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.)
FROM A VISITOR TO THE YOUTUBE SITE, calling himself "mrcuteblackie": "This is not true spiritual awakening. Why do these advaita [sic] awaken only to the physical, [sic] and to the sense of sight? There are many reals [sic], angelic realms, healing, etc, [sic] why do they not also perceive this in the oneness? Their own oneness is the dry one with no compassion. Yes, they still have to meditate and work topward [sic] compassion, just in the same way as they work and sell books and organize satsangs."
F.: First, let this "mea culpa," shared originally in April of 2006, be repeated before offering the answer to "mrcuteblackie":
"...Let the point be made that when the space called 'floyd' was absorbed in Level Three—initially playing a religious role for years and then playing the Spiritual Giant role for many more years—there are few who were stuck there more firmly, who have defended those two false ego-states more vigorously, or who were as rigid in the dualistic beliefs of 'rightness' and 'wrongness.' By reaching the Witness Step, a person can look back objectively and see, and by reaching the Pure Witness Stage the consciousness can look back and see clearly. Then the movement along the "path" toward Full Realization can continue. Until then, 'a little learning can be a dangerous thing,' relatively speaking."
That said, the following was offered to the one exposing his self-image, taking himself to be "cute" and taking himself to be "spirituality awakened":
F.: Spiritual awakening is the third of seven steps to Realization, so your talk shows you think you are being bathed in the full light of the noonday sun but are really standing only in the light of early dawn. (That might explain the "blackie" part, being in the darkness?) You criticize nisarga yoga pointers - which you do not understand - that invite seekers to live naturally without all of the trappings of their newly-assumed personas of "The Religious One" or "The Spiritual Giant." The naturally abiding deer do not meditate on angels but just live.
As for the charge that "these advaita" are awake only to the physical and to that which can be seen, that deserves no comment. As for "angelic realms" and "dry" (vs. "wet"?) compassion and "still meditating," "The Cute One" reveals that he is just like the blind men feeling an elephant, grasping only a small part of the total picture and thus having no understanding at all of the functioning of the totality.
Yet the type of message sent by "mrcuteblackie" is common nowadays. Those attached to one of the other Advaita Vedanta teaching methods or some other yoga can hear Direct Path and Nisargan pointers and dismiss them as nonsense because such pointers are beyond that which the critics have been exposed to in their limited search. So it is.
Time and again it has been noted here that there are no opinions or beliefs or criticisms about the various methods used to offer non-duality pointers, but the methods are quite varied. Some persons exposed to only one method of teaching Advaita believe - as a result of their limited exposure - that all other methods that do not mirror their own must be wrong.
They are no different from those who generate chaos and calamity in "relationships" because their partners are not mirror images of them (which is all they can "love" because of the egotism that supports their false-self-image of better-than-ness). In the end, there is never any Real Love there.
For too many heterosexuals, the only persons they believe are "lovable" are opposite-sex versions of themselves; for non-heterosexuals, the only persons they believe are "lovable" are same-sex versions of themselves. And those trapped in such egotism must have someone who is as "cute" as they are.
As for compassion, compassion is here, but it is for anyone presently dealing with persons who take themselves to be so "cute" and so right and so spiritual that no one will be "good enough" for them except those who are as "cute" and as right and as spiritual as the cute, right, spiritual persons think they are.
In fact, rather than being driven by compassion, they are driven by "passion" ... by their passion for their way of thinking, their way of talking, and their way of behaving. And the end result of passion is not compassion, for passion does not generate compassion;
instead, passion generates ignorance because it preempts logic and reason, leaving persons in an unteachable state, and - more significantly - blocks them from unlearning the nonsense they believe to be the unassailable truth that they think can be spoken and that they think they are speaking.
So it is, therefore, that Alexander Pope's observation that "a little learning can be a dangerous thing" has some validity; also valid is the point that a lot of learning can be an even more dangerous thing.
Here, there is no claim that Truth is being spoken, for it cannot be; here, there is no claim that the Direct Path Method and the Nisarga Yoga are the sole means to Realization;
here, though, there is a suggestion that - as long as there is a body-cum-consciousness - it is wiser to keep the feet of that body fixed firmly on the ground rather than trying to float about in a "higher realm" (which is also dualistic talk).
To think that there are lower realms and higher realms, that there are baser realms and angelic realms, is to be lost in the magical thinking and the dualistic thinking that is generated when super-religious or super-spiritual roles (which are false, ego-based, egotism-supported identities) are assumed. And as one Advaita teacher noted 2000 years ago, "a dual-minded man is unstable in all ways."
F.: First, let this "mea culpa," shared originally in April of 2006, be repeated before offering the answer to "mrcuteblackie":
"...Let the point be made that when the space called 'floyd' was absorbed in Level Three—initially playing a religious role for years and then playing the Spiritual Giant role for many more years—there are few who were stuck there more firmly, who have defended those two false ego-states more vigorously, or who were as rigid in the dualistic beliefs of 'rightness' and 'wrongness.' By reaching the Witness Step, a person can look back objectively and see, and by reaching the Pure Witness Stage the consciousness can look back and see clearly. Then the movement along the "path" toward Full Realization can continue. Until then, 'a little learning can be a dangerous thing,' relatively speaking."
That said, the following was offered to the one exposing his self-image, taking himself to be "cute" and taking himself to be "spirituality awakened":
F.: Spiritual awakening is the third of seven steps to Realization, so your talk shows you think you are being bathed in the full light of the noonday sun but are really standing only in the light of early dawn. (That might explain the "blackie" part, being in the darkness?) You criticize nisarga yoga pointers - which you do not understand - that invite seekers to live naturally without all of the trappings of their newly-assumed personas of "The Religious One" or "The Spiritual Giant." The naturally abiding deer do not meditate on angels but just live.
As for the charge that "these advaita" are awake only to the physical and to that which can be seen, that deserves no comment. As for "angelic realms" and "dry" (vs. "wet"?) compassion and "still meditating," "The Cute One" reveals that he is just like the blind men feeling an elephant, grasping only a small part of the total picture and thus having no understanding at all of the functioning of the totality.
Yet the type of message sent by "mrcuteblackie" is common nowadays. Those attached to one of the other Advaita Vedanta teaching methods or some other yoga can hear Direct Path and Nisargan pointers and dismiss them as nonsense because such pointers are beyond that which the critics have been exposed to in their limited search. So it is.
Time and again it has been noted here that there are no opinions or beliefs or criticisms about the various methods used to offer non-duality pointers, but the methods are quite varied. Some persons exposed to only one method of teaching Advaita believe - as a result of their limited exposure - that all other methods that do not mirror their own must be wrong.
They are no different from those who generate chaos and calamity in "relationships" because their partners are not mirror images of them (which is all they can "love" because of the egotism that supports their false-self-image of better-than-ness). In the end, there is never any Real Love there.
For too many heterosexuals, the only persons they believe are "lovable" are opposite-sex versions of themselves; for non-heterosexuals, the only persons they believe are "lovable" are same-sex versions of themselves. And those trapped in such egotism must have someone who is as "cute" as they are.
As for compassion, compassion is here, but it is for anyone presently dealing with persons who take themselves to be so "cute" and so right and so spiritual that no one will be "good enough" for them except those who are as "cute" and as right and as spiritual as the cute, right, spiritual persons think they are.
In fact, rather than being driven by compassion, they are driven by "passion" ... by their passion for their way of thinking, their way of talking, and their way of behaving. And the end result of passion is not compassion, for passion does not generate compassion;
instead, passion generates ignorance because it preempts logic and reason, leaving persons in an unteachable state, and - more significantly - blocks them from unlearning the nonsense they believe to be the unassailable truth that they think can be spoken and that they think they are speaking.
So it is, therefore, that Alexander Pope's observation that "a little learning can be a dangerous thing" has some validity; also valid is the point that a lot of learning can be an even more dangerous thing.
Here, there is no claim that Truth is being spoken, for it cannot be; here, there is no claim that the Direct Path Method and the Nisarga Yoga are the sole means to Realization;
here, though, there is a suggestion that - as long as there is a body-cum-consciousness - it is wiser to keep the feet of that body fixed firmly on the ground rather than trying to float about in a "higher realm" (which is also dualistic talk).
To think that there are lower realms and higher realms, that there are baser realms and angelic realms, is to be lost in the magical thinking and the dualistic thinking that is generated when super-religious or super-spiritual roles (which are false, ego-based, egotism-supported identities) are assumed. And as one Advaita teacher noted 2000 years ago, "a dual-minded man is unstable in all ways."
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
[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
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.
