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Decision-making – Everything is a happening!

Decision-making – Everything is a happening!

Decision-making – Everything is a happening! Question: Should I stay here in the US or go back to India? Should I sell my home or keep it and rent it out and return back to the US in a few years? Is there still some karma to be taken care of in the US…..in this...
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...
The doer and experiencer are not the same illusion, even if they seem so! 

The doer and experiencer are not the same illusion, even if they seem so! 

The doer and experiencer are not the same illusion, even if they seem so!  Question: Dear Ektaji,Is my understanding correct? Situation:6pm – I keep my car keys somewhere in my house.8pm – I want to go out. I am searching for the car keys but can’t find...
Who are you listening to?

Who are you listening to?

Who are you listening to? Question: Hi Ektaji, Is Drishti/Nazar real? My son gets sick OR runs to emergency with some stiches/fractures etc after he achieves any trophy OR he exposes his skills in  a group. Mostly, whenever I get ready and am happy, immediately...
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...
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...
Apaatra Daanam – Charity to the unworthy!

Apaatra Daanam – Charity to the unworthy!

Apaatra Daanam – Charity to the unworthy! Question: Dear Ektaji,When do we call it Apatradanam? My husband and I helped on several occasions, our Indian temple priest by giving guru Dakshina in US dollars. Now there is a request for money for his daughter’s dental...
How to do proper darshan of the Guru during Guru Poornima?

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

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

The soundless sound… Anhad Naad!

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

Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery!

Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery! Question: One of my friends asked me if as Advaitins so we plan but I found it hard to explain to her that everything is happening as it’s already programmed. The doer-ship is a false assumption. How do I explain this...
Does spirituality reduce the desire for sex?

Does spirituality reduce the desire for sex?

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...
Guru Ashtakam helps one look inwards toward the Inner Guru!

Guru Ashtakam helps one look inwards toward the Inner Guru!

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

Happy NEW perspective!

Happy NEW perspective! Seeker: Can you help me make a firm new years resolution and stick to it? Answer: At this junction in life [new years], most people run after resolutions or they sit and sulk about the past years resolutions that they did not keep up to. Haven’t...
Storm of Emotions in Relationships

Storm of Emotions in Relationships

Storm of Emotions in Relationships Question: I am going through a lot of stress in relationships, too much storm of emotions in relationship with one particular individual. Please help!   Answer: There are definite steps to always follow irrespective of who/what...
The waking dream is like the sky!

The waking dream is like the sky!

The waking dream is like the sky! Question: Is my understanding correct? Mahadaakasha = body-mind complex/intellect/memory/ego – the dream character Chidaakasha: the witness consciousness. Paramaakasha: Pure consciousness/dreamer There is identification as the...
There is a difference between feeling happy and being happiness yourself!

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

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

Names for the indescribable reality!

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...
From scenery to seer!

From scenery to seer!

From scenery to seer! Question: Ektaji, what is the scenery and what does it mean ‘not to get lost’ in the scenery? Who is the seer?   Answer: Scenery: Everything around you is the scenery. The people, situations and things around you are all scenery Seer: You...
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 mind is an old broken mirror!

The mind is an old broken mirror!

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

Let go of the story!

Let go of the story! 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....
Who am I?

Who am I?

Who am I? Question: Similar to what’s said in AG 4- I got caught in identifying with a talent and also with not having a talent & was/is suffering. What is said in it still repeats in my ears. It is mentioned “you don’t know who you are”. I started thinking how...
There is no happiness in this world!

There is no happiness in this world!

There is no happiness in this world! Question: Why am I not happy with my-self? Why am I continuously looking for someone/something/some situation to make me happy or make me feel that I am happy?   Answer: There is no Happiness/Sukha in this world, but the mind does...
Free will is a misnomer!

Free will is a misnomer!

Free will is a misnomer! Question: Ekta Ji, Please can you elaborate on this. Is there no free will? I thought only few things like birth, death, longevity of life, source of birth are predetermined. Others, we can change our karmas. The statement below contradicts....
To Act, or Not To Act?

To Act, or Not To Act?

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

Overwhelmed by to-do’s? Naah!

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

Dealing with Possessiveness

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

KARMA!

KARMA! Question: Please explain the sentences   Excerpt 1 -The space is not afflicted by any action. Similarly, you are free from karma.    Answer: Look around you right now. You are surrounded by space from all angles. Can you touch the space around you?...
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...
Who is the designer of the Mind?

Who is the designer of the Mind?

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

Truth reveals itself slowly…

Truth reveals itself slowly… Question: Dear Ektaji.The power of attention in order to come to the NOW is heavily promoted in many spiritual circles. But in my direct experience, I am either paying full attention to something/someone or not. Either way, it is a...
Dealing with disrespectful people using Buddha’s principles of observing sensations!

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

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

Karma and Suffering

Karma and Suffering Question:If everything is decided by Karma flow then what possibly could be an explanation of 3 years or even 3 months old girls getting physically abused? Is the one who is getting sexually abused experiencing the result of Sanchita karma? If yes...
If everything is a play of Destiny, then what is Freewill?

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

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

Who is the designer of the Mind?

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

Leave the mind alone!

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

Intellectualization of Spiritual Knowledge is a MAJOR obstacle!

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...
The life of ‘maximum relief’

The life of ‘maximum relief’

The life of ‘maximum relief’ Question: My friend somewhere read that the life before liberation is the toughest, is there any truth to this? Answer: I don’t think that the last life before liberation is the toughest. It is just that in that life, you will...
Stand up for what is right even if you have to stand alone!

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

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

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

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

Vasanas

Vasanas Question:Can you clarify what vasana means?Answer:The mind is stuck in 3 factors –PeopleSituations andThingsThe association with all these 3 will lead to impressions in the mind.Association with people leads to – Impressions of entanglement, jealousy, lust,...
Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana

Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana

Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana Question: I went for the 10 days retreat. The experience was very fulfilling. On day 4 of the Vipassana program during meditation, I was vividly seeing the events from my childhood more than 35 years ago which upset me very much...
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...
Birthday Message!

Birthday Message!

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

Why is there a pinch experienced in doing right?

Why is there a pinch experienced in doing right? Question:I have a question regarding the previous knowledge on Apaatra Daanam!We have faced that situation many times with extended family. Using my Viveka, it’s obviously ‘apaatra’! But why I still feel a pinch? Just...
Are you ready for Buddha’s teachings on the Art of BEing with REALITY?

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

Are you ready for Buddha’s teachings on the Art of BEing with REALITY? Question:I am confused whether I should start with the Vedic or Buddha’s knowledge sessions on the website http://www.gnyanasangha.com. How do I know if I am ready for Buddha’s...
Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted?

Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted?

Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted? Question:Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted? I notice that NOT ONLY in Hindu monks but also in the Buddhist sects. Why can’t man accept the Truth?Answer:Your question is valuable and will help many others.Buddha’s...
Want to spend an afternoon interacting with a fully enlightened person… How to find one?

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

Want to spend an afternoon interacting with a fully enlightened person… How to find one? Question: I have a very deep thirst for knowing the Truth of ‘Who am I?’ I follow Ramana Maharshi’s teachings but it is so difficult to find a fully enlightened being to spend...
What is the purpose of life?

What is the purpose of life?

What is the purpose of life? Question:I keep wondering why we first broke away from our nature of infinite consciousness? Why did that subtle vibration even occur that led to the “I”/ ego and then to the projected consciousness that leads us to this cycle of samsara...
How to be motivated when you know everything is incapable of satisfying?

How to be motivated when you know everything is incapable of satisfying?

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...
Who is God?

Who is God?

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...
A few questions on KARMA

A few questions on KARMA

A few questions on KARMA Question:Is karma about keeping your intentions positive or is it about keeping your intention and thoughts neutral?Answer:There are two steps:Moving from negativity to positivityDropping the attachment to positivity = attaining...
Be with reality as it is! But how?

Be with reality as it is! But how?

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

Death

Death Question: Dearest Ektaji, My first boss and mentor who became a very good friend just died this morning. I have known him since 1985. Part of me feels ignorant/lost and part of me feels thirsty. I feel Lost because I do not have good knowledge about death and...
Longer retreats for advanced meditators!

Longer retreats for advanced meditators!

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....
The essence of Mourning period after death.

The essence of Mourning period after death.

Results for "the essence" Question:Dear Ektaji,A very close friend of my brother is expected to die due to cancer. Respected elder family members have said to him that he cannot attend a family wedding in June if he attends his friend’s cremation ceremony....
Anger burns you NOT the other person

Anger burns you NOT the other person

Anger burns you NOT the other person Question:Didi one silly questionIs doing unwholesome behavior with unwholesome people justified? I got angry with a person at work who was gossiping and was very harmful towards me, so I gave her a taste of her own medicine, but...
Is there a benefit in knowing about planetary movements?

Is there a benefit in knowing about planetary movements?

Ekta Question:What is the point of knowing that it is the Mercury retrograde going on right now? I have only been on the watch since yesterday keeping a guard to prevent negativity. It makes me nervous. How is it helpful?Answer:Mercury Retrograde is just an apparent...
Karma and its ways

Karma and its ways

Karma and its ways Question:My husband is an alcoholic all he does is work and sleep alone.  there is practically no interaction or no marriage between us. I feel extremely lonely and very depressed at home.What should I do to come out of this loneliness and depressed...
When someone blames you, they actually take away some negative karma from you!

When someone blames you, they actually take away some negative karma from you!

When someone blames you, they actually take away some negative karma from you! Question:Jai Gurudev Ekta didi, “When someone blames you, they actually take away some negative karma from you. Understand this and don’t put up resistance. Feel happy and lighter about it....