CC: Sometimes all is super clear and the mind calm and then again it is not; the contrast, lately, is rather strong.Sattva/ tamas shifting,...

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

Rob: Lately I’ve been meditating which I’m not used to, in my meditations when I meditate there naturally tons of thoughts but also thought...
Q: I read somewhere: The real Guru is regarded as none other than the Divine Himself. Sundari: Who is the Divine Himself? Vedanta, which...
Advaita Vedanta does not aim to “reveal” your true Self (Atman),although it seems to,as the Self is already self-evident and ever-present. It is your...
CC: Where/ when to say no to Isvara is (to me ) basically a matter of unhealthy, often silly vasana’s, likes and dislikes in the...
It is true that probably ninety five percent of spiritual teachers these days tout enlightenment as some kind of experiential happening. They lead you...
Ken: In my understanding Karma Yoga means acting out your program, without attachment to the result of the actions. Sundari: Karma yoga and dharma...
Kendra: Additionally, I would like to improve how I communicate my understanding of nonduality, and not further confuse. Previously, I wrote: “As the Self,...
Kendra: Is there a place for prayer in Advaita Vedanta? Sundari: Yes of course there is a place for prayer in Vedanta. But nondual...
CC: Thank you, I see what you are saying when you said: Sundari (Quote): The ‘D” factor is the universal fear core of the...
Cathy: What a “tempest in a tea pot” I’ve caused in myself. After I read your letter, and you used the word, karma, “...
Michael: I never understood the meaning of Yoga until recently, when Ramji (in the video “(5) No teacher is superior to you….” at about minute...
Douglas (or Charles): HelloJames and Sundari, Thank you for your well-considered replies to my email. I’ve read them and shared them withfriends. That said,...
Cintra: Self knowledge along with somevery deep self-inquiry has enabled me to see the whole experience of what you call God’s sledgehammer with clarity...
Dear Charles, It’s time to either write off the notion that you are a serious seeker or admit that you don’t have your own...