Tattva-viveka

How to read better...

Jason - August 20, 2006 12:54 am

I've been trying to understand how to read better; to be able to get more from the reading of Vaisnava books. Recently I read an article on "Lectio Divina", or Divine Reading, from the early Christian tradition and couldn't help but think of some things that Maharaja has said in various lectures. Most recently, when he was in N.C., on several occassions he talked about how "knowledge is a small thing". The idea of Divine Reading, as outlined and practiced by Guigo II, St. Benedict and others, was an aspect of the practice of obedience, which they say, etymologically, is derived from "ob-audio", "to listen thoroughly". To read was to be taught; reading was to create a relationship between the Divine and human on the middle ground between nature and grace.

I guess that I found the article really interesting because I felt that Maharaja really stressed that in his lecture(s); the fact that reading sastra solely for theoretical knowledge isn't the point. Ultimately, reading should be a transformative event.

I've added a Wikipedia link for "Lectio Divina", and I think that the "Four Moments"section is quite nice. I would love to be able to read better and......anyway, I guess that's all.

I would love to hear what you think, and would love to get some information on how/where this is echoed in out parampara.

Take care,

Jason

Here's the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectio_divina

Robertnewman - August 20, 2006 1:27 am

Kierkegaard had something similar to say. He wrote that a person cannot be said to truly read Scripture unless he views the words as:

1) Personally addressed to him.

2) Constituting a demand for action; i.e., the active application of the knowledge in one's own life.

Jason - August 20, 2006 1:47 am

My thinking when I'm reading....

"Wow, that's amazing....yep, that totally makes sense. Hmmmm, well, if the pure devotees are suggesting it, and the results are being experienced by sincere people; many of whom, have qualities that I would like to cultivate in myself, then maybe I should put some of these things to practice in my life."

That's NOT reading in a mood that it's being addressed to me specifically, and that's precisely what I would like to change. Instead of, "it's working for them, let me try", I'd like to feel that sense of urgency (is that even the right word?).

Thanks Robert.

Gauravani Dasa - August 20, 2006 2:39 pm

Thanks for posting the link Jason! I apply these techniques before reading sometimes. It is nice to see them formalized.

Jason - August 20, 2006 4:15 pm

Now that I think about it....I think that Satsvarupa Maharaja had/has a book called, "Reading Reform". That just came to mind. Does anyone know where you can acquire his books? I think a small press at Gita Nagari in PA used to print his books, but many are now out of print. I would like to see that book.

Gauravani, what I found interesting was that in the "Method" section and the following "Lectio" from the above link, this is really how things are done in many temples that I've been in. Time: Morning and evening classes, Place: in front of the Deities in the temple room and Preparation: singing "Jaya Radha Madhava" and certain mantras before specific books that will be read from...

If this format is not just someting that Prabhupada initiated when he came to the west, then it would seems that sages and saints in India have been advising of this same aproach for millenia!

It's those sort of similarities that I find completely fascinating.

Thanks!

Bhrigu - August 20, 2006 5:00 pm

Scriptural reading and listening (patha-sona) has always been an integral part of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. A typical way of doing it is as follows. One person will sit on a raised seat with the book. First there will be kirtana, then the reader (pathak) will worship the book with incense, a flower, sandalwood pulp and tulasi, then read the mangalacarana prayers, and then start reading. Usually very little or no explanation. At the end, more prayers and a kirtana again. Many people come to such readings on a daily basis. Most ashramas and mathas will have at least one reading a day.

Reading aloud even when alone can be a great experience. For several years I had the custom to read aloud for Sri Sadbhuja while he was eating, fifteen minutes or so a day. I read the whole CC, Krishnabook and CB like that, and it was great.

Come to think of it, I remember reading a nice book about a Benedictine cloister in North Dakota (?) some time back, and being impressed with the Lectio Divina they practiced. If I remember correctly, they would finish the whole Bible every year. Perhaps we should have a reading schedule on those lines -- reading different parts of scripture during specific times of the year, perhaps about different saints on their festival days, etc?

Tadiya Dasi - September 6, 2006 3:14 pm

I have recently started to read Guru Maharaja's books aloud, and I find that this really helps me with concentration and reading the books this way somehow makes it "sweeter" for me, like I'm able to really relish those Sanksrit-verses and memorize them better.

I find this thread really interesting --please, devotees, keep the suggestions on "how to read better" & thoughts about the subject matter comin'!

Babhru Das - September 6, 2006 8:53 pm

What a cool suggestion! I think the added sweetness may come from Swami's writing voice, which is very close to his speaking voice in many ways.

Tadiya Dasi - September 12, 2006 2:10 pm

What a cool suggestion! I think the added sweetness may come from Swami's writing voice, which is very close to his speaking voice in many ways.

Yes, now that you've said it, I think that it may very well be because of that! I also get a lot of inspiration from the thought that Guru Maharaja's heart is in those books, and reading them is like connecting with his heart .

Jason, I don't know if you know it (probably not ) but I study Religion in the university and I've come across this "Lectio Divina -method" a couple of times, but in a slightly different form. The method I'm familiar with put an emphasis on the "meditation" aspect. I've used this approach in my sadhana as well. When I read the books I may come across one or two particular verses that really speak to me at that time, and when that happens, I write them down and take the piece of paper with me...and glance it whenever I have a free moment. This way, I can carry the spirit of a particular verse with me throughout my day and make a conscious connection with Krishna this way. I've found this practise helpful.

And about memorizing passages...I must admit that I'm not very good at this, though I do try to do it. Mostly, I can remember the ideas/thoughts behind the verses, but I often forget or fail to memorize the sankrit-verses :Party: .

Bhrigu - September 12, 2006 4:33 pm

but I often forget or fail to memorize the sankrit-verses

Grr! :Party: But seriously, one thing you could try is writing a verse you wish to learn (perhaps you could start with SBh 1.3.28) on a piece of paper and then keep the paper in a place where you'll see it often. In that way, you'll have to read it often and thus learn it quickly. Since such verses contain Krishna's name, repeating them is great in every sense!

Yours,

Jason - September 14, 2006 2:29 am

When I read the books I may come across one or two particular verses that really speak to me at that time, and when that happens, I write them down and take the piece of paper with me...and glance it whenever I have a free moment.....I've found this practise helpful..

Actually, I should probably do this more often. What you and Bhrigu prabhu suggested seems to be a nice way to remember things better. By writing down the words to "Jaya Radhe, Jaya Krsna, Jaya Vrindavan" and leaving it posted on my computer at work, I was able to remember that song and often find myself humming it at work. Thanks!

I noticed that in Prema's member profile she mentioned "systematically" studying sastra. Since people have their different systems/approaches to studying, perhaps she can jump in here and let us know what works for her....

Prema-bhakti Marga - September 16, 2006 3:11 pm

Hey Jason,

I think the most important thing in approaching study is attitude, which was also discussed on some of the other posts. I like to begin with some prayers or personal feelings of gratitude for Gurudeva and the author of the book. The saints through their written mangalacaranas set the example of the proper heart required to receive transcendental knowledge. So when I read on my own or study I try to access their mercy and try to remember that the purpose of study is to fuel one's practice of bhakti.

What I desperately need is a humble heart to attract divine knowledge, which is cultivated through surrendered service to Gurudeva. Knowledge should inspire action. So all these things are connected. I try to remember the connection.

I listen to classes as often as possible and try to get sadhu sanga as much as possible. “Book knowledge is not enough as they are passive agents of divinity”, as Maharaja has explained, “whereas the saints are active agents”.

At different times in my life I have had opportunities to study sastra more systematically in more formal settings and found it to be particularly inspiring. Now with a family and other obligations, I find it is not as readily available. Yet at this point in my life I do feel the necessity (interest) to go more deeply and try to cram something into my kali-yuga brain and I find a study group led by a knowledgeable person is most helpful in this regard.

As far as pure mechanics go, I do like to take notes, write things down, look at them, contemplete. I find writing (putting things in my own words) and speaking ( even just outloud to myself) are great ways to really cement a concept in my brain. I am personally not big on flashcards but practically speaking they are a good way to memorize a verse.

BTW, you mentioned in an earlier post Reading Reform Notebook. A book that Satsvarupa dasa Goswami wrote that was inspired by the Lectio Divina method is Entering the Life of Prayer.

Bhrigu - September 16, 2006 4:19 pm

A book that Satsvarupa dasa Goswami wrote that was inspired by the Lectio Divina method is Entering the Life of Prayer.

It's many years since I read that book, but I remember liking it a lot. It was very inspiring.

Tadiya Dasi - September 20, 2006 4:53 pm

So when I read on my own or study I try to access their mercy and try to remember that the purpose of study is to fuel one's practice of bhakti.

What I desperately need is a humble heart to attract divine knowledge, which is cultivated through surrendered service to Gurudeva. Knowledge should inspire action. So all these things are connected. I try to remember the connection.

Good point! :Peace: Our goal, after all, is not to become good scholars but good servants.

I was thinking that sometimes the "best way to read better" is simply to read :Hug: . It's good to make a firm decision to devote some time during the day for studying the Scriptures (wether it's for 20 minutes or for two hours!) and then to stick to it. I have found out that once I established some kind of a discipline for myself, and thus read often & regurlarly, I actually now have more taste to read/study the Scriptures. It's during those times when I'm slack with my reading that I don't have much taste for it. So the trick is to just keep reading... :Applause: . (he heh, I feel like I'm preaching to myself :angry: )

ps. Thanks, Bhrigu, for your expert advice! :Cry: