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‘I-the-Consciousness project numerous forms’ can be corrected to ‘Manifestation appears spontaneously within Me-the-Consciousness’

‘I-the-Consciousness project numerous forms’ can be corrected to ‘Manifestation appears spontaneously within Me-the-Consciousness’

‘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...
Videhamukti completes the incomplete Jivanmukti

Videhamukti completes the incomplete Jivanmukti

Videhamukti completes the incomplete Jivanmukti Question: Hi Ektaji, I was going through Jivanmukta by Vidyaranya Swamy, wherein he said, “When realization of the Truth (Tattva Jñāna) alone is perfected, but the dissolution of the mind (Mano Nāśa) and the...
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...
Persistent Sakshi-bhaava evolves to natural Vairagya

Persistent Sakshi-bhaava evolves to natural Vairagya

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...
From Loneliness to Aloneness…

From Loneliness to Aloneness…

From Loneliness to Aloneness… Question: Why does everyone feel lonely, irrespective of age, gender, or whether surrounded by people or not? From the Advaita perspective, I know there are no others, and there is only Brahman. ‘Others’ is my figment of...
Spiritual thirst is different from a worldly craving

Spiritual thirst is different from a worldly craving

Spiritual thirst is different from a worldly craving Question: Dear Ektaji, I am observing that I am yearning to be established in the witness consciousness, to know myself, at the same time, I fear that this thirst is a craving, a seeking that is leading me to...
Observation in Waking, Dreaming, and Sleeping reveal the difference between spontaneous flow and deliberate desire

Observation in Waking, Dreaming, and Sleeping reveal the difference between spontaneous flow and deliberate desire

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...
Self-Realization occurs spontaneously and instantaneously not in hindsight

Self-Realization occurs spontaneously and instantaneously not in hindsight

Self-Realization occurs spontaneously and instantaneously not in hindsight Question: Dear Ektaji,  Is my direct seeing correct? This I-Sense is there like a pair of eyes that witnesses all that the waker does. It is the Fourth in which all three states come and go. It...
What is Direct Seeing? Who Sees? What is being Seen?

What is Direct Seeing? Who Sees? What is being Seen?

What is Direct Seeing? Who Sees? What is being Seen? Question: What is direct Seeing? Who Sees? What is being seen? Please help explain it clearly.   Answer: Let’s begin with what direct seeing is not. Direct Seeing is not seeing through the eyes: The eyes...
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...
Beware of mind-manufactured spiritual images 

Beware of mind-manufactured spiritual images 

Beware of mind-manufactured spiritual images  Question: Dear Ekta Ji, There is a recognition that there is an addiction or craving to doing, and there is an emptiness that becomes unbearable at times. The urge to do arises, cravings are created, and unwholesome...
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...
The four avenues to establish in your true Spiritual Self!

The four avenues to establish in your true Spiritual Self!

The four avenues to establish in your true Spiritual Self! Question: Thank you Ektaji for your enlightening wisdom. I have been doing Swapna Nidra Gnyana Sadhana for a few months now. I realized that I am the 4th (Turiya). But still, I am Maya-Ansh (Particle of Maya)....
Who sees?

Who sees?

Who sees? Question: Who sees? What is direct seeing? Is seeing of the ‘I’ a direct seeing? Is that the Self?   Answer: It is direct seeing but not direct seeing of the ‘Self’ dear. Let me explain seeing from the beginning for the benefit of all. The waker cannot...
The image of the witness is not the Witness!

The image of the witness is not the Witness!

The image of the witness is not the Witness! Question: Dear Ekta Ji, there is a recognition that there is an addiction or craving to doing, when the day’s measure is done and there is nothing more to do (including spiritual doing meditating, journaling) there is an...
It is my Dharma to let you know that Spiritual mentorship sessions are not psychotherapy

It is my Dharma to let you know that Spiritual mentorship sessions are not psychotherapy

It is my Dharma to let you know that Spiritual mentorship sessions are not psychotherapy Question: I have lots of suffering. Is there any possibility for me to have a private mentorship session for some guidance on this?   Answer: If you go to a heart surgeon and...
The non-existence of the present moment reveals the non-existence of the mind

The non-existence of the present moment reveals the non-existence of the mind

The non-existence of the present moment reveals the non-existence of the mind Question: Whilst on the journey towards being in the eternal self and where we experience duality, are you saying that in this Maya we cannot be in the present moment? My limited...
Manufacturing mental images and observing them is not true meditation

Manufacturing mental images and observing them is not true meditation

Manufacturing mental images and observing them is not true meditation Question: When I was chanting my mantra, I heard Akathkatha. I saw Shiva in front of my eyes. My consciousness was not in my body. I had that experience for two hours. I felt lightweight and had...
Devotion is the automatic last step on the path of Self-Inquiry

Devotion is the automatic last step on the path of Self-Inquiry

Devotion is the automatic last step on the path of Self-Inquiry Question: Namaste Ektaji, how does the leap from devotion to Self-realization take place for Meerabai, Tukaram, Gnyaneshwar, etc? There is no mention of self-inquiry, so how did they realize who they are?...
There is nobody to be reincarnated

There is nobody to be reincarnated

There is nobody to be reincarnated Question: What is the meaning of Annata or Non-self as taught by the Buddha? Why are there contradictory teachings of rebirth in Buddhism if Annata is the truth?   Answer: Annata means Anatman or Non-self, where there is no...
How is Self-Inquiry done? What is Self-Exploration? 

How is Self-Inquiry done? What is Self-Exploration? 

How is Self-Inquiry done? What is Self-Exploration?  Question: How is Self-Inquiry done? What is Self-Exploration?   Answer: Dear Spiritual Seeker,  On the self-effacing authentic path to one’s true nature, resorting to Self-Inquiry and Self-Exploration is...
There is No BODY!

There is No BODY!

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...
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...
Stages of Direct Seeing are Described Progressively But May be Seen in a Flash

Stages of Direct Seeing are Described Progressively But May be Seen in a Flash

Stages of Direct Seeing are Described Progressively But May be Seen in a Flash Question: Namaste Ektaji, Is this distinction correct?  When there is observation without an observer, there is no arising, only Awareness. When there is Witnessing, the witness sees an...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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....
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,...
Many Masters One Path

Many Masters One Path

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...
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...
Free will is a misnomer!

Free will is a misnomer!

Free will is a misnomer! Question: Ekta Ji, Please can you elaborate on this. Is there no free will? I thought only few things like birth, death, longevity of life, source of birth are predetermined. Others, we can change our karmas. The statement below contradicts....
Truth reveals itself slowly…

Truth reveals itself slowly…

Truth reveals itself slowly… Question: Dear Ektaji.The power of attention in order to come to the NOW is heavily promoted in many spiritual circles. But in my direct experience, I am either paying full attention to something/someone or not. Either way, it is a...
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...
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...
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...
I and You

I and You

I and You Question: With every episode, this knowledge is going in circles. Everything feeds off of the other. Ego dissolves in Love, now Ashtavakra says move from love to knowledge and then drop knowledge to move to love in which you dissolve. The example, that...
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...
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...
Beyond the realm of right and wrong…

Beyond the realm of right and wrong…

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...
Stop struggling and float with Life!

Stop struggling and float with Life!

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...
Become Mortgage-free from relationship patterns

Become Mortgage-free from relationship patterns

Become Mortgage-free from relationship patterns Question: JGD Ektaji, I have been dumped by my boyfriend and I just cannot find the courage to let go and move on. My ego is hurt and I really want to know why? Why has this happened to me? I want to still make it happen...
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...
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...
The greatest fear!

The greatest fear!

The greatest fear! Question: Dear didi, your recent post made me realize that the ego is the cause of my beginning. Now that I have taken a step towards liberation there is a strange fear of becoming no one again, the mind says-  what will happen to’me’ after...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Who is the designer of the Mind?

Who is the designer of the Mind?

Who is the designer of the Mind? Question: Didi I was just in wonder why is my mind so cunning / playing games all the time and not letting me be at peace / be a Sakshi? Why is it designed so? Answer: Design of the Mind: Mind is ruled by the inherent power of Nature...
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...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
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...
Spiritual but not Religious

Spiritual but not Religious

Spiritual but not Religious Question: Now a days it is becoming fashionable to say ” I am not religious but I am spiritual”. Could you help me understand the difference between the two. Isn’t spirituality a part of our religion? Does religion only mean to worship God...
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...
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...