Monday, October 31, 2011

Let It Happen With Dignity, Part Seven

Table of Contents

Today's Considerations
Recent Posts and Archives
Tools for Realization
Author's eBooks
Author's Paperback Books
Free eBooks
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.

As for Maharaj, you will find here some of his early pointers for beginners but some of his later pointers that are for seekers farther along the "path." During his last years, he said of I AM THAT: "That book and whatever was expounded at that time was only relevant for that period. I am speaking differently today" and am "emphasizing different aspects." What he offered later differed considerably from his earlier talks, making clear that the pointers in I AM THAT will take you to the midpoint of "the race" but that his final talks point the way to "the finish line."

F.: Yesterday, it was mentioned that today's post would offer a means of impeding the diffusion of the dualistic messages that are conveyed by cultures steeped in duality.

First, if one would impede the diffusion, then it is necessary to identify the main source or sources of dualistic messages. Millions upon millions of words are written each day via texts, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books. Add to that the words that were written long ago but that are still being circulated via the top best-selling books of all times:

#1 = "The Holy Bible"
#2 = "The Qur'an" / "Koran"

And then add to those two the third source of much learned ignorance nowadays:

#3 = Textbooks

If you would eliminate the top two sources that spread dualistic messages, those both the Bible and the Qur'an would have to go, yet they will not; they are most definitely here to stay, so duality is here to stay. As for textbooks, especially in the U.S., they would need to go as well, history books now teaching little more than revisionist lies and science books teaching the fiction of creationism.

Yet while the written word is widely used to spread dualistic ideas and concepts and beliefs and untruths, nothing compares with the use of the spoken word to do the same. Research shows that "Men use about 15,000 words per day" and that "women use 30,000." (Have you heard, or said, "I can't get him to open up and communicate with me"? Correct.)

If you take the average number of words spoken by men and women and multiply that by the global population (non-speaking infants set aside) that amounts to approximately 157,500,000,000,000 words spoken on a daily basis. That is one-hundred-and-fifty-seven trillion, five-hundred billion words being spoken around the globe every day, on average.

As for infants and youth, the programming and conditioning and domestication and acculturation that they are subjected to is offered partly by modeling by mainly by use of the spoken word, first in the home, later in school, and then continuing during adulthood in the workplace and / or in society and the media in general.

So, if one would impede the diffusion of dualistic messages, then it is a reduction in the use of the spoken word that can have the greatest impact. The number of lies written on a daily basis cannot compare to the number of lies told on a daily basis. And the volume of ignorance that is taught and learned on a daily basis via the written word cannot compare to the number of lies told - and to the volume of ignorance also spread orally - on a daily basis.

The beauty of silence, therefore, is not just the peace that it brings. It is the Truth that it brings. This has been shared in the past but is relevant again here:

Grandmother and the others among her tribe of Aniyunwiyas (Cherokees) taught that "Truth is nothing more than the space between exhalation and inhalation."

Much of each day that was spent with Grandmother in her modest home which was located in the isolated piney woods of East Texas was spent in the quiet, in the silence.

Typically, many hours of any given day spent in each other's company would pass without being driven to say a single word. Once such peace becomes internalized, and once the silence that most people hate becomes something that is cherished instead, the quiet becomes another element of the essential life force.

Noisy disruptions will be avoided spontaneously, as was the case back in those days when Grandmother's nearest neighbor - the widow "Miss Esther" who lived a mile away - dropped by to encroach upon the silence and eventually destroy it completely.

(As an eight-year old, I often concluded that her former husband most likely died from the collateral damage suffered when his ears exploded.)

To add to her stream of non-stop talking, Miss Esther had the habit of swelling every sentence by injecting the phrase "by the way" multiple times. (My cousin and I often made a game of counting the number of "by the ways" that were inserted throughout her monologues).

So a typical assault on the silence might go like this: "I went to the store, by the way, and they had milk on sale, by the way, for twenty cents a gallon, by the way, so I bought two gallons, by the way, so you might want to go into town and get some, by the way, while it's still on sale, by the way."

More often than not, though, the by-the-way-counting-game lost its comic appeal fairly quickly, so Grandmother would be asked, "May I be excused, Grandmother? I'd like to go for a walk in the woods." The response was always "Yes." The accompanying look was always, "And take me with you."

Then, with a slight bow from the waist and a nod of the head, with nothing more being said than "Miss Esther," the escape to the forest happened post haste. (Even in those early days, it was impossible to be so inauthentic as to say, "Nice seeing you, Miss Esther." Only "Miss Esther" was uttered before taking leave.)

Nowadays, when the invitation is offered "to stay in the silence more and more each day," most protest: "Impossible. I have to talk at work to earn my living." That was a belief here, too, at one point. But it was discovered post-Realization that most of the tasks at work could still be accomplished - and with far less talking.

One counselor said, "Floyd, I have to talk eight hours a day in my job." When it was asked,

"Might there be a possibility of switching to the use of techniques that are based more in a 'client-centered approach' or some variation of a Rogerian counseling approach instead of the present 'you-centered, self-centered' approach?"

The notion was rejected outright, yet later, as that seeker moved farther along the path, that shift happened, and likely to the benefit of that counselor's clients. Now, use of EMDR offers the opportunity for less counselor talking and far more benefit to the client. The same movement away from excessive, often needless, talking can happen in almost all professions.

TOMORROW: How, in "relationships," effective but efficient communication (with less "talk for the sake of talking") can also insure more peace and dignity as well as less dissemination of dualistic ideas and concepts and beliefs and lies.

You are invited to enter into the silence. (To be continued)

If you would like to support the site or to help insure that those seeking this understanding have someone available, you may click here to donate.

For those seeking the full explanation of the topics addressed on this site: there are non-duality books offered below as well as retreats and Skype or telephone sessions available at
  • Floyd Henderson's Website

  • The full explanations are also available in the books in the author's collection that explain in detail all of the non-duality, nisarga teachings offered here:
    1. Most non-duality books below are available through Amazon.com.
    2. Read Kindle books on your own device by downloading a free app.

    The available books are arranged on the carousels below. Use the arrows to move each book to the forefront; then, you may click on any book that you might be interested in to find more information or to purchase.

    THE ADVANCED SEEKERS' SERIES
    From the I to the Absolute
    Consciousness / Awareness
    From the Absolute to the Nothingness
    The Final Understanding
    The Advanced Seekers' Series in
    paperback
    The Two Meditation Guides




    The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART ONE
    What BLISS Is and What BLISS Is Not
    Why You Must Be Empty If You Would Be Full
    When Reality Is Overlaid Upon the Relative
    Freedom from Shifting Between States of Happiness and Unhappiness
    Liberation
    The Blissful Abidance Series (6 books) in
    paperback



    The ADVAITINS Collection
    with THE MAHARAJ QUATRO, including:
    (1) Why NISARGA YOGA in addition to the ADVAITA TEACHING?
    (2) Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and His Evolution
    (3) A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
    (4) Going Crazy / Going Sane
    Jesus Christ the Advaitin
    William Shakespeare the Advaitin




    The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART TWO
    Overcoming the Fear of Being Totally Independent
    I AM THAT (vs. "This Is Who I Think I Am")
    The Essence of the Teachings
    There Is Nothing That Is Personal (Including You and Including God)
    Lessons in Non-Duality from Travels in South Africa
    The Path to Freedom vs. the Path to Misery




    The FREEDOM FROM THE MIND Series
    Instability / Insanity: What the Advaita Teachings Can (and Cannot) Address
    PROGRAMMING, CONDITIONING, DOMESTICATION, AND ACCULTURATION
    The Ultimate Sickness, The Ultimate Medicine
    Going Crazy / Going Sane
    There's No Such Thing As "Peace of Mind" (There Is Only Peace If You're Out of Your Mind)
    Dancing Lightly




    RECOVERY LITERATURE, the RELATIONSHIP books
    A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Kindle]
    A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Paperback]
    A Guide for Working the Twelve Steps (In the Manner Used by the Founders)
    The Twelve Steps and Advaita / Non-Duality: A 21-Day Plan for a Psychic Change
    Finding Real Love in An Unreal World
    Casting Light on the Dark Side of Relationships




    The NO DEATH books, NON-DUALITY IN FICTION, FINANCIAL SANITY
    The Myth of Death
    What Happens When I Die?
    The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
    The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
    The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Paperback]
    Living Within Your Means
    How Your Personality Type Shapes Your Spending Habits




    NON-DUALITY BOOKS, EACH CONTAINING A SERIES OF ESSAYS DISCUSSING ONE OF THE SEVEN STEPS ON THE PATH TO REALIZATION



    FOR THOSE WHO PREFER PAPERBACK, THE FOLLOWING PAPERBACK BOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW
    (Click the pictures for information on the paperback versions)



    (FOUR BOOKS IN ONE)





    (SIX BOOKS IN ONE)








    FOR THOSE SEEKING FURTHER EXPLANATION

    An online Advaita Internet Course is offered here. The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings; replies to your answers; and follow-up as required.

    The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.

    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. To get started now now, click the pay button below and receive the $365 course for a discounted price of $325.00.

    Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd


    by
    Clicking the Buy Now Button below:

    Or, if you prefer, begin by arranging a one-hour Advaita session via Skype with Floyd:

    Next, you can now 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, Seven-Hour Video (DVD) Set of an advaita retreat, or the downloadable file version. To find out more or to purchase the DVD or downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
    DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
    International buyers: note the separate option for those outside the continental U.S.

    2. BY READING the explanations offered in the collection of non-duality books that are available on this site.

    3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes

    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. Use the Contact link for information or use the link below to pay for your first Advaita session.

    You may click the BUY NOW button below to begin arrangements for your first Advaita session with Floyd via Skype and he will contact you to schedule:


    6. BY ARRANGING for floyd to travel to your location and meet with you or your group. Use the contact link below to discuss details.

    Sunday, October 30, 2011

    Let It Happen With Dignity, Part Six

    Table of Contents

    Today's Considerations
    Recent Posts and Archives
    Tools for Realization
    Author's eBooks
    Author's Paperback Books
    Free eBooks
    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.

    As for Maharaj, you will find here some of his early pointers for beginners but some of his later pointers that are for seekers farther along the "path." During his last years, he said of I AM THAT: "That book and whatever was expounded at that time was only relevant for that period. I am speaking differently today" and am "emphasizing different aspects." What he offered later differed considerably from his earlier talks, making clear that the pointers in I AM THAT will take you to the midpoint of "the race" but that his final talks point the way to "the finish line."

    F.: If one does not follow Maharaj's suggestion to set yourself free of all backgrounds and all cultures, then no dignity can happen and no sense of the Oneness can possibly manifest. If one would follow precisely Maharaj's "formula" and complete the "steps" he mentions that can move a seeker farther along the "path" toward Realization, then the role of all backgrounds and all cultures, must be understand.

    "Backgrounds," as used by Maharaj in this case, refers most often to the programming and conditioning and domestication that children are subjected to early on in the home, so "setting yourself free of all backgrounds" involves seeing the effects of early programming and conditioning and domestication and casting aside all of those influences.

    "Setting yourself free of all cultures" involves seeing the effects of early and continuing acculturation and casting aside all of those influences. One indication of entrapment, of not having set yourself free of all cultures? False pride regarding the city where you live, the region where you live, or the nation where you live.

    How many there are among the non-Realized masses who believe that they are better than others because they live in a city that is "different" and "special." They almost speak of the city where they live as if it were their lover, identified as they are with its "beauty" or "uniqueness" that, they believe, sets them apart from people in all lesser cities.

    The same applies with regional and national pride. Seldom in the U.S. - unless one enjoys the wisdom to turn off the television - can one made it through a single, twenty-hour period without hearing someone (usually a pandering politician) making the claim that "this is the greatest country on earth." Really? By whose standard? By the results of what data collected via objective research? What arrogant claptrap.

    Next, as you are invited to set yourself free of all cultures, know that some cultures are far more closed than others, and they more often than not are cultures wherein the general population is homogenous in both appearance and race. As a result, they are far more aware of any among them that are of a "different" appearance or race; far more aware of any who have an appearance that is atypical in that society or nation; and far less open to truly knowing the Oneness. And their languages support that fact.

    That is, while the languages in some cultures reveal an understanding of the Oneness, languages in other cultures often reveal a xenophobic, dualistic "mindset." For example, the Japanese language has the word "chigatte," which has dual meanings. In certain instancs, the word can mean "different." In other cases, the same word means, "wrong."

    Telling, yes? "Different" = "wrong"? Could any such linguistic structure expose a culture's dualistic beliefs more than that? Yet the cultures and nations that are homogenous in appearance and race do not have a monopoly on equating "different" with "wrong":

    In the U.S. - where the population is made up of whites / Caucasians / Anglo-Saxons; some few American Indians and Alaskan Natives; Asians; Hispanics / Latinos; Blacks / African Americans; and Native Hawaiians as well as other Pacific Islanders - it seems that the diversity (rather than the variance from a homogenous majority) also inspires a sense of separation and better-than-ment that is rooted in the "different" = "wrong" belief.

    If you study cultures around the globe, it becomes clear that whether their populations are homogenous or diverse, the dualistic belief in separation and better-than-ment and the idea that "different" = "wrong" is the rule far more often than the exception.

    But what of the earlier pointer that "languages in some cultures reveal an understanding of the Oneness"? A consideration offered recently is relevant here:

    Among the Realized, there are no words used that can convey any sense of separation. For example, in "The Vocabulary of Realization, "others" is used in quote marks when working with seekers on the early part of the "path," but once Full Realization happens, then the entire vocabulary of separation and differentiation and apart-ness is purged.

    The vocabulary of the Realized is devoid of racially-charged words and words that support the false sense of hierarchies that the non-Realized use regularly.

    The native tongue of the Cherokee Grandmother, with whom much time was spent during the early years, has no words in the language for “hate,” “war,” “greed,” “contend,” “competition,” “rival,” "different," or "separate."

    Similarly, the Penans and the Apayao tribes have no words or terms for “separation,” and that is the case with the languages of hundreds of other early tribes that were far more in touch with the Oneness than with the two-ness.

    Yet those cultures were decimated, for the most part, so the languages of modern cultures reinforce duality rather than a sense of the Oneness. If You do not free yourself of all of the influences of the modern cultures that have influenced you - or that continue to influence you - then a key element of Maharaj's formula for Realization will be missed, guaranteed. As a result, Realization will also be missed.

    Tomorrow: One means of impeding the diffusion of the dualistic messages that are conveyed by cultures steeped in duality.

    You are invited to enter into the silence. (To be continued)

    If you would like to support the site or to help insure that those seeking this understanding have someone available, you may click here to donate.

    For those seeking the full explanation of the topics addressed on this site: there are non-duality books offered below as well as retreats and Skype or telephone sessions available at
  • Floyd Henderson's Website

  • The full explanations are also available in the books in the author's collection that explain in detail all of the non-duality, nisarga teachings offered here:
    1. Most non-duality books below are available through Amazon.com.
    2. Read Kindle books on your own device by downloading a free app.

    The available books are arranged on the carousels below. Use the arrows to move each book to the forefront; then, you may click on any book that you might be interested in to find more information or to purchase.

    THE ADVANCED SEEKERS' SERIES
    From the I to the Absolute
    Consciousness / Awareness
    From the Absolute to the Nothingness
    The Final Understanding
    The Advanced Seekers' Series in
    paperback
    The Two Meditation Guides




    The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART ONE
    What BLISS Is and What BLISS Is Not
    Why You Must Be Empty If You Would Be Full
    When Reality Is Overlaid Upon the Relative
    Freedom from Shifting Between States of Happiness and Unhappiness
    Liberation
    The Blissful Abidance Series (6 books) in
    paperback



    The ADVAITINS Collection
    with THE MAHARAJ QUATRO, including:
    (1) Why NISARGA YOGA in addition to the ADVAITA TEACHING?
    (2) Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and His Evolution
    (3) A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
    (4) Going Crazy / Going Sane
    Jesus Christ the Advaitin
    William Shakespeare the Advaitin




    The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART TWO
    Overcoming the Fear of Being Totally Independent
    I AM THAT (vs. "This Is Who I Think I Am")
    The Essence of the Teachings
    There Is Nothing That Is Personal (Including You and Including God)
    Lessons in Non-Duality from Travels in South Africa
    The Path to Freedom vs. the Path to Misery




    The FREEDOM FROM THE MIND Series
    Instability / Insanity: What the Advaita Teachings Can (and Cannot) Address
    PROGRAMMING, CONDITIONING, DOMESTICATION, AND ACCULTURATION
    The Ultimate Sickness, The Ultimate Medicine
    Going Crazy / Going Sane
    There's No Such Thing As "Peace of Mind" (There Is Only Peace If You're Out of Your Mind)
    Dancing Lightly




    RECOVERY LITERATURE, the RELATIONSHIP books
    A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Kindle]
    A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Paperback]
    A Guide for Working the Twelve Steps (In the Manner Used by the Founders)
    The Twelve Steps and Advaita / Non-Duality: A 21-Day Plan for a Psychic Change
    Finding Real Love in An Unreal World
    Casting Light on the Dark Side of Relationships




    The NO DEATH books, NON-DUALITY IN FICTION, FINANCIAL SANITY
    The Myth of Death
    What Happens When I Die?
    The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
    The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
    The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Paperback]
    Living Within Your Means
    How Your Personality Type Shapes Your Spending Habits




    NON-DUALITY BOOKS, EACH CONTAINING A SERIES OF ESSAYS DISCUSSING ONE OF THE SEVEN STEPS ON THE PATH TO REALIZATION



    FOR THOSE WHO PREFER PAPERBACK, THE FOLLOWING PAPERBACK BOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW
    (Click the pictures for information on the paperback versions)



    (FOUR BOOKS IN ONE)





    (SIX BOOKS IN ONE)








    FOR THOSE SEEKING FURTHER EXPLANATION

    An online Advaita Internet Course is offered here. The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings; replies to your answers; and follow-up as required.

    The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.

    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. To get started now now, click the pay button below and receive the $365 course for a discounted price of $325.00.

    Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd


    by
    Clicking the Buy Now Button below:

    Or, if you prefer, begin by arranging a one-hour Advaita session via Skype with Floyd:

    Next, you can now 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, Seven-Hour Video (DVD) Set of an advaita retreat, or the downloadable file version. To find out more or to purchase the DVD or downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
    DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
    International buyers: note the separate option for those outside the continental U.S.

    2. BY READING the explanations offered in the collection of non-duality books that are available on this site.

    3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes

    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. Use the Contact link for information or use the link below to pay for your first Advaita session.

    You may click the BUY NOW button below to begin arrangements for your first Advaita session with Floyd via Skype and he will contact you to schedule:


    6. BY ARRANGING for floyd to travel to your location and meet with you or your group. Use the contact link below to discuss details.

    Saturday, October 29, 2011

    Let It Happen With Dignity, Part Five

    Table of Contents

    Today's Considerations
    Recent Posts and Archives
    Tools for Realization
    Author's eBooks
    Author's Paperback Books
    Free eBooks
    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.

    As for Maharaj, you will find here some of his early pointers for beginners but some of his later pointers that are for seekers farther along the "path." During his last years, he said of I AM THAT: "That book and whatever was expounded at that time was only relevant for that period. I am speaking differently today" and am "emphasizing different aspects." What he offered later differed considerably from his earlier talks, making clear that the pointers in I AM THAT will take you to the midpoint of "the race" but that his final talks point the way to "the finish line."

    F.: Abiding with dignity and calmness and serenity and peace and tranquility, while still being able to feel and Care and Love, is possible. Consider the pointer offered earlier:

    You can definitely stop all misery and suffering, now, by seeking and finding Reality. "How," many ask? How indeed.

    The questions asked by truly earnest seekers deal with how to be free of the misery and suffering of the relative existence in the way that it unfolds among the non-Realized masses after they gorge themselves with a steady diet of learned ignorance;

    after they then thrive on the resulting madness which drives them farther and farther into the darkness; and after the darkness eventually eats away at their insides like a cancer, dashing about throughout their bodies and within their fiction-filled "minds" and via their imagined and imaginary personalities.

    Again, Maharaj laid out the means thusly:

    Maharaj: "If you seek Reality you must set yourself free of all backgrounds, of all cultures, of all patterns of thinking and feeling. Even the idea of being man or woman, or even human, should be discarded. The ocean of life contains all, not only humans. So, first of all, abandon all self-identification, stop thinking of yourself as such-and-such, so-and-so, this or that. Abandon all self-concern; worry not about your welfare, material or spiritual; abandon every desire, gross or subtle; stop thinking of achievement of any kind. You are complete here and now; you need absolutely nothing."

    Becoming free of all backgrounds (which includes being free of the effects of that background during which you were programmed, conditioned, domesticated and acculturated),

    and

    being free of all cultural influences,

    and

    being free of all thinking,

    and

    being free of all identity

    can bring one to the understanding of the Nothingness and the Void.

    There is no greater degree of freedom during the manifestation than the freedom from one's background and culture and thinking and assumed identifications; freedom from those sets the stage for first Realizing the Void and then abiding as the identity-less Void.

    Nietzsche once noted that when you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you. I have looked into that abyss called the Void, and the Void looked back at Me. When that first happened, it seemed that we knew each other, until it became clear to Me that we were each other; later, it became even clearer and it was seen that the reality went even beyond that: there was only ... One: only "floyd" / Floyd / abyss / Nothingness / Void.

    The shift moved from subject-object witnessing ("I see the Void; the Void sees Me") to Pure Witnessing: "I am the Void." That understanding eventually assured that even "the Void" would be dropped, after which the remainder of the manifestation has happened as the "I AM" only without any labeling or identity (including "the Nothingness" and including "the Void").

    When that happens, then nisarga, natural abidance will follow. The deer which were observed as they moved across the front yard here yesterday morning, ignoring the cold and the light mist that was falling, know the "Am-ness." Doubt not: if you charge a deer, you will see it run away because the consciousness manifested in that deer-body-cum-consciousness knows that It Is;

    therefore, it also spontaneously desires that the manifestation be extended, and that happens even without the presence of a "mind"; thus, it happens automatically, even without a single thought about any concepts such as "I-ness" or "life" or "death" or "me" or "Me" or "a personal self."

    That is the way it is for all that Realize the no-identity, non-dual, no-concept Reality. The deer live out the entire manifestation while being in touch with Reality without knowing "Reality" and without working to stay in touch with Reality and without any notions about being anything, including some "Special Self" or "Infinite Self" or "Spiritual Self" or "A Self at One with God" ... much less a notion about being "God." So, first of all, abandon all self-identification, stop thinking of yourself as such-and-such, so-and-so, this or that.

    The antecedent state of this speck of consciousness called "floyd" - and your antecedent state as well - is a combination of foliage (of flora) and sunlight, but My ultimate ancestor - and Your ultimate ancestor - is the Void. Trace My lineage and Yours to its origins and you will find ... nothing ... Nothing ... Nothingness. And THAT is what the no-identity Reality looks like.

    Your penultimate nature prior to manifestation was the Awareness That Is Not Aware Of, but Your ultimate nature (Your Truly Original Nature) preceded even that. [Thus the book, From the Absolute to the Nothingness, also available for less but in a non-printable format at Amazon.com.]

    Understand that distinction and then the questions become, "Wherefore pride or arrogance or conceit or self-respect or self-importance or smugness or judging? How could one be proud or arrogant or conceited or smug about ... nothing?"

    Thus, understanding the Void means that I have been set free of all that is from "floyd's" background; am free of all cultural influences; am free of thinking; am free of any and all ideas about being a man or human; am free of all notions and concepts and beliefs about personal selfness.

    That had led to the abandonment of all self-concern, all worry about the eternal welfare of a body, and all concern about the continuity of the manifested consciousness;

    that had also led to the abandonment of all concern about things material and things spiritual as well as the abandonment of the belief that great things can and should be achieved.

    The same prerequisites for Full Realization and Total Freedom and Perfect Peace can manifest with You as well.

    You are invited to enter into the silence. (To be continued)

    If you would like to support the site or to help insure that those seeking this understanding have someone available, you may click here to donate.

    For those seeking the full explanation of the topics addressed on this site: there are non-duality books offered below as well as retreats and Skype or telephone sessions available at
  • Floyd Henderson's Website

  • The full explanations are also available in the books in the author's collection that explain in detail all of the non-duality, nisarga teachings offered here:
    1. Most non-duality books below are available through Amazon.com.
    2. Read Kindle books on your own device by downloading a free app.

    The available books are arranged on the carousels below. Use the arrows to move each book to the forefront; then, you may click on any book that you might be interested in to find more information or to purchase.

    THE ADVANCED SEEKERS' SERIES
    From the I to the Absolute
    Consciousness / Awareness
    From the Absolute to the Nothingness
    The Final Understanding
    The Advanced Seekers' Series in
    paperback
    The Two Meditation Guides




    The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART ONE
    What BLISS Is and What BLISS Is Not
    Why You Must Be Empty If You Would Be Full
    When Reality Is Overlaid Upon the Relative
    Freedom from Shifting Between States of Happiness and Unhappiness
    Liberation
    The Blissful Abidance Series (6 books) in
    paperback



    The ADVAITINS Collection
    with THE MAHARAJ QUATRO, including:
    (1) Why NISARGA YOGA in addition to the ADVAITA TEACHING?
    (2) Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and His Evolution
    (3) A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
    (4) Going Crazy / Going Sane
    Jesus Christ the Advaitin
    William Shakespeare the Advaitin




    The BLISSFUL ABIDANCE SERIES, PART TWO
    Overcoming the Fear of Being Totally Independent
    I AM THAT (vs. "This Is Who I Think I Am")
    The Essence of the Teachings
    There Is Nothing That Is Personal (Including You and Including God)
    Lessons in Non-Duality from Travels in South Africa
    The Path to Freedom vs. the Path to Misery




    The FREEDOM FROM THE MIND Series
    Instability / Insanity: What the Advaita Teachings Can (and Cannot) Address
    PROGRAMMING, CONDITIONING, DOMESTICATION, AND ACCULTURATION
    The Ultimate Sickness, The Ultimate Medicine
    Going Crazy / Going Sane
    There's No Such Thing As "Peace of Mind" (There Is Only Peace If You're Out of Your Mind)
    Dancing Lightly




    RECOVERY LITERATURE, the RELATIONSHIP books
    A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Kindle]
    A Twelve-Step Journey to SELF-Realization [Paperback]
    A Guide for Working the Twelve Steps (In the Manner Used by the Founders)
    The Twelve Steps and Advaita / Non-Duality: A 21-Day Plan for a Psychic Change
    Finding Real Love in An Unreal World
    Casting Light on the Dark Side of Relationships




    The NO DEATH books, NON-DUALITY IN FICTION, FINANCIAL SANITY
    The Myth of Death
    What Happens When I Die?
    The Twice-Stolen Necklace Murders (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
    The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Kindle]
    The Board of Directors of Wars (Non-Duality) [Paperback]
    Living Within Your Means
    How Your Personality Type Shapes Your Spending Habits




    NON-DUALITY BOOKS, EACH CONTAINING A SERIES OF ESSAYS DISCUSSING ONE OF THE SEVEN STEPS ON THE PATH TO REALIZATION



    FOR THOSE WHO PREFER PAPERBACK, THE FOLLOWING PAPERBACK BOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW
    (Click the pictures for information on the paperback versions)



    (FOUR BOOKS IN ONE)





    (SIX BOOKS IN ONE)








    FOR THOSE SEEKING FURTHER EXPLANATION

    An online Advaita Internet Course is offered here. The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings; replies to your answers; and follow-up as required.

    The price of the course includes the four Advaita eBooks used as the texts; questions sent after completion of the assigned readings, replies to your answers, and follow-up as required.

    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. To get started now now, click the pay button below and receive the $365 course for a discounted price of $325.00.

    Purchase at Discount the Advaita Internet Course with Floyd


    by
    Clicking the Buy Now Button below:

    Or, if you prefer, begin by arranging a one-hour Advaita session via Skype with Floyd:

    Next, you can now 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, Seven-Hour Video (DVD) Set of an advaita retreat, or the downloadable file version. To find out more or to purchase the DVD or downloadable computer file version of the retreat, click:
    DVD or Downloadable computer file versions of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat
    International buyers: note the separate option for those outside the continental U.S.

    2. BY READING the explanations offered in the collection of non-duality books that are available on this site.

    3. BY ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes

    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. Use the Contact link for information or use the link below to pay for your first Advaita session.

    You may click the BUY NOW button below to begin arrangements for your first Advaita session with Floyd via Skype and he will contact you to schedule:


    6. BY ARRANGING for floyd to travel to your location and meet with you or your group. Use the contact link below to discuss details.

    Recent Posts and Archives

    Tools Used by Other Seekers of Realization

    WATCHING an Advaita Vedanta Retreat: Watch a Downloadable computer file version of the Four-Day Advaita Retreat (Downloadable on PC only, not Apple.)

    ENROLLING in the Online Advaita Classes For information, visit Information on the Advaita Classes on the Internet To enroll visit Enroll in the Advaita Internet Course

    ATTENDING an Advaitin retreat with Floyd and being guided through all seven steps. For details of the retreats offered, please visit the retreat information site.

    ARRANGING a one-hour session via Skype or telephone with Floyd. (Skype is a free service.) Click the button to pay and you will be contacted to arrange a date and time for the call.

    Five Free eBooks

    Compliments of Andy Gugar, Jr.,
    the following eBooks are available without charge for you or for friends:

    I.
    "GOOD vs. EVIL?" or "IGNORANCE, STUPIDITY, and INSANITY?"

    The content of this eBook deals with one of the most common but erroneous beliefs that the non-Realized masses cling to and which they will fight about (and even kill over), namely, that there is a planet-wide duel going on between “the forces of good and evil” in the universe.

    Either (1) the ancient view is spot on: that the "ills of the planet" are rooted in evil people, in people not being religious enough or spiritual enough, and are caused solely by bad morality; or, (2) the "ills of the planet" are rooted in ignorance, stupidity and insanity and "being good" or "being moral" does not put an end to ignorance, does not eliminate stupidity, and does not treat insanity in any way.

    II.
    "THE VISION"

    Comments regarding the free eBook entitled “THE VISION”:

    “My thanks to you and Andy.” – Andrew “Mac” McMaster

    “Thanks so much for the book! And, by the way, it is brilliant and the most effective pointing that you have done. It has served to help clear the remaining blockages.” – Stan Cross

    “Greatly appreciate having “THE VISION” added to my Henderson resource library that is situated on the right side of my bed for easy access! Eternally grateful for what was received and what was given.” – Robert Rigby

    “‘THE VISION’ is such a well-written, condensed version of the Nisarga Yoga approach to understanding and enjoying Reality that I feel it can serve as a must-read ‘meditation guide’ for all earnest seekers.” – Andy Gugar, Jr.

    III.
    "Sapolsky, Maharaj, and the Non-Dual Teachings"

    Dr. Robert Maurice Sapolsky is an American neuroendocrinologist; a professor of biology, neuroscience, and neurosurgery at Stanford University; a researcher; an author; and a Research Associate at the National Museums of Kenya.

    There is much that a non-dualist or Advaitin or Nisargan can relate to by comparing and contrasting what Sapolsky reveals about the way certain troops of baboons live in Africa with the way that humans abide all around the globe.

    This 152-page eBook catalogues the common, non-dual message shared by Sapolsky and Maharaj and reveals the ways that Sapolsky’s scientific research supports the non-dual pointers offered by Maharaj.

    IV.
    Seeking

    In “PART ONE” it will be seen that most persons on the planet are not seeking, and most will never seek, but for those who are seeking, most will face several obstacles:

    In “PART TWO” of this book, it will be seen why many criticized Maharaj for “changing his message in his later talks.” It will be seen that the changes were not about changing the message per se as much as about changing his methodology as he experimented with one version of the Ultimate Medicine after another in order to try to find an effective means for addressing the Ultimate Sickness.

    He tried a religious version of the Medicine, a Spiritual version of the Medicine, and finally settled on a version which addressed to Sickness at its core . . . at the mental and emotional level.

    V.
    "THE MOST DANGEROUS BELIEF OF ALL"

    “Dangerous” is a term that can only apply during the relative existence, but of those who do commit suicide, for example, how many shoot themselves in the foot over and over until they “bleed out”? None. They shoot themselves in the head. Why? In order to try to stop the noise - to try to stop the chatter of a thousand monkeys – to stop the noisy mind which is the area that stores the ideas, notions, concepts, mind-stuff, etc. which drives them into the depths of insanity.

    And what are those ideas, notions, concepts, etc. called, collectively? "Their beliefs." The irony? They are not their beliefs at all. They are the beliefs of “others” that were set in place via programming, conditioning, etc. and which persons then think are their own.

    And what are those beliefs rooted in, and what reinforces those beliefs and convinces persons that they are sacred and worth fighting over and even sometimes worth dying for? Blind faith.

    This 337-page eBook discusses those issues in detail.

    To read any or all of the free eBooks, please double-click the "FREEBIES" link at the top of this page