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.
Furthermore, for those who have developed a preference for any non-nisargan yoga or who prefer Traditional Advaita Vedanta, Neo-Advaita, Neo-Vedanta, or Pseudo Advaita: here you will only find the use of the Direct Path Method of teaching along with the Nisarga (Natural) Yoga, all shared in simple, everyday English.
(Please note: The Annual Fall / Winter Season Book Sale is now under way. Most Non-Duality eBooks at floydhenderson.com are on sale at 30-50% off regular price.)
F.: Lee Child's fictional character Jack Reacher is a modern-day nomad and rebel who left the army after a demotion. He has no driver's license; no Federal benefits (not because they are not due to him but because he does not want them); no home, so no address; and no tax returns (not having filed taxes since he left the Army).
He does have authenticity, giving no value at all to the culture-wide trappings of Western consumerism, as evidenced in this exchange:
A hired killer: "There's a deal going down here. We could cut you in. Make you rich."
Reacher: "I'm already rich."
Killer: "You don't look it."
Reacher: "I've got everything I need. That is the definition of 'affluence'."
Maharaj's description of "the Realized man" is relevant here:
The Realized man is "neither ordinary, nor extra-ordinary. Just being aware and affectionate - intensely. He looks at himself without indulging in self-definitions and self-identifications. He does not know himself as anything apart from the world. He is the world. He is completely rid of himself, like a man who is very rich, but continually gives away his riches. He is not rich, for he has nothing; he is not poor, for he gives abundantly. He is just propertyless. Similarly, the realised man is egoless; he has lost the capacity of identifying himself with anything. He is without location, placeless, beyond space and time, beyond the world. Beyond words and thoughts is he."
This pointer was offered at one Advaita retreat that was being attended by persons who were characterized by some as "well-to-do corporate executives and business owners" when a discussion was raised by one participant about the "ironic nature of so many pointers" ... about "the way pointers offered to shift persons away from belief in duality seem to be statements of duality."
He was referring to the fact that the members of that group had been offered a consideration the day before that they were to contemplate overnight before the next day's sessions:
F.: "The poorest people I have ever met are rich, and the richest people I have ever met are poor."
In October of 1973, Maurice Frydman wrote of Maharaj, "Uneducated though the Master is, his conversation is enlightened to an extraordinary degree. Though born and brought up in poverty, he is the richest of the rich, for he has the limitless wealth of perennial knowledge, compared to which the most fabulous treasures are mere tinsel."
Of accumulations, Maharaj said: "... I have being only. Nothing else. You people are rich with your ideas of possession, of quantity and quality. I am completely without ideas."
In another exchange, he discussed the issue thusly:
Questioner: "As I look at you, you seem to be a poor man with very limited means, facing all the problems of poverty and old age, like everybody else."
Maharaj: "Were I very rich, what difference would it make? I am what I am. What else can I be? I am neither rich nor poor, I am myself."
To another: "... you complain that people are abjectly poor. Yet you do not share your riches with them. You mind the war next door, but you hardly give it a thought when it is in some far off country. The shifting fortunes of your ego determine your values; 'I think', 'I want', 'I must' are made into absolutes."
Another irony of Realization is this: those that are now the most "affluent" in the style of Reacher are those who have de-accumulated ... that have discarded the most. Must you be "poor" to Realize? No, but he or she that has discarded the most ideas and concepts and beliefs will be the one that now has the most ... that is, the most freedom, the most peace, the most liberty from encumbrances.
Some visitors to the site might recall that the one who was called "Floyd's father" at the end of the day in the cotton fields of east Texas was barely able to pull along the weight of the two burlap bags containing the cotton that he has accumulated that day.
Similarly, persons move through the relative existence, sure that what they have accumulated - knowledge, financial wealth, beautiful people, fame, etc. - is enriching. In fact, it's all as burdensome as overloaded burlap bags that are being dragged along wherever one goes.
Every idea and concept and belief that one puts into the "mind" is like a rock placed into a bag that is being dragged along behind persons who wonder why they feel as if they are carrying a great weight upon their shoulders.
Persons can spend the remainder of the manifestation removing and discarding one rock at a time from the weighty bag being pulled along, or they can discard the entire bag and all of its contents in one fell swoop. That is the speedier path to take if they would find the lightness of being that can happen when affluence is measured in terms of how much has been de-accumulated, not in terms of what has been accumulated.
Money and possessions need not be given away in order to Realize, though the Realized are not driven to accumulate anything; but what must be given away in order to Realize are all of the ideas and concepts and beliefs that have been accumulated, each representing one of the bars that forms the prison of the mind.
As for "needs," Maharaj said: "All you need is to keep quietly alert, enquiring into the real nature of yourself. This is the only way to peace."
Furthermore, describing what happened immediately post-Realization, he said: "Pleasure and pain lost their sway over me. I was free from desire and fear. I found myself full, needing nothing."
Needing nothing. Wanting nothing. Fearing nothing. Desiring nothing.
"Nothing." Ironically, that is the definition of affluence.
He does have authenticity, giving no value at all to the culture-wide trappings of Western consumerism, as evidenced in this exchange:
A hired killer: "There's a deal going down here. We could cut you in. Make you rich."
Reacher: "I'm already rich."
Killer: "You don't look it."
Reacher: "I've got everything I need. That is the definition of 'affluence'."
Maharaj's description of "the Realized man" is relevant here:
The Realized man is "neither ordinary, nor extra-ordinary. Just being aware and affectionate - intensely. He looks at himself without indulging in self-definitions and self-identifications. He does not know himself as anything apart from the world. He is the world. He is completely rid of himself, like a man who is very rich, but continually gives away his riches. He is not rich, for he has nothing; he is not poor, for he gives abundantly. He is just propertyless. Similarly, the realised man is egoless; he has lost the capacity of identifying himself with anything. He is without location, placeless, beyond space and time, beyond the world. Beyond words and thoughts is he."
This pointer was offered at one Advaita retreat that was being attended by persons who were characterized by some as "well-to-do corporate executives and business owners" when a discussion was raised by one participant about the "ironic nature of so many pointers" ... about "the way pointers offered to shift persons away from belief in duality seem to be statements of duality."
He was referring to the fact that the members of that group had been offered a consideration the day before that they were to contemplate overnight before the next day's sessions:
F.: "The poorest people I have ever met are rich, and the richest people I have ever met are poor."
In October of 1973, Maurice Frydman wrote of Maharaj, "Uneducated though the Master is, his conversation is enlightened to an extraordinary degree. Though born and brought up in poverty, he is the richest of the rich, for he has the limitless wealth of perennial knowledge, compared to which the most fabulous treasures are mere tinsel."
Of accumulations, Maharaj said: "... I have being only. Nothing else. You people are rich with your ideas of possession, of quantity and quality. I am completely without ideas."
In another exchange, he discussed the issue thusly:
Questioner: "As I look at you, you seem to be a poor man with very limited means, facing all the problems of poverty and old age, like everybody else."
Maharaj: "Were I very rich, what difference would it make? I am what I am. What else can I be? I am neither rich nor poor, I am myself."
To another: "... you complain that people are abjectly poor. Yet you do not share your riches with them. You mind the war next door, but you hardly give it a thought when it is in some far off country. The shifting fortunes of your ego determine your values; 'I think', 'I want', 'I must' are made into absolutes."
Another irony of Realization is this: those that are now the most "affluent" in the style of Reacher are those who have de-accumulated ... that have discarded the most. Must you be "poor" to Realize? No, but he or she that has discarded the most ideas and concepts and beliefs will be the one that now has the most ... that is, the most freedom, the most peace, the most liberty from encumbrances.
Some visitors to the site might recall that the one who was called "Floyd's father" at the end of the day in the cotton fields of east Texas was barely able to pull along the weight of the two burlap bags containing the cotton that he has accumulated that day.
Similarly, persons move through the relative existence, sure that what they have accumulated - knowledge, financial wealth, beautiful people, fame, etc. - is enriching. In fact, it's all as burdensome as overloaded burlap bags that are being dragged along wherever one goes.
Every idea and concept and belief that one puts into the "mind" is like a rock placed into a bag that is being dragged along behind persons who wonder why they feel as if they are carrying a great weight upon their shoulders.
Persons can spend the remainder of the manifestation removing and discarding one rock at a time from the weighty bag being pulled along, or they can discard the entire bag and all of its contents in one fell swoop. That is the speedier path to take if they would find the lightness of being that can happen when affluence is measured in terms of how much has been de-accumulated, not in terms of what has been accumulated.
Money and possessions need not be given away in order to Realize, though the Realized are not driven to accumulate anything; but what must be given away in order to Realize are all of the ideas and concepts and beliefs that have been accumulated, each representing one of the bars that forms the prison of the mind.
As for "needs," Maharaj said: "All you need is to keep quietly alert, enquiring into the real nature of yourself. This is the only way to peace."
Furthermore, describing what happened immediately post-Realization, he said: "Pleasure and pain lost their sway over me. I was free from desire and fear. I found myself full, needing nothing."
Needing nothing. Wanting nothing. Fearing nothing. Desiring nothing.
"Nothing." Ironically, that is the definition of affluence.
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (To be continued)
[PLEASE NOTE: If you are receiving this post via an RSS feed, it is recommended that you view the actual article because the content is often modified or added to after the initial posting.]
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.
NOTE: When you order this package, you receive three additional ebooks free: CASTING LIGHT ON THE DARK SIDE OF RELATIONSHIPS, FINDING REAL LOVE IN AN UNREAL WORLD and THE TWICE-STOLEN NECKLACE MURDERS (offering the Advaita teachings in a fictional novel format)
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.
NOTE: When you order this package, you receive three additional ebooks free: CASTING LIGHT ON THE DARK SIDE OF RELATIONSHIPS, FINDING REAL LOVE IN AN UNREAL WORLD and THE TWICE-STOLEN NECKLACE MURDERS (offering the Advaita teachings in a fictional novel format)
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.
Presently, Skype sessions are being conducted with parties in Australia; The Netherlands; New Jersey, U.S.A.; London, England; Italy; and India.
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.
Presently, Skype sessions are being conducted with parties in Australia; The Netherlands; New Jersey, U.S.A.; London, England; Italy; and India.
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.
