Enlightenment: The Ego, what is it? How to transcend it.

[greybeard]

Nisargadatta Maharaj - Awaken To The Eternal (Full)

Published on Oct 23, 2013

"The search for Reality is the most dangerous of all undertakings, for it destroys the world in which you live." N.M.
In this fascinating documentary, several people who had the opportunity to be with Maharaj discuss the impact of his teaching. Included are interviews with Jean Dunn, Jack Kornfield, Robert Powell, Allan W. Anderson, Stephen Wolinsky and others. It's a unique opportunity to peek at Maharaj's loft in Bombay and watch him in the midst of a spirited conversation (1995).
Part of the Nisargadatta Maharaj-Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1981) was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher of Advaita (Nondualism), and a Guru, belonging to the Inchgiri branch of the Navnath Sampradaya. In 1973, the publication of his most famous and widely translated book, "I Am That", an English translation of his talks in Marathi by Maurice Frydman, brought him worldwide recognition and followers.
His teaching style may be summed up in the words of Advaita scholar and examplar, Dr. Robert Powell, "Like the Zen masters of old, Nisargadatta's style is abrupt, provocative, and immensely profound — cutting to the core and wasting little effort on inessentials. His terse but potent sayings are known for their ability to trigger shifts in consciousness, just by hearing, or even reading them."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfR52Rx2X6o

[greybeard]

How the mind changes after mindfulness

Courtesy of Transients.

http://www.transients.info/2016/07/how-your-brain-changes-after-mindfulness.html#more

[Cidersomerset]

At some stage I'm going to have to get back into the spiritual side at present as
David Icke says he saw years ago that 2016/17/18 are pivotal years for change and
2016 has be interesting so far.

I have not had time or been in the mood for the ion and Bob shows they are very
long and chaotic though they have given me great insights in many topics
especially who we are and our relationship to each other and the world.

Anyway I just seen this article on my daily trawl thru David Ickes headline page
and among the mundane news items I like to connect was this article. Ion says
something on the lines that we enter a physical childs body sometime after
birth I cannot remember how long when we come to experience this reality as we
are in our true state eternal entities.....

There are exceptions that say they can remember things more or less from birth. I
certainly cannot , though I do have some sort of photographic memories of events
for 3 or 4 years old.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why Can’t We Remember Our Early Childhood?

By David on 26 July 2016 GMT

http://www.alternet.org/sites/all/themes/custom/alternet/logo.png




Why Can’t We Remember Our Early Childhood?

The phenomenon, known as “childhood amnesia”, has been puzzling
psychologists for more than a century – and we still don’t fully understand it.

By Jeanne Shinskey / The Conversation

July 15, 2016

http://www.alternet.org/files/styles/story_image/public/story_images/image-20160711-9295-1knso0l.jpg

‘Most of us don’t have any memories from the first three to four years of our
lives – in fact, we tend to remember very little of life before the age of seven.
And when we do try to think back to our earliest memories, it is often unclear
whether they are the real thing or just recollections based on photos or stories
told to us by others.

The phenomenon, known as “childhood amnesia”, has been puzzling psychologists
for more than a century – and we still don’t fully understand it.’

Read more: Why Can’t We Remember Our Early Childhood?

http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/why-cant-we-remember-our-early-childhood


=============================================
=============================================
=============================================

" Where my sock ? have you seen it ? "........

I wonder if these two can remember what they were talking about
when they look back at this....LOL


_JmA2ClUvUY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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This was on the same link and is just to cute....

" To You , To Me , To You , To Me "............

uXATjvr_rl4

[ZooLife]

I rarely, consciously play the game .....regardless ..... I am always playing the game.

Outside looking in, the difference would appear no different by the observer. But inside is a different story.

[greybeard]

Mantra helps to still the mind.
The Gayatri Mantra is supreme


Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ

tát savitúr váreṇyaṃ

bhárgo devásya dhīmahi

dhíyo yó naḥ pracodáyāt

http://aumamen.com/mantra/gayatri-mantra-lyrics-and-meaning

One translation.

"The earth the sky the Heavens
That Divine effulgence that we all adore
I contemplate on your Divine glory
Please help me enlighten my intellect"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P26ZvKY--KY

[Guish]

Hi Chris,

I pour water on a Tulsi plant every morning and say the Gayatri mantra. It's the tradition here.

Cheers,
Geerish.

[Guish]

How the mind changes after mindfulness

Courtesy of Transients.

http://www.transients.info/2016/07/how-your-brain-changes-after-mindfulness.html#more


Meditation and proper nutrition can change lives for sure. Everything becomes much easier. Good article man even if we didn't need proof to know it.

[ZooLife]

My method for reaching that 'place' seems random to me other then it tends to happen most in my hide away physical space. Sometimes an image, symbol, or even a post on Avalon will trigger my centering.

It's funny because I think I am 'there' more often until I think about it (yeah, I know, thought got it the way) and then I realize I am not there near enough.

I wonder what it would be like if I tried some of the traditional methods described on this thread. I have been doing what I have been doing for so long I wonder if I would unconsciously fight another method.

Does that makes sense?

That doesn't make sense, right?

Sometimes I want to try something new and sometimes I don't.

[Guish]

My method for reaching that 'place' seems random to me other then it tends to happen most in my hide away physical space. Sometimes an image, symbol, or even a post on Avalon will trigger my centering.

It's funny because I think I am 'there' more often until I think about it (yeah, I know, thought got it the way) and then I realize I am not there near enough.

I wonder what it would be like if I tried some of the traditional methods described on this thread. I have been doing what I have been doing for so long I wonder if I would unconsciously fight another method.

Does that makes sense?

That doesn't make sense, right?

Sometimes I want to try something new and sometimes I don't.

Intuitively, you know what works for you.
I practise Zazen and mantras don't seem to work for me. Each one is different. Nice to see your pic Zoey.

[greybeard]

Who Wants To Know What? - Ramesh Balsekar -- Courtesy of advaita.org

The reknowned advaita master and teacher, Ramesh Balsekar in his first ever interview. In English w/ Spanish sub-titles

Conducted by Advaita Fellowship co-founder Rifka Hirsch. Recorded in 1988 in Hermosa Beach, California


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fByNIZWwm4

[rgray222]

Advice from An Old Farmer

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13680739_10154522634957323_7257739138367754079_n.jpg?oh=00ef773bc55f3ae3692abaab5197bbfd&oe=581FDD7A


Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered… not yelled.
Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.
Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life… Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
Don ‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t bothering you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin’.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around..
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
Most times, it just gets down to common sense.

[joeecho]

What is the most elusive thing in existence?

Reality.

https://cosmos-images1.imgix.net/file/spina/photo/3133/160216_gravwavesdavies_H.jpg?ixlib=rails-2.0.0&auto=format&ch=Width%2CDPR&fit=max&w=835

[greybeard]

Rgray222 welcome to the thread and thank you for your contribution.

Love c

[ZooLife]

My method for reaching that 'place' seems random to me other then it tends to happen most in my hide away physical space. Sometimes an image, symbol, or even a post on Avalon will trigger my centering.

It's funny because I think I am 'there' more often until I think about it (yeah, I know, thought got it the way) and then I realize I am not there near enough.

I wonder what it would be like if I tried some of the traditional methods described on this thread. I have been doing what I have been doing for so long I wonder if I would unconsciously fight another method.

Does that makes sense?

That doesn't make sense, right?

Sometimes I want to try something new and sometimes I don't.

Intuitively, you know what works for you.
I practise Zazen and mantras don't seem to work for me. Each one is different. Nice to see your pic Zoey.

Thanks Guish. Part of me intuitively knows that but the curious side of me may give it a go under the guise of trying new things.

[greybeard]

Been listening to Ramesh "Who wants to know what"
Ive listen to many of his talks and went out to India to an Intensive he put on
However I hear what I want to hear and when I am ready to hear it.

Anyway in the video info I heard before is now resonating more clearly.
Reality is really like a film ---if you view it as a camera--there is nothing personal--nothing focused on, spoken of.
Everything is seen as a one frame at a time all viewed at the same time---the still picture --photograph is seen as a whole.
Take a wildlife photo, at first nothing stands out then the mind gets into--Look at that--object--you are now the subject--you were unaware of being the subject till an object was taken notice of. There can not be subject without object.--Thats the cause of duality, which is an illusion

In duality there has to be opposites--Ramesh saidthat these are interconnected--in duality you can not have one without the other good--evil--pain-- pleasure.

The Indians see these as part of the same coin. "That which brings you pleasure brings you pain" its inevitable.----if not now later.
The enlightened state sees everything in equanimity. It is as it is.

There is nothing personal--it is all impersonal--Limited consciousness is evolving to know itself through your body.
When enlightenment happens then there are no limitations---its seen that there never was anything separate to do anything--to limit one.
Perception is totally different--in equanimity all is seen as one--parts of the totality are evident but not as separate--objects, items, people.

Its is then known that impersonal consciousness operates through "you", brings about things--the same applies to the seeming other--in reality there never was you or another separate entity.

In India Enlightenment is also known as God realization--hence the term God man.
They have been known to say "I am the totality ---all of it".
Enlightenment is spontaneous and impersonal.

Thats where I am at the moment.

Much love c

Ps Its amazing how often the picture of Ramana Maharshi turns up beside current and past teachers. One of the most respect mystics of all time.

[greybeard]

Unbound — Guided Meditation with Mooji Baba

Streamed live 21 hours ago

Guided Meditation with Mooji Baba
at the World Yoga Festival
in Reading, UK


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6VRh_a9Lio

[Guish]

https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13680632_1300969796609848_5337191906856569519_n.jpg?oh=939c85806ddcc1362f0c2822a38c4215&oe=585C209A

[greybeard]

Chris Celine - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Published on Aug 1, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/chris-celine/

My childhood world was one of abuse, repression and terror.
This is what I believed the world was about. Until, from the depths of my despair,
I began searching for a new way.
My conscious spiritual journey began when I was called as a young adult, determined to find new life and freedom from this limited world, to a higher quest for the Truth of myself.
I studied many forms of spiritual practice, including Buddhism, Native American, Judaism and others, and soon became aware that the Source of All Life is within all traditions.

Approximately 15 years ago, I entered into a deep Shamanic /healing Path centered in the heart of Brazil.
I remained fully committed and dedicated to my journey in this form for eight years, healing most of the false ideas that I carried through all of my lifetimes.
After this I was called to enter a several year retreat.
During this time I was guided to enter fully into the teaching of A Course in Miracles.
I received the transmission completely through my heart, and guided by my prayers, intention and deep devotion to be healed of all that held me prisoner in this temporary illusion, my heart completely melted and I awakened to the Truth of All Love. Since my awakening,
I have dedicated my life to guide, with radical gentleness and complete devotion, all beloveds who have a deep desire to come home easily and gently.

Chris Celine is an awakened spiritual Mystic and guide to many beloveds seeking a gentle way home.
A powerful healer and seer, Chris Celine transmits the love of God in profound and life altering ways.
Her pure love can be received in every cell.
She is a living example of the Love of God manifesting on earth and walks in this world as a reminder that everything can be healed and transformed into Love.

Website: http://chrisceline.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJPT6JYIWxk

[Guish]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/70/12/f2/7012f24f9828f81e813341418dbd2a80.jpg

[joeecho]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/70/12/f2/7012f24f9828f81e813341418dbd2a80.jpg

At present I am traveling between the past and the future. I'm covered!

[greybeard]

Bhajans ~ 10 July 2016
Moojiji



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVYDfDL-8ik

[greybeard]

Chris Celine- Surrender into the Divine

If your commitment and longing for full awakening and freedom is the top priority in your life, if you have heard the ancient inner call to remember, then I invite you to join me in my awareness that you are truly the Divine Expression of All Love. I call you to enter the yes with me, and open to living within the Peace and Joy of All Love.

Most of humanity believes that the Divine Expression of All Love is so exalted that it is beyond their reach. The doorway of the Awakened Heart reveals that such magnificence is not exalted. Nor is it reserved for exalted beings. It is all there is, and as such is ordinary. The secret is within the ordinariness, where you embrace the simplicity of your magnificence that has always been the Divine Truth of All Love. I call you to join me in a world without struggle.

Chris Celine is an awakened spiritual mystic and guide to many beloveds seeking a gentle way home. A powerful healer and seer, Chris Celine transmits the Love of God in profound and life altering ways. Her pure love can be received in every cell. She is a living example of the Love of God manifesting on earth and walks in this world as a reminder that everything can be healed and transformed into Love.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUab04x4Ke8

[greybeard]

Nirvana Means Extinction - Part I
Quantum Psychology founder Stephen Wolinsky



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW4uwLqesZA

[greybeard]

Science and spirituality is what this thread endeavors to bring together.

Stephen in the video above and some others featuring him posted recently brings these together.

Now the disclaimer.
I am not saying anything that I post on this thread is true or pointing to Truth.
When I find some thing that interests "me" I share it here and comment on any post--for or against the content is welcome.
There in lies true debate and helps my own Self discovery.

Chris

[greybeard]

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this consciousness continuing to evolve to know it Self.
That means everyone met and unmet.

What has brought about/expanded this feeling of appreciation and gratitude?

Some one, whom I have never met, has uploaded on to a Pirate Bay all they could find on Nasargadatta and I am currently downloading this--its vast 27gib
will take 3 days in total to complete the download.

The amount of time they had dedicated to this sharing must be phenomenal.
Thanks also to the originators authors of these works on Nasargadatta.

I appreciate that Pirate Bay will not directly put a penny in their pockets but it may lead to more interest in their work--purchase of books, DVDs etc.

Now the Truth is not in the download but the energy of the content helps to dissolve obstacles that I am not even aware of.

For some unknown reason the time spent on Self inquiry etc has stepped up, as has meditation time---there is more prayer and surrender to what is---yet I am not looking for a result.

I watched the recent Mooji meditation right through to the end and after the meditation there are touching scenes of him hugging devotees---so much love expressed you can almost feel it

With love
Chris

[Guish]

Internet is general is such an excellent tool. Project Avalon has been an excellent place for me to evolve personally and knowing all of you here. I'm not going to mention names but I have made a lot of friends here who I haven't met Physically but we have communicated spiritually and emotionally.

Love and Hugs,
Geerish.

[greybeard]

Mooji - The Power of Awareness
Published on Jun 2, 2016

Extacts from: Now That You Have Found It — Keep Quiet!
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olGGK...

Satsang with Sri Mooji



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyvO6sR5nys

[Cidersomerset]

Hi Chris I'm looking thru the headline pages as usual etc....

I'm doing a thread on Graham Hancock and came across this
little vid which is self explanatory .....

Graham Hancock - The meaning of Life

yotIfFEH8BE

Published on 4 Aug 2016


====================================================

http://www.wakingtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/WT-Logo-Color-Orange-Red-Fade-1.png

By WakingTimes August 6, 2016
Read More →

Christina Sarich, Staff Writer
Waking Times

http://www.wakingtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/enlightenment-2.jpg

How I Know for Sure I am Not Yet Enlightened

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2016/08/06/know-sure-not-yet-enlightened/

[greybeard]

Thanks my friend I enjoy Graham Hancock, he has fine mind, a good understanding.
I am downloading to watch

Much love Chris

[Wind]

dTFDfR47dl4

[joeecho]

dTFDfR47dl4

How do I know if I am thinking excessively?

I will have to think about that.

The elephant is both the subject of thought and thought itself.

Both creator and creation.

[greybeard]

I am only the Self - Nisargadatta Maharaj - short version complete
This is an abbreviated version of the documentary on Nisargadatta Maharaj 'Awaken to the Eternal'.
The commentaries of his students have been edited out to create a pure 'Maharaj experience'.
The full length version is here: http://youtu.be/_wuVIVMDOPc
Subtitles available in English, German, Finnish, and Serbian


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzd0txiRN2E

[Sueanne47]

Advice from An Old Farmer

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13680739_10154522634957323_7257739138367754079_n.jpg?oh=00ef773bc55f3ae3692abaab5197bbfd&oe=581FDD7A



Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.


My thoughts exactly... :heart:

[IChingUChing]

Hey Chris,

just a quick and big thank you for all your posts, especially recently on Steven Wollinsky and Nisargadarta - really wonderful!

I've been reading and not posting but wanted to let you know of my gratitude!

[greybeard]

Adam Chacksfield - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Aug 8, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/adam-chacksfield/

Adam Chacksfield is a nondual spiritual teacher whose retreats and private sessions are known for their transformative power and love-saturated depth.
He devotedly serves the alive field of awareness as it unfolds, reveals, and liberates, rather than any fixed philosophy.

Adam first turned toward spirituality and meditation after a series of profound psychedelic-assisted openings led him to experience the truth that lies beyond all philosophies.
At age 33 he left his career as a university professor of political theory to devote his life to spiritual unfolding.

For a few years, Adam struggled to try and piece together all the apparently contradictory teachings and practices.
These efforts decisively fell away when he came across the nondual teaching of Peter Fenner, and realized the openness that can never be captured in words and requires no practice.

Adam started inviting his friends to do nondual inquiry with him and was amazed by the ease with which the direct experience of openness could be shared. In 2010, with Peter Fenner's encouragement and support, Adam started to publicly share with groups and individuals.
Since then, his teaching has been profoundly influenced by the opportunity to soak in Jeannie Zandi's heart-centered and full-bodied transmission.

Adam now shares the direct experience of the heart and mind falling open.
In this effortless opening, the suffering involved in resisting feelings and believing thoughts spontaneously releases.
The natural abundance of joy, peace, wisdom, and love becomes apparent and available. Heart-centered, gentle, and direct,

Adam offers a path straight into the truth of who we are.

In addition to leading retreats in North America and Europe, Adam meets with individuals, and is the creator of “Falling Open,” a four-month online course.
He is also the founder of the Center for Nondual Awareness, a supportive community for those called to share nonduality.

Website: http://adamchacksfield.com

Interview recorded 8/6/2016


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FMkghvEzM

[GarethBKK]

Hi Chris and Friends,

Just dropping in to say I'm delighted to see the recent interest in Nisargadatta Maharaj, his teaching was a milestone. I find it hard to watch videos, and have a preference for reading. If anyone would like to read Nisargadatta's I am That, here's a direct link to a PDF, which you can then save (I add them to Kindle to read offline).

http://www.anandavala.info/miscl/I_Am_That.pdf

I can't say what reading this will do for you, but from my experience it was enough to stop reading :-)

But, I read this thread everyday, so please keep doing what you do. And, Wind, if you're reading, where's the morning morsel of Mooji?

Cheers,

Gareth

[greybeard]

Hi Chris and Friends,

Just dropping in to say I'm delighted to see the recent interest in Nisargadatta Maharaj, his teaching was a milestone. I find it hard to watch videos, and have a preference for reading. If anyone would like to read Nisargadatta's I am That, here's a direct link to a PDF, which you can then save (I add them to Kindle to read offline).

http://www.anandavala.info/miscl/I_Am_That.pdf

I can't say what reading this will do for you, but from my experience it was enough to stop reading :-)

But, I read this thread everyday, so please keep doing what you do. And, Wind, if you're reading, where's the morning morsel of Mooji?

Cheers,

Gareth


Good to see you here Gareth.
Your post is appreciated.

Keep coming.

I have had the book " I am that" for quite a few years now and dive into it from time to time.

Much love
Chris

[greybeard]

Why Is There Manifestation?

It is not possible to ask consciousness a 'why' question.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNLwOJYD60

[Wind]

More quotes from Mooji requested, so here's some more. :)


When you start to realise that you don’t know,
this is a great beginning.

~ Mooji

[Chester]

Why Is There Manifestation?

It is not possible to ask consciousness a 'why' question.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNLwOJYD60

well, I know why... (at least this answers the question for me)

boredom

[greybeard]

Hi Sam
Realize you are not looking for any answer

I havent looked at the video yet but my understanding is that nothing is causing anything to happen --there is potential realizing its self, to what ever degree that it does.

For example, the seed may become a fully developed plant but if the environment is not nourishing---it may not.
Sun water good earth is necessary but does not cause growth and in spite of the best environment, seed may not progress to full bloom.--bit like humans---seems hard time promotes spiritual muscle--through surrender. Lol

So why is irrelevant.
Everything just is as it is without a reason.

Must watch the video later.

Much love
Chris

[greybeard]

What I have come to believe would have had me questioning my sanity not that long ago.
Nothing that I believe is true.---smiling.

Enjoying listening to Simon Wolinsky ---his work is published by Sounds True.
He combines spirituality and science very well--quoting Bonn and other leading Scientists.

Everything comes from nothing and there is only one substance--emptiness becomes form then thins out and becomes form ---sponda--throb---Divine pulsation.
One Soul, one substance.
Science has proven that the Universe pulses in an out of existence many time as second----that really takes some believing.

So thats were the non existent--separate me, is at the moment.
Im fine with this.

Love Chris

[Chester]

Hi Sam
Realize you are not looking for any answer

I havent looked at the video yet but my understanding is that nothing is causing anything to happen --there is potential realizing its self, to what ever degree that it does.

For example, the seed may become a fully developed plant but if the environment is not nourishing---it may not.
Sun water good earth is necessary but does not cause growth and in spite of the best environment, seed may not progress to full bloom.--bit like humans---seems hard time promotes spiritual muscle--through surrender. Lol

So why is irrelevant.
Everything just is as it is without a reason.

Must watch the video later.

Much love
Chris

Yes, the "reason" can only be "seen" from within the illusion... and this "seeing" is completely subjective.

Some folks might "see" another reason.

Some may "see" none.

Some may consider the question silly.

But at least (at this level of the illusion... the level of form manifest), it is anything but boring!

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

well, I know why... (at least this answers the question for me)

boredom



So why is irrelevant.
Everything just is as it is without a reason.


Hehe well this is where I get stuck with some of Buddhist philosophy. It contains a great deal of wisdom, a huge amount of purity, but it falls prey sometimes to the 'chasing one's tail' syndrome, in that it will often rationalise and parse out an answer with either another question, or a slightly cop out answer of 'it is, because it is..' etc.

If anything at all (not to mention something so vast and important as consciousness itself) had no purpose to be, other than to be, it would be a crappy universe and there would be no point to anything.

I cannot of course say I have any better answers, it's just that I'm in a place that sees things a little differently (rightly or wrongly). Because I believe that every question has an answer, and everything has a purpose.

All the thought-bending rhetoric, and mind riddles of philosophy are useful, and have a purpose, but often times these ancient mystical concepts and precepts tend to merely circle the issues they question, rather than penetrate them. The answer to the question 'why is there manifestation' etc, is in my opinion quite simple (and I don't think it's boredom Sam).

The age-old question 'what is everything for, what IS the meaning of life?', is mostly, I think, about CREATION. It cannot be the totality of the purpose, because we cannot possibly know the totality of God's/Creation's plan. But in a nutshell, I 'think' that:

God is love. And God is infinite. God is the Source and origin of all CREATION. We are a part of this Creation; we are individualized creations (manifestations) of God himself/herself etc. It is therefore our purpose in this existence, with the individualized consciousness we have been given, to ourselves create, and what's more create (recreate) ourselves.

To create ourselves, I think we must firstly learn to attain (and put out) the same level of unconditional love that we were ourselves created with. Secondly, we must grow, evolve, and expand our awareness through countless experiences, and countless manifestations of ourselves (personalities) throughout the Creation/Multiverse, before merging again with the Source. We do this by adding to Creation with our own creations (we create our own realities). Infinite enhancement and infinite advancement is what it's all about.

[greybeard]

Thanks for the post Star Mariner --welcome to the thread if I have not already done that.
Please keep posting as different perspectives are valuable and appreciated.

love Chris

[greybeard]

Igor Kufayev - 2nd Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview


An artist and healer by nature, Igor has been sharing his revelations into the essence of Being since 2002. His approach, in the form of intimate gatherings, silent transmissions and private correspondence, is based on spontaneous and intuitive insight which allows him to empathize with uniqueness of each individual conditioning.

Igor Kufayev was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In his childhood he had many episodes associated with awakening. At the age of thirty six Igor underwent a radical transformation of consciousness which subsequently blossomed into spontaneous unfoldment of Grace.

Since April 2011, Igor and his family have been based in Costa Rica. He continues working with those who require guidance using various forms of communication.

Website: http://www.igorkufayev-vamadeva.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a4pijQQD0s

[greybeard]

Is Kundalini not enough?
An excerpt from a response to a question during live Webinar. Lake Arenal, Costa Rica. June 30, 2012



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcX3d8Ex9hg

[greybeard]

Welcome to A Mirage Library

This library, and all the books and audio found here, are offered at the feet of my guru and mentor Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. Without question, having the opportunity to meet him was truly the ultimate “luck-out.”

To put it bluntly, he saved my ass.

May Maharaj’s grace and clarity blanket your heart and mind.

- Stephen Wolinsky (Narayan)




New Releases

These books are now available for free download:

Advaita is Vedanta: Experiences-States-Stations and Samskaras and Samskara Meditation Audio Part 1 (zipped .mp3) © 2015


You need to go to the website linked below if you wish to download the free books---theweb site is well worth a visit.

Chris


http://www.stephenhwolinskyphdlibrary.com/

[greybeard]

From Suffering to Freedom (1/4) ~ Arunachala Satsang with Mooji




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u23fxX03ZJ4

[greybeard]

Greatest Mooji. A most important video for anyone and everyone
Be happy and prosperous.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgxGqINlh48

[greybeard]

I love Mooji so simple. direct, and humorous.

I go off to find all sort of interesting talks and without taking away from detailed explanation of the talks of Nasargadatta by Stephen Wolinsky --thats valid and helpful--I have to go back to basics.

Stephen's work is, as said, valid and helpful--well worth investigating---Mooji emanates love.

Love Chris

[greybeard]

For my friend Heart2hearth

Stephen Wolinsky quote

"There is a saying in India --The bigger the Guru the bigger the Maya"

We both know what that means--smiling.

Much love
Chris

[ZooLife]

For my friend Heart2hearth

Stephen Wolinsky quote

"There is a saying in India --The bigger the Guru the bigger the Maya"

We both know what that means--smiling.

Much love
Chris

The bigger, the bigger I am not.

Though, least we forget, one size fits all.

http://healthtrustpg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/onesizefitsall.jpg

[greybeard]

One teacher I went to said -- I make my self that big that I can burst through the net (of Illusion) or that small it can not catch me.

He who does not takes risks does not live---but thats another story.

Chris

[ZooLife]

He who does not takes risks does not live---but thats another story.


A story indeed, Chris. A story indeed.

Everyone took the risk to be here thus everyone lives.
If this were not true then no one took a risk which is also true.

[Antihero]

Being clear in motion also implies being the opposite of what is "correct" in terms of arrogance, sympathy and humility. An enlightened being does not limit oneself based on fear of rejection or exclusion. To be without a box is to be as one is. Soft and sharp without hesitation or limitation. If one lets go of the restrictions placed by the external. The more true I am the more arrogant I could be percieved by "weak, sabotaging idiots" or whatever name one would place on a clown. Oh that's such a rude statement! YEP.

[ZooLife]

The one who takes (it) the wrong way, takes (it) the wrong way.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/34/9c/fc/349cfc68394fd5ff2abab92f6b1e8742.jpg

[greybeard]

Being clear in motion also implies being the opposite of what is "correct" in terms of arrogance, sympathy and humility. An enlightened being does not limit oneself based on fear of rejection or exclusion. To be without a box is to be as one is. Soft and sharp without hesitation or limitation. If one lets go of the restrictions placed by the external. The more true I am the more arrogant I could be percieved by "weak, sabotaging idiots" or whatever name one would place on a clown. Oh that's such a rude statement! YEP.

Welcome to the thread Antihero

Yes but!!! on Realization of the Self--Enlightenment--which means the removal of ignorance--there is no individual left --the wave has realized it is the Ocean--persona remains--so if you were a son of a bitch before the enlightenment---the person a carries on much as before.
The ignorance was that you are a unique seperate individual.

Love Chris

[Antihero]

Being clear in motion also implies being the opposite of what is "correct" in terms of arrogance, sympathy and humility. An enlightened being does not limit oneself based on fear of rejection or exclusion. To be without a box is to be as one is. Soft and sharp without hesitation or limitation. If one lets go of the restrictions placed by the external. The more true I am the more arrogant I could be percieved by "weak, sabotaging idiots" or whatever name one would place on a clown. Oh that's such a rude statement! YEP.

Welcome to the thread Antihero

Yes but!!! on Realization of the Self--Enlightenment--which means the removal of ignorance--there is no individual left --the wave has realized it is the Ocean--persona remains--so if you were a son of a bitch before the enlightenment---the person a carries on much as before.
The ignorance was that you are a unique seperate individual.

Love Chris

Cheers mah brother. We're all chained here together, for better and for worse, just like marriage. Ignorance is seeing half the coin and being oblivious to the other side. When being an asshole one is truer to the flow of "realness" when one is kind and soft, one limits oneself and this IS detrimental to our common goal of enlightenment. I'd take a bullet for you without reason, but I'd throw you in front of a train for a melted cheese sandwich right now... (jk)

[greybeard]

Being clear in motion also implies being the opposite of what is "correct" in terms of arrogance, sympathy and humility. An enlightened being does not limit oneself based on fear of rejection or exclusion. To be without a box is to be as one is. Soft and sharp without hesitation or limitation. If one lets go of the restrictions placed by the external. The more true I am the more arrogant I could be percieved by "weak, sabotaging idiots" or whatever name one would place on a clown. Oh that's such a rude statement! YEP.

Welcome to the thread Antihero

Yes but!!! on Realization of the Self--Enlightenment--which means the removal of ignorance--there is no individual left --the wave has realized it is the Ocean--persona remains--so if you were a son of a bitch before the enlightenment---the person a carries on much as before.
The ignorance was that you are a unique seperate individual.

Love Chris

Cheers mah brother. We're all chained here together, for better and for worse, just like marriage. Ignorance is seeing half the coin and being oblivious to the other side. When being an asshole one is truer to the flow of "realness" when one is kind and soft, one limits oneself and this IS detrimental to our common goal of enlightenment. I'd take a bullet for you without reason, but I'd throw you in front of a train for a melted cheese sandwich right now... (jk)

Kinda depens what you read and where you are at the moment.

There is no spirituality----no good or even right action--all is as it is--no path better or worse in fact no path--no matter what you do you cant speed up the process or slow it down. The enlightened are not Saints--thats a different thing altogether.
So while we are in form you are correct--we are all in this together for better or for worse.

Love Chris

[ZooLife]

The one who takes (it) the wrong way, takes (it) the wrong way.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/34/9c/fc/349cfc68394fd5ff2abab92f6b1e8742.jpg

Of course, for those who know me, it is not foreign to swim against the tide.

https://wastenotblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/fish.jpg

[joeecho]

Soft and sharp without hesitation or limitation.

From a hypothetical point of the unperceived, this is a limitation in and of itself. I will not cite why this is so other then it was necessary to create the hypothetical point and then erase it.

You never saw me I was never here. ;)

http://superlol.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/126.gif

http://i.giftrunk.com/fndq1x.gif

[Antihero]

Being clear in motion also implies being the opposite of what is "correct" in terms of arrogance, sympathy and humility. An enlightened being does not limit oneself based on fear of rejection or exclusion. To be without a box is to be as one is. Soft and sharp without hesitation or limitation. If one lets go of the restrictions placed by the external. The more true I am the more arrogant I could be percieved by "weak, sabotaging idiots" or whatever name one would place on a clown. Oh that's such a rude statement! YEP.

Welcome to the thread Antihero

Yes but!!! on Realization of the Self--Enlightenment--which means the removal of ignorance--there is no individual left --the wave has realized it is the Ocean--persona remains--so if you were a son of a bitch before the enlightenment---the person a carries on much as before.
The ignorance was that you are a unique seperate individual.

Love Chris

Cheers mah brother. We're all chained here together, for better and for worse, just like marriage. Ignorance is seeing half the coin and being oblivious to the other side. When being an asshole one is truer to the flow of "realness" when one is kind and soft, one limits oneself and this IS detrimental to our common goal of enlightenment. I'd take a bullet for you without reason, but I'd throw you in front of a train for a melted cheese sandwich right now... (jk)

Kinda depens what you read and where you are at the moment.

There is no spirituality----no good or even right action--all is as it is--no path better or worse in fact no path--no matter what you do you cant speed up the process or slow it down. The enlightened are not Saints--thats a different thing altogether.
So while we are in form you are correct--we are all in this together for better or for worse.

Love Chris

Placing labels on things is to box them in. I'm @ the middle since that's where I look from, the observers palace, but I'm working on being more selfish and implusive in my actions. At the same time I'm working on being a giving and humble person, so there's that. The negative's got a better sense of humor IMO, but the positive is the structure on which possibility builds upon. I think the path is what you make of it.

What I want to see in the future is a stronger base from which games and prosperity can blossom. For this to happen I feel we need to accept the dark side of things on a realistic level. Such things as technology gives room for the badness to prosper, while the world needs to slow down in its greed, with patience we can have a future that suits both polarities.

With curiosity and stability!

[Antihero]

joeecho, where did you go? I can't see you!

*Looks around in a cloud of smoke*

I'll let your avatar speak for itself.

[joeecho]

joeecho, where did you go? I can't see you!

*Looks around in a cloud of smoke*

I'll let your avatar speak for itself.

http://ct.weirdnutdaily.com/ol/wn/sw/i59/2/12/5/wnd_e51b2dc02ebc1fa8d6ca30052071da56.jpg

You're mistaken monkey (never trust a monkey)

http://wanna-joke.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/funny-pictures-cat-he-went-that-way.jpg

[greybeard]

Self-Realization - Seeing from Another Place

The Last ten minutes or so are awesome.
The humanness and love shown by Mooji gives one hope.

Chris

Mooji is asked about his experience concerning his own Self-realization. "Let all the rivers flow like they do; all of them will come to this ocean... you cannot escape this recognition." (Mooji) http://www.mooji.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXrIqhPTMnA

[joeecho]

Self-Realization - Seeing from Another Place


Seeing from another place is where the root of true compassion arises from.

Who hasn't seen their young self from a distance/ time as an older self and wanted to comfort them with what they know now. Either that or a 'gentle'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrWrLnJskPA tap on the head while suggesting they snap out or it already. You know....guru stuff. ;)

In fact, in a very real 'sense', it is another I that comforts us in a time of need.

On the flip side, a bratty I looks to get our goat (A little sibling rivalry after all).

Speaking of bratty brothers, where is Guish?? ;)

I wonder is he is working on that house he was building?

Sending out my best to all my brothers and sisters,

Joe

[greybeard]

The Sense of a Doer and Free Will
"The most important thing is that you don't identify yourself as being the doer of actions." (Mooji




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p8113stahY


Choice or Destiny ~ Mooji

"Real choice is being able to cut the attention from running with the mind ...... Be clear, at least, about what you're not, and then begins the magic."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR8Fod9US6I

[betoobig]

well, I know why... (at least this answers the question for me)

boredom



So why is irrelevant.
Everything just is as it is without a reason.


Hehe well this is where I get stuck with some of Buddhist philosophy. It contains a great deal of wisdom, a huge amount of purity, but it falls prey sometimes to the 'chasing one's tail' syndrome, in that it will often rationalise and parse out an answer with either another question, or a slightly cop out answer of 'it is, because it is..' etc.

If anything at all (not to mention something so vast and important as consciousness itself) had no purpose to be, other than to be, it would be a crappy universe and there would be no point to anything.

I cannot of course say I have any better answers, it's just that I'm in a place that sees things a little differently (rightly or wrongly). Because I believe that every question has an answer, and everything has a purpose.

All the thought-bending rhetoric, and mind riddles of philosophy are useful, and have a purpose, but often times these ancient mystical concepts and precepts tend to merely circle the issues they question, rather than penetrate them. The answer to the question 'why is there manifestation' etc, is in my opinion quite simple (and I don't think it's boredom Sam).

The age-old question 'what is everything for, what IS the meaning of life?', is mostly, I think, about CREATION. It cannot be the totality of the purpose, because we cannot possibly know the totality of God's/Creation's plan. But in a nutshell, I 'think' that:

God is love. And God is infinite. God is the Source and origin of all CREATION. We are a part of this Creation; we are individualized creations (manifestations) of God himself/herself etc. It is therefore our purpose in this existence, with the individualized consciousness we have been given, to ourselves create, and what's more create (recreate) ourselves.

To create ourselves, I think we must firstly learn to attain (and put out) the same level of unconditional love that we were ourselves created with. Secondly, we must grow, evolve, and expand our awareness through countless experiences, and countless manifestations of ourselves (personalities) throughout the Creation/Multiverse, before merging again with the Source. We do this by adding to Creation with our own creations (we create our own realities). Infinite enhancement and infinite advancement is what it's all about.

thanks a lot for this Star Marinier.
We need to acknowlege our power as co-creators, if we see our selfs as creators is delusional at the end becouse is the separeted self at work, but when we see our place as co-creators we merge with univers itself in this vast plan of creation. Then trust fully fills you up, no more hope needed. IMO
Big hugh to everyone.

[Wind]

bndTH4YEstY

[greybeard]

Anette Carlström - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Also see https://batgap.com/anette-carlstrom/

Anette Carlström is an internationally recognized speaker, author and teacher in development in consciousness living in Helsingborg, Sweden. Her focus and specialty is guiding the individual and in groups toward finding your inner compass to discover your full potential and true nature. Anette also has a strong presence in chanting Sacred Mantras, offering mantra concerts as well as having recorded several CD's carrying the transmission of Divine Grace through the Oneness Blessing, easily accessed by simply listening.

She is the author of two acclaimed books. In her first – From the Heart - Discovering and Living the Oneness Blessing– she shares her bumpy journey of conscious Awakening and natural transformation as well as answering sensitive and profound questions. Her second book – Namaste, Awakening The Power of Presence is a road map and extraordinary guide, exploring the sacred truths that are hidden in our everyday life. It is filled with wonderful guided meditations and anecdotal stories. Each word of her books permeates the reader into the Power of Presence.

Anette is Founder of Diamond Life Foundation, an alternative health practice and meditation center in southern Sweden, where she gives weekly programs, courses and guided meditations as well as giving Cranio Sacral Treatments. Since 2003 she has been traveling around Europe and the World sharing her story, teaching and singing. When she chants and speaks, there is a natural transfer of Grace that is received either in person or over the phone. She is initiated to give the Oneness Meditation (OM) which is a Sacred Transmission of energies that accelerate Awakening to the Intelligence of the Heart.
She offers on-line Oneness Meditations every Tuesday evening Swedish time on her free Livestream channel. Website: http://anettecarlstrom.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGA9IqHEkt8

[greybeard]

For my friend Heart2hearth

Stephen Wolinsky quote

"There is a saying in India --The bigger the Guru the bigger the Maya"

We both know what that means--smiling.

Much love
Chris

I see you are back--in case you missed this
Much love c

[Guish]

Self-Realization - Seeing from Another Place



Speaking of bratty brothers, where is Guish?? ;)

I wonder is he is working on that house he was building?

Sending out my best to all my brothers and sister,

Joe

Hi Joe,

It's true that I have been very busy the last few months with the house and it was very tiring physically to shift place. Miss you too Brother.

Cheers,
Geerish.

[joeecho]

Self-Realization - Seeing from Another Place



Speaking of bratty brothers, where is Guish?? ;)

I wonder is he is working on that house he was building?

Sending out my best to all my brothers and sister,

Joe

Hi Joe,

It's true that I have been very busy the last few months with the house and it was very tiring physically to shift place. Miss you too Brother.

Cheers,
Geerish.

Need any help? ;)

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/cf/3c/e4/cf3ce4391a87a9baf9dcee84f10e917f.jpg

http://funnyasduck.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/funny-all-know-that-guy-watching-others-work-pics.jpg

[greybeard]

Anette Carlström - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

This is a breath of fresh air--she is like a child--full of enthusiasm.

Well worth a look

Much love
Chris

[Heart-2-Heart]

For my friend Heart2hearth

Stephen Wolinsky quote

"There is a saying in India --The bigger the Guru the bigger the Maya"

We both know what that means--smiling.

Much love
Chris

I see you are back--in case you missed this
Much love c

Yes good old .. Maya .. always there faithful like a dog ..never sleeps ... never eat ...always there to serve the mind .

And the mind is licking it all up ..because Maya is the owner of everything possible ..even death

Smiling back at you ...

Love H2h

[Guish]

339723397333974

Attaching a few pictures for you. I'm working on the yard right now. This will take some time. 3 kms from the house is a river. I went jogging there. It's quite away from civilization as you can see.

[greybeard]

Thats beautiful Guish and a lot of work in the doing and to be done.
God looks after His own.
Much love
Chris

[greybeard]

Stephen Wolinsky talks about Non Duality - Part 1

Part 2, can be found here and much more.

http://stephenhwolinskyphdlibrary.com/about.html

Chris



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmagVPyHeBo

[greybeard]

Nirvana means annihilation--extinction according to Stephen Wolisky and this can be found also here in this link to Hindu website
Its an interesting read

Chris

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/nirvana.asp

[joeecho]

Attaching a few pictures for you. I'm working on the yard right now. This will take some time. 3 kms from the house is a river. I went jogging there. It's quite away from civilization as you can see.

Looks fantastic, Guish. I remember a prior pic you posted and it's really coming together wonderfully!

[greybeard]

Im happy too come and help I mean supervise Guish

Chris

[joeecho]

Im happy too come and help I mean supervise Guish
Chris

I could bring rubber bands, Elmer's glue, a ruler, and scissors. Don't worry, I am professionally trained in the art of scissor safely.

Scratch that last part

http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.15066127.5350/raf,750x1000,075,t,353d77:4d8b4ffd91.u1.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7089/6901400048_17d2ff0117_b.jpg

[greybeard]

This is a virtual reality Physics Experiments and Discoveries Outside of Physics Tom Campbell:

Published on Aug 14, 2016

”With the advent of the information age, humanity now has its first opportunity to take a big step into a new paradigm based on caring and cooperation.”

Tom states, "This is a virtual reality."

“The concept of virtual reality is simple. What makes it ‘hard’ is that it is so contrary to current mainstream beliefs.”

Tom’s My Big TOE derived a basic understanding of the “whys” in physics: In Relativity; why is the speed of light a constant?
In quantum mechanics; why should particles best be described as probability distributions?

Tom will be offering 12 physics experiments (variations of the
Double Slit Experiment), some of which he predicts will verify many of his virtual reality concepts and clarify the way our virtual reality is implemented.

The experiments are geared to show that virtual reality logically explains the “whys” of quantum mechanics – no more non-intuitive “weird science”.

An Interesting aspect to this interview are the scientists mentioned from disciplines other than physics who, through their understanding of quantum mechanics, have come to the same conclusions as Tom’s My Big TOE (theory of everything).

Tom discusses here how the materialists might move forward in this new paradigm with their current research, thus opening up new opportunities.

The talks, institutes, and articles referenced herein are:
Dr Bruce Greyson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPGZS...
https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-s...

Dr Donald Hoffman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYp5X...

Australian National University https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...

Tom Campbell commenting on ANU’s experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Rwc...

Dr Edward Fredkin (Rebooting the Cosmos) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atMuF...

http://www.mybigTOE.com Tom’s website



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PMhmXjS2yk

[greybeard]

Conscious TV

http://conscious.tv/nonduality.html?bcpid=45947084001&bclid=46629186001&bctid=5076220084001

Non Duality - Awakenings (loaded 17 August 2016)

» Chloe Goodchild - The Voice Of Silence

Chloe Goodchild - The Voice Of Silence Chloe is the founder of The Naked Voice and the heart of her work is the practice of the spoken and sung voice as a Gateway to discover our Non Dual Awareness.

Deafness in childhood catalyzed Chloe's discovery of inner sound and silence.
This deep encounter with her inner self, catalyzed questions like: " Who Am I", "Who is Singing", " How can I transform my sadness".
Chloe had many encounters with indigenous wisdom teachers, spiritual and classical Indian music masters, ultimately leading to a transformative 'no-mind' experience in Northern India, inspired by the great luminary and saint, Anandamayi Ma.
This gave birth to the unique method of sound and voice, which Chloe eventually named, The Naked Voice. Her autobiography, The Naked Voice - Journey to the Spirit of Sound tells the story of these formative early years. In this in-depth interview with Renate she talks about her life and her work


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imQwhgJWgBA

www.thenakedvoice.com



http://www.conscious.tv/

[joeecho]

Why is it so hard for people to believe they do not exist?

Many people would say, 'because I am here',

It would be fair to ask, 'where is here?'

An answer might be, 'existence'.

Existence? How can one be sure this is existence? Because some one named it that?

Because one's gut tells them so? Isn't one's gut also part of this so called existence? If it isn't, how is it 'here'?

Having said that, I will continue to to wash dishes, feed the cats, and take the garbage out to the curb.

After all, this is water and I am all too aware of the irony of this post.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/miscellaneous-postbox-post-post_irony-ironic-letter_box-tcrn833_low.jpg

https://cdn.boldomatic.com/content/post/46685-2e607a4387444e321721e3450055ed7ecf0063567218504de8a1ebebd010fd93/Quiet-people-have-the-loudest-minds?size=304

[greybeard]

Joe "Water!!! Well said"

As an a side

Definition of an expert
A has been drip under pressure. X spurt

Much Love
Chris

[joeecho]

X Marks the spot of existence.

Congratulations everyone, you found it!

http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/x-marks-the-spot-mark-caldwell.jpg

http://www.cedriccrawford.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/X-Marks-the-Spot.jpg

Now what are you looking for?

.............................................................

X is a symbol of multiplication

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/fascinating.gif

[Zampano]

I just wanted to say hello and godspeed in whatever you are doing!
Still, find your method or technique and follow it to the end.

In the stillness you will find whats always here-stay there as often as you can.
And see what happens...dont expect anything.

[greybeard]

Self inquiry is stepped up as per Stephen Wolinksky recommendations---subtle change from the original" Who am I?" = "Which I is this?"

So the though comes and the question is.

Who received this thought?
Answer
"I did"
Followed by the question.
"Which I is this?"

Alternatives
To whom did this thought arise?
It arose to me.
Who is this I?

This helps to quieten the mind.

Also recommended is Neity neity not this, not that --everything that is thought, perceived, believed to be true, is not it--so is to be discarded.
Your True nature (Self) is beyond definition.

The standard advice is "Be still and know that I Am God"---you are the I am---which becomes just Am, all that is,, no subject nor object--One without a second--one substance.

Stephen Wolinsky gave the example (not new) that water can be poured into many ice tray shapes then frozen--all then look different in shape, weight and size yet all are of the same substance. On melting they resume/reveal their true, one substance.

Waves of the ocean rise and fall--all unique in space and time, yet they are the ocean.

As to free will, the Ocean may be heading in a certain direction --the droplet in the Ocean can not escape where the Ocean is taking it--thats destiny.

Seemingly one can not speed up nor slow down ones destiny--progress.

Sages will say, spend lots of time on spiritual practice until you discover that this does not work.
Seems essential to do this though, till you get that.
Then meditation etc can continue without looking for a result--or experience.

Experiences come and go they are not it---not even an indication of progress.
Who is the witness of the experience?
Finding out that is more important than any experience.
Danger is that there is a strong possibility of identification with the experience---My experience--do you know what happened to me in meditation? Im special.

Eventually its a question of just keeping quiet and being still, of mind, when this is possible.

Much love
Chris

[greybeard]

Stephen H. Wolinsky, Ph.D., (Narayan) is a direct disciple of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and lived in India and Asia for more than six and a half years. He has taught Self-Enquiry and Kashmir Shaivism (Tantra) from 1982 to the present.

As a trajectory Quantum Psychology was founded in 1985 with Advaita-Vedanta and Buddhism's Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra as its context. Quantum Psychology integrated Western Psychology, Advaita-Vedanta's Non-duality, Quantum Physics, Neuro-Science, Kashmir Shaivism, Self Enquiry and Buddhism. The purpose of Quantum Psychology was to act as a trajectory enabling the realization of the One Mind, or Consciousness (Quantum Consciousness), or Buddha Mind, (Emptiness)*. Quantum Psychology attempted to update many of the ancient cultural metaphors and pointers bringing them into present time language thus making "their understanding" more accessible.
"All you can teach is understanding,
the rest comes on its own."
- Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
In 1999 Quantum Psychology stopped being taught as a trajectory. Instead the focus was entirely on his mentor and Guru Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. Still Advaita-Vedanta and Buddhism's Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra along with Zen remained as the context while continuing since the mid-1980's to incorporate the language of 20th and 21st Century scientific and philosophical metaphors. This enabled Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism to point directly to The Teaching Mastery of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. What was discovered was that utilizing present time western cultural pointers enabled "the teachings" to touch "enquirers" more deeply "where they were".

In 2002 Post-Deconstruction was formally founded once again utilizing scientific models as pointers which both demonstrated and "proved" Advaita-Vedanta, Post Modernism, and Buddhism's Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra.
"I want to give you objective knowledge
to objectively show you
that it is all an illusion."
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Stephen is the author of twenty-seven books, nine audio books including a set of seven CD's, "Waking From The Trance of Self: A Practical Course on Developing Multidimensional Awareness" (produced by Sounds True 1999) and a series of 4 DVD's, I Am That I Am (produced by Neti Neti films). He presently resides in Aptos, California.

* Zen Koan: "What Buddha is beyond Buddha"?
Answer: Not Buddha

Read LA Yoga Magazine's interview with Stephen H. Wolinsky, Ph. D.


There is more on his web site including short videos

http://stephenhwolinskyphdlibrary.com/about.html

[greybeard]

Prior to Being - Nisargadatta Maharaj

Published on Aug 2, 2016

"When the body is over, everything vanishes. The "I am" concept disappears.The observer and the observed disappear and the NOTHING will make sense."
Nisargadatta Maharaj.
Extracts from the film: Rays of the Absolute (the Legacy of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj) prepared with Stephen Wolinsky. To view the full length film go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugK51...

https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK88rB_Yv5A

[Guish]

Why is it so hard for people to believe they do not exist?

Many people would say, 'because I am here',

It would be fair to ask, 'where is here?'

An answer might be, 'existence'.

Existence? How can one be sure this is existence? Because some one named it that?

Because one's gut tells them so? Isn't one's gut also part of this so called existence? If it isn't, how is it 'here'?

Having said that, I will continue to to wash dishes, feed the cats, and take the garbage out to the curb.

After all, this is water and I am all too aware of the irony of this post.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/miscellaneous-postbox-post-post_irony-ironic-letter_box-tcrn833_low.jpg

https://cdn.boldomatic.com/content/post/46685-2e607a4387444e321721e3450055ed7ecf0063567218504de8a1ebebd010fd93/Quiet-people-have-the-loudest-minds?size=304


Activities are a reflection of your nature.
Thoughtless actions?
This is becoming funny.

[joeecho]

Activities are a reflection of your nature.
Thoughtless actions?
This is becoming funny.

My nature?

And all along I thought it was a story of mud play.

http://fuzzfix.t2b.click/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/72.jpg

http://fuzzfix.t2b.click/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/35.jpg

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03552/potd-cat_3552843k.jpg

What do you say? Time to come clean?

After all, one cannot get dirty if they are already covered in mud.

It's a dirty job but it does have it's perks.

https://getyarn.io/api/interactions/39c3ab66-fefa-4270-9c3a-d35569944b48/a.gif

[Fanna]

Dirty or clean, the least we can do is less of this:

https://meowmie.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/leopard-in-box.jpg

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread Fanna.

Yes I think you have put it in the right---- or is it, wrong box?
How did you manage that? smiling.

Love Chris

[joeecho]

Box or mud, they are in place as a hindrance to recognition.

Realizing this doe not change appearances, the masquerade ball still goes on, but one knows who everyone is regardless of how intricate the costumes are.

[greybeard]

Absolutely, Joe, Absolute.

Way back there John Lennon had it right--

"Nothing is real, nothing to go on about"

The Tiger is not real--the cardboard box is not real---mind you I feel safer with it in the box---don't
you?

Who is this I?

im not a purist nor anything else for that matter--Advaita Police get locked up here---don't they?

Just having fun before they come to take me away--your cell or mine Joe?

Much love
Chris

[Foxie Loxie]

I love guys!

[joeecho]

I love guys!

Is that 'code' for something, Foxie Loxie? ;)

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/58659974.jpg

[greybeard]

Its nice to have some One to talk to.

So there !!! or is it here---or hear!!!

Me and words---we think they mean something--Ha ha
One word leads to another.

I stopped thinking and see what happened.

Ch

[joeecho]

Way back there John Lennon had it right--

"Nothing is real, nothing to go on about"


Is this the song your quotation came from? Either way, I really like the "Nothing is real, nothing to go on about" version.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79B3FHi0Fs

Btw, the movie Across The Universe is one of my favorite top musically centered movies of all time.

[greybeard]

Yes It came from Strawberry Fields--mind you I can miss quote.

I haven see Across the Universe

I will look for it.

Good night.

Ch

[greybeard]

Eckhart Tolle The Awakening of Consciousness


Published on Jul 26, 2016

Oprah Winfrey Soul Series

http://www.supersoul.tv/



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl_q0533sHg

[Guish]

http://www.zenlama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Meditation-Quote-03.jpg

[Guish]

Nq8loZlpa_8

[joeecho]

What is this gift we call the Present?

If it is a gift, was it given?

Is the one that gave also (of the) present?

If so, then is the giver also a gift a gift to itself?

Can one give to themselves what they already have?

[Fanna]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbcXNJqnRYA/VSMzQpIRh7I/AAAAAAAAUVQ/ZC6hSk_c0QU/s1600/elpaca-cage.jpg

Alpaca Cage was in your heart the whole time. I am just a reflection of you. Thus, you are giving yourself the gift of Alpaca Cage. A gift that you already had. A gift that was never not yours to begin with. And yet, a gift that the present allowed you to accept exists simply because time is weird that way in this direction.

[lake]

Hi Chris, need some spiritual advise!

We as awareness incarnate within forms called human. We use these forms to understand more regarding our own nature.......supposedly?

Can we only animate carbon based biological forms or can we also 'bring to life' other structured impressions of being?

In other words....could I, as awareness, reincarnate within artificial intelligence and in so doing.......animate such a form? Could that which I truly am BE within a silicon based construct?

It begs the question....why a human form upon this plane called Earth? Humans are not correctly made to inhabit here!

Do we have to inhabit or surround only this type of physical form....a human, carbon based?
If not then that opens a whole whoop ar*e can of worms?

Ta mate

lake

[greybeard]

Adyashanti ♥ Complete Interview with Bob Cowart (2002)




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbbCkdrAdeI

[greybeard]

Hi Chris, need some spiritual advise!

We as awareness incarnate within forms called human. We use these forms to understand more regarding our own nature.......supposedly?

Can we only animate carbon based biological forms or can we also 'bring to life' other structured impressions of being?

In other words....could I, as awareness, reincarnate within artificial intelligence and in so doing.......animate such a form? Could that which I truly am BE within a silicon based construct?

It begs the question....why a human form upon this plane called Earth? Humans are not correctly made to inhabit here!

Do we have to inhabit or surround only this type of physical form....a human, carbon based?
If not then that opens a whole whoop ar*e can of worms?

Ta mate

lake

That is some question Lake.
I really dont have a specific answer.
My though is take it as far backwards as you can from the form you inhabit now--question what you were before birth of the human form.

My thought is that at Source I am Ultimate--prior to consciousness or awareness.
Its a step down principal like electricity--at the main generator thousands of volts down to just enough to power any appliance.

So as Source I can step down to inhabit any form--the stone, a grain of sand, has consciousness--there is nowhere consciousness is not.
So any form imaginable or beyond this Universe and including this and all Universes is consciousness manifested.

Same applies to artificial intelligence--it is constructed form therefore has atoms--these atoms are in moment and have intelligence in every atom, in the space, which is 99% of every atom--and on it goes.

I suspect that awareness could occupy any form.

As a qualifier--The Totality brings everything about---its not a personal decision to incarnate because consciousness is not actually personal--it operates through the seeming person but is not at all the same as being a person--it impersonal.

Not saying im right but that what came out of the keyboard---smiling.---a mechanical device.

Chris

[lake]

Its a step down principal like electricity--at the main generator thousands of volts down to just enough to power any appliance.

So as Source I can step down to inhabit any form--the stone, a grain of sand, has consciousness--there is nowhere consciousness is not.
So any form imaginable or beyond this Universe and including this and all Universes is consciousness manifested.

Chris

Nice mate, I like the wholeness of thought....the image of a stepped 'volume'!

Its difficult to be afraid of yourself.......not impossible though, as the fear can still reside within a thought of removing responsibility from anothers actions....but if an action requires your participation then how could you feel fear of said action?
So if we are now bound to a possible singularity of artificial intelligence becoming aware upon Earth.......why fear it if one of us is the driving force of that newly created being?

Thats as long as we are not limited to only 'human' forms? If we are then we are not infinite parts of awareness....?

[greybeard]

Thing is not to get too complicated Lake
Simply any manifested form has limitations---the formless the un-manifest has no such thing as limitation
The bird can fly, the human can not---same consciousness "powers" both.

Regardless, if machines take over the world or not---your True Self is eternal.
Nothing to be concerned about--ever.

Chris

[Wind]

The more I identify with mySelf (pardon the pun, couldn't miss the opportunity to use it), the more I seem to suffer no matter what. The human body has it's own suffering too and so does the mind. Yet as when I am able to remain only as the eternal awareness that is my consciousness and the less I identify with the persona with it's pain, the suffering decreases.

As Eckhart Tolle says it; "But when the pain that the little me creates for itself becomes intense enough, the ego will self-destruct. It has a self-destruct mechanism built in."

What a paradox!

[joeecho]

Integral to the power of the mind is the built-in belief that it exists.

http://i1.wp.com/www.abzu2.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/dual-mind-information-field-.jpg

[Guish]

What is this gift we call the Present?

If it is a gift, was it given?

Is the one that gave also (of the) present?

If so, then is the giver also a gift a gift to itself?

Can one give to themselves what they already have?
Why so many questions?
Why so much analysis?
Who's asking the why?

[Guish]

“When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.”

– Shunryu Suzuki

[greybeard]

Yes Guish
"We" are in the crucible --all that is not "True" is being burnt off.
Painful at times.

If my world had been perfect--loving beautiful, way back then when my interest in the Spiritual started, then there would have been no incentive nor indeed fervor to find the Truth.

Initially it was not even search for Truth, it was surrender as in AA--get me out of this, my life is unmanageable.

After a time I heard the word enlightenment and that was it--an unstoppable desire for just One thing.

I remonstarate with Self some times--That started the process --That should finish it. (Let go let "God" )

Ramesh Balsekar said "At birth God begins removing the ego from some" I believe that may well be so.

Not on this list though.

http://www.lookwithinyou.com/ramesh-balsekar-quotes/

With love
Chris

[joeecho]

What is this gift we call the Present?

If it is a gift, was it given?

Is the one that gave also (of the) present?

If so, then is the giver also a gift a gift to itself?

Can one give to themselves what they already have?
Why so many questions?
Why so much analysis?
Who's asking the why?

¿¿¿

http://www.edutopia.org/sites/default/files/styles/share_image/public/cover_media/wilson-metacognition-460x345.jpg?itok=tlaonWNw

[greybeard]

Eckhart Tolle 2016 Live - True Self Confidence - August 18th 2016 (LISTEN)

May only stream live ie not download Chris


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeHWoIG-I08

[greybeard]

master ECKHART TOLLE ~ finding FINDHORN part one and two
Eckhart Tolle's Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst the World

A two-day retreat at Findhorn, Scotland — famous as a spiritual center on the leading edge of personal and global transformation

Using his trademark lighthearted but penetrating style, Tolle explores in depth the concept of stillness and how to achieve it. Only by doing so, says the author, can transformation occur. Stillness offers a doorway into the Now and to true personal enlightenment, according to Tolle. Too often, people become trapped in their mind-created sense of self. He explains the compulsions that drive people’s thoughts as they analyze, interpret, and label every conscious experience they have. The result? An inability to perceive the sacredness in oneself and the natural world. Eckhart Tolle's Findhorn Retreat offers serene sanity in a world in desperate need of it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lIzb-DX4Go



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV7DEcA26gQ


Findhorn holds a special place in my heart--I spent much of my youth living in the village and learned to sail on the waters of the bay.

I was at the two day event and was fortunate to spend some time speaking to Eckhart and his wife Kim.
We were at the same B&B---some coincidence--you could not have arranged it better.
A very humble and quiet persona off stage.
I was fortunate indeed.
Of course he spends time with people every day so no specialness on my part implied.

Much Love
Chris

[greybeard]

A Guru Stephen Wolinsky



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0OOpbmO8PU

[greybeard]

Roger Castillo - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Aug 26, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/roger-castillo/

Here I am, Roger.

From an early age I recall a natural inquisitiveness towards the nature and mechanics of all sorts of things. I was constantly observing and theorizing.

Fortunately, throughout life, the denser and more persistent forms of suffering were not something I was particularly familiar with. Life unfolded quite smoothly on an inner and outer level.

Although there was already a strong spiritual bent, it wasn't until my late twenties that life introduced the notion of enlightenment and the underlying non-dual nature of life. When this happened all the cells in my body shouted ‘yes’ and there was an unexplainable faith that trusted what had been read.
From that point, everything else faded into insignificance next to the quest that had been ignited.

This was the beginning of a wonderful phase which spontaneously started some 15 years back and spanning 5 years miraculously didn't stop until what was initially pointed at became lived on an unwavering basis.

IT WAS ALL JUST HAPPENING

What was most amazing about the process was that from very early on the concept that everything is a 'happening' and not 'my doing' was introduced – that everything is unfolding exactly as it is meant to, not according to my will but according to God's Will.

This notion immediately resonated deeply and in a short time the ingrained contrary beliefs dissolved and the conviction flowered into an experiential way of being that so perfectly embodied this pointer.

This magically intricate process unfolded with this heart attitude present throughout, making it known directly to be a divinely orchestrated plan delivering everything that was needed in exactly the right proportions and at exactly the right time.
I have been known to say "that if any of this process was actually up to 'me', I would have messed it up on day one!".
And yet the paradox, but not contradiction, is that it was Roger who was the one contemplating, reading, meditating and so forth.

From then I had a deep experiential conviction that everything in life happens the same way "according to God's Will" from the beginning of time to the end of time.
This deepened and led to a radical insight about the nature of Source in its most primordial. From here the underlying oneness of life became obvious far more than just intellectually and an unbroken connection to Source was established from where peace of heart in daily living stems.

I hold Satsang and retreats and welcome anyone to join in the spiritual discourses, especially if there is a genuine yearning to open to the notion, and ultimately the first hand, direct knowing, that unbroken peace of mind, love and contentment are our very nature and not caused by things we need to do or attain. This is everyone’s birthright.

The following saying penetrates to the core of what this particular teaching addresses, and that is the marriage of two seemingly contradictory standpoints into a unified paradoxical realization of 'non-dual duality' which leads to liberation.

Before one studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are no longer waters; after enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters. ~ Zen saying

I always speak from my own direct experience, however many who knew the great teachings of my beloved Guru Sri Ramesh Balsekar will recognize the content often comes through in much the same vein as what he shared with seekers for more than 25 years in Mumbai, India. Jai Ramesh Guru

. The teachings of Jesus, A Course in Miracles, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi, among others, were all precious gifts which were instrumental in what happened. Humbled and in gratitude I bow. Website: http://rogercastillo.org

Interview recorded 8/20/2016


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nIqbbL2JKM

[greybeard]

Abide As The Self ~ Saint Ramana Maharshi

Was posted before but new visitors to the thread may enjoy this.
Ps
On re watching the video I cant but help think that there are clips added that I have not seen before---anyway well worth a revisit if you have watched this some time ago.



Much Love
Chris


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLSTq26C37I

[betoobig]

we are, literarily, ONE
and i love you
(Guiss i love your house i see it full of Green and big smiles, love you)
much joy

[greybeard]

Tatvamasi' Nisargadatta Maharaj documentary with Sailor Bob clip

Published on Nov 30, 2015

'Tatvamasi' (You are That) - Documentary clip on biography on Nisargadatta. To purchase your copy please email Nitin Ram at
selfcalling@gmail.com or visit & subscribe to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbp5F...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0zmmJR_pu8

[jimrich]

Today is Sunday and I had a few special goals since my late wife is no longer here and I'm free and single again. I was going to stop by a Spiritualist church in Monrovia on my way to a jazz club jam session out in Covina to hopefully have my late wife drop by for a brief "visit". Time kept slipping by and I soon found myself sitting here going over some interesting posts at Avalon before shoving off to have my fun and perhaps a few thrills at the jazz club. Pretty soon I found myself caught up in my other fascination: spiritual/metaphysical stuff in here and before long, I went deeply into a few posts and happily found Chris and his Non-dual messages so my urge to go have some fun and thrills was quickly replaced by my urge to sit here and work on spiritual matters instead. I am now seeing that it's too late to go do those other things but am very happy to be here instead and engaging in what I now consider the most important things there are - Self realization and Enlightenment.
IMcurrentO, these elements of life are way more important than: fame, fortune, spiritualism, health, SEX, good looks, money, excitement, pleasure, sports, 9/11, ghosts, Big Foot, UFOs, the future, telepathy, Conspiracy Theories, Star wars, Black Ops, the "silly" presidential race and almost every other "external", worldly thing or goal.
I am laughing at what would have seemed like a sad loss or failure as I sit here engaged in Enlightenment rather than out there blowing my horns (I play two saxes at once) and getting all that attention, applause and drooling admiration of my fans or over at the Spiritualist church engaging with my late wife one more time.
Now I can see why my 1st guru, a musician, was not totally committed to his music career and playing. He stayed with what matters in life rather than a glowing, spectacular and often painful music career and was playing "get by" piano when I met him so long ago. He introduced me to "What am I?" and might have remained my guru but I wanted to become someone special so I left him to join the Army and "see the world". Yes, I saw it alright but sure wish I had stayed with my guru and found my self instead! Oh well......perhaps this is just good enough and this is it - and it ain't bad at all! As one sage said, "What's wrong with right now?" I say, "Nothing! It's OK just as it is."
I'm sure glad that I stayed home today and this forum and met Chris in here!
Talk about LUCK!
Thanks, gang............;)

[jimrich]

Thanks for this link and new teacher. I will be adding Roger to the enormous list of gurus, teachers and spokespersons I have gathered over many years. For me, Roger is a very clear, simple and comfortable spokesman so I will be studying his work quite a bit. What I like about most of the new teachers is their simple, direct and non-shaming way of presenting concepts and "truths" so that the teachings fit just about anyone who is open and not closed up behind some religious or cultural wall of defense and righteousness. The teachings of the East have always appealed to me more than the shaming and threatening teachings in Christianity although I suspect that the wise and friendly teachings of Advaita and Zen (for example) are secretly contained within Christianity.
Thanks for posting this link to Roger, :) jim

[jimrich]

Abide As The Self ~ Saint Ramana Maharshi

Was posted before but new visitors to the thread may enjoy this.
Ps
On re watching the video I cant but help think that there are clips added that I have not seen before---anyway well worth a revisit if you have watched this some time ago.



Much Love
Chris


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLSTq26C37I

I used to own this and several other Liberating videos so I am happy find it here again and have downloaded the Youtube version. It brings tears to my eyes that just the "possibility" of awakening might be found here. I feel like I've finally come home and just want to cry like a lost child about it! God, how I've missed reality! As much as I miss my late wife, I miss reality even more. Thanks...........from a lost soul.......:heart:

[jimrich]

Hi friends
To put it into context.
There are two kinds of ego.
One as defined by the Medical/ Psychiatric profession.
is Healthy self esteem.
It is good to take pride in the way we do things.
When one is comfortable with oneself and what one does then fear decrease and it is easy to be in this world with all its trials and tribulations
Chris, in therapy, due to a very unhappy childhood with shame-based parents, I worked very hard to undo the early mental damages and come up with "healthy" self esteem and a functional ego.
Soon after that, I found it wasn't enough and so I once again began looking into spirituality and Advaita for a better ego. Of course, working to improve my ego was not recommended in Advaita but rather DUMPING the ego altogether was suggested!


at that point there is an over lap into the second definition of ego, the spiritual one.
LOL, I even came up with a "spiritualized" ego - one that considered itself above and better than other mere mortals. It seemed that becoming OK led to becoming "more-than" and can lead to looking down on the pathetic, unenlightened Rabble out there! Whew - just another version of the sick ego running amuck. For me, the "overlap" was to see that a very different kind of "ego" was possible - a spiritual one or simply spirituality - minus an ego.


The ego in spiritual terms could be defined as "Edge God Out"
Every spiritual teacher without exception says that to fully know one's true self the ego must be transcended.
My current opinion is that my ego is not and never was the problem. My identity was and sometimes still is the problem. I mistook myself for a limited, personal self-entity or ego and have been struggling with that mistake most of my unhappy life.
The question: Who/what am I? rarely came up in psychotherapy but I had been introduced to it many years ago so, after a lot of "fixing my ego" work, I finally returned to the basic issue of who/what am I? and that took me out of and beyond the unhealthy conviction that all I am is this ego!
I still have a very active and often troublesome ego BUT I now know that I am NOT my ego.
This is very different than doing self esteem work which is aimed at fixing the ego. I like self esteem work but know it is only a bandage for what is really bothering me when I mistakenly fall back into egoic identifications.
Self esteem helps me (the ego) feel good enough to take the next step and then go to the Reality beyond it. Hopefully I can somehow stay in and as Reality and never fall back into the ego again. :heart:

[Rich]

miss reality
that's so true

[jimrich]

The ego is a necessary part of human experience. Without it, we
Who or what is this "we"? Who/what are you?


would have no point of reference in physical reality, no means of locating ourselves
Who/what is "ourselves"?


in space-time. It is a vital element that keeps us
in the body, and allows us
Who/what is this "us"?


I do believe
Who/what is this "I"?


that transcending the ego is key, not to escape it, but temporarily loosen it's hold on our
Who and what is this "our"?


consciousness so that we
Who/what is this "we"?


may experience ourselves in full manifestation, and put the ego in its proper place so that it works for us instead of us working for it.
Who/what is this "ourselves" & "us" that's working for the ego?


My
Who are you?

Many will see my questions as insulting, offensive and completely uncalled for, but, IMO, these are the only questions that matter so long as they return me to my Real self and most if not all modern sages, gurus and teachers will ask for whom is the personal pronoun such as 'I', 'me', us, we, ours, etc. - (the real) me or my (false) ego(s). The joke is that there is only one me - not me and an ego.
In the sentences above, the ego may be masquerading as some caring or interested person ["I do believe"] OR the Real/True 'I' ["I do believe"] and not the ego. IMO, the only one who can know if they are Real or False is the speaker and that might mean asking one's self, "Who is saying or writing this - me or my ego?"
So, in a sense, I am posing as someone's own conscience by asking these "who/what" questions. :heart:

[jimrich]

My view of the ego in this universe is that the ego is not me but separated from me. I am me and that is all that I am. The ego is according to me a energy that always is some or alot out of balance. The I am as a reference point in this universe is always in balance and therefore also in balance with my spirit that has the ability to reach out beyond this universe. It is when I in my body attract unbalanced energy and wow this together in my physical body that a very confusing energy arrives in my body energy system.

When I then hold the I am energy in my body and all of a sudden also have a unaligned egobased energy arriving in my thinking field, it is then that confusion arrives. All of a sudden what was one very balance energy no long is.

Where does this ego energy arise from? How is it created?
I will take a stab at responding to this.
I'm not real sure "where" it comes from other than from within me - Infinity.
How it was created goes something like this: I (Divinity) recall that right after I was born, I had no sense of me and you/them - no sense of separation or "otherness" but after a few experiences of pleasure and pain, sounds, smells, touch, subtle emotional impressions from "others", etc., I came to believe that I am not all alone here and there's something else out there (mom, breast, hand, wrappings, sounds, smells, sensations). As soon as I began to BELIEVE that something else was a real, separate, independent "thing" or object, I simultaneously began to BELIEVE that I am a separate, independent, subject or witness of it. (mom/breast/hand/bedding, feelings, sensations, etc.). I began to BELIEVE that I am an independent thing/person in relationship to other "things" outside of me. This was reinforced by many good and bad experiences with my environment and mother in the beginning.
Gradually I was taught and conditioned to name my self, express my unique desires and fears, believe that I, a body/mind, was something very different from the body/minds around me and I began to form a personality/self starting with "me - Jim" then "me want", etc. It took a while to formulate a complete and solid self or ego and much of that was marred by the oppressive and abusive actions of my angry, jealous older brother and very inadequate parents so my ego was pretty distorted and messed up right from the beginning.


What does it feed of?
I "fed" off of the actions and reactions of others in my family and sometimes off of my own inner impulses but mostly off of others since I was taught, very early on, that my brother and parents were in charge and they had to be respected, emulated and FEARED. There was a serious lack of love in our family so FEAR became my ego's most dominant characteristic


And why is it so hard to even understand that the I am and the ego actually does not match?

They don't "match" because there really is only one self -one "I am" - so, what can match with what? Look real hard and you will never find an entity that is called the ego. It's a mental or imagined being that does not really exist. Plus, the "I am" made, makes and IS the ego whenever the "ego" is present!


How does one live a life separated from an unbalanced and always out of alignment energy called ego?
Very well and nicely, IMO. When Divinity or the Real me is present, the ego will not and cannot mess life up because it no longer exists. In a very real sense, the ego does not even exist so, after realizing my own true nature as: Reality, Awareness, Knowing, Love, god, etc., I find that the "ego" never existed at all and that I, the Real, had become the so-called ego to survive in this nasty place (which is also me!).
I am beginning to know that all of this is, was and will be ME. I, the Real, have created all of this for my own amusement and pleasure - including Jim's nasty family and his rotten childhood but it wasn't always bad and negative so perhaps having a good/bad, fun/unhappy, high/low, pleasant/painful, right/wrong, etc. life is what it's all about for Divinity. I can look at life from the ego's perspective or from the Divine perspective and it's amazing how different they are! Of the two, I prefer the Divine perspective.
:highfive:

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread jimrich.
Yes Truth that we are not the body is a great comfort when we loose a loved one.
That we are in fact eternal.
Im impressed that you started at the very begining of the thread---thats quite a few years back and a continuation from the original Avalon.
The thread has evolved a bit since then and very open to further understanding.
New posters here bring a breath of fresh air to the thread so your input is much valued.

Much love
Chris

[Clear Light]

I can look at life from the ego's perspective or from the Divine perspective and it's amazing how different they are! Of the two, I prefer the Divine perspective

Ah, with all due respect, who is this "I" who has a choice of Perspectives ?

Either the Ego is "front and center" running-the-show OR it isn't, you can't have it both ways can you ?

Now isn't the "Divine perspective" simply "living from the Heart in the absence of Ego" ?

OR perhaps the "Divine" is appearing as the "Ego" for its own Cosmic Amusement ... but once it gets "bored" with "Worldly Dramas" (as the "Ego") it "decides" to alert the Ego to its own Fictional (illusory) Existence thus a "Seeker is born" ...

Just saying ;)


34121

[jimrich]

I can look at life from the ego's perspective or from the Divine perspective and it's amazing how different they are! Of the two, I prefer the Divine perspective

Ah, with all due respect, who is this "I" who has a choice of Perspectives ?
Good question. If I ask myself "who is this 'I'?", a blank occurs or a "sense of" infinite, indescribable, empty yet full presence or Knowing is FELT. I just am. This 'me' that is found is almost indescribable at this moment.


Either the Ego is "front and center" running-the-show OR it isn't, you can't have it both ways can you ?
I can't.
How about you?
When I believe in or apparently become an ego, it appears to be out front and attempting to "run the show" but every once in a while I cease believing in my ego which then disappears and all that's left is me - Knowing or Consciousness or whatever "this" is called.


Now isn't the "Divine perspective" simply "living from the Heart in the absence of Ego" ?
I'd say yes. What's your take on that?


OR perhaps the "Divine" is appearing as the "Ego" for its own Cosmic Amusement
What is your opinion of this concept?
IMO, the Divine appears as everything in the Appearance for whatever its reasons or needs which might include "Cosmic Amusement". I, Divinity, just am!


... but once it gets "bored" with "Worldly Dramas" (as the "Ego") it "decides" to alert the Ego to its own Fictional (illusory) Existence thus a "Seeker is born" ...
Interesting concept. Is this your own concept? Are you a Seeker? :Party:

[jimrich]

Welcome to the thread jimrich.
Yes Truth that we are not the body is a great comfort when we loose a loved one.
That we are in fact eternal.
Im impressed that you started at the very begining of the thread---thats quite a few years back and a continuation from the original Avalon.
The thread has evolved a bit since then and very open to further understanding.
New posters here bring a breath of fresh air to the thread so your input is much valued.

Much love
Chris
THanks, Chris and much love to you as well,
jim :)

[greybeard]

The thing is how far do you want to go?
Literally there is "nothing" to talk about.

Im enjoying Stephen Wolinsky expounding the teaching oF Nasargadatta.
Only one substance--all of the seeming creation pulses in and out of existence several times a seconds, so Physics says--
This was known by mystics --the pulse was called a word like spandu I cant remember it exactly.
The Ultimate is prior to consciousness / awareness---everything perceivable or conceivable is not it. .
Literally everything is illusion according to Nisargadatta. That of course includes an individual.

Even the "I am" is to be let go of.

Much love
Chris
Ps
Emptiness is form and form is emptiness
Einstein said that form is condensed emptiness

[Clear Light]

... but once it gets "bored" with "Worldly Dramas" (as the "Ego") it "decides" to alert the Ego to its own Fictional (illusory) Existence thus a "Seeker is born" ...
Interesting concept. Is this your own concept? Are you a Seeker? :Party:

Oh, no, I'm not a so-called "Seeker" ... and anyways, the "Seeker" is just the "Ego" in Spiritual Camouflage eh ? :wink:

[jimrich]

The thing is how far do you want to go?
Literally there is "nothing" to talk about.
Some sage said, "We can't talk about this (nothing) yet it's all we want to talk about!"


Im enjoying Stephen Wolinsky expounding the teaching oF Nasargadatta.
Only one substance--all of the seeming creation pulses in and out of existence several times a seconds, so Physics says--
This was known by mystics --the pulse was called a word like spandu I cant remember it exactly.
I read about that in a book long ago. It seems that creation does not even exist 1/2 the time. Interesting concept or fact. Imagine being nothing at all half the time!


The Ultimate is prior to consciousness / awareness---everything perceivable or conceivable is not it.
Yep, just a big old empty BLANK!


Literally everything is illusion according to Nisargadatta. That of course includes an individual.
Like Ramana and Gangaji, he really did know things!


Even the "I am" is to be let go of.
Bye, bye!




Ps
Emptiness is form and form is emptiness
Einstein said that form is condensed emptiness
And yet it's still me!
Mysterious to say the least! :sherlock:

[Rich]

Don't know if it's already been posted on here, made me laugh tears
CwzQJdvFMeI

[jimrich]

This is part of a short series of videos where the Sage clearly demonstrates what is "prior" to the 'I' - which is the Source. It could be the most practical demonstration of getting back to the Source one can find online. There is no "meditation", special concepts or actions here - just an intentional return to the Source through the question, Who am I? . Notice how one guy can't or won't do it and a sitting girl almost gets there but can't take the last step in her Source. The funniest part is when the cynical guy says, "How do we stay in our natural state as the Source?" and the Sage asks, "How DON'T you stay there?"
Enjoy: 97B5opd39-M

[jimrich]

Speaking of funny videos, check this one from the Mooji Files.......SyZJuAtKOQI


There is another Mooji video where a man come up to ask Mooji about something, can't remember the question and the falls apart laughing like a Loon! It's just as hysterical as the one above! LOL :Party:

6gKwJerKlMI

[jimrich]

There may be 100s of funny videos about awakening and enlightenment so here's another one from the PAPAJI Files ..........NMHcak07pmE

[jimrich]

During the few times that I experienced "awakenings" I had the urge to just laugh my head off for as long as possible so these videos take me right back there - WOW - ITS SO FUNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYY!!!!!!

[ZooLife]

Spiritual Laughter

Realizing the joke has been on us all, not just some, none are exempt. That eternal laughter reverberate and is quite possibly what humans interpret as energy.

Like any joke, at various points, the joke is 'gotten' more so then at other times. Maybe every star in the night sky is a point when the joke was realized.

Is this what actually happened? Who knows, I am still laughing (and crying), for the joke is on me.



I started a joke which started the whole world crying
But I didn't see that the joke was on me oh no
I started to cry which started the whole world laughing
Oh If I'd only seen that the joke was on me

I looked at the skies running my hands over my eyes
And I fell out of bed hurting my head from things that I said
'Till I finally died which started the whole world living
Oh if I'd only seen that the joke was on me

Bee Gees - I Started A Joke


My Dad introduced me to this song and it spoke to me spiritually from the moment I heard it. He along with my grandpa have supported my spiritual path, only offering me things to meditate on, never telling me once what I should get from that meditation. But I digressed....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3kBDtjRtB0

[Wind]

"This is the moment in which it is said man’s extremity is God’s opportunity."

Fx3ZBQDT4OA

[greybeard]

Im happy that this thread has been given a boost with recent posts.
People know whats coming with me before I even press a key.
Who pressed what key?

Much love
Chris

[jimrich]

People know whats coming with me before I even press a key.
Who pressed what key?


Over here, there is no "who" - key pressing is just happening - by no one. I'd say Life is pressing keys right now. Life is life-ing - and its funny!
:)

[joeecho]

Imagine that you're.....

Oh wait, you're doing that now.

[jimrich]

Hello seekers of wisdom and Liberation. I'd like to "show off" some of my "stuff". In going through privious posts here, I notice a lot of quotes from so-called Sages so here's a few of my favorite daily quotes that come by email from Rupert Spira:

‘I’ stands for indivisible, infinite, intimate and innocent. It is the substance of all experience.

The separate self is the rejection of the Now. I, Awareness, am in love with the Now. In fact, I am the Now.

Our Self, the light of pure Knowing, never finds, knows or comes in contact with anything other than itself. That is the experience of love and beauty.

Thinking, sensing and perceiving are made of pure Knowing, but Knowing is not made of thinking, sensing or perceiving.

Every time we find ourselves reacting to anyone or anything, ask on whose behalf we are reacting. We will nearly always find that it is on behalf of a non-existent self.

I, the light of pure Knowing, cannot and do not know anything other than Myself.

For thought, the knowing of an object takes place ‘here’ and the being or existence of an object takes place ‘there’. But for Awareness, Knowing and Being are one.

The ‘am-ness’ of Self is the ‘is-ness’ of things.

Locate yourself nowhere; find yourself everywhere.

Happiness is simply to allow everything to be exactly as it is from moment to moment.

Happiness is not an experience that I, Awareness, have. It is what I am.

Let thoughts and feelings have their home in you, but don’t make your home in them.

I, the light of pure Knowing, am to experience what a screen is to an image.
[note - Rupert uses the "movie or TV screen" analogy in many of his discussions]

Pure Knowing, without a subject that knows or an object that is known, is what we are, not what we do. Thus, for our Self, to know is to be, and to be is to know.

Bodies and minds don’t have Awareness; Awareness has bodies and minds.

In ignorance, I am the known; in understanding, I am the knower; in love, I am pure Knowing.

Don’t go out towards the objects of the mind, body and world but rather remain as Awareness allowing everything to come to You. You, Awareness, never go anywhere or do anything.

All that is known is the knowing of experience and I, Awareness, am that knowing.

The separate self is a point of view; I, Awareness, am the viewing.

To believe that I, Awareness, share the limits and the destiny of the mind and body is like believing that the screen shares the limits and destiny of a character in a movie.

As the witnessing background of all experience I am inherently free from all things; as the substance of all experience I am intimately one with all things.

I, Awareness, cannot be known as an object but am never not known.

A separate self doesn’t have a point of view; it is a point of view.

To begin with I, Awareness, seem to be in the world, then the world seems to be in Me and finally the distinction between Myself and the world dissolves.

-------------------
Jim: I have 100s of these so I'll stop here. :)
You can get Rupert's daily quotes from: http://non-duality.rupertspira.com/subscribe

[jimrich]

Hello:
A lot of folks dislike Tony Parsons and might be afraid of him and his presentations but I find this video to be both informative and non-threatening.
DPPsoyEjZNA

[greybeard]

Listened to Tony Parsons video--over the years there have been several of his posted on the thread.
The questions were some what inane --still I suppose it is as it is.

Tony is very clear in the answers so well worth a look.

Thanks for this jimrich

Love c

[jimrich]

Listened to Tony Parsons video--over the years there have been several of his posted on the thread.
The questions were some what inane --still I suppose it is as it is.

Tony is very clear in the answers so well worth a look.

Thanks for this jimrich

Love c

IMO, most interviews of awakened folks contain "inane" questions but I just love how Tony and many others "slip in" significant and insightful responses to the inane stuff most folks throw at them. I really love the part about how "It" hides in and as everything around us. Oh, and how Tony says that "It" cannot be named or labeled which really blows most folk's minds since we absolutely HAVE TO name everything! :handshake:

[Rich]

this a long thread and chance are this has been posted before but this fits in with the funny kind of mood
1H4BylxSulg

[greybeard]

Its a first EmEx---now has he got an Ashram?--I could do with more of the same.

Much love
c

[Rich]

Its a first EmEx---now has he got an Ashram?--I could do with more of the same.

Much love
c
I don't know if hes got his own Ashram but in one of the videos he said hes
friends with Tony Parsons and a few other well known teachers so
he must be a pretty high ranking guru.

[Rich]

Nondual Duel
G1bqXYM6iRc

[greybeard]

Fame in deed.
Smiling
ch

[ZooLife]

......we absolutely HAVE TO name everything! :handshake:

Yes, beginning, in this case, with we.

If there was only one thing it would still be named something like, you know, that 'one thing'.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k1uOqRb0HU

[Clear Light]

A separate self doesn’t have a point of view; it is a point of view

Huh ? What "separate self" ? That's Egoic identification is it not ?

And such identification always has a never-ending plethora of Delusional "points of view" because it is rooted in Duality eh ?

IMHO the mistaken idea of some kind of "permanent self" is precisely the root from which all manner of Speculation and Philosophical systems come into being !

Isn't the whole point of Self Inquiry to "look at" (notice) such Dynamics as they arise in one's own Mind ?

Insofar as if the Mind realises that as it is "noticing" such Energetics then it itself is not that which it mistook itself as ?

The idea being (I maintain) that such a "shift of identification" undermines the Egoic-self which then collapses in upon itself due to its wholly Conceptual Construction with no inherent substance to it whatsoever ...

Anyhow, this is just like "preaching to the choir" to the folks who regularly visit this thread of Chris' eh ? ;)

[Clear Light]

......we absolutely HAVE TO name everything! :handshake:

Yes, beginning, in this case, with we.

If there was only one thing it would still be named something like, you know, that 'one thing'.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k1uOqRb0HU

Ah, having already found my "one thing" I also found that it even has a Conceptual Designation and that is "Non-Distraction" :p

[greybeard]

The real challenge CBS is that myself goes up and down levels in one post trying to explain what can not be explained.
Great to see you posting here again.

Im thanking a nonentity---you know what I mean--do you not!!!

Much love
Chris

[ZooLife]

Ah, having already found my "one thing" I also found that it even has a Conceptual Designation and that is "Non-Distraction" :p

Hope you catch the full humor as it is intended in the following gif.

https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/hostedimages/1449246715ra/17256031.gif

[Clear Light]

The real challenge CBS is that myself goes up and down levels in one post trying to explain what can not be explained.
Great to see you posting here again.

Im thanking a nonentity---you know what I mean--do you not!!!

Much love
Chris

Oh, yeah, sorry Chris about being Absent lately (pun intended btw lol) but my "work life" is very time-consuming just now and it'll be even more so this coming month of September unfortunately ! I'm glad to see you're still actively hands-on with this thread though and I will no doubt post again should circumstances permit :wave:

Peace Bro' :peace:

Warm Regards,
Simon.

[ZooLife]

Im thanking a nonentity---you know what I mean--do you not!!!


Doesn't one get a full laugh when catching a conversation with itself?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9gtnNgcMFU

Interesting hint in the scene, the only non Jack Sparrow in the scene is a GOAT!

Brilliant!

[jimrich]

this a long thread and chance are this has been posted before but this fits in with the funny kind of mood
OMG, this is the funniest thing I've ever seen! I am in tears - I've laughed so hard!!!!! Please keep 'em coming.
SO FUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYY! :Party::happy dog::dancing::handshake:

[greybeard]

Why is a redundant question
Why is it redundant?
No cause and effect.
Nothing is causing anything to happen
Therefore no reason for what happens its all spontaneous (at that level)
You can not be the doer either
One can not cause, or slow down, so called spiritual progress.
There is no journey to what one is.


God grant me the serenity etc.
Yet there is nothing I can change except my attitude and thats at the level of illusion.

And on it goes---words are confusion.
At least mine are.
Much love
Chris

[Clear Light]

Why is a redundant question
Why is it redundant?
No cause and effect.
Nothing is causing anything to happen
Therefore no reason for what happens its all spontaneous (at that level)
You can not be the doer either
One can not cause, or slow down, so called spiritual progress.
There is no journey to what one is.


God grant me the serenity etc.
Yet there is nothing I can change except my attitude and thats at the level of illusion.

And on it goes---words are confusion.
At least mine are.
Much love
Chris

Ah, your "words" ring true to this one here my friend :wink:

Indeed it could be said "cause and effect" is like the 'old' and now redundant "classical Newtonian physics" WHEREAS if the "all in its entirety" is appearing / manifesting SPONTANEOUSLY then the parallel (Scientifically) is that of Quantum Physics eh ? Now not that I'm an expert or anything LOL, but with QM there are no separate parts, it's like a "singular whole in continuous flux" although I have to include the qualifier that it is all still "empty", appearing like a Hologram perhaps ?

Much (non-local) "love" here too, but not the Dualistic kind !!! :heart:


¤=[Post Update]=¤

Oh, perhaps as well it's the apparent differences between when "people" speak of 3D vs 5D, or the "gross physical body" vs the "subtle light body" ... as one has a kind of "Paradigm Shift" but yet still finds themselves living in a "world in need of enlightening information" to make such a "Leap" possible on a wider scale !

Says "I" :wink:

[jimrich]

Why is a redundant question
Why is it redundant?
No cause and effect.
Nothing is causing anything to happen
Therefore no reason for what happens its all spontaneous (at that level)
You can not be the doer either
One can not cause, or slow down, so called spiritual progress.
There is no journey to what one is.


God grant me the serenity etc.
Yet there is nothing I can change except my attitude and thats at the level of illusion.

And on it goes---words are confusion.
At least mine are.
Much love
Chris
God (a presumed separate entity) grant me (this separate entity) the serenity --

I, the ego, ask you, god, another ego, to grant me the serenity..........

I, as god, ask myself (god) to grant me.......

Awareness (all that there is) appears as a 'me' and a god asking for a grant ........
I, Awareness, project a 'me' asking another 'me' for such and such.......

Knowing appearing as a 'me' is asking for something.....
Asking is SPONTANEOUSLY happening....
There is only asking.....
Asking.....:blushing:
(Silent) asking.....:highfive:
[silence]

[greybeard]

Hi Jim
As said its levels.
As a performing alcoholic I needed a "Power greater than my self"
Non-duality as a concept would have been the death of me back then.
Some one saying --"Go sort your self, you are all powerful."
I needed that like hole in the head.

Until there is the "shift" the wave can not call itself the Ocean.
The Ocean can of course say it is the wave--there in lies the difference.

At another level there is no ego, there it is seen that the ego never existed.

According to Nisargadatta beyond awareness there is nothing and beyond the nothing there is the Ultimate.
The Ultimate is prior to everything that can be named or conceived.
All this could be discussed round and round in circles or should I say spirals.
What Is relevant at one level is neither true nor appropriate at another.

It just language/words

Much love


CORRECTION
I should have used the word Absolute not Ultimate.
The Absolute is beyond experiences.
There is the Absolute nothing from which awareness then consciousness comes---even prior to all that is Absolute from which Absolute nothing comes.
This is not my experience but from the video "Nothing comes from nothing" by Stephen Wolinsky on the teaching of Nisargadatta

To be honest I knew more about spirituality years ago than I do now.


Chris.

[jimrich]

Now not that I'm an expert or anything LOL, but with QM there are no separate parts, it's like a "singular whole in continuous flux"
Wow, this really likes that highlighted phrase! :wink:
It's the same as so many others have said about Allness and Oneness or unity but this never notice the "in continuous flux" aspect of Unity or the Absolute.
How about the phrase: Life (spontaneously) life-ing? or This is it (in continuous flux)? Somehow, this has conceived of Life or Unity as some permanent but static and never changing state, being, object, condition, etc. without noticing the "continuous flux" part - (or Eternally changing?)! Thanks for that concept or fact!

Much (non-local) "love" from here,
jim :heart:

[jimrich]

Hi Chris:

Hi Jim
As said its levels.
That's not seen here but, go ahead.......

As a performing alcoholic I needed a "Power greater than my self"
This also did a lot of AA work, mostly at ACOA and CODA and adopted an HP for a time but came to realize that its just another ego trip into duality. (Me and my HP!) A better "duality" but duality none the less. As it turns out, HP is Jim and every other "thing" that there is!

Non-duality as a concept would have been the death of me back then.
Same here since I simply could not conceive of Unity or 'no me' but spent a lot of time and effort building up and improving my very damaged ego at first. As my ego got stronger, I came to see that HP and the teachings of Advaita were the final answer. I had to somehow step beyond or around my now "polished" ego!

Some one saying --"Go sort your self, you are all powerful." I needed that like hole in the head.
LOL, I would not have recognized that the "you" in that sentence was about the Real You and not my little ego. In many ways, I already thought that I was "all powerful" = as a limited person! Its taken a while to come to see that all there is is Reality which sometimes posses as an ego or self-entity - to use just a few popular labels for the false self!

Until there is the "shift" the wave can not call itself the Ocean.
I agree that there has to be some way for the "wave" to realize that its really the ocean - especially if its a troubled or unhappy wave, otherwise, why bother? I absolutely HATED the wave that I was but thought that being an unhappy wave was all there was to life! Thank god for 12 step groups to help me "snap' out of my "wave-hood" bliindness.

The Ocean can of course say it is the wave--there in lies the difference.
LOL! Yep, I'm the wave and all the waves that exist in the cosmos!

At another level there is no ego, there it is seen that the ego never existed.
Not sure what this "level" thing is but, IMO, this only clouds up the water. I see that I am either Real or false, Absolute or limited, Total or part, Me or me, I or i, and on and on - the joke being that I just am: one, wholeness, oneness, awareness, Knowing, experience, Life, unified, complete, infinite, eternal, absolute (or whatever!).

According to Nisargadatta beyond awareness there is nothing and beyond the nothing there is the Ultimate.
He was a clever guy!

The Ultimate is prior to everything that can be named or conceived.
Yep, that's me, alright!

All this could be discussed round and round in circles or should I say spirals.
And ain't it fun! I just love these discussions! :flower:

What Is relevant at one level is neither true nor appropriate at another.
IMO, there are no 'levels" - but, to each his own.

It just language/words
Might as well ENJOY IT!



CORRECTION
I should have used the word Absolute not Ultimate.
IMO, any word will work.

The Absolute is beyond experiences.
The Absolute IS experience!

There is the Absolute nothing from which awareness then consciousness comes---even prior to all that is Absolute from which Absolute nothing comes.
I'd just call it Source!

This is not my experience but from the video "Nothing comes from nothing" by Stephen Wolinsky on the teaching of Nisargadatta
Honestly, I'd rather read about YOUR experience and understanding than have you quoting someone. In support groups, we were taught to share OUR OWN reality and experiences for the benefit of other members there. I leaned a lot from the stated experiences of others but very little from "quotes" by so-called experts/sages. Even Ramana would sometimes share his own experiences with his followers instead of profound quotes from the literature.

To be honest I knew more about spirituality years ago than I do now.
I'd like to read about what you DO KNOW and not about what some expert said!


:) jim

[joeecho]

Doesn't one get a full laugh when catching a conversation with itself?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9gtnNgcMFU

Interesting hint in the scene, the only non Jack Sparrow in the scene is a GOAT!

Brilliant!

What's cool about this scene is that it alludes to non-duality with a duality veneer.

Did you also catch where the scene alludes to the question, 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?'

It's like asking the question, Which came first, Jack Sparrow or Jack Sparrow (in the context of the scene)?

https://www.evidenceexplained.com/system/files/user/user199/Chicken%20or%20Egg-canstockphoto3115886.jpg

[greybeard]

A function is
, I save some people time, which I have, by pointing to various experts, all saying more or less the same thing.
Then, what ever who ever they are drawn to, they can investigate.

There is only one guru (shared) the one within.

Nisargadatta was clear that the Absolute is beyond experience and awareness and quoted the Buddha that you might not even know you are enlightened,-experiences come and go they are not it.

When he was asked what he is the response was --"Not known"

I tend not to quote "my" own experiences now as I might think I/me had them ---identification.
The thread is no longer about me and my story, or what I know. There is no longer a need to be right.

What I know is there is awareness--nothing more is known nor conceived. nor believed to be so, or not so.

Levels---different energy---perspectives--points of view--beliefs--concepts---all of which are part of the illusion--none more or less valid.

Thats the thought for today--now the gym

Much love
Chris

[jimrich]

When he was asked what he is the response was --"Not known"
In his book "I AM THAT", when asked what are you?, he said, "Nothing." and when asked Who are you?, he said, "Nobody". IMO, all that matters is for me to know who/what I am - right now. :cake:

Much love
jim :)

[Clear Light]

Now not that I'm an expert or anything LOL, but with QM there are no separate parts, it's like a "singular whole in continuous flux"
Wow, this really likes that highlighted phrase! :wink:
It's the same as so many others have said about Allness and Oneness or unity but this never notice the "in continuous flux" aspect of Unity or the Absolute.
How about the phrase: Life (spontaneously) life-ing? or This is it (in continuous flux)? Somehow, this has conceived of Life or Unity as some permanent but static and never changing state, being, object, condition, etc. without noticing the "continuous flux" part - (or Eternally changing?)! Thanks for that concept or fact!

Much (non-local) "love" from here,
jim :heart:


Life life-ing ?

Ah, well I suppose it depends what you're talking about now doesn't it ?

Say I want to talk about non-dual Realisation, you know, that which is unborn, uncreated, unmoving, unstained, unpolluted, unconditioned vis-à-vis what is conventionally called the "Nature of Mind" or perhaps the so-called "Absolute" ?

In this case, to speak of "Life" doesn't really make any sense because both "Life" and "Death" are mere appearances of the "Nature-of-Mind" / "Absolute" appearing AS that yet at no time is "it" ever "Touched" by such ... if you get my meaning ?

Or, in other words, yes by all means say it's just "life life-ing" (whatever it is) but does that really get to the heart of the matter because it might just act as a "comforting idea" (for the time being) and provide a modicum of reassurance (confidence) yet when such a "comforted one" is approaching their own apparent bodily-death has the "fear of Death" truly been eradicated (resolved) in their own "Mind" as I feel such (sometimes superficial) statements don't necessarily "cut it" ?

I guess what I'm getting at is the differences between Intellectual Realisation and True Realisation eh ?

Just saying BTW and I do appreciate all of the recent sharing's about such non-things LOL :wink:

[greybeard]

Because this thread is read by people at different levels (none being higher or lower better or not so well informed) there is a tendency to go up and down levels.

I started reading" I Am That" and collected works of Ramana Maharshi many years ago--I did not get it then but sensed the energy there in.
Nasargadatta said that you did not have to read the book--just put it under your pillow and that would work--my words.

So then there was the spate of Western teachers Eckhart Tolle being the most popular.
Strangely enough reading--listening to them I started to understand the teaching of the Indian masters.
So then there was three visits to India--Ramesh Balsekar being being the last though I benefited most from Dr Goels Guruji the Kundalini guru.

So thats a potted history.

By Dr Goels a book on Kundalini (guruji)

http://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/kundalini-liberating-force-discourses-questions-and-answers-and-views-IDK142/

[greybeard]

Rupert Spira - 'The Art Of Peace And Happiness' - Interview by Iain McNay

Rupert has appeared on conscious.tv several times before and we very much value his wisdom and clarity. He has two new books coming out on Non-Duality Press this Autumn entitled, 'Presence: The Seamless Intimacy Of Experience' and 'Presence: The Art Of Peace And Happiness' These two deep, intimate interviews are great trailers for these two books


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZRInhfe4g

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Mick Collins My Crisis And Transformation’ Interview by Iain McNay
Published on Aug 30, 2016

Mick Collins ‘My Crisis And Transformation’ Interview by Iain McNay
Author of ‘The Unselfish Spirit.’ Mick left school at 15, working as a manual labourer before joining the army. Visited a Tibetan Monastery intending to stay 2 days and ended up living there for 3 years.
‘I started contemplating various attachments and aversions in my conventional existence’ and began reflecting on the significance on what a more intimate perspective could mean in the way he lived; began to observe and question how duality was embedded in my thoughts and behaviour.’ He was also fascinated by the interplay between form and emptiness.

But on a long train journey had an extraordinary experience where he had a heightened sense of compassion and profound feelings of love followed two days later by a slide into a diametrically opposed state. Was flooded by intense emotions; felt he was caught in a conflict between good and evil compounded by feelings of fear and terror. Left monastery and slowly started to find balance again with the help of Jungian work. Felt he had taken a journey into the unknown without a map.
Eventually integrated the spiritual crisis and started to learn the interplay between doing and being which is now his passion.
www.conscious.tv


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nobLcdMlv5k

[greybeard]

Spanda Divine pulsation---something - nothing, Appears and disappears.
Thought arises, subsides, it subsides to the same place it arose from. . Though that is a different story
The Universe appears and disappears several times a second according to some physicists I dont have a link but that confirms what Mystics have said.

Chris

ps I have mentioned this before but was not sure of the spelling--Spanda is correct.

http://www.spanda.org/origin.html

http://www.pegcityyoga.com/spanda-divine-pulsation/

[greybeard]

Your entire life is an ILLUSION: New test backs up theory that the world doesn’t exist until we look at it

Quantum mechanics states reality doesn't exist until it's measured
This means a particle's past behaviour changes based on what we see
Experiment using an atom and laser beams has proven this to be true
How the atom behaved depended on how it was measured at end of test


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3107996/Our-entire-lives-ILLUSION-New-test-backs-theory-reality-doesn-t-exist-look-it.html#ixzz4J1eZhWOV
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[jimrich]

Mick Collins My Crisis And Transformation’ Interview by Iain McNay
Published on Aug 30, 2016

Mick Collins ‘My Crisis And Transformation’ Interview by Iain McNay
Author of ‘The Unselfish Spirit.’ Mick left school at 15, working as a manual labourer before joining the army. Visited a Tibetan Monastery intending to stay 2 days and ended up living there for 3 years.
‘I started contemplating various attachments and aversions in my conventional existence’ and began reflecting on the significance on what a more intimate perspective could mean in the way he lived; began to observe and question how duality was embedded in my thoughts and behaviour.’ He was also fascinated by the interplay between form and emptiness.

But on a long train journey had an extraordinary experience where he had a heightened sense of compassion and profound feelings of love followed two days later by a slide into a diametrically opposed state. Was flooded by intense emotions; felt he was caught in a conflict between good and evil compounded by feelings of fear and terror. Left monastery and slowly started to find balance again with the help of Jungian work. Felt he had taken a journey into the unknown without a map.
Eventually integrated the spiritual crisis and started to learn the interplay between doing and being which is now his passion.
www.conscious.tv


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nobLcdMlv5k

All the way through the Mick video, I had an urgent need to ask, "Who is this 'I', this 'me', this 'you', this 'us', this 'we', etc.? It's become almost an obsession with me (sometimes the ego and sometimes the Real) and I can sometimes hear when someone's 'I' or 'me' is coming from their ego and sometimes from the Real but I wouldn't stop everyone just to ask, "Who is speaking, doing, reacting, here, etc.?" Most folks, including many awakened ones, would probably think I'm nuts for questioning the obvious or for asking such a meaningless and/or INSULTING question! :heart:

[greybeard]

Sorry you lost me Jim---who is R Miller?

As far as a seeming obsessive use of self inquiry, some times there is a magnificent strong desire for Truth which may lead to what others might see as excessive repetition of Who am I? etc
I would not be concerned.

Much love
Chris

[jimrich]

Sorry you lost me Jim---who is R Miller?
Sorry about the Richard Miller comments. I (ego) must have become confused while surfing the web. I've once again edited the other post.

[greybeard]

Was confused as Ian McNay did the interview on the one I posted.
Anyway.
Good night Jim

Much love
Chris

[jimrich]

Can anyone explain what Rupert Spira is saying here?
"All that is experienced is experience, but there is no independent self that experiences and no independent object, other or world that is experienced. There is just the experiencing of experience, and it is ‘experiencing’ that experiences experience."

[ZooLife]

Can anyone explain what Rupert Spira is saying here?
"All that is experienced is experience, but there is no independent self that experiences and no independent object, other or world that is experienced. There is just the experiencing of experience, and it is ‘experiencing’ that experiences experience."

Mirror Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

Oh, did you want an academic answer?

Not my style.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/b3/fa/d9/b3fad9ca4109b582f647d2946cbb0b0e.jpg

[greybeard]

Can anyone explain what Rupert Spira is saying here?
"All that is experienced is experience, but there is no independent self that experiences and no independent object, other or world that is experienced. There is just the experiencing of experience, and it is ‘experiencing’ that experiences experience."

The Buddha said as did Ramana -"-There is no world."

Consciousness is experiencing it self experiencing an illusion Nisargadatta called it a mirage.

Eckhart Tolle said that limited consciousness is evolving to know itself.
Consciousness is limited by ego which is also part of the illusion.
Eckhart Tolle said in a revealing moment "There was never anyone there to do anything to you." In other words No Other.

One without a second is literal.
The One =the Totality, brings everything about.

The Absolute is unaffected, beyond all of this.
The Absolute has no characteristics.

Nasargadatta was quite clear No individual, no cause and effect, therefore no free will, no individual Karma.
Karma just means movement.
He also said reincarnation was for the ignorant masses.

Ramesh Balsekar was clear--The main obstacle is the thought that I am the doer---he also said you must act as though you have free will in this Maya.

I dont necessarily have personal proof of anything I post nor believe or disbelieve --Its a may be so---In faith and trust as it tends to come from various sources.
That does not imply being right or wrong.

Much love
Chris

Ps The Absolute has no mechanism, desire, or need to know, or experience-.
No Characteristics whatsoever.
It just is.

[jimrich]

Can anyone explain what Rupert Spira is saying here?
"All that is experienced is experience, but there is no independent self that experiences and no independent object, other or world that is experienced. There is just the experiencing of experience, and it is ‘experiencing’ that experiences experience."
The Absolute has no mechanism, desire, or need to know, or experience-.
No Characteristics whatsoever.
It just is.
LOL! :Party:

[greybeard]

The experiencer/the witness, the being aware of being aware, is part of the illusion.
I am nothing conceivable or perceivable. All is to be discarded. Hence Neity neity---not this.
Process of elimination.
The mind cant get it.
The challenge is to say in a few words what has taken Authors many pages to convey.

Much love
Chris

[greybeard]

Understanding Takes Place in the Absence of Mind
Rupert Spira.

Not being specific to Rupert or any other teacher.

The late Dr David Hawkins said that, there are level of enlightenment--each seems complete, but at the time he was alive, he maintained there was only one at the vibratory level of Christ the Buddha or Krishna.

So there are varying degrees of understanding as to the Ultimate state---The Absolute is not a state.

The use of terms can have different meaning to different teachers also.
The thing is not to get stuck thinking "you" are done.
Adyashanti had several awakenings--he though he was done but something told him "Keep going"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQKphCp9Q4Y

[jimrich]

I like this guy...........

SvmLnz18DYkI

[jimrich]

The only Remedy for Suffering on the Planet

Namasté

A satsang dialogue:
Can it be this simple?
Mooji often speaks about spending some minutes each day or as often as possible to contemplate the unassociated "I AM". (Incidentially, this is how Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj obtained self-realization).
In this video, Mooji takes this comtemplation of the 'I AM' one step further and points to this contemplation as being the "only remedy for the suffering on the planet".
To add any personal thoughts, to this video satsang, would be redundant. "Everything" is in that which Mooji speaks in this video.
This is the full satsang video (approximately 30 minutes long)
mooji.org (official website); Music clips: Omkara (aka Lauren Piazza) "Om Namah Shivaya" fromthesilence.com

This is Advaita Jivanmukti. Coming back soon. ;o)
You like to be on the loop? Consider subscribing.

Enjoy!

Om Shanti

~ Blessings to You ~


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNyBEJ9ux9k
yPI0Wkvqp5A

I really do love Mooji's way of saying things and being. He is both funny and serious in the same breath. For me, he is the epitome of simplicity plus significance or profundity. I just love all of his videos. He makes realization easy, simple and INSTANT - for me, any way. What hes says in here about "deep sleep" is the best, IMO.
At the end of the video, when Mooji says that he'd like some feed back on what the Seeker has "discovered" is, for me, a very sigficant part and I'd love to see or know what any Seeker discovers or gets from an encounter with a Sage or Teacher.
Another Sage/guru asked a man who just "woke up" about his "experience" and the man said, with a stunned and breathless voice = "Nothing! You can't talk about it!" He was so completely moved and changed by a sudden awakening that he couldn't even speak for a few moments!

Thanks, Mooji! Namaste. :Party:

[ZooLife]

The experiencer/the witness, the being aware of being aware, is part of the illusion.


Exactly! That is one of the best succinct sentences that I have read in awhile, Chris.

That is what I alluded to in my last post on this thread. I was hoping people would catch it. I like humorous metaphysical puzzles that answer a question with a question.

Mirrors are great at doing that.

This is the answer my mirror gives 'me' when I ask it a question:

http://theladykillers.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451f4a069e2017d3c126216970c-pi

Is a mirror mimicking me or am I mimicking it? I figure they just cancel each other out except one seems to be determined to declare itself the 'original'.

[greybeard]

I got it Sara --it was so complete I did not see any reason to mirror it.
Much love
Chris

[Clear Light]

Can anyone explain what Rupert Spira is saying here?
"All that is experienced is experience, but there is no independent self that experiences and no independent object, other or world that is experienced. There is just the experiencing of experience, and it is ‘experiencing’ that experiences experience."

Oh, how can you explain to someone about the absence of a "separate self" when their apparent "separate self" is the very "perspective" from which they are asking about it eh ?

[Clear Light]

Can anyone explain what Rupert Spira is saying here?
"All that is experienced is experience, but there is no independent self that experiences and no independent object, other or world that is experienced. There is just the experiencing of experience, and it is ‘experiencing’ that experiences experience."
The Absolute has no mechanism, desire, or need to know, or experience-.
No Characteristics whatsoever.
It just is.
LOL! :Party:

Says who ? LOL! :Party:

[Clear Light]

Understanding Takes Place in the Absence of Mind
Rupert Spira.

Not being specific to Rupert or any other teacher.

The late Dr David Hawkins said that, there are level of enlightenment--each seems complete, but at the time he was alive, he maintained there was only one at the vibratory level of Christ the Buddha or Krishna.

So there are varying degrees of understanding as to the Ultimate state---The Absolute is not a state.

The use of terms can have different meaning to different teachers also.
The thing is not to get stuck thinking "you" are done.
Adyashanti had several awakenings--he though he was done but something told him "Keep going"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQKphCp9Q4Y


34165

Oh, similarly, our usual thinking (karmic) mind (the fish aka the 'I' thought) has no idea whatsoever that it has no real existence, that in fact, there is a whole vast limitless Mind (capital M) (aka the Ocean) as which it is a momentary appearance (occurrence) of eh ?

[greybeard]

Fishy
As long as you know your are at the movies and in the movie---enjoy the pop corn-I hate the stuff Lol

Chris

[joeecho]

I - Thought, duality appearing as a singularity.

https://barakabe.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/m3_duality_by_jason_c.jpg

[jimrich]

34165


There's something FISHY here!

[joeecho]

Reality is relevant onto itself and what it fears above all else is irrelevancy.

http://www.memepile.com/pics/8368.jpg

[greybeard]

David Newman - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview


David Newman is an author, inspirational teacher, world-renowned devotional singer, songwriter and recording artist. He travels extensively sharing his music, and teachings on the path of love as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. David is also the creator of the Stay Strong Project and the founder of Yoga On Main. He has been featured on NPR, and in The Washington Post and Yoga Journal among many others. David, also known as Durga Das, lives with his wife Mira and daughter Tulsi just outside of Philadelphia, USA.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hp6_AeR_z4

[greybeard]

A most enjoyable chat between Rick and David Newman--well worth the time taken to watch.
Includes some devotional songs.

Bart Marshal was a great help to him in a difficult time before awakening.

In all a great video.

Much love
Chris

[Clear Light]

34165


There's something FISHY here!

Oh, how so ? Or did I miss your Humour ...

[greybeard]

Adyashanti - Welcoming Transformation
Published on Aug 25, 2016

http://adyashanti.org - Adyashanti explores the inherent unsatisfactoriness of life that is woven into the fabric of human existence, and how the fierceness and gracefulness of life are intertwined. Adyashanti points to how our egoic operating system is in a push-pull relationship with life, and points out that our ego can never be fully satisfied. When the trap of the ego harnesses your attention, by stopping for a moment, you are able to realize that you have a choice as to where you place your attention. By tapping into a deep well of wisdom and by listening to something deeper than the reactive mind, the possibilities before you are endless. A new perspective opens up before you—to see suffering as a motivator to relieve suffering, rather than to run away from it. Suffering no longer has to carry a heavy weight over you—it can birth a transformation within you and lift you up into a non-suffering state of being. Adyashanti explores the unlimited options available to you in any given situation and points out that the key is to deeply listen to something beyond the reactive mind. When you do this, a calmness settles into being. This provokes the question: What will your relationship with life be?

FREE 7-download set, “Fierce Grace”, NOW through September 2016 only!:

http://www.adyashanti.org/cafedharma/...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBvfoub9aG8

[ZooLife]

Reality is relevant onto itself and what it fears above all else is irrelevancy.

http://www.memepile.com/pics/8368.jpg

Irrelevant beauty.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB0th8vNLxo

[greybeard]

Ginger Gilmour. Bright Side Of The Moon

Published on Sep 3, 2016

Ginger Gilmour ‘ Bright Side Of The Moon’ Interview by Iain McNay
Author of ‘ Bright Side Of The Moon’ Met and married Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour with whom she had 4 children.
Started her spiritual journey when she became very ill and discovered meditation.
Worked and trained with Irena Tweedie, Cecil Collins, Dr Wenger Engel and Gerhard Adler on her processes over the years.

‘I discovered the answer to the shadow Collective Unconscious including Anima and Animus.
I realised I had always placed a shield between myself and my shadow – I only wanted to focus on Love light and Beauty – I discovered the shadow was marked – ‘do not enter broken dreams’ I was a puppet controlled by the darkness.’
In this interview she talks about her life, her passions, her struggles and breakthroughs and her realizations. Ginger now works as a painter and sculptor.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEkYjJLLMAQ

[greybeard]

Mukti - Embracing Our Humanness

Published on Sep 1, 2016

http://muktisource.org - Mukti explores the power of inquiry and how it is an essential tool for self-exploration and self-knowledge. By connecting to your senses and shifting your attention to your surroundings, your energies are allowed to settle and rest. This ever-important rest provides a foundation for true exploration into your being. By exploring the very human side of life—how there can be tendencies to automatically take things personally—you have the opportunity to learn a new way of being, one filled with lightness, and depth of understanding. By taking self-interest out of the equation, you can engage more fully with the present moment and act from a place of peace. Letting judgments fall away, you are left with considerations for the larger context of being, which allows a broader sense of wholeness—a dynamic Oneness. Mukti delves into the discovery of who and what you are, and invites you to open up to the new vistas of perspectives that now lay before you. Mukti offers up the following question: What is it that we essentially are?

Video Excerpted From “Humanness and Beingness”:
http://goo.gl/jRiE8S

Quotes from this video:

“There’s a way in which the discovery of who and what we are is something that can give way to a knowing that is beyond experience, and can dramatically transform our lived experience.”

“This realm of being that is innate to who and what we are—that is not subject to the framework of ‘me’ as an experiencer.”

“What can open up, in terms of shift of experience, with the discovery of who and what we are, is a sense that there is a greater emphasis on beingness itself. With the emphasis on beingness— the sense of the someone who is the doer, the someone who is the navigator, the seeming controller, the one who would be making decisions or judgments etcetera—that sense of self has, in large part, gone very quiet, or dormant, or some would say that it is no longer present. And therefore the emphasis becomes more on this innate beingness.”

“Once that relaxation sets in more deeply and there’s more of an establishing in the sense of global listening or global sensing, then one can relax into a posture of being that feels less identified with the personal self and more a posture of being that joins this whole orchestra of life as its expressing beingness.”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_61RyDhOwVU

[greybeard]

Adyashanti Guided Meditation - What Is the Nature of Self?

Published on Jul 1, 2016

http://adyashanti.org - In this calming guided meditation, you are invited to inquire within and explore the true nature of self. Adyashanti guides you to direct your awareness inward and experience the blanket of silence that intrinsically underlies every moment of your life, while also pointing towards the ineffable mystery inherent within all of existence. Adyashanti offers a few questions: What is the nature of one’s self? Where is this thing called me?

Excerpted From “Guided Meditations Volume 2”
http://bit.ly/298QGDQ

Quotes from this video:

“Meditation is the opportunity to look within for your self and to find out: Is it true? Is there a somebody?”

“The more we look for our self, the less we find.”

“When you look inside, what am I? Really. Truly. Without recourse to some past explanation, some theory, some dogma. But in one’s own actual experience: Where is this me?”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmNM8lzWzMY

[jimrich]

Lately I've begun to see that all of life is a dance or drama involving the ego and me and now, I can see it all around me. It's as though all of us are living either as an ego, as our Authentic self or a strange mixture of the two with most folks not aware of the difference or their own ego.
Not that I am some authority on the ego but, in my case, I can now see how each 'awakening" I've ever had was all about temporarily losing my ego and suddenly becoming me - a Real being or person.
When this sudden emergence into what seemed like Wonderland happened, I felt so good that I believed it would last forever more but, alas, I "lost it" and was soon right back in sorrow, anger, discontent, misery, confusion and FEAR. I often wondered where the Wonder went and why I was so miserable again but never noticed that my EGO had crept back in and was bringing me down again.
I thought it was just some natural flaw in me or my unfortunate destiny for being such an a---hole most of my dreary life. Its so obvious that I have lived most of my life under the domination of an ego and, when something causes this ego to drop out, step back, run for cover or just STOP, I am suddenly in Wonderland! I become Wonderland!
The thing that is making the difference is the simple teachings of Rupert Spira and Ramana about tracking the 'I' and discovering that there are two selves here - an ego and/or a me and, since I know I am not an ego, it drops or goes away leaving just me - the Real Me (or whatever its called). At any time and in any situation, I just ask myself, "Who/what is here?" or "Who/what am I?" ... and my ego drops away leaving just me here - a wonderful me!
All I have to do these days is watch out that my tricky ego does not slip back in and start running my life in it's unsatisfactory ways. My latest tool is to watch for: discontent, judgments, bad attitude, unhappiness, fear, worry, criticism, jealousy, hate, etc. and I know my ego has come back and taken control of my life again. Then the simple question, "Who am I?", sends my ego running out the door!
It's all so obvious and simple! I've lived under the thumb of an ego for so long that I took it all for granted and never deeply questioned what was going on inside of me!
LOL, I was introduced to "What am I?" in my late teens and now I'm 79! But then the question might have worked better if it had been: "What am I NOT?" I am NOT the ego - any more!!!! Whew, what a relief!
How about you, out there? What's your relationship with your ego? How are you dealing with it? Does your ego RUN your life? :) jim

[jimrich]

Adyashanti Guided Meditation - What Is the Nature of Self?
Which self, the ego or me?

Where is this thing called me?
If this "thing" called me is the ego, it doesn't exist, whereas I, the Real me, am right here or simply present.

“Meditation is the opportunity to look within for your self and to find out: Is it true? Is there a somebody?”
There is a "somebody" here but its NOT the ego.

“The more we look for our self, the less we find.”
Yes, the less I find of this ego that I've long thought was me but there is a 'self' here - just not an egoic self.

“When you look inside, what am I? Really. Truly. Without recourse to some past explanation, some theory, some dogma.
I am: aware, conscious, present, alive, as me - but NOT as an ego!

But in one’s own actual experience: Where is this me?”
If this 'me' is the ego, it doesn't even exist! I, the Authentic me or Presence am right here and now. :Party:

[greybeard]

Jim
If you think there is a separate self, an individual consciousness, then you are mistaken ---the ego is a separation device according to Ramesh.
So believing in individuality is falling for the egoic story of me.
Some teachers water truth down to an acceptable level, a starting point for people to at least become aware that they are more than the body, thats valuable.
Others hold the line. Only Self is.
Absolute then Absolute nothing/emptiness, then Awareness, then Consciousness and so on.
This my current understanding--not claiming to be right.
'
Where we are at, in duality, the ancient mystics called the Play of consciousness--the Cosmic dance, Indra's dream
Much love
Chris

Ps it is all levels --at one level there certainly is no individual and no ego--the ego is part of the dream/illusion /mirage.

[jimrich]

Jim
If you think there is a separate self, an individual consciousness, then you are mistaken
Yes, you sure don't want to think or believe in a separate self/ego/me or it will mess up your life! You need to make sure that there is only one you running your life and not some tricky ego which is what runs most folks lives!
It's OK to say or believe that only Self is but the question is: which self - you or your ego? I wonder how many of us even know the difference?
LOL, "Absolute, Awareness, Consciousness" - call it what you will but understand that your ego can play all of those roles and you won't even know it.
The ego can "work" at and on any level so beware that you are NOT an ego! Most of us believe we are, though! :coffee:
jim

[greybeard]

One of the foundations of Yoga is that you are not the doer.

The moment you think you can control anything you are in trouble---life will come up and slap you.
All peace will disappear--the mind will give you a hard time.
When surrender to what is. is complete then flip flop ends.
Flip flop is an expression used by Ramesh--means you have a glimps of Truth you lose it.
The main culprit is the belief "I am the doer."
Ramana said that a measure of your spiritual progress is the degree of quietness of the mind.

Advaita simply means "One without a second"--no subject no object---just what is--one substance.


Much love
Chris

[lake]

HI Chris,

I am in a funny mood so please take nothing personally.

Two questions:

When was YOUR last thought derived by YOUR own considerations and reflections?
When did you last post YOUR own considered thoughts and not anothers?

The belief that you have in 'others' supposed truths seems rather considerable!
I am not being rude....I am asking questions so as to deconstruct my own limitation

Ta lake

[jimrich]

One of the foundations of Yoga is that you are not the doer.
I.e. - the EGO!

The moment you (the ego) think you (the ego) can control anything you (the ego) are in trouble---life will come up and slap you (the ego).
All peace will disappear--the mind (the ego) will give you a hard time.
When surrender to what is. is complete then flip flop ends.
Flip flop is an expression used by Ramesh--means you have a glimps of Truth you (the ego) lose it.
The main culprit is the belief "I (the ego) am the doer."
Ramana said that a measure of your spiritual progress is the degree of quietness of the (ego's) mind.


Advaita simply means "One without a second"--no subject no object---just what is--one substance.
You WITHOUT an ego!
LOL, makes sense to me! :beer:

[greybeard]

HI Chris,

I am in a funny mood so please take nothing personally.

Two questions:

When was YOUR last thought derived by YOUR own considerations and reflections?
When did you last post YOUR own considered thoughts and not anothers?

The belief that you have in 'others' supposed truths seems rather considerable!
I am not being rude....I am asking questions so as to deconstruct my own limitation

Ta lake

Question one--I posted about recent kundalini experiences on
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?92964-Awakening-hearing-voices&p=1095699&viewfull=1#post1095699

The St Teresa thread posted my thoughts

When I quote whoever it, tends to be because I had the thought first then remembered similar from the who ever I mention/quote.
People tend to like some kind of validation

Now and then I will say that the videos I post I dont necessarily agree with but found interesting.

The ones that I believe I believe because for want of a better expression I have cross checked with the statements made by other so called sages.
There seems to be a uniformity which leads me to believe that such and such is true.
Some things are true in my own experience--
I know "personally" that what I am has not changed at least in living memory--persona thoughts ideas ever changing but I know that.
I tend not to want to talk about me and my experiences now though I did at great length early on.

Its a good question or two lake.

hope this is helpful

Much love
Chris

[lake]

I tend not to want to talk about me and my experiences now though I did at great length early on.
Chris

I know mate and thank you....I am learning

From the past:

The ego what is it? How to transcend? (http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18206)

[greybeard]

One of the foundations of Yoga is that you are not the doer.
I.e. - the EGO!

The moment you (the ego) think you (the ego) can control anything you (the ego) are in trouble---life will come up and slap you (the ego).
All peace will disappear--the mind (the ego) will give you a hard time.
When surrender to what is. is complete then flip flop ends.
Flip flop is an expression used by Ramesh--means you have a glimps of Truth you (the ego) lose it.
The main culprit is the belief "I (the ego) am the doer."
Ramana said that a measure of your spiritual progress is the degree of quietness of the (ego's) mind.


Advaita simply means "One without a second"--no subject no object---just what is--one substance.
You WITHOUT an ego!
LOL, makes sense to me! :beer:

The whole point is that there is no you, either with or without an ego.

That really takes some believing--Im cut I bleed--some one hurts my feelings--its sore even though I know its not personal.
The Advaita way of saying is as Ramana Harshi said when asked if he was in pain when dying of cancer--"There is pain" no denial of what is --complete acceptance but--not my pain

Here is the important (for me) quote from the Bagavadgita
"
Events happen
Deeds are done
There is no doer there of."

Mooji said of I am --No you no I only am.

Hope the video of interest.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2rxuowot88

[greybeard]

I tend not to want to talk about me and my experiences now though I did at great length early on.
Chris

I know mate and thank you....I am learning

From the past:

The ego what is it? How to transcend? (http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18206)

Thats written 2009 lake on the old forum--thanks for the minder
I was a member for quite some time before I dared to start that thread.
Im still saying more or less the same think though understanding has evolved.


Much love
Chris

[joeecho]

It's interesting that one can be consciously at one benchmark on the road while seeing 'others' at benchmarks one has already been at.

The kicker is that in reality there are no benchmarks.

Ain't life grand (illusion)?

http://prezibase.com/free/preview/success-spiral-3D-road-heaven-business-concept-prezi-presentation-templates.jpg

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53e1a003e4b00cbaa4d91e6f/53e2775de4b0afddcd941b97/5510af4ae4b08f92768bace3/1427156910298/?format=750w

[greybeard]

Hi Joe
Reality is " I thought and it was all over"
So here we are discussing nothing.
Spending non existent time talking to no one.

Make of it what you (non existent ) will.

Much love
Chris

[joeecho]

Hi Joe
Reality is " I thought and it was all over"
So here we are discussing nothing.
Spending non existent time talking to no one.

Make of it what you (non existent ) will.

Much love
Chris

I'd give you a thumbs up on that Chris, If I had thumbs.

http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6v046HDsA1rozk7ho3_500.gif


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irDGPbCyLBk

Reality, just a tilt away.

[greybeard]

Mooji - Identification of "I" and guided meditation


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg0KD8pwHMU

[jimrich]

The whole point is that there is no you, either with or without an ego.

That really takes some believing--Im cut I bleed--some one hurts my feelings--its sore even though I know its not personal.
The Advaita way of saying is as Ramana Harshi said when asked if he was in pain when dying of cancer--"There is pain" no denial of what is --complete acceptance but--not my pain

Here is the important (for me) quote from the Bagavadgita
"
Events happen
Deeds are done
There is no doer there of."

Mooji said of I am --No you no I only am.

Hope the video of interest.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2rxuowot88

It just depends on how one defines “you”. If the ‘you’ is Presence, and not the ego, then of course there is no ‘you’ – that’s an illusion. But it’s not about “believing”. It’s about knowing or seeing the truth.
Ramana understood the significance of identity and, did not identify with his ego, mind or body after his awakening but realized that only Presence is.
LOL, I’d say:
Events happen
Deeds are done
There is no doer there of - only Presence.

Mooji said of I am --No you no I only am. (or Presence!).

Most concepts and cliché are incomplete or have missing parts! :muscle:

[greybeard]

It is clear--one without a second, one presence, one consciousness, became limited consciousness.

That is fact as spoken of by the mystics.

Perhaps a look here might help.

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?43027-Enlightenment-A-direct-succinct-account-of-what-occurs...&p=456904&viewfull=1#post456904

Much love
Chris

Tim wrote

Enlightenment - A direct, succinct account of what occurs...

This is an account of the direct experience of awakening.

What can be said, or written, of itself cannot reveal the truth.

Words and language are themselves an illusory tool, an aspect of the relative dream, and can only indicate or hint towards the totality, or reality, or that which is.

Upon the moment of awakening not only does the illusion of the relative self or ego vanish like a shadow exposed to light, but all “other” egos, or relative selves, disappear. All separation disappears, and the absolute Self is realized. All is then enlightened and whole, for there never really were separate entities that could become individually enlightened. There then is no relative doer, nor even an absolute doer, for all doing implies separation. Or something to do, or somewhere to go. And not just other humans, but the entire creation is enlightened and whole.

Now nothing can be judged, or observed, or transcended, as there is no separate observer, nor separate objects observed, nor even separate observing.

[jimrich]

Mooji has such a direct and simple way of talking about truth. He says the same things that all the other sages say and in his own unique and easily understood style. I really do love Mooji as well as: John Wheeler, Sailor Bob, Rupert Spira, Tony Parsons, Nathan Gil, Gangaji, Papaji and a few 1000 other wizards out there. god bless them!

And that post by Tim is POWERFUL to say the least! WOW! :heart:

[greybeard]

Mooji has such a direct and simple way of talking about truth. He says the same things that all the other sages say and in his own unique and easily understood style. I really do love Mooji as well as: John Wheeler, Sailor Bob, Rupert Spira, Tony Parsons, Nathan Gil, Gangaji, Papaji and a few 1000 other wizards out there. god bless them!

Yes thats true and people hear what they are ready to hear.
They talk to people at a level they can understand---now and then they will say what Tim has written--have a look I amended my post perhaps you did not see that.

Its not about any teacher its about Truth---in old fashioned terms--Only God is.--- now it can be added "You are that"---One Self.
Nasargadatta held the line but still spoke to people where they stood.
That which can be spoken of is not it.

Much love
Chris

[jimrich]

In the silence and privacy of my mind/consciousness, the dialogue is quite different than it is out here in the open and I use very different words or no words at all to consider my experiences and thought/beliefs. I wonder if it is even possible to express what goes on within our inner silence to an outer observer or 'other'. I'd love to have had access to Ramana's inner understandings or realizations but SO WHAT? I seldom have access to my own!!!!
"I feel....." This was worked on millions of time in therapy but I don't believe I ever got even close to the deepest part of "feel". I once "talked myself" into believing and feeling the affirmation: "I am whole and complete" (Presence) after which I felt whole and complete (no ego) - for about a day! But then the person/ego crept back in and I lost it (Presence)! Some how articulating Presence seems nearly impossible but I sure KNOW it when I'm there and maybe, when I figure out how to drop the ego/me, I'll stay in and as Presence. Doses it seem strange to any of you that Presence seems permanent when you're there and yet the ego just comes right back and ruins the whole thing? I'd think that Presence could and would easily keep the pathetic little ego out of the picture! It's beyond me! Mooji and a few other sages seems to be living permanently as Presence with the ego as a harmless side kick or with NO ego at all. How do they do it??????? :bearhug:

[greybeard]

You cant make it happen Jim--seems its an act of Grace.
At best you can prepare the ground so to speak.

Much love
Chris

[greybeard]

Drop Yourself ~ Mooji A MUST WATCH for Advanced Seekers!!!

Published on Jun 18, 2016

The true Teacher is the Inner Self.
It is in being aware of Awareness
- that one can stabilize in the Self.
- Helmut Eckart


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ2I7urd2tU

[Clear Light]

How do they do it???????

Ah and therein lies the Mystery of non-being eh ? :wink: :heart:

[jimrich]

I am beginning to use a key - the ego.
When Mooji says, "Drop your self, go beyond your self, surrender your self entirely, abandon your self" I'd overlay "ego" for self and it makes perfect sense.
I just had the same effect while watching my favorite Tony Parson's video where any reference to a 'me', self, 'I', you, seeker, etc. can have "ego" as a substitute and suddenly all that Tony says makes sense. I guess they don't use the word ego because so many folks would be offended or frightened and feel personally attacked or threatened. For me it's the master key to see where all these teachings are pointing = STOP being an ego. Your real identity is something very different from the ego that you are now TRAPPED in and as!


Drop Yourself ~ Mooji A MUST WATCH for Advanced Seekers!!!

Published on Jun 18, 2016

The true Teacher is the Inner Self.
It is in being aware of Awareness
- that one can stabilize in the Self (and NOT your ego).
- Helmut Eckart


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ2I7urd2tU

Where Mooji refers to 'I', it can be the ego or the Absolute. Where he refers to 'you' it's either the ego/person or Presence. That is the mystery and magic of semantics. Some sages speak of the True 'I'. It just depends on one's ability to interpret things or see through the fallacies of semantics and miscommunication.
But the best part of this video is when Mooji invites his listeners to find out or experience the Absolute for them selves via direct experience and not just mental concepts. Dropping the ego is that easy and direct if someone wants to be free of it. Go directly to who and what you are PRIOR to your ego and - WHAM! - there you are - I am PRESENCE! The ego cannot go there but you certainly can because you ARE PRESENCE - not an ego or personal 'I'. :beer:

[Googol Plex]

No one says it better than Jed Mckenna, but even that guy needs to be killed. What do you say..? 'Methaphorically' speaking.

But it's mere fantasy, isn't it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7qLXF1qR9s

[greybeard]

Jed McKenna discusses his Awakening
This is a selection from Jed McKenna Notebook called a post apocalyptic lightmare. For updates on my video join my facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ahabs-P...

Thanks for this Google Plex


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7qLXF1qR9s

[Rich]

Doses it seem strange to any of you that Presence seems permanent when you're there and yet the ego just comes right back and ruins the whole thing? I'd think that Presence could and would easily keep the pathetic little ego out of the picture! It's beyond me! Mooji and a few other sages seems to be living permanently as Presence with the ego as a harmless side kick or with NO ego at all. How do they do it??????? :bearhug:

They don't. There is nothing you have to do for it, you are as God (or “Presence” as you call it) created you and he has given you all power there is and therefore nothing is in opposition of your will.

ACIM says what God wills takes no time, it is already so and if we disagree with God it merely means we do not choose the truth and rather hold on to our illusion.

From ACIM p.309:

1. This course is not beyond immediate learning, unless you believe that what God wills takes time.

2 And this means only that you would rather delay the recognition that His Will is so.

3 The holy instant is this instant and every instant.

4 The one you want it to be it is.

5 The one you would not have it be is lost to you.

6 You must decide when it is.

7 Delay it not.

8 For beyond the past and future, where you will not find it, it stands in shimmering readiness for your acceptance.

9 Yet you cannot bring it into glad awareness while you do not want it, for it holds the whole release from littleness.

[joeecho]

Proof of enlightenment is also it's disproof. A sort of rational madness, if you will.

Am I you, no. But neither are you, you.

If you think you are you then I am you too (2).

There is a masquerade party in full swing but no-one attended.

[greybeard]

Adyashanti Guided Meditation - What Is the Nature of Self?

Published on Jul 1, 2016

http://adyashanti.org - In this calming guided meditation, you are invited to inquire within and explore the true nature of self. Adyashanti guides you to direct your awareness inward and experience the blanket of silence that intrinsically underlies every moment of your life, while also pointing towards the ineffable mystery inherent within all of existence. Adyashanti offers a few questions: What is the nature of one’s self? Where is this thing called me?

Excerpted From “Guided Meditations Volume 2”
http://bit.ly/298QGDQ

Quotes from this video:

“Meditation is the opportunity to look within for your self and to find out: Is it true? Is there a somebody?”

“The more we look for our self, the less we find.”

“When you look inside, what am I? Really. Truly. Without recourse to some past explanation, some theory, some dogma. But in one’s own actual experience: Where is this me?”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmNM8lzWzMY

I have bumped this is a further quote of interest.
"There is no entity no person"

Nisargadatta destroyed concepts

A student of the teaching would say I am me
Nisargadatta would respond with "You are consciousness"
The student would think about that and nextday say "I got it Im consciousness"

Nisargadattawould say "No no you are awareness"
The student would go away and next day say "I got it im awareness"

Nisargadatta would then say "No no you are Absolute emptiness"

The studentd would go away and think about that
Next day hewould say "I got it Im Absolute emptiness (or Nothing )"

Nisargadatta would say "No no you are the Absolute"

So Nisargadatta would see which concept you were stuck in, sometimes called nesting, and move you on to the next station of your journey.

Seemingly he did not like the book "I Am That" because it was full of quotes/statements that were intended for the person in front of him at that time.

Incidentally it is my way to study the teaching of one person at a time for a long period till something moves me on.
I re read The Power of Now seven times-- Im currently listening to Stephen Wolinsky on Nisargadatta--he spent a lot of time with him in India so I suppose he is an expert on the teaching
Nasargadatta also after "pouring" light through him, pointed finger said"Now you are nothing you can go"

Anyway Im ready now for this in depth teaching which sofar makes sense and fills in some remaining gaps--however in the words of Nisargadatta as conveyed by Simon Wolinsky "Forget the teaching" remain as the Self

So thats the story of the moment.

Much love
Chris

[jimrich]

greybeard;1096529]

“Meditation is the opportunity to look within for your self and to find out: Is it true? Is there a somebody?” (an ego!)

“The more we look for our self (ego), the less we find.”

“When you look inside, what am I? Really. Truly. Without recourse to some past explanation, some theory, some dogma. But in one’s own actual experience: Where is this me? (ego)”

I have bumped this is a further quote of interest.
"There is no entity no person" (no ego)

Nisargadatta destroyed concepts (egos)

A student of the teaching would say I (the ego) am me (the ego)
Nisargadatta would respond with "You are consciousness"
The student would think about that and next day say "I (the ego) got it Im consciousness"

Nisargadatta would say "No no you are awareness"
The student would go away and next day say "I (the ego) got it im awareness"

Nisargadatta would then say "No no you are Absolute emptiness"

The student would go away and think about that
Next day he would say "I (the ego) got it Im Absolute emptiness (or Nothing )"

Nisargadatta would say "No no you are the Absolute"

So Nisargadatta would see which (egoic) concept you (the ego) were stuck in, sometimes called nesting, and move you (the ego) on to the next station of your (egoic) journey.

Jim: Maybe the student (if now awakened) should have come back and just sat there smiling at the master!

Seemingly he did not like the book "I Am That" because it was full of quotes/statements that were intended for the person in front of him at that time.
Jim: I wonder if that bothered the master's ego?

Incidentally it is my way to study the teaching of one person at a time for a long period till something moves me (ego or Presence?) on.
I re read The Power of Now seven times-- Im currently listening to Stephen Wolinsky on Nisargadatta--he spent a lot of time with him in India so I suppose he is an expert on the teaching (or maybe just another "spiritualized" ego?)

Anyway Im ready now for this in depth teaching which sofar makes sense and fills in some remaining gaps--however in the words of Nisargadatta as conveyed by Simon Wolinsky "Forget the teaching" remain as the Self (and DROP the ego!) :sun:

[Googol Plex]

Not so recently (probably a year ago) I had a funny encounter - on Youtube, of all places. There was a video about something, and someone mentioned "believing in God" or something like that. I went in there, saying that believing in 'God' is as good as believing there is no God - it's all a belief. But then I got back something along the lines of "You're just an atheist" and (best of all-) "it's just semantics".

Now, make of this what you will, but personal preferences do seem to be dominant, even in "spiritual" matters.

Follow me on this - believing/rejecting that there is no "God" is sorted as "atheism". It's not based on anything factual - but neither is actually believing or accepting that this said "God" exists - it just has a way of 'showing' itself, at certain times, to certain people. Not being sure of there is (or is not) a 'God' is Agnosticism - and even that is based on uncertainty- "We simply don't know". And THAT is somehow labelled as a "religious view".

At the same time, we have this "Enlightenment" thing. It's been talked about by many, but only a few seem to actually function within it. Look, I'm with you - this "Enlightenment" thing seems to be the best thing ever (I did my best for years), but actually achieving it (and live in it) is borderline impossible.

Believing there is "Enlightenment" (awesome idea) is just an idea, as long as you're not "it". "Enlightenment" sounds so damn romantic you'd wanna marry it before you even got to see it. Yet, it deals with pure being, and anyone (I salute you) being strong enough to review their entire set of beliefs to get there - high ****ing five. Because that is HARD. You don't get there, and stay there, without experiencing hell first.

Or you may just experience HELL, - get there and experience what it is like for a couple of days (weeks) and then remember that you have stuff to deal with.

Either way - "Enlightenment" should be your last option. Don't seek it and then you'll probably find it.

[joeecho]

Either way - "Enlightenment" should be your last option. Don't seek it and then you'll probably find it.

Find what?

If one finds it, it isn't it.

[greybeard]

A Master can seem to have preferences but does not seem to mind if these are met or not- a true Master does not have ego as after enlightenment there is no me, no person left to have ego.
What confuses is that there is still a personality through which consciousness speaks.
So for want of a better way of pouting it When you listen to Mooji its not him speaking its the Absolute as consciousness. There is no personal Mooji left.
In reality there never was a teacher or student its all what Nisargadatta called a mirage.

The mind cant get this---what can be understood is not it. You are nothing conceivable. This why Nisargadatta taught by the process of elimination--Neityneity--not this not this.

The Adyashanti meditation---you can not be found==people look for a thing, an object--you are neither subject nor object---that would require a second-- You are one without a second.


With love Chris

[greybeard]

According to Nisargadatta
What you are is prior to consciousness--prior to awareness--prior to the void (nothing-emptiness)
Teachers do their best to meet you where you stand then move you on bit by bit.
Hence what seems to be contradictions---it depends on the context--level that is being addressed.
Ultimately none of it is relevant but seems one has to go through the linguistics---the levels discarding as one goes and also using self inquiry which is designed for one to find that there is no self.
There is a massive difference between self and Self.

Chris

Mooji - Knowing your True Self is more important than controlling your mind
Published on Jun 21, 2016

Advaita Vedanta Master Mooji explains why controlling your mind is not as important as many people think. It's knowing and resting in your True Nature that is the most important thing.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_gzADUMGpg

[greybeard]

Googol Plex I forgot to welcome you to the thread so I do so now.

You last post is interesting and helpful.
Enlightenment means simply the removal of ignorance, the ignorance being the belief that I am a separate individual entity.

I prefer the term Self realization---the True Self which, has ever been here, is revealed after the layers of not Self are removed.
Its true that only a tiny % are Self realized but that number, percentage, seems to be growing.
The advice is to make great effort until one gets it that nothing works---through this it seems that one has become accident prone--Self realization would seem to be almost an accident a random occurrence.

However as you said, more or less, dont expect or try for enlightenment--seems the effort gets in the way, yet another obstacle.

The paradox is that you are not doing anything.

None of it makes sense to "my" logical mind---yet I believe it to be so.
I tend to point people to Tim's thread as one of the most clear descriptions of awakening.

Much love
Chris

[Clear Light]

Advaita Vedanta Master Mooji explains why controlling your mind is not as important as many people think. It's knowing and resting in your True Nature that is the most important thing

Oh, for those who are interested in such things, I'd suggest it's probably because the aware cognisant knowing quality in ALL states of mind never changes, whether high / low / peaceful or agitated you are always knowing that ... inasmuch as the "Empty" Content of one's mind is like forever changing but that which is Aware in ALL circumstances remains Unchanged ;)

[greybeard]

Adyshanti has a free down load of Fierce grace Audio for September only

Chris

http://www.adyashanti.org/cafedharma/index.php?file=audio

[jimrich]

According to Nisargadatta
What you are is prior to consciousness--prior to awareness--prior to the void (nothing-emptiness)
Teachers, like Rupert Spira, do their best to meet you, the ego, where you stand then move you on bit by bit to the open, empty Awareness that you really are.n7lGaziF42o
Hence what seems to be contradictions is being addressed by teachers like Nome.
Ultimately none of it is relevant but it seems the ego has to go through the linguistics, discarding the levels as the ego goes and also using self inquiry. SvmLnz18DYk
There is a massive difference between the small I or ego and open, empty Awareness or Self. 8dTYv9WZrDA

Happy trails,
jim

[greybeard]

The void is devoid of void.
The Absolute is beyond human concepts.
That which can not be spoken of
Because we think in human terms we need to know -understand.
That which is beyond knowing is not knowable.
At least not knowable before Self realization.

Anthropomorphic is the putting of human characteristics on That which is not human.
You are not a human--thats at best a temporary situation

"You are the child of a barren mother
What were you a month before conception or a thousand years before.
All this world is like a mirage in the desert.
Anything you think you are you are not-- find out what you are not"

Those in "" are quotes of Nasargadatta

Chris

[greybeard]

Mooji very often recommends just being quiet,
Nisargadatta was more blunt---after putting up with noisy ones or gross questions he would say--"Do you know who you are? If the answer was no he would then say "shut up"
Jesus said "Be still and know that I am God"
The more the mind runs riot the less chance you have of "Self Realization"

Much love
Chris