni is also one of the most ancient deities of the Vedic tradition, honored with the first nine verses of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious text still used today. Our ceremony continues to open to the Divine by next calling Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Obstacles who opens our minds and hearts to touch the Great Mystery. Through His worship, we are resolved of all that hinders our path and keeps us from fully experiencing the Divine.\r\n\r\nMoving into deeper awareness of God and Self, we invoke Lord Shiva, the destroyer of life, sensuous yogi, Father of the Three Worlds, and Cosmic Consciousness alive in all things. His is the dance that turns the cycles of the seasons, the stars in orbit, and the ebb and flow the Universe. We welcome Him with our voices, chanting sacred verses that have lived in the hearts of humanity for thousands of years. Together we offer flowers and praise Shiva, singing \"Shiva Shambo Mahadeva Shambo\", honoring Shiva as the Great God and the bringer of peace. Opening to His love and compassion, we see the beauty and divinity of the world.\r\n\r\nFully in the flow of Divine awareness, we then call forth Maa Kali to join our circle. With deep yearning in our beingness, we welcome the Goddess with mantras that have been sung to Her for millennia. We bow to Her divine presence and perform <i>aarti</i>, offering incense, water, food, fan, and light before Her living image. Maa can be felt through her sacred image on the altar, and you are invited to take <i>darshan</i> with her. Darshan comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning \"to see\" and one can think of it as both seeing and being seen by the Divine. It also refers to sitting in the presence of the Divine and connecting by staring into the eyes of Kali Maa in the central image, the one that has been enlivened through <i>prana shakti</i> or life force energy. This practice will encourage peacefulness, insight, blessings and perhaps visions to come to you.\r\n\r\nTogether we then sing \"Jai Maa\", Victory to the Mother, as we open fully and allow Her to touch our hearts. We breathe Her in, reaching ecstatic states through which we can more deeply experience Her beauty and grace. With the use of sacred substances and tools, we further deepen our awareness and allow Her messages to come forth.\r\n\r\nThrough puja (worship) offered to Maa Kali, we allow the Goddess to heal us and renew our souls. When we set time aside, as a community or alone, to perform puja to the Divine Mother, we connect to the original whim of God to know Herself. As we attune to the elemental powers and offer devotion to the gods, we transform ourselves and give birth to new worlds of being. Puja becomes part of the cosmic creation, allowing us to journey beyond time space reality and aid in the continuation of life on this planet. It grants us the ability to move from individual heart space into places of unlimited possibility. We awaken to the Goddess in every facet of our being and transform our reality, coming to see Maa Kali as the Holy Mother in whom we live, move, and have our selves made whole.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Temple etiquette\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you are entering the sacred space of our <i>mandir</i> (temple), touch the ground with your right hand, and then touch your forehead. This is a symbolic gesture of humility. Taking the dust from the feet of Maa, our Divine Mother, to our brow, we contemplate and bring mindfulness to the surrender of our egos and the openness of our hearts to Her. Then join your hands together in prayer position at your heart and gently bow toward the altar as a sign of respect.</span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not turn your back to the altar; please back away for a few paces and then turn.  </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not to block the altar from other people\'s view, and allow others to join you as you prostrate before Her. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please do not face the bottoms of your feet toward the altar as this is disrespectful. Do cover your feet with a shawl if you are able to do so in order to sit more comfortably (you may wish to bring your own and the temple has some on hand for community). </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you move in the space, always try to go in a clockwise direction. This helps draw on the power of natural cycles and brings us into greater alignment with the mirroring of our individual selves and the turning of the universe.</span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">You are invited to wear red. Please abstain from wearing black during puja. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Be mindful. </span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"FAQs\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<b>What is the proper way to enter the temple?</b>\r\n\r\nWhen entering sacred space, our sanctuary, or a dedicated temple, it is customary to touch the floor with one\'s right hand and then touch one\'s forehead. This is an act signifying one\'s intention to surrender to the divine (our deepest awareness of the divine will and our highest self) for the duration of the time one spends along with the deity being worshiped within the physical space occupied for worship. With this motion we are taking the dust from the floor in God/dess\' home and putting it to our head to ritualize our deeper understanding of and work toward ego surrender. We allow this intention to be witnessed and acknowledged in community.\r\n\r\nAll who enter then pranam, paying respect to the lineage of teachers and the presiding teacher to honor the kaula, or spiritual family, of the temple and tradition.\r\n\r\n<b>What is darshan? Are there certain or more appropriate ways to approach Maa when receiving darshan?</b>\r\n\r\n\'Darshan\' comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning, \'to see.\' Darshan literally means to \'see\' the divine; it is a term used to express the act of physically looking into the eyes of the image or statue into which the presence of the divine has been invoked and activated during ritual. By so doing, the worshiper is brought more closely into connection with the divine presence, allowing our soul--the spark of the divine within us--to recognize the original state of our beingness. Through darshan we reactivate our connection to Spirit, both internally and externally. When approaching the Divine Mother, it is important to breathe and remain open in one\'s heart.  Physical acts in addition to maintaining eye contact may include: prostration, bowing of the head, holding the hands in <i>anjali mudra</i> (the namaste or prayer position at the heart center), touching of the forehead to the feet of the deity, and other similar gestures of surrender, honoring and respect.\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we cover our feet in front of Maa’s altar?</b>\r\n\r\nWe cover our feet and refrain from pointing them toward the altar out of respect for the spiritual process. The feet signify the mundane, the place of contact with our earthly selves. By being aware of the mundane in worship, we can set an intention to utilize that awareness to bring ourselves closer to our spiritual goals. Also, in traditional Hindu culture (as in many other cultures), pointing the feet at one\'s elders or others is considered disrespectful; and we honor the idea and practice of maintaining humility and respect in all relationships.\r\n\r\n<b>What does the word <i>prema</i> mean?</b>\r\n\r\nIt means \'love.\'\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we call directions thrice at community pujas?  Is this a hard and fast rule?</b> Three is both a sacred number for goddess worship and a spiritual seal, a way of fully inviting in and holding the guides and energies called to be present in puja.  Calling in the directions three times also encourages more participation in the circle. We welcome invocations from all traditions during this part of the ceremony. During our annual Kali Puja Festival, the directional invocations are more elaborate and are supplemented with special elemental altars at each quarter. Therefore, during this time invocations are only done once.\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we ring the bell before we approach Maa?</b>\r\n\r\nThe bell is rung to let Maa know that we are coming to worship Her. It also awakens us to the power of vibrational energy made manifest.\r\n\r\n<b>Why are there so many skulls associated with Kali and the Sha\'can path?</b>\r\n\r\nIn many of the world\'s spiritual traditions, skulls, as repositories of the brain, are symbols of the power of the mind and of wisdom, as well as of the integrative forces that allow principles of mind, body and spirit to reveal the divine nature of beingness. Our cranium, therefore, is considered to be a symbol of the human potential for enlightenment, or oneness with God/dess.\r\n\r\nWhen acting in the mundane realm, human beings often forget about or stray from this original connection to Spirit. To do so leaves the more shallow ego-identified state that is agenda-laden and task-oriented. Kali\'s skulls therefore are a reminder of our divine nature and our deeper call to the Great Mystery. They hold the potential for the unification of matter and spirit, heart and head, mind and body through love--which rectifies and embraces all opposites, bringing us through our yearning to a place of <i>sat-chit-ananda</i> (being-consciousness-bliss).  Additionally, the skulls around Kali\'s neck form a <i>mala</i>, or rosary, each symbolizing the 51 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet from which all sounds are created. Hence, all <i>mantras</i>, or conglomorates of words used to address a deity (or words used for an effect which lasts beyond the utterance of the words), are worn by Her.\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>ishtadevi</i> mean?</b>\r\n\r\nThis Sanskrit word means \'chosen Goddess.\' It is akin to the similar \'ishtadeva,\' meaning \'chosen God.\' In some traditions, this deity is chosen by virtue of family line; i.e., the god or goddess who is considered the family \'patron saint.\' At SHARANYA, we promote deepening personal spiritual practice while learning about the Sha\'can tradition in order to facilitate the personal revelation of this deity, who resides in one\'s heart. The ishtadeva or ishtadevi is also understood to be a reflection of the undifferentiated cosmic consciousness.\r\n\r\n<b>What\'s the difference between <i>Devi</i> and <i>Deva</i>?</b>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word Devi means Goddess, and the word Deva means God.\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>sadhana</i>?</b>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word \'sadhana\' means spiritual practice or discipline. In this, it can mean a particular practice or method--a spiritual technology--one undertakes or employs to deepen a connection with the divine or spirit; e.g., meditation, japa, or prayer. It also refers to the spiritual journey overall and in this sense relates to one\'s way of walking in the world or \'doing\' life.\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>dakshina</i>?</b>\r\n\r\nThis is an offering made, monetary or otherwise, to one\'s teacher out of respect and gratitude for the teaching or work done on one\'s behalf, such as during puja, homa (fire ceremony) or other ceremony. It is given from the heart and is never asked for directly.\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>Jai Maa</i> mean?</b>\r\n\r\nThis is a call to the Divine Mother, \'Maa,\' a singing of Her glory. Literally, \'jai\' means \'victory,\' although we often translate it as \'hallelujah\' or \'praises.\' Speaking \'Jai Maa\' in puja (worship ceremony) is an affirmation of the Divine Mother\'s blessings, a chant of gratitude for all Her gifts and the challenges She provides that help us grow spiritually.\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we chant to Agni first during Puja?</b>\r\n\r\nIn Hinduism, Agni is the god of fire, the one who presides over all rites and rituals. He is \'purohit,\' the one who presides over the fire ceremony and is the first deity honored in the Rig Veda, the oldest written religious text of record from among all surviving world\'s spiritual traditions. Simply, fire is what enabled humanity to first survive and then thrive. We open our ceremonies with a chant to Agni to honor the role of fire both as literal element and as metaphor for the transformational spiritual journey.\r\n\r\n<b>How do you \"ground\"?</b>\r\n\r\nThe concept of grounding refers to any method of reconnecting to one\'s body (i.e., physicality) after engaging in any endeavor, spiritual, emotional, or intellectual that facilitates or actively directs focus away from the fact of one\'s embodied presence in the moment. We can be readily reminded of our bodies through bringing attention to our breathing or by touching of the ground on which we stand, invoking the power of पृथ्वी (pṛthvī), or Earth. Doing so reincorporates us, allowing for an integration of our experience with the fullness of mind, body and spirit.\r\n\r\n<b>What are the most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas?</b>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, the two most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas are the <i>Devi Mahatmya</i> (or <i>Chandi Path</i>, as it is also called), and the <i>Srimad Devi Bhagavatam</i>. Other important texts for left-hand Tantric practitioners and devotees of the Dark Goddess Kali and all her manifestations are the <i>Yogini Tantra</i> and the <i>Kalika Purana</i>.\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Listen to a puja - Jai Maa!</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jaima64.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/events\" title=\"Puja Calendar\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0387-e1378621009871.jpg\" ]Upcoming dates[/teaser]','Pujas','','inherit','open','open','','99134-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:36:56','2013-09-26 04:36:56','',99134,'At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness.',0,'revision','',0),(100372,2,'2013-09-25 21:38:50','2013-09-26 04:38:50','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\" width=\"280\" height=\"256\" /></a>What\'s it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal; to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit and bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but who is felt worldwide? Perhaps you\'ve never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary.\r\n\r\nWell, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort by sharing that we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering, and we have been able to come together to strengthen the path of our hearts. We invite you to join us!\r\n\r\nThe container for worship is loving, embracing, inclusionary and welcoming. Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our galleries <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/galleries/\">here</a>. We look forward to seeing you at a puja soon. Jai Maa!','Our Kali Puja  ','','inherit','open','open','','99054-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:38:50','2013-09-26 04:38:50','',99054,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e1380168272268.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-100314 imgborder alignleft\" alt=\"Kali Altar at Spiral Dance - San Francisco\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSCN1594-e138016827',0,'revision','',0),(100373,2,'2013-09-25 21:41:28','2013-09-26 04:41:28','At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness. We honor through Maa her relationship to an unpathologized Sacred Male as manifest particularly through Shiva. This relationship is at the heart of the birthing potentials of the universe.<br><br>\r\n\r\nCeremony is held in the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Sha\'can tradition</a> and lead by Rashani (ordained clergy) with help from community. Our puja infuses methods and practices from East and West in order to create a sacred space for worship, deepening, and opening on the path of the <i>bhakta</i>, or devotee of the Divine. An <a title=\"RSVP for Kali Puja\" href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\" target=\"_blank\">R.S.V.P.</a> is requested if you would like to participate.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"2\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"puja-2\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What to bring\" active=\"\"]Offerings for the main altar are welcome. It is customary to bring flowers, fruit, wine, vegetarian offerings, or sweets and to refrain from wearing black to our public rituals. If you wish to wear a special color for Kali, we invite you to don red, a color associated with Her power in the phenomenal world as <i>shakti</i>, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed. [/toggle] </span>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Donations\" active=\"\"]A sliding scale donation of $21-11 is suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and <i>prasad</i> (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted. If you wish, you may <a title=\"Donate to SHARANYA\" href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=%2094-3334334&amp;vlrStratCode=QfHkjvv7O3iNUsVQhMSxvV1lSAo5hzn%2bjcTdl9IU4KAZH1KCyhNWvn%2fBXD%2bsythO\" target=\"_blank\">donate online</a>. We appreciate the offerings you make to support our work and the community. Jai Maa! [/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What is puja like?\" active=\"\"]Our pujas are participatory, devotional, sometimes deeply transformational and often, fun! The ritual begins by casting a circle hand to hand, creating a sacred space between the worlds. We honor and invoke the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, the elements of life, as guides and allies in our worship. Through breath, song, movement, and speech in both English and Sanskrit, unique voices then call forth ancestors and the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe first invoke Agni, Lord of the sacrificial fire, the dancing flame of all beings. Agni helps open a channel for us to commune with the Divine. Agni is also one of the most ancient deities of the Vedic tradition, honored with the first nine verses of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious text still used today. Our ceremony continues to open to the Divine by next calling Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Obstacles who opens our minds and hearts to touch the Great Mystery. Through His worship, we are resolved of all that hinders our path and keeps us from fully experiencing the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nMoving into deeper awareness of God and Self, we invoke Lord Shiva, the destroyer of life, sensuous yogi, Father of the Three Worlds, and Cosmic Consciousness alive in all things. His is the dance that turns the cycles of the seasons, the stars in orbit, and the ebb and flow the Universe. We welcome Him with our voices, chanting sacred verses that have lived in the hearts of humanity for thousands of years. Together we offer flowers and praise Shiva, singing \"Shiva Shambo Mahadeva Shambo\", honoring Shiva as the Great God and the bringer of peace. Opening to His love and compassion, we see the beauty and divinity of the world.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFully in the flow of Divine awareness, we then call forth Maa Kali to join our circle. With deep yearning in our beingness, we welcome the Goddess with mantras that have been sung to Her for millennia. We bow to Her divine presence and perform <i>aarti</i>, offering incense, water, food, fan, and light before Her living image. Maa can be felt through her sacred image on the altar, and you are invited to take <i>darshan</i> with her. Darshan comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning \"to see\" and one can think of it as both seeing and being seen by the Divine. It also refers to sitting in the presence of the Divine and connecting by staring into the eyes of Kali Maa in the central image, the one that has been enlivened through <i>prana shakti</i> or life force energy. This practice will encourage peacefulness, insight, blessings and perhaps visions to come to you.<br><br>\r\n\r\nTogether we then sing \"Jai Maa\", Victory to the Mother, as we open fully and allow Her to touch our hearts. We breathe Her in, reaching ecstatic states through which we can more deeply experience Her beauty and grace. With the use of sacred substances and tools, we further deepen our awareness and allow Her messages to come forth.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThrough puja (worship) offered to Maa Kali, we allow the Goddess to heal us and renew our souls. When we set time aside, as a community or alone, to perform puja to the Divine Mother, we connect to the original whim of God to know Herself. As we attune to the elemental powers and offer devotion to the gods, we transform ourselves and give birth to new worlds of being. Puja becomes part of the cosmic creation, allowing us to journey beyond time space reality and aid in the continuation of life on this planet. It grants us the ability to move from individual heart space into places of unlimited possibility. We awaken to the Goddess in every facet of our being and transform our reality, coming to see Maa Kali as the Holy Mother in whom we live, move, and have our selves made whole.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Temple etiquette\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you are entering the sacred space of our <i>mandir</i> (temple), touch the ground with your right hand, and then touch your forehead. This is a symbolic gesture of humility. Taking the dust from the feet of Maa, our Divine Mother, to our brow, we contemplate and bring mindfulness to the surrender of our egos and the openness of our hearts to Her. Then join your hands together in prayer position at your heart and gently bow toward the altar as a sign of respect.</span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not turn your back to the altar; please back away for a few paces and then turn.  </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not to block the altar from other people\'s view, and allow others to join you as you prostrate before Her. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please do not face the bottoms of your feet toward the altar as this is disrespectful. Do cover your feet with a shawl if you are able to do so in order to sit more comfortably (you may wish to bring your own and the temple has some on hand for community). </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you move in the space, always try to go in a clockwise direction. This helps draw on the power of natural cycles and brings us into greater alignment with the mirroring of our individual selves and the turning of the universe.</span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">You are invited to wear red. Please abstain from wearing black during puja. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Be mindful. </span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"FAQs\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<b>What is the proper way to enter the temple?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen entering sacred space, our sanctuary, or a dedicated temple, it is customary to touch the floor with one\'s right hand and then touch one\'s forehead. This is an act signifying one\'s intention to surrender to the divine (our deepest awareness of the divine will and our highest self) for the duration of the time one spends along with the deity being worshiped within the physical space occupied for worship. With this motion we are taking the dust from the floor in God/dess\' home and putting it to our head to ritualize our deeper understanding of and work toward ego surrender. We allow this intention to be witnessed and acknowledged in community.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAll who enter then pranam, paying respect to the lineage of teachers and the presiding teacher to honor the kaula, or spiritual family, of the temple and tradition.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is darshan? Are there certain or more appropriate ways to approach Maa when receiving darshan?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\n\'Darshan\' comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning, \'to see.\' Darshan literally means to \'see\' the divine; it is a term used to express the act of physically looking into the eyes of the image or statue into which the presence of the divine has been invoked and activated during ritual. By so doing, the worshiper is brought more closely into connection with the divine presence, allowing our soul--the spark of the divine within us--to recognize the original state of our beingness. Through darshan we reactivate our connection to Spirit, both internally and externally. When approaching the Divine Mother, it is important to breathe and remain open in one\'s heart.  Physical acts in addition to maintaining eye contact may include: prostration, bowing of the head, holding the hands in <i>anjali mudra</i> (the namaste or prayer position at the heart center), touching of the forehead to the feet of the deity, and other similar gestures of surrender, honoring and respect.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we cover our feet in front of Maa’s altar?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWe cover our feet and refrain from pointing them toward the altar out of respect for the spiritual process. The feet signify the mundane, the place of contact with our earthly selves. By being aware of the mundane in worship, we can set an intention to utilize that awareness to bring ourselves closer to our spiritual goals. Also, in traditional Hindu culture (as in many other cultures), pointing the feet at one\'s elders or others is considered disrespectful; and we honor the idea and practice of maintaining humility and respect in all relationships.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does the word <i>prema</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIt means \'love.\'<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we call directions thrice at community pujas? Is this a hard and fast rule?</b><br><br> \r\nThree is both a sacred number for goddess worship and a spiritual seal, a way of fully inviting in and holding the guides and energies called to be present in puja.  Calling in the directions three times also encourages more participation in the circle. We welcome invocations from all traditions during this part of the ceremony. During our annual Kali Puja Festival, the directional invocations are more elaborate and are supplemented with special elemental altars at each quarter. Therefore, during this time invocations are only done once.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we ring the bell before we approach Maa?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe bell is rung to let Maa know that we are coming to worship Her. It also awakens us to the power of vibrational energy made manifest.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why are there so many skulls associated with Kali and the Sha\'can path?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn many of the world\'s spiritual traditions, skulls, as repositories of the brain, are symbols of the power of the mind and of wisdom, as well as of the integrative forces that allow principles of mind, body and spirit to reveal the divine nature of beingness. Our cranium, therefore, is considered to be a symbol of the human potential for enlightenment, or oneness with God/dess.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen acting in the mundane realm, human beings often forget about or stray from this original connection to Spirit. To do so leaves the more shallow ego-identified state that is agenda-laden and task-oriented. Kali\'s skulls therefore are a reminder of our divine nature and our deeper call to the Great Mystery. They hold the potential for the unification of matter and spirit, heart and head, mind and body through love--which rectifies and embraces all opposites, bringing us through our yearning to a place of <i>sat-chit-ananda</i> (being-consciousness-bliss).  Additionally, the skulls around Kali\'s neck form a <i>mala</i>, or rosary, each symbolizing the 51 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet from which all sounds are created. Hence, all <i>mantras</i>, or conglomorates of words used to address a deity (or words used for an effect which lasts beyond the utterance of the words), are worn by Her.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>ishtadevi</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis Sanskrit word means \'chosen Goddess.\' It is akin to the similar \'ishtadeva,\' meaning \'chosen God.\' In some traditions, this deity is chosen by virtue of family line; i.e., the god or goddess who is considered the family \'patron saint.\' At SHARANYA, we promote deepening personal spiritual practice while learning about the Sha\'can tradition in order to facilitate the personal revelation of this deity, who resides in one\'s heart. The ishtadeva or ishtadevi is also understood to be a reflection of the undifferentiated cosmic consciousness.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What\'s the difference between <i>Devi</i> and <i>Deva</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word Devi means Goddess, and the word Deva means God.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>sadhana</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word \'sadhana\' means spiritual practice or discipline. In this, it can mean a particular practice or method--a spiritual technology--one undertakes or employs to deepen a connection with the divine or spirit; e.g., meditation, japa, or prayer. It also refers to the spiritual journey overall and in this sense relates to one\'s way of walking in the world or \'doing\' life.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>dakshina</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is an offering made, monetary or otherwise, to one\'s teacher out of respect and gratitude for the teaching or work done on one\'s behalf, such as during puja, homa (fire ceremony) or other ceremony. It is given from the heart and is never asked for directly.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>Jai Maa</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is a call to the Divine Mother, \'Maa,\' a singing of Her glory. Literally, \'jai\' means \'victory,\' although we often translate it as \'hallelujah\' or \'praises.\' Speaking \'Jai Maa\' in puja (worship ceremony) is an affirmation of the Divine Mother\'s blessings, a chant of gratitude for all Her gifts and the challenges She provides that help us grow spiritually.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we chant to Agni first during Puja?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn Hinduism, Agni is the god of fire, the one who presides over all rites and rituals. He is \'purohit,\' the one who presides over the fire ceremony and is the first deity honored in the Rig Veda, the oldest written religious text of record from among all surviving world\'s spiritual traditions. Simply, fire is what enabled humanity to first survive and then thrive. We open our ceremonies with a chant to Agni to honor the role of fire both as literal element and as metaphor for the transformational spiritual journey.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>How do you \"ground\"?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe concept of grounding refers to any method of reconnecting to one\'s body (i.e., physicality) after engaging in any endeavor, spiritual, emotional, or intellectual that facilitates or actively directs focus away from the fact of one\'s embodied presence in the moment. We can be readily reminded of our bodies through bringing attention to our breathing or by touching of the ground on which we stand, invoking the power of पृथ्वी (pṛthvī), or Earth. Doing so reincorporates us, allowing for an integration of our experience with the fullness of mind, body and spirit.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What are the most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, the two most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas are the <i>Devi Mahatmya</i> (or <i>Chandi Path</i>, as it is also called), and the <i>Srimad Devi Bhagavatam</i>. Other important texts for left-hand Tantric practitioners and devotees of the Dark Goddess Kali and all her manifestations are the <i>Yogini Tantra</i> and the <i>Kalika Purana</i>.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Listen to a puja - Jai Maa!</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jaima64.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/events\" title=\"Puja Calendar\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0387-e1378621009871.jpg\" ]Upcoming dates[/teaser]','Pujas','','inherit','open','open','','99134-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 21:41:28','2013-09-26 04:41:28','',99134,'At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness.',0,'revision','',0),(100374,2,'2013-09-25 22:09:15','2013-09-26 05:09:15','One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we are buying into overplayed stereotypes about the color.  \n\nIn our tradition and lineage, black is a color only worn by the initiated, and only in certain ceremonies. For others and on most occasions, red is the color that is appropriate to don for worshiping Maa in Her many guises; for example as Bhadra Kali or Dakshina Kali. \n\nHowever, initiates within our <I>Kaula</I> (spiritual family) also work with non-dualistic practices and open to Her as Smashan Kali, or Kali of the cremation grounds. When we wish to acknowledge and honor this path, we bring practices and knowledge to help facilitate experience with this aspect of Maa\'s presence. In public community pujas, we do not wear black because it invites in an energy that requires clear intention to contain. SHARANYA certainly doesn\'t turn away people who come to ceremony wearing black; but there is a responsibility that comes with calling in the non-dualistic energies of Kali Maa, and it is important to be aware of this in one\'s surrender to Her.\n  \nUltimately, every one has to make their own decision about what is appropriate to wear within their own practice. We ask, however, that if you choose to worship with us, you observe our custom out of respect. ','Kali and the Color Black','','inherit','open','open','','99018-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:09:15','2013-09-26 05:09:15','',99018,'One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we',0,'revision','',0),(100375,2,'2013-09-25 22:10:12','2013-09-26 05:10:12','One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we are buying into overplayed stereotypes about the color.  \r\n\r\nIn our tradition and lineage, black is a color only worn by the initiated, and only in certain ceremonies. For others and on most occasions, red is the color that is appropriate to don for worshiping Maa in Her many guises; for example as Bhadra Kali or Dakshina Kali. \r\n\r\nHowever, initiates within our <I>Kaula</I> (spiritual family) also work with non-dualistic practices and open to Her as Smashan Kali, or Kali of the cremation grounds. When we wish to acknowledge and honor this path, we bring practices and knowledge to help facilitate experience with this more encompassing aspect of Maa\'s presence. In public community pujas, we do not wear black because it requires clear intention and dedicated effort to contain among those not familiar with Her path. \r\n\r\nSHARANYA certainly doesn\'t turn away people who come to ceremony wearing black; but there is a responsibility that comes with calling in the non-dualistic energies of Kali Maa, and it is important to be aware of this in one\'s surrender to Her. Ultimately, every one has to make their own decision about what is appropriate to wear within their own practice. We ask, however, that if you choose to worship with us, you observe our custom out of respect. ','Kali and the Color Black','','inherit','open','open','','99018-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:10:12','2013-09-26 05:10:12','',99018,'One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we',0,'revision','',0),(100376,2,'2013-09-25 22:10:28','2013-09-26 05:10:28','At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness. We honor through Maa her relationship to an unpathologized Sacred Male as manifest particularly through Shiva. This relationship is at the heart of the birthing potentials of the universe.<br><br>\r\n\r\nCeremony is held in the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Sha\'can tradition</a> and lead by Rashani (ordained clergy) with help from community. Our puja infuses methods and practices from East and West in order to create a sacred space for worship, deepening, and opening on the path of the <i>bhakta</i>, or devotee of the Divine. An <a title=\"RSVP for Kali Puja\" href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\" target=\"_blank\">R.S.V.P.</a> is requested if you would like to participate.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"2\" perpage=\"2\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"puja-2\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What to bring\" active=\"\"]Offerings for the main altar are welcome. It is customary to bring flowers, fruit, wine, vegetarian offerings, or sweets and to refrain from wearing black to our public rituals. If you wish to wear a special color for Kali, we invite you to don red, a color associated with Her power in the phenomenal world as <i>shakti</i>, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed. [/toggle] </span>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Donations\" active=\"\"]A sliding scale donation of $21-11 is suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and <i>prasad</i> (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted. If you wish, you may <a title=\"Donate to SHARANYA\" href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=%2094-3334334&amp;vlrStratCode=QfHkjvv7O3iNUsVQhMSxvV1lSAo5hzn%2bjcTdl9IU4KAZH1KCyhNWvn%2fBXD%2bsythO\" target=\"_blank\">donate online</a>. We appreciate the offerings you make to support our work and the community. Jai Maa! [/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What is puja like?\" active=\"\"]Our pujas are participatory, devotional, sometimes deeply transformational and often, fun! The ritual begins by casting a circle hand to hand, creating a sacred space between the worlds. We honor and invoke the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, the elements of life, as guides and allies in our worship. Through breath, song, movement, and speech in both English and Sanskrit, unique voices then call forth ancestors and the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe first invoke Agni, Lord of the sacrificial fire, the dancing flame of all beings. Agni helps open a channel for us to commune with the Divine. Agni is also one of the most ancient deities of the Vedic tradition, honored with the first nine verses of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious text still used today. Our ceremony continues to open to the Divine by next calling Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Obstacles who opens our minds and hearts to touch the Great Mystery. Through His worship, we are resolved of all that hinders our path and keeps us from fully experiencing the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nMoving into deeper awareness of God and Self, we invoke Lord Shiva, the destroyer of life, sensuous yogi, Father of the Three Worlds, and Cosmic Consciousness alive in all things. His is the dance that turns the cycles of the seasons, the stars in orbit, and the ebb and flow the Universe. We welcome Him with our voices, chanting sacred verses that have lived in the hearts of humanity for thousands of years. Together we offer flowers and praise Shiva, singing \"Shiva Shambo Mahadeva Shambo\", honoring Shiva as the Great God and the bringer of peace. Opening to His love and compassion, we see the beauty and divinity of the world.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFully in the flow of Divine awareness, we then call forth Maa Kali to join our circle. With deep yearning in our beingness, we welcome the Goddess with mantras that have been sung to Her for millennia. We bow to Her divine presence and perform <i>aarti</i>, offering incense, water, food, fan, and light before Her living image. Maa can be felt through her sacred image on the altar, and you are invited to take <i>darshan</i> with her. Darshan comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning \"to see\" and one can think of it as both seeing and being seen by the Divine. It also refers to sitting in the presence of the Divine and connecting by staring into the eyes of Kali Maa in the central image, the one that has been enlivened through <i>prana shakti</i> or life force energy. This practice will encourage peacefulness, insight, blessings and perhaps visions to come to you.<br><br>\r\n\r\nTogether we then sing \"Jai Maa\", Victory to the Mother, as we open fully and allow Her to touch our hearts. We breathe Her in, reaching ecstatic states through which we can more deeply experience Her beauty and grace. With the use of sacred substances and tools, we further deepen our awareness and allow Her messages to come forth.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThrough puja (worship) offered to Maa Kali, we allow the Goddess to heal us and renew our souls. When we set time aside, as a community or alone, to perform puja to the Divine Mother, we connect to the original whim of God to know Herself. As we attune to the elemental powers and offer devotion to the gods, we transform ourselves and give birth to new worlds of being. Puja becomes part of the cosmic creation, allowing us to journey beyond time space reality and aid in the continuation of life on this planet. It grants us the ability to move from individual heart space into places of unlimited possibility. We awaken to the Goddess in every facet of our being and transform our reality, coming to see Maa Kali as the Holy Mother in whom we live, move, and have our selves made whole.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Temple etiquette\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you are entering the sacred space of our <i>mandir</i> (temple), touch the ground with your right hand, and then touch your forehead. This is a symbolic gesture of humility. Taking the dust from the feet of Maa, our Divine Mother, to our brow, we contemplate and bring mindfulness to the surrender of our egos and the openness of our hearts to Her. Then join your hands together in prayer position at your heart and gently bow toward the altar as a sign of respect.</span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not turn your back to the altar; please back away for a few paces and then turn.  </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not to block the altar from other people\'s view, and allow others to join you as you prostrate before Her. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please do not face the bottoms of your feet toward the altar as this is disrespectful. Do cover your feet with a shawl if you are able to do so in order to sit more comfortably (you may wish to bring your own and the temple has some on hand for community). </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you move in the space, always try to go in a clockwise direction. This helps draw on the power of natural cycles and brings us into greater alignment with the mirroring of our individual selves and the turning of the universe.</span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">You are invited to wear red. Please abstain from wearing black during puja. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Be mindful. </span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"FAQs\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<b>What is the proper way to enter the temple?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen entering sacred space, our sanctuary, or a dedicated temple, it is customary to touch the floor with one\'s right hand and then touch one\'s forehead. This is an act signifying one\'s intention to surrender to the divine (our deepest awareness of the divine will and our highest self) for the duration of the time one spends along with the deity being worshiped within the physical space occupied for worship. With this motion we are taking the dust from the floor in God/dess\' home and putting it to our head to ritualize our deeper understanding of and work toward ego surrender. We allow this intention to be witnessed and acknowledged in community.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAll who enter then pranam, paying respect to the lineage of teachers and the presiding teacher to honor the kaula, or spiritual family, of the temple and tradition.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is darshan? Are there certain or more appropriate ways to approach Maa when receiving darshan?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\n\'Darshan\' comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning, \'to see.\' Darshan literally means to \'see\' the divine; it is a term used to express the act of physically looking into the eyes of the image or statue into which the presence of the divine has been invoked and activated during ritual. By so doing, the worshiper is brought more closely into connection with the divine presence, allowing our soul--the spark of the divine within us--to recognize the original state of our beingness. Through darshan we reactivate our connection to Spirit, both internally and externally. When approaching the Divine Mother, it is important to breathe and remain open in one\'s heart.  Physical acts in addition to maintaining eye contact may include: prostration, bowing of the head, holding the hands in <i>anjali mudra</i> (the namaste or prayer position at the heart center), touching of the forehead to the feet of the deity, and other similar gestures of surrender, honoring and respect.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we cover our feet in front of Maa’s altar?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWe cover our feet and refrain from pointing them toward the altar out of respect for the spiritual process. The feet signify the mundane, the place of contact with our earthly selves. By being aware of the mundane in worship, we can set an intention to utilize that awareness to bring ourselves closer to our spiritual goals. Also, in traditional Hindu culture (as in many other cultures), pointing the feet at one\'s elders or others is considered disrespectful; and we honor the idea and practice of maintaining humility and respect in all relationships.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does the word <i>prema</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIt means \'love.\'<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we call directions thrice at community pujas? Is this a hard and fast rule?</b><br><br> \r\nThree is both a sacred number for goddess worship and a spiritual seal, a way of fully inviting in and holding the guides and energies called to be present in puja.  Calling in the directions three times also encourages more participation in the circle. We welcome invocations from all traditions during this part of the ceremony. During our annual Kali Puja Festival, the directional invocations are more elaborate and are supplemented with special elemental altars at each quarter. Therefore, during this time invocations are only done once.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we ring the bell before we approach Maa?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe bell is rung to let Maa know that we are coming to worship Her. It also awakens us to the power of vibrational energy made manifest.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why are there so many skulls associated with Kali and the Sha\'can path?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn many of the world\'s spiritual traditions, skulls, as repositories of the brain, are symbols of the power of the mind and of wisdom, as well as of the integrative forces that allow principles of mind, body and spirit to reveal the divine nature of beingness. Our cranium, therefore, is considered to be a symbol of the human potential for enlightenment, or oneness with God/dess.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen acting in the mundane realm, human beings often forget about or stray from this original connection to Spirit. To do so leaves the more shallow ego-identified state that is agenda-laden and task-oriented. Kali\'s skulls therefore are a reminder of our divine nature and our deeper call to the Great Mystery. They hold the potential for the unification of matter and spirit, heart and head, mind and body through love--which rectifies and embraces all opposites, bringing us through our yearning to a place of <i>sat-chit-ananda</i> (being-consciousness-bliss).  Additionally, the skulls around Kali\'s neck form a <i>mala</i>, or rosary, each symbolizing the 51 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet from which all sounds are created. Hence, all <i>mantras</i>, or conglomorates of words used to address a deity (or words used for an effect which lasts beyond the utterance of the words), are worn by Her.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>ishtadevi</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis Sanskrit word means \'chosen Goddess.\' It is akin to the similar \'ishtadeva,\' meaning \'chosen God.\' In some traditions, this deity is chosen by virtue of family line; i.e., the god or goddess who is considered the family \'patron saint.\' At SHARANYA, we promote deepening personal spiritual practice while learning about the Sha\'can tradition in order to facilitate the personal revelation of this deity, who resides in one\'s heart. The ishtadeva or ishtadevi is also understood to be a reflection of the undifferentiated cosmic consciousness.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What\'s the difference between <i>Devi</i> and <i>Deva</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word Devi means Goddess, and the word Deva means God.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>sadhana</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word \'sadhana\' means spiritual practice or discipline. In this, it can mean a particular practice or method--a spiritual technology--one undertakes or employs to deepen a connection with the divine or spirit; e.g., meditation, japa, or prayer. It also refers to the spiritual journey overall and in this sense relates to one\'s way of walking in the world or \'doing\' life.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>dakshina</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is an offering made, monetary or otherwise, to one\'s teacher out of respect and gratitude for the teaching or work done on one\'s behalf, such as during puja, homa (fire ceremony) or other ceremony. It is given from the heart and is never asked for directly.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>Jai Maa</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is a call to the Divine Mother, \'Maa,\' a singing of Her glory. Literally, \'jai\' means \'victory,\' although we often translate it as \'hallelujah\' or \'praises.\' Speaking \'Jai Maa\' in puja (worship ceremony) is an affirmation of the Divine Mother\'s blessings, a chant of gratitude for all Her gifts and the challenges She provides that help us grow spiritually.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we chant to Agni first during Puja?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn Hinduism, Agni is the god of fire, the one who presides over all rites and rituals. He is \'purohit,\' the one who presides over the fire ceremony and is the first deity honored in the Rig Veda, the oldest written religious text of record from among all surviving world\'s spiritual traditions. Simply, fire is what enabled humanity to first survive and then thrive. We open our ceremonies with a chant to Agni to honor the role of fire both as literal element and as metaphor for the transformational spiritual journey.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>How do you \"ground\"?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe concept of grounding refers to any method of reconnecting to one\'s body (i.e., physicality) after engaging in any endeavor, spiritual, emotional, or intellectual that facilitates or actively directs focus away from the fact of one\'s embodied presence in the moment. We can be readily reminded of our bodies through bringing attention to our breathing or by touching of the ground on which we stand, invoking the power of पृथ्वी (pṛthvī), or Earth. Doing so reincorporates us, allowing for an integration of our experience with the fullness of mind, body and spirit.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What are the most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, the two most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas are the <i>Devi Mahatmya</i> (or <i>Chandi Path</i>, as it is also called), and the <i>Srimad Devi Bhagavatam</i>. Other important texts for left-hand Tantric practitioners and devotees of the Dark Goddess Kali and all her manifestations are the <i>Yogini Tantra</i> and the <i>Kalika Purana</i>.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Listen to a puja - Jai Maa!</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jaima64.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/events\" title=\"Puja Calendar\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0387-e1378621009871.jpg\" ]Upcoming dates[/teaser]','Pujas','','inherit','open','open','','99134-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:10:28','2013-09-26 05:10:28','',99134,'At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness.',0,'revision','',0),(100379,2,'2013-09-25 22:17:30','2013-09-26 05:17:30','','Black Kali','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0148','','','2013-09-25 22:17:30','2013-09-26 05:17:30','',99018,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100380,2,'2013-09-25 22:20:51','2013-09-26 05:20:51','One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we are buying into overplayed stereotypes about the color.  \r\n\r\nIn our tradition and lineage, black is a color only worn by the initiated, and only in certain ceremonies. For others and on most occasions, red is the color that is appropriate to don for worshiping Maa in Her many guises; for example as Bhadra Kali or Dakshina Kali. \r\n\r\nHowever, initiates within our <I>Kaula</I> (spiritual family) also work with non-dualistic practices and open to Her as Smashan Kali, or Kali of the cremation grounds. When we wish to acknowledge and honor this path, we bring practices and knowledge to help facilitate experience with this more encompassing aspect of Maa\'s presence. In public community pujas, we do not wear black because it requires clear intention and dedicated effort to contain among those not familiar with Her path. \r\n\r\nSHARANYA certainly doesn\'t turn away people who come to ceremony wearing black; but there is a responsibility that comes with calling in the non-dualistic energies of Kali Maa, and it is important to be aware of this in one\'s surrender to Her. Ultimately, every one has to make their own decision about what is appropriate to wear within their own practice. We ask, however, that if you choose to worship with us, you observe our custom out of respect. ','The Color Black at Pujas','','inherit','open','open','','99018-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:20:51','2013-09-26 05:20:51','',99018,'One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we',0,'revision','',0),(100381,2,'2013-09-25 22:22:30','2013-09-26 05:22:30','One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we are buying into overplayed stereotypes about the color.  \r\n\r\nIn our tradition and lineage, black is a color only worn by the initiated, and only in certain ceremonies. For others and on most occasions, red is the color that is appropriate to don for worshiping Maa in Her many guises; for example as Bhadra Kali or Dakshina Kali. \r\n\r\nHowever, initiates within our <I>Kaula</I> (spiritual family) also work with non-dualistic practices and open to Her as Smashan Kali, or Kali of the cremation grounds. When we wish to acknowledge and honor this path, we bring practices and knowledge to help facilitate experience with this more encompassing aspect of Maa\'s presence. In public community pujas, we do not wear black because it requires clear intention and dedicated effort to contain among those not familiar with Her path. \r\n\r\nSHARANYA certainly doesn\'t turn away people who come to ceremony wearing black; but there is a responsibility that comes with calling in the non-dualistic energies of Kali Maa, and it is important to be aware of this in one\'s surrender to Her. Ultimately, everyone has to make their own decision about what is appropriate to wear within their own practice. We ask, however, that if you choose to worship with us, you observe our custom out of respect. ','The Color Black at Pujas','','inherit','open','open','','99018-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:22:30','2013-09-26 05:22:30','',99018,'One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we',0,'revision','',0),(100382,2,'2013-09-25 22:27:32','2013-09-26 05:27:32','Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings.  \r\n\r\n[tabgroup] [tab title=\"Ambubachi Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Yoni Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Goddess, Women, Earth and The Feminine in All Things</b></span></i></h4>\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/images/YoniPuja2009/Yoni%20Altar.jpg\" align=\"right\" />\r\n\r\nJoin us each year around Summer Solstice for a devotional and celebratory festival dedicated to Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness, during the auspicious time of abundance in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth...the time when Devī, Goddess, bleeds.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOften, the connection between the power of women\'s blood and the paradoxical mystery of the Goddess is most fully recognized in the Crone or Dark Goddess aspect of the Divine because She is the doorway between the worlds of life and death. It is the raudra devīs (fierce goddesses) who, in India, are said to menstruate. In temples dedicated to these intense emanations of śākti (the feminine force), one finds the rites and rituals of the goddess\' ritu, or menstrual blood.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAt SHARANYA, we hold this space for Her and for all beings seeking peace, healing, truth and wholeness. During this time, we recognize the power of Her most holy festival of Ambuvāci--the three days the goddess menstruates (beginning on the new moon usually following Summer Solstice)--when the forces of life and death co-join at the temple of Kāmākhyā in northeastern India, birthplace of Tantra and a heartland today of goddess worship.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIn our Yoni Puja, we recognize that Her potency is so wild and intense, so sweet and sublime, that whether seen as fierce or mild She is a force offering both comfort and strength...even in our moments of silence and despair. We invite you to be with us. Open in the safe space of our temple to the paradox held in the quiet and the song in order to receive her lessons, as well as Her blessings, during this most auspicious time. If you can\'t be with us in person, join us in spirit!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"27\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Mahakali Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Kali Maa and the Quest for Light in the Dark Time of the Year</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual Kali Puja Festival is a time to delight in the mysteries of Maa in concurrence with what is known as the puja season in India. First comes Navaratri, the nine nights of Goddess, and then the festival of lights, Diwali. During the amavasya (new moon) of Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshiped throughout West Bengal, Orissa and Assam.<br><br>\r\n\r\nEnjoy some of our previous pujas on our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/galleries/\">Galleries</a> page and here through image and song:<br><br>\r\n\r\n[one_half] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival - October 17, 2009\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CwBCN4ORak\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99955 imgborder\" alt=\"video 1\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-1.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5UGskSqluI\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99956 imgborder\" alt=\"video 2\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-2.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"PantheaCon\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja: The Dark Goddess Awakens</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Powerful Ceremony Where East Meets West</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual participation in PantheaCon is a tradition going back to 2004, one that fosters community for many devotees of the Divine Mother, especially those who are a long way from our home temple in San Francisco. Many line up long before the ritual begins to ensure participation. The ceremony has evolved over the years, and we open our doors to about 100 celebrants with chant and a moving meditation that guides us into Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"12\" perpage=\"5\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]','Festivals','','inherit','open','open','','99912-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:27:32','2013-09-26 05:27:32','',99912,'Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings.  \r\n\r\n[',0,'revision','',0),(100383,2,'2013-09-25 22:27:54','2013-09-26 05:27:54','Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings.  \r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[tabgroup] [tab title=\"Ambubachi Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Yoni Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Goddess, Women, Earth and The Feminine in All Things</b></span></i></h4>\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/images/YoniPuja2009/Yoni%20Altar.jpg\" align=\"right\" />\r\n\r\nJoin us each year around Summer Solstice for a devotional and celebratory festival dedicated to Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness, during the auspicious time of abundance in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth...the time when Devī, Goddess, bleeds.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOften, the connection between the power of women\'s blood and the paradoxical mystery of the Goddess is most fully recognized in the Crone or Dark Goddess aspect of the Divine because She is the doorway between the worlds of life and death. It is the raudra devīs (fierce goddesses) who, in India, are said to menstruate. In temples dedicated to these intense emanations of śākti (the feminine force), one finds the rites and rituals of the goddess\' ritu, or menstrual blood.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAt SHARANYA, we hold this space for Her and for all beings seeking peace, healing, truth and wholeness. During this time, we recognize the power of Her most holy festival of Ambuvāci--the three days the goddess menstruates (beginning on the new moon usually following Summer Solstice)--when the forces of life and death co-join at the temple of Kāmākhyā in northeastern India, birthplace of Tantra and a heartland today of goddess worship.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIn our Yoni Puja, we recognize that Her potency is so wild and intense, so sweet and sublime, that whether seen as fierce or mild She is a force offering both comfort and strength...even in our moments of silence and despair. We invite you to be with us. Open in the safe space of our temple to the paradox held in the quiet and the song in order to receive her lessons, as well as Her blessings, during this most auspicious time. If you can\'t be with us in person, join us in spirit!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"27\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Mahakali Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Kali Maa and the Quest for Light in the Dark Time of the Year</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual Kali Puja Festival is a time to delight in the mysteries of Maa in concurrence with what is known as the puja season in India. First comes Navaratri, the nine nights of Goddess, and then the festival of lights, Diwali. During the amavasya (new moon) of Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshiped throughout West Bengal, Orissa and Assam.<br><br>\r\n\r\nEnjoy some of our previous pujas on our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/galleries/\">Galleries</a> page and here through image and song:<br><br>\r\n\r\n[one_half] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival - October 17, 2009\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CwBCN4ORak\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99955 imgborder\" alt=\"video 1\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-1.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5UGskSqluI\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99956 imgborder\" alt=\"video 2\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-2.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"PantheaCon\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja: The Dark Goddess Awakens</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Powerful Ceremony Where East Meets West</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual participation in PantheaCon is a tradition going back to 2004, one that fosters community for many devotees of the Divine Mother, especially those who are a long way from our home temple in San Francisco. Many line up long before the ritual begins to ensure participation. The ceremony has evolved over the years, and we open our doors to about 100 celebrants with chant and a moving meditation that guides us into Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"12\" perpage=\"5\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]','Festivals','','inherit','open','open','','99912-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:27:54','2013-09-26 05:27:54','',99912,'Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings.  \r\n&nb',0,'revision','',0),(100384,2,'2013-09-25 22:28:13','2013-09-26 05:28:13','Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings. \r\n \r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[tabgroup] [tab title=\"Ambubachi Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Yoni Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Goddess, Women, Earth and The Feminine in All Things</b></span></i></h4>\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/images/YoniPuja2009/Yoni%20Altar.jpg\" align=\"right\" />\r\n\r\nJoin us each year around Summer Solstice for a devotional and celebratory festival dedicated to Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness, during the auspicious time of abundance in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth...the time when Devī, Goddess, bleeds.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOften, the connection between the power of women\'s blood and the paradoxical mystery of the Goddess is most fully recognized in the Crone or Dark Goddess aspect of the Divine because She is the doorway between the worlds of life and death. It is the raudra devīs (fierce goddesses) who, in India, are said to menstruate. In temples dedicated to these intense emanations of śākti (the feminine force), one finds the rites and rituals of the goddess\' ritu, or menstrual blood.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAt SHARANYA, we hold this space for Her and for all beings seeking peace, healing, truth and wholeness. During this time, we recognize the power of Her most holy festival of Ambuvāci--the three days the goddess menstruates (beginning on the new moon usually following Summer Solstice)--when the forces of life and death co-join at the temple of Kāmākhyā in northeastern India, birthplace of Tantra and a heartland today of goddess worship.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIn our Yoni Puja, we recognize that Her potency is so wild and intense, so sweet and sublime, that whether seen as fierce or mild She is a force offering both comfort and strength...even in our moments of silence and despair. We invite you to be with us. Open in the safe space of our temple to the paradox held in the quiet and the song in order to receive her lessons, as well as Her blessings, during this most auspicious time. If you can\'t be with us in person, join us in spirit!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"27\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Mahakali Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Kali Maa and the Quest for Light in the Dark Time of the Year</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual Kali Puja Festival is a time to delight in the mysteries of Maa in concurrence with what is known as the puja season in India. First comes Navaratri, the nine nights of Goddess, and then the festival of lights, Diwali. During the amavasya (new moon) of Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshiped throughout West Bengal, Orissa and Assam.<br><br>\r\n\r\nEnjoy some of our previous pujas on our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/galleries/\">Galleries</a> page and here through image and song:<br><br>\r\n\r\n[one_half] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival - October 17, 2009\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CwBCN4ORak\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99955 imgborder\" alt=\"video 1\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-1.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5UGskSqluI\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99956 imgborder\" alt=\"video 2\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-2.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"PantheaCon\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja: The Dark Goddess Awakens</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Powerful Ceremony Where East Meets West</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual participation in PantheaCon is a tradition going back to 2004, one that fosters community for many devotees of the Divine Mother, especially those who are a long way from our home temple in San Francisco. Many line up long before the ritual begins to ensure participation. The ceremony has evolved over the years, and we open our doors to about 100 celebrants with chant and a moving meditation that guides us into Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"12\" perpage=\"5\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]','Festivals','','inherit','open','open','','99912-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:28:13','2013-09-26 05:28:13','',99912,'Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings. \r\n \r\n&',0,'revision','',0),(100385,2,'2013-09-25 22:28:42','2013-09-26 05:28:42','Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings.<br><br> \r\n \r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[tabgroup] [tab title=\"Ambubachi Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Yoni Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Goddess, Women, Earth and The Feminine in All Things</b></span></i></h4>\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/images/YoniPuja2009/Yoni%20Altar.jpg\" align=\"right\" />\r\n\r\nJoin us each year around Summer Solstice for a devotional and celebratory festival dedicated to Mahadevi, Great Goddess, and Her most powerful manifestations through the Ten Great Insights, the Most Transparent Revelations of Consciousness, during the auspicious time of abundance in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth...the time when Devī, Goddess, bleeds.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOften, the connection between the power of women\'s blood and the paradoxical mystery of the Goddess is most fully recognized in the Crone or Dark Goddess aspect of the Divine because She is the doorway between the worlds of life and death. It is the raudra devīs (fierce goddesses) who, in India, are said to menstruate. In temples dedicated to these intense emanations of śākti (the feminine force), one finds the rites and rituals of the goddess\' ritu, or menstrual blood.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAt SHARANYA, we hold this space for Her and for all beings seeking peace, healing, truth and wholeness. During this time, we recognize the power of Her most holy festival of Ambuvāci--the three days the goddess menstruates (beginning on the new moon usually following Summer Solstice)--when the forces of life and death co-join at the temple of Kāmākhyā in northeastern India, birthplace of Tantra and a heartland today of goddess worship.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIn our Yoni Puja, we recognize that Her potency is so wild and intense, so sweet and sublime, that whether seen as fierce or mild She is a force offering both comfort and strength...even in our moments of silence and despair. We invite you to be with us. Open in the safe space of our temple to the paradox held in the quiet and the song in order to receive her lessons, as well as Her blessings, during this most auspicious time. If you can\'t be with us in person, join us in spirit!<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"27\" perpage=\"4\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Mahakali Mela\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja Festival</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Celebration of Kali Maa and the Quest for Light in the Dark Time of the Year</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual Kali Puja Festival is a time to delight in the mysteries of Maa in concurrence with what is known as the puja season in India. First comes Navaratri, the nine nights of Goddess, and then the festival of lights, Diwali. During the amavasya (new moon) of Diwali, Goddess Kali is worshiped throughout West Bengal, Orissa and Assam.<br><br>\r\n\r\nEnjoy some of our previous pujas on our <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/galleries/\">Galleries</a> page and here through image and song:<br><br>\r\n\r\n[one_half] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival - October 17, 2009\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CwBCN4ORak\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99955 imgborder\" alt=\"video 1\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-1.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half last=last] <a title=\"SHARANYA\'s Kali Puja Festival\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5UGskSqluI\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99956 imgborder\" alt=\"video 2\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/video-2.jpg\" /></a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"PantheaCon\"]\r\n<h3>Kali Puja: The Dark Goddess Awakens</h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><i><span style=\"color: #8d1a1c;\"><b>A Powerful Ceremony Where East Meets West</b></span></i></h4>\r\nSHARANYA\'s annual participation in PantheaCon is a tradition going back to 2004, one that fosters community for many devotees of the Divine Mother, especially those who are a long way from our home temple in San Francisco. Many line up long before the ritual begins to ensure participation. The ceremony has evolved over the years, and we open our doors to about 100 celebrants with chant and a moving meditation that guides us into Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"12\" perpage=\"5\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]','Festivals','','inherit','open','open','','99912-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:28:42','2013-09-26 05:28:42','',99912,'Each year, we come together to celebrate a number of regular festivals and high holy days within our tradition. Public <I>melas</I> (festivals) are a chance to celebrate the Divine with others, be witnessed in community, and share of Her blessings.<br><br',0,'revision','',0),(100387,2,'2013-09-25 22:31:30','2013-09-26 05:31:30','In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things antinomian come together in Her, expanding our notion of the Divine beyond motherly limitations. Through Her, the Dark Goddess, we see the potential for liberation because Devi is able, as dictated in the scriptures and by the lineage of the ancients, to lead aspirants to the highest and most engaged reality.\r\n\r\nWe welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online through <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\" target=\"_blank\">Kali Vidya</a>) and participate in other events, such as purnima and amavasya satsangs at our sanctuary, to learn more about and come to directly experience Her mysteries.\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Class offerings\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Ritual Practices of Shakta Tantra</b> - This three-part course is an introduction to worship and devotion of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess of Hinduism, the all-pervading Shakti, and Kali Maa, Dark Mother, the Supreme Goddess of Shakta Tantra. Participants will learn the context and content of worship in the living goddess tradition of Western Shakta Tantra called Sha\'can. Puja basics, including how to honor Devi (Goddess) Kali at home, will be taught. This offering may be particularly rewarding if you are considering training with us, are looking to incorporate Kali worship or worship of other forms of the Divine Mother from the Hindu tradition into your existing spiritual path, or are seeking a fuller experience with your dedicated worship in community.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tools for Transformation</b> - This lecture and practice workshop series is focused on Yogic and Tantrick tools for transformation. All offerings include both educational and immediately useful, hands-on components; and all are set within a framework that recognizes a great spiritual truth: the personal is the planetary. Our work and commitment through each event is to broaden and deepen your experience of how changing yourself means changing the world. Sample workshops have included:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><b>The Path of the Yoni: Tantrik Tools for Acceptance and Empowerment.</b> Let\'s discuss, celebrate and explore reverence for women\'s sexuality; viewing our bodies in a healthy way; the Tantric traditions of Kamakhya; and together dispel myths about tantric sex while unearthing the power of our yoni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Shamanic Path.</b> Learn and begin working with concepts of incarnation, personal responsibility and liberation; exercises such as recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming, and gratitudes introduced.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Power of Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s Indo-Pagan traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of the Western Craft (casting a circle, elements and directions, grounding and centering, etc.) relative to Tantrick practices; open to notions of what it means to hold responsibility and integrity in the practice of magick.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the powerful techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement); explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantrick <i>marga</i> (pathway).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Gods and Goddesses of India Series</b> - Offering an introduction to the Western practitioner who seeks to know Hindu deities more concretely and practically, this series has three parts:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India; Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li>Gods of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India; Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of Tantra - An introduction to the Dasa Mahavidya and others of the Tantric persuasion</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Fierce Mothers: Tantrik Goddesses of Self-sacrifice</b> - This workshop opens doorways to the <em>raudra</em> (fierce) goddesses of India, including Camunda, Chinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, and several other of the Mahavidyas. This is a path to embracing feminine power and self-acceptance through Divine love and inspiration.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]','Satsangs & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:31:30','2013-09-26 05:31:30','',99138,'In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things ant',0,'revision','',0),(100388,2,'2013-09-25 22:32:23','2013-09-26 05:32:23','In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things antinomian come together in Her, expanding our notion of the Divine beyond motherly limitations. Through Her, the Dark Goddess, we see the potential for liberation because Devi is able, as dictated in the scriptures and by the lineage of the ancients, to lead aspirants to the highest and most engaged reality.\r\n\r\nWe welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online through <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\" target=\"_blank\">Kali Vidya</a>) and participate in other events, such as purnima and amavasya satsangs at our sanctuary, to learn more about and come to directly experience Her mysteries.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Class offerings\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Ritual Practices of Shakta Tantra</b> - This three-part course is an introduction to worship and devotion of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess of Hinduism, the all-pervading Shakti, and Kali Maa, Dark Mother, the Supreme Goddess of Shakta Tantra. Participants will learn the context and content of worship in the living goddess tradition of Western Shakta Tantra called Sha\'can. Puja basics, including how to honor Devi (Goddess) Kali at home, will be taught. This offering may be particularly rewarding if you are considering training with us, are looking to incorporate Kali worship or worship of other forms of the Divine Mother from the Hindu tradition into your existing spiritual path, or are seeking a fuller experience with your dedicated worship in community.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tools for Transformation</b> - This lecture and practice workshop series is focused on Yogic and Tantrick tools for transformation. All offerings include both educational and immediately useful, hands-on components; and all are set within a framework that recognizes a great spiritual truth: the personal is the planetary. Our work and commitment through each event is to broaden and deepen your experience of how changing yourself means changing the world. Sample workshops have included:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><b>The Path of the Yoni: Tantrik Tools for Acceptance and Empowerment.</b> Let\'s discuss, celebrate and explore reverence for women\'s sexuality; viewing our bodies in a healthy way; the Tantric traditions of Kamakhya; and together dispel myths about tantric sex while unearthing the power of our yoni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Shamanic Path.</b> Learn and begin working with concepts of incarnation, personal responsibility and liberation; exercises such as recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming, and gratitudes introduced.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Power of Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s Indo-Pagan traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of the Western Craft (casting a circle, elements and directions, grounding and centering, etc.) relative to Tantrick practices; open to notions of what it means to hold responsibility and integrity in the practice of magick.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the powerful techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement); explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantrick <i>marga</i> (pathway).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Gods and Goddesses of India Series</b> - Offering an introduction to the Western practitioner who seeks to know Hindu deities more concretely and practically, this series has three parts:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India; Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li>Gods of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India; Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of Tantra - An introduction to the Dasa Mahavidya and others of the Tantric persuasion</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Fierce Mothers: Tantrik Goddesses of Self-sacrifice</b> - This workshop opens doorways to the <em>raudra</em> (fierce) goddesses of India, including Camunda, Chinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, and several other of the Mahavidyas. This is a path to embracing feminine power and self-acceptance through Divine love and inspiration.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsangs & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:32:23','2013-09-26 05:32:23','',99138,'In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things ant',0,'revision','',0),(100389,2,'2013-09-25 22:33:05','2013-09-26 05:33:05','In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things antinomian come together in Her, expanding our notion of the Divine beyond motherly limitations. Through Her, the Dark Goddess, we see the potential for liberation because Devi is able, as dictated in the scriptures and by the lineage of the ancients, to lead aspirants to the highest and most engaged reality.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online through <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\" target=\"_blank\">Kali Vidya</a>) and participate in other events, such as purnima and amavasya satsangs at our sanctuary, to learn more about and come to directly experience Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Class offerings\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Ritual Practices of Shakta Tantra</b> - This three-part course is an introduction to worship and devotion of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess of Hinduism, the all-pervading Shakti, and Kali Maa, Dark Mother, the Supreme Goddess of Shakta Tantra. Participants will learn the context and content of worship in the living goddess tradition of Western Shakta Tantra called Sha\'can. Puja basics, including how to honor Devi (Goddess) Kali at home, will be taught. This offering may be particularly rewarding if you are considering training with us, are looking to incorporate Kali worship or worship of other forms of the Divine Mother from the Hindu tradition into your existing spiritual path, or are seeking a fuller experience with your dedicated worship in community.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tools for Transformation</b> - This lecture and practice workshop series is focused on Yogic and Tantrick tools for transformation. All offerings include both educational and immediately useful, hands-on components; and all are set within a framework that recognizes a great spiritual truth: the personal is the planetary. Our work and commitment through each event is to broaden and deepen your experience of how changing yourself means changing the world. Sample workshops have included:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><b>The Path of the Yoni: Tantrik Tools for Acceptance and Empowerment.</b> Let\'s discuss, celebrate and explore reverence for women\'s sexuality; viewing our bodies in a healthy way; the Tantric traditions of Kamakhya; and together dispel myths about tantric sex while unearthing the power of our yoni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Shamanic Path.</b> Learn and begin working with concepts of incarnation, personal responsibility and liberation; exercises such as recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming, and gratitudes introduced.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Power of Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s Indo-Pagan traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of the Western Craft (casting a circle, elements and directions, grounding and centering, etc.) relative to Tantrick practices; open to notions of what it means to hold responsibility and integrity in the practice of magick.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the powerful techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement); explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantrick <i>marga</i> (pathway).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Gods and Goddesses of India Series</b> - Offering an introduction to the Western practitioner who seeks to know Hindu deities more concretely and practically, this series has three parts:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India; Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li>Gods of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India; Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of Tantra - An introduction to the Dasa Mahavidya and others of the Tantric persuasion</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Fierce Mothers: Tantrik Goddesses of Self-sacrifice</b> - This workshop opens doorways to the <em>raudra</em> (fierce) goddesses of India, including Camunda, Chinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, and several other of the Mahavidyas. This is a path to embracing feminine power and self-acceptance through Divine love and inspiration.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsangs & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:33:05','2013-09-26 05:33:05','',99138,'In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things ant',0,'revision','',0),(100390,2,'2013-09-25 22:34:40','2013-09-26 05:34:40','SHARANYA was recently invited by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto to be part of a series of chanting workshops dedicated to connecting members to various world traditions through song and chant.  We were honored to be part of the series and grateful to Terry Passarotti from their congregation for asking us to join in! \r\n\r\nAbout 25 of us gathered together on February 21st, a rainy Sunday evening, to explore the sacred sounds of chants from the Vedas, Upanishads and Tantras. We wove ancient and contemporary melodies together, honoring both tradition and the unfolding of spirit in the here and now through devotional renderings that one participant found strikingly similar to many Western hymns. Making the chants accessible to the audience despite the relative unfamiliarity of those attending with Sanskrit was certainly a challenge, but it was an easy hurdle in this group--many were willing to just go for it! Someone did mention he found it hard to connect deeply to the Divine through a foreign tongue, but everyone managed to follow the transliterations provided near enough to the letter.  \r\n\r\nWe started and ended our evening with chants familiar to those who regularly attend pujas, opening with <a href=\"http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1980565&skin=1980563\">OM Maa!</a> and ending with the <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/pavamana.php4\">Pavamana Mantra</a>. Shakers and bells helped us feel the stirrings of energy as we sounded the syllables together, and everyone learned some of the deeper meanings intended by the sometimes seemingly simple words. \r\n\r\nBoth goddess and god were called throughout, and mantras acknowledging the divinity of Mother and Father, the sacred place of the ancestors, the desire for peace, and the beauty of <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/heart.php4\">Kali\'s heart</a> were shared in circle. Releasing strict adherence to any formalities, we were able to also enjoy the power of sacred touch and healing energy, chanting <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/vajra.php4\">OM Tara Tutare Ture Svaha</a> while sharing heart space, hand to heart and heart to hand in pairs. \r\n\r\nWith gratitudes and blessings, we ended the evening together, a soulful \"Jai Maa!\" echoing with us all as we made our way, each one of us, home. Thank you to the UU community and those who gathered and participated for having this workshop. We hope to see you at a puja or in your space again soon! \r\n\r\n','Chanting Workshop: Vedic Mantras, Hindu Classics, & Goddess Devotionals','','inherit','open','open','','99052-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:34:40','2013-09-26 05:34:40','',99052,'SHARANYA was recently invited by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto to be part of a series of chanting workshops dedicated to connecting members to various world traditions through song and chant.  We were honored to be part of the series and ',0,'revision','',0),(100391,2,'2013-09-25 22:36:03','2013-09-26 05:36:03','<em>I found the Hindu chants workshop to be extremely informative, lovely and powerful. I believe it was perfect for Unitarian participation because it addressed the spiritual, emotional and intellectual aspects of this practice, as well as lots of live practice...I have actually been using some of the chants, several times a week, having incorporated them into my normal meditation routine. Given that I work in a fast-paced environment in a pretty harsh town, I love the connection I feel to these chants and how incorporating them has resulted in a calmer, more intuitive me.</em>','Chanting Workshop','','publish','closed','closed','','chanting-workshop','','','2013-09-26 11:59:32','2013-09-26 18:59:32','',0,'<em>I found the Hindu chants workshop to be extremely informative, lovely and powerful. I believe it was perfect for Unitarian participation because it addressed the spiritual, emotional and intellectual aspects of this practice, as well as lots of live p',0,'th_testimonials','',0),(100393,2,'2013-09-25 22:37:46','2013-09-26 05:37:46','In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things antinomian come together in Her, expanding our notion of the Divine beyond motherly limitations. Through Her, the Dark Goddess, we see the potential for liberation because Devi is able, as dictated in the scriptures and by the lineage of the ancients, to lead aspirants to the highest and most engaged reality.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online through <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\" target=\"_blank\">Kali Vidya</a>) and participate in other events, such as purnima and amavasya satsangs at our sanctuary, to learn more about and come to directly experience Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Class offerings\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Ritual Practices of Shakta Tantra</b> - This three-part course is an introduction to worship and devotion of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess of Hinduism, the all-pervading Shakti, and Kali Maa, Dark Mother, the Supreme Goddess of Shakta Tantra. Participants will learn the context and content of worship in the living goddess tradition of Western Shakta Tantra called Sha\'can. Puja basics, including how to honor Devi (Goddess) Kali at home, will be taught. This offering may be particularly rewarding if you are considering training with us, are looking to incorporate Kali worship or worship of other forms of the Divine Mother from the Hindu tradition into your existing spiritual path, or are seeking a fuller experience with your dedicated worship in community.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tools for Transformation</b> - This lecture and practice workshop series is focused on Yogic and Tantrick tools for transformation. All offerings include both educational and immediately useful, hands-on components; and all are set within a framework that recognizes a great spiritual truth: the personal is the planetary. Our work and commitment through each event is to broaden and deepen your experience of how changing yourself means changing the world. Sample workshops have included:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><b>The Path of the Yoni: Tantrik Tools for Acceptance and Empowerment.</b> Let\'s discuss, celebrate and explore reverence for women\'s sexuality; viewing our bodies in a healthy way; the Tantric traditions of Kamakhya; and together dispel myths about tantric sex while unearthing the power of our yoni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Shamanic Path.</b> Learn and begin working with concepts of incarnation, personal responsibility and liberation; exercises such as recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming, and gratitudes introduced.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Power of Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s Indo-Pagan traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of the Western Craft (casting a circle, elements and directions, grounding and centering, etc.) relative to Tantrick practices; open to notions of what it means to hold responsibility and integrity in the practice of magick.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the powerful techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement); explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantrick <i>marga</i> (pathway).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Gods and Goddesses of India Series</b> - Offering an introduction to the Western practitioner who seeks to know Hindu deities more concretely and practically, this series has three parts:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India; Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li>Gods of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India; Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of Tantra - An introduction to the Dasa Mahavidya and others of the Tantric persuasion</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Fierce Mothers: Tantrik Goddesses of Self-sacrifice</b> - This workshop opens doorways to the <em>raudra</em> (fierce) goddesses of India, including Camunda, Chinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, and several other of the Mahavidyas. This is a path to embracing feminine power and self-acceptance through Divine love and inspiration.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsangs & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:37:46','2013-09-26 05:37:46','',99138,'In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things ant',0,'revision','',0),(100394,2,'2013-09-25 22:39:31','2013-09-26 05:39:31','','Chanting Workshop','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0039','','','2013-09-25 22:39:31','2013-09-26 05:39:31','',99052,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100395,2,'2013-09-25 22:40:12','2013-09-26 05:40:12','SHARANYA was recently invited by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto to be part of a series of chanting workshops dedicated to connecting members to various world traditions through song and chant. We were honored to be part of the series and grateful to Terry Passarotti from their congregation for asking us to join in!\n\nAbout 25 of us gathered together on February 21st, a rainy Sunday evening, to explore the sacred sounds of chants from the Vedas, Upanishads and Tantras. We wove ancient and contemporary melodies together, honoring both tradition and the unfolding of spirit in the here and now through devotional renderings that one participant found strikingly similar to many Western hymns. Making the chants accessible to the audience despite the relative unfamiliarity of those attending with Sanskrit was certainly a challenge, but it was an easy hurdle in this group--many were willing to just go for it! Someone did mention he found it hard to connect deeply to the Divine through a foreign tongue, but everyone managed to follow the transliterations provided near enough to the letter.\n\nWe started and ended our evening with chants familiar to those who regularly attend pujas, opening with <a href=\"http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1980565&amp;skin=1980563\">OM Maa!</a> and ending with the <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/pavamana.php4\">Pavamana Mantra</a>. Shakers and bells helped us feel the stirrings of energy as we sounded the syllables together, and everyone learned some of the deeper meanings intended by the sometimes seemingly simple words.\n\nBoth goddess and god were called throughout, and mantras acknowledging the divinity of Mother and Father, the sacred place of the ancestors, the desire for peace, and the beauty of <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/heart.php4\">Kali\'s heart</a> were shared in circle. Releasing strict adherence to any formalities, we were able to also enjoy the power of sacred touch and healing energy, chanting <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/vajra.php4\">OM Tara Tutare Ture Svaha</a> while sharing heart space, hand to heart and heart to hand in pairs.\n\nWith gratitudes and blessings, we ended the evening together, a soulful \"Jai Maa!\" echoing with us all as we made our way, each one of us, home. Thank you to the UU community and those who gathered and participated for having this workshop. We hope to see you at a puja or in your space again soon!','Chanting Workshop: Vedic Mantras, Hindu Classics, & Goddess Devotionals','','inherit','open','open','','99052-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:40:12','2013-09-26 05:40:12','',99052,'SHARANYA was recently invited by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto to be part of a series of chanting workshops dedicated to connecting members to various world traditions through song and chant. We were honored to be part of the series and g',0,'revision','',0),(100396,2,'2013-09-25 22:41:28','2013-09-26 05:41:28','<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DSC_0039-e1380174023919.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100394 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Chanting Workshop - February 2010\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DSC_0039-e1380174023919.jpg\" /></a>SHARANYA was recently invited by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto to be part of a series of chanting workshops dedicated to connecting members to various world traditions through song and chant. We were honored to be part of the series and grateful to Terry Passarotti from their congregation for asking us to join in!\r\n\r\nAbout 25 of us gathered together on February 21st, a rainy Sunday evening, to explore the sacred sounds of chants from the Vedas, Upanishads and Tantras. We wove ancient and contemporary melodies together, honoring both tradition and the unfolding of spirit in the here and now through devotional renderings that one participant found strikingly similar to many Western hymns. Making the chants accessible to the audience despite the relative unfamiliarity of those attending with Sanskrit was certainly a challenge, but it was an easy hurdle in this group--many were willing to just go for it! Someone did mention he found it hard to connect deeply to the Divine through a foreign tongue, but everyone managed to follow the transliterations provided near enough to the letter.\r\n\r\nWe started and ended our evening with chants familiar to those who regularly attend pujas, opening with <a href=\"http://www.jukeboxalive.com/audio_play_offsite.php?mid=1980565&amp;skin=1980563\">OM Maa!</a> and ending with the <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/pavamana.php4\">Pavamana Mantra</a>. Shakers and bells helped us feel the stirrings of energy as we sounded the syllables together, and everyone learned some of the deeper meanings intended by the sometimes seemingly simple words.\r\n\r\nBoth goddess and god were called throughout, and mantras acknowledging the divinity of Mother and Father, the sacred place of the ancestors, the desire for peace, and the beauty of <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/heart.php4\">Kali\'s heart</a> were shared in circle. Releasing strict adherence to any formalities, we were able to also enjoy the power of sacred touch and healing energy, chanting <a href=\"http://www.sharanya.org/articles/mantras/vajra.php4\">OM Tara Tutare Ture Svaha</a> while sharing heart space, hand to heart and heart to hand in pairs.\r\n\r\nWith gratitudes and blessings, we ended the evening together, a soulful \"Jai Maa!\" echoing with us all as we made our way, each one of us, home. Thank you to the UU community and those who gathered and participated for having this workshop. We hope to see you at a puja or in your space again soon!','Chanting Workshop: Vedic Mantras, Hindu Classics, & Goddess Devotionals','','inherit','open','open','','99052-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:41:28','2013-09-26 05:41:28','',99052,'<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DSC_0039-e1380174023919.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-100394 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Chanting Workshop - February 2010\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DSC_0039-e13801740',0,'revision','',0),(100397,2,'2013-09-25 22:45:09','2013-09-26 05:45:09','In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things antinomian come together in Her, expanding our notion of the Divine beyond motherly limitations. Through Her, the Dark Goddess, we see the potential for liberation because Devi is able, as dictated in the scriptures and by the lineage of the ancients, to lead aspirants to the highest and most engaged reality.\r\n\r\nWe welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online through <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\" target=\"_blank\">Kali Vidya</a>) and participate in other events, such as purnima and amavasya satsangs at our sanctuary, to learn more about and come to directly experience Her mysteries.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Class offerings\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Ritual Practices of Shakta Tantra</b> - This three-part course is an introduction to worship and devotion of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess of Hinduism, the all-pervading Shakti, and Kali Maa, Dark Mother, the Supreme Goddess of Shakta Tantra. Participants will learn the context and content of worship in the living goddess tradition of Western Shakta Tantra called Sha\'can. Puja basics, including how to honor Devi (Goddess) Kali at home, will be taught. This offering may be particularly rewarding if you are considering training with us, are looking to incorporate Kali worship or worship of other forms of the Divine Mother from the Hindu tradition into your existing spiritual path, or are seeking a fuller experience with your dedicated worship in community.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tools for Transformation</b> - This lecture and practice workshop series is focused on Yogic and Tantrick tools for transformation. All offerings include both educational and immediately useful, hands-on components; and all are set within a framework that recognizes a great spiritual truth: the personal is the planetary. Our work and commitment through each event is to broaden and deepen your experience of how changing yourself means changing the world. Sample workshops have included:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><b>The Path of the Yoni: Tantrik Tools for Acceptance and Empowerment.</b> Let\'s discuss, celebrate and explore reverence for women\'s sexuality; viewing our bodies in a healthy way; the Tantric traditions of Kamakhya; and together dispel myths about tantric sex while unearthing the power of our yoni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Shamanic Path.</b> Learn and begin working with concepts of incarnation, personal responsibility and liberation; exercises such as recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming, and gratitudes introduced.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Power of Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s Indo-Pagan traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of the Western Craft (casting a circle, elements and directions, grounding and centering, etc.) relative to Tantrick practices; open to notions of what it means to hold responsibility and integrity in the practice of magick.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the powerful techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement); explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantrick <i>marga</i> (pathway).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Gods and Goddesses of India Series</b> - Offering an introduction to the Western practitioner who seeks to know Hindu deities more concretely and practically, this series has three parts:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India; Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li>Gods of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India; Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of Tantra - An introduction to the Dasa Mahavidya and others of the Tantric persuasion</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Fierce Mothers: Tantrik Goddesses of Self-sacrifice</b> - This workshop opens doorways to the <em>raudra</em> (fierce) goddesses of India, including Camunda, Chinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, and several other of the Mahavidyas. This is a path to embracing feminine power and self-acceptance through Divine love and inspiration.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsangs & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:45:09','2013-09-26 05:45:09','',99138,'In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things ant',0,'revision','',0),(100398,2,'2013-09-25 22:45:50','2013-09-26 05:45:50','In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things antinomian come together in Her, expanding our notion of the Divine beyond motherly limitations. Through Her, the Dark Goddess, we see the potential for liberation because Devi is able, as dictated in the scriptures and by the lineage of the ancients, to lead aspirants to the highest and most engaged reality.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online through <a title=\"Kali Vidya\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/resources/kali-vidya/\" target=\"_blank\">Kali Vidya</a>) and participate in other events, such as purnima and amavasya satsangs at our sanctuary, to learn more about and come to directly experience Her mysteries.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Class offerings\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Ritual Practices of Shakta Tantra</b> - This three-part course is an introduction to worship and devotion of Mahadevi, the Great Goddess of Hinduism, the all-pervading Shakti, and Kali Maa, Dark Mother, the Supreme Goddess of Shakta Tantra. Participants will learn the context and content of worship in the living goddess tradition of Western Shakta Tantra called Sha\'can. Puja basics, including how to honor Devi (Goddess) Kali at home, will be taught. This offering may be particularly rewarding if you are considering training with us, are looking to incorporate Kali worship or worship of other forms of the Divine Mother from the Hindu tradition into your existing spiritual path, or are seeking a fuller experience with your dedicated worship in community.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tools for Transformation</b> - This lecture and practice workshop series is focused on Yogic and Tantrick tools for transformation. All offerings include both educational and immediately useful, hands-on components; and all are set within a framework that recognizes a great spiritual truth: the personal is the planetary. Our work and commitment through each event is to broaden and deepen your experience of how changing yourself means changing the world. Sample workshops have included:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li><b>The Path of the Yoni: Tantrik Tools for Acceptance and Empowerment.</b> Let\'s discuss, celebrate and explore reverence for women\'s sexuality; viewing our bodies in a healthy way; the Tantric traditions of Kamakhya; and together dispel myths about tantric sex while unearthing the power of our yoni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Shamanic Path.</b> Learn and begin working with concepts of incarnation, personal responsibility and liberation; exercises such as recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming, and gratitudes introduced.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Power of Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s Indo-Pagan traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of the Western Craft (casting a circle, elements and directions, grounding and centering, etc.) relative to Tantrick practices; open to notions of what it means to hold responsibility and integrity in the practice of magick.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the powerful techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement); explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantrick <i>marga</i> (pathway).</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Gods and Goddesses of India Series</b> - Offering an introduction to the Western practitioner who seeks to know Hindu deities more concretely and practically, this series has three parts:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol>\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India; Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li>Gods of India - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India; Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li>Goddesses of Tantra - An introduction to the Dasa Mahavidya and others of the Tantric persuasion</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><b>Fierce Mothers: Tantrik Goddesses of Self-sacrifice</b> - This workshop opens doorways to the <em>raudra</em> (fierce) goddesses of India, including Camunda, Chinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, and several other of the Mahavidyas. This is a path to embracing feminine power and self-acceptance through Divine love and inspiration.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsangs & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:45:50','2013-09-26 05:45:50','',99138,'In the sacred texts of Tantra, we learn of the Maa\'s expression of virtues. She is Divine Mother, and we honor Her as such. Yet, it is also true that sexuality, the fecundity of menstrual blood, the wild and untamable nature of reality, and all things ant',0,'revision','',0),(100399,2,'2013-09-25 22:47:40','2013-09-26 05:47:40','<img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/White%20Hibiscus.jpg\" align=left>Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse.  Personally, I really did not know what to expect.  Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I always feel the dark, void, or emptiness...which is not within my comfort zone.  \r\n\r\nOn Monday, I had started some hypnotherapy work with my therapist focused on significant relationships in my life and how they felt energetically, as well as how I could do some healing around making necessary changes.  With this in mind, I really was looking forward to Tuesday\'s ritual/meditation in the SHARANYA sanctuary as it was the New Moon and this would complement my work by bringing in love.  Then, I find out that it is the Solar Eclipse at the same time!  Again, I really didn\'t know what to expect with these two energies happening simultaneously, but all I yearned for was being in community with others, those whom I truly love and feel safe with.  \r\n \r\nThere was some talk prior to our meeting about doing some scrying, that ancient art of visioning past the seen realms with the help of a mirror, water, crystal ball or other object.  I thought to myself, \"Great, at least I can get some real answers.\"  \r\n\r\nSo we meet. I can feel the love of Maa in the temple with us.  We move into meditation and then to scrying.  I attempt to work with various scrying tools, and I don\'t \'get\' any answers.  I take a breath and am so drawn to a picture of Maa in the form of Tara on the altar that I just gaze and somewhat fall into her eyes.  She then gives me the answer:  <img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/TaraFace.jpg\" align=right>\r\n\r\n<center>\"The answers have to come from inside of you, stop looking at the external.  Go Inwards.\"  </center>\r\n\r\nWith this I close my eyes and really focus on my breath.  She continues to tell me: \"I am always here for you and that from within is where the transformation has already begun.  Continue to go inward, when in doubt or in fear, breathe.\" I am now realize (not on just an intellectual level, but on an emotional, embodied level too) that all my life I have always been looking outside myself for answers, approval, acceptance, love, etc...and I now know why I have never really found it.  It all starts from within. Jai Maa...Jai Tara! \r\n\r\n<i>- Offered by Doreen, a member of Daughters of Kali and the SHARANYA community</i>\r\n\r\nLet us know if you had a special experience during yesterday\'s auspicious <i>amavasya</i> (new moon) and solar eclipse. Did you feel the energy?  \r\n\r\n','Amavasya (New Moon) & Solar Eclipse Reflections','','inherit','open','open','','99045-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:47:40','2013-09-26 05:47:40','',99045,'<img src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/White%20Hibiscus.jpg\" align=left>Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse.  Personally, I really did not know what to expect.  Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I alway',0,'revision','',0),(100400,2,'2013-09-25 22:51:46','2013-09-26 05:51:46','<blockquote>Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse.  Personally, I really did not know what to expect.  Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I always feel the dark, void, or emptiness...which is not within my comfort zone.  \n\nOn Monday, I had started some hypnotherapy work with my therapist focused on significant relationships in my life and how they felt energetically, as well as how I could do some healing around making necessary changes.  With this in mind, I really was looking forward to Tuesday\'s ritual/meditation in the SHARANYA sanctuary as it was the New Moon and this would complement my work by bringing in love.  Then, I find out that it is the Solar Eclipse at the same time!  Again, I really didn\'t know what to expect with these two energies happening simultaneously, but all I yearned for was being in community with others, those whom I truly love and feel safe with.  \n \nThere was some talk prior to our meeting about doing some scrying, that ancient art of visioning past the seen realms with the help of a mirror, water, crystal ball or other object.  I thought to myself, \"Great, at least I can get some real answers.\" So we meet. I can feel the love of Maa in the temple with us.  We move into meditation and then to scrying.  I attempt to work with various scrying tools, and I don\'t \'get\' any answers.  I take a breath and am so drawn to a picture of Maa in the form of Tara on the altar that I just gaze and somewhat fall into her eyes.  She then gives me the answer:  \"The answers have to come from inside of you, stop looking at the external.  Go Inwards.\"  \n\nWith this I close my eyes and really focus on my breath.  She continues to tell me: \"I am always here for you and that from within is where the transformation has already begun.  Continue to go inward, when in doubt or in fear, breathe.\" I am now realize (not on just an intellectual level, but on an emotional, embodied level too) that all my life I have always been looking outside myself for answers, approval, acceptance, love, etc...and I now know why I have never really found it.  It all starts from within. Jai Maa...Jai Tara! </blockquote>','Amavasya (New Moon) & Solar Eclipse Reflections','','inherit','open','open','','99045-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:51:46','2013-09-26 05:51:46','',99045,'<blockquote>Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse.  Personally, I really did not know what to expect.  Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I always feel the dark, void, or emptiness...which is not within my c',0,'revision','',0),(100401,2,'2013-09-25 22:51:56','2013-09-26 05:51:56','<blockquote>Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse.  Personally, I really did not know what to expect.  Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I always feel the dark, void, or emptiness...which is not within my comfort zone.  \r\n\r\nOn Monday, I had started some hypnotherapy work with my therapist focused on significant relationships in my life and how they felt energetically, as well as how I could do some healing around making necessary changes.  With this in mind, I really was looking forward to Tuesday\'s ritual/meditation in the SHARANYA sanctuary as it was the New Moon and this would complement my work by bringing in love.  Then, I find out that it is the Solar Eclipse at the same time!  Again, I really didn\'t know what to expect with these two energies happening simultaneously, but all I yearned for was being in community with others, those whom I truly love and feel safe with.  \r\n \r\nThere was some talk prior to our meeting about doing some scrying, that ancient art of visioning past the seen realms with the help of a mirror, water, crystal ball or other object.  I thought to myself, \"Great, at least I can get some real answers.\" So we meet. I can feel the love of Maa in the temple with us.  We move into meditation and then to scrying.  I attempt to work with various scrying tools, and I don\'t \'get\' any answers.  I take a breath and am so drawn to a picture of Maa in the form of Tara on the altar that I just gaze and somewhat fall into her eyes.  She then gives me the answer:  \"The answers have to come from inside of you, stop looking at the external.  Go Inwards.\"  \r\n\r\nWith this I close my eyes and really focus on my breath.  She continues to tell me: \"I am always here for you and that from within is where the transformation has already begun.  Continue to go inward, when in doubt or in fear, breathe.\" I am now realize (not on just an intellectual level, but on an emotional, embodied level too) that all my life I have always been looking outside myself for answers, approval, acceptance, love, etc...and I now know why I have never really found it.  It all starts from within. Jai Maa...Jai Tara! </blockquote>\r\n\r\n<i>- Offered by Doreen, a member of Daughters of Kali and the SHARANYA community</i>','Amavasya (New Moon) & Solar Eclipse Reflections','','inherit','open','open','','99045-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:51:56','2013-09-26 05:51:56','',99045,'<blockquote>Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse.  Personally, I really did not know what to expect.  Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I always feel the dark, void, or emptiness...which is not within my c',0,'revision','',0),(100402,2,'2013-09-25 22:54:07','2013-09-26 05:54:07','','Amavasya Offering','','inherit','open','open','','bhakti-boos-109','','','2013-09-25 22:54:07','2013-09-26 05:54:07','',99038,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100403,2,'2013-09-25 22:54:59','2013-09-26 05:54:59','We gathered under the energies of the new moon on Tuesday to breathe. We gathered to connect to the energies of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. We gathered to find our inner teachers, the ones who know the direct path to our souls, to the unfolding awareness of the Divine embodied eternal. \n\nNew moons are interesting times, for they contain powerful energetic expressions of the path to silence. And so we sat, five of us in a circle in SHARANYA\'s Sanctuary, connecting to one another and the larger community, to those who were also holding space in meditation with us from afar.  Candles surrounding us, Maa before us, we began. \n\nWe had all come from another reality into this space, and so took a few moments to get comfortable, relax, and set our individual intentions. After some pranayama and guided visualization on our internal landscape, we moved to silence. Five of us breathing, some with sustained yogic breath, five of us releasing into the silence our thoughts and emotional attachments, we together smoothly entered the quiet space where all potentials reside and there is nothing to do but be. (Some of us had never met before, but the transition from outside to inside, from stranger to sister or brother seeker was swift. Such a gift!)\n\nThirty minutes in silence ended with the ringing of a singing bowl and the felt vibrations of sound in fingers, toes and the akashic spaces that respond to subtle stimulations.  We allowed awareness of our heartbeats to return and then re-engaged our bodies on the floor. Chanting \"AUM,\" we came together again, having moved between worlds, now back and present it the room. \n\nMeditation is a fine art, a dedicated practice; it is also a very accessible treasure, a commitment to oneself that is easily achieved because it can be undertaken almost anywhere. All that is needed is a bit of intention setting and inspiration. Meditation is at once easy and profound; you just sit...and you go places! \n\nAlthough there are many complex descriptions of how to properly do meditation and myriad offerings of what techniques are required, the simple fact remains that <i>dhyana</i> (meaning contemplation or meditation), is possible for everyone to do and its benefits are both long-lasting and immediate.  Certainly, over time as your practice becomes stronger, you will notice that the benefits increase. Yet, regardless of how long you have been doing meditation, your doing it makes a difference throughout all the worlds.  To start, you just allow yourself to quiet inside and breathe. \n\nHow do you meditate? Let us know how you spent this past new moon, if you joined in with us or worked the energies another way.  And whether or not you can join us in person, do join us for our next circle: <b>Purnima (Full Moon) Meditation </b> will be held on March 10th at 7pm (PST). ','Amavasya (New Moon) Meditation Experience','','inherit','open','open','','99038-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:54:59','2013-09-26 05:54:59','',99038,'We gathered under the energies of the new moon on Tuesday to breathe. We gathered to connect to the energies of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. We gathered to find our inner teachers, the ones who know the direct path to our souls, to the unfolding awa',0,'revision','',0),(100404,2,'2013-09-25 22:56:31','2013-09-26 05:56:31','We gathered under the energies of the new moon on Tuesday to breathe. We gathered to connect to the energies of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. We gathered to find our inner teachers, the ones who know the direct path to our souls, to the unfolding awareness of the Divine embodied eternal. \r\n\r\nNew moons are interesting times, for they contain powerful energetic expressions of the path to silence. And so we sat, five of us in a circle in SHARANYA\'s Sanctuary, connecting to one another and the larger community, to those who were also holding space in meditation with us from afar.  Candles surrounding us, Maa before us, we began. \r\n\r\nWe had all come from another reality into this space, and so took a few moments to get comfortable, relax, and set our individual intentions. After some pranayama and guided visualization on our internal landscape, we moved to silence. Five of us breathing, some with sustained yogic breath, five of us releasing into the silence our thoughts and emotional attachments, we together smoothly entered the quiet space where all potentials reside and there is nothing to do but be. (Some of us had never met before, but the transition from outside to inside, from stranger to sister or brother seeker was swift. Such a gift!)\r\n\r\nThirty minutes in silence ended with the ringing of a singing bowl and the felt vibrations of sound in fingers, toes and the akashic spaces that respond to subtle stimulations.  We allowed awareness of our heartbeats to return and then re-engaged our bodies on the floor. Chanting \"AUM,\" we came together again, having moved between worlds, now back and present it the room. \r\n\r\nMeditation is a fine art, a dedicated practice; it is also a very accessible treasure, a commitment to oneself that is easily achieved because it can be undertaken almost anywhere. All that is needed is a bit of intention setting and inspiration. Meditation is at once easy and profound; you just sit...and you go places! \r\n\r\nAlthough there are many complex descriptions of how to properly do meditation and myriad offerings of what techniques are required, the simple fact remains that <i>dhyana</i> (meaning contemplation or meditation), is possible for everyone to do and its benefits are both long-lasting and immediate.  Certainly, over time as your practice becomes stronger, you will notice that the benefits increase. Yet, regardless of how long you have been doing meditation, your doing it makes a difference throughout all the worlds.  To start, you just allow yourself to quiet inside and breathe. \r\n\r\nHow do you meditate? Let us know how you spent this past new moon, if you joined in with us or worked the energies another way.  And whether or not you can join us in person, do join us for our next circle: <b>Purnima (Full Moon) Meditation </b> will be held on March 10th at 7pm (PST). ','Amavasya (New Moon) Meditation Experience','','inherit','open','open','','99038-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 22:56:31','2013-09-26 05:56:31','',99038,'We gathered under the energies of the new moon on Tuesday to breathe. We gathered to connect to the energies of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. We gathered to find our inner teachers, the ones who know the direct path to our souls, to the unfolding awa',0,'revision','',0),(100405,2,'2013-09-25 22:58:49','2013-09-26 05:58:49','','Stairs','','inherit','open','open','','dscn2000','','','2013-09-25 22:58:49','2013-09-26 05:58:49','',99012,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100406,2,'2013-09-25 23:03:18','2013-09-26 06:03:18','','Marigolds','','inherit','open','open','','india-2007-282','','','2013-09-25 23:03:18','2013-09-26 06:03:18','',99039,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100407,2,'2013-09-25 23:53:02','2013-09-26 06:53:02','On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the Black Madonna stands as testimony to Her presence. For this worship, we recognized the concurrence of our puja with the Festival of Gitanes, or Gypsies, in the south of France, who come together to honor their Dark Goddess, Sarah the Black. The puja was particularly moving as we toned sacred syllables and took turns adorning Sara\'s altar with scarves from around our necks in the same fashion that those gathered in France for her festival do. As one of our initiates, Haravallabha, shared about her puja experience...\n<blockquote>I got lots of images of constant movement of a tribe slipping through the edges of society, and after a night\'s sleep, a host of clear lessons from La Sara. They are about community, versatility, autonomy, and self-authority. Here are a few glimpses:\n<ul>\n	<li>Don\'t try to fit any mold</li>\n	<li>Don\'t try to be a single thing - activate versatility</li>\n	<li>Be willing to cast a spell</li>\n	<li>Keep some things private when it fits your strategy for survival or service, and find a way to let them flow with full force in a trusted setting</li>\n	<li>It\'s OK to run counter to the main currents of society - or not to participate in them at all</li>\n	<li>Use fascination to your advantage</li>\n	<li>Do ritual instead of picking a fight</li>\n	<li>Acting on our own truth is more important than playing an expected role</li>\n	<li>Protect yourself and your tribe</li>\n	<li>Learn to go between, around, outside of ordinary structures &amp; conventions</li>\n	<li>Keep your knives sharp</li>\n	<li>There\'s no celebration like music &amp; dancing around a fire</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;</blockquote>\nWhat do you think She offers, this dark goddess of the in-between, standing between worlds of East and West?','Festival of Sara-la-Kali','','inherit','open','open','','99053-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-25 23:53:02','2013-09-26 06:53:02','',99053,'On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the ',0,'revision','',0),(100408,2,'2013-09-25 23:53:37','2013-09-26 06:53:37','On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the Black Madonna stands as testimony to Her presence. For this worship, we recognized the concurrence of our puja with the Festival of Gitanes, or Gypsies, in the south of France, who come together to honor their Dark Goddess, Sarah the Black. The puja was particularly moving as we toned sacred syllables and took turns adorning Sara\'s altar with scarves from around our necks in the same fashion that those gathered in France for her festival do. As one of our initiates, Haravallabha, shared about her puja experience...\r\n<blockquote>I got lots of images of constant movement of a tribe slipping through the edges of society, and after a night\'s sleep, a host of clear lessons from La Sara. They are about community, versatility, autonomy, and self-authority. Here are a few glimpses:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Don\'t try to fit any mold</li>\r\n	<li>Don\'t try to be a single thing - activate versatility</li>\r\n	<li>Be willing to cast a spell</li>\r\n	<li>Keep some things private when it fits your strategy for survival or service, and find a way to let them flow with full force in a trusted setting</li>\r\n	<li>It\'s OK to run counter to the main currents of society - or not to participate in them at all</li>\r\n	<li>Use fascination to your advantage</li>\r\n	<li>Do ritual instead of picking a fight</li>\r\n	<li>Acting on our own truth is more important than playing an expected role</li>\r\n	<li>Protect yourself and your tribe</li>\r\n	<li>Learn to go between, around, outside of ordinary structures &amp; conventions</li>\r\n	<li>Keep your knives sharp</li>\r\n	<li>There\'s no celebration like music &amp; dancing around a fire</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;</blockquote>\r\nWhat do you think She offers, this dark goddess of the in-between, standing between worlds of East and West?\r\n\r\nLearn more about Saint Sara <a title=\"Saint Sara-la-Kali: A Sister to Kali Maa\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/saint-sara-la-kali-a-sister-to-kali-maa/\">here</a>.','Festival of Sara-la-Kali','','inherit','open','open','','99053-revision-v1','','','2013-09-25 23:53:37','2013-09-26 06:53:37','',99053,'On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the ',0,'revision','',0),(100409,2,'2013-09-26 00:05:06','2013-09-26 07:05:06','','sara_la_kali','','inherit','open','open','','sara_la_kali-2','','','2013-09-26 00:05:06','2013-09-26 07:05:06','',99053,'',0,'attachment','image/gif',0),(100410,2,'2013-09-26 00:08:41','2013-09-26 07:08:41','<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100081 imgborder\" alt=\"sara_la_kali\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sara_la_kali.gif\" />\r\n\r\nIt is May in the south of France. The weather is superb, and not only are more images of the Black Virgin located here than anywhere else, but the season of the Visitation of Mary as well as the feast day honoring Sara-la-Kali in Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer is upon the region. I can almost smell the thick curls of frankincense and myrrh on the gentle lavender-scented air, hear the chapel bells and strum of guitars, and taste the special boat-shaped breads and cookies, called les navettes, that the bakeries make to commemorate the arrival of the Magdalene (and other saints) to the Camargue. In my mind, I recall the traditional prayer to Sara, and consciously invoke her presence:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sara, toi la sainte patronne des voyageurs et gitans du monde entier,</em>\r\n<em> tu as vécu en ce lieu des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.</em>\r\n<em> Tu es venue d\'un lointain pays au-delà des mers.</em>\r\n<em> J\'aime venir te retrouver ici, te dire tout ce que j\'ai dans le Cœur,</em>\r\n<em> te confier mes peines et mes joies.</em>\r\n<em> Je te prie pour tous les membres de ma famille et tous mes amis.</em>\r\n<em> Sara, veille sur moi!</em></p>\r\n<em>(Sara, patron saint of travelers and gypsies the world over, you who lived in this region of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. You came from a far-away country from across the seas. I love to come and find you here, to tell you all that I have in my heart and in you confide my sorrows and joys. I pray to you for everyone in my family and all my friends. Sara, come to me!)</em>\r\n\r\nFor most of the people throughout Languedoc, Camargue, Bouches du Rhône, and la Provençe, the question of Marie Madeleine in France is not even worth asking. \"C’est sûr,\" they will tell you. Yes, indeed, this is where the Magdalene fled after leaving the Holy Land. The question some are more hesitant to answer is that of whether or not she carried the Davidian bloodline (the ancestral father-line of Jesus) in her womb when she got here. Thus, we have the story of The Magdalene as Holy Grail, carrier of the sangraal or \"royal blood\" of future French kings.\r\n\r\nBy most accounts, Marie-Jacobé and Marie-Salomé (not biblical figures) accompanied the Magdalene in her voyage to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and hence the town name. (Other accounts give the landing party as Martha and Lazarus—her sister and brother—and Mary of Bethany, who is often conflated with the Magdalene.) In at least one rendition of the story, it was Sara the Egyptian who greeted the boat at the shore. But other accounts say that Sara was a servant who accompanied them on the journey while still others regarded Sara as the actual daughter of Mary Magdalene.\r\n\r\nIn any event, this is the same Sara venerated by the Roma people (often called gypsies) who come from far and wide to celebrate her as Sara-la-Kali, which translated means Sara the Dark One. She is their patron Saint (although not a Catholic one), and they honor her in pilgrimage every year. Sara, a dark-skinned woman may also be an avatar of Egyptian Isis. As an avatar, or divine representative on Earth, a dark-skinned woman and goddess come together in her in a confluence of myth and symbol.\r\n\r\nEvery May 24/25th about 15,000 people converge on this small seaside town to honor Saint Sara. She is small, standing less than five feet tall; but she is just the right height to fit in the corner of the arched and low-ceilinged crypt of the town’s basilica, a crypt situated on a former temple to Artemis (or possibly Isis, as these two goddesses were strongly identified with one another in Hellenistic times).\r\n\r\nHer statue is dark, as her name attests. During her festival, those who seek her healing and blessings come to touch her skirts, put scarves around her neck, offer flowers, light candles, and give thanks for miracles and prayers answered in the preceding years. She is paid homage to in the Gypsy Prayer, a copy of which sits framed to the right of her feet. Through her, the Magdalene, a pagan goddess, and Black Madonna are related. Even the crown that sits upon her head holds a symbolic key to revealing the union within her of pre-patriarchal tradition and contemporary Mariology. In it rests thirteen pearls, the number itself recalling the lunar round, and the pearl both Aphrodite’s and Mary’s sacred gem.\r\n\r\nSara\'s veneration by the Roma (who have origins in India), and indeed the very name they call her, Sara-la-Kali, make the connection to the Eastern goddess Kali much more explicit. Even her ritual bathing in the ocean at the culmination of festivities make her worship akin to that of the goddesses of the Hindu East who are taken to be immersed in the Ganges River (or other waters in proximity to the temple) after puja rites are performed during the major holy days.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Chandra Alexandre</strong> is the founding director of SHARANYA. </em>','Saint Sara-la-Kali: A Sister to Kali Maa','','inherit','open','open','','100080-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 00:08:41','2013-09-26 07:08:41','',100080,'<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100081 imgborder\" alt=\"sara_la_kali\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sara_la_kali.gif\" />\r\n\r\nIt is May in the south of France. The weather is superb, and not only are more images of the Black Vi',0,'revision','',0),(100411,2,'2013-09-26 00:09:34','2013-09-26 07:09:34','On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the Black Madonna stands as testimony to Her presence. For this worship, we recognized the concurrence of our puja with the Festival of Gitanes, or Gypsies, in the south of France, who come together to honor their Dark Goddess, Sarah the Black. The puja was particularly moving as we toned sacred syllables and took turns adorning Sara\'s altar with scarves from around our necks in the same fashion that those gathered in France for her festival do. As one of our initiates, Haravallabha, shared about her puja experience:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>I got lots of images of constant movement of a tribe slipping through the edges of society, and after a night\'s sleep, a host of clear lessons from La Sara. They are about community, versatility, autonomy, and self-authority. Here are a few glimpses:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Don\'t try to fit any mold</li>\r\n	<li>Don\'t try to be a single thing - activate versatility</li>\r\n	<li>Be willing to cast a spell</li>\r\n	<li>Keep some things private when it fits your strategy for survival or service, and find a way to let them flow with full force in a trusted setting</li>\r\n	<li>It\'s OK to run counter to the main currents of society - or not to participate in them at all</li>\r\n	<li>Use fascination to your advantage</li>\r\n	<li>Do ritual instead of picking a fight</li>\r\n	<li>Acting on our own truth is more important than playing an expected role</li>\r\n	<li>Protect yourself and your tribe</li>\r\n	<li>Learn to go between, around, outside of ordinary structures &amp; conventions</li>\r\n	<li>Keep your knives sharp</li>\r\n	<li>There\'s no celebration like music &amp; dancing around a fire</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;</blockquote>\r\nWhat do you think She offers, this dark goddess of the in-between, standing between worlds of East and West?\r\n\r\nLearn more about Saint Sara <a title=\"Saint Sara-la-Kali: A Sister to Kali Maa\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/saint-sara-la-kali-a-sister-to-kali-maa/\">here</a>.','Festival of Sara-la-Kali','','inherit','open','open','','99053-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 00:09:34','2013-09-26 07:09:34','',99053,'On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the ',0,'revision','',0),(100412,2,'2013-09-26 00:09:45','2013-09-26 07:09:45','<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100081 imgborder\" alt=\"sara_la_kali\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sara_la_kali.gif\" />\n\nIt is May in the south of France. The weather is superb, and not only are more images of the Black Virgin located here than anywhere else, but the season of the Visitation of Mary as well as the feast day honoring Sara-la-Kali in Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer is upon the region. I can almost smell the thick curls of frankincense and myrrh on the gentle lavender-scented air, hear the chapel bells and strum of guitars, and taste the special boat-shaped breads and cookies, called les navettes, that the bakeries make to commemorate the arrival of the Magdalene (and other saints) to the Camargue. In my mind, I recall the traditional prayer to Sara, and consciously invoke her presence:\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Sara, toi la sainte patronne des voyageurs et gitans du monde entier,</em>\n<em> tu as vécu en ce lieu des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.</em>\n<em> Tu es venue d\'un lointain pays au-delà des mers.</em>\n<em> J\'aime venir te retrouver ici, te dire tout ce que j\'ai dans le Cœur,</em>\n<em> te confier mes peines et mes joies.</em>\n<em> Je te prie pour tous les membres de ma famille et tous mes amis.</em>\n<em> Sara, veille sur moi!</em></p>\n<em>(Sara, patron saint of travelers and gypsies the world over, you who lived in this region of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. You came from a far-away country from across the seas. I love to come and find you here, to tell you all that I have in my heart and in you confide my sorrows and joys. I pray to you for everyone in my family and all my friends. Sara, come to me!)</em>\n\nFor most of the people throughout Languedoc, Camargue, Bouches du Rhône, and la Provençe, the question of Marie Madeleine in France is not even worth asking. \"C’est sûr,\" they will tell you. Yes, indeed, this is where the Magdalene fled after leaving the Holy Land. The question some are more hesitant to answer is that of whether or not she carried the Davidian bloodline (the ancestral father-line of Jesus) in her womb when she got here. Thus, we have the story of The Magdalene as Holy Grail, carrier of the sangraal or \"royal blood\" of future French kings.\n\nBy most accounts, Marie-Jacobé and Marie-Salomé (not biblical figures) accompanied the Magdalene in her voyage to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and hence the town name. (Other accounts give the landing party as Martha and Lazarus—her sister and brother—and Mary of Bethany, who is often conflated with the Magdalene.) In at least one rendition of the story, it was Sara the Egyptian who greeted the boat at the shore. But other accounts say that Sara was a servant who accompanied them on the journey while still others regarded Sara as the actual daughter of Mary Magdalene.\n\nIn any event, this is the same Sara venerated by the Roma people (often called gypsies) who come from far and wide to celebrate her as Sara-la-Kali, which translated means Sara the Dark One. She is their patron Saint (although not a Catholic one), and they honor her in pilgrimage every year. Sara, a dark-skinned woman may also be an avatar of Egyptian Isis. As an avatar, or divine representative on Earth, a dark-skinned woman and goddess come together in her in a confluence of myth and symbol.\n\nEvery May 24/25th about 15,000 people converge on this small seaside town to honor Saint Sara. She is small, standing less than five feet tall; but she is just the right height to fit in the corner of the arched and low-ceilinged crypt of the town’s basilica, a crypt situated on a former temple to Artemis (or possibly Isis, as these two goddesses were strongly identified with one another in Hellenistic times).\n\nHer statue is dark, as her name attests. During her festival, those who seek her healing and blessings come to touch her skirts, put scarves around her neck, offer flowers, light candles, and give thanks for miracles and prayers answered in the preceding years. She is paid homage to in the Gypsy Prayer, a copy of which sits framed to the right of her feet. Through her, the Magdalene, a pagan goddess, and Black Madonna are related. Even the crown that sits upon her head holds a symbolic key to revealing the union within her of pre-patriarchal tradition and contemporary Mariology. In it rests thirteen pearls, the number itself recalling the lunar round, and the pearl both Aphrodite’s and Mary’s sacred gem.\n\nSara\'s veneration by the Roma (who have origins in India), and indeed the very name they call her, Sara-la-Kali, make the connection to the Eastern goddess Kali much more explicit. Even her ritual bathing in the ocean at the culmination of festivities make her worship akin to that of the goddesses of the Hindu East who are taken to be immersed in the Ganges River (or other waters in proximity to the temple) after puja rites are performed during the major holy days.\n\n<hr />\n\n<em><strong>Chandra Alexandre</strong> is the founding director of SHARANYA. </em>','Saint Sara-la-Kali: A Sister to Kali Maa','','inherit','open','open','','100080-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-26 00:09:45','2013-09-26 07:09:45','',100080,'<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100081 imgborder\" alt=\"sara_la_kali\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sara_la_kali.gif\" />\n\nIt is May in the south of France. The weather is superb, and not only are more images of the Black Virg',0,'revision','',0),(100413,2,'2013-09-26 00:09:57','2013-09-26 07:09:57','On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the Black Madonna stands as testimony to Her presence. For this worship, we recognized the concurrence of our puja with the Festival of Gitanes, or Gypsies, in the south of France, who come together to honor their Dark Goddess, Sarah the Black. \r\n\r\nThe puja was particularly moving as we toned sacred syllables and took turns adorning Sara\'s altar with scarves from around our necks in the same fashion that those gathered in France for her festival do. As one of our initiates, Haravallabha, shared about her puja experience:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>I got lots of images of constant movement of a tribe slipping through the edges of society, and after a night\'s sleep, a host of clear lessons from La Sara. They are about community, versatility, autonomy, and self-authority. Here are a few glimpses:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Don\'t try to fit any mold</li>\r\n	<li>Don\'t try to be a single thing - activate versatility</li>\r\n	<li>Be willing to cast a spell</li>\r\n	<li>Keep some things private when it fits your strategy for survival or service, and find a way to let them flow with full force in a trusted setting</li>\r\n	<li>It\'s OK to run counter to the main currents of society - or not to participate in them at all</li>\r\n	<li>Use fascination to your advantage</li>\r\n	<li>Do ritual instead of picking a fight</li>\r\n	<li>Acting on our own truth is more important than playing an expected role</li>\r\n	<li>Protect yourself and your tribe</li>\r\n	<li>Learn to go between, around, outside of ordinary structures &amp; conventions</li>\r\n	<li>Keep your knives sharp</li>\r\n	<li>There\'s no celebration like music &amp; dancing around a fire</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;</blockquote>\r\nWhat do you think She offers, this dark goddess of the in-between, standing between worlds of East and West?\r\n\r\nLearn more about Saint Sara <a title=\"Saint Sara-la-Kali: A Sister to Kali Maa\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/saint-sara-la-kali-a-sister-to-kali-maa/\">here</a>.','Festival of Sara-la-Kali','','inherit','open','open','','99053-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 00:09:57','2013-09-26 07:09:57','',99053,'On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the ',0,'revision','',0),(100414,2,'2013-09-26 00:13:07','2013-09-26 07:13:07','','The Path','','inherit','open','open','','dsc00002','','','2013-09-26 00:13:07','2013-09-26 07:13:07','',99881,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100415,2,'2013-09-26 00:17:26','2013-09-26 07:17:26','','The Path','','inherit','open','open','','dscn1700','','','2013-09-26 00:17:26','2013-09-26 07:17:26','',99881,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100416,2,'2013-09-26 11:34:45','2013-09-26 18:34:45','<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\n\n<hr />\n\nMany practitioners are afraid of dark goddess energies. Divinities such as Hecate, The Morrigan, Freya, Gran Brijit, Kali, Lilith, Oya and others prove frightening, leaving many without recourse to some powerful help, especially in times of challenge or crisis. Even the most seasoned among us can fear working with these goddesses. Why is that, and how can we create a safe space in which to work with Her and the potent energy she carries? (In my writing, I intentionally alternate capitalization on words such as goddess and dark goddess. I also oscillate between capitalization on pronouns that refer to her, doing so in order to convey that part of Her grace and mystery lies outside the conventions of language as related to gender and personifications of deity through language.)\n\nIn this article, my goal is to help you activate your personal crafting with the Dark Goddess, however you choose to name Her. Overall, what I offer is designed to help you discern and strengthen your pathway to Her embrace, helping you gain a solid foundation for exploration of the mysteries. Of course, the Mystery is still the Mystery, and we call on Her knowing that Her response may be appropriately intense or sublime, subtle or sweet. Even if she has not yet appeared in your spiritual purview, may this article whet your appetite for engagement with the delicious and difficult work She inspires!\n\n<h3>Who is She?</h3>\nThe Dark Goddess embraces everything. Her power—and why so many spiritual practitioners avoid her—tends to lie in our fear of the unknown. And this is not only our individual, personal fear, but also our collective, societal, and cultural fear. The magnitude of her power lies in her claim to what we ignore. When we look at the Dark Goddess, we see whatever we wish to keep out of awareness. Yet, she does not hold back Truth, and for this, we are often terrified of Her. What might she reveal?\n\nDarkness, indeed, is a metaphor for a deeper truth. Life, we know, is filled with beauty and pain, ecstasy and horror. Look at Kali, for example, Hindu Black Goddess, Devourer of Time. With her right two hands she presents mudras (hand gestures) signifying the granting of boons and blessings, and with her left two hands she holds a severed head and a machete. To look upon her, we in the developed world might wonder how to achieve the benefits and avoid the blood and gore. But Her revelation lies in and through the acceptance of her totality—for the blade and head are in truth the goddess offering the promise of detachment and release from the constraints of our egos and limitedness. To take only half of Her then, is to miss the whole point.\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n<h3>Working with the Dark Goddess</h3>\n<h3>1. Intention</h3>\nThe Dark Goddess can help us find the resolve, dedication, strength, and faith to enter abodes of fear. The first step on the path of engagement with Her is the setting of an intention. Called <i>sankalpa</i> in yogic traditions, this is our resolve, our commitment, our statement of yearning in the dance of free will and determinism. We must be clear in our call, direct and unpretentious in our approach. In one sense, the guidelines are simple:\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>I. Discern the yearning</strong>\nWhat is it that calls to you?</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>II. Engage willingness</strong>\nMake a commitment to the path</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>III. Trust the process</strong>\nSurrender yourself</p>\nThis is not a mere matter of reading words, however; this is the reality of taking steps toward the deep end of the pool. The more clearly you can articulate for yourself the nature of your exploration and where you wish to go, the more carefully and precisely you will be guided toward your destination. With your sankalpa is set, you are ready to begin the work of opening to Her.\n<h3>2. The Living Altar: Tools, Symbols, and Practice</h3>\nEvery Dark Goddess shares five essential qualities. They are: embodiment, relationality, cyclicity, the chthonic, and the antinomian. Through them, she offers us Her gifts, with liberation the greatest of them all. These five qualities are the very core of what it means to be a dark goddess, and thus, in concert they create a vibrational energy evocative of Her essence. In this way, your opening to the Dark Goddess is facilitated by working with them—they set the stage for a personal invocation that allows the Dark Goddess to manifest as you desire to know Her.\n\nCreating your Dark Goddess altar with the tools, symbols, and practices offered here, inclusive of your own inspirations, lets Her know that you are ready, and makes a sanctuary in which She can dwell for the duration of your worship. Study these qualities along with their correspondences. Get to know them inside so that you feel both physical and subtle levels of manifestation; for these can help you not only deepen spiritual discovery and self-awareness, but also come closer to the heart of Her—and through this, the heart of the world.\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">i. Embodiment</h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">This quality is the root of all others. Literally, it corresponds to the Muladhara Chakra, the energy center at the base of our spine, the root of the body. Without this quality, there is little space from which we can engage Her.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Here, in the realm of matter and our embodied selves, is where the Dark Goddess lives and fights for life-affirming change. From here, She calls upon us to re-sanctify nature. She is in the stuff of our bodies, and in the stuff of our world denied and rejected. She is the dirt under our fingernails, excrement, blood, women’s moon-time blood; she is in the juices of our love making, the burps of babies who come in all the colors of rain-washed Earth, the flesh of our beloved dead. She is the Divine immanent, here among us—and she is neither shy nor embarrassed about it. Rather, she shows up inebriated on the festival offered, drunk from the kissing of wounds.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The first of Her qualities, embodiment is also the power of the body’s wisdom and intuition. It has correspondences in Earth and North. Her tool is a sacred diagram (such as a pentacle, labyrinth, yantra, or mandala) that provides a contemplative entryway to insight and deeper revelation of the inner mysteries. Engage practices such as breath work, meditation, focusing, movement, yoga, and energy raising techniques to enter the arena of embodied wisdom. Draw on the power of your personal experiences to call up corporeal parables. These are the stories our bodies know that cross time and space; for example, childbirth, near-death experiences, and athletic episodes of being ‘in the zone.’</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Use resin incense and flowers to help awaken your senses and open the gateways to Her, with mindfulness to both external and internal realities. Find inside yourself the aromas, sounds, sensations, and feelings that arise, and pay particular attention to smells as activators of the subtle body. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">ii. Relationality</h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Whether taken literally or metaphorically, the Dark Goddess is the one who shapes reality, creating and filling in spaces where we need to do the hard work of the spiritual journey. As we do this work, we may come to realize that relationships are our primary reminder of connection. We might not be surprised, therefore, to find the quality of relationality located at the Anahata Chakra, our heart center, a place of balance, potential, and equanimity. Seat of the soul in many traditions, the heart is the place through which we experience the bonds of Creation: from the outside in and the inside out.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The second of her qualities, relationality has correspondences in East and Air. The tool of the Dark Goddess in the East is the mirror. In it we see revealed our most authentic nature and the heart of all truths reflected through Her. As she gazes back at us, we may delve into the questions—especially those that relate us to our physically-, emotionally-, intellectually-, and culturally-informed notions of who we are—that get at the meaning of our identity and existence. This is the very stuff of soul making, the very stuff of awakening spiritual maturity. Here, She offers us the power of an unconditional embrace.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Practices such as seva, or selfless service, and other efforts that create happiness, deepen heartfelt feeling states, and cultivate compassion (our ability to be with suffering) ignite this quality of hers. Practices you might wish to explore include dream work, scrying, regression, and forms of transpersonal therapy, journaling, walking/active meditation, and conscious loving.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">On your altar, use things that you particularly enjoy touching, picking up, and holding. Spend time with the objects of your choosing, allowing the holding to rekindle ancient memories and awaken mythic connections. Choose a variety of tactile delights to incorporate into your ritual environment, such as textured fabrics, wood, stone, and fur. Above all else, bring yourself into love through devotion. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">iii. Chthonic</h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The Pavamana Mantra from the Upanishads offers this prayer: from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality, lead us. The word chthonic, from the Greek khthonios meaning \"in the earth,\" denotes that which is of or relating to the underworld. This quality of Dark Goddess, the chthonic, shares resonance with this most powerful and purifying of mantras. Chant it aloud now and feel the movement of sound around and within you:</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">OM</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Asatoma sad gamaya\nAum uh’-suh-toh-maa suhd’ guh’-muh-yuh</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya\nTuh’-muh-soh-maa jyoh’-teer guh’-muh-yuh</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Mrityorma amritam gamaya\nMriht’-yohr-maa uhm’-rih-tuhm guh’-muh-yuh</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">To feel the reverberations of the chanting as one speaks, intones, or even listens to these Sanskrit syllables is to know the essence of the chthonic, for through this mantra we are shown the potential to shift the very fabric of our being toward our dreams, our fullest realization, and our ultimate bliss. In walking the path of the chthonic and in heeding the words of this eternal prayer, we are celebrating from our original yearning. We are opening to the journey of the underworld, to the origin of our soul’s passage from energy to manifest reality.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">This work is particularly relevant where the chthonic is held psychically: at the third chakra, the Manipura Chakra, which is the seat of our individual will, located at the solar plexus.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The chthonic is also the third of her qualities, with correspondences in South and Fire. We might laugh to think of the underworld and fire connected together (since we may automatically conjure up images of a Christian Hell), but although often hot and fierce, the fires of the Dark Goddess burn for reasons other than damnation. In fact, they burn for purification and with the elemental power of light—that which gives form to energy and liberates us from misconceptions about phenomena in the material world. The realm of the chthonic is therefore also our connection to individual power and the sacred dance we share with the Divine in working to discover our true nature.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The tool of the chthonic is the flame, that which brings illumination to the shadows, helping us to see the real and recognize the unreal. Practices such as those that induce trance, bring on altered states of consciousness, and assist inner sight are beneficial toward understanding the realm of the chthonic. For example, shamanic drumming, trataka (focused concentration on one point or object), repetitive chanting, kriya yoga, and yoga nidra (practices that cultivate deep aware sleep) are all aids in coming to know this quality and its ramifications on gross, subtle and causal levels. Mudras too can help one focus the transformational energies of inner and outer worlds to great effect.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">In working with this quality of Dark Goddess, you may wish to light candles and practice candle magick. Enjoy the play of the light on your chosen ritual objects, and see if you can enter into meditation, eyes open, while focusing about four feet away from you. Explore movement and dance, opening yourself to the physical landscape and the special features and curves of your own body and face. Create mudras spontaneously. Play with colors, sparkles, and eye-catching items on your altar, manifesting beauty and sweet flows of energy all around you. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">iv. Cyclicity</h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The power of time, the space between dark and light where the yearning pulls us into the future, the internal mechanisms that reveal the oak tree from the acorn, the strands of our DNA, the ebb and flow of tides. Cyclicity is the fourth of her qualities, with correspondences in West and Water. Its locus is the Svadhisthana Chakra, seat of the self located at the pelvic floor. Some of the mystery may be revealed when we notice that the taste of pure water is unlike anything we know; it is clear, without particular qualities of sour or sweet, pungent or salty. Yet it is utterly refreshing and deeply satisfying to have a good drink. This is the revelation of the Dark Goddess through cyclicity.</p>\n\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Her tool in this place of ancestral knowing and remembrance is a water pot, which taps into the cycles of the moon and seasons, helping us open to the dynamic tension of the universe and the pull of our karmas through life, death and rebirth. Practices such as gardening that bring us into communion with nature and allow us to literally taste our efforts (as planting a vegetable garden would), as well as those that symbolically allow us to taste the fruits of life, such as devotional prayer, cooking, poetry writing, and other bhakti (devotional) offerings, can aid us in understanding and deepening our connection with this quality of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Bring spices, food, and drink to your altar, on one level remembering and honoring your ancestors within the cycle of life, and on another remembering and honoring the seasons and what it takes to nourish living beings. Food and drink on your altar also provides a remembering and honoring of the work we do and must do to feed the spirit. Cyclicity offers the prasad (blessed food) of the Dark Goddess. Nourish yourself through the virtues of this quality on all levels, heeding the power of the eternal return. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">v. Antinomian</h4>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The antinomian is that which sits outside the normative, the socially acceptable, the so-called rational. It is the quality of the Dark Goddess that makes us think about our assumptions, reveals our internalized oppressions, and forces us to look directly at reality without the blinders of cultural, religious, and social frameworks. The fifth of her qualities, with correspondences in Center/Circumference and Ether, the quality of the antinomian is resonant with the Vishuddha Chakra or throat center. This is the seat of Her unfolding into consciousness through sound, the place where both reality and our karma are created through spoken words.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">This space encompasses both sound and echo—the arising from the void into vibration and then into engagement with our sense of hearing, with the phenomenal world and back again. Since all sound is carried on ether, practices such as mantra repetition, chanting, kirtan (call and response singing), and sounding in general (with voice or instruments) are important to help uncover this quality of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">On your altar, you may wish to keep a rattle, drum, bell, or other instrument that augments or accentuates your voice or the silence as you do ritual, chant, or sing. To know this quality is to move sound, create vibrations, and make waves in the fabric of your being and the world around you. It is to show up as you fully, authentically are, naked to the impositions of family and society. In this way and in a literal sense, digambara (sky-clad) ceremony can be liberating.</p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Her tool is the murti, or image that you will imbue with life-force energy for worship. The murti can be any object you wish to represent Her. Choose a worthy home for Her, allowing this object to reflect aspects of Her that you wish to honor and to which you will make devotions over time. It can be natural, such as a stone or tree; handcrafted; or purchased in a shop. Unlock her secrets in the anointing, decorating, loving and honoring of Her image, this receptacle for the rapture that is her. Delight in that which will be present through it. If you have selected or created an image with eyes, gaze upon that gateway with intensity of concentration and surrendered self. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\n\n<h3>3. Activating Her</h3>\nWith the Dark Goddess, we can not only discover and work with the transformational powers she possesses, but also find sanctuary in her wisdom, especially in moments of despair, hopelessness, overwhelm, sorrow, and loss. We can find reassurance during times of challenge and crisis because She holds this part of reality too—and holds it along with everything else in loving kindness. Now that you have prepared the space and readied yourself through meditation, contemplation, and other practices, the time is ripe to welcome in the Dark Goddess of your choosing.\n\nTo activate Her, we begin with activation of Her qualities. Once we feel the power of these essences, we turn inward, to the place of the indwelling Divine. We open to the qualities within ourselves, utilizing a focus on breath to bring us more deeply into present awareness. Place your hands on your heart, left on top of right palm and breathe as though through this chakra, opening your heart as you continue to deepen your breath. In this place of stimulated alignment between the outer experience of the qualities as you’ve represented them on your altar and your inner awareness of them, imagine the coming together of breath and this awareness deep within at your core. Allow yourself to feel the universe of the inner planes together with consciousness fully present here at the root of your connection to all that lies beyond ego attachment and agendas.\n\nNow, before your altar, keeping your internal focus, gently open your eyes and gaze upon your murti, the image of the goddess you have readied to awaken. Tenderly and with intention, turn your hands outward, keeping left palm on right. Bring your palms over the murti, and imbue the image with the energy you have cultivated. All the while, stay centered with long and slow breaths. To seal the activation, place the ring finger of your right hand (keeping the palms together and merely bending the ring finger) at the heart or center of the murti, and say, “Welcome, Goddess (Name); Evam Astu!” (Evam astu is Sanskrit for “so mote it be.” It is pronounced, “aa-vuhm_ uhs-too.” You may certainly use any other form of concretization or sealing of energy that you wish here.)\n\nWith this invocation and awakening through intentional touch of prana (life-force energy), She is now present and your altar is alive. Take a few moments to return the awakened energy to your own heart and other chakras, feeling Her energy now through this nyasa (placement) within you. Honor Her living presence wholeheartedly, with reverence and respect. You may wish to make offerings to Her (such as food, jewelry, flowers, incense and other delightful things), pray, do spellwork, bless objects, or simply deepen your meditations. The choice is yours.\n<h3>4. Gratitudes &amp; Visarjan (Devocation)</h3>\nAs you feel ready to end, it is only proper to thank Her for being present and to acknowledge the gift of the Divine within yourself. You may wish to offer gratitudes to each of Her qualities in turn, finally returning to the murti She inhabits. Give thanks to the Dark Goddess you have lovingly welcomed, and sing her praises. Then, with your hands again placed left over right, begin at the head or top of the image and slowly and gently move down toward the ground or bottom of your altar, drawing the life-force energy out of the murti and releasing it to serve wherever it is needed.\n\nAt this point, you may wish to ground by bringing the thumb and ring finger of each hand together and touching the earth on either side of your body. End with the words, “Evam Astu” again, or choose some version of, “Hail and farewell!”—something that feels appropriate to you as a final devocation. In this way, the rite is complete and your altar is more richly steeped in the energy gifted through Her living presence. Moreover, you are imbued with Her prana through this work in even fuller and richer ways. Know that by this effort and through Her grace, you are also just a little less encumbered; just a little more free.\n\nMay Her blessings fill you always.\n\n<hr />\n\nThis article first appeared in Llewellyn\'s <a href=\"http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1918\" target=\"_blank\">online journal</a>.','How to Create a Living Altar to the Dark Goddess','','inherit','open','open','','100195-autosave-v1','','','2013-09-26 11:34:45','2013-09-26 18:34:45','',100195,'<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\n\n<hr />\n\nMany practitioners are afraid of dark goddess energies. Divinities such as Hecate, The Morrigan, Freya, Gran Brijit, Kali, Lilith, Oya and others prove frightening, leaving many without recourse to some powerful hel',0,'revision','',0),(100417,2,'2013-09-26 11:34:55','2013-09-26 18:34:55','<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nMany practitioners are afraid of dark goddess energies. Divinities such as Hecate, The Morrigan, Freya, Gran Brijit, Kali, Lilith, Oya and others prove frightening, leaving many without recourse to some powerful help, especially in times of challenge or crisis. Even the most seasoned among us can fear working with these goddesses. Why is that, and how can we create a safe space in which to work with Her and the potent energy she carries? (In my writing, I intentionally alternate capitalization on words such as goddess and dark goddess. I also oscillate between capitalization on pronouns that refer to her, doing so in order to convey that part of Her grace and mystery lies outside the conventions of language as related to gender and personifications of deity through language.)\r\n\r\nIn this article, my goal is to help you activate your personal crafting with the Dark Goddess, however you choose to name Her. Overall, what I offer is designed to help you discern and strengthen your pathway to Her embrace, helping you gain a solid foundation for exploration of the mysteries. Of course, the Mystery is still the Mystery, and we call on Her knowing that Her response may be appropriately intense or sublime, subtle or sweet. Even if she has not yet appeared in your spiritual purview, may this article whet your appetite for engagement with the delicious and difficult work She inspires!\r\n\r\n<h3>Who is She?</h3>\r\nThe Dark Goddess embraces everything. Her power—and why so many spiritual practitioners avoid her—tends to lie in our fear of the unknown. And this is not only our individual, personal fear, but also our collective, societal, and cultural fear. The magnitude of her power lies in her claim to what we ignore. When we look at the Dark Goddess, we see whatever we wish to keep out of awareness. Yet, she does not hold back Truth, and for this, we are often terrified of Her. What might she reveal?\r\n\r\nDarkness, indeed, is a metaphor for a deeper truth. Life, we know, is filled with beauty and pain, ecstasy and horror. Look at Kali, for example, Hindu Black Goddess, Devourer of Time. With her right two hands she presents mudras (hand gestures) signifying the granting of boons and blessings, and with her left two hands she holds a severed head and a machete. To look upon her, we in the developed world might wonder how to achieve the benefits and avoid the blood and gore. But Her revelation lies in and through the acceptance of her totality—for the blade and head are in truth the goddess offering the promise of detachment and release from the constraints of our egos and limitedness. To take only half of Her then, is to miss the whole point.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\n<h3>Working with the Dark Goddess</h3>\r\n<h3>1. Intention</h3>\r\nThe Dark Goddess can help us find the resolve, dedication, strength, and faith to enter abodes of fear. The first step on the path of engagement with Her is the setting of an intention. Called <i>sankalpa</i> in yogic traditions, this is our resolve, our commitment, our statement of yearning in the dance of free will and determinism. We must be clear in our call, direct and unpretentious in our approach. In one sense, the guidelines are simple:\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>I. Discern the yearning</strong>\r\nWhat is it that calls to you?</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>II. Engage willingness</strong>\r\nMake a commitment to the path</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>III. Trust the process</strong>\r\nSurrender yourself</p>\r\nThis is not a mere matter of reading words, however; this is the reality of taking steps toward the deep end of the pool. The more clearly you can articulate for yourself the nature of your exploration and where you wish to go, the more carefully and precisely you will be guided toward your destination. With your sankalpa is set, you are ready to begin the work of opening to Her.\r\n<h3>2. The Living Altar: Tools, Symbols, and Practice</h3>\r\nEvery Dark Goddess shares five essential qualities. They are: embodiment, relationality, cyclicity, the chthonic, and the antinomian. Through them, she offers us Her gifts, with liberation the greatest of them all. These five qualities are the very core of what it means to be a dark goddess, and thus, in concert they create a vibrational energy evocative of Her essence. In this way, your opening to the Dark Goddess is facilitated by working with them—they set the stage for a personal invocation that allows the Dark Goddess to manifest as you desire to know Her.\r\n\r\nCreating your Dark Goddess altar with the tools, symbols, and practices offered here, inclusive of your own inspirations, lets Her know that you are ready, and makes a sanctuary in which She can dwell for the duration of your worship. Study these qualities along with their correspondences. Get to know them inside so that you feel both physical and subtle levels of manifestation; for these can help you not only deepen spiritual discovery and self-awareness, but also come closer to the heart of Her—and through this, the heart of the world.\r\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">i. Embodiment</h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">This quality is the root of all others. Literally, it corresponds to the Muladhara Chakra, the energy center at the base of our spine, the root of the body. Without this quality, there is little space from which we can engage Her.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Here, in the realm of matter and our embodied selves, is where the Dark Goddess lives and fights for life-affirming change. From here, She calls upon us to re-sanctify nature. She is in the stuff of our bodies, and in the stuff of our world denied and rejected. She is the dirt under our fingernails, excrement, blood, women’s moon-time blood; she is in the juices of our love making, the burps of babies who come in all the colors of rain-washed Earth, the flesh of our beloved dead. She is the Divine immanent, here among us—and she is neither shy nor embarrassed about it. Rather, she shows up inebriated on the festival offered, drunk from the kissing of wounds.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The first of Her qualities, embodiment is also the power of the body’s wisdom and intuition. It has correspondences in Earth and North. Her tool is a sacred diagram (such as a pentacle, labyrinth, yantra, or mandala) that provides a contemplative entryway to insight and deeper revelation of the inner mysteries. Engage practices such as breath work, meditation, focusing, movement, yoga, and energy raising techniques to enter the arena of embodied wisdom. Draw on the power of your personal experiences to call up corporeal parables. These are the stories our bodies know that cross time and space; for example, childbirth, near-death experiences, and athletic episodes of being ‘in the zone.’</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Use resin incense and flowers to help awaken your senses and open the gateways to Her, with mindfulness to both external and internal realities. Find inside yourself the aromas, sounds, sensations, and feelings that arise, and pay particular attention to smells as activators of the subtle body. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">ii. Relationality</h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Whether taken literally or metaphorically, the Dark Goddess is the one who shapes reality, creating and filling in spaces where we need to do the hard work of the spiritual journey. As we do this work, we may come to realize that relationships are our primary reminder of connection. We might not be surprised, therefore, to find the quality of relationality located at the Anahata Chakra, our heart center, a place of balance, potential, and equanimity. Seat of the soul in many traditions, the heart is the place through which we experience the bonds of Creation: from the outside in and the inside out.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The second of her qualities, relationality has correspondences in East and Air. The tool of the Dark Goddess in the East is the mirror. In it we see revealed our most authentic nature and the heart of all truths reflected through Her. As she gazes back at us, we may delve into the questions—especially those that relate us to our physically-, emotionally-, intellectually-, and culturally-informed notions of who we are—that get at the meaning of our identity and existence. This is the very stuff of soul making, the very stuff of awakening spiritual maturity. Here, She offers us the power of an unconditional embrace.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Practices such as seva, or selfless service, and other efforts that create happiness, deepen heartfelt feeling states, and cultivate compassion (our ability to be with suffering) ignite this quality of hers. Practices you might wish to explore include dream work, scrying, regression, and forms of transpersonal therapy, journaling, walking/active meditation, and conscious loving.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">On your altar, use things that you particularly enjoy touching, picking up, and holding. Spend time with the objects of your choosing, allowing the holding to rekindle ancient memories and awaken mythic connections. Choose a variety of tactile delights to incorporate into your ritual environment, such as textured fabrics, wood, stone, and fur. Above all else, bring yourself into love through devotion. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">iii. Chthonic</h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The Pavamana Mantra from the Upanishads offers this prayer: from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality, lead us. The word chthonic, from the Greek khthonios meaning \"in the earth,\" denotes that which is of or relating to the underworld. This quality of Dark Goddess, the chthonic, shares resonance with this most powerful and purifying of mantras. Chant it aloud now and feel the movement of sound around and within you:</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">OM</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Asatoma sad gamaya\r\nAum uh’-suh-toh-maa suhd’ guh’-muh-yuh</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya\r\nTuh’-muh-soh-maa jyoh’-teer guh’-muh-yuh</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\">Mrityorma amritam gamaya\r\nMriht’-yohr-maa uhm’-rih-tuhm guh’-muh-yuh</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">To feel the reverberations of the chanting as one speaks, intones, or even listens to these Sanskrit syllables is to know the essence of the chthonic, for through this mantra we are shown the potential to shift the very fabric of our being toward our dreams, our fullest realization, and our ultimate bliss. In walking the path of the chthonic and in heeding the words of this eternal prayer, we are celebrating from our original yearning. We are opening to the journey of the underworld, to the origin of our soul’s passage from energy to manifest reality.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">This work is particularly relevant where the chthonic is held psychically: at the third chakra, the Manipura Chakra, which is the seat of our individual will, located at the solar plexus.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The chthonic is also the third of her qualities, with correspondences in South and Fire. We might laugh to think of the underworld and fire connected together (since we may automatically conjure up images of a Christian Hell), but although often hot and fierce, the fires of the Dark Goddess burn for reasons other than damnation. In fact, they burn for purification and with the elemental power of light—that which gives form to energy and liberates us from misconceptions about phenomena in the material world. The realm of the chthonic is therefore also our connection to individual power and the sacred dance we share with the Divine in working to discover our true nature.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The tool of the chthonic is the flame, that which brings illumination to the shadows, helping us to see the real and recognize the unreal. Practices such as those that induce trance, bring on altered states of consciousness, and assist inner sight are beneficial toward understanding the realm of the chthonic. For example, shamanic drumming, trataka (focused concentration on one point or object), repetitive chanting, kriya yoga, and yoga nidra (practices that cultivate deep aware sleep) are all aids in coming to know this quality and its ramifications on gross, subtle and causal levels. Mudras too can help one focus the transformational energies of inner and outer worlds to great effect.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">In working with this quality of Dark Goddess, you may wish to light candles and practice candle magick. Enjoy the play of the light on your chosen ritual objects, and see if you can enter into meditation, eyes open, while focusing about four feet away from you. Explore movement and dance, opening yourself to the physical landscape and the special features and curves of your own body and face. Create mudras spontaneously. Play with colors, sparkles, and eye-catching items on your altar, manifesting beauty and sweet flows of energy all around you. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">iv. Cyclicity</h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The power of time, the space between dark and light where the yearning pulls us into the future, the internal mechanisms that reveal the oak tree from the acorn, the strands of our DNA, the ebb and flow of tides. Cyclicity is the fourth of her qualities, with correspondences in West and Water. Its locus is the Svadhisthana Chakra, seat of the self located at the pelvic floor. Some of the mystery may be revealed when we notice that the taste of pure water is unlike anything we know; it is clear, without particular qualities of sour or sweet, pungent or salty. Yet it is utterly refreshing and deeply satisfying to have a good drink. This is the revelation of the Dark Goddess through cyclicity.</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Her tool in this place of ancestral knowing and remembrance is a water pot, which taps into the cycles of the moon and seasons, helping us open to the dynamic tension of the universe and the pull of our karmas through life, death and rebirth. Practices such as gardening that bring us into communion with nature and allow us to literally taste our efforts (as planting a vegetable garden would), as well as those that symbolically allow us to taste the fruits of life, such as devotional prayer, cooking, poetry writing, and other bhakti (devotional) offerings, can aid us in understanding and deepening our connection with this quality of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Bring spices, food, and drink to your altar, on one level remembering and honoring your ancestors within the cycle of life, and on another remembering and honoring the seasons and what it takes to nourish living beings. Food and drink on your altar also provides a remembering and honoring of the work we do and must do to feed the spirit. Cyclicity offers the prasad (blessed food) of the Dark Goddess. Nourish yourself through the virtues of this quality on all levels, heeding the power of the eternal return. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">v. Antinomian</h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">The antinomian is that which sits outside the normative, the socially acceptable, the so-called rational. It is the quality of the Dark Goddess that makes us think about our assumptions, reveals our internalized oppressions, and forces us to look directly at reality without the blinders of cultural, religious, and social frameworks. The fifth of her qualities, with correspondences in Center/Circumference and Ether, the quality of the antinomian is resonant with the Vishuddha Chakra or throat center. This is the seat of Her unfolding into consciousness through sound, the place where both reality and our karma are created through spoken words.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">This space encompasses both sound and echo—the arising from the void into vibration and then into engagement with our sense of hearing, with the phenomenal world and back again. Since all sound is carried on ether, practices such as mantra repetition, chanting, kirtan (call and response singing), and sounding in general (with voice or instruments) are important to help uncover this quality of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">On your altar, you may wish to keep a rattle, drum, bell, or other instrument that augments or accentuates your voice or the silence as you do ritual, chant, or sing. To know this quality is to move sound, create vibrations, and make waves in the fabric of your being and the world around you. It is to show up as you fully, authentically are, naked to the impositions of family and society. In this way and in a literal sense, digambara (sky-clad) ceremony can be liberating.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Her tool is the murti, or image that you will imbue with life-force energy for worship. The murti can be any object you wish to represent Her. Choose a worthy home for Her, allowing this object to reflect aspects of Her that you wish to honor and to which you will make devotions over time. It can be natural, such as a stone or tree; handcrafted; or purchased in a shop. Unlock her secrets in the anointing, decorating, loving and honoring of Her image, this receptacle for the rapture that is her. Delight in that which will be present through it. If you have selected or created an image with eyes, gaze upon that gateway with intensity of concentration and surrendered self. What you experience, this is an essence of the Dark Goddess.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>3. Activating Her</h3>\r\nWith the Dark Goddess, we can not only discover and work with the transformational powers she possesses, but also find sanctuary in her wisdom, especially in moments of despair, hopelessness, overwhelm, sorrow, and loss. We can find reassurance during times of challenge and crisis because She holds this part of reality too—and holds it along with everything else in loving kindness. Now that you have prepared the space and readied yourself through meditation, contemplation, and other practices, the time is ripe to welcome in the Dark Goddess of your choosing.\r\n\r\nTo activate Her, we begin with activation of Her qualities. Once we feel the power of these essences, we turn inward, to the place of the indwelling Divine. We open to the qualities within ourselves, utilizing a focus on breath to bring us more deeply into present awareness. Place your hands on your heart, left on top of right palm and breathe as though through this chakra, opening your heart as you continue to deepen your breath. In this place of stimulated alignment between the outer experience of the qualities as you’ve represented them on your altar and your inner awareness of them, imagine the coming together of breath and this awareness deep within at your core. Allow yourself to feel the universe of the inner planes together with consciousness fully present here at the root of your connection to all that lies beyond ego attachment and agendas.\r\n\r\nNow, before your altar, keeping your internal focus, gently open your eyes and gaze upon your murti, the image of the goddess you have readied to awaken. Tenderly and with intention, turn your hands outward, keeping left palm on right. Bring your palms over the murti, and imbue the image with the energy you have cultivated. All the while, stay centered with long and slow breaths. To seal the activation, place the ring finger of your right hand (keeping the palms together and merely bending the ring finger) at the heart or center of the murti, and say, “Welcome, Goddess (Name); Evam Astu!” (Evam astu is Sanskrit for “so mote it be.” It is pronounced, “aa-vuhm_ uhs-too.” You may certainly use any other form of concretization or sealing of energy that you wish here.)\r\n\r\nWith this invocation and awakening through intentional touch of prana (life-force energy), She is now present and your altar is alive. Take a few moments to return the awakened energy to your own heart and other chakras, feeling Her energy now through this nyasa (placement) within you. Honor Her living presence wholeheartedly, with reverence and respect. You may wish to make offerings to Her (such as food, jewelry, flowers, incense and other delightful things), pray, do spellwork, bless objects, or simply deepen your meditations. The choice is yours.\r\n<h3>4. Gratitudes &amp; Visarjan (Devocation)</h3>\r\nAs you feel ready to end, it is only proper to thank Her for being present and to acknowledge the gift of the Divine within yourself. You may wish to offer gratitudes to each of Her qualities in turn, finally returning to the murti She inhabits. Give thanks to the Dark Goddess you have lovingly welcomed, and sing her praises. Then, with your hands again placed left over right, begin at the head or top of the image and slowly and gently move down toward the ground or bottom of your altar, drawing the life-force energy out of the murti and releasing it to serve wherever it is needed.\r\n\r\nAt this point, you may wish to ground by bringing the thumb and ring finger of each hand together and touching the earth on either side of your body. End with the words, “Evam Astu” again, or choose some version of, “Hail and farewell!”—something that feels appropriate to you as a final devocation. In this way, the rite is complete and your altar is more richly steeped in the energy gifted through Her living presence. Moreover, you are imbued with Her prana through this work in even fuller and richer ways. Know that by this effort and through Her grace, you are also just a little less encumbered; just a little more free.\r\n\r\nMay Her blessings fill you always.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThis article first appeared in Llewellyn\'s <a href=\"http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1918\" target=\"_blank\">online journal</a>.','How to Create a Living Altar to the Dark Goddess','','inherit','open','open','','100195-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 11:34:55','2013-09-26 18:34:55','',100195,'<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nMany practitioners are afraid of dark goddess energies. Divinities such as Hecate, The Morrigan, Freya, Gran Brijit, Kali, Lilith, Oya and others prove frightening, leaving many without recourse to some powerful',0,'revision','',0),(100418,2,'2013-09-26 11:50:00','2013-09-26 18:50:00','Tonight’s puja was such a powerful reminder to me of why I become involved in SHARANYA, why I walked through the threshold of initiation, and why I am so passionate about the work we do in the world in Her name. The devotion, the mantras, the songs, the ceremonies allow us to see Her, touch Her, and experience Her within our own hearts. She is a part of us. We are a part of Her. The entire Universe, the cycles of Nature, and the yearning of our soul is Her wondrous dance, loving weaving all things into being.\r\n','Puja in Community','','publish','closed','closed','','puja-in-community','','','2013-10-20 22:37:50','2013-10-21 05:37:50','',0,'Tonight’s puja was such a powerful reminder to me of why I become involved in SHARANYA, why I walked through the threshold of initiation, and why I am so passionate about the work we do in the world in Her name. The devotion, the mantras, the songs, the c',0,'th_testimonials','',0),(100419,2,'2013-09-26 11:52:07','2013-09-26 18:52:07','At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness. We honor through Maa her relationship to an unpathologized Sacred Male as manifest particularly through Shiva. This relationship is at the heart of the birthing potentials of the universe.<br><br>\r\n\r\nCeremony is held in the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Sha\'can tradition</a> and lead by Rashani (ordained clergy) with help from community. Our puja infuses methods and practices from East and West in order to create a sacred space for worship, deepening, and opening on the path of the <i>bhakta</i>, or devotee of the Divine. An <a title=\"RSVP for Kali Puja\" href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\" target=\"_blank\">R.S.V.P.</a> is requested if you would like to participate.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"2\" perpage=\"2\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"puja-2\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What to bring\" active=\"\"]Offerings for the main altar are welcome. It is customary to bring flowers, fruit, wine, vegetarian offerings, or sweets and to refrain from wearing black to our public rituals. If you wish to wear a special color for Kali, we invite you to don red, a color associated with Her power in the phenomenal world as <i>shakti</i>, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed. [/toggle] </span>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Donations\" active=\"\"]A sliding scale donation of $21-11 is suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and <i>prasad</i> (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted. If you wish, you may <a title=\"Donate to SHARANYA\" href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=%2094-3334334&amp;vlrStratCode=QfHkjvv7O3iNUsVQhMSxvV1lSAo5hzn%2bjcTdl9IU4KAZH1KCyhNWvn%2fBXD%2bsythO\" target=\"_blank\">donate online</a>. We appreciate the offerings you make to support our work and the community. Jai Maa! [/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What is puja like?\" active=\"\"]Our pujas are participatory, devotional, sometimes deeply transformational and often, fun! The ritual begins by casting a circle hand to hand, creating a sacred space between the worlds. We honor and invoke the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, the elements of life, as guides and allies in our worship. Through breath, song, movement, and speech in both English and Sanskrit, unique voices then call forth ancestors and the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe first invoke Agni, Lord of the sacrificial fire, the dancing flame of all beings. Agni helps open a channel for us to commune with the Divine. Agni is also one of the most ancient deities of the Vedic tradition, honored with the first nine verses of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious text still used today. Our ceremony continues to open to the Divine by next calling Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Obstacles who opens our minds and hearts to touch the Great Mystery. Through His worship, we are resolved of all that hinders our path and keeps us from fully experiencing the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nMoving into deeper awareness of God and Self, we invoke Lord Shiva, the destroyer of life, sensuous yogi, Father of the Three Worlds, and Cosmic Consciousness alive in all things. His is the dance that turns the cycles of the seasons, the stars in orbit, and the ebb and flow the Universe. We welcome Him with our voices, chanting sacred verses that have lived in the hearts of humanity for thousands of years. Together we offer flowers and praise Shiva, singing \"Shiva Shambo Mahadeva Shambo\", honoring Shiva as the Great God and the bringer of peace. Opening to His love and compassion, we see the beauty and divinity of the world.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFully in the flow of Divine awareness, we then call forth Maa Kali to join our circle. With deep yearning in our beingness, we welcome the Goddess with mantras that have been sung to Her for millennia. We bow to Her divine presence and perform <i>aarti</i>, offering incense, water, food, fan, and light before Her living image. Maa can be felt through her sacred image on the altar, and you are invited to take <i>darshan</i> with her. Darshan comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning \"to see\" and one can think of it as both seeing and being seen by the Divine. It also refers to sitting in the presence of the Divine and connecting by staring into the eyes of Kali Maa in the central image, the one that has been enlivened through <i>prana shakti</i> or life force energy. This practice will encourage peacefulness, insight, blessings and perhaps visions to come to you.<br><br>\r\n\r\nTogether we then sing \"Jai Maa\", Victory to the Mother, as we open fully and allow Her to touch our hearts. We breathe Her in, reaching ecstatic states through which we can more deeply experience Her beauty and grace. With the use of sacred substances and tools, we further deepen our awareness and allow Her messages to come forth.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThrough puja (worship) offered to Maa Kali, we allow the Goddess to heal us and renew our souls. When we set time aside, as a community or alone, to perform puja to the Divine Mother, we connect to the original whim of God to know Herself. As we attune to the elemental powers and offer devotion to the gods, we transform ourselves and give birth to new worlds of being. Puja becomes part of the cosmic creation, allowing us to journey beyond time space reality and aid in the continuation of life on this planet. It grants us the ability to move from individual heart space into places of unlimited possibility. We awaken to the Goddess in every facet of our being and transform our reality, coming to see Maa Kali as the Holy Mother in whom we live, move, and have our selves made whole.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Temple etiquette\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you are entering the sacred space of our <i>mandir</i> (temple), touch the ground with your right hand, and then touch your forehead. This is a symbolic gesture of humility. Taking the dust from the feet of Maa, our Divine Mother, to our brow, we contemplate and bring mindfulness to the surrender of our egos and the openness of our hearts to Her. Then join your hands together in prayer position at your heart and gently bow toward the altar as a sign of respect.</span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not turn your back to the altar; please back away for a few paces and then turn.  </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not to block the altar from other people\'s view, and allow others to join you as you prostrate before Her. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please do not face the bottoms of your feet toward the altar as this is disrespectful. Do cover your feet with a shawl if you are able to do so in order to sit more comfortably (you may wish to bring your own and the temple has some on hand for community). </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you move in the space, always try to go in a clockwise direction. This helps draw on the power of natural cycles and brings us into greater alignment with the mirroring of our individual selves and the turning of the universe.</span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">You are invited to wear red. Please abstain from wearing black during puja. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Be mindful. </span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"FAQs\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<b>What is the proper way to enter the temple?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen entering sacred space, our sanctuary, or a dedicated temple, it is customary to touch the floor with one\'s right hand and then touch one\'s forehead. This is an act signifying one\'s intention to surrender to the divine (our deepest awareness of the divine will and our highest self) for the duration of the time one spends along with the deity being worshiped within the physical space occupied for worship. With this motion we are taking the dust from the floor in God/dess\' home and putting it to our head to ritualize our deeper understanding of and work toward ego surrender. We allow this intention to be witnessed and acknowledged in community.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAll who enter then pranam, paying respect to the lineage of teachers and the presiding teacher to honor the kaula, or spiritual family, of the temple and tradition.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is darshan? Are there certain or more appropriate ways to approach Maa when receiving darshan?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\n\'Darshan\' comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning, \'to see.\' Darshan literally means to \'see\' the divine; it is a term used to express the act of physically looking into the eyes of the image or statue into which the presence of the divine has been invoked and activated during ritual. By so doing, the worshiper is brought more closely into connection with the divine presence, allowing our soul--the spark of the divine within us--to recognize the original state of our beingness. Through darshan we reactivate our connection to Spirit, both internally and externally. When approaching the Divine Mother, it is important to breathe and remain open in one\'s heart.  Physical acts in addition to maintaining eye contact may include: prostration, bowing of the head, holding the hands in <i>anjali mudra</i> (the namaste or prayer position at the heart center), touching of the forehead to the feet of the deity, and other similar gestures of surrender, honoring and respect.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we cover our feet in front of Maa’s altar?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWe cover our feet and refrain from pointing them toward the altar out of respect for the spiritual process. The feet signify the mundane, the place of contact with our earthly selves. By being aware of the mundane in worship, we can set an intention to utilize that awareness to bring ourselves closer to our spiritual goals. Also, in traditional Hindu culture (as in many other cultures), pointing the feet at one\'s elders or others is considered disrespectful; and we honor the idea and practice of maintaining humility and respect in all relationships.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does the word <i>prema</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIt means \'love.\'<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we call directions thrice at community pujas? Is this a hard and fast rule?</b><br><br> \r\nThree is both a sacred number for goddess worship and a spiritual seal, a way of fully inviting in and holding the guides and energies called to be present in puja.  Calling in the directions three times also encourages more participation in the circle. We welcome invocations from all traditions during this part of the ceremony. During our annual Kali Puja Festival, the directional invocations are more elaborate and are supplemented with special elemental altars at each quarter. Therefore, during this time invocations are only done once.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we ring the bell before we approach Maa?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe bell is rung to let Maa know that we are coming to worship Her. It also awakens us to the power of vibrational energy made manifest.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why are there so many skulls associated with Kali and the Sha\'can path?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn many of the world\'s spiritual traditions, skulls, as repositories of the brain, are symbols of the power of the mind and of wisdom, as well as of the integrative forces that allow principles of mind, body and spirit to reveal the divine nature of beingness. Our cranium, therefore, is considered to be a symbol of the human potential for enlightenment, or oneness with God/dess.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen acting in the mundane realm, human beings often forget about or stray from this original connection to Spirit. To do so leaves the more shallow ego-identified state that is agenda-laden and task-oriented. Kali\'s skulls therefore are a reminder of our divine nature and our deeper call to the Great Mystery. They hold the potential for the unification of matter and spirit, heart and head, mind and body through love--which rectifies and embraces all opposites, bringing us through our yearning to a place of <i>sat-chit-ananda</i> (being-consciousness-bliss).  Additionally, the skulls around Kali\'s neck form a <i>mala</i>, or rosary, each symbolizing the 51 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet from which all sounds are created. Hence, all <i>mantras</i>, or conglomorates of words used to address a deity (or words used for an effect which lasts beyond the utterance of the words), are worn by Her.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>ishtadevi</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis Sanskrit word means \'chosen Goddess.\' It is akin to the similar \'ishtadeva,\' meaning \'chosen God.\' In some traditions, this deity is chosen by virtue of family line; i.e., the god or goddess who is considered the family \'patron saint.\' At SHARANYA, we promote deepening personal spiritual practice while learning about the Sha\'can tradition in order to facilitate the personal revelation of this deity, who resides in one\'s heart. The ishtadeva or ishtadevi is also understood to be a reflection of the undifferentiated cosmic consciousness.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What\'s the difference between <i>Devi</i> and <i>Deva</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word Devi means Goddess, and the word Deva means God.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>sadhana</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word \'sadhana\' means spiritual practice or discipline. In this, it can mean a particular practice or method--a spiritual technology--one undertakes or employs to deepen a connection with the divine or spirit; e.g., meditation, japa, or prayer. It also refers to the spiritual journey overall and in this sense relates to one\'s way of walking in the world or \'doing\' life.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>dakshina</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is an offering made, monetary or otherwise, to one\'s teacher out of respect and gratitude for the teaching or work done on one\'s behalf, such as during puja, homa (fire ceremony) or other ceremony. It is given from the heart and is never asked for directly.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>Jai Maa</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is a call to the Divine Mother, \'Maa,\' a singing of Her glory. Literally, \'jai\' means \'victory,\' although we often translate it as \'hallelujah\' or \'praises.\' Speaking \'Jai Maa\' in puja (worship ceremony) is an affirmation of the Divine Mother\'s blessings, a chant of gratitude for all Her gifts and the challenges She provides that help us grow spiritually.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we chant to Agni first during Puja?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn Hinduism, Agni is the god of fire, the one who presides over all rites and rituals. He is \'purohit,\' the one who presides over the fire ceremony and is the first deity honored in the Rig Veda, the oldest written religious text of record from among all surviving world\'s spiritual traditions. Simply, fire is what enabled humanity to first survive and then thrive. We open our ceremonies with a chant to Agni to honor the role of fire both as literal element and as metaphor for the transformational spiritual journey.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>How do you \"ground\"?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe concept of grounding refers to any method of reconnecting to one\'s body (i.e., physicality) after engaging in any endeavor, spiritual, emotional, or intellectual that facilitates or actively directs focus away from the fact of one\'s embodied presence in the moment. We can be readily reminded of our bodies through bringing attention to our breathing or by touching of the ground on which we stand, invoking the power of पृथ्वी (pṛthvī), or Earth. Doing so reincorporates us, allowing for an integration of our experience with the fullness of mind, body and spirit.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What are the most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, the two most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas are the <i>Devi Mahatmya</i> (or <i>Chandi Path</i>, as it is also called), and the <i>Srimad Devi Bhagavatam</i>. Other important texts for left-hand Tantric practitioners and devotees of the Dark Goddess Kali and all her manifestations are the <i>Yogini Tantra</i> and the <i>Kalika Purana</i>.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Listen to a puja - Jai Maa!</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jaima64.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/events\" title=\"Puja Calendar\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0387-e1378621009871.jpg\" ]Upcoming dates[/teaser]','Puja','','inherit','open','open','','99134-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 11:52:07','2013-09-26 18:52:07','',99134,'At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness.',0,'revision','',0),(100420,2,'2013-09-26 11:58:11','2013-09-26 18:58:11','One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we are buying into overplayed stereotypes about the color.  \r\n\r\nIn our tradition and lineage, black is a color only worn by the initiated, and only in certain ceremonies. For others and on most occasions, red is the color that is appropriate to don for worshiping Maa in Her many guises; for example as Bhadra Kali or Dakshina Kali. \r\n\r\nHowever, initiates within our <I>Kaula</I> (spiritual family) also work with non-dualistic practices and open to Her as Smashan Kali, or Kali of the cremation grounds. When we wish to acknowledge and honor this path, we bring practices and knowledge to help facilitate experience with this more encompassing aspect of Maa\'s presence. In public community pujas, we do not wear black because it requires clear intention and dedicated effort to contain among those not familiar with Her path. \r\n\r\nSHARANYA certainly doesn\'t turn away people who come to ceremony wearing black; but there is a responsibility that comes with calling in the non-dualistic energies of Kali Maa, and it is important to be aware of this in one\'s surrender to Her. Ultimately, everyone has to make their own decision about what is appropriate to wear within their own practice. We ask, however, that if you choose to worship with us, you observe our custom out of respect. ','The Color Black at Puja','','inherit','open','open','','99018-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 11:58:11','2013-09-26 18:58:11','',99018,'One of the questions people often ask when they are exploring or encountering SHARANYA for the first time is, \"Why can\'t I wear black to puja?\". For some it can seem almost counterintuitive, as Kali is black Herself. Others may assume that it\'s because we',0,'revision','',0),(100421,2,'2013-09-26 12:08:25','2013-09-26 19:08:25','At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness. We honor through Maa her relationship to an unpathologized Sacred Male as manifest particularly through Shiva. This relationship is at the heart of the birthing potentials of the universe.<br><br>\r\n\r\nCeremony is held in the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\" target=\"_blank\">Sha\'can tradition</a> and lead by Rashani (ordained clergy) with help from community. Our puja infuses methods and practices from East and West in order to create a sacred space for worship, deepening, and opening on the path of the <i>bhakta</i>, or devotee of the Divine. An <a title=\"RSVP for Kali Puja\" href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\" target=\"_blank\">R.S.V.P.</a> is requested if you would like to participate.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"2\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"puja-2\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What to bring\" active=\"\"]Offerings for the main altar are welcome. It is customary to bring flowers, fruit, wine, vegetarian offerings, or sweets and to refrain from wearing black to our public rituals. If you wish to wear a special color for Kali, we invite you to don red, a color associated with Her power in the phenomenal world as <i>shakti</i>, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed. [/toggle] </span>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Donations\" active=\"\"]A sliding scale donation of $21-11 is suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and <i>prasad</i> (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted. If you wish, you may <a title=\"Donate to SHARANYA\" href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=%2094-3334334&amp;vlrStratCode=QfHkjvv7O3iNUsVQhMSxvV1lSAo5hzn%2bjcTdl9IU4KAZH1KCyhNWvn%2fBXD%2bsythO\" target=\"_blank\">donate online</a>. We appreciate the offerings you make to support our work and the community. Jai Maa! [/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"What is puja like?\" active=\"\"]Our pujas are participatory, devotional, sometimes deeply transformational and often, fun! The ritual begins by casting a circle hand to hand, creating a sacred space between the worlds. We honor and invoke the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, the elements of life, as guides and allies in our worship. Through breath, song, movement, and speech in both English and Sanskrit, unique voices then call forth ancestors and the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWe first invoke Agni, Lord of the sacrificial fire, the dancing flame of all beings. Agni helps open a channel for us to commune with the Divine. Agni is also one of the most ancient deities of the Vedic tradition, honored with the first nine verses of the Rig Veda, the oldest religious text still used today. Our ceremony continues to open to the Divine by next calling Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Obstacles who opens our minds and hearts to touch the Great Mystery. Through His worship, we are resolved of all that hinders our path and keeps us from fully experiencing the Divine.<br><br>\r\n\r\nMoving into deeper awareness of God and Self, we invoke Lord Shiva, the destroyer of life, sensuous yogi, Father of the Three Worlds, and Cosmic Consciousness alive in all things. His is the dance that turns the cycles of the seasons, the stars in orbit, and the ebb and flow the Universe. We welcome Him with our voices, chanting sacred verses that have lived in the hearts of humanity for thousands of years. Together we offer flowers and praise Shiva, singing \"Shiva Shambo Mahadeva Shambo\", honoring Shiva as the Great God and the bringer of peace. Opening to His love and compassion, we see the beauty and divinity of the world.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFully in the flow of Divine awareness, we then call forth Maa Kali to join our circle. With deep yearning in our beingness, we welcome the Goddess with mantras that have been sung to Her for millennia. We bow to Her divine presence and perform <i>aarti</i>, offering incense, water, food, fan, and light before Her living image. Maa can be felt through her sacred image on the altar, and you are invited to take <i>darshan</i> with her. Darshan comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning \"to see\" and one can think of it as both seeing and being seen by the Divine. It also refers to sitting in the presence of the Divine and connecting by staring into the eyes of Kali Maa in the central image, the one that has been enlivened through <i>prana shakti</i> or life force energy. This practice will encourage peacefulness, insight, blessings and perhaps visions to come to you.<br><br>\r\n\r\nTogether we then sing \"Jai Maa\", Victory to the Mother, as we open fully and allow Her to touch our hearts. We breathe Her in, reaching ecstatic states through which we can more deeply experience Her beauty and grace. With the use of sacred substances and tools, we further deepen our awareness and allow Her messages to come forth.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThrough puja (worship) offered to Maa Kali, we allow the Goddess to heal us and renew our souls. When we set time aside, as a community or alone, to perform puja to the Divine Mother, we connect to the original whim of God to know Herself. As we attune to the elemental powers and offer devotion to the gods, we transform ourselves and give birth to new worlds of being. Puja becomes part of the cosmic creation, allowing us to journey beyond time space reality and aid in the continuation of life on this planet. It grants us the ability to move from individual heart space into places of unlimited possibility. We awaken to the Goddess in every facet of our being and transform our reality, coming to see Maa Kali as the Holy Mother in whom we live, move, and have our selves made whole.[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Temple etiquette\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you are entering the sacred space of our <i>mandir</i> (temple), touch the ground with your right hand, and then touch your forehead. This is a symbolic gesture of humility. Taking the dust from the feet of Maa, our Divine Mother, to our brow, we contemplate and bring mindfulness to the surrender of our egos and the openness of our hearts to Her. Then join your hands together in prayer position at your heart and gently bow toward the altar as a sign of respect.</span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not turn your back to the altar; please back away for a few paces and then turn.  </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Do not to block the altar from other people\'s view, and allow others to join you as you prostrate before Her. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please do not face the bottoms of your feet toward the altar as this is disrespectful. Do cover your feet with a shawl if you are able to do so in order to sit more comfortably (you may wish to bring your own and the temple has some on hand for community). </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">As you move in the space, always try to go in a clockwise direction. This helps draw on the power of natural cycles and brings us into greater alignment with the mirroring of our individual selves and the turning of the universe.</span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: Arial;\">You are invited to wear red. Please abstain from wearing black during puja. </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Be mindful. </span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"FAQs\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<b>What is the proper way to enter the temple?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen entering sacred space, our sanctuary, or a dedicated temple, it is customary to touch the floor with one\'s right hand and then touch one\'s forehead. This is an act signifying one\'s intention to surrender to the divine (our deepest awareness of the divine will and our highest self) for the duration of the time one spends along with the deity being worshiped within the physical space occupied for worship. With this motion we are taking the dust from the floor in God/dess\' home and putting it to our head to ritualize our deeper understanding of and work toward ego surrender. We allow this intention to be witnessed and acknowledged in community.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAll who enter then pranam, paying respect to the lineage of teachers and the presiding teacher to honor the kaula, or spiritual family, of the temple and tradition.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is darshan? Are there certain or more appropriate ways to approach Maa when receiving darshan?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\n\'Darshan\' comes from the Sanskrit verb meaning, \'to see.\' Darshan literally means to \'see\' the divine; it is a term used to express the act of physically looking into the eyes of the image or statue into which the presence of the divine has been invoked and activated during ritual. By so doing, the worshiper is brought more closely into connection with the divine presence, allowing our soul--the spark of the divine within us--to recognize the original state of our beingness. Through darshan we reactivate our connection to Spirit, both internally and externally. When approaching the Divine Mother, it is important to breathe and remain open in one\'s heart.  Physical acts in addition to maintaining eye contact may include: prostration, bowing of the head, holding the hands in <i>anjali mudra</i> (the namaste or prayer position at the heart center), touching of the forehead to the feet of the deity, and other similar gestures of surrender, honoring and respect.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we cover our feet in front of Maa’s altar?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nWe cover our feet and refrain from pointing them toward the altar out of respect for the spiritual process. The feet signify the mundane, the place of contact with our earthly selves. By being aware of the mundane in worship, we can set an intention to utilize that awareness to bring ourselves closer to our spiritual goals. Also, in traditional Hindu culture (as in many other cultures), pointing the feet at one\'s elders or others is considered disrespectful; and we honor the idea and practice of maintaining humility and respect in all relationships.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does the word <i>prema</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIt means \'love.\'<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we call directions thrice at community pujas? Is this a hard and fast rule?</b><br><br> \r\nThree is both a sacred number for goddess worship and a spiritual seal, a way of fully inviting in and holding the guides and energies called to be present in puja.  Calling in the directions three times also encourages more participation in the circle. We welcome invocations from all traditions during this part of the ceremony. During our annual Kali Puja Festival, the directional invocations are more elaborate and are supplemented with special elemental altars at each quarter. Therefore, during this time invocations are only done once.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we ring the bell before we approach Maa?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe bell is rung to let Maa know that we are coming to worship Her. It also awakens us to the power of vibrational energy made manifest.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why are there so many skulls associated with Kali and the Sha\'can path?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn many of the world\'s spiritual traditions, skulls, as repositories of the brain, are symbols of the power of the mind and of wisdom, as well as of the integrative forces that allow principles of mind, body and spirit to reveal the divine nature of beingness. Our cranium, therefore, is considered to be a symbol of the human potential for enlightenment, or oneness with God/dess.<br><br>\r\n\r\nWhen acting in the mundane realm, human beings often forget about or stray from this original connection to Spirit. To do so leaves the more shallow ego-identified state that is agenda-laden and task-oriented. Kali\'s skulls therefore are a reminder of our divine nature and our deeper call to the Great Mystery. They hold the potential for the unification of matter and spirit, heart and head, mind and body through love--which rectifies and embraces all opposites, bringing us through our yearning to a place of <i>sat-chit-ananda</i> (being-consciousness-bliss).  Additionally, the skulls around Kali\'s neck form a <i>mala</i>, or rosary, each symbolizing the 51 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet from which all sounds are created. Hence, all <i>mantras</i>, or conglomorates of words used to address a deity (or words used for an effect which lasts beyond the utterance of the words), are worn by Her.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>ishtadevi</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis Sanskrit word means \'chosen Goddess.\' It is akin to the similar \'ishtadeva,\' meaning \'chosen God.\' In some traditions, this deity is chosen by virtue of family line; i.e., the god or goddess who is considered the family \'patron saint.\' At SHARANYA, we promote deepening personal spiritual practice while learning about the Sha\'can tradition in order to facilitate the personal revelation of this deity, who resides in one\'s heart. The ishtadeva or ishtadevi is also understood to be a reflection of the undifferentiated cosmic consciousness.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What\'s the difference between <i>Devi</i> and <i>Deva</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word Devi means Goddess, and the word Deva means God.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>sadhana</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe Sanskrit word \'sadhana\' means spiritual practice or discipline. In this, it can mean a particular practice or method--a spiritual technology--one undertakes or employs to deepen a connection with the divine or spirit; e.g., meditation, japa, or prayer. It also refers to the spiritual journey overall and in this sense relates to one\'s way of walking in the world or \'doing\' life.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What is <i>dakshina</i>?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is an offering made, monetary or otherwise, to one\'s teacher out of respect and gratitude for the teaching or work done on one\'s behalf, such as during puja, homa (fire ceremony) or other ceremony. It is given from the heart and is never asked for directly.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What does <i>Jai Maa</i> mean?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis is a call to the Divine Mother, \'Maa,\' a singing of Her glory. Literally, \'jai\' means \'victory,\' although we often translate it as \'hallelujah\' or \'praises.\' Speaking \'Jai Maa\' in puja (worship ceremony) is an affirmation of the Divine Mother\'s blessings, a chant of gratitude for all Her gifts and the challenges She provides that help us grow spiritually.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Why do we chant to Agni first during Puja?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nIn Hinduism, Agni is the god of fire, the one who presides over all rites and rituals. He is \'purohit,\' the one who presides over the fire ceremony and is the first deity honored in the Rig Veda, the oldest written religious text of record from among all surviving world\'s spiritual traditions. Simply, fire is what enabled humanity to first survive and then thrive. We open our ceremonies with a chant to Agni to honor the role of fire both as literal element and as metaphor for the transformational spiritual journey.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>How do you \"ground\"?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nThe concept of grounding refers to any method of reconnecting to one\'s body (i.e., physicality) after engaging in any endeavor, spiritual, emotional, or intellectual that facilitates or actively directs focus away from the fact of one\'s embodied presence in the moment. We can be readily reminded of our bodies through bringing attention to our breathing or by touching of the ground on which we stand, invoking the power of पृथ्वी (pṛthvī), or Earth. Doing so reincorporates us, allowing for an integration of our experience with the fullness of mind, body and spirit.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>What are the most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas?</b><br><br>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, the two most important Sanskrit texts for Shaktas are the <i>Devi Mahatmya</i> (or <i>Chandi Path</i>, as it is also called), and the <i>Srimad Devi Bhagavatam</i>. Other important texts for left-hand Tantric practitioners and devotees of the Dark Goddess Kali and all her manifestations are the <i>Yogini Tantra</i> and the <i>Kalika Purana</i>.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Listen to a puja - Jai Maa!</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jaima64.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/events\" title=\"Puja Calendar\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0387-e1378621009871.jpg\" ]Upcoming dates[/teaser]','Puja','','inherit','open','open','','99134-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 12:08:25','2013-09-26 19:08:25','',99134,'At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world\'s various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness.',0,'revision','',0),(100422,2,'2013-09-26 19:46:46','2013-09-27 02:46:46','<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100102 imgborder\" alt=\"Maa Ugra Tara\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MaaUgratara.jpg\" />\r\n\r\n<em>Devi</em>, as She is called in Sanskrit, is the supreme Goddess of Indian Hindu tradition. She is multifaceted and universal in appeal; however, understanding Devi, particularly from a western perspective, is frighteningly difficult. This is at least in part because we in the West have traditionally little upon which to base a conception of Goddess, let alone a goddess who is both immanent and transcendent, unitary and multiplex, all-pervasive and immediately powerful.\r\n\r\nHere, by sharing a contemporary ritual that combines eastern and western practice and devotion, I hope to show that a new level of cyclical complexity can be achieved in which the goddess\' symbols inform by connecting to passion that is not containable by country of origin. I believe that ritual has the power to reverberate throughout more than the immediate context and situatedness of subjects and communities. Therefore, rather than judging who and where Devi belongs, perhaps the reciprocity of human kindness can far exceed our expectations; the grand hope being that we can empower women and men alike through worship of Devi to be all of who and what they are, and whatever they may want to be, no matter what their address.\r\n\r\nBefore we delve into the ritual, it is important to consider how we understand Devi, remembering that in Hindu life, as well as in both the sacred and the profane literature, she finds no contradiction in manifesting as intimate mother and transcendent, universal creatrix; virgin and celestial lover; faithful, complacent wife and bloodthirsty, independent huntress. In any of these forms or combinations, she encompasses and transcends Western notions of duality, thereby defying our ability to quantify, qualify or explain her existence in terms we might easily understand by virtue of a dominant worldview. Devi, it would appear, is beyond succinct and simple explanation. She is beyond a monological interpretation.\r\n\r\nIn fact, so great has been her influence in popular culture throughout the ages that borders have never contained her. From Parvati to Kali, Shasthi to Sarasvati, new versions of goddess, new reasons for her existence, and even newer forms are constantly appearing in India and abroad. She has historically crossed with trade routes and migrations into neighboring lands, becoming a powerful and revered deity in her newly chosen homeland, wherever that might be. For example, in both Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist contexts, the Indian Kali and Chinnamasta early on became Tara and Vajrayogini, respectively. Today, Devi is beginning to find recognition across oceans in the minds and hearts of those located in more distant foreign lands, most notably North America, Australia, and Europe.\r\n\r\nHere in the United States, She is inspiring a (r)evolution of worship and is now assuming revised, context-specific meanings and alternative significances worked through the vehicles of individual bodies, minds and hearts. From the inside out, coming to us in dreams, meditations and through the channels of sacred spaces, the goddess\' archetypal symbols are lifting us through and back into ourselves. She flies through time and space into our consciousness and refuses to be ignored. It would seem that our very souls are calling her to emerge...and she is heeding the call!\r\n\r\nEspecially for those seeking to awaken the intensity of the Divine Feminine in lands that have so culturally and spiritually denied Her, the presence of a goddess who manifests in as many forms and guises as does Devi seems more than understandable. In particular, Devi seems to move westerners (a huge proportion of whom are women and those marginalized in their spirituality). Since many are called by the fierce forms of Goddess because of what She inspires, we at SHARANYA honor Devi as Kali, the fierce most divine embodiment of creation, preservation, and destruction.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\n<strong>Ritual for the Goddess as Kali: Kali Puja (Worship)</strong>\r\n\r\nPoignant and powerful, I believe that the fierce Hindu goddesses, and the Dark Mother more generally, are appearing to westerners in particular so that we may learn from her and in turn honor her for teaching, healing and working with us. As Rita Gross has suggested regarding devi, She can be a powerful resource to westerners reconceptualizing and reclaiming Goddess. Her transformative power and draw in the west is keenly felt, even though the debate still ensues over who honors her, how she is honored outside of her native context, why feminists (and others) in the west are drawn to her, what she means to those of \"foreign\" origin, where she serves best and most, and when her call may be answered.\r\n\r\nWith the ancient presence of the Goddess, of Devi, as found today throughout the world and acknowledging of her roots within indigenous traditions of India as well as what is usually regarded as the more rigidly patriarchal Sanskritic brahmanical ones, I honor Kali from my place as a western feminist dedicated to the goddess because she liberates me, inspires me and has in my own life been a vehicle for transformation. I offer this worship to continue debate and open an opportunity to pray for continued transformation of goddesses, women, peoples, and the planet. I bring traditions of East and West together here with the hope of diffusing boundaries so that consciousness can be attuned to current actualities of goddess worship as transformational, the presence of the Divine felt within a concept of universal humanness, and hearts surrounded by the grace of the divine as most acceptable to the individual in a way that reflects and suggests ramifications for the collective. Most broadly, I attempt to bring together elements of western, earth-based practice and Eastern, Sakta Tantrick worship methodologies and verses in order to honor Goddess in whatever guise She appears to those participating in this worship. At SHARANYA, this usually means that we work with Kali and Her various manifestations, still acknowledging the ties She has all over the globe.\r\n\r\nThis ritual is presented in order to facilitate the spiritual seeker\'s personal exploration into sadhana (spiritual practice), because ritual, in my opinion, can often be a powerful means for opening to another level of human potential and personal awareness. Worship is an intensely private affair even when done among others, and I recommend not only reading this, but certainly trying it. Such an endeavor, I believe, can promote overall clarity and help to develop a greater sense of relationship to the community of the divine, both during the ritual itself and in general day-to-day realities. When we at SHARANYA create space for the public to join us in this ceremony, we consider ourselves merely guides for the journey into Her embrace.\r\n\r\nThe following then is an outline for your honoring of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali, including Sanskrit mantras. Please understand that whenever/wherever you are uncomfortable with the Sanskrit language, you may use the English translation as given, or come up with your own words based on the meanings suggested. These words of worship, however, need to be revered and respected, since they are millennia old and have multiple layers of meaning that will only be revealed as a part of your own unfolding process and/or through work with a guru/teacher. Again, this is all and only presented in order to facilitate your personal exploration. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, any worship such as this should be predicated on a foundation inclusive of meditation, study, and intense contemplation of the deity to be honored – both in historical and cultural context as well as by undertaking to reveal what the deity means to you as an individual in communion with the spiritual essence of her. Worship, after all, is an intensely private affair, even when done among others. The worship as presented here is based on both western and eastern styles.\r\n\r\nIn beginning any ritual, our tradition teaches that one must prepare a space appropriate to the work to be done, and setting up the worship area in personally meaningful ways may be the very most important piece. To this I would suggest that one bring all the love, joy, and creativity one has to offer, focusing that sentiment on the altar and worship area as a temporary home for the divine. The process of calling the deity from one\'s heart into the image or statue you provide for worship takes one to the very essence of devotion.\r\n\r\nIn order for this specific ritual to be practiced, basic items to have within the worship space include: pure spring water, salt, uncooked rice, red flowers (flowers only, no stems) placed on a platter/tray or in a basket, flowers of one’s choice in a vase, sweets (Maa Kali, for example, loves chocolate and anything delightful as long as the offerings do not contain cow-derived products such as gelatin, because the cow is symbolic of her very body), red wine (or substitute), chemical-free, natural tobacco, a small round fruit (size based upon the number of individuals doing the worship; i.e., for one or two persons, a grapefruit; for up to five or so, a cantaloupe; for up to ten, a honeydew melon; for more, a watermelon), one votive candle (green or white), honey, colored paper and markers for writing a prayer, food to share, and favorite ritual objects arranged as pleasing to the senses.\r\n\r\nAs initiation of the process, take a few minutes to meditate on the divine as Kali, or as any other Dark Goddess of choice, focusing heart and mind on her presence and the overall intention of this ritual, which is to accept the Dark Goddess’ blessings and have her illuminate obstacles to spiritual growth by confronting fear and cutting through that which is unnecessary. Then, as ready, begin to intone or chant \"Jai Maa!\" which means Victory to the Divine Mother, or as we sometimes say, \"Hallelujah, Maa!\" Drums, rattles, clapping of hands, and other instruments are often used to call upon and bring spirited fun to this simple way of honoring Goddess. The ritual ensues...\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nOne may follow any desired format or one already in use from one’s own spiritual path to do this, making sure to purify the objects and the surrounding space with salt water that you have blessed. Then, taking handfuls of rice, draw on the seat in front of you (or in the center of the circle), a triangle whose point faces the image or representation of the goddess that has been installed or temporarily set up. While doing so, read (or have someone else read) the following invocation:\r\n<blockquote>OM ADHARA SAKTAYE NAMAH\r\npronunciation: AUM ahd-hah-rah shahk-tah-yay nah-mah-hah\r\n<em>(Primordial Energy of the Goddess, we bow to you)</em>\r\n\r\nOM KURMMAYA NAMAH\r\npronunciation: AUM koor-mah-yah nah-mah-hah\r\n<em>(That which holds up all Existence, we bow to you)</em>\r\n\r\nOM ANANTAYA NAMAH\r\npronunciation: AUM ah-nan-tah-yah nah-mah-hah\r\n<em>(That which is She Infinite, we bow to you)</em>\r\n\r\nOM PRTHIVYAI NAMAH\r\npronunciation: AUM pr-theev-yai nah-mah-hah\r\n<em>(The glory of Mother as Earth, we bow to you)</em></blockquote>\r\nThen invoke the ten directions, specifically adding the following mantra after the directions are called:\r\n<blockquote>OM AIM HRIM KLIM CAMUNDAYAI VICCE\r\npronunciation: AUM eye-m hreem kleem chah-moon-dah-yai veech-chay\r\n<em>(Infinite awareness knows the One, the Many and She who unites them, transforms them, and makes them whole)</em></blockquote>\r\nNext, a devotional invocation to the Eight Mothers (Asta Matrikas) as given in the Agni Purana is made. Call upon these guides as Brahmani, Mahesvari, Kaumari, Vaisnavi, Varahi, Aindri, Chamunda and Mahalaksmi. (Other versions of these deities are found in other texts.) You may use my invocation, if you\'d like.\r\n\r\nWith the naming of each goddess, place a red flower around the rice triangle you have just made, beginning at the point and going clockwise. Then, invoke the four elements, making sure to include their representations as Avani (Earth), Jalam (Water), Agni (Fire), and Vayu (Air). One may also include Akasa (Spirit/Ether) to complete the mahabhutas, or gross elements.\r\n\r\nNow, the process of expressing a yearning for Kali truly manifests. Begin by centering with focused breath on the heart, and then call Her forth:\r\n<blockquote>OM KRIM KALYAI NAMAH\r\npronunciation: AUM kreem kahl-yai nah-mah-hah\r\n<em>(We call and bow to Kali, She who is all Life, with honor and respect)</em>\r\n\r\nOM HRIM SRIM KRIM PARAMESVARI KALIKE SVAHA\r\npronunciation: AUM hreem shreem kreem para-mesh-vah-ree kah-lee-kay svah-hah\r\n<em>(Great Goddess Kali, by the power of your all-pervading nature and supreme perfection, She who is the mystery of life, death, and regeneration, we are One with you)</em>\r\n\r\nOM KALI KALI MAHAKALI KALIKE PAPAHARINI DHARMARTHAMOKSADE DEVI NARAYANI NAMO-STUTTE\r\npronunciation: AUM kah-lee kah-lee maHA-kah-lee kah-lee-kay pah-pah-har-ee-nee dhar-mar-ta-mok-shah-day day-vee nah-rah-yah-nee nah-mo stoo-tay\r\n<em>(Greatest of All, Kali, Great Goddess who is the revealer of Truth, Kali who is with us in life, make our path one of peace and virtue, bring us your strength for liberation, for self-awareness, for the awakening of our spirit, our planetand all beings, Kali, you who are All, we bow to you!)</em></blockquote>\r\n<strong>Prana Pratistha</strong>\r\n\r\nHere, our life breath is connected to the Mother, imbuing her with our energies for the purposes of this ritual. Chant, honoring her:\r\n<blockquote>OM HRIM SRIM KRIM PARAMESVARI KALIKE SVAHA PRANA IHA PRANAH\r\npronunciation: AUM hreem shreem kreem pah-rah-mesh-vah-ree kali-kay svah-hah PRAH-nah EE-hah PRAH-nah-hah\r\n<em>(Om Creation, Dissolution, Transformation – the names of the Great Goddess, we are with the Ultimate, for you are the life of all Life)</em></blockquote>\r\nThis is done three times, and after each mantra is said, release a deep breath – HA – into the central space, focusing on the altar and representations/images of Kali. Do this slowly and with intention.\r\n\r\n<strong>Purification and Puspañjali (flower offering)</strong>\r\n\r\nTake either the salt water or an essential oil of choice, and anoint the third-eye (ajña cakra) with the ring finger of the right hand, continuing to pass the oil around the circle, if applicable. Next, take the basket of red flowers and bless them, saying:\r\n<blockquote>OM PUSPA PUSPA MAHA PUSPA SUPUSPA PUSPA SAMBHAVE PUSPA CAYAVAKIRNE CA HUM PHAT SVAHA\r\npronunciation: AUM PUSH-pah PUSH-pah maHA PUSH-pah soo-PUSH-pah PUSH-pah SAHM-bha-vay PUSH-pah cha-yah-vah-keer-nay cha hoom paht sva-hah\r\n<em>(Flowers, flowers, great flowers, beautifully heaped and everywhere among us, take away our small selves, bless us, purify us, we are one with the Ultimate All)</em></blockquote>\r\nPass around the flowers, making sure everyone present has received one. The flower will accompany the prayer/offering later in the ceremony. Also pass around paper and writing implements.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\n<strong>Kali Gayatri</strong>\r\n\r\nThis sacred mantra asks for the blessings of Kali. Recite three times:\r\n<blockquote>OM MAHA KALYAI CA VIDMAHE SMASANA VASINYAI CA DHIMAHI TANNO KALI PRACHODAYAT\r\npronunciation: AUM ma-HA kalyai cha vid-ma-hey shma-shah-nah vah-sin-yai cha dhee-mah-hee tahn-no kah-lee pruh-cho-duh-yaht\r\n<em>(Om Great Goddess Kali, the One, She who resides in the Ocean of Life and in the Cremation Grounds that dissolve the world, we concentrate our energies on you, may you grant us boons and blessings)</em></blockquote>\r\n<strong>Meditation</strong>\r\n\r\nThis is the time to focus on the ritual intention and give thanks for all that Kali has brought to one’s life, remembering that what we deem both good and bad all serve Her higher purpose. Utilize the mantra om, silence, or a personal meditation/ visualization to help focus the mind and gain clarity on any issue or difficult situation that immediately comes to awareness. After several minutes, write down a prayer. Use of a Tibetan \"singing\" bowl or a bell to begin/end the meditation may help shift the energy of the work. One may choose to repeat the Kali Gayatri again at this point.\r\n\r\n<strong>Consecration</strong>\r\n\r\nNext, the sacred substances are passed around to cleanse, purify and open the senses to the divine will. These substances are symbolic of the pañcha makaras, the five \"m’s\" of the Tantras: matsya (fish), mamsa (meat), mudra (the exact nature of this substance is unknown, but it is thought to be parched grain from which altered states arise upon consumption), madya (liquor/wine) and maithuna (sexual intercourse). In the Kamakhya Tantra, it says the following:\r\n<blockquote>\"The true devotee should worship the Mother of the Universe with liquor, fish, meat, cereal and copulation.\"</blockquote>\r\nSome Tantrick schools, mostly those of dakshinachara (right-hand) path (cf. vamachara, or left-hand path), have assigned alternative meanings to these. The wine, meat, fish, and so on are replaced with coconut water, goat cheese, ginger, rice and honey. One may wish to ascertain the deeper meaning of this part of the ritual by reading of the Tantrick tradition or by intuitively working with the energies of these substances. For the purposes of this ritual, the five substances are tobacco, beer, wine, honey, and a prayer for peace and union.\r\n\r\nSprinkle salt water over the tobacco, the wine, and other substances to purify and bless them. Take some of the tobacco first (and pass around). Smell it, inhaling deeply and/or one may choose to smoke it, rolling a ritual \"cigarette.\" Next the wine, drinking three times around the circle if time allows, followed by the beer and honey. Then, prayers may be folded (with tobacco inside if it wasn’t smoked already) and along with the red flower, anointed with red vermilion or simply touched to the forehead as an acknowledgement of gratitude.\r\n\r\nChant and Worship The prayers are then offered with a chant – one can use those offered below, which were created for this purpose; or use others that come from the heart and speak to the offering:\r\n<blockquote>Cerridwyn, Om Kali, Lilith we sing to you;\r\nBlack Goddess, Dark Mother\r\nTake in our love for you!\r\n\r\nor:\r\n\r\nOm Kali, Kali! Om Kali, Kali!\r\nNamostute, namostute, namo!\r\nNamostute, namostute, namo!\r\n\r\nor:\r\n\r\nAnanda Ma Ananda Ma Kali\r\nAnanda Ma Ananda Ma Kali\r\nAnanda Ma Ananda Ma Kali\r\nOm Kali Ma!</blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile the chant is being sung in repetition, participants come forward one-by-one, bowing before the altar in prostration, with forehead on the floor between the palms (this is recommended for the offering). Each person takes as long as necessary– this is meant as a private time with Kali, or with any Dark Goddess to whom one wishes to pray.\r\n\r\n<strong>Sacrifice (Boli)</strong>\r\n\r\nOnce the chanting is finished and all have offered their prayers, recognition of the things humanity (either individually or collectively) must sacrifice on the path is solidified with the fruit bought for this purpose. The fruit is also a symbol of renunciation, as we may at times consciously choose to give up the fruits of our labors for something greater. Take the fruit and with a marker, write on it something to be given up at this moment. (There is no need for the literal writing to appear clearly...it is the action that solidifies the intention.) When this is done, take a ritual knife and cut open the fruit. Place one-half face down, and in the other half, work into the flesh a votive candle. Light the candle and place any remaining red flowers alongside it, finally resting the fruit on or near the altar. Again, recitation of the mantras for welcoming Kali may be done.\r\n\r\n<strong>Union Prayer, Prasad, Blessings and Opening of Circle</strong>\r\n\r\nFinally, the culmination of the ritual sends hope out into the universe and blesses the food (prasad) for sharing with others. This can be done while chanting an ancient Vedic prayer for the peace that comes with wholeness and the search for truth:\r\n<blockquote>OM ASATO MA SAD GAMAYA\r\nTAMASO MA JYOTIR GAMAYA\r\nMRITYOR MA AMRITAM GAMAYA\r\n<em>(From untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality, lead us)</em></blockquote>\r\nAny final blessings may be offered around the circle with the passing and sharing of the honey, and a final chant of choice may be sung as the circle is opened and the food is shared. One may then thank the spirits who have been engaged for the ritual, and/or one may agree that with the blowing out of the final candle, they dissipate at their will. Feasting and sharing of personal experience can continue as the community of participants sees fit.\r\n\r\nThe entire ritual should take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. If you have any questions about this worship or other forms of puja, please contact one of our Rashani, or me, Chandra Alexandre, directly. We will be happy to assist you in Her service.\r\n\r\n<em><strong>Please give appropriate credit if publicly performing this ritual or if printing material for distribution. Thank you!</strong> </em>Finally, feel free to send your feedback – we’d love to hear from you. And do come join us in future for a puja!\r\n\r\n<strong>Blessings, and Sa\'ham!</strong>','Kali Puja for Home Use','','inherit','open','open','','100101-revision-v1','','','2013-09-26 19:46:46','2013-09-27 02:46:46','',100101,'<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100102 imgborder\" alt=\"Maa Ugra Tara\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MaaUgratara.jpg\" />\r\n\r\n<em>Devi</em>, as She is called in Sanskrit, is the supreme Goddess of Indian Hindu tradition. She is',0,'revision','',0),