How to Find a Guru & Spiritual Teacher: Factors and Influence of Time, Karma & Destiny
Written by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree   
Thursday, 24 September 2009 00:00

Many Truth Seekers may be familiar with the notion of finding their own guru, a person that has reached the higher states of consciousness to guide them on their path. I'd like to clarify a point that spiritual truth seekers do not need a master, because in rare cases truth seekers can reach enlightenment on their own, with solid efforts, and right understanding; however, in most cases, a truth seeker is benefited by being under a living enlightened master's guidance. In another blog, I will speak about the difference between believing in a spiritual teacher that has left their body versus learning directly and in the presence of a living enlightened master.

This spiritual blog entry will cover the factors and influence of time, karma, and destiny in how to find a guru and spiritual teacher, by sharing examples from my own life.

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ProLife in Spirituality: The Essence of NonViolence
Written by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree   
Wednesday, 16 September 2009 00:00

I am prolife. I am nonviolent.

This is not a political blog.

Nonviolence, in its real meaning, is to not hurt, harm, or kill any living being. This does not pertain to only humans, but to all forms of life. If we cannot become aware of all living beings, how can we even get close to knowing and realizing soul, merge with the liberated souls, or God?

Prolife REALLY means, a person for the protection of ALL living beings; not just human babies. Our soul uses the body as an instrument to learn and grow spiritually, or to go downwards and continue making mistakes. Our destiny is in our own hands. Any action or crime that collects good or bad karma faces the consequences of universal laws . If we misuse our body or hurt any living being, we will collect karma as a consequence. Karma can also be contributed by intention.

That is why prolife does not mean "anti-abortion" it means anti-violence. How many people truly live by this definition and meaning? Not the guy with the sign in the cartoon, that is sure!

How many people kill themselves with a heart attack each year because of their own high blood pressure, as a result of stress and anger within them? Anger is a form of violence too, and it kills. Many "pro-lifers" (I am using this term loosely that refers to the political/religious activists that believe abortion is wrong/sinful) I am sure are not vegetarian, therefore kill animals for food or leisure, kill bugs, have anger in their hearts, and are judgemental. Is this an example of nonviolence?

The point of this short blog is to show a different angle to "prolife" in its relationship to "nonviolence". You cannot be prolife if you hurt, harm, or kill any single living being, because everything is one and divine. If you harm/kill others, you are doing the same to yourself. If you live nonviolently you are automatically prolife. If you are prolife you are automatically nonviolent. There are no in betweens on this one.

Prolife should be activism for the protection of ALL living beings.

*Cartoon Courtesy of Women 4 Hope

Question to You: What are your thoughts on nonviolence and its relationship to being proLife?

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Reflections 2009: 1st Year as a Monk
Written by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree   
Thursday, 03 September 2009 20:25
As a spiritual aspirant it is imperative to reflect on your past, in order to grow even more. Since its nearing my first monk birthday, I really have been doing a lot of reflection. Mainly the question that has arisen in me today was: Did I meet my own expectations?

Funny enough, I honestly did not set any concrete goals for myself, because the spiritual path is never concrete. There are no actual "levels to achieve" or "requirements to meet" because every path is so unique. I guess my only expectation was to grow...and I did.

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Swimming in the Ocean of my Ignorance - Blessings of Acharya Shree Yogeesh
Written by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree   
Thursday, 03 September 2009 14:46

A few days ago, I was preparing to write a speech that I would be delivering on Acharya Shree Yogeesh's Birthday. For several weeks I had been thinking about what to talk about, but found every word to be a limit to such a special soul. When asking myself during meditation what the best thing to do was, I realized to speak about Acharya Shree's highest qualities. I selected Determination because it was appropriate for Siddhayatan, but honestly, I find it very difficult to express myself on how great Acharya Shree is.

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Importance of Balance on the Spiritual Path: Strength & Calmness
Written by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree   
Friday, 28 August 2009 19:45

For those who have taken the real step to know their true self (soul), the picture on the left, is a reflection of who you are.

The spiritual path, you'll find, is not that easy.

I was taking an evening sunset meditation walk and was contemplating on the gift I gave Acharya Shree today, on his birthday (Aug 28). My gift was surrendering my ego and leaving behind my resistance to authority, essentially a gift of humbleness. By creating the situation of putting my ego and resistance down at his feet, as a gift, I cannot take it back. The gift is truly from my heart. I need to let go.

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