Hi Tad, thanks for your question:
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How do you think prayer works from metaphysical point of view? Is component of faith necessary?
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I don't think faith has a major component, but discipline, devotion and conviction I think help most. From a
metaphysical point of view I believe you are calling on a higher power and it develops the connection like talking to a
yogi friend develops the connection. I couldn't say too much beyond that really...
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Why do you pray to a specific deity? How did you choose it?
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The deity I choose, is the Kali of Protection, it was required for me to move forward in life, I was sort of
forced into it as you all know like Jeff with COPD and air purifiers, but it has blossomed into its own fruitful practice that has given me many other blessings. One of my teachers said "In spirituality you should have fixed goal and flexible approach" which I think is very helpful.
Alex:
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In regard to the Shiva mantra, I think each time you say it you accumulate merit. Eventually the merit produces an effect
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Exactly! And it just keeps going, the blessings keep on increasing whenever you think they can't go higher another level comes lol.
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Other than that I think repetitions have utility in purifying, focusing, and cleansing the mind.
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Yes but mantra in my experience seems to take a long time to produce Jhana states. I just recently started getting occasional 3rd Jhana when chanting, that occurs when I see the vision of Kali like I was discussing last week. As soon as I see her face clearly her energy jolts me into 3rd Jhana it seems. Actually though, when I think about it, I don't think the mantra is even doing it but the mantra is clearing the blocks and Bagla Kali is the one manifesting the trance states in me.
-David
