(100583,2,'2013-10-08 21:55:59','2013-10-09 04:55:59','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; The Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. 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','','','2013-10-08 21:55:59','2013-10-09 04:55:59','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100584,2,'2013-10-08 21:56:46','2013-10-09 04:56:46','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. 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','','','2013-10-08 21:56:46','2013-10-09 04:56:46','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100585,2,'2013-10-08 21:58:01','2013-10-09 04:58:01','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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','','','2013-10-08 21:58:01','2013-10-09 04:58:01','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100586,2,'2013-10-08 21:59:28','2013-10-09 04:59:28','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-08 21:59:28','2013-10-09 04:59:28','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100589,2,'2013-10-09 22:29:59','2013-10-10 05:29:59','Birthed in India over 15 years ago, SHARANYA exists to empower seeds of change on individual, collective, and planetary levels towards healing, respect, responsibility, and the fullest awareness of an interconnected, interrelated cosmic reality. Our origins are rooted in a commitment to social justice and to the (r)evolution of consciousness across space-time realities that we might transform increasingly toward peace.<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Our Temple in India\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MBCMTemple.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-99537 imgborder\" alt=\"Maa Batakali Mandir (Puri)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MBCMTemple.jpg\" /></a>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Constitution of Maa Batakali Sanskrutika Parisada</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Maa Batakali Cultural Mission\r\n</span><br>\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Balisahi, Puri Town, Puri  752 001 Orissa</span><br>\r\n\r\nRegistration Number: 2802/211/91-92<br>\r\nFiled and Certified by the Audit Superintendent District Panchayat Office, Puri<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Mission Statement:</b>\r\n<ul>To create and nurture a community of life-affirming individuals devoted to Mother Worship and to developing an understanding of how such devotion can positively transform our global community.</ul>\r\n<b>Vision Statement:</b>\r\n<ul>The Maa Batakali Cultural Mission is dedicated to promoting the vision of the world as a global community in Her divine name.</ul>\r\n<b>Aims and Objectives:</b>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>To maintain this Mission as a nonprofit public-benefit organization, not organized for the private gain of any person.</li>\r\n	<li>To foster awareness of Goddess worship as a life-affirming path among the global community; and to eradicate erroneous and superstitious beliefs in this regard.</li>\r\n	<li>To organize, develop and execute recreational, cultural and spiritual activities for the community.</li>\r\n	<li>To undertake programs for the establishment of community housing, social forestry and environmental sanitation; et alia.</li>\r\n	<li>To organize, fund and promote Mission Centers for community gatherings, social welfare programs and adult education, including the establishment of a library with emphasis on educational activities for community youth; and to develop various pilot projects to meet the needs of community members.</li>\r\n	<li>To organize outreach programs for those not in or around Mission Centers.</li>\r\n	<li>To undertake projects expressly designed to promote the welfare of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and other economically \"backward\" classes of people, and to promote the development of cooperative ideas and enterprise among them and the community at large.</li>\r\n	<li>To draw up schemes for the rehabilitation of antisocial persons; i.e., those with problems related to alcohol and drug abuse, and to assist their families as required.</li>\r\n	<li>To educate about and mobilize peacefully against sati, dowry, beggary, caste crime and similar social ills.</li>\r\n	<li>To publish a monthly newsletter, community bulletin and other educational materials for the promotion of the spiritual and cultural philosophy of the Mission.</li>\r\n	<li>To help provide relief, through community efforts, for those effected by natural calamities and other emergencies.</li>\r\n	<li>To promote cultural exchange of ideas and beliefs throughout India and the world.</li>\r\n	<li>To assist in providing legal aid to the needy and the poor.</li>\r\n	<li>To establish sister organizations, in the United States and elsewhere, in order to promote the vision of the Mission worldwide.</li>\r\n	<li>To develop fundraising schemes for the future growth and maintenance of the Mission and its associations.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Origin Story: Part I\" active=\"\"]<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamPuriWeb.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99541 imgborder\" alt=\"Shyam Sundar Dash at Maabatakali Mandir\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamPuriWeb.jpg\" /></a><em>August 2, 1998</em><br><br>\r\nIt\'s summer in India, the time when the air is thick, sweat plentiful, and the monsoon\'s rains swell the skies and the streets. I have come here, to this land of spice, spirit and the sacred, to further my work in ecofeminism by looking at women\'s spiritual connections to social justice and activism on behalf of the environment. I am not here long, however, before Maa, the Divine Mother, shows me that there\'s more to my quest than I originally thought.<br><br>\r\n\r\nSpeaking to a guide at my hotel, I tell him, \"I need to find a temple to the Goddess.\"<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Which one,\" he asks. \"Which goddess?\"<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Well, Kali,\" I state hesitatingly, unsure of how my request will be received.  The man looks me up and down, trying to determine where I fit within the spectrum of visitors from whom he makes his livelihood.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Wouldn\'t you rather visit Lord Jaganath?\" he inquires. Lord of the Universe, Jaganath is honored at this time in Puri (the eastern <i>dham</i>, one of the sacred compass points in India) in a huge festival to which hundreds of thousands flock each year. Together with his brother and sister, this is the only time the Lord leaves the <I>mandir</I> (temple). He\'s on a family outing to his summer home across the town, and everyone comes out to get a glimpse of the royal family.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"No,\" I respond quickly. I\'m restless and on a mission. It is Kali I need to see and no one else. That She is responsible for my getting through a political uprising in Digha at the southern end of West Bengal unscathed is apparent to me. I have come here therefore to give thanks and need to be at her feet in a temple soon. Sensing my urgency, the gentleman kindly calls to an auto-rickshaw driver with a shrug, not wanting to engage me further about goddesses. The driver arrives.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Kali mandir,\" I say to him as he pulls up alongside us. At this point, I have no idea how many homes Maa has here in Puri. After receiving no further instructions, the driver takes off towards the center of town. I later find out (after several unsuccessful attempts to again visit the place to which I am now heading) that there are at least four Kali temples accessible to visitors. Reaching our destination, I buy a hibiscus mala, a garland of her sacred flower, and add that to my <I>puja</I> (worship) basket. Into it too go coconut, juicy betel nut and other sweets to delight Her. My offering is noteworthy at this temple for its size; but I am generous as I feel a strong need to show my appreciation to Goddess for getting me out of Digha alive. <br><br>\r\n\r\nThe pujari at Maa Batakali Mandir, Shyam Sundar Dash, is a Brahmin priest with two sons. In his devotion and gratitude for the goddess having given him these sons, Shyam has built this temple. A small roadside mandir, passersby usually drop rupees on the temple steps on their daily rounds. It is nothing too fancy, but Maa here is absolutely resplendent.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIn his time, Shyam has doubled as a government worker, making regular trips back and forth from his office to tend to Maa and her devotees. Now retired, he tends to the temple and its congregation of worshipers every day for morning prayers and evening <i>aarati</i> (a beautiful celebration with lights and offerings). As Shyam sees me approach for the first time, he stares. He asks me directly why I am there, and although he is not angry, his disposition and directness can easily be mistaken for exactly that at first. Truly, he\'s just curious, but I am startled by his question.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Are you ISKON?\" he demands.<br><br>\r\n\r\nSuspense broken, I let out a nervous laugh. The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (a.k.a. Hare Krishnas) has never drawn me, but Puri is full of Western devotees. Lord Jaganath, I learn is, like Krishna whom those in ISKON worship, one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the God of Preservation, and one of the main Hindu deities.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"No,\" I reply, \"I came to thank Maa.\"  After a few more words, Shyam accepts my offering basket, performing puja on my behalf. He asks my name in order to conduct the rites. When we\'re through, he asks why I\'m there. But my eyes are transfixed on Maa\'s image as it transforms before me, and I can only point to my heart by way of explanation. \"She\'s here,\" I manage to say. Then, everything that has been kept inside until now in this challenging land of contrasts streams out through my eyes in hot tears.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFrom June through the end of August 1998, I live in Puri. My friends up north forgive me for not coming back. My field work on is put on hold. It was my pause when Shyam asked after the ritual, \"Will you come visit my house?\" that changed not only the course of my research, but also my life. Aware of India\'s potential for surprises, I held a moment of silence before responding and internally questioned his invitation and motivations.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFeeling inside, I sensed that this was an offering, and a door was opening to me that might never open again. In the pause, I could see Her face dimly, and I wondered in my rational mind about my work and Shyam\'s intentions. It took me three days to surrender to the feeling and my vision of Her beckoning. After careful thought and some time meditating with the ocean\'s wisdom, I said yes. I returned to meet my new teacher and his family.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThe more time I spend in Puri, the more I realize that Goddess is working in quite mysterious ways and that Shyam is no typical Brahmin priest.  As time passes, I learn the extent to which She is working through him, and I absorb many levels of Her teachings. Some are straightforward and harsh; others are more obtuse and delightful.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAfter much work, <I>diksha</I>, or initiation into Kali\'s mysteries is the next profound unfolding of my spiritual journey. The day comes on the August new moon, and I am thrilled when I realize it will be August 2nd, the festival of the harvest often called Lughnasad (or Lammas) in the earth-based Western calendar. It is as though Maa has answered my burning question: Can I do this? The synchronicity of timing does not escape me, and I feel She is telling me that I can have it both ways: I can be Her priestess in more than one way, walking as a Goddess worshiper wherever I may be in the world. To Her, I learn, there is no distinction.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThe initiation is radical by most Hindu standards. Shyam is a Brahmin priest, and I am not only a Westerner but also a woman; and women in India are not initiated by Brahmins. Following the Vedas in his public work, Shyam also practices Tantra, and this is the in-road to Maa that is clearly appropriate for my circumstances. Tantrics care not of my birth, only my longing. But perhaps there would be less to explain and fewer staring eyes as we sit working together at the temple were Shyam to be more public about the various faces of his devotion.<br><br> \r\n\r\nAs Shyam manages to satisfy people\'s natural curiosity with his answers to their queries and suspicious looks, I pretend not to notice the robust number of visitors to the temple in the evenings after the gates have closed and we have begun our private work and evening prayers together.<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamSundarDashChandraAlexandrePuriMBCM1-e1377156643651.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-99707 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Chandra Alexandre and Shyam Sundar Dash at Puri Mandir\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamSundarDashChandraAlexandrePuriMBCM1-e1377156643651.jpg\" width=\"228\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMy practice deepens after initiation, and on Her sacred day of Kali Puja some months later in October, I sit at the feet of the goddess in the temple, a spot that locals cannot come near. It is nearing midnight and the heat of the day lifting off the earth combined with the hot lamps that light Her image makes the sweat drip down my arms, makes my sari blouse feel even tighter than it already is, and makes me wish I couldn\'t see the large number of bugs and ants crawling on my feet and ankles in search of food. I honor Her by pouring <i>ghee</i> (clarified butter) for the <i>homa</i> (fire offering) ceremony, and I honor the fact that I am Shyam\'s first <i>chela</i> (student), a position of honor in this lineage tradition.<br><br>\r\n\r\nI tend to my responsibilities dutifully as the <I>Chandi Path</I> verses resonate off the temple walls and expand into the night air. In moments of quiet, I think about the day Shyam said he\'d been waiting for me, how he said his own guru had told him that one day, he would be bringing someone other than his sons to the path. I remember how Shyam said he had found the signs in my face the very first day we had met at the temple; signs telling him that I was the student to which his guru had referred. We finish our time together and he tells me the most important thing: \"Go! Go back to your home land, America, and spread Mother Worship!\"<br><br>\r\n\r\nUpon my return to the States, SHARANYA is born and my dedication to Kali Maa takes root with the formation of community on Western shores. The wisdom of the ocean is remembered and I am home.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Chandra Alexandre</strong> is the founding director of SHARANYA. She received <i>namakarana samskara</i> and her first <em>diksha </em>from Shyam Sundar Dash (founder of the Maa Batakali Mandir in Puri; Bharadvaja gotra) in 1998. \r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Origin Story: Part II\" active=\"\"]<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KamakhyaMandirWeb.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99540 imgborder\" alt=\"Kamakhya Mandir\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KamakhyaMandirWeb.jpg\" /></a><em>June 26, 2003</em><br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Babaji wants to see you.\"<br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> I’m walking barefoot down the muddy side of Nilachal Hill at Kamakhya in northeastern India after witnessing one of the most beautiful Sanskrit recitations I have ever heard. The white kurtas of the Brahmin men gathered in a circle around a sacred fire stand in marked contrast though to the throngs of red-clad women waiting in long lines to see their Mother. Both, I imagine, receive Her blessings. I am in northeastern India, in Assam, participating in an annual Tantrick pilgrimage to the seat of the goddess’ power, the place where her <i>yoni</i>, or sexual organ, resides on Earth.  It’s a powerful place, a place of contrasts where all come together, whether Vaishnava, Shaivite or Shakta, to honor Maa. It\'s a place, one might say, where all unites in Her name.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> Babji, I learn, is a 400-year old Aghori. A believer in the preeminence of the divine as Shiva, pure consciousness, he is a practitioner of the non-dualistic or \"left-hand\" Tantric rites. In short, this means that he adheres to a rather literal interpretation of what other Tantrics might do symbolically in ritual and devotion on the path to enlightenment. He meditates, for example, not only on <i>yantras</i> (sacred diagrams), but on yantras in cremation grounds on top of corpses; he drinks wine and liquor; he smokes hash and takes in other natural mind-altering substances. He believes that the pathway to the divine is through the body, through this world, through all of creation. His accepts it all, the pure and impure, the wicked and sane, as sacred. He is a radical non-dualist—one who believes in the One as well as in the reality of the phenomenal world. His path is fast and furious, sweet and sublime, potentially off-putting at the same time that it attracts wonder, excitement, and awe.  He loves Maa. </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> The three black-clad initiates standing outside his cave-like shelter on the hillside welcome me in. I meet Babji. He’s old but looks young, his face the only give-away that he’s been around the block a few times. His body, otherwise, is baby-like. He looks pregnant, a little round belly on a very thin frame. I sit cross-legged in front of him. To his left, the fire pit. To his right, a <i>kapala</i>, or human skull cup from which wine and other mind-altering substances are drunk, sits upturned. He calls me \"Beti,\" or daughter. Two followers of his are there; his initiates have left us alone. The woman wipes the snot dripping from Babaji\'s nose with a handkerchief and then moves to mop sweat from his forehead. No one, it appears, is immune to this sweltering summer heat. The Indian devotee next to her, perhaps her husband, has had far too much <i>bhang</i> (Cannabis) or something; his eyes have trouble steadying on me. </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">My Sanskrit is better than my Hindi at this point. Fortunately, I can make out meaning from of the ritual language Babaji is using. The man helps a little, but his English is as poor as my Hindi. We quiet. Suddenly, Babaji grabs me. He pulls me to him with unsuspected strength. Face against face, I feel the bristles of his long beard against my cheek, and I feel coolness where the snot has been touching. I am startled, but now I’m held. I am held firmly, with apparent intention. The touch is not violent or inappropriate. The strength is deep and calming. I stay quiet and listen inside to my belly and instincts. Presence prevails, and I allow myself to trust the moment. Just then, Babaji begins. His mouth now pressed to my ear, he sounds an ancient mantra. My heart trembles, my eyes close, and I go inward. I surrender to these sounds, soaking in the ancient reverberations, feeling in them the voices of the lineage, the guttural utterances of vibrations across time and space. All enter my ear. All penetrate my soul.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> Moments pass and I eventually sit back upright in silence. One moment, then two. From deep inside, the sobbing begins. There’s no rational thought, no rhyme or reason, just the moment and my feeling of tremendous love and connection to all that is…I recognize a touch of <i>sat chit ananada</i>: being, consciousness, bliss. My forehead now on Babji\'s knee, he pats my head and strokes my hair. I sit back upright. Silence. One moment, then two. Babaji reaches to his left where a rusty knife about four inches long sits waiting. I follow his motion with my eyes. Instantly, I am terrified. I have visions of blood. Stop! One moment, then two. Stop! This time, it’s an admonition to remember. Allow yourself to be taken, it says. You’ve been here before; you know what\'s happening. It\'s safe. Breathe. </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Babaji lowers my head with his hand and takes a fist-full of hair from my crown. He pulls hard enough to undo strands from my braid. Close to the scalp he cuts with the knife. Old and well-used, it doesn’t cut very well.  He pulls harder to get through the thickness of my mane and it hurts for an instant. I deepen my surrender. He cuts. He finishes, and I sit back up. Dazed, with my awareness in another place, I still must know.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> \"What,\" I ask, “are you going to do with it?\"  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> \"A sacrifice,” he says, \"will be offered in the fire tonight.\" He holds up my hair.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> \"It’s an equal exchange,\" he says. \"The price you pay for being welcomed into the family.”</span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Founder\'s Biography\" active=\"\"]<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99540 imgborder\" alt=\"Chandra Alexandre\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0731-e1378968031852.jpg\" /> Chandra Alexandre is a Tantric Bhairavi, an initiator in the tradition of Kali, serving SHARANYA as clergy. She is a householder and a regular pilgrim to the birthplace of Tantra in northeastern India, where she studies and practices with her teachers. Chandra was first initiated into the mysteries of the dark goddess in 1998 in Puri, Orissa on the dakshinacara path, and then, five years later, she accepted the non-dualistic path of vamacara Tantra at Kamakhya outside of Guwahati in Assam. Her maternal grandmother was her first guide into the ways of spirit in the world.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOn her initial return from India, Chandra founded SHARANYA to serve those committed to embodied and engaged spirituality for social justice and transformation. This was the birth of Sha’can, an authentic lineage tradition of Shakta Tantra contextualized and made relevant for people and lands distant from the source. Chandra and community complement San Francisco Bay Area worship, events and services with an online mystery school, Kali Vidya, to serve an international community of spiritual seekers and lovers of Maa.<br><br>\r\n\r\nChandra is known for her passionate engagement of theory and practice. She holds a PhD in Asian & Comparative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies, a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wisdom University (formerly the University of Creation Spirituality), and an MBA in sustainable management from Presidio Graduate School. In addition to SHARANYA, she engages her commitment through several community-based nonprofit organizations committed to educational equity, poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women and girls.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOriginally from New York, Chandra has, since 1995, called San Francisco home. She is a devoted wife and mother and also conjurer of <i>The Aghori Bakery: Everyday Spiritual Conversations</i> (forthcoming).[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"origins\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Origins','','inherit','open','open','','99123-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:29:59','2013-10-10 05:29:59','',99123,'Birthed in India over 15 years ago, SHARANYA exists to empower seeds of change on individual, collective, and planetary levels towards healing, respect, responsibility, and the fullest awareness of an interconnected, interrelated cosmic reality. Our origi',0,'revision','',0),(100590,2,'2013-10-09 22:31:47','2013-10-10 05:31:47','Birthed in India over 15 years ago, SHARANYA exists to empower seeds of change on individual, collective, and planetary levels towards healing, respect, responsibility, and the fullest awareness of an interconnected, interrelated cosmic reality. Our origins are rooted in a commitment to social justice and to the (r)evolution of consciousness across space-time realities that we might transform increasingly toward peace.<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Our Temple in India\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MBCMTemple.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-99537 imgborder\" alt=\"Maa Batakali Mandir (Puri)\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MBCMTemple.jpg\" /></a>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Constitution of Maa Batakali Sanskrutika Parisada</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Maa Batakali Cultural Mission\r\n</span><br>\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Balisahi, Puri Town, Puri  752 001 Orissa</span><br>\r\n\r\nRegistration Number: 2802/211/91-92<br>\r\nFiled and Certified by the Audit Superintendent District Panchayat Office, Puri<br><br>\r\n\r\n<b>Mission Statement:</b>\r\n<ul>To create and nurture a community of life-affirming individuals devoted to Mother Worship and to developing an understanding of how such devotion can positively transform our global community.</ul>\r\n<b>Vision Statement:</b>\r\n<ul>The Maa Batakali Cultural Mission is dedicated to promoting the vision of the world as a global community in Her divine name.</ul>\r\n<b>Aims and Objectives:</b>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>To maintain this Mission as a nonprofit public-benefit organization, not organized for the private gain of any person.</li>\r\n	<li>To foster awareness of Goddess worship as a life-affirming path among the global community; and to eradicate erroneous and superstitious beliefs in this regard.</li>\r\n	<li>To organize, develop and execute recreational, cultural and spiritual activities for the community.</li>\r\n	<li>To undertake programs for the establishment of community housing, social forestry and environmental sanitation; et alia.</li>\r\n	<li>To organize, fund and promote Mission Centers for community gatherings, social welfare programs and adult education, including the establishment of a library with emphasis on educational activities for community youth; and to develop various pilot projects to meet the needs of community members.</li>\r\n	<li>To organize outreach programs for those not in or around Mission Centers.</li>\r\n	<li>To undertake projects expressly designed to promote the welfare of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and other economically \"backward\" classes of people, and to promote the development of cooperative ideas and enterprise among them and the community at large.</li>\r\n	<li>To draw up schemes for the rehabilitation of antisocial persons; i.e., those with problems related to alcohol and drug abuse, and to assist their families as required.</li>\r\n	<li>To educate about and mobilize peacefully against sati, dowry, beggary, caste crime and similar social ills.</li>\r\n	<li>To publish a monthly newsletter, community bulletin and other educational materials for the promotion of the spiritual and cultural philosophy of the Mission.</li>\r\n	<li>To help provide relief, through community efforts, for those effected by natural calamities and other emergencies.</li>\r\n	<li>To promote cultural exchange of ideas and beliefs throughout India and the world.</li>\r\n	<li>To assist in providing legal aid to the needy and the poor.</li>\r\n	<li>To establish sister organizations, in the United States and elsewhere, in order to promote the vision of the Mission worldwide.</li>\r\n	<li>To develop fundraising schemes for the future growth and maintenance of the Mission and its associations.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Origin Story: Part I\" active=\"\"]<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamPuriWeb.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99541 imgborder\" alt=\"Shyam Sundar Dash at Maabatakali Mandir\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamPuriWeb.jpg\" /></a><em>August 2, 1998</em><br><br>\r\nIt\'s summer in India, the time when the air is thick, sweat plentiful, and the monsoon\'s rains swell the skies and the streets. I have come here, to this land of spice, spirit and the sacred, to further my work in ecofeminism by looking at women\'s spiritual connections to social justice and activism on behalf of the environment. I am not here long, however, before Maa, the Divine Mother, shows me that there\'s more to my quest than I originally thought.<br><br>\r\n\r\nSpeaking to a guide at my hotel, I tell him, \"I need to find a temple to the Goddess.\"<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Which one,\" he asks. \"Which goddess?\"<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Well, Kali,\" I state hesitatingly, unsure of how my request will be received.  The man looks me up and down, trying to determine where I fit within the spectrum of visitors from whom he makes his livelihood.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Wouldn\'t you rather visit Lord Jaganath?\" he inquires. Lord of the Universe, Jaganath is honored at this time in Puri (the eastern <i>dham</i>, one of the sacred compass points in India) in a huge festival to which hundreds of thousands flock each year. Together with his brother and sister, this is the only time the Lord leaves the <I>mandir</I> (temple). He\'s on a family outing to his summer home across the town, and everyone comes out to get a glimpse of the royal family.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"No,\" I respond quickly. I\'m restless and on a mission. It is Kali I need to see and no one else. That She is responsible for my getting through a political uprising in Digha at the southern end of West Bengal unscathed is apparent to me. I have come here therefore to give thanks and need to be at her feet in a temple soon. Sensing my urgency, the gentleman kindly calls to an auto-rickshaw driver with a shrug, not wanting to engage me further about goddesses. The driver arrives.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Kali mandir,\" I say to him as he pulls up alongside us. At this point, I have no idea how many homes Maa has here in Puri. After receiving no further instructions, the driver takes off towards the center of town. I later find out (after several unsuccessful attempts to again visit the place to which I am now heading) that there are at least four Kali temples accessible to visitors. Reaching our destination, I buy a hibiscus mala, a garland of her sacred flower, and add that to my <I>puja</I> (worship) basket. Into it too go coconut, juicy betel nut and other sweets to delight Her. My offering is noteworthy at this temple for its size; but I am generous as I feel a strong need to show my appreciation to Goddess for getting me out of Digha alive. <br><br>\r\n\r\nThe pujari at Maa Batakali Mandir, Shyam Sundar Dash, is a Brahmin priest with two sons. In his devotion and gratitude for the goddess having given him these sons, Shyam has built this temple. A small roadside mandir, passersby usually drop rupees on the temple steps on their daily rounds. It is nothing too fancy, but Maa here is absolutely resplendent.<br><br>\r\n\r\nIn his time, Shyam has doubled as a government worker, making regular trips back and forth from his office to tend to Maa and her devotees. Now retired, he tends to the temple and its congregation of worshipers every day for morning prayers and evening <i>aarati</i> (a beautiful celebration with lights and offerings). As Shyam sees me approach for the first time, he stares. He asks me directly why I am there, and although he is not angry, his disposition and directness can easily be mistaken for exactly that at first. Truly, he\'s just curious, but I am startled by his question.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Are you ISKON?\" he demands.<br><br>\r\n\r\nSuspense broken, I let out a nervous laugh. The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (a.k.a. Hare Krishnas) has never drawn me, but Puri is full of Western devotees. Lord Jaganath, I learn is, like Krishna whom those in ISKON worship, one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the God of Preservation, and one of the main Hindu deities.<br><br>\r\n\r\n\"No,\" I reply, \"I came to thank Maa.\"  After a few more words, Shyam accepts my offering basket, performing puja on my behalf. He asks my name in order to conduct the rites. When we\'re through, he asks why I\'m there. But my eyes are transfixed on Maa\'s image as it transforms before me, and I can only point to my heart by way of explanation. \"She\'s here,\" I manage to say. Then, everything that has been kept inside until now in this challenging land of contrasts streams out through my eyes in hot tears.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFrom June through the end of August 1998, I live in Puri. My friends up north forgive me for not coming back. My field work on is put on hold. It was my pause when Shyam asked after the ritual, \"Will you come visit my house?\" that changed not only the course of my research, but also my life. Aware of India\'s potential for surprises, I held a moment of silence before responding and internally questioned his invitation and motivations.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFeeling inside, I sensed that this was an offering, and a door was opening to me that might never open again. In the pause, I could see Her face dimly, and I wondered in my rational mind about my work and Shyam\'s intentions. It took me three days to surrender to the feeling and my vision of Her beckoning. After careful thought and some time meditating with the ocean\'s wisdom, I said yes. I returned to meet my new teacher and his family.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThe more time I spend in Puri, the more I realize that Goddess is working in quite mysterious ways and that Shyam is no typical Brahmin priest.  As time passes, I learn the extent to which She is working through him, and I absorb many levels of Her teachings. Some are straightforward and harsh; others are more obtuse and delightful.<br><br>\r\n\r\nAfter much work, <I>diksha</I>, or initiation into Kali\'s mysteries is the next profound unfolding of my spiritual journey. The day comes on the August new moon, and I am thrilled when I realize it will be August 2nd, the festival of the harvest often called Lughnasad (or Lammas) in the earth-based Western calendar. It is as though Maa has answered my burning question: Can I do this? The synchronicity of timing does not escape me, and I feel She is telling me that I can have it both ways: I can be Her priestess in more than one way, walking as a Goddess worshiper wherever I may be in the world. To Her, I learn, there is no distinction.<br><br>\r\n\r\nThe initiation is radical by most Hindu standards. Shyam is a Brahmin priest, and I am not only a Westerner but also a woman; and women in India are not initiated by Brahmins. Following the Vedas in his public work, Shyam also practices Tantra, and this is the in-road to Maa that is clearly appropriate for my circumstances. Tantrics care not of my birth, only my longing. But perhaps there would be less to explain and fewer staring eyes as we sit working together at the temple were Shyam to be more public about the various faces of his devotion.<br><br> \r\n\r\nAs Shyam manages to satisfy people\'s natural curiosity with his answers to their queries and suspicious looks, I pretend not to notice the robust number of visitors to the temple in the evenings after the gates have closed and we have begun our private work and evening prayers together.<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamSundarDashChandraAlexandrePuriMBCM1-e1377156643651.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-99707 imgborder alignright\" alt=\"Chandra Alexandre and Shyam Sundar Dash at Puri Mandir\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ShyamSundarDashChandraAlexandrePuriMBCM1-e1377156643651.jpg\" width=\"228\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMy practice deepens after initiation, and on Her sacred day of Kali Puja some months later in October, I sit at the feet of the goddess in the temple, a spot that locals cannot come near. It is nearing midnight and the heat of the day lifting off the earth combined with the hot lamps that light Her image makes the sweat drip down my arms, makes my sari blouse feel even tighter than it already is, and makes me wish I couldn\'t see the large number of bugs and ants crawling on my feet and ankles in search of food. I honor Her by pouring <i>ghee</i> (clarified butter) for the <i>homa</i> (fire offering) ceremony, and I honor the fact that I am Shyam\'s first <i>chela</i> (student), a position of honor in this lineage tradition.<br><br>\r\n\r\nI tend to my responsibilities dutifully as the <I>Chandi Path</I> verses resonate off the temple walls and expand into the night air. In moments of quiet, I think about the day Shyam said he\'d been waiting for me, how he said his own guru had told him that one day, he would be bringing someone other than his sons to the path. I remember how Shyam said he had found the signs in my face the very first day we had met at the temple; signs telling him that I was the student to which his guru had referred. We finish our time together and he tells me the most important thing: \"Go! Go back to your home land, America, and spread Mother Worship!\"<br><br>\r\n\r\nUpon my return to the States, SHARANYA is born and my dedication to Kali Maa takes root with the formation of community on Western shores. The wisdom of the ocean is remembered and I am home.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Chandra Alexandre</strong> is the founding director of SHARANYA. She received <i>namakarana samskara</i> and her first <em>diksha </em>from Shyam Sundar Dash (founder of the Maa Batakali Mandir in Puri; Bharadvaja gotra) in 1998. \r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Origin Story: Part II\" active=\"\"]<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KamakhyaMandirWeb.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99540 imgborder\" alt=\"Kamakhya Mandir\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KamakhyaMandirWeb.jpg\" /></a><em>June 26, 2003</em><br><br>\r\n\r\n\"Babaji wants to see you.\"<br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> I’m walking barefoot down the muddy side of Nilachal Hill at Kamakhya in northeastern India after witnessing one of the most beautiful Sanskrit recitations I have ever heard. The white kurtas of the Brahmin men gathered in a circle around a sacred fire stand in marked contrast though to the throngs of red-clad women waiting in long lines to see their Mother. Both, I imagine, receive Her blessings. I am in northeastern India, in Assam, participating in an annual Tantrick pilgrimage to the seat of the goddess’ power, the place where her <i>yoni</i>, or sexual organ, resides on Earth.  It’s a powerful place, a place of contrasts where all come together, whether Vaishnava, Shaivite or Shakta, to honor Maa. It\'s a place, one might say, where all unites in Her name.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> Babji, I learn, is a 400-year old Aghori. A believer in the preeminence of the divine as Shiva, pure consciousness, he is a practitioner of the non-dualistic or \"left-hand\" Tantric rites. In short, this means that he adheres to a rather literal interpretation of what other Tantrics might do symbolically in ritual and devotion on the path to enlightenment. He meditates, for example, not only on <i>yantras</i> (sacred diagrams), but on yantras in cremation grounds on top of corpses; he drinks wine and liquor; he smokes hash and takes in other natural mind-altering substances. He believes that the pathway to the divine is through the body, through this world, through all of creation. His accepts it all, the pure and impure, the wicked and sane, as sacred. He is a radical non-dualist—one who believes in the One as well as in the reality of the phenomenal world. His path is fast and furious, sweet and sublime, potentially off-putting at the same time that it attracts wonder, excitement, and awe.  He loves Maa. </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> The three black-clad initiates standing outside his cave-like shelter on the hillside welcome me in. I meet Babji. He’s old but looks young, his face the only give-away that he’s been around the block a few times. His body, otherwise, is baby-like. He looks pregnant, a little round belly on a very thin frame. I sit cross-legged in front of him. To his left, the fire pit. To his right, a <i>kapala</i>, or human skull cup from which wine and other mind-altering substances are drunk, sits upturned. He calls me \"Beti,\" or daughter. Two followers of his are there; his initiates have left us alone. The woman wipes the snot dripping from Babaji\'s nose with a handkerchief and then moves to mop sweat from his forehead. No one, it appears, is immune to this sweltering summer heat. The Indian devotee next to her, perhaps her husband, has had far too much <i>bhang</i> (Cannabis) or something; his eyes have trouble steadying on me. </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">My Sanskrit is better than my Hindi at this point. Fortunately, I can make out meaning from of the ritual language Babaji is using. The man helps a little, but his English is as poor as my Hindi. We quiet. Suddenly, Babaji grabs me. He pulls me to him with unsuspected strength. Face against face, I feel the bristles of his long beard against my cheek, and I feel coolness where the snot has been touching. I am startled, but now I’m held. I am held firmly, with apparent intention. The touch is not violent or inappropriate. The strength is deep and calming. I stay quiet and listen inside to my belly and instincts. Presence prevails, and I allow myself to trust the moment. Just then, Babaji begins. His mouth now pressed to my ear, he sounds an ancient mantra. My heart trembles, my eyes close, and I go inward. I surrender to these sounds, soaking in the ancient reverberations, feeling in them the voices of the lineage, the guttural utterances of vibrations across time and space. All enter my ear. All penetrate my soul.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> Moments pass and I eventually sit back upright in silence. One moment, then two. From deep inside, the sobbing begins. There’s no rational thought, no rhyme or reason, just the moment and my feeling of tremendous love and connection to all that is…I recognize a touch of <i>sat chit ananada</i>: being, consciousness, bliss. My forehead now on Babji\'s knee, he pats my head and strokes my hair. I sit back upright. Silence. One moment, then two. Babaji reaches to his left where a rusty knife about four inches long sits waiting. I follow his motion with my eyes. Instantly, I am terrified. I have visions of blood. Stop! One moment, then two. Stop! This time, it’s an admonition to remember. Allow yourself to be taken, it says. You’ve been here before; you know what\'s happening. It\'s safe. Breathe. </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Babaji lowers my head with his hand and takes a fist-full of hair from my crown. He pulls hard enough to undo strands from my braid. Close to the scalp he cuts with the knife. Old and well-used, it doesn’t cut very well.  He pulls harder to get through the thickness of my mane and it hurts for an instant. I deepen my surrender. He cuts. He finishes, and I sit back up. Dazed, with my awareness in another place, I still must know.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> \"What,\" I ask, “are you going to do with it?\"  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> \"A sacrifice,” he says, \"will be offered in the fire tonight.\" He holds up my hair.  </span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> \"It’s an equal exchange,\" he says. \"The price you pay for being welcomed into the family.”</span><br><br>\r\n\r\n<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Founder\'s Biography\" active=\"\"]<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99540 imgborder\" alt=\"Chandra Alexandre\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC_0731-e1378968031852.jpg\" /> Chandra Alexandre is a Tantric Bhairavi, an initiator in the tradition of Kali, serving SHARANYA as clergy. She is a householder and a regular pilgrim to the birthplace of Tantra in northeastern India, where she studies and practices with her teachers. Chandra was first initiated into the mysteries of the dark goddess in 1998 in Puri, Orissa on the dakshinacara path, and then, five years later, she accepted the non-dualistic path of vamacara Tantra at Kamakhya outside of Guwahati in Assam. Her maternal grandmother was her first guide into the ways of spirit in the world.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOn her initial return from India, Chandra founded SHARANYA to serve those committed to embodied and engaged spirituality for social justice and transformation. This was the birth of Sha’can, an authentic lineage tradition of Shakta Tantra contextualized and made relevant for people and lands distant from the source. Chandra and community complement San Francisco Bay Area worship, events and services with an online mystery school, Kali Vidya, to serve an international community of spiritual seekers and lovers of Maa.<br><br>\r\n\r\nChandra is known for her passionate engagement of theory and practice. She holds a PhD in Asian & Comparative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies, a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wisdom University (formerly the University of Creation Spirituality), and an MBA in sustainable management from Presidio Graduate School. In addition to SHARANYA, she engages her commitment through several community-based nonprofit organizations working for educational equity, poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women and girls.<br><br>\r\n\r\nOriginally from New York, Chandra has, since 1995, called San Francisco home. She is a devoted wife and mother and also conjurer of <i>The Aghori Bakery: Everyday Spiritual Conversations</i> (forthcoming).[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"origins\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Origins','','inherit','open','open','','99123-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:31:47','2013-10-10 05:31:47','',99123,'Birthed in India over 15 years ago, SHARANYA exists to empower seeds of change on individual, collective, and planetary levels towards healing, respect, responsibility, and the fullest awareness of an interconnected, interrelated cosmic reality. Our origi',0,'revision','',0),(100591,2,'2013-10-09 22:35:45','2013-10-10 05:35:45','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/the-path\" title=\"The Path\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC00002-e1380858470187.jpg\" ]Learn more...[/teaser]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:35:45','2013-10-10 05:35:45','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/the-path\" title=\"The Path\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC00002-e1380858470187.jpg\" ]Learn more...[/teaser]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"mat',0,'revision','',0),(100592,2,'2013-10-09 22:37:30','2013-10-10 05:37:30','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"10th Annual KPF\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Learn more[/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:37:30','2013-10-10 05:37:30','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"10th Annual KPF\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Learn more[/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpa',0,'revision','',0),(100593,2,'2013-10-09 22:38:21','2013-10-10 05:38:21','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Learn more[/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:38:21','2013-10-10 05:38:21','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Learn more[/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" pe',0,'revision','',0),(100594,2,'2013-10-09 22:38:46','2013-10-10 05:38:46','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Learn more[/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:38:46','2013-10-10 05:38:46','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Learn more[/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n\r\n[blog categor',0,'revision','',0),(100595,2,'2013-10-09 22:41:05','2013-10-10 05:41:05','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-09 22:41:05','2013-10-10 05:41:05','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n\r\n[blog category=',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (100596,2,'2013-10-10 22:10:21','2013-10-11 05:10:21','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 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 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 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>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','','','2013-10-10 22:10:21','2013-10-11 05:10:21','',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),(100597,2,'2013-10-10 22:12:06','2013-10-11 05:12:06','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 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 this practice 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 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 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>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','','','2013-10-10 22:12:06','2013-10-11 05:12:06','',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),(100598,2,'2013-10-10 22:12:56','2013-10-11 05:12:56','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\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. \r\n\r\n<ul><li>Rashbehari Das</li>\r\n<li>Shyam Sundar Dash</li>\r\n<li>Milan K. Dinda, Ph.D.</li>\r\n<li>Ravi Jain, MPH</li>\r\n<li>Elena Kelly</li>\r\n<li>Jeffrey J. Kripal, Ph.D.</li>\r\n<li>Murray Kucherawy</li>\r\n<li>Nancy Leatzow</li>\r\n<li>William Moulton</li>\r\n<li>Chitrika Nyayaratna, M.A.</li>\r\n<li>James Ryan, Ph.D.</li>\r\n<li>Stuart Sovatsky, Ph.D.</li></ul>\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','','','2013-10-10 22:12:56','2013-10-11 05:12:56','',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),(100599,2,'2013-10-10 22:16:18','2013-10-11 05:16:18','<h3>Creating and Sustaining Spaces for Marginalized Spiritualities<br>& Social Transformation</h3>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100119 imgborder\" alt=\"ShivaRishikesh\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ShivaRishikesh.jpg\" /><i>Presented at the <a href=\"http://web.mac.com/sacreddancer/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html\">5th Annual Conference on Current Pagan Studies</a>, February 2009, Claremont University</i>\r\n\r\nIn early 2000 when I first began an exploration of dissertation topics, I was coming fresh off of several years’ worth of engagement at the intersection of politics and feminism. Developing an integral ecofeminism, as I called it some ten years ago, had left me with a clear sense of not only the importance of the combination of activism and spirituality when attempting to create a more just and sustainable world, but also the reality of how people were taking ideas motivated by a deep connection to Spirit out into the work and relationships of every day life.\r\n\r\nIt was somewhat natural then that as I turned my sights to the grassroots environmental movements of South Asia, I was concerned most with the question of whether or not there were spiritual motivations for some of the most famous women-led movements of the time. Did the Chipko, or tree-hugging, movement, for example, connect trees to the heart and spirit of people in Uttarakhand (India), and not just to their stovetops and livelihoods (although that, in and of itself was important)? Was the planetary not only the personal…but the transpersonal? And if spirituality mattered, I wondered, how much did it matter in the quest for equality and justice, as through these movements…then again, did it matter to those who didn’t claim a religion but were responding to “a calling” in their work born out of what might be called a “spiritual sentiment”?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2009PaganConference.pdf\"><em><b>Click here for the full article and call to action>>></b></em>\r\n</a>','Spirit and Social Justice','','inherit','open','open','','100117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-10 22:16:18','2013-10-11 05:16:18','',100117,'<h3>Creating and Sustaining Spaces for Marginalized Spiritualities<br>& Social Transformation</h3>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<em>By: Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100119 imgborder\" alt=\"ShivaRishikesh\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-c',0,'revision','',0),(100600,2,'2013-10-10 22:39:47','2013-10-11 05:39:47','','Offering','','inherit','open','open','','dscn1576-2','','','2013-10-10 22:39:47','2013-10-11 05:39:47','',99145,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100601,2,'2013-10-10 22:41:50','2013-10-11 05:41:50','A commitment to the Divine within the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can tradition</a> takes many forms, but none as formal as our initiation and ordination process. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">While we welcome all serious inquiries, we recognize that the commitment and dedication necessary for initiation, and most especially for the process of ordination as clergy, is not possible or practical for everyone. No matter what your inclination at this moment, however, we welcome you to familiarize yourself with this document and our temple, to ask questions of our community members and/or initiates and ministry, and after all, to determine what the best path for you will be.  </span>\r\n\r\nOutlined here are the guidelines for a faith-based practice that can lead to initiation and the ministerial path if one so desires. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please note that outlined here is a path of commitment and dedication. For religious governance purposes, SHARANYA runs by consensus among clergy, and we otherwise seek to maintain a relatively flat organizational structure in order to promote fresh ideas and open avenues of communication among all members, initiates and clergy.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[tabgroup]\r\n[tab title=\"Sitting in circle\"]\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"alignright\" alt=\"Maa Batakali Mandir (Puri) and SHARANYA\'s Founder (1998)\" src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/chandra_puri.gif\" width=\"297\" height=\"280\" align=\"left\" /></b><strong><i>Objective:</i></strong> To develop personal practice within Sha\'can and deepen worship of the Dark Goddess; to gain basic techniques and understandings through learning of cosmology, practice, language, and ritual in the tradition that help guide spiritual development.\r\n\r\nThose interested in becoming practicing members of the tradition, and possibly initiates, are encouraged to sit in circle. This means that in addition to attending worship ceremonies, individuals are encouraged to follow a course of regular devotion and practice, learning some of the history, symbolism, ritual formats, liturgy, and prayer methodologies of Sha\'can.\r\n\r\nParticipation in regular circle work for a year and a day is typical under the supervision and mentoring of an initiate (one serving at least within a Yogini Chakra). This can prepare one for and lead to initiation within the tradition, as agreed upon by the individual and the circle members, with final recommendation and approval granted by the presiding initiate.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Sitting in circle, here is some of what you will learn:  </span>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The history and foundation of Sha\'can </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Cosmology and cosmogony of the tradition </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Principles of Tantra and Shakta Tantra </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">History and context for worship of Kali and other Hindu goddesses </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Mantras to ground material and work with deities </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Foundations of ritual work (purification, invocations, etc.) </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Components of the Kali Puja - I </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Foundations of individual practice (grounding and centering, spell work, divination, energy work, creating sacred space, meditation, etc.)</span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Pranayama (breath work)</li>\r\n	<li>Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation)</li>\r\n	<li>Japa (recitation)</li>\r\n	<li>Mudra (hand postures)</li>\r\n	<li>Chakras (energy centers)</li>\r\n	<li>Tattwa shuddhi (elemental purification)</li>\r\n	<li>Koshas (sheaths)</li>\r\n	<li>Akshara nyasa (placement)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Initiation\"]For those choosing to be initiated within the tradition, taking of a name and making a Statement of Faith are the hallmarks of this next passage. Individuals are encouraged to enter into contemplation and meditation on the spiritual significance that initiation will have, making the choice to do so in full confidence of their decision. Initiates carry a chosen name as a sign of their commitment, devotion, and willingness to work on their spiritual path.  The ceremony culminates with the initiate being presented to at least three witnesses (one of whom must also be an initiate), before whom the Statement of Faith is affirmed. With this, initiates willingly carry responsibility for the preservation of the tradition, and for promoting the aims and objectives of SHARANYA to the utmost of their abilities.\r\n\r\nAlthough this responsibility is not codified, the responsibility is real and fully based upon the needs, interests, and objectives of both the initiate and the guiding community spirit. Potential initiates have an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills working within Daughters of Kali, a worship and study circle that facilitates rites of passage and encourages community work, especially with teenagers and young girls. After initiation, individuals have further opportunities within the faith for developing their commitment to the Divine according to our beliefs and practices.\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1576-e1381470083113.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1576-e1381470083113.jpg\" alt=\"Offering\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100600 imgborder\" /></a>\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Yogini Chakra\"]<strong><i>Objective:</i></strong> Deepened personal practice and greater breadth of spiritual technologies in pursuit of personal spiritual goals.\r\n\r\nAfter initiation, individuals may request admittance to the Yogini Chakra. This circle is a manifest expression of deeper commitment to the tradition and faith.  It is considered the first step towards pursuing ordination, a much longer and more involved process to which initiates must dedicate themselves over the course of, at a minimum, three years.\r\n\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/kali_arms.gif\" width=\"247\" height=\"407\" align=\"right\" /> Application for membership requires that in addition to expressing an earnest desire to further spiritual practice with demonstrable dedication to the path, an individual must obtain the support of another initiate willing to act as mentor. This requires that the supporting mentor already be within the Matrika Chakra, or at a more advanced degree within SHARANYA\'s ordination structure. All membership requests are reviewed by committee and either accepted or denied based in large part upon the following criteria:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Applicant must be initiated in the Sha\'can tradition.</li>\r\n	<li>Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.</li>\r\n	<li>Applicant must hold at least a high-school diploma.</li>\r\n	<li>Demonstrable commitment to the work of SHARANYA and the faith.</li>\r\n	<li>Demonstrable aptitude in and knowledge of the tradition.</li>\r\n	<li>Recognized and demonstrable leadership abilities.</li>\r\n	<li>Letter of recommendation from mentor or other initiate.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDenied membership applications may be augmented or otherwise altered to meet committee requirements and resubmitted on appeal within three months. Those accepted into the Yogini Chakra make a commitment in formal ceremony marking the passage to regular and disciplined practice, deepened instruction in religious ceremonies, study, dedicated attendance at monthly meetings, participation in community worship services, and assistance at high holy day public events. This assistance encompasses the logistical details of public functions as well as the spiritual guidance aspects of ritual. The primary work of this circle is to further familiarize initiates with all levels of ministerial duties, provide opportunities for leadership, and create a container for work on and practice of invocations, prayers, and other ritual elements. Participation within the Yogini Chakra for a year and a day (or after six months with special application to committee) entitles one to seek membership within the next circle.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\nSome of what you will learn (in addition to deepening work with previous material):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mantras appropriate to this level of practice</li>\r\n	<li>Integration of ritual techniques</li>\r\n	<li>Components of Kali Puja - II</li>\r\n	<li>Yantras - I (creation, worship as deity, protection)</li>\r\n	<li>Introduction to panchatattva chakra puja</li>\r\n	<li>Advanced pranayama</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of some Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Prana pratishtha</li>\r\n	<li>Kara nyasa and other nyasas</li>\r\n	<li>Kundalini yoga practices</li>\r\n	<li>Yoga nidra</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nNOTE: Initiates may remain in Yogini Chakra for as long as they wish. Initiates are considered elders in community once they have participated in Yogini Chakra for two years.\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Matrika Chakra\"]\r\n\r\n<i><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yonimudra1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99739 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni Mudra\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yonimudra1.jpg\" /></a><strong>Objective:</strong></i> Engagement of spirituality in the larger community/world. Learning and mastery of more intricate spiritual technologies for realization of S/self, facilitation of relationships, personal growth, and deepened connection with the Divine.\r\n\r\nEntry to the Matrika Chakra is predicated upon successful completion of tenure within the Yogini Chakra and based upon application and approval by committee. In addition to a Certification of Completion by the Yogini Chakra committee, applicants are required to submit, in writing, details of their religious/spiritual work to date within the tradition, a statement called Explanation of Involvement (this details how they have served in community), and a proposal for project work as application. Once the application is received and reviewed, an interview with the candidate will be arranged as the final step before determination is given. As above, denied membership applications may be augmented or otherwise altered to meet committee requirements and resubmitted on appeal within three months.\r\n\r\nWhen approved, individuals are accepted and granted status within this circle at the Ceremony of Elders. They must complete, at a minimum, one year of service and fulfillment of their project before requesting Apprenticeship. The primary work of the Matrika Chakra is to augment deepening ritual knowledge with mentoring responsibilities and ministerial assistance, including learning to lead and taking responsiblity for public monthly puja ceremonies. Individuals within this circle must also complete a community service project based on SHARANYA\'s aims and objectives as approved by committee, prove proficiency in ritual work that includes the creation of a commitment or rite of passage ceremony for submission to the tradition\'s <i>Twilight Book of Ritual and Prayer</i>, mastery of <i>devanagari</i> script (reading and writing only; translation is not required), and commitment to memory of the <i>Kali Gayatri</i>, at least 51 of Maa Kali\'s sacred names, and other important mantras for use in worship (<i>puja</i>) services.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]What you will learn (in addition to deepening work and teaching of material offered in Yogini):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Increased engagement with the Sacred Male / Divine Masculine</li>\r\n	<li>Mantras appropriate to this level of practice</li>\r\n	<li>Sanskrit (for those wishing to do so)</li>\r\n	<li>Deepening yoga nidra, shuddhi, nyasa, and other practices</li>\r\n	<li>Advanced ritual techniques</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of some Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Bahya matrika nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Matrika nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Anga puja</li>\r\n	<li>Pitha nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Yantra - II (spell work, siddhis, talismans)</li>\r\n	<li>Yajna and homa rites</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Commitment','','inherit','open','open','','99145-revision-v1','','','2013-10-10 22:41:50','2013-10-11 05:41:50','',99145,'A commitment to the Divine within the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can tradition</a> takes many forms, but none as formal as our initiation and ordination process. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helve',0,'revision','',0),(100602,2,'2013-10-10 22:43:46','2013-10-11 05:43:46','A commitment to the Divine within the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can tradition</a> takes many forms, but none as formal as our initiation and ordination process. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">While we welcome all serious inquiries, we recognize that the commitment and dedication necessary for initiation, and most especially for the process of ordination as clergy, is not possible or practical for everyone. No matter what your inclination at this moment, however, we welcome you to familiarize yourself with this document and our temple, to ask questions of our community members and/or initiates and ministry, and after all, to determine what the best path for you will be.  </span>\r\n\r\nOutlined here are the guidelines for a faith-based practice that can lead to initiation and the ministerial path if one so desires. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please note that outlined here is a path of commitment and dedication. For religious governance purposes, SHARANYA runs by consensus among clergy, and we otherwise seek to maintain a relatively flat organizational structure in order to promote fresh ideas and open avenues of communication among all members, initiates and clergy.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[tabgroup]\r\n[tab title=\"Sitting in circle\"]\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"alignright\" alt=\"Maa Batakali Mandir (Puri) and SHARANYA\'s Founder (1998)\" src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/chandra_puri.gif\" width=\"297\" height=\"280\" align=\"left\" /></b><strong><i>Objective:</i></strong> To develop personal practice within Sha\'can and deepen worship of the Dark Goddess; to gain basic techniques and understandings through learning of cosmology, practice, language, and ritual in the tradition that help guide spiritual development.\r\n\r\nThose interested in becoming practicing members of the tradition, and possibly initiates, are encouraged to sit in circle. This means that in addition to attending worship ceremonies, individuals are encouraged to follow a course of regular devotion and practice, learning some of the history, symbolism, ritual formats, liturgy, and prayer methodologies of Sha\'can.\r\n\r\nParticipation in regular circle work for a year and a day is typical under the supervision and mentoring of an initiate (one serving at least within a Yogini Chakra). This can prepare one for and lead to initiation within the tradition, as agreed upon by the individual and the circle members, with final recommendation and approval granted by the presiding initiate.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Sitting in circle, here is some of what you will learn:  </span>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The history and foundation of Sha\'can </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Cosmology and cosmogony of the tradition </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Principles of Tantra and Shakta Tantra </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">History and context for worship of Kali and other Hindu goddesses </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Mantras to ground material and work with deities </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Foundations of ritual work (purification, invocations, etc.) </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Components of the Kali Puja - I </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Foundations of individual practice (grounding and centering, spell work, divination, energy work, creating sacred space, meditation, etc.)</span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Pranayama (breath work)</li>\r\n	<li>Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation)</li>\r\n	<li>Japa (recitation)</li>\r\n	<li>Mudra (hand postures)</li>\r\n	<li>Chakras (energy centers)</li>\r\n	<li>Tattwa shuddhi (elemental purification)</li>\r\n	<li>Koshas (sheaths)</li>\r\n	<li>Akshara nyasa (placement)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Initiation\"]For those choosing to be initiated within the tradition, taking of a name and making a Statement of Faith are the hallmarks of this next passage. Individuals are encouraged to enter into contemplation and meditation on the spiritual significance that initiation will have, making the choice to do so in full confidence of their decision. Initiates carry a chosen name as a sign of their commitment, devotion, and willingness to work on their spiritual path.  \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1576-e1381470083113.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1576-e1381470083113.jpg\" alt=\"Offering\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-100600 imgborder\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe ceremony culminates with the initiate being presented to at least three witnesses (one of whom must also be an initiate), before whom the Statement of Faith is affirmed. With this, initiates willingly carry responsibility for the preservation of the tradition, and for promoting the aims and objectives of SHARANYA to the utmost of their abilities.\r\n\r\nAlthough this responsibility is not codified, the responsibility is real and fully based upon the needs, interests, and objectives of both the initiate and the guiding community spirit. Potential initiates have an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills working within Daughters of Kali, a worship and study circle that facilitates rites of passage and encourages community work, especially with teenagers and young girls. After initiation, individuals have further opportunities within the faith for developing their commitment to the Divine according to our beliefs and practices.\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Yogini Chakra\"]<strong><i>Objective:</i></strong> Deepened personal practice and greater breadth of spiritual technologies in pursuit of personal spiritual goals.\r\n\r\nAfter initiation, individuals may request admittance to the Yogini Chakra. This circle is a manifest expression of deeper commitment to the tradition and faith.  It is considered the first step towards pursuing ordination, a much longer and more involved process to which initiates must dedicate themselves over the course of, at a minimum, three years.\r\n\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/kali_arms.gif\" width=\"247\" height=\"407\" align=\"right\" /> Application for membership requires that in addition to expressing an earnest desire to further spiritual practice with demonstrable dedication to the path, an individual must obtain the support of another initiate willing to act as mentor. This requires that the supporting mentor already be within the Matrika Chakra, or at a more advanced degree within SHARANYA\'s ordination structure. All membership requests are reviewed by committee and either accepted or denied based in large part upon the following criteria:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Applicant must be initiated in the Sha\'can tradition.</li>\r\n	<li>Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.</li>\r\n	<li>Applicant must hold at least a high-school diploma.</li>\r\n	<li>Demonstrable commitment to the work of SHARANYA and the faith.</li>\r\n	<li>Demonstrable aptitude in and knowledge of the tradition.</li>\r\n	<li>Recognized and demonstrable leadership abilities.</li>\r\n	<li>Letter of recommendation from mentor or other initiate.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDenied membership applications may be augmented or otherwise altered to meet committee requirements and resubmitted on appeal within three months. Those accepted into the Yogini Chakra make a commitment in formal ceremony marking the passage to regular and disciplined practice, deepened instruction in religious ceremonies, study, dedicated attendance at monthly meetings, participation in community worship services, and assistance at high holy day public events. This assistance encompasses the logistical details of public functions as well as the spiritual guidance aspects of ritual. The primary work of this circle is to further familiarize initiates with all levels of ministerial duties, provide opportunities for leadership, and create a container for work on and practice of invocations, prayers, and other ritual elements. Participation within the Yogini Chakra for a year and a day (or after six months with special application to committee) entitles one to seek membership within the next circle.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\nSome of what you will learn (in addition to deepening work with previous material):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mantras appropriate to this level of practice</li>\r\n	<li>Integration of ritual techniques</li>\r\n	<li>Components of Kali Puja - II</li>\r\n	<li>Yantras - I (creation, worship as deity, protection)</li>\r\n	<li>Introduction to panchatattva chakra puja</li>\r\n	<li>Advanced pranayama</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of some Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Prana pratishtha</li>\r\n	<li>Kara nyasa and other nyasas</li>\r\n	<li>Kundalini yoga practices</li>\r\n	<li>Yoga nidra</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nNOTE: Initiates may remain in Yogini Chakra for as long as they wish. Initiates are considered elders in community once they have participated in Yogini Chakra for two years.\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Matrika Chakra\"]\r\n\r\n<i><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yonimudra1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99739 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni Mudra\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yonimudra1.jpg\" /></a><strong>Objective:</strong></i> Engagement of spirituality in the larger community/world. Learning and mastery of more intricate spiritual technologies for realization of S/self, facilitation of relationships, personal growth, and deepened connection with the Divine.\r\n\r\nEntry to the Matrika Chakra is predicated upon successful completion of tenure within the Yogini Chakra and based upon application and approval by committee. In addition to a Certification of Completion by the Yogini Chakra committee, applicants are required to submit, in writing, details of their religious/spiritual work to date within the tradition, a statement called Explanation of Involvement (this details how they have served in community), and a proposal for project work as application. Once the application is received and reviewed, an interview with the candidate will be arranged as the final step before determination is given. As above, denied membership applications may be augmented or otherwise altered to meet committee requirements and resubmitted on appeal within three months.\r\n\r\nWhen approved, individuals are accepted and granted status within this circle at the Ceremony of Elders. They must complete, at a minimum, one year of service and fulfillment of their project before requesting Apprenticeship. The primary work of the Matrika Chakra is to augment deepening ritual knowledge with mentoring responsibilities and ministerial assistance, including learning to lead and taking responsiblity for public monthly puja ceremonies. Individuals within this circle must also complete a community service project based on SHARANYA\'s aims and objectives as approved by committee, prove proficiency in ritual work that includes the creation of a commitment or rite of passage ceremony for submission to the tradition\'s <i>Twilight Book of Ritual and Prayer</i>, mastery of <i>devanagari</i> script (reading and writing only; translation is not required), and commitment to memory of the <i>Kali Gayatri</i>, at least 51 of Maa Kali\'s sacred names, and other important mantras for use in worship (<i>puja</i>) services.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]What you will learn (in addition to deepening work and teaching of material offered in Yogini):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Increased engagement with the Sacred Male / Divine Masculine</li>\r\n	<li>Mantras appropriate to this level of practice</li>\r\n	<li>Sanskrit (for those wishing to do so)</li>\r\n	<li>Deepening yoga nidra, shuddhi, nyasa, and other practices</li>\r\n	<li>Advanced ritual techniques</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of some Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Bahya matrika nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Matrika nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Anga puja</li>\r\n	<li>Pitha nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Yantra - II (spell work, siddhis, talismans)</li>\r\n	<li>Yajna and homa rites</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Commitment','','inherit','open','open','','99145-revision-v1','','','2013-10-10 22:43:46','2013-10-11 05:43:46','',99145,'A commitment to the Divine within the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can tradition</a> takes many forms, but none as formal as our initiation and ordination process. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helve',0,'revision','',0),(100603,2,'2013-10-11 16:37:12','2013-10-11 23:37:12','A commitment to the Divine within the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can tradition</a> takes many forms, but none as formal as our initiation and ordination process. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">While we welcome all serious inquiries, we recognize that the commitment and dedication necessary for initiation, and most especially for the process of ordination as clergy, is not possible or practical for everyone. No matter what your inclination at this moment, however, we welcome you to familiarize yourself with this document and our temple, to ask questions of our community members and/or initiates and ministry, and after all, to determine what the best path for you will be.  </span>\r\n\r\nOutlined here are the guidelines for a faith-based practice that can lead to initiation and the ministerial path if one so desires. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Please note that outlined here is a path of commitment and dedication. For religious governance purposes, SHARANYA runs by consensus among clergy, and we otherwise seek to maintain a relatively flat organizational structure in order to promote fresh ideas and open avenues of communication among all members, initiates and clergy.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[tabgroup]\r\n[tab title=\"Sitting in circle\"]\r\n\r\n<b><img class=\"alignright\" alt=\"Maa Batakali Mandir (Puri) and SHARANYA\'s Founder (1998)\" src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/chandra_puri.gif\" width=\"297\" height=\"280\" align=\"left\" /></b><strong><i>Objective:</i></strong> To develop personal practice within Sha\'can and deepen worship of the Dark Goddess; to gain basic techniques and understandings through learning of cosmology, practice, language, and ritual in the tradition that help guide spiritual development.\r\n\r\nThose interested in becoming practicing members of the tradition, and possibly initiates, are encouraged to sit in circle. This means that in addition to attending worship ceremonies, individuals are encouraged to follow a course of regular devotion and practice, learning some of the history, symbolism, ritual formats, liturgy, and prayer methodologies of Sha\'can.\r\n\r\nParticipation in regular circle work for a year and a day is typical under the supervision and mentoring of an initiate (one serving at least within a Yogini Chakra). This can prepare one for and lead to initiation within the tradition, as agreed upon by the individual and the circle members, with final recommendation and approval granted by the presiding initiate.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Sitting in circle, here is some of what you will learn:  </span>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The history and foundation of Sha\'can </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Cosmology and cosmogony of the tradition </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Principles of Tantra and Shakta Tantra </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">History and context for worship of Kali and other Hindu goddesses </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Mantras to ground material and work with deities </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Foundations of ritual work (purification, invocations, etc.) </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Components of the Kali Puja - I </span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Foundations of individual practice (grounding and centering, spell work, divination, energy work, creating sacred space, meditation, etc.)</span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Pranayama (breath work)</li>\r\n	<li>Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation)</li>\r\n	<li>Japa (recitation)</li>\r\n	<li>Mudra (hand postures)</li>\r\n	<li>Chakras (energy centers)</li>\r\n	<li>Tattwa shuddhi (elemental purification)</li>\r\n	<li>Koshas (sheaths)</li>\r\n	<li>Akshara nyasa (placement)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Initiation\"]For those choosing to be initiated within the tradition, taking of a name and making a Statement of Faith are the hallmarks of this next passage. Individuals are encouraged to enter into contemplation and meditation on the spiritual significance that initiation will have, making the choice to do so in full confidence of their decision. Initiates carry a chosen name as a sign of their commitment, devotion, and willingness to work on their spiritual path.  \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1576-e1381470083113.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1576-e1381470083113.jpg\" alt=\"Offering\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-100600 imgborder\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe ceremony culminates with the initiate being presented to at least three witnesses (one of whom must also be an initiate), before whom the Statement of Faith is affirmed. With this, initiates willingly carry responsibility for the preservation of the tradition, and for promoting the aims and objectives of SHARANYA to the utmost of their abilities.\r\n\r\nAlthough this responsibility is not codified, the responsibility is real and fully based upon the needs, interests, and objectives of both the initiate and the guiding community spirit. Potential initiates have an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills working within Daughters of Kali, a worship and study circle that facilitates rites of passage and encourages community work, especially with teenagers and young girls. After initiation, individuals have further opportunities within the faith for developing their commitment to the Divine according to our beliefs and practices.\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n[tab title=\"Yogini Chakra\"]<strong><i>Objective:</i></strong> Deepened personal practice and greater breadth of spiritual technologies in pursuit of personal spiritual goals.\r\n\r\nAfter initiation, individuals may request admittance to the Yogini Chakra. This circle is a manifest expression of deeper commitment to the tradition and faith.  It is considered the first step towards pursuing ordination, a much longer and more involved process to which initiates must dedicate themselves over the course of, at a minimum, three years.\r\n\r\n<img alt=\"\" src=\"http://www.sharanya.org/images/kali_arms.gif\" width=\"247\" height=\"407\" align=\"right\" /> Application for membership requires that in addition to expressing an earnest desire to further spiritual practice with demonstrable dedication to the path, an individual must obtain the support of another initiate willing to act as mentor. This requires that the supporting mentor already be within the Matrika Chakra, or at a more advanced degree within SHARANYA\'s ordination structure. All membership requests are reviewed by committee and either accepted or denied based in large part upon the following criteria:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Applicant must be initiated in the Sha\'can tradition.</li>\r\n	<li>Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.</li>\r\n	<li>Applicant must hold at least a high-school diploma.</li>\r\n	<li>Demonstrable commitment to the work of SHARANYA and the faith.</li>\r\n	<li>Demonstrable aptitude in and knowledge of the tradition.</li>\r\n	<li>Recognized and demonstrable leadership abilities.</li>\r\n	<li>Letter of recommendation from mentor or other initiate.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDenied membership applications may be augmented or otherwise altered to meet committee requirements and resubmitted on appeal within three months. Those accepted into the Yogini Chakra make a commitment in formal ceremony marking the passage to regular and disciplined practice, deepened instruction in religious ceremonies, study, dedicated attendance at monthly meetings, participation in community worship services, and assistance at high holy day public events. This assistance encompasses the logistical details of public functions as well as the spiritual guidance aspects of ritual. The primary work of this circle is to further familiarize initiates with all levels of ministerial duties, provide opportunities for leadership, and create a container for work on and practice of invocations, prayers, and other ritual elements. Participation within the Yogini Chakra for a year and a day (or after six months with special application to committee) entitles one to seek membership within the next circle.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]\r\n\r\nSome of what you will learn (in addition to deepening work with previous material):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mantras appropriate to this level of practice</li>\r\n	<li>Integration of ritual techniques</li>\r\n	<li>Components of Kali Puja - II</li>\r\n	<li>Yantras - I (creation, worship as deity, protection)</li>\r\n	<li>Introduction to panchatattva chakra puja</li>\r\n	<li>Advanced pranayama</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of some Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Prana pratishtha</li>\r\n	<li>Kara nyasa and other nyasas</li>\r\n	<li>Kundalini yoga practices</li>\r\n	<li>Yoga nidra</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\nNOTE: Initiates may remain in Yogini Chakra for as long as they wish. Initiates are considered elders in community once they have participated in Yogini Chakra for two years.\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[tab title=\"Matrika Chakra\"]\r\n\r\n<i><a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yonimudra1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-99739 imgborder\" alt=\"Yoni Mudra\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yonimudra1.jpg\" /></a><strong>Objective:</strong></i> Engagement of spirituality in the larger community/world. Learning and mastery of more intricate spiritual technologies for realization of S/self, facilitation of relationships, personal growth, and deepened connection with the Divine.\r\n\r\nEntry to the Matrika Chakra is predicated upon successful completion of tenure within the Yogini Chakra and based upon application and approval by committee. In addition to a Certification of Completion by the Yogini Chakra committee, applicants are required to submit, in writing, details of their religious/spiritual work to date within the tradition, a statement called Explanation of Involvement (this details how they have served in community), and a proposal for project work as application. Once the application is received and reviewed, an interview with the candidate will be arranged as the final step before determination is given. As above, denied membership applications may be augmented or otherwise altered to meet committee requirements and resubmitted on appeal within three months.\r\n\r\nWhen approved, individuals are accepted and granted status within this circle at the Ceremony of Elders. They must complete, at a minimum, one year of service and fulfillment of their project before requesting Apprenticeship. The primary work of the Matrika Chakra is to augment deepening ritual knowledge with mentoring responsibilities and ministerial assistance, including learning to lead and taking responsiblity for public monthly puja ceremonies. Individuals within this circle must also complete a community service project based on SHARANYA\'s aims and objectives as approved by committee, prove proficiency in ritual work that includes the creation of a commitment or rite of passage ceremony for submission to the tradition\'s <i>Twilight Book of Ritual and Prayer</i>, mastery of <i>devanagari</i> script (reading and writing only; translation is not required), and commitment to memory of the <i>Kali Gayatri</i>, at least 51 of Maa Kali\'s sacred names, and other important mantras for use in worship (<i>puja</i>) services.\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"Expectations and outcomes\" active=\"\"]What you will learn (in addition to deepening work and teaching of material offered in Yogini):\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Increased engagement with the Sacred Male / Divine Masculine</li>\r\n	<li>Mantras appropriate to this level of practice</li>\r\n	<li>Sanskrit (for those wishing to do so)</li>\r\n	<li>Deepening yoga nidra, shuddhi, nyasa, and other practices</li>\r\n	<li>Advanced ritual techniques</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nExamples of some Tantric techniques, concepts, and practices taught:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Bahya matrika nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Matrika nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Anga puja</li>\r\n	<li>Pitha nyasa</li>\r\n	<li>Yantra - II (spell work, siddhis, talismans)</li>\r\n	<li>Yajna and homa rites</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[/tab]\r\n\r\n[/tabgroup]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Initiation','','inherit','open','open','','99145-revision-v1','','','2013-10-11 16:37:12','2013-10-11 23:37:12','',99145,'A commitment to the Divine within the <a title=\"The Tradition\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/about-us/the-tradition-2/\">Sha\'can tradition</a> takes many forms, but none as formal as our initiation and ordination process. <span style=\"font-family: arial, helve',0,'revision','',0),(100604,2,'2013-10-11 16:41:31','2013-10-11 23:41:31','','About Us','','publish','open','closed','','about-us','','','2017-03-19 15:58:39','2017-03-19 22:58:39','',0,'',2,'nav_menu_item','',0),(100605,2,'2013-10-11 16:43:24','2013-10-11 23:43:24','','Calendar','','publish','open','closed','','calendar','','','2017-03-19 15:58:39','2017-03-19 22:58:39','',0,'',7,'nav_menu_item','',0),(100606,2,'2013-10-11 16:44:49','2013-10-11 23:44:49','\r\n\r\n[teaser title=\"Calendar of Events\"][/teaser]<br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\nSHARANYA hosts a variety of events, public worship and community gatherings in a dedicated temple space, our Sanctuary. Review our calendar to see regular offerings of worship to the Divine Mother, <i>amavasya</i> (new moon) and <i>purnima</i> (full moon) satsangs, earth-based ceremonies, special services, and monthly public pujas. <a title=\"Contact Us\" href=\"http://sharanya.org/contact-us/\" target=\"_blank\">Contact us </a>to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you in circle soon!<br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[event layout=\"full\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"events\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Events','','inherit','open','open','','99131-revision-v1','','','2013-10-11 16:44:49','2013-10-11 23:44:49','',99131,'\r\n\r\n[teaser title=\"Calendar of Events\"][/teaser]<br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\nSHARANYA hosts a variety of events, public worship and community gatherings in a dedicated temple space, our Sanctuary. Review our calendar to see regular offerings of worship to the Divi',0,'revision','',0),(100607,2,'2013-10-11 16:50:02','2013-10-11 23:50:02','','The Path','','publish','open','closed','','the-path','','','2017-03-19 15:58:40','2017-03-19 22:58:40','',0,'',15,'nav_menu_item','',0),(100608,2,'2013-10-11 16:50:02','2013-10-11 23:50:02','','Resources','','publish','open','closed','','reading-archives','','','2017-03-19 15:58:40','2017-03-19 22:58:40','',0,'',21,'nav_menu_item','',0),(100609,2,'2013-10-11 21:23:06','2013-10-12 04:23:06','The Sha\'can tradition offers many opportunities for the neophyte as well as the initiate on the path to practice, worship, learn, deepen, and cultivate spiritual leadership. At SHARANYA, those seeking an understanding of and way into Sha\'can begin with sitting in circle, joining us regularly for puja, service and teaching circles. Those who receive initiation are welcomed into the Kaula, or family of initiates.<br><br>\r\n\r\nInitiation is a decision come to only after deep personal reflection, commitment, and dedicated work on the path. After initiation, many choose to further deepen study and practice in our ongoing circle of initiates, the Yogini Chakra. Many in our community stay in this circle, becoming mentors and elders in community. Others may choose to do the work necessary to take on a leadership role through Matrika Chakra.<br><br>\r\n\r\nFrom this place, it is also possible to continue the journey to ordination, working toward recognition as full clergy: the Rashani of Sha\'can. This path is available to any committed seeker.<br><br>\r\n\r\n[toggle type=\"gray\" title=\"The Kaula\" active=\"\"]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Rededication</strong> of Initiates (there was no 10th Chakra initiation) took place on Saturday, August 10th (2013) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Balipriya, Bhaktashankari, Satya, Jayada, Haravallabha, Purnamanaha, Maya, Punyadeha, Gitapriya, Tivra, Vibhutihi, Shuddha, and Chinnamasta for their presence, devotion and open-hearted embrace of the Divine Mother.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Rededication</strong> of Initiates took place on Saturday, August 11th (2012) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Bhaktashankari, Pavini, Haravallabha, Satya, Jayada, Purnamanaha, Jaratura, Balipriya, Citra and Maya for their presence, devotion and open-hearted embrace of the Divine Mother.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2011-12 circle (9th Chakra) took place on Friday, August 24th (2012) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Gitapriya, Tivra, Vibhutihi, Shuddha, and Chinnamasta for their presence, devotion and open-hearted embrace of the Divine Mother.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Rededication</strong> of Initiates (there was no 8th Chakra initiation) took place on Friday, September 9th (2011) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Purnamanaha, Bhaktashankari, Jayada, Balipriya, Jaratura, Satya, Mahesha and Haravallabha for their presence, devotion and open-hearted embrace of the Divine Mother.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2009-2010 circle (7th Chakra) took place on Friday, September 10th (2010) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Raktapa, Purnamanaha, Bhaktashankari, and Nitya, with thanks to community and all who have loved them and supported their work during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2008-2009 circle took place on Friday, September 11th (2009) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Mahesha, Haravallabha, Duti, Satya, and Citra, with thanks to community and all who have supported their work during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2007-2008 circle took place on Friday, September 5th (2008) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Jaratura, Jayada, Sanatani, Sarasvati, Anangarekha, and Balipriya, with thanks to community and all who have supported their work during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2006-2007 circle took place on Friday, September 7th (2007) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Asha and Kumarirupadharini, with thanks to community and all who have supported their work during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2005-2006 circle took place on Friday, September 1st (2006) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Shunyanivasini, Svadha, Kalabhairavi, Pavini, Durgatarini, Shreyasi, Ranapandita, and Maya, with thanks to community and all who have supported their work during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2004-2005 circle took place on Friday, September 2nd (2005) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Punyadeha, Shashini, Svayambhupuspapuspini, and Bhaktisukhini, with thanks to community and all who have supported their work during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Initiation</strong> of our 2003-2004 circle took place on Friday, August 26th (2004) at 8:00pm. Jai Maa! to Bhagavati, Karuna, Sundari, and Kumari, with thanks to our ancestors, guides and the lineage for the support and love during the past year and a day!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/toggle]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"the-path\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n [one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/the-path/commitment/\" title=\"Initiation\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SF-Oct-08-123-e1377932688317.jpg\" ]Learn more...[/teaser]  [/one_third]  \r\n [one_third last=last] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/the-path/ordination/\" title=\"Ordination\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_2076-e1377932258801.jpg\" ]Learn more...[/teaser] [/one_third] ','The Path','','inherit','open','open','','99140-revision-v1','','','2013-10-11 21:23:06','2013-10-12 04:23:06','',99140,'The Sha\'can tradition offers many opportunities for the neophyte as well as the initiate on the path to practice, worship, learn, deepen, and cultivate spiritual leadership. At SHARANYA, those seeking an understanding of and way into Sha\'can begin with si',0,'revision','',0),(100610,2,'2013-10-11 21:25:30','2013-10-12 04:25:30','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n<h3>Latest News</h3><br><br>\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-11 21:25:30','2013-10-12 04:25:30','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n<h3>Latest News</',0,'revision','',0),(100611,2,'2013-10-11 21:27:13','2013-10-12 04:27:13','[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n<h3>Reflections & News</h3><br>\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-11 21:27:13','2013-10-12 04:27:13','',99117,'[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<hr \\>\r\n<h3>Reflections &',0,'revision','',0),(100613,2,'2013-10-11 21:49:13','2013-10-12 04:49:13','','Shiva Offering','','inherit','open','open','','1081132339_bdwln-o','','','2013-10-11 21:49:13','2013-10-12 04:49:13','',0,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100614,2,'2013-10-11 21:59:27','2013-10-12 04:59:27','<!-- 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/\">October\'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','','','2013-10-11 21:59:27','2013-10-12 04:59:27','',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),(100615,2,'2013-10-11 22:00:12','2013-10-12 05:00:12','<!-- 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/\">October\'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: 2px solid #aaa; margin: 30px 0;\" />\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"24\" perpage=\"1\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n<hr style=\"border-top: 2px 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','','','2013-10-11 22:00:12','2013-10-12 05:00:12','',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),(100616,2,'2013-10-12 22:32:52','2013-10-13 05:32:52','\"1\" from Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine by Chandra Alexandre. Released: 2010. Track 1. Genre: Lecture.','Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine','','inherit','open','open','','1','','','2013-10-12 22:32:52','2013-10-13 05:32:52','',99138,'\"1\" from Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine by Chandra Alexandre. Released: 2010. Track 1. Genre: Lecture.',0,'attachment','audio/mpeg',0),(100617,2,'2013-10-12 22:34:13','2013-10-13 05:34:13','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/the-path\" title=\"Goddess Earthly & Divine\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\"]Listen...[/teaser]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:34:13','2013-10-13 05:34:13','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100618,2,'2013-10-12 22:36:28','2013-10-13 05:36:28','','Kali Murti','','inherit','open','open','','dscn1652','','','2013-10-12 22:36:28','2013-10-13 05:36:28','',99138,'',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(100619,2,'2013-10-12 22:39:34','2013-10-13 05:39:34','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\" title=\"Goddess Earthly & Divine\" srchttp://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381642722589.jpg\"]Listen...[/teaser]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:39:34','2013-10-13 05:39:34','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100620,2,'2013-10-12 22:39:47','2013-10-13 05:39:47','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n[teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\" title=\"Goddess Earthly & Divine\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381642722589.jpg\"]Listen...[/teaser]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:39:47','2013-10-13 05:39:47','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100621,2,'2013-10-12 22:49:23','2013-10-13 05:49:23','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine<h5><br>\r\n<h3>Chandra Alexandre - Lecture at the Cultural Integration Fellowship, San Francisco - April 25, 2010</h3>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:49:23','2013-10-13 05:49:23','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100622,2,'2013-10-12 22:50:03','2013-10-13 05:50:03','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine<h5><br>\r\n<h3>Chandra Alexandre - Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h3>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:50:03','2013-10-13 05:50:03','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100623,2,'2013-10-12 22:50:36','2013-10-13 05:50:36','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine<h5><br>\r\n<h3>Chandra Alexandre - Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h3>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:50:36','2013-10-13 05:50:36','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100624,2,'2013-10-12 22:51:34','2013-10-13 05:51:34','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine<h5><br>\r\n<h6>Chandra Alexandre - Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h6>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:51:34','2013-10-13 05:51:34','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100625,2,'2013-10-12 22:54:58','2013-10-13 05:54:58','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine<h5><br>\r\n<h5><I<Chandra Alexandre</I><br>\r\nCultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:54:58','2013-10-13 05:54:58','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100626,2,'2013-10-12 22:56:37','2013-10-13 05:56:37','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\"><img src=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\' alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine<h5><br>\r\n<h5><I<Chandra Alexandre</I><br>\r\nCultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:56:37','2013-10-13 05:56:37','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100627,2,'2013-10-12 22:58:37','2013-10-13 05:58:37','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\' alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5><br>\r\n<h5><I<Chandra Alexandre</I><br>\r\nCultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 22:58:37','2013-10-13 05:58:37','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100628,2,'2013-10-12 23:00:18','2013-10-13 06:00:18','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5><br>\r\n<h5><I<Chandra Alexandre</I><br>\r\nCultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:00:18','2013-10-13 06:00:18','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100629,2,'2013-10-12 23:03:02','2013-10-13 06:03:02','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5>\r\n<a href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\' alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<I>Chandra Alexandre</I><br>\r\nCultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:03:02','2013-10-13 06:03:02','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100630,2,'2013-10-12 23:04:29','2013-10-13 06:04:29','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><src=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\' alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<I>Chandra Alexandre</I> - Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:04:29','2013-10-13 06:04:29','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100631,2,'2013-10-12 23:05:47','2013-10-13 06:05:47','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br>\r\n\r\n<I>Chandra Alexandre</I> - Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:05:47','2013-10-13 06:05:47','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100632,2,'2013-10-12 23:06:26','2013-10-13 06:06:26','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<I>Chandra Alexandre</I> - Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:06:26','2013-10-13 06:06:26','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100633,2,'2013-10-12 23:10:00','2013-10-13 06:10:00','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5><br>\r\nTalk excerpt by <I>Chandra Alexandre</I>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br><br>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n(Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:10:00','2013-10-13 06:10:00','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100634,2,'2013-10-12 23:11:19','2013-10-13 06:11:19','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5><br>\r\nTalk excerpt by <I>Chandra Alexandre</I><br>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n(Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:11:19','2013-10-13 06:11:19','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100635,2,'2013-10-12 23:12:06','2013-10-13 06:12:06','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5><br>\r\nTalk excerpt by <I>Chandra Alexandre</I><br><br>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n(Cultural Integration Fellowship (San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</h5>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:12:06','2013-10-13 06:12:06','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100636,2,'2013-10-12 23:15:06','2013-10-13 06:15:06','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5><br>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"><img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\nTalk excerpt by <I>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco - April 25, 2010)\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:15:06','2013-10-13 06:15:06','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100637,2,'2013-10-12 23:18:52','2013-10-13 06:18:52','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>).  We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly & Divine</h5>\r\n<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\nTalk excerpt by <I>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco - April 25, 2010)\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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','','','2013-10-12 23:18:52','2013-10-13 06:18:52','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100638,2,'2013-10-12 23:21:42','2013-10-13 06:21:42','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Talk excerpt by <i>Chandra Alexandre</i> (Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</p>\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:21:42','2013-10-13 06:21:42','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100639,2,'2013-10-12 23:22:58','2013-10-13 06:22:58','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Talk excerpt by <i>Chandra Alexandre</i><br>(Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco - April 25, 2010)</p><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:22:58','2013-10-13 06:22:58','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100640,2,'2013-10-12 23:23:49','2013-10-13 06:23:49','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Talk excerpt by <i>Chandra Alexandre</i><br>(Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco<br>April 25, 2010)</p><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\'][/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:23:49','2013-10-13 06:23:49','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100641,2,'2013-10-12 23:25:05','2013-10-13 06:25:05','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Talk excerpt by <i>Chandra Alexandre</i><br>(Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco)<br>April 25, 2010</p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Mother Goddess[/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:25:05','2013-10-13 06:25:05','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100642,2,'2013-10-12 23:29:23','2013-10-13 06:29:23','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']<i>Chandra Alexandre</I>Talk excerpt (Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:29:23','2013-10-13 06:29:23','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100643,2,'2013-10-12 23:29:56','2013-10-13 06:29:56','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']<i>Chandra Alexandre</I> Talk excerpt (Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:29:56','2013-10-13 06:29:56','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100644,2,'2013-10-12 23:31:44','2013-10-13 06:31:44','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship - San Francisco) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:31:44','2013-10-13 06:31:44','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100645,2,'2013-10-12 23:32:39','2013-10-13 06:32:39','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:32:39','2013-10-13 06:32:39','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100646,2,'2013-10-12 23:34:47','2013-10-13 06:34:47','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n<br><br>\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-12 23:34:47','2013-10-13 06:34:47','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100647,2,'2013-10-13 00:58:11','2013-10-13 07:58:11','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 00:58:11','2013-10-13 07:58:11','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100648,2,'2013-10-13 00:58:38','2013-10-13 07:58:38','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 00:58:38','2013-10-13 07:58:38','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100649,2,'2013-10-13 01:00:27','2013-10-13 08:00:27','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 01:00:27','2013-10-13 08:00:27','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100650,2,'2013-10-13 01:01:29','2013-10-13 08:01:29','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 01:01:29','2013-10-13 08:01:29','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100651,2,'2013-10-13 01:02:16','2013-10-13 08:02:16','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n<br><br>\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 01:02:16','2013-10-13 08:02:16','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100652,2,'2013-10-13 01:03:31','2013-10-13 08:03:31','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 01:03:31','2013-10-13 08:03:31','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100653,2,'2013-10-13 01:03:58','2013-10-13 08:03:58','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 01:03:58','2013-10-13 08:03:58','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100654,2,'2013-10-13 01:04:25','2013-10-13 08:04:25','Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matters and lived experience (<em>upadesha</em>), or to learn about the sacred texts and their lessons (<em>pravachan</em>). We welcome you to join us.<br><br>\r\n\r\n<blockquote>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.</blockquote><br>\r\n\r\nYou may also wish to 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 our other gatherings to learn more about and come to experience directly 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 the fundamentals of incarnation, the subtle body, personal responsibility and liberation beyond space and time. Exercises may include recapitulation, stalking awareness, dreaming work, and the power of gratitudes.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantra &amp; Spellcraft. </b>Delve more deeply into the history of what has birthed some of today\'s magical traditions; learn about initiations, spellwork, and the basics of casting a circle, working with the elements and directions, grounding and centering through Tantric practice. Open to notions of what it means to hold integrity in the practice of magic.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Tantrik Awakening.</b> Discover the primary techniques of <i>pranayama</i> (breathwork) and <i>nyasa</i> (placement) as spiritual technologies. Explore Bhakti Yoga (the path of surrender to the Divine through devotion); and learn the fundamentals of Kundalini within a Shakta Tantric <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><b>Goddesses of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen goddesses in India: Durga, Parvati, Kali, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Lalita.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Gods of India</b> - An introduction to the most commonly seen gods of India: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Agni.</li>\r\n	<li><b>Goddesses of Tantra</b> - 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&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<h5>Mother Goddess Earthly &amp; Divine</h5>\r\n<img src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN1652-e1381643034256.jpg\" alt=\"Kali Murti at SHARANYA\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-100618 imgborder\" />\r\n<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>\r\n\r\n[thaudio href=\'http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CIF-Project-Snip.mp3\']Talk excerpt: <i>Chandra Alexandre</I> (Cultural Integration Fellowship) April 25, 2010[/thaudio]\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"satsang-and-classes\" time=\"10\" effect=\"fade\" ]\r\n\r\n[blog category=\"53\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"on\" ]','Satsang & Classes','','inherit','open','open','','99138-revision-v1','','','2013-10-13 01:04:25','2013-10-13 08:04:25','',99138,'Each month in addition to worship and regular events, we host satsangs every <em>purnima</em> (full moon) and <em>amavasya</em> (new moon) in our home temple. These are an opportunity to meditate and chant, as well as listen to teachings on esoteric matte',0,'revision','',0),(100655,2,'2013-10-14 13:21:36','2013-10-14 20:21:36','[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third last=last] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Reflections &amp; News</h3>\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-14 13:21:36','2013-10-14 20:21:36','',99117,'[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_thi',0,'revision','',0),(100656,2,'2013-10-14 22:21:14','2013-10-15 05:21:14','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\n\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a donation online\n','Kali Puja','','inherit','open','open','','100462-autosave-v1','','','2013-10-14 22:21:14','2013-10-15 05:21:14','',100462,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\n\nRSVP required to at',0,'revision','',0),(100658,2,'2013-10-14 22:28:14','2013-10-15 05:28:14','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-4','','','2013-10-14 22:28:14','2013-10-15 05:28:14','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100659,2,'2013-10-14 22:28:37','2013-10-15 05:28:37','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-5','','','2013-10-14 22:28:37','2013-10-15 05:28:37','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100660,2,'2013-10-14 22:28:58','2013-10-15 05:28:58','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-6','','','2013-10-14 22:28:58','2013-10-15 05:28:58','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100661,2,'2013-10-14 22:29:18','2013-10-15 05:29:18','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-7','','','2013-10-14 22:29:18','2013-10-15 05:29:18','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100662,2,'2013-10-14 22:42:29','2013-10-15 05:42:29','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-8','','','2013-10-14 22:42:29','2013-10-15 05:42:29','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100663,2,'2013-10-14 22:42:54','2013-10-15 05:42:54','Be with us in 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 Devi, Goddess, bleeds. \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. \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. \r\n\r\n\r\nWe invite you to our Yoni Puja in anticipation of the unfolding Mystery! Come share your prayers and devotions with us! \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. \r\n\r\nRSVP: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','8th Annual Yoni Puja Festival','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-9','','','2014-05-17 23:20:52','2014-05-18 06:20:52','',0,'http://BewithusinadevotionalandcelebratoryfestivaldedicatedtoMahadevi,GreatGoddess,andHermostpowerfulmanifestationsthroughtheTenGreatInsights,theMostTransparentRevelationsofConsciousness,duringtheauspicioustimeofabundanceinth',0,'th_events','',0),(100665,2,'2013-10-14 22:47:17','2013-10-15 05:47:17','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-10','','','2013-10-14 22:47:17','2013-10-15 05:47:17','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100666,2,'2013-10-14 22:47:50','2013-10-15 05:47:50','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-11','','','2013-10-14 22:47:50','2013-10-15 05:47:50','',0,'Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to ',0,'th_events','',0),(100667,2,'2013-10-14 22:48:56','2013-10-15 05:48:56','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-12','','','2014-09-01 17:48:20','2014-09-02 00:48:20','',0,'http://JoinusmonthlyaswecometogethertohonorKaliMaa,DivineMotherandGreatGoddess,offeringreverenceaswecreateritualizedaswellaslivedspacesinwhichthefundamentalandactivatingenergyofshakticanberealizedtoday.RSVPrequiredto',0,'th_events','',0),(100668,2,'2013-10-14 22:50:22','2013-10-15 05:50:22','A celebration honoring the cycle of life, the Great Mystery and all things on the margins. Join us as we come together in community to welcome in the new year at this time of Kali Puja and Divali, the Festival of Lights, and honor Goddess manifest in the whole of creation. \r\n\r\nAs the darkness closes in, we offer our prayers to Maa Kali, Mother of the Universe. Together we will honor Her in Her many forms through the Sha\'can tradition of Shakta Tantra. With your help, we are planning to fill the temple with chant, song, dance, devotion, and celebration. <a href=\"http://sharanya.org/events/festivals/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\">Visit here</a> to learn more and see images from last year\'s celebration!\r\n\r\nWhat to bring... 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 shakti, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed.\r\n\r\nA sliding scale donation of $21-11 is also suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and prasad (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted; we appreciate so much the offerings you make to support our work and the community.\r\n\r\nAll lovers of the Divine are welcome! Doors open at 5:30PM, ritual begins promptly at 6:00PM.\r\n\r\n<b>Location:</b> 2650 Fulton Street (at 3rd Avenue), San Francisco, CA 94118\r\n\r\n<b>R.S.V.P.</b>: <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">Make a donation to attend</a> (note Kali Puja Festival).\r\n\r\n<b>Questions?</b> Email us at <a href=mailto:info@sharanya.org>info@sharanya.org</a><br><br>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=z31HImSkDDrM.kHtJeWlN3KjQ\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"></iframe>','11th Annual Kali Puja Festival','','publish','closed','closed','','11th-annual-kali-puja-festival','','','2014-09-24 20:31:31','2014-09-25 03:31:31','',0,'http://Acelebrationhonoringthecycleoflife,theGreatMysteryandallthingsonthemargins.JoinusaswecometogetherincommunitytowelcomeinthenewyearatthistimeofKaliPujaandDivali,theFestivalofLights,andhonorGoddessmanifestinthe',0,'th_events','',0),(100669,2,'2013-10-14 22:51:50','2013-10-15 05:51:50','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-13','','','2014-09-01 17:47:27','2014-09-02 00:47:27','',0,'http://JoinusmonthlyaswecometogethertohonorKaliMaa,DivineMotherandGreatGoddess,offeringreverenceaswecreateritualizedaswellaslivedspacesinwhichthefundamentalandactivatingenergyofshakticanberealizedtoday.RSVPrequiredto',0,'th_events','',0),(100670,2,'2013-10-14 22:52:31','2013-10-15 05:52:31','Join us monthly as we come together to honor Kali Maa, Divine Mother and Great Goddess, offering reverence as we create ritualized as well as lived spaces in which the fundamental and activating energy of shakti can be realized today.\r\n\r\nRSVP required to attend: <a href=\"mailto:info@sharanya.org\">info@sharanya.org</a> or make a <a href=\"https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2= 94-3334334\">donation online</a>.\r\n','Kali Puja','','publish','closed','closed','','kali-puja-14','','','2014-09-01 17:48:50','2014-09-02 00:48:50','',0,'http://JoinusmonthlyaswecometogethertohonorKaliMaa,DivineMotherandGreatGoddess,offeringreverenceaswecreateritualizedaswellaslivedspacesinwhichthefundamentalandactivatingenergyofshakticanberealizedtoday.RSVPrequiredto',0,'th_events','',0),(100671,2,'2013-10-14 22:55:20','2013-10-15 05:55:20','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-2','','','2013-10-14 22:55:20','2013-10-15 05:55:20','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100672,2,'2013-10-14 22:55:45','2013-10-15 05:55:45','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-3','','','2013-10-14 22:55:45','2013-10-15 05:55:45','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100673,2,'2013-10-14 22:57:14','2013-10-15 05:57:14','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-4','','','2013-10-14 22:57:14','2013-10-15 05:57:14','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100674,2,'2013-10-14 22:57:34','2013-10-15 05:57:34','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-5','','','2013-10-14 22:57:34','2013-10-15 05:57:34','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100675,2,'2013-10-14 22:57:58','2013-10-15 05:57:58','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-6','','','2013-10-14 22:57:58','2013-10-15 05:57:58','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100676,2,'2013-10-14 22:58:28','2013-10-15 05:58:28','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-7','','','2013-10-14 22:58:28','2013-10-15 05:58:28','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100677,2,'2013-10-14 22:59:11','2013-10-15 05:59:11','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-8','','','2013-10-14 22:59:11','2013-10-15 05:59:11','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100678,2,'2013-10-14 22:59:33','2013-10-15 05:59:33','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-9','','','2013-10-14 22:59:33','2013-10-15 05:59:33','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100679,2,'2013-10-14 23:00:01','2013-10-15 06:00:01','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-10','','','2013-10-14 23:00:01','2013-10-15 06:00:01','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100680,2,'2013-10-14 23:02:09','2013-10-15 06:02:09','Initiates in the tradition are invited to rededicate to Sha\'can and affirm their commitment to community for another year. ','Rededication Ceremony','','publish','closed','closed','','rededication-ceremony','','','2013-10-17 22:32:38','2013-10-18 05:32:38','',0,'Initiates in the tradition are invited to rededicate to Sha\'can and affirm their commitment to community for another year. ',0,'th_events','',0),(100681,2,'2013-10-14 23:03:33','2013-10-15 06:03:33','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-11','','','2013-10-14 23:03:33','2013-10-15 06:03:33','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100682,2,'2013-10-14 23:03:59','2013-10-15 06:03:59','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-12','','','2013-10-14 23:03:59','2013-10-15 06:03:59','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100683,2,'2013-10-14 23:04:24','2013-10-15 06:04:24','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-13','','','2013-10-14 23:04:24','2013-10-15 06:04:24','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100684,2,'2013-10-14 23:04:56','2013-10-15 06:04:56','','Yogini Ritual Circle','','publish','closed','closed','','yogini-ritual-circle-14','','','2013-10-14 23:04:56','2013-10-15 06:04:56','',0,'',0,'th_events','',0),(100685,2,'2013-10-14 23:07:01','2013-10-15 06:07:01','[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us on Nov 2nd![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third last=last] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Reflections &amp; News</h3>\r\n[blog category=\"7\" perpage=\"3\" pagination=\"\" ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[testimonials category=\"matrikas\" time=\"10\" randomize=\"on\" effect=\"fade\" ]','Homepage','','inherit','open','open','','99117-revision-v1','','','2013-10-14 23:07:01','2013-10-15 06:07:01','',99117,'[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us on Nov 2nd![/teaser] [/one_third]\r',0,'revision','',0),(100686,2,'2013-10-14 23:14:45','2013-10-15 06:14:45','<h4>Eastern Teacher to The West</h4>\r\n<em>by Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-99968 imgborder=0\" alt=\"chamundafire\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/chamundafire.gif\" width=\"327\" height=\"364\" /><br><br>\r\n\r\nThis article tells the story of my own exploration into the mysteries of the Goddess as manifested within the Hindu pantheon as Chamunda, the fierce, emaciated and terrifying Dark Mother. She is a goddess who is particularly revered among Shaktas (believers in the primacy of the Divine Feminine), and she has historically found favor within all strata of Indian society, from the village shudras (lowest caste) to the rulers of India. Temples to her exist throughout the country: from the forts of Rajasthan to the highlands of Himachal Pradesh, to the adavasi (tribal) lands of Orissa.\r\n\r\nIn Orissa, where I was blessed to spend five months exploring, she appears primarily in two forms: i) as one of the Matrikas (Mothers), and ii) as one of the sixty-four yoginis (witches) who are themselves daughters of the Asta Matrikas (Eight Mothers). From my exploration into Chamunda I have gained an understanding of the ways in which the Goddess teaches through one of her manifest forms, and this article is an attempt to share some of what I have discovered with you.\r\n\r\nBut here, I can only hope to present my learnings as shrouded with the veil of perception I carry as a western woman. However, I share my interpretation of the mysteries as revealed to me by Her so that Her name may be invoked and Her presence asked to help banish the ignorance and prejudice of our time. I do not pretend to fully understand Chamunda (within her original context or otherwise) or for that matter, the great mystery of the Goddess; but rather I claim to appreciate Her because of my resonance with the form and symbols offered to us from India.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Image of Chamunda</strong>\r\n\r\nFrom an 8th century stone statue originally found in Dharmasala (Cuttack, Orissa) and now located at the Orissa State Museum in Bhubaneswar, I learned to see for the first time through this image what the power of the Divine Feminine can be through a figure that could (and does) readily inspire fear in both Western and Eastern onlookers. Chamunda appears to penetrate the manifest world through this sculpture of grey-black chlorite stone. She is chiseled with her most readily recognizable features: sunken eyes, sagging breasts and skeletal body; but the obvious attention and carefully-detailed precision with which she was created belie a profound respect and/or love on the part of the sculptor that is perhaps not readily understandable from our current vantage point.\r\n\r\nComing across her image amidst myriad sculptures on the floor of the museum is like dropping into a cold pool after a 20-minute steam bath. Upon first seeing her, I was instantly astounded and shocked by her presence until the realization set in that encountering Her was making my insides tingle in ways suggestive of Her great power. She is an awesome figure, with third-eye and navel raised out of the stone, veins defined over the course of her entire body, no teeth, heavily hanging earlobes and snake-entwined arms - one of which holds in its long hand a severed human head, which she grasps with finger nails that come to a point. In her other partially-intact arm she holds a skull cup or kapala at the level of her heart. She is garlanded with skulls, wears ouroboric anklets, and is seated on a corpse with her right foot on the ground and her left leg bent at the knee, foot turned, its sole to the sky. Her hair is aflame and pulled upwards, wrapped and held in place by a snake-band tiara, the center of which bears a skull.\r\n\r\nAlthough my initial contact with the fierce form of the Goddess had come to me through a dream image as Kali, both she and Chamunda are alike in many respects, related by their transformative abilities and their stature as Crones. While Kali manifests the power of time and of death, Chamunda too holds infinity and eternity. Both can be intensely frightening images of divine, feminine power especially to those unaccustomed to dealing with the Dark Goddess. Both are often similarly depicted: in the cremation ground, often seated upon a corpse or engaging in Tantrick rituals involving sex, blood and death. In this, they explicitly manifest antinomian characteristics within mainstream Hindu tradition, and they become by this provkers of (r)evolution from the inside, and transformers of worlds from the outside as they reach westerners.\r\n\r\nChamunda\'s intensity through the vehicle of the statue in Bhubaneswar shook me deep inside and stunned me. And I was nevertheless drawn to her and mystified by what she had to offer. Somehow, I could not help but feel her incredible power through the skeletal form, while at the same time, I became immediately and especially aware of how at odds with this impression and indeed terrifying she would appear to most westerners. Rationally, I wondered how in the world this figure could be known as one of the matrikas when she seemed so very far from western, as well as the traditional Hindu conception of mother, either literal or archetypal. Mother in any sense is most generally normalized to mean nurturing and life-giving. Chamunda appears to be everything but this, and I had to work to see the interconnections. On another, non-rational level, however, I could immediately feel that there was a mystery of fecundity held within those bones. I was, of course, feeling in my own bones something very old and true about her.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nWhile within both Eastern and Western contexts mothers are seen as caretakers and life givers, understanding the Devi as matrika (mother) is another story. Within the world of Indian Goddess theology at least from Vedic times (circa 1,500 BCE), it seems that the devi as a mother who nourishes the world is understood as someone who must herself be replenished in order to continue to sustain life. \"If she were only to give birth and to nourish her creatures she would soon grow weak, and creation would cease.\" [1]\r\n\r\nBecause her life-generating and sustaining aspect is so powerful, she carries an insatiable hunger that is equally great. This hunger is often represented in images by showing an emaciated figure. Thus understood, the fierce devi is integral to understanding the birth/death aspect of the cycle of life in India, which makes possible the whole of manifest existence. She is obviously the living Crone, a Dark Goddess who functions as a gateway between the realms of this world and the next. Recognition of this leads to liberation; and images containing within them the fullness of samsara, as Chamunda does, serve as gateways to simultaneous embracement of life and death, duality and oneness, a holistic future and personal enrichment through the suffering of life. They hold the key to embracing the walk of the heart, where sadness and joy, pain and elation ever co-mingle.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding the goddess as both life-giver and destroyer manifests in symbolic form as a circle, or chakra within the Indian context. This chakra is reflective of the cycles of life apparent, for example, in the waxing and waning of the moon and those other cycles tied to this one, such as menstruation and the ebb and flow of the tides. A circle is the form taken by the temples dedicated to the yoginis, or sixty-four derivations of the Asta Matrikas mentioned previously who include Chamunda among them. It is therefore perhaps no coincidence that the goddess as yogini would be configured for worship by the tantricks in circular temples, since their tradition is infused with reverence for the Goddess as containing the mystery of She who is both of the source of all life and the fount of death; the One who contains All. In addition, the yoginis are also linked to yaksis (nature spirits), and they, as well as those who worshipped them, were called witches and magicians. As yogini, Chamunda and her sixty-three sisters were said to have the power to fly, to become invisible, turn humans into animals, and other such things. In many ways, these traits and the correspondence of female deities with witchcraft again brings together East and West through demonization of the Feminine.\r\n\r\nBut much like the Indo-European demonization of the pre-Christian Death/Regeneratirx aspect of the Goddess into Witch, Chamunda too was demonized and subordinated by patriarchal traditions in India. She was linked to Yama, Lord of Death, becoming less than he in Vedic hymns. An interesting suggestion, however, of her ties to pre-patriarchal roots may be found by looking at her vahana (mount), the owl. Even today in the west, this bird may still be found carrying the messages of the Dark Goddess, of the Feminine Divine who holds the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. A friend found a link between east and west on pilgrimage to the Black Madonna Notre Dame de Bon Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope) in Dijon France. She writes of her experience,\r\n<blockquote>The oldest of the Black Madonnas...Notre Dame de Bon Espoir was yet another Black Madonna who made a tremendous impact on me. Interestingly, there is an owl carved into the side of the church where She is housed.</blockquote>\r\nTherefore, understanding the origins of the witch in prehistory and her later modifications to more fierce/violent characterizations at the hands of patriarchal peoples will perhaps help to heal some of the ills caused by misrepresentations of the Feminine while eradicating some causes of Devi’s (and by extension women’s) subordination. It might be said that if we come to understand the full nature of Her, we would see that all Her forms are those of beauty within the divine creation.\r\n\r\nWhile the term witch is in the eastern context used with negative connotation, it is important to understand that the yoginis of the temples were not demons to the tantricks. Given the tantrick insistence on reverence for the immanence of the divine and the sacredness of nature, of maniest reality, yoginis are understood as affirmations of the multifarious aspects of the Goddess. While some of these aspects can be very violent or fierce, with the goddess often depicted with sword in hand, blood and human flesh dripping from her mouth, severed heads around her waist, and other gruesome adornment, understanding her and her relationship to patriarchy over time is interesting. Such depictions, on the one hand, are likely overlays onto an ancient Crone/Death-Regeneratrix deity whose original association with death was severed from her link to life because of a dualistic patriarchal worldview that failed to recognize, for example, the interconnectedness of life and death and instead demonized women and nature as expressions of that relationship.\r\n\r\nIn contrast to gruesome depictions of the goddess Chamunda and those associated with Her, patriarchal Hinduism has begun, within the last century, to sweeten the fierce goddesses. Perhaps this is a tell-tale sign that the power of the feminine is being responded to a new and different way. That is, first, She was representative of the power of Oneness and, simply put, patriarchal consciousness (as manifested in the social, political and other realities millennia ago that have created today’s normative Hindu consciousness) sought to (and managed to) break that monopoly by rendering Her as fierce so as to facilitate specific ends, which were to carve out dualistic territory (for some reason). After supression in very specific ways for those millennia, however, She has sought to bring balance to a dichotomous worldview. In response to Her presence now, instead of the fierceness previously required to serve the purposes of a patriarchal worldview, the institutions today that which to retain power have rendered her sweet and submissive, now, to serve their ends of maintaining the status quo. Were patriarchal powers to allow Her fierceness, their reign might quickly come to an end, and this, of course, is exactly the point of honoring and remembering Her as all that She is while concurrently utilizing the power that Her fierce characteristics contain.\r\n\r\nFurther, while the word witch today still reverberates strongly with anti-God-loving sentiment for some people, to call oneself a witch as I do is an act of resistance to patriarchal obfuscation of the truth, and reclamation of women’s power within any tradition (as well as outside them). In the west, it is an appellation that is taking on an entirely new meaning, particularly with the resurgence of the goddess in the discipline known as Women’s Spirituality, through Wicca (a reclamation of indigenous European earth-based traditions) and through other forms of earth-based religion, that hold within them both the pre-historical notion of goddess as life-giver/destroyer and the more patriarchal characterization of the goddess as violent warrior, from which many, nevertheless are able to find powerful tools for creating life-affirming change.\r\n\r\nAgain before what I now call my statue of Chamunda, this time recording notes and impressions while interposing photographic moments until the museum’s 4 o’clock closing time, I eventually come to be alone with her. I am alone in that statue-filled room mesmerized, or very likely in trance, feeling as though some incredibly magical force surrounds the two of us. From my spot on the floor, I watch her watching me and ask her to teach me Her secrets. That evening, I wrote in my journal:\r\n<blockquote>From where did the ancient Saktas get her image? What are her myths and associations? How and when does she manifest? Why? What are the psychological implications of her presence as a Goddess and what do they tell us about the people who created her? Why does she exist in this fierce form that was obviously so loved (feared?) by those who worshipped her? Can she help us in the west better understand the nature of the Divine Feminine; and if so, can we find ways through her to promote self-understanding? She is starved; does she link us psychically to the root cause of/cure for anorexia? Can she help western women in the throes of addictions, especially eating disorders, with their own reclamation process? How does understanding Chamunda help me to better understand myself?</blockquote>\r\nMy questions only began to touch the surface of her depth. As a western woman living today I can never know her true or intended purpose, although I can make an educated guess informed by my academic pursuits as well as my bodily knowings and intuitions.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nEven so, Chamunda through my eyes is not Chamunda in any fully Indian sense, even though I have explored her on her own ground (literally, as well as through her myths, philosophies, symbols, and worship). Rather, for me, Chamunda is an exploration into the depths of personal, and perhaps more generally the question of women’s, spirituality. Particularly within the western context of women’s spiritual development, the importance of Chamunda as a teacher can be grasped when it is understood that she holds within herself the tension of embracing both Mother and Witch archetypes; two aspects of the Feminine that have long been used to subordinate rather than empower women. Chamunda illustrates that these aspects ever inter-related, constantly situated within a flux of interchangeability that she herself manifests.\r\n\r\n<b>Chamunda and Kali: Blood Sisters</b>\r\n\r\nMy initial contact with the <i>raudra</i> or fierce form of the Goddess, as mentioned above, had come to me years earlier through a dream image as Kali, a Hindu goddess representative of the power of time and of death. In many respects, Chamunda and Kali are alike. Indeed, both are initiators into the fullest spectrum of life, and both serve to awaken us to the value of impermanence and cyclical time. Some Shakta practitioners understand both goddesses to be manifest aspects of the same ontological truth; nevertheless, both can be intensely frightening images of feminine power to those unaccustomed to dealing with the Dark Mother.\r\n\r\nIconographically, Chamunda and Kali are often similarly depicted: in the cremation ground, seated upon a corpse and engaging in practices involving sex, blood and death. At the Chamunda-Devi temple [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">4</a>] outside of Dharmasala (Himachal Pradesh), Chamunda is plainly understood to be a form of Kali and the ten <i>mahavidyas</i> are depicted at her shrine. The Devi as Chamunda-Kali is also mentioned in the <i>Tantrasara</i>, <i>Shaktapramoda</i> and <i>Pranatosini</i>. [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">5</a>]\r\n\r\nChamunda-Kali provides a gateway to: i) understanding of the Goddess in the Western psyche for juxtaposition with the Eastern manifestations of Her; ii) how Western vs. Eastern conceptions of reality play a role in determining the images of the Divine Feminine that abound in each context; and iii) the potential power of reclaiming the Dark Mother in the West with the help of images from the East.\r\n\r\n<b>Western Appreciation for the Goddess</b>\r\n\r\nFrom this brief discussion in conjunction with other goddess tales, perhaps a vision of the goddess who relates to the emotional, physical, and psychic bodies of women and men, regardless of their country of origin, by virtue of the human condition, is becoming apparent. Woven here is the notion that where women in particular are being drawn to Devi’s symbolism for its promotion of, at the very least, what may appear to be a feminist ethic, those who are attracted to her in their spiritual longing (in any of her forms) necessarily cross lines of demarcation whether social, political, or geographical—and so too does Devi. Goddess worship and feminism too needs to be able to create a container for dialogue, with both arenas developing cross-cultural methodologies that can facilitate the creation of safe space in which to then make discussions happen that relate the spiritual realities with the economic, social, and political ones. From within that space, the hope would be to generate a metaphorical fire from which truth based on a process of coming to agreement can be born. Only then can we empower women and men to be all of who and what they are, no matter what the context in which they find themselves.\r\n\r\nGiving a historicity to Indian images of the divine may help those non-Hindus interested in appreciating her from within western contexts to make informed statements and educated assertions (based upon contextual understanding) about their own uses of/for her while providing a ground for possible adaptations of Devi within a new environment. For just as the goddess centuries ago crossed from India to neighboring lands, our technological advancements today have moved us all towards a global community, which has indeed also helped to shape the transportation of Devi across oceans and continents.\r\n\r\nFor western women, images of the goddess as whole, as containing paradox, and particularly as embracing sexuality and other aspects generally suppressed under patriarchy, are healing. In the western context where transcendent male gods (or more specifically, one male god of generally Jewish or Christian disposition) dominate and no female/feminine is accorded divine status (despite the high status imparted to Mary, as discussed in the last chapter), the need for a Divine Feminine who recognized, honored and is both immanent as well as transcendent is glaring. Perhaps this is one reason why the Indian conception of goddess captures the fervor of western feminists and those seeking alternate visions of the divine that are more inclusive. Devi seems approachable in the sense that she, as her myths and iconography at the very least portend, undergoes and is much of what women recognize to be their individual truths. In her, every woman finds a piece of herself; and every man, perhaps, can learn a little more about the heart of his essential nature.\r\n\r\nThe mainstream Western images of the Divine Feminine in a contemporary context where the Abrahamic faiths prevail have largely been limited to the Virgin Mary, and perhaps if one is generous, to Sophia, the Black Madonna and Lilith. These last three however, represent an undercurrent of the Christian and Judaic faiths, and they are not recognized by many practitioners; at least not with full awareness of their power and connection to pre-patriarchal religion.\r\n\r\nIn any case, it is apparent that the Divine Feminine within our context as represented in Her most ubiquitous aspect as the Virgin Mary has little but a \"soft\" or benevolent and nurturing side. She is holy and untouchable, even by her husband; she is vehicle for the avatar Christ, but not God herself; she is incapable of engaging the more uncomfortable aspects of life; she listens and conveys the message of her followers, but does not have the power to act directly for those who worship her.\r\n\r\nThis image of Mary is put in juxtaposition within Christianity to the one God, who is All. Her place is marginal in relationship to His magnificence, and reflects the Western/patriarchal schism typified by Descartes’ mind/body duality (God as transcendent mind, Mary as earth-bound body) or more simply, the valuing of men over women and heaven over earth. Further, it underscores that the religious traditions of patriarchal cultures have unfortunately tended to pathologize the relationship of dualistic principles. In life, dualities abound, but their representation in the West has long since posed them as warring opposites where the position of the Divine Feminine (and women) is relegated to minority status.\r\n\r\nThe patriarchal worldview, particularly as expressed in the powerful \"First World\" nations of the West, has manifested skewed valuations of dualities in other spheres of life as well. It has done so to the point of ignoring (or largely ignoring) the inherent worth and wisdom of the Feminine principle and has created an urgent need for crisis prevention in the environmental, developmental, psychological and social arenas. Further, if we accept that the project of patriarchy has been based on the scientific and philosophical deconstruction of life (through exploitation of resources and peoples by Western science and paradigms supported by such traditions) and on the establishment of dualistic categories formed from reductionistic tendencies (in order to propagate the favoritism of man and culture over women and nature, e.g.), then we understand how dichotomization destroys relatedness, promotes homogenization, and makes subjugation the norm for half the population the world over.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately in both the East and West, the archetypal Feminine principle, which in India is called <i>pakriti</i>, has often been associated only with women and with nature, to the detriment of both men, women and the planet. For to deny that the Feminine has value is to deny more than gender or population; it is to deny half of the entire spectrum of life. It relegates all that is receptive, open, life-generating and nurturing to the margins of society, and it is there that we can look to find the festering sores of all the various crises of our time.\r\n\r\nFortunately, particularly within the past ten years, writers, thinkers, theologians and others across the globe in fields as diverse as the sciences, religion and women’s studies have explored the dance of life beyond the confines of duality. There, many have found that the \"opposing\" forces of life are in a play of complementarities, where tension makes growth, change, and transformation possible. In understanding that life is more of an ever-shifting dynamic balance of energetics where opposing forces create an existence filled with variety, spontaneity, laughter and music in which the soul may rejoice, a new vein of consciousness has been born in our time.\r\n\r\nThe impact of the Goddess archetype upon women and men as She re-emerges into consciousness has profound ramifications upon all aspects of life. In the East, many have been called to re-examine their relationships to the manifest Divine Feminine in actual women. On the individual as well as the collective level, She reminds us that women too are powerful, worthy of respect in this world; She teaches that respect for our bodies helps us to respect the Earthbody; She tells us that all things ugly and beautiful are Her creation. She is a \"creative trinity;\" [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">6</a>] serving as a gateway to simultaneous embracement of <i>both</i> duality and oneness, a symbol of integrated duality and the unconditional love that binds them. With this, many in the West have been drawn to remembering the Goddess as a potent symbol of wholeness. Many have turned to Her myths, rituals and traditions of pre-patriarchal times in order to quench their personal longing for \"something else.\" I believe that Chamunda helps to bring a special dimension to understanding the fullest sense of what that wholeness means.\r\n\r\n<b>Eastern Goddesses, Patriarchal Cultures, and a Vision from the West</b>\r\n\r\nWhile the West has tended to infuse its traditions with a dualistic split, the Eastern traditions of India have tended to concern themselves with a monological \"One\" in the realm of spirit while an overlay of patriarchal duality has settled into the societal sphere. This has wrought a complexity of contradictions in Indian society. For example, the Ganges River, sacred sphere of the Goddess Ganga who manifests through and as its waters, is the most polluted and yet simultaneously the holiest river on Earth for devout Hindus. Similarly, while the Divine Feminine is recognized and worshipped through myriad images of Goddesses (Ganga, Kali and Chamunda among them), women still occupy a marginal position in traditional Indian society.\r\n\r\nAs David Kinsley has noted: \"In the Hindu tradition a woman is taught to understand herself primarily in relation to others…It is society that puts demands on her primarily through the agents of relatives and in-laws, and not she who places demands on society that she be allowed to develop a unique, independent destiny. A central demand placed on women, particularly vis-à-vis males, is that they subordinate their welfare to the welfare of others.\" [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">7</a>]\r\n\r\nWhile attempts have been made to reconcile patriarchal duality at the level of society with a philosophical and religious spiritual unity, the fact of the matter is that such discontinuity invalidates and undermines both. Little progress has been made in this regard within the Indian context. But it is from within this struggle that ways of thinking that seek to heal the split of culture from embodied/immanent spirituality have more recently emerged. Many writers, but most prominently the Indian physicist and ecofeminist, Vandana Shiva, have made a case for recognizing the Divine Feminine/Goddess in order to ameliorate tension and diffuse the boundaries of derision caused by the patriarchal paradigm.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nIn her book, <i>Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development</i>, Shiva explores one way of looking at the Divine Feminine through lenses that appreciate both transcendent as well as immanent manifestations. She proposes fully embracing the notion of <i>Pakriti</i> as a \"spiritual\" discipline rather than simply as \"nature,\" so that a more balanced worldview can be achieved. This new worldview takes into account the marginalized position of women while de facto promoting environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of diverse, autonomous communities focused on the sacredness of relationships rather than on their destruction.\r\n\r\nAccording to Shiva, Pakriti means not just the traditional counterpart to Purusa (the Divine Masculine, or the Masculine Principle of manifest culture and society), but instead the<i>entirety</i> of nature with its ability to create, sustain and destroy in order to continue the cycle of life in all its aspects. Thus, Shiva’s position asserts \"both a <i>holistic</i> perspective and an<i>inclusive</i> agenda of concerns based on its considerable respect for diversity—both in turn being principles of nature.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">8</a>]\r\n\r\nOn another level, such thinking shows that the construct of <i>maya</i> (illusion) as found in many Indian philosophical systems is not required to solve the corundum of how manifest reality (difference) can be reconciled with the unitive One. Instead, maya can be understood as the human resistance to holding the tension of paradox in life. In this way, perhaps the women of manifest nature can reclaim their right as beings who are living testament to the power of the Goddess and be honored as such. And the \"One\" can take on new meaning as a \"dynamic system of relations wherein any particular manifestation functions simultaneously as a distinct part and the unbroken whole. The parts are not derivative of the whole, or vice versa, [nor are the parts dissolved into one another to become the whole, or vice versa.] Each aspect constitutes the other.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">9</a>]\r\n\r\nIt is with this idea in mind that the Goddesses of East and West need to be (re)evaluated. Unfortunately, however, as we saw earlier in this article, the Western Goddess(es) of mainstream contemporary manifestation and interpretation provide little by way of role model to help us accomplish the task of aware integration of spheres on both the intra- and inter- (as well as micro- and macrocosmic) levels that permeate the realms of mind, body and spirit. Therefore, if we are to move beyond our present embeddedness in the philosophical systems of our respective contexts, any divine teacher thus considered must be a manifestation of reality that lies beyond duality while embracing of it, and must be a penetrator/trix of all worlds, symbolic and otherwise.\r\n\r\nChamunda and her sister Kali, in my opinion, represent an understanding of the limitations of a dualistic worldview while simultaneously embracing duality as facilitator for self-awareness—-the manifest universe and the physical form being vehicles for the exploration of consciousness into itself. Further, they allow communication and representation among each and every sphere of life as well as among worlds, much like the Hermes Trismegistus of Greek mythology and later hermetic philosophy who not only facilitated communication between Gods; between Gods and men; but also between the worlds of Heaven and Hell. In this way, the Divine Feminine as manifest from within the Eastern psyche serves the required purpose; for as C. MacKenzie Brown notes: \"In the Devi-Bhagavata…the goddess is both male and female, and transcends the two, but without devaluing either the transcendent or <i>samsaric</i>[earthly or immanent]<i> </i>dimensions.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">10</a>]\r\n\r\nFurther, it may be noted that from a perspective focused on the dynamics of inter-relationship rather than the intra-relationships of East and West, the Western relationship to \"God\" and the Eastern understanding of non-duality as a quality of \"God\" is typified by the following story:\r\n<blockquote>A Western reporter and an Indian devotee of the Goddess come across a statue of Kali. She has her four arms: the upper right raised in blessing, the lower right offering a boon (wish), the upper left holding a machete dripping with blood and the lower left gripping a severed human head by the hair. Seeing this split, the Westerner immediately asks: \"So how do you get the blessing and avoid the machete?\" The Eastern devotee angrily replies, \"That\'s not it at all...The blessing is only won when you accept both sides of her, including pain, sorrow, decay, death, and destruction. Run from her horrors, and you run from her blessings. To deny death, to act as if your little self is the center of things and must be protected from pain and preserved as long as possible—this is the real death. But embrace Kali as she is—kiss her bloody tongue and feel all four arms caress you at once—then you have life, you have freedom.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">11</a>]</blockquote>\r\nIn this story, the boon for the Western mind would be to get beyond dualistic thinking; and the boon for the Eastern mind would be to allow this non-dualistic perspective to integrate into all spheres of life, not simply the spiritual one.\r\n\r\nBut working with images such as Chamunda and Kali, I believe, is one way to begin transforming traditional perspectives. Although a re-visioning of these goddesses in the East to include a mandate for social reform might be a worthwhile endeavor, I can only mention here the potential impact that working with them might have upon Western consciousness were, for example, a fully developed program inclusive of yoga, ritual, meditation and contemplation, etc. to be implemented by those wishing to break free of the limiting constructs of our time.\r\n\r\n<b>Revisiting the Goddess</b>\r\n\r\nTherefore, I hold that those wishing to reach beyond the schisms of Western thought (and beyond the hypocrisy of Eastern practice if one is from that context and so inclined) need to welcome a teacher capable of fully embodying both sides of duality; for one must be willing to embrace death if seeking to fully enjoy life (as the story above pointed out). The extremely intense presence of Chamunda when brought into contemplation by a seeking mind can indeed be a call to wake up to the vibrancy of life; to the reason behind the ephemeral nature of things; and indeed to the fullest sense oneself and one’s purpose in the world.\r\n\r\nFor as told in the Upanishads when Sanatkumara says to the young Narada: \"One who meditates upon and realizes the Self discovers that everything in the cosmos—energy and space, fire and water, name and form, birth and death, mind and will, word and deed, mantram and meditation—all come from the Self.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">12</a>] The Self is therefore the embracing One and that which enables human beings to comprehend the infinite diversity of the world. The manifestations of the macrocosmic world can be easily understood in terms of the microcosmic Self and vice versa; or again in the words of Hermes Trismegistus, \"as above, so below.\"\r\n\r\nIn meditating upon the image of Chamunda and asking questions as I did about the reasons behind her powerful presence, one may be forced to ask too exactly what this Goddess desires us to see and to ultimately understand about our presence in the world: What is my role here? Why is there suffering? What is the purpose of life? Why has Patriarchy been a part of our human experience? As it says in the Chandogya Upanishad, \"You are that.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">13</a>] And so for the individual contemplating the nature of non-dual reality while trying to reconcile manifest existence and personal experience, Chamunda can function as a portal to understanding.\r\n\r\nIt also seems appropriate that as we today search to give a meaning to our lives in these times of planetary crisis, turning to different ways of knowing and of experiencing reality may assist us in our struggles to ‘make sense of it all.’ This introduction of Chamunda as a teacher to the West is again not an attempt to co-opt or misrepresent a Hindu deity; it is simply a suggestion to be aware of more than those things with which we are readily familiar in our quest.\r\n\r\nDone with honor, respect, and with no claim at contextual understanding, opening to the patterns of collective thought that made the Goddess Chamunda a part of human reality may be a way to break the hard lines of Western dichotomy. It may help us reconnect to the ancient roots of many of the symbols, myths and traditions that have sprung from our collective human history, and it may help us connect to something deeper from within our own Western psyche. It may help us to eventually reclaim the power inherent in both Mother and Witch for the betterment of humanity.\r\n\r\nThus Chamunda-Devi may be a kind of key - not to unlocking the past, but to helping us ‘re-find’ the awareness most important for us today. Perhaps she can help us to dive into the primordial well of remembrance that exists within each of us in order to help surface feelings and intuitions that are particularly important for the creation of human as well as Gaian wholeness.\r\n\r\nAs the last line of the <i>Creed of the Star Goddess</i> tells us, \"I [the Goddess], have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.\"  [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">14</a>] We need only wish to remember in our hearts, with all of our heart, and She will reveal Her reality no matter where we live, what language we speak or what traditions we follow. As we move forward along our collective path in this evolutionary spiral we call life, may we seek always to know the truth of our past, so that we may all move together towards tomorrow. In this project, Chamunda is certainly qualified to be our guide.\r\n\r\nThe rest of my stay in India continued to be filled with Chamunda’s presence, and I began to affirm as I learned more about her that she was unknowable in any purely historical or religious sense but for my own cellular memories perhaps and more recent experiences of her. By Chamunda’s grace, however, I find that as I deepen into her mysteries and continue to invoke her in my life, I am drawn back in time so that I may discover not only her truth, but also the truth of how the track of recorded history both reveals and obscures truth. As much contemporary feminist scholarship reveals, much of recorded history obscures. By Chamunda’s grace, however, the path towards greater self-awareness was presented to me, and I continue to ask the above-mentioned questions, slowly gaining insight into her potential role as a teacher of the West.\r\n\r\nThe path towards greater self-awareness therefore has very large implications, and I continue to ask the above-mentioned questions to gain insight into Chamunda in all manifestations so that she may ultimately teach her secrets to all those willing to learn. I for one, am realizing that the mysteries of the Goddess reveal themselves to me though my personal experience, and as I open to trusting that my spirituality in this vein contains the greatest wisdom of all, the circle is closed and I am before Her once again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a name=\"ref\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1. Kinsley, David. <i>Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition</i> (University of California Press: Berkeley) 1986 p. 149\r\n2. Dehejia, Vidya. <i>Yogini Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition</i> (The National Museum: New Delhi) 1986, p. 187\r\n3. The Matrikas first appear in the <i>Mahabharata</i> and have collectively been dated to about the first century A.D. Their manifestations in the literature of the epic - and post-epic periods seem to be characterized as malevolent, blood-drinking and demonic; but worship is also directed to them for protection. The Matrikas are notably a group of goddesses, the number of which becomes somewhat standardized at seven or eight in the postepic period. They are given in the <i>Visnudharmottara-purana</i> as: Yogisvari, Mahesvari, Vaisnavi, Kaumari, Brahmani, Chamunda and Varahi.\r\n4. I have visited this temple and seen these images. David Kinsley also makes mention of this fact in his work,<i>Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: The Ten Mahavidyas</i> (University of California Press: Berkeley) 1997, p. 16\r\n5. Kinsley, David. Ibid., p. 75\r\n6. Sheldrake, Rupert. <i>The Rebirth of Nature: The Greening of Science and God</i> (Park Street Press: Vermont) 1991 pp. 196 - 199\r\n7. Kinsley, David. <i>Hindu Goddesses</i>, ibid<i>. </i>p. 77\r\n8. Kothari, Rajni. Foreword in <i>Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development</i> by Vandana Shiva, (New Jersey: Zed Books) 1989, p. X. (Original italics.)\r\n9. Spretnak, Charlene. \"Radical Non-duality in Ecofeminist Philosophy\" essay <i>in Metis: A Feminist Journal of Transformative Wisdom</i>, Spring, 1996; Vol 1, No. 1., p. 11\r\n10. Brown, C. MacKenzie. <i>The Triumph of the Goddess: The Canonical Models and Theological Visions of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana</i> (SUNY Press: New York) 1990, p. 216\r\n11. Reported by Tim Ward in <i>Common Boundary</i>, March/April, 1997, p. 34\r\n12.<i> Chandogya Upanishad, </i>translated by Eknath Easwaran (Nilgiri Press: Berkeley) 1987, p. 190\r\n13. <i>Chandogya Upanishad</i>, ibid<i>.</i>, p. 183\r\n14. Adapted from the traditional (oral) poem by Doreen Valiente, British witch. Traditional.','Chamunda-Devi','','inherit','open','open','','99967-revision-v1','','','2013-10-14 23:14:45','2013-10-15 06:14:45','',99967,'<h4>Eastern Teacher to The West</h4>\r\n<em>by Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-99968 imgborder=0\" alt=\"chamundafire\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/chamundafire.gif\" width=\"327\" height=\"364\" /><br><b',0,'revision','',0),(100687,2,'2013-10-14 23:16:47','2013-10-15 06:16:47','<h4>Eastern Teacher to The West</h4>\r\n<em>by Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-99968 imgborder=0\" alt=\"chamundafire\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/chamundafire.gif\" width=\"250\" height=\"278\" /><br>\r\n\r\nThis article tells the story of my own exploration into the mysteries of the Goddess as manifested within the Hindu pantheon as Chamunda, the fierce, emaciated and terrifying Dark Mother. She is a goddess who is particularly revered among Shaktas (believers in the primacy of the Divine Feminine), and she has historically found favor within all strata of Indian society, from the village shudras (lowest caste) to the rulers of India. Temples to her exist throughout the country: from the forts of Rajasthan to the highlands of Himachal Pradesh, to the adavasi (tribal) lands of Orissa.\r\n\r\nIn Orissa, where I was blessed to spend five months exploring, she appears primarily in two forms: i) as one of the Matrikas (Mothers), and ii) as one of the sixty-four yoginis (witches) who are themselves daughters of the Asta Matrikas (Eight Mothers). From my exploration into Chamunda I have gained an understanding of the ways in which the Goddess teaches through one of her manifest forms, and this article is an attempt to share some of what I have discovered with you.\r\n\r\nBut here, I can only hope to present my learnings as shrouded with the veil of perception I carry as a western woman. However, I share my interpretation of the mysteries as revealed to me by Her so that Her name may be invoked and Her presence asked to help banish the ignorance and prejudice of our time. I do not pretend to fully understand Chamunda (within her original context or otherwise) or for that matter, the great mystery of the Goddess; but rather I claim to appreciate Her because of my resonance with the form and symbols offered to us from India.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Image of Chamunda</strong>\r\n\r\nFrom an 8th century stone statue originally found in Dharmasala (Cuttack, Orissa) and now located at the Orissa State Museum in Bhubaneswar, I learned to see for the first time through this image what the power of the Divine Feminine can be through a figure that could (and does) readily inspire fear in both Western and Eastern onlookers. Chamunda appears to penetrate the manifest world through this sculpture of grey-black chlorite stone. She is chiseled with her most readily recognizable features: sunken eyes, sagging breasts and skeletal body; but the obvious attention and carefully-detailed precision with which she was created belie a profound respect and/or love on the part of the sculptor that is perhaps not readily understandable from our current vantage point.\r\n\r\nComing across her image amidst myriad sculptures on the floor of the museum is like dropping into a cold pool after a 20-minute steam bath. Upon first seeing her, I was instantly astounded and shocked by her presence until the realization set in that encountering Her was making my insides tingle in ways suggestive of Her great power. She is an awesome figure, with third-eye and navel raised out of the stone, veins defined over the course of her entire body, no teeth, heavily hanging earlobes and snake-entwined arms - one of which holds in its long hand a severed human head, which she grasps with finger nails that come to a point. In her other partially-intact arm she holds a skull cup or kapala at the level of her heart. She is garlanded with skulls, wears ouroboric anklets, and is seated on a corpse with her right foot on the ground and her left leg bent at the knee, foot turned, its sole to the sky. Her hair is aflame and pulled upwards, wrapped and held in place by a snake-band tiara, the center of which bears a skull.\r\n\r\nAlthough my initial contact with the fierce form of the Goddess had come to me through a dream image as Kali, both she and Chamunda are alike in many respects, related by their transformative abilities and their stature as Crones. While Kali manifests the power of time and of death, Chamunda too holds infinity and eternity. Both can be intensely frightening images of divine, feminine power especially to those unaccustomed to dealing with the Dark Goddess. Both are often similarly depicted: in the cremation ground, often seated upon a corpse or engaging in Tantrick rituals involving sex, blood and death. In this, they explicitly manifest antinomian characteristics within mainstream Hindu tradition, and they become by this provkers of (r)evolution from the inside, and transformers of worlds from the outside as they reach westerners.\r\n\r\nChamunda\'s intensity through the vehicle of the statue in Bhubaneswar shook me deep inside and stunned me. And I was nevertheless drawn to her and mystified by what she had to offer. Somehow, I could not help but feel her incredible power through the skeletal form, while at the same time, I became immediately and especially aware of how at odds with this impression and indeed terrifying she would appear to most westerners. Rationally, I wondered how in the world this figure could be known as one of the matrikas when she seemed so very far from western, as well as the traditional Hindu conception of mother, either literal or archetypal. Mother in any sense is most generally normalized to mean nurturing and life-giving. Chamunda appears to be everything but this, and I had to work to see the interconnections. On another, non-rational level, however, I could immediately feel that there was a mystery of fecundity held within those bones. I was, of course, feeling in my own bones something very old and true about her.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nWhile within both Eastern and Western contexts mothers are seen as caretakers and life givers, understanding the Devi as matrika (mother) is another story. Within the world of Indian Goddess theology at least from Vedic times (circa 1,500 BCE), it seems that the devi as a mother who nourishes the world is understood as someone who must herself be replenished in order to continue to sustain life. \"If she were only to give birth and to nourish her creatures she would soon grow weak, and creation would cease.\" [1]\r\n\r\nBecause her life-generating and sustaining aspect is so powerful, she carries an insatiable hunger that is equally great. This hunger is often represented in images by showing an emaciated figure. Thus understood, the fierce devi is integral to understanding the birth/death aspect of the cycle of life in India, which makes possible the whole of manifest existence. She is obviously the living Crone, a Dark Goddess who functions as a gateway between the realms of this world and the next. Recognition of this leads to liberation; and images containing within them the fullness of samsara, as Chamunda does, serve as gateways to simultaneous embracement of life and death, duality and oneness, a holistic future and personal enrichment through the suffering of life. They hold the key to embracing the walk of the heart, where sadness and joy, pain and elation ever co-mingle.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding the goddess as both life-giver and destroyer manifests in symbolic form as a circle, or chakra within the Indian context. This chakra is reflective of the cycles of life apparent, for example, in the waxing and waning of the moon and those other cycles tied to this one, such as menstruation and the ebb and flow of the tides. A circle is the form taken by the temples dedicated to the yoginis, or sixty-four derivations of the Asta Matrikas mentioned previously who include Chamunda among them. It is therefore perhaps no coincidence that the goddess as yogini would be configured for worship by the tantricks in circular temples, since their tradition is infused with reverence for the Goddess as containing the mystery of She who is both of the source of all life and the fount of death; the One who contains All. In addition, the yoginis are also linked to yaksis (nature spirits), and they, as well as those who worshipped them, were called witches and magicians. As yogini, Chamunda and her sixty-three sisters were said to have the power to fly, to become invisible, turn humans into animals, and other such things. In many ways, these traits and the correspondence of female deities with witchcraft again brings together East and West through demonization of the Feminine.\r\n\r\nBut much like the Indo-European demonization of the pre-Christian Death/Regeneratirx aspect of the Goddess into Witch, Chamunda too was demonized and subordinated by patriarchal traditions in India. She was linked to Yama, Lord of Death, becoming less than he in Vedic hymns. An interesting suggestion, however, of her ties to pre-patriarchal roots may be found by looking at her vahana (mount), the owl. Even today in the west, this bird may still be found carrying the messages of the Dark Goddess, of the Feminine Divine who holds the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. A friend found a link between east and west on pilgrimage to the Black Madonna Notre Dame de Bon Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope) in Dijon France. She writes of her experience,\r\n<blockquote>The oldest of the Black Madonnas...Notre Dame de Bon Espoir was yet another Black Madonna who made a tremendous impact on me. Interestingly, there is an owl carved into the side of the church where She is housed.</blockquote>\r\nTherefore, understanding the origins of the witch in prehistory and her later modifications to more fierce/violent characterizations at the hands of patriarchal peoples will perhaps help to heal some of the ills caused by misrepresentations of the Feminine while eradicating some causes of Devi’s (and by extension women’s) subordination. It might be said that if we come to understand the full nature of Her, we would see that all Her forms are those of beauty within the divine creation.\r\n\r\nWhile the term witch is in the eastern context used with negative connotation, it is important to understand that the yoginis of the temples were not demons to the tantricks. Given the tantrick insistence on reverence for the immanence of the divine and the sacredness of nature, of maniest reality, yoginis are understood as affirmations of the multifarious aspects of the Goddess. While some of these aspects can be very violent or fierce, with the goddess often depicted with sword in hand, blood and human flesh dripping from her mouth, severed heads around her waist, and other gruesome adornment, understanding her and her relationship to patriarchy over time is interesting. Such depictions, on the one hand, are likely overlays onto an ancient Crone/Death-Regeneratrix deity whose original association with death was severed from her link to life because of a dualistic patriarchal worldview that failed to recognize, for example, the interconnectedness of life and death and instead demonized women and nature as expressions of that relationship.\r\n\r\nIn contrast to gruesome depictions of the goddess Chamunda and those associated with Her, patriarchal Hinduism has begun, within the last century, to sweeten the fierce goddesses. Perhaps this is a tell-tale sign that the power of the feminine is being responded to a new and different way. That is, first, She was representative of the power of Oneness and, simply put, patriarchal consciousness (as manifested in the social, political and other realities millennia ago that have created today’s normative Hindu consciousness) sought to (and managed to) break that monopoly by rendering Her as fierce so as to facilitate specific ends, which were to carve out dualistic territory (for some reason). After supression in very specific ways for those millennia, however, She has sought to bring balance to a dichotomous worldview. In response to Her presence now, instead of the fierceness previously required to serve the purposes of a patriarchal worldview, the institutions today that which to retain power have rendered her sweet and submissive, now, to serve their ends of maintaining the status quo. Were patriarchal powers to allow Her fierceness, their reign might quickly come to an end, and this, of course, is exactly the point of honoring and remembering Her as all that She is while concurrently utilizing the power that Her fierce characteristics contain.\r\n\r\nFurther, while the word witch today still reverberates strongly with anti-God-loving sentiment for some people, to call oneself a witch as I do is an act of resistance to patriarchal obfuscation of the truth, and reclamation of women’s power within any tradition (as well as outside them). In the west, it is an appellation that is taking on an entirely new meaning, particularly with the resurgence of the goddess in the discipline known as Women’s Spirituality, through Wicca (a reclamation of indigenous European earth-based traditions) and through other forms of earth-based religion, that hold within them both the pre-historical notion of goddess as life-giver/destroyer and the more patriarchal characterization of the goddess as violent warrior, from which many, nevertheless are able to find powerful tools for creating life-affirming change.\r\n\r\nAgain before what I now call my statue of Chamunda, this time recording notes and impressions while interposing photographic moments until the museum’s 4 o’clock closing time, I eventually come to be alone with her. I am alone in that statue-filled room mesmerized, or very likely in trance, feeling as though some incredibly magical force surrounds the two of us. From my spot on the floor, I watch her watching me and ask her to teach me Her secrets. That evening, I wrote in my journal:\r\n<blockquote>From where did the ancient Saktas get her image? What are her myths and associations? How and when does she manifest? Why? What are the psychological implications of her presence as a Goddess and what do they tell us about the people who created her? Why does she exist in this fierce form that was obviously so loved (feared?) by those who worshipped her? Can she help us in the west better understand the nature of the Divine Feminine; and if so, can we find ways through her to promote self-understanding? She is starved; does she link us psychically to the root cause of/cure for anorexia? Can she help western women in the throes of addictions, especially eating disorders, with their own reclamation process? How does understanding Chamunda help me to better understand myself?</blockquote>\r\nMy questions only began to touch the surface of her depth. As a western woman living today I can never know her true or intended purpose, although I can make an educated guess informed by my academic pursuits as well as my bodily knowings and intuitions.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nEven so, Chamunda through my eyes is not Chamunda in any fully Indian sense, even though I have explored her on her own ground (literally, as well as through her myths, philosophies, symbols, and worship). Rather, for me, Chamunda is an exploration into the depths of personal, and perhaps more generally the question of women’s, spirituality. Particularly within the western context of women’s spiritual development, the importance of Chamunda as a teacher can be grasped when it is understood that she holds within herself the tension of embracing both Mother and Witch archetypes; two aspects of the Feminine that have long been used to subordinate rather than empower women. Chamunda illustrates that these aspects ever inter-related, constantly situated within a flux of interchangeability that she herself manifests.\r\n\r\n<b>Chamunda and Kali: Blood Sisters</b>\r\n\r\nMy initial contact with the <i>raudra</i> or fierce form of the Goddess, as mentioned above, had come to me years earlier through a dream image as Kali, a Hindu goddess representative of the power of time and of death. In many respects, Chamunda and Kali are alike. Indeed, both are initiators into the fullest spectrum of life, and both serve to awaken us to the value of impermanence and cyclical time. Some Shakta practitioners understand both goddesses to be manifest aspects of the same ontological truth; nevertheless, both can be intensely frightening images of feminine power to those unaccustomed to dealing with the Dark Mother.\r\n\r\nIconographically, Chamunda and Kali are often similarly depicted: in the cremation ground, seated upon a corpse and engaging in practices involving sex, blood and death. At the Chamunda-Devi temple [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">4</a>] outside of Dharmasala (Himachal Pradesh), Chamunda is plainly understood to be a form of Kali and the ten <i>mahavidyas</i> are depicted at her shrine. The Devi as Chamunda-Kali is also mentioned in the <i>Tantrasara</i>, <i>Shaktapramoda</i> and <i>Pranatosini</i>. [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">5</a>]\r\n\r\nChamunda-Kali provides a gateway to: i) understanding of the Goddess in the Western psyche for juxtaposition with the Eastern manifestations of Her; ii) how Western vs. Eastern conceptions of reality play a role in determining the images of the Divine Feminine that abound in each context; and iii) the potential power of reclaiming the Dark Mother in the West with the help of images from the East.\r\n\r\n<b>Western Appreciation for the Goddess</b>\r\n\r\nFrom this brief discussion in conjunction with other goddess tales, perhaps a vision of the goddess who relates to the emotional, physical, and psychic bodies of women and men, regardless of their country of origin, by virtue of the human condition, is becoming apparent. Woven here is the notion that where women in particular are being drawn to Devi’s symbolism for its promotion of, at the very least, what may appear to be a feminist ethic, those who are attracted to her in their spiritual longing (in any of her forms) necessarily cross lines of demarcation whether social, political, or geographical—and so too does Devi. Goddess worship and feminism too needs to be able to create a container for dialogue, with both arenas developing cross-cultural methodologies that can facilitate the creation of safe space in which to then make discussions happen that relate the spiritual realities with the economic, social, and political ones. From within that space, the hope would be to generate a metaphorical fire from which truth based on a process of coming to agreement can be born. Only then can we empower women and men to be all of who and what they are, no matter what the context in which they find themselves.\r\n\r\nGiving a historicity to Indian images of the divine may help those non-Hindus interested in appreciating her from within western contexts to make informed statements and educated assertions (based upon contextual understanding) about their own uses of/for her while providing a ground for possible adaptations of Devi within a new environment. For just as the goddess centuries ago crossed from India to neighboring lands, our technological advancements today have moved us all towards a global community, which has indeed also helped to shape the transportation of Devi across oceans and continents.\r\n\r\nFor western women, images of the goddess as whole, as containing paradox, and particularly as embracing sexuality and other aspects generally suppressed under patriarchy, are healing. In the western context where transcendent male gods (or more specifically, one male god of generally Jewish or Christian disposition) dominate and no female/feminine is accorded divine status (despite the high status imparted to Mary, as discussed in the last chapter), the need for a Divine Feminine who recognized, honored and is both immanent as well as transcendent is glaring. Perhaps this is one reason why the Indian conception of goddess captures the fervor of western feminists and those seeking alternate visions of the divine that are more inclusive. Devi seems approachable in the sense that she, as her myths and iconography at the very least portend, undergoes and is much of what women recognize to be their individual truths. In her, every woman finds a piece of herself; and every man, perhaps, can learn a little more about the heart of his essential nature.\r\n\r\nThe mainstream Western images of the Divine Feminine in a contemporary context where the Abrahamic faiths prevail have largely been limited to the Virgin Mary, and perhaps if one is generous, to Sophia, the Black Madonna and Lilith. These last three however, represent an undercurrent of the Christian and Judaic faiths, and they are not recognized by many practitioners; at least not with full awareness of their power and connection to pre-patriarchal religion.\r\n\r\nIn any case, it is apparent that the Divine Feminine within our context as represented in Her most ubiquitous aspect as the Virgin Mary has little but a \"soft\" or benevolent and nurturing side. She is holy and untouchable, even by her husband; she is vehicle for the avatar Christ, but not God herself; she is incapable of engaging the more uncomfortable aspects of life; she listens and conveys the message of her followers, but does not have the power to act directly for those who worship her.\r\n\r\nThis image of Mary is put in juxtaposition within Christianity to the one God, who is All. Her place is marginal in relationship to His magnificence, and reflects the Western/patriarchal schism typified by Descartes’ mind/body duality (God as transcendent mind, Mary as earth-bound body) or more simply, the valuing of men over women and heaven over earth. Further, it underscores that the religious traditions of patriarchal cultures have unfortunately tended to pathologize the relationship of dualistic principles. In life, dualities abound, but their representation in the West has long since posed them as warring opposites where the position of the Divine Feminine (and women) is relegated to minority status.\r\n\r\nThe patriarchal worldview, particularly as expressed in the powerful \"First World\" nations of the West, has manifested skewed valuations of dualities in other spheres of life as well. It has done so to the point of ignoring (or largely ignoring) the inherent worth and wisdom of the Feminine principle and has created an urgent need for crisis prevention in the environmental, developmental, psychological and social arenas. Further, if we accept that the project of patriarchy has been based on the scientific and philosophical deconstruction of life (through exploitation of resources and peoples by Western science and paradigms supported by such traditions) and on the establishment of dualistic categories formed from reductionistic tendencies (in order to propagate the favoritism of man and culture over women and nature, e.g.), then we understand how dichotomization destroys relatedness, promotes homogenization, and makes subjugation the norm for half the population the world over.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately in both the East and West, the archetypal Feminine principle, which in India is called <i>pakriti</i>, has often been associated only with women and with nature, to the detriment of both men, women and the planet. For to deny that the Feminine has value is to deny more than gender or population; it is to deny half of the entire spectrum of life. It relegates all that is receptive, open, life-generating and nurturing to the margins of society, and it is there that we can look to find the festering sores of all the various crises of our time.\r\n\r\nFortunately, particularly within the past ten years, writers, thinkers, theologians and others across the globe in fields as diverse as the sciences, religion and women’s studies have explored the dance of life beyond the confines of duality. There, many have found that the \"opposing\" forces of life are in a play of complementarities, where tension makes growth, change, and transformation possible. In understanding that life is more of an ever-shifting dynamic balance of energetics where opposing forces create an existence filled with variety, spontaneity, laughter and music in which the soul may rejoice, a new vein of consciousness has been born in our time.\r\n\r\nThe impact of the Goddess archetype upon women and men as She re-emerges into consciousness has profound ramifications upon all aspects of life. In the East, many have been called to re-examine their relationships to the manifest Divine Feminine in actual women. On the individual as well as the collective level, She reminds us that women too are powerful, worthy of respect in this world; She teaches that respect for our bodies helps us to respect the Earthbody; She tells us that all things ugly and beautiful are Her creation. She is a \"creative trinity;\" [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">6</a>] serving as a gateway to simultaneous embracement of <i>both</i> duality and oneness, a symbol of integrated duality and the unconditional love that binds them. With this, many in the West have been drawn to remembering the Goddess as a potent symbol of wholeness. Many have turned to Her myths, rituals and traditions of pre-patriarchal times in order to quench their personal longing for \"something else.\" I believe that Chamunda helps to bring a special dimension to understanding the fullest sense of what that wholeness means.\r\n\r\n<b>Eastern Goddesses, Patriarchal Cultures, and a Vision from the West</b>\r\n\r\nWhile the West has tended to infuse its traditions with a dualistic split, the Eastern traditions of India have tended to concern themselves with a monological \"One\" in the realm of spirit while an overlay of patriarchal duality has settled into the societal sphere. This has wrought a complexity of contradictions in Indian society. For example, the Ganges River, sacred sphere of the Goddess Ganga who manifests through and as its waters, is the most polluted and yet simultaneously the holiest river on Earth for devout Hindus. Similarly, while the Divine Feminine is recognized and worshipped through myriad images of Goddesses (Ganga, Kali and Chamunda among them), women still occupy a marginal position in traditional Indian society.\r\n\r\nAs David Kinsley has noted: \"In the Hindu tradition a woman is taught to understand herself primarily in relation to others…It is society that puts demands on her primarily through the agents of relatives and in-laws, and not she who places demands on society that she be allowed to develop a unique, independent destiny. A central demand placed on women, particularly vis-à-vis males, is that they subordinate their welfare to the welfare of others.\" [<a href=\"/mandala/chamunda-devi-eastern-teacher-to-the-west/4/#ref\">7</a>]\r\n\r\nWhile attempts have been made to reconcile patriarchal duality at the level of society with a philosophical and religious spiritual unity, the fact of the matter is that such discontinuity invalidates and undermines both. Little progress has been made in this regard within the Indian context. But it is from within this struggle that ways of thinking that seek to heal the split of culture from embodied/immanent spirituality have more recently emerged. Many writers, but most prominently the Indian physicist and ecofeminist, Vandana Shiva, have made a case for recognizing the Divine Feminine/Goddess in order to ameliorate tension and diffuse the boundaries of derision caused by the patriarchal paradigm.\r\n\r\n<!--nextpage-->\r\n\r\nIn her book, <i>Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development</i>, Shiva explores one way of looking at the Divine Feminine through lenses that appreciate both transcendent as well as immanent manifestations. She proposes fully embracing the notion of <i>Pakriti</i> as a \"spiritual\" discipline rather than simply as \"nature,\" so that a more balanced worldview can be achieved. This new worldview takes into account the marginalized position of women while de facto promoting environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of diverse, autonomous communities focused on the sacredness of relationships rather than on their destruction.\r\n\r\nAccording to Shiva, Pakriti means not just the traditional counterpart to Purusa (the Divine Masculine, or the Masculine Principle of manifest culture and society), but instead the<i>entirety</i> of nature with its ability to create, sustain and destroy in order to continue the cycle of life in all its aspects. Thus, Shiva’s position asserts \"both a <i>holistic</i> perspective and an<i>inclusive</i> agenda of concerns based on its considerable respect for diversity—both in turn being principles of nature.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">8</a>]\r\n\r\nOn another level, such thinking shows that the construct of <i>maya</i> (illusion) as found in many Indian philosophical systems is not required to solve the corundum of how manifest reality (difference) can be reconciled with the unitive One. Instead, maya can be understood as the human resistance to holding the tension of paradox in life. In this way, perhaps the women of manifest nature can reclaim their right as beings who are living testament to the power of the Goddess and be honored as such. And the \"One\" can take on new meaning as a \"dynamic system of relations wherein any particular manifestation functions simultaneously as a distinct part and the unbroken whole. The parts are not derivative of the whole, or vice versa, [nor are the parts dissolved into one another to become the whole, or vice versa.] Each aspect constitutes the other.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">9</a>]\r\n\r\nIt is with this idea in mind that the Goddesses of East and West need to be (re)evaluated. Unfortunately, however, as we saw earlier in this article, the Western Goddess(es) of mainstream contemporary manifestation and interpretation provide little by way of role model to help us accomplish the task of aware integration of spheres on both the intra- and inter- (as well as micro- and macrocosmic) levels that permeate the realms of mind, body and spirit. Therefore, if we are to move beyond our present embeddedness in the philosophical systems of our respective contexts, any divine teacher thus considered must be a manifestation of reality that lies beyond duality while embracing of it, and must be a penetrator/trix of all worlds, symbolic and otherwise.\r\n\r\nChamunda and her sister Kali, in my opinion, represent an understanding of the limitations of a dualistic worldview while simultaneously embracing duality as facilitator for self-awareness—-the manifest universe and the physical form being vehicles for the exploration of consciousness into itself. Further, they allow communication and representation among each and every sphere of life as well as among worlds, much like the Hermes Trismegistus of Greek mythology and later hermetic philosophy who not only facilitated communication between Gods; between Gods and men; but also between the worlds of Heaven and Hell. In this way, the Divine Feminine as manifest from within the Eastern psyche serves the required purpose; for as C. MacKenzie Brown notes: \"In the Devi-Bhagavata…the goddess is both male and female, and transcends the two, but without devaluing either the transcendent or <i>samsaric</i>[earthly or immanent]<i> </i>dimensions.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">10</a>]\r\n\r\nFurther, it may be noted that from a perspective focused on the dynamics of inter-relationship rather than the intra-relationships of East and West, the Western relationship to \"God\" and the Eastern understanding of non-duality as a quality of \"God\" is typified by the following story:\r\n<blockquote>A Western reporter and an Indian devotee of the Goddess come across a statue of Kali. She has her four arms: the upper right raised in blessing, the lower right offering a boon (wish), the upper left holding a machete dripping with blood and the lower left gripping a severed human head by the hair. Seeing this split, the Westerner immediately asks: \"So how do you get the blessing and avoid the machete?\" The Eastern devotee angrily replies, \"That\'s not it at all...The blessing is only won when you accept both sides of her, including pain, sorrow, decay, death, and destruction. Run from her horrors, and you run from her blessings. To deny death, to act as if your little self is the center of things and must be protected from pain and preserved as long as possible—this is the real death. But embrace Kali as she is—kiss her bloody tongue and feel all four arms caress you at once—then you have life, you have freedom.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">11</a>]</blockquote>\r\nIn this story, the boon for the Western mind would be to get beyond dualistic thinking; and the boon for the Eastern mind would be to allow this non-dualistic perspective to integrate into all spheres of life, not simply the spiritual one.\r\n\r\nBut working with images such as Chamunda and Kali, I believe, is one way to begin transforming traditional perspectives. Although a re-visioning of these goddesses in the East to include a mandate for social reform might be a worthwhile endeavor, I can only mention here the potential impact that working with them might have upon Western consciousness were, for example, a fully developed program inclusive of yoga, ritual, meditation and contemplation, etc. to be implemented by those wishing to break free of the limiting constructs of our time.\r\n\r\n<b>Revisiting the Goddess</b>\r\n\r\nTherefore, I hold that those wishing to reach beyond the schisms of Western thought (and beyond the hypocrisy of Eastern practice if one is from that context and so inclined) need to welcome a teacher capable of fully embodying both sides of duality; for one must be willing to embrace death if seeking to fully enjoy life (as the story above pointed out). The extremely intense presence of Chamunda when brought into contemplation by a seeking mind can indeed be a call to wake up to the vibrancy of life; to the reason behind the ephemeral nature of things; and indeed to the fullest sense oneself and one’s purpose in the world.\r\n\r\nFor as told in the Upanishads when Sanatkumara says to the young Narada: \"One who meditates upon and realizes the Self discovers that everything in the cosmos—energy and space, fire and water, name and form, birth and death, mind and will, word and deed, mantram and meditation—all come from the Self.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">12</a>] The Self is therefore the embracing One and that which enables human beings to comprehend the infinite diversity of the world. The manifestations of the macrocosmic world can be easily understood in terms of the microcosmic Self and vice versa; or again in the words of Hermes Trismegistus, \"as above, so below.\"\r\n\r\nIn meditating upon the image of Chamunda and asking questions as I did about the reasons behind her powerful presence, one may be forced to ask too exactly what this Goddess desires us to see and to ultimately understand about our presence in the world: What is my role here? Why is there suffering? What is the purpose of life? Why has Patriarchy been a part of our human experience? As it says in the Chandogya Upanishad, \"You are that.\" [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">13</a>] And so for the individual contemplating the nature of non-dual reality while trying to reconcile manifest existence and personal experience, Chamunda can function as a portal to understanding.\r\n\r\nIt also seems appropriate that as we today search to give a meaning to our lives in these times of planetary crisis, turning to different ways of knowing and of experiencing reality may assist us in our struggles to ‘make sense of it all.’ This introduction of Chamunda as a teacher to the West is again not an attempt to co-opt or misrepresent a Hindu deity; it is simply a suggestion to be aware of more than those things with which we are readily familiar in our quest.\r\n\r\nDone with honor, respect, and with no claim at contextual understanding, opening to the patterns of collective thought that made the Goddess Chamunda a part of human reality may be a way to break the hard lines of Western dichotomy. It may help us reconnect to the ancient roots of many of the symbols, myths and traditions that have sprung from our collective human history, and it may help us connect to something deeper from within our own Western psyche. It may help us to eventually reclaim the power inherent in both Mother and Witch for the betterment of humanity.\r\n\r\nThus Chamunda-Devi may be a kind of key - not to unlocking the past, but to helping us ‘re-find’ the awareness most important for us today. Perhaps she can help us to dive into the primordial well of remembrance that exists within each of us in order to help surface feelings and intuitions that are particularly important for the creation of human as well as Gaian wholeness.\r\n\r\nAs the last line of the <i>Creed of the Star Goddess</i> tells us, \"I [the Goddess], have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.\"  [<a href=\"http://sharanya.org/articles/chamunda/chamunda4.php4#ref\">14</a>] We need only wish to remember in our hearts, with all of our heart, and She will reveal Her reality no matter where we live, what language we speak or what traditions we follow. As we move forward along our collective path in this evolutionary spiral we call life, may we seek always to know the truth of our past, so that we may all move together towards tomorrow. In this project, Chamunda is certainly qualified to be our guide.\r\n\r\nThe rest of my stay in India continued to be filled with Chamunda’s presence, and I began to affirm as I learned more about her that she was unknowable in any purely historical or religious sense but for my own cellular memories perhaps and more recent experiences of her. By Chamunda’s grace, however, I find that as I deepen into her mysteries and continue to invoke her in my life, I am drawn back in time so that I may discover not only her truth, but also the truth of how the track of recorded history both reveals and obscures truth. As much contemporary feminist scholarship reveals, much of recorded history obscures. By Chamunda’s grace, however, the path towards greater self-awareness was presented to me, and I continue to ask the above-mentioned questions, slowly gaining insight into her potential role as a teacher of the West.\r\n\r\nThe path towards greater self-awareness therefore has very large implications, and I continue to ask the above-mentioned questions to gain insight into Chamunda in all manifestations so that she may ultimately teach her secrets to all those willing to learn. I for one, am realizing that the mysteries of the Goddess reveal themselves to me though my personal experience, and as I open to trusting that my spirituality in this vein contains the greatest wisdom of all, the circle is closed and I am before Her once again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a name=\"ref\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1. Kinsley, David. <i>Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition</i> (University of California Press: Berkeley) 1986 p. 149\r\n2. Dehejia, Vidya. <i>Yogini Cult and Temples: A Tantric Tradition</i> (The National Museum: New Delhi) 1986, p. 187\r\n3. The Matrikas first appear in the <i>Mahabharata</i> and have collectively been dated to about the first century A.D. Their manifestations in the literature of the epic - and post-epic periods seem to be characterized as malevolent, blood-drinking and demonic; but worship is also directed to them for protection. The Matrikas are notably a group of goddesses, the number of which becomes somewhat standardized at seven or eight in the postepic period. They are given in the <i>Visnudharmottara-purana</i> as: Yogisvari, Mahesvari, Vaisnavi, Kaumari, Brahmani, Chamunda and Varahi.\r\n4. I have visited this temple and seen these images. David Kinsley also makes mention of this fact in his work,<i>Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: The Ten Mahavidyas</i> (University of California Press: Berkeley) 1997, p. 16\r\n5. Kinsley, David. Ibid., p. 75\r\n6. Sheldrake, Rupert. <i>The Rebirth of Nature: The Greening of Science and God</i> (Park Street Press: Vermont) 1991 pp. 196 - 199\r\n7. Kinsley, David. <i>Hindu Goddesses</i>, ibid<i>. </i>p. 77\r\n8. Kothari, Rajni. Foreword in <i>Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development</i> by Vandana Shiva, (New Jersey: Zed Books) 1989, p. X. (Original italics.)\r\n9. Spretnak, Charlene. \"Radical Non-duality in Ecofeminist Philosophy\" essay <i>in Metis: A Feminist Journal of Transformative Wisdom</i>, Spring, 1996; Vol 1, No. 1., p. 11\r\n10. Brown, C. MacKenzie. <i>The Triumph of the Goddess: The Canonical Models and Theological Visions of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana</i> (SUNY Press: New York) 1990, p. 216\r\n11. Reported by Tim Ward in <i>Common Boundary</i>, March/April, 1997, p. 34\r\n12.<i> Chandogya Upanishad, </i>translated by Eknath Easwaran (Nilgiri Press: Berkeley) 1987, p. 190\r\n13. <i>Chandogya Upanishad</i>, ibid<i>.</i>, p. 183\r\n14. Adapted from the traditional (oral) poem by Doreen Valiente, British witch. Traditional.','Chamunda-Devi','','inherit','open','open','','99967-revision-v1','','','2013-10-14 23:16:47','2013-10-15 06:16:47','',99967,'<h4>Eastern Teacher to The West</h4>\r\n<em>by Chandra Alexandre</em>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-99968 imgborder=0\" alt=\"chamundafire\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/chamundafire.gif\" width=\"250\" height=\"278\" /><br>\r\n',0,'revision','',0),(100688,2,'2013-10-14 23:22:55','2013-10-15 06:22:55','[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us on Nov 2nd![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Interested in the Path?\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Come sit in circle...[/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third last=last] [teaser url=\"http://sharanya.org/mandala/th_event/10th-annual-kali-puja-festival/\" title=\"Kali Puja Festival\" src=\"http://sharanya.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Blessed-Altar-Web-e1380257091912.jpg\" ]Join us![/teaser] [/one_third]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Reflections &amp; 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