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
Left-Hand Drive
Ronald: James, I realized from the epiphany that I am awareness, indeed that everything is awareness, and thus I am everything. It seems that this realization is now more or less an intellectual understanding and that I still identify with the body and the mind. May I assume that the end result of the teachings is that this identification evaporates and the “I” remains continuously in awareness?
James: Yes, indeed, Ronald. The knowledge is correct. For you I think it is only a confidence issue, knowing what it means to be awareness. You gain it little by little by taking a stand as awareness and dismissing your fears and desires as they arise. This takes considerable vigilance, as they can be quite subtle and sneak up on you when you are distracted by samsaric preoccupations. What it means to be awareness is that you don’t need anything to complete you, including enlightenment. Until this conviction is firm you will probably find yourself shifting perspectives, seeing reality from the self as the self and then unconsciously assuming the Ronald viewpoint. Because the American left-hand drive orientation is hardwired, when I go to England I almost invariably get hit by an automobile even though I know very well that they drive on the left side of the road. Anyway, I am sure you will prevail.