Making It 'Real'

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On Sat, 8 Jul 2000 22:26:51 Gloria Lee wrote:

>-

>Parisi & Watson Advaitin posts <advaitin >

>Saturday, July 08, 2000 7:01 PM

> Feasibility versus Truth, or Making It 'Real'

>

>

>aren't we just repeating philosophical claims, the truth of

>which we have become convinced? They are very feasible claims to be sure,

>but still just claims without any substantial verification. And it's a well

>known fact of life that strongly held and highly feasible philosophical

>ideas can still be wrong. So my question is this: What can make it 'real' to

>us? What can move us along from the affirmation of profound philosophical

>ideas to something that is actually real to us in a living way, beyond

>intellectual question? And I ask this question on behalf of people who are

>rushing along through life trying to do their best, but who are a little

>distracted, maybe a little neurotic, mired in some bad habits and attitudes,

>and so appear to have no realistic prospect for full realization in the

>foreseeable future. This description probably fits the majority of the human

>race. For those of us who will in all likelihood never be another

>Ramakrishna or Ramana, what can make Advaita 'real' to us?

>Robert.

>

>~~~~~~~

>

>But none of that can make Advaita "real" to

>us except intellectually. For most of us this is what happens!

>

>-- Vis

 

Hi,

 

I agree with the both of you in your views, and these

are important questions. Simply accepting a

philosophy that is in the deepest meaning is based on

experience and being / living is just an introduction.

 

I personally find the method of self inquiry

very effective in centering the individual

consciousness onto itself. I also find this

method one way of getting beyond mere intellectual

understanding or acceptance to something that can

be used every day and in almost every situation.

It does take some effort, but it also feels

calming for the mind and body.

 

As to the question of whether neuroticism and

the feelings of doubt and problems etc we all

harbor, my feeling to this is that in the end

they do not matter. Peeking above the rim or

through the restrictions of the personality is

what counts and to find out the core of the

personality/mind. The core is always there,

no matter the faults and foibles of the

personality /mind. The tendencies of the mind

may make it difficult to see the core but here is

what determination, effort and a wish to change

comes in. If there is no willingness to center the

consciousness on itself, I guess realization could

still come about, but perhaps the wish will make

it happen sooner.

 

Of course, others have said what I now say countless

of times.

 

The only other "method" that comes to mind that can

work, is the activity of Kundalini in the body/mind.

This has its pitfalls nevetheless, havmng the

tendency to push the body/mind too fast and

too hard towards turning towards itself.

This in turn can create an even stronger resistance

not to turn inside, and instead of being benevolent,

only create more provlems.

 

It is best if mind/body is in harmony and agreeing

on itself on embarking on a journey within.

 

There are probably many other methods that can work

besides this, but only self inquiry I feel really circumvents the little

neuroses and problems of the

mind.

 

Just my views.

 

Love,

 

Amanda.

 

 

 

 

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