Publications on Practical Wisdom in Light of Vedic Scriptures
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Is Enlightenment an Experience or Knowledge?
“Who am I?” Though we rarely, if ever, give it deep consideration – each situation, encounter, and experience calls upon us to articulate a satisfactory response to this fundamental…
Why clean the mind if Consciousness is beyond body, mind, and gunas?
QUESTION: If Consciousness is independent of body, mind or 3 gunas, then why work on purification? ANSWER 1: The Upanishads declare that Brahman or consciousness is the ultimate reality….
Vedantic Analogies for Contemplation on the Non-Dual Reality
Based on the chapter “Illustrations in Vedanta” from Swami Sivananda’s book, “Vedanta for Beginners” (The Divine Life Society, 1941) Because its abstract truths cannot be easily understood by the…
Analysis of Quotes by Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj
Most Westerners first learn of non-duality through exposure to the “teachings” of Ramana Maharshi and/or Nisargadatta Maharaj — either directly through reading various books that contain collections of their…
Self-Knowledge is Not Intellectual
A common criticism leveled at Vedanta is that its appeal is purely intellectual; that it stresses analysis yet neglects experience, emphasizes ideas but ignores emotions, appeals to the head…
Validity of Mahayana ‘Bodhisattva' Concept
Purpose of this article is to analyze Mahayana Buddhism's concept of bodhisattva. (Article is not referring to Zen Buddhism's implied interpretation, which is different from Mahayana's more literal interpretation…
Nirvikalpa, Savikalpa and Sahaja Samadhi. What's the Difference?
Some books say nirvikalpa-samadhi is the best type of mind-state to assimilate Self-Knowledge. Others argue it's savikalpa-samadhi. While Ramana Maharshi says it's sahaja-samadhi. Clarify please… Nirvikalpa-Samadhi Firstly, nirvikalpa-samadhi has…
Who Is the ‘Me' Who Knows Myself? (A Technical Analysis)
Regarding the prospect of self-realization or enlightenment — many, if not all seekers find themselves, at least initially, in an ironic quandary. On the one hand, one seeks freedom…
Understanding the Distinction Between Self and Not-Self
INQUIRER: There was a change of perception some time ago due to decent assimilation of self-knowledge. Now need confirmation for reassurance. When one knows oneself to be Awareness (Brahman)…
Moksha Can't Be for Atman nor the Mind. Then Who Gets Liberated?
INQUIRER: It is said, “Self-knowledge takes place in the mind, and enlightenment is for the mind.” RESPONSE: In beginning stages, Vedanta pretends that the mind is conscious because Self…
Doership Disturbs the Mind
Synopsis: Ramesh's self-enquiry to realize the Self is unsuccessful. Two solutions are given. Starting from right standpoint, and right method. INQUIRER: Something is disturbing my mind: It feels like…
How Do I Know I am Doing My Duty? What is My Svadharma?
How do I know that I’m doing “my” sva-dharma (personal duty), and not someone else's. How do I know it’s “mine”? ANSWER: There is relative and absolute svadharma. ABSOLUTE:…
If Brahman is Everything, Why Worship and Devote to Whom?
Nearly all objections challenging non-duality and confusions by Advaita aspirants can be surmised from lack of discernment of 3 realities operating any moment… PRATIBHASIKA: Your own notions. Personal, subjective…
Selected Quotes by Ramana Maharshi & Nisargadatta
These are hand picked quotes I use for occasional self-inquiry into the true essence of reality. Quotes are meant for learned scholars and students of Advaita Vedanta who are…
Without a Second, the Final Conclusion
In previous discussion, it was shown that those who know not the truth, seeing themselves a separate entity from the whole, even if sincerely religious and God-believer — are…
What is a Vritti (Thoughts)? What To Do With Them?
Vritti or thought is the nature of the mind (antahkarana). Thoughts arise just as a bubble (which is always an effect of something deeper in the ocean) arises on…
Individual Cannot Transcend the Individual
Synopsis: The inquirer is frustrated because he's trying to experience oneself as an unlimited entity through a limited body-mind. He (a mind's desire) wants to get rid of the…
Self “Sees” Everything As Itself
INQUIRER: I see emotions and thoughts arising within me (Self; ātmā). I see the apparent world (including the body) appearing in me, and everything is just pure-being. There isn't…
Connection Between Doer, Enjoyer and Self (Atma)
INQUIRER: I understand that doership is the “aham karta” (I am a doer / doership) thoughts. Thoughts like: “I am doing the writing of this message. I am doing…
Understanding the Orders of Reality
INQUIRER: Need help reconciling various experiences that seem to be happening within my scope. Experience A: There is a world of objects and people. I am a body-mind endowed…
Is Attainment of Self-Knowledge Immediate or Gradual?
INQUIRER: I desire to know when self-knowledge is “attained” (liberation, enlightenment, self-realization) — is it gradual OR an immediate event. And is it completely permanent? RESPONSE: Attainment of self-knowledge…
Role of Meditation in Vedanta
INQUIRER: I am interested to find out about your thoughts, regarding the validity and effectiveness of different meditation practices. I have personally been practicing transcendental meditation (TM) and the…
What Happens if Die Ignorant (Why Rebirth)? – Part 44
In previous discussion, what happens to one who dies after realizing the ultimate truth (videhamukti). Student asks, “What happens to those who die without knowing the ultimate truth?“ “…
Basis for Accepting the Law of Karma / Proof?
INQUIRER: Need confirmation on the law of karma. Since it is called the law of karma – are we to assume that it was discovered as a law by…
If Self is Free, Why Purify the Jiva (Not-Self)?
INQUIRER: It seems like the only difference after enlightenment (moksha) is that thoughts of being limited no longer appear in the intellect (buddhi). Or if they do appear they’re…
Self-Realization Is a Shift in Identity
INQUIRER: I have an intellectual interest in Advaita Vedanta, with a view to finding some level of contentment with life. I know you’ll say only self-realisation will provide complete…
Ishvara’s Perspective & Videhamukti
INQUIRER: It's said that that ‘enlightenment’ is for the jiva (which results in freedom FROM the jiva) — and not Awareness (brahman) which is already enlightened. Now when it…
Understanding Self Doesn’t Eradicate the Mind
INQUIRER: I feel, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I can’t be Radhika (name hidden for privacy). RESPONSE: Then why the rest of the email? If you know…
Self (Atman) is Beyond the Witness
INQUIRER: Is there a stage beyond the witness? RESPONSE: If the “witness” is the apparent person (jiva), then yes — the self is “beyond” (i.e., the substrate of) the…
Bliss (Ananda) is Not An Emotional State
INQUIRER: While discriminating consciousness from objects, I felt a sense of limitlessness. I've seen the Satya/Mithya chart and a sense of bliss/ananda came over me I think the highest…
Thoughts and Questions on Free Will
INQUIRER: Reading Dennis Waite’s case against free will in “HOW TO MEET YOURSELF” (pg 170-174), I was struck at how similar it was to the one made roughly 80…
Taking a Stand As Awareness
INQUIRER: What does “taking a stand as Awareness” mean? Heard James Swartz mentioned in. RESPONSE: Taking a stand as awareness means to assume your true identity — after having…
Binding vs Non-Binding Vasanas: Freedom from Likes and Dislikes
INQUIRER: About this statement, “It is important to accommodate all persons and circumstances [CH13 of Bhagavad Gita]. It is also foolish to like or dislike any person or circumstance…
Three Gunas and Three Bodies (with Visual Map)
INQUIRER: How do the 3 gunas connect with the 3 bodies (causal, subtle, and physical)? I think this answer is that the three gunas are present in each of…
Sat Chit Ananda Meaning
INQUIRER: In my continued study of the Bhagavad Gita I am looking closely at sat-cit-ananda and would love some insights to this knowledge. RESPONSE: Firstly to define each word……
Does Ishvara Knows It's Truth is Brahman?
Is Ishvara aware that it is Brahman (Consciousness)? I know Ishvara is: The dharma field (manifest universe) and came into being by the power of Maya within Brahman. Not…
What I am Supposed to Do? What is My Duty (Svadharma)?
INQUIRER: It became clear to me that to be really peaceful and content, I need to be in alignment with the way things are, finding my mission. The quest…
Stay Anchored in Truth
INQUIRER: Can we possibly go back to the issue of fear, the irrational, the unwholesome fear, the one that is labeled as hindrance to spiritual growth. I was thinking…
What is Death for the Wise Person (Jivanmukta)? – Part 43
In previous discussion, student began asking features of a liberated one while living. Although not the only, prominent feature being non-injury owing to much prior hard work to cleanup…
How Do I Practice Self-Knowledge on My Own?
INQUIRER: I understand the [Vedanta] teaching, but I am not ‘finished’. I don’t seem to get it in any way that makes a difference. I am still seeking, still…
Practice Karma Yoga to Purify the Mind
INQUIRER: Thus far can we say that vasanas are likened to what is in psychology known as the sub-conscious or sometimes un-conscious, but without taking aboard previous incarnations, being…
Difference between Advaita & Vishishtadvaita?
The absolute main difference between Vishishtadvaita and Advaita Vedanta lies in their understanding of the relationship between the individual being (jiva), the universe (jagat), and the ultimate reality (Brahman):…
Event of ‘Enlightenment' Versus Self-Actualization
INQUIRER: Confusion #1: I read (elsewhere) “Don’t mistake understanding for realization”. Confusion #2: Read about people who can provide a date and time to their awakening/realization. Comment? RESPONSE: Possibility…
Who Is the Detached Observer?
INQUIRER: Question 1: Who/what is the entity that is capable of inquiring into and perceiving the apparently real instruments of “my” subtle body during waking consciousness; the detached observer…
Dealing with Vedanta Doubts
INQUIRER: I was recommended John Wheeler's book “You Were Never Born.” Suddenly there was this subtle switch and it became clear that I was already what I was looking…
The Cycle of Rebirth Caused by Universal Ignorance
INQUIRER: Tell me if I’m correct… The Samskaras (impressions/tendencies/habits) are products of karma (performed actions). And karma is product of Samskara, because it's obvious our actions (karmas) are driven…
Vasana and Samskara
Is there any fundamental difference between vasana and samskara? RESPONSE: Vasana and samskara are essentially the same thing. Vasana are the impressions that are left on one’s psyche from…
Understanding Waking Consciousness
INQUIRER: I’m trying to clear up my understanding of waking consciousness. What exactly is the makeup of the unrealized waking state re: reflected Awareness? Is it the mirror in…
Atman and Brahman
What distinguishes Atman (Self) from Brahman (Awareness)? In the Vedanta equation: Awareness + Maya = Ishwara. And on the other side: Atman + Ignorance = Jiva (individual soul). RESPONSE:…
What is an Ideal Seeker of Truth – Part 42
In previous discussion, we saw the role of prayers and rituals doesn't contradict knowledge of oneself as the Whole. They both cultivate the mind but also serve as form…