Skull Chatter (Vol. 3 No. 3)
Oh how time seems to fly by. Days into nights and the revolving parade of the seasons. An enigmatic carousel of change, with swirling images both luminous and dark, yet all bemingled in Eternity’s embrace. Wintertime has come this year with chill winds and more than a few surprises. Relax for a moment then, and draw closer to the warmth of a few well chosen words. Yes, our Open Door swings wide once more and we bid you welcome with all of our Hearts.
I often muse on my good fortune in being able to enjoy the guidance of Shri Gurudev Mahendranath and having some small part to play in the growth of the International Order of Naths. This involvement has not only been a key factor in my own development, but has also given me the opportunity to meet with and hear from so many delightful and interesting people. Personal interaction it seems has a way of transforming itself into various activities, events, and other newsworthy items. Here are a few.
People new to our ways are assembling with increasing frequency in Kailash Zonule. For the most part this takes the form of some simple chanting of various mantras and then a quiet period of meditative calm. This often allows the participants some taste or experience of our hidden wonderland. Sometimes after the closing bell, time is allowed for discussion or questions. In the near future we will make available the dates and times of such get-togethers, but for now we will limit ourselves to only announcing our major public occasions.
Our next big get together will be on February 12th, for our annual observance of Maha Shiva Ratri. Shiva Ratri is the Night of Shiva, an event whose timing is not based on a fixed calendar date, but rather on the moon’s yearly return to a certain position. This night is considered very auspicious for the worship or communion with Shiva, the Absolute, Cosmic Spirit or OM. We will begin prior to Twilight and go on well into the night. Free free to attend in part or for the whole observance. Those interested should contact Kaulini Devi after February 5th for more information.
Reports from Weirdglow Zonule of Vancouver, B.C. and Crystal Zonule of Ohio also relate increased activities and new participants. Leaders and members of these Zonules are already making plans to attend our celebration of Shri Mahendranath’s 80th birthday, which will take place on April 29th, 1991. We thank those who have already let us know if they are coming or sent their regrets. Advance word from out-of-towners is especially appreciated.
Of further interest is the filing of copies of The Scrolls of Mahendranath with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Also filed with the Scrolls was an affidavit signed by Shri Mahendranath which transfers copyright ownership of his writings over to the International Order of Naths. We have all but sold out of our first printing of the Scrolls and are now considering a second printing with a few changes such as a more compact size and an improved layout. If you have any ideas on how we can improve our next printing or improve in any way for that matter, please let us know.
On a personal note: In the past months I have received a veritable deluge of correspondence and communications of various sorts. Please be patient with me and forgive any delay you may experience in my response. I love hearing from the multitudes but some of your wonderful communiques require some attention for an appropriate response. As the group cooperation and coordination of activities becomes more efficient, I hopefully anticipate some opportunity to devote more energies to communication.
In the mean time, it might not be a bad idea to suggest that sincere souls extend their meditation sessions somewhat. Relaxed sitting and appropriate activities in a suitable zonule can often do so much in bringing us to equipoise, peace and understanding. Our devotions to the Divine Cosmos can result in a perspective or awareness of etherial Reality. Such a perspective can often dissolve the mental puzzles caused by the play of opposites which so often cause distress and confusion for ordinary people. This process can also help to elevate our own thinking and awareness on to a new and higher level.
For this issue of our Open Door, we have decided to offer a perspective by Shri Gurudev Mahendranath entitled Dust and Bones. I think this offering of verse vividly describes the outlook and teachings of the Maha Yogi or Avadhoot. Important to Nath Yogis and Yoginis is the concept of an individual’s return and reintegration with the divine and immortal Cosmic Spirit from which all life and manifestation springs. Teachings, attitudes, and practices were all based on this concept and the idea that return to the root or foundation of our relative reality can reestablish and make more tangible our link with That which is Eternal.
Even within our International Order of Naths, it is appreciated that many find the alchemy of spiritual yoga and attainment a difficult and perhaps trying process. A new relationship with the Divine Cosmos often requires elements of transformation which can seriously test an aspirant’s sincerity. Thus, Enlightenment and the possession of magick powers must, it seems, remain the domain of only a few. All of this is not to imply that our Nath Order is solely a collection of crusty Yogis or killjoys. Rather, it points out that real progress and attainment must be based on deep sincerity and a sense of individual purpose which must remain strong and resilient if we are to succeed.
All around us today we can witness the conflict and tension caused by decaying social structures, governments and relative institutions. Perhaps a time is coming in which more individuals will embrace the ideals of Peace, Freedom, and Happiness and base the achievement of these objectives on a new and personal integration with the Divine. I still think that spiritual values are essential if we are to achieve enduring Peace and Happiness as individuals.
To this end, my Best Wishes to you All,
Kapilnath
