Attn Richard: discarding sheaths

[Guest guest]

Dear Richard et al:

These chelas just don't get it. It is a matter of faithful imagination. "As you

imagine it so it happens" a quote from the sage Nisargadatta. The process of

discrimination as Nome is directing you to address is a facet of faithful

imagination.

 

If I repeated 'there is no Self', with full faith and concentration, I would

probably realize the Self quicker than the dilettantes that fake Self Enquiry.

That must be true if in fact there is a Self. Right?

 

If I worship the picture of Bhagavan with full faith and devotion; the Self

will assuredly be realized. Of course you must be willing to cut off your thumb

if Bhagavan appears and asks you to do that.

 

Here is a snip from Maha Yoga by Aiyer

 

Sometimes in the case of a few earnest aspirants some great souls suggest any

emblem as a photo or a figure of their chosen Guru and start the practice as

mentioned in their teachings with great faith and devotion.

The story of Ekalavya, the hunter, is cited as an instance.

 

When Dronacharya, the archery Guru of Arjuna declined to take Ekalavya as his

disciple and teach him archery, Ekalavya instead of being discouraged made a

figure of Dronacharya in the forest near his abode, worshipped the figure with

great devotion as if it was the real embodiment of this Guru, and started

practicing archery in front of it and became and expert and an equal of Arjuna

in archery.

 

Once when Arjuna with Dronacharya, with Arjuna's dog preceding them, was passing

through the forest where Ekalavya was practicing, Ekalavya aimed an arrow at the

dog which, piercing through the face of the dog, got stuck up in its hind parts.

The dog being hit ran towards its master who, seeing the dog in that condition,

asked his master, "You taught me this kind of archery and said you had taught

this to none else. Here we see someone else also and adept." Dronacharya said,

"Let us proceed and see who this is."

 

When they came upon Ekalavya he fell prostrate before his Guru in bodily form

with great trepidation. When Dronachary asked him who taught him archery, he

pointed to the figure and said, 'Yourself". As the master was nonplussed and

finding a rival to Arjuna asked Ekalavya " Where is the Guru dakshina

(offering)?" Ekalavya replied that he was prepared to give whatever was

demanded. Dronacharya then demanded of him his right thumb and Ekalavya without

the least hesitation drew his hunting knife, severed his right thumb and offered

it to his Guru with great humility.

 

Alton:

So dear Richard if what Gabriele, Rob and others are presenting to you about

discrimination is eroding your full faith in your Guru Nome, then may I suggest

you look for another Guru and practice.

 

Love In Nome,

Alton