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…
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…
Purpose of this article is to analyze the validity of Mahayana Buddhism’s concept of bodhisattva. It’s also an exercise of your reasoning power. Taking any philosophical concept and finding…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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 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:…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?“ “…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…