Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.Search & Read
ShiningWorld Reader
Bliss and Deep Sleep
James: Because there is no knowledge of either objects or the self, the deep sleep state is of the nature of bliss. You need to have knowledge of at least two things to have conflict. Conflict is suffering. When you have knowledge of everything, i.e. the self, there is no conflict either, assuming the “I” that knows and everything are one awareness. When you have knowledge that everything is you, you have no conflict either. You love yourself and do everything for its sake. You only have conflict with “others.” So a totally ignorant person has no conflict – ignorance is bliss – and a wise person has no conflicts. The problem starts when you think you know something but don’t actually know it. Children play nicely because they have no problems and enlightened people have gone beyond their problems. But a self-ignornant man suffers because he thinks he knows who he is. He is actually formless awareness but thinks he is a body-mind entity.