How is being baptized and confirmed in a Christian church, prior to meeting ISKCON devotees and guru, understood in relation to being initiated by a Vaishnava guru?
In early Christian tradition of Desert Fathers, which is still present in Eastern Orthodox tradition and possibly others, an already baptized (= accepted into the Church, i.e. sanga) disciple accepted a teacher (Russian: staretz, lit. 'old man') and their relationship was analogical to the guru-disciple relationship in Vaisnava traditions. (?)
Desert fathers were basically Coptic renunciates of paganism living in isolation, you will find that a study of their existence is more about politics than spirituality.
To glean the most occult information of Abrahamic origins, it is best to seek the teachings of authentic 'Sufism' (the occult of Islam) and authentic 'Kabbalah' (the occult of Torah) - of course both of these occult teachings have been corrupted much like most Religion - but there is 'One' true source of each one of these teachings existent in the World today.
There is always at least one true source of everything, there is a force that ensures this.
Where could I read about the disciple accepting the teacher?
I have been trying recently to read about the meaning of baptism and confirmation, as understood by the denomination of my family's choosing. Both of these were required in my family, years ago, but I did not participate from personal choice. After the confirmation I refused to further attend the church.
Reading now about their beliefs, I see common ideas with what Srila Prabhupada teaches, but also see other ideas that seem very different (ex: "We accept birth control and abortion, after prayerful consideration."), and different ideas on meat-eating and illicit activities.
Search this site for 'spiritual master and disciple'. There's a book with this title, a compilation of Srila Prabhupada's quotes, but it may not be on sale. Your local temple should have it available in library though.
The differences are due to time, place and circumstances. Some ideas were concocted as well due to the absence of a clear teachings or their rejection (often due to 'modernization').
There's a strong case for vegetarian diet in Abrahamic traditions though.
Hope this helps.
ys Jan
The words of Srila Prabhupada are beautiful in response to this question! - if just more people listened more closely to what he said.
Just a heads up-
Accepting a ritual act of consecration to a sect of melecha Karma is seen by many as Karmical placement (your position in the scheme of things) - this is not for any person to judge, and such individuals would fair well by replaying those Prabhupada lectures and listening close.
no conflict
http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/bhaktiyoga/questions.htm#2
Hari Hari
ys Jan
Where could I read about
Where could I read about this:
In early Christian tradition of Desert Fathers, which is still present in Eastern Orthodox tradition and possibly others, an already baptized (= accepted into the Church, i.e. sanga) disciple accepted a teacher (Russian: staretz, lit. 'old man') and their relationship was analogical to the guru-disciple relationship in Vaisnava traditions. (?)
bhaktincarol
wiki
Wiki article on Desert Fathers has some sources. The book by Sister Ward is very good. Most probably there is a lot to be found online as well.
ys Jan
renunciates
Desert fathers were basically Coptic renunciates of paganism living in isolation, you will find that a study of their existence is more about politics than spirituality.
To glean the most occult information of Abrahamic origins, it is best to seek the teachings of authentic 'Sufism' (the occult of Islam) and authentic 'Kabbalah' (the occult of Torah) - of course both of these occult teachings have been corrupted much like most Religion - but there is 'One' true source of each one of these teachings existent in the World today.
There is always at least one true source of everything, there is a force that ensures this.
Haribol
thank you
Where could I read about the disciple accepting the teacher?
I have been trying recently to read about the meaning of baptism and confirmation, as understood by the denomination of my family's choosing. Both of these were required in my family, years ago, but I did not participate from personal choice. After the confirmation I refused to further attend the church.
Reading now about their beliefs, I see common ideas with what Srila Prabhupada teaches, but also see other ideas that seem very different (ex: "We accept birth control and abortion, after prayerful consideration."), and different ideas on meat-eating and illicit activities.
bhaktincarol
guru and disciple
Search this site for 'spiritual master and disciple'. There's a book with this title, a compilation of Srila Prabhupada's quotes, but it may not be on sale. Your local temple should have it available in library though.
The differences are due to time, place and circumstances. Some ideas were concocted as well due to the absence of a clear teachings or their rejection (often due to 'modernization').
There's a strong case for vegetarian diet in Abrahamic traditions though.
Hope this helps.
ys Jan
melecha Karma
The words of Srila Prabhupada are beautiful in response to this question! - if just more people listened more closely to what he said.
Just a heads up-
Accepting a ritual act of consecration to a sect of melecha Karma is seen by many as Karmical placement (your position in the scheme of things) - this is not for any person to judge, and such individuals would fair well by replaying those Prabhupada lectures and listening close.
Haribol