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You can know a happening before it manifests if your energies are free of attachment!

You can know a happening before it manifests if your energies are free of attachment!

You can know a happening before it manifests if your energies are free of attachment! Question: Namaste Ektaji, Is it correct that Vasana means an action is premeditated, with a desire-thought preceding it, while a Vichara is a spontaneous arising? When Buddha speaks...
‘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...
No beginning of the World. No End. No God. No Creator.

No beginning of the World. No End. No God. No Creator.

No beginning of the World. No End. No God. No Creator. Question: Ektaji, please can you help clarify about Kalpa or Yuga or the end of time? Also, did God create the world?   Answer: ‘You-the-Witness-Consciousness,’ dream of a sleeping-dream-world...
Correcting at the source with the master key of dispassion

Correcting at the source with the master key of dispassion

Correcting at the source with the master key of dispassion Question: Ekta Didi, Nisargadatta Maharaj advises on correcting at the source. How do I make corrections to the projection?   Answer: When Maharaj says that correction is required at the source, he means...
Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha?

Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha?

Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha? Question: Hello Didi, I understand better when I read rather than when I listen. Are there different books for different levels of Seekers in Gnyana Sangha? If you could tell me which books a...
Don’t just forgive but be grateful for all worldly sorrows

Don’t just forgive but be grateful for all worldly sorrows

Don’t just forgive but be grateful for all worldly sorrows Question: Dear Ekta, Thanksgiving is difficult for people like me. I am unable to give thanks to my family. I want to follow the Buddhadvaita path and forgive, but bitter memories haunt me. Can you help...
If you can see, I can too!

If you can see, I can too!

If you can see, I can too! Question: I’ve been searching for the truth for a long time. I’ve explored a lot of paths — from “human-worship” and “guru-as-celebrity” types to “academic monk” approaches, “ritual-heavy” traditions, and even hopping from one...
What is NOT Sadhana?

What is NOT Sadhana?

What is NOT Sadhana? Question: Dear Ektaji, What is the purpose of Sadhana? Is it to strengthen my witnessing stand?    Answer: There is only ONE sadhana dear – The sadhana of NOT betraying one’s own true Self, as discussed in the earlier verses 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...
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...
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...
Do you test the participants before admitting them to Gurukul?

Do you test the participants before admitting them to Gurukul?

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...
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...
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...
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 impressions get released during contemplation meditation as well?

Do impressions get released during contemplation meditation as well?

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...
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...
Can one use restraint to be celibate?

Can one use restraint to be celibate?

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...
Dealing with people of a different type than you

Dealing with people of a different type than you

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...
You project your own world!

You project your own world!

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

Agamya – Inaccessible through words!

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

The sky is not blue!

The sky is not blue! Question: Dear Ektaben, Following the self explorations, one question has arisen: I have seen 2 thoughts arise in this being at different stages in life: One thought said – I have a choice over my decisions and interactions with people,...
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...
Is sadhana alone not sufficient for attaining moksha?

Is sadhana alone not sufficient for attaining moksha?

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:...
Intense longing for self-realization

Intense longing for self-realization

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

Does the sage not have a mind? 

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

The mind is an old broken mirror!

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

Do thoughts cease at least at Self-realization?

Do thoughts cease at least at Self-realization? Question: Didi, you said in your previous post that “Nothing is going to change by following the spiritual path not even your mind’s noise”. But Ramana Maharshi session you read out the quote where he...
Marriage or Seva?

Marriage or Seva?

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

Dealing with Sexual desires on the spiritual path!

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

Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly?

Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly? Dear Ektaji, I can grasp your teachings very well. I also know that you see the truth. Then why shouldn’t I simply follow you blindly? Why is there insistence on following the inner Guru as opposed to an...
Am I cheating my Guru if I follow somebody else?

Am I cheating my Guru if I follow somebody else?

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...
Yardstick to measure spiritual progress

Yardstick to measure spiritual progress

Yardstick to measure spiritual progress Question: What is the yardstick to measure my spiritual progress? How do I know if I am progressing spiritually?   Answer: The yardstick to measure your spiritual progress is: ‘Equanimity + Awareness’. *Equanimity =...
Can a liar meditate?

Can a liar meditate?

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

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

Is being a witness and being 100% aware the same? Question 1: I was practicing 100% awareness for most of the day. But it seemed to me that as I was 100% aware, I was also totally aware of what I was experiencing through the senses – I was totally aware of what my...
When Nisargadatta Maharaj says, “My world is full of myself”. What does he actually mean?

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

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

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

If this world is a dream, how is it that we all share the same dream? Question: In Yoga Vashishta on page 33 last paragraph, it is said that the Creator is the mind or pure intelligence, the Creator is the mind and pure intelligence is His body, thought is inherent in...
Journey from external to internal

Journey from external to internal

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

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

Does a Guru or the Enlightened one feel sadness? Do they actually fall sick? Question: I have a question, although it may sound silly. I was wondering, do enlightened beings feel sadness? Do they actually feel sick? As I look at an enlightened one, I see consciousness...
Observing the mind and getting out of problems!

Observing the mind and getting out of problems!

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...
Preparation for a long Buddha retreat

Preparation for a long Buddha retreat

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

What is taught in a Buddha retreat?

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...
Buddha taught that there is NO SOUL!

Buddha taught that there is NO SOUL!

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

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

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