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."
[The following post is also an excerpt from GOING CRAZY / GOING SANE,
NOW AVAILABLE at Amazon]:
NOW AVAILABLE at Amazon]:
You may click the link below for more information or to order:
GOING CRAZY / GOING SANE
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (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.
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.
GOING CRAZY / GOING SANE
F.: So how does one enter into the "Forest Dweller Stage" even if going to the forest is out of the question? Consider: the title of Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd is taken from Thomas Gray’s poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard."
How to find the solitude of a quiet, remote churchyard in the English countryside when you cannot stay on a permanent vacation but must deal with financial issues and / or car and house repair issues and / or a failing business issue?
How to find the peace that comes when far away from the madding crowd when you cannot stay far away from the madding crowd but must deal with employer or employee issues and / or family and relationship issues and / or neighbor issues?
There is a natural preference for being in a quiet, country setting vs. a noisy, concrete and steel setting and there is a natural appeal for being in the presence of soothing, natural sounds (such as might be heard next to a gently-flowing stream or that might be heard if sitting outside early in the morning and listening to the birds as they express their joy over the comfortable temperatures brought by the fall season's first cool front).
Any inclination to prefer a concrete and steel setting rather than a tranquil setting in nature, or to prefer noise and chaos over peace and stability, is a result of perverse acculturation and programming and conditioning.
There is a natural appeal for the natural, the result of which is an archetypal drive among most to find a geographic place with some very specific traits for retreat and re-treat and that is far from the crowd. That innate drive will support the belief that there is a place (or places) that people must travel to in order to find Self and freedom and peace and happiness.
Over a period of thirty-three years, nearly 5,000 persons were polled by the author during discussions concerning the movement away from the madding crowd. (Most of those polled - as is the case with the majority of the people on the planet - did not have the option of arranging a permanent retreat from society.)
Prior to the polling, the participants were told that most humans have in their imagination a quiet place, a place that they would consider to have all of the attributes of "the perfect hideaway" or "an ideal place for escape."
It was explained that they were not to try to describe a geographical place that they have actually visited but were to tap into the deepest recesses of the consciousness and describe that place which can only be visualized and that has always been within. Next, they were asked to list the words that best described the place and its surroundings.
In 95% of all responses, six common traits were always mentioned:
1. remote
2. quiet
3. a place of solitude because no other humans are anywhere near (meaning one can be alone there without feeling lonely)
4. water
5. the natural sound of the movement of water (waterfall, brook, stream) and sometimes the sound of a gentle breeze blowing through the trees
6. wildlife, esp. birds
The author's Cherokee grandmother used a term employed by the indigenous peoples to describe that “non-place place”: she called it “The Medicine Place” or “The Healing Place,” reached by conducting a “Spirit Journey.”
Do not conclude that a "Spirit Journey" has anything to do with 'being spiritual." It is merely a "journey" that happens in a non-physical way. Humans can "visit" their quiet place of retreat which has all of the six traits above without having to go anywhere literally.
Do most require at least some time with a teacher to address one-on-one the seeker’s questions? Often that seems to be the case; however, no expensive trip is required for you to reach that "healing place" where the True Self can be known.
Note that enlightenment is about touching that Original Understanding which predated both language and world travel. There is an “inner guru” or “inner resource” that can be tapped into; however, programming and conditioning and domestication and acculturation have created such a barricade of blackness that more light is required to penetrate the barriers than most will ever muster alone.
So, in order for Realization to happen (and for peace and happiness to continue thereafter), must one travel to a geographically-remote area and reside there in order to be removed far from the madding crowd? Of course not.
Post-Realization, all is seen for what it is, and the madding crowd is recognized to be as grand an illusion as everything else that is misperceived by the non-Realized. A mirage in the road ahead can only be troublesome for those who are deceived and who believe that illusions are real.
Instead of having to take endless trips around the planet, yours must be a “non-journey journey” to the “non-place place” where the no-thingness awaits. The no-thingness? Yes. To understand that it is the nothingness that is found at the end of this “path” prevents most from ever even starting an Advaita-based “journey” that is marked ...
by annihilation … not gain;
by elimination of all of the learned ignorance that has been collected … not acquisition of more knowledge;
and
by de-accumulation … not accumulation.
If all that awaits at the “end” of your quest is understood, you will know that there is no benefit, no one to benefit, no purpose, and no meaning. Know that and your quest will lose that frenzied drive that might be characterizing your current efforts. That will allow a calmer state to manifest, which is the only kind of state in which Realization can happen. Best regards on that "non-journey journey."
How to find the solitude of a quiet, remote churchyard in the English countryside when you cannot stay on a permanent vacation but must deal with financial issues and / or car and house repair issues and / or a failing business issue?
How to find the peace that comes when far away from the madding crowd when you cannot stay far away from the madding crowd but must deal with employer or employee issues and / or family and relationship issues and / or neighbor issues?
There is a natural preference for being in a quiet, country setting vs. a noisy, concrete and steel setting and there is a natural appeal for being in the presence of soothing, natural sounds (such as might be heard next to a gently-flowing stream or that might be heard if sitting outside early in the morning and listening to the birds as they express their joy over the comfortable temperatures brought by the fall season's first cool front).
Any inclination to prefer a concrete and steel setting rather than a tranquil setting in nature, or to prefer noise and chaos over peace and stability, is a result of perverse acculturation and programming and conditioning.
There is a natural appeal for the natural, the result of which is an archetypal drive among most to find a geographic place with some very specific traits for retreat and re-treat and that is far from the crowd. That innate drive will support the belief that there is a place (or places) that people must travel to in order to find Self and freedom and peace and happiness.
Over a period of thirty-three years, nearly 5,000 persons were polled by the author during discussions concerning the movement away from the madding crowd. (Most of those polled - as is the case with the majority of the people on the planet - did not have the option of arranging a permanent retreat from society.)
Prior to the polling, the participants were told that most humans have in their imagination a quiet place, a place that they would consider to have all of the attributes of "the perfect hideaway" or "an ideal place for escape."
It was explained that they were not to try to describe a geographical place that they have actually visited but were to tap into the deepest recesses of the consciousness and describe that place which can only be visualized and that has always been within. Next, they were asked to list the words that best described the place and its surroundings.
In 95% of all responses, six common traits were always mentioned:
1. remote
2. quiet
3. a place of solitude because no other humans are anywhere near (meaning one can be alone there without feeling lonely)
4. water
5. the natural sound of the movement of water (waterfall, brook, stream) and sometimes the sound of a gentle breeze blowing through the trees
6. wildlife, esp. birds
The author's Cherokee grandmother used a term employed by the indigenous peoples to describe that “non-place place”: she called it “The Medicine Place” or “The Healing Place,” reached by conducting a “Spirit Journey.”
Do not conclude that a "Spirit Journey" has anything to do with 'being spiritual." It is merely a "journey" that happens in a non-physical way. Humans can "visit" their quiet place of retreat which has all of the six traits above without having to go anywhere literally.
Do most require at least some time with a teacher to address one-on-one the seeker’s questions? Often that seems to be the case; however, no expensive trip is required for you to reach that "healing place" where the True Self can be known.
Note that enlightenment is about touching that Original Understanding which predated both language and world travel. There is an “inner guru” or “inner resource” that can be tapped into; however, programming and conditioning and domestication and acculturation have created such a barricade of blackness that more light is required to penetrate the barriers than most will ever muster alone.
So, in order for Realization to happen (and for peace and happiness to continue thereafter), must one travel to a geographically-remote area and reside there in order to be removed far from the madding crowd? Of course not.
Post-Realization, all is seen for what it is, and the madding crowd is recognized to be as grand an illusion as everything else that is misperceived by the non-Realized. A mirage in the road ahead can only be troublesome for those who are deceived and who believe that illusions are real.
Instead of having to take endless trips around the planet, yours must be a “non-journey journey” to the “non-place place” where the no-thingness awaits. The no-thingness? Yes. To understand that it is the nothingness that is found at the end of this “path” prevents most from ever even starting an Advaita-based “journey” that is marked ...
by annihilation … not gain;
by elimination of all of the learned ignorance that has been collected … not acquisition of more knowledge;
and
by de-accumulation … not accumulation.
If all that awaits at the “end” of your quest is understood, you will know that there is no benefit, no one to benefit, no purpose, and no meaning. Know that and your quest will lose that frenzied drive that might be characterizing your current efforts. That will allow a calmer state to manifest, which is the only kind of state in which Realization can happen. Best regards on that "non-journey journey."
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (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. Buy a Kindle reader at the end of this posting or
3. Read Kindle books on your own device by downloading a free app.
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. Buy a Kindle reader at the end of this posting or
3. 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
(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).
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:
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.
