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Incorporate Awareness or Witnessing into your meditation technique

Incorporate Awareness or Witnessing into your meditation technique

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...
Correcting at the source with the master key of dispassion

Correcting at the source with the master key of dispassion

Correcting at the source with the master key of dispassion Question: Ekta Didi, Nisargadatta Maharaj advises on correcting at the source. How do I make corrections to the projection?   Answer: When Maharaj says that correction is required at the source, he means...
Don’t miss the Karmic account closing window!

Don’t miss the Karmic account closing window!

Don’t miss the Karmic account closing window! Question: Dear Didi, I have a question about arisings, the first wave, and creating further impressions. This is family masala. Waker’s brother-in-law called today and said something rude to Waker. Waker replied,...
There is no chooser-thought that selects one among several option-thoughts!

There is no chooser-thought that selects one among several option-thoughts!

There is no chooser-thought that selects one among several option-thoughts! Question: Dear Ektaji, You said, “If a thought rises, ‘I want coffee’, that is also a random, automatic arising from the natural flow.” Does that mean there can be many...
Become Debt-free by changing the pattern of the Waker!

Become Debt-free by changing the pattern of the Waker!

Become Debt-free by changing the pattern of the Waker! Question: Dear Didi,  You said that every arising is indebted to Zeroness. So is it that habitual tendencies, stories, and concepts of waking and dreaming are in debt to Zeroness? And being entangled in any...
When there is no perceiver, there is no solid projection!

When there is no perceiver, there is no solid projection!

When there is no perceiver, there is no solid projection! Question: Didi, Advaita teaches that the body-mind-person operates per a pre-determined script. Standing as awareness, ingrained behavior patterns (with spouse and teenage son) have slowly changed. If the...
Waking, Dream, Sleep Witnessing Inquiry on Vichaara and Vaasana

Waking, Dream, Sleep Witnessing Inquiry on Vichaara and Vaasana

Waking, Dream, Sleep Witnessing Inquiry on Vichaara and Vaasana Question: Dear Didi,Please would you guide me on how to do the inquiry on the hundred pointers of Swapna Nidra Gnyana Sadhana, with regard to, Vichara & Vasana?   Answer: Swapna Nidra Gnyana...
Realizing Not Intellectualizing the Layers of Superimposition

Realizing Not Intellectualizing the Layers of Superimposition

Realizing Not Intellectualizing the Layers of Superimposition Question: Ektaji, is it the correct understanding of Superimposition – The person needs to do certain tasks. The assumption is that the body-mind can not DO. Appearances of arisings are assumed as a...
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...
Are you crazy or wise?

Are you crazy or wise?

Are you crazy or wise? Question: I met a guy for a matrimonial alliance but he left saying I feel a pull towards u so if it’s meant to be then destiny will get us back together! I don’t know how to deal with this. Is it really all destiny? Or it’s just a name...
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,...
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...
The script of life is always perfect!

The script of life is always perfect!

The script of life is always perfect! Question: Didi,What did/do you do when you witness that everybody is living in their own heads with their own stories and are suffering unnecessarily because of not being able to see the drama?   Answer: Every single human on...
Want to spend an afternoon interacting with a fully enlightened person… How to find one?

Want to spend an afternoon interacting with a fully enlightened person… How to find one?

Want to spend an afternoon interacting with a fully enlightened person… How to find one? Question: I have a very deep thirst for knowing the Truth of ‘Who am I?’ I follow Ramana Maharshi’s teachings but it is so difficult to find a fully enlightened being to spend...
Stand up for what is right even if you have to stand alone!

Stand up for what is right even if you have to stand alone!

Stand up for what is right even if you have to stand alone! Question: Didi, I see that people around me do all kinds of corrupt and unwholesome things – lie, steal, twist facts, play games with me, do politics in office as well as at home. These people are very...
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...
Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana

Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana

Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana Question: I went for the 10 days retreat. The experience was very fulfilling. On day 4 of the Vipassana program during meditation, I was vividly seeing the events from my childhood more than 35 years ago which upset me very much...
How to give it back to the evil people in life?

How to give it back to the evil people in life?

How to give it back to the evil people in life? Question: I’m following the Buddha’s path of compassion but I need advice on how to treat people who treat you unfairly, cold-heartedly or are just evil people? I have been running into a lot of problems with it. I’ve...
Mind retaliates to your answer on craving for Guru!

Mind retaliates to your answer on craving for Guru!

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...
Why is there a pinch experienced in doing right?

Why is there a pinch experienced in doing right?

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...
You are GOD! Only GOD is! You do not exist!

You are GOD! Only GOD is! You do not exist!

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...
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...
Decision-making – Everything is a happening!

Decision-making – Everything is a happening!

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...
Three paths for a Seeker!

Three paths for a Seeker!

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...
Life is a flow of events on account of Karma

Life is a flow of events on account of Karma

Life is a flow of events on account of Karma Question: If life is a flow of events, where everything that is happening has to and we have nothing to do with it, then how does the karma theory play in with the above statement, where we alone are responsible for our...
Apaatra Daanam – Charity to the unworthy!

Apaatra Daanam – Charity to the unworthy!

Apaatra Daanam – Charity to the unworthy! Question: Dear Ektaji,When do we call it Apatradanam? My husband and I helped on several occasions, our Indian temple priest by giving guru Dakshina in US dollars. Now there is a request for money for his daughter’s dental...
How to manage job, family, Seva without getting overwhelmed?

How to manage job, family, Seva without getting overwhelmed?

How to manage job, family, Seva without getting overwhelmed? Question: Can you please give direction on how do you manage a job, family, personal endeavor, and Seva while not getting overwhelmed? I have a tendency to say yes to many things, but in the end, I’m just...
Karma affects both Material life and spiritual goals?

Karma affects both Material life and spiritual goals?

Karma affects both Material life and spiritual goals? Question: We do not choose where we are born or what profession we choose, but we choose whom we get married to or have kids. Also, the kind of people who come into our life is a result of our past karmas – good or...
Who am I?

Who am I?

Who am I? Question: Similar to what’s said in AG 4- I got caught in identifying with a talent and also with not having a talent & was/is suffering. What is said in it still repeats in my ears. It is mentioned “you don’t know who you are”. I started thinking how...
To Act, or Not To Act?

To Act, or Not To Act?

To Act, or Not To Act? Question: With today’s knowledge, I know I should take life as a game but I was cheated in business. Should I drop it too, or should I pursue the case I filed with the lawyer?   Question: I work for a profit oriented company and there is a...
What is seeking?

What is seeking?

What is seeking? Question: I quit my job and interviewed for another one. They offered me an entry level position with a pay less than half of what I am currently making. I did not accept the offer. My previous boss is working on getting me back at my old job. By me...
Overwhelmed by to-do’s? Naah!

Overwhelmed by to-do’s? Naah!

Overwhelmed by to-do’s? Naah! Question: You have so many people asking you so many questions from all around the world……I’m sure you could fill every free minute you have (waiting for an appointment, waiting in the grocery check-out lane, sitting in the bathroom) just...
How do I experience Silence during meditation ?

How do I experience Silence during meditation ?

How do I experience Silence during meditation ? Question: “Drop the small mind”. I understand one way is to keep saying I am not the body, I am not the mind, I am not the ego etc. I do this during meditation, yet I am unable to TRULY drop the mind just does not go...
Dealing with disrespectful people using Buddha’s principles of observing sensations!

Dealing with disrespectful people using Buddha’s principles of observing sensations!

Dealing with disrespectful people using Buddha’s principles of observing sensations! Question:At work, few people are disrespectful in team meetings. I understand emotions arise due to1] my dvesha [I do not have a powerful physical voice or authoritative position,...
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...
Leave the mind alone!

Leave the mind alone!

Leave the mind alone! Question: Dear Didi, in your signature and on your web site, there is a beautiful quote. “Leave the mind alone, it will quieten itself! Meditate!”I meditate, but it is more of a struggle and I always come out feeling not so good about my...
Surrender

Surrender

Surrender Question:I am trying to understand why we have to surrender our impulses/attachments to the Devas. We talked about asking forgiveness of the Devas and asking them to guide us, free us and help us so that we don’t get tripped by the obstacles they throw...
Is Ambition also a seeking?

Is Ambition also a seeking?

Is Ambition also a seeking? Question:One of yesterday’s Yoga Vasishtha knowledge points and homework, that you gave was ‘not to seek and just be and live effortlessly through whatever transpires because of Sanchita karma.’  How do we differentiate seeking from...
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...
The life of ‘maximum relief’

The life of ‘maximum relief’

The life of ‘maximum relief’ Question: My friend somewhere read that the life before liberation is the toughest, is there any truth to this? Answer: I don’t think that the last life before liberation is the toughest. It is just that in that life, you will...
Are you ready for Buddha’s teachings on the Art of BEing with REALITY?

Are you ready for Buddha’s teachings on the Art of BEing with REALITY?

Are you ready for Buddha’s teachings on the Art of BEing with REALITY? 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...
Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted?

Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted?

Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted? Question:Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted? I notice that NOT ONLY in Hindu monks but also in the Buddhist sects. Why can’t man accept the Truth?Answer:Your question is valuable and will help many others.Buddha’s...
Can I continue vedic chanting along with Buddha’s & Ramana’s path?

Can I continue vedic chanting along with Buddha’s & Ramana’s path?

Can I continue vedic chanting along with Buddha’s & Ramana’s path? Question: Respected Ekta ji, I just wish to be guided if one can continue with general practices of chanting Hanuman Chalisa, Om Namah Shivaye , Om Namo Baghvate vasudevaye or Durga....
Bhakti leads to the flowering of Gnyana

Bhakti leads to the flowering of Gnyana

Bhakti leads to the flowering of Gnyana Question: Hello Ektaji, I read somewhere “Devotion destroys all the karma”.  Could you please explain this with reference to what we have learnt so far in Ashtavakra Gita? Answer: Ashtavakra is the path of Gnyana [knowledge]....
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...
Be with reality as it is! But how?

Be with reality as it is! But how?

Be with reality as it is! But how? Question:Didi, what does it mean to be with reality as it is? It’s difficult to understand. Please, would you explain?Answer:Be with reality as it is!This is a tough one to understand. People feel what’s so difficult in being with...
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...
The essence of Mourning period after death.

The essence of Mourning period after death.

The essence of Mourning period after death. Question:Dear Ektaji,A very close friend of my brother is expected to die due to cancer. Respected elder family members have said to him that he cannot attend a family wedding in June if he attends his friend’s cremation...
Is there a benefit in knowing about planetary movements?

Is there a benefit in knowing about planetary movements?

Is there a benefit in knowing about planetary movements? Question:What is the point of knowing that it is the Mercury retrograde going on right now? I have only been on the watch since yesterday keeping a guard to prevent negativity. It makes me nervous. How is it...