The most important knowledge ever we could have. It's the same self on the well known "Self-realization" concept. This "I" is the essence of our existence; it's the only truth, i.e. never change; it's always there since from the very beginning of eternal time. It could only be realized; it's beyond explanation.
Thank you, Peter! I appreciate your work, your simplicity, and your humble attitude. I follow you constantly. I also use your guided meditations from time to time (I was touched by your suggestion to contribute as much as we want for it), but honestly, I still can't meditate without effort as you always indicate. I used to practice Atma Vichara daily for more than a year, but I couldn't progress in any way on that path, so I abandoned it. Only last year, after being home following a retreat in Amsterdam (psilocybin), attending it to experience again the mystical experiences lived in meditations years before, regarding my true nature, I've been able to interrogate myself and see a clearer answer to "Who am I?", unveiling all the layers until I could explain it all in one word: "EXPERIENCING". But that feeling of contentment was short lived and didn't triggered a change in my way of living. Now, I use meditation only to cope with daily stress and I use philosophy to make a change in my way of living. In my daily reflection, I recognize that all the philosophy I practice it's far from achieving the liberation I would experience if I could embody what Ramana was explaining. But, at least practicing philosophy I can see some improvements in my way o living, even that they are just a scratch comparing with what "Who am I" answer could reveal.
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you have tasted your true nature and the contentment that lies there. Indeed the root meaning of “Ananda” is “great contentment.” I know how much we can want to get back to experience these states again, but paradoxically the wanting can often get in the way. We drop into our true nature when we are fully relaxed and not trying to get anywhere. So the wanting can disturb that, and take away from the effortlessness I encourage. During your meditation, when you notice some slight trying or effort has crept in, see if there is any faint mental tension associated with it. If so, let it soften and relax. This will help you drop back closer to the ease of your true nature. The key is letting the attention itself relax. I describe this more in another of my Mindfulness of Being talks - ua-cam.com/video/djyD5rn8Ujk/v-deo.html It is also important to recognize that the answer to “Who am I?” does not come as an understanding, or philosophical realization. It is a discovery of what was always there, but not recognized because it was veiled by the thinking mind. So don’t go looking for some new experience or insight, it is more about noticing how it is for you when the thinking mind falls silent (or at least quietens down a lot). The contentment you felt is an intrinsic part of it.
Thank you very much for talking about this intimate topic with so much clarity, sincerity and spontaneity. It makes me see that my inner research is true, it gives me the security to also share that experience. Thank you
I agree with the idea that we are the empty cup. What can't be seen what can't be heard what can't be known, well nothing. That which has form is formless is attributed to the Buddha. Why is there anything at all, well there isn't anything at all.
i am that, i am, Think of the I as being GPS coordinates, and how we all share the same coordinates, we are all the I. would love to speak more with you.☺ ☺
The various forms of ego we get trapped in lead to so much suffering, manipulation, aggrandizing, conflict, consumption, egocentricity, emotional hurt, and such. The less we identify with ego and the more we can know that deeper level of being, the better will and world will be.
@@peter-russell thanks for the accurate elaboration, Peter. My problem is that I realize this on a theoretical level but in practice I am still neurotic to the bone.
Good point, I am also advocating the step-by-step approach. By the way: I had your new book "Forgiving Humanity" under the christmas tree. Looking forward to read it! @@peter-russell
The standard metaphysical answer of course is that we are each the light of pure consciousness shining through this nervous system into the world, and taking on an individual sense of "me-ness". But I have never been happy with that. Partly it is too conceptual. And doesn't lead me anywhere. I have often pondered a slight variation of this. What if another egg got fertilised in my mother's womb, but with same genetic make-up. This body would no longer exist. Would this "I" have never existed? Leaving aside notions of soul and reincarnation, I find that sinking myself in this question brings it much closer to home.
The most important knowledge ever we could have. It's the same self on the well known "Self-realization" concept. This "I" is the essence of our existence; it's the only truth, i.e. never change; it's always there since from the very beginning of eternal time. It could only be realized; it's beyond explanation.
Thank you. 🙏
Thank you.
Thank you, Peter! I appreciate your work, your simplicity, and your humble attitude. I follow you constantly. I also use your guided meditations from time to time (I was touched by your suggestion to contribute as much as we want for it), but honestly, I still can't meditate without effort as you always indicate. I used to practice Atma Vichara daily for more than a year, but I couldn't progress in any way on that path, so I abandoned it. Only last year, after being home following a retreat in Amsterdam (psilocybin), attending it to experience again the mystical experiences lived in meditations years before, regarding my true nature, I've been able to interrogate myself and see a clearer answer to "Who am I?", unveiling all the layers until I could explain it all in one word: "EXPERIENCING". But that feeling of contentment was short lived and didn't triggered a change in my way of living. Now, I use meditation only to cope with daily stress and I use philosophy to make a change in my way of living. In my daily reflection, I recognize that all the philosophy I practice it's far from achieving the liberation I would experience if I could embody what Ramana was explaining. But, at least practicing philosophy I can see some improvements in my way o living, even that they are just a scratch comparing with what "Who am I" answer could reveal.
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you have tasted your true nature and the contentment that lies there. Indeed the root meaning of “Ananda” is “great contentment.” I know how much we can want to get back to experience these states again, but paradoxically the wanting can often get in the way. We drop into our true nature when we are fully relaxed and not trying to get anywhere. So the wanting can disturb that, and take away from the effortlessness I encourage.
During your meditation, when you notice some slight trying or effort has crept in, see if there is any faint mental tension associated with it. If so, let it soften and relax. This will help you drop back closer to the ease of your true nature. The key is letting the attention itself relax. I describe this more in another of my Mindfulness of Being talks - ua-cam.com/video/djyD5rn8Ujk/v-deo.html
It is also important to recognize that the answer to “Who am I?” does not come as an understanding, or philosophical realization. It is a discovery of what was always there, but not recognized because it was veiled by the thinking mind. So don’t go looking for some new experience or insight, it is more about noticing how it is for you when the thinking mind falls silent (or at least quietens down a lot). The contentment you felt is an intrinsic part of it.
Thank you very much for talking about this intimate topic with so much clarity, sincerity and spontaneity. It makes me see that my inner research is true, it gives me the security to also share that experience. Thank you
Thank you, Peter. 🙏
Thank you Peter. This is so helpful. Explore deeper and deeper.
Beautiful. 🌻
I agree with the idea that we are the empty cup. What can't be seen what can't be heard what can't be known, well nothing. That which has form is formless is attributed to the Buddha. Why is there anything at all, well there isn't anything at all.
i am that, i am, Think of the I as being GPS coordinates, and how we all share the same coordinates, we are all the I. would love to speak more with you.☺ ☺
Anonymity is Liberating... 🙏
btw Peterbot AI is Astonishing... and FREE 👍
Thanks for comment about PeterBot. I am continually amazed at how it often answers questions much better than I could
I am from Brazil. I couldn't find your books in Portuguese. Is there a Brazilian publisher for your books. Is there a way a could help?
Some of my book were published in Brazil tin the past, but I think, sadly, they are no longer in print.
Yes, the self is dissolving on closer inspection, but what are the consequences from this realisation?
The various forms of ego we get trapped in lead to so much suffering, manipulation, aggrandizing, conflict, consumption, egocentricity, emotional hurt, and such. The less we identify with ego and the more we can know that deeper level of being, the better will and world will be.
@@peter-russell thanks for the accurate elaboration, Peter. My problem is that I realize this on a theoretical level but in practice I am still neurotic to the bone.
How much of the neurotic comes from the machinations of ego? Little steps in letting go of ego may bring a little less of the neurotic@@sempervirentz
Good point, I am also advocating the step-by-step approach.
By the way: I had your new book "Forgiving Humanity" under the christmas tree. Looking forward to read it! @@peter-russell
Why does it matter ?
See my answer to @sempervirentz
The bigger non answerable question is "why am I me; and not you?".
The standard metaphysical answer of course is that we are each the light of pure consciousness shining through this nervous system into the world, and taking on an individual sense of "me-ness". But I have never been happy with that. Partly it is too conceptual. And doesn't lead me anywhere. I have often pondered a slight variation of this. What if another egg got fertilised in my mother's womb, but with same genetic make-up. This body would no longer exist. Would this "I" have never existed? Leaving aside notions of soul and reincarnation, I find that sinking myself in this question brings it much closer to home.