Wed Jun 23, 2010
Our Kali Puja: What's It All About?
What's it like to experience (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra up close and personal...to worship Kali Maa in Sanskrit...to bring your heart to a Goddess with roots in India but felt worldwide? Perhaps you've never been to a puja, or to a worship service that is fully participatory. Perhaps the notion of coming into a community to offer your devotions to Goddess is a bit scary. Well, be assured we understand that She can be intimidating at first. And we recognize that joining with people you may not know in something as intimate as worship of Her can perhaps be unsettling. So, let us offer comfort (we hope) by saying we all pretty much started at that place of uncertainty or fear or wondering...and we have come together to strengthen the path of our hearts.
We invite you to join us! The vibe is loving, embracing, inclusionary, welcoming...
Enter the temple of our worship for a taste of the experience through our most recent gallery here.
Jai Maa! And we look forward to seeing you at a puja soon (visit our calendar for dates of upcoming ceremonies).
Sat May 29, 2010
Festival of Sara-la-Kali
On Sunday, May 23, SHARANYA hosted our regular monthly public puja, except this month, we aligned our energies and intentions with the cross-roads of the dark goddess in Europe, a place where ancient traditions of the goddess came to shore and today, the Black Madonna stands as testimony to Her presence. For this worship, we recognized the concurrence of our puja with the Festival of Gitanes, or Gypsies, in the south of France, who come together to honor their Dark Goddess, Sarah the Black...Sarah-la-Kali!
The puja was particularly moving as we toned sacred syllables and took turns adorning Sara's altar with scarves from around our necks in the same fashion that those gathered in France for her festival do. As one of our initiates, Haravallabha, shared about her puja experience...
I got lots of images of constant movement of a tribe slipping through the edges of society, and after a night's sleep, a host of clear lessons from La Sara. They are about community, versatility, autonomy, and self-authority. Here are a few glimpses:
What do you think She offers, this dark goddess of the in-between, standing between worlds of East and West?
Wed Mar 10, 2010
Chanting Workshop: Vedic Mantras, Hindu Classics, & Goddess Devotionals
I found the Hindu chants workshop to be extremely informative, lovely and powerful. I believe it was perfect for Unitarian participation because it addressed the spiritual, emotional and intellectual aspects of this practice, as well as lots of live practice...
I have actually been using some of the chants, several times a week, having incorporated them into my normal meditation routine. Given that I work in a fast-paced environment in a pretty harsh town, I love the connection I feel to these chants & how incorporating them has resulted in a calmer, more intuitive Maureen. - UU Chant Workshop Participant
SHARANYA was recently invited by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto to be part of a series of chanting workshops dedicated to connecting members to various world traditions through song and chant. We were honored to be part of the series and grateful to Terry Passarotti from their congregation for asking us to join in!
About 25 of us gathered together on February 21st, a rainy Sunday evening, to explore the sacred sounds of chants from the Vedas, Upanishads and Tantras. We wove ancient and contemporary melodies together, honoring both tradition and the unfolding of spirit in the here and now through devotional renderings that one participant found strikingly similar to many Western hymns. Making the chants accessible to the audience despite the relative unfamiliarity of those attending with Sanskrit was certainly a challenge, but it was an easy hurdle in this group--many were willing to just go for it! Someone did mention he found it hard to connect deeply to the Divine through a foreign tongue, but everyone managed to follow the transliterations provided near enough to the letter.
We started and ended our evening with chants familiar to those who regularly attend pujas, opening with OM Maa! and ending with the Pavamana Mantra. Shakers and bells helped us feel the stirrings of energy as we sounded the syllables together, and everyone learned some of the deeper meanings intended by the sometimes seemingly simple words.
Both goddess and god were called throughout, and mantras acknowledging the divinity of Mother and Father, the sacred place of the ancestors, the desire for peace, and the beauty of Kali's heart were shared in circle. Releasing strict adherence to any formalities, we were able to also enjoy the power of sacred touch and healing energy, chanting OM Tara Tutare Ture Svaha while sharing heart space, hand to heart and heart to hand in pairs.
With gratitudes and blessings, we ended the evening together, a soulful "Jai Maa!" echoing with us all as we made our way, each one of us, home. Thank you to the UU community and those who gathered and participated for having this workshop. We hope to see you at a puja or in your space again soon!
Tue Feb 16, 2010
PantheaCon Kali Puja: The Dark Goddess Awakens!
Sunday night, 11:00pm. Kali Puja at PantheaCon. The doors opened and the sounds of Her sacred names began to fill the air, vibrations of Goddess Kali entering our bodies through ears first. Eyes began taking in the altar images as throngs of devotees and those entranced by Her mysteries circled to the tune. SHARANYA initiates and Daughters of Kali worked to guard, ground and move the dance of Shiva and Shakti as we together purified and began to feel that the night's celebration would be filled with power, grace, and Divine love.
As Rashani (priestess/purohit) for the ceremony, I let Her guide me. Sensing the yearning and open hearts of everyone gathered, it was easy to take us immediately deeper into communion with our Divine Mother through meditation and breath. Her sacred syllables guided us, helping to crystallize a sankalpa (sacred intention) and further unencumber our souls. Both a certain intensity and a genuine playfulness were with us as we each spoke our name, proclaiming the intention to perform worship, each of us owning the responsibility born of our passion and desire.
From honorings of Ganesha, Agni, Ancestors, and Shiva, we then worked our prana pratishta as a community, together intoning SA'HAM in meditation on Her eyes, allowing the energy on our breath to move from heart to Her. Awakening Her murti (image), Kali Maa joined us and we danced...Jai Maa!
Gratitudes to all who join in the magick of the night and to Amory, Satya, Jaratura, Jayada, and Sanatani especially for your dedication, energy, creativity, and presence.
In a hotel there are many aspects of the traditional puja that we cannot do. There is no fire, no incense, no juicy melon. But it doesn't matter. We bring forth the image of Maa, outside or in our own heads. We surround her with our presents and decorations, however great or small they are. We put ourselves totally into this moment, like children; and like children we scream "Maa!" until she comes to us. Maa, look at me! Maa, hear me! Maa, hold me! And she always does.
People came to Her, and they sang, danced, laughed, wept, tasted cream and chocolate prasad, and in the end, they felt Her gaze and Her embrace. - Sanatani
Sat Dec 05, 2009
Yogini Festival
- Surendra Nath Routaray
Hirapur's authorized archaeological guide, in a personal communication
The tradition of yoginī worship likely derives from ancient practices formalized and brahmanized in the Agni Purāṇa. In this text, the mātṛkās are said to be eight: Brāhmani, Maheśvarī, Kaumārī, Vaiṣṇavī, Vārāhī, Aindrī, Cāmuṇḍa, and Mahālakṣmi.
These eight goddesses are multiplied by eight (because of this number’s auspicious nature in Hindu belief) to derive the base of sixty-four yoginīs. The names of these sixty-four are given in the Kālīkā Purāna; although my contact at the temple, Mr. Routaray, has his own manifestation. By the time of the 11th century CE, the worship of the yoginīs as connected to the mātṛkās is set in common folklore, and one can not easily talk about one group without mentioning the other. In fact, scholars often make classifications of yoginīs at temples or in textual nāmāvālis (name lists) based upon the presence (or absence) of the mātṛkās.
For example, at Hirapur, while iconographically one of the statues may appear Cāmuṇḍa-like, Vidya Dehejia, whose ovular text on the yoginīs, Yoginī Cult and Temples: A Tantrick Tradition details how the yoginīs developed, how they are viewed and worshiped, and what forms they take historically in the literature, is reluctant to call Her such because the full array of mātṛkās is not otherwise apparent or documented. Upon seeing this statue year after year, however, I am quite clear (as are the locals who frequent the temple for active worship) that it is the presence of Cāmuṇḍa who inhabits this place.
The yoginī temple at Hirapur, Orissa is located about 10km outside of Bhubaneshwar, the state capital. Those who visit are often treated to the services of a local village priest, no more than about 20 years old, who has been actively engaged in either orthodox pūjā or the maintenance of the circular, open-air temple where once the Mahāyāga rituals of yoginī worship were carried out by adhikārīs (male initiates) and bhairavīs (female initiates) of the tantrick heterodox path known as Kaula.
Although the exact nature of historical worship at this temple has not survived in documents, the divine yoginīs are still actively worshiped today through these and similar brahmanical rituals. Nevertheless, to be among the sixty-four yoginīs here is to feel the power of the goddess in one’s blood and bones. Upon entering the small temple, which one does through a vulva-like opening that proceeds past two skeletal male figures (which may at one time have been ithyphallic) and leads into the womb-like chamber around which the goddesses stand, the intensity of the figures and the feeling of being held and firmly embraced stands out in marked contrast to the open, expansive sky above. Can you imagine being in this temple, held in sacred embrace while the stars and blackness of a new moon bear witness to your rites?
Vidya Dehejia reports that at one time, the central image in the temple was of Śiva, although the particular statue (some report it was a large yoni-lingam) was stolen when the temple came into public notice in 1953. Today, merely the platform on which it resided remains.
At Hirapur, the exact philosophical and metaphysical relationship between the god and the goddesses is unclear, yet as Dehejia notes:
Perhaps as the time of the Yogini Festival draws neigh this year, we can all together dance this dance of union into Tantrick bliss. What with the deeper meanings of Christmas and Yule at our fingertips, it seems only appropriate. May our work to do so therefore be blessed and our spiritual practice bring us much peace, harmony, and fulfillment...by the grace of the yoginīs themselves!
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Mon Nov 30, 2009
Spirit Fusion Festival - Fresno, CA
By: Maya (initiate member of the Yogini Chakra)
On November 25th, Fresno had its Spirit Fusion Festival (Fresno's Pagan Pride). I worked a table for SHARANYA for the day and got the chance to talk to people about the organization, give out information, and sell some of the beautiful images, ritual items, and Indian handicrafts we generally offer through the Apsara Store online and at pujas.
As part of the day, I also hosted a beautiful Ganesha Puja for all who were there. It was a small intimate group that came to puja; it was very sweet and all who attended were deeply touched by the ceremony. We all honored and were honored by the Spirit of Ganesha.
All of the people who came were active in the puja. We called upon the four elements to join us, along with Shiva, Kali Maa, and, of course, Ganesha took his place of prominence! The Ganesha altar was decorated with a variety Ganesha murtis, along with images and murtis of other deities, such as Shiva, Kali Maa, Tara, and Matangi.
The group assembled was invited to do invocations for the elements, and I taught them some short mantras to invoke Shiva, Maa, and Ganesha too. As the circle chanted to Ganesha, singing, OM GAM GANAPATAYAI NAMAH, I cleansed the space with charged moon water. Ganesha was then bathed in the charged moon water, milk, and moon water again.
I then anointed the central murti, in addition to everyone in circle, with water from the Ganges River to invoke for peace. Next, we moved on to anointing the various other murtis, coconuts, and bananas with kum kum, powdered incense for Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, dried rosemary and the charged moon water as well.
Everyone took turns anointing a specific coconut or banana with whatever they felt called to use and however they felt called to do so at the time. It was fun and touching as each person anointed their fruit and the different murtis while in their own special way invoking the beautiful spirit of Ganesha. They took their anointed fruit home with them to place on their personal altars once the ritual was complete.
Overall, it was a wonderful day of sharing in the beauty and fun in the spirit of an eclectic Pagan Festival, and I look forward to participating again next year.
Mon Nov 02, 2009
Dark Times, Divali, & Dancing the Spiral
On Sunday morning, I awoke from Samhain dreamtime to a recollection that I had something to do. Still feeling the presence of the ancients and moreover, some very achy muscles from a few good hours of altar building for SHARANYA's Spiral Dance South Fire Altar, I reviewed my notes for the day ahead. Ah, yes, Creatrix Media Live was hosting a show and had asked me to help focus a discussion on the Dark Times...specifically, these dark times.
What is conjured for you in this mentioning?
We considered much in our conversation, but naturally, the conversation turned toward the presence of the Dark Mother Herself, Kali Maa. Kali Maa as embracing and compassionate mother; Kali Maa as terrifying goddess; Kali Maa as equalizer, facilitator of social justice; Kali Maa as Goddess for our times. Joining the discussion were many powerful women (Max Dashu, D'vorah Grenn, Marsha Citra Lange, Jayne DeMente, Anniitra Ravenmoon and others) who know well how She helps us see through the obfuscations of truth that media and institutions uphold, who asks that we take personal responsibility, who calls us to action. We acknowledged the quick and ready relationship between our spirituality, Her presence, and action on behalf of the marginal--even when (and sometimes especially when) that marginal is to be found within ourselves.
At this time of the year, when so many are aware of how the darkness of the shortened days reflects our inward turning and the metaphorical darkness to be engaged in the recesses of our souls, we also recognize the power of just one small ray of light to illuminate the world. This is the story of Divali, the Festival of Lights for many in South Asia. And those at Reclaiming's Spiral Dance at the Witches' New Year this past night danced this dance of darkness and light, of inward turning and outward expression, and did so joyously and with great, passionate energy. This passionate energy was contained too in the south altar SHARANYA built and charged singing Maa's names. This sacred space held the potency of Shmashan Kali, Goddess of Cremation Grounds, She Who Burns Away. The process of letting go, of surrendering, of falling into oneself so that one may be propelled by the heart's yearning for love back into this reality, was our prayer for all gathered.
Later on New Year's Day, Satya, Haravallabha and I came together in community to offer up all the prayers gathered from our Shmashan Kali altar that visitors and devotees had contributed on pink slips of paper to our cauldron...and there were plenty to burn! Sitting around a fire, we chanted OM KRIM KALYAI NAMAH and brought each to our heart in turn, asking that the Divine Mother hear their prayers and be with them in this time, whatever that might hold for each person. The work completed, we consecrated the energy of our personal invocations and the transformational power of the fire by placing some of the ashes on our foreheads. Our right thumbs making the tilak, we spoke the blessing and gratitude, Jai Maa!
With all we have raised this weekend through song, dance, and collective wisdom, I invite us to honor that energy of darkness, of transformational power, and of personal ego surrendered to the Divine Will...that it be held continuously and reinvoked as we deal with our individual and collective Dark Nights of the Soul, and as we travel willingly or are spurred on by crisis, into Her embrace.
Happy New Year - May the Blessings of Goddess be forever in your heart!
Fri Oct 02, 2009
Sacred Activism Day
In the spirit of engaged spirituality and celebration of Gandhi's birthday, October 2nd is SHARANYA's Sacred Activism Day...a time to consider how your simple and/or profound actions make a difference for the well being of yourself, your family and loved ones, your community, your planet and beyond. Not that you don't do this already every day, but just a way, like ringing a bell or Tibetan bowl during meditation, to help you refocus your efforts and concentration.
There are many ways to engage, and even setting an intention to be with the spirit of the day through your practice or conversation is great! This year, I've signed up to increase my awareness of how my buying decisions can have a positive impact on socially responsible business through Carrotmob. From their website:
"Carrotmob is a method of activism that leverages consumer power to make the most socially-responsible business practices also the most profitable choices. Businesses compete with one another to see who can do the most good, and then a big mob of consumers buys products in order to reward whichever business made the strongest commitment to improve the world. It’s the opposite of a boycott."
Feel free to join me by signing up for notices in your area about upcoming actions, and give a thought to your engaged spirituality efforts. If you wish, share with us your ruminations and determinations here, as well as your next big carrotmob extravaganza!
Tue Jul 28, 2009
Jai Maa! Sunday's Kali Puja
The devotion, the mantras, the songs, the ceremonies allow us to see Her, touch Her, and experience Her within our own hearts. She is a part of us. We are a part of Her. The entire Universe, the cycles of Nature, and the yearning of our soul is Her wondrous dance, loving weaving all things into being.
- Jaratura, reflecting on Sunday's Kali Puja in Community and with the Kaula
Gratitudes to the kaula, community, and our extended family for supporting and creating Sunday's (7/26) Kali Puja. What a sweet celebration of Her mysteries!
The air was cool on this evening as we gathered, the weather a perfect complement to the fire in our hearts as we created our personal and collective sankalpas (sacred intentions), chanted Sanskrit mantras, and welcomed in the Divine. Familiar faces and new ones accompanied those in Daughters of Kali who are in the last weeks of their walk toward initiation into the Sha'can tradition, our (r)evolutionary Shakta Tantra devoted to our beloved Dark Mother. Song and spirit filled the room and each of us had the opportunity to spend some time in meditation with Her. Darshan, the gift of receiving Her through sacred sight, allowed everyone to fall more deeply in love...and we spent special moments together in a collective deepening before Her altar.
Aarati was offered to the resounding syllables of "Jai Maa Jai Maa!" and the gifts of our community near and far received by Her.
Red flowers touched to her lotus feet, we experienced the run of energy that makes the fulfillment of our intentions possible, guided by the alignment of ours with the Divine Will. A special thank you to those whose offerings from places near and far helped us shower Maa with flowers and Her devotees' love in the wonderful space rented to us by the Cultural Integration Fellowship. Know that if not with us in person, you were with us in spirit!
We look forward to seeing you in circle next month. Join us on Sunday, August 30th at 5:30pm in San Francisco, or contribute to the energy of the puja by doing your own meditation or other circle work at that time with us. We look forward to deepening, opening, and celebrating with you.
Donations for prasad, flowers, and other offerings are most appreciated, and everyone who wishes is called into our sacred space to be part of the ceremony. Upon request, we will gladly send you blessed flowers from the puja in which your offerings were received.
Jai Maa!
- Frederick Douglass
Thu Jul 23, 2009
New Moon & Solar Eclipse Reflections
Tuesday was both the New Moon and Solar Eclipse. Personally, I really did not know what to expect. Often, the New Moon energy is not something with which I am comfortable; I always feel the dark, void, or emptiness...which is not within my comfort zone.
On Monday, I had started some hypnotherapy work with my therapist focused on significant relationships in my life and how they felt energetically, as well as how I could do some healing around making necessary changes. With this in mind, I really was looking forward to Tuesday's ritual/meditation in the SHARANYA sanctuary as it was the New Moon and this would complement my work by bringing in love. Then, I find out that it is the Solar Eclipse at the same time! Again, I really didn't know what to expect with these two energies happening simultaneously, but all I yearned for was being in community with others, those whom I truly love and feel safe with.
There was some talk prior to our meeting about doing some scrying, that ancient art of visioning past the seen realms with the help of a mirror, water, crystal ball or other object. I thought to myself, "Great, at least I can get some real answers."
So we meet. I can feel the love of Maa in the temple with us. We move into meditation and then to scrying. I attempt to work with various scrying tools, and I don't 'get' any answers. I take a breath and am so drawn to a picture of Maa in the form of Tara on the altar that I just gaze and somewhat fall into her eyes. She then gives me the answer: 
With this I close my eyes and really focus on my breath. She continues to tell me: "I am always here for you and that from within is where the transformation has already begun. Continue to go inward, when in doubt or in fear, breathe." I am now realize (not on just an intellectual level, but on an emotional, embodied level too) that all my life I have always been looking outside myself for answers, approval, acceptance, love, etc...and I now know why I have never really found it. It all starts from within. Jai Maa...Jai Tara!
- Offered by Doreen, a member of Daughters of Kali and the SHARANYA community
Let us know if you had a special experience during yesterday's auspicious amavasya (new moon) and solar eclipse. Did you feel the energy?
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