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.: This was offered earlier:
To understand if a system can "work" to free one completely, one must know what "freedom" means.
All but a small fraction of the planet's population are imprisoned. The bars of the prison are made of ideas and beliefs and concepts and attitudes and all of the rest of the content of the "mind" as well as thinking and attachments and ego-states and egotism and delusion, so all who think themselves free are not free at all.
As a result of the delusion, persons are sitting in prison - or racing about wildly within their prison - while believing that they are free. And those stuck at supposedly "holy places" or "spiritual places" on the "path" race about as much as others, their contrary claims about being "at peace" notwithstanding.
"Freedom" is freedom from all beliefs, including beliefs about being spiritual and being holy. How many are approaching their religious work or their spiritual exercises in a dog-like fashion, chasing about, running here and there, barking and making noise, all to what end?
Yet must it not be asked: "What is the dog to do with a car when it catches up to the car?" And must it not also be asked: "What is the seeker to do with the Real Self or The Cosmic Self when he / she catches it?" Display it? Speak of it proudly? Use it as a means of reinforcing "different-from-ness"?
See, neither Advaita Vedanta nor any philosophy nor any religion nor any spiritual program or movement will eliminate belief in duality and "better-than-ness." They all reinforce duality and a false sense of separation and belief in hierarchies.
If involved in any of those - and absorbed in their accompanying roles as nothing more than a step on the "path" to eventual natural living - so be it. If as an end in itself? Welcome to the shadows that lie just beyond the darkness. You will never be bathed in the full light if you stop at the religious or spiritual step where new but totally false identities are adopted.
And you will never be free of those "new and improved religious and / or spiritual" personas if you continue to hang out in places that others claim are "holy places" or "spiritual places."
Rather than abandon those personas, you will have them reinforced and will thereafter suffer the same fate of all non-Realized persons who adopt false roles, who allow the "mind" to upgrade those bogus identities, and who feel "different" as a result.
Thus, Maharaj's final talks included these pointers offered earlier:
To two college students who visited the loft he advised, "forget spirituality." He invited them to follow "their normal inclinations" - that is, their natural tendencies - and to "do your normal duties" and "just give up spirituality."
He also discounted any significance given to "The Self." So many seekers who are taking an Eastern approach buy into a belief in a dualistic, multi-element hierarchy with the "Self" at the top.
Dualistic? Multi-level? Yes. The hero of those attached to all things "Vedic," Sankaracharya, taught that "Brahman, the Absolute, has five different phases: Hiranyagarbha, the Cosmic Self; Ishvara, the personal god in the form of an Avatar; Jiva, the individual soul; Prakriti, the perishable Nature; and Shakti, the creative power." Rather imaginative, yes? Rather dualistic, yes? Thus, rather ironic, yes?
So beyond all that talk of the varied phases of "the Absolute" or "Brahman," the question is, "Once that "Cosmic Self" is found, what is one to do with it?" Again, one should be reminded of the dog chasing a car: once it catches up with the car, what is it to do with it?
Again, Maharaj's advice about that Self was rooted in his own experience that had bogged him down for a period. He was trying to spare seekers from the years or decades of being similarly bogged down. He said: "I got involved in spirituality, in the business of spirituality, [but] finally I lost that love of the Self also. I have no more love for the Self."
Imagine how hated such a pointer is by those taking themselves to be "Spiritual Giants" who are now identified with "The True, Cosmic Self" or "Things Even Greater."
Imagine how hated the pointers in this series must be by those taking themselves to be "The Super Religious Ones" or "The Spiritual Giants." Then understand that the hatred of any pointers by those (a) playing false roles and those (b) assuming bogus ego-states as identities is an endorsement of the validity of the pointers.
If persons are not free of hatred of challenges to their beliefs, not free of all concepts spiritual and secular, not free of all delusion, and not free of all beliefs - "religious" or "spiritual" or "secular" - then they are not free at all and their system has failed them completely.
To understand if a system can "work" to free one completely, one must know what "freedom" means.
All but a small fraction of the planet's population are imprisoned. The bars of the prison are made of ideas and beliefs and concepts and attitudes and all of the rest of the content of the "mind" as well as thinking and attachments and ego-states and egotism and delusion, so all who think themselves free are not free at all.
As a result of the delusion, persons are sitting in prison - or racing about wildly within their prison - while believing that they are free. And those stuck at supposedly "holy places" or "spiritual places" on the "path" race about as much as others, their contrary claims about being "at peace" notwithstanding.
"Freedom" is freedom from all beliefs, including beliefs about being spiritual and being holy. How many are approaching their religious work or their spiritual exercises in a dog-like fashion, chasing about, running here and there, barking and making noise, all to what end?
Yet must it not be asked: "What is the dog to do with a car when it catches up to the car?" And must it not also be asked: "What is the seeker to do with the Real Self or The Cosmic Self when he / she catches it?" Display it? Speak of it proudly? Use it as a means of reinforcing "different-from-ness"?
See, neither Advaita Vedanta nor any philosophy nor any religion nor any spiritual program or movement will eliminate belief in duality and "better-than-ness." They all reinforce duality and a false sense of separation and belief in hierarchies.
If involved in any of those - and absorbed in their accompanying roles as nothing more than a step on the "path" to eventual natural living - so be it. If as an end in itself? Welcome to the shadows that lie just beyond the darkness. You will never be bathed in the full light if you stop at the religious or spiritual step where new but totally false identities are adopted.
And you will never be free of those "new and improved religious and / or spiritual" personas if you continue to hang out in places that others claim are "holy places" or "spiritual places."
Rather than abandon those personas, you will have them reinforced and will thereafter suffer the same fate of all non-Realized persons who adopt false roles, who allow the "mind" to upgrade those bogus identities, and who feel "different" as a result.
Thus, Maharaj's final talks included these pointers offered earlier:
To two college students who visited the loft he advised, "forget spirituality." He invited them to follow "their normal inclinations" - that is, their natural tendencies - and to "do your normal duties" and "just give up spirituality."
He also discounted any significance given to "The Self." So many seekers who are taking an Eastern approach buy into a belief in a dualistic, multi-element hierarchy with the "Self" at the top.
Dualistic? Multi-level? Yes. The hero of those attached to all things "Vedic," Sankaracharya, taught that "Brahman, the Absolute, has five different phases: Hiranyagarbha, the Cosmic Self; Ishvara, the personal god in the form of an Avatar; Jiva, the individual soul; Prakriti, the perishable Nature; and Shakti, the creative power." Rather imaginative, yes? Rather dualistic, yes? Thus, rather ironic, yes?
So beyond all that talk of the varied phases of "the Absolute" or "Brahman," the question is, "Once that "Cosmic Self" is found, what is one to do with it?" Again, one should be reminded of the dog chasing a car: once it catches up with the car, what is it to do with it?
Again, Maharaj's advice about that Self was rooted in his own experience that had bogged him down for a period. He was trying to spare seekers from the years or decades of being similarly bogged down. He said: "I got involved in spirituality, in the business of spirituality, [but] finally I lost that love of the Self also. I have no more love for the Self."
Imagine how hated such a pointer is by those taking themselves to be "Spiritual Giants" who are now identified with "The True, Cosmic Self" or "Things Even Greater."
Imagine how hated the pointers in this series must be by those taking themselves to be "The Super Religious Ones" or "The Spiritual Giants." Then understand that the hatred of any pointers by those (a) playing false roles and those (b) assuming bogus ego-states as identities is an endorsement of the validity of the pointers.
If persons are not free of hatred of challenges to their beliefs, not free of all concepts spiritual and secular, not free of all delusion, and not free of all beliefs - "religious" or "spiritual" or "secular" - then they are not free at all and their system has failed them completely.
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (To be continued)
For those seeking the full explanation of the topics addressed here, there are more than a dozen non-duality books available at http://www.floydhenderson.com/ .
There are another half dozen titles available at http://www.amazon.com/ for those with a Kindle Reader.
(If you do not have a Kindle Reader, you can still read Kindle books by visiting Amazon and downloading one or more of their five free applications 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.]
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."
The Sequel to The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WARS
[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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Click on the arrow below to start Video Two:
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Click on the arrow below to start Video Five:
Please enter the silence of contemplation.
(If you do not have a Kindle Reader, you can still read Kindle books by visiting Amazon and downloading one or more of their five free applications 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
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.
