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.
As for Maharaj, you will find here some of his early pointers for beginners but some of his later pointers that are for seekers farther along the "path." During his last years, he said of I AM THAT: "That book and whatever was expounded at that time was only relevant for that period. I am speaking differently today" and am "emphasizing different aspects." What he offered later differed considerably from his earlier talks, making clear that the pointers in I AM THAT will take you to the midpoint of "the race" but that his final talks point the way to "the finish line."
[Note: These quotations and pointers are excerpts from a book to be released by Amazon.com in late 2011]
F.: Regular visitors to the site know that they receive a preview of the content of any upcoming releases before Amazon.com publishes those books.
REGARDING NO "BIRTH" - NO "DEATH"
NO "BIRTH"
"This consciousness is dead to me; it is gone. I have transcended that. So whatever is, is that other consciousness, that one which is without concepts. The principle that is conceptual and full of qualities [that is, "Brahman"] which I transcended, was like a very big ocean. Now it is mostly dried up; just the dregs remain. Only a very little bit is still there - only a few particles. What is pervading and prevailing is without concept or quality. What remains is talking to you now. Where is the question of birth or death for that remaining principle?"
"All knowledge is like the son of a barren woman. Presently there are only beingness and the functioning. The individuality and personality are thrown overboard. There is no personality, so there is no question of birth, life, or death. What remains is only the consciousness without name or form. There is no individuality at all. The form needs a name, but when both are not there, then the consciousness remains only so long as the body is there, but without any individuality. The body is of as much use now as it was prior to the birth and after the death. How do you know Me? You know me only on the acquisition of body form, name and form. Do you really see Me as I Am? I doubt it."
"When the birth is disproved, the great noble meaning of spirituality and the meaning of this world—everything—is disproved.”
If you knew of the bondage, you would refuse the birth. But because the 'I Amness' is absent, you are trapped. Because the 'I Amness' is a quality of the body, later on you come to know you are and that you are trapped. But once You know, you are liberated."
"When you get this knowledge [of the falsity of the birth and all that is inaccurately perceived in the realm of the relative], You will realize that knowledge of this world and consciousness are not even worth your spit. You can spit it out; it will be unworthy."
"The birth, the parents, all this is illusion. Taking the body as oneself is the accident. If you don't cling to the body as your identity, everything is all right."
"Consciousness is time flowing continuously. But I, the Absolute, will not have its company eternally because consciousness is time-bound. When this beingness goes, the Absolute will not know 'I Am'. Appearance and disappearance, birth and death, these are the qualities of beingness; they are not your qualities."
NO "DEATH"
"Death is also a hearsay. Have you experienced death? There is only impersonal consciousness. In this realm of consciousness all that is going on is dynamic playfulness, a process of functioning. There is no differentiation in this process as to a person, an entity, a community, a creed, a religion. In the flash of your consciousness, all this play is going on. The play will come to an end."
"What is birth and death but the beginning and the ending of a stream of events in consciousness?"
[When an ordinary man dies] "according to his belief, it happens. As life before death is but imagination, so is life after. The dream continues. The gnani does not die because he was never born."
"When somebody 'dies', nothing happens. Something becomes nothing. Nothing was, nothing remains."
"You may die a hundred deaths without a break in the mental turmoil. Or you may keep your body and die only in the mind. The death of the mind is the birth of wisdom."
"I am dead already. Physical death will make no difference in My case. I am timeless being. I am free of desire or fear, because I do not remember the past or imagine the future. Where there are no names and shapes, how can there be desires and fear? With desirelessness comes timelessness."
"I am safe, because 'what is not' cannot touch 'What Is'. You feel unsafe because you imagine danger. Of course, your body as such is complex and vulnerable and needs protection. But not You. Once you realize Your own unassailable being, you will be at peace."
"Death is natural ... the manner of dying is man-made. Separateness causes fear and aggression, which again cause violence. Do away with man-made separations and all this horror of people killing each other will surely end. But in reality there is no killing and no dying. The real does not die; the unreal never lived. When you know that the world is one, that humanity is one, you will act accordingly. But first of all you must attend to the way you feel, think and live. Unless there is order in yourself, there can be no order in the world."
"Among the millions of people who have 'come' and 'gone', where am I counted among them? There is no individuality connected with any of those forms, but I have always been, and I am, the total functioning."
"If you have properly understood, what will be your position at the moment of so-called 'death'? It will be watching what is happening. This consciousness gradually loses everything, and ultimately consciousness is no longer conscious of itself."
"I am not concerned with any state which is temporary. This consciousness state is not of my choosing. The sooner it goes, the better. Once it is known what is temporary and what one's original state is, no further knowledge is needed."
Questioner: "Imagine you are ill -- high fever, aches, shivers. The doctor tells you the condition is serious ... there are only a few days to live. What would be your first reaction?"
Maharaj: "No reaction. As it is natural for the incense stick to burn out, so it is natural for the body to die. Really, it is a matter of very little importance. What matters is that I am neither the body nor the mind. I am."
"My present state is such that this consciousness and all this physical suffering are unbearable. I am prepared to dispose of it right now; this is the state of affairs; nevertheless, people come here and these talks emanate out of the consciousness. I am addressing you as consciousness .... I am not concerned with your bodily affairs."
"Without Me the functioning cannot take place. I am the total functioning every moment, millions of years ago or now. In spite of my clearly understanding the foregoing, the bodily suffering has to be undergone because of the consciousness. The name of the consciousness is suffering itself. The life of suffering is nearly over."
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
The following is excerpted from
"Quotations Regarding ADVAITA, NON-DUALITY, NISARGA YOGA"
"Quotations Regarding ADVAITA, NON-DUALITY, NISARGA YOGA"
PART THREE, "Quotations and Pointers by Category and Subject Matter from Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj"
REGARDING NO "BIRTH" - NO "DEATH"
NO "BIRTH"
"This consciousness is dead to me; it is gone. I have transcended that. So whatever is, is that other consciousness, that one which is without concepts. The principle that is conceptual and full of qualities [that is, "Brahman"] which I transcended, was like a very big ocean. Now it is mostly dried up; just the dregs remain. Only a very little bit is still there - only a few particles. What is pervading and prevailing is without concept or quality. What remains is talking to you now. Where is the question of birth or death for that remaining principle?"
"All knowledge is like the son of a barren woman. Presently there are only beingness and the functioning. The individuality and personality are thrown overboard. There is no personality, so there is no question of birth, life, or death. What remains is only the consciousness without name or form. There is no individuality at all. The form needs a name, but when both are not there, then the consciousness remains only so long as the body is there, but without any individuality. The body is of as much use now as it was prior to the birth and after the death. How do you know Me? You know me only on the acquisition of body form, name and form. Do you really see Me as I Am? I doubt it."
"When the birth is disproved, the great noble meaning of spirituality and the meaning of this world—everything—is disproved.”
If you knew of the bondage, you would refuse the birth. But because the 'I Amness' is absent, you are trapped. Because the 'I Amness' is a quality of the body, later on you come to know you are and that you are trapped. But once You know, you are liberated."
"When you get this knowledge [of the falsity of the birth and all that is inaccurately perceived in the realm of the relative], You will realize that knowledge of this world and consciousness are not even worth your spit. You can spit it out; it will be unworthy."
"The birth, the parents, all this is illusion. Taking the body as oneself is the accident. If you don't cling to the body as your identity, everything is all right."
"Consciousness is time flowing continuously. But I, the Absolute, will not have its company eternally because consciousness is time-bound. When this beingness goes, the Absolute will not know 'I Am'. Appearance and disappearance, birth and death, these are the qualities of beingness; they are not your qualities."
NO "DEATH"
"Death is also a hearsay. Have you experienced death? There is only impersonal consciousness. In this realm of consciousness all that is going on is dynamic playfulness, a process of functioning. There is no differentiation in this process as to a person, an entity, a community, a creed, a religion. In the flash of your consciousness, all this play is going on. The play will come to an end."
"What is birth and death but the beginning and the ending of a stream of events in consciousness?"
[When an ordinary man dies] "according to his belief, it happens. As life before death is but imagination, so is life after. The dream continues. The gnani does not die because he was never born."
"When somebody 'dies', nothing happens. Something becomes nothing. Nothing was, nothing remains."
"You may die a hundred deaths without a break in the mental turmoil. Or you may keep your body and die only in the mind. The death of the mind is the birth of wisdom."
"I am dead already. Physical death will make no difference in My case. I am timeless being. I am free of desire or fear, because I do not remember the past or imagine the future. Where there are no names and shapes, how can there be desires and fear? With desirelessness comes timelessness."
"I am safe, because 'what is not' cannot touch 'What Is'. You feel unsafe because you imagine danger. Of course, your body as such is complex and vulnerable and needs protection. But not You. Once you realize Your own unassailable being, you will be at peace."
"Death is natural ... the manner of dying is man-made. Separateness causes fear and aggression, which again cause violence. Do away with man-made separations and all this horror of people killing each other will surely end. But in reality there is no killing and no dying. The real does not die; the unreal never lived. When you know that the world is one, that humanity is one, you will act accordingly. But first of all you must attend to the way you feel, think and live. Unless there is order in yourself, there can be no order in the world."
"Among the millions of people who have 'come' and 'gone', where am I counted among them? There is no individuality connected with any of those forms, but I have always been, and I am, the total functioning."
"If you have properly understood, what will be your position at the moment of so-called 'death'? It will be watching what is happening. This consciousness gradually loses everything, and ultimately consciousness is no longer conscious of itself."
"I am not concerned with any state which is temporary. This consciousness state is not of my choosing. The sooner it goes, the better. Once it is known what is temporary and what one's original state is, no further knowledge is needed."
Questioner: "Imagine you are ill -- high fever, aches, shivers. The doctor tells you the condition is serious ... there are only a few days to live. What would be your first reaction?"
Maharaj: "No reaction. As it is natural for the incense stick to burn out, so it is natural for the body to die. Really, it is a matter of very little importance. What matters is that I am neither the body nor the mind. I am."
"My present state is such that this consciousness and all this physical suffering are unbearable. I am prepared to dispose of it right now; this is the state of affairs; nevertheless, people come here and these talks emanate out of the consciousness. I am addressing you as consciousness .... I am not concerned with your bodily affairs."
"Without Me the functioning cannot take place. I am the total functioning every moment, millions of years ago or now. In spite of my clearly understanding the foregoing, the bodily suffering has to be undergone because of the consciousness. The name of the consciousness is suffering itself. The life of suffering is nearly over."
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
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WHAT SOME READERS HAVE SAID:
From Robert R.: "The Final Words" has been packing a power and succinctness, pointing to the nisarga "beingness" as opposed to the tendency to make just another cognitive exercise / understanding of Advaita Vedanta and pointing to the importance of not allowing the Advaitin / Nisarga message to become just another philosophy but to be lived, resulting in the deconstruction of any and all identification with body, mind, personality, etc.
I just wanted to thank you. "When Only Three Hours Of Manifestation Remain" is without question the most powerful, concise, catalytic piece of Your work that I have absorbed (and I have absorbed all that has been written). Just as Maharaj's teaching was refined in the latter part of his life, Your teaching has powerfully shifted (and that is no small feat given its already existing purity / essence). Peace, Light and Love, Bob
From Jo H.: My heart grows with your existence. Thank you. Love, Jo
From Ginny: Your writings are a source of comfort. Thank You for continuing to chronicle. You have important work in the relative. Know that what You have exposed has changed my life, allowed Real Life. Words are not coming out right, but please feel the Loving intent.
This is one of Your strongest pieces and allows folk to read, again and again if needed, that energy (which is Us) is Love. Real Love. So, the membrane of separation thins, till there is none.
I just wanted to thank you. "When Only Three Hours Of Manifestation Remain" is without question the most powerful, concise, catalytic piece of Your work that I have absorbed (and I have absorbed all that has been written). Just as Maharaj's teaching was refined in the latter part of his life, Your teaching has powerfully shifted (and that is no small feat given its already existing purity / essence). Peace, Light and Love, Bob
From Jo H.: My heart grows with your existence. Thank you. Love, Jo
From Ginny: Your writings are a source of comfort. Thank You for continuing to chronicle. You have important work in the relative. Know that what You have exposed has changed my life, allowed Real Life. Words are not coming out right, but please feel the Loving intent.
This is one of Your strongest pieces and allows folk to read, again and again if needed, that energy (which is Us) is Love. Real Love. So, the membrane of separation thins, till there is none.
THE SECOND BOOK IN THE TWO-BOOK SET OF "FINAL TALKS" IS FROM "THE MASTER"
(This "Companion Book" has just been released by Amazon.com)
(This "Companion Book" has just been released by Amazon.com)
For those seeking the full explanation of the topics addressed on this site: there are non-duality books offered below as well as retreats and Skype or telephone sessions available at Floyd Henderson's Website
The full explanations are also available in the books in the author's collection that explain in detail all of the non-duality, nisarga teachings offered here:
1. Most non-duality books below are available through Amazon.com.
2. Read Kindle books on your own device by downloading a free app.
The full explanations are also available in the books in the author's collection that explain in detail all of the non-duality, nisarga teachings offered here:
1. Most non-duality books below are available through Amazon.com.
2. Read Kindle books on your own device by downloading a free app.
The available books are arranged on the carousels below. Use the arrows to move each book to the forefront; then, you may click on any book that you might be interested in to find more information or to purchase.
THE ADVANCED SEEKERS' SERIES
From the I to the Absolute
Consciousness / Awareness
From the Absolute to the Nothingness
The Final Understanding
The Advanced Seekers' Series in paperback
The Two Meditation Guides
From the I to the Absolute
Consciousness / Awareness
From the Absolute to the Nothingness
The Final Understanding
The Advanced Seekers' Series in paperback
The Two Meditation Guides
The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART ONE
What BLISS Is and What BLISS Is Not
Why You Must Be Empty If You Would Be Full
When Reality Is Overlaid Upon the Relative
Freedom from Shifting Between States of Happiness and Unhappiness
Liberation
The Blissful Abidance Series (6 books) in paperback
What BLISS Is and What BLISS Is Not
Why You Must Be Empty If You Would Be Full
When Reality Is Overlaid Upon the Relative
Freedom from Shifting Between States of Happiness and Unhappiness
Liberation
The Blissful Abidance Series (6 books) in paperback
The ADVAITINS Collection
with THE SRI NISARGADATTA MAHARAJ SERIES, including:
(1) Why NISARGA YOGA in addition to the ADVAITA TEACHING?
(2) Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and His Evolution
(3) A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
(4) Going Crazy / Going Sane
(5) The Final Fifteen Topics Discussed by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
and
The Non-Duality Pointers Offered by YESHU'A ("Jesus the Christ")
William Shakespeare the Advaitin
with THE SRI NISARGADATTA MAHARAJ SERIES, including:
(1) Why NISARGA YOGA in addition to the ADVAITA TEACHING?
(2) Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and His Evolution
(3) A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
(4) Going Crazy / Going Sane
(5) The Final Fifteen Topics Discussed by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
and
The Non-Duality Pointers Offered by YESHU'A ("Jesus the Christ")
William Shakespeare the Advaitin
The "Final" Talks of Floyd Henderson
The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART TWO
Overcoming the Fear of Being Totally Independent
I AM THAT (vs. "This Is Who I Think I Am")
The Essence of the Teachings
There Is Nothing That Is Personal (Including You and Including God)
Lessons in Non-Duality from Travels in South Africa
The Path to Freedom vs. the Path to Misery
Overcoming the Fear of Being Totally Independent
I AM THAT (vs. "This Is Who I Think I Am")
The Essence of the Teachings
There Is Nothing That Is Personal (Including You and Including God)
Lessons in Non-Duality from Travels in South Africa
The Path to Freedom vs. the Path to Misery
The FREEDOM FROM THE MIND Series
Instability / Insanity: What the Advaita Teachings Can (and Cannot) Address
PROGRAMMING, CONDITIONING, DOMESTICATION, AND ACCULTURATION
The Ultimate Sickness, The Ultimate Medicine
Going Crazy / Going Sane
There's No Such Thing As "Peace of Mind" (There Is Only Peace If You're Out of Your Mind)
Dancing Lightly
Instability / Insanity: What the Advaita Teachings Can (and Cannot) Address
PROGRAMMING, CONDITIONING, DOMESTICATION, AND ACCULTURATION
The Ultimate Sickness, The Ultimate Medicine
Going Crazy / Going Sane
There's No Such Thing As "Peace of Mind" (There Is Only Peace If You're Out of Your Mind)
Dancing Lightly
RECOVERY LITERATURE, the RELATIONSHIP books
A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Kindle]
A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Paperback]
A Guide for Working the Twelve Steps (In the Manner Used by the Founders)
The Twelve Steps and Advaita / Non-Duality: A 21-Day Plan for a Psychic Change
Finding Real Love in An Unreal World
Casting Light on the Dark Side of Relationships
A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Kindle]
A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Paperback]
A Guide for Working the Twelve Steps (In the Manner Used by the Founders)
The Twelve Steps and Advaita / Non-Duality: A 21-Day Plan for a Psychic Change
Finding Real Love in An Unreal World
Casting Light on the Dark Side of Relationships
The NO DEATH books, NON-DUALITY IN FICTION, FINANCIAL SANITY
The Myth of Death
What Happens When I Die?
The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Paperback]
Living Within Your Means
How Your Personality Type Shapes Your Spending Habits
The Myth of Death
What Happens When I Die?
The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Paperback]
Living Within Your Means
How Your Personality Type Shapes Your Spending Habits
NON-DUALITY BOOKS, EACH CONTAINING A SERIES OF ESSAYS DISCUSSING ONE OF THE SEVEN STEPS ON THE PATH TO REALIZATION
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER PAPERBACK, THE FOLLOWING PAPERBACK BOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW
(Click the pictures for information on the paperback versions)
(Click the pictures for information on the paperback versions)
(FOUR BOOKS IN ONE)
(SIX BOOKS IN ONE)
FOR THOSE SEEKING FURTHER EXPLANATION
An online Advaita Internet Course is offered here. The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings; replies to your answers; and follow-up as required.
The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.
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. To get started now now, click the pay button below and receive the $365 course for a discounted price of $325.00.
Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd
by
Clicking the Buy Now Button below:
Or, if you prefer, begin by arranging a one-hour Advaita session via Skype with Floyd:
Next, you can now 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).
The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.
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. To get started now now, click the pay button below and receive the $365 course for a discounted price of $325.00.
Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd
by
Clicking the Buy Now Button below:
Or, if you prefer, begin by arranging a one-hour Advaita session via Skype with Floyd:
Next, you can now 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, Seven-Hour Video (DVD) Set of an advaita retreat, or the downloadable file version. To find out more or to purchase the DVD or downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
International buyers: note the separate option for those outside the continental U.S.
2. BY READING the explanations offered in the collection of non-duality books that are available on this site.
3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes
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 information or use the link below to pay for your first Advaita session.
You may click the BUY NOW button below to begin arrangements for your first Advaita session with Floyd via Skype and he will contact you to schedule:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
SIX WAYS THAT SEEKERS HAVE REALIZED:
1. BY WATCHING the 4-Disk, Seven-Hour Video (DVD) Set of an advaita retreat, or the downloadable file version. To find out more or to purchase the DVD or downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
International buyers: note the separate option for those outside the continental U.S.
2. BY READING the explanations offered in the collection of non-duality books that are available on this site.
3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes
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 information or use the link below to pay for your first Advaita session.
You may click the BUY NOW button below to begin arrangements for your first Advaita session with Floyd via Skype and he will contact you to schedule:
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