Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 I would like to ask members of this group about practice: Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? What does this consist of? Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is the 'aim' or 'direction' of this practice? Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? Are there changes in your approach that might be called for? My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us here. I will respond to these questions after others have had a chance to. Om Arunachala, Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > What does this consist of? Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > the 'aim' > or 'direction' of this practice? To know the false inside and out. > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless it's in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with another thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " works, processing that data is a mind game. > Are there > changes in your approach that might be called for? None I can see... > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us > here. Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of bed? Or even moment to moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: Dear Richard: It is an interesting question of yours, since it makes oneself to expose something I would define " private " in the beginning, but in second thoughts, there is no one there to claim that privacy except the Ego itself! So, let's go for it. I remember studying music in my teens and my teacher telling me that I should always play, no matter at what level I was, " from the music itself " , meaning with musicality and beauty, and even when playing the octaves up and down (that seem very boring), one can connect and play them " from the music " ..., that of course changes the whole approach, and boring exercises became melodies! In this case, if one always play from the music, it won't matter if you are a beginner or an accomplished professional, you'll be sure to be on the right track. How to connect this analogy to our so-called " spiritual practice " ? I will start from your third question. 3) " Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is the 'aim' or 'direction' of this practice? " The " aim " and " direction " of the practice is the process itself! It may sound as a paradox, but the practice needs to be done " from " the goal itself, in other words, to BE the practice IS the GOAL. 1) " Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? " For " me " , yes, and this practice functions at two levels, at the gross level it consists in many daily " actions " like listening to Veda chanting, chanting myself Bhagavan's Parayana, being grateful in many ways during the day, offering to others certain things, Silence at certain hours of the day in a quiet place, reading Bhagavan's teachings, thinking about them and also studying some basic traditional Advaita Vedanta. At a subtler level is meditating on the understandings that came from reading and thinking on Bhagavan's teachings and trying to implement that understanding in " my " physical and psychological life. BUT, the whole thing that wraps everything at every time (and here we come back to the " musicality " example) is Self-Inquiry/Atma-Vichara. Even those levels of practice NEED to be inquired on! Then the circle closes in itself and the " practice " dissolves... without necessarily stop practicing... 2) " What does this consist of " ? As from " my " point of view, this means that any thought, action, state of mind, emotion and you-name-it, should be followed to its root... where does it originates from? and then, being there... And if forgotten (pramada) coming back to inquire without guilt and rush, after all, who forgot? 4) " Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? Are there changes in your approach that might be called for? " Well, I would say that when it works, it works. And when it doesn't, it does also. Because if we come back to the understanding that everything springs out FROM the Self, there should be no problem. Problems start when we BELIEVE that we are not making progress. At the same time, every part of the practice, at least for myself, is always changing, and it must, since practice is like the melodious and ever changing raga being played on top of the shruti (usually played by a tamboura) that doesn't change. I see Atma-Vichara as that Shruti and any practice as the melody, BOTH are the Whole Experience... 5) " My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us here. " I agree with you, and thanks to give " me/us " the opportunity to make this enquiry about our practice in written form. Wishing you all the best, Yours in Bhagavan, Mouna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Dear Mouna, Thanks for responding. I will comment some in a while. I still want more to respond. This can be good to look at within ourselves. Sharing this is a way that maybe we can support one another's practice. What is not important is another's approach to practice. What is vital is our own approach. One quick comment - Sravana, Manana and Nididhyasana are ancient approaches to practice, and it seems that you 'naturally' take this approach: Listening (or reading)to the teaching. Reflection upon what has been heard (or read) Deep meditation (to see how this is true within yourself) Om Arunachala, Richard , " upadesa " <maunna wrote: > > " Richard Clarke " <richard@> wrote: > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > Dear Richard: > > It is an interesting question of yours, since it makes oneself to > expose something I would define " private " in the beginning, but in > second thoughts, there is no one there to claim that privacy except > the Ego itself! So, let's go for it. > > I remember studying music in my teens and my teacher telling me that I > should always play, no matter at what level I was, " from the music > itself " , meaning with musicality and beauty, and even when playing the > octaves up and down (that seem very boring), one can connect and play > them " from the music " ..., that of course changes the whole approach, > and boring exercises became melodies! In this case, if one always play > from the music, it won't matter if you are a beginner or an > accomplished professional, you'll be sure to be on the right track. > > How to connect this analogy to our so-called " spiritual practice " ? > > I will start from your third question. > 3) " Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is the > 'aim' or 'direction' of this practice? " > The " aim " and " direction " of the practice is the process itself! > It may sound as a paradox, but the practice needs to be done " from " > the goal itself, in other words, to BE the practice IS the GOAL. > > > 1) " Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? " > For " me " , yes, and this practice functions at two levels, at the > gross level it consists in many daily " actions " like listening to Veda > chanting, chanting myself Bhagavan's Parayana, being grateful in many > ways during the day, offering to others certain things, Silence at > certain hours of the day in a quiet place, reading Bhagavan's > teachings, thinking about them and also studying some basic > traditional Advaita Vedanta. > At a subtler level is meditating on the understandings that > came from reading and thinking on Bhagavan's teachings and trying to > implement that understanding in " my " physical and psychological life. > BUT, the whole thing that wraps everything at every time (and > here we come back to the " musicality " example) is > Self-Inquiry/Atma-Vichara. Even those levels of practice NEED to be > inquired on! Then the circle closes in itself and the " practice " > dissolves... without necessarily stop practicing... > > > 2) " What does this consist of " ? > As from " my " point of view, this means that any thought, > action, state of mind, emotion and you-name-it, should be followed to > its root... where does it originates from? and then, being there... > And if forgotten (pramada) coming back to inquire without guilt and > rush, after all, who forgot? > > > 4) " Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? Are > there changes in your approach that might be called for? " > Well, I would say that when it works, it works. And when it > doesn't, it does also. Because if we come back to the understanding > that everything springs out FROM the Self, there should be no problem. > Problems start when we BELIEVE that we are not making progress. At the > same time, every part of the practice, at least for myself, is always > changing, and it must, since practice is like the melodious and ever > changing raga being played on top of the shruti (usually played by a > tamboura) that doesn't change. I see Atma-Vichara as that Shruti and > any practice as the melody, BOTH are the Whole Experience... > > 5) " My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us here. " > I agree with you, and thanks to give " me/us " the opportunity to > make this enquiry about our practice in written form. > > > Wishing you all the best, > > Yours in Bhagavan, > Mouna > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Richard and friends, To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is something fixed or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be criticly examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of Ramana's Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then one responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment to moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a continuous meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and Diving Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the right emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two satsangs a month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have made close friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh insights from fellow devotees. All love, in His Grace, Alan --- " Tim G. " <fewtch wrote: > , " Richard Clarke " <richard > wrote: > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > What does this consist of? > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > > the 'aim' > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > To know the false inside and out. > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless it's > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with another > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " works, > processing that data is a mind game. > > > Are there > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > None I can see... > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us > > here. > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of bed? > Or even moment to moment. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 , Alan Jacobs <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is something fixed > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be criticly > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of Ramana's > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then one > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment to > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a continuous > meditation. Well said, Alan - I agree completely. Sometimes practice doesn't even look like practice, as the preconditions for 'awakening' may present themselves and we may be unaware of it - perhaps all we notice is that what was confusing or cloudy to us begins to look crystal clear. That's essentially what happened to me in January - I wasn't doing any conscious sadhana, but I found the mind on these topics again and it felt so easy and free - like confusion had gone, not like I'd learned anything new. It was during a period where I wasn't paying much attention to the body (aside from showering ;-), I was alone most of the time and not uttering the words " me " or " you " even for several days at a time. > This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and Diving > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the > right emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help. We have > two satsangs a month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and > we have made close > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh > insights > from fellow devotees. > > All love, > > in His Grace, > > Alan Thanks Alan, for the information about satsangh in London - wish I flew more often, I always enjoy the company of good people. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Tim, Agreement once again. It would be great if you are ever in London, or anyone else from the thousand in the Group would visit our Satsang, they would be made most welcome. Full details are on our website Ramana maharshi Foundation UK (see google). All love, Alan --- " Tim G. " <fewtch wrote: > , Alan Jacobs > <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > > > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is > something fixed > > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be > criticly > > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of > Ramana's > > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then one > > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment to > > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a continuous > > meditation. > > Well said, Alan - I agree completely. Sometimes practice doesn't > even look like practice, as the preconditions for 'awakening' may > present themselves and we may be unaware of it - perhaps all we > notice is that what was confusing or cloudy to us begins to look > crystal clear. > > That's essentially what happened to me in January - I wasn't doing > any conscious sadhana, but I found the mind on these topics again and > it felt so easy and free - like confusion had gone, not like I'd > learned anything new. It was during a period where I wasn't paying > much attention to the body (aside from showering ;-), I was alone > most of the time and not uttering the words " me " or " you " even for > several days at a time. > > > This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and Diving > > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the > > right emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help. We have > > two satsangs a month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and > > we have made close > > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh > > insights > > from fellow devotees. > > > > All love, > > > > in His Grace, > > > > Alan > > Thanks Alan, for the information about satsangh in London - wish I > flew more often, I always enjoy the company of good people. > > Tim > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Alan, Asking about practice does not imply anything that is fixed or rigid. That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I am not sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is whether one is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. At one simple level it seems like a choice to either look within (atma vichara) or to look in the world (loca vichara). Some talk about this, but do not actually do it. Some read about it but do not do it. Some do not read about it but do it. Some read and listen to the teaching and orient themselves to it as deeply as they are able. Some neither talk nor seek. At one level, one hears that all activities are a search for happiness. Spiritually really begins, it is said, when the seeker understanding that lasting happiness is not to be found in loca vichara, but rather within. So perhaps the questions is 'How do you orient yourself to Self-realization? " and 'If it is important to you, how does this manifest' If the approach is rigid, then it is mental, cognitive. There is nothing rigid about the Self. If the approach is not dissolving the ego, then perhaps it needs to be examined and modified. Mental understanding of Ramana's teaching will not bring this. finding out the truth of them within yourself, and the resulting Self-Knowledge will. Om Arunachala, Richard , Alan Jacobs <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is something fixed > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be criticly > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of Ramana's > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then one > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment to > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a continuous > meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and Diving > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the right > emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two satsangs a > month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have made close > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh insights > from fellow devotees. > > All love, > > in His Grace, > > Alan > > > --- " Tim G. " <fewtch wrote: > > > , " Richard Clarke " <richard@> > > wrote: > > > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > > > What does this consist of? > > > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > > > the 'aim' > > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > > > To know the false inside and out. > > > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless it's > > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with another > > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " works, > > processing that data is a mind game. > > > > > Are there > > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > > > None I can see... > > > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us > > > here. > > > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of bed? > > Or even moment to moment. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Richard, I generaly agree with the content of your letter. My point about it appearing to be 'fixed' was prompted by your phrase 'revising your practice'. This implied something fixed in order to be the subject of revision. However I'm in agreement with your general observations on spiritual practice. Of course spiritual practice must be aimed to diminish egotism- otherwise it becomes a travesty and a trap, like those who boast they can sit for several hours in meditation. Best wishes and kind regards, Alan --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > Dear Alan, > > Asking about practice does not imply anything that is fixed or rigid. > > That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I am not > sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is whether one > is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. > > At one simple level it seems like a choice to either look within (atma > vichara) or to look in the world (loca vichara). > > Some talk about this, but do not actually do it. Some read about it > but do not do it. Some do not read about it but do it. Some read and > listen to the teaching and orient themselves to it as deeply as they > are able. Some neither talk nor seek. > > At one level, one hears that all activities are a search for > happiness. Spiritually really begins, it is said, when the seeker > understanding that lasting happiness is not to be found in loca > vichara, but rather within. > > So perhaps the questions is 'How do you orient yourself to > Self-realization? " and 'If it is important to you, how does this > manifest' > > If the approach is rigid, then it is mental, cognitive. There is > nothing rigid about the Self. > > If the approach is not dissolving the ego, then perhaps it needs to be > examined and modified. > > Mental understanding of Ramana's teaching will not bring this. finding > out the truth of them within yourself, and the resulting > Self-Knowledge will. > > Om Arunachala, > Richard > > , Alan Jacobs > <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > > > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is something > fixed > > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be > criticly > > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of > Ramana's > > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then one > > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment to > > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a continuous > > meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and Diving > > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the > right > > emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two satsangs > a > > month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have made close > > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh > insights > > from fellow devotees. > > > > All love, > > > > in His Grace, > > > > Alan > > > > > > --- " Tim G. " <fewtch wrote: > > > > > , " Richard Clarke " <richard@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > > > > > What does this consist of? > > > > > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > > > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > > > > the 'aim' > > > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > > > > > To know the false inside and out. > > > > > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > > > > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless it's > > > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with > another > > > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " works, > > > > processing that data is a mind game. > > > > > > > Are there > > > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > > > > > None I can see... > > > > > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > > > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us > > > > here. > > > > > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of bed? > > > Or even moment to moment. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > What does matter I think is whether one > is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. Dear All: This is the most essential and hardest thing in every so-called " spiritual practice " . And it's called Discrimination. Because ego likes " ritualistic " approaches as well as " in the moment " approaches, satasangas kind " all together now " as well as " mystic solitude " , and why is that? because ego, from one point of view is the sense of DOERSHIP, regardless of the action or the situation performed by the body-mind. Meaning, I am DOING ... (fill the blanks). One thing ego can't stand is investigation, and that is why is good to pass our so-called practice (in whichever form it is presenting itself) through the threadmill of Self-Inquiry. As Tim said before, why not do it day by day, or even moment to moment, or it also can be done after some period of time when we feel that something is " not working " ... Yours in Bhagavan, Mouna .... Here is a good example of " practice " ... followed very " methodically " . I suppose everybody will guess who wrote it: " When I met my Guru, he told me: " You are not what you take yourself to be. Find out what you are. Watch the sense 'I am', find your real Self. " I obeyed him, because I trusted him. I did as he told me. All my spare time I would spend looking at myself in silence. And what a difference it made, and how soon! My teacher told me to hold on to the sense 'I am' tenaciously and not to swerve from it even for a moment. I did my best to follow his advice and in a comparatively short time I realized within myself the truth of his teaching. All I did was to remember his teaching, his face, his words constantly. This brought an end to the mind; in the stillness of the mind I saw myself as I am -- unbound. I simply followed (my teacher's) instruction which was to focus the mind on pure being 'I am', and stay in it. I used to sit for hours together, with nothing but the 'I am' in my mind and soon peace and joy and a deep all-embracing love became my normal state. In it all disappeared -- myself, my Guru, the life I lived, the world around me. Only peace remained and unfathomable silence. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Alan, I did not think we had any disagreement here. Are you going to travel to Tiruvannamalai again? Om Arunachala, Richard , Alan Jacobs <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > Dear Richard, > > I generaly agree with the content of your letter. My point about it > appearing to be 'fixed' was prompted by your phrase 'revising your > practice'. This implied something fixed in order to be the subject of > revision. However I'm in agreement with your general observations on > spiritual practice. Of course spiritual practice must be aimed to diminish > egotism- otherwise it becomes a travesty and a trap, like those who boast > they can sit for several hours in meditation. > > Best wishes and kind regards, > > Alan > > > --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > > > Dear Alan, > > > > Asking about practice does not imply anything that is fixed or rigid. > > > > That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I am not > > sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is whether one > > is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. > > > > At one simple level it seems like a choice to either look within (atma > > vichara) or to look in the world (loca vichara). > > > > Some talk about this, but do not actually do it. Some read about it > > but do not do it. Some do not read about it but do it. Some read and > > listen to the teaching and orient themselves to it as deeply as they > > are able. Some neither talk nor seek. > > > > At one level, one hears that all activities are a search for > > happiness. Spiritually really begins, it is said, when the seeker > > understanding that lasting happiness is not to be found in loca > > vichara, but rather within. > > > > So perhaps the questions is 'How do you orient yourself to > > Self-realization? " and 'If it is important to you, how does this > > manifest' > > > > If the approach is rigid, then it is mental, cognitive. There is > > nothing rigid about the Self. > > > > If the approach is not dissolving the ego, then perhaps it needs to be > > examined and modified. > > > > Mental understanding of Ramana's teaching will not bring this. finding > > out the truth of them within yourself, and the resulting > > Self-Knowledge will. > > > > Om Arunachala, > > Richard > > > > , Alan Jacobs > > <alanadamsjacobs@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > > > > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is something > > fixed > > > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be > > criticly > > > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of > > Ramana's > > > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then one > > > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment to > > > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a continuous > > > meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and Diving > > > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > > > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the > > right > > > emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two satsangs > > a > > > month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have made close > > > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > > > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh > > insights > > > from fellow devotees. > > > > > > All love, > > > > > > in His Grace, > > > > > > Alan > > > > > > > > > --- " Tim G. " <fewtch@> wrote: > > > > > > > , " Richard Clarke " <richard@> > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > > > > > > > What does this consist of? > > > > > > > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > > > > > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > > > > > the 'aim' > > > > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > > > > > > > To know the false inside and out. > > > > > > > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > > > > > > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless it's > > > > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with > > another > > > > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " works, > > > > > > processing that data is a mind game. > > > > > > > > > Are there > > > > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > > > > > > > None I can see... > > > > > > > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > > > > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us > > > > > here. > > > > > > > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of bed? > > > > Or even moment to moment. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Mouna and all trying to " get rid " of EGO is of course the most difficult task. And it is absolute necessary to be always in every instant on guard to find out if Ego is in command or " I-I " . And thats why this has to be done nearly always... tku for your contribution.... in Ramana michael Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.7/1409 - Release 01/05/2008 8.39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Dear Richard, You are quite right , there was no disagreement. Yes I will be in Tiru the whole of November. I hope we can meet. All best wishes, Alan --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > Dear Alan, > > I did not think we had any disagreement here. > > Are you going to travel to Tiruvannamalai again? > > Om Arunachala, > Richard > > , Alan Jacobs > <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > > > Dear Richard, > > > > I generaly agree with the content of your letter. My point about it > > appearing to be 'fixed' was prompted by your phrase 'revising your > > practice'. This implied something fixed in order to be the subject of > > revision. However I'm in agreement with your general observations on > > spiritual practice. Of course spiritual practice must be aimed to > diminish > > egotism- otherwise it becomes a travesty and a trap, like those who > boast > > they can sit for several hours in meditation. > > > > Best wishes and kind regards, > > > > Alan > > > > > > --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > > > > > Dear Alan, > > > > > > Asking about practice does not imply anything that is fixed or > rigid. > > > > > > That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I am > not > > > sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is whether > one > > > is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. > > > > > > At one simple level it seems like a choice to either look within > (atma > > > vichara) or to look in the world (loca vichara). > > > > > > Some talk about this, but do not actually do it. Some read about it > > > but do not do it. Some do not read about it but do it. Some read and > > > listen to the teaching and orient themselves to it as deeply as they > > > are able. Some neither talk nor seek. > > > > > > At one level, one hears that all activities are a search for > > > happiness. Spiritually really begins, it is said, when the seeker > > > understanding that lasting happiness is not to be found in loca > > > vichara, but rather within. > > > > > > So perhaps the questions is 'How do you orient yourself to > > > Self-realization? " and 'If it is important to you, how does this > > > manifest' > > > > > > If the approach is rigid, then it is mental, cognitive. There is > > > nothing rigid about the Self. > > > > > > If the approach is not dissolving the ego, then perhaps it needs to > be > > > examined and modified. > > > > > > Mental understanding of Ramana's teaching will not bring this. > finding > > > out the truth of them within yourself, and the resulting > > > Self-Knowledge will. > > > > > > Om Arunachala, > > > Richard > > > > > > , Alan Jacobs > > > <alanadamsjacobs@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > > > > > > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is > something > > > fixed > > > > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be > > > criticly > > > > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of > > > Ramana's > > > > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then > one > > > > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment > to > > > > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a > continuous > > > > meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and > Diving > > > > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > > > > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the > > > right > > > > emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two > satsangs > > > a > > > > month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have made > close > > > > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > > > > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh > > > insights > > > > from fellow devotees. > > > > > > > > All love, > > > > > > > > in His Grace, > > > > > > > > Alan > > > > > > > > > > > > --- " Tim G. " <fewtch@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > , " Richard Clarke " > <richard@> > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > > > > > > > > > What does this consist of? > > > > > > > > > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > > > > > > > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > > > > > > the 'aim' > > > > > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > > > > > > > > > To know the false inside and out. > > > > > > > > > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > > > > > > > > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless > it's > > > > > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with > > > another > > > > > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " > works, > > > > > > > > processing that data is a mind game. > > > > > > > > > > > Are there > > > > > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > > > > > > > > > None I can see... > > > > > > > > > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically > examine ones > > > > > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to > us > > > > > > here. > > > > > > > > > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of > bed? > > > > > Or even moment to moment. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 For those who didn't guess who wrote this. .... When I met my Guru, he told me: " You are not what you take yourself to be. Find out what you are. Watch the sense 'I am', find your real Self. " I obeyed him, because I trusted him. I did as he told me. All my spare time I would spend looking at myself in silence. And what a difference it made, and how soon! My teacher told me to hold on to the sense 'I am' tenaciously and not to swerve from it even for a moment. I did my best to follow his advice and in a comparatively short time I realized within myself the truth of his teaching. All I did was to remember his teaching, his face, his words constantly. This brought an end to the mind; in the stillness of the mind I saw myself as I am -- unbound. I simply followed (my teacher's) instruction which was to focus the mind on pure being 'I am', and stay in it. I used to sit for hours together, with nothing but the 'I am' in my mind and soon peace and joy and a deep all-embracing love became my normal state. In it all disappeared -- myself, my Guru, the life I lived, the world around me. Only peace remained and unfathomable silence. Nisargadatta Maharaj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 tku so much for your info " of course " ramana maharshi was t h e teacher but it did not know this sequence as i did not read much about others for me it was enough to have " met " Sri Ramana in His Grace michael - upadesa Thursday, May 01, 2008 7:02 PM Re: Spiritual practice For those who didn't guess who wrote this. ... When I met my Guru, he told me: " You are not what you take yourself to be. Find out what you are. Watch the sense 'I am', find your real Self. " I obeyed him, because I trusted him. I did as he told me. All my spare time I would spend looking at myself in silence. And what a difference it made, and how soon! My teacher told me to hold on to the sense 'I am' tenaciously and not to swerve from it even for a moment. I did my best to follow his advice and in a comparatively short time I realized within myself the truth of his teaching. All I did was to remember his teaching, his face, his words constantly. This brought an end to the mind; in the stillness of the mind I saw myself as I am -- unbound. I simply followed (my teacher's) instruction which was to focus the mind on pure being 'I am', and stay in it. I used to sit for hours together, with nothing but the 'I am' in my mind and soon peace and joy and a deep all-embracing love became my normal state. In it all disappeared -- myself, my Guru, the life I lived, the world around me. Only peace remained and unfathomable silence. Nisargadatta Maharaj Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.7/1409 - Release 01/05/2008 8.39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Hi Richard, Please allow me to reply to a selected part of your post, if that's OK... , " Richard Clarke " <richard wrote: > > That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I am > not sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is > whether one is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. I think when we're either 'building ego' or 'dissolving ego', our attention is on the ego. Therefore, we are asserting the ego. For the same reason, I don't believe repeating " there is no me " and such is productive practice. We need to essentially abandon the ego, lose interest in it. When we do this, our attention diverts to the Self. If we think of ourselves, for a moment we see the Self - then thought rushes in, carrying thoughts of the me, details such as name, dates, places etc. - and we lose the Self. Activities that involve ego (even some of the more egoic casual communication) can be curtailed. Work achievements can be cut back, we can watch less news, read the paper less, we can spend time " just BE-ing " , time out in nature, in Silence. I see " Who am I? " as a tool to turn attention within - it isn't really a question, it's a sadhana. We turn within, and our questions are answered by no longer spinning out conceptual questions that require conceptual answers. All merges in Silence. Peace, Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 , " Michael Bindel " <michael.bindel wrote: > > tku so much for your info > " of course " ramana maharshi was t h e teacher but it did not know this sequence as i did not read much about others for me it was enough to have " met " Sri Ramana > > in His Grace > > michael You're a lucky fellow, Michael - the look in Sri Ramana's eyes reminds me always that the Self is affectionate, impersonal Being - gentle, kind and wise. We need to let go whatever " isn't " in Sri Ramana's eyes. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Dear Alan, I am looking forward to your trip. Write before the trip and I will give you my address and phone number, etc. {erhaps I can show you some of the lesser known jewels of Arunachala, like Papaji's cave. Om Arunachala, Richard , Alan Jacobs <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > Dear Richard, > > You are quite right , there was no disagreement. Yes I will be in Tiru the > whole of November. I hope we can meet. > > All best wishes, > > Alan > > > --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > > > Dear Alan, > > > > I did not think we had any disagreement here. > > > > Are you going to travel to Tiruvannamalai again? > > > > Om Arunachala, > > Richard > > > > , Alan Jacobs > > <alanadamsjacobs@> wrote: > > > > > > Dear Richard, > > > > > > I generaly agree with the content of your letter. My point about it > > > appearing to be 'fixed' was prompted by your phrase 'revising your > > > practice'. This implied something fixed in order to be the subject of > > > revision. However I'm in agreement with your general observations on > > > spiritual practice. Of course spiritual practice must be aimed to > > diminish > > > egotism- otherwise it becomes a travesty and a trap, like those who > > boast > > > they can sit for several hours in meditation. > > > > > > Best wishes and kind regards, > > > > > > Alan > > > > > > > > > --- Richard Clarke <richard@> wrote: > > > > > > > Dear Alan, > > > > > > > > Asking about practice does not imply anything that is fixed or > > rigid. > > > > > > > > That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I am > > not > > > > sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is whether > > one > > > > is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. > > > > > > > > At one simple level it seems like a choice to either look within > > (atma > > > > vichara) or to look in the world (loca vichara). > > > > > > > > Some talk about this, but do not actually do it. Some read about it > > > > but do not do it. Some do not read about it but do it. Some read and > > > > listen to the teaching and orient themselves to it as deeply as they > > > > are able. Some neither talk nor seek. > > > > > > > > At one level, one hears that all activities are a search for > > > > happiness. Spiritually really begins, it is said, when the seeker > > > > understanding that lasting happiness is not to be found in loca > > > > vichara, but rather within. > > > > > > > > So perhaps the questions is 'How do you orient yourself to > > > > Self-realization? " and 'If it is important to you, how does this > > > > manifest' > > > > > > > > If the approach is rigid, then it is mental, cognitive. There is > > > > nothing rigid about the Self. > > > > > > > > If the approach is not dissolving the ego, then perhaps it needs to > > be > > > > examined and modified. > > > > > > > > Mental understanding of Ramana's teaching will not bring this. > > finding > > > > out the truth of them within yourself, and the resulting > > > > Self-Knowledge will. > > > > > > > > Om Arunachala, > > > > Richard > > > > > > > > , Alan Jacobs > > > > <alanadamsjacobs@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > > > > > > > > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is > > something > > > > fixed > > > > > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to be > > > > criticly > > > > > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of > > > > Ramana's > > > > > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, then > > one > > > > > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , moment > > to > > > > > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a > > continuous > > > > > meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and > > Diving > > > > > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita classics he > > > > > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being in the > > > > right > > > > > emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two > > satsangs > > > > a > > > > > month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have made > > close > > > > > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity in dear > > > > > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and fresh > > > > insights > > > > > from fellow devotees. > > > > > > > > > > All love, > > > > > > > > > > in His Grace, > > > > > > > > > > Alan > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- " Tim G. " <fewtch@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > , " Richard Clarke " > > <richard@> > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What does this consist of? > > > > > > > > > > > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is > > > > > > > the 'aim' > > > > > > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > > > > > > > > > > > To know the false inside and out. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > > > > > > > > > > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, unless > > it's > > > > > > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn with > > > > another > > > > > > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, now " > > works, > > > > > > > > > > processing that data is a mind game. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Are there > > > > > > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > > > > > > > > > > > None I can see... > > > > > > > > > > > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically > > examine ones > > > > > > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to > > us > > > > > > > here. > > > > > > > > > > > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out of > > bed? > > > > > > Or even moment to moment. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Dear Richard, I do not think of myself as having a 'spiritual practice' in the same way that I once did. For about 20 years I practiced meditation daily. After a kundalini opening 16 years ago, I had to stop the formal practice because any meditation practice caused the kundalini to burn too high. Since then I guess I could say that the kundalini energy itself guides the practice--this process is the moving river in which the smaller self or ego still exists but is being swept clear, it would seem. 'My' job in this practice is to be attentive, open, aware, and surrendered to it. That is what works. It took me a very long time to learn anything at all about surrender. Jill On Apr 29, 2008, at 8:33 PM, Richard Clarke wrote: > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > What does this consist of? > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, what is the 'aim' > or 'direction' of this practice? > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? Are there > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically examine ones > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit to us here. > > I will respond to these questions after others have had a chance to. > > Om Arunachala, > Richard > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Dear Richard, Thanks very much . I will be in touch in November and look forward to our meeting. Renewed regards and best wishes, Alan --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > Dear Alan, > > I am looking forward to your trip. Write before the trip and I will > give you my address and phone number, etc. > > {erhaps I can show you some of the lesser known jewels of > Arunachala, like Papaji's cave. > > Om Arunachala, > Richard > > , Alan Jacobs > <alanadamsjacobs wrote: > > > > Dear Richard, > > > > You are quite right , there was no disagreement. Yes I will be in > Tiru the > > whole of November. I hope we can meet. > > > > All best wishes, > > > > Alan > > > > > > --- Richard Clarke <richard wrote: > > > > > Dear Alan, > > > > > > I did not think we had any disagreement here. > > > > > > Are you going to travel to Tiruvannamalai again? > > > > > > Om Arunachala, > > > Richard > > > > > > , Alan Jacobs > > > <alanadamsjacobs@> wrote: > > > > > > > > Dear Richard, > > > > > > > > I generaly agree with the content of your letter. My point about > it > > > > appearing to be 'fixed' was prompted by your phrase 'revising your > > > > practice'. This implied something fixed in order to be the > subject of > > > > revision. However I'm in agreement with your general observations > on > > > > spiritual practice. Of course spiritual practice must be aimed to > > > diminish > > > > egotism- otherwise it becomes a travesty and a trap, like those > who > > > boast > > > > they can sit for several hours in meditation. > > > > > > > > Best wishes and kind regards, > > > > > > > > Alan > > > > > > > > > > > > --- Richard Clarke <richard@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > Dear Alan, > > > > > > > > > > Asking about practice does not imply anything that is fixed or > > > rigid. > > > > > > > > > > That said, some take a more formulaic approach, some do not. I > am > > > not > > > > > sure that this really matters. What does matter I think is > whether > > > one > > > > > is 'building ego' or 'dissolving' ego. > > > > > > > > > > At one simple level it seems like a choice to either look within > > > (atma > > > > > vichara) or to look in the world (loca vichara). > > > > > > > > > > Some talk about this, but do not actually do it. Some read > about it > > > > > but do not do it. Some do not read about it but do it. Some > read and > > > > > listen to the teaching and orient themselves to it as deeply > as they > > > > > are able. Some neither talk nor seek. > > > > > > > > > > At one level, one hears that all activities are a search for > > > > > happiness. Spiritually really begins, it is said, when the > seeker > > > > > understanding that lasting happiness is not to be found in loca > > > > > vichara, but rather within. > > > > > > > > > > So perhaps the questions is 'How do you orient yourself to > > > > > Self-realization? " and 'If it is important to you, how does this > > > > > manifest' > > > > > > > > > > If the approach is rigid, then it is mental, cognitive. There is > > > > > nothing rigid about the Self. > > > > > > > > > > If the approach is not dissolving the ego, then perhaps it > needs to > > > be > > > > > examined and modified. > > > > > > > > > > Mental understanding of Ramana's teaching will not bring this. > > > finding > > > > > out the truth of them within yourself, and the resulting > > > > > Self-Knowledge will. > > > > > > > > > > Om Arunachala, > > > > > Richard > > > > > > > > > > , Alan Jacobs > > > > > <alanadamsjacobs@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dear Richard and friends, > > > > > > > > > > > > To talk about 'revising a practice' seems to suggest it is > > > something > > > > > fixed > > > > > > or rigid, repeated like a daily chore or liturgy that has to > be > > > > > criticly > > > > > > examined. I feel that once one has grasped the full armoury of > > > > > Ramana's > > > > > > Teachings and suggestions in Talks and his Collected Works, > then > > > one > > > > > > responds appropriately and spontaneously during the day , > moment > > > to > > > > > > moment, in whatever life proposes to us. In a way it is a > > > continuous > > > > > > meditation. This does not preclude time for Self Enquiry and > > > Diving > > > > > > Inward, as well as reading source books - the Advaita > classics he > > > > > > recommends. Surrender and Bhakti depend on the gunas being > in the > > > > > right > > > > > > emotional relationship. Playing Bhajans is a help.We have two > > > satsangs > > > > > a > > > > > > month in London, which keeps the flame alight, and we have > made > > > close > > > > > > friends in the group. Of course the freedom and creativity > in dear > > > > > > Harsha's Internet Satsang sends us constant reminders and > fresh > > > > > insights > > > > > > from fellow devotees. > > > > > > > > > > > > All love, > > > > > > > > > > > > in His Grace, > > > > > > > > > > > > Alan > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- " Tim G. " <fewtch@> wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > , " Richard Clarke " > > > <richard@> > > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I would like to ask members of this group about practice: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you have what you would call a 'spiritual practice'? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What does this consist of? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Self-enquiry, direct seeing. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Though I am not really sure exactly how to ask this, > what is > > > > > > > > the 'aim' > > > > > > > > or 'direction' of this practice? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > To know the false inside and out. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Then - How is it 'working'? What works and what does not? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > " Thinking about " things doesn't work for the most part, > unless > > > it's > > > > > > > in the direction of deconstruction (e.g. pulling a thorn > with > > > > > another > > > > > > > thorn). Focusing of attention/awareness on " this, here, > now " > > > works, > > > > > > > > > > > > processing that data is a mind game. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Are there > > > > > > > > changes in your approach that might be called for? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > None I can see... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > My teacher says that it is worthwhile to periodically > > > examine ones > > > > > > > > practice. I thought that perhaps this could be of benefit > to > > > us > > > > > > > > here. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Indeed - why not revise it every morning when one gets out > of > > > bed? > > > > > > > Or even moment to moment. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 Tku Dear one b u t please explain why i am lucky.... in Ramana michael - Tim G. Friday, May 02, 2008 12:42 AM Re: Spiritual practice , " Michael Bindel " <michael.bindel wrote: > > tku so much for your info > " of course " ramana maharshi was t h e teacher but it did not know this sequence as i did not read much about others for me it was enough to have " met " Sri Ramana > > in His Grace > > michael You're a lucky fellow, Michael - the look in Sri Ramana's eyes reminds me always that the Self is affectionate, impersonal Being - gentle, kind and wise. We need to let go whatever " isn't " in Sri Ramana's eyes. Tim Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.7/1409 - Release 01/05/2008 8.39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 , " Michael Bindel " <michael.bindel wrote: > > Tku Dear one > > b u t please explain why i am lucky.... > > in Ramana > > michael I meant 'lucky' to have met Sri Ramana - if you meant that you met him in the body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2008 Report Share Posted May 3, 2008 Dear Tim no - i did not meet Sri Ramana in body - but still i feel i met him on my way and so IT is as always ways my Guide back home in GD michael - Tim G. Friday, May 02, 2008 7:22 PM Re: Spiritual practice , " Michael Bindel " <michael.bindel wrote: > > Tku Dear one > > b u t please explain why i am lucky.... > > in Ramana > > michael I meant 'lucky' to have met Sri Ramana - if you meant that you met him in the body. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.7/1409 - Release 01/05/2008 8.39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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