Ancient Wisdom Pearls
…enter the cave to discover wisdom from ancient Sages relevant in modern times!
Advaita Vedantic Path
From the witnessed objects to the Witness to that where neither Witness nor witnessed remain
Question: Didi, please, would you help clarify the two statements: 1] That which I know I cannot be. I am the knower of the body; therefore, I am not the known.2] Consciousness knows itself. In this instance, the knower and the known are the same. Answer: The...
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
‘I-the-Consciousness project numerous forms’ can be corrected to ‘Manifestation appears spontaneously within Me-the-Consciousness’
Question: Ektaji, some sages have said after self-realization that, 'I took so many births, in different forms, and now the cycle has ended, and I have recognized myself'. (paraphrased here). I used to think the sage is saying he-the-person took many births. But now I...
Who desires to exist and experience?
Question: Ektaji, since Paramatma desires to experience (Jijivisha), can one say that Paramatma is desireless? Answer: Brahman is called desireless, not Paramatma, because Brahman is not an entity that desires. Desire can arise only where there is a sense of...
All is simply Thought!
Question: Ektaji, is this understanding correct? Time and cause-and-effect will continue to be used by the body-mind (e.g., the body-mind apologizing for being late), but I am fully aware that this is role-play of the dream character, and I remain aware of the Reality...
Gratitude and Absolute Surrender to the inner Guru Tattva!
Question: Dear Didi, How to show gratitude and absolute surrender to the inner Guru Tattva moment to moment? Is there any prayer that can help? Answer: The Guru Tattva lies within. The inner environment is naturally an environment of soundless silence, a quiet...
Is the void after the ‘I-sense’ collapses same as the gap between arisings?
Question: Dear Ektaji,When sitting quietly, remaining as the awareness that notices the breath arise, peak, and melt away, the gap between the breaths is noticed. This gap is indescribable; there is nothing I can say about it, only that it seems the same as the...
No beginning of the World. No End. No God. No Creator.
Question: Ektaji, please can you help clarify about Kalpa or Yuga or the end of time? Also, did God create the world? Answer: 'You-the-Witness-Consciousness,' dream of a sleeping-dream-world every night. When you are done with the sleeping-dream, every dream...
The active silence lies beyond the inactive silence of deep sleep
Question: Dear Ekta, Papaji says, "The silence of sleep is an inactive silence out of which activities arise. But the real state that lies behind Waking, Dreaming, and Sleeping is an active silence". Can you please help explain this? Answer: Let's understand...
Why is it that others on the Non-dual path see but I don’t?
Question: Why is it that others on the Non-dual path see, but I don't? Answer: If the Advaitam [non-duality] seeing is not getting translated, it is a clear signal that there is still some Dwaitam [duality] ghost hovering around. Duality knowledge must not only...
When Even the Witness Dissolves, You Recognize That You Are What You Seek!
Question: Dear EktabenIf a desire is a thought that arises from consciousness, does it stand to reason that such a thought is an attempt by consciousness (which has forgotten itself when identified with body and mind) to find its true nature through the mechanism of...
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From the witnessed objects to the Witness to that where neither Witness nor witnessed remain
Question: Didi, please, would you help clarify the two statements: 1] That which I know I cannot be. I am the knower of the body; therefore, I am not the known.2] Consciousness knows itself. In this instance, the knower and the known are the same. Answer: The...
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
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Buddha’s Path
What are the types of people one must dissociate from according to the Buddha?
Question: Didi, the Buddha said not to associate with a few types of people, but aren't these people in my arising? By not associating with them, am I not resisting the Flow? Is there any Sutta or GS video that talks about the types of people to avoid? Answer:...
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
Strive for inner softness or Saumyata!
Question: Maintaining the Buddha vows helps me keep a peaceful mind free of unnecessary chit-chat. But I broke some vows. How to deal with the broken vows? Answer: Before we discuss what to do about broken vows, it is important to first recognize whether the...
![Books from Gnyana Sangha range from Beginner level to Renunciation [Sannyasa] level](https://i0.wp.com/ektabathija.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/self-reading-scaled.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
Books from Gnyana Sangha range from Beginner level to Renunciation [Sannyasa] level
Question: Hello Didi, I understand better when I read rather than when I listen. Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha? If you could tell me which books a beginner should start with, and then which are intermediate and which are...
Who carries the Dream memory to the Waking?
Question: Namaste Didi, As I understand, during the dreaming state, the witness is witnessing a dream, and the mind is in a semi-conscious state. But towards the end, the mind becomes fully conscious, and then it gets identified with the dream character and all those...
Does craving in the Dream create Dream Vasanas?
Question: Does craving in the Dream create Dream Vasanas? Answer: In the Dream, the Witness Consciousness is merely witnessing the Dream character in a Dream World. If it is a nightmare, the dream character is afraid. The witness consciousness only knows the...
Incorporate Awareness or Witnessing into your meditation technique
Question: EktaJi, I attended S.N Goenka's 10-day Vipassana retreat and felt like it promoted effort and also had a lack of emphasis on awareness of mental phenomena, focused more on physical sensations. I found a blog that exactly resonates with the thoughts I had...
Dream feelings superimposed on Turiya are carried to the Waking!
Question: Dear Didi, In the Kathopanishad, you mentioned that a dream consists of vichara thoughts devoid of vasana thoughts. The “I” was thrown out of balance hearing this. Comparing this to Buddha’s dependent origination, is it a scenario where the ignorance ends on...
Difference between an uncultivated mind and an uncontained mind
Question: Didi, I saw your video on the Buddha's sutta on the mind that can be trained and developed. My question is, how do I know if my mind is trainable or not? How do I know if I have an uncultivated mind that can be trained or an uncontained mind, which is...
Do you sleep like a baby?
Question: Following the Buddha's path, I would like to dissociate from people, situations, and things that bring about unwholesomeness in me. How do I clearly distinguish between wise disassociation with wholesome effort vs avoidance rooted in identity? Answer:...
Effort or Effortlessness
Question: Didi, I was under the impression that the spiritual path is effortless, but you said in the previous post that effort must be applied. I am sure I am missing a delicate pointer somewhere. Please guide me. Answer: Let me explain it in detail, my dear...
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What are the types of people one must dissociate from according to the Buddha?
Question: Didi, the Buddha said not to associate with a few types of people, but aren't these people in my arising? By not associating with them, am I not resisting the Flow? Is there any Sutta or GS video that talks about the types of people to avoid? Answer:...
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
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Individual Spirituality
Fear of Death = Fear of unknown
Question: How is fear of the unknown different from the fear of death and how to come out of both these fears? Please help. Answer: Fear of the unknown and the fear of death are essentially the same. Understand one thing that, since you have been in this form...
Inherent polarity of arisings renders decision-making a struggle
Q: Dear Ekta, the arising of contradictory thoughts, such as 'It would be nice to get a promotion' and 'I don't think promotion is a good idea', are part of Vichaara or the Natural Flow. Is this the correct understanding? A: Vichara is always ONLY the first...
Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha?
Question: Hello Didi, I understand better when I read rather than when I listen. Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha? If you could tell me which books a beginner should start with, and then which are intermediate and which are...
Witnessing does NOT mean to be there but ‘skip knowing the unpleasant’
Question: Pranam Ektaji, is there a way to dodge body pain, being the witness, and not feel the pain at all? Answer: Witnessing means to be there and know. Witnessing does NOT mean to be there, but 'skip knowing the unpleasant'. Hence, it follows that: There is...
Persistent Sakshi-bhaava evolves to natural Vairagya
Question: Didi, how to stay at a distance when a captivating arising appears? How to develop sufficient Vairagya (dispassion) towards it? Answer: Realizing one is the Witness of the Waker and not the Waker-body or Waker-mind is a prerequisite for establishing...
Nothing outside of your projection can ever be perceived
Question: Dear Ektaji, for witnessing subtle projection to gross manifestation, doesn't the balance of witnessing get tilted when multiple vichara create a story? Is my observation missing something? Answer: Let's first understand the meaning of 'balancing on...
Does the dream tiger know the dreamer?
Question: Dear Didi, I am beginning to recognize myself and others as formless and nameless. Are others different aspects of me? Is my daughter an aspect of me appearing as a daughter? Am I projecting all these people based on my own impressions? If so, how do I...
The subtle mind projects the gross physical
Question: Dear Didi, Can you please clarify what the subtle mental projection and gross physical manifestation are? Answer: Projection means that one always receives from the world what one desires or fears. It is like sowing seeds. If you sow the seed of a...
Insecurity arises from Doership
Question: How is Doership the root cause of insecurity? Answer: Let's first define Doership. When the body-mind is asleep, there is no sense of 'I am sleeping now'. There is no 'I' there in Deep Sleep. If such a thought arises, it means you are not asleep; you...
Quit pretending that there is a continuity!
Question: Didi,Regarding the SNGS book, Quote 20 - 'I witness that there is a continuity in dream stories just like there is a continuity in the waking story', is this a correct understanding? Just like the mind creates a sense of continuity by assuming a story in the...
Observation in Waking, Dreaming, and Sleeping reveal the difference between spontaneous flow and deliberate desire
Question: Didi, I got a glimpse where I realized that 'I' am not projecting this world. The desire is a force itself. I think that 'I like this'; it is a force in itself. There is nothing that I am doing, thinking, or feeling. There is no one here. Only forces are...
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Fear of Death = Fear of unknown
Question: How is fear of the unknown different from the fear of death and how to come out of both these fears? Please help. Answer: Fear of the unknown and the fear of death are essentially the same. Understand one thing that, since you have been in this form...
Inherent polarity of arisings renders decision-making a struggle
Q: Dear Ekta, the arising of contradictory thoughts, such as 'It would be nice to get a promotion' and 'I don't think promotion is a good idea', are part of Vichaara or the Natural Flow. Is this the correct understanding? A: Vichara is always ONLY the first...
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General Spirituality
To whom does the disturbance belong?
Question: I am 100% aware internally; my thoughts are exceptionally clear, but conflicts between others disturb me. I am not intentionally causing any issue. I am free from anger, but others may perceive me as being angry. In truth, I am deeply immersed in...
From the standpoint of the Waker, there is no option to follow or ignore an intuition!
Question: Dear Ektaji, if one chooses to follow or not to follow intuition while making decisions, is it part of Prarabdha Karma? Does following or not following it change Prarabdha? Can intuition also guide us through strong sensations in the body? Answer:...
Who decides the measure of impressions that will arise in Waking?
Question: Namaste Ektaji, If the Waking arisings are decided by the measure of impressions within Deep Sleep, who decides the measure? Answer: The question “Who decides the measure of impressions that will arise in Waking?” still assumes that there must be some...
Celebrate Guru Poornima with the true inner Guru!
Dear Angels,This Guru Poornima, let us pause and sincerely evaluate our spiritual progress. Inquire within: • Have I been listening to the Inner Guru?• Have I learned to see Truth directly, or do I continue to depend upon borrowed knowledge and inherited beliefs?•...
Is Gnyana Sangha your cup of coffee?
Dear Dedicated Spiritual Seekers, Many people approach Gnyana Sangha. Some are merely curious. Some are looking for mental wellness. Some come under peer pressure. Some come because they have acquired material wealth and now aspire to achieve a higher wealth. Some...
Global launch of the book, Burning the Bridges to Ignorance: Avadhuta Upanishad Drishti by Ekta Bathija
Dear Advaitins,Announcing the Global launch of the book, Burning the Bridges to Ignorance: Avadhuta Upanishad Drishti by Ekta Bathija. Links: US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1965163335UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1965163335Germany -...
You can never truly dodge a debt due to you!
Questioner, whenever I decide I am going to complete the exam, something else comes up, and the knowledge session exam takes a back seat. Whenever I resolve to do something, the flow takes over, making something else a priority. Does this mean I should not make a...
Did you miss the Kathopanishad session?
Dear Ones, If you missed the Kathopanishad session, here is an opportunity to watch the videos and catch up before we meet again for the next session. YouTube: Kathopanishad Self-exploration: https://tinyurl.com/Katha-YouTube-SE Kathopanishad Videos:...
Psychological Counseling Versus Spiritual Inquiry
Dear Ektaji, I have been going through family turmoil with my spouse. It is getting difficult to live together. Is divorce the only way out or should I wait it out, I am confused with the chaos in my mind. The kids are also getting affected. Can you speak to my...
The intellect is unavailable in the gap to record Nothingness
Question: Dear Ektaji, Is my understanding correct? At 6 pm, I keep my car keys somewhere in my house. At 8 pm, I want to go out. I am searching for the car keys, but can’t find them. My mind’s story - I have kept the keys, so I must remember where I have kept them....
Where to begin the spiritual inquiry?
Question: Dear Ekta, I have read about Waking, Dreaming, and Sleeping wisdom on your blog site. How can a beginner commence his journey? Answer: You can begin by joining the beginners retreat or by watching the Advaita videos on the website -...
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To whom does the disturbance belong?
Question: I am 100% aware internally; my thoughts are exceptionally clear, but conflicts between others disturb me. I am not intentionally causing any issue. I am free from anger, but others may perceive me as being angry. In truth, I am deeply immersed in...
From the standpoint of the Waker, there is no option to follow or ignore an intuition!
Question: Dear Ektaji, if one chooses to follow or not to follow intuition while making decisions, is it part of Prarabdha Karma? Does following or not following it change Prarabdha? Can intuition also guide us through strong sensations in the body? Answer:...
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Kabir’s Path
What is NOT Sadhana?
Question: Dear Ektaji, What is the purpose of Sadhana? Is it to strengthen my witnessing stand? Answer: There is only ONE sadhana dear - The sadhana of NOT betraying one's own true Self, as discussed in the earlier verses of Ishavasya Upanishad.If you betray...
![Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!](https://i0.wp.com/ektabathija.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sunrise-scaled.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
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...
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...
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]...
Gossipmongers on the spiritual path are wrong numbers!
Question: I just figured that one of my spiritual world colleagues is jealous because I am meditating longer hours and have become quieter than her. She herself acknowledges that she is a loose cannon. She gossips a lot even about her own family life. She tried to...
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What is NOT Sadhana?
Question: Dear Ektaji, What is the purpose of Sadhana? Is it to strengthen my witnessing stand? Answer: There is only ONE sadhana dear - The sadhana of NOT betraying one's own true Self, as discussed in the earlier verses of Ishavasya Upanishad.If you betray...
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
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha?
Question: Hello Didi, I understand better when I read rather than when I listen. Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha? If you could tell me which books a beginner should start with, and then which are intermediate and which are...
Witnessing does NOT mean to be there but ‘skip knowing the unpleasant’
Question: Pranam Ektaji, is there a way to dodge body pain, being the witness, and not feel the pain at all? Answer: Witnessing means to be there and know. Witnessing does NOT mean to be there, but 'skip knowing the unpleasant'. Hence, it follows that: There is...
If you can see, I can too!
Question: I’ve been searching for the truth for a long time. I’ve explored a lot of paths — from “human-worship” and “guru-as-celebrity” types to “academic monk” approaches, "ritual-heavy" traditions, and even hopping from one religion or temple to another. What I’ve...
Global Launch: ‘I-I’ Journal Levels 1 & 2: Ramana Maharshi’s Samadhi teachings
Dear Angels,Announcing the Global launch of two journals by Ekta Bathija: 'I-I' Journal Level 1: Ramana Maharshi's Deep Sleep and Closed-Eyed Samadhi teachings 'I-I' Journal Level 2: Ramana Maharshi's Awakened Sleep and Open-Eyed Samadhi teachings Please find the...
What is NOT Sadhana?
Question: Dear Ektaji, What is the purpose of Sadhana? Is it to strengthen my witnessing stand? Answer: There is only ONE sadhana dear - The sadhana of NOT betraying one's own true Self, as discussed in the earlier verses of Ishavasya Upanishad.If you betray...
Is self-inquiry the same as thinking?
Question: Didi, what is self-inquiry or inner investigation? Answer: If the witness is trapped as the Waker in the Waking, he will have to begin his self-inquiry at the level of the Waker. Words operate at the level of the mind of the Waker. Words formulated...
There is No BODY!
Question: Dear Ektaji, why do we hear that a human body is essential to attain enlightenment? How much attention do we need to pay to keep ourselves healthy? Answer: Dear One, This is a Dvaitam concept that a human body is essential to attain enlightenment....
Mental Health and Spirituality
Question: Dear Ektaji, my sister, suffering from bipolar disorder has done Vipassana, AOL basic, and silence course. She told Guruji that she can't do the kriya and meditation and he advised her to do 'Om Nama Shivaya' chanting but when she does that, her...
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 -...
View all
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha?
Question: Hello Didi, I understand better when I read rather than when I listen. Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha? If you could tell me which books a beginner should start with, and then which are intermediate and which are...
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Atmananda’s Path
How does one transact in daily life being the Witness?
Question: I deeply appreciate your Atma Nirvriti explanations and guidance. At the Knower stage, how does one transact in daily life and work, with family, and even travel and move around? I feel an inwardness, a detachment from the external. It’s a struggle, effort -...
From the witnessed objects to the Witness to that where neither Witness nor witnessed remain
Question: Didi, please, would you help clarify the two statements: 1] That which I know I cannot be. I am the knower of the body; therefore, I am not the known.2] Consciousness knows itself. In this instance, the knower and the known are the same. Answer: The...
The Ego, the root of Ego and prior to the Ego!
Question: Are the sense of existing, the sense of I am, and witness consciousness all the same? Answer: Let's clarify Pure Consciousness, Witness Consciousness, and the Ego to understand this better. Pure Consciousness: The nondual Reality prior to the...
‘I-the-Consciousness project numerous forms’ can be corrected to ‘Manifestation appears spontaneously within Me-the-Consciousness’
Question: Ektaji, some sages have said after self-realization that, 'I took so many births, in different forms, and now the cycle has ended, and I have recognized myself'. (paraphrased here). I used to think the sage is saying he-the-person took many births. But now I...
Who desires to exist and experience?
Question: Ektaji, since Paramatma desires to experience (Jijivisha), can one say that Paramatma is desireless? Answer: Brahman is called desireless, not Paramatma, because Brahman is not an entity that desires. Desire can arise only where there is a sense of...
All is simply Thought!
Question: Ektaji, is this understanding correct? Time and cause-and-effect will continue to be used by the body-mind (e.g., the body-mind apologizing for being late), but I am fully aware that this is role-play of the dream character, and I remain aware of the Reality...
The ‘I-sense ‘, when identified with an arising, is the Ego.
Question: Didi,Is this the correct understanding: the body breathes naturally, the mind generates thoughts, the I-sense clings either to the thought and continues thinking, or it gets with the body and assumes it worked, cooked, cleaned, etc. I-sense is normally...
The NOW is the Void! The Void is the NOW! You are THAT!
Question: Dear Ektaji, When aware of myself as this timeless Now, it is noticed that the I-sense, the identity, arises out of me, the Now, just like any other arising. It comes out of me, made of the same as me, like any arising. So the I-sense is constantly arising...
Is the void after the ‘I-sense’ collapses same as the gap between arisings?
Question: Dear Ektaji,When sitting quietly, remaining as the awareness that notices the breath arise, peak, and melt away, the gap between the breaths is noticed. This gap is indescribable; there is nothing I can say about it, only that it seems the same as the...
No beginning of the World. No End. No God. No Creator.
Question: Ektaji, please can you help clarify about Kalpa or Yuga or the end of time? Also, did God create the world? Answer: 'You-the-Witness-Consciousness,' dream of a sleeping-dream-world every night. When you are done with the sleeping-dream, every dream...
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How does one transact in daily life being the Witness?
Question: I deeply appreciate your Atma Nirvriti explanations and guidance. At the Knower stage, how does one transact in daily life and work, with family, and even travel and move around? I feel an inwardness, a detachment from the external. It’s a struggle, effort -...
From the witnessed objects to the Witness to that where neither Witness nor witnessed remain
Question: Didi, please, would you help clarify the two statements: 1] That which I know I cannot be. I am the knower of the body; therefore, I am not the known.2] Consciousness knows itself. In this instance, the knower and the known are the same. Answer: The...
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Gnyana Sangha
Spiritual knowledge can be complicated. So here is a chance to learn from someone who has walked the path and is ready to help a sincere seeker.
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