Unconditioned

Different strokes for different folks I cannot say one way or the other what is 'better' but I can say that we should at a minimum respect each other's paths, decisions, and beliefs. Skepticism is an extremely useful tool but there is no benefit in calling out one person's path as better or worse. What color is better, blue or red? It's all a matter of subjectivity... what resonates with each of us is more important than comparing one way to another. With love and respect, -Nate

I've heard an interesting theory before that psychedelic drugs could have lead to the evolution of our current mind. I have gotten glimpses years ago when I experimented with mushrooms - actually the first time I used them - of how 'everything works'. The problem is, you can reach a state where 'you get it' but it doesn't last.. it is only temporary. Years later, I still recall some images during my first experience that now seem to make a lot more sense. For example, during the trip I pictured myself at work... working so seriously (like I usually do)... and I found this hilarious, so funny I just couldn't stop laughing at how serious I took 'banging on the keyboard'. I saw the emptiness in it, even though I didn't know what it was called at the time, I was able to experience it right away. So, I'm not going to say whether it's good for people or bad for them but I will say that I believe it helped to open me up to some of the experience that I now have during meditation practice. Edit: Another reason for the correlation between my prior experience and current could easily just be samskaras / memories of the tripping, so perhaps I'm making something out of nothing.

I don't know why this touched me so much, and I'm probably adding to what actually happened but an interesting encounter / conversation happened to me this weekend. I was leaving a converence in D.C. for work and there was a cab going to the train station with someone in it already so the hotel staff asked me to take that cab since we're both going to the same place. Another businessman was in the car and he was from India. I have been studying Vedic / Vedantic teachings for a few years and have taken up those traditions as my path and want to visit Arunachala at some point in my life (this is where Sri Ramana Maharishi attained enlightenment in the first half of the 1900s). Anyhow, I mustered up the courage and began telling Ramesh, the other man in the cab, that I wanted to visit there. He didn't know the location so i told him a few nearby places and he was facinated that a westerner was interested in his spiritual traditions. Long story short, we got into a good conversation about what temples to go to, times of year, etc. When we left the cab it was as if we were both inspired by one another. I was impressed with how open he was to discuss details of his traditions with a total stranger. Likewise, he seemed almost shocked that a westerner (and one as white as me!) had such a keen interest. So why am I sharing this? I think the lesson is that there are more people 'out there' with similar goals in mind and are willing to talk about it if we bring it up. I don't think I will forget the sincere handshake and smile that inspired me to be more open as a westerner to others I see day to day that are from the east. That's my story and I'm sticking to it

The Ghost of Mr. Chicken? Yeah... that's as good as they get.

The reason that the lotus position is so powerful is that it 'forces' your spine to stay straight and is a very solid position meaning that it's easy to be still. I believe the goal of the postures are a straight spine while being able to be still without effort... if that makes sense.

I completely agree!! No one said that solitary practice was being half-hearted Is it less sincere and less vigorous of a practice to put in the effort on one's own accord rather than to depend on another? Why does one need someone else to tell them right from wrong? Of course you can learn that way and there are many benefits where have been outlined here but I don't know that this is the way for everyone. The heart of the question is the word "need" and I have drawn my personal conclusion that it is not a need but it may be a longer, more difficult, or confusing way to go about without the help of a teacher. To that point, I have scars on my body that have taught me those lessons and I cherish them much more deeply than if someone had told me and I put my faith in their words. From the spiritual side, I have made mistakes and I cherish them because they have taught me deep lessons as well. One last point, reading a book and gaining knowledge is very different then practicing a method learned within a book and experiencing firsthand that which cannot be described within the books pages. The same with discourses on youTube from some modern masters (e.g., Paramahamsa Nithyananda a second generation disciple of Sri Ramana Maharishi). Thank you all for the input! This has been very helpful to me at a minimum to explore deeply if the practice I am engaged in is 'enough' or if I am becoming attached to seeking, etc. etc. Raising questions has always aided me, thank you all again. Edit: fixed grammar.

I agree that most modern wicca is superficial however, with the right viewpoint and some experience with Truth, Tao, God, Life Force, etc. these techniques can be more than superficial. There are many paths that can lead to the goal - many more than just the few that you've mentioned. "Good" is subjective, some paths may be faster or more effective but there are as many types of people as there are paths - just need to find a right fit! Actually, this is why there are so many different Gods/Goddesses in some traditions such as Hinduism. Phore, to answer your question, that is a combination of two techniques. Chanting the name/mantra will quiet your other thoughts (as does any chanting). The twirling will help you locate your 'center'. As you twirl, you will find that you are in the center, everything else is spinning except for the very core of your being. I'm not sure of the origin of chanting but the twirling technique is found heavily in Sufism. All the best! -Nate

Thank you

I respectfully disagree! There is a lot of real Truth to be found on the internet. In fact, I believe this medium is one of the greatest gifts our creativity has provided us - the ability to communicate across the globe in less than a second. Why do you think this is a mistake? I agree if anyone follows anything haphazardly it is a waste of time. I mean why is it a mistake to get your information from a different source? I can read the Tao Te Ching from my laptop or a book but the words are the same. Isn't life a great teacher too? If I make a mistake, I realize it then correct it, learn, gain experience, and at the end of the day throw it ALL away, from it's source, and just BE. I think this is where my question came from - is it possible to live Enlightenment without the aid of a master? I think the answer is yes - look at all of the masters who've done it. With serious respect for what masters have accomplished at the end of the day we are no different than a master except they are awake, they are in the state of enlightenment. We're all the same bound within our fleshy cages, it's an illusion to think that you are less than a master or greater than a master. Anyhow, thank you all for the posts! -Nate

Ever try to explain a joke? Sort of loses the effect. But when everyone 'gets it' we all laugh spontaneously without needing to explain. Examining laughter and humor can lead to some insights in my opinion/experience =)

To each their own. Whatever path works for you

Out of curiosity, what age (ranges work for me ). 27 going on ... well something older than that... everyone thinks i'm 35 these days!

It's nice to see other people in the same areas too!

I agree! Everything and everyone benefits when one becomes enlightened. Being in that person's presence is enough to give others that 'glimpse' which can start the process in another. Everything else is 'extra'. Just my 2c =)

I'll try to keep this brief but fear is a tool for survival. Like other emotions, it serves it's purpose for proliferation. If we never have fear, we would not fight/flee in dangerous situations. That said, the type of fear you are describing is a bit different, it's something that you can free yourself from. I have also struggled with fear for most of my life, you are definitely not alone! It's a mind game. Your mind tells you "they think this or that about me" or "what if they think this or that?". We think that we KNOW what they are thinking but... who is doing the thinking? You are! So, the good news is your own mind is the cause of your fear which means that you can handle it, deal with it, etc. In my personal experience, very recently actually, I've used two ideas to help conquer fear. The first is that I've consciously stopped trying to 'guess' what people are thinking - even if their body language seems obvious. When I feel the old habits come up, I think "wait - I do not know what they are thinking, why bother about it? They can think what they want but that should only affect them". The second idea I use is to see them with love/compassion and equinimity. For example, when you see a beautiful woman thoughts may come up where you put yourself down in comparison. But, the truth is that you are equal at your core. You are both alive, manifested in different ways. If you see her as another person, another being, another life at her core then there is much more to her than appearance. I'm sure there are many other ways to work on fear but these are just a couple that I have used and have been working for me. When we approach people without fear, judgement, wondering what they're thinking, etc. we can be free from it. When we're free from that fear we shine and people are drawn to us without much effort. Best of luck, you have nothing to be afraid of... they're just thoughts, don't judge yourself so harshly! You can absolutely free yourself from this! -Nate

Funny! I was a HUGE offender of procrastination. Why? Hmm. I'd have to say out of habit. The thought of having to do some task that I don't want to leads me to push it off and do something I find more enjoyable. So then I end up with twice as much 'not so fun' stuff to get done. Then that is even more daunting than before, so there's even less motivation to want to do that compared to something I enjoy. This is a vicious cycle... until all of it catches up with you. One day it caught up with me big time and it has taken years to recover (financial issues). The ironic thing about procrastination is that it only comes back to haunt you. As we say in business - pay now or pay later!

Energy can also give you a certain 'something' about you that pulls all types of people in. Since I've started practicing meditation, cultivation, what have you - I've noticed that more people tend to be attracted to me (in a social way). As we cultivate, we radiate. When we radiate some people may wonder "wow, what is it about him/her that they're always in a great mood, smiling, helpful, such a good leader, etc. etc." In my opinion, I think living as an example is one of the best things we can do. Why light a room when you can light up everything/everyone you're around? A healthy balance of both solitude and social activities perhaps...

A couple quick points to add to all the other great posts. Forcing yourself to feel love all the time is very difficult indeed! It shouldn't be forced in my opinion. Can we force a flower to bloom in the spring? No, but we can create the right conditions. Similarly, we can create the right set of conditions with ourselves to receive divine love. Some of the practical advice given here is spot on (in my opinion) - specifically, once you realize who/what you really are, you will see the same in others, in all things, in complete equanimity. As far as loving someone that is about to murder you, you can love them and love yourself at the same time. In that example, you love yourself enough to flee or fight back to survive. You love the person doing it, but not their actions, motives, etc. If you find a path that resonates with you and stick to it, you will experience divine love. Stick with it! All the best, Nate

Thank you.

To be completely honest I'm more confused than ever and this happens from time to time.. just when I feel like things make sense I drop all of it and 'start over' because they're just thoughts on how things are based on other thoughts - a complete house of cards. I'm not sure what the objective is. The one that understands, is he just a ghost conjured by the process of imagination? All I know is that this body would not function with out Life, that I am not my mind, and that everything is a function of Life - the source I've given the label Tao. Hmm, looks like I have some 'soul searching' to do... thank you for the questions, they're helpful.

That made me smile. I work in the financial industry as a business analyst and manage projects... you sound like a senior executive in the making, maybe a CEO! If only it were that simple

It keeps the rain off doesn't it? Sometimes utility outweighs aesthetics. Besides, who is he going to impress in the woods? I don't think the insects and animals care if he's wearing a pancho

While I'm not a fan of the advertising or his approach, it has lead to some interesting discussions that may not have otherwise taken place about payment, trust, etc. I think he should have his freedom. No one is fanning the flames more than us who keep talking about it =)

I agree with Todd - my interpretation is the same (even before reading the response) that Ramana is referring to the I/self/ego. He's explaining to us it's nature and how to rid ourselves of this. I think the use of the word 'evil' is to distinguish that this 'self' is deceitful. This 'lie' is perhaps the biggest evil we can experience since it keeps us from Truth and the greatest 'good' is it's removal (even for a little while) which allows us to understand Truth. If he didn't add the color, it may have come across as just an explanation of the process of ego rather than an obstacle to understanding. Just my take =) Edit: reworded so it makes more sense.