I don't want one of those "you are already awake" kind of books that disregards meditation and the world because "it's all an illusion". "Awakening to the dream" is a perfect example of such a book. I've read it and thought it was useless. Here are some interesting points: http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Dre...Viewpoints=0
I've decided not to engage in any kind of self-inquiry. I'm not sure if it's even a worthwhile practice for anyone. Seems like a form of self-hypnosis to me.
I don't want one of those "you are already awake" kind of books that disregards meditation and the world because "it's all an illusion". "Awakening to the dream" is a perfect example of such a book. I've read it and thought it was useless. Here are some interesting points: http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Dre...Viewpoints=0
LOL what did you expect. All the books are IN and OF the illusion. Written in a language and form that you can comprehend so easily. Reject or accept.
Relax it isn't a race. There are no perfect texts. You interpret them by the light of your own perception.
Isn't that just noticing the new state you are in with the risk of intellectualizing it?
No my friend. Self inquiry is about examining your thoughts. A great book to start out on is Loving What Is by Byron Katie. Amazing and a book everyone should read.
Now Yogani does talk about making this, a trap of the mind in which we fall into. It is easy to do but still different than intellectualizing it.
With the proviso that meditation practice is firmly established and some stillness has been found.
No one can forbid self inquiry but it can be somewhat confusing for those that try it without those prerequisites. Even with steady practice it can prove a destabilising distraction.
The books mentioned are all great works but are filled with frustrating and inconclusive answers for the novice. They point back to the self like a finger pointing backwards and really say what Yogani always has ' the Guru is in you'.
For those trying to progress faster it can be a temporary slap in the face which guides them back to steady practice, grounding and self pacing which is good. However it can equally baffle and confuse people and cause unnecessary delay whilst they go out of the way to investigate this potential rocket booster.
Those that don't heed the warning can go off with a safety rope attached if they understand what is being said. If they find the experience to be overwhelming or antagonising then they can haul back to here.
All we need is to attend to the steady 20 minute twice daily practices - I do only one session these days. We can add spinal pranayama and Sanyama when we are firmly established and attending to self pacing and grounding. Then it might be worth looking at self inquiry when we are coping well.
BKs book is an excellent add on and good material for the novice as it completes the circle in the material sense. It isn't really self inquiry though.
Books: BE AS YOU ARE, I AM THAT, BEFORE I AM
Posted - Apr 13 2014 : 1:58:38 PM
Catherine