Student: Dear Ramji, I want to thank you so much for our Skype conversation the other day. Just having a normal conversation with you is a great reminder of the truth. Ignorance of my true nature has caused some limiting beliefs, and even though I know that I am free of them because I am ordinary, ever-present awareness, karma in form of thoughts, emotions and actions sometimes keeps me from enjoying the bliss of Self-knowledge. I know it takes time and work for some vasanas to become less binding and that this has nothing to do with the real me; it is for the personal part of me which happens in the apparent realm of reality. An attachment to sattva has caused judgments against my personal self and towards others as well, which isn’t helpful at all. The notion of self-betterment sometimes makes my jiva misinterpret the teachings in such a way of that it thinks it needs to become become more pure, spiritual, etc. as if freedom only exists for perfect people.
Reading the satsangs and talking to you are wonderful additions to reading the books and listening to the videos. Even though they are great and valuable resources for Self-knowledge, the mind sometimes misinterprets what’s being said/written according to its beliefs and opinions. It’s like when Arjuna throws down his bow because his emotions are informing his thinking and knows he needs guidance in that moment. On a personal level I strive to apply the teachings so that the knowledge becomes firm and that the “inner guru” matures and grows. I remember you saying that you were a “baby guru” once, and I found it quite [?]. It’s again the different realms of reality: yes, I know that I am free, and yet in the maturing and growing processes are a part of life in the world. But, referring to one of your latest satsangs: non-duality means that they are both the same and thus can co-exist at the same time. There’s actually no problem there.
Ramji: It’s true there is no problem and it’s true they are the same, but they are also different. Remember Maya! It is correct to say that they are in “different orders” of the one reality, which is true – but not true too!
Student: Anyway, I [want] to keep it short and simple. I won’t ramble on about endless contemplations of the teachings. The point of this email is that I want to express my deep gratitude for your support in helping me remember the most obvious but easily forgotten thing. It’s not pleasant on a personal level to be “too” ignorant, but it’s great to contemplate the Self.
Deep love to you and Sundari.
Skype Satsang with James or Sundari
Vedanta doesn’t work properly without the help of a qualified teacher. While qualified inquirers will definitely benefit from the books, videos, website and seminars, occasionally questions arise that can only be resolved by personal contact with the teacher. Now that we are settled in Spain, ShiningWorld is pleased to offer donation-based Skype satsangs with James/Ramji and Sundari.
“You don’t have problems; you are the problem.” – Swami Chinmayananda
If you are new to Vedanta, you need to know that Vedanta only works for mature people who know that fixing the ego’s problems is not a solution. Only when an individual entertains the right self-concept are psychological problems resolved. We are happy to briefly hear your story to get an idea of your qualifications but only offer suggestions in keeping with the teaching itself.
Keeping in mind that we are situated in Spain (European Standard Time), we are available between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and from 8:00 to 10:00 pm most days. To schedule, contact Sundari at sundari.shiningworld@gmail.com or James/Ramji at swartz.jb@gmail.com. Once we agree on a date, make a donation at the website.