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)…
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:…
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…
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…
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…
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……
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…