Marianne: Hello, James.
I apologize for my English… I want to ask you a question… I see that all religions/philosophies agree, with certain differences, that we are a body and a mind (emotions, thoughts, etc.) that dies, that change and, in addition, there is something that does not die, is not altered and is eternal, that they call in different ways (the soul, the being, Shiva, the nature of Buddha, the hidden essence, God, etc.). It is easy for everyone to understand that the body and mind die, but: How do we know that there is that “something,” the eternal one? It ends up being always a matter of blind FAITH? Or, for example, the Vedanta, or jñana yoga,offers logical/rational methods of self-inquiry that allow us to infer that really that eternal thing exists? I hope you understand my point. Thank you!
James: Hi, Marianne.
Yes and no. You have to have faith in the teaching and the teacher until you learn how to apply the teachings (prakriyas). Once you know how to inquire, then it becomes a matter of direct experience/knowledge. Having said that, you can’t just read the teachings and expect to experience/know that you are immortal. And you won’t get hard and fast experience/knowledge from a teacher who doesn’t know how to wield the teachings according to the methodology. It would be best to come to a seminar or to watch a seminar video. If you are a properly qualified and disciplined inquirer, you will definitely discover that you were never born and consequently that you never die.
~ Om and prem, James
Skype Satsang with James or Sundari
Vedanta doesn’t work properly without the help of a qualified teacher. While qualified inquirers will definitely benefit from the books, videos, website and seminars, occasionally questions arise that can only be resolved by personal contact with the teacher. Now that we are settled in Spain, ShiningWorld is pleased to offer donation-based Skype satsangs with James/Ramji and Sundari.
“You don’t have problems; you are the problem.” – Swami Chinmayananda
If you are new to Vedanta, you need to know that Vedanta only works for mature people who know that fixing the ego’s problems is not a solution. Only when an individual entertains the right self-concept are psychological problems resolved. We are happy to briefly hear your story to get an idea of your qualifications but only offer suggestions in keeping with the teaching itself.
Keeping in mind that we are situated in Spain (European Standard Time), we are available between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and from 8:00 to 10:00 pm most days. To schedule, contact Sundari at sundari.shiningworld@gmail.com or James/Ramji at swartz.jb@gmail.com. Once we agree on a date, make a donation at the website.
