How to say 'No'?

[Viraja]

Many here on this thread said, that even Advaitins worship personal gods and yes, i'm aware of that, but the idea of worshipping a separate entity is not really my thing.

To me, one remains totally on the mercy of this higher entity. And this 'dependency' is something that i really don't like.

If something breaks down in my house, i would rather prefer to have the knowledge and skill to fix it myself, instead of depending on someone else.

In the path of bhakti, i have observed when i was a dualist long ago, that help from above doesn't come to all.
Even if it comes, it doesn't come easily. One has to wait a huge long time, in order for his prayers to be heard. Many of us (including myself) don't have the patience to wait forever just to get an answer from above.

In my case, the answer didn't come from above, even after praying daily for many hours with full of devotion. From this i came to the conclusion, that God doesn't really care for his children.
That he is not really as compassionate as people claim HE is.
Again, this is just my understanding and not the final truth.

Due to this bitter experience, i chose the path of enquiry, learning, studying, discussing etc.
I believe if i can apply the divine knowledge in my wordly life, my problems will not completely go away, but will be reduced to greater extent.
:=)

I can relate to how that feels, Greg. When I worshiped some devatas earlier like Varahi, Hanuman ji, Nrusimha, I did not feel any cognition on their part as to whether they even recognized I was praying to them vigorously. It was like praying to an empty space.

But certain other devatas like Krishna and Tirupathi Balaji are usually very reciprocating, I think. Because I had some unique spiritual dreams on praying to them.

I came here to delete my former message, because I thought it was rude for me to comment on something I did not know about (advaita) even though I was sharing a valid observation, but see that you did not mind. Thanks.

 

[Viswa]

@Viswa Yes, it does occur to me every now and then, that perhaps it was his wish i strive towards the path of learning. But still i would have loved it if he answered my prayers.

I was also seeking this once. A word or speech from Krishna. But, feel he choose to speak with me through coincidences and normal experiences, by pointing out "Go to that forum and here and reach people andro this scripture - you will know".

It's not that by a dream or in waking state, he appears and provide knowledge. You may see the history. He appeared only for Bhaktas, who didn't seek knowledge. Even to Ramakrishna, Ma Kali had not appeared to impart knowledge but only in becoming proud of his Bhakti. Feel, God don't impart knowledge by appearing in a form we seek, but if we be free from "seeking a form for knowledge" - we can perceive the knowledge he points in everyday experience. Suddenly, one may appear and provide a book. Suddenly, one will reach out and speak in Zoom and forums and impart many unknown things we might have actually seek. Only by this way, Knowledge is Imparted seems.

Take care.

God bless you more.

 

[The Crimson Universe]

Suddenly, one will reach out and speak in Zoom and forums and impart many unknown things we might have actually seek. Only by this way, Knowledge is Imparted seems.

All this time, I didn't even know what Zoom was until recently. And i'm just 33. Can you imagine? lol... In every 3 years there's a new gadget or software and its hard to keep up with the ever changing technology.
Man, i'm too old for this sh*t anyway.

 

[Jainarayan]

I’m not understanding the problem. Are they inviting you to proselytize or because they like you and are being polite? If they are being polite and genuinely want you to share in what makes them happy, will you turn into a turnip to oblige them?

My family and friends are overwhelmingly Christian. I’ve been invited to weddings, christenings, First Communions, and of course there are funeral Masses. I don’t believe as they do but I attend because they invited me and want me there. I quietly show respect at the churches and events. It doesn’t change my beliefs or practices.