Henry: Hi, Sundari.
I’ll try to keep it short and to the point (I always say that and then it’s a short novel).
I like James – he has this way about him – no BS, that I like. Sorry for the straight talk, maybe it’s the New York roots.
Sundari: There is nobody like Ramji, that is for sure!
Henry: From personal experience and many studies, I was surprised that Vedanta got past me. One of my teachers is Master Wang Liping – Taoism – I have experienced real qi and supernatural phenomena, BUT I’m not chasing “powers” anymore. From my other experiences, it was clear that we are not what we think (ego). Unfortunately, those rare masters are hard to come by these days, and the commitment would still be difficult if one is “in the world” with the usual responsibilities (lock-down ☺), but if those realized ones like James’ teacher were available, who could pass up such an opportunity?
Sundari: There is no other teaching available that is as complete, as independent of belief or philosophy, as irrefutable as Vedanta. It is the knowledge that ends the quest for knowledge. If you have come to it, it is by the grace of Isvara and no doing on your part. You must be ready for it, as it requires qualifications for Self-knowledge to obtain. You have hit the jackpot. Make sure you understand what these qualifications are, clearly explained in James’ books and teachings.
Yes, James is a master and in a class of his own as a Vedanta teacher; but remember, the teachings are not “his.” Vedanta belongs to nobody and everybody, because it simply reveals the truth about you, the Self. James is a qualified teacher and gifted at imparting the teachings, and he does so impeccably.
Henry: I have seen all(?) of the YouTube videos and still something is possibly missing – knowledge is good but actual experience is the key (IMO) – I say that because there are many people who can light some incense and get relaxed; then there are those like myself who have gone past the “feel-good” stage and experienced the out-of-physical state whereby what I can I say, “I know.”
Sundari: Self-inquiry requires great dedication, commitment and, above all, qualifications. If you are after experience, results and attached to an idea of how self-inquiry works, you had better make sure you understand the difference between experience and knowledge as well as karma yoga. Without this understanding, self-inquiry will not work for you and moksa cannot obtain. Have you read James’ books, either How to Attain Enlightenment or The Essence of Enlightenment? It is vital that you do. We have the latter as a free course available on our website. Please make sure you read Chapter II especially, as it explains the difference between experience and knowledge.
Henry: That’s a tough one to run by friends who may be rather conservative. Any suggestions when you get a minute would be appreciated (humbly stated).
Sundari: Vedanta is not a topic one can easily discuss with anyone, because it requires qualifications to understand it. If they are not present, you are pretty much wasting your time because nobody will get it. It is totally counter-intuitive, even frightening, for a samsaric mind convinced that duality is reality. If you aspire to teach or even to disseminate the knowledge in small ways, first concentrate on your own svadharma. If you wish to make an impression on others with what you know, the ego has co-opted the knowledge. There is no teaching as powerful as Vedanta, but it is only for the very few, unfortunately, who are ready to hear it and assimilate its meaning.
~ Love, Sundari
