Hari OM
'Freedays' are the 'gather our
thoughts' days; Q&As; a general review of the week so far…
As we approach the fifth anniversary of Aatmaavraajanam blog
starting up, consideration is being given as to 'where to from here?'
The reason for this is that we have covered a good deal of the
prakarana and basic introductory practices. It was initially envisioned that
there would be a good deal more discussion via comments or email. However, this
has not taken place to the extent one would have hoped or wished.
It is a recognised thing that many people feel nervous to ask
questions or enter debates. However, NOT asking questions will result in your
missing out on gaining full insight. If questions are not arising, how much
thought is going on, really? How intense is the curiosity? Advaita Vedanta is a
complex subject. It is vital indeed to ask those questions! Do not worry about
whether it seems inconsequential. Fret not about how you might 'look' to the
teacher or other students. Drop the ego and allow the information to fully
absorb so that questions will automatically pop up.
It is possible for a pilot to get his plane from A to B by just
looking out the window and trusting his own instruments. How much easier it is,
though, when air traffic control provides correct coordinates and instructions
to follow! The chance of mishap or landing in a totally foreign place is much
reduced.
Before thinking of flying, however, that pilot needs to have
undergone all the basic training and practiced, practiced, practiced!
The premise of this blog, from the perspective of this teacher, was
that it serve as part of her own saadhana. Encouraging others to saadhana has
been part of that. Saadhana - daily practice according to set principles - is
the key to grasping the benefits of researching this philosophy. Maintaining
saadhana can be a challenge in the same way that physical exercise can be; then
again, exercise can become addictive, so why cannot saadhana also?!
To this end, thought is being given as to how this blog might now
shift a little more towards the practical application - probably through
questioning and exploration of the instructions of the Masters. Until this
thought is fully realised, you will note something of a 'holding pattern' in
the posts. There may be new texts which support the concept - one that comes
to mind is the Prashnopanishad - the Upanishad of questioning! However, time is
required to review and evaluate how best this blog can continue to be useful and to have a purpose for its continued existence.
