In numerous incidents in her life, Mother has shown courage and teaches us that to stand for ourselves. This process is never easy. As Jayanti mentions, it comes with our own spiritual growth and development. Spiritual development takes time, effort and most of all Divine Grace. I do not know what you could have done at that moment in your life Rosemary, but today you can ask Mother for guidance. If we have to ask for advice, ask Mother and She will give you the answer. No question ever goes unanswered if asked with a sincere heart. Our past hurt is also a chain that binds us from moving forward and progressing towards the Supreme goal. What is needed is to go to the Shrine, empty it at Mother’s feet and from the Mother itself draw the strength and energy. She will always do it… after all She is your Mother.

RE: SATYAGRAHA [Hold on to Truth]

Of course, Gandhi and the Home Rule
Movement, would only be possible in
a land, where the 'rulers' are cultured
and intelligent.

Unfortunately, although Germans are generally
considered to be cultured and intelligent people;
their collective karma, after the Great War,
apparently resulted in a brutal form of Totalitarianism.

Thankfully, the German people have 'moved on' and
have happily adopted a modern Democratic type of government. Although, they no doubt remember the past, they look to the future with heads held high.

I think that there is a lesson in that, for anyone who has lived through a brutal regime, of one sort or another.

I have a close friend, an elderly survivor of Mauthausen Death Camp. I have known this man for
40 years; and 'never' have I heard a bitter word,
concerning his erstwhile tormentors.

I see great Spirituality in that.

Incidentally, Dr. King wouldn't have lasted
too long in Nazi Germany either. America
was 'big' enough for Dr, King...and British India
was 'big' enough for Gandhi. It's as simple as that.

Om Shanthi Om

There are some cases, where the father will be harsh with his
children. This is sometimes motivated by a desire to prepare
the child for the harshness of the world.

Then again, there are outright cases of abuse and neglect.

This also strengthens the person......
...and provides a certain relief, when the ordeal is over.

I remember a German tailor telling me of some homespun philosophy:

"The most pleasurable sensation in the world is the exquisite relief;
that is felt, when the cow removes her hoof from your foot; while
you are attending to her in the pasture."

I am sure the Sri Gopala must have experienced that pleasure
often!

Hare Krishna

Thanks to all for the "living waters" of your responses.

However Tom, I am not sure I understand Sri Ramakrishna's meaning/implications about not bowing to a God Tiger. This time I simply do not follow.

Location: North Carolina

From the best that I remember of Sri Ramakrishna's words, the incident does not involeve the Tiger but an elephant! and Sri Thakur clearly instructed that while the god elephant is on the rampage, be attentive to the words of God mahut (Person who is controlling the elephant) to clear the way, else the elephant would trample you.

Satwik

Location: Bangalore, India

I actually told the tiger quote, not Tom. :)

There was also the elephant story told by Satwik. In both, Sri Ramakrishna was illustrating how we need to respond appropriately to the various forms of God which appear before us.

Thus, one doesn't bow down before the tiger god -- one runs to safety, for example. In this same context he sad that one needs to worship god in the horse by feeding it oats and not by waving a light before the horse, as one does during shrine worship.

The thought that came to me is this. In many abusive situtations we are called upon to recognize the danger as it is, and to take the appropriate action in order to remove ourselves from danger ... just as we must be aware that the tiger will likely attack us if we do not get away.

Trying to "calm" an abusive person can be like "bowing down" before a tiger; neither of which is especially appropriate. But the idea is not one of judging what is right and what is wrong. Rather it is learning the nature of a situation and acting appropriately. If you will, it may be the tiger's nature to attack, but one need not place oneself in the position of being attacked on its account.

Location: San Diego, California, USA

Dear Rosemary,
I can feel the pain,hopelessness and fear you must have felt. I offer you brotherly love and affection.

You have come to the right place to reveal your sorrows. Only holy mother can soothe your agony. Continue praying to her and you will receive consolataion and the answer to your questions.

With Love,
Unni

Location: Lafayette,LA

My brother,
I thank you again, for hearing this.

My love to you also,
Rosemary

Location: North Carolina

Dear Rosemary,
Please don't thank me . I just acted as a channel to mother's wish. I only want you to lead a happy life .

May all happiness,wisdom amd peace reach you,

Affectionately,
Unni

Location: Lafayette,LA