unMind - the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

years and years of conditioning makes it hard not to give in to the incessant, unending string of thoughts. But one has to keep on trying. Be at it. Here's how to 'try'.

Stay.

Guha, the forest king, narrates the story of his obsession with kicking Shiva's statue. This is a wonderful lesson on the power of constant, obstinate seeking.

Ramayana is by far my favorite story of all time and a story that has touched me like no other. Lord Rama's forbearance and selflessness in spite of severe travails and suffering is impossible to emulate but an inspiration that has touched the hearts of millions. I'd like to talk a little about this story, his character and his life in the coming episodes.

So here's the answer you were not looking for

Zen koans are magic. We begin with one that's commonly known - the sound of one hand clapping. Let's figure this one out together.

I read from the Bhagavad Gita (the Song of God). I digress too, there is some Kipling and a seminal punk band called Television.

When you know, then you don't. Be wary of the thought that you know the truth and all the other thoughts that are birthed when this thought gets firmly set.

Who can free himself from achievement, And from fame, descend and be lost, Amid the masses of men? He will flow like Tao, unseen. ~ Chuang Tzu (The Empty ⛵)

Chuang Tzu, a Taoist monk, lived in ancient China about 2500 years ago. His teachings are funny, insightful and potent. I would like to read and comment on a few of his writings in the coming episodes starting with this one.

The Heart Sutra is one of the most popular Buddhist sutras. It is short, just 250 words or so, but supremely potent. Even one reading of this classic can empty your mind of all its 'wisdom' and reveal the truth in a flash. In this episode I read the sutra and also comment at a few places. I recommend you read and re-read it everyday. Here's a link to an accessible translation -https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/heartsutra.html

Today, I read the Faith Mind Sutra (from here - http://www.mendosa.com/way.html). Written by Seng-ts'an, Third Chinese Patriarch, this is a seminal and powerful introduction to non-duality that demystifies The Way and makes it accessible for all.

The mind's preferences and opinions are the key reason it is difficult to turn it inward. Watch out for this pattern and you'll find yourself more at peace. I read excerpts (relevant to this mind pattern) from the Tao Te Ching and the Faith Mind Sutra (both these texts are highly recommended for students of non-duality).

What is true seeking? And how do you know if it's the right path that you're on?

In this episode, I talk about Sri Ramana Maharshi's seminal work on enlightenment and the spiritual quest. 'Who am I?' is a set of questions and answers that succinctly and beautifully surmise Maharshi's teachings. I read through the entire text (about 11 pages). It's the longest episode in this podcast. My request: just listen, don't try too hard to understand. Some thing's resonate with who you really are, and not necessarily with the mind. And yes, don't forget to read 'Who am I?', it's available for a free download and can also be bought (hard copy) from the Asram website.

Persistence with practice, patience and an intense desire for awakening are the three things needed to succeed on the spiritual path. Two Zen stories illustrate why this pursuit needs much more than just reading a few good books.

I found another Zen story about the Moon that I'd like to share. This one is about laughter and emptiness -- it's no coincidence that many enlightened people laugh loudly and quite often.

There are striking similarities in the teachings of Zen buddhism and the advaita teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. I found a beautiful story that talks about the practice of zazen and I was immediately struck with not only the teachings being exactly what self-enquiry is, but also the use of the metaphor (that of the moon and the bucket with its reflection in it) being exactly the same.  Talking about the moon, I found another story, about a monk Ryokan and the thief that couldn't steal the moon. This one always makes me teary eyed.

Being enlightened isn't about having a superpower, it's about being at peace always. The story of Zen master Hakuin perfectly illustrates the Buddha state of mind (the enlightened state).

You must have heard someone say 'Its all maya' or 'this world is an illusion'. What does that even mean? Don't I have that important meeting next week? Aren't my wife and kids real?

Maharshi's teachings when practiced dismantle your preset conditioning and offer you a perspective that leads to peace of mind and happiness. Since a fundamental change in outlook is needed, Advaita as a practice is challenging and difficult.

Important notes on the practice of Self-enquiry and why one should persist with it inspite of initial obstacles. Also, a gentle reminder not to judge your thoughts.

This is the only practice that the Maharshi recommended. It's super effective and a surefire way to Self-realisation. I've tried to simplify the practice for you while retaining it's essence and explaining the logic.

Why we shouldn't bother about the Netflix actors who are so worried about losing what they have or not getting what they want.

Once there is true understanding, there is complete acceptance (it is what it is) and absolute fearlessness (who is it who's afraid?).

Once you understand and realise that we are all one, that we are all that one pure consciousness; you can then see the logic of humility and compassion. The feeling that "I" am different from the "other" is an ego generated illusion that leads us to feel superior or inferior to others -- let go of that and be humble because wherever you've reached is not because of you and wherever you'll go is not because of you either. And if we are all one pure consciousness, then can pure compassion for the insect and the cow and the cashier at the supermarket be far behind? You'll feel it too once you know the truth.

Let's talk about about our true identity (our true Self) that needs to be realised to attain complete peace of mind.

A quick summary of what we have learnt till now and the question that arises from this learning.

Are you window shopping or are you desperately (and truly) seeking.

One of the key reasons we are not at peace is that we believe we are acting / doing. Let's get to to the bottom of this false conditioning.

We talk about an ancient Greek thought experiment to explore the concept of identify (the "I"). 

The ego-sense or the "I" has always escaped scrutiny. We simply never think about who we truly are, do we? Here I explore the idea of the "I" and how we are looking in the wrong direction when we describe who we are.

It's all in the mind. Everyone says that. But what does that really mean? A Zen story can help in explaining this a little more.