On No-self - Bernadette - excerpt - the absolute

Still, if we actually knew the unbridgeable chasm that lies between the true nature of consciousness or self and the true nature of the divine, we would despair of ever making the journey. So consciousness is the marvelous divine invention by which human beings make the journey in subjective companionship with the divine; and, like every divine invention, it works. Consciousness both hides the chasm and bridges it – and when we have crossed over, of course, we do not need the bridge any more. So it doesn’t matter that we start out on our journey with our holy cards, gongs and bells, sacred books and religious feelings. All of it should lead to growth and transformation, the ultimate surrender of our images and concepts, and a life of selfless giving. When there is nothing left to surrender, nothing left to give, only then can we come to the end of the passage – the ending of consciousness and its personally subjective God. One glimpse of the Godhead, and no one would want God back.

Vasanas and action

Multiple thoughts arise in consciousness. Some are acted upon, while others are ignored. It is the specific vasana activated at that instant which determines whether you act on a specific thought or ignore it. By changing the vasanas that get activated, the specific thoughts that are acted upon can be changed.

By accumulating good vasanas, good thoughts are acted upon, and vice versa for evil vasanas.

Mystery

The deep mystery of darkness. From it arises the illusion of consciousness. Within the illusion of consciousness, the universe of space and time appears. Our lives fading away......

Fear of being single

I don't feel sad about being single when I am alone. It is only when I am in the presence of other people that I feel bad about being single. The collective influence of others, of culture, of society is what makes you feel ashamed about being single. Sitting by yourself, there is no sadness. Only the collective mindset of society instills the thought of marriage into your mind. And the justification is the fear of loneliness and the stigma of being single.

Time in etrnity

Eternity has no concept of time. A millisecond and a billion years are non differentiable and equally trivial. It is only in consciousness that that the sense of time passing is experienced.

The concept of time arose with the arising of consciousness. And everything else followed. In the realm of non-time, there are no moments and no experiences. Neither sleep nor dreaming nor waking.

Why the hurry?

For ages prior to birth, you were waiting. And for ages after death you will wait again. Absolutely unconcerned. Therefore, why the hurry now? Keep calm and let the mind still out. To a mind that is still, life and death have no meaning.

Why indulge in foolish pursuits? The price of foolishness is much worse than the price of even poverty.

The attractive charms of maya and worldly life

I spoke to a potential wife/fiance tonight. And I found myself developing a subtle form of attachment. And then I found myself thinking that this is not good, I am getting attached to her. Truly, the charms of the world hold a power of attraction. The attraction to the charms of the world, prevent you from seeing the world for what it really is. Nothing but a river of suffering and disappointment, with a few moments of relief and fleeting joys. Do not put your hopes here. There is a reason it is referred to as an illusion. For illusion attracts by its charm and deceptive appearance.

Better to stay out.