There are no answers outside of yourself.
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Self-realization is the simple recognition of who and what you are. That recognition is neither time-dependent nor place-dependent. Neither is contingent upon your being silent or still--though you may be momentarily paused or quiet when the understanding occurs.
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Give minimal attention to any so-called spiritual experience. That, in itself, will spare you lots of lost time, misdirection, and needless investigation.
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You cannot force or will self-knowledge into existence. It is a seeing or understanding of what is fully present. No efforts are needed, except the easy contemplation of the words that you are reading right now.
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When you are walking through the park, what is it that accompanies you, but Does Not Move?
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With meditation and mindfulness, you are saying that you are something other than awareness, and that you must somehow work your way towards that notion or idea. And thus, misery ensues because a concept cannot be attained.
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Why divide things into the spiritual and material? Simply enjoy life as best you can--especially when it comes to opportunites to spend time in nature or with good-hearted people or simply by yourself at a corner table in a cafe or coffee shop, watching the rain fall or reading an insightful book.
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Don't attempt to be quiet. Just see that there is a quietness already within you. And there is never a moment when you are without it.
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Contemplation and self-reflection are important in nonduality. They happen best when you deliberate over some point in a relaxed and natural manner. And remember, you're not looking for an intellectual understanding to this, but an actual presence of awareness that is both boundless and unchanging.
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Zen mind, Beginner's mind is there before you begin your practice.
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Why do you want to be on the road to happiness? The actual state of things is that sometimes you're happy, and sometimes you are not. There is no place where happiness is constant. For happiness is an experience, and it is the very nature of experiences to change. Awareness, however, is your natural state. It is consummate and unvarying.
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Your Self is already centered. There is nothing wayward about it at all. If it were, it wouldn't be Self. And it is manifesting itself in you right now as a subtle but irrefutable presence of peace and pervasiveness.
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Anger, uncertainty, bitterness, impatience, a broken heart, etc are all things that can naturally come up in the body-mind. Why does there need to be someone who "stays with" any of those arisings? Such an action would only increase the duration of that particular emotion, because you're re-focusing on it--and with an imagined witness, no less! Just let the feelings be, as long as there is no harm to you or anyone. Besides, do you attempt to witness feelings of love, joy, pleasure, gratitude, and compassion? No! You allow them to have their times and moments in your life. And then they disappear.
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News & Info
John Wheeler's Web site is no longer up. But earnest and serious seekers (and that's the only kind we have here at "Radiance") can reach him at: johnwheeler111@yahoo.com
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RECENTLY IN: The beautiful and informative Nonduality Magazine has published a new discussion with Rodney about his book, A Vastness All Around. The extensive and wide-ranging interview was done by John LeKay, the magazine's editor.
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"Loved the book, Rodney. Enjoyed it as much as John Wheeler's first book, Awakening to the Natural State. My favourite quote of yours was "you are no more your personal history than you are your toothbrush." I like the fact that you included little tidbits of your life and surrounds. It felt more like reading a book on travel or history than some of the other textbook style books on nonduality. I think for anyone serious about a direct approach, your book and John Wheeler's are the two to have." -- Ian
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A Vastness All Around: Awakening to Your Natural State is Rodney's first collection of essays, discussions, interviews, and powerful pointers. It can be ordered directly from the publisher at Lulu Press.
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If you would like to meet Rodney, have him to discuss nonduality, sign books, or read, you can email him at: writerguy@fastmail.fm. Such events are self-organized, so funding is key, with groups and universities that can cover travel expenses getting priority. And much appreciation!
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This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.
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