An Advaita forum focusing on Realisation, enlightenment, non-duality, Real Love, peace, freedom, Your original nature, abiding naturally, the Oneness, the Nothingness, and Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj.
Here, there is nothing that is believed, so there is no one here who wants you to believe anything, either. Here, the invitation is to be free of all that you have been programmed, conditioned, acculturated, and domesticated to believe so that you can be free, period.
NOTE: To answer several recent inquiries: co-host Louise Sterling will be posting starting this Friday. Welcome back to Louise.
F.: To a visitor who asked about "repairing the condition of his consciousness which has been warped" and "his chances to ever Realize":
First, there is no “your” consciousness. The consciousness speaks. Talk of “your” anything is coming from body-mind-personality identification. Next, consider an example often used here: you look at a steel beam and you think you know what it is. You do not. The use of an electron microscope would allow you to see what is real beyond appearances.
But suppose that the lens of your microscope is smudged with contaminants. That means in your case the invitation is to consider Realization to be less about repairing the consciousness and more about removing all of the contaminants (ignorance) that are blocking the chance to employ the microscope (consciousness) to see clearly and accurately.
And if consciousness sees clearly and accurately, what does it see? ItSelf. Reality. Truth.
In the early stage, some beginners grasp the notion of “corrupted consciousness” more easily than they can grasp “the obscuring of consciousness with layer-upon-layer of corrupted (that is, false) concepts.”
Later, they can be shown that (1) what really happens is that the consciousness manifests in its “basically” pure form in a space with a nervous system, a space that functions automatically at the behest of a “brain” and that
(2) programming and acculturation and conditioning and knowledge—that is, learned ignorance—soon form a “mind,” the contents of which obstruct the natural functioning of the brain, often over-riding the brain’s protective instinct and inspiring the space to behave often in a highly self-destructive fashion, relatively speaking.
One can believe that the consciousness requires re-purification; another can believe that the consciousness remains pure but is obscured by insane concepts. Either way, the bottom line is this: it is as if persons are trying to see reality through a distorted or diffused filter.
Either way, both should agree that the solution to either re-purifying the consciousness or removing that which is obscuring the consciousness requires elimination of learned ignorance, that is, elimination of the content of the “mind.” How to eliminate it? See that it is all false and the previous value given to that content should automatically and spontaneously end.
See that Truth cannot be stated and see that the content of the mind, when in motion, generates "thought-statements"; thus, the teaching that Truth can be known but not stated means that all such "statements" (even thoughts which are statements to oneself) must necessarily be false statements.
Your thoughts, therefore, are false, as are the words which they motivate and control.
Consider the electron microscope again in this analogy: imagine that the electron microscope is consciousness. Imagine that the naked eye might look at what is called a “steel beam” and mis-perceive what it really is. Through use of the electron microscope, that which is real—a swirling mass of subatomic particles—can be detected.
Now, pretend that someone comes along and smears contaminants over one of the four-lens optics; imagine someone else comes along and, believing he / she can enhance the view via the microscope, paints over the second lens. Someone else damages the depth-of-focus feature and a fourth person damages the software. Finally, someone places a layer of garbage inside the primary chamber.
Now, realize that all of those people in the example who are messing with your equipment are your programmers and conditioners and acculturators. They did not really damage the microscope (consciousness). They just added so much contamination that, though the microscope (consciousness) is still just fine, it cannot function properly unless the trash is removed that is obstructing a clear view.
All of the garbage (ignorance) stands in the way of seeing the true nature of what would be witnessed. The microscope (consciousness) is fine, not warped or damaged at all, really. That which could be seen via the microscope is simply being blocked by the contaminants and additives (concepts, ideas, beliefs, dogma, etc.)
Some of the people (programmers, conditioners, acculturators) who did things to your equipment had “good” motives. Some wanted to make it "a more attractive package";
some, taking themselves to be religious or spiritual persons, wanted to make it "better" overall. Yet everything they added along the way (along the way to obscuring the consciousness by passing along to you their ignorant concepts and ideas and beliefs) rendered useless the equipment required for You to see Truth.
If the consciousness were damaged, then your case would be hopeless for you would have no means by which to repair it. The recommendation, then, is to consider the consciousness to be less "damaged" but more "blocked." In that case, to answer your question, you have "a chance" to Realize.
There are no super-human means by which supposedly damaged energy (including that of the conscious-energy variety) could be "repaired"; however, questioning all that you have been taught and seeing that none of it is a statement of Truth and then casting aside all false beliefs, ideas, and concepts...that is achievable.
It is ego-states and egotism and pride in one's knowledge that can prevent that from happening. If ego-states are seen to be false and are abandoned as identities, then there will be no triggering of egotism to defend them. When belief in the final persona ends, then the taught and learned knowledge, which personas find such pride in, will also evaporate.
Best regards on the "journey."
F.: To a visitor who asked about "repairing the condition of his consciousness which has been warped" and "his chances to ever Realize":
First, there is no “your” consciousness. The consciousness speaks. Talk of “your” anything is coming from body-mind-personality identification. Next, consider an example often used here: you look at a steel beam and you think you know what it is. You do not. The use of an electron microscope would allow you to see what is real beyond appearances.
But suppose that the lens of your microscope is smudged with contaminants. That means in your case the invitation is to consider Realization to be less about repairing the consciousness and more about removing all of the contaminants (ignorance) that are blocking the chance to employ the microscope (consciousness) to see clearly and accurately.
And if consciousness sees clearly and accurately, what does it see? ItSelf. Reality. Truth.
In the early stage, some beginners grasp the notion of “corrupted consciousness” more easily than they can grasp “the obscuring of consciousness with layer-upon-layer of corrupted (that is, false) concepts.”
Later, they can be shown that (1) what really happens is that the consciousness manifests in its “basically” pure form in a space with a nervous system, a space that functions automatically at the behest of a “brain” and that
(2) programming and acculturation and conditioning and knowledge—that is, learned ignorance—soon form a “mind,” the contents of which obstruct the natural functioning of the brain, often over-riding the brain’s protective instinct and inspiring the space to behave often in a highly self-destructive fashion, relatively speaking.
One can believe that the consciousness requires re-purification; another can believe that the consciousness remains pure but is obscured by insane concepts. Either way, the bottom line is this: it is as if persons are trying to see reality through a distorted or diffused filter.
Either way, both should agree that the solution to either re-purifying the consciousness or removing that which is obscuring the consciousness requires elimination of learned ignorance, that is, elimination of the content of the “mind.” How to eliminate it? See that it is all false and the previous value given to that content should automatically and spontaneously end.
See that Truth cannot be stated and see that the content of the mind, when in motion, generates "thought-statements"; thus, the teaching that Truth can be known but not stated means that all such "statements" (even thoughts which are statements to oneself) must necessarily be false statements.
Your thoughts, therefore, are false, as are the words which they motivate and control.
Consider the electron microscope again in this analogy: imagine that the electron microscope is consciousness. Imagine that the naked eye might look at what is called a “steel beam” and mis-perceive what it really is. Through use of the electron microscope, that which is real—a swirling mass of subatomic particles—can be detected.
Now, pretend that someone comes along and smears contaminants over one of the four-lens optics; imagine someone else comes along and, believing he / she can enhance the view via the microscope, paints over the second lens. Someone else damages the depth-of-focus feature and a fourth person damages the software. Finally, someone places a layer of garbage inside the primary chamber.
Now, realize that all of those people in the example who are messing with your equipment are your programmers and conditioners and acculturators. They did not really damage the microscope (consciousness). They just added so much contamination that, though the microscope (consciousness) is still just fine, it cannot function properly unless the trash is removed that is obstructing a clear view.
All of the garbage (ignorance) stands in the way of seeing the true nature of what would be witnessed. The microscope (consciousness) is fine, not warped or damaged at all, really. That which could be seen via the microscope is simply being blocked by the contaminants and additives (concepts, ideas, beliefs, dogma, etc.)
Some of the people (programmers, conditioners, acculturators) who did things to your equipment had “good” motives. Some wanted to make it "a more attractive package";
some, taking themselves to be religious or spiritual persons, wanted to make it "better" overall. Yet everything they added along the way (along the way to obscuring the consciousness by passing along to you their ignorant concepts and ideas and beliefs) rendered useless the equipment required for You to see Truth.
If the consciousness were damaged, then your case would be hopeless for you would have no means by which to repair it. The recommendation, then, is to consider the consciousness to be less "damaged" but more "blocked." In that case, to answer your question, you have "a chance" to Realize.
There are no super-human means by which supposedly damaged energy (including that of the conscious-energy variety) could be "repaired"; however, questioning all that you have been taught and seeing that none of it is a statement of Truth and then casting aside all false beliefs, ideas, and concepts...that is achievable.
It is ego-states and egotism and pride in one's knowledge that can prevent that from happening. If ego-states are seen to be false and are abandoned as identities, then there will be no triggering of egotism to defend them. When belief in the final persona ends, then the taught and learned knowledge, which personas find such pride in, will also evaporate.
Best regards on the "journey."
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
Much of what Louise has shared has resonated with many site visitors. to that end, some have inquired recently if Louise offers the online Advaita Internet Course. The answer is, "Yes."
Whether taking the course with Louise or Floyd, the price of the course includes all 11 of the Advaita eBooks, questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.
With either teacher, you will be guided through all seven of the steps, in order, that lead from identification with the false "I" to the Absolute (and beyond). For more specific information and details about the course, you may click on the link to the right.
Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Louise
by
Clicking the Buy Now Button below:
Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd
by
Clicking the Buy Now Button below:
Whether taking the course with Louise or Floyd, the price of the course includes all 11 of the Advaita eBooks, questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.
With either teacher, you will be guided through all seven of the steps, in order, that lead from identification with the false "I" to the Absolute (and beyond). For more specific information and details about the course, you may click on the link to the right.
Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Louise
by
Clicking the Buy Now Button below:
Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd
by
Clicking the Buy Now Button below:
Now you can receive for $40 a downloadable computer file version of the same 7-hour satsang that seekers receive when they visit for the Advaita Retreat with Floyd. You will be guided through the seven steps from identification with the false "I" to the Absolute (and beyond).
For more information or to order, click:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
SIX WAYS THAT SEEKERS HAVE REALIZED:
1. BY WATCHING the 4-Disk Video (DVD) Set, or the same retreat available as a downloadable file. Either will provide an entire seven-hour retreat / series of satsang sessions showing three seekers being guided through all seven steps by Floyd and can provide viewers with an “experiential,” step-by-step series of satsang meetings that will move the viewers from identification with the I to abidance as the Absolute and then to abidance as That Which Is beyond
Some seekers are already using the computer file version and the DVD sets for meetings in groups in homes, playing the retreat, pausing for discussion, etc.
To find out more or to purchase the DVD set or the downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
Option “A” is for the downloadable file version, Option “B” is used to order the DVD set for delivery inside the U.S., Option “C” for international orders.
For the download, Paypal will send me a notice that payment has been received and then I will send by e-mail the downloading instruction, password, etc.
[It is recommended that you watch the video with pen and paper in hand. Write whatever you need clarified. You'll see that there are constant reviews and you might find an answer later in the seven-hour presentation. Then, after you watch it all, there will be a common ground for discussion. Purchase of the DVD’s or the file will include the right to clarifications and answers to your specific questions via e-mail.]
2. BY READING these books in this exact order:
IT'S ALL BULLSHIT (And Why Knowing It Sets You Free)
SPIRITUAL SOBRIETY (Recovering What Religions Lost)
[Those two prepare the seeker to question it all]
THE MEDITATION GUIDES
[Provide a broad overview of the understanding]
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DIE?
[Begins to free the seeker of body identification and the desire for body continuity]
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS "PEACE OF MIND" (There Is Only Peace if You're Out of Your Mind)
[Shows the seeker how to be free of the subconscious motivators of the false content of the “mind”]
LIBERATION
[Shows the seeker how to be free of the subconscious motivators of personas]
THE ESSENCE OF THE TEACHINGS
[Provides the final preparation for the seeker to be directed along the “path”]
FROM THE I TO THE ABSOLUTE (A Seven-Step Journey to Reality)
[Directs the seeker along the “path”]
CONSCIOUSNESS/AWARENESS: The Nature of Reality Beyond Self-Realization (Peace Every Day When Abiding as The Absolute)
[Allows the seeker to understand the functioning of the totality, the manifestation, and what is involved with the un-manifestation]
FROM THE ABSOLUTE TO THE NOTHINGNESS
[Provides the seeker the wisdom to understand the Noneness as well as the Oneness]
Purchase an e-Book now and begin reading it in minutes (except with e-checks that can take 7-10 days). Trusting our clients as we do, all e-Books are provided to you in printable form.
SAVE IF YOU BUY ALL ELEVEN AT ONCE:
(You may order the books one at a time or you may use the following link to acquire the entire 11-e-Book set on sale for $99 if ordered at one time with the “Buy Now” button below. For this option, there will be no download links provided; once the near-instant notice of payment is received from PayPal, your e-Books will be sent to you as e-mail attachments. All are printable for your convenience.)
For more information or to order, click:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
SIX WAYS THAT SEEKERS HAVE REALIZED:
1. BY WATCHING the 4-Disk Video (DVD) Set, or the same retreat available as a downloadable file. Either will provide an entire seven-hour retreat / series of satsang sessions showing three seekers being guided through all seven steps by Floyd and can provide viewers with an “experiential,” step-by-step series of satsang meetings that will move the viewers from identification with the I to abidance as the Absolute and then to abidance as That Which Is beyond
Some seekers are already using the computer file version and the DVD sets for meetings in groups in homes, playing the retreat, pausing for discussion, etc.
To find out more or to purchase the DVD set or the downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
Option “A” is for the downloadable file version, Option “B” is used to order the DVD set for delivery inside the U.S., Option “C” for international orders.
For the download, Paypal will send me a notice that payment has been received and then I will send by e-mail the downloading instruction, password, etc.
[It is recommended that you watch the video with pen and paper in hand. Write whatever you need clarified. You'll see that there are constant reviews and you might find an answer later in the seven-hour presentation. Then, after you watch it all, there will be a common ground for discussion. Purchase of the DVD’s or the file will include the right to clarifications and answers to your specific questions via e-mail.]
2. BY READING these books in this exact order:
IT'S ALL BULLSHIT (And Why Knowing It Sets You Free)
SPIRITUAL SOBRIETY (Recovering What Religions Lost)
[Those two prepare the seeker to question it all]
THE MEDITATION GUIDES
[Provide a broad overview of the understanding]
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DIE?
[Begins to free the seeker of body identification and the desire for body continuity]
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS "PEACE OF MIND" (There Is Only Peace if You're Out of Your Mind)
[Shows the seeker how to be free of the subconscious motivators of the false content of the “mind”]
LIBERATION
[Shows the seeker how to be free of the subconscious motivators of personas]
THE ESSENCE OF THE TEACHINGS
[Provides the final preparation for the seeker to be directed along the “path”]
FROM THE I TO THE ABSOLUTE (A Seven-Step Journey to Reality)
[Directs the seeker along the “path”]
CONSCIOUSNESS/AWARENESS: The Nature of Reality Beyond Self-Realization (Peace Every Day When Abiding as The Absolute)
[Allows the seeker to understand the functioning of the totality, the manifestation, and what is involved with the un-manifestation]
FROM THE ABSOLUTE TO THE NOTHINGNESS
[Provides the seeker the wisdom to understand the Noneness as well as the Oneness]
Purchase an e-Book now and begin reading it in minutes (except with e-checks that can take 7-10 days). Trusting our clients as we do, all e-Books are provided to you in printable form.
SAVE IF YOU BUY ALL ELEVEN AT ONCE:
(You may order the books one at a time or you may use the following link to acquire the entire 11-e-Book set on sale for $99 if ordered at one time with the “Buy Now” button below. For this option, there will be no download links provided; once the near-instant notice of payment is received from PayPal, your e-Books will be sent to you as e-mail attachments. All are printable for your convenience.)
You may visit The Official Website of Floyd Henderson for information on each book.
3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes
Received 19 August 2010 from one that just completed the entire course:
I would like to extend deepest appreciation towards you for these teachings that you have offered. It has been most valuable towards what may not have been revealed throughout this manifestation labeled "anthony." Understanding Truth and finding words for gratitude are one as is all. Thank you again for pointing "me" to THAT and the understanding that came as well. Hopeful for future "contact"! Sincerely, Anthony M. W.
For information, visit Information on the Advaita Classes on the Internet
To enroll visit Enroll in the Advaita Internet Course
4. BY ATTENDING an Advaitin retreat for satsang with floyd and being guided through all seven steps. For details of the retreats offered, please visit the retreat information site.
5. BY ARRANGING satsang by telephone in the U.S. or by Skype internationally:
Use the Contact link for details or for information on making arrangements for a session
6. BY ARRANGING for floyd to travel to your location and meet with you or your group. Use the contact link above to discuss details.
3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes
Received 19 August 2010 from one that just completed the entire course:
I would like to extend deepest appreciation towards you for these teachings that you have offered. It has been most valuable towards what may not have been revealed throughout this manifestation labeled "anthony." Understanding Truth and finding words for gratitude are one as is all. Thank you again for pointing "me" to THAT and the understanding that came as well. Hopeful for future "contact"! Sincerely, Anthony M. W.
For information, visit Information on the Advaita Classes on the Internet
To enroll visit Enroll in the Advaita Internet Course
4. BY ATTENDING an Advaitin retreat for satsang with floyd and being guided through all seven steps. For details of the retreats offered, please visit the retreat information site.
5. BY ARRANGING satsang by telephone in the U.S. or by Skype internationally:
Use the Contact link for details or for information on making arrangements for a session
6. BY ARRANGING for floyd to travel to your location and meet with you or your group. Use the contact link above to discuss details.
The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders offers the non-duality message by way of a mystery-adventure novel, discussing the movement from pain to healing to awakening to peace.
From Dr. R.F. Maley, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus and former Head of the Department of Psychology, University of Houston: "Floyd Henderson's book, The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders, is a fun read and an interesting mystery, but perhaps more importantly it serves as a vehicle for blending Eastern Philosophy and Native American Spirituality to make an intellectually challenging novel. The book's insights into both relationships and authoritarian conditioning of people in our society make it a must read, tracing the roots of narcissistic, sociopathic and psychopathic behaviors to the very core of the culture. This truly witty and politically-incorrect study of the aggressive nature of 'the American character' offers not only a diagnosis but also a treatment plan, making the book an excellent supplemental reading in courses such as psychology, anthropology, philosophy, sociology and counseling."
You may purchase your copy of the ebook version of THE TWICE-STOLEN NECKLACE MURDERS then start reading within minutes:
The Sequel to The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WARS
For a paperback or eBook version of the book, click:
[THE YOUTUBE ADVAITA VEDANTA VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE IN LARGER FORMATS BELOW WHICH MIGHT PROVIDE MORE COMFORTABLE VIEWING FOR SOME SITE VISITORS]
[RE: The "Subscribe To" feature: In some cases, all of the month's postings might be sent the first time after subscribing; after that, you should receive only one day's posting at a time.]
YOUTUBE ADVAITA VEDANTA YOGA VIDEOS
Click on the arrow below to start Video One:
Click on the arrow below to start Video Two:
Click on the arrow below to start Video Three:
Click on the arrow below to start Video Four:
Click on the arrow below to start Video Five:
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
