Om Shanti, Yogi Sivadas,
I just found http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/ , which seems pretty active. I am dchmelik there and will ask some of what I asked here there; I do not want to ask you too many questions.

Om Shanti, Yogi Sivadas,
It will take a while to know what you meant in your last message to me. It sounds like Swamis take one of the ten names.... I am curious about many aspects of Sanatana Dharma (SD)--maybe if you are on a forum about it you could tell me where. I have read about SD for 10 years and would like to discuss things that few others here might know about in detail. I posted in 'Forum: Philosophy: Yoga' asking 'what are all the Yogas,' though it is probably one of the easier things to find out.--Bro. David

Thank you for clearing up for Western Theosophists on here what a 'Swami' is. I researched the definition/etymology of it a long time ago but I am still interested in being one formally--even if that may only ultimately mean going on a long hard road to be successful at Raja Yoga and being able to explain what a swami is to anyone I may eventually help on the spiritual path. But, I am interested in what older 'Swamis' say and I see Sanatana Dharma as the source of most/all Eurasian religion and the ethical way of most Swamis as being a great example of the spiritual path. I really like Paramhamsa Yogananda and many Indian Gurus, but I am not sure if I knew of the one you recommended. I read a little about him and will put him on my reading list.

I agree with your statement 'enlightenment [...] is the natural state of being,' which is like the Ch'an/Zen statement on it. However it may have deeper meaning in its etymology 'en-light-en-ment' or 'in light in being' or 'inner light within being.' That idea, or that there is light within one's being, also has some truth to it some would call supernatural. On the other hand, I would call it natural, though rare and difficult. It is also hinted at by the term 'self-realization,' though the individual self and anything really related to it becomes less important than altruism when one sees 'inner light within ones being' is the true being or be-ness. Dharamsala certainly sounds like an interesting place to be for en ecumenical person!

Peace be with you; it is nice to see some international people here. Joe told me you are a Swami. I am an Essene minister in a rather interfaith church--though I am more like a monk--and I would like to become ordained in religions that are in perennial Philosophy. If you have the time could you maybe tell me what one must do be a Swami? I try to keep the precepts of Patanjali and Buddha though if I must take a vow of poverty maybe I should remain a 'householder.'

Please feel free to share your insights into reality, life in Dharmasala and anything else you may feel to be of interest.