"…it only took three years. But that’s three years. It’s a long time. So you can imagine how sceptical I am when people offer enlightenment in three days, or say their enlightenment came to them one night." --- indeed, it took years for universal wisdom to sink in, to really internalize, for it to become second nature and part of my thinking, and there was and still is a need for repetition and learning, because true insight appears in battle against our cognitive biases, and so we need to actively learn and discern every day.
Yes. Enlightenment is not easy. Plenty of people become wise but wisdom is not enlightenment. And the modern day version is just a divine feeling. That too isn’t enlightenment.
Wow, I didn't know you spent 3 years in India. Where were you based?
I'm glad you met a teacher who influenced and contributed to you so deeply. Most gurus, these days at least, aren't genuine. But there is a wealth of knowledge in the vedas and ancient Indian scriptures, that sadly doesn't get the attention it deserves.
It was six years actually. I was based at the Vedanta Academy in Malavli between Puna and Mumbai. You’re right about Vedanta not getting the attention it deserves. Everyone wants quick fixes and don’t want to put in the discipline. That’s the problem.
You’re right, more people are after quick fixes than digging deep. Another problem Indians face is a cultural obsession with the West. As much as I love many things in the Western literature and ethos, I wish I had a deeper understanding of ancient Indian practices and wisdom, right from school. I’m a huge fan of Indian mythology as well. But of course it remains in my power and up to my initiative to do better now.
Beautiful story. Yes, genuine teachers make a huge difference. If I recall people in my life who have really made a difference, they have been my teachers.
Loved learning of your experience. I agree, and I’d love to learn directly from a guru. I’ve been reading Ramana Maharishi for a few years now. He’s my adopted (deceased) guru.
You're still young. There's still time to learn directly. There's nothing like it. Of course, I'd recommend the Vedanta Academy if knowledge and wisdom are what you're after. If it's devotion, then Ramana is the right fit.
This resonate with my experiences and belief. I choose happines from my heart and emotions. It can be short and longer but everything starts from within, my intuitive emotions. I dont believe happines comes to you , I think you find it yourself.I do believe that some people ( guru or not) have this naturally, other achieve this after transformation. A good read, Thank you for sharing💟🙏
Thank you for sharing. Vedantic philosophy places a high value on guru or mentorship. It’s said that at the right time, you will come across the right guru. This can range from friends, family, mentors, and spiritual gurus across our lifetime. One need to keep an open mind (with some healthy skepticism baked in). I had the privilege of attending a retreat with Gautamji, a disciple of Guru Parthasarthy and really enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing this. I really enjoyed learning from your lived experience.
One line that deeply resonated with me:
“Like a bird that teaches its fledglings to fly and be free, that’s exactly how he taught his students.”
I appreciated how this was shared as an invitation to reflect and enquire. Thank you as well for the links. I’ve watched a few of the videos and feel curious to explore this further, including the book you mentioned. Grateful for the time and care you took in sharing this part of your journey.
"…it only took three years. But that’s three years. It’s a long time. So you can imagine how sceptical I am when people offer enlightenment in three days, or say their enlightenment came to them one night." --- indeed, it took years for universal wisdom to sink in, to really internalize, for it to become second nature and part of my thinking, and there was and still is a need for repetition and learning, because true insight appears in battle against our cognitive biases, and so we need to actively learn and discern every day.
Yes. Enlightenment is not easy. Plenty of people become wise but wisdom is not enlightenment. And the modern day version is just a divine feeling. That too isn’t enlightenment.
This is a beautiful piece.
Nietzsche once suggested that a teacher who remains a teacher forever betrays the student.
Reading this, I was reminded of your Guru—someone who taught, and then let go.
Wise words from Nietzsche. A true teacher has no attachment.
Wow, I didn't know you spent 3 years in India. Where were you based?
I'm glad you met a teacher who influenced and contributed to you so deeply. Most gurus, these days at least, aren't genuine. But there is a wealth of knowledge in the vedas and ancient Indian scriptures, that sadly doesn't get the attention it deserves.
It was six years actually. I was based at the Vedanta Academy in Malavli between Puna and Mumbai. You’re right about Vedanta not getting the attention it deserves. Everyone wants quick fixes and don’t want to put in the discipline. That’s the problem.
Great to know you were here!
You’re right, more people are after quick fixes than digging deep. Another problem Indians face is a cultural obsession with the West. As much as I love many things in the Western literature and ethos, I wish I had a deeper understanding of ancient Indian practices and wisdom, right from school. I’m a huge fan of Indian mythology as well. But of course it remains in my power and up to my initiative to do better now.
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it.
Thought it might resonate with you 🙏
Beautiful story. Yes, genuine teachers make a huge difference. If I recall people in my life who have really made a difference, they have been my teachers.
Good teachers are like rare diamonds; you have to dig deep within yourself for them to appear.
Really enjoyed this, and I'm so glad to hear about a good guru. You're so right, there's a lot of talk these days about bad gurus.
Thank you Tim. Yes, it's refreshing. True Gurus are out there; they just don't publicise or promote.
Loved learning of your experience. I agree, and I’d love to learn directly from a guru. I’ve been reading Ramana Maharishi for a few years now. He’s my adopted (deceased) guru.
You're still young. There's still time to learn directly. There's nothing like it. Of course, I'd recommend the Vedanta Academy if knowledge and wisdom are what you're after. If it's devotion, then Ramana is the right fit.
This resonate with my experiences and belief. I choose happines from my heart and emotions. It can be short and longer but everything starts from within, my intuitive emotions. I dont believe happines comes to you , I think you find it yourself.I do believe that some people ( guru or not) have this naturally, other achieve this after transformation. A good read, Thank you for sharing💟🙏
You are definitely on the right track Tony. Happiness is within you and cannot be found anywhere else.
💟🙏
Thank you for sharing. Vedantic philosophy places a high value on guru or mentorship. It’s said that at the right time, you will come across the right guru. This can range from friends, family, mentors, and spiritual gurus across our lifetime. One need to keep an open mind (with some healthy skepticism baked in). I had the privilege of attending a retreat with Gautamji, a disciple of Guru Parthasarthy and really enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing this. I really enjoyed learning from your lived experience.
One line that deeply resonated with me:
“Like a bird that teaches its fledglings to fly and be free, that’s exactly how he taught his students.”
I appreciated how this was shared as an invitation to reflect and enquire. Thank you as well for the links. I’ve watched a few of the videos and feel curious to explore this further, including the book you mentioned. Grateful for the time and care you took in sharing this part of your journey.