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.)
Gratitude and thanks to Louise for another of her clear and discerning series of pointers.
F.: A woman shared some of the details of her first visit to the loft of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, beginning with her guide informing her that...
" ... we should bring an offering ... so we drifted through the neighborhood marketplace and settled on some bananas. The street where Maharaj lived was round the corner from the Alfred Cinema. The noise in the streets was cacophonous. We came to his home and stepped in. There was no formal satsang going on. In fact, Maharaj was getting a shave from a roving barber. My first look at Maharaj was very intense, especially because his whole face was covered with lather and his eyes burned with an intensity that I could not fathom. Was this love, anger or just total Awareness? I kind of wondered to myself if this was all a big mistake. Maharaj was about my height, around 5'3'' give a few inches, so he looked directly into my eyes. We were invited to return the next morning for Satsang.
Satsangs with Maharaj were predominately for western devotees and his Indian ones who [were discerning]. The Satsang room was a loft above the family living area. I [had] the picture of Nisargadatta Maharaj building a little room, probably not tall enough to stand upright in. However, in reality, the room was spacious, at least 10'x20'. One had to climb a narrow and sharply inclined staircase to get to it, but once in, there was quite abit of room. Of course, when you filled it with 10-20 visitors it was crowded.
On occasion, Maharaj would demand that certain persons leave that loft she described. He would toss them out the same way a bouncer at a bar tosses out unruly drunks. ("Was this love, anger or just total Awareness?")
One visitor to this site called it "his electronic loft," and - as with Maharaj - some are occasionally tossed from this loft. Recently, there was criticism because some persons have been blocked from making any further e-mail contact or from posting comments on the Advaita Vedanta Yoga YouTube site. The charge was that the actions were evidence of "ego-based anger." But was this really "anger" or "just total Awareness?"
The most recent to be blocked was one mentioned in a post prior to Louise's series, one who thinks that he is Realized fully and knows things that are not known here, claiming that these teachings " ... are not true spiritual awakening" and that here there is a concern "only to [sic] the physical" along with "no compassion" whereas he is concerned with "angelic realms" and "healing" and has concerns about people "selling books" and "organizing satsangs."
His criticisms were not blocked and continue to be posted on Youtube, critical though they are. After that posting, he was answered with a distinction between (a) whatever version of Advaita Vedanta he has been exposed to and (b) the nisarga (natural) style of functioning that is pointed to on this site and in those videos.
He was blocked after he sent a series of additional protestations and pronouncements and criticisms and arguments about how "his contact with angels in other realms" is evidence of his actual Realization as opposed to the absence of True Realization here.
Even then, his being blocked on the video site and on this site came not as a result of any feelings here about his criticisms. He has been tossed from the electronic loft for the same reasons that persons have been tossed from satsangs conducted here and for the same reasons that Maharaj tossed some visitors from his loft on Ketwadi Street in Bombay / Mumbai:
(1) when the consciousness speaks but persons indicate that they are not ready to hear and (2) when they evidence that they are being driven by a desire to gain a captive audience that can allow their ego-states to shine in the spotlight of attention and
(3) when their questioning indicates that they are not seeking a new understanding but are desiring to display their knowledge (a.k.a., "learned ignorance") and to display what Maharaj called their "kindergarten level of spirituality" and are driven to try to force others to accept their beliefs rather than reject all beliefs, then tossing shall most assuredly happen.
Were these tossings based in "love, anger or just total Awareness?" Were they based in "ego and egotism" or in a refusal to continue a dialogue with one still attached to the personal, with one attached to his delusions, with one attached to the self-upgrading of his newest selves / personas, with one attached to an ill-conceived version of Realization that is just another distortion, and with one who has ignored the distinction offered between (A) the teachings (and "un-teachings") that lead to natural, spontaneous living vs. (B) the teachings that generate and reinforce unnatural and supernatural beliefs?
Is there any concern at all here with the fact that most seekers prefer their "knowing yoga" or their "believing yoga" or their "going-and-doing-and-zooming yoga" over the "natural, no-knowing, no-doing, mere-being yoga" offered here? Absolutely not.
The fact that the Natural / Nisarga Yoga is probably the least popular of all versions of yoga is given less concern than was given to the gnat attracted to the glare of the screen of this computer this morning as this posting was happening.
Here, there are no beliefs and there is no duality, so there most assuredly are no beliefs or opinions about one version of yoga being "the only right one" or about one of the five basic methods of teaching being "the best one."
That does not negate the fact that some who come this way are quite like that gnat, either mistaking the artificial light for The Light, mistaking artificial realization for Full Realization, or, as Maharaj noted, mistaking the dawn for the noontime sun. So it is, but "Shoo!" nevertheless.
" ... we should bring an offering ... so we drifted through the neighborhood marketplace and settled on some bananas. The street where Maharaj lived was round the corner from the Alfred Cinema. The noise in the streets was cacophonous. We came to his home and stepped in. There was no formal satsang going on. In fact, Maharaj was getting a shave from a roving barber. My first look at Maharaj was very intense, especially because his whole face was covered with lather and his eyes burned with an intensity that I could not fathom. Was this love, anger or just total Awareness? I kind of wondered to myself if this was all a big mistake. Maharaj was about my height, around 5'3'' give a few inches, so he looked directly into my eyes. We were invited to return the next morning for Satsang.
Satsangs with Maharaj were predominately for western devotees and his Indian ones who [were discerning]. The Satsang room was a loft above the family living area. I [had] the picture of Nisargadatta Maharaj building a little room, probably not tall enough to stand upright in. However, in reality, the room was spacious, at least 10'x20'. One had to climb a narrow and sharply inclined staircase to get to it, but once in, there was quite abit of room. Of course, when you filled it with 10-20 visitors it was crowded.
On occasion, Maharaj would demand that certain persons leave that loft she described. He would toss them out the same way a bouncer at a bar tosses out unruly drunks. ("Was this love, anger or just total Awareness?")
One visitor to this site called it "his electronic loft," and - as with Maharaj - some are occasionally tossed from this loft. Recently, there was criticism because some persons have been blocked from making any further e-mail contact or from posting comments on the Advaita Vedanta Yoga YouTube site. The charge was that the actions were evidence of "ego-based anger." But was this really "anger" or "just total Awareness?"
The most recent to be blocked was one mentioned in a post prior to Louise's series, one who thinks that he is Realized fully and knows things that are not known here, claiming that these teachings " ... are not true spiritual awakening" and that here there is a concern "only to [sic] the physical" along with "no compassion" whereas he is concerned with "angelic realms" and "healing" and has concerns about people "selling books" and "organizing satsangs."
His criticisms were not blocked and continue to be posted on Youtube, critical though they are. After that posting, he was answered with a distinction between (a) whatever version of Advaita Vedanta he has been exposed to and (b) the nisarga (natural) style of functioning that is pointed to on this site and in those videos.
He was blocked after he sent a series of additional protestations and pronouncements and criticisms and arguments about how "his contact with angels in other realms" is evidence of his actual Realization as opposed to the absence of True Realization here.
Even then, his being blocked on the video site and on this site came not as a result of any feelings here about his criticisms. He has been tossed from the electronic loft for the same reasons that persons have been tossed from satsangs conducted here and for the same reasons that Maharaj tossed some visitors from his loft on Ketwadi Street in Bombay / Mumbai:
(1) when the consciousness speaks but persons indicate that they are not ready to hear and (2) when they evidence that they are being driven by a desire to gain a captive audience that can allow their ego-states to shine in the spotlight of attention and
(3) when their questioning indicates that they are not seeking a new understanding but are desiring to display their knowledge (a.k.a., "learned ignorance") and to display what Maharaj called their "kindergarten level of spirituality" and are driven to try to force others to accept their beliefs rather than reject all beliefs, then tossing shall most assuredly happen.
Were these tossings based in "love, anger or just total Awareness?" Were they based in "ego and egotism" or in a refusal to continue a dialogue with one still attached to the personal, with one attached to his delusions, with one attached to the self-upgrading of his newest selves / personas, with one attached to an ill-conceived version of Realization that is just another distortion, and with one who has ignored the distinction offered between (A) the teachings (and "un-teachings") that lead to natural, spontaneous living vs. (B) the teachings that generate and reinforce unnatural and supernatural beliefs?
Is there any concern at all here with the fact that most seekers prefer their "knowing yoga" or their "believing yoga" or their "going-and-doing-and-zooming yoga" over the "natural, no-knowing, no-doing, mere-being yoga" offered here? Absolutely not.
The fact that the Natural / Nisarga Yoga is probably the least popular of all versions of yoga is given less concern than was given to the gnat attracted to the glare of the screen of this computer this morning as this posting was happening.
Here, there are no beliefs and there is no duality, so there most assuredly are no beliefs or opinions about one version of yoga being "the only right one" or about one of the five basic methods of teaching being "the best one."
That does not negate the fact that some who come this way are quite like that gnat, either mistaking the artificial light for The Light, mistaking artificial realization for Full Realization, or, as Maharaj noted, mistaking the dawn for the noontime sun. So it is, but "Shoo!" nevertheless.
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
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.
