INQUIRER: I desire to know when self-knowledge is “attained” (liberation, enlightenment, self-realization) — is it gradual OR an immediate event. And is it completely permanent? RESPONSE: Attainment of self-knowledge…
INQUIRER: I am interested to find out about your thoughts, regarding the validity and effectiveness of different meditation practices. I have personally been practicing transcendental meditation (TM) and the…
In previous discussion, what happens to one who dies after realizing the ultimate truth (videhamukti). Student asks, “What happens to those who die without knowing the ultimate truth?“ “…
INQUIRER: Need confirmation on the law of karma. Since it is called the law of karma – are we to assume that it was discovered as a law by…
INQUIRER: It seems like the only difference after enlightenment (moksha) is that thoughts of being limited no longer appear in the intellect (buddhi). Or if they do appear they’re…
INQUIRER: I have an intellectual interest in Advaita Vedanta, with a view to finding some level of contentment with life. I know you’ll say only self-realisation will provide complete…
INQUIRER: It’s said that that ‘enlightenment’ is for the jiva (which results in freedom FROM the jiva) — and not Awareness (brahman) which is already enlightened. Now when it…
INQUIRER: I feel, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I can’t be Radhika (name hidden for privacy). RESPONSE: Then why the rest of the email? If you know…
INQUIRER: Is there a stage beyond the witness? RESPONSE: If by “witness” you mean the individual person, or the ego (ahamkara), then yes, there is something beyond — which…
INQUIRER: While discriminating consciousness from objects, I felt a sense of limitlessness. I’ve seen the Satya/Mithya chart and a sense of bliss/ananda came over me I think the highest…
INQUIRER: Reading Dennis Waite’s case against free will in “HOW TO MEET YOURSELF” (pg 170-174), I was struck at how similar it was to the one made roughly 80…
INQUIRER: What does “taking a stand as Awareness” mean? RESPONSE: Taking a stand as awareness means to assume your true identity — after having been first taught nature of…
INQUIRER: About this statement, “It is important to accommodate all persons and circumstances [CH13 of Bhagavad Gita]. It is also foolish to like or dislike any person or circumstance…
INQUIRER: How do the 3 gunas connect with the 3 bodies (causal, subtle, and physical)? I think this answer is that the three gunas are present in each of…
INQUIRER: In my continued study of the Bhagavad Gita I am looking closely at sat-cit-ananda and would love some insights to this knowledge. RESPONSE: Firstly to define each word……
Is Ishvara aware that it is Brahman (Consciousness)? I know Ishvara is: The dharma field (manifest universe) and came into being by the power of Maya within Brahman. Not…
INQUIRER: It became clear to me that to be really peaceful and content, I need to be in alignment with the way things are, finding my mission. The quest…
INQUIRER: Can we possibly go back to the issue of fear, the irrational, the unwholesome fear, the one that is labeled as hindrance to spiritual growth. I was thinking…
In previous discussion, student began asking features of a liberated one while living. Although not the only, prominent feature being non-injury owing to much prior hard work to cleanup…
INQUIRER: I understand the [Vedanta] teaching, but I am not ‘finished’. I don’t seem to get it in any way that makes a difference. I am still seeking, still…
INQUIRER: Thus far can we say that vasanas are likened to what is in psychology known as the sub-conscious or sometimes un-conscious, but without taking aboard previous incarnations, being…
Vedanta, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, has given rise to several influential sub-schools, each offering unique perspectives on the nature of reality, the self, and…
INQUIRER: Confusion #1: I read (elsewhere) “Don’t mistake understanding for realization”. Confusion #2: Read about people who can provide a date and time to their awakening/realization. Comment? RESPONSE: Possibility…
INQUIRER: Question 1: Who/what is the entity that is capable of inquiring into and perceiving the apparently real instruments of “my” subtle body during waking consciousness; the detached observer…
INQUIRER: I was recommended John Wheeler’s book “You Were Never Born.” Suddenly there was this subtle switch and it became clear that I was already what I was looking…
INQUIRER: Tell me if I’m correct… The Samskaras (impressions/tendencies/habits) are products of karma (performed actions). And karma is product of Samskara, because it’s obvious our actions (karmas) are driven…
Is there any fundamental difference between vasana and samskara? RESPONSE: Vasana and samskara are essentially the same thing. Vasana are the impressions that are left on one’s psyche from…
INQUIRER: I’m trying to clear up my understanding of waking consciousness. What exactly is the makeup of the unrealized waking state re: reflected Awareness? Is it the mirror in…
What distinguishes Atman (Self) from Brahman (Awareness)? In the Vedanta equation: Awareness + Maya = Ishwara. And on the other side: Atman + Ignorance = Jiva (individual soul). RESPONSE:…
In previous discussion, we saw the role of prayers and rituals doesn’t contradict knowledge of oneself as the Whole. They both cultivate the mind but also serve as form…