- Spiritual Fast (One way to do this is to be very aware of your thoughts and methodically, persistently, and with great determination.... eliminate (by releasing) all thoughts and actions that are not in the Highest and Best interest for all Humanity. Be kind to thyself! Begin with a short period... perhaps one hour. Build on your strength. Always be kind to yourself!)
- Silence Retreat
- Rebirthing the Inner Master (per Sri Mataji’s request, this means that at least one Transcendental Rebirthing Workshop is completed.)
- Symbolic Shaving Hair (Please... no one is asking you to shave your head! :) Do this in your imagination!)
- The Name Ceremony (from the Founders)
- Heart Shaktipat (from the Founders)
- Personal Mantra (from the Founders)
- Inner Temple Procession (from the Founders)
- Initiation Ceremony (from the Founders)
- Sash Symbolic Significance (from the Founders)
- Higher Self Agreement
- Living as a Swami of the Silver Violet MAITRI Order
- Uproarious Laughter and Enjoyment of Life!
To be initiated as a Swami of the Maitri Order is to be awakened in to an inner acknowledgment of the divine Source within and to recognize the responsibility that one has towards all beings as a divine friend.
This initiation is an all inclusive order, where all beings who hear the inner divine invitation to be initiated and commit to the sacred friendship towards all beings, are welcome to join.
An inner calling must be felt within before the initiation. Only you know when you are ready. You will spontaneously go through a process of self examination that leads to the inner recognition of one's true mastery. This recognition is the symbolic initiation that will signal the self acceptance manifestation of one's own true nature. Then you can allow yourself to feel ready to live responsibly and aware at all times of the universal laws, respecting them and living a friendly life with all beings.
During the brief Initiation Ceremony (described later), a higher agreement takes place; a personal, sacred name is given; a mantra can be given as well. This ceremony may be conducted at the Founders’ discretion and may be conducted either physically or energetically (that is, you may not be in the same physical location as the Founders) with equal effect.
The new journey has begun!... a friendly one that impacts immediately the universal mind and the collective consciousness creating new opportunities for a more balanced planet for our children, ourselves and all beings, where we become fully aware of our responsibility towards creation, towards existence and towards ourselves in divine awareness of the presence of friendship and love from Source in us All as ONE.
The initiated Swami consciously demonstrates, mostly to himself, the practice and results of the embodiment of higher principles that are studied and learned through the Order and the Higher School for Conscious Evolution. The Swami recognizes the unity on diversity and the treasure of the power of individuation as one Source consciousness, where true power of spirit resides.
A Swami of the MAITRI Order, does not sacrifice any personal goals for the Order; and, in fact, each individual initiated as a Swami is welcomed to share and is actually invited to share with all his-her personal gifts that makes him-her unique.
The Swami of the MAITRI Order observes the next principles as a daily mental-spiritual diet in order to manifest a divine friendship with the NOW:
- Lightness (of spirit, of mind, of heart)
- Agility (adaptability to the experiences of Now)
- Steadiness (Inner strength through connection with The One)
- Calmness
- Solidity
- Emptiness (Open to what IS... in the Now)
- Consistency
- Responsibility (in thought and actions)
- Enjoyment of Silence
- Gratitude for and Enjoyment of LIFE Itself
The answers are always within! Meditate, contemplate and allow the wisdom to come to your awareness.
The Swami of the Silver Violet MAITRI Order respects and studies the universal laws, including those in quantum physics, keeping the mind open to possibilities without causing oneself internal conflict about which ideas carry the frequency of the false concepts of “right or wrong.” The swami may always choose peace, harmony, joy and love to all.
He-she creates no separation between spirit and science and is open to all possibilities while being constantly aware that perception may shift reality into a MAYA experience. In the case that perception takes a blurry look at an outside manifestation, silence is recommended to come in to one’s own center and regain higher perspective of WHAT truly IS.
The initiated Swami will have constant access to the Founders of the Order and will be supported to teach his-her own skills-gifts at the Higher School For Conscious Evolution.
We choose to observe no FOOD or dietary restriction …other than the Initiated one agrees and commits to be non violent towards himself and all beings. No self destructive habits are performed by the Swami of the Silver Violet Maitri Order and recognition of the physical form as a temple takes place as a sacred recognition of the Divine within.
A silver and violet sash may also be made available to the Swami. The color silver in the sash represents the embodiment of the full range of principles that are requested as a daily practice. The violet color demonstrates the responsibility and awareness of the power of choice to extend oneself to all dimensions to continue the path of conscious evolution. The color violet is also the reminder of the energy of the Violet Flame and its power of transmutation for the Highest and Best for all beings.
The Initiation itself takes place in a private ceremony. Any of the Founders (Swami Amarananda, Swami Nadiananda) may perform any or all parts of the ceremony, either in physical proximity to the Initiates, or energetically, where no physical presence is necessary. The changes are always within and take place in several dimensions simultaneously. The ceremony may also be conducted by Swami Amenanda or Swami Shivananda. In many situation Sri Babaji Nagaraj or another of the Ascended Masters will make their presence known during the ceremony. In any case, the conduct of the ceremony is under the direct guidance of Sri Babaji, who either makes or guides the selection of the Sacred Name.
During the ceremony itself, there is a statement of Sacred Intent. The Initiates can then make their own statements, only if they choose to do so. The Initiates receive their Sacred Name and designation as a Swami of the Silver Violet Maitri Order. In same cases, a mantra is given. There is a substantial energy transmission as the Heart Shaktipat is performed. Initiates are requested to let the Founders know of what they consider their own greatest blockages or hindrances toward achieving their spiritual goals. Once the Initiates state their intentions for releasing these blockages, one of the Founders performs a ceremony to transmute these blockages. This is an amazingly powerful transmission for the new Swami!
And, as a “final” note to all: I believe it was the sweet Sri Yukteswar who, noticing Sri Yogananda being quite serious, said something like “Being with God does not require a dour countenance!” And… “Lest we take ourselves too seriously….” let us ALL remember to LAUGH and truly enjoy the Journey of Life! Yes, we are FOCUSED. Yes we are intensely involved in the Great Work for All. And, yes, we do work hard at times (in a joyful manner!). Therefore, let us all create and manifest the Highest and Best and most FUN life… the life we came here to live in Love.
Highest Blessings to You ALL,
The Founders
This document is subject to editing when deemed appropriate.
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