Question:

I am confused whether I should start with the Vedic or Buddha’s knowledge sessions on the website http://www.gnyanasangha.com. How do I know if I am ready for Buddha’s teachings?

Answer:

First you must evaluate yourself by asking yourself – Why are you here? What are you looking for? Maybe understanding the mechanics of Ego and contemplating a little might help you find your answer within.

Every human is not just two-faced but actually multi-faced. This applies to everyone, without an exception. It is a feature of the Ego. Ego does not have an individual existence of its own. It only comes up in the presence of another. When there is a ‘You’, there arises an ‘I’.

To impress ‘you’, the ‘I’ attempts to do and say many things that are ‘not’. To seem bigger and better than ‘you’, the ‘I’ pretends… pretends to be nice, pretends to be good, pretends to be spiritual, pretends to be what it is not. This temporary false face is the Ego.

This Ego creates a lot of suffering because of multiple faces. The individual looks for an escape from this suffering without understanding the root cause of suffering. He starts thinking that Spirituality is an escape from suffering. When you try to escape from what is, then you are trying to escape from reality. Spirituality becomes a go-to shop only for temporary pleasant-sensation creation. But when he returns home, he is back to suffering. That’s why most meditators fail, even those meditating for a long time. Because they are not yet spiritually ripe.

Who is spiritually ripe? 

Few aware individuals start recognizing the fallaciousness of the Ego. The pretense falls on its face when they gather the courage to look the Ego in the eye. They understand that Spirituality is not an escape from Suffering. Spirituality is not a personality development class. Spirituality is not a temporary relaxation pill.

Who is spiritually raw?

If one is looking for enhancing communication skills, techniques for dealing with daily stresses, temporary relaxation techniques, getting rid of physical & mental diseases, enigma or mysticism then Buddha’s teachings might not seem palatable to his needs as the teachings are about BEing with WHAT IS and they completely shun the idea of escapism from reality.

What is Buddha’s view of TRUE SPIRITUALITY?

Spirituality is simply the art of BEing with REALITY as it is. It is the art of seeing things as they are; not as you want them to be; not as you want them to not be. Just BE’ing with what IS is Spirituality. 

If you have understood Spirituality like this, then you are eligible to join Buddha retreat where we learn the simple techniques of shedding all pretenses and BEing with reality as it is;

• being with the reality of the breath AS IT IS without manipulation
• being with the reality of the body-mind complex AS IT IS without manipulation
• being with the reality of awareness AS IT IS without manipulation 

Buddha’s teachings are catered for those inclined towards ‘Awakening’ as only such people approached him in those times. If you feel this chimes with the strings of your heart, then enroll for Buddha level 1 Sutta reading to help develop the basic foundation for silent techniques. After you complete Semester I, you will be invited to attend the in-person Buddha retreat.

What are the Buddha Levels on the My courses page?

The Buddha Levels 1,2,3,4 are simply structured curriculums designed for step-by-step progression with the teachings. It is recommended for a practitioner who prefers structure to avoid losing himself in the vast ocean of Buddha’s teachings. 

Un-structured Suttas with video explanations are also available in the individual book links on the My Courses page for the benefit of those who know their way around already in this vast ocean of teachings. Please be advised some videos are yet to be uploaded.

Buddha always said, “Don’t believe me! Experiment with your own mind and arrive at your own Truth!” Aapo Deepo Bhava! – Be your own light!