Date: Wed, 1 Nov 1995 15:06:58 -0500 To: Vladimir Alexiev From: raval@raval.com Subject: Sahaja Yoga/"no blame" Hello Vlad, A friend, not flamer here, named "tree" (but what's in a name??) i do not expect any response on this, and I DO NOT POST IN PUBLIC EYE/VIEW eye as we have enough "negativity" out there already. So, i am writing a rather personal letter through reg. e-mail. I saw a few things that i would like to respond to about yr brother and the choice that _he_ had made on suicide. And add to that a flavour of empathy and some truth as i am understanding it. It is true that sometimes the answers never come, but we find ways to ease pain (i very well could be mistaken, but it sounds like you may be wanting to help the pain for _other_ family members more than yourself -- i mean, it *seems* as though you have come to somewhat accepting the suicide for the one simple fact that you wrote it out openly; and not that you think it was the 'correct thing to do' or that you like it, no, but sometimes it is only something we can heal with in time... (we may never forget). I have experienced more than enough loved-ones committing to this choice - i have learnt to accept it as _their choice_ (and detatch from the "right & wrong" of it -that is: no blame). I don't want you to think i am preaching or anything, i do not belong to any "group" or "religion/religious structure" and should caution that you should hold to _your own_ *souls* beliefs, so long as you are a good person, don't worry - that highest power is with you and will be best guide for you than any human including me. One of the responses in a reply posting to you was: >Yoga and Hinduism does condemn suicide and is considered immoral, as far as i >know. Again, I feel sorry for your brother's decision which in my opinion is >not because he changed from Christianity to Yoga. that *is* _a_ truth; Hinduism and the branches of Yoga (all of them) DO condemn suicide and is considered as immoral to take ones own life (especially for the belief of reincarnation in that if one takes their own life, one will only have to RE-learn the lesson that caused the difficulty or suicide in their next life). I will agree with that statement 100% with 17 years (+) in spiritual and religious studies independently with Eastern (Religions) Ways of Life, Yogic practices and with the changeover from Western Way of *thinking* to Eastern Thought-processes... this is an extrememly difficult process in my own experience. Not to say 'who is better', or 'which road is best' in seeking peace/unity through that *energy* that many call *God*, either. It is simply difficult for Christianity to embrace the Hindu/Buddist/Eastern Way of thinking... this is also _a_ truth. I have a desire to further explain without having you be upset with me for detailing the following. My main attempt is to say: People are different and that's okay. All people may have same basic emotions of love, hate, sad, happy, jealousy, greed, etc. and have thought-processes through the "powers of reasoning" --but come up with different ideas and therefore "act" differently. The brains' stimuli from exterior sensory organs (eyes/sight, ears/hear... taste, touch, and smell), are similar, but not all people are *same* as in absolute common thinking or way-of-thought. Therefore, people are different/same and simply that's okay. [opinion mine] East is still very *new* to West. I do not say that East is under- standing Western-thought, either... we ALL have much to learn from each other and alot of negativity happens based on "fear of not knowing" - Is it not easier to just stick with what we *know* and carry out our lives with our steadfast beliefs? All humans are this way because it is easier to go with what we feel comfortable with? doesn't it seem simpler to go with whatever environment we were taught in, or brought up with? Some of us further our studies into unknown realms... Move any ONE of us into a "different" environment and there is a certain "disorientation" that takes place, for whatever time is needed per individual is not to be judged... (remember people are different), until ONE adjusts. Not all of us are capable of the adjustment either. Foreignors in our own country give proof, as well.. if we travel to another country... we are "foreign" to them that are natives, nai? With the brief amount of explation of your brother (below) i dare not answer with "absolute certainty" as to what the conflict actually was. If he is believing the ways of yogic practices (Sahaja Yoga is a branch of a part of Yoga called "Raja yoga" which is the highest path to God-union, and includes all other yogic paths/techniques used from the other forms of yoga for mind/body/soul) then, it is possible he had reached a realization of "deep" understanding, and it would not be surprizing that a time of isolation for reflection/retrospect of *self* be placed ON HIM as part of his dharma. (Dharma is man's inherent duty to live in harmony with these eternal principles of righteousness that uphold creation that is taught in the oldest of scriptures known to man: _Vedas_, which include Yogic practices in its science section.) Had your brother been involved with an "inner" conflict (sort of like wrestling with ego issues -or- desires vs. duties (maya vs. dharma). it is not uncommon for one to choose suicide. Meaning it (suicide) would be a "logical" choice and i do not condone it, but i don't condemn it. One may wonder about the human psyche and why one drinks alcohol, does drugs, or becomes dependent on many things in this life, as well for others to see a human being try to overcome these exterior unnecessary addictions... Yoga is one of those paths to keep body free from things like "expectations" "attachment of material things", "desires"(of any kind)... it is extremely difficult. i think your brother must have been on a very good path, very strong minded and determined to "succeed". If one could try to understand that there is "no blame", and that may be an extremely difficult "concept" to understand - especially since we shouldn't be playing God, but if i *were*, wouldn't i be able to see the inner *love* that your brother had in his search of highest energy? Would i not be able to see that Desire to be in UNITY with God (the God of his understanding)? Yogic practices are in desire of seeking union with God (without having the actual "desire" [conflicting, i know] but, no matter what religion or belief your brother had "held" to) I _Would_ be able to see BEYOND any of his reasoning, right straight through to the deepest part of his heart = i would be knowing his *soul* and i would know of your brothers' love. Let your parents know, your Mom at least, that all of us look for answers in many different directions and that there is nothing to be wary of and that there is no blame. Love and God still exist. Have faith. I add here, the condolences that are respectfully due, to you and to your family, as this course-in-life gives us the most trying and difficult experiences that we, too often, do not get answers for. I hope i have not been unpleasant or sounding rude to you and yours and i wish for peace in this matter for all. (really) the thought-prayers are with all of you. i am open for comment/questions so if you have any you want to speak/write i am here. very sincerely tree