David:Hi. I had an interesting dialogue with a guy about the causal body. It did not go far, because he has theosophical view and...
Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone whose knowledge of his or her identity as Awareness is doubt-free, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are answers to the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and committed to Vedanta as their preferred means of Self knowledge.
Now that Vedanta is well known in Western spiritual circles, it has become commonplace for unqualified “teachers” to identify with it. A qualified teacher is called a mahatma, someone immersed in the Vedic tradition who has been taught the methodology by someone who has been properly taught in an unbroken chain of teachers, through Shankaracharya, back to the Upanishads, the source texts themselves. My teacher, Swami Chinmaya, seen here with his teacher, Swami Tapovan Maharaj, satisfies this qualification. I have not strayed from the tradition since my introduction to it in 1968 and teach traditional Vedanta, although not in the traditional monastic format.
Chinmaya Teaching in a Traditional Setting
Michelle:Hi, Sundari. I will be as brief as possible, trying to omit nothing. I am 65 years old, retired and I have all my...
Tamara:Dear Sundari, I hope you are feeling better and thank you for replying with such generosity. I’ve read your email several times. Sundari:I am...
The Unavoidability of Me What is real is Self-Aware Consciousness. Upon inquiry all percepts, concepts and feelings resolve into Awareness. All “Physical” objects...
John:Hi, Sundari. Well, what can I say? With all due respect, that was excellent! A smack back to reality (so to speak). If I...
Joan:Dear Sundari, greetings to you and Ramji. I (jiva) don’t understand clearly the difference between awareness and reflected awareness. I do understand the metaphor...
Carol:Dearest Sundari, as I write, I’m in tears. I’m finishing up my second watch of theMandukyaand feel that my mind has been completely blown....
Claude:I have been into the Vedanta teaching for quite some time. Currently, I am completely satisfied with my life. Sundari:This is a great sign,...
Rob:James and Sundari, thank you so much for your work on the ShiningWorld site. The past year has consisted of a lot of self-inquiry...
Claude:First and foremost, thank you for taking me under your wing, so to speak. “That is what you have found” (a teacher) regularly comes...
Henry:Dearest Sundari, thank you again for your fabulous response. Your words are so to the point. Sundari:You are most welcome, Henry, always a pleasure...
Claude:Thank you so much for such a detailed and considered reply. I have read over this a few times; it speaks directly to my...
Sarah:Just checking in to see how you are doing. I continue to study Vedanta every day and eagerly anticipate your book. I also wanted...
Sarah:I have been trying to understand the teachings on the deep-sleep state, as I have had a problem sleeping since very young and nothing...
Christine:My dear Sundari! Thank you for thesatsang. It has led me to another question. I get that matter/Creation is a projection, but what “creates”...