Q & A
What is Significance of ‘Namaste’
In India, many greet each other with the word “Namaste” – this is joined usually by a slight bow and palms touching in front, sort of like a prayer gesture. Namaste means literally “I bow to you”. But the way it’s used, or the meaning behind it is “I bow to God (Īśvara) in you”…
Read MoreWhat is Advaita Vedanta About?
“The fire of certainty which is the result of knowing Onself as immaculate Awareness, burns down the entire forest of ignorance. The eradication of ignorance and the dawning of happiness are one event.” – Aṣṭāvakra Gītā What is Advaita Vedanta Philosophy? (Brief) Total freedom, total confidence and total satisfaction. This is the fruit of Vedanta, a proven methodology that…
Read MoreWhat are the Vedas?
Vedas are divided into 4 sections: (1) Rig Veda, (2) Yajur Veda, (3) Sāma Veda, (4) Atharva Veda. Each each section is further divided into 2 parts. Part 1 called “karma-kāṇḍa“. Part 2 is called “jñāna-kāṇḍa“. Karma-kanda deals with rituals and prayers. Basically, how to live a happy, harmonious, smooth and clean life. Jñāna-kanda deals with…
Read MoreJames Swartz Interviews, Review & Critique on Vedanta and Non-Duality
This is a collection of various James Swartz interviews (Q & A) on topic of practical use and correct method of Vedānta – as means to mokṣa (Liberation) – through proper self-enquiry. James Swartz is an author of “How to Attain Enlightenment: The Vision of Nonduality“. He worked tirelessly teaching traditional Vedānta for 40 years…
Read MoreWhen Fruit of ‘I am Brahman’ is Denied (viparīta-bhāvanā)
A common question by a person with Self-Knowledge: “Having done Śravaṇa and Manana, I am very clear I am Brahman. But in my behavior I do not find myself, ‘I am Brahman’. Why?“ Answer: You may have to deal with another problem – that of “viparīta-bhāvanā“. It’s caused by your memories. There is another parallel…
Read MoreHow is Vedanta Different to Other Systems?
Firstly, what we mean by “system” is what’s called Pramāṇa – or “means of Knowledge”. In Vedānta case, it’s a means of Self-Knowledge. Self-Knowledge in stage of “listening” can be equated to object knowledge – as in “I am now learning about the Self, and that I am that Self, even though I can’t see how…
Read MoreDoes a Liberated Person Also Experience Happiness from Objects?
Object-happiness (viṣaya-ānanda) is a name given to a phenomenon that naturally occurs in the subtle body. Brahman is of the nature of sat-cid-ānanda (Existence-Awareness-Bliss). Although Brahman pervades the entire world/universe (jagat) as its substratum (adhiṣṭhāna) – the manifestation of its nature varies from object to object. The inert objects (eg: rock) of the world fully…
Read MoreWho gains Self-Knowledge? Self, Subtle Body or Reflected Consciousness?
First of all “Self-Knowledge” is NOT mokṣa (Freedom, Enlightenment, Liberation). It is the means to mokṣa. It is a “knowledge-thought” that is created/assimilated in the Subtle Body… by the teachings of Vedānta. The content of this thought is “I AM brahman” (aham brahmāsmi). It destroys the ignorance that is the cause for saṃsāra (believing or…
Read MoreHow To Apply Knowledge of Vedanta in Daily Life (nididyasanam)
QUESTION: How should nididhyasanam (contemplation) be practiced? ANSWER: The biggest obstacle to ‘aham Brahmāsmi’ (I am Brahman) knowledge is the basic ignorance of the jiva (individual soul) identifying himself with his body/mind. Even after understanding what the Srutis (Scriptures) teach, the orientation that he is the body/mind still remains. Just because he has a body/mind…
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