Ancient Wisdom Pearls
…enter the cave to discover wisdom from ancient Sages relevant in modern times!
Advaita Vedantic Path
The trap of Maaya
Question: Dear Ektaji, why do we respect only greatness? Why do we set goals by comparing with bigger and better only? However our benchmarks of Greatness keep changing as we ourselves evolve, and we keep chasing one or other desires. What is a right way to look upon...
Drop Judging!
Question: I attended a family reunion last week, first time in a long time being in such a large gathering for an extended period. I noticed that even though I could let go of judging externally, i.e. expressing my judgements, I still found myself judging internally....
Is Faith required?
Question: Didi, what is the meaning of faith? An experience, made me think about what faith means to me anymore. From my understanding I think there are no Gods up there in the sky, there is nobody to hold onto. I see the flow brings situations into life and just like...
You are GOD! Only GOD is! You do not exist!
Question: Hi Ekta ji, Loved your analogy of white and green dress with body and soul. However, continuing with this analogy if the dress is the body and the body in white or green dress who did the action is the soul, then how come “I am not the doer” be said since...
Your name does not belong to you!
Question: Didi, I am 30 +. My Mom has nothing but to give advice every day and scold me. She always says negative about me and no encouragement. I cannot ignore them and I am getting angry at them and I decided not to call her for months. Even after many years, they...
If life is a happening, then what do I celebrate? what do I strive for?
Question: I understand that I am not the 5 elements, I am not the body, the mind or the intellect. I am not any labels, I am not male or female, young or old etc. I am a Sakshi, a witness and I am the pure consciousness. My question is: I therefore, can nearly...
You are in a dream! Wake up!
Question: Didi, today in my meditation, all of a sudden, I felt that the dimensions (square, rectangle) the room is not real.. I felt it turning to circle and disappearing.. As though this dimension is not real. Yesterday I was doing some work and then all of sudden...
Your nature is Gratefulness!
Question: Being grateful is your very nature and I totally understand that. What is confusing is, in earlier verses of Ashtavakra, he says if you are grateful to me that means you recognize myself as someone other than yourself (not seeing myself in you and yourself...
Can your thoughts change your karma?
Question: I read book a book called "The Secret". In that book the author says that whatever is your dominant thought and whatever you visualize you attract that in your life. So does it mean your thoughts can change your Karma? Answer: The 'Law of attraction'...
Relationship Karma
Question: In my relationship with my spouse, lately I have this insistent gut feeling that it won’t last. Is it because of any past impression? Why does it happen? Answer: It could be a difficult relationship for you because of your past impressions of this...
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The trap of Maaya
Question: Dear Ektaji, why do we respect only greatness? Why do we set goals by comparing with bigger and better only? However our benchmarks of Greatness keep changing as we ourselves evolve, and we keep chasing one or other desires. What is a right way to look upon...
Drop Judging!
Question: I attended a family reunion last week, first time in a long time being in such a large gathering for an extended period. I noticed that even though I could let go of judging externally, i.e. expressing my judgements, I still found myself judging internally....
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Buddha’s Path
Why is there a pinch experienced in doing right?
Question: I have a question regarding the previous knowledge on Apaatra Daanam! We have faced that situation many times with extended family. Using my Viveka, it’s obviously ‘apaatra’! But why I still feel a pinch? Just the feeling that someone was not happy with me –...
Desires put you in a catch 22 situation!
Question: How does one deal with desires? Whereas some desires may be frivolous like clothes, jewelry, material things and others seem to be existential like taking an extra leadership role at work or leading a volunteering project. But eventually, I have now realized...
Drop Judging!
Question: I attended a family reunion last week, first time in a long time being in such a large gathering for an extended period. I noticed that even though I could let go of judging externally, i.e. expressing my judgements, I still found myself judging internally....
Can a liar meditate?
Question: Can a liar meditate? Answer: Buddha said that morality [Sheel] is more important than anything else. If your morals are loose, you will not be able to meditate. If you cannot meditate, inner wisdom will not arise. If inner wisdom does not arise, you...
Intellectualization of Spiritual Knowledge is a MAJOR obstacle!
Question: Ekta ji, can you point to any references in scriptures or your own experience on how to identify the symptoms of being half baked in Vedanta knowledge or being caught up just in the theory of Advaita? Answer: It is a big danger if you are caught up in...
How to experience the spiritual knowledge?
Question: I am starting to get to a point of reading/listening/understanding this spiritual knowledge where I am “making it a concept” as Guruji puts it. How do I “experience” the knowledge rather than “learn” it? Just wait out prarabdha? It almost feels like I can...
Churning in the fire of insults/criticism? Burn!
Question: JGD Ekta Didi,Lately I have been inundated with thoughts of intimidating people in my family. My mind rewinds and plays the incident and cajoles me to react. While I was in this war in my mind, I realized that these are just sensations bothering me. I got...
Law of Nature – Kudrat ka kanoon!
Question: Is it okay to think negative about someone but not really do any action to hurt them? The negative thought was planted in me by another friend. I keep thinking about the negativity again and again, but I am not doing or saying negative in turn. Do I still...
Silence the thoughts skillfully
Question: Ekta ji, Jai Guru Dev ! What is the power of thought, how much importance should I attach to it, can I dismiss all the thoughts that spring up, life (mundane chores) runs on Thoughts, so called actions spring out of thoughts, good thoughts bad thoughts,...
Difference between ‘I am THIS’ & ‘I am’ per Buddha’s path
Question: Dear Ekta di: It would be of great benefit if you could please help with the following: Book: Samyutta Nikaya sutta number 22.89 (7) Khemaka- Pg 944 (middle paragraph): "Friends, although [the notion] 'I am' has not vanished in me in relation to these five...
Can I be in Sakshi Bhava all the time?
Question: Being lost in the object and withdrawing from the object and becoming a “sakshi”. I am able to do it for a split second especially when I am typing on a keyboard I can see my fingers moving and witness it without being “involved” but I am unable to do that...
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Why is there a pinch experienced in doing right?
Question: I have a question regarding the previous knowledge on Apaatra Daanam! We have faced that situation many times with extended family. Using my Viveka, it’s obviously ‘apaatra’! But why I still feel a pinch? Just the feeling that someone was not happy with me –...
Desires put you in a catch 22 situation!
Question: How does one deal with desires? Whereas some desires may be frivolous like clothes, jewelry, material things and others seem to be existential like taking an extra leadership role at work or leading a volunteering project. But eventually, I have now realized...
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Individual Spirituality
Belief v/s Experience
Question: Ektaji, how can witnessing become my experience when I don't know the very first step itself? I know the Upanishads are Rishi's meditated and this knowledge came. So I believe in that and studied but if I don't believe and doubt that how can I experience the...
Difference between ‘I am THIS’ & ‘I am’ per Buddha’s path
Question: Dear Ekta di: It would be of great benefit if you could please help with the following: Book: Samyutta Nikaya sutta number 22.89 (7) Khemaka- Pg 944 (middle paragraph): "Friends, although [the notion] 'I am' has not vanished in me in relation to these five...
Are there karmic consequences to eating meat?
Question: Good afternoon. I have been raised as a pure vegetarian. I am however married to a Bengali (love marriage) who has been raised on fish and meat. I love my husband a lot and do not want him to suffer the karmic consequences of eating meat. I feel very anxious...
Who are you?
Question: When we say 'know yourself' or 'realize yourself' who you or "your true nature" or real self, It looks like we are pointing towards the ONE Self who is SELF of all, our inner self or in other words the ocean in which waves are happening like individuals with...
No ‘I’ No ‘You’!
Question: Sutras from the higher chapters of Ashtavakra Gita and Narada Bhaktisutras clearly mention that you are already enlightened and that there is no need to meditate, then why are meditations encouraged by so many? How do I get to a stage where no meditation is...
Is being a witness and being 100% aware the same?
Question 1: I was practicing 100% awareness for most of the day. But it seemed to me that as I was 100% aware, I was also totally aware of what I was experiencing through the senses – I was totally aware of what my body and mind were doing. It seemed to be an...
How to thank the Infinite?
Someone asked me how to thank that infinite power? What could I do for God that would be the closest possible thanks to him? I answered, “God does not need your prayer, rites, rituals. He really does not need your flowers, fruit, coconut, etc. God wants every...
Graduate from seeking to giving!
Question: Why is a ‘donation’ option not available on the website www.ektabathija.com? Answer: Ekta’s main teaching is to attain the inner silence of consciousness so that one awakens to his own inner truth. What is the main obstacle for people to attain...
Your nature is Gratefulness!
Question: Being grateful is your very nature and I totally understand that. What is confusing is, in earlier verses of Ashtavakra, he says if you are grateful to me that means you recognize myself as someone other than yourself (not seeing myself in you and yourself...
Who are you listening to?
Question: Hi Ektaji, Is Drishti/Nazar real? My son gets sick OR runs to emergency with some stiches/fractures etc after he achieves any trophy OR he exposes his skills in a group. Mostly, whenever I get ready and am happy, immediately something comes up and I get...
Be like a crystal!
Question: In Patanjali Yogasutras, a reference is made to 'being a crystal'. Is 'being a crystal' different from Sampragnyata samadhi? Answer: 'Being a crystal' means living as if you don't exist. Just letting Karma flow. Just like a leaf would flow with the...
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Belief v/s Experience
Question: Ektaji, how can witnessing become my experience when I don't know the very first step itself? I know the Upanishads are Rishi's meditated and this knowledge came. So I believe in that and studied but if I don't believe and doubt that how can I experience the...
Difference between ‘I am THIS’ & ‘I am’ per Buddha’s path
Question: Dear Ekta di: It would be of great benefit if you could please help with the following: Book: Samyutta Nikaya sutta number 22.89 (7) Khemaka- Pg 944 (middle paragraph): "Friends, although [the notion] 'I am' has not vanished in me in relation to these five...
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General Spirituality
If I am not the doer then how do I accrue Karma?
Question: If I am not the doer then how do I accrue Karma? If I am not the doer then how is there a karma bag? If I didn't do anything then whose Karma bag am I carrying? Answer: When you were a baby, there was no sense of 'I'. There was no sense of 'my body'....
Psychological and Spiritual Poverty
Question: Hello Ekta, In the field of Psychology, there is a concept of psychological poverty due to a lack of formative years of unconditional love. Is there something like spiritual poverty that could be a possibility in such individuals who suffer from...
Are there karmic consequences to eating meat?
Question: Good afternoon. I have been raised as a pure vegetarian. I am however married to a Bengali (love marriage) who has been raised on fish and meat. I love my husband a lot and do not want him to suffer the karmic consequences of eating meat. I feel very anxious...
What is EGO ?
Question: What is ego? Answer: When one is caught up in the duality of “I” and “You”, it is called Dwaita. This sense of separation between “I” and “You” is the root cause of anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. This sense of separation is Ego. Ego is simply when...
Statue Bhatakti Atma!
Question: I have come to realize lately that my mind has learned my trick of taking a step back to go into witness consciousness during meditation. These days when I want to practice it anytime throughout the day, my mind cunningly jumps in and starts a conversation...
How does one distinguish between spontaneous and impulsive actions?
Question: Act spontaneously…that is my nature I have always been spontaneous…but all spontaneous acts are not always wise decisions! I have experienced in my life whenever I have been spontaneous I have been “labeled” as “Impulsive” “foolish” for my actions. Some...
Your name does not belong to you!
Question: Didi, I am 30 +. My Mom has nothing but to give advice every day and scold me. She always says negative about me and no encouragement. I cannot ignore them and I am getting angry at them and I decided not to call her for months. Even after many years, they...
New Year Message!
Let’s start the New Year with a commitment to our own spiritual growth. Let’s make a resolution to simply go with the flow. What does it mean to go with the flow? It means that whatever wholesome event, person or thing presents itself to me, I will flow with...
Decision-making – Everything is a happening!
Question: Should I stay here in the US or go back to India? Should I sell my home or keep it and rent it out and return back to the US in a few years? Is there still some karma to be taken care of in the US…..in this case where do I draw a line about destiny and free...
Enlightenment is the sole purpose!
Question: Dearest Ekta, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I recently read your answer in the "Many masters One path" post and it resonated with me. https://ektabathija.com/many-masters-one-path/ Towards the end, you describe the following: "I am interested in...
How to do a Spiritual Sabbatical?
Question: How to do a few days of Spiritual sabbatical? Answer: Spirituality is about looking within and finding that peace within. For beginners, who have not yet learnt to be with their own selves, every Teacher/Guru/Master gives processes/techniques so one...
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If I am not the doer then how do I accrue Karma?
Question: If I am not the doer then how do I accrue Karma? If I am not the doer then how is there a karma bag? If I didn't do anything then whose Karma bag am I carrying? Answer: When you were a baby, there was no sense of 'I'. There was no sense of 'my body'....
Psychological and Spiritual Poverty
Question: Hello Ekta, In the field of Psychology, there is a concept of psychological poverty due to a lack of formative years of unconditional love. Is there something like spiritual poverty that could be a possibility in such individuals who suffer from...
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Kabir’s Path
Kabir says that ‘you are that’ already… recognize it before its too late!
Question: I found this Kabir poem recitation by Shabnam Virmani. She learned this poem from Bhairavidevi who sings songs about Kabir. Please can you help translate it into English? Swansa Swansa mein naam le aur biratha swansa mat khoyNa jane is swansa ka awan hoye na...
Kabir’s Inner Mirror
Question: What mirror is Kabir talking about in the following Doha? Hirday ma hi aarsi, mukh dekha nahi jaaye Mukh to tabhi dekhiye, jab dil ki duvidha jaaye There is a mirror inside, but the reflection is not clear. One can clearly see his face only when the clouds...
Kabir says burn down the house!
Question: Why does Kabir talk about burning down the house in this Doha? Main mera ghar jaadiya, liyo paleeta haath, koi agar jaado ghar aapro, chale hamaare saath I burnt down my house with a flaming torch If you can scorch your own house, come join me! ...
Is sadhana alone not sufficient for attaining moksha?
Question: Ekta didi, If we are doing our sadhana and meditation which then what is the need for knowledge? Is sadhana alone not sufficient for attaining moksha? Please guide me, I am stuck in this. Answer: Let me explain how a Spiritual teacher teaches and what...
![Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!](https://ektabathija.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sun-tree-400x250.jpg)
Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!
Question: In chapter 4 verse 34 of the Bhagavad Gita it says:"Learn the Truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him with reverence and render service unto him. Such an enlightened Saint can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the Truth." My...
Ignore the lust for mystical experiences…that is not true spirituality!
Question: Ekta Ji, in a dream, even if certain events are unlikely, they may look sooo.. convincing... I am still practicing to witness myself in both states. But I could experience the particles from my limbs raises and fill up the whole body like air or dhoopam -...
Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery!
Question: One of my friends asked me if as Advaitins so we plan but I found it hard to explain to her that everything is happening as it’s already programmed. The doer-ship is a false assumption. How do I explain this to a non-Advaitin? Answer: You cannot...
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Kabir says that ‘you are that’ already… recognize it before its too late!
Question: I found this Kabir poem recitation by Shabnam Virmani. She learned this poem from Bhairavidevi who sings songs about Kabir. Please can you help translate it into English? Swansa Swansa mein naam le aur biratha swansa mat khoyNa jane is swansa ka awan hoye na...
Kabir’s Inner Mirror
Question: What mirror is Kabir talking about in the following Doha? Hirday ma hi aarsi, mukh dekha nahi jaaye Mukh to tabhi dekhiye, jab dil ki duvidha jaaye There is a mirror inside, but the reflection is not clear. One can clearly see his face only when the clouds...
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Ramana Maharshi’s Path
Belief v/s Experience
Question: Ektaji, how can witnessing become my experience when I don't know the very first step itself? I know the Upanishads are Rishi's meditated and this knowledge came. So I believe in that and studied but if I don't believe and doubt that how can I experience the...
Difference between ‘I am THIS’ & ‘I am’ per Buddha’s path
Question: Dear Ekta di: It would be of great benefit if you could please help with the following: Book: Samyutta Nikaya sutta number 22.89 (7) Khemaka- Pg 944 (middle paragraph): "Friends, although [the notion] 'I am' has not vanished in me in relation to these five...
Go beyond the understanding that ‘The world is an illusion’!
Question: Ektaji, at Ajata Vaada level, why is it incorrect to just say, “The world is an illusion”. Doesn't the world exist only when I perceive it? Answer: It’s not wrong dear. It’s the job of the teacher to help a seeker move from Srishti Drishti Vaada to...
No ‘I’ No ‘You’!
Question: Sutras from the higher chapters of Ashtavakra Gita and Narada Bhaktisutras clearly mention that you are already enlightened and that there is no need to meditate, then why are meditations encouraged by so many? How do I get to a stage where no meditation is...
Drishti Srishti Vaada and Ajaata Vaad
Namaste Ektaji: Is it possible that I am shuttling between the two viewpoints? When I am the Witness/Void, I am in Ajaata-vada viewpoint? When I get pulled out by the mind and get involved in the drama, then I am in Drishti-Srishti-vada? Thanks! Answer: Drishti...
Is sadhana alone not sufficient for attaining moksha?
Question: Ekta didi, If we are doing our sadhana and meditation which then what is the need for knowledge? Is sadhana alone not sufficient for attaining moksha? Please guide me, I am stuck in this. Answer: Let me explain how a Spiritual teacher teaches and what...
Ignore the lust for mystical experiences…that is not true spirituality!
Question: Ekta Ji, in a dream, even if certain events are unlikely, they may look sooo.. convincing... I am still practicing to witness myself in both states. But I could experience the particles from my limbs raises and fill up the whole body like air or dhoopam -...
Many Masters One Path
Question: Why do you teach so many scriptures from different paths and not restrict to one particular religion/sect/organization only? Answer: Since 1998, I have propagated scriptures by several spiritual masters. I know for sure from my experience that ALL...
Contradictions in Advaita!
Question:Hello Dear Ekta, in the Ramana Maharishi’s Guru videos you asked us whether we recognize the four stages of creation and manifestation of a personal universe, thru Sankalpa - [Inclination/attraction] Kaama - [Lusting ceaselessly] Karma - [repetition/ memory]...
Do thoughts cease at least at Self-realization?
Question: Didi, you said in your previous post that "Nothing is going to change by following the spiritual path not even your mind's noise". But Ramana Maharshi session you read out the quote where he said "The degree of the absence of thoughts is the measure of your...
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Belief v/s Experience
Question: Ektaji, how can witnessing become my experience when I don't know the very first step itself? I know the Upanishads are Rishi's meditated and this knowledge came. So I believe in that and studied but if I don't believe and doubt that how can I experience the...
Difference between ‘I am THIS’ & ‘I am’ per Buddha’s path
Question: Dear Ekta di: It would be of great benefit if you could please help with the following: Book: Samyutta Nikaya sutta number 22.89 (7) Khemaka- Pg 944 (middle paragraph): "Friends, although [the notion] 'I am' has not vanished in me in relation to these five...
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Atmananda’s Path
Go beyond the understanding that ‘The world is an illusion’!
Question: Ektaji, at Ajata Vaada level, why is it incorrect to just say, “The world is an illusion”. Doesn't the world exist only when I perceive it? Answer: It’s not wrong dear. It’s the job of the teacher to help a seeker move from Srishti Drishti Vaada to...
Were my Dvaitam practices a waste?
Question: After coming onto the Advaitam path, the thought arises whether all the Dvaitam practices done for the past decades were a waste? Answer: No dear, that is just the Ego throwing tantrums. Ignore the tantrums and recognize the progression of the...
Thought is not conscious!
Question: Didi,In the example that you gave during the session, the 1st thought arose out of my previous conditioning that on Sundays I have to attend Atma Nirvriti class. The second thought arose out of the habit of being lazy and the last thought arose out of my...
When you drop labels, you find Awareness!
Question: I feel the energy as well, as soon as I sink into silence. I find the energy is intense and overpowering. I am not sure If it is the witness that is witnessing this energy or is it the mind that is feeling this perception. In our last session, we learned...
Difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings!
Question: Didi, Is there a difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings? Answer: Let's understand them in detail: Perception:Perception is nothing but images in your mental field. Even though one feels that there are physical...
Nobody is in control!
Question: Didi, I realize that all the vows from Buddha’s path are basically a reminder that I am taking a stand as the mind or body. The moment the recognition happens I get thrown into awareness! I experienced this at work today - it totally helped me today! The...
The master key to Bliss!
Question: The foundation of the mind was already shaken a little, by the close manner in which you are guiding us, from afar. I have not read about such a thing anywhere, and I’ve read many spiritual seekers’ and sages’ autobiographies/ biographies. I find it amazing,...
Awareness knows that the body is shutdown in deep-sleep!
Question: What is the hindrance in being aware of sensations in deep sleep? Currently, In the waking state, Awareness is not aware of itself all the time. If Awareness would be aware of itself during all waking hours, then it would carry over into dreams and deep...
Who knows the absence of objects in deep-sleep?
Question: Ekta Di, If I am holding a baby’s hand, there is touch perceived in awareness. Now, if the body falls asleep holding the baby’s hand the touch is no longer perceived in awareness. Awareness is permanent and is all-pervading so why is no sensation of waking...
Deep-sleep & Turiya
Question: Dear Ektaji, For an Enlightened Being, is the Deep sleep state the biggest as he/she is in Awareness ALL the time? Answer: A beginner only knows the three states of waking-dreaming-deep sleep. Therefore, at the beginning stages, of Advaita teachings,...
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Go beyond the understanding that ‘The world is an illusion’!
Question: Ektaji, at Ajata Vaada level, why is it incorrect to just say, “The world is an illusion”. Doesn't the world exist only when I perceive it? Answer: It’s not wrong dear. It’s the job of the teacher to help a seeker move from Srishti Drishti Vaada to...
Were my Dvaitam practices a waste?
Question: After coming onto the Advaitam path, the thought arises whether all the Dvaitam practices done for the past decades were a waste? Answer: No dear, that is just the Ego throwing tantrums. Ignore the tantrums and recognize the progression of the...
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Gnyana Sangha
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