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.: Two totally opposite definitions of "destiny" were offered yesterday:
1. "Destiny" refers to the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future, or to the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events; it is the power or agency that determines the course of events.
2. "Destiny" refers to the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing.
When it was noted that "the former is the one that the masses believe to be accurate, though it is the latter that actually is," many likely closed the page and went about searching elsewhere, so popularly accepted is the first definition.
Here, though, the word "destiny" points to nothing more than the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing. Those events are going to happen. When?
In one case, when personality is driving a person as a result of a particular persona's fears or desires. For example?
In the book entitled Liberation, it is shown that each of the nine basic personality types have a primary, prevailing fear and a dominant, controlling desire:
The Type One’s BASIC FEAR is being corrupt or evil or defective or "wrong";
The Type One’s BASIC DESIRE is to be good and "right";
The Type Two’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of not being loved;
The Type Two’s BASIC DESIRE is to be loved (usually, to compensate for the love not received from the one in the father role during childhood);
The Type Three’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of being considered worthless or a fraud as a result of having her / his false image exposed;
The Type Three’s BASIC DESIRE is to feel valuable and respected and applauded;
The Type Four’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of having no identity;
The Type Four’s BASIC DESIRE is to find the Authentic Self;
The Type Five’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of being overwhelmed by reality;
The Type Five’s BASIC DESIRE is to be competent and knowledgeable while practicing avoidance;
The Type Six has a BASIC FEAR of having no support or guidance;
The Type Six has a BASIC DESIRE to be taken care of and to have all fears alleviated;
The Type Seven has a BASIC FEAR of being trapped, deprived or in pain (be it mental, emotional, or physical);
The Type Seven has a BASIC DESIRE to be free, to have the “need” for exciting or enjoyable activities fulfilled, and to avoid all pain (be it mental, emotional, or physical);
Type Eights have a BASIC FEAR of being harmed, violated or controlled by others;
Type Eights have a BASIC DESIRE to protect themselves (even when threats are imagined), to gain control of their lives, and to control all other persons;
Type Nines have a BASIC FEAR of loss and of separation (and of not being taken care of);
Type Nines have a BASIC DESIRE for continuity and for “peace of mind” and "peace" - namely, their own, actually not caring at all about others' peace - and to reap the benefits of their perceived entitlement and to be taken care of.
When driven by a basic fear or desire or both, then, yes, one's future thoughts and words and deeds will be "destined," that is, will be controlled by unrecognized, hidden agendas.
Maharaj said, "The roll of destiny unfolds itself and actualises the inevitable. You cannot change the course of events, but you can change your attitude and what really matters is the attitude and not the bare event."
"Attitude" is defined as "belief," so by bringing about a change (in this case, by casting aside all attitudes and beliefs) then predetermined thoughts and words and deeds that are generated by a persona's hidden agenda can end.
What is the altered destiny that can be actualized? Merely abiding, naturally. Merely "living." Maharaj: "Living is life's only purpose."
In fact, though, "destiny" is merely a word pointing to a concept that can be discussed for a time before all such words and concepts are discarded, it can eventually become insignificant if one finally becomes free of the forces that are driving it:
Maharaj: "Destiny refers only to name and shape. Since you are neither body nor mind, destiny has no control over you. You are completely free. The cup is conditioned by its shape, material, use and so on. But the space within the cup is free. It happens to be in the cup only when viewed in connection with the cup. Otherwise it is just space. As long as there is a body, you appear to be embodied. Without the body you are not disembodied -- you Just are."
Freedom from one's "destiny" (which blocks any possibility of making choices) can happen when one is free of the conditioning that Maharaj mentioned, along with being free of the effects and subconscious influence of personality and programming and domestication and acculturation as well.
Yet for all his talk about "destiny," Maharaj made clear that "even destiny is but an idea. In reality nothing happens. Onto the screen of the mind destiny forever projects its pictures, memories of former projections and thus illusion constantly renews itself. The pictures come and go - light intercepted by ignorance. See the light and disregard the picture."
In the end, he discounted the concept entirely:
Questioner: "Is it destiny that ordains?"
Maharaj: "Calling it 'destiny' explains little. When it happens you cannot say why it happens and you merely cover up your ignorance by calling it 'karma' or 'Grace', or 'the Will of God'."
With that understanding comes the clarity and sanity and peace which follow the realization that there is "no hidden power" to be pleased, feared, and / or manipulated with pleadings and compliments;
that there is nothing that is controlling what will happen in the future and that must, therefore, be pleased, feared, and / or manipulated with pleadings and compliments; and that there is no power or agency that determines the course of events and that must, therefore, be pleased, feared, and / or manipulated with pleadings and compliments.
To reinforce the understanding of that fact, Maharaj said, "Once you realise that all happens by itself, (call it 'destiny', or 'the will of God' or 'mere accident'), you remain as witness only, understanding and enjoying, but not perturbed."
He said, "You do not know what causes what. 'Destiny' is only a blanket word to cover up your ignorance. 'Chance' is another word."
Please enter the silence of contemplation. (To be continued)F.: Two totally opposite definitions of "destiny" were offered yesterday:
1. "Destiny" refers to the hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future, or to the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events; it is the power or agency that determines the course of events.
2. "Destiny" refers to the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing.
When it was noted that "the former is the one that the masses believe to be accurate, though it is the latter that actually is," many likely closed the page and went about searching elsewhere, so popularly accepted is the first definition.
Here, though, the word "destiny" points to nothing more than the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing. Those events are going to happen. When?
In one case, when personality is driving a person as a result of a particular persona's fears or desires. For example?
In the book entitled Liberation, it is shown that each of the nine basic personality types have a primary, prevailing fear and a dominant, controlling desire:
The Type One’s BASIC FEAR is being corrupt or evil or defective or "wrong";
The Type One’s BASIC DESIRE is to be good and "right";
The Type Two’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of not being loved;
The Type Two’s BASIC DESIRE is to be loved (usually, to compensate for the love not received from the one in the father role during childhood);
The Type Three’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of being considered worthless or a fraud as a result of having her / his false image exposed;
The Type Three’s BASIC DESIRE is to feel valuable and respected and applauded;
The Type Four’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of having no identity;
The Type Four’s BASIC DESIRE is to find the Authentic Self;
The Type Five’s BASIC FEAR is the fear of being overwhelmed by reality;
The Type Five’s BASIC DESIRE is to be competent and knowledgeable while practicing avoidance;
The Type Six has a BASIC FEAR of having no support or guidance;
The Type Six has a BASIC DESIRE to be taken care of and to have all fears alleviated;
The Type Seven has a BASIC FEAR of being trapped, deprived or in pain (be it mental, emotional, or physical);
The Type Seven has a BASIC DESIRE to be free, to have the “need” for exciting or enjoyable activities fulfilled, and to avoid all pain (be it mental, emotional, or physical);
Type Eights have a BASIC FEAR of being harmed, violated or controlled by others;
Type Eights have a BASIC DESIRE to protect themselves (even when threats are imagined), to gain control of their lives, and to control all other persons;
Type Nines have a BASIC FEAR of loss and of separation (and of not being taken care of);
Type Nines have a BASIC DESIRE for continuity and for “peace of mind” and "peace" - namely, their own, actually not caring at all about others' peace - and to reap the benefits of their perceived entitlement and to be taken care of.
When driven by a basic fear or desire or both, then, yes, one's future thoughts and words and deeds will be "destined," that is, will be controlled by unrecognized, hidden agendas.
Maharaj said, "The roll of destiny unfolds itself and actualises the inevitable. You cannot change the course of events, but you can change your attitude and what really matters is the attitude and not the bare event."
"Attitude" is defined as "belief," so by bringing about a change (in this case, by casting aside all attitudes and beliefs) then predetermined thoughts and words and deeds that are generated by a persona's hidden agenda can end.
What is the altered destiny that can be actualized? Merely abiding, naturally. Merely "living." Maharaj: "Living is life's only purpose."
In fact, though, "destiny" is merely a word pointing to a concept that can be discussed for a time before all such words and concepts are discarded, it can eventually become insignificant if one finally becomes free of the forces that are driving it:
Maharaj: "Destiny refers only to name and shape. Since you are neither body nor mind, destiny has no control over you. You are completely free. The cup is conditioned by its shape, material, use and so on. But the space within the cup is free. It happens to be in the cup only when viewed in connection with the cup. Otherwise it is just space. As long as there is a body, you appear to be embodied. Without the body you are not disembodied -- you Just are."
Freedom from one's "destiny" (which blocks any possibility of making choices) can happen when one is free of the conditioning that Maharaj mentioned, along with being free of the effects and subconscious influence of personality and programming and domestication and acculturation as well.
Yet for all his talk about "destiny," Maharaj made clear that "even destiny is but an idea. In reality nothing happens. Onto the screen of the mind destiny forever projects its pictures, memories of former projections and thus illusion constantly renews itself. The pictures come and go - light intercepted by ignorance. See the light and disregard the picture."
In the end, he discounted the concept entirely:
Questioner: "Is it destiny that ordains?"
Maharaj: "Calling it 'destiny' explains little. When it happens you cannot say why it happens and you merely cover up your ignorance by calling it 'karma' or 'Grace', or 'the Will of God'."
With that understanding comes the clarity and sanity and peace which follow the realization that there is "no hidden power" to be pleased, feared, and / or manipulated with pleadings and compliments;
that there is nothing that is controlling what will happen in the future and that must, therefore, be pleased, feared, and / or manipulated with pleadings and compliments; and that there is no power or agency that determines the course of events and that must, therefore, be pleased, feared, and / or manipulated with pleadings and compliments.
To reinforce the understanding of that fact, Maharaj said, "Once you realise that all happens by itself, (call it 'destiny', or 'the will of God' or 'mere accident'), you remain as witness only, understanding and enjoying, but not perturbed."
He said, "You do not know what causes what. 'Destiny' is only a blanket word to cover up your ignorance. 'Chance' is another word."
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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.
