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The mind is an old broken mirror!

The mind is an old broken mirror!

The mind is an old broken mirror! Question: Hello Ekta, I have a question. Nisargadatta was saying that ‘how can restless mind can calm itself’ or something similar…Then you were explaining this point and at some point, you said Mind and body are reflections of the...
Let go of the story!

Let go of the story!

Let go of the story! Question: While yoga and Buddha’s path made me feel more calm and secure, I feel it was the mind still finding security and solace in some concept/activity, albeit more socially acceptable. Answer: What is the mind? It is simply...
Do thoughts cease at least at Self-realization?

Do thoughts cease at least at Self-realization?

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...
Dealing with Sexual desires on the spiritual path!

Dealing with Sexual desires on the spiritual path!

Dealing with Sexual desires on the spiritual path! Question: What should be the effort from our side to get over sexual desire on the spiritual path, if we should not suppress it? If we express it aren’t we making those impressions stronger? What should be our...
Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly?

Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly?

Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly? Dear Ektaji, I can grasp your teachings very well. I also know that you see the truth. Then why shouldn’t I simply follow you blindly? Why is there insistence on following the inner Guru as opposed to an...
Guru Ashtakam helps one look inwards toward the Inner Guru!

Guru Ashtakam helps one look inwards toward the Inner Guru!

Guru Ashtakam helps one look inwards toward the Inner Guru! Question: Ektaji, sometimes, I listen to Guru Astakam as it helps my mind/EGO to dissolve into Turiya or Amness. On further self-inquiry, Turiya merges back to void or Brahman. Am I going in the right...
How to do proper darshan of the Guru during Guru Poornima?

How to do proper darshan of the Guru during Guru Poornima?

How to do proper darshan of the Guru during Guru Poornima? Question: Ektaji Jai Guru Dev, Can you please give me tips on how to get a Proper True Darshan of Gurudev during this upcoming Guru Poornima. The mind gets swept away with the much fanfare and misses seeing...
Yardstick to measure spiritual progress

Yardstick to measure spiritual progress

Yardstick to measure spiritual progress Question: What is the yardstick to measure my spiritual progress? How do I know if I am progressing spiritually?   Answer: The yardstick to measure your spiritual progress is: ‘Equanimity + Awareness’. *Equanimity =...
Is being a witness and being 100% aware the same?

Is being a witness and being 100% aware the same?

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...
When Nisargadatta Maharaj says, “My world is full of myself”. What does he actually mean?

When Nisargadatta Maharaj says, “My world is full of myself”. What does he actually mean?

When Nisargadatta Maharaj says, “My world is full of myself”. What does he actually mean? Question: When Nisargadatta Maharaj says, “My world is full of myself”. What does he actually mean by it?    Answer: Let me start with what it does...
If this world is a dream, how is it that we all share the same dream?

If this world is a dream, how is it that we all share the same dream?

If this world is a dream, how is it that we all share the same dream? Question: In Yoga Vashishta on page 33 last paragraph, it is said that the Creator is the mind or pure intelligence, the Creator is the mind and pure intelligence is His body, thought is inherent in...
Do not get attached to the spiritual mentor!

Do not get attached to the spiritual mentor!

Do not get attached to the spiritual mentor! Question: Ektaji is the Consciousness. Sometimes she manifests as the form of a teacher teaching us. At other times, she manifests as any other person in front of us, be it a family member, friend, or stranger. They are all...
Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!

Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!

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...
Ignore the lust for mystical experiences…that is not true spirituality!

Ignore the lust for mystical experiences…that is not true spirituality!

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...
The soundless sound… Anhad Naad!

The soundless sound… Anhad Naad!

The soundless sound… Anhad Naad! Question: Thank you so much for the Brahman contemplation on Mandukya Upanishad, it has opened up an amazing open-eyed meditation for me – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scKepUN7nlM The 2nd Mandukya self-inquiry Aum...
Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery!

Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery!

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...
Impressions related to body and sex

Impressions related to body and sex

Impressions related to body and sex Question: I have impressions on my mind for past so many years that this body is me. How do I get rid of this impression that is so strongly rooted in my mind? Will the impression of “I am the body” be the reason for my re-birth...
No proxies allowed in Spirituality!

No proxies allowed in Spirituality!

No proxies allowed in Spirituality! Question: My peaceful experiences are not stable, and I am going up and down in my spiritual path, I feel there is no steady growth in my spiritual path. What should I do?   Answer: The spiritual path is long, it is unknown,...
The waking dream is like the sky!

The waking dream is like the sky!

The waking dream is like the sky! Question: Is my understanding correct? Mahadaakasha = body-mind complex/intellect/memory/ego – the dream character Chidaakasha: the witness consciousness. Paramaakasha: Pure consciousness/dreamer There is identification as the...
Only a Jivanmukta can be called a Videhamukta, others simply die! 

Only a Jivanmukta can be called a Videhamukta, others simply die! 

Only a Jivanmukta can be called a Videhamukta, others simply die!  Question: Didi, is it a correct understanding that a Jivanmukta interacts with the world in Sakshibhav whereas for Videhamukta the world does not exist?   Answer: For the convenience of all,...
There is a difference between feeling happy and being happiness yourself!

There is a difference between feeling happy and being happiness yourself!

There is a difference between feeling happy and being happiness yourself! Question: Didi, my understanding is that we are the dream manifestation of pure consciousness. Something prompted us to become the experiencer and once we came into this world, don’t know...
You project your own world!

You project your own world!

You project your own world! Question: Didi, is my understanding correct?Pratyaksha Gnyana: I see/meet a new person in the neighborhood.Paroksha Gnyana: Prejudices/assumptions about him/her based on the looks/conversation.Aparoksha Gnyana: In awareness, I don’t exist....
Agamya – Inaccessible through words!

Agamya – Inaccessible through words!

Agamya – Inaccessible through words! Question: I wanted to also share that I really found the question and answers helpful after the explorations yesterday where Ektaji was speaking with Shailaja. That mind is only limited to the perception of five senses and...
The sky is not blue!

The sky is not blue!

The sky is not blue! Question: Dear Ektaben, Following the self explorations, one question has arisen: I have seen 2 thoughts arise in this being at different stages in life: One thought said – I have a choice over my decisions and interactions with people,...
From scenery to seer!

From scenery to seer!

From scenery to seer! Question: Ektaji, what is the scenery and what does it mean ‘not to get lost’ in the scenery? Who is the seer?   Answer: Scenery: Everything around you is the scenery. The people, situations and things around you are all scenery Seer: You...
Intense longing for self-realization

Intense longing for self-realization

Intense longing for self-realization Question:I have a strong and a very old habit of indulging in story creation and I realized it only after studying Chapter 12. This is the reason why I am not able to move ahead on the path, I am still at the level of doer and...
Contradictions in Advaita!

Contradictions in Advaita!

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...
Does the sage not have a mind? 

Does the sage not have a mind? 

Does the sage not have a mind?  Question:Maharaj says, ‘Pleasure and pain do not sway me. I am free from desire and fear. I am full. I need nothing.” I understand that he is speaking as Pure Consciousness. Is it correct to assume that thoughts/desires like this can...
Reacting in Dreams

Reacting in Dreams

Reacting in Dreams Question: During the daytime a thought came to me, to say something nasty to my colleague in office. But I stopped myself and I let go of that dvesha [aversion] and I also forgot about it. By the time it was evening and I came home, I felt very...
Does the vaccine affect the Self?

Does the vaccine affect the Self?

Does the vaccine affect the Self? Question: Dear Ekatji,I have a concern about whether I should be vaccinated or not I am really not sure. My life is being the same before the pandemic and now during this pandemic, my life is so simple I am not in the rush for things...
Dealing with Possessiveness

Dealing with Possessiveness

Dealing with Possessiveness Question: What if it is not me who is possessive, but someone else is possessive of me , rather obsessive almost to the sick levels of possessing me, what is that I should or should not do. Answer: Recognize that it is just a play of the...
What is Tapas?

What is Tapas?

What is Tapas? Question: What exactly is tapas? Does it refer to a dissolved state? I understand that the words: burn, cook are used here as metaphor but what do they actually refer to?   Answer: Tapas means endurance. Tapas is how strong are you mentally to be...
If everything is a play of Destiny, then what is Freewill?

If everything is a play of Destiny, then what is Freewill?

If everything is a play of Destiny, then what is Freewill? Question:I am still not clear on how Destiny and Freewill play a part in our lives. When do we have a freewill when it is all our destiny or a result of our past karma. If I am not the Doer, where is free will...
Ego is a major pitfall on the Spiritual path!

Ego is a major pitfall on the Spiritual path!

Ego is a major pitfall on the Spiritual path! Question : Dear Didi, I tend to be influenced by those who are having too much fun and less awareness and don’t take the spiritual path seriously. I feel that we are not even eligible to learn this beautiful knowledge from...
Dusangha sarvathaiva tyajaha – Shun bad company at all costs!

Dusangha sarvathaiva tyajaha – Shun bad company at all costs!

Dusangha sarvathaiva tyajaha – Shun bad company at all costs! Question: Di, there is tremendous change in the society in India…everyone is so much into alcohol and stuff. There are special afternoon get together of females where all of them go to pubs…I am...
Does a Guru or the Enlightened one feel sadness? Do they actually fall sick?

Does a Guru or the Enlightened one feel sadness? Do they actually fall sick?

Does a Guru or the Enlightened one feel sadness? Do they actually fall sick? Question: I have a question, although it may sound silly. I was wondering, do enlightened beings feel sadness? Do they actually feel sick? As I look at an enlightened one, I see consciousness...
What is Personality?

What is Personality?

What is Personality? Question:Is personality born from the soul or is it created by the ego? When we see others who are acting very differently than we ever would like ourselves to, even though they are part of our same consciousness, does that mean that they have the...
Preparation for a long Buddha retreat

Preparation for a long Buddha retreat

Preparation for a long Buddha retreat Question: Didi, please would you advise on how to prepare for my upcoming 10-day long Buddha retreat? Answer: Irrespective of whether you are enrolled in the Satipatthana retreat or the Jhana retreat or the Metta retreat, everyone...
Birthday Message!

Birthday Message!

Birthday Message! Question: JGD didi, many happy returns of the day. Please could you give us a message on your birthday about how to celebrate a birthday.   Answer:   Life is a school. We all are here to learn some lessons. There are several classrooms:...
What is the purpose of life?

What is the purpose of life?

What is the purpose of life? Question:I keep wondering why we first broke away from our nature of infinite consciousness? Why did that subtle vibration even occur that led to the “I”/ ego and then to the projected consciousness that leads us to this cycle of samsara...
Mind v/s Self !

Mind v/s Self !

Mind v/s Self ! Question: Sometimes these guided meditations (including today’s) talk about how our mind is bigger than our body and our body is surrounded by our mind, and says it like this is a good thing. But if that’s the case, it’s really...
A few questions on KARMA

A few questions on KARMA

A few questions on KARMA Question:Is karma about keeping your intentions positive or is it about keeping your intention and thoughts neutral?Answer:There are two steps:Moving from negativity to positivityDropping the attachment to positivity = attaining...
In sickness and in health!

In sickness and in health!

In sickness and in health! Question:Ekta ji, during Vyadhi, even as small as a headache, the Prana takes a hit and is focused only on the body. Should one wait for the phase to finish, and take it as tapas to come back and settle in the Self, what do you...
Shivering during meditation, is it normal?

Shivering during meditation, is it normal?

Shivering during meditation, is it normal? Question: Yesterday, when I was meditating, I could only do three rounds of body observation but I felt I was aware the whole time and I felt for the first time I am doing it as you had explained, I was feeling all my body...
How does a “thought” become an Agami Karma ?

How does a “thought” become an Agami Karma ?

How does a “thought” become an Agami Karma ? Question:First one of the 5 elements or the senses hits us (it also depends on my doshas), then it goes to the memory bank & opens one file like, dislike with People, Situation & Thing. (Is there any...
Transplant Donor Karma

Transplant Donor Karma

Transplant Donor Karma Question:The memory and intellect are not associated with the physical body correct? So if someone were to have a brain transplant, the transplanted brain should not come with any memories and karma of the donor. Is that right?Answer:Yes,...