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Persistent Sakshi-bhaava evolves to natural Vairagya

Persistent Sakshi-bhaava evolves to natural Vairagya

Persistent Sakshi-bhaava evolves to natural Vairagya Question: Didi, how to stay at a distance when a captivating arising appears? How to develop sufficient Vairagya (dispassion) towards it?    Answer: Realizing one is the Witness of the Waker and not the...
Does the dream tiger know the dreamer?

Does the dream tiger know the dreamer?

Does the dream tiger know the dreamer? Question: Dear Didi, I am beginning to recognize myself and others as formless and nameless. Are others different aspects of me? Is my daughter an aspect of me appearing as a daughter? Am I projecting all these people based on my...
The peace of deep sleep without losing consciousness

The peace of deep sleep without losing consciousness

The peace of deep sleep without losing consciousness Question:Namaste Ektaji, 🙏 does the term ‘Flow’ refer to both the Universal Power running the apparent Universe, and Jagrut sushupti? When I go with the will of the Universal Intelligence (ie, be with reality as it...
Don’t miss the Karmic account closing window!

Don’t miss the Karmic account closing window!

Don’t miss the Karmic account closing window! Question: Dear Didi, I have a question about arisings, the first wave, and creating further impressions. This is family masala. Waker’s brother-in-law called today and said something rude to Waker. Waker replied,...
You have trapped yourself and Only you can untrap your Self!

You have trapped yourself and Only you can untrap your Self!

You have trapped yourself and Only you can untrap your Self! Question: Dear Didi, If the ego is not getting much attention, is it possible that the ego makes the body fall sick to get attention? If yes, how can one get out of this trap?   Answer: The only way out...
Be grateful for sudden losses, they make you debt-free!

Be grateful for sudden losses, they make you debt-free!

Be grateful for sudden losses, they make you debt-free! Question asked in the Gurukul forum:Someone stole a belonging, and a thought of ill will arose that this product will not have good consequences for the thief. You said that “Every pinch becomes a punch. The...
When there is no perceiver, there is no solid projection!

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

When there is no perceiver, there is no solid projection! Question: Didi, Advaita teaches that the body-mind-person operates per a pre-determined script. Standing as awareness, ingrained behavior patterns (with spouse and teenage son) have slowly changed. If the...
The four avenues to establish in your true Spiritual Self!

The four avenues to establish in your true Spiritual Self!

The four avenues to establish in your true Spiritual Self! Question: Thank you Ektaji for your enlightening wisdom. I have been doing Swapna Nidra Gnyana Sadhana for a few months now. I realized that I am the 4th (Turiya). But still, I am Maya-Ansh (Particle of Maya)....
Manufacturing mental images and observing them is not true meditation

Manufacturing mental images and observing them is not true meditation

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

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

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

There is nobody to be reincarnated

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

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

How is Self-Inquiry done? What is Self-Exploration?  Question: How is Self-Inquiry done? What is Self-Exploration?   Answer: Dear Spiritual Seeker,  On the self-effacing authentic path to one’s true nature, resorting to Self-Inquiry and Self-Exploration is...
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...
Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!

Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]!

Difference between the Gnyani [self-realized] and the Acharya [learned one]! Question: In chapter 4 verse 34 of the Bhagavad Gita it says:”Learn the Truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him with reverence and render service unto him. Such an...
The soundless sound… Anhad Naad!

The soundless sound… Anhad Naad!

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

Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery!

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

The waking dream is like the sky!

The waking dream is like the sky! Question: Is my understanding correct? Mahadaakasha = body-mind complex/intellect/memory/ego – the dream character Chidaakasha: the witness consciousness. Paramaakasha: Pure consciousness/dreamer There is identification as the...
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! Question: 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. Answer: What is the mind? It is simply...
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...
Want to spend an afternoon interacting with a fully enlightened person… How to find one?

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

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

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

Stand up for what is right even if you have to stand alone! Question: Didi, I see that people around me do all kinds of corrupt and unwholesome things – lie, steal, twist facts, play games with me, do politics in office as well as at home. These people are very...
Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly?

Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly?

Why shouldn’t one simply follow a Guru blindly? Dear Ektaji, I can grasp your teachings very well. I also know that you see the truth. Then why shouldn’t I simply follow you blindly? Why is there insistence on following the inner Guru as opposed to an...
Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana

Benefits of Vipassana or Satipatthana

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

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

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

The life of ‘maximum relief’

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

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

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

Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted?

Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted? Question:Why are Buddha’s Suttas not easily accepted? I notice that NOT ONLY in Hindu monks but also in the Buddhist sects. Why can’t man accept the Truth?Answer:Your question is valuable and will help many others.Buddha’s...
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...
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...
The essence of Mourning period after death.

The essence of Mourning period after death.

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

Is there a benefit in knowing about planetary movements?

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