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
To Teach or Not to Teach
Jason: Ramji, slowly, as people around me are starting to notice a change in my attitude, some of my friends are asking me what’s up. Obviously nothing has changed but my position, but what to tell them? Should I try to explain about objects and whatnot? Obviously, most are unqualified for Vedanta anyway. But what of those that seem to have enough intelligence and dispassion to entertain the basic idea? I guess what I’m asking is, when is it appropriate to share the truth with someone? I understand about not disturbing the minds of the ignorant. But every now and then it seems clear that Isvara appears before me in the form a person requesting to be given the key to happiness. I personally do not want the job of teaching them but I also do not want to resist the flow of dharma if Isvara wants me to teach them. As always, this is the upside and the downside…
Ramji: Hi, Jason. I
think you should try to share with them what is going on now that your
spiritual power is starting to manifest. You have been very diligent in your inquiry. Teaching is a very
good way to discover what you are not clear about. I think you have the
basic logic in hand. Because Vedanta is just simple analysis of
experience, most everyone understands it to some degree. Just keep it
simple; speak from your own experience. And don’t
be too eager to share – there is so much spiritual stuff around that people are
rightfully cynical – heard it all before – so you should be a bit cagey and
reluctant, but inviting at the same time. There is nothing more off-putting than a save-the-world mentality.
~ Love, James