Well you got your revenge James… I hope you’re happy (James: This paragraph suggests that you haven’t arrived…. You are right that you might benefit from a few words from a guru ).. Now you’ve broken “my” (metaphorical) walking stick. But that’s ok, since I know it’s all grist for the mill and part of the guru’s design to show me that I didn’t need a stick in the first place.
Seriously, my great thanks for taking the time to respond and for your thoughtful words and guidance.
James: You’re welcome, Len. The knowledge/experience distinction is the essence of Vedanta. It seems you have a doubt about it. Operative word is seems. I can’t always tell at first so I often ask for clarification. Often, email being what it is, the only issue is word usage.
I consider myself a dedicated student and my intention is to “sit down, shut up (and listen with an open mind) so you can have me out of here as soon as possible since I know that I am taking up valuable real estate” (sound familiar?).
James: Yes, indeed. People tend to confuse means with ends so it’s important to inform them that Vedanta is a means, not the end.
I do have a question then, if I may:
Since I could benefit from a few words from a guru, what does that look like? … do I just send in my occasional questions?… do you have any recommendations?,
James: When you can’t tell the difference between a serious doubt about the direction of your life and quotidian mithya questions… in other words when you really are perplexed it’s wise to offer the question to the teacher. It saves time. It is helpful for me if you send a progress report two or three times a year. I like what I do and actually care about the people Isvara sends so I reply to everybody no matter what stage they are in. Discrimination is necessary because I don’t want to have to hurt someone’s feelings who think that “hanging out” with a guru is cool. It’s is, but it has its sell-by date. Vedanta works, no doubt about it. And I’ve created a place where all the resources necessary to complete one’s inquiry are available.
…should I go down to the basement and shovel out the darkness? etc..?
James: Until it isn’t necessary any more. It’s tricky business because ignorance often masquerades as knowledge so it’s good to have a teacher.
…(as mentioned, I read HTAE, attended your weekend talk in Berkeley awhile back and have a plethora of audio recordings that I listen to daily… currently, I am listening to the Bhagavad Gita – Carbondale talk (that Sundari sent me) every day when I get in my car to go to work and I also recite this mantra I received from one of your talks daily:
– I am limitless, non-dual, pure awareness
– Because I am other than the body, I do not suffer it’s changes
– I was never born, nor do I die
– I have no sense organs so I am not involved with the world
– Because I am other than the mind, I am free from sorrow, attachments, malice and fears
– Scripture says that I am pure, without thoughts and desires, and so I am
– I have no attributes and I live without breathing
– I am eternal, formless and ever free
– I am the same in all and I fill all things with being
– I am limitless, non dual pure awareness
When I recite this mantra, I try and do so as if I am just describing myself (sort of reporting from ground zero) and standing in awareness as awareness. And that’s all fine until I get a migraine or when my guru says I “haven’t arrived” in which case it all goes down the tubes…
James: Yes, affirming one’s identity is an essential part of Vedanta sadhana. I just posted a satsang called HIS STORY which reveals the state of mind that taking a stand in awareness, as awareness, should produce. I suggest that you read the satsang section diligently as I find myself sharing more and more satsangs from articulate people who have completed the affirmation stage. They can fine tune your inquiry and save me time.
James, I do realize that all this doubt and questioning is coming from the ignorant jiva and that “doing doesn’t disappear as Leng as the body is alive”.. that said, as the jiva, I just want to “do” everything I possibly can so that I can “be”..
Like Sinatra said, “do be do be do be, do”…
James: That’s a great attitude, Len. In terms of jivahood, there is always something that isn’t known, so humility is advised and appreciated.
Love,
James
