Question: How can someone become self realized if knowledge is not based on totality?

Thank you for your question. Observe the way your question is phrased. You believe that self-realization is a question of having knowledge. You believe that this knowledge has to be “based on Totality.”

In my experience, knowledge is only entertainment for the mind. Just like BapDada pointed out. There is no need for it unless our way of relating with Life is only through the mind. There is no change of consciousness through it. Practice of it, only changes external behavior but there is no change “inside.”

Therefore, “knowledge “ and “Totality” are only mere words, which mean nothing for someone whose Life is not influenced by the mind.

In my experience, we may need to free ourselves from the tyranny of our own minds to be able to progress into a different way of relating with Life. That has been called de-conditioning.

The mind makes the distinction between the observer and that which is observed. That perception is what the majority points out as “normal” consciousness. However, there is more and that “knowing” is not related with accumulation of second hand information known as “knowledge.” Beyond the mind, there is another experience where Totality is no longer a fancy new age word. There is the experience of it whether we have second hand information (knowledge) or not.

As humans start their spiritual journeys, there is only consciousness of a fragment of that Totality. Others may bring the experience of yet other fragments of the same Totality, different stories and experiences but those who are interested in the “truth,” will only get a fragment, a perception. They believe that the ‘truth’ can be put on a paragraph and all there is left, is to practice it.

Those who are ready to acknowledge and accept many fragments are closer to that Totality at the mental level, but they may lack the experience of it. Knowledge may try to put those fragments together but without the experience of Totality, there is nothing but words.

Self realization is not a mental affair. As a matter of fact, knowledge could be an obstacle to de-condition and without de-conditoning, we haven’t gone that far in our journey.

Brahma Kumaris is a good de-conditioning agent from the conditioning of society, but there is more to it which could arrive in our lives when we are ready. Then may come the mind and unlearning that “knowledge” which at one point was taken as the only “truth.”

However, every journey is different.

“Knowledge” will not allow us to know ourselves

I have observed many BK followers in my time, trying to “change themselves,” to “transform.”
They probably observed through comparison that they needed to “become more loving and detached,” or that they had a lingering “bad” sanskara that wouldn’t go away.

That is a good initial observation. I say initial; for there is way more to it.

A BK follower will then “do yoga” or practice “remembrance” to try an erase something which comes up continually in their lives and which is labeled as weakness, sin, etc.

A few days later, or weeks; that person will believe that she has “improved” through “hard work,” “effort,” even sometimes she may see that her weakness is gone; but a year later when she thought it was gone, when she least expect it… It comes up again.

The process: I find a fault in myself. I use a “medicine” to cure it and finally I will assess that this disease is gone… or not. Just like society has taught us, so it makes perfect sense.

Observe the process carefully. Isn’t that the procedure we have been taught to follow? There is a “judge” inside us deciding what is wrong and what should be right and then we will repair or cure all of those “ailments” by going through a procedure which is offered as the “cure” by someone else.

The whole procedure only strengthens the sense of ego, control over things. The “medicine” (yoga) is there. We just need to apply it. But unlike a pill, if that doesn’t work then we need to try “harder,” for everything is “numberwise.” Isn’t that the BK explanation? More “effort.”

What I value about my BK experience is that during those years, I was able to observe those “weaknesses” in myself and also others; for the Sakar Murlis pointed those out all the time. Whether those things were actually weaknesses, is another theme; but the quality of OBSERVATION was “practiced” there for the first time. In my Christian days, I was a bona fide “sinner” in need of God’s redemption. I needed to ask for forgiveness and “practice” some sort of penance to “clean” myself. There was no much time to OBSERVE myself there but rather “practice” and DO “good actions.” However, I was able to look at others and judge them based on my moral Christian teachings. That “judgmental teaching” also slipped through my BK conditioning.

Brahma Kumaris knowledge is a blueprint which most adherents are trying to follow. It becomes the “ideal” to reach. The goal and objective. That is good to entertain the mind; but none of that will give me the chance to OBSERVE myself but rather continuously compare myself with the ideal to “shape up” how “I” should BE. That comparison creates a conflict, as I cannot BE who I AM. It is inward violence. Sort of when I compare a person with another to point out who is “better.” That is violence.

BK knowledge says: “Become soul conscious.” How can you become something which you have no experience of? It is an ideal. Something floating on the air. “Practice” out of faith hoping to be one of the selected ones to “get it.” Do it all your life even if that doesn’t work for you but if you leave it, then you will ruin your “fortune.” See the catch?  Practice, DOING does not change BEING but it could change behavior, which is not who we ARE.
We believe to know how a “soul conscious” person acts. We look at the Dadis, the seniors for living examples but rest assured that what we THINK to be “soul consciousness” is not. We are only comparing them with us. Looking for those things that we believe to be “good” and which we believe to lack. OBSERVE that process.

There is no aspect of knowledge which could help me to become “better.” All knowledge could ever do, is to “inspire” me to become something ideal; for as long as I am driven to change myself, it is none other but my ego the one who will be propelling the whole stunt. It is the same procedure we do to earn more in society. It is based on the “go-getter” conditioning, that is aggressively looking to be successful, “number one,” achiever, ambitious.. that is full of ego. Nothing wrong with achieving in “Life,” but that procedure does not work in “spirituality.” That is something that took me years to figure out, and I am giving it away “free of charge.” 🙂

However, even if we understand intellectually what is conveyed here, there is a long road before it sinks in; for the ego needs to diminish, it needs to “dilute” itself so our understanding does not become another intellectual “practice,” which is yet another stunt to become “better.”

When we OBSERVE, there is no goal. There is no objective. The driving force to “become better” is not there. We are merely observing inwards, to know ourselves: What is my content? How does it change? Why does it change? We are no looking for answers. We are looking to KNOW. There is a huge difference.
While some knowledge will tell me that I am a soul, a world benefactor, a sinner, etc. PARADOXICALLY, it is that same knowledge which is supposed to help me; the one that will not allow me to OBSERVE myself and thus, KNOW. So, “I am soul” but my greed is intact. “I am a soul” but my dishonesty grows. “Practice soul consciousness” then. Please refer to “become soul conscious” in the paragraph above. We are caught in a “go to” loop.

Any type of knowledge will only give me answers, right or wrong; but those answers are incapable of changing anything in my consciousness. Nothing at all.
“Knowledge” is necessary in technology or in some trade; but when we are dealing with inner perception; then external knowledge only stops our ability to see and look, as we will have an element to compare with which will bring inner violence, as mentioned before.

“I am not happy to find out that I do not fit the ideal of soul consciousness. I have looked and I am far away from that.” Am I ambitious? Then, I will try to “get that” through my ambition. I could label that as “pure” ambition but that is to add make up to “pure” ego. Am I discouraged? Then, I will forget about it. I may feel lower than a “sinner,” guilty. Am I rejecting the ideal of soul consciousness? Then, I will completely dismiss that ideal and reject those words and even suppress any sort of “spirituality” in my life for I could generalize that “all spirituality only brings an unreachable pie in the sky.”

All those things are preventing me from OBSERVING.

Being special is to see only special in others

The title is the line of the comment of a BK reader, which I will further elaborate.

When I was a BK follower, I too thought that I had a clear cut explanation on how Life is. What is “right” and what is “wrong.” I too, thought that I was “special.” Not only because I was a BK, but even among Bks, “I” thought “I” was special: Not many could “churn” knowledge like I did. Let me confess that “I” thought my sister to be “more special” than “I.” A more “special” BK.

Do you know that BapDada in Madhuban, treated her in a “special” way? “He” gave her an apple, spoke briefly with her. Gave her a loving Drishti and shook her hand. Something similar happened the first time she went to Madhuban. Out of hundreds of Bks passing in front of BapDada, she received that “special” treatment. Not only that, Dadi Prakashmani gave her a kiss in front of many BKs. Dadi Janki spent an afternoon with her while we were visiting London. Dadi Gulzar told my sister: “Wah your fortune!” and… Brahma Baba had many “special” meetings with her while she was a BK.

Nevertheless, she never received a “golden ring” through the BK administration. She couldn’t be the “sister in charge,” because she couldn’t completely see with her physical eyes, as if being in front of the computer was the most important element in that “position.” The center that we opened in Peru and Dadi Janki inaugurated, was considered a “gita patshala” or a “sub-center”, even though the Murli was read there every day and she was 100% dedicated to BK “service.” Although that “sub-center” was relegated by “special” Bks; Brahma Baba helped to get things going despite her being there almost by herself. No “special” family around to help, but only “lokiks” when needed. I could share more stories on how “special” many Bks thought my sister was, but as human nature is, there was enviousness many times for her abilities to connect with people and bring new “believers” to the center, that mixed with pity for she was almost blind, but used as a great opportunity to look good by helping her to walk around, while others were looking. She was able to DO what other Bks couldn’t. That in turn brought her some issues with the “special” BK “family.”

It is the same human nature whether we dress is white or not.
How is it possible for “special” Bks not to realize the “specialty” of my sister although BapDada and the Dadis acknowledged it? Of what good knowledge is, if it is not practical?
What kind of specialty to become “soul conscious” is, for such “special” people?
Just words. Pretty words.

Let me share what I found out about knowledge and believe it or not, is the same thing that BapDada has said before: “Knowledge is entertainment for the mind.”
That is it. No other value.
Some Bks come to this blog to read “deep” points of Gyan. Never mind, that these things are coming from an “impure, stone intellect.” (That is “special,” correct?) That is, they come here to entertain themselves. Of what good is to “see new things,” if we ARE the same as we have always been?

Knowledge cannot make us “humble.” It can only makes us believe that we are “humble.” That is all.
We cannot “help others to help themselves.” That is another ego trip of “special” people.
We can only BE ourselves.

It is amazing to me now, how diluted the teachings from Brahma Baba have become. Too many “special” people unable to understand themselves wanting to “help others.”

Honesty is not a subset of “truth.” It is our most important truth.
Every human being is unique. Not “special.”

Waste “Knowledge.”

Every major religion has its own philosophy, its own explanation as to how things work in Life and what will happen in the future. This “story” is what believers believe and label that as “truth.”

Many times people forget that spirituality is not a history class or sociology. Truly, it doesn’t matter what the “philosophy” is.
Why?
Because “spirituality” is meant for personal growth, self-realization or in more layman terms; spirituality deals with the art of living Life in harmony. That is the bottom line.

For “new” seekers, it is important to have an explanation, an intellectual understanding on how things “truly” are and what will happen in the future. This concern only shows their social conditioning. Through “education” in society, we have been conditioned to believe that ideas an ideals are important, thus we need to be able to recite them as they are taught by some “bona fide” source. That is known as “truth.” Thus, we hear often from followers: “We have the truth.”

That only shows the consciousness of a beginner in the journey of self-knowledge.

Brahma Kumaris has its own philosophy known by them as “knowledge.” As a BK follower I used to read anything about “knowledge” that could give me more understanding to ponder about that. I was even mesmerized by the stories of “Lakshmi and Narayan” and tried to figure out when exactly every “age” of the Kalpa ended. I also went into the “Trimurti”. Now, I can see how useless those things were. However, at the time they gave me the sensation that “I knew.”

Looking back, I could see how my reliance on my own trained intellect was diminishing self inquire.
“Knowledge” is only a game for beginners. It will give the sensation of “knowing” which is quite important when a person feels, how insecure and uncertain Life is.

“How the existence of dinosaurs are able to fit into the 5000 year cycle?” That was a classical question asked to some BK seniors. Then, came the made up answers. All beliefs. Very few honest answers: “ I don’t go into that, but I am more concerned in values, meditation and spirituality.” That sort of answer was unacceptable for a “scientific minded” individual.
Truly, it doesn’t matter if there is a 5000 year cycle, or a dinosaur eating vegetables in the Confluence age/ Golden age… That sort of “Second hand” knowledge is not knowledge at all. It is belief.

Sometimes “knowledge” is considered below “devotion” towards distinguished members of a religious group (alive or not). That is another strong sign of a beginner in spirituality. Most likely, this devotion (bhakti) is exercised by the majority of followers, while “knowledge” is more selective, as the person has to have the “mind” to play with such stories to try to come up with new stuff. It is entertainment for the mind.

Sakar Murlis will mention that a “Gyani soul” now, was a strong devotee (Bhakti) in a previous life. It is considered that Knowledge is the “fruit” of strong Bhakti. That is not surprise as there is the duality of the mind (knowledge) and the heart (bhakti); however, both experiences are necessary in a life path. Some may begin with knowledge and end in bhakti as well. Nevertheless, the outcome of that experience will be self-knowledge and self-love, just to know and love humanity as well. That is another level.

In my experience with BK knowledge; I feel grateful for the “knowledge” that there is a cycle of time. The experience that time is cyclical is able to redeem us for all the activities that we may regret. That is why, the feeling of guilt is useless as those actions will occur again.

Life is a game. Once we know that, what is the importance of knowing the “embellished stories” and “history and geography” of a board game? Just throw the dices and play! Enjoy that game….

OBSERVE “the game” and become AWARE of it and OBSERVE the “I” to become AWARE of it. That is the most important aspect of “knowledge” also known as “becoming a detached observer”, as BapDada likes to say.

“Knowledge”: The favorite game of the mind.

Life is certainly, a learning experience. It is the experience of opening up, to become “nothing” from “something”, by being completely open.
It is your own discovery of the mind. Words cannot explain, for they are of the mind.

Before I started as a student of the Brahma Kumaris, there was nothing more than what my senses and mind could perceive. That was my practical “knowledge.” Science had all the answers. The important things in Life were to get a good job, a pretty wife and to have a family. Just like the “dream” sold to most everyone.
Who created us? That was the “logical” question which needed an answer. I took for granted that someone had to create us. That is how “God” came into my picture.

Then, my world changed through different experiences with someone who I could not see but hear through the words and experiences of my sister. The BK experience initiated my introduction to “paranormal” experiences.
It became apparent to me that “Brahma Kumaris” was the “daughters of Brahma” indeed, as those experiences were mostly from women.

I do not understand how someone could join the Brahma Kumaris and go through its “training”, without having these types of “paranormal” experiences. I mean, many religions offer “God” in a nice package. Many religions are filled with “nice” people who will make us feel at “home”, they will make us feel as a “family.” By the way, the word “family” has been exploited tremendously by our society to fulfill our need for identity, our need to belong.

Perhaps it is the fact that Brahma Kumaris offers its classes free of charge. Perhaps the free vegetarian meal on Sundays… Who knows. Everyone has its own story as to how they started there, all different, all valid.

With the Brahma Kumaris the “supernatural” became easy to assimilate. The world of spirits, ghosts, mediums, clairvoyants, fortune tellers, etc. became part of my repertoire of experiences. My faith in Science and its “knowledge” diminished considerably. Science did not know anything about that world.

There is a world or rather “worlds”, beyond our physical reality. However, not everyone is ready to experience those or even accept them as a belief. It will take a little deconditioning, and a bit of tolerance to go beyond comfort levels.

Now, out of the Brahma Kumaris experience, I could see that the “basics” were explained in the BK system; nevertheless, there is way more to it and again, not everyone is ready. Most individuals are comfortable with their level of understanding of the world. They believe to have figured it out. These individuals will live in a dream and die in a dream as well, that is the experience in their lot. Nothing wrong with that. Their minds will make their life livable.

We constantly need to forget what we believe to know, in order to “open up” beyond the confinements of the mind. The mind will accumulate information constantly. That accumulation could be very sophisticated, needing “greater minds” to understand. However, when concerned with consciousness; none of those paradigms of “increasing knowledge” will be needed.
Those will need to be thrown away. Unlearned.

Truly, to step away from the grip of the mind becomes necessary to “progress.”
While in Brahma Kumaris we learn to control the mind; I am learning just to step away, to observe it, become aware of it, so “I know.”
It is that type of “knowledge” the one that is useful, practical.

Knowledge as “information” is only useful for the games of the mind but not for a new consciousness in the realm of “no-mind.”

The “right” belief system

What makes your belief to be the “right” one?
What is the standard that we have chosen to call our beliefs as “the truth”?
Is it your particular experience?
Is that enough to call it the “truth”? When you proselytize to “help others,” aren’t you truly helping only yourself to support your beliefs?

Have we ever watched a bunch of pelicans flying by the beach in a formation?
Our inquisitive mind asked: Why do they fly in that particular way?
Our “research” responded that this is an aerodynamical efficient way to fly. We believe the “why” has been responded. Fighting planes will copy that formation, after all; they have a good logical answer of why do it that way.

Have we ever wondered how pelicans know that? Have they ever done some research on their own? Oh! Our answer is: “It is instinctive.” Our minds are happy because we have an “answer.”
But, how that “instinct” was put into them? Moreover, how is that humans have lost “instinct” and replaced it with intellectual research and belief?
Here goes another answer: “God created them that way, BUT he gave humans free will to think on their own.” The mind is happy again! How fortunate we are! How special!
Or if we are not into the belief of God, we can say: “Nature has its own intelligence.” Wonderful answer!

We know nothing. We try to make sense of everything according to our conditionings. Once we come to terms with this, then our minds will not have so much power over us.

A belief will be just a belief. The research will be just that, a “research.” Nothing to do with “truth.” For we can observe “facts” in Life; but we can only know our own “truth.”
That inner honesty is what is called at every step in our lives to feel fulfilled, to feel at peace with ourselves, to feel that Life has meaning and we are part of that.

Next time we see pelicans flying in such formation, we will be at awe of seeing that mystery.
Life is a mystery. Appreciate it. Enjoy it. Be grateful of the opportunity to be able to witness that. Let that honest vibe expand and touch others without wanting to. Just by being there with them.
There is no other “spirituality.” That is my experience, my “truth,” my “belief.” It is not “right” and for that, it cannot be “wrong.” There is nothing to defend, nothing to convince to others, nothing to make into a “teaching” to “improve” others.
That ignorance is bliss. 

 

PS: Will not write until July 4th as I will be on vacation.

“Spirituality” through reading and memorizing

Avyakt7-NG is sharing that “spirituality” is not obtained by reading and applying concepts into our daily Life.
That is only a good exercise for our mind. Nothing else.
That traditional way of “learning” is only a conditioning given by our society. We could learn through that method what is needed to do well in a profession or a trade but not in change of CONSCIOUSNESS.

“Spirituality” is the ART of BEING in harmony within and without. That cannot be taught through books, conferences, on-line classes, holy words of God, etc.

Nevertheless, anyone following that path of “reading,” is a beginner in the journey and needs to be respected as such. Books/ holy scriptures are “good” but not necessary.
Beyond “reading” and interpretation of concepts, there is OBSERVATION and ASSIMILATION of Life EXPERIENCES. Growth is through them.
What do “I” OBSERVE? “MY” interaction. What “buttons” have been pushed. My feelings surfacing. My rejection. My beliefs. All of that is what makes up my “I.” All of that is continuously challenged by Life changes. The “I” will fight to maintain itself despite the obvious changes.

Paradoxically, the environment is a reflection of that “I.”  It will show our traumas, our rejections, our beliefs, etc. But the “I” will not recognize them as such, but it will create a struggle, a fight to conquer what is out there. It is like a dog biting its own tail.

Empty, open, grateful to Life… Those are the ingredients to understand without understanding.
Thus, ‘true’ understanding.

The search for “truth” in BK Gyan

Many followers of Brahma Kumaris are looking for “truth,” that is what “knowledge” (gyan) brings to them.
The process of de-condition from mainstream Scientific based knowledge into Brahma Kumaris knowledge is an interesting phase, which is typically unobserved by followers.

The key element is to observe how our “truth” could change from one side to the other, nevertheless; “truth” is never found. It remains as a belief.

Is linear time factual? Is cyclical time what really exists? Is predestination the “truth” or perhaps it is “free will”? Does God exist?
If I am a soul, how is it that I feel to be a body?

Debates and “proofs” of the above or supportive authoritative statements, are part of the “search.”
However, in Life and self-transformation, none of that stuff is worth a banana peel.

The mind looks for “truth” and “truth” is not a paragraph to be recited or some sort of statement.
In Life, there is no “right or wrong.” In Life, there is no “getting ahead.” In Life, there is no rush to get somewhere. In Life, there is no destination to reach. However, for the mind all of those things are important.

Because the mind is momentarily satisfied with some argument, we believe that we found “truth.”
We did not.

Truth is in BEING. BEING happy does not depend on some action or method to follow. BEING fulfilled in Life, is not dependent on some philosophy or scientific idea.

Life presents itself as a process. There is no completion.
To reach the “Golden age” may be the  BK “aim and objective” for an ambitious mind;  but you can only BE in the Golden age, if you were there before, in the past. Do we see that?  If you were there, Life will make it happen again.
What is the effort then? The “effort” is for those who weren’t there, but no matter what effort is done by them, they will not go there.
Our path has already been walked many times. We don’t remember it.
Therefore:
“You” cannot be in the Golden age. “You” will not remember. “You” will not be “you.” Do we see that? 
But yet, we indulge ourselves in making plans about the future in the afterlife.
That is daydreaming. Though, it is a good way to distract the mind from the reality of the “now.”

The rush to get into the “Golden age” (“now or never”) is only a tool for motivation. However, it is used many times to inflict guilt and shame in followers. Fear of “failure” of not getting there, is making their “now” into a miserable experience.

Everyday in Life, there is a lesson on the art of appreciation.
We are continuously changing. That appreciation “now” is a powerful ingredient to bring happiness, contentment “now.” Appreciation is not an ideal or philosophy.

Nevertheless, we allow the mind to bring doubts and learned conditionings from scientific research or BK gyan or some other philosophy, so enjoyment of the present moment is gone.

It is that lack of fulfillment of BEING the one that will drive us to search for “answers,” although the questions that we come up with, are completely conditioned. We believe that Life, the Universe work according to our understanding.
That is “proof” of our tremendous ego.

What would happen if Life is found in other planets?
That means the automatic destruction of all religious beliefs, and scientific understanding of Life.
That is how feeble the ideals/beliefs of the mind are. It is easier to say : “There is no other Life form but only us in the Universe” although, we do not know.

However, for the one BEING in fulfillment, whether Life is found in other planets or not, is of no consequence.
BEING is beyond any ideas of the mind, here is where “true” spirituality resides, away from the beliefs of the mind.

For the common good.

Question on responsibility of sorrow of others.

“How much are we responsible for the sorrow of souls in connection with us? BKs believe that “we are not responsible for the unhappiness and sorrow of other people, it’s just their creation”. At the same time, others are also not responsible for our sorrow and unhappiness!! Can you PLEASE take this subject for one article in upcoming week.
My second question is a small and direct question, the path of BKism has no way to experience “No-Mind” and “No-I”?? Ego can’t be dissolved with Shivbaba?”

Thank you for your questions.
The word “responsible” is a word that we have learned in the “Office world.” We are responsible for educating our children, we are responsible for our actions in society, etc. But at the same time, we know about PREDESTINATION.
Then, who is responsible?

The “office world” does not know about PREDESTINATION. They just know about “free-will” thus, to be “responsible” exists there. It is interesting that BK borrows many words from the “Office world” which truly does not apply to PREDESTINATION. They may do it for the sake of understanding, which many times turns into misunderstanding. Something like: ” You have free will to DO something, but once it is DONE, it is the DRAMA… and that will repeat…”  

My direct answer is: Does it matter? You feel sorrow. Look at it. Acknowledge it. Embrace it. Learn from it. Do you feel that we are all ONE? Then what you DO to others, you DO it to yourself.
Perhaps, you do not feel that we are ONE. Then, try to take advantage of others. Learn from that experience. Your Life will be a lesson.
So, you are not AWARE enough to learn from your own Life… then “knowledge” comes to the rescue. Let me teach you about KARMA. You will be afraid of it. Your DOING will be restricted to your thought of DOING things “right” according to your understanding or the understanding of others. Acting this way appears to BE safe, although you ARE not the image of WISDOM but the image of cheap imitation as your ACTIONS (DOING) are carefully thought out. You are condemned to live in your head, with your ego telling you what to DO according to the understanding of the conditioning that you have received.

“Responsible”…. Let me smile at that word… 🙂 Responsible brings irresponsible.

Now on your second question. Observe how you have distorted what I said in the previous article. I wrote “No-mind” does not exist in the BK vocabulary.” And then you add “experience” and bring “ShivBaba” into the picture.
So you want me to tell you if ego cannot be dissolved throuhg ShivBaba?
Then I ask you: How do we know that what we experience is ShivBaba? Then, we go back to the repeated example in my last article.
“I am a soul.” “ShivBaba is my father.”  Repeat the mantra until it sinks in the mind. No experience.

Now, do you see why I repeat the same examples?
If I say: “I have not experienced that my ego gets reduced through yoga with ShivBaba” then others will say, that they have experienced that. Who is who to say when ego gets reduced when we are not aware when ego increases?
Direct answers such as “Yes” or No” are so deceiving, when you have not experienced something and you just want an answer for the sake of being “RIGHT.”

Spiritually is not about BEING “right or wrong.” So what is all about?
That… “You” will need to find out yourself.

For the common good.

“Practice” dulls the mind

When a person is ready for a change, because he wants to be “better” or “enlightened” or perhaps, he wants to find “God,” that point in their life is the beginning of their search for meaning. Again, it is the BEGINNING. The end is to find himself in order to find no-self. Just because I shared that, it doesn’t mean that “you know.” We only know if there is experience. There are no methods to get there. Life itself will bring the necessary experiences, some may say, it is “God” helping or giving those experiences.  That does not matter. What matters is to know through experience. To be honest with that.
Here is another “spoiler:” When “I” find myself through “no-self,” there is no difference between “I” and “God.” There is no difference between “I” and Life.

Most individuals are interested in having “answers,” in the beginning stage.
Those “answers” are like beliefs. Those “answers” are not part of their consciousness, those are not experiential.
It doesn’t matter whether the answer is “right or wrong.” It does not matter a bit; however, for someone living in the mind, those answers are all that matter.

Ahnanda recalls that one day (many years ago) my sister came home and asked my father and “I”: “Who are you?” Both of us gave many known “correct answers” such as: spirits, sons of god, human beings, etc.
Her answer was: “you are a soul.” She thought she knew. She taught us something that she learned someplace to take us away from our “ignorance.”
But that label (soul) has no experience within it. It is truly an empty word.

Our conditioning is that intellectual knowledge means to “know.”

What is a soul? What does it feel to be a soul? How can “I” experience that feeling? What are the steps, the methods to get there?
All of those questions are “pure” conditioning. Nevertheless, we want the “answers,” but, the meaning of “soul” remains elusive for those who only have the belief of that word spoken by some “higher authority.”

Avyakt7-NG recalls attending a Brahma Kumaris gathering few years ago, with a well-known senior sister. Avyakt7 asked her: “How do we know if what we are experiencing is the soul?” Her answer was: “ You need more soul conscious practice.”
It is a circular answer for an intelligent but meaningless question. Nevertheless, that answer was supposed to give me the incentive to “practice” back then. So, it was a politically correct answer, even though meaningless!

At that time, Avyakt7 couldn’t understand the meaning of the mind; that is not the definition or the concept, but the experiential meaning, the “knowing.”
Now, Ahnanda can see that all of those words, are there to distract the mind from looking inwards, from finding who am “I.”

This finding has no way to be written in words.
Looking inwards cannot have the restriction of some “method.” There is no path to get there, because there is no place to go.
To be comfortable with who “I am” is the consequence of knowing who I am. That feeling, that BEING is the “answer.”

Life has no questions nor answers. Only the mind has those.

The BK path was giving me “answers” to keep the mind at ease. That path was giving me the chance to jump off the mind, if I had the awareness.

“Yoga of the mind” is experienced in no-mind, but for someone absorbed in the mind, there is no way to observe beyond that. “No-mind” does not exist in the BK vocabulary.

It is said “practice makes perfect,” but continuous practice dulls the mind. What is the purpose of repeating a mantra or a “spiritual practice,” everyday? To dull the mind to get out of it. That is the unspoken “theory” of that “practice.”

Enjoyment is in no-mind and that, harmonizes the mind. We can do something many times as long as we enjoy it. That is not “practice.”
Enjoyment is the opposite of “practice.” “Spirituality” is in enjoyment, never in “practice.”

For the common good.