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
New to Non-Duality
Questioner: Dear sir, thank you so much for replying, though I still have a few more question I wish to ask and I want to get clarified. One of the questions is, what exactly happens during self-realization, when a person is becoming self-realized?
James: I can see you are new to this. There is an article through a link at the home page of the website, called New to Non-Duality? Read it. I can’t explain the basics to everyone who writes. That is why I have a website and books. Once you get up to speed you can write and I can help you.
Questioner: Some people say they go into a trance for a couple of days, that’s what I heard from famous gurus.
James: “Some people” are idiots. No trances are involved.
Questioner: Or do you see the whole universe?
James: Nobody every saw a universe, except on TV.
Questioner: Also, does the individual feel that they are self-realized now?
James: I do not understand this question. It does not make any sense.
Questioner: And the one question that comes to me is, how to get to self-realization? I need help and also, how long can it take?
James: Then you need to read my book How to Attain Enlightenment. It tells in detail. Or you can order a USB stick with the Self Inquiry Toronto videos on it.
It is cheap and it has the basic information.
Questioner: I want to become self-realized because I wish to know the truth, and we are all born human so we can become self-realized.
James: It’s a good desire, and you are smart to ask what it is all about before you set out on the journey or you will become hopelessly confused.
Questioner: Thank you again, James.