Ancient Wisdom Pearls
…enter the cave to discover wisdom from ancient Sages relevant in modern times!
Advaita Vedantic Path
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...
Beyond the realm of right and wrong…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHArGdiJR3c&feature=youtu.be Have questions? Reach out to Ekta by clicking on the “Ask a Question” button on the left sidebar. For attending Ekta’s online knowledge sessions, click the “Gnyana Sangha” button on the left sidebar....
A dialogue on karma, guilt, academics and pattern in life
Question: Hello ekta didi, I realize that I'm not the doer and things happen the way the universe is planning. I know and believe that the universe is very intelligent. Answer: Let me add the most essential point here - The Universe is giving back to you what you...
Thought waves are recorded in Space!
Question: Are thoughts recorded in Space? They say that whatever the Rishis and Yogis have said is recorded in Space and the most aware mind can download this in the deepest of the meditation. Please explain how this works? Answer: The first law of...
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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...
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Buddha’s Path
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...
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...
Volition is Karma!
Question: Didi, silly question, I used to sometimes pluck the flowers from our backyard and put them in an arrangement in water or in a vase, but now when I go to pluck them I feel like I am hurting them and I don’t want to do it, so I haven’t been doing it. I...
Are you tensing up in meditation instead of relaxing?
Question: A teacher said that "If you practice mindfulness too much, you cannot relax and experience the unknown." I had been pondering on this a lot, I find it true and untrue at the same time. During my Satipatthana meditation, I tend to feel tense and stiffness...
Silence is your new friend!
Question: Dear Ektaji, After struggling for many days/attempts I could settle down my mind today taking my attention away from whatever my mind was creating. After a while, a sense of silence overtook me. My being had this kind of overtaking before but I was so happy...
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...
Thought waves are recorded in Space!
Question: Are thoughts recorded in Space? They say that whatever the Rishis and Yogis have said is recorded in Space and the most aware mind can download this in the deepest of the meditation. Please explain how this works? Answer: The first law of...
Fear of the ‘Law of Attraction’
Question: It is said, 'whatever/wherever you put your thought to, you dissolve into it’? I understand the gross meaning of this that wherever I put focus my on, my mind starts working towards that or on the way of achieving that. However, if I am upset about someone...
Stop struggling and float with Life!
Question: At times I feel like I have dropped a desire, but again it pops up with more intensity. And at times I feel I am dropping the desire but doubt arises if I am just resisting it. How to differentiate between dropping a desire and resisting a desire? ...
Resistance to meditation
Question: Dear Ekta, I have a question. You told us to give the divine the highest priority. For a few years I have been doing do my practice every day. Every day I spend time on studying the knowledge. Also trying to implement this. I never skip a knowledge session...
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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...
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...
View all
Individual Spirituality
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...
Three paths for a Seeker!
Question: Good to meet you didi. Love being in a place where the knowledge is discussed... feels light and natural. One thought that passed me during today’s discussion: Loving the God, consciousness in a idol form or even an Enlightened One is beautiful. It gives...
Journey from external to internal
Question: Dear Ektaji, I have been with a spiritual organizaion for 15 yrs now, have done courses, seva, satsang(less of seva though :-), could be better) … However, one question that has never been understood is going within. Journey from external to internal. I am...
Mind retaliates to your answer on craving for Guru!
Question: Ektaji, My bhakti kicked in and did a little revolt against the answer – https://ektabathija.com/craving-for-guru/ Divine craving (for the physical guru or the tattva) is in my faith a blessing..does Mukti not happen through Grace? Once we reach a stage in...
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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...
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General Spirituality
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...
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...
Miscarriage Karma
Question: How to deal with a miscarriage? Answer: Life brings along sukhas [pleasure] as well as dukhas [pain]. Why a dukha happens? Why it happens to a specific individual? When the dukkha comes? How long the dukha remains? When the dukha ends? All this is...
Bad karma with the opposite sex
Question: I just got out of a bad and abusive marriage, my parents helped me out. Seven years ago, I was in an abusive relationship too, at that time also my parents helped me out. I am trying to understand what kind of karma is this? And, how can I get out of my bad...
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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...
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Kabir’s Path
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...
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]...
Fear of the ‘last thoughts at death’
Question: Ektaji – Is it fair to have Dvesha to control the last impression (not to think certain thing)? If it is something out of control why not make it like “come as it comes” like spontaneously? Can we train our subconscious brain to think- not to think (e.g....
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...
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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]!
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...
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Ramana Maharshi’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...
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...
The source of the I-thought is Silence!
Question: Concentration on 'I' thought seems to be an on and off process. I get a glimpse that concentration on 'I-thought' will remove the identification with the body but the more I concentrate on the 'I' the more I feel the presence of my body. Am I doing something...
Why is the no-mind state not permanent in this human body?
Question: Dear Ektaji, With reference to the 'no mind' state, why is it that no mind state is not permanent in this human body? Answer: This answer will make sense only if you have started the self-exploration to find who you are, otherwise, these will be merely...
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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...
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...
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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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