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.
FROM A SITE VISITOR: Been reading some other Advaita writers (no offense!) and do not see why they talk so much about the gunas. Your take on the gunas please.
F.: You are one for two: 1. Offense? Ha. 2. Do not see why so much talk about the gunas is required? Correct, unless interested in seeing what the sages said were the basic attributes that underlie and drive what some Hindus called "the world process" and provide what is called here "the subconscious influences that drive thoughts and words and deeds."
Here, the focus is on that which is beyond the relative, but for the beginners, the relative must be understood. Until a doctor finally diagnosed that floyd's sickness was a result of internal cancerous growths - specifically, polyps - then the proper treatment could not be prescribed.
Similarly, novice seekers must understand what "the cancer" is within them, a "cancer" which requires treatment with the Ultimate Medicine if they are to follow the entire "path" in order to be "well," that is, free and happy.
To that end, any "gunas talks" here deal with personality since it is personalities (personas) that drive thoughts which drive words which, in turn, drive actions. If the sickness within has not been addressed, then thoughts and words and deeds will have a most undesirable effect throughout the existence, relatively speaking.
Thus, if the gunas are discussed here, it is only to understand the way that they help determine the subconscious influences of personality which drive thoughts and words and deeds and that, subsequently, drive "the world process" (nowadays, in a totally insane fashion).
So the linkage between the gunas and personality is of interest to some, not at all to others. Here is the connection for those who are interested:
There are nine basic personality types. The book Liberation describes them in detail and explains how to be liberated from their effects, first, via awareness of the way they influence behaviors unconsciously.
Each personality has a basic desire and a basic fear, both of which subconsciously drive thoughts and words and deeds.
Each personality is impacted by the way the gunas manifest.
And each is also impacted by a genetic factor because archetypes also influence human behavior and are passed along via the DNA as well as via programming and acculturation.
The gunas manifest in this way: sattva deals with "purity, clarity, and harmony"; rajas deals with "passion, energy, and activity"; and tamas deals with "inertia, resistance, and darkness."
SATTVA
If you study the basic personality types, you will see that the Type One (Perfectionist) seeks purity as does the Type Four (Romanticist, Dreamer, True Self Seeker, Rebel) to some degree. The Type Nine (Peacemaker, Peacekeeper) seeks harmony, so the influence of sattva is apparent there, and the Type Seven (the Adventurer, the Enthusiast) prefers harmony too, but primarily because that type does not want to look at and deal with issues that generate discomfort or misery.
"Clarity" is sought by Type Ones and Type Fives (the Analyst) who are both occupied and preoccupied with gaining knowledge and information.
RAJAS
"Passion" is exhibited by Type Twos and Type Fours especially, revealing the influence of rajas. "Energy" and "activity" are especially evident in Type Threes (Achiever), in Type Eights (Controller, Challenger), and in Type Sixes (the Risk Assessor, the Fearful One) as a result of being driven to find caretakers or security and to escape their fears.
Among Eights, inertia is seldom displayed as they must constantly burn energy in their efforts to control.
TAMAS
The effects of tamas - being driven by "inertia, resistance, and darkness" - are apparent in many types: Twos (the Helper, Rescuer, Savior, Love Seeker), Threes, and Fours especially deal with depression / darkness, as do Nines (because they suppress their anger and it eventually manifests as depression).
Seven's also deal with darkness (especially as their all-too-often addictive behavior begins to take its toll) and they deal with inertia or resistance as they use escapism in place of the coping skills which they seldom possess. Fours as rebels are champions of resistance to authority but are subject to inertia when they isolate. Fives are driven by inertia and can use their solitary quest for knowledge as a way to avoid. Nines, too, are avoiders.
Type Sixes can be avoiders unless they shift into the counter-phobic mode and rebel, but such sojourns into rebellion are rare, especially when compared to Fours; thus, Sixes can also exhibit inertia.
The effects of tamas show up in Type Eights by way of their resistance to societal constraints (and can reach a near-sociopathic or sociopathic level in their disregard for anyone or anything other than self). Fives, Sixes and Sevens can be paralyzed by fear and that can inspire inertia. Ones, Eights, and Nines are often strapped with anger (displayed readily by Eights but more often suppressed by Ones and Nines), generating inertia at times, resistance at times, and darkness at times among Ones and Nines.
Notice the way that the gunas engender behaviors that few would call "positive," relatively speaking. Notice, also, the way that two or three of the gunas can show up in many types, generating even more instability and unpredictability.
It is for that reason that the masters for thousands of years have invited seekers to be rid of personality and Realize fully in order to be rid of the influences of the gunas; in order to be free of the desires and fears that generate misery and suffering; in order for persons to be free of the constant influence of being driven by subconscious forces while delusionally believing that they are making choices; and in order to be free of the illusions of false identifications.
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
F.: You are one for two: 1. Offense? Ha. 2. Do not see why so much talk about the gunas is required? Correct, unless interested in seeing what the sages said were the basic attributes that underlie and drive what some Hindus called "the world process" and provide what is called here "the subconscious influences that drive thoughts and words and deeds."
Here, the focus is on that which is beyond the relative, but for the beginners, the relative must be understood. Until a doctor finally diagnosed that floyd's sickness was a result of internal cancerous growths - specifically, polyps - then the proper treatment could not be prescribed.
Similarly, novice seekers must understand what "the cancer" is within them, a "cancer" which requires treatment with the Ultimate Medicine if they are to follow the entire "path" in order to be "well," that is, free and happy.
To that end, any "gunas talks" here deal with personality since it is personalities (personas) that drive thoughts which drive words which, in turn, drive actions. If the sickness within has not been addressed, then thoughts and words and deeds will have a most undesirable effect throughout the existence, relatively speaking.
Thus, if the gunas are discussed here, it is only to understand the way that they help determine the subconscious influences of personality which drive thoughts and words and deeds and that, subsequently, drive "the world process" (nowadays, in a totally insane fashion).
So the linkage between the gunas and personality is of interest to some, not at all to others. Here is the connection for those who are interested:
There are nine basic personality types. The book Liberation describes them in detail and explains how to be liberated from their effects, first, via awareness of the way they influence behaviors unconsciously.
Each personality has a basic desire and a basic fear, both of which subconsciously drive thoughts and words and deeds.
Each personality is impacted by the way the gunas manifest.
And each is also impacted by a genetic factor because archetypes also influence human behavior and are passed along via the DNA as well as via programming and acculturation.
The gunas manifest in this way: sattva deals with "purity, clarity, and harmony"; rajas deals with "passion, energy, and activity"; and tamas deals with "inertia, resistance, and darkness."
SATTVA
If you study the basic personality types, you will see that the Type One (Perfectionist) seeks purity as does the Type Four (Romanticist, Dreamer, True Self Seeker, Rebel) to some degree. The Type Nine (Peacemaker, Peacekeeper) seeks harmony, so the influence of sattva is apparent there, and the Type Seven (the Adventurer, the Enthusiast) prefers harmony too, but primarily because that type does not want to look at and deal with issues that generate discomfort or misery.
"Clarity" is sought by Type Ones and Type Fives (the Analyst) who are both occupied and preoccupied with gaining knowledge and information.
RAJAS
"Passion" is exhibited by Type Twos and Type Fours especially, revealing the influence of rajas. "Energy" and "activity" are especially evident in Type Threes (Achiever), in Type Eights (Controller, Challenger), and in Type Sixes (the Risk Assessor, the Fearful One) as a result of being driven to find caretakers or security and to escape their fears.
Among Eights, inertia is seldom displayed as they must constantly burn energy in their efforts to control.
TAMAS
The effects of tamas - being driven by "inertia, resistance, and darkness" - are apparent in many types: Twos (the Helper, Rescuer, Savior, Love Seeker), Threes, and Fours especially deal with depression / darkness, as do Nines (because they suppress their anger and it eventually manifests as depression).
Seven's also deal with darkness (especially as their all-too-often addictive behavior begins to take its toll) and they deal with inertia or resistance as they use escapism in place of the coping skills which they seldom possess. Fours as rebels are champions of resistance to authority but are subject to inertia when they isolate. Fives are driven by inertia and can use their solitary quest for knowledge as a way to avoid. Nines, too, are avoiders.
Type Sixes can be avoiders unless they shift into the counter-phobic mode and rebel, but such sojourns into rebellion are rare, especially when compared to Fours; thus, Sixes can also exhibit inertia.
The effects of tamas show up in Type Eights by way of their resistance to societal constraints (and can reach a near-sociopathic or sociopathic level in their disregard for anyone or anything other than self). Fives, Sixes and Sevens can be paralyzed by fear and that can inspire inertia. Ones, Eights, and Nines are often strapped with anger (displayed readily by Eights but more often suppressed by Ones and Nines), generating inertia at times, resistance at times, and darkness at times among Ones and Nines.
Notice the way that the gunas engender behaviors that few would call "positive," relatively speaking. Notice, also, the way that two or three of the gunas can show up in many types, generating even more instability and unpredictability.
It is for that reason that the masters for thousands of years have invited seekers to be rid of personality and Realize fully in order to be rid of the influences of the gunas; in order to be free of the desires and fears that generate misery and suffering; in order for persons to be free of the constant influence of being driven by subconscious forces while delusionally believing that they are making choices; and in order to be free of the illusions of false identifications.
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:
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Please enter the silence of contemplation.
