The Guru as Divine Dentist

A Zen proverb states, "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water". Meaning: nothing appears differently to the eyes of the world, rather these ritual acts are no longer identified with or experienced in the same way. They are carried out without the involvement of an ego (someone called 'me'). In the same vein, brushing teeth is a common daily ritual which continues whether or not there has been a recognition that there is no actual entity called a 'me' (enlightenment) who brushes teeth, chops wood or carries water. Still, the teeth need brushing.

So...

Just as teeth need to be brushed before and after enlightenment, the necessity of using the Guru's 'mirror' to continuously affirm there is no entity called 'me' is helpful in the realization of ones true identity. It is like brushing the teeth of the supposed 'me' and realizing, 'Oh! There is nothing there with which to make contact'. The 'me' (whose teeth need brushing) is just the personification of a calcified identity and until a tool of wisdom (such as self-inquiry) is applied to the false teeth (misidentification) of the 'me', there will continue to be the unfounded belief that an identity called 'me' is real. When the plaque of identification builds up and becomes uncomfortable, the Guru (as Divine Dentist) drills down to the root of the problem and exposes the 'me' (which is imagined) as the ache behind the painful 'I' tooth of identity.

Well, that was quite a metaphorical mouth full! The point being made is: a Guru takes care of 'me aches' just as a dentist takes care of tooth aches. One uses physical tools for a physical problem and for a metaphysical problem, a Guru works with the tools that probe into the nature of existence (such as Self-inquiry). Once the non existence of a 'me' causing a phantom pain is revealed, it becomes a simple matter of checking for that non-existent 'me' just as the tongue might return to the hole left behind after the rotten tooth was extracted. This looking for the 'me' which seems to be having a psychosomatic response to an imagined cause, confirms the truth of the matter over and over again until it is no longer a deception gone unchecked, but a direct verifiable fact: IT DOES NOT EXIST!

Who would attempt to pull their own tooth (belief in a 'me') without the proper tools? Even though the suffering caused by such a belief might be excruciating, the fear caused by the thought of living without it (and the pain of it's extraction) might be an even greater threat. This would make it almost impossible for the 'tooth' to be removed without expert help. On the other hand, if a perverse neo-advaita 'tooth fairy' came along and implied, "Hey idiot, there is no 'me' with a sore tooth-just get over it!", would it be helpful? No, it would just be a further kick in the proverbial teeth and add insult to injury. It might be, for some, enough to create a kind of shamed sense of denial or a numbing which could provide temporary relief and distraction (and for the rare one it might be just the shock needed) but there is a much kinder and wiser response which comes when there is trust given to one who is skilled and efficient at dealing with the abscessed and swollen ego.

The Guru as Divine Dentist simply instructs the one who believes they are a 'me' which suffers pain and needs help, to check over and over to see if that 'me' does truly exist and as what can it be identified in actuality?

The first visit to the Divine Dentist might be difficult and fraught with anxiety and misgiving. The probing can hit several personal nerves which are sensitive when suddenly exposed. But if one is able to follow the instructions and look deeply into the mirror the Divine Dentist provides, there will be immediate relief and gradually the me ache subsides as the simple looking is relied on instead of the blind acceptance of the 'me' and it's associated aches and pains.

These appointments (satsang) with the Divine Dentist have only one purpose-to remove all suffering as a result of something that is thought to exist but doesn't. Those who are willing to accept the compassionate yet challenging prescriptions of the Divine Dentist will, on completion of a thorough exam into the cause of the problem, see how simple it has been all along. It doesn't have to be like pulling teeth at all. It (Self-realization) is a simple matter of seeing the T(r)ooth of the matter.

'Choosing' a Guru

It has been said, "When the pupil is ready the master will appear". It doesn't matter who said it or when it was said, it only matters that the phrase was coined and is now being bought on the current spiritual market. But, when it comes right down to it, everything is already in a constant state of readiness (or flux); a state where change is inevitable and everything is just naturally prepared to 'go with the flow'. The idea that someone has to be 'ready' is just a concept based on some idea of control. No one has to mature or be cleansed in any way to be deserving of the possibility of meeting and receiving the grace of  a Guru. Actually, no one deserves this. It just happens- ready or not. Who could choose to control the force of nature which directs this flow? There in no choice on either end of the equation- Master or disciple. But, when one encounters a being who has the power to evoke peace, love and joy, this is an invitation to listen to this One to discover where the source of this power and the wisdom it releases lies. The One worth listening to says, 'It lies within'.

I just watched a documentary called Holy Hell about an American man who attracted many followers, many of whom became his sex slaves and puppets to his every whim over time. He was able to refer to the Bhagavad Gita enough to sound knowledgeable and had an aura of innocence and trust worthiness, at least to those he attracted and lured into his web of deceit. It was admitted by several of his followers, on attempting to expose him as the fraud he is, that they had psychological traits of co-dependency in common. There were others who saw through his odd behaviors and avoided the drama while remaining part of the community that was valued for it's devotion to one another and served their needs of belonging and support. The secrets which were revealed some 20 years later were devastating to the 'family' bonds that had formed around this narcissistic leader.

There is some need for concern when it is a question as to whether a Guru is genuine or not. I have a daughter who is drawn to the deeper meaning of life. She has her own way to go about this and has her own perspectives. While she knows and respects the advaita teachers of the revered Saint Sri Ramana Maharshi's lineage, her 'flow' is taking her to other places and exposing her to different influences. She may one day come across someone who would be considered manipulative, psychotic, controlling, etc..and be swayed by it all, but I trust she has a better understanding of what is authentic, having grown up with a mother who has shown her healthy examples of teachers. We are all vulnerable to getting entangled in unhealthy relationships however and there will always be predatory personalities lurking in the shadows. What to do? Throw the baby out with the dirty bath water? Rather than giving up on meeting the true Master in form, pour the water through a filter of discernment until it is clear enough to drink.

When Papaji, (Sri Harilal Poonja) was asked, during an interview he gave in 1993, what advise he would give someone looking for a true Master, he replied;

"A true Master cannot be seen by the eyes. Therefore, if they try to see by their senses they can't make a good judgement because Master is beyond the senses and beyond any judgement. You can't 'see'. If you 'feel', your mind is quiet and you feel, some kind of happiness and peace and- that can be the outer symptoms of a teacher. And only those people who are intensely devoted to freedom, they can only sense it, not others-you see.
So, when you go to a teacher, you keep quiet. You need not give any question. Don't expect any answer. Just see, sit quiet and feel if your mind is quiet or not. If it is quiet then you expect this is the one ('man') who can teach you. This is the one ('man') who is worth staying near".

https://youtu.be/HrVAXogSItg

Papaji's gracious advice is very important for anyone who feels 'intensely' about freedom. This means that it should only be an intense urge for freedom that motivates how one 'chooses' (IF it is a matter of choice), not the need for acceptance or self worth or any other psychological need that may be the motivation. When Papaji talks about 'feeling' he is not referring to the senses of the body and their emotional responses. He is referring to a discernment which relies on intuition and the profound pull of the true Heart to see it's own reflection. Papaji's words guide the one seeking a teacher to,"Just see. Sit quiet and feel if your mind is quiet or not".

The Guru will not address you on personal terms of need relating to lack (of love, acceptance, self-worth). I know this from experience. Although both an authentic Guru and the narcissist can see into the psyche, only the one who sees an opportunity to profit from it will try to take advantage. For the One who only serves Truth, there is no personal interest of any kind. Be aware and alert to what is 'personally' expected from the newly discovered Guru and the community surrounding him or her. I would never want to see any one walk into the trap that many fall into because of their unfulfilled egoic human needs. Use our God given intuition in this matter and 'feel' what is right (peaceful, quiet mind) rather than rely on the 'obvious' readings coming from the mind (feelings of specialness or some special 'experience').

It may happen, however, that latent energies (vasanas) appear in the Guru's presence (such as depression, anger, jealousy, pride, etc..).  This is okay AND to be expected. In the Guru's presence they are appearing to be recognized and dissolved. It is preferable that it not be the basis for seeking out the guidance of a spiritual teacher. This is tricky however because it is often when things are difficult and there is some 'bottom' hit, that the soul longs for it's true raison d'etre. Just being clear and honest with oneself can help. These are personal issues and as my wise Master Sri Mooji says, "Freedom is not for the person. It is freedom from the person". At these times it is helpful mostly to trust that  Life will shed some light on the crisis at hand and not jump too quickly into survival mode. Remember, "this too shall pass" and in the wake of it's passing look to the Heart for guidance. This will show up in whatever way, shape or form is needed. That could be, like it was for me, the Master/Satguru in a human body but with the light of divinity speaking as it's source.

May all those who have come to seek heavenly Truth be guided to discover their inherent wisdom and light as it is reflected in the earthly servants of Truth and quickly discover it is the same One shining from each and every single Heart.

~ Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

The Guru Slayer

There is no denying that I am totally responsible for what is written here in this role as a blogger. I don't pretend that it is 'just being written' or that 'I don't know why these words are coming out this way'. There is a very clear and purposeful intention to support the role of a Guru and support those who, for whatever reason, are dedicated to the wisdom that can and does dispel all suffering and confusion when the personal ego is 'seen' in the light of the One by Whom all 'apparent' individuals come to be.

While, at the same time, it is just a play as seen from a greater Knowing and impersonal, impartial Unity of all appearances as nothing separate from the One Ineffable Knowing, however it all appears. In this understanding I offer this as blatant and a 'no beating around the bush' critique of the more and more popular Guru slayer personality who is constantly putting down the value of esteemed and respected Guru's with out any apologies. Therefore, neither is there an apology for anything that may seem scathing or sarcastic here. It is quite enjoyable to take on this 'stance' and hope that it will not offend but create instead a bit of broth for the pot that has been stirred by the Guru slayer phenomenon.

There is a trend in certain circles of the social media to 'inform' us that Gurus are not needed and, if anything, it is suggested they delay or impede the recognition of our 'non-dual' nature. The understanding of 'non-duality' being a conceptual one and therefore taken literally has caused a mental dissonance within the 'spiritually correct' population. There seems to be a 'following' behind a notion that the Guru perpetuates duality by the mere physical 'appearance' of the Guru and the disciple and therefore must be discredited and defamed. For, the Guru (already enlightened) and the student 'seeking' (another word taken too literally, which really just means 'looking into') enlightenment are obviously two, ergo it is NOT non-dual; the paradox of non-duality as 'the many appearing in the One' being totally overlooked.

To this end, the Guru Slayer tries to point the 'non-seeking' seeker to the vague and mysterious Land Of Iz where: "Everything just Iz. It Iz all just happening. No body Iz aware. There Iz only this". And, yes, it Iz all true! In fact these statements are not much different from what a truly awakened being would say, except there is not the added integrity to suggest that there be an actual 'in'quiry into the question of 'Who is aware?' or 'Who knows this?' by means of Self investigation rather than just being convinced by a passionate and popular Guru slayer (who strangely rejects the Guru title but none-the-less imitates it). The nature of reality is not explored further than the postulations of the Guru slayer and is denied on the basis of  hearsay as 'What just Iz' and therefore not to be looked into further.

The Guru slayer has a fairly easy job and although they never actually slay the true Guru, they manage to slay the natural urge to uncover the 'mystery' (which is not so much of a big mystery) of the Self as the One Absolute Subject of the relative and illusory observable objects. By using a circular argument that no one can discover anything as there 'iz' no one who exists to discover what 'just Iz'. What 'just Iz, just Iz'. End of discussion, with no way to prove or disprove what these statements are affirming and denying at the same time. There is just a kind of dead space and blank stare when the Guru slayer is asked, 'Who knows this?' and then more circular statements like, 'No one here to know', 'Who would know?', Knowing Iz just happening', and so on.

So, it's not so difficult to be a Guru slayer. It's a fairly easy formula:Throw a few catch phrases together, deny any possibility of Self-realization and back it up with the negation of an intelligent Awareness. AND, assert that 'nothing can be known' despite the irony that the knowledge 'nothing can be known' is known by the one who asserts that it can't be known! But then that's the attraction for anyone who loves the mystery of 'not knowing', which is tantamount to choosing to remain ignorant.

It's understandable how the very charismatic Grand Guru slayers in social media mesmerize their 'target' audience, conditioned to mistrust the authorities who have let them down in a world that seems to be over run with corrupt politicians and religious hypocrites. There is a movement of beautiful rebellious and driven crusaders who have had it with disappointment after disappointment in  an imperfect society and long for an end to the B.S. that's been their steady diet since the end of innocence. Like many, the search for a better way and a freer life has brought these tender ones to their super hero 'Guru' Guru slayers who take the most radical approach to the question of their existence and conclude, without checking, that it's 'all' misleading (the enlightened teachings) and ultimately a waste of time. But, this is simply an immature attitude which is gobbled up from the spoon fed notions of the Guru Slayers and cannot be taken seriously but rather needs to be addressed at the level of a mature investigation rather than irrational postulating.

Having a Guru as a spiritual guide does not mean giving over one's power to another seemingly more powerful being. It means recognizing the higher power of the Self, which is forever and always One, as manifested in the form of Guru or 'Satguru', that allows a false conditioned self to move out of it's own imagined way and hear it's own wisdom which has been muffled by erroneous thinking. Mistrust is only an obstacle that takes on dramatic proportions and stifles the clear recognition of the truth. The only way to resolve this is to look (observe) for oneself.  Don't just believe what anyone says, no matter how noble and righteous they appear, or accept that the 'nay saying' rhetoric must be right because it's the popular opinion. It's like going along with the crowd oooing and awwwing over the invisible robes on the king in the Emperor's New Clothes. For to say, 'wait a minute, he isn't wearing any clothes!' (like the innocent child did in the story) would mean you were the odd one out and obviously just didn't 'get it'. Look for your Self!

A Guru is there to 'show' you (as you), not 'tell' you what is true. It's the naked truth that is shared. There is no hiding behind curtains of smoke and mirrors in the land of IZ when following the Guru's investigation of  the Truth. It is actually the most uncompromising and thorough examination that can be conducted, in which there is a direct and completely unbiased discovery that is unquestionable and indisputable, after which the seeming appearance of the two entities is no longer experienced as 'dual' but is revealed in the true light of inquiry to be what was never two and never even 'one' but 'with no other'. HOWEVER, there is no ideological rhetoric behind this. It is automatically and directly found to be the case when the inquiry is taken all the way to the point of no return. It is simple and complete, unless the ego steps up and begins to radicalize the process, arguing with even the greatest sages of antiquity who are presently getting recognition in the field of quantum physics for having described 3000-6000 years ago what is now being revealed in particle accelerators and quantum experiments using highly sophisticated and very sensitive devises.

Large Hadron Collider 

It's easy to say; 'Nothing exists', 'There is nothing but what is', 'It's all just happening'. But, it lacks any authority when there is no actual first hand and direct recognition (not as a 'person' recognizing. rather as Self recognizing Self)) through the reflection of Self discovery. A Guru who has integrity, is a master of uncovering the simple truth which is natural and accessible without creating drama but by simply directing inquiry to the Seeing that confirms, 'Yes, This, that Is, I Know as the One and Only Self  Knowing'.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami!

Hari Om
 ~Shanti Mauna

A bit of comic relief: (If needed)
I found this original trailer for the Wizard of Oz. It's a beauty!
https://youtu.be/e0b-7PKaiGM

Guru Purnima~ Honoring the Satguru As Divine Teacher

This year on the full moon of July 19, 2016 Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains recognize and celebrate a day called Guru Purnima which is dedicated to the Gurus of the world. As the wave of the East's wisdom is finding channels and rivers through which to flow here in the West, those like myself are sharing in this day of appreciation and love for the Guru. We are those who have undeservedly been blessed by the grace of the Satguru's (the Guru within) glance which has fallen on our minds and hearts with such power that the individual 'seeker' is vaporized in the light of Perfection and, with the physical Guru's guidance, there comes a recognition of the pure presence of divine light and undivided existence.

Such a chance in a life time is pretty rare as it goes here in North America, for it is more likely that too much mistrust and paranoia floods the minds of so many who have been raised in an atmosphere of 'original sin'. Rather than being taught of our 'original pure' nature from birth, we are told we are naturally bad. This conditioning pervades the western culture and is even believed on an unconscious  level by those who are not raised in an organized religion. As a result, the unfamiliar cultural practice of following a Guru who says, 'You are one with God' is looked upon with scrutiny and automatic resistance.

 Luckily, I was introduced to a method of self investigation by a woman living in California, USA who spoke about 'Awareness' as the non-dual experience of everyone in a simple, clear and accessible way for those not familiar with the terminology of the Eastern practices. Her words rang true in her plain talk about the nature of existence as 'Inseparable Awareness'. It created a greater openness  to look more to the perspectives of the East and the beautiful Advaita (non-dual) teachings that have been offered through the Masters and Guru's who are celebrated many thousands of years after their deaths.

Before going any further, I offer deepest Pranams (the highest acknowledgement of respect and reverence) to my Master who graciously provides his untiring service to the world by sharing his wisdom and guidance with those who 'have the ears to hear'. Mooji Baba Ki Jai!!!  Pranams and love as well to the ones who, through His grace, have extended his light to shine further still and to spread across the globe: my own beloved Father and Guru who is Anantaji and the other beautiful ambassadors of Moojiji's love; Rajeeji and Ramdasji. One sangha. One love. Thank you for such beautiful unselfish service to the world Beloved Ones.





Guru Purnima's roots, for Hindus, began as an homage to the birth of the holy immortal sage, Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas (Hindu scriptures) into four parts and is said to be an avatar of Vishnu, the Supreme God of Hindus. For Buddhists, it's origin is attributed to the day that Buddha gave his first 'satsang' to his earliest five disciples after his own awakening. Sikhs recognize Guru Nanak Jayanti as their first Guru of 10 and celebrate throughout the year on the specific birthday of each one. The Jains celebrate Kartik Purnima around the same time that Nanak Purnima is held, in November, and is the recognition of Rishabha Dev known as Lord Adinath.

In the religion I was raised in, Catholicism, the day celebrating Jesus' birth could be considered as the Christian Guru Purnima. However, unlike the day of Guru Purnima in the East, it is not  necessarily celebrated on the full moon. 'Purnima' is a Hindi word indicating a full moon day which is significant for Hindus as being an auspicious time when 'pooja' (worship through chanting, prayers and fasting) is offered to Lord Vishnu. Guru Purnima is a holy day which is not treated lightly or commercialized in any way, as the Christmas 'holiday' has become for Westerners. While there is much music (bhajans) and celebration, it is taken to be a true day of devotion, honoring those who give their lives to Truth so that others may know the peace of their own divinity as it is recognized in the Guru's reflection.

In my case (as explained in the previous blog), after 'loosing the way' I came to the feet of a Master who for me represents, in his teachings, all the great Masters of history and who's spirit is the embodiment of Light, Truth and Eternal Wisdom. Mooji Baba, as he has come to be known by thousands upon thousands of people from all over the world, follows no particular religion but expounds what each religion has as their essence; brotherly and sisterly love and a recognition of the God nature in each of us. He is a direct disciple of Sri Harilal Poonjaji (Papaji) who's lineage flows from Ramana Marharshi, the Saint of Arunachala. I see the Christ who I love, as my first Guru, in Mooji Baba's living presence. What a blessing it is to bow down to this holy sage as I might have done as a follower of Jesus if I had lived in the time of the Lord and to have the guidance of His teachings through his satsangs.

How can we, those who have been called to the Lotus Feet of a divine being such as Moojiji, give our thanks to these teachers of Love? There is only one way that will have any significance and meaning in the Master's eyes, for they look for no praise and desire no self recognition: 'BE THAT' which is repeatedly being pointed to and honor the Satguru's presence residing in the Heart of every Being on earth from the beginingless beginning. Be one with all life as Life.

"Be the one who's life is the evidence of Truth. You must become the proof that God exists"~ Mooji.

Beloved Master, thank you for all your kindness and compassion. Praise to You, most beloved, for the Grace you bestow upon all who come to you in humility and surrender. I love you.

Satguru Sri Moojiji Ki Jai! Sri Poonjaji Ki Jai! Sri Ramana Maharshi Ki Jai! Satguru Anantaji Ki Jai!

~ Shanti Mauna



Link for the Web page offering free video's, quotes, pictures and information about Mooji's shedule and retreats: http://mooji.org/

Jesus: The Guru of Galalee

At the age of six or seven, I was a follower of  Jesus and had no doubt that He was real and present in my young life and this presence was tangible and felt very deeply. This was not because I was indoctrinated into the Roman Catholic Church by my parents and told I MUST believe. It was because as soon as the stories, parables and teachings of Jesus were heard it was clearly known to be Truth. I did not have to understand the meaning or be able to quote any of his words as recounted by his disciples in the Bible. They spoke to an eternal being in this tiny young body that could resonate with the ancient words and teachings as if this knowledge had no age requirement. Neither could I get distracted by the dogma of the Catholic Church at such an innocent age. This came later and interrupted the pure transmission/reception of the beautiful message He conveyed and left as a legacy to all those who sought to know and associate (as in satsang) with the truth of their eternal being. I had so much joy and experienced states of rapture when kneeling down and praying the Lord's Prayer 'Our Father' in church. My little heart was filled with His Grace. The church was a place of love and peace which, when I entered, I could truly feel as the sacred presence of God.

But, I suppose due to childhood traumas and probably somewhat to the soul's lack of faith, I lost this sense of being the innocent child of God and became a scared little girl who was at times comforted by the soothing love of this Presence which, in very pitiful and desperate times, still came to assure me that I was going to be okay. I was very vulnerable and exposed to a lot of turmoil in familial circumstances. As I grew physically and matured into a young woman I was, none the less, stunted in spiritual growth. Still carrying the grace of the touch of Jesus' love, however, I had much love to give. I was very compassionate and often reached out to those who were excluded or pushed aside. In my adolescence, my need for this 'lost' love was found in physical expressions of love and intimacy. As a result of this, there was a breech with the Church's doctrine and much of societies own beliefs. The pain and sadness spread from this misguided life to those who felt the responsibility and shame of the consequences that followed as a result of my misunderstandings and poor judgments. And the wish to overcome these transgressions, my own and those of others, began from about the age of 22.

Depression led me to therapists and it also led to the interest in psychology which I majored in in University, with a minor study in existential philosophy. (go figure!) I did not get great marks as I was not really interested in school but there seemed to be a reason to follow this route. This reason was pointed out by my Intro Psychology professor who said most people choose to study psychology to 'figure themselves out'.  Boyfriends, parties and hiding from life seemed to be the only apparent reason to be in school at the time but I scraped through and began working as a group home counselor and got a bit off track with material desire until I came to another crisis in relationship and moved to a small rural collage town where I found a lot of alternative therapies which were offered for sliding scale prices and then I 'talked' a lot, and imagined a lot and visualized a lot, etc., etc.. There were some nice new age healing practices with a spiritual flavor that came from these meetings and offered their doses of self-esteem and self-love which was helpful to the point that I could release some grievances in supportive and safe environments. Reiki was part of this picture also as I sought the invisible realms once again, knowing that reality was not just what could be seen and touched.

I returned to some Christian churches that I felt were more open minded and  liberal than the one I had been born into. This satisfied my soul in it's search for something greater than myself but there was a bias that could not be reconciled completely so this search took me in another direction but NOT away from the love of God. It brought me to look East and at the teachings of India which are even older than those of Jesus, and perhaps one's that had some bearing on the spiritual education of the young man from Galalee.

And gradually, with the seed planted long ago by the grace of  Lord Jesus, I began to open up once again to a love beyond understanding. The biggest motivation for this was becoming a mother. My own mother was a model of strength through very challenging times and taught me a lot about unconditional love. There had been a strong desire to be a mother for as long as I can remember. This may have come, in some strange way, from the same desire to be a nun when I was a little girl. I have a devotional nature, and the love needed to be directed to it's source one way or another. Anyway, that prayer was answered at the age of 33 and I have been devoted and dedicated to this role for the last 20 years. Passing on this legacy of Living Truth being shared by living Masters to my daughter has been the biggest reward of all. For, she sees that my happiness comes from this source and that nothing in life or death can alter this. Hopefully, an example she will follow.

In the spirit of  Christ, all has been and is forgiven both within and without. The sole purpose of this bit of background information is to say that the Satguru (the eternal living spirit within)  was always present in all my life's circumstances and where I am now in my Heart as a devotee has it's origins in my religious beginnings in the Western traditions of Christianity which was diverted due to, I guess you could say, the world's temptations or as they say in the Eastern Indian culture, Maya. Adolescence was my 'dark night of the soul'. But, today there is much light and grace. I may not be directly associated with the West's Guru of Galalee through the established church of his Gospel, but He has led me, I'm sure, to those living Guru's who impart to this modern world the much needed connection to our spiritual (God) Being.

Amen Amen Amen!

~ Shanti-Mauna

The Pursuit of Happiness: How a Guru Can Help

Any guru worth following, in this one's humble opinion, is just showing the 'seeker' what they really, truly, naturally and originally are. The guru is here to redirect those who believe that what they are 'seeking' (happiness for instance), is outside themselves. I have found myself many times most fortunately and undeservedly in the path of a guru who's own form appeared and made itself available for this purpose. My deepest gratitude is given toward the unselfish service of Sri Moojiji and Anantaji for their tireless work for the benefit of others. Also, I am deeply grateful for the ones who have come before and offered their help by acting as sign posts directing me toward the summit.

If there IS some search taking place and happiness is the goal, the guru is the best way to reach the goal. This search is inevitably happening regardless of your spiritual or non-spiritual bent. The perfect partner, the perfect job/career, perfect health, and any number of material pursuits are all quests for ultimate satisfaction and it's expected outcome: happiness. It is just a matter of realizing that the search for material happiness is the unconscious longing to find the happiness that we always had but seemed to have 'lost'.

While 'guru' describes someone (male or female) who is adept at teaching, they are also highly intuitive and compassionate in their understanding of the 'tricks' of the mind. Their ways may seem unconventional and even a little strange but they 'know' what is needed in any given moment and are simply moving as if instructed by a higher source. The distinguishing feature to be looked for in the one called 'guru' is that they bring the seeker to a point where there is no longer a need for the distinction between 'teacher' and 'student'. From my perspective, having a trusted guru is a necessary step in a 'kind' of evolution back to the natural state of inherent happiness, which the guru has already realized and who, full of compassion for the human race, offers this gift for the asking.

There is no pride or personal credit taken on the part of an authentic guru for any of the 'teachings' that are flowing from the mouth of the one who is purely existing for the sake of the delusional seeker. They recognize that they are only operating as 'instruments' for the realization of the Absolute. There is no selfish motivation on the guru's part to help those who find themselves, in one way or another, confronting the external form of the guru. The guru's attention or help is not given for personal reasons. They are simply in the service of providing a thorn with which to remove another thorn (an analogy taken from Ramakrishna). 

However, life is strange and mysterious in the sense that once the guru is encountered due to some grace and auspicious circumstance in the human being's experience, there is a strong resistance to receive the blessing of the guru's grace, even if it means finding ultimate happiness that never fades or disappears. There is a fear to give up the accumulated  'wealth' (ie; acquired concepts and beliefs), that had been guarded and protected for, if not a whole life time, most of one's life. This perspective is only able to be spoken because this is also what this 'blogger' has gone through. Many times, this opportunity to be shown the way to lasting happiness had appeared and was shunned due to fears of personal dissolution (ultimately: loss of the ego-self). It is also what many of my sangha sisters and brothers have described as being their experience; to have had a great deal of resistance to the timeless wisdom that ultimately destroys ego. This is an experience that is almost always, to some degree, shared by all who have opened their minds and hearts to the guru's expression. The most auspicious fear to face is the challenge of surrender to the guru's (God's) will. 

( I can almost hear the 'click' of the 'esc' key now at the mere mention of this!)

Isn't it true that all  ambitions or 'paths' start with the desire to find happiness? Happiness is the primal desire of all beings and is a natural response to life. From the time a child learns language, there is this desire to find happiness in a world that seems to cause pain and suffering. But, happiness was the original state of the human at birth. In a newly born infant, pain can be present and crying can take place but this does not automatically mean that unhappiness is the cause. An infant's natural instinct is to cry when there is need for nourishment. She is not unhappy that she is hungry. There is no mental interpretation of the pain of hunger. There is just this natural need that is fulfilled through the signal of a cry. This is an automatic reflex that doesn't imply the baby is unhappy, just hungry. 

The newborn life emerges as 'pure happiness' itself in the sense that there is a blissful, thoughtless but conscious state of unconcerned, innocent existence, without any idea that 'it' cries or 'it' is hungry. It just is pure awareness, pure consciousness, bliss. (Sat-chit-ananda) The point being; we all begin in an innocent, natural state of happiness and only later learn to interpret external events as making us suffer which compels us to search for solutions in the material world. In actuality, the search for happiness is not a search for something outside ourselves. It is in fact a 'birth right' that has been overlooked in the process of learning that we need 'things' to be truly happy when all along it was available as a natural resource to which we have always had access.

The guru reflects the ego-less, natural bliss of the innocent babe as a fully grown mature being who has awakened to the true knowledge of themselves as the source of their own happiness. The awakened one points to it (happiness) as the seeker's own natural state which can only be achieved, experienced or discovered directly (not through learning; reading books, attending lectures, signing up for self-help courses, etc..), and is most possible through the guru's perfect example and guidance. It is not easy to get past the ego's resistances to it's sure and certain demise when faced with the 'threat' of an enlightened being. If one is serious and intent on finding (rediscovering) lasting happiness rather than just the short lived, elusive happiness of the mind's understanding then the invaluable help of the guru is the key.   
  


The Guru's Guru: Nisagardatta Maharaj shares what his guru said to him before he himself awakened.

" 'Go back to the state of pure being, where 'I am' is still in it's purity before it got contaminated with 'I am this' or 'I am that'. Your burden is of false self-identifications-abandon them all'. My Guru told me, 'Trust me, I tell you: 'you are divine'. Take it as the absolute truth. Your joy is divine, your suffering is  divine too. All comes from God. Remember it always. You are God, your will alone is done'. I did believe him and soon realized how wonderfully true and accurate were his words. I did not condition my mind by thinking, 'I am God, I am wonderful, I am beyond'. I simply followed his instruction, which was to focus the mind on pure being, 'I am', and stay in it. I used to sit for hours together, with nothing but the 'I am' in my mind and soon the peace and joy and deep all-embracing love became my normal state. In it all disappeared-my self, my guru, the life I lived, the world around me. Only peace remained, and unfathomable silence." (I Am That, Dialogue 51, April 16, 1971).



Here's a blog that may be interesting to you if you are curious about this Master's teachings; 

http://sri-nisargadatta-maharaj.blogspot.ca/

Free on line copy of 'I Am That':   

http://advaita.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1-I-Am-That-Nisargadatta-Maharaj-Resumo.pdf

May all beings find peace and happiness,
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi 

~Shanti Mauna

The Guru Blog (Part 2): Up Close And 'Nothing' Personal

In this life, there are all kinds of relationships starting with mother and father and extending to siblings, relatives, teachers, friends, lovers, children, pets, nature, substances, etc..I have been in relation with all of these from birth and the ones very close and dear to me, I have formed attachments to and love dearly but usually not without a 'little' condition. I feel this has been the general way of things from both sides of my relationships from day one. Who is exempt from this? We may have said, "I love you unconditionally cherie! " but this was probably not quite true, if we admit it. Somewhere in there a little voice says, "Yeah but.. if you disappoint, hurt me, or change in any way which doesn't fit my expectations of you, the deal's off".

I didn't know 'real' unconditional love until I found the One who didn't respond to a person who wanted a 'special' relationship but only saw the truth of my being. This is my guru. This one has no interest in my personal stories and is not impressed by any personal achievements or failures. I was simply not 'seen' in the usual way of appraisal. I was seen as a bright new dawn; fresh, innocent and with no history. This unconditional love has proven itself dependable for the two years I have been in this 'relationship'. In this exceptional love, all I can do is be who I truly am without identifying with the self centred person who needs and wants but rather, see myself as the One reflected in the guru's eyes.

Initially though, I became VERY attached to the form and the ideas I had about the one who points to the reality of life beyond the concepts and delusions of the ego's world. I approached this meeting like any relationship when first falling in love; full of the desire to be loved back and to have recognition and confirmation of my worth. That's all I knew! It is a normal reaction and almost always happens for both women and men. There's no shame in this, it is just part of past conditioning. It is tribal, in a way, so is really part of a collective history. There is a sense that acceptance and approval is required to ensure we are protected by our tribe who love us and not exiled into the wilderness of savage beasts. This tribal brain functions as a basic survival instinct.

It was quite heart breaking when I first realized that this relationship was 'nothing personal'. However, it was and remains always loving and compassionate. The day this happened, I was in Rishikesh, India where I had come. through a miracle (really, if you knew my financial circumstances!), to take part in the annual season of yoga festivals and satsang* gatherings during which, I attended five weeks of open satsangs with Sri Moojiji. My guru Anantaji (Mooji's beloved spiritual son) was also there to attend these gatherings and after following his online satsangs for ten months, we met in person for the first time. I was ecstatic to meet the one I had been calling Father and who gave me the beautiful name 'Shanti' which means 'peace'. I spent a blissful time in his presence, sharing satsang with our Master Sri Moojiji in the mornings and later in the evenings again in satsang with Father and other sangha** members who came from all over the world. It was heaven on earth. Imagine, like in the days of Christ or Buddha, walking along the Ganges with an enlightened being and then stopping to sit on the Ghats of the holy Ganga to hear the wisdom of the sage in the company of other devotees, all there for the divine message and to ultimately discover it within.

The joy and love of his presence was no match for this human heart and the day he left Rishikesh to go back to Bangalore, I couldn't say 'good bye'. I didn't know when or if I would ever see him again and I felt so overwhelmed with the grief of loss, I went to Mother Ganga and sat on her banks and cried over the personal love which was so painful and prayed to let go of this childish attachment knowing that, like all worldly attachments, it doesn't last. And in her unconditional love and compassion, she washed it away along with my tears, offered to the holy river in sincere surrender.

Once the suffering caused by the erroneous ideas of a special personal relationship, (that ties the knot with 'I will never...', 'you will never...' or 'I will always...', 'you will always...') was seen and dissolved, there was a relaxation and deep peace that remained. A stronger love spread beyond the boarders of the tiny world inhabited and protected by a fearful and possessive dictator. The honeymoon period ended as it should have and since then a trust of the guru's grace is the only attachment left along with devotion to a higher truth revealed through the guru and a commitment (vow) to follow and absorb His wisdom with gratitude for the blessing of his unconditional love.

I was lucky enough to be granted a second miracle and went again to India this year to attend the season of satsang with Sri Moojiji, where I was once again in Father's presence and spent one week in a silent retreat at Tiruvannamalai with my international brothers and sisters who came as I did to receive the same unconditional love and wisdom that flows from Him without any restraint for the ones he calls His children. Om Arunachala Om! Jai Bhagavan! Bhakti yoga***is showing this one that the reflection of the living master is also the constant presence that is felt within this being.

* 'Satsang' meaning: 'to be in association with truth'. These are gatherings where one is guided by the guru, teacher or spiritual preceptor into the self discovery of their true nature through talks given by the guru where questions can be addressed. It can also be an event of devotional singing and chanting. Also, generally, it is any experience which has helped one to 'evolve', so to speak, as a result of the life circumstance they encountered after having enquired into the situation.

** 'Sangha' meaning: A sangha is a community of 'like minded' people who meet (in satsang for example) on a regular basis to share the guru's or teacher's pointings. 

*** 'Bhakti yoga' meaning: A devotional path to Self-realization

Dearest One

I honestly don't know how to love You.

It is not the love of a woman toward a man.

It is not the love of a daughter for a father.
It is not the love of a sister and brother.
This love has no physical or material reference and therefore is very hard to express.
The only way I can show or demonstrate this love is to follow your pointings, knowing they are sourced in this very love.
I want to 'return' this love to it's source which I cannot touch but only sense as ALL THERE IS.
I follow You and the Truth of your expression because it is the closest this one can get to the Love that comes from the source of all Creation and comes back to itself through a pure Heart such as Yours.

~ May this Love be recognized as my own and may all who look for love find this One True Love

May all beings find peace

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti