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.: Again, as modeled by Maharaj, the particular can be studied and discussed and analyzed in an effort to see falsehoods as being false and then, possibly, open the door to understanding the Universal (Truth) in order to be free of the effects of ignorance and learned ignorance throughout the manifestation.
Additionally, three particular examples will be shared today, but none have anything to do with "a person" or "an individual." All three examples have to do ...
a. with instances where specks of consciousness were blocked or corrupted - as happens daily around the globe;
b. with the way that the relative existence unfolds when blockages and corruptions happen; and
c. with the way that the relative can unfold in a different manner if the blockages and corruptions are removed.
Unless one's programming, conditioning, domestication, acculturation, and environment have combined to leave one totally, clinically insane, there is a reason but no excuse for continuing to abide in the darkness, in ignorance, in learned ignorance, in ego and in egotism.
Furthermore, there is a reason but no excuse for continuing to abide under the dualistic influence that generates a sense of false pride, a false sense of separation, a sense of apartness, a belief in different-from-ness, and a self-important / self-absorbed / self-delusion-based sense of better-than-ness.
Consider:
"maruti"
The family of origin of the one called "maruti" (a.k.a., Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj) were rural farmers. Later, he would move to the city of Bombay / Mumbai and live in what some called "a slum area." What was modeled there? Crime, noise, and prostitution. (An irony: the back of Maharaj's flat was connected to a brothel with its entrance on the street behind his. A six-inch wall separated (1) a room where discussions about abandoning body identification were conducted from (2) rooms where a business thrived because of body identification.) Later, "maruti" would become a very successful businessman, comparatively speaking, owning and operating a dozen shops in the city.
He would eventually Realize, de-accumulate, and be supported by the proceeds of only one shop, along with the gifts of food he received on a daily basis over the years from seekers.
Never did he express pride over his rural, farming background that did not provide a decent education, nor did he express pride over his business success later on, nor did he express pride over having Realized later on.
"floyd"
The family of origin of the one called "floyd" were rural farmers. Later, his family would move to a city and live in what some called "a slum area." What was modeled there? Crime, noise, fighting, gang violence and prostitution; hatred and right-wing, conservative politics; racial prejudice and bigotry.
[That was a "Sundown Town" where those of an African-American background knew they had to leave the area before the sun went down. A twenty-minute bus ride away from the "slum" - with seating in the back of the bus for "coloreds" - was the city central with wealthier people, a place where there were separate drinking fountains for "coloreds";
where some businesses displayed signs that said "No coloreds allowed inside"; where the restrooms at the bus station has a sign that said, "Whites Only"; where there was a separate window at the movie theater for the purchase of tickets by non-whites as well as a separate seating area for non-whites.]
Later, "floyd" would become a successful businessman, comparatively speaking, but he would eventually Realize, de-accumulate, and live off an income that was one-tenth of what was earned at "the peak."
Never has he expressed pride over his rural, farming background that did not provide a decent education, nor has he expressed pride over his business success later on, nor has he ever expressed pride over having Realized.
"rick perry"
The writer of the article referenced in previous posts, as well as the reports written by many other investigative journalists, notes that the family of origin of the one called "rick perry" were rural farmers.
[He was raised in a "Sundown Town" where non-whites knew they had to leave the area before the sun went down, the whites there making clear that non-whites were not welcomed unless they were there to work for white families during the day. And yes, black men were "lynched" in the area as well.
The community was one where racial pride for being white was fostered; where being "a God-fearing Christian" and "a native-born Texan" and "a Caucasian" were often one's highest lifetime achievements and where all three of those were (and are) considered badges of honor; and where prejudice against non-whites was not just tolerated but was taught and reinforced.
The rural school there offered an education that was considered sub-par by any standard, but that was not considered a problem in a state where many whites have traditionally eschewed formal education and, to this day, often express their disdain for "schooling" and for "educated people."]
Later, he would move to a city and make his living for twenty-five years as a politician. What was modeled in that profession in that state? Right-wing, conservative politics; a "good ole boys network"; and insider, backroom deals that make millionaires of politicians in spite of their relatively small salaries - Perry's net worth currently estimated at $2.8 million.
Later, "rick" would become a master at image-making and image-maintenance and would enjoy life in a mansion that has cost donors and taxpayers over $600,000.00 during the last two years. For most of that time, he had a full-time housekeeper, a full-time chef and a second chef who works part time, a mansion administrator and a steward.
In other words, he would not Realize and would not de-accumulate but would accumulate wealth, maintain wealth, and add to his wealth.
He forever expresses pride over his rural, farming background; expresses pride over what he calls "a very parochial view of the world" ("parochial" defined as "narrow" and "narrow-minded" and "close-minded" and "insular");
expresses pride over being what he says is "a disciplined, conservative Texan, a committed Republican, and a proud American"; expresses pride that it is his political party that is the one taking a stand against homosexuality; and encourages his audiences to "speak with pride about our morals and our values."
With such commonality in background and experiences as in the three cases described above, how is it that prejudicial programming and anti-education conditioning is transitioned in a few cases but not in most? How is it that some can be exposed to propaganda and brain-washing and eventually see through that while most do not?
How is it that many can be exposed to
those who value arrogance and egotism and false pride and hatred and a sense of being better than "them" and a sense of being apart from "them" and a sense of being different from "them"
but only a few will eventually question and reject what they were taught?
Why do so few ever realize that to be exposed to such dualistic ideas and concepts and beliefs is no excuse for clinging - unquestioningly and even proudly - to such nonsense and ignorance and learned ignorance and what Maharaj called "stupidity"?
To paraphrase, why it is that - in some cases - when one is a child, one will understandably speak as a child, will reason as illogically as a child, and will behave as a child but later, even as an adult, will still not put away those childish, nonsensical, illogical and unreasonable things?
Why is it - if two who were exposed to similar programming and conditioning and domestication and acculturation - that one will eventually question and abandon the ignorance that was taught during one's youth while the other will proudly cling to ignorance and even display proudly all of the trappings and distortions and delusions that are the product of their ignorant programming and conditioning?
In the case of two who were both raised in similar environments which modeled and taught hatred and separation and division and partition and duality, how is it that
one will proudly cling to his sense of loathing and separation and rift
while
the other comes to understand Love and the unicity beyond the seeming multiplicity?
How is it that most on the planet will now be taught
to believe in the multiplicity rather than the unicity;
to practice hate rather than Love; and
to believe in the arrogance of better-than-ness and then be driven, as a result,
to constantly play the mental game of upgrading themselves while constantly downgrading those whom they believe are different?
That tomorrow.
Additionally, three particular examples will be shared today, but none have anything to do with "a person" or "an individual." All three examples have to do ...
a. with instances where specks of consciousness were blocked or corrupted - as happens daily around the globe;
b. with the way that the relative existence unfolds when blockages and corruptions happen; and
c. with the way that the relative can unfold in a different manner if the blockages and corruptions are removed.
Unless one's programming, conditioning, domestication, acculturation, and environment have combined to leave one totally, clinically insane, there is a reason but no excuse for continuing to abide in the darkness, in ignorance, in learned ignorance, in ego and in egotism.
Furthermore, there is a reason but no excuse for continuing to abide under the dualistic influence that generates a sense of false pride, a false sense of separation, a sense of apartness, a belief in different-from-ness, and a self-important / self-absorbed / self-delusion-based sense of better-than-ness.
Consider:
"maruti"
The family of origin of the one called "maruti" (a.k.a., Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj) were rural farmers. Later, he would move to the city of Bombay / Mumbai and live in what some called "a slum area." What was modeled there? Crime, noise, and prostitution. (An irony: the back of Maharaj's flat was connected to a brothel with its entrance on the street behind his. A six-inch wall separated (1) a room where discussions about abandoning body identification were conducted from (2) rooms where a business thrived because of body identification.) Later, "maruti" would become a very successful businessman, comparatively speaking, owning and operating a dozen shops in the city.
He would eventually Realize, de-accumulate, and be supported by the proceeds of only one shop, along with the gifts of food he received on a daily basis over the years from seekers.
Never did he express pride over his rural, farming background that did not provide a decent education, nor did he express pride over his business success later on, nor did he express pride over having Realized later on.
"floyd"
The family of origin of the one called "floyd" were rural farmers. Later, his family would move to a city and live in what some called "a slum area." What was modeled there? Crime, noise, fighting, gang violence and prostitution; hatred and right-wing, conservative politics; racial prejudice and bigotry.
[That was a "Sundown Town" where those of an African-American background knew they had to leave the area before the sun went down. A twenty-minute bus ride away from the "slum" - with seating in the back of the bus for "coloreds" - was the city central with wealthier people, a place where there were separate drinking fountains for "coloreds";
where some businesses displayed signs that said "No coloreds allowed inside"; where the restrooms at the bus station has a sign that said, "Whites Only"; where there was a separate window at the movie theater for the purchase of tickets by non-whites as well as a separate seating area for non-whites.]
Later, "floyd" would become a successful businessman, comparatively speaking, but he would eventually Realize, de-accumulate, and live off an income that was one-tenth of what was earned at "the peak."
Never has he expressed pride over his rural, farming background that did not provide a decent education, nor has he expressed pride over his business success later on, nor has he ever expressed pride over having Realized.
"rick perry"
The writer of the article referenced in previous posts, as well as the reports written by many other investigative journalists, notes that the family of origin of the one called "rick perry" were rural farmers.
[He was raised in a "Sundown Town" where non-whites knew they had to leave the area before the sun went down, the whites there making clear that non-whites were not welcomed unless they were there to work for white families during the day. And yes, black men were "lynched" in the area as well.
The community was one where racial pride for being white was fostered; where being "a God-fearing Christian" and "a native-born Texan" and "a Caucasian" were often one's highest lifetime achievements and where all three of those were (and are) considered badges of honor; and where prejudice against non-whites was not just tolerated but was taught and reinforced.
The rural school there offered an education that was considered sub-par by any standard, but that was not considered a problem in a state where many whites have traditionally eschewed formal education and, to this day, often express their disdain for "schooling" and for "educated people."]
Later, he would move to a city and make his living for twenty-five years as a politician. What was modeled in that profession in that state? Right-wing, conservative politics; a "good ole boys network"; and insider, backroom deals that make millionaires of politicians in spite of their relatively small salaries - Perry's net worth currently estimated at $2.8 million.
Later, "rick" would become a master at image-making and image-maintenance and would enjoy life in a mansion that has cost donors and taxpayers over $600,000.00 during the last two years. For most of that time, he had a full-time housekeeper, a full-time chef and a second chef who works part time, a mansion administrator and a steward.
In other words, he would not Realize and would not de-accumulate but would accumulate wealth, maintain wealth, and add to his wealth.
He forever expresses pride over his rural, farming background; expresses pride over what he calls "a very parochial view of the world" ("parochial" defined as "narrow" and "narrow-minded" and "close-minded" and "insular");
expresses pride over being what he says is "a disciplined, conservative Texan, a committed Republican, and a proud American"; expresses pride that it is his political party that is the one taking a stand against homosexuality; and encourages his audiences to "speak with pride about our morals and our values."
With such commonality in background and experiences as in the three cases described above, how is it that prejudicial programming and anti-education conditioning is transitioned in a few cases but not in most? How is it that some can be exposed to propaganda and brain-washing and eventually see through that while most do not?
How is it that many can be exposed to
those who value arrogance and egotism and false pride and hatred and a sense of being better than "them" and a sense of being apart from "them" and a sense of being different from "them"
but only a few will eventually question and reject what they were taught?
Why do so few ever realize that to be exposed to such dualistic ideas and concepts and beliefs is no excuse for clinging - unquestioningly and even proudly - to such nonsense and ignorance and learned ignorance and what Maharaj called "stupidity"?
To paraphrase, why it is that - in some cases - when one is a child, one will understandably speak as a child, will reason as illogically as a child, and will behave as a child but later, even as an adult, will still not put away those childish, nonsensical, illogical and unreasonable things?
Why is it - if two who were exposed to similar programming and conditioning and domestication and acculturation - that one will eventually question and abandon the ignorance that was taught during one's youth while the other will proudly cling to ignorance and even display proudly all of the trappings and distortions and delusions that are the product of their ignorant programming and conditioning?
In the case of two who were both raised in similar environments which modeled and taught hatred and separation and division and partition and duality, how is it that
one will proudly cling to his sense of loathing and separation and rift
while
the other comes to understand Love and the unicity beyond the seeming multiplicity?
How is it that most on the planet will now be taught
to believe in the multiplicity rather than the unicity;
to practice hate rather than Love; and
to believe in the arrogance of better-than-ness and then be driven, as a result,
to constantly play the mental game of upgrading themselves while constantly downgrading those whom they believe are different?
That tomorrow.
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (To be continued)
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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 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
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 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
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
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.
