Question to Siva devotees

[Anti-religion]

Originally Posted by Saiva

But, the main differences between Visnavism and Saivism is that Visnavism tends to be dualitistic, and not really caring for Nirguna Brahman. But, Saiva's TEND to be Monistic, or Advaitic.

Correct !!There is one non-dualistic Vaishanavite school :Shudda Advaita,but that is not based on maya theory.IMHO,the kevala advaita of Sankara ,is more related to Shaiva Philosophy than to Vaishnava.While Advaita Vedanta and Shaivism flourished in ancient times,Vaishnavism actually become very famous around the medieval and modern era.

Originally Posted by Saiva

But, somewhere along the line of history, in Tamil Nadu, there was a Siva Bhakti movement.

Yes it was put forward by Saint Meykander.

[Anti-religion]

Originally Posted by Onkarah

For example, perhaps in the North they worshiped Shiva and the south was Vishnu. Travel and trade made devotees move around and stopped these religions being localised.
My personal impression, which still requires much more investigation, is that Shiva was the main God of a different part of India than Krishna or Vishnu. For example, perhaps in the North they worshiped Shiva and the south was Vishnu. Travel and trade made devotees move around and stopped these religions being localised.

Not exactly.Interestingly Shaivism developed around northern most and Southern most parts of India.In the south actually Shaivism was mainstream till the late medieval era.. Sankara advaita Philosophy itself is a testimony for that.Legend has it that the Shaiva Siddanta tradition started aound 2200bce by Rishi Thirumular.Then various vaishnava : Dvaita,Vishist-advaita ,dvaita-advaita bhakti schools developed in the south.By then Shaivism in Kashmir was replaced by Islam in the north.But Shaivism is still centred around Varanasi.

[Yeshe]

Originally Posted by Anti-religion

Shaivism is still centred around Varanasi.

Ah, Varanasi. In a few years im panning on going there and finding a Guru to get my self over the hump so that I can remain in Samadhi, or Sahaja Samadhi. I have even thought about becomming a Sadhu. But, when that time come ill make the decision.

I saw on this one site that there are actually many foreigner Sadhus! I hope to be one for a while!

[Madhuri]

Really interesting answers from everyone, thank you so much!

Well, as a Vaishnava I lean toward the idea of simultaneous oneness and difference/panentheism. I find it surprising that many Vaishnavas are totally dualistic when their movement is based in this philosophy.

[Satsangi]

Originally Posted by Saiva

Ah, Varanasi. In a few years im panning on going there and finding a Guru to get my self over the hump so that I can remain in Samadhi, or Sahaja Samadhi. I have even thought about becomming a Sadhu. But, when that time come ill make the decision.

I saw on this one site that there are actually many foreigner Sadhus! I hope to be one for a while!

One reason that people come out of Samadhi is that there is still a "causal body" or remnant of desires which needs to be taken care of- this is what I have read/learnt.

Regards,

[Wannabe Yogi]

Originally Posted by Saiva

Ah, Varanasi. !

If you go to Varanasi you must go to Trailanga Swamis Math. You will have to hire a guide to find it. There is the wildest murti I have ever seen in this small Temple.

[Wannabe Yogi]

Originally Posted by Madhuri

Really interesting answers from everyone, thank you so much!

Well, as a Vaishnava I lean toward the idea of simultaneous oneness and difference/panentheism. I find it surprising that many Vaishnavas are totally dualistic when their movement is based in this philosophy.

Are you talking about followers of Madhva or the Gaudiya Vaishnava folks.

[Madhuri]

Originally Posted by Wannabe Yogi

Are you talking about followers of Madhva or the Gaudiya Vaishnava folks.

Gaudiya Vaishnava.

[Satsangi]

Originally Posted by Madhuri

Gaudiya Vaishnava.

What is the difference?

Regards

[zenzero]

Friend Saiva,

Ah, Varanasi. In a few years im panning on going there and finding a Guru to get my self over the hump so that I can remain in Samadhi, or Sahaja Samadhi. I have even thought about becomming a Sadhu. But, when that time come ill make the decision.

I saw on this one site that there are actually many foreigner Sadhus! I hope to be one for a while!

Hahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well those were the *THOUGHTS* when was a university student at Banaras Hindu University 1972-1975. Used to be on ganja / charas / bhang and spend time on the ghats.
Thought of going to the Hiamlayas but then it occurred as to why? as that would be escapism. If one has to drop *thoughts8 the best way is to remain in thoughts and be unattached or atleast reach to some understanding in this life about *thoughts* and unattachment with them.
Personally would not glamorize a sadhu's life besides you speak about *foreigners*; who is a foreigner? just because in this life you live in another country and your skin color is different you are a foreigner?

Love & rgds