Thoughts |

Ignore the lust for mystical experiences…that is not true spirituality!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 19, 2022 | Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Dreams, Kabir, Kabir, Kabir, Personality, Personality, Personality, Ramana Maharshi, Ramana Maharshi, Ramana Maharshi, Religion, Religion, Rituals, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Self, Truth

Ignore the lust for mystical experiences…that is not true spirituality! Question: Ekta Ji, in a dream, even if certain events are unlikely, they may look sooo.. convincing… I am still practicing to witness myself in both states. But I could experience the...

Craving for Guru!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 14, 2022 | Dispassion, Feverishness, Feverishness, Feverishness, Feverishness, Feverishness, Guru/Disciple, Liberation, Masters, Moksha, Tapas

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...

Stand naked in front of the mirror

by Gnyana Sangha | May 19, 2022 | Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures

Stand naked in front of the mirror Question: Hi Ektaji, How to control or stop negative thoughts that are coming in the mind every time or in any situation and think positive? Answer: JGD dear, Mind is a trickster so there are certain important steps that we...

You chose your parents! How?

by Gnyana Sangha | May 1, 2022 | Attraction, Birth, Birth, Parents, Sanchita, Soul

You chose your parents! How? Question: In the karma video you have mentioned that the soul selects his/her parent for a new body and environment. Does the soul make this decision guided by a certain thing (if it is guided by our sanchita? are we aware of our sanchita...

Waking versus dream state!

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 21, 2022 | Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body, Body

Waking versus dream state! Question: Didi, I noticed that sometimes before this body wakes up in the morning, there is a state where I’m aware that I’m still asleep, no sense of body, just some blurry broken pieces of ‘image’ (‘thought)… and then I wake up. Sometimes...

Everything is programmed! Quit the self-foolery!

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 17, 2022 | Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth, Truth

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...

How do you tell the difference between fear and intuition ?

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 10, 2022 | Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom, Wisdom

How do you tell the difference between fear and intuition ? Question: I’ve been feeling extremely anxious (more than normal). I try to resist negative thoughts, but they keep coming up. How do I handle this? Somehow, I can’t shake off this anxious feeling...

Why do we all have same thought patterns?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 31, 2022 | General Spiritual

Why do we all have same thought patterns? Question: Recently I had this thought (1 is allowed!) that maybe it is better to unlearn some of my mind’s bad habits than to have no mind at all. But then I thought (fine, 2!) how did these habits get learnt at all? Which...

Guilt is a safety valve!

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 27, 2022 | Misery, Misery, Misery, Types of Karma

Guilt is a safety valve! Question: What is guilt? Why is our conscience so strong (in some cases), for example, if one lies, but later on he feels guilt. He knows he lied for the best, otherwise it would cause hurt to the other’s mind. Answer: Guilt is...

Thought body and Intuitive body

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 24, 2022 | Aagami, Intuition, Intuition, Time-past/present/Future

Thought body and Intuitive body Question: What’s the difference between thought body and intuitive body? Answer: Only awareness is the tool that can help distinguish a thought from an intuition. Here are a few tell-tale signs. Thought – Very...

What will people say?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 20, 2022 | Company/Association/Sangha, Emotions, Fear, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Stress, Stress

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...

Does the dreamer have the waking memory?

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 17, 2022 | Illusion, Uncategorized

Does the dreamer have the waking memory? Question: After waking up we recognize that dream objects are illusory. Similarly, when we go into the dream state do we recognize that waking state objects are illusory. Experientially I do not know. Is the memory of waking...

Make Sankalpas then drop them!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 23, 2022 | Intellect, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Let go, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha, Yoga Vasistha

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...

Does a fleeting thought create karma?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 20, 2022 | Karma

Does a fleeting thought create karma? Question: If we have a fleeting thought, which is a negative thought about someone, does it create an attachment due to the dvesha or does it have to be continuous thoughts incessantly one after another about the dvesha for that...

Does planning happen in present or future?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 18, 2022 | Anxiety, Intuition

Does planning happen in present or future? Question: Some more explanation on ‘planning happens in the present moment’ will be helpful to me. Often, when I am walking [morning walk] or meditating, a thought or an idea arises on what needs to be done to resolve a...

New Years vows for the sake of spiritual progress!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 2, 2022 | Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Commitment, Commitment, Commitment, Gossip, Gossip, New year, Silence

New Years vows for the sake of spiritual progress! Happy New Year Angels! In the new year, let’s take Buddha’s vows to make it the year where your spiritual wisdom grows at rocket speed. Remember, your own experience is your teacher. If in your own experience, you...

Happy NEW perspective!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 1, 2022 | New year, Temporary

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...

The waking dream is like the sky!

by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 3, 2021 | Breath, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Illusion, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Intellect, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses, Senses

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...

Only a Jivanmukta can be called a Videhamukta, others simply die!

by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 2, 2021 | Duality, Fear, Ignorance, Liberation, Self

Only a Jivanmukta can be called a Videhamukta, others simply die! Question: Didi, is it a correct understanding that a Jivanmukta interacts with the world in Sakshibhav whereas for Videhamukta the world does not exist? Answer: For the convenience of all,...

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...

You are ‘Niranjan’!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 30, 2021 | Upanishad

You are ‘Niranjan’! Question: When thoughts would be all over and I start stressing and getting exhausted, I remember to shift my stand from body-mind to the witness. It just calms me down, seems a ocean of peace and calm is within me (I just have to...

You project your own world!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 29, 2021 | Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge

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!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 28, 2021 | Surrender, Surrender, Surrender, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Upanishad, Wisdom

Agamya – Inaccessible through words! Question: I wanted to also share that I really found the question and answers helpful after the explorations yesterday where Ektaji was speaking with Shailaja. That mind is only limited to the perception of five senses and...

The sky is not blue!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 27, 2021 | Birth, Choice, Death, Freewill, Freewill, Freewill

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! 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...

Don’t dissect the illusion!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 24, 2021 | Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda

Don’t dissect the illusion! Question: Dear Ektadi,During the transition from the dreaming state to the waking state, the transformation of the thoughts into dream images stops suddenly. It is like while knitting the yarn suddenly runs out. It is as if the...

What is the locus of the ‘longing to understand the highest’?

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 23, 2021 | Advaita, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj

What is the locus of the ‘longing to understand the highest’? Question: Dear Ektaben, One paradoxical observation of the screen of ‘knowingness’ is that it knows(!) that the mystery of the whole screen of ‘knowingness’ is simply...

Locus of the Being!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 19, 2021 | Existence, Existence

Locus of the Being! Question: My self-inquiry – Every physical and mental object is just pure Consciousness. There is vacillation going on regards the stand taken. Though there is the being of pure Consciousness, the locus of the being is still here, where the...

Contradictions in Advaita!

by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 28, 2021 | Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Atma Nirvriti, Causation, Causation, Causation, Causation, Causation, Independent Spirituality, Kabir, Love, Love

Contradictions in Advaita! Question:Hello Dear Ekta, in the Ramana Maharishi’s Guru videos you asked us whether we recognize the four stages of creation and manifestation of a personal universe, thru Sankalpa – [Inclination/attraction] Kaama – [Lusting...

Does the sage not have a mind?

by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 24, 2021 | Fullness, No-Mind, No-Mind, No-Mind, No-Mind, No-Mind, No-Mind, Pleasure/Pain, Universe

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

The journey to Ajaata Vaad!

by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 19, 2021 | Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Doership, Personality, Sensations

The journey to Ajaata Vaad! Question:I understand that the dream character = body/mind, I = Witness, and Dreamer= Pure Consciousness. The thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions do not belong to the Witness, they belong to the Dreamer, Pure Consciousness. The...

Let go of the story!

by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 14, 2021 | Bhakti, Compassion, Concepts, Dispassion, Energy, Fear, Fear, Fear, Fear, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Flow with Life, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Gnyana, Sakshi Bhav/Witness

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....

What is the difference between Tolerance and Surrender?

by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 30, 2021 | Anger, Divine, Greed, Greed, Surrender

What is the difference between Tolerance and Surrender? Question: What is the difference between tolerance and surrender? Answer: Tolerance is like a potential volcano. There is a dislike hidden within which just churns and burns inside and can erupt at any...

Are you responsible for your own thoughts & feelings or not?

by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 21, 2021 | Guru, Guru

Are you responsible for your own thoughts & feelings or not? Question: I saw this below knowledge, I am kind of confused 🤔 There is a contradiction between his two statements. 1] Your worries, your feelings, your thoughts arise in your own mind. You are totally...

Do we accumulate karma if we scold loved ones for doing wrong?

by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 1, 2021 | Children, Children, Parent/Child

Do we accumulate karma if we scold loved ones for doing wrong? Question: Do we accumulate karma if we scold loved ones or try to correct them when they do something wrong? Answer: Again Karmas are not caused out of the action or thought, but Karmas are caused...

Does the vaccine affect the Self?

Does the vaccine affect the Self? Question: Dear Ekatji,I have a concern about whether I should be vaccinated or not I am really not sure. My life is being the same before the pandemic and now during this pandemic, my life is so simple I am not in the rush for things...

Overwhelmed by to-do’s? Naah!

by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 8, 2021 | Ambition/Career, Attention-Seeking, Expectations, I, 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, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment, Present Moment

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...

Consistent effort is the only way out!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 29, 2021 | Courage, Courage

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...

How do thoughts generate in the mind?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 8, 2021 | Company/Association/Sangha, Elements, Food, Food, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Prakriti, Satvik/Rajasic/Tamasic

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:...

Do thoughts cease at least at Self-realization?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 5, 2021 | Emptiness, Food, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Ramana Maharshi, Samadhi

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...

Can thoughts cease?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 4, 2021 | Uncategorized

Can thoughts cease? Question: Will the thoughts cease with the Advaita knowledge of being the Witness? Answer: There is Peace when you take the stand as the Witness but the Peace itself is not silent. The thoughts still continue to arise from this Peace, just...

How do I experience Silence during meditation ?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 1, 2021 | Dhyana, Dhyana, Dhyana, 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...

The Mind does not exist!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 15, 2021 | Faith, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, 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, Just Be, Just Be, Just Be, No-Mind, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara, Samsara

The Mind does not exist! Question: JGD Ekta Ji, I am of the mindset that there will always be thoughts in the mind but by staying in knowledge and other techniques you can control your mind so that you are not attached to these thoughts. This way you are still...

Mind’s attention OR the Witness?

Mind’s attention OR the Witness? Question: Dear Ekta, How can I clearly distinguish between the mind’s attention and the witness? Answer: Let’s start with an analogy. When you stand in front of the mirror, you see a reflection of yourself...

The personal world creation and its reflection!

by Gnyana Sangha | May 27, 2021 | Maaya

The personal world creation and its reflection! Question: Didi, I have a question regarding personal world creation. I see it having 2 aspects as below- Creating a story in your own mind and projecting it, thus creating your personal world. For eg. Husband came late...

Truth reveals itself slowly…

by Gnyana Sangha | May 12, 2021 | Gnyana, Scriptures

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...

Attachment to Karmaphalam (fruit of an action)

by Gnyana Sangha | May 11, 2021 | Expectations, Expectations, Expectations, Expectations, God, Spontaneous, Spontaneous

Attachment to Karmaphalam (fruit of an action) Question:Please help me understand this. We have been working really hard for the upcoming course. We are talking about the benefits of meditation and this course to everyone. We have been doing intro talks but we still...

Witness the transactional reality!

by Gnyana Sangha | May 2, 2021 | Uncategorized

Witness the transactional reality! Question: How to interact in the transactional reality mode [Vyavaharik satyam] without offending anyone as I feel distant, quiet, indifferent, and absorbed in the Witness Consciousness [Adhyatmik satyam] around friends and family?...

Intuition and Inner Voice

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 18, 2021 | Choice

Intuition and Inner Voice Question:Dear Ektaji, Is intuition a form of mind phenomenon (feeling), or is it an inner ‘voice of consciousness’? Answer:The witness/infinite void never speaks. So there is no question of a voice to arise from it....

Thought is the father of the World!

Thought is the father of the World! Question:Why does the mind make me feel that this illusory world is real? Answer:That’s because Perception is inside out, not outside in. The senses do not gather information correctly because reality is colorless,...

What happens when I recognize that I am NOT the doer?

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 8, 2021 | Atmananda, Freedom, Non-Doership, Suffering

What happens when I recognize that I am NOT the doer? Question:Ektaji, by recognizing that ‘I am not the doer’, does the world-projection end? Answer:By you recognizing the truth that you are not the doer, has the projection of your family ended?...

Fear of the ‘last thoughts at death’

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 30, 2021 | Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Aversion, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Death, Fear, Fear, Fear, Fear, Fear, Fear, Jealousy, Jealousy, Jealousy, Jealousy, Jealousy, Maya, Seeking, 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...

Stop saying ‘why is this happening to me?’ Eat fresh!

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 25, 2021 | Prarabdha, Prarabdha

Stop saying ‘why is this happening to me?’ Eat fresh! Question:Hello Ekta didi, sometimes I wonder how come some people don’t have to let go of anything in life. They have been blessed with things others aren’t. Why is it so? Is it all karma again? How come some...

Thoughts during meditation and sadness after!

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 14, 2021 | Energy, Energy, Energy, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Kriya, Pranayama, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha

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...

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

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 11, 2021 | Bondage, Guru, Niyati, Siddha, Soul, Soul, Time-past/present/Future

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...

The source of the I-thought is Silence!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 28, 2021 | Uncategorized

The source of the I-thought is Silence! Question: Concentration on ‘I’ thought seems to be an on and off process. I get a glimpse that concentration on ‘I-thought’ will remove the identification with the body but the more I concentrate on the...

The secret of the ‘first thought’!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 25, 2021 | Uncategorized

The secret of the ‘first thought’! Question: What to do if negative thoughts keep coming against a person. I know it is not right and I am creating agami karma for myself but I am still unable to avoid it. Answer: This is a common mistake made by many spiritual...

Thought is not conscious!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized

Thought is not conscious! Question:Didi,In the example that you gave during the session, the 1st thought arose out of my previous conditioning that on Sundays I have to attend Atma Nirvriti class. The second thought arose out of the habit of being lazy and the last...

The Sun is always shining!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 18, 2021 | Ego, Fear

The Sun is always shining! Question:The response of the mind to ‘Perceptions are not conscious by themselves’ went from fear to denial to acceptance. The mind recognized that it has been thirsting to merge in the Infinite for a while. Then why fear? Answer:This...

Difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 11, 2021 | Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Emotions, Physical

Difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings! Question:Didi, Is there a difference between perceptions, sensations, thoughts, and feelings? Answer:Let’s understand them in detail: Perception:Perception is nothing but images in...

Awareness knows that the body is shutdown in deep-sleep!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 4, 2021 | Causation, Direct Path

Awareness knows that the body is shutdown in deep-sleep! Question: What is the hindrance in being aware of sensations in deep sleep? Currently, In the waking state, Awareness is not aware of itself all the time. If Awareness would be aware of itself during all waking...

Is it okay to stop actions and thoughts to be the Witness?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 28, 2021 | Uncategorized

Is it okay to stop actions and thoughts to be the Witness? Question:Ektaji, When I am in confusion I try to stop my action & thoughts to look into the constant companionship of the Witness. Can you guide me on whether my path is right? Answer:At the...

Is there a conscious link between thoughts?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 26, 2021 | Memory, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence, Silence

Is there a conscious link between thoughts? Question:Thoughts being dead information are simply a result of the memory of people, situations, things, ideas picked up from conditioning. Is there a conscious link between thoughts? Answer:If you are looking for a logical...

It’s very simple and easy!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 25, 2021 | Uncategorized

It’s very simple and easy! Question:Is it as simple as withdrawing from the stand of body/mind and resting as the awareness? Answer:Yes, it is that simple. It is both simple and easy. That is why it is called effortlessness. You have to give up the effort...

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

by Gnyana Sangha | Dec 20, 2020 | Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Atmananda, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Craving, Dreams

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?

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 26, 2020 | Atmananda, Duality, Existence, Senses

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...

Chittachaya – Borrowed Consciousness!

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 23, 2020 | Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Advaita, Mind

Chittachaya – Borrowed Consciousness! Question: Ekta didi, please would you explain Chittachaya [borrowed consciousness]? Answer: Just like we cannot see gravity but we can experience it, knowingness cannot be seen but its effects are experiential. ...

Advaita [Non-Duality] in a nutshell. Everything is Brahman [Consciousness]. How?

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 22, 2020 | Brahman, Brahman, Brahman, Brahman, Brahman

Advaita [Non-Duality] in a nutshell. Everything is Brahman [Consciousness]. How? Question: Ekta didi, please would you explain Advaita [Non-Duality] in a nutshell. Everything is Brahman [Consciousness]. How? Answer: Let’s directly experience...

YogaMaaya can be a hurdle on the spiritual path

by Gnyana Sangha | Nov 10, 2020 | 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

YogaMaaya can be a hurdle on the spiritual path Question:I have a strange experience to share. Today in my meditation I felt like I was distanced from myself when I got carried away in my thoughts and the moment I came back to the breath I felt like that distance was...

A thought is just a JOKER!

by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

A thought is just a JOKER! Question:When I am in the silent state during meditation and shift my object of meditation from sensations to the silence/ pure awareness I am experiencing, how to prolong that state? It feels like the mind is waiting behind the bushes like...

Observing the mind and getting out of problems!

by Gnyana Sangha | Oct 8, 2020 | Buddha, Depression, Viveka

Observing the mind and getting out of problems! Question: I understand that we have to maintain an observer’s attitude towards our mind. But sometimes, trying to observe what is going on in my mind creates more turmoil in my mind since an inner dialogue starts...

Preparation for a long Buddha retreat

by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 29, 2020 | Awareness, Breath, Breath, Breath, Breath, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Gossip, Satipathana

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...

Vasanas

by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 8, 2020 | Anxiety, Anxiety, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attachment, Attention-Seeking, Dukkha, Greed, Guilt, Happiness, Happiness, Misery, Reaction, Selfishness, Stress, Sukkha, Vasana

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,...

Yardstick to measure spiritual progress

by Gnyana Sangha | Sep 3, 2020 | Enlightenment, Matter, Satipathana, Satipathana, Satipathana, Satipathana

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 = [Internal...

How to experience the spiritual knowledge?

by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 30, 2020 | Gnyani, Gnyani, Gnyani, Guru, Guru, Knowledge, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Meditation, Purushartha, Samadhi, Samadhi, Samadhi, Samadhi, Samadhi, Seeking, Self- Realization, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort, Self-Effort

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...

What is taught in a Buddha retreat?

by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 25, 2020 | Attachment, Bondage, Bondage, Bondage, Freedom

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...

Churning in the fire of insults/criticism? Burn!

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 26, 2020 | Buddha, Problem/Struggle/Calamity

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...

Silence the thoughts skillfully

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 20, 2020 | Prana, Pranayama, Pranayama

Silence the thoughts skillfully Question:Ekta ji, Jai Guru Dev ! What is the power of thought, how much importance should I attach to it, can I dismiss all the thoughts that spring up, life (mundane chores) runs on Thoughts, so called actions spring out of thoughts,...

Is it the witness or a blank screen manufactured by the mind?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 11, 2020 | Paths

Is it the witness or a blank screen manufactured by the mind? Question:Is it the witness or a blank screen manufactured by the mind? Is Manolaya the same as the blank screen manufactured by the mind? How do I get out of it? Answer: You will know very clearly if there...

Is there any emotion experienced in the knowingness/awareness?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 9, 2020 | Advaita, Advaita, Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous, Equanimous

Is there any emotion experienced in the knowingness/awareness? Dear Sincere seeker, Please find the short video clip and its transcript below for the answer to the question, Is there any emotion experienced in the knowingness/awareness? Transcript: What are...

What is the silence in between two thoughts?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jul 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

What is the silence in between two thoughts? Dear Sincere seeker, Please find the short video clip and its transcript below for the answer to the question, ‘What is the silence in between two thoughts?’ Transcript: If you are not sleeping, if you...

Is Sakshi bhava [awareness], just a thought produced by the mind?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jun 23, 2020 | Advaita, Paths, Paths, Paths, Paths, Paths, Paths

Is Sakshi bhava [awareness], just a thought produced by the mind? Dear Sincere seeker, Please find the short video clip and its transcript below for the answer to the question, ‘Is Sakshi bhava [awareness], just a thought produced by the mind?’ ...

Mindfulness in daily routine

by Gnyana Sangha | May 12, 2020 | Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness, Awareness

Mindfulness in daily routine Question:Should I apply 100% focus (be consciously aware / be in sakshi bhav / practice mindfulness) in whatever I am doing moment to moment, even to routine daily chores like washing, brushing, restroom, cleaning? MIND is going away...

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

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 21, 2020 | Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Awareness, Dhyana, Equanimous, Flow with Life, Just Be, Krishna, Mindfulness, Mindfulness, Mindfulness, Mindfulness, Mindfulness, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Non-Doership, Patanjali Yogs Sutra, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Purushartha, Spontaneous

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...

When “I” watch my thoughts, who is doing the watching?

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 20, 2020 | Consciousness, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Purusha, You

When “I” watch my thoughts, who is doing the watching? Question: When “I” watch my thoughts, is it my consciousness that’s doing the watching? Or another layer of the burrito altogether? Answer: You are watching the thoughts. You are not the mind, you are not...

Emptiness IS Fullness!

Emptiness IS Fullness! Question:How can emptiness be also called fullness on the spiritual path? Please clarify.Answer:On the spiritual path, many different kinds of people walk. Some people are in the head and some people are completely in the heart. The people...

Are you going to GOD as a beggar?

by Gnyana Sangha | Apr 7, 2020 | Devotion, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Religion, Rituals, Symbolism

Are you going to GOD as a beggar? Question:Are all Puranas mythological stories with an underlying message? What about fasting, holy dips, lighting of lamps prescribed in those Puranas, especially Kartika Purana, that millions of people religiously follow – is there...

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...

Is it Karma or me?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 25, 2020 | Ashtavakra Gita

Is it Karma or me? Question: It is said that we are living our thoughts and that we are responsible for our thoughts. During the last few months thoughts came to me of what we would do if we were in a difficult situation & now that has happened. So now I am here...

Sensation Vs Thought

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 23, 2020 | Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Desire, Mindfulness, Self-Effort

Sensation Vs Thought Question: If a craving (or aversion) arises in my mind, would it be more strategic to observe that thought itself objectively, or to just direct my attention to my body for an observation round? My guess is the former…..but I’ve been finding more...

Shivering during meditation, is it normal?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 13, 2020 | Physical

Shivering during meditation, is it normal? Question: Yesterday, when I was meditating, I could only do three rounds of body observation but I felt I was aware the whole time and I felt for the first time I am doing it as you had explained, I was feeling all my body...

How to do a Spiritual Sabbatical?

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 2, 2020 | God, God, God, God, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Guru, Meditation, Meditation, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization, Self- Realization

How to do a Spiritual Sabbatical? Question: How to do a few days of Spiritual sabbatical? Answer: Spirituality is about looking within and finding that peace within. For beginners, who have not yet learnt to be with their own selves, every Teacher/Guru/Master gives...

Statue Bhatakti Atma!

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 10, 2019 | Uncategorized

Statue Bhatakti Atma! Question:I have come to realize lately that my mind has learned my trick of taking a step back to go into witness consciousness during meditation. These days when I want to practice it anytime throughout the day, my mind cunningly jumps in and...

Is it the Flow or my desire?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 10, 2019 | Destiny, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Ego, Freewill, Purushartha

Is it the Flow or my desire? Question:How to account for business goals and personal goals you want to achieve ? It has to start with a desire, correct?Answer:When you recognize that the flow brings in all that is needed to run your life whether personal or business...

Samagra in a state of anger

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 10, 2019 | Concepts, Concepts, Concepts, Concepts, Concepts, Concepts, Concepts, Let go, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction, Reaction

Samagra in a state of anger Question:What is meant by ‘being Samagra’ in the flow when one gets angry and reacts?Answer:Samagra means ‘being immersed totally in the present moment as it is, devoid of thought or logic’. The moment you use the word ‘I am reacting’ in...

What is the source of mind?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2019 | Yoga Vasistha

Results for "source of mind" Question:Explain Vasishtha’s answer to Rama’s question – “What is the source of mind and how did it arise?”Answer:If I were answering this after going through our previous knowledge discussions, before even reading a page of Yoga...

Desire is the root cause of suffering!

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 8, 2019 | Desire, Surrender, Surrender, Surrender, Unconscious

Results for "root cause" Question:Desires and tendencies – it’s one thing being aware as they come up, suppress them, reduce them, possibly even eliminate them. But there is always a danger lurking of reviving them. I am going through one right now. It’s a...

How does a “thought” become an Agami Karma ?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 7, 2019 | Elements, Elements, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Impressions, Sub-conscious, Sub-conscious, Sub-conscious, Surrender

How does a “thought” become an Agami Karma ? Question:First one of the 5 elements or the senses hits us (it also depends on my doshas), then it goes to the memory bank & opens one file like, dislike with People, Situation & Thing. (Is there any...

How do we stop negative thoughts at unpleasant moments?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Chanting, Kriya, Sanchita, Sanchita, Sanchita, Sanchita, Sanchita

How do we stop negative thoughts at unpleasant moments? Question:I agree and have experienced that daily regular sadhana, pranayama, meditation, chanting helps to bring awareness and stay focused. However, there are times when we go through unpleasant moments how do...

Can your thoughts change your karma ?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Grateful, Gratitude

Can your thoughts change your karma ? Question: I read book a book called “The Secret”. In that book the author says that whatever is your dominant thought and whatever you visualize you attract that in your life. So does it mean your thoughts can change...

Can one use restraint to be celibate?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Craving, Knowledge, Love/Hate, Present Moment, 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, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, Vasana

Can one use restraint to be celibate? Question:For Brahmacharya to happen, a maturity is required, before this maturity can one use restraint to be celibate?Answer:The act of “restraining the senses” belongs to the circle of sleep.What is the circle of...

How to deal with emotions of negativity ?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Faith, Hurt, Hurt, Hurt, Karmaphalam, Maya, Prayer, 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, Surrender, Surrender

How to deal with emotions of negativity ? Question:I am going through storm of emotions and all negative like anger , jealousy. I feel frustrated, guess fire element is dominant. Though I tell myself it’s not me it’s the effect of fire element but it...

What is the difference between intention and craving?

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Bhagwad Gita, Feverishness, Krishna, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic, Vedic

What is the difference between intention and craving? Question:Dear Ektaji, what is the difference between an intention and raaga/dvesha?Answer:Beautiful Question! Intention is a plan to do an action. Raaga/Dvesha is the emotion behind the action.Intention is a...

Principles of Law of Attraction

by Gnyana Sangha | Mar 6, 2019 | Attraction, Attraction, Impressions, Knowledge, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Love/Hate, Vibration

Principles of Law of Attraction Question:I’ve noticed, it is said to ‘be positive’ or to ‘think positive’ so you attract that kind of people or energies around you, but when thoughts are negative then those energies or situations arise sooner than the positive...

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...

Fear of the ‘Law of Attraction’

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 21, 2019 | Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Aagami, Anger, Anger, Anger, Anger, Anger, Anger, Anger, Anger, Doubts, Jealousy, Raaga/Dvesha

Fear of the ‘Law of Attraction’ Question: It is said, ‘whatever/wherever you put your thought to, you dissolve into it’? I understand the gross meaning of this that wherever I put focus my on, my mind starts working towards that or on the way of achieving that....

Karma and its ways

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 20, 2019 | Alcohol, Commitment, Hurt, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Karmaphalam, Life, Marriage, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Memory, Problem/Struggle/Calamity, Spouse, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary, Temporary

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...

How to get over the guilt of Infidelity?

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 16, 2019 | Courage, Guilt, Guilt, Guilt, Guilt, Guilt, Guilt, Infidelity, Marriage, Sex/Passion/Celibacy, 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...

Hollow and Empty!

by Gnyana Sangha | Feb 15, 2019 | Uncategorized

Hollow and Empty! Question:Dear Ektaji, referring to “I am hollow and empty” – does this mean if I remind myself that I am nothing, I will automatically modify my speech and eventually it will become pure?Answer:“I am hollow and empty” is a meditation that we do in...

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

by Gnyana Sangha | Jan 17, 2019 | Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Karma, Niyati, Niyati, Niyati

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....

Silence…..Shhhhh!

by Gnyana Sangha | Aug 25, 2018 | Self, Tapas

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...

Sensation Vs Thought

by Gnyana Sangha | May 8, 2018 | Aversion

Sensation Vs Thought Question:If a craving (or aversion) arises in my mind, would it be more strategic to observe that thought itself objectively, or to just direct my attention to my body for an observation round? My guess is the former…..but I’ve been finding more...