Quotes Tagged "advaita"

It is the perennial problem of the teacher to be able to judge where the student currently is in his or her understanding and lead them onwards from there. This is why a living 'guru' is really needed, so that questions may be asked and answered face to face. When we read a book, or even listen to a tape recording of a lecture or dialogue, we are receiving only a particular viewpoint, aimed at a student of a particular level. It may resonate or it may not. Even the method of expression is crucial. Whilst one person may appreciate logic and intellectual analysis, another may need sympathetic reassurance and practical guidance. (...) Ultimately, the truth is one and everything else that might be said is only at the level of appearance, using a language that is necessarily objective and dualistic. What is needed is a teacher whose words and style 'click' with our particular mental conditioning. This book aims to present excerpts from traditional and modern teaching in a wide variety of styles, in the hope that something will click.

Advaita, being the non-dual reality, necessarily points to the essential truth in all religions. Paula Marvelly points out that: 'All religions and faiths contain an esoteric heart, a mystical belief that I AM is in fact synonymous with God.' (Ref. 353) As Gandhi said: 'If the same divinity constitutes the core of all individuals, they cannot but be equal. Further, divinity in one person cannot in any way be unjust to the same divinity in another person.' (Ref. 215) Sayings from the bible such as those of God to Moses ('I am that I am' ) or of Christ ('The kingdom of heaven is within you') express the fundamental truth of Advaita, the non-dual reality of Brahman.

Nisargadatta: You can have for the asking all the peace you want. Questioner: I am asking. Nisargadatta: You must ask with an undivided heart and live an integrated life. Questioner: How? Nisargadatta: Detach yourself from all that makes your mind restless. Renounce all that disturbs its peace. If you want peace, deserve it. Questioner: Surely everybody deserves peace Nisargadatta: Those only deserve it, who don't disturb it. Questioner: In what way do I disturb peace? Nisargadatta: By being a slave to your desires and fears. Questioner: Even when they are justified? Nisargadatta: Emotional reactions, born of ignorance or inadvertence, are never justified. Seek a clear mind and a clean heart. All you need is to keep quietly alert, inquiring into the real nature of yourself. This is the only way to peace.

We are all reflections of each other in the vast mirror of motion and space.

When we have reached the outposts of the mind, we are ready for the journey to the heart.

Some people make cars, some rockets - I make Gods.

There is no greater sacred power than the indomitable spirit of humanity.

Here are the basic principles of spirituality - there are none.

To me - the scientist, the preacher, the entrepreneur, the janitor, the showgirl, the sex worker and all others are one and the same human spirit in which I see the image of my own self.

The unification or “yog” of all humans in the psyche of the humans, that rises through simple human action or karma, with pure nonconflicted devotion or bhakti to the action and the self, while learning through healthy, effort-less effort or hatha and knowledge or gyana, is the king of all yoga, that is, raja yoga. This unification among humans is the real samadhi or nirvana in the civilized society of thinking humanity, for it brings true oneness with your fellow beings which leads to a real, actual, genuine paradise on earth, without the need for theorizing and philosophizing.

I am Lord God, so are you.