.. and there it is ..

[Vinayaka]

'I' start my activity of the day doing Siva puja, about an hour after the physical body stirs. Some days the mind is more alert than others. But one thing remains consistent ... at some point, I'll feel His palpable presence increases. It may be during the first aarti, during the abhishekham, and more commonly during the astottaram. But it always happens. Perhaps my timing is inconsistent, and His isn't. I have yet to explore that idea, and don't keep a clock in the home mandir room.

Besides at the temple, where His (or one of His son's) presence is felt 90% of the time, lately it's been happening spontaneously 'out there' in the world, while driving, while shopping, while walking. ... and there it is ...

The very first time this happened to this soul while in this body was some 59 years ago. It was swathing a wheat field under empty skies, heading due west ... and there it was ... at that time unrecognizable as anything more than 'something'.

My Guru's explanation would be that it is the positive side of the sub of the subconscious mind, the fascinating area of the mind that isn't easily understood but is essentially two different experiences combining to make a third very different experience. In other words, a trigger, but in a positive way.

Do you have positive religious triggers? Do they happen spontaneously, or can you will them? Other thoughts?

 

[JustGeorge]

'I' start my activity of the day doing Siva puja, about an hour after the physical body stirs. Some days the mind is more alert than others. But one thing remains consistent ... at some point, I'll feel His palpable presence increases. It may be during the first aarti, during the abhishekham, and more commonly during the astottaram. But it always happens. Perhaps my timing is inconsistent, and His isn't. I have yet to explore that idea, and don't keep a clock in the home mandir room.

Besides at the temple, where His (or one of His son's) presence is felt 90% of the time, lately it's been happening spontaneously 'out there' in the world, while driving, while shopping, while walking. ... and there it is ...

The very first time this happened to this soul while in this body was some 59 years ago. It was swathing a wheat field under empty skies, heading due west ... and there it was ... at that time unrecognizable as anything more than 'something'.

My Guru's explanation would be that it is the positive side of the sub of the subconscious mind, the fascinating area of the mind that isn't easily understood but is essentially two different experiences combining to make a third very different experience. In other words, a trigger, but in a positive way.

Do you have positive religious triggers? Do they happen spontaneously, or can you will them? Other thoughts?

I've never been able to trigger 'something'(I lack proper terms, so I've borrowed yours) in any consistent manner. Sometimes, something I've done helps with the trigger, sometimes its not related to anything I've done at all and is unexpected. I find the unexpected experiences are typically the stronger ones.

 

[Vinayaka]

I've never been able to trigger 'something'(I lack proper terms, so I've borrowed yours) in any consistent manner. Sometimes, something I've done helps with the trigger, sometimes its not related to anything I've done at all and is unexpected. I find the unexpected experiences are typically the stronger ones.

Thank you for the response. I concur the unexpected ones are often the strongest. My Guru used the word 'unbidden' which I liked. I don't think I've ever willed it either, and I've tried for sure.

 

[JustGeorge]

Thank you for the response. I concur the unexpected ones are often the strongest. My Guru used the word 'unbidden' which I liked. I don't think I've ever willed it either, and I've tried for sure.

I guess we get it when we need it, or when its best...

 

[Vinayaka]

I guess we get it when we need it, or when its best...

Perhaps. I have had it happen in very down moments too.

 

[JustGeorge]

Perhaps. I have had it happen in very down moments too.

Same. Not always, but often enough.

 

[Vinidra]

It--whatever you want to call it--has happened to me a few times. Usually, it's just a feeling of bliss. A couple of times, there's been a message attached. But I'm the same as y'all, I can't make it happen, either. It just happens on its own when the Mother wills it to, I suppose.

 

[Vinayaka]

It--whatever you want to call it--has happened to me a few times. Usually, it's just a feeling of bliss. A couple of times, there's been a message attached. But I'm the same as y'all, I can't make it happen, either. It just happens on its own when the Mother wills it to, I suppose.

I tear up. Do you? Many factors, I think.

 

[JustGeorge]

I tear up. Do you? Many factors, I think.

I do, sometimes. Other times, there's like an energy..burst? I don't really know how to explain it.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Yes, there was a trigger moment some 30 years ago, when I answered my question, 'Should I worship any God/Goddess?"
You know the answer.

 

[Vinidra]

I tear up. Do you? Many factors, I think.

Oh, lord, yes. I have sobbed my way through many a puja, bhajan, and occasionally, attempts at meditation. I'm glad no one can see me because I'm sure it looks performative, but it really isn't. It just happens.

 

[Vinayaka]

Oh, lord, yes. I have sobbed my way through many a puja, bhajan, and occasionally, attempts at meditation. I'm glad no one can see me because I'm sure it looks performative, but it really isn't. It just happens.

You, like me, must be used to it by now. It's blissful. I also get it from the days I realize just how incredibly lucky I am to be on the path with the people I know, and have the will to stay here. A couple of temples in India hit me hard. About 10 miles away from Palani, at the very sight of the hill, I stated bawling. Do you think it comes across as weirder on a man that on a woman?

 

[Vinidra]

You, like me, must be used to it by now. It's blissful. I also get it from the days I realize just how incredibly lucky I am to be on the path with the people I know, and have the will to stay here. A couple of temples in India hit me hard. About 10 miles away from Palani, at the very sight of the hill, I stated bawling. Do you think it comes across as weirder on a man that on a woman?

I am definitely used to it. Looks silly (probably), but feels wonderful.

I don't think it's any weirder for a man than a woman, myself. I think the Divine affects us all in our own ways.

I would love to go to India and see temples like you have someday! I can imagine how moving it would have to be.

 

[Vinayaka]

I am definitely used to it. Looks silly (probably), but feels wonderful.

I don't think it's any weirder for a man than a woman, myself. I think the Divine affects us all in our own ways.

I would love to go to India and see temples like you have someday! I can imagine how moving it would have to be.

Yes. 'It' is definitely more likely to happen over there, once you settle in to it. I think all western Hindus should go to India for a month or so, for that part alone.

 

[Jainarayan]

Do you have positive religious triggers? Do they happen spontaneously, or can you will them? Other thoughts?

Most of the time I get a feeling of "glad I did puja". I feel a sense of protection when I'm with "the family", i.e. in my shrine area among the gods. There are times, however, and I'm embarassed and ashamed to admit that I find it a pain in the ***. I think maybe it's because my puja may be a little too long and too much, and/or I'm in a hurry and/or in pain. I think of something attributed to Oðinn in the Hávamál ... "better no sacrifce or offering than too big". I try to cut it down but then I think it's fine the way it is. I'm just so difficult. When all is said and done, being near my shrine area gives me positive vibes.