Advaita Vedanta: WHY DO SO FEW REALIZE? Does the Responsibility Lie with Teachers or Seekers or Both?

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.:In the debate over why it is that so few ever Realize, many would cast blame. Some blame the teachers, some fault the seekers, and some claim that both are at fault.

First, note that the majority on the planet will forever walk and talk in their sleep, will nevertheless think that they are awake, will believe they have the answers to "The Great Questions Facing Humankind," and thus will never seek.

Research shows that 97% on the planet claim an affiliation with an organized religion, and in most cases, they did not choose the religion that they are affiliated with. They were "born into it," the religion being as much a part of their "inheritance" as the color of their hair and skin and eyes.

From great-grandparents to grandparents to parents - and from many generations before them - dogma and doctrine have been passed down. The 97% for the most part have accepted everything that has come along with their religion as readily as they have accepted the type of food that is eaten by their family and the type of clothing that is worn.

The leaders of their religions do not invite them to question or to seek anything but to learn and accept whatever is being taught by whatever brand of religion they were introduced to at a very early age.

Therefore, 97% of the planet's population will be removed from "the seeker pool" automatically, though some few might wake up to the contradictory and outlandish claims that were heard in their childhood church, temple, or mosque and seek beyond those walls.

Adults who as children were programmed and conditioned and acculturated in such a fashion, from such an early age on, cannot be blamed for not seeking beyond their religion any more than Pavlov's dogs could be blamed for salivating at a sound rather than a smell.

Next, some will seek in spiritual programs, driven there by pain and misery or by relatives or employers or courts. There they will usually fail miserably, the so-called "success rate" in such "spiritual" step programs revealed in a $22,000,000 research study to be 2% or less worldwide.

One of the founders of that program saw the failures and said: “We cannot well content ourselves with the view that all these recovery failures were entirely the fault of the newcomer. Perhaps a great many did not receive the kind and amount of sponsorship that they so sorely needed," and "We ... failed them.”

So millions, he admitted, are failed by their would-be guides (though an understanding of the ones he called "the newcomers" would show that the guides often have a near-impossible task in trying to guide, not unlike a person trying to herd cats into a pen).

And of those seeking via "Eastern" teachings? Can the seeker alone be blamed for failing to Realize? Can the teachers be blamed for not leading more seekers to Full Realization? Why even ask?

If the trend is to ever change - which it likely will not - then some understanding of the surrounding facts seems appropriate. The only real justification for the study would be to allow any given seeker to understand the factors involved so that some adjustment might happen in order for Realization to manifest in a few more instances than are presently occurring.

So first, before looking at the quality of teaching being offered - or the lack of quality, more accurately - the seeker should determine if she / he is really tuned in to the teachings. So consider:

FM radio broadcasting happens at various frequencies measured in units referred to as "megahertz." A station might be broadcasting, for example, at a frequency of 93.7 megahertz with 100,000 watts of power.

Someone seeking to hear what is being broadcast by that radio station could be parked in a car at the station's front door, but it does not mean that what is being broadcast will be heard. If the one seeking to hear is tuned to 93.6 or 93.8 megahertz, that person might hear some noise and static but will understand nothing. At 93.5 or 93.9, that person will hear nothing at all.

Would you conclude that something is wrong with the station's broadcasting? Is it more likely that they are not broadcasting on band or that the seeker is not tuned in properly?

If the seeker's equipment is not ready to receive - that is, if the seeker has not done what is necessary to be ready to tune in and truly listen and hear - then either nothing will be heard or what is heard will amount to nothing more than static and noise to the listener.

Yet many seekers certainly seem to be ready. Their equipment is in place and they are doing everything they know to do to tune in to a channel somewhere that is offering that which they seek; many have searched across the entire broadcast spectrum and listened time and again to one source after another but still not found a broadcast that makes any sense.

What was the case with "floyd the seeker"? He was ready from early on, an internal BS-detector having made clear from a very early age and onward that what was being heard in the venue of organized religion that he was being exposed to could not possibly be true.

The teachings of a "Native American Grandmother" made far more sense and definitely struck a chord. Later, it would be seen that the origins of the indigenous peoples and their teachings could be traced to Eastern sources, so the focus of the search re-centered there.

The quest was long and arduous, and teacher after teacher was sought out, all to no avail. What Maharaj called "The Big Name Teachers" were read and visited. It was eventually seen that the reason they were "popular" was because their message appealed to the masses.

Then it was seen that the masses were - and always will be - totally asleep, so if certain writings or teachings appeal to millions of them, then it is guaranteed that whatever they unquestioningly like and accept will have to be writings and teachings that will not disturb their sleep. What a total waste all of that proved to be.

In the end, the reading not of I AM THAT but of the last talks of Maharaj began to raise the veil, the earlier talks involving far more bhakti and gnana yoga than nisarga yoga; yet even all of that did not lead to Full Realization until a vision came and revealed the exact steps that had to be taken in an exact order for Realization to happen.

So the conclusion: while most will never seek, assured that they have already found, the few that do seek are at a major disadvantage when it comes to finding a competent teacher. It is because of that fact - just as Maharaj predicted - that most seekers will never Realize. So it is, yet so it need not have to be.

Best regards on Your "journey" to find that which You seek.

Please enter the silence of contemplation.

The right to sell foreign language versions of almost all books and ebooks are available for purchase. The rights are also extended to the heirs of purchasers. The Polish language rights have been sold on one book. Most others are available for purchase of publication rights. Use the contact link above to inquire. Prices vary.

For those seeking the full explanation of the topics addressed here, there are non-duality books as well as retreats and Skype or telephone sessions available at http://www.floydhenderson.com/ .

There are many titles for which Amazon.com has arranged exclusive distribution rights which they offer at reduced prices at Amazon.com.

No Kindle? No problem. You can still read Kindle books by visiting Amazon and downloading in a minute or so one of their free applications, allowing you to read Kindle books on your PC or laptop or notebook; your iPhone; your Blackberry; your iPad; or your Android.

The following titles and series are available:

THE "EARNEST SEEKER" SERIES

FROM THE I TO THE ABSOLUTE (A Seven-Step Journey to Reality)

CONSCIOUSNESS / AWARENESS

FROM THE ABSOLUTE TO THE NOTHINGNESS

The Final Understanding

THE SEVEN STEPS TO REALIZATION ESSAY SERIES

A Series of Essays Discussing THE FIRST STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

A Series of Essays Discussing THE SECOND STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

A Series of Essays Discussing THE THIRD STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

A Series of Essays Discussing THE FOURTH STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

A Series of Essays Discussing THE FIFTH STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

A Series of Essays Discussing THE SIXTH STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

A Series of Essays Discussing THE SEVENTH STEP on the Seven-Step Path to Realization

THE "NO-DEATH" SERIES

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DIE?

The Myth Of Death

THE "BLISSFUL ABIDANCE" BOOKS

The Ultimate Sickness, The Ultimate Medicine

I AM THAT (vs. "This Is Who I Think I Am")

Freedom From Shifting Between States of Happiness and Unhappiness

LIBERATION

Why You Must Be Empty If You Would Be Full

What BLISS Is and What BLISS Is Not

When Reality Is Overlaid Upon the Relative

There Is Nothing That Is Personal (Including You and Including God)
Overcoming the Fear of Being Totally Independent

The Essence of the Teachings

SELF-Transformation Meditation Guide, Volume One

SELF-Transformation Meditation Guide, Volume Two

THE "RELATIONSHIP" SERIES

Casting Light on the Dark Side of Relationships

Finding REAL LOVE in an Unreal World

The Path to Freedom vs. The Path to Misery

THE "FINANCIAL SANITY" SERIES

LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS

Ending Financial Problems by Understanding Your Personality

THE "FREEDOM FROM DELUSION" SERIES

THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS "PEACE OF MIND" (There Is Only Peace If You're Out of Your Mind)

THERE IS NOTHING THAT IS PERSONAL (Including You and Including God)

IT'S ALL BULLSHIT (And Why Knowing It Sets You Free)

SPIRITUAL SOBRIETY (Recovering What Religions Lost)

ADVENTURE / MYSTERY FICTION
(WITH A BLEND OF NON-DUALITY POINTERS)

The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders [E-BOOK]

The Board of Directors of Wars [PAPERBACK]

RECOVERY

A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Transformation [E-BOOK]

A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Transformation [PAPERBACK]

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:

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)

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.

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 Board of Directors of Wars

[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: