'And Nothing as Ever happened' / Book Release

[Guest guest]

" … AND NOTHING HAS EVER HAPPENED " / PRESS RELEASE 3

 

 

" …And Nothing Has Ever Happened " is a book about you.

 

It comes from and points to the source of your true nature. The

understanding that it talks about is neither complex nor simple. It is

not something exclusively for an intellectual or spiritual elite, nor

is it remote or hidden in the future. It is your birthright and

innermost Self. It is closer than your breath. It is the real You.

This is your invitation to re-member what was never really forgotten.

A collection of talks given by Gurudev during two meditation retreats,

" And Nothing Has Ever Happened " looks at Self-realization from the

Advaita perspective. For those who are not familiar with Advaita, it

is an ancient Indian wisdom which says that very " I " that seeks to

know the Truth is itself a shadow, a reflection. In this system,

Self-realization has no promise other than to release you from your

belief in a separate self or ego. The dropping away of the illusion

simply reveals this as it is. The best known contemporary teachers in

this field are Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi. And it is

from one of Ramana's quotes that the title of this book is drawn.

The book answers many questions that confuse seekers. And this

illustrates the role that Gurudev fulfills for many Osho sannyasins

today, who do not find a living teacher to address their current

problems. As one who has himself walked the " arduous " path of

disciplehood, Gurudev answers the questions with not just hard-earned

wisdom, but also with patience and humour. An entire chapter is

dedicated to an unusual guided meditation technique using the clarity

of Advaita to guide the reader into the still and silent space. This

is a book to be enjoyed in slow, delicious sips – like a fine wine.

 

Again and again, Gurudev shows one how to inquire directly and

immediately for oneself – how to " see things as they are! " The book

contains many " sutras " which silence the mind and sink it into its

source. For example, at one point, Gurudev says, " Pay attention to

yourself. Just remain attentive. Attentive to nothing in particular –

simply remain attentive! A Buddha is one who is attentive. He is just

present. He is only Presence. And this Presence is a blessing. "

 

The book also contains much practical advice about dealing with

thoughts and emotions, which is a great help for seekers struggling to

bridge the chasm between the mundane and the ultimate. Some hilarious

moments ensue as Gurudev teases one vegetarian seeker to eat chicken.

At another point, Gurudev pokes fun at his own English, when he is

confused whether one " eats " or " drinks " soup! All through the book,

there is a constant stream of laughter, thanks to Gurudev's laughter

mantra of " Ho Jaaye! "

 

Besides Gurudev's talks, the book also contains articles and diary

pages of disciples who were present at the meditation camps where

these talks were given. These articles show the impact of these words

and also the context in which they were spoken. They also provide

valuable insight into the utterly normal day-to-day functioning of an

Advaita master.

 

A disciple of Osho since 1969, Gurudev is not much of a public figure,

preferring to work intensely on small group. He keeps himself aloof

from public life, endorsing Nisargadatta Maharaj's words that " the

greatest help that can be given to anyone is to take them beyond the

need for further help. " Rather than doing the rounds of social

service, he focuses entirely on awakening sincere seekers to their

true nature. His meditation retreats, held in different parts of India

once or twice a year, are publicized mostly by word of mouth.

 

Today, his meditation camps are booked months in advance. And the book

clearly shows you why. It speaks with compassion, humour and patience.

One can sense the passion and urgency within Gurudev from his words. A

compassionate urgency that urges you again and again:

 

" Trust me. Take my word for it, and it can happen right NOW! "

 

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