by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 3, 2022 | Breath, Faith, Guru/Disciple, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Independent Spirituality, Masters, Masters, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Pranayama, Rumi
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, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind, Mind
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,...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 16, 2022 | Bhakti, Bhakti, Bhakti, Bondage, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Faith, Independent Spirituality, Non-Doership, Prayer, Surrender, Vairagya, Vairagya, Vairagya, Vairagya, Vairagya, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, 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 | Jun 14, 2022 | Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Guru/Disciple, Guru/Disciple, Moksha, Moksha, Moksha, Moksha, Moksha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha
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 | Jun 2, 2022 | Body, Concepts, Concepts, Guru Poornima, Paths, Physical, Scriptures, Siddha
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 | May 3, 2022 | Karma, Knowledge, Niyati, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha
Vashistha talks about Fate and Self-effort Question: I am reading the Yoga Vasistha these days, could you please explain to me pages 22-24 of the Supreme Yoga – by Swami Venkatesananda, where he talks about Fate and self effort? Answer: Vasistha says that ‘Self...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 20, 2022 | Anxiety, Company/Association/Sangha, Fear, Ignorance, Let go, Stress, Thoughts
What will people say? Questions: Hello Ekta didi, small negative events make me sad. It’s like the earth element is constantly dominating me. I worry and fear about things in my life. I don’t know how to rise above it. My problem is I think a lot what other...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 13, 2022 | Anger, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment
Mahati Vinashayati – The greatest disaster! Question : When I am upset with someone or angry I tell myself to be calm and not to throw any agami seeds. My mind comes back saying I am ready to take rebirth. How do I get out of this cycle? Answer: You must...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 6, 2022 | Conscious, Purushartha
Daivam, Niyati & Purushartha Question: What is Daivam, Niyati & Purushartha? The further we go into Yoga Vashishtha the more confused I get… specially with this “Now it depends on the intensity of your commitment whether your Purushartha wins over your Daivam...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 1, 2022 | Attraction, Emptiness, Expectations, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Prakriti, Prakriti, Purusha, Surrender, Surrender, Surrender
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 | Fear, Fear
The greatest fear! Question: Dear didi, your recent post made me realize that the ego is the cause of my beginning. Now that I have taken a step towards liberation there is a strange fear of becoming no one again, the mind says- what will happen to’me’ after...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 23, 2022 | Ashtavakra Gita, Sankalpa/Intention, Sankalpa/Intention
Make Sankalpas then drop them! Question: In Ashtavakra Gita, you say “Make a Sankalpa”. In Yogavashishta, you say drop Sankalpas and be committed to zabardast Purushartha. I am confused. Please help. Answer: This is not the first time for you on the Spiritual...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 2, 2022 | Gossip, New year, Sankalpa/Intention
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 | Jan 1, 2022 | Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Expectations, Guilt, Guilt, New year
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 19, 2021 | Brahman, Prana, Self-Effort
Just DO NOthing! Question: How do you meditate on a specific subject? For example, I think I can utilize deep meditation to get a stronger comprehension of love and how that’s what I’m made of etc etc. But if I’m already in meditation, to try to grab at a specific...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 9, 2021 | Laziness, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic
No proxies allowed in Spirituality! Question: My peaceful experiences are not stable, and I am going up and down in my spiritual path, I feel there is no steady growth in my spiritual path. What should I do? Answer: The spiritual path is long, it is unknown,...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 9, 2021 | Food, Games/Play/Fun, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, Sex/Passion/Celibacy
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 26, 2021 | Intellect, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Love, Memory, Raaga/Dvesha
What if the Karma theory is wrong? Question: I am getting a feeling of missing out. What if this Karma Theory is wrong and I wake up 40 years from now realizing that I missed out on people, places and things that at least gave me short-term pleasure. Now I have to...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 12, 2021 | Dharma, Education, Freewill, Freewill, Freewill, Marriage, Marriage, Marriage, Marriage, Marriage, Sanchita, Service, Spouse, Spouse, Spouse
Karma affects both Material life and spiritual goals? Question: We do not choose where we are born or what profession we choose, but we choose whom we get married to or have kids. Also, the kind of people who come into our life is a result of our past karmas – good or...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 10, 2021 | Depression, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Marriage, Spouse
How to overcome loneliness and depression? Question: My husband is an alcoholic all he does is work and sleep alone, there is practically no interaction or no marriage between us. So I don’t have any company. In spite of understanding all the spiritual knowledge it is...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 28, 2021 | Doership, Knowledge, Personality, Pleasure/Pain, Pleasure/Pain, Pleasure/Pain, Pleasure/Pain, Pleasure/Pain, Pleasure/Pain
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 | Sep 23, 2021 | Dukkha, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, Life, Misery, Pleasure/Pain, Seeking, Sukkha
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 14, 2021 | Destiny, Destiny, Destiny, Destiny, Destiny, Destiny, Destiny, Guru, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic
You are not the doer! Question: We strongly believe – Everything is happening. We are not doing anything. It is foolishness to think, I worked hard to achieve my current state…On the other hand – we also say, we should do our duties. We have to make sure, we do our...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 9, 2021 | Drama, Mind, Time-past/present/Future, Truth, Wisdom
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....
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 31, 2021 | Choice, Dispassion, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Raaga/Dvesha
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, God, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Surrender, Surrender, 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 3, 2021 | Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Causation, Causation, Causation, Causation, Causation, Causation, Causation, Craving, Elements, Freedom, General Spiritual, Happiness, Happiness, Happiness, Happiness, Happiness, Relationship, Relationship, Relationship, Relationship, Relationship
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
Consistent effort is the only way out! Question: JGD Ektaji, I have seen many of your videos. Needless to say I loved them all . Sometimes I feel that I should first be very regular with my sadhana/practice. Because the knowledge that you explain is so very good that...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 22, 2021 | Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Awareness
Kapti Mann Question: If my entire life, I keep on thinking about my raagas and dveshas and try to remove all the karma that I have created in the past, it will take billions of lifetimes and I will never be able to empty my karma bag. Is that the purpose of the raaga...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 20, 2021 | Animal, Buddha, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Courage, Rituals
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 15, 2021 | Space-Time, Space-Time
What is Tapas? Question: What exactly is tapas? Does it refer to a dissolved state? I understand that the words: burn, cook are used here as metaphor but what do they actually refer to? Answer: Tapas means endurance. Tapas is how strong are you mentally to be...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 13, 2021 | Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Brahman, Brahman, Dukkha, Elements, Elements, Gnyani, Impressions, Meditation, Prarabdha, Prarabdha, Prarabdha, Prarabdha, Prarabdha, Space-Time, Upanishad
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?...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 11, 2021 | Compassion, Compassion, Compassion, Compassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Dispassion, Ego, Present Moment
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 8, 2021 | Food, Food, Meditation, Prakriti, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic, Sub-conscious
How do thoughts generate in the mind? Questions: How does the thought generate in our mind? Answer: From a Dvaitam perspective: Thoughts generate out of the subconscious. Now what is the quality of your subconscious? It depends on the conditioning of your mind from:...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 6, 2021 | Fear, Fear, Fear, Opinion/Behavior/Judgement, Service, Service, Service
Are you a Lion or a fox? Question: JGD! Can you please explain today’s Guru Punch- Invoke the lion within you and have an attitude of sacrifice to rescue yourself from anxiety. I don’t understand the ‘attitude of sacrifice’ piece. Answer: People live in a lot...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 1, 2021 | Emptiness, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking
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 | Divine, Greed, Happiness, Love
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 | Doubts, Guru, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization
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 8, 2021 | Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous, Facebook
To Facebook or not? Question: With the advent of social media and uncontrolled use of it, we have added immensely to the list of Raagas and Dveshas especially on viewing people’s profiles, photos or posting messages. In a very subtle way, it impacts the mind and...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 6, 2021 | I, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya, Selfishness
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 | Apr 22, 2021 | Fear, Fear, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Wealth
Are you spiritually wealthy? Question:Jgd Didi,I am working on not creating any more Agami Karma through my thoughts, speech, and action by meditating regularly and being in knowledge. But what if I die and in the next birth because of being lost in MAAYA, I again get...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
Be a Lotus! Question: “The soul sticks on to the body until the karma is exhausted.” This means that you will keep getting a body by the laws of Niyati as long as you have karma. What happens to the soul after it is exhausted with all the Karmas–no more Karmas left,...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 30, 2021 | Anger, Anger, Anger, Aversion, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Fear, Guilt, Jealousy, Kabir, Seva, Seva, Seva, Seva, Seva
Fear of the ‘last thoughts at death’ Question: Ektaji – Is it fair to have Dvesha to control the last impression (not to think certain thing)? If it is something out of control why not make it like “come as it comes” like spontaneously? Can we train our subconscious...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 14, 2021 | Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, Energy, Kriya, Pranayama, Upanishad
Thoughts during meditation and sadness after! Question: Dear Ekta didi, I have been doing my meditation but I just can’t get my mind to shut up! It constantly brings thoughts. I don’t resist them. But I am slightly concerned. I am in no way impatient, I will continue...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 9, 2021 | Gnyani, Gnyani, Gnyani, Gnyani, Maaya, No-Mind, No-Mind, No-Mind, No-Mind, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness, Sakshi Bhav/Witness
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 | Jan 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Crossing through the dark clouds of Maaya! Question:I am practicing being more and more aware. In spite of being aware that my particular Karma or action will create a future karma, my mind gets stuck suddenly and I land up creating an aagami karma seed. How is it...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 27, 2020 | Aagami, Ambition/Career, Sanchita, Sanchita, Sanchita, Sanchita, Sanchita
Is Ambition also a seeking? Question:One of yesterday’s Yoga Vasishtha knowledge points and homework, that you gave was ‘not to seek and just be and live effortlessly through whatever transpires because of Sanchita karma.’ How do we differentiate seeking from...
by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 15, 2020 | Concepts, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Karmaphalam, Liberation
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 | Nov 8, 2020 | Ambition/Career, Competition, Education, Home, Name/Roles, Wealth
The trap of Maaya Question:Dear Ektaji, why do we respect only greatness? Why do we set goals by comparing with bigger and better only? However our benchmarks of Greatness keep changing as we ourselves evolve, and we keep chasing one or other desires. What is a right...
by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 3, 2020 | Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures
Guilt of spiritual insincerity Question: JGD Didi, I have started listening to knowledge recently and I, suddenly, realized that I have been tremendously insincere in the past.This is bothering me too much. I want to progress on the path, please guide me on how to...
by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 17, 2020 | Bondage, Bondage, Bondage, Bondage, Bondage, Bondage, Desire, Feverishness, Feverishness, Feverishness, Feverishness, Freedom, Freedom, Freedom, Freedom, Freedom, Liberation, Liberation, Liberation, Liberation, Liberation, Liberation, Liberation, Liberation, Maya, Moksha, Samsara, Soul, Viveka, Viveka, Viveka
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 13, 2020 | Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Life, Self, Seva
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 4, 2020 | Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort
Intention v/s Effort Question:How to be in Sakshi bhaav and master the mind when I don’t have any means of Sadhana, Seva and Satsang because of a personal situation? I am averse to 2 people in my office, my mind is getting trapped. Knowledge takes a back seat many...
by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 10, 2020 | Masters, Satipathana, 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 | Sep 1, 2020 | Devotion, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Niyati, Niyati, Niyati, Niyati, Reaction, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, Seeking, You
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 30, 2020 | Buddha, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, No-Mind
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 | Aug 20, 2020 | Causation, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Seeking, Senses, Senses, Senses
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:...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 9, 2020 | Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Maaya, Misery, Misery, Misery, Temporary
Desires put you in a catch 22 situation! Question: How does one deal with desires? Whereas some desires may be frivolous like clothes, jewelry, material things and others seem to be existential like taking an extra leadership role at work or leading a volunteering...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 27, 2020 | Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha
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 meditation and...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 26, 2020 | Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Sensations
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 | Jul 16, 2020 | Consciousness, Satipathana, Soul, Soul, Sukkha
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 15, 2020 | Bhakti, Devotion, Devotion, Devotion, Flow with Life
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | May 14, 2020 | Sakshi Bhav/Witness
Did you miss the boat? 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 Bhaav) and as an outsider...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 28, 2020 | Attraction, Attraction, Attraction, Awareness, Dhyana, Mindfulness, Relationship
Are you a SAKSHI ? Question: When the storm of emotions hit (it did yesterday LOL) I kept reminding myself to “watch for it”. The emotion was anger and disappointment but when it was surging the high wasn’t under control. I was constantly reminding myself that the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 22, 2020 | Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, 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 | Apr 21, 2020 | Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Breath, Just Be, Krishna, Mindfulness, Mindfulness, Silence, Spontaneous, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, 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 body...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 15, 2020 | Advaita, Bhakti Sutra, Ramana Maharshi
No ‘I’ No ‘You’! Question: Sutras from the higher chapters of Ashtavakra Gita and Narada Bhaktisutras clearly mention that you are already enlightened and that there is no need to meditate, then why are meditations encouraged by so many? How do...
by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 5, 2020 | Bhakti Sutra, Consciousness, Consciousness, Consciousness, Consciousness, Consciousness, Enlightenment, Form, Formless, God, Self- Realization, Wonder
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 | Mar 29, 2020 | Emotions, Jealousy, Jealousy, Jealousy, Love/Hate, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction
Wrong Karma or Right Karma? Question:Didi – in everyday life situations if I start to ask myself ‘why am I put into this situation?’ and be with awareness and observe without attachments & listen to the inner voice – will I find the answer? ( trying to understand...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 28, 2020 | Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Yoga Vasistha
The Ball is Rolling ! Question: We have mentioned before that through meditation and seva we are able to get rid of some of the karmas in our bags, however, knowing that I am not the doer and no matter what I do the ball will keep rolling, how do those 2 thoughts work...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 19, 2020 | Birth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, 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 | Mar 17, 2020 | Energy, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, General Spiritual, Gratitude, Prana, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Suffering, Suffering
In sickness and in health! Question:Ekta ji, during Vyadhi, even as small as a headache, the Prana takes a hit and is focused only on the body. Should one wait for the phase to finish, and take it as tapas to come back and settle in the Self, what do you...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 16, 2020 | Attachment, Death, Fear, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Paths, Paths, Paths, Paths, Paths, Paths, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, You, You, You, You, You
All Fears are just the Fear of Death! Question: The Enlightened Ones say that “All fears are actually the Fear of death”. I am confused. Please help. Answer: There is actually only one fear. It is the fear of death. There is no other fear. All the other...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 21, 2020 | God, Self
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, Personality, 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 | Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Samadhi, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence
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 10, 2019 | Freewill
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 | Dreams, Sex/Passion/Celibacy
How to come out of the dream? Question:When I don’t know/realize that I’m living in a dream then how do I come out of the dream? – is it right to even think that I should come out (is there something outside of this ) OR think that it’s a dream n nothing matters &...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2019 | Uncategorized
Results for "unhook" Question:I am trying to be in awareness more & more – big problem- if I am silent, awareness is still. The moment I open my mouth, it’s gone along with the awareness. Even if someone else comes, I feel I lose the awareness even when...
by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Samadhi, Samadhi, Samadhi, Samadhi, Samadhi
Be like a crystal! ‘Question: In Patanjali Yogasutras, a reference is made to ‘being a crystal’. Is ‘being a crystal’ different from Sampragnyata samadhi? Answer: ‘Being a crystal’ means living as if you don’t exist....
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 28, 2019 | Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru
6 Signs of a sincere seeker 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 “Gnyana Sangha” button on the left sidebar. Have a Spiritual Question? Ask...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 28, 2019 | Divine, Gnyana, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Prarabdha, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Tapas, Types of Karma, Vedic
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 racing...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 27, 2019 | Abortion, Birth, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Feverishness, Pregnancy
Abortion Karma Question:Dear Ektaji, I just keep wondering about karmas. About 9 years ago we took medicine to end my pregnancy. I was completely against it but my husband said it is his responsibility & his karma. This action never really pinched me as I felt I...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 20, 2019 | Alcohol, Hurt, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Memory, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Suffering
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...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 18, 2019 | Company/Association/Sangha, Company/Association/Sangha, Competition, Gossip, Gratitude, Guru, Guru Poornima, Viveka
Have a ‘Pure’ Guru Poornima! Question: What are the important things that a sincere seeker should understand about Guru Poornima? I was wondering how should a sincere seeker and disciple’s acharan [behaviour] be on the spiritual path especially in the...
by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 16, 2019 | Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Infidelity, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Raaga/Dvesha, Surrender
How to get over the guilt of Infidelity? Question:How to work on maintaining internal purity when I know that I have become impure by stepping out of my marriage? How to get over the guilt of Infidelity?Answer:Everything that happens to us is because of our own Karma...
by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 25, 2018 | Sub-conscious
Silence…..Shhhhh! Question: How to keep an optimum silence during the Silence Course?Answer: Silence is not only of the body, it is of the mind. So one must make every attempt to at least taste a minute of complete silence of the mind at a Silence retreat otherwise it...
by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 10, 2018 | Children, Destiny, Equanimous, Illusion, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary
Destiny Question:My spouse left home 10 years ago saying will be back in 15 minutes but even today I have no clue if alive or not. Only the vehicle was found but not the body. We have one son. After that incident, I was totally devastated. Why did this happen to me?...