Replies to Dennis, Venkat and whomever it may concern...

[Guest guest]

Namaste Sri Dennis,

 

You said:

>I suspect you may be right though one would certainly

>have thought that there ought to be something along the

>lines of what you suggest. If there really isn't, though,

>why not start a new one? I'm sure quite a few members of

>this group would be willing to join. It is obviously reasonable

>that an 'Advaitin' group must concentrate its main

>investigations into Advaita and I think you must admit that

>this one is exceptionally well run, balancing tolerance of

>ideas with intolerance of abuse whilst trying to maintain the

>general direction. But I agree there is a place for a less

>parochial group that admits other 'similar' ideas from whatever

>source. Do it and advertise its existence on some of the larger

>unsuitable ones! (But don't leave this one, I'm sure that most

>would miss your frequent interesting and enthusiastic contributions.)

 

 

Thank you for this. I have not left the group; I am only taking a

'hiatus' while I reflect on how best to participate. I feel that I

have been talking too much. Ramana and other sages stress the

importance of a quiet reflective sadhana. That is where the Truth

lies, not in any number of words. I feel I have been getting away

from that, as I got caught up in the delight of expressing my ideas

and feelings.

 

(And it was a surprise to discover how enjoyable that can be. I do

recommend the practice of writing to members of the list. It has

many intellectual and spiritual benefits, though perhaps most of it

should be tucked away in a corner of your computer! Or shown only to

your loved ones...)

 

Anyhow, your suggestion is exciting. But I don't want to commit

unless I feel that I have the time and dedication. Participating in

the Advaitin list has been extraordinarily time consuming for me,

though a wonderful and enriching experience. (Another good reason to

send fewer posts in, as I try to replace quantity with quality.)

 

Finally, if I were running a list, I would throw Hindu/Buddhist

tolerance to the winds and block all trivial, frivolous,

disrespectful or unkind posts. The list might end up being a list of

one. If you look at the database, you will see that most of

the groups slowly die ... a good test of the owner's ego no doubt!

 

 

 

And Namaste Sri Venkat!

 

I think you are quite right that my discussion of Mahayana Buddhism

showed the beautiful spiritual and conceptual affinity to Advaita.

It was not mere speculation! Those who have a taste for the 'big

sky' consciousness will have appreciated this, and those who are more

comfortable and secure in familiar parochial surroundings have their

own insight into the truth. I have made my point on this subject. I

just wish more people (other than yourself) had appreciated the

quotations from actual scriptures showing the striking similarity,

with only a minor and plausible shift in terminology.

 

For the last time: Why do I care so much? Because the truth must be

ONE for it to be truth at all. And emptiness is indeed only another

word for Pure Consciousness ... empty of impurities! So much

nonsense has been written about Buddhist atheism and nihilism. At

worst, it rejects Ishwara and jumps straight into Advaitin

consciousness.

 

Regarding the 'experiential' approach to spirituality, I meant that

ALL of the Indo-Asian religions tend towards this, as apposed to the

more dogmatic religions from the Mideast. Even so 'intellectual' an

approach as Advaita is ultimately a matter of meditation, e.g.

Ramana's inquiry into 'Who am I?' A religion not based on meditation

is meaningless to me. It's too bad that the Pope has recently warned

Catholics against the seduction of Eastern religions and yoga

techniques. This makes me so sad, as meditation has been invaluable

for my own peace and happiness.

 

By the way, I have no problem with Sri Concordance909! We have

continued our discussions offline, and he is most stimulating to talk

to. If he would agree to co-moderate a more philosophical and

free-wheeling version of this list, I might just take up Dennis'

suggestion.

 

It is with heartfelt appreciation that I read about your enthusiasm

for my messages. But as I said above, I am reassessing my sadhana

and wondering if I should not take a more quiet and reflective

approach. Before joining this list, I would often read a large

variety of scriptures, savoring a few paragraphs at a time, and then

letting my mind relax into a meditative state. This produced

insights and inspiration which I have somewhat missed since becoming

so engrossed in this list.

 

Finally, regarding Sadanadaji's lectures. By now, you know that they

are coming out in tape and I urge you to purchase them. I might

write up a personal account if the spirit moves me, but I cannot do

so unless this happens!

 

Let me extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who, on this list and

through email, have expressed their warm appreciation for my efforts.

Mostly I wanted to 'reach out and touch someone', as a silly

advertisement in America likes to say! It seems that this happened,

and it was a wonderful experience.

 

Om!

Benjamin