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? RESPONSE: Taking a stand as awareness means to assume your true identity — after having been first taught nature of…
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?
Vedanta, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, has given rise to several influential sub-schools, each offering unique perspectives on the nature of reality, the self, and…
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…
Role of Prayers and Rituals – Part 41
In previous discussion, we debated a malformed conclusion that Absolute reality, being the substance of all-that-is, is somehow an experience to be obtained in the future. However our pupil’s…
Mystical Experience or Knowledge – Part 40
In previous debate, it was suggested that everyone has already glimpsed wholeness. A feeling of home-coming. A sense of completeness. “I don’t want anything to be different right now”….
Fallacy of Nothingness Teaching – Part 39
Previous discussion reconciled God’s Will and individual’s free will. The next question was inevitable considering it’s wide-spread status. It’s to do with notion that existence is a void or…