tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post8323855059449986187..comments2024-03-15T00:46:22.677+05:30Comments on Arunachala and Ramana Maharshi: The Greatness of the GuruDavid Godmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10354181925332694222noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-29901185322468322102010-11-17T09:02:16.219+05:302010-11-17T09:02:16.219+05:30Clemens Vargas RamosApologies if I misunderstood y...Clemens Vargas Ramos<br><br>Apologies if I misunderstood you on this one.<br><br>It's true that most devotees are not going to get enlightened, irrespective of how great their Guru might be, simply because they are not ready enough.<br><br>Still , for those who are ready enough for the Guru to make a difference, the power and presence of that Guru are essential components in the Self-realisation process.<br><br>In English the proverb is: 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.'<br><br>As Papaji remarked in the 'Power to Enlighten' post:<br><br>There are limits to what to what a Guru can accomplish. These limits are not in the Self, for the Self is limitless. The power of the Self cannot work on an unreceptive mind. If the soil is not fertile, no amount of rain falling on the ground can make it grow. The rain cannot make crops grow in a barren land.David Godmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10354181925332694222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-50365704373276426602010-11-17T09:02:14.225+05:302010-11-17T09:02:14.225+05:30Scott,Your downright integrity is always something...Scott,<br>Your downright integrity is always something very refreshing and moving.In many ways your apparent'Helplessness ' is much more enviable than 'the CONFIDENT, I KNOW' attitude!<br>You have understood that Bhagavan 'resonates'!This is sufficient!Just continue your Practice.IT IS CERTAINLY advantageous to have the personal guidance of a Living Master!I WILL BE LYING IF I SAY otherwise!This is very helpful to clear the cobwebs that you hardly suspected existed in your 'UNDERSTANDING AND PRACTICE'.<br>As you have expressed so truly-" On my own there are so many pitfalls, and although I might have a basic intellectual understanding when I read talks with ramana, or other books, when it comes to practice and experience, I can see that there are many places to go awry. "<br><br>My Master IS FOND OF QUOTING cardinal Newman's -Lead Kindly Light!-ONE STEP IS ENOUGH!PLANT IT FIRMLY!THEN THE NEXT STEP!-Take heart.IF YOU ARE SINCERE AND PERESEVERING,THE GURU WILL COME IN SEARCH OF YOU.YOU DO NOT NEED TO FIND HIM!<br><br>DO ALL THE KNOWN THINGS PROPERLY and do not bother about what you do not know.This is what I do.Better to DRINK ONE's GRUEL than to HANKER AFTER SOME RICH FEAST!<br><br>The Other thing that MY MASTER has said that is most Heart Warming is this-that THE ENERGY FIELD of the Great ones is very much available and one can access it and attune oneself-THIS WAY,ONE CAN GET THE RIGHT GUIDANCE-Just like how David said that he talks to Bhagavan!IF SOME THEORETICIAN comes and tells you that this is Imagination,just quietly agree with him!DO CONTINUE YOUR WAY!just see what DAVID HAS SAID that not a day has passed without his saying-'Thank you' to God!THIS IS WHAT TRUE PRACTICE IS ALL ABOUT!You have asked whether to pray to Mother Mary!YES,WHY NOT?If you feel like praying to Bhagavan next day-FLOW WITH THAT.Do not let the ARROGANT INTELLECT come and judge what your HEART is doing.THE INTELLECT HAS TO DO ITS work and not MESS UP THE WITH FEELINGS of THE HEART.<br>There is not a single soul that have confined themselves to SELF ENQUIRY alone INCLUDING BHAGAVAN-Before BHAGAVAN'S DEATH EXPERIENCE,He had read the PERIYA PURANAM which contains the lives of GREAT SAINTS-and Bhagavan used to visit the temple and stand before the 63 saints whose LOVE for god was what moved Bhagavn.He used to be bathed in Tears!<br><br>Just continue your INTROSPECTION and weed out the NEGATIVES one at a time.NO FORCE IS REQUIRED.YOU ARE GIFTED WITH A SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT UNSOPHISTICATED view of things.Just see and drop what has to be dropped.<br>Parallely,read the lives of Great saints,THE BIBLE(I see you have interest here!KNOW THAT JESUS CHRIST IS one of the Great Gnanis!His SERMON ON THE MOUNT carries words of Great power.)<br><br>DO VICHARA with a Prayer to Bhagavan for guidance.<br><br>As David had said that he always that Bhagavan is beside him.THIS IS THE MOST USEFUL PRACTICAL TIP!THIS IS SUFFICIENT TO REMEMBER!THIS IS TO STAY IN AWARENESS.THIS IS WHAT SRI ANNAMALAI SWAMI also Practised.<br><br>WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST!<br><br>Salutations!Ravihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875076137584328729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-35367047942737338362010-11-17T09:02:11.226+05:302010-11-17T09:02:11.226+05:30... My opinion is that this cannot be done this wa...<i>... My opinion is that this cannot be done this way.Expressing violence to bring it out!Truly doubt the approach.LOVE ALONE heals the scars. ...</i><br><br>That's true. It wasn't an approach but a therapy. We generally have a strong tendency here to treat the things mentally. The people here sometimes don't feel enough. They like to hear arguments. They are discussing things or trying to understand the things the mental way. I visited a so called "self enquiry seminar" and was astonished to see that the people tried to *analyze* each other - hunting the ego, you understand? In fact they made themselves to become angry. Horrible! I asked them about that and then they got angry on me! They said this to be none of my business. Thats true, but is this really the question? Perhaps it worked for them - this is definitely not my way.<br><br><i>...Your wife is a blessed soul.... </i><br><br>Thank you. That is really true.<br><br><i>...in fact I was mentioning about you and your Name ending with your wife's name to my wife...</i><br><br>In latin america the last name is made up of two parts: the first part of the surname is the name of the male husband. And the second part is the maiden name of the female husband = VARGAS RAMOS. Clemens is the first name. In latin america this constellation (that the male husband got the name of the female husband) is impossible. In Colombia the people on hearing the names believe me to be the brother of my wife. It was in Germany where we got married and here the husbands can arrange their names like they want.Clemens Vargas Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193114321240935018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-17160980986985159312010-11-17T09:02:09.808+05:302010-11-17T09:02:09.808+05:30.Dear friends,REMINDERS==========Realisation of Su....<br><br>Dear friends,<br><br>REMINDERS<br>==========<br><br><i>Realisation of Supreme Bliss is not possible without relative knowledge</i><br><br>Talk 204.<br><br>Maharshi on Self-Illumination: The ‘I’ concept is the ego. I-illumination is the Realisation of the Real Self. It is ever shining forth as ‘I-I’ in the intellectual sheath. It is pure Knowledge; relative knowledge is only a concept. The bliss of the blissful sheath is also but a concept. Unless there is the experience, however subtle it is, one cannot say “I slept happily”. From his intellect he speaks of his blissful sheath.<br><br>The bliss of sleep is but a concept to the person, the same as intellect. However, the concept of experience is exceedingly subtle in sleep. Experience is not possible without simultaneous knowledge of it (i.e. relative knowledge).<br><br>The inherent nature of the Self is Bliss. Some kind of knowledge has to be admitted, even in the realisation of Supreme Bliss. It may be said to be subtler than the subtlest.<br><br>.Clemens Vargas Ramoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07193114321240935018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-8861419722946976532010-11-17T09:02:08.412+05:302010-11-17T09:02:08.412+05:30Dear Jupes,Thanks very much for your Best wishes a...Dear Jupes,<br>Thanks very much for your Best wishes and the beautiful post-Especially for The Guru's message-That the SELF is what you are and Realise it here and now!The Mind understands this yet the Realisation is not there!At the same time this(Bhagavan's simple pointer) is undeniable as well!<br>I tend to feel that most of the people who approached Bhagavan did so with their MINDS and did not put their HEART into their queries.The MIND asks for DETAILS,the HEART asks for the ESSENCE.I find that Sri Bhagavan consistently discourages the mind hankering for the details-its basic aim being to justify its own convictions and prolong the ordeal!Sri Bhagavan does not give any scope for this!<br>I find that it is Ms Noye who represents the Archetype of the HEART!How Bhagavan even accepted the rose and held it to his cheeks!<br><br>Just to continue some more Facts ignored by the Biographers-1.Sri Bhagavan was born in a Brahmin Family and has had his 'SACRED THREAD' ceremony-Surely he would have learnt performing the Sandhya and the GAYATHRI MANTRA.<br>2.It is unthinkable for me to understand that he had not heard the word BRAHMAN as it is even used for anyone sitting idle-"You are sitting like parabrahmam!".These are used by illiterates!One may understand that the SIGNIFICANCE of the word may not have been understood but with Bhagavan having this experience,he would have immediately connected to all that he had heard earlier.<br>3.Sri Bhagavan used to help out in the preparation of PRASAD(Food offerings)to the deity on festival days(these are too many for the Hindus,more so Brahmins!).<br>4.Sri Bhagavan's mother was an orthodox Brahmin Lady and even after her coming to Tiruvannamalai stuck to her ways!(Brahminical!).<br><br>I am just raising these points to highlight that Sri Bhagavan certainly had a PAST-Surely in the Face of Self Realization ,these things fade away-Like Sri Ramakrishna says-"When one looks from the Hill top everything looks Flat,The Tall Trees and the Lowly Shrub!All are EQUALLY FLAT!".<br><br>Now the important point that I wish to convey is that No one,including Bhagavan followed the 'SELF ENQUIRY' ALONE-In fact many did not follow it at all.They ARRIVED at a POINT when THIS HAPPENED.Now for some reason,These Great souls did not EMPHASISE the validity of their earlier RAMBLINGS IN WILDERNESS(as it appears,but I do not personally agree!.For me These are also part of GOD PLAYING THE FOOL AND UNMASKING HIMSELF TO REVEAL HIMSELF!)<br>It is something like a Jumbojet Flying in the sky,still requires a runway to launch itself.When it fies in the sky,the wheels are retracted and certainly are NOT REQUIRED FOR FLYING.As a Small Glider,I may require the assistance of a Jeep to tow me and launch me into whatever orbit is designed for me!I understand that I need to learn to Fly.<br><br>Namaskars!Ravihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875076137584328729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-8786903233624532752010-11-17T09:02:06.630+05:302010-11-17T09:02:06.630+05:30Scott Fraundorf:It's as if we are so deluded, ...Scott Fraundorf:<br><br>It's as if we are so deluded, so misidentified that the Jnani appears as an archetype in our dream-waking but is really our true Self breaking through the veil of our misidentifications. Our true Self, I'm guessing, does not have form, and also the sage does not really have form. But since we are so immersed in our own creation, the waking state world of thought, our true self, the formless reality also appears in the dream-waking state as the Sage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-77619974841449632832009-09-23T19:02:35.807+05:302009-09-23T19:02:35.807+05:30Anonymous said:
When the ego does not know where i...Anonymous said:<br />When the ego does not know where its source is, how can it turn to face it? <br /><br /><br />You have a good point.Akirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15470107705807926016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-45947360365699292022009-09-23T18:58:37.026+05:302009-09-23T18:58:37.026+05:30.
... When the ego does not know where its source....<br /><br /><i>... When the ego does not know where its source is, how can it turn to face it? ...</i><br /><br />Very interesting question. "Trust in God", say the christians. We don't know what or who it is we get liberation from. But finally we know that which makes liberation impossible, isn't it? <br /><br />.Clemens Vargas Ramoshttp://dkw.spacequadrat.denoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-50930225129848520712009-09-23T15:21:16.269+05:302009-09-23T15:21:16.269+05:30David,
One of your comments here:
"The ego co...David,<br />One of your comments here:<br />"The ego co-operates in its own disappearance by turning to face its source and by allowing the power of the Self to pull it into Itself. The Self chooses for destruction those whose egos choose to look at the Self."<br />When the ego does not know where its source is, how can it turn to face it? How does one 'look at' a non-objective Self? Please elaborate. Also, Michael James calls the mind/ego as the power of attention. Is that an accurate description? Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-47288000691760643642009-08-06T21:28:57.213+05:302009-08-06T21:28:57.213+05:30Scott,
Delighted to read your account of satsang...Scott,<br />Delighted to read your account of satsangh at SAT.<br />Wish you the Very Best.Ravihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14875076137584328729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-40817669517833984532009-08-06T01:46:23.458+05:302009-08-06T01:46:23.458+05:30I went to the SAT temple where Nome does Satsang, ...I went to the SAT temple where Nome does Satsang, I had some interesting experiences. I've written about them on my blog. http://cephalopodmollusks.blogspot.com or click on my name and go to Precamrbian Corner. You're free to read them. Main points about Self-inquiry I learned is eliminate the non-eternal as not real and not me, then inquire to eliminate the small I, so that the real I, expansive consciousness is left. But I had some grace of the guru experiences that perhaps fit in this thread. Anything I've written about it is too long to fit in here.Losing M. Mindhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08593870441560584967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-1796867169657083742009-02-11T22:56:00.000+05:302009-02-11T22:56:00.000+05:30Scott Fraundorf:I think Clemens Vargos Ramos makes...Scott Fraundorf:<BR/><BR/>I think Clemens Vargos Ramos makes an interesting point about a murderer being transformed into being Enlightened, and then David Godman's response was interesting, talking about a case that was embellished of a sinner becoming Enlightened.<BR/><BR/>I would imagine that it is possible, but some of the more truly "evil minded" people that I've encountered, seem really stuck in what they think is real, and true (aren't we all?), and so I would imagine that maybe some external experience that is humbling for them may be necessary. But I have no idea. <BR/><BR/>The Self has given me glimpses, stimulated my effort to see only the Self, but the Self is also not an object, a person, conceptualizable, for me it fits with bhagavan's cow analogy. I find that it is better to desist, when I pursue desire. <BR/><BR/>Then maybe a guru is conjured and they are not different then me, and they tell me that what I'm seeking is within, and that when thoughts arise, it's because it's seeking that that is within.<BR/><BR/>The glimpse of the Self I had the other day, was so beyond description, I can say that the I, or the sense of being an individual blended, like blurred, like something that was cohesive, and it kept trying to re-assert itself as a cohesive whole.<BR/><BR/> Rather then it just disappeared, or went anywhere, or there was something left over. Maybe or maybe it was or was not a glimpse of the Self, but the interesting thing was that in the most non-I state I experienced, I was still totally cognizant, and action-reaction still went on, I still saw the world, which Lakshmana Swami says someone wouldn't in Realization, what do these people mean in their esoteric bits of wisdom. <BR/><BR/>Obviously the Self is so beyond any of it's descriptions by any of these sages. The sense of happiness that resulted, it was like blushing happiness, like pure joy, pure love, nothing could scare me, it was happy ever after. I don't know if it has left me, but I have to Inquire now and then to make sure the mind doesn't get to active again, and then I would lose it. So I didn't Realize the SElf, but I did get to perhaps a deeper level of Inquiry then I was at previously, a level that is more joyous, ineffable.<BR/><BR/>That method for me, of when the mind wanders, discerning the motivation, and where is that? in the Self. Be it love, truth, identity, selflessness, kindness, courage, functioning, presentness, all of it is in the Self. And the question serves as a constant reminder. I think it less important to become Enlightened, then to become happy, and maybe at some point that joy will turn into eternal joy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-10489118523055409272009-02-11T06:18:00.000+05:302009-02-11T06:18:00.000+05:30Scott Fraundorf:It seems that when I start to suff...Scott Fraundorf:<BR/><BR/>It seems that when I start to suffer in some way, if I discern the motivation, what is it that I want, and then ask where is it? In the Self. And that causes the mind to go voluntarily inward, without struggle, and then blissful feelings of overwhelming grace are felt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-27999667224689798582008-11-13T09:13:00.000+05:302008-11-13T09:13:00.000+05:30Scott Fraundorf:The ripeness seems to be within th...Scott Fraundorf:<BR/><BR/>The ripeness seems to be within the power of the devotee to increase immesurably by turning away from the objects of the mind, by turning inward. so the "readiness" can be increased by the mind focusing on itself, and turning away from the things that scare it, or the things it desires, the "readiness" increases then... Then the presence of the Jnani seems to work more and more, because in my experience, that grace, has to be helped, made accessible by Inquiring myself into myself. A huge ammount can be let go of by this...Then the Jnani who is really the true Self, and the grace is really the true Self, because the grace is the feeling of bliss that is inherent shines forth, when there are few obstacles. That's my current opinion. Since I still have a mind, I can't say whether this combo can by itself accomplish the extinction of the mind, but I imagine that it can. Because once there is a natural contact, association with a Jnani, who is really the true Self, or once someone is drawn to Inquiry and extincting the mind, that is the Self drawing the mind in more and more. Once a Jnani becomes apparent, that is the archetype of the true, formless, nondual, Self appearing in the waking dream, that in itself is an Awareness of the Self, still projected outward. And as David Godman has pointed out, his books seem to fall into the right hands. I know that in my own experience my introduction to the Maharshi, and my contact with Nome, happened when I was already starting to surrender, my mind was already starting to realize it was Powerless, and give in. And when I encountered Nome, my mind was temporarily stilled, and I saw a blur around him, again the archetype of my true sself projected outward. Maharshi's teachings, found their way into my hands, seemingly at the perfect moment. As I Inquire and know myself as I am, more and more, the events around me, in my life become mroe and more auspicious and dreamlike, proving to me more and more that all of this is truly me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-40340915300428044142008-11-13T00:26:00.000+05:302008-11-13T00:26:00.000+05:30Scott Fraundorf:It's as if we are so deluded, so m...Scott Fraundorf:<BR/><BR/>It's as if we are so deluded, so misidentified that the Jnani appears as an archetype in our dream-waking but is really our true Self breaking through the veil of our misidentifications. Our true Self, I'm guessing, does not have form, and also the sage does not really have form. But since we are so immersed in our own creation, the waking state world of thought, our true self, the formless reality also appears in the dream-waking state as the Sage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-57761031096768991212008-11-11T08:18:00.000+05:302008-11-11T08:18:00.000+05:30Scott Fraundorf:Nome of Society of Abidance in Tru...Scott Fraundorf:<BR/><BR/>Nome of Society of Abidance in Truth in Santa Cruz is a Jnani(little doubt). An example of a Western devotee of Bhagavan who has realized the Self. I find his Ramana Maharshi 40 verses (on Youtube) helpful, and beautiful played with Adagio in G Minor. Open two Youtube windows...It's interesting to me how his verbal teachings flow perfectly with the music. Whether anyone agrees with my assessment does not matter to me, but I believe he could be helpful for others...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-23971816319263222152008-10-16T04:37:00.000+05:302008-10-16T04:37:00.000+05:30Scott Fraundorf:Me and Nome's exchangeDear Scott,O...Scott Fraundorf:<BR/><BR/>Me and Nome's exchange<BR/>Dear Scott,<BR/>Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya<BR/>Namaste. If you determine within yourself the real source of happiness, the results will be very far-reaching. You will thus find deep, unwavering peace, nonattachment toward all objects and situations, and the bliss of abidance at the very source of wisdom and love.<BR/><BR/>If guilty about past actions, be sure that you abide in a state in which those actions cannot recur and the very definitions of the personality that were the cause of such errors have been destroyed.<BR/><BR/>It is axiomatic that you should act (with body, speech, and mind) toward others as you would wish them to do toward you. Just steadfastly observing this much yields significant depth and lightness of heart. With inquiry, you come to realize others as the Self.<BR/><BR/>With faith in Bhagavan and his teachings, earnestly practice the best that you are able. Grace is ever present, and its joyful fullness is found by those who, hearts full of love, spiritually practice in this way.<BR/><BR/>Ever yours in Truth,<BR/>Nome<BR/><BR/>Me:Two more things... I'm not expecting a response and am grateful for the previous two which probably sum up most of what I need to know. But still I thought I'd throw it out there, two of the biggest worldly obstacles that come up, are 1. with some of the Asperger's symptoms of not picking up on nonverbal communication, it appears I may never have romantic involvement with other people, which when my mind projects outward can really bother me, I'm not sure if I should take action about it (or what action to take) or just quietly subside and leave it all to Bhagavan, god, etc, I suppose that is the answer.. and 2. Sometimes guilt for past actions comes up, and again I just attempt to surrender... Again, I think you're previous replies probably are all the verbal help I need, along with writings of Maharshi and company but if you see some other piece of advise that would be helpful not already given and want to give it, I'm all ears. Eternally grateful for helping me get a glimpse of the grace already present, which I attempted to surrender to. I will continue to trust Bhagavan's teachings, and attempt Enquiry faithfully. Ever yours in truth.<BR/><BR/>Dear Scott,<BR/>Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya<BR/><BR/> Namaste. Thank you for your response message.<BR/><BR/>Turning within, you will find that you actually know more than you think. In how many ways do you seek for happiness, such as by the approval mentioned by you? It is an intuition of your natural state and an unknowing search for yourself.<BR/><BR/>As love is far more fulfilling than any amount of approval, and as true Knowledge is infinitely deeper than any kind of thinking, your true Self is far more expansive and substantial than the ego notion and it attendant tendencies that form the illusory personality.<BR/><BR/>Trust in Sri Bhagavan, follow his teaching, and, with his Grace, dive within. Thus you will be happy at heart.<BR/><BR/>May your earnest inquiry be deep so that your real nature of Being-Consciousness-Bliss is revealed within you.<BR/><BR/>Ever yours in Truth,<BR/>Nome<BR/><BR/>Me: Definitely what you wrote wasn't so much prattle. There is an element of being caught between a rock and a hard place. I was drawn to Enquiry, maybe even attended satsang at Society for Abidance in Truth not because I was drawn to spiritual practice, but because I wasn't even "remotely" functioning in the outside world, ended up getting a diagnosis of Asperger's (mild autism), the "illusory" person was horrible. Intellectually, I can say and even believe intellectually the words, "this is the illusory person". Wholehearted agreement. <BR/><BR/>What I don't understand intuitively in Bhagavan's words, I accept as true. I practice of Enquiry, I attempt Enquiry to the degree I understand. And there are things my mind, the ego, the illusory person, I definitely cannot understand about Enquiry. I guess, you said it, the ego is powerless to know anything. Anyway thank you so much for your reply, I did find it helpful, and not prattle. It's an odd irony, that the illusory person is all I know mentally. It is all the words I say, and think. I, my illusory person, noticed that you so gracefully ignored all the things I think I am, and spoke directly, through words, through e-mail to the me that wasn't looking for approval. I have illusions of ego-lessness that are really my ego sometimes, but that illusory person is so desperatlely looking for approval.<BR/><BR/>Dear Scott,<BR/>Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya<BR/>Namaste. Thank you for your message. It is good that you are attempting to practice Self-inquiry.<BR/><BR/>As is explained in Bhagavad Gita and elsewhere, krodha (anger) is rooted in kama (desire), which is rooted in avidya (ignorance). One who knows this destroys the tendencies constituting the personality and its repetitive suffering.<BR/><BR/>If the source of happiness in ascertained to be within you, dissolution of desire and fear is natural. The root of duality is the ego-notion. None of this is truly you.<BR/><BR/>Grace transcends the ideas of inner and outer, of oneself and another, and its infinity is endlessly experienced by those who remain free of the ego.<BR/><BR/> In the inquiry “For whom is thought?” the objectifying outlook is abandoned, and the thought subsides, and, as one inquires “Who am I?” clear Knowledge of one’s true identity shines and the very sense of existence previously falsely associated with the thought returns to it origin, the Self. Therefore, question the definitions you imagine for yourself.<BR/><BR/>The ego, being an illusion, is powerless. It cannot know anything. The potency of spiritual practice derives from the Self, which is of the nature of Consciousness.<BR/><BR/>The consideration of whether or not Nome is a jnani is irrelevant to your inquiry. Sri Bhagavan has said that the realized can take care of themselves, and you should take care of yourself.<BR/><BR/>If you find what is said here helpful, make good use of it. If it is not understandable by you, you may discard it as so much prattle or set it aside to be picked up at a later time by you.<BR/><BR/>May the tendency to consider the illusory person as if real be relinquished by you, and, diving within, may you deeply inquire to know the true Self, of the nature of nondual Being-Consciousness-Bliss, and thereby abide in lasting peace and imperishable happiness.<BR/>Ever yours in Truth,<BR/>Nome<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>-----Original Message-----<BR/>From: Kassy HiroshimA [mailto:hiroshima11@graffiti.net] <BR/>Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 2:11 PM<BR/>To: sat@cruzio.com<BR/>Subject: To nome:<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>So I've been 'practicing' Enquiry for about a year. And over time it has definitely 'deepened' of course there are no words for it, and time is probably a misnomer. <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>I had an experience of experience dissolving in your presence about a year ago. At first the presentation of Society For Abidance In Truth caused a negative, angry reaction in my ego. A judgemental reaction. I think it was my egos reaction to your egoless state. <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Everytime i watch a video of you on Youtube, I have this same experience of experience dissolving. My Enquiry, is just a process of trying to stop, going out toward objects of desire or fear, and also seeking the source which is finding the place where thought is actually occuring so duality can cease. It requires a good deal of trust. It gets easier with time, sometimes incredibly easy.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>I do feel that it is not necessarily within the power of my ego to realize it's own nonexistance. So somehow I suppose grace has to come from outside. But there is no outside. Again, language can't convey. I guess i'll just keep quiet now. if you have any advise for what you can gather of my maturity from this e-mail, feel free to reply. Maybe if 'you' are totally Self-Realized, a jnani, you can find the proper words of encouragement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-10721832439165874112008-08-23T10:38:00.000+05:302008-08-23T10:38:00.000+05:30Ramos,"Roaming in the desert like a lion - enjoyin...Ramos,<BR/>"Roaming in the desert like a lion - enjoying myself - that for me is the ultimate!"<BR/><BR/>Yes,you are a very fine combination of Head and Heart.<BR/><BR/>Wishing you the very Best!<BR/><BR/>Namaskar!Ravihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14875076137584328729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-78450347565430035642008-08-23T10:35:00.000+05:302008-08-23T10:35:00.000+05:30Jupes,you are a Blessed soul.You have the Guru's g...Jupes,<BR/>you are a Blessed soul.You have the Guru's guidance-your words of appreciation,I have placed at his Lotus Feet.<BR/>You may read the Kathamrita (1944 edition)from this site:<BR/>http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/<BR/>'M' is a Great soul and we are deeply indebted to him for this wonderful work.<BR/>Thanks very much for your best wishes!They come from the Guru.<BR/><BR/>Namaskar!Ravihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14875076137584328729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-58639748593474787462008-08-23T06:30:00.000+05:302008-08-23T06:30:00.000+05:30Ravi,There is a 'glow' about your final post that ...Ravi,<BR/>There is a 'glow' about your final post that has been with me all day. I have read it several times and will continue reading and absorbing what you said. The scene from the Kathamrita is so beautiful. My only familiarity with this book is through this blog and I am tempted now to read more. <BR/><BR/>About this process we've been in, I want to say that I'm glad it was spread out the way it was and that there was no 'quick' or 'simple' answer to my question. In many ways I am a slow learner and it helps to be able to absorb things over time. You are an excellent teacher, Ravi, and I have great appreciation for your patience, your sensitivity, and your sense of knowing what's appropriate. I feel very lucky to have made this connection with you here. <BR/><BR/>So, thank you, my friend. God willing I will reap what is intended from your teachings.<BR/><BR/>All the VERY BEST to you!Jupeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04562814002037188693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-45688907322071783152008-08-23T00:17:00.000+05:302008-08-23T00:17:00.000+05:30.... In the dim light the Master, all alone, was p....<BR/><BR/><I>... In the dim light the Master, all alone, was pacing the hall, rejoicing in the Self — as the lion lives and roams alone in the forest. ...</I><BR/><BR/>Dear friends,<BR/><BR/>once I wrote into my diary: <BR/><BR/>"Roaming in the desert like a lion - enjoying myself - that for me is the ultimate!"<BR/><BR/>This female guru I told of said this to be "selfishness".<BR/><BR/>.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-63806806233404663992008-08-23T00:12:00.000+05:302008-08-23T00:12:00.000+05:30Ravi,As I was writing that other comment I had no ...Ravi,<BR/>As I was writing that other comment I had no idea that this gem from you was waiting in the wings. I had not refreshed the page in a while so didn't know it was there. I have read through it only once and am humbled and rather awestruck by it all. I will re-read and ponder it before saying anything more. But one thing I must say is how truly grateful I am to you for going through this with me. No 'kid stuff' at all. Absolutely right on. <BR/><BR/>In deepest gratitude, dear Ravi...<BR/><BR/>JupesJupeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04562814002037188693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-37821251357376228142008-08-22T23:31:00.000+05:302008-08-22T23:31:00.000+05:30Ravi,Thanks so much for these incredibly beautiful...Ravi,<BR/>Thanks so much for these incredibly beautiful and moving accounts from Eleanor Noye. I have read her writing before, maybe even these very passages, but have never been as moved as I am now. I am left with a sense of serenity, and also sadness and longing. What a great expression of deep devotion and love for the Guru!<BR/><BR/>Thanks also for your earlier comment stating more facts about Bhagavan's past and his exposure to things that would point to possible sadhana prior to Self-realization. I love your quote from Sri Ramakrishna about everything looking flat from atop the hill. So true, so true! <BR/><BR/>It does make sense that great souls who have advanced to a certain point might not relate much about how they got to where they are. I guess that when one is 'flying' one does not necessarily think about the wheels that helped get her/him off the ground!<BR/><BR/>I do get your point about Self-enquiry not being the only practice that Bhagavan and others did. Thanks for all the clarifying!<BR/><BR/>Best wishes!<BR/><BR/>PS. I just noticed your new comment as I was posting this. Haven't read it yet.Jupeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04562814002037188693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-29063281021891009132008-08-22T21:39:00.000+05:302008-08-22T21:39:00.000+05:30Jupes,“The Guru is both ‘external’ and ‘internal’....Jupes,<BR/>“The Guru is both ‘external’ and ‘internal’. From the ‘exterior’ he gives a push to the mind to turn inward; from the ‘interior’ he pulls the mind towards the Self and helps in the quieting of the mind. That is guru-kripa.”<BR/>Aspiration is what sets us on our inward journey –piercing the envelope of smoky emotions, mixed feelings, it makes its presence felt in a soft and gentle way; Familiar yet new, distant yet near, a nostalgic tug. Often this may visit us when we are least prepared and despite repeated overlooking persists –This is the scent of the master within. Often this is identified as a distant Echo within, of what attracts us from the outside -A Deity, or a Guru who is the very embodiment of Love, Compassion and Knowledge supreme. It is only natural that these find expression in Human terms-one tends to look upon the Guru as one’s Mother, Father, Friend, Guide, and Master. We start at an emotional level, move to the feeling level and onto the Awareness level-Dwelling on the life of the Guru becomes the pastime and sharing it with others becomes a passion. The very Mention of the Name or seeing the Form of the Deity or Guru is enough to effect this shifting of the centre of consciousness to the deepest awareness level. This is the state of surrender. This is the objective of Vichara as well.<BR/>As one matures in sadhana, one gradually shifts the centre of Being from the emotional level to the Feeling Level and finally to the awareness level. The Disappearance of the ‘I’ cannot be willed. That has to happen through Grace only-All is Grace, yet the element of Effort that was present earlier will have to be dropped.<BR/><BR/>So, how do I actually go about this-I presume that you will be interested in this-I have already let the cat out of the Bag! You know how I like the Kathamrita-How I adore Sri Ramakrishna-He is more ‘me’ than myself! The Kathamrita is a book which abounds in Graphic descriptions and helps create a sort of Satsangh with the Master.’M’ who was a householder could visit Sri Ramakrishna only during weekends-How to spend the rest of the days away from the Master’s Magnetic pull?’M’ maintained a diary that recreated the complete scene of time spent with the Master. This helped him to stay connected with the Master and relish his presence. This is available to people like me-I do feel the presence and guidance of the Master.<BR/><BR/>How do I soak in the Presence? There are several enchanting scenes in the Kathamrita-I will just give one example-It is towards the end of the very first chapter.<BR/>“It was now late in the evening and time for M.'s departure; but he felt reluctant to go and instead went in search of Sri Ramakrishna. He had been fascinated by the Master's singing and wanted to hear more. At last he found the Master pacing alone in the natmandir in front of the Kali temple. A lamp was burning in the temple on either side of the image of the Divine Mother. The single lamp in the spacious natmandir blended light and darkness into a kind of mystic twilight, in which the figure of the Master could be dimly seen.<BR/><BR/>M. had been enchanted by the Master's sweet music. With some hesitation he asked him whether there would be any more singing that evening. "No, not tonight", said Sri Ramakrishna after a little reflection. Then, as if remembering something, he added: "But I'm going soon to Balaram Bose's house in Calcutta. Come there and you'll hear me sing." M. agreed to go.<BR/><BR/>MASTER: "Do you know Balaram Bose?"<BR/><BR/>M: "No, sir. I don't."<BR/><BR/>MASTER: "He lives in Bosepara."<BR/><BR/>M: "Well, sir, I shall find him."<BR/><BR/>As Sri Ramakrishna walked up and down the hall with M., he said to him: "Let me ask you something. What do you think of me?"<BR/><BR/>M. remained silent. Again Sri Ramakrishna asked: "What do you think of me? How many annas of knowledge of God have I?"<BR/><BR/>M: "I don't understand what you mean by 'annas'. But of this I am sure: I have never before seen such knowledge, ecstatic love, faith in God, renunciation, and catholicity anywhere."<BR/><BR/>The Master laughed.<BR/><BR/>M. bowed low before him and took his leave. He had gone as far as the main gate of the temple garden when he suddenly remembered something and came back to Sri Ramakrishna, who was still in the natmandir. In the dim light the Master, all alone, was pacing the hall, rejoicing in the Self — as the lion lives and roams alone in the forest.<BR/><BR/>In silent wonder M. surveyed that great soul.”<BR/><BR/><BR/>Just contemplate this wonderful scene of the Master Pacing the Hall- rejoicing in the Self — as the lion lives and roams alone in the forest. His presence is what fills me. This is what Sri Bhagavan meant in the quotation at the beginning of this post.<BR/><BR/>Jupes, I have suggested reading the Letters from Ramanashramam to you with this objective.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your encouragement and patience in putting up with all this kid stuff.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Namaskars!Ravihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14875076137584328729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3961358105214008284.post-29738559279270782422008-08-22T19:29:00.000+05:302008-08-22T19:29:00.000+05:30Dear David and others, thegreatness of a guru has ...Dear David and others, the<BR/>greatness of a guru has always<BR/>emphasized in Hindu thought.<BR/>Take any great work, Vivka<BR/>Choodamani, Kaivalaym or <BR/>Upanishads, it is all guru-<BR/>disciple conversation and at <BR/>the end, the disciple thanks <BR/>guru for conferring the ways<BR/>to enlightenment. Incidentally,<BR/>to say that GVK is intellectual<BR/>and not with 'bhakti bhava'<BR/>is to belittle both Guru and<BR/>the disciple, because GVK<BR/>contains more than 20 verses<BR/>of Bhgavan Himself.Subramanian. Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07503810836611357841noreply@blogger.com