by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 27, 2023 | Buddha, Buddha, Commitment, Meditation, Purushartha, Samadhi, Self- Realization, Truth
Why some people cannot meditate? Question: Why some people cannot meditate? Answer: Many people asked the Buddha why they couldn’t meditate? Here’s what Buddha said… Many spiritual practitioners during Buddha’s time were following the Vedic techniques of...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 27, 2023 | Attachment, Flow with Life, Happiness, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, No-Mind, Senses, Silence, Temporary
Real Joy V/s Fake Joy Question: How do you differentiate real joy and fake joy? How can we find the enjoyment is real and not fake one? Answer: Hello dear, that’s a real deep question. The joy that comes from the objects of senses is temporary. Hence it is not...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 10, 2023 | Advaita, Advaita, Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Ego, Enlightenment, Flow with Life, God, Paths, Rituals, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self-Effort, Symbolism, Truth
Happy Paryushana! Approaching rites and rituals the Advaitic way! Question: Di, I finally had the experience and recognition, that everything is awareness, everything is Brahman! I am Brahman and everything is Brahman. Only Brahman is. And there is no karma....
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 6, 2023 | Awareness, Awareness, Buddha, Freewill, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Karma, Meditation, Mindfulness, Niyati, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Truth, Vedic
Karma Cornering Questions: Right now my office situation is extremely difficult. I am overloaded, there is a lot of politics. I want to leave the job but I can’t because of my personal situation. The stress is affecting my health and I am taking sleeping pills. I am...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 27, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Direct Path, Dispassion, Doership, Ego, Enlightenment, Non-Doership
Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists! Question: Dear Ekta, I notice on the spiritual path, some people experience fear, some sadness but I guess they don’t understand that nothing can be lost. To quote A Course in Miracles: “Nothing real...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 20, 2023 | Buddha, Buddha, Compassion, Gossip, Jealousy, Kabir, Love/Hate, Mind, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Samadhi, Truth
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 16, 2023 | Aagami, Awareness, Buddha, Buddha, Drama, Emotions, Mind, Reaction, Satipathana, Thoughts
The secret of the ‘first thought’! Question: What to do if negative thoughts keep coming against a person. I know it is not right and I am creating agami karma for myself but I am still unable to avoid it. Answer: This is a common mistake made by many spiritual...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 9, 2023 | Awareness, Awareness, Body, Buddha, Buddha, Craving, Desire, Dispassion, Doership, Elements, Feverishness, Gunas, Impressions, Karma, Non-Doership, Pleasure/Pain, Present Moment, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Reaction, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samadhi, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic, Self- Realization, Sensations, Senses, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, Truth, Vairagya, Vasana
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 6, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Buddha, Direct Path, Existence, Guru, I, Illusion, Laziness, Masters, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramana Maharshi, Religion, Scriptures, Seeking, Self- Realization, Senses, Silence, Thoughts, Truth, Worship
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 30, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness
The two witnesses! Question: Ektaji, in deep sleep, Awareness is resting as Pure Consciousness. There is no world. Then how is Awareness aware of being asleep or unconscious? (Ch. 11, I AM THAT) Answer: Nisargadatta Maharaj has explained that there are two...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 19, 2023 | Advaita, Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Desire, Direct Path, Knowledge, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Spontaneous, Suffering, Thoughts, Vasana
Is desire not a thought? Question: Didi, please would you explain if Vichara [thought] and Vasana [desire] are the same or different? Is desire, not a thought? Answer: There is a major difference between Vichara [thought] and Vasana [desire]. Nisargadatta...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 12, 2023 | Causation, Doership, Emptiness, Faith, Flow with Life, General Spiritual, Guru, Illusion, Just Be, Karma, Maaya, Niyati, Personality, Raaga/Dvesha, Reaction, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Seeking, Self, You
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 7, 2023 | Advaita, Ashtavakra Gita, Attachment, Buddha, Company/Association/Sangha, Ego, Enlightenment, Flow with Life, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Krishna, Masters, Mind, Paths, Raaga/Dvesha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness
Am I cheating my Guru if I follow somebody else? Question: Dearest Ekta Didi, I have been with a spiritual foundation for the past 22 years and have done several courses there. Ever since I stumbled upon Ramana’s sessions with you, there has been a huge change that I...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 6, 2023 | Bhakti, Bondage, Commitment, Courage, Devotion, Dispassion, Doership, Ego, Faith, Freedom, Guru/Disciple, I, Independent Spirituality, Liberation, Mind, Moksha, Non-Doership, Prayer, Raaga/Dvesha, Samadhi, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Surrender, Surrender, Vairagya, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 5, 2023 | Attachment, Awareness, Craving, Desire, Dispassion, Ego, Feverishness, General Spiritual, Guru/Disciple, Liberation, Masters, Moksha, Raaga/Dvesha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Tapas, Thoughts
Craving for Guru! Question: Is love for my Guru a Raaga? Will it bring us back in next lifetime with him? what if one does not seek Mukti but only want to be with their Guru in every life? Answer: Then one has not progressed spiritually at all. One has just...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 3, 2023 | Body, Brahman, Commitment, Concepts, Consciousness, General Spiritual, Guru, Guru, Guru Poornima, Intellect, Liberation, Maaya, Maya, Moksha, Paths, Physical, Pleasure/Pain, Purushartha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Samsara, Scriptures, Self-Effort, Siddha, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 21, 2023 | Awareness, Awareness, Body, Buddha, Buddha, Dukkha, Enlightenment, Equanimous, Matter, Present Moment, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samadhi, Satipathana, Senses, Sukkha, Thoughts
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 =...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 28, 2023 | Advaita, Doership, Ego, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, I, Karma, Liberation, Non-Doership, Paths, Raaga/Dvesha, Self- Realization, You
If I am not the doer then how do I accrue Karma? Question: If I am not the doer then how do I accrue Karma? If I am not the doer then how is there a karma bag? If I didn’t do anything then whose Karma bag am I carrying? Answer: When you were a baby, there...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 21, 2023 | Ashtavakra Gita, Bhakti, Bondage, Devotion, Divine, Duality, Enlightenment, Faith, Form, Formless, Gnyana, Gnyani, God, Guru, Guru, I, Ignorance, Karma, Knowledge, Krishna, Liberation, Love, Meditation, Self, Soul, Truth, Vedic, 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...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 17, 2023 | Buddha, Buddha, God
Can a liar meditate? Question: Can a liar meditate? Answer: Buddha said that morality [Sheel] is more important than anything else. If your morals are loose, you will not be able to meditate. If you cannot meditate, inner wisdom will not arise. If inner wisdom...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 14, 2023 | Advaita, Conscious, Doubts, Faith, General Spiritual, God, Grateful, Gratitude, Greed, Human, Knowledge, Liberation, Life, Love, Mind, Personality, Religion, Rituals, Self, Self-Effort, Seva, Truth, Unconscious, Wisdom, Worship
Psychological and Spiritual Poverty Question: Hello Ekta, In the field of Psychology, there is a concept of psychological poverty due to a lack of formative years of unconditional love. Is there something like spiritual poverty that could be a possibility in such...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 10, 2023 | Advaita, Awareness, Chanting, Consciousness, Enlightenment, Kabir, Paths, Pranayama, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Silence
Kabir says that ‘you are that’ already… recognize it before its too late! Question: I found this Kabir poem recitation by Shabnam Virmani. She learned this poem from Bhairavidevi who sings songs about Kabir. Please can you help translate it into...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 7, 2023 | Awareness, Buddha, Concepts, Ego, Enlightenment, Intellect, Karma, Karmaphalam, Knowledge, Liberation, Meditation, Purushartha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Self- Realization, Vairagya, Wisdom
Intellectualization of Spiritual Knowledge is a MAJOR obstacle! Question: Ekta ji, can you point to any references in scriptures or your own experience on how to identify the symptoms of being half baked in Vedanta knowledge or being caught up just in the theory of...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 3, 2023 | Awareness, Buddha, Dhyana, Enlightenment, Gnyana, Gnyani, Guru, Guru, Guru, Knowledge, Knowledge, Meditation, Meditation, No-Mind, Present Moment, Purushartha, Purushartha, Samadhi, Scriptures, Seeking, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Silence, Thoughts
How to experience the spiritual knowledge? Question: I am starting to get to a point of reading/listening/understanding this spiritual knowledge where I am “making it a concept” as Guruji puts it. How do I “experience” the knowledge rather than “learn” it? Just wait...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 26, 2023 | Buddha, Buddha, Courage, Emotions, Mind, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Raaga/Dvesha, Reaction, Self- Realization, Sensations, Thoughts
Churning in the fire of insults/criticism? Burn! Question: JGD Ekta Didi,Lately I have been inundated with thoughts of intimidating people in my family. My mind rewinds and plays the incident and cajoles me to react. While I was in this war in my mind, I realized that...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 23, 2023 | Advaita, Advaita, Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Enlightenment, Mind, Paths, Self, Self-Effort
The personal Journey within the Witness/Awareness/Consciousness! Question: Didi, please, please share with me your own experience of the Journey within Awareness/Witness. I might be there but I am not confident if it is my ‘ego’ thinking I am there. Your...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 9, 2023 | Advaita, Awareness, Consciousness, Duality, Enlightenment, Independent Spirituality, Paths, Ramana Maharshi, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self, Self- Realization
Belief v/s Experience Question: Ektaji, how can witnessing become my experience when I don’t know the very first step itself? I know the Upanishads are Rishi’s meditated and this knowledge came. So I believe in that and studied but if I don’t believe...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 4, 2023 | Advaita, Buddha, Emptiness, Equanimous, I, Independent Spirituality, Let go, Meditation, No-Mind, Paths, Ramana Maharshi, Samadhi, Silence
Difference between ‘I am THIS’ & ‘I am’ per Buddha’s path Question: Dear Ekta di: It would be of great benefit if you could please help with the following: Book: Samyutta Nikaya sutta number 22.89 (7) Khemaka- Pg 944 (middle...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 2, 2023 | Advaita, Advaita, Animal, Concepts, Duality, Dvaita, Food, General Spiritual, Human, Independent Spirituality, Karma, Mind, Paths, Rumi, Uncategorized
Are there karmic consequences to eating meat? Question: Good afternoon. I have been raised as a pure vegetarian. I am however married to a Bengali (love marriage) who has been raised on fish and meat. I love my husband a lot and do not want him to suffer the karmic...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 26, 2023 | Advaita, Advaita, Consciousness, Dreams, Mind, No-Mind, Paths, Types of Mind
Why are they called the 3 states of the Mind in Advaita? Dear Sincere seeker, Please find the short video clip and its transcript below for the answer to the question, Why are they called the 3 states of the Mind in Advaita & not 3 states of consciousness?...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 15, 2023 | Awareness, Body, Buddha, Buddha, Courage, Ego, Mind, Present Moment, Purushartha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self-Effort, Senses
Can I be in Sakshi Bhava all the time? Question: Being lost in the object and withdrawing from the object and becoming a “sakshi”. I am able to do it for a split second especially when I am typing on a keyboard I can see my fingers moving and witness it without being...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2023 | Awareness, Buddha, Buddha, Faith, God, Knowledge, Let go, Mind, Non-Doership, Self, Surrender, Truth, Vedic, Yoga Vasistha
Is Faith required? Question: Didi, what is the meaning of faith? An experience, made me think about what faith means to me anymore. From my understanding I think there are no Gods up there in the sky, there is nobody to hold onto. I see the flow brings situations into...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 26, 2023 | Advaita, Birth, Brahman, Consciousness, Death, Doership, Ego, God, I, Karma, Liberation, Maaya, Maya, Moksha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Self, Soul, Soul, Vedic
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 22, 2023 | Awareness, Breath, Buddha, Buddha, Ego, Meditation, Meditation, Mindfulness, Sensations, Silence
Are you tensing up in meditation instead of relaxing? Question: A teacher said that “If you practice mindfulness too much, you cannot relax and experience the unknown.” I had been pondering on this a lot, I find it true and untrue at the same time. During...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 8, 2023 | Ashtavakra Gita, Awareness, Awareness, Body, Breath, Buddha, Dhyana, Doership, Equanimous, Flow with Life, I, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Just Be, Krishna, Meditation, Mind, Mindfulness, No-Mind, Non-Doership, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Present Moment, Purushartha, Purushartha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Senses, Silence, Spontaneous, Thoughts
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 2, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Doership, I, Mind, Self-Effort, Thoughts
Thought is not conscious! Question: Didi,In the example that you gave during the session, the 1st thought arose out of my previous conditioning that on Sundays I have to attend Atma Nirvriti class. The second thought arose out of the habit of being lazy and the last...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 31, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Concepts, Direct Path, Energy, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sensations, Senses, Silence
When you drop labels, you find Awareness! Question: I feel the energy as well, as soon as I sink into silence. I find the energy is intense and overpowering. I am not sure If it is the witness that is witnessing this energy or is it the mind that is feeling this...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 29, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Body, Concepts, Direct Path, Emotions, Mind, Physical, Sensations, Senses, Temporary, Thoughts
Difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings! Question: Didi, Is there a difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings? Answer: Let’s understand them in detail: Perception:Perception is nothing but images...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 26, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Buddha, Direct Path, Ego, Flow with Life, I, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Silence
Nobody is in control! Question: Didi, I realize that all the vows from Buddha’s path are basically a reminder that I am taking a stand as the mind or body. The moment the recognition happens I get thrown into awareness! I experienced this at work today – it...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 24, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Aversion, Awareness, Body, Brahman, Consciousness, Craving, Direct Path, Illusion, Love, Mind, Sensations
The master key to Bliss! Question: The foundation of the mind was already shaken a little, by the close manner in which you are guiding us, from afar. I have not read about such a thing anywhere, and I’ve read many spiritual seekers’ and sages’ autobiographies/...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 22, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Causation, Direct Path, Mind, Sensations, Thoughts
Awareness knows that the body is shutdown in deep-sleep! Question: What is the hindrance in being aware of sensations in deep sleep? Currently, In the waking state, Awareness is not aware of itself all the time. If Awareness would be aware of itself during all waking...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 19, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Sensations
Who knows the absence of objects in deep-sleep? Question: Ekta Di, If I am holding a baby’s hand, there is touch perceived in awareness. Now, if the body falls asleep holding the baby’s hand the touch is no longer perceived in awareness. Awareness is permanent and is...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 17, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Enlightenment, Home, Ignorance, Maaya, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara
Deep-sleep & Turiya Question: Dear Ektaji, For an Enlightened Being, is the Deep sleep state the biggest as he/she is in Awareness ALL the time? Answer: A beginner only knows the three states of waking-dreaming-deep sleep. Therefore, at the beginning...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 15, 2023 | Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Atmananda, Brahman, Direct Path, Drama, Duality, Illusion, Mind, Ramana Maharshi, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Silence
Drishti Srishti Vaada and Ajaata Vaad Namaste Ektaji: Is it possible that I am shuttling between the two viewpoints? When I am the Witness/Void, I am in Ajaata-vada viewpoint? When I get pulled out by the mind and get involved in the drama, then I am in...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 12, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Consciousness, Direct Path, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Senses, Silence, Thoughts
Is it okay to stop actions and thoughts to be the Witness? Question: Ektaji, When I am in confusion I try to stop my action & thoughts to look into the constant companionship of the Witness. Can you guide me on whether my path is right? Answer: At the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 10, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Consciousness, Direct Path, Sakshi Bhav/Witness
The collapse of the witness! Question: Didi, I am puzzled by what I think I heard – when explaining Drishti-Shristi Vada, I believe you said that along with the Creation the Witness is born … and at night when the Creation dissolves the Witness also...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 8, 2023 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Consciousness, Direct Path, Illusion, Meditation, Memory, Mind, Sensations, Silence, Thoughts
Is there a conscious link between thoughts? Question: Thoughts being dead information are simply a result of the memory of people, situations, things, ideas picked up from conditioning. Is there a conscious link between thoughts? Answer: If you are looking for...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 27, 2022 | Ego, Emptiness, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Mind, Paths, Seeking, Self- Realization, Soul
Enlightenment is the sole purpose! Question: Dearest Ekta, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I recently read your answer in the “Many masters One path” post and it resonated with me. https://ektabathija.com/many-masters-one-path/ Towards the end, you...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 18, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Direct Path, Doership, I, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sensations, Thoughts
It’s very simple and easy! Question: Is it as simple as withdrawing from the stand of body/mind and resting as the awareness? Answer: Yes, it is that simple. It is both simple and easy. That is why it is called effortlessness. You have to give up the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 11, 2022 | Advaita, Atmananda, Aversion, Body, Brahman, Consciousness, Craving, Dreams, Ego, I, Karma, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Personality, Raaga/Dvesha, Thoughts
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 4, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Direct Path, Drama, Duality, Ego, Just Be, Laziness, Maya, Self-Effort
Why drop conditioning? Question: In Atma Nrvriti we are talking about unlearning what we have been taught thus far and to drop all the conditioning, isn’t this another conditioning to drop conditioning? Can we just be? Answer: The Ego makes new excuses daily...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 29, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Body, Buddha, Direct Path, I, Mind, No-Mind, Sensations, Silence
Silence is your new friend! Question: Dear Ektaji, After struggling for many days/attempts I could settle down my mind today taking my attention away from whatever my mind was creating. After a while, a sense of silence overtook me. My being had this kind of...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 17, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Direct Path, Duality, Existence, God, Illusion, Mind, Self, Sensations, Senses, Thoughts, Yoga Vasistha
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 15, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Direct Path, Dreams, Duality, I, Mind, You
Is the awareness/knowingness limited to special people? Question: Do we all experience the awareness/knowingness or is it limited to special people? Can I ever come to the point of recognizing this awareness/knowingness everywhere in everything and everyone? ...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 13, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Direct Path, Existence, I, Mind
Why can’t ‘I’ experience another person’s ‘I’? Question: Dear Ekta Didi, When this ‘I’ is present in every being, why is it that I am not able to experience another person’s ‘I’? I am able to experience only my awareness within my body complex. Could you enlighten me...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 10, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Dreams, Ego, Memory, Mind, Thoughts
Chittachaya – Borrowed Consciousness! Question: Ekta didi, please would you explain Chittachaya [borrowed consciousness]? Answer: Just like we cannot see gravity but we can experience it, knowingness cannot be seen but its effects are experiential. ...
![Advaita [Non-Duality] in a nutshell. Everything is Brahman [Consciousness]. How?](https://ektabathija.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/witness-consciousness-1080x675.jpg)
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 8, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Direct Path, Mind, Self, Sensations, Thoughts
Advaita [Non-Duality] in a nutshell. Everything is Brahman [Consciousness]. How? Question: Ekta didi, please would you explain Advaita [Non-Duality] in a nutshell. Everything is Brahman [Consciousness]. How? Answer: Let’s directly experience it rather...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 6, 2022 | Atmananda, Buddha, Consciousness, Dispassion, God, Guru, Kabir, Knowledge, Meditation, Moksha, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramana Maharshi, Self, Self-Effort, Silence, Wisdom
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:...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 1, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Ego, Fear, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Thoughts
The Sun is always shining! Question: The response of the mind to ‘Perceptions are not conscious by themselves’ went from fear to denial to acceptance. The mind recognized that it has been thirsting to merge in the Infinite for a while. Then why fear? Answer:...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 30, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Consciousness, Direct Path, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness
Difference between the witness and pure consciousness! Question: Didi, could you explain the difference between consciousness and pure consciousness? Answer: Whenever there is an object to witness, then only the witnessing consciousness arises. The witnessing...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 27, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Concepts, Consciousness, Direct Path, Doership, Dreams, Ego, Happiness, I, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj
I have eaten up the world! Question: Didi for some time now, in the dream-state, there is that ‘I-Amness’ and a knowingness of the dreams. Whatever the story is, it runs like a movie with a knowing that it is a dream. Is that how it’ll be? Answer: Yes, dear. ...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 18, 2022 | Advaita, Atmananda, Awareness, Dreams, Flow with Life, I, Just Be, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Non-Doership
Seeing life as a dream! Question:Didi for some time now while in dream state there is that ‘I-amness’ and a knowingness of the dreams. Whatever the story is, it runs like a movie with a knowing that it is a dream. Is that how it’ll be? Answer:Yes dear....
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 16, 2022 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Aversion, Craving, Direct Path, Doubts, Ego, Impressions, Knowledge, Meditation, Mind, Raaga/Dvesha, Self-Effort
Do impressions get released during contemplation meditation as well? Question: While doing the Nisargadatta Contemplations [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwOB9CZXOf9TFFu5ayJGJHYpb6SW0xj5G], I noticed a release. Do impressions get released during contemplation...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 25, 2022 | Aagami, Animal, Anxiety, Ashtavakra Gita, Attachment, Aversion, Bhagwad Gita, Consciousness, Craving, Desire, Emotions, Enlightenment, Feverishness, Gunas, Guru, I, Karma, Karmaphalam, Maaya, Maya, Niyati, Prarabdha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Sanchita, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic, Scriptures, Self, Soul, Types of Karma, Upanishad, Vedic
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 18, 2022 | Buddha, Energy, Form, Formless, Mind, No-Mind, Samadhi, Vedic
Thought waves are recorded in Space! Question: Are thoughts recorded in Space? They say that whatever the Rishis and Yogis have said is recorded in Space and the most aware mind can download this in the deepest of the meditation. Please explain how this works? ...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 11, 2022 | Bhakti, Devotion, Enlightenment, Expectations, Faith, Gnyana, Gnyani, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Karma, Karmaphalam, Knowledge, Non-Doership, Prayer, Raaga/Dvesha, Seeking, Seeking, Self- Realization, Surrender, Vairagya
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 31, 2022 | Aagami, Awareness, Bhakti, Craving, Divine, Emotions, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Gnyana, Impressions, Intellect, Karma, Karmaphalam, Knowledge, Meditation, Mind, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Prarabdha, Reaction, Sanchita, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Tapas, Types of Karma, Vedic, Wisdom
Dealing with Anxiety Question: Dear Ektaji, How should one deal with anxiety through Karma Yoga? I understand the role of gyana and bhakti/surrender when we are anxious about something in future but it is still prabhava gyana. Therefore I end up reasoning with my...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 7, 2022 | Dispassion, Guru, Guru, Knowledge, Maaya, Samsara, Vedic
Guru chose me or I chose the Guru? Question: Didi, I have heard that Guru chooses his disciples and we are not choosing our Guru. Can you please explain this. Answer: One aspect to it is that in the ancient times, the Guru would test the disciple to see if he...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 5, 2022 | Concepts, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Guru, Maaya, Mind, No-Mind, Senses, Silence, Viveka
How does the mind of an Enlightened function? Question: As a realized sage reads a newspaper, looks at the words, does the mind faculty in him read the words out loud? Even as I read there is a voice in the head clearly enunciating every word or since they are...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 3, 2022 | Awareness, Breath, Commitment, Courage, Faith, Flow with Life, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru/Disciple, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Knowledge, Let go, Life, Masters, Meditation, Meditation, Mind, Pranayama, Rumi, Samsara, Self, Self, Self-Effort, Truth, Wisdom
Journey from external to internal Question: Dear Ektaji, I have been with a spiritual organizaion for 15 yrs now, have done courses, seva, satsang(less of seva though :-), could be better) … However, one question that has never been understood is going within. Journey...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 23, 2022 | Attention-Seeking, Devotion, Dhyana, Dispassion, General Spiritual, Gnyana, Guru, Guru, Guru, Just Be, Knowledge, Meditation, Meditation, Mind, Purushartha, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort
Connect with the Master internally instead of the external physical body! Question: I did feel a strong connection to my Guru when I did the course. But 3 years later now, I don’t feel anything. When I go to Ashram, I see people in crowds getting excited about Guruji,...
![Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!](https://ektabathija.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sun-tree-1080x675.jpg)
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 21, 2022 | Advaita, Awareness, Bhagwad Gita, Body, Brahman, Consciousness, Desire, Direct Path, Dreams, Ego, Enlightenment, Expectations, Gnyani, Greed, Guru, I, Illusion, Kabir, Knowledge, Masters, Mind, Name/Roles, Personality, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Self- Realization, Service, Truth, Upanishad, Wealth, You
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 12, 2022 | Advaita, Awareness, Company/Association/Sangha, Consciousness, Duality, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Guru, I, Knowledge, Masters, Paths, Ramana Maharshi, Religion, Scriptures, You
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 22, 2022 | Attachment, Aversion, Craving, Desire, Dispassion, Feverishness, General Spiritual, Karma, Mind, Raaga/Dvesha, Reaction, Sensations, Types of Karma, Vasana
What is attachment? Question: When it comes to moving from karma to akarma, What is the difference between indifference and dispassion? If karma is not about right and wrong action but rather forming an attachment towards an action, shouldn’t a murderer who does not...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 15, 2022 | Body, Buddha, Consciousness, Emptiness, Enlightenment, Festivals, Gunas, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Maaya, Masters, Raaga/Dvesha, Self, Senses, Truth
HAPPY BUDDHA POORNIMA! Jai Guru Dev! Happy Vesak. What is Vesak? It is a Pali word for Vesākha or Buddha Poornima. Buddha was born, he got enlightened and he died, all on the same day. It is called Vesak in Pali. That was the language of those times. Buddha spoke in...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 10, 2022 | Dispassion, General Spiritual, Karma, Karmaphalam, Sanchita
How do we accumulate Karma? Question: Do women accumulate Karma on a/c of behavior under the influence of changing hormones? Answer: Yes, you will accumulate karma if you get attached to anything. Your hormones are again part of your sanchita karma dear. ...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 19, 2022 | Advaita, Body, Direct Path, Dreams, Ego, Enlightenment, History, Human, Illusion, Knowledge, Mind, Non-Doership, Personality, Upanishad, Wisdom
Can spiritual wisdom ever have a negative impact? Question: Dear Didi. I realized after yesterday’s session that without the Advaita basics and guided practice or experiential knowledge, the path to Ajaata Vaad can have a negative effect on the well-being of an...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 3, 2022 | Dispassion, Girlfriend/Boyfriend, Illusion, Independent Spirituality, Life, Maaya, Physical, Pleasure/Pain, Prakriti, Purusha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Relationship, Samsara, Seeking, Self, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, Vairagya, Vedic
Does spirituality reduce the desire for sex? Question: Some have very strong desires and need sex anywhere between 2/3 times a week. Some have not had sex in months. Some are frustrated that one of the partner initiates all the time. Some have never had great need for...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2022 | Buddha, Meditation, Mind, No-Mind, Silence
Meditation is not for me! Question: While meditating, not even once have I listened to the whole meditation, there are variety of things happening every single time: 1. As soon as I close my eyes, even when I am paying attention to the voice, my mind starts...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 3, 2022 | Devas, Doership, I, Karma, Let go, Mind, No-Mind, Surrender, Surrender, Vedic
Surrendering to Devas 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 up by the obstacles...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 1, 2022 | Attachment, Attraction, Awareness, Consciousness, Emptiness, Enlightenment, Expectations, Gnyana, Impressions, Knowledge, Mind, Prakriti, Purusha, Scriptures, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Surrender, Vedic, Viveka, Wisdom
Abiding in the Self! Question: There is a sort of ‘bond’ between the awareness and the mind. The awareness goes out every time (away from the self to the world). And this connection or bond must be broken. How can I break this connection? I know that I have to take a...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 30, 2022 | Courage, Ego, Fear, I, Liberation, Meditation, Vedic
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 25, 2022 | Anxiety, Attachment, Dispassion, Doership, Expectations, Feverishness, Karma, Mind, Niyati, Present Moment, Vedic
True meaning of dispassion! Question: Jai guru dev Ekta didi, I am a student..How do I study dispassionately? Somehow i have had to create an impression that if i study well then i will get leisured lifestyle..And that causes little anxiety in me…What is the key to...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 16, 2022 | Ashtavakra Gita, Dispassion, Dukkha, Raaga/Dvesha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Seeking, Vedic
Dispassion is natural on the path! Question: We learnt in Yoga Vasishtha that seeking is the cause of Dukha in this Samsaara. I have been applying this knowledge and walking sincerely on this spiritual path for over 5 years now. I am feeling stuck in my career and...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 6, 2022 | Ashtavakra Gita, Birth, Body, Death, Karma, No-Mind, Samadhi, Self, Vedic
Drop the body before the body drops you! Question : In Asthavakra 8, you said, at death, the body gets tired of you and drops you. Is it not the other way around? When karma is exhausted the Purusha drops the Prakriti. Isn’t it true? Please help to clarify. ...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 2, 2022 | Buddha, Buddha, Commitment, Gossip, Karma, Meditation, Mind, New year, Samadhi, Sankalpa/Intention, Silence
New Years vows for the sake of spiritual progress! Happy New Year Angels! In the new year, let’s take Buddha’s vows to make it the year where your spiritual wisdom grows at rocket speed. Remember, your own experience is your teacher. If in your own experience, you...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 16, 2021 | Animal, Body, Craving, Desire, Freewill, General Spiritual, Intellect, Liberation, Maaya, Mind, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Senses, Viveka
How is ‘human life’ different from ‘animal life’? Question: I am wondering that the ideal way to live is: be in the present moment without worrying. No desires even desire for liberation is not necessary as it may become a craving ragga...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 7, 2021 | Body, Death, Energy, Fear, Formless, Independent Spirituality, Knowledge, Masters, Matter, Meditation, Mind, Rishi, Scriptures, Self, Swamy, Truth, You
Fear of Death = Fear of unknown Question: How is fear of 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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 2, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Death, Direct Path, Duality, Fear, I, Ignorance, Independent Spirituality, Liberation, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self, Self- Realization, Suffering, Thoughts, Upanishad
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,...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 29, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Body, Direct Path, Dreams, Existence, Gnyana, I, Impressions, Knowledge, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Senses, Thoughts, Upanishad
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....
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 28, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Craving, Desire, Direct Path, Enlightenment, Feverishness, Just Be, Knowledge, Memory, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Scriptures, Senses, Silence, Surrender, Thoughts, Upanishad, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 27, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Birth, Body, Choice, Death, Direct Path, Doership, Fear, Freewill, I, Life, Maaya, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Thoughts, Upanishad, Wisdom
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,...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 26, 2021 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Bondage, Buddha, Consciousness, Direct Path, Doership, Drama, Ego, Enlightenment, Flow with Life, Human, I, Knowledge, Life, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sensations, Suffering, Thoughts, Universe, Upanishad, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 23, 2021 | Advaita, Atmananda, Consciousness, Desire, Direct Path, I, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Surrender, Thoughts, Upanishad
What is the locus of the ‘longing to understand the highest’? Question: Dear Ektaben, One paradoxical observation of the screen of ‘knowingness’ is that it knows(!) that the mystery of the whole screen of ‘knowingness’ is simply...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 22, 2021 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Awareness, Company/Association/Sangha, Direct Path, Enlightenment, Human, Illusion, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self- Realization, Upanishad
Names for the indescribable reality! Question: Self-realized beings’ describe everything as a ‘hologram’. Do you literally see people as holograms (that is the word we will use as I only know hologram based on current mind perception visual)? How...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 7, 2021 | Advaita, Body, Direct Path, Drama, Dreams, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness
Don’t seek acknowledgment for your own personal unshareable insight! Question:Last night, as I was falling asleep, I had this strange experience. At the level of the mind I became aware of some hazy images and a pretty strong humming sound flashing close to my...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 4, 2021 | Buddha, Buddha, Fear, In- Laws, Marriage, Misery, Relationship, Samsara, Self-Effort, Temporary
Obstacles on Spiritual Path Question: JGD Ekta ji, I have registered for the Silence course but I am so scared of my in laws. They would not approve my absence for 5 days. I have almost decided to not attend the course. But I am very restless to attend. I am stuck...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 31, 2021 | Advaita, Body, Desire, Direct Path, Doership, Ego, Enlightenment, Feverishness, Flow with Life, Jealousy, Just Be, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self- Realization, Truth
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 24, 2021 | Advaita, Attachment, Body, Death, Desire, Direct Path, Fear, Food, Fullness, Life, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, No-Mind, Pleasure/Pain, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Thoughts, Universe
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 21, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Body, Desire, Direct Path, Doership, I, Illusion, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Universe
Primordial Awareness is Stillness itself! Question:When there is no I, there will be no witnessing, only Primordial Awareness or Universal witness (as Maharaj describes it). Instead of “I am seeing” (witnessing), there will be only, “Seeing is happening” (Primordial...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 19, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Direct Path, Doership, Dreams, Ego, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Personality, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sensations, Thoughts
The journey to Ajaata Vaad! Question:I understand that the dream character = body/mind, I = Witness, and Dreamer= Pure Consciousness. The thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions do not belong to the Witness, they belong to the Dreamer, Pure Consciousness. The...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 17, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Desire, Direct Path, Ego, Existence, Happiness, Illusion, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Pleasure/Pain, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 14, 2021 | Advaita, Anger, Bhakti, Body, Buddha, Compassion, Concepts, Consciousness, Direct Path, Dispassion, Ego, Energy, Fear, Flow with Life, Gnyana, Illusion, Independent Spirituality, Let go, Life, Meditation, Mind, Religion, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Thoughts, Truth
Let go of the story! Q: 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. A: What is the mind? It is simply thoughts+feelings dear....
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 7, 2021 | Concepts, Dispassion, Duality, Dvaita, Equanimous, General Spiritual, Mind, Raaga/Dvesha, Vairagya
Are you a Vairaagi yet? Question: Does Vairagya mean a giving up of non-religious pleasures like singing, dancing, poetry etc. or just give up hankering for them? Answer: Vai – raagya means devoid of raaga. Who is not a vairaagi? – It does not matter whether...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 3, 2021 | Ashtavakra Gita, Awareness, Death, Enlightenment, History, Maya, Mind, Scriptures, Self, Silence, Truth, Vedic
Scriptures are not history! Question: I am a humble learner with a multi-variate interest in scriptures and vedas since my school days. There was this Shastrarth that took place between sage Astavakra and Acharya Bandi in presence of King Janaka. Can I assume that at...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 28, 2021 | Courage, Craving, Desire, Dispassion, Doership, Ego, I, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Karma, Knowledge, Life, Non-Doership, Personality, Pleasure/Pain, Raaga/Dvesha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Self, Self- Realization, Truth, Vairagya
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 31, 2021 | Attachment, Buddha, Buddha, Choice, Commitment, Courage, Dispassion, Enlightenment, Equanimous, Guru, Marriage, Present Moment, Purushartha, Raaga/Dvesha, Self-Effort, Seva, Surrender, Vedic
Marriage or Seva? Question: I want to do seva to progress spiritually. I feel I will progress much more if I were at my master’s feet than being at home. I also do not want to get married, but my mother wants me to get married. I am in a quandary. Should I focus on...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 12, 2021 | Advaita, Dispassion, Ego, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Gnyana, God, Happiness, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Knowledge, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Paths, Samsara, Scriptures, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Surrender, Worship
Do you test the participants before admitting them to Gurukul? Question: Dear Didi, I want to join your Gurukul system, but I know that I am far from being eligible right now. I am too attached to this Samsara and my yearning is not strong enough for the highest...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 10, 2021 | Ego, Emptiness, I, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Meditation, No-Mind, Self
Ego got you in! Ego gets you out! Question: JGD Didi, my whole life is a cycle of I’s (Egos).. it is a sine curve of I’s and the people, situations and things are only a tool to help me recognize the ‘I’ fluctuation. If it’s been all about the ‘I’, how can one be...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 8, 2021 | Ambition/Career, Attention-Seeking, Death, Desire, Doership, Drama, Emptiness, Expectations, Flow with Life, I, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Mind, Non-Doership, Present Moment, Thoughts
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 20, 2021 | Animal, Buddha, Courage, Intellect, Karma, Karmaphalam, Liberation, Moksha, Rituals, Vedic
Animal Sacrifice for Peace & Goodluck! Question: Dear Ekta Ji, I am constructing a new house and it has reached the end stage. I have heard that we need to do animal sacrifice at home and put its blood on the walls of the new house to do peace for the new house....
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 11, 2021 | Compassion, Courage, Dispassion, Ego, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Present Moment, Relationship
Dispassion or Ego? Question: Is it important for the outside world to accept my change in personality/ my growing dispassion? I don’t care about or see the outside world and when an ego of an external person/world comes up, I concentrate to focus on myself and the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 5, 2021 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Body, Death, Direct Path, Dreams, Emptiness, Food, Illusion, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramana Maharshi, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samadhi, Self- Realization, Sensations, Thoughts
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 4, 2021 | Advaita, Atma Nirvriti, Atmananda, Body, Death, Direct Path, Dreams, Knowledge, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sensations, Silence, Thoughts
Can thoughts cease? Question: Will the thoughts cease with the Advaita knowledge of being the Witness? Answer: There is Peace when you take the stand as the Witness but the Peace itself is not silent. The thoughts still continue to arise from this Peace, just...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 1, 2021 | Awareness, Awareness, Dhyana, Emptiness, I, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Meditation, Meditation, Mind, Non-Doership, Purushartha, Purushartha, Seeking, Seeking, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Silence, Thoughts
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 27, 2021 | Aversion, Courage, Dispassion, Divine, Ego, Enlightenment, Equanimous, Greed, Guru, Happiness, Love, Raaga/Dvesha, Vairagya, Vedic
Enlightenment makes me greedy! Question: JGD Ektaji, Thanks for sharing this beautiful thought, but I believe thinking about enlightenment itself is a kind of suffering. You constantly work hard towards it reminding yourself that enlightenment is your end goal. I have...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 20, 2021 | Causation, Commitment, Destiny, Doubts, Gnyana, Guru, Guru, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Karma, Knowledge, Liberation, Scriptures, Self, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Truth, Wisdom
Are you worthy of Spiritual Knowledge? Question : Sometimes I wonder that, am I even worthy of this highest and beautiful knowledge? Even after studying and applying the knowledge we sometimes lose the path and get involved in cravings, desires and get carried away by...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 15, 2021 | Body, Concepts, Doership, Dreams, Ego, Faith, I, Just Be, Mind, No-Mind, Purushartha, Samsara, Self, Thoughts, Vedic, Yoga Vasistha
The Mind does not exist! Question: JGD Ekta Ji, I am of the mindset that there will always be thoughts in the mind but by staying in knowledge and other techniques you can control your mind so that you are not attached to these thoughts. This way you are still...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 13, 2021 | Advaita, Awareness, Consciousness, Direct Path, I, Just Be, Mind, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Silence, Thoughts
Mind’s attention OR the Witness? Question: Dear Ekta, How can I clearly distinguish between the mind’s attention and the witness? Answer: Let’s start with an analogy. When you stand in front of the mirror, you see a reflection of yourself...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 6, 2021 | Attachment, Buddha, Courage, Dhyana, Ego, Gnyani, I, Illusion, Maaya, Maya, Meditation, Mind, No-Mind, Purushartha, Samsara, Self-Effort, Selfishness, Yoga Vasistha, You
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 18, 2021 | Aagami, Brahman, Consciousness, Energy, Flow with Life, Freewill, Impressions, Karma, Karmaphalam, Maaya, Niyati, No-Mind, Prakriti, Prarabdha, Purusha, Raaga/Dvesha, Sanchita, Types of Karma, Vedic, Vibration
Mahaa Maaya, Moha Maaya and Yoga Maaya Question : The ball is rolling and we are not the doer. Whatever will happen will happen. How does free will fit in? We have the free will not to create agami karma but what has to happen will happen irrespectively. Unless agami...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 16, 2021 | Consciousness, Desire, Emotions, General Spiritual, Gnyani, Knowledge, Meditation, Memory, Mind, No-Mind, Paths, Raaga/Dvesha, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic, Self- Realization, Sensations, Sex/Passion/Celibacy
Wanting to look good….. Raaga or not? Question:I have a desire to have clear pretty skin. I was wondering if it is Raaga or it is part of nature? Is it a bad karma or a bad desire to want to look pretty not with make-up but with normal skin?Answer:You are the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 11, 2021 | Aagami, Body, Bondage, Destiny, Doership, Enlightenment, Freewill, Guru, I, Karma, Karmaphalam, Maaya, Mind, Niyati, Purushartha, Raaga/Dvesha, Samsara, Sankalpa/Intention, Siddha, Soul, Temporary, Time-past/present/Future, Vedic
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 9, 2021 | Attachment, Buddha, Courage, Dhyana, Ego, Gnyana, Gnyani, I, Illusion, Knowledge, Maaya, Maya, Meditation, Meditation, Mind, No-Mind, Paths, Purushartha, Purushartha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samsara, Scriptures, Self-Effort, Yoga Vasistha, You
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 4, 2021 | Body, Concepts, Doubts, Emptiness, Faith, Fullness, Guru, Intellect, Knowledge, Mind, Opinion/Behavior/Judgement, Personality, Prakriti, Purusha, Vedic
See Guru as an Energy, not a Personality! Question:Yesterday Guru Dev tweeted that see Guru as beyond a personality see the being, see the hollow and empty, ever full presence. From past few weeks, I was actually wanting to feel Guru Dev beyond the body. And you are...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 29, 2021 | Anger, Craving, Desire, Dispassion, Equanimous, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Just Be, Knowledge, Meditation, Mind, Present Moment
Dispassion is not Suppressing Desires Question: Is dispassion accepting what has come our way and not longing for a certain outcome? Answer: Dispassion is a natural maturity of the intellect that comes after dissolving yourself in self-introspection or spiritual...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 21, 2021 | Children, Drama, Enlightenment, Games/Play/Fun, Gnyana, Illusion, Karma, Maaya, Marriage, Mind, Purushartha, Relationship, Spouse, Truth, Vedic
Why this? Why that? Why? Why?…. It’s all Maaya! Question:JGD Didi, I had a nasty marriage and even nastier divorce in past. I have two adorable children though. I have promised them they will never have any stepfather in their life, that is the reason why...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 10, 2021 | Body, Emptiness, General Spiritual, Karma, Mind, Niyati, Paths, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Seeking, Silence, Spontaneous
How would I know I am not seeking anymore? Question: Can you please explain how would we know whether we have united or reached our self and are Pure witness right now. How do we know we are doing it right? How would I know I am not seeking anymore? Answer: Being a...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 5, 2021 | Awareness, Devas, Divine, Doership, Ego, Energy, Existence, Freedom, I, Intellect, Karma, Let go, Mind, No-Mind, Prayer, Present Moment, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Spontaneous, Suffering, Surrender, Vedic, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 13, 2020 | Awareness, Consciousness, Enlightenment, God, Guru, Kabir, Paths, Religion, Self-Effort, Suffering
Kabir says drop all conditioning! Question: In one of your answers, you mentioned that Kabir asks us to burn down our house of material and spiritual conditioning if we want to attain the Witness/Consciousness/Sakshi. Has Kabir explained what is spiritual...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 1, 2020 | Body, Death, Karma, Liberation, Mind, No-Mind, Ramana Maharshi, Self-Effort
Why is the no-mind state not permanent in this human body? Question: Dear Ektaji, With reference to the ‘no mind’ state, why is it that no mind state is not permanent in this human body? Answer: This answer will make sense only if you have started the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 29, 2020 | Awareness, Body, Enlightenment, Gnyani, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Masters, Matter, Mind, Physical, Pleasure/Pain, Prakriti, Ramana Maharshi, Suffering
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 12, 2020 | Dispassion, Ego, Flow with Life, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Maaya, Time-past/present/Future, Truth
Dispassion or Disinterest? Question: Jgd Ekta di, Are dispassion and disinterest one and the same. I have lost ambition in Career. I do whatever job is given to me. But my Boss has started noticing it that I don’t go beyond what was asked of me and don’t bring new...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 17, 2020 | Attachment, Bondage, Commitment, Consciousness, Courage, Craving, Desire, Doership, Ego, Enlightenment, Feverishness, Freedom, Illusion, Independent Spirituality, Liberation, Life, Maya, Moksha, Non-Doership, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Purushartha, Raaga/Dvesha, Samsara, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Soul, Tapas, Temporary, Truth, Vedic, Viveka, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 15, 2020 | Body, Buddha, Energy, Enlightenment, Meditation, Paths, Samadhi, Samsara, Satipathana, Self- Realization, Senses, Wisdom
Meditating during periods! Question: Is it ok to do meditation during periods? My doubt arose because I can feel the energy flow upwards in meditation, while the energy is said to flow downwards during periods. This is a huge topic of controversy in Kerala, India....
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 13, 2020 | Awareness, Buddha, Enlightenment, Knowledge, Knowledge, Let go, Liberation, Life, Maaya, Maya, Meditation, Meditation, Moksha, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Service, Seva, Vedic
Why do I feel stagnant in my spiritual growth? Question:JGD Ektaji – As you are aware, I have been in knowledge for about 3 years now. I have also been involved with some seva and regular sadhana but I feel like I am not growing. I watch my self all the time (sakshi...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 8, 2020 | Awareness, Buddha, Buddha, Consciousness, Depression, Emotions, Knowledge, Let go, Mind, Present Moment, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self-Effort, Thoughts, Vedic, Viveka
Observing the mind and getting out of problems! Question: I understand that we have to maintain an observer’s attitude towards our mind. But sometimes, trying to observe what is going on in my mind creates more turmoil in my mind since an inner dialogue starts...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 29, 2020 | Awareness, Body, Breath, Buddha, Buddha, Desire, Emotions, Feverishness, Gossip, Meditation, Raaga/Dvesha, Reaction, Satipathana, Sensations, Senses, Silence, Thoughts, Truth, Wisdom
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 13, 2020 | Buddha, Buddha, Enlightenment, Faith, Meditation, Mind, Samadhi, Scriptures, Truth, Vedic
Buddha became globally popular because… Question: Why is Buddha globally popular even though he was criticized by Vedic sages? Answer: Buddha, born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama had everything – money, name, fame, position, power, wife, everything one could wish for....
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 10, 2020 | Awareness, Buddha, Buddha, Enlightenment, Karma, Karmaphalam, Masters, Present Moment, Satipathana, Self-Effort, Sensations
Buddha’s Legendary Enlightenment Question: Why is Buddha’s enlightenment considered legendary. Are there categories in enlightenment? Answer: Transcription: JGD. The question is: Why is Buddha’s enlightenment considered legendary. Are there categories in...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 29, 2020 | Advaita, Concepts, Consciousness, Enlightenment, Food, General Spiritual, Mind, Paths
Is vegetarianism preferable for spiritual growth? Question: Thank you for the article on vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism – https://ektabathija.com/are-there-karmic-consequences-to-eating-meat/. My question is not about the Karmic consequences of eating meat...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 25, 2020 | Attachment, Awareness, Awareness, Bondage, Buddha, Buddha, Concepts, Craving, Desire, Equanimous, Freedom, Ignorance, Just Be, Knowledge, Let go, Meditation, Mind, Misery, No-Mind, Pleasure/Pain, Present Moment, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samadhi, Samsara, Satipathana, Seeking, Sensations, Silence, Suffering, Temporary, Thoughts, Wisdom
What is taught in a Buddha retreat? Question: Please would you explain what is taught in the Buddha retreats? I have statues of Buddha at home but am totally unaware of his teachings. Please enlighten me about what is Vipassana, Samatha, Jhanas, etc. Answer: Here is a...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 23, 2020 | Advaita, Advaita, Emptiness, Festivals, Fullness, Ganesh, Independent Spirituality, Paths, Ramana Maharshi, Vedic
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Question:Namaste Ektaji,Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this occasion, I wanted to share an anecdote of Ramana Maharshi related to this festival. It’s from the book Guru Vachaka Kovai recorded by Muruganar. It’s a pun on the word ‘purnam’, the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 21, 2020 | Advaita, Bondage, Enlightenment, Fear, Fear, Freedom, Guru, Guru/Disciple, Independent Spirituality, Liberation, Paths, Ramana Maharshi, Suffering
Fear being used as a weapon on the spiritual path Question: Fear is being used to keep me bound to my current spiritual teacher. I keep getting emotionally manipulated by others in this community with the fearful stories of losing spiritual grace if I leave. But my...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 16, 2020 | Awareness, Buddha, Consciousness, Enlightenment, Just Be, Meditation, Purushartha, Satipathana, Scriptures, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Soul, Soul, Sukkha, Truth
Buddha taught that there is NO SOUL! Question:Buddha taught that there is NO SOUL! Please, can you enlighten us on this?Answer:To understand Buddha first, we have to understand his basic teachings.Buddha was a prince, who saw riches/name/fame/relationships but did not...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 6, 2020 | Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Guru, Guru/Disciple, Independent Spirituality, Religion, Scriptures
How do I find my Guru? Question: How do I find my True Guru? Answer: The Guru is within you but some of us cannot recognize the internal Guru so we need an external Guru to work like a GPS and point inwards. Here are the three aspects per the Vedantic traditional...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 1, 2020 | Advaita, Buddha, Buddha, Chanting, Company/Association/Sangha, Competition, Duality, Flow with Life, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Maaya, Non-Doership, Ramana Maharshi, Self- Realization
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....
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 25, 2020 | Awareness, Brahman, Consciousness, Enlightenment, God, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Love, Present Moment, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Self- Realization, Silence
God lives in my pocket… a poem by Ekta Bathija He said, “keep searching”,She said, “don’t stop the search”.I searched, I searched, I searched,And I couldn’t find anything. Then one fine day, sitting on the green couch,by the window, watching the sun’s golden...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 7, 2020 | Consciousness, Dispassion, Flow with Life, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Knowledge, Samsara, Silence, Temporary, Vairagya
How to be motivated when you know everything is incapable of satisfying? Question:At first I had found satisfaction in this idea of “aniccha – everything is incapable of satisfying”. It was kind of relieving that I didn’t have to wait to actually do something or...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 2, 2020 | Aversion, Awareness, Awareness, Birth, Buddha, Craving, Death, Just Be, Mind, Moksha, Present Moment, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Samadhi, Self, Space-Time, Time-past/present/Future
Time does not exist! Question: As you said, we will be born again and again until we attain moksha from the cycle of birth and death. How to understand the paradigm of time here i.e. after this life, can I be born back in time? Does time exist really? If no, then...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 28, 2020 | Ashtavakra Gita, Awareness, Emotions, Guru, Liberation, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Vedic
Identifying yourself with your thoughts and emotions, thinking that you created them, is utter ignorance ! Question: I came across this message, “Identifying yourself with your thoughts and emotions, thinking that you created them, is utter ignorance. When you...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 26, 2020 | Attraction, Awareness, Craving, Ego, Intellect, Life, Maaya, No-Mind, Senses, Vedic, Viveka
At what level are you in the Game of LIFE? Question:JGD Ekta Di, today in our modern society, we see people dressing in all kinds of ways for different social situations. Is there a spiritual perspective on how we should dress and what kind of clothes we should wear?...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 24, 2020 | Buddha, Mind, No-Mind, Purusha, Self, Senses
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 25, 2020 | Attachment, Dispassion, Dreams, Fear, General Spiritual, Let go, Life, Maaya, Mind, Raaga/Dvesha, Self- Realization, Truth
The truth is that you really don’t want to wake up! Question:If I have to get enlighten, it seems so difficult. I have to get over my attachment to my spouse, children, parents, friends, job, aspirations, power, position, company, money, house, car, friends, phone,...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 24, 2020 | Awareness, General Spiritual, Intellect, Just Be, Maaya, Mind, No-Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Silence
Being Aware! Question:Dear Ekta Didi, I observe a habit of talking to myself. I try hard not to speak, but I can’t stop it and then I join the conversation again! I have experienced a state of not talking to myself and just being, but I find it a very new thing and...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 23, 2020 | Awareness, Just Be, Karma, Liberation, Mindfulness, Present Moment, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Samadhi, Self, Self, Self- Realization, Vedic
Be a witness to all that is happening Question:Jai guru dev Ektaji – Di, we are not the body. Though this body will finish one day but we are not destroyed as we are the energy which is making this body work. Di, I want to know that whatever karma we do, we do it...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 20, 2020 | Awareness, Body, Consciousness, Enlightenment, Mind, Non-Doership, Purusha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Thoughts, Vedic, You
When “I” watch my thoughts, who is doing the watching? Question: When “I” watch my thoughts, is it my consciousness that’s doing the watching? Or another layer of the burrito altogether? Answer: You are watching the thoughts. You are not the mind, you are not...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 17, 2020 | Awareness, Consciousness, Dreams, Duality, General Spiritual, Illusion, Let go, Physical, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Satori, Self, Truth, Videha
Is it possible to drop duality? Questions: In Cosmos, it is said that there is no concept of time. My question though is, can you experience this while you are in a physical form. From Lila’s story(yoga vasishtha), she had to remove the duality completely? Please...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 16, 2020 | Advaita, Duality, Dvaita, Ego, I, Independent Spirituality, Misery, Rumi, Samsara, You
A beautiful poem on Advait (non duality) Question: I really liked the Sufi poem about the stranger who knocks on the door, and then last time says “I am you”, etc etc. Can you send a link to this poem? Answer: It is a poem by Rumi, that I heard in Urdu long...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 12, 2020 | Bhakti, Brahman, Buddha, Conscious, Consciousness, Devotion, Emotions, Emptiness, Enlightenment, Fullness, Gnyana, Gnyani, Intellect, Love, No-Mind, Silence, Thoughts
Emptiness IS Fullness! Question:How can emptiness be also called fullness on the spiritual path? Please clarify.Answer:On the spiritual path, many different kinds of people walk. Some people are in the head and some people are completely in the heart. The people...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 10, 2020 | Birth, Brahman, Consciousness, Death, Ego, Enlightenment, Fear, God, Grateful, Gratitude, Guru, Hindu, I, Intellect, Knowledge, Krishna, Liberation, Love, Masters, Maya, Puja, Rituals, Self- Realization, Shiva, Soul, Surrender, Surrender, Vedic, Wisdom, Worship
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 5, 2020 | Ashtavakra Gita, Awareness, Bhakti Sutra, Consciousness, Emotions, Enlightenment, Form, Formless, God, Independent Spirituality, Knowledge, Life, Maaya, Maya, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Raaga/Dvesha, Samsara, Scriptures, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Vedic, Wonder, Yoga Vasistha
Who is God? Question: What’s the easy way to be connected to divine. I was good at that but I got lost & cannot concentrate to get there again. Answer: How to be connected to the divine? Who is God? Most do not even know who is God. How can you be...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 3, 2020 | Buddha, Buddha, Consciousness, Dispassion, General Spiritual, God, Krishna, Maaya, Shiva
Krishna, Shiva, Buddha – They are all just ONE! Question:I am not able to understand the line – “The bestower of dispassion is Shiva, that Consciousness that is bliss, innocence, and omnipresence. Krishna is the outer manifestation of Shiva. And the inner...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 19, 2020 | Birth, Bondage, Commitment, Death, Dhyana, Dispassion, General Spiritual, Gnyani, Guru, Life, Maaya, Meditation, Purushartha, Self-Effort, Truth
Mourn Birth & Celebrate Death! Question: Didi, we usually cry when a close one dies. There is a high possibility that he/she has finished his/her karma bag and will not take birth again. Instead of crying we should be happy for them. We cry for our own selfish...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 16, 2020 | Awareness, Awareness, Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Guru, Ignorance, Masters, Meditation, Wisdom
Types of Spirituality paths! Question: I struggle between the need for objects of meditation (music, chanting) and just being in pure nothingness. Sometimes I am here, sometimes there. I want to reach the ultimate spiritual goal. Have I reached this confusion after a...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 21, 2020 | Ego, Enlightenment, God, Guru, Independent Spirituality, Mind, Purushartha, Self, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Vedic
The door that leads you ‘IN’ also leads you ‘OUT’! Question: I am a very competitive and jealous person in the office, at home, with family & friends and especially in my volunteer activities. Now this competition is coming into my...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 9, 2020 | Compassion, Courage, Dispassion, Ego, Flow with Life, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Paths, Personality, Present Moment, Relationship, Vairagya
Dispassion or Ego? Question: Is it important for the outside world to accept my change in personality/ my growing dispassion? I don’t care about or see the outside world and when an ego of an external person/world comes up, I concentrate to focus on myself and the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 14, 2019 | Bondage, Dispassion, Freedom, General Spiritual, Guru, Knowledge, Meditation, Meditation, Mind, No-Mind, Samadhi, Samsara, Scriptures, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Silence, Truth, Vairagya, Wisdom
Longer retreats for advanced meditators! Question: Please would you provide some insight into the need for longer retreats and how they help a spiritual seeker? Answer: In the longer retreats, a sincere spiritual seeker receives individual meditation instructions....
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 11, 2019 | Aversion, Birth, Choicelessness, Death, Desire, Dispassion, Enlightenment, Equanimous, Independent Spirituality, Just Be, Liberation, Meditation, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Samadhi, Self- Realization, Silence
How to make sure not to be born again? Question:How to make sure not to be born again? How to stop the cyclical nonsense of birth and death?Answer:That’s an invaluable question, dear. But, It does not have a straight answer. There is NO way to ensure not to be born...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 10, 2019 | Desire, Dispassion, Flow with Life, Karma, Karmaphalam, Let go, Paths, Raaga/Dvesha, Seeking, Vedic
Bhavanga – The flow! Question:I started recognizing doing things naturally without application of the mind (application of the mind feels like there is a raaga/dwesha). There is a flow outside the involvement of the mind. I come to work, because I have to work and it...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 10, 2019 | Compassion, Destiny, Dispassion, Freewill, Karma, Knowledge, Maaya, Mind, Pleasure/Pain, Purushartha, Self-Effort, Silence, Truth, Vedic
The higher Truth! Question-Today I was thinking that this body, this human life and the tools like Viveka that I currently have are only to understand, learn and reach the highest truth. But I’m just happily using it for all this worldly Maaya stuff. For a person to...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 10, 2019 | Death, Divine, Formless, Guru, Guru Poornima, Independent Spirituality, Masters, Mind, No-Mind, Rumi, Truth
A Master is death as well as Resurrection! Question:JGD Didi, Krishnamurty says you do NOT need a Guru or a Master to walk the spiritual path, you can get there on your own. Why is a Master required on the Spiritual path?Answer:There is a Rumi poem:I died as a mineral...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2019 | Aversion, Buddha, Desire, Dispassion, Gunas, Karma, Mind, Raaga/Dvesha, Samsara, Seeking, Vairagya
True Dispassion or mind’s game? Question:Jgd Ekta Didi,Recently I have noticed a change in my mindset as I go deeper into the spiritual path. Earlier I used to enjoy going to the gym and swimming because I had the desire to stay fit. But recently I have lost...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2019 | Desire, Flow with Life, General Spiritual, Impressions, Meditation, Mind, No-Mind, Silence, Suffering, Surrender, Thoughts, Truth, Unconscious
Results for "root cause" Question:Desires and tendencies – it’s one thing being aware as they come up, suppress them, reduce them, possibly even eliminate them. But there is always a danger lurking of reviving them. I am going through one right now. It’s a...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Brahman, Consciousness, Dispassion, Just Be, Matter, Mind, Soul, Vairagya, Vedic, Viveka
Married but celibate, is that possible? Question: If I get attracted to someone, I just remind myself that I can be without it and focus on the breath. Can someone be a Brahmachari or celibate throughout his/her life and still have a happy married life? Answer:...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Anger, Aversion, Awareness, Awareness, Buddha, Craving, Desire, Emotions, Fear, Guilt, Independent Spirituality, Knowledge, Love/Hate, Memory, Mind, Mindfulness, Present Moment, Raaga/Dvesha, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sankalpa/Intention, Sensations, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, Thoughts, Vasana, Wisdom
Can one use restraint to be celibate? Question:For Brahmacharya to happen, a maturity is required, before this maturity can one use restraint to be celibate?Answer:The act of “restraining the senses” belongs to the circle of sleep.What is the circle of...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Devotion, Enlightenment, Independent Spirituality, Self, Self- Realization
Direct realization or instant enlightenment! Question:JGD Ekta ji, I am trying to understand difference between direct realization and contemplation. I thought contemplation is by doing self inquiry one is trying to abandon ego, and direct realization is experiencing...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Aagami, Attraction, Awareness, Causation, Emotions, Emptiness, Energy, Gnyana, Impressions, Independent Spirituality, Intellect, Just Be, Knowledge, Let go, Love/Hate, Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sankalpa/Intention, Thoughts, Vibration
Principles of Law of Attraction Question:I’ve noticed, it is said to ‘be positive’ or to ‘think positive’ so you attract that kind of people or energies around you, but when thoughts are negative then those energies or situations arise sooner than the positive...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Aagami, Buddha, Company/Association/Sangha, Compassion, Emotions, Ignorance, Independent Spirituality, Let go, Life, Opinion/Behavior/Judgement, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Scriptures, Viveka
Dealing with people of a different type than you Question: Hello Ektaji, how do we deal, on a day to day basis, with people who are relatively unconscious or ignorant? For e.g. at work, my colleagues are ignorant about proper diet and healthy lifestyles, such as...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 28, 2019 | Enlightenment, General Spiritual, Guru, Human, Knowledge, Liberation, Masters, Misery, Moksha, Rishi, Seva, Siddha, Swamy
What is the difference between a Rishi and a Guru? Question:Is there a difference between a Rishi and a Guru?Answer:A Guru is a Siddha, he has been liberated and has returned back to the world to help others attain liberation, to spread peace, to help humanity in...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 28, 2019 | Attachment, Attention-Seeking, Attraction, Brahman, Consciousness, Craving, Desire, Divine, Divine, Enlightenment, Food, Greed, Raaga/Dvesha, Self, Self, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, Soul, Soul, Vedic
Is sex divine? Question:I have a very personal question. What is significance of sex in our marriage? If I am not the body, and only the consciousness, then how do I define sex or lovemaking with my spouse? Is sex divine? Or is it more of us not able to control our...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 22, 2019 | Brahman, Consciousness, Enlightenment, God, Knowledge, Upanishad, Vedic
Question:If all these “upanishads” have different authors, what is the underlying reason that they’re all classified/grouped together as “upanishads”?Answer:It was a golden age where the rate of enlightenment was very high After the study of the Vedas, many Rishi’s...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 21, 2019 | Awareness, Awareness, Birth, Death, Enlightenment, Impressions, Karma, Liberation, Mind, Miscarriage, No-Mind, OM, Raaga/Dvesha, Soul, Unconscious, Vedic
Baby dying in womb attains liberation or not? The key to liberation is ‘awareness’. Being ‘Aware at the point of death is the secret code!For an ‘unenlightened soul’, birth and death both happen in a ‘deep sleep state devoid of awareness’. Because of this lack of...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 15, 2019 | Ego, Emptiness, Gossip, Impressions, Karma, Mind, Sankalpa/Intention, Silence, Vedic
Hollow and Empty! Question:Dear Ektaji, referring to “I am hollow and empty” – does this mean if I remind myself that I am nothing, I will automatically modify my speech and eventually it will become pure?Answer:“I am hollow and empty” is a meditation that we do in...
