Comments on: 40. You are NO THING – Randall Friend – Part 2

By: charlie

charlie — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:46:17 +0000

Gilbert notes, “It is the resonance that counts. It doesnâ€™t matter what brings it.”
To me, my friends, This is precisely the point … if there is Heart to Heart … that Energy (some call Shakti) can eradicate all the ghostlike argumentative posturing … the experience here is that the Heart already KNOWS and so the seeming erasing of the false just reveals that which is always on and unchanging. Call That Love, call that The Absolute, call That The Eternal, it matters not a whit what it is called. Words can’t get within a billion miles of That. As always well done Gilbert. Love ya. C

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:35:02 +0000

I like the comments page. It’s fun to be part of a virtual community. I think shit-slinging is inevitable online. Seen alot of it and taken part more than once. Most “people” are more brazen and outright hostile online. This site slaughters alot of sacred cows so I guess it’s to be expected. I think you’re right in deleting posts that are unhelpful and straight up abusive. Whatever form this website continues in I say best of luck. The programs are really the heart of it but the comments page is fun and fits the “entertaining” and “controversial” part of the site rider.

Rate it! 0

By: Roger

Roger — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:55:22 +0000

Look, I don’t want you to take down the comments pages for everyone just because of “me.” So I won’t post here anymore.

Rate it! 0

By: kale

kale — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:43:24 +0000

I really would have liked to listen to them but I definitely don’t want to twist your arm. You have a lot on your plate as it is. So I am just going to take your advise and keep listening to the podcasts…it will sink in, when it does…

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:56:44 +0000

The CD’s have all sold. I am not inclined to get another batch made. If you ‘twist my arm’, I may make some copies for you. They are several years old now. Maybe someone has one or both and they don’t want them anymore. Besides, if it resonates strongly, just listen again. It sinks in. It is the resonance that counts. It doesn’t matter what brings it.

Rate it! 0

By: kale

kale — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:50:06 +0000

Gilbert, not to make you a sound like a ‘guru’ but your pointing in the podcast “exploring what you are” resonates very deeply. Towards the end of the programme, Areti mentions that it is extracted from 2 of your cd’s. Which cd’s are those and from where would I be able to order them? Many Thanks…

Rate it! 0

By: billtys

billtys — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:58:36 +0000

Everything appears in the immediacy… even time and memory and anticipation which all seem to have continuity. In fact, everything that is appearing seems to have continuity…thoughts, pizzas, bees…

Just consider the immediacy though…you don’t have to be able to experience the immediacy…just consider it.

How long in duration is the immediacy? It’s over before it is thought about! It is less than one millionth of a nano second…even less than that…

If that’s the case it is really no duration at all… and it is not even there for a moment…because it is not even there for a moment…it is ever present.

That means because everything appears in the immediacy…the appearance is not there either…including you, the imagined entity with imagined thoughts!

There is only seeing…and the seeing is happening from no where.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:42:12 +0000

It is all in the appearance and no one is doing anything. Even so, it seems that once one sees through the guru game and through the idea of ‘me’, things flow very differently.
There is no need to mount a horse and go into battle with these gurus. It is all the wondrous display of consciousness, in all its diversity.
Well enough of this prattle. We don’t want a wave of abusive comments to have to wade through.

Rate it! 0

By: kale

kale — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:51:11 +0000

Even gurus like Mooji, who is fairly clean in comparison to most, still play games of specialness. The addiction to â€˜teachingâ€™ is a waste of time. The seekers get all â€˜preciousâ€™ and caught up in worshiping the â€˜messengerâ€™. The same old trap. True compassion is in demolishing the act of worship – but the ego loves it.

Totally agree with that; in fact, thanks for mentioning it. With due respect to Mooji, that’s how I felt after having met him a few times. Although his pointing can be very clear no doubt; yet there is an element of specialness during those Satsangs that keeps the seeker mode going. You find yourself getting attached to the teacher and the teacher plays along; yet all the time seemingly, trying to point to your innate freedom. There’s a paradox right there. And thankfully, something within intuitively tells you that this is not it. And you find yourself at the UGC. At least that’s how it was in my case. Nisargadatta’s words are potent, “Consciousness will take you wherever you need to go…”

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:15:13 +0000

No unease here and no crown either. I don’t give a rats ring about it really. However, once you start something, you have to follow through or it turns to shit very quickly, in the appearance. There is an old saying that ‘the customer is always right’.
With this, there are no customers. Those who ‘get it’ move on. So, we are usually dealing with new waves of those who are trying to understand, not realizing that it is all useless mind activity. ‘Who’ is trying to understand what? ‘Who’ is showing off what they know? …..and ‘who’ has a problem with personalities?
Understanding is immaculately operating prior to the efforts of the intellect – in fact the intellect could not function without the understanding operating. It is the ‘entity’ that has all the problems. AND it will NEVER get the understanding – it can’t.
All of this drama is between fictional characters. This one ‘here’ is transparent and can be used in any way that is seemingly necessary without incident or any lasting discomfort.
Having to deal with ‘plebs’ can get tiresome just the same. There are some really sick ‘people’ around who believe that they are enlightened – but when you look at their lives, they are social misfits living in a dream world of their own. They imagine that they have some power to awaken others and that they have done so. It is more like a viral infection or imitation. Let’s not forget the programs are where the material is presented – clear and precise. In fact the first five minutes of any of our programs usually demolishes much of the ‘argument’ that these ‘plebs’ go on about. This present program surely does so. Yet that is put aside by these favorites of ours, because it demolishes all their ‘personal opinions’, without mercy.
A new program is being produced at the moment. All for everyone’s benefit, even for these argumentative types who swagger about in their deluded atmosphere of being so special. They are usually incapacitated and only have one hand free, because they are busy playing with themselves with the other hand.
And in case you missed one of the important promises we make – Entertainment. The visits to these comment pages always sky rockets when the debate gets ‘hot’.
Some good stuff gets aired, even when the crap starts to ouze out the corners. There is something here for everyone but if there is a sacred self-image lurking about, it will start to curl up at the edges, that is for sure. The blade is sharp and the aim is spot on. Hey, it is all in hyper-space or did you not notice that yet?

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:53:00 +0000

Hi Gilbert,

Having people throwing pot shots at you and trying to close your web site….”Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”.

Hope we are all square. I only wish you well and appreciate the great shows which are coming to us on UGC.

Best regards,
(The real) Richard

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:19:07 +0000

Richard is a common name. ‘People’ use false names to make comments and use false email addresses – I know because whenever I try to address these characters, the email bounces back. I have deleted many of these abusive comments. Anyway, don’t take it personally, since it wasn’t you anyway. So, everyone, this particular Richard is okay.
Anyway, in the appearance of things the story goes on:
It is highly likely that these characters are actually someone that I have pissed off along the way. There have been many. Some have taken it all extremely personal. Some have even rallied to have my mouth gagged and my website deleted. It all rotates around comments made about ‘teachers’ who keep seekers bound to a future time – a very, very profitable business. They don’t like to be challenged on their teaching. Their devotees also get quite disturbed when certain things are expressed, because it reveals their own erroneous belief system. That can be very painful, especially after a decade or two of personal investment. Their sense of achievement is undermined and they find themselves back at the start of the search. They don’t realize that the start of the search is where the demolishing of ‘the seeking’ happens. Getting anyone to that ‘point’ is a shit fight if there is too much resistance. Very few are actually open to the letting go of old ideas.
The programs presented on this site are not serving any ‘guru’ or ‘teacher’. All the presenters are low key figures who don’t make a big deal out of their ‘image’.
Hundreds of ‘seekers’ are finding value in what is offered here, because it has not been presented to them in such a clean fashion by their own gurus.
Even gurus like Mooji, who is fairly clean in comparison to most, still play games of specialness. The addiction to ‘teaching’ is a waste of time. The seekers get all ‘precious’ and caught up in worshiping the ‘messenger’. The same old trap. True compassion is in demolishing the act of worship – but the ego loves it.
Now, there will be some who get offended at such words. Okay. I say, take a good look at ‘who’ it is that is offended. There is the goldmine. See through that and the rest is easy street. Then, you can get rid of all gurus and BE what you ARE.
Which, by the way, you already ARE. Irrespective of words, images, concepts and ideas.
Read Plato’s “Cave Dwellers”. When the one who ventured out of the cave returned with ‘good news’ they beat him to within an inch of his life.
Hang onto your beliefs if you must – but I can assure you that they are the source of your troubles. You can abuse me and even beat me with sticks – but you cannot deny the life essence in yourself, which gives you the ability to simply be and knowingly be what you truly are.

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:17:04 +0000

Hi Gilbert,

You have made an error in thinking I have sent you any emails or posts containing anything offensive.

I’ve sent no such emails.

I did post that I would rather see more positive stuff and would prefer not going thru all the childish egoistic posts.

If someone is using my name or if there is someone else with the same name, or if you are imagining the person sending you junk is I…..I don’t know. But it is not I.

If you want to apologize for false accusations and defaming my name, feel free to do so. If you are not moved to do so, that’s okay. I still like you.

We have emailed in the past (you have been helpful) and at one time I ran an idea by you about a book written by those who have visited Bob and were influenced by him. Remember?

Rate it! 0

By: Mike in SF

Mike in SF — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:09:44 +0000

I agree that the vulgar and abusive posts are a waste of time. But I would be dissappointed if the comment pages went away. Maybe there is a free automated system where visitors must first register with an email address. Maybe this would deter the deranged and/or insincere from joining in? Sure they could set up a false email account, then register, and then post some garbage but it would make them jump through a few hoops first and might even reveal their own folly in the process.

Just an idea.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:43:54 +0000

Since these ‘nutters’ can’t stop from throwing their stupidity into the arena for all to see, I am considering the idea of deleting the comment pages altogether. Anyone who wants to make a comment or ask a question can write to the UGC email address.
The comment pages can be blocked from the ‘public’ and be used to make announcements etc. I am inclined to like the idea. I am a bit tired of these ‘experts’ – there is always one or two dropping their smelling comments. It may even be just one ‘person’ using different names. It sure feels like the same old deranged mind to me. Chip on the shoulder stuff.
I have plenty to do and I may appreciate the extra time available, if I don’t have to keep an eye on these pages. So, everyone, if these comment pages disappear, you can thank our dear Rogers, Lev’s and Richard Craniums for it. Wasters Incorporated.
They always MISS the point – that is for sure.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:18:58 +0000

Well, Richard, or is that Roger, (your email address is named gross-deformity – well I ask anyone sane, would you choose such a name for your email address? It isn’t even a legitimate email address) whatever name you’re are using at the moment, telling me to ‘tie my dick in a knot’ is in a class of its own. What on earth is that all about? I don’t believe that I make stupid statements like that. The point, as I see it, is that you never expose what it is that has made you so cross. Is it my personality? Is it some particular statement or is it that the belief system you hold dear is being challenged on too many fronts. So, you are clear on this subject. Please share some clear pointing with us and stop all this nonsense – otherwise please take your comments somewhere else. It was you, wasn’t it, who actually said that you did not want to have to scan through all the crappy comments to find something decent, then almost all your comments fit the description of crap. Ironic or what?
The opportunity is here, to express anything appropriate concerning the subject. As a producer of this site, I need to maintain some sort of level of decency. If you can’t do it, then I must step in. Most manage to hold their game together. Tell us what is your main concern. Share it. Maybe others can benefit from your ‘insights’. Do you have any?
Or are you one of these ‘experts’, so bound up in a fixed and frigid belief system?

Rate it! 0

By: Roger

Roger — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:56:35 +0000

So when you try to get people riled up it’s “just words,” or “calculated stirring.” But when others do it’s considered “abusive” and “deranged.” Riiiiiight.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:42:30 +0000

Abusive comments will be deleted. Sorry to deny you, the abuser, the pleasure of reading your own clever ridicule on this site. It just demonstrates a ‘taking personal’ where it is certainly not necessary. Most of us can recognize small minded comments without needing a constant lesson in so many ways to express abuse.
It just shows how attached certain individuals are to their own perception of being clear on this ‘stuff’. I say this to these individuals: If you find this site to be erroneous in some way, then go somewhere else. See how you get along with some of the other alternative sites. Deranged minds will always find fault and get abusive – and what has that got to do with being clear? if you think you are so clear on this subject, then let’s see some expressions of it.
Some of my comments may stir things up but it is calculated stirring. If you fall for the trap, surely it is an opportunity to see how it is that you get caught up in the words. It is all words. The clarity of seeing-knowing is never compromised. However, if you are just believing in being a conceptual being, it is sheer torture to continue in such turmoil.
The ‘Gates of Heaven’ and the ‘Gates of Hell’ are an illusion in the mind.
St. Peter and Lucifer are just different ‘personas’ and different garments wore by the same BEING.
It is your self and nothing other than that. No matter how it appears, it is merely appearance. There is NO way out of the dream IN the dream.
If you need to be stirred up to a fever pitch, then I am your man.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:46:11 +0000

The ‘cloak of secrecy’ is just a mechanical means to suck you in. If you ask a Scientologist about the ‘secrets’ he will just say, ‘do the course’ – that is how they are programed. We have it all happening in the ‘Non Duality scene also. Expensive seminars and Conferences and ‘experts’ in so many fields, all wanting a hefty fee for their ‘secrets’.

The direct message has no conditions place before it…..except that you must be genuinely willing to drop your beliefs, all of them. It is all rather amusing how the usual spirituality works. It is all about adding new beliefs, adding some conceptual nonsense onto ‘how special I am’…..”I am special and so lucky to be doing this work”.
It is amazing how resistant so many are to letting go of all that crap.
Not only that, so many take this direct message for granted and slip it into the same old box of tricks – and miss the message altogether.
What effort are you making ‘to be’?

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:12:05 +0000

It is refreshing, the simplicity of pure advaita (I just say “pure” to distinguish it from forms where methods and techniques are given to the apparent seeker). It’s too simple and easy for thought to imagine. There’s nothing you need to do to BE.

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:08:34 +0000

Or you can try scientology and, after you’ve invested thousands of dollars and become “clear”, you’re told a bunch of hocus pocus sci fi BS.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:53:50 +0000

The inner circle (esoteric), the mezzanine circle and the exoteric circle is the age old template for spiritual groups. Many ancient temples had an inner chamber. Getting access to this chamber meant passing certain tests. Once inside this large inner chamber one found that there was another inner chamber to gain access to and further tests. This ‘process’ went on and on. The last chamber, the inner most chamber can only accommodate one being. That being is what you are right NOW – before you enter the most outer chamber, you are already this being.
In other words, the material world and the ‘matter’ of Domes, walls and doorways is just a way of removing the outer conditions, to reveal your own naked presence with what is.
‘People’ will pay and pay for whatever they deem to be ‘missing’ in themselves. Rubbing shoulders with ‘holy personalities’ is a mere waste of time.
The genuine messenger is quite ordinary and does not play the game of being special or above you. He is accessible to anyone who is genuine. There is no line of devotees waiting to see him. Why? Because so few actually wish to face what is true in themselves.
This ‘situation’ has been the same down through the ages. it is no different now.
‘People’ make their excuses – “I am not ready yet”….etc.

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:21:32 +0000

Thanks for the meeting report Kimo.

E.T. (Eckhart Tolle) speaches used to run $150 or so to be in the “golden circle”, near him. The next section back was less and the outer one less than that. I guess the closer you were to him, the more you would be bathed in his amazing, transcendent, enlightened human being energy. What a joke to put an appearance up on a pedistal while the being that the seeker image thinks it’s missing is all there is.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:01:58 +0000

As is obvious, hundreds and thousands attend meetings that are happening ‘here and there’ in umpteen ‘spiritual meetings’ around the globe. The details vary like the stars in the sky are all unique. The glorification of the ‘meetings’ is common and that is a first sign of a self-indulgent ego based teacher. Magnified fees are usually imposed. What has any of it to do with delivering a simple message?
The definitive ‘moment’ is in the recognition of our true nature. This moment is the ‘going beyond the mind’ – recognizing where the seeing is happening.
As soon as we particularize the ‘teacher’ and the ‘circumstances’ and ‘glorify’ the ‘messenger’, even in the mildest manner it is fodder for the belief in separation.
To witness ‘how’ the message is delivered by a master can be a beautiful display in ‘phenomena’. The ‘moment’ which happens, seemingly ‘between’ the messenger and the one receiving the message is far too intimate and is actually beyond ‘phenomena’.
In some cases the mind is cornered and the clear and obvious nature of ‘what I am’ cannot be escaped from.
This ‘event’ is like ‘a seed’ being planted. ‘You’ may sense that something ‘happened’ but you are not quite sure what it was. The ‘seed’ germinates and ‘grows’ – the realm of the false is pushed out of the way as ‘the blade’ rises in being. The ‘harvest’ comes not as ‘something’ but as ‘no thing’ – the absence of ‘me’. The ‘me’ is eliminated naturally.
Some, then share what is known most intimately, according to their natural skills.
Others merely live an ordinary life, without the old burden of the ‘me’.
The irony of it all is that there never was ‘someone’ who was bound.
But KNOWING that ‘appears’ to be rare.

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:29:39 +0000

The meetings this weekend in Washington DC were enjoyable with John, especially session #1 of 3 where he discussed the basics and kept things red-hot on the pointer scale. The guitar playing was great throughout and the singing good as well. Toward the end of session #1 which consisted of pointing over and over to our being, somebody asked a yeah-but question about the ego and I felt a time delay before I even knew what they were talking about; thatâ€™s how strong the pointing was during the Saturday morning session. My first exposure to this spiritual group thingâ€”I enjoyed the camaraderie and the atmosphere. The only thing Iâ€™ll say is the dismay I felt every time a question arose in the crowd clearly giving credence to the reference point and an experience of how â€œbeing doneâ€ is supposed to feel and how non-resistance and kindness/lack of anger are still believed to be signposts of becoming more fully what they are. So, the ground of being that all appears on is realized and then just flung aside for a miserable reference point of when â€œIâ€ can be more like Byron Katie and more accepting, when â€œIâ€ can be less angry, yatta, yatta, yattaâ€¦Of course John answered these questions quite gently. I would have been more forceful, but that doesnâ€™t work for â€œeverybodyâ€. Paradoxically, itâ€™s one thing I like about John because in â€œmy journey”, I would have told someone forceful like me to get bent because I wouldnâ€™t have been ready for that type of relentless pointing that I enjoy immensely at this time. John is effective and highly recommended, but hopefully folks will listen more to his message and forget about experiences and how itâ€™s supposed to be â€œfor a meâ€ and just recognize their unchanging nature.
Since this blog is about Randallâ€™s stuff, Iâ€™ll say great job on the newest MP3 â€œNature of Iâ€ . So, everyone, be sure to catch that one on Randallâ€™s site. Also, donâ€™t forget to download Gilbertâ€™s 9-page PDF on the seeing-knowing page.
Have a great rest of your weekend and goodnight.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Sun, 31 May 2009 08:01:37 +0000

Ask a priest.
I would interpret it in this way: Christ Consciousness is what is being spoken of.
Natural Being – Knowing – Seeing. One might say that in Christianity, Christ symbolizes ‘pure consciousness’ and in Hinduism, Krishna actually means ‘consciousness’.
The heart implies ‘feeling’.
If the heart is cold, unfeeling and the ‘knowledge’ is only in the head as believed in concepts, it is secular, excluding many aspects of the livingness. There is a sense of being ‘closed’ to the ‘direct and immediate life’.
‘The whole being’ in expression has a very different ‘feel’ from a life of mere intellectual postulating. The ‘Non Duality expert’ goes on and on about the differences between Neo Advaita and Traditional Advaita, ad infinitum. Books as thick as the Bible are written on all the ins and outs and the why’s and where for’s to support the ‘expert’s very special self-image’. The implication of a division of Non Duality into two camps is quite ridiculous and fanciful.
All the while Non Duality is the simplest fact, undivided by any intellect anywhere, or by any words, images or postulations.
THIS is clearly obvious in the very ‘place’ that seeing is happening.
This clarity of seeing-knowing is right there where these words are registering, prior to whatever the mind ‘does’ with them.
The quickness of the mind is not some quality that it owns, as a separate faculty.
All qualities of all things are nothing but the signature of the One Essence.
You are THAT.
The prison of the limited mind is made from ideas, concepts about limitations. Believing in those limitations is what keeps the mind turning on a ‘dead spot’.
‘When’ you are truly tired of the same old ’roundabout’ some ‘incentive’ will make itself known unexpectedly.
Don’t get bogged down on the words.
What is being shared is not in the words – what is being shared has actually never been separated into any parts. Recognizing one’s true nature is a miracle, and yet it is not an ‘event’ in time.
The knowing IS. Always IS. Never was it NOT.
It is only the mind of habit that enters with a bunch of ‘old ideas’ and interrupts the flow of the natural state.
Be conscious of the consciousness. See what is what. For yourself.
No one else’s insight can be of much use.
It is Seeing-Knowing. It is IN-Seeing.

Rate it! 0

By: Claudio

Claudio — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:27:10 +0000

Yes. Why are we told that Christ lives in our hearts?

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:22:54 +0000

All experience appears as a translation of what is happening, or what is appearing to happen. This can be clearly ‘seen’ without words. It is extremely subtle yet obvious to what ‘I am’ because what ‘I am’ is beyond all appearances.
The wordless ‘I am’ is ‘where’ the words ‘I am’ appear and disappear.
Simply seeing this is enough.
But the mind is always translating.
If I take myself to be the translation, which is the habit, the subtle revelation is missed. I am the ceaseless experiencing……and even those words fall short.
Simple……..too simple for the habitual mind.

‘We react’ and it is habitual attitude – a pattern repeating itself mechanically.
There is no way out of it IN the reaction. It is mechanical.
It must be ‘witnessed’ from beyond the mechanism. This is the way the mechanical pattern is dissolved or released from its repetition.
These moments of dissolving can appear as confirmation that I am not these ‘things’. Getting a good taste of it is all that is required.
Are you merely reactions to stimuli? What is your attitude?

Rate it! 0

By: Randall Friend

Randall Friend — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:14:38 +0000

Right here and now, what is the nature of seeing?

Things are there PLUS the assumption that “I am seeing”.

Therefore there is inherent duality in this assumption.

Look closely – the SEEING – IS – what you are.

Everything you TAKE yourself to be appears IN the seeing. Arms, sensations, breathing, heartbeat, thoughts, spoken words, emotions… these are all experiences. These all appear IN the seeing.

The immediacy and obviousness of seeing is what is meant by the word “I”. “I” is the seeing – and “seeing” means – experiencing.

Even the assumption “I am seeing” MUST come as an experience itself – it’s a thought. Thought is experience to YOU – the seeing.

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:46:19 +0000

“Relationship” implies “me” and “another” who relate. In appearance it seems to be so. In reality there is only being. How can oneness relate to itself? It IS itself.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:34:34 +0000

In some cases, the clarity of no thought only comes after the mind has exhausted all avenues. ‘When’ you come to the dead end and no thoughts are left, a natural relaxation may well ‘appear’. The point is that there is no answer in the mind. You don’t have to go to the end on the track. Just full stop right now. Non conceptual awareness is perfect.
It is undisturbed, even when thought is in full swing.
The ‘me’ has nothing to support it once thought ceases, because it is a thought itself.
Relationship is thought based. Relationship is duality.
You may believe that you have so many relationships in ‘your life’.
Have a good look into it.
Where are you seeing from?
Is there any evidence of ‘two’ in the seeing itself?

Claudio, You don’t create anything, dream or otherwise. The character Claudio is a dream character.
Have a close look at the assumption that ‘you’ are ‘doing’ anything at all.
The mind translates from language and memory.
In the immediacy there is no language and understanding is silent and wordless.
In the pure SEEING, there are only words appearing, images appearing.
Upon what do all these things register?
Have a look at that. The habitual mind may not like it, yet if you take no stand upon this matter, something will reveal itself.
You will not be able to describe it – but the experiencing is without doubt.
(Doubt is a thought)
Awareness is the same, whether thoughts appear or not.

Rate it! 0

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:47:53 +0000

Hi Claudio,

a quote below from Gilbert’s book at http://www.seeing-knowing.com/docs/ebook07.pdf

Why sacrifice this freedom for mere transitory states, thoughts and â€˜beliefsâ€™? They all disappear when they are really looked into.

Rate it! 0

By: Claudio

Claudio — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:13:19 +0000

Rate it! 0

By: Claudio

Claudio — Sat, 30 May 2009 10:12:53 +0000

mark + Kimo = ER.Wheeler.now-dc.org -0.00?

Rate it! 0

By: Claudio

Claudio — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:51:40 +0000

“WHO cares?” Is this pretty much where’s this going? Again, why …

Rate it! 0

By: Claudio

Claudio — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:09:57 +0000

Gilbert, does the mind just tire out on searching for quote-unquote ultimate answers? It’s obvious the mind’s great for higher mathematics and philosophy, etc.

But TRUE answers in the sense of Jesus’s silent response to Pilate’s question.

Rate it! 0

By: Sully

Sully — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:08:07 +0000

“Relationship always leads to disturbances in mind”

Gilbert, is it possible to have a relationship & not have disturbances in mind. Is it because we have expectations when it comes to relationships. that we suffer. I don’t think you are saying “get rid of all relationships” and your mind will not be disturbed, are you?

I can see how that might do wonders for my mind though.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:48:40 +0000

Man ‘thinks’ he must dominate nature. He sprays crops with poison to be rid of insects but more insects come in greater number. The ORDER is not as ‘man’ thinks it is.
‘We’ learn slowly as a species. There are some new scientists who are bringing a new view, so it would seem. The resistance from ‘the profiteers’ is great but you may have noticed that many of the ‘great moguls’ are beginning to fail and stumble. ‘We’ think we are so important and we tread on an insect with a sense of ‘power’. The insects are rapidly becoming immune to our poisons and we eat the traces of it ourselves in the food we buy.
‘Who’ is it that is so important and so intelligent?
A man should only take what he needs. Greed is a problem.
As Nisargadatta says: “You are so perplexing – you want what you don’t have – and you don’t want what you have – and so you are unhappy – why not turn it around – want what you have and don’t want what you don’t have – then you could be happy…”etc.
Self-centered activity always leads to conflict.
Relationship always leads to disturbances in mind.
There is no duality in Non Duality.
Be what you are, not what you think you are.

Rate it! 0

By: Jodi

Jodi — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:53:30 +0000

As Bob says – it will take you where you need to go.

Rate it! 0

By: dan

dan — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:00:50 +0000

On the topic of erroneous teachings, and those ‘holy’ men, etc…. what has become apparent is that it is all necessary and absolutely appropriate, and actually everything is absolutely moving along accordingly in the ‘play of things’. There is a feeling here of the ‘weight’ (for want of a better word) dropping off…. everything feels and appears to work in harmony…. life seems to have an uncanny way of living itself, according to the needs and stimulus given – to which always the appropriate response is delivered.

It just feels like there is a call-and-response system in place, a never-ending trading, everything corresponds and balances out. So, if there is felt a need for a ‘guru’ to lead the way, then surely this need will be duly met.

When there is a sincere calling for a no-bullshit, no messing, non-conceptual answer to “what exactly is going on here?!!!” then all of a sudden advaita appears, not two, non-duality and even its story along with it!

Rate it! 0

By: Claudio

Claudio — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:50:07 +0000

Gilbert, is there some correlation between what you are talking about (such as ALL IS ONE) and dreaming (REM sleep)? I constantly marvel at how in dreams I create the same exact character I am in waking; same foibles, worries, desires, etc. And yet I’ve created the ENTIRE dream and am only relating to this single separate small individual within the WHOLE of my creation. And then I wake up and am amazed at how duped I was yet again.

It’s leaving the possibility open that maybe what I think I am right now might not be the complete picture. I know this isn’t a very focused question but just wanted to put it out there. I noticed Randall’s blog is entitled You Are Dreaming.

Anyway, hopefully I won’t get bit too hard. There’s also some outrageously funny comments on here. Great site. Thank you.

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:58:26 +0000

In the moment there is just Life, not a knowing that it’s all a lie, just knowing, not disbelieving what we see, just seeing. Only THIS, the rest appears as a story only. That everything is a lie is just an afterthought. Saying it is a lie is in fact already too much; like ‘mark’ for instance.

Rate it! 0

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:48:04 +0000

Mark is a lie.

Rate it! 0

By: Sully

Sully — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:46:23 +0000

Mark.. Does that mean we just move through life knowing it’s all a lie and believe nothing we see?

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:26:45 +0000

… everything we imagine Life to be is false …
It’s all a lie; people, their lifes, careers, problems, stories, troubled faces, serioussness … the graveyard wich I pass as the sun so beautifully lits everything … full of people who died … ; the whole imagined lifespan …a lie. What a relief !

Rate it! 0

By: big john

big john — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:26:42 +0000

The false guru types have their place too. Their teaching leads to so much disappointment for a “me” that the me has nowhere left to go and it may just give up or disolve or be seen through along with the “teaching”.
It all works out, they may be exactly what some apparent ” me” types need.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:56:56 +0000

In the appearance of things and ‘doing’:
This website is not a self-serving â€˜entityâ€™. Almost all of the â€˜Teachersâ€™ arrange things as though they were the only one to â€˜know the wayâ€™. It is their methods that work properly.
All aspects of frustration for the â€˜devoteeâ€™ are put back on them â€“ â€œYou are not ready yetâ€. â€œDo the practices and be patientâ€. â€œI can see that you have progressed a great deal since you have been with meâ€. â€œI will teach you how to embody the teaching and live an awakened lifeâ€. The implication is that by sticking with the teacher and being in his â€˜holyâ€™ presence, you will achieve enlightenment, that sort after higher state of being.
It is all belongs to a dream, a dream made of divergent conceptual postulations about a â€˜future timeâ€™.
The only â€˜reasonâ€™ that such teachers teach such divergent conceptual postulations is because they donâ€™t know anything else. They themselves are trapped in a conceptual realm of teaching nonsense. It works well for them and they all live a wealthy life style.
They have no conscience disturbance about what they are doing, because they believe that they are doing the right thing and their â€˜egoâ€™ loves it to such a degree that their vision is impaired and a large â€˜blind spotâ€™ acts like a buffer to repel any evidence that they may be on the wrong track. However, their conceited atmosphere and behavior is the most obvious evidence that they are deluding not only themselves but anyone who admires and follows their example. Imitation is the name of the game.
This website gives no service to such â€˜teachingsâ€™.
It would be very easy to take particular examples and systematically reveal all the errors of those erroneous teachings â€“ but it is divergent and has nothing to do with the direct message.
Decimating such teachers would have little effect because the majority only want what such teachers offer. To act upon such a line of decimation would be interpreted as negative and harmful. I say it is merely useless activity.
Those who are open enough to resonate with the direct message actually find their way to someone who is speaking clearly. It is a natural way of things.
No one can force the message onto anyone â€“ because the resistance to it will most usually close the mind into its own flight mechanism.
We have some excellent material lined up for new programs, some of them will be quite different to what has already been presented. Much of what we have presented is in the line of Advaita. There are other fields of knowledge that are equally rich and we will explore them with you. Warm regards â€“ Gilbert.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:26:27 +0000

‘You’ think that you are doing so many things and have so many choices.
It all appears and disappears.
Where is this arrogating ‘I’ that thinks it is in control?

Rate it! 0

By: Jacob ,Isle of wight. u.k

Jacob ,Isle of wight. u.k — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:04:54 +0000

Life ‘so full on’ with 3 young kids, 2 years 5 and 9. Our two year old girl has started the human journey her name is now hers, ‘mine’ is very much there especially with toys and things she wants her brothers have. incredible ability to scream very loudly very often. Big arguments and tantrums between them all. Massive amount of energy flying around the house. Flying around the body. Thoughts are triggered by the appearance, big surges of feelings burst this space full. STRESS screams out of every pour. The seeing seems at these times very personal, very me-ing, yet at other times its quite wordless, what ever the lingo is. Its all ‘full on’.

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:52:53 +0000

Jacob, there is no mind, just presently appearing thoughts that invariably pass. Thoughts aren’t a problem. Who is aware of them? The “space” is always there – it’s what the thoughts appear in. It’s what you are and it is the seeing.

Rate it! 0

By: Su

Su — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:42:07 +0000

That wordless state.
Arising in and amidst the chaos.
Always with the birds in the background.
And then life and identification happen.
But more and more that wordless state appears.

Rate it! 0

By: Jacob ,Isle of wight. u.k

Jacob ,Isle of wight. u.k — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:23:31 +0000

Dave that seems to ring home from over here a noticing of this quite space happens at times during the day then the mind comes back in for 30 min 1hr half a day then a notticing happens again then an attatchment to feelings come up thoghts get lisstened to for a while then the space will appear again, kids screaming stress arises anger floods in shouting happens , then the space is notticed again wordless. thats whats going on at the the moment .love Jacob

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Thu, 28 May 2009 06:23:32 +0000

Why not sent someone, Kimo?, … to John to make a live recording of this meeting so we can all enjoy it ? That way Rich’s son and his wife don’t have to stay in their small apartment ! And as a bonus John could describe the experience of being in the presence of Kimo! That would be priceless.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:42:05 +0000

Dave, what you express could not be invented by a biased ‘mind set’. The expression rings true and not as a mere set of words. Life resonance radiates with the words.
The natural confidence expands and the vulnerable ‘me’ is reduced to a useful word that is used without hindrance or psychological twisting and turning.
The frustrations of the ‘me’ don’t get in the way any more and one can read the words of some ancient text or some clear ‘present day’ expressions and the confirmation arises spontaneously. Since the drama of seeking dissipates by itself – it appears that the natural state ‘becomes’ more prevalent. However one knows that it has always been here – it was just being ignored. The concept of separate ‘times’ slides away. Even so, one can speak of the future and the past without concern and the temptation to believe in them has gone. Mysterious for the mind.

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:20:27 +0000

Morgan–you ARE as qualifed to speak about this as anybody. Wow, I’m getting more curious about this weekend the more I hear about it. On one hand, it’s retarded to go because there aren’t any doubts, but on the other hand it’s retarded not to since he’s right here and it’s John and I’ve never been to one of these things before. I just hope if I decide to go, it’s like Mike SF said and more a small quiet group of sharing and not a lovefest or adoration show fawning over John. If you did change your mind and decide to go for something to do this weekend, I’d really like that.

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:00:50 +0000

When I told John that I was thinking of driving the 6 or 7 hours to see him he basically said “What for?”

I agree with Gilbert that paying a few dollars to have someone point out DIRECTLY TO YOU that there is no you apart from awareness is a priceless “service”. I absolutely agree with Mike (SF) that John, at least from my experience, doesn’t present himself as a guru or as anything special or different from oneself. To “me” he basically said – “You can’t be apart from this. The separate self is just a thought. You are wholeness right now.” He also said that I’m just as qualified as anyone else to talk about this. We talked about “false” teachers (ones who teach from and to the ego idea). We talked about one guru whose followers expected him to return from the dead so they sat and watched his body a few days while it decomposed. We talked about the falsity of all of these gurus and circles of followers. All of the brown nosing and bullshit games going on and all of the abuses that go on in the name of becoming.

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:47:22 +0000

Calvin,

That should work out as I’m introducing myself as “Jim”.

Kidding. For various reasons I’m not attending. Final decision.

Best wishes,
Rich

Rate it! 0

By: Calvin

Calvin — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:15:06 +0000

Jim, just go. You might even make a friend. If any feelings of awkwardness arise, just introduce yourself as “Richard.”

Also, it’ll give you a break from the UGC — and an opportunity to share at length afterwards. Hell, you might even catch John again in a couple weeks at your niece’s baptism in San Jose. Who knows?

The world is your oyster. Pack some celery sticks and a thermos of tea…

Rate it! 0

By: Mike in SF

Mike in SF — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:07:19 +0000

Jim, you sound like a serious cheapskate. Lol. If you think giving these talks is a profit seeking venture by Wheeler, you are sadly mistaken. The one I went to had less than 15 people. His talks are held once a week. Subtract the room rental fees and the people who show up but can’t or won’t donate and you’ll find he’s not exactly making a killing.

I’m guessing he gets invited to give talks elsewhere and he accepts. Should he have to shell out a dime on these trips? I hope not.

If you’re too broke to donate, I’m sure you won’t be turned away, so long as there is space available. But if you’re not donating for philosophical money issues you might have, you probably don’t really want to attend the talk anyway.

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:07:09 +0000

By not letting his right-hand (preaching about realisation) know what his left-hand (looking for your wallet) is doing the guru can maintain and justify for himself his money-changing bussiness in the temple of God.

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:55 +0000

One idea would be to pay for Johnâ€™s morning session on Saturday and then just hang around there like Fagin from Oliver Twist and stay for the afternoon session and wait till youâ€™re confronted for another 20 bucks. This wonâ€™t work if youâ€™re the conspicuous type and are prone to standing up, raising your arms, closing your eyes, and swaying back and forth while John is singing his enlightenment songs. This also wonâ€™t work if youâ€™re a lady or gentleman and believe in fairness and equity like all of us do.

Rate it! 0

By: dualdave

dualdave — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:14:39 +0000

What appeared to happen here that this wordless expanse, this no-thing that is constantly pointed to was initially recognized and disregarded by the mind. But as the search continued, it always came back to this wordless no-thing, this space of what is.

As the coming back continued, it became more evident that this wordless no thing was indeed what was being pointed to. Apparent confidence came that this indescribable nothing that couldn’t be separated from everything was indeed what all the hub-bub is about.

It ‘seems’ that this space, this knowing or perception widens and becomes more apparent. And as this happens, the knot of me becomes less and less solid. No dramatic falling away, more of a gentle loosening, with noticeable ‘milestones’ along the way.

I’m not saying ‘I get it’, I’m just describing what seems to be going on here. Please feel free to take pot shots at this description

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:49:32 +0000

It is the ‘me’ that is fascinated with the false. The self-image.
One of the basic differences between what is usually offered in material on Non Duality and what is offered here is that there is no service for any self-image provided for here.
There may be some spontaneous jibes at the belief in me.
Almost all the other â€˜teachingsâ€™ are crammed full of reference points for the maintenance of building new facets of the self-image. In those â€˜teachings, there are many new experiences to look for or manufacture and many concepts to measure oneself up against. The progressive path is just that, endless progression, on a â€˜pathâ€™ that has no substance in the â€˜here and nowâ€™. It is exclusively all about a fictional future or merely the translation of experiences (immediate or distant ‘past’) â€“ experiences for a â€˜meâ€™.
Such service to a fictional character is rife with fodder for a dream.
The ever-present clear evidence is bypassed over and over.
Why is this possible?
It appears to be because of the predominance of belief in being ‘a personâ€™. A ‘person’ has no being. It is an endless sense of ‘becoming’ and ‘memory’, which appears in the immediacy and is not questioned usually. Investigation of its ‘ground’ reveals the fiction – but because of the investment of belief in ‘me’ it shies away from such immediate knowledge – because it means its demise. ‘Fear’ is often sensed when the foundations of belief start to crack.
It is this constant reference point, which we shall call for convenience, â€˜meâ€™, that is the apparent ’cause’ of our ‘problems’.
One can recognize quite easily that it is all conceptual appearances.
Yes, but to who do these appearances appear, one may ask?
That is a typical response from the habitual belief system, which we are naming as â€˜meâ€™.
Can this habit be put aside?
One needs to taste this clear space of knowing, this thoughtless space-like awareness.
In tasting this clear thoughtless space as being what I am, as being my true identity, so a very different understanding unfolds. This appearance of unfolding is only a way of expressing something that is inexpressible.
Those who understand what is being pointed out have already had a good taste of what is being pointed at.
Where is the seeing-knowing happening?
Concepts about this will not help much. It is a matter of eliminating all reference points.
What reveals itself remains inexpressible â€“ and yet expressions happen.
Without the habitual grasping consciousness insisting on owning these ever fresh subtle impressions, the ever fresh realm of immediate knowing remain available â€“ but not to a â€˜personâ€™.
Note on payment: ‘People’ usually don’t appreciate what they get for free. What you seek you already are. Assistance in recognizing our true nature is most often necessary. It can happen spontaneously – but such instances are very rare, if we take into account the reports that circulate around.
Payment of some sort is appropriate. Those who stumble over this small point, usually have many other issues that are being ignored. ‘Payment’ – appropriate payment is in keeping with the nature of things, in my opinion.
No one is suggesting that the truth can be purchased. Those who do are charlatans and there is no shortage of those. No conditions can be forced upon you regarding this question of payment. If you go to the movies you don’t expect to gain entry for free, do you? The Diner staff expect you to pay for the meal.
The introduction to your own true nature can ‘happen’ very quickly and I have witnessed it directly many times. As quick as 15 minutes.
All it is, is ‘pointing’ – directing the ‘other’ to see what is clear and obvious. Duality is appearance only. The Essence is One.
It is the most intimate ‘thing’ – because the concept of ‘separation’ dissolves, quite visibly in ‘the other’. One essence remains. Life goes on – but the introduction is not forgotten – it resonates throughout the being and rises up again and again, unexpectedly, until the belief in ‘me’ is vanquished.
Paying a mere hand full of dollars for such an introduction is a pittance – and the fact is no one actually ‘pays for it’. You ARE that true essence already.
The compassion of ‘pointing’ is devoid of worldly things, like money.

Rate it! 0

By: Mike in SF

Mike in SF — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:37:51 +0000

Richard and Kimo, I’ve been to a few of Wheeler’s talks. I’ve also been to a few Tolle, Adyashanti, and other guru type’s talks. I live in Nothern California after all. Wheeler is definitely NOT a guru type. He’s totally accessible and we even chatted about music after the last talk I attended. There was no holier than though vibe put on and he even dismissed the notion that something special was happening between him and others in the room. I’ve still not come across anyone else who points so directly and consistently as him. It was very appreciated.

He also sings songs with his guitar during the talks so if you feel weird contributing money for “the truth”, you can think of it as paying for a concert.

He has a day job and should absolutely be compensated for his trip.

Rate it! 0

By: Randall Friend

Randall Friend — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:34:03 +0000

The SL Meeting in Nonduality and Advaita is going on right now, for those interested.

If you have SL already, click here…

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Spirit%20City/183/37/237

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:13:28 +0000

Thanks to those who replied to my question about seeing John.

Dualdave,

I may give that Second Life thing a shot. Would definitely need help getting started with it.

Rich

Rate it! 0

By: dualdave

dualdave — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:19:25 +0000

I’m hoping some more folks will be interested in hopping into Second Life to meet up. I’ve checked it out a few times and nobody was there. Thanks Randall for setting up the UGC hang-out.

If anybody wants to try it out and needs some help getting started, I’d be glad to help. Just reply to this and we’ll figure out a way to get in touch.

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:41:34 +0000

In reply to Sully’s request:

What begins ends. Nothing begins or ends. There is only the
beginningless and endless which is not nothing.

The Absolute truth stated by Gaudapada and restated by Ramana: “There is no dissolution or creation, no one in bondage, nor anyone pursuing spiritual practices. There is no one desiring liberation, nor anyone liberated. This is the absolute truth”.

Ramana goes on to say, “One who is established in the Self sees this by his knowledge of the Self”.

There is only one. Not parts of one or one nothingness but only one as it has always been, will ever be.

The ultimate truth is nothing whatsoever is born. Nothing happens! This is it, always was, always will be, without the word always which can be nitpicked to death by hungry nits in order to disprove their absence.

There is only the one unborn, undying, everlasting Oneness without two. Only God as God. Not God as trees or God as people. Only God as God infinitely, eternally, beyond the infinite and eternal and anything else minds might grasp upon. And beyond and inaccessible to so called minds.

Anything or any being, any perception or conception, is totally false.

Nothing can be added to the transcendental God.

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:14:09 +0000

â€œNothing is really happening itâ€™s only a projection of your mindâ€

In this podcast Randall’s points out that there is no ‘your mind’ let alone a ‘mind’.
Randall: “Mind is not something; Mind is a concept … What we know as mind is thought” So then what would be projecting what on to what? And doesn’t that imply duality? And wouldn’t that be a happening?
What you are cannot be seen, yet it is all that is seen; Nothing being everything; “Life isn’t one damned thing after another. It’s one ‘thing’ over and over again”. “One essence appearing as everything” to quote Bob Adamson. Something happening only appears as a story later on, in memory; It’s only ever THIS one essence appearing as this and that; the sea and the waves are not separate. You might dream that you lose your house in a fire but upon awakening did something really happen?; It appears so, but the essence is never lost. “The sword can’t cut it, fire can’t burn it”.

Hi Kimo, Can you also post a complete list of all the places/activities you’ll be at during which you will amazingly not be attending the upcoming talks of John ?;-)

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:09:16 +0000

There is no duality in Non Duality.
There is no Neo Advaita or Traditional Advaita, except in your own mind.
Every expression is UNIQUE and spontaneous.
The apparent duration of ‘the life of a me’ is floating in emptiness, devoid of volume and duration – it is ephemeral and just like a dream – it is a dream.
Wakefulness is presence-awareness – timeless – ever fresh.

Rate it! 0

By: Will

Will — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:02:46 +0000

It’s Codvaita Speak my son. Nothing more.

Rate it! 0

By: Sully

Sully — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:59:14 +0000

Would someone explain to me what it means when someone says “Nothing is really happening it’s only a projection of your mind” Thanks

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:45:20 +0000

Morgan–I really don’t think it’s unfair either to ask $20 per session. I was only testing the water and asking because I assume you live within a 5 or 6 hour drive and really enjoy John’s stuff. I was already leaning toward NOT going but maybe would have been swayed if another interesting attendee were going. It’s hard for me to stomach the thought of any sort of guru including John. I’m not interested in playing the non-guru guru game either (as a participant or as a speaker). But there’s somewhat of a social element that I’ve felt I missed by only reading on my own and talking/emailing with John briefly a few years ago, but when the whole enlightenment thing lost it’s meaning (as there is nobody there to be enlightened) I’ve never had much of an urge to be in any group session. So maybe the UGC is my way of having that interaction that never happened in the traditional frenzied seeking way. It has it’s “pay-offs” (hanging around here) as I get to read clear writings once in awhile like your stuff. It’s just a little odd that I’m not bigtime interested in seeing John, even though I consider him the guy who made a big difference for “me”. He’s coming to my own backyard this weekend and then in a couple weeks I’ll be at my niece’s baptism in San Jose (only minutes from John’s area) and hadn’t planned to pop into any session there either.

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:34:23 +0000

Nice to see some are trying to resolve the issue of ‘what am I’ with the sense of urgency and intensity of a man who’s hair is on fire I hope the pot will turn out right for you, Rich. (If you don’t have access to internet over there, I’ll consider that as a ‘pro’)

Rate it! 0

By: Will

Will — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:17:51 +0000

Well…… what will you get from hearing yet one more of these talks?
Nothing will change except you’ll be twenty bucks and a tank of gas down.
It’s THIS he’ll be pointing at. Again.
Nothing more.

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:06:40 +0000

Kimo said John’s talk is $20 daily. Actually it’s $20 per meeting. 2 meetings Saturday and one on Sunday. Plus bring food and $5 if you want to join the potluck. (Hope there’s enough pot to go around.)

I’ve got mixed feelings about attending. It would mean a bit of driving and expenses. And I would have to impose on my son and his wife to stay in their small apartment. Can anyone give valid reasons pro or con for going there?

Thanks,
Rich

Rate it! 0

By: Morgan

Morgan — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:09:06 +0000

Kimo, I considered going to DC to see John but I’m broke AND, what’s the point? I don’t think it’s unfair for John to get $20 for his talk. – hopefully it’ll end up paying his expenses. I paid $20 to see another advaita “guru” and all I got was a lousy sales pitch for the “intensive” happening the next day. I’m sure John will “give it to em’” straight.

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:00:13 +0000

It strikes me as strange that Oneness is bickering with Itself. Isn’t there enough of that among the wordly-minded?

Take a look at the Advaitin group (Advaitin@yahoogroups.com). There the folks are often quite knowledgeable and treat one another with respect. In other words, they treat others as if they had a mind and feelings. Otherwise their post would be removed.

My interest here is in nonduality and wisdom. It is found here amongst the childish egoic expressions. Like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes.

Gilbert, You’re very busy. If you want me to be a co-moderator for a while and clean things up, let me know. I have done so in another group.

Grumpy Old Men: Good cast, well acted, funny in parts but no “Citizen Cane”. I give it three stars (or for this group: one finger up).

Peace out, my brothers and sisters.

Rate it! 0

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:53:18 +0000

Have to admit, I’m a little gun-shy on the virtual UGC in Second Life.
I’m not so computer literate…
Thanks for the instructions, Randall. I’ll check it out!

Rate it! 0

By: dan

dan — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:25:06 +0000

ha! the cake thing is cool! randall, will u be serving virtual scones in second life?

the cake was already cooked before it was even placed in the oven. leaving it in the oven too long will result in a seriously burnt cake. take it out and eat and celebrate!

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:45:50 +0000

Actually, Richard’s comments could be removed and that would help considerably, in my opinion. The question that begs to be asked is – Richard, what possible interest do you have in this site? There is a great movie you might like called “Grumpy Old Men”.
Let us know how it goes with the movie, any insights etc.
Cheers mate – G

Rate it! 0

By: Calvin

Calvin — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:00:18 +0000

Just listen to the podcasts. The comments are only a bonus, Dick.

Rate it! 0

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 26 May 2009 05:36:53 +0000

For me it would read better if I had to wade thru less posts, particularly the personal attacks and the vulgarity.

I humbly suggest that the moderator moderate and clean up this site somewhat. Just my opinion.

Areti,
Why go to Chicago? Don’t they have enough political corruption where you are?

Rate it! 0

By: Calvin

Calvin — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:20:31 +0000

Try and sleep in…

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:51:08 +0000

Mission accomplished. Make sure those go up and we’ll have a little balance with the females properly recognized. Also, I like the chocolate covered glazed better than scone. Goodnight and good luck with your book sales.

Rate it! 0

By: Randall Friend

Randall Friend — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:16:44 +0000

Kimo,

Good point. Thanks for volunteering. Send pictures of Catherine and Areti and I’ll get them on the board.

Yes, it’s John Greven.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:15:10 +0000

I will attend the Second Life meetings, whenever possible. First I have to ‘learn how’ to become a virtual character and move my virtual limbs in a graceful way. Don’t want anyone getting the ‘wrong idea about ME’. Ha. It may be an excellent way of sharing.
We have to develop a means of throwing out the ‘nutters’.
Let’s see how it goes. Next week I will have some time to explore it all.

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:54:25 +0000

I didn’t see Catherine Harding or Areti Alexova on the 2nd Life Virtual cafe speaker recognition board. And the one in the middle on the bottom I didn’t recognize–maybe John Greven.

Rate it! 0

By: Randall Friend

Randall Friend — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:01:36 +0000

Robin,

In the meantime, as we’re all surfing the best travel rates, anyone can meet “face-to-face” in the virtual UGC in Second Life.

There are new pictures – http://www.seeing-knowing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=77 – it’s been “professionally” decorated and designed, a cool and comfortable hotspot – UGC episodes, videos, strong coffee and interesting conversation.

Getting in Second Life is free – it requires a program to download (http://secondlife.com), then create and name your avatar, then follow the link – http://slurl.com/secondlife/Isle%20of%20Gribley/6/124/21/?title=The%20Urban%20Guru%20Cafe.

I’m there occasionally and upon request – we might be able to organize a live UGC speaker, maybe get Gilbert and the gang “in-world”.

Rate it! 0

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:28:16 +0000

Areti, we can hold a group if necessary…
It can be the Urban Guru Cafe LIVE!

Rate it! 0

By: Tom Allen

Tom Allen — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:13:18 +0000

Intelligent comments happen.Annoyance happens.Friendly feelings happen.Boredom happens. “Fuck you” happens. “Oh yeah?” happens.If I am going to sally forth after anyone in all of this, it is going to be after that bastard, Lord Justhappensness.

Rate it! 0

By: Randall Friend

Randall Friend — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:02:39 +0000

Ha! Hot scones, anyone?

Reginald – hello my friend. It doesn’t have anything to do with some levels of knowledge – more knowledge is exactly the opposite of true knowing.

Seeing is happening, right here and now. Are you presently aware? Yes. You cannot deny that you are. The “seeing” isn’t a ME-seeing. The “seeing” is actually prior to the ME, prior to the senses – it “shines prior to” the eyes, ears, and other senses.

That pure functioning is already happening, ceaselessly and effortlessly. Yet it’s constantly overlooked as unimportant or boring or “it can’t be that simple” or whatever.

It IS that simple. It is already blindingly obvious, yet what it IS, is taken to be something it is not – it is taken to be “ME-seeing”.

The “ME” arises AND passes IN the seeing. The seeing is unchanging – yet that construction of the “ME-character” is always changing – it is the most changeful aspect of all experience – subject to change with the weather, with a different song on the radio, with a stern look from your spouse or a snide comment from a friend.

Recognize that seeing – that pure functioning in this very moment – this right here is the only time and place it can be known – all else is conceptual and imagination.

love
randall

Rate it! 0

By: Kimo (Jim)

Kimo (Jim) — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:13:53 +0000

Hey Areti, what makes you an “also-ran”? I appreciate your humility but I say you, Morgan, and Mary McGovern (if she’s interested in going) should have their way paid. Gilbert has a $2,000+ sound mixer and all I have is an $80 boom box I bought 10yrs ago. I’m hoping to upgrade to a little Bose $400 set soon. And Randall is a book mogul and scone bakery owner. He doesn’t need any trip paid for. Bob is probably rich from a pension and real estate but I’d still chip in for him so he can get his cough syrup or whatever and also Charlie who is another retiree who may need the funds. All chest thumpers/ “experts who stand apart from the rest” pay their own way!

Rate it! 0

By: Reginald (Denny)

Reginald (Denny) — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:10:17 +0000

Gilbert, just gotta say this — yes, I think of all of us as separate people. With accumulated actions to show for it. Your attempts to prickle folks is easily transparent — you’re throwing stuff out there to see if “egos” get riled up. In the popular sense, if “the perceived in entity” isn’t that “egotistical” it doesn’t stick, and you’re still seen to be “cool character” out there.

Like Randall’s a good guy; friendly and shit. Areti’s cool. But a guy like Kimo (Jim) is so fucking annoying. The constant babble — does “intelligence ever choose to shut that pie hole up”? It’s like “in the appearance” he’s deemed himself the entertainer and Gong Show judge of the comments section. The podcasts are what’s entertaining not the requisite Kimo (Jim) show.

So yes, Kimo prickles. And it’s pointing to a place that gets annoyed with the incessant comments. But it’s also like in the appearance a bumblebee’s first seen to be a cool floating cartoon animation — then you get stung. Maybe you get stung twice. Past experience memorized shows, “oh maybe bumblebees aren’t that cool to hang with.”

I’m sorry, but there’s a me that wishes Kimo would shut the fuck up for maybe ONE podcast?

So the question: Does intelligence observe this annoyance? This believed in reference point that cannot stomach Kimo (Jim) — or is it simply intelligence arising?

I’m sorry this is soooo off-base… Randall, I know I’m taking Advaita to a kindergarten or maybe even potty-training level, but you got anything for me? There’s something you guys are saying that’s making perfect sense — and then, it all seems like fantasy.

Whether one calls it holding things to be ‘good or bad,’ or just intelligence expressing itself — it’s almost semantics…?

Rate it! 0

By: areti

areti — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:49:15 +0000

Robin, I’d be up for a trip to Chicago, but we will have to hold a group and make it worth Randall’s and Giblert’s effort, we don’t want them to be out of pocket. Me, I am prepared to pay my way.

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:34:58 +0000

Don’t worry about donations. It isn’t a big deal. Some of those who can afford to donate do so and of course many don’t even consider the idea. This service is free.
Just like your true nature is completely free.
‘We’ simply ignore it………..until its too late.
Of course it is never too late.
As I said once before, a great deal more could be done on this site and the potential is vast.
However, I have financed many projects over the last nine years to get the clear message out there. None of those projects have brought much return financially. I did not expect them to. ‘People’ take too much for granted. Yet they will go and spend a small fortune on some seminar that actually serves to bind them more and more into time and process.
Ironic, isn’t it. There is a tremendous freedom ‘here’. This pattern can appear in all sorts of ways, moods and expressions. There is no one here to alter or judge it (any more).
I am just as entertained as anybody else is, about the things that get expressed here.
My career was in Radio for decades. Now those skills are being used here for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for whatever benefits the message.
I could do a great deal more, but as I say, I am not going to finance seekers any more than I already have done so. User pays…….but only if they can afford to. Everyone has access, so long as they can get their hands on the programs. Warmest regards – Gilbert.

Rate it! 0

By: Sully

Sully — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:18:30 +0000

Gilbert this statement really hit home:

“Your whole life is a means of non-recognition of your true nature. You service a mechanical way of living as if your life depended on it.”

I appreciate what you write here and the programs you produce. I have not been able to contribute money to this site yet but when I get on my feet I will. I hope you just ignore the a** holes who complain and are not taking advantage of what’s offered here.

Thanks man

Rate it! 0

By: gilbert

gilbert — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:13:44 +0000

When arguing with an idiot, first they bring you down to their level and then they beat you on experience (at being an idiot).
Yes, many have spent a fortune on books and seminars, workshops and endless retreats.
Nothing works.
We ignore our true nature.
What effort are you making ‘to be’ right now?

The ‘you’ that you think you are is just a concept, transient and ephemeral.
Why do you give it so much importance?
Its nature is ‘change’.
What you truly are is still and quiet, wordless and silent.
Understanding is not in the mind.
The mind needs to be understood.

Rate it! 0

By: mark

mark — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:09:17 +0000

It goes without saying that the beginning of a new workweek (at least for those of us that don’t yet have the obligatory Guru-throne and worshippers; “How shall we fuck off, oh Lord?”) sees a soaring seeking nervosity. Monday has passed and we soon adjust to another day at the office; competitors bested, obstacles overcome. What was the problem again? Oh yes, I have to find myself, where am I again,… oh yes prior to…, no!, beyond the beyond that’s it … Oh well f**k it! Then I’m reminded of: “Your bookcase is full of books your have only skimmed through” How could I forget since I spended already a fortune on buying those books. Mostly of this Adya … something guy. We’ll maybe his right I’d better read those thoroughly …
Yes, I could be on to something here …

Rate it! 0

By: Vishal Chavan

Vishal Chavan — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:47:21 +0000

sorry for the earlier repeated question..please ingnore it….

Thanks for your answer. feels like answer from myself when i read the reply from you.

Today moning which coming to work a thought /understanding raised in the mind that the mind cannot understand the self.. the presence a a deep surrender has occured giving a a good feeling?

Now if this feeling occurs to the awareness or the mind?
Why is the mind sad that i cannot grab the truth, eventhough there is a deep relaxation?

Rate it! 0