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.
F.: The notions that some places are "holy" (meaning literally, "different from") or "spiritual" or "more holy" or "more spiritual" than other places are totally dualistic concepts.
No formation exists on this planet that is not elemental, and it matters not if the elements are combined in this form or that form to make this kind of space or that kind of space. Elements are elements, are not different, and - therefore - cannot be different from or better than any other formation of elements.
Is there a particular place - in a forest, for example - that is quieter, less chaotic, more peaceful than another particular place (such as Times Square in New York)? Of course, but that does not make the place in the forest a holy or spiritual place.
The difference deals with physical traits, not metaphysical traits, and the circumstances in the forest are not permanent and could change quickly. A developer could bring in heavy machinery and raze the forest and build an office building or shopping center and that formerly quiet place could become as busy and noisy and chaotic as Times Square.
Further, nothing built by humans makes it a place on the planet that is more holy or spiritual (and nothing torn down by other humans makes the building or place "sacred" or "holy ground," as is the claim regarding the site of the World Trade Center buildings that were knocked down on 9/11.)
Instead, churches and temples and mosques and pyramids and buildings where step groups and support groups meet as well as ancient cultural and religious sites where virgins were sacrificed or buildings where people have assumed the identity of monks who hum and buildings where male priests walk about in pointy hats and floor-length brocade gowns and shiny, red patton leather shoes are not holy or spiritual places.
They are just buildings and nothing more, merely forms and space where the gullible masses are told that they have entered a man-made structure that is "different" and "special" and "holy" ... and the masses have bought into the story.
And places now deemed to be "spiritual" by those who claim they are "spiritual and not religious" ( believing that a spiritual persona ranks higher than a religious persona) will often claim that the places they deem to be spiritual are places that supposedly exude some "metaphysical energy";
yet those places were originally places thought to be holy by religious persons, most of whom were pagans and who were ignorant and who believed in totally outrageous mythological and superstition-based tales.
It's all nothing more than one global mind-game, sustained by magical thinking, and the Realized poet had his character Hamlet report that " ... there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
And what did the maverick master have to say about that practice of thinking that makes some places and things special or good and other places and things not special and bad?
Maharaj: " ... give up thinking ...."
Maharaj: "Destroy all habits of thinking ...."
Maharaj: "You need to stop thinking."
Maharaj: "All thinking is in duality."
So there it is: No thinking ... no duality. No duality ... no things holy vs. things not holy ... no things spiritual vs. things not spiritual.
This pointer was offered yesterday:
"Dozens and dozens of places are said by the non-Realized masses to be 'holy places' or 'spiritual' places. One man named the ten places around the globe that you must visit in order to become a really spiritual person (that is, adopt a spiritual persona). For the super-rich who can travel the planet in the search of that which they have been told they can find "out there" somewhere, so it is.
Mentioned were three persons planning to backpack along the 35-mile trail to one place he mentioned as being among the top ten spiritual places on the planet, namely, Machu Picchu. All three have been expecting to find something "there" which they cannot find here. The first of the three did just that.
She just cut her trip short by seven days in order to catch an emergency flight back to the States because she "found something there which she could find here," and the doctors here are still running tests trying to determine what she found there so that they can treat it. Meanwhile, she just reported that what she found there has left her "sicker than I have ever been in my life," to use her words. Ah, how high the price of "spiritual seeking."
The other two playing their role of "The Spiritual Aspirant" will be leaving soon to take that same 35-mile trek to a place where humans sacrificed humans to appease imaginary deities, the pair totally assured that they shall have "a life-changing experience." (That by merely standing where other persons stood when they watched priests as they regularly cut open chests and pulled beating hearts out of humans? Hummm.)
So the belief is that those people in the 1400's were spiritual; therefore, standing in 2010 in the place where humans were killed in the 1400's in sacrifice to imaginary gods must surely have something spiritual to offer nowadays to the seekers who visit the site?
Maharaj: "This is their stupidity, verging on insanity." (I know ... how dare him. Gurus are supposed to talk only in a most pleasing fashion with protégés, yes?)
Yet the most regularly-visited places which are deemed by the non-Realized masses to be "holy" or "spiritual" are locations that persons seem to find nearer to their homes, such as churches or temples or special sites or mosques or places where their step groups or support groups meet.
As noted time and again on this site - and ignored time and again by many - is this pointer:
at the third of seven steps on the "path" whereby seekers move from identification with the false "I" to abidance as the Absolute, they will play a religious role and / or a spiritual role.
Therefore, seekers must take the fork in the road - must diverge from the "path" for a time - in order to assume those new (but equally false) religious or spiritual identities for a time.
To continue on the actual "journey," however, seekers much understand that taking that fork in the road is a diversion from the actual "path" and that the diversion dead ends far from the state of Full Realization.
Yet there at that religious or spiritual dead end is where most seekers will stop the search, believing that they have found that which they were seeking and believing that they are now being bathed in the full light of the noonday sun when in fact they are but standing in the shadowy light of dawn, at best. Note where they are on the "journey's map" (click inside the square to view the map that reveals that which is a secret to almost all seekers):
No formation exists on this planet that is not elemental, and it matters not if the elements are combined in this form or that form to make this kind of space or that kind of space. Elements are elements, are not different, and - therefore - cannot be different from or better than any other formation of elements.
Is there a particular place - in a forest, for example - that is quieter, less chaotic, more peaceful than another particular place (such as Times Square in New York)? Of course, but that does not make the place in the forest a holy or spiritual place.
The difference deals with physical traits, not metaphysical traits, and the circumstances in the forest are not permanent and could change quickly. A developer could bring in heavy machinery and raze the forest and build an office building or shopping center and that formerly quiet place could become as busy and noisy and chaotic as Times Square.
Further, nothing built by humans makes it a place on the planet that is more holy or spiritual (and nothing torn down by other humans makes the building or place "sacred" or "holy ground," as is the claim regarding the site of the World Trade Center buildings that were knocked down on 9/11.)
Instead, churches and temples and mosques and pyramids and buildings where step groups and support groups meet as well as ancient cultural and religious sites where virgins were sacrificed or buildings where people have assumed the identity of monks who hum and buildings where male priests walk about in pointy hats and floor-length brocade gowns and shiny, red patton leather shoes are not holy or spiritual places.
They are just buildings and nothing more, merely forms and space where the gullible masses are told that they have entered a man-made structure that is "different" and "special" and "holy" ... and the masses have bought into the story.
And places now deemed to be "spiritual" by those who claim they are "spiritual and not religious" ( believing that a spiritual persona ranks higher than a religious persona) will often claim that the places they deem to be spiritual are places that supposedly exude some "metaphysical energy";
yet those places were originally places thought to be holy by religious persons, most of whom were pagans and who were ignorant and who believed in totally outrageous mythological and superstition-based tales.
It's all nothing more than one global mind-game, sustained by magical thinking, and the Realized poet had his character Hamlet report that " ... there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
And what did the maverick master have to say about that practice of thinking that makes some places and things special or good and other places and things not special and bad?
Maharaj: " ... give up thinking ...."
Maharaj: "Destroy all habits of thinking ...."
Maharaj: "You need to stop thinking."
Maharaj: "All thinking is in duality."
So there it is: No thinking ... no duality. No duality ... no things holy vs. things not holy ... no things spiritual vs. things not spiritual.
This pointer was offered yesterday:
"Dozens and dozens of places are said by the non-Realized masses to be 'holy places' or 'spiritual' places. One man named the ten places around the globe that you must visit in order to become a really spiritual person (that is, adopt a spiritual persona). For the super-rich who can travel the planet in the search of that which they have been told they can find "out there" somewhere, so it is.
Mentioned were three persons planning to backpack along the 35-mile trail to one place he mentioned as being among the top ten spiritual places on the planet, namely, Machu Picchu. All three have been expecting to find something "there" which they cannot find here. The first of the three did just that.
She just cut her trip short by seven days in order to catch an emergency flight back to the States because she "found something there which she could find here," and the doctors here are still running tests trying to determine what she found there so that they can treat it. Meanwhile, she just reported that what she found there has left her "sicker than I have ever been in my life," to use her words. Ah, how high the price of "spiritual seeking."
The other two playing their role of "The Spiritual Aspirant" will be leaving soon to take that same 35-mile trek to a place where humans sacrificed humans to appease imaginary deities, the pair totally assured that they shall have "a life-changing experience." (That by merely standing where other persons stood when they watched priests as they regularly cut open chests and pulled beating hearts out of humans? Hummm.)
So the belief is that those people in the 1400's were spiritual; therefore, standing in 2010 in the place where humans were killed in the 1400's in sacrifice to imaginary gods must surely have something spiritual to offer nowadays to the seekers who visit the site?
Maharaj: "This is their stupidity, verging on insanity." (I know ... how dare him. Gurus are supposed to talk only in a most pleasing fashion with protégés, yes?)
Yet the most regularly-visited places which are deemed by the non-Realized masses to be "holy" or "spiritual" are locations that persons seem to find nearer to their homes, such as churches or temples or special sites or mosques or places where their step groups or support groups meet.
As noted time and again on this site - and ignored time and again by many - is this pointer:
at the third of seven steps on the "path" whereby seekers move from identification with the false "I" to abidance as the Absolute, they will play a religious role and / or a spiritual role.
Therefore, seekers must take the fork in the road - must diverge from the "path" for a time - in order to assume those new (but equally false) religious or spiritual identities for a time.
To continue on the actual "journey," however, seekers much understand that taking that fork in the road is a diversion from the actual "path" and that the diversion dead ends far from the state of Full Realization.
Yet there at that religious or spiritual dead end is where most seekers will stop the search, believing that they have found that which they were seeking and believing that they are now being bathed in the full light of the noonday sun when in fact they are but standing in the shadowy light of dawn, at best. Note where they are on the "journey's map" (click inside the square to view the map that reveals that which is a secret to almost all seekers):
In order to finish the complete "journey" to Full Realization, the seeker must leave that dead end and find his or her way back to the actual "path" and complete the final steps.
That means, all seekers might go "over there," but they must "come back here" to complete the "journey." "Over there" might include pilgrimages to "there," weekly visits "there," multi-visits per week "there," or attending supposedly spiritual meetings "over there" every day.
But Truth will never be found over there. There is but one "path" to Truth, though there are various Teaching (or Un-Teaching) Methods and many types of yoga. Know, though, that the actual "path" is also not holy and not spiritual.
It is a merely a "path" along which all distortions and corruptions and perverted beliefs and false concepts and nonsensical ideas are discarded so that - at the end of the "journey" - what is left is not something new, not something holy, not something spiritual, not something special.
What really remains at the end of the "path" is ... nothing.
That means, all seekers might go "over there," but they must "come back here" to complete the "journey." "Over there" might include pilgrimages to "there," weekly visits "there," multi-visits per week "there," or attending supposedly spiritual meetings "over there" every day.
But Truth will never be found over there. There is but one "path" to Truth, though there are various Teaching (or Un-Teaching) Methods and many types of yoga. Know, though, that the actual "path" is also not holy and not spiritual.
It is a merely a "path" along which all distortions and corruptions and perverted beliefs and false concepts and nonsensical ideas are discarded so that - at the end of the "journey" - what is left is not something new, not something holy, not something spiritual, not something special.
What really remains at the end of the "path" is ... nothing.
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
All non-duality books by floyd henderson are available at http://www.floydhenderson.com/ or at http://www.amazon.com/ for those with a Kindle Reader. If you do not have a Kindle Reader, you still read Kindle books by visiting Amazon and downloading a free application so that you can read Kindle books on your PC, iPhone, Blackberry, iPad, or Android.
[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.
