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.
F.: "So," some have asked, "if 'the path' leads at its end to nothing more than a no-concept, no-identity, non-dual Reality, why take the 'journey' - or why take any steps - at all?"
Of course, that question arises from ego, because the ego's agenda always involves [1] being "something" (as in, "Wow, he's really something!") or involves [2] acquiring something (or many things and / or many people for one's selfish or ego-driven agendas).
The Direct Path, nisarga yoga's invitation to de-accumulate all beliefs about self-ness and Self-ness and "something-ness" (until nothing remains of any formerly-assumed identities) is anathema to the ego.
Yet it is the undertaking of any Realized speck of conscious-energy (which some might call "teacher") to begin stripping away belief in the imaginary outer layers that obscure the consciousness from seeing the Self that lies at the core of the body-cum-consciousness. Why?
Those layers accumulate - in the region between the ears - and form the big jumbled mess that results when the full force of a culture's might has been exerted and has taken its toll after the poisons of programming and conditioning and acculturation and domestication have been injected into persons.
Once the poisons settle in a particular part of the brain, the mass of toxins take on the form of ideas and concepts and beliefs and block the consciousness from seeing ItSelf.
If the Self is not seen - that is, understood - at least for a brief period, then misunderstandings will continue and will mar the relative existence for its entirety. It is for that reason that the Self is to be seen - is to be allowed to see ItSelf - so that all misunderstandings can dissolve and so the understanding can manifest.
With the manifestation of the understanding - including the understanding of the functioning of the totality - then all misunderstandings about the body will end, all misunderstandings rooted in "the mind" shall end, and all of the misunderstandings regarding identity and personality shall end.
With the end of personality, the frustration of unmet desires shall end and so shall the imaginary but seemingly real fears that come with all personality; furthermore, with the end of belief in personality, agendas end, dissolving all of the debilitating subconscious drivers that control the thoughts and words and actions that lead to misery and suffering and pain during the relative.
The step-wise process offered via the Direct Path Method of teaching allows seekers to see that (a) everything that they thought they knew and that they were so sure about ... is false; and to see that (b) everything that they had not so much as even glimpsed before ... is true.
Imagine a person having a horrible go at the relative existence, unable to provide food or clothing or shelter, living on the streets or in a cardboard box. Try to imagine how miserable that persons would be. Then, imagine that the person hears about a company that has an opening for a new employee.
Imagine that the person must take a True-False test and pass that exam with a certain score in order to begin earning the income that could allow for the basic needs of the body to be meet. Imagine the less-complicated and more enjoyable life that could come with the income that is available to the one who can prove that he / she understands the difference in statements that are true and statements that are false on the test.
Once the person takes the True-False test and shows that she / he understands what is false and what is true, the test ends, the employment begins, the relative existence that follows becomes less complicated, and the pleasures of life - relatively speaking - are increased many fold.
Yet consider: after the process of having seen all that is false and all that is true, is there any desire to look back constantly at the test? Is there any continued focusing upon the test? Do persons after passing the test spend hours and hours a day embroiled in the test and its false components and its true components? Do they go back to studying for the test for the remainder of the existence, or do they go about enjoying the more pleasant relative existence?
(See the type 5 personality "The Knower," "The Knowledgeable One," or the type 1 "Perfectionist" with the desire to say constantly, "I know ... I get it .... I understand" to find two examples of the types that are driven by personality / personas to fixate forever on the understanding gained rather than simply enjoying the results.)
Of course the sane and sound one that passed the test moves on and enjoys the existence, period. If those seeking the simplified existence that can come by passing the test are not able to differentiate between all that is true and all that is false, might they seek out a teacher that understands the differences and that is willing to offer instruction?
That happens. Yet the teacher does not spend a day, much less a lifetime of 24-7 days, preoccupied with the content of the test or with preparing others to take the examination. A few minutes in the morning, or a few hours at an Advaita retreat, or a few hours in telephone conferences or teaching a brief course might be offered, yes, but there is no 24-7 activity involving the test and the statements on the test that are true as opposed to the ones that are false.
Neither the teacher that explains the difference in what is true and what is false nor the seeker that needed to understand those differences for a brief period of time remains absorbed in those past understandings that now allow for a relative existence to happen spontaneously and in a manner that is less marred by misery and suffering.
The one employed does not cling to the identity of "The Passer of the Test" or "The One Who Knew More Than All Others" or any other identity associated with the test and the knowing that was revealed.
Both the test coach and the taker of the test just move right along, spontaneously enjoying the sweetness of a relative existence, not preoccupied with something known in the past but relishing instead a more simplified existence because there is no longer a need to focus on what is false and what is true. Now, the simple pleasures that came after - and by way of - the understanding of false vs. true are simply enjoyed.
Consider that your weekends have been occupied with so many tasks that had to be completed that you had no freedom at all; then, imagine that all of the tasks are done and then someone asks, "What do you have to do this weekend?" Consider how much more delightful the relative existence will be when the answer is, "Nothing." "Well who do you have to deal with this weekend?" "Nobody."
"Nothing" as opposed to "Many things." "Nobody" as opposed to "Many." For the Realized Nisargan, the answer to every question is just that: "Nothing" or "Nobody" (no body). Ahhh...what freedom. Ahhh...what peace. Ahhh...what a joyful existence.
When Maharaj witnessed the body suffering so dreadfully during those final months prior to mahasamadhi, do you now see how it was that he accepted the "no body" alternative so graciously? And do you see how decades of identifying with "nobody" and "no body" allowed such spontaneous acceptance at the end?
It was an understanding that had already been accepted long before. It was not new. It allowed for a relative existence in which death was not sought, in which death was not run from, in which death was not feared. Once it is understood that no birth occurred, how could there be any belief at all in the concept of "death'?
That is the case here. What was accepted long ago need not be revisited now. The body will be treated naturally, ill or well, and all estimates about how long the body can last - or should last - are ignored. As long as the body-cum-consciousness allows for bliss, it shall be welcomed. If any condition to the contrary manifests, that shall be welcomed as well.
It is what those in Grandmother's Cherokee tribe referred to as the "The Great Whatever": "It's hot Grandmother." "Whatever." "It's cold Grandmother." "Whatever." "You are very healthy for your age, Grandmother." "Whatever." "You are jaundiced, Grandmother. Your liver is no longer functioning properly and the end is near." "Whatever."
And the religious man who was called by the family to come might have asked, "Do you want to take a few moments now to give some additional thought to what is true and what is false about an afterlife, Grandmother?"
And Grandmother would most assuredly have replied: "I have no means by which a thought can be given, and the distinction between what is true and what is false was understood long ago and need not be revisited now." No thought of self? No. No thought of Self? No. No thought of an "Eternal Self" or "Supreme Self" or "Infinite Self" or "Forever-Lasting True Self"? No. Total freedom? Yes. Total peace. Yes. Bring it on.
Of course, that question arises from ego, because the ego's agenda always involves [1] being "something" (as in, "Wow, he's really something!") or involves [2] acquiring something (or many things and / or many people for one's selfish or ego-driven agendas).
The Direct Path, nisarga yoga's invitation to de-accumulate all beliefs about self-ness and Self-ness and "something-ness" (until nothing remains of any formerly-assumed identities) is anathema to the ego.
Yet it is the undertaking of any Realized speck of conscious-energy (which some might call "teacher") to begin stripping away belief in the imaginary outer layers that obscure the consciousness from seeing the Self that lies at the core of the body-cum-consciousness. Why?
Those layers accumulate - in the region between the ears - and form the big jumbled mess that results when the full force of a culture's might has been exerted and has taken its toll after the poisons of programming and conditioning and acculturation and domestication have been injected into persons.
Once the poisons settle in a particular part of the brain, the mass of toxins take on the form of ideas and concepts and beliefs and block the consciousness from seeing ItSelf.
If the Self is not seen - that is, understood - at least for a brief period, then misunderstandings will continue and will mar the relative existence for its entirety. It is for that reason that the Self is to be seen - is to be allowed to see ItSelf - so that all misunderstandings can dissolve and so the understanding can manifest.
With the manifestation of the understanding - including the understanding of the functioning of the totality - then all misunderstandings about the body will end, all misunderstandings rooted in "the mind" shall end, and all of the misunderstandings regarding identity and personality shall end.
With the end of personality, the frustration of unmet desires shall end and so shall the imaginary but seemingly real fears that come with all personality; furthermore, with the end of belief in personality, agendas end, dissolving all of the debilitating subconscious drivers that control the thoughts and words and actions that lead to misery and suffering and pain during the relative.
The step-wise process offered via the Direct Path Method of teaching allows seekers to see that (a) everything that they thought they knew and that they were so sure about ... is false; and to see that (b) everything that they had not so much as even glimpsed before ... is true.
Imagine a person having a horrible go at the relative existence, unable to provide food or clothing or shelter, living on the streets or in a cardboard box. Try to imagine how miserable that persons would be. Then, imagine that the person hears about a company that has an opening for a new employee.
Imagine that the person must take a True-False test and pass that exam with a certain score in order to begin earning the income that could allow for the basic needs of the body to be meet. Imagine the less-complicated and more enjoyable life that could come with the income that is available to the one who can prove that he / she understands the difference in statements that are true and statements that are false on the test.
Once the person takes the True-False test and shows that she / he understands what is false and what is true, the test ends, the employment begins, the relative existence that follows becomes less complicated, and the pleasures of life - relatively speaking - are increased many fold.
Yet consider: after the process of having seen all that is false and all that is true, is there any desire to look back constantly at the test? Is there any continued focusing upon the test? Do persons after passing the test spend hours and hours a day embroiled in the test and its false components and its true components? Do they go back to studying for the test for the remainder of the existence, or do they go about enjoying the more pleasant relative existence?
(See the type 5 personality "The Knower," "The Knowledgeable One," or the type 1 "Perfectionist" with the desire to say constantly, "I know ... I get it .... I understand" to find two examples of the types that are driven by personality / personas to fixate forever on the understanding gained rather than simply enjoying the results.)
Of course the sane and sound one that passed the test moves on and enjoys the existence, period. If those seeking the simplified existence that can come by passing the test are not able to differentiate between all that is true and all that is false, might they seek out a teacher that understands the differences and that is willing to offer instruction?
That happens. Yet the teacher does not spend a day, much less a lifetime of 24-7 days, preoccupied with the content of the test or with preparing others to take the examination. A few minutes in the morning, or a few hours at an Advaita retreat, or a few hours in telephone conferences or teaching a brief course might be offered, yes, but there is no 24-7 activity involving the test and the statements on the test that are true as opposed to the ones that are false.
Neither the teacher that explains the difference in what is true and what is false nor the seeker that needed to understand those differences for a brief period of time remains absorbed in those past understandings that now allow for a relative existence to happen spontaneously and in a manner that is less marred by misery and suffering.
The one employed does not cling to the identity of "The Passer of the Test" or "The One Who Knew More Than All Others" or any other identity associated with the test and the knowing that was revealed.
Both the test coach and the taker of the test just move right along, spontaneously enjoying the sweetness of a relative existence, not preoccupied with something known in the past but relishing instead a more simplified existence because there is no longer a need to focus on what is false and what is true. Now, the simple pleasures that came after - and by way of - the understanding of false vs. true are simply enjoyed.
Consider that your weekends have been occupied with so many tasks that had to be completed that you had no freedom at all; then, imagine that all of the tasks are done and then someone asks, "What do you have to do this weekend?" Consider how much more delightful the relative existence will be when the answer is, "Nothing." "Well who do you have to deal with this weekend?" "Nobody."
"Nothing" as opposed to "Many things." "Nobody" as opposed to "Many." For the Realized Nisargan, the answer to every question is just that: "Nothing" or "Nobody" (no body). Ahhh...what freedom. Ahhh...what peace. Ahhh...what a joyful existence.
When Maharaj witnessed the body suffering so dreadfully during those final months prior to mahasamadhi, do you now see how it was that he accepted the "no body" alternative so graciously? And do you see how decades of identifying with "nobody" and "no body" allowed such spontaneous acceptance at the end?
It was an understanding that had already been accepted long before. It was not new. It allowed for a relative existence in which death was not sought, in which death was not run from, in which death was not feared. Once it is understood that no birth occurred, how could there be any belief at all in the concept of "death'?
That is the case here. What was accepted long ago need not be revisited now. The body will be treated naturally, ill or well, and all estimates about how long the body can last - or should last - are ignored. As long as the body-cum-consciousness allows for bliss, it shall be welcomed. If any condition to the contrary manifests, that shall be welcomed as well.
It is what those in Grandmother's Cherokee tribe referred to as the "The Great Whatever": "It's hot Grandmother." "Whatever." "It's cold Grandmother." "Whatever." "You are very healthy for your age, Grandmother." "Whatever." "You are jaundiced, Grandmother. Your liver is no longer functioning properly and the end is near." "Whatever."
And the religious man who was called by the family to come might have asked, "Do you want to take a few moments now to give some additional thought to what is true and what is false about an afterlife, Grandmother?"
And Grandmother would most assuredly have replied: "I have no means by which a thought can be given, and the distinction between what is true and what is false was understood long ago and need not be revisited now." No thought of self? No. No thought of Self? No. No thought of an "Eternal Self" or "Supreme Self" or "Infinite Self" or "Forever-Lasting True Self"? No. Total freedom? Yes. Total peace. Yes. Bring it on.
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (To be continued)
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
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
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
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Please enter the silence of contemplation.
