Ned: Dearest Ramji, since the weekend last fall I have been consistently studying the teachings of Vedanta and organizing my life to be only sadhana. As you have seen through some of my emails, the teachings have had an enormous impact and continue to do so. Recently I have begun seeing the world, all its objects and to some degree the three bodies, in a different light. When I look at objects, animate or inanimate, organic or “man-made,” still or moving, I am noticing a different quality that pervades them all. I have only been able to describe this as an “is-ness.” And somehow I find that this is-ness is the light of the self reflecting in all things. In some strange way, I feel as if I am staring at myself wherever I look… that the is-ness is the same as the ever-present light of the self shining in my mind. I am not separate from it, but it is not me at the same time, as I am witnessing it all. Is this what is meant by a non-dual reality?

I am also watching the person called Ned become less important and interesting. I find myself less interested in the personalities, drama and apparent separate entities of others. A number of times recently, while being spoken to, I found myself wondering who this given person thinks he/she is speaking to… not with any emotional charge or pride, just simply seeing the misunderstanding of relating to each other as small separate selves.

There is something about this is-ness that I would really appreciate your feedback on. I hope this is understandable to you in the way I have described it. The is-ness seems like a beautiful silent surrender that is effortless in its nature. It is silent in that there is no complaint, and surrender in that there is no resistance, as if all things, all objects, are the very expression of “Thy will be done.” Is this my nature? It seems to be so.

I love all that is you, Ramji. Thank you for the blessing that is you!

Ramji: Hi, Ned. Great email. You are a good writer. Not much to say, as it seems pretty clear that the non-dual vision is becoming established in your heart/mind. Yes, indeed the “is-ness” is the light of the self appearing in objects. You are seeing yourself wherever you look because there is only you. The other classic sign of assimilated non-dual knowledge is the shrinking of the apparent “Ned” self. It is just a projection, a superimposition on the radiant existence that you are. Indeed it is a bit of a joke how people actually think there are separate selves. Good for you, Ned! You are right on track. Just keep up your sadhana; you can’t go wrong.

~ Much love, Ramji