Pointers

What is it that is already present?

*****

You are awareness. Therefore, there is no person to awaken. All of your sitting, chanting, and meditating to get enlightened are such a ludicrous waste of time, money, and energy. You can come to this understanding by simply (and reflectively) eating a piece of pizza.

*****

You don't have to "make room" for presence--for presence is all there is. And who would be "making room" for it anyway? All "you" would be doing is simply getting in the way!

*****

The only way to transcend the ego is to understand that it can't possibly be who and what you are. How could you conceivably be something that comes and goes--that is "good" one moment and "bad" the other? Anything that changes is, unequivocally, not your abiding essence. Throughout the day, take note of the fact that there is something that doesn't move, despite the plethora of thoughts, feelings, and sensations. What is that something?

*****

If you're looking for unending happiness, you're barking up the wrong tree. Happiness is a shifting condition. Deep peace--which is your natural state--never alters in the least.

*****

Nonduality points to an immediate recognition that can always be had. It is merely a matter of seeing or understanding what is aboundingly present. Nothing has to be formalized or ritualized. And you don't require the support of any community to have it happen (though if a community of serious and well-meaning seekers is naturally in place, terrific!).

*****

The Self, like the Tenth Man, does not have to be created or searched for. You're the tenth person! No one was ever lost. Just see what it is that has never been absent. It's right there within you at this very moment. Time is not a factor with self-knowing. Anyone who tells you that you need X-number of weeks/months/years/decades for this seeing to occur has absolutely NO idea what he or she is talking about. None!

*****

If you are attempting to "unite" with presence, that imagined "I" will continually keep you from seeing that presence is what you already are.

*****

Your ordinary awareness is a pointer to your innate and immutable spaciousness. Discern that spaciousness right now. It is fully existent as you scan these words. Indeed, there is nowhere where it is not. The spaciousness is you. Everything else is just an appearance in that spaciousness. Again, the spaciousness is you. Don't move from that--and you just might come to know that you never move from that.

-----

News & Info

NEW: I am now scheduling teaching events. If you would like to arrange something in your area, you may email me at: writerguy@fastmail.fm

I am also doing one-to-one phone consultations for anyone who is vitally interested in self-knowledge. Each conversation will take an hour or so, and donations of around $25 will be greatly appreciated.

~~~~~

RECENTLY IN: Non-duality America has just published an excerpt from A Vastness All Around.

~~~~~

Tami Brady reviewed A Vastness All Around on her TCM Reviews page.

~~~~~

"A Vastness All Around is, hands down, one of the best books out there on nonduality. Thank you for all of your writing." --Alex Taylor

~~~~~

Here's a review of the Kindle Edition of Vastness on Amazon.

~~~~~

Nonduality Magazine has published a discussion with Rodney about his work and book. The extensive and wide-ranging interview was done by John LeKay, the magazine's editor.

~~~~~

"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

~~~~~

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.

~~~~~

Vastness is now available for the Amazon Kindle! Order Here.

~~~~~

And for the book's Press Release, click Here.

~~~~~

This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.

What is This Belief In A Separate Entity?

Questioner: Hi Rodney. I hope you are well. I went to down to Melbourne a few weeks ago and had the great pleasure to attend Bob Adamson's meetings twice.

Rodney: That's great! I'm happy that you took the opportunity to go spend some time with "Sailor" Bob. It doesn't get much better than that.

Q: I had heard Bob's pointing on recordings many times, but it was really a strong experience to actually meet with him. I felt like I had always known him just after a few minutes, I don't remember feeling that way with anyone else before.

Rodney: Excellent. Bob points clearly, accurately, and unwaveringly to who and what you are at this very moment. His words are spot-on, and it's not so much a matter of your taking them to heart, but of your seeing or understanding that they are directing you to a measureless actuality in your very own self.

Q: I had heard Bob's pointing on recordings many times, but it was really a strong experience to actually meet with him. I felt like I had always known him in just after a few minutes. I don't remember feeling that way with anyone else before.

Rodney: One-to-one talks with a self-realized person can't be beat, especially with such a sage as Bob. And when I use the word "sage," I don't mean it in a reverential way. For me, the term means someone whose pointing is true and whose talks and writings are singular. The person also tends to have extensive experience of speaking to others. And that the sage is self-realized goes without saying. But in today's spiritual milieu, that is far from a given.

Q: It was a very powerful couple of days indeed. And lately, there has been a lot of pausing.

Rodney: Very good. Go with the pauses. Allow yourself to see and feel their fulness and richness.

Q: I can see that my perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and the so-called world seem to be appearing in SOMETHING, a kinda of space that's undeniable. Nothing can happen to that space. So that's one thing.

Rodney: Actually, that's the only thing. But go ahead.

Q: Also, I can see that many times during the day (and during my dreams), a thought of my self appears. When it does, the previous thought or feeling is linked to that "me" thought, and it generates subsequent thoughts and feelings, and feeds the story.

Rodney: Yes, that's one of the ways in which the I-concept flourishes.

Q: The more you watch it, the less the subsequent stories seem to last. But the "me" keeps poping-up out of habit, and I, more or less, see that when it does. So that's the second thing.

Rodney: Okay.

Q: So this raises questions for me. If the false separate me is just made of thoughts, then what it is the belief made of? It doesn't seem that it can be a thought, that would mean that a thought can believe in a thought, but it doesn't seem that a thought can do anything.

Rodney: A belief is a thought, though you may put it under the heading of a view, an idea, or a conviction. But a thought doesn't "believe" in another thought. It is simply the response from a previous notion or idea. And that response comes not from the thought but our reasoning functions, aka, the mind--which ultimately, of course, is nothing but awareness.

Q: Oh, okay. I see now.

Rodney: All appearances--including your physicality--are temporary. They arise from presence and disappear into presence. But you are neither your thoughts nor your beliefs, and you are certainly not your body. (Indeed, that's the last thing that you could possibly be!) So what remains? You are that presence of awareness from which all of those things emerge. Rather than being overly concerned with thoughts and impressions, bring your attention to the fact that things arise from something that never moves. What is that something? Reflect on this point, if you are drawn to do so. Let it be with you throughout the day, or simply when you have some time to sit and ponder all of this. And do it without any strain or effort--for neither, I promise, are needed.

Q: Thanks for your kind answer, Rodney, and for your continued excellent pointing.

-----

News & Info

NEW: I am now scheduling teaching events. If you would like to arrange something in your area, you may email me at: writerguy@fastmail.fm

I am also doing one-to-one phone consultations for anyone who is vitally interested in self-knowledge. Each conversation will take an hour or so, and donations of around $25 will be greatly appreciated.

~~~~~

RECENTLY IN: Non-duality America has just published an excerpt from A Vastness All Around.

~~~~~

Tami Brady reviewed A Vastness All Around on her TCM Reviews page.

~~~~~

"A Vastness All Around is, hands down, one of the best books out there on nonduality. Thank you for all of your writing." --Alex Taylor

~~~~~

Here's a review of the Kindle Edition of Vastness on Amazon.

~~~~~

Nonduality Magazine has published a discussion with Rodney about his work and book. The extensive and wide-ranging interview was done by John LeKay, the magazine's editor.

~~~~~

"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

~~~~~

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.

~~~~~

Vastness is now available for the Amazon Kindle! Order Here.

~~~~~

And for the book's Press Release, click Here.

~~~~~

This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.

Pointers

What is it that knows that a thought is present?

*****

Nonduality is a timeless teaching that points to Reality itself, which is nothing more than your ordinary, everyday awareness. Again, this is all that is being pointed to.

*****

You have to see the absurdity of your own seeking.

*****

There is no subject-object relationship with awareness. Awareness is all there is. Yes, thoughts, emotions, and sensations appear, but they are simply manifestations within awareness, as well as presence itself. It/You are the unchanging Subject without a second.

*****

When you realize that there is nothing you can do about your normal thinking, there is automatic de-energizing of all thoughts.

*****

Pointers have two functions: To point to Truth, and to negate what appears to be Truth.

*****

Awareness can neither be perceived by the senses nor comprehended by the mind. It is totally beyond both. Yet, it can be directly known right now with some simple alertness or attention. So what is it that never leaves you? Ponder this. Sit with it until you perceive your own limitless glory.

*****

The same awareness is in everyone. The I-concept (the ego, the momentary sense of an individual self) arises in me as it does in you. But here, there is little or no identification with it. (Indeed, its appearance is almost funny sometimes!) For I see/feel/know/understand that I am that unending spaciousness from which from which all thoughts, emotions, and sentiments arise.

*****

As you go throughout your day, always be mindful of the fact that whatever changes cannot be you--that it cannot be who or what you truly am. And thus, be alert for that which Does Not Change. It's right there too--always has been, always will be.

*****

You already are what you are seeking! Don't move from this fact. Let it resonate within you, fill you with its wonder. It is the keyless key to the Kingdom, which is your very own presence of awareness.

*****

All thinking is a movement away from your natural state. That's not to say that thoughts are evil and should be squashed at all cost. Thinking allows us to function in society in a safe and prudent manner. It's just that when thoughts and emotions arise, your attention is momentarily on them. Bring your focus back to the presence of peace and expansiveness between your thoughts and responses. And this seeing and understanding happens immediately, fully, and with absolutely no fanfare. Yet, it is totally beyond anything that you could ever imagine.

-----

News & Info

NEW: I am now doing one-to-one phone consultations for anyone who is vitally interested in self-knowledge. Each conversation will take an hour or so, and donations of around $25 will be most appreciated. You may contact me at writerguy@fastmail.fm to schedule a time.

~~~~~

RECENTLY IN: Non-duality America has just published an excerpt from A Vastness All Around.

~~~~~

Tami Brady reviewed A Vastness All Around on her TCM Reviews page.

~~~~~

"A Vastness All Around is, hands down, one of the best books out there on nonduality. Thank you for all of your writing." --Alex Taylor

~~~~~

Here's a review of the Kindle Edition of Vastness on Amazon.

~~~~~

Nonduality Magazine has published a discussion with Rodney about his work and book. The extensive and wide-ranging interview was done by John LeKay, the magazine's editor.

~~~~~

"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

~~~~~

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.

~~~~~

Vastness is now available for the Amazon Kindle! Order Here.

~~~~~

And for the book's Press Release, click Here.

~~~~~

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!

~~~~~

This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.

Aloha From Honolulu

Question: Aloha, Rodney. Your blog and book are great. I have followed you for a while now and connect with your words more than with other teachers. And believe me, there have been plenty of others!

Rodney: Ahola to you also! Thanks for writing and for your warm remarks. You can never predict what teacher will resonate with what person. The connection is there, and there is little that one can do to explain it. But then, no explanation is necessary, really. It is what it is.

Q: I've been following non-duality for about 10 years. I have mostly given up on this final understanding happening. But I keep being drawn back into this teaching. Perhaps in my gut I know that the teaching's true.

Rodney: If you continuing to be drawn back, then that's your heart leading the way, which tends to happen with earnest and resolute seekers. You almost have no choice in the matter! As you said, this knowingness about the accuracy and authenticity of nonduality is in your "gut." It isn't a belief or blind faith, but an inner knowing that doesn't dissipate, despite the passage of even a decade.

Q: Yes, that definitely seems to be going on here...I just have a question about your recent blog entry. You wrote, "what is it, right now, that would also be with you in deep sleep?" How would someone like myself know, experientially, what is present while I'm in deep sleep?

Rodney: You won't know it while you're in deep sleep; for that is a sleep that is without dreams and an active consciousness. It is total rest. And essentially, awareness is all there is. Self-knowing only occurs during the waking state; for there must be a certain amount of alertness present to realize that you are Presence!

Q: Oh, okay. Now I see what you mean.

Rodney: And what is seen at that time is the very same awareness that is present in deep sleep. (It is also present while you're dreaming, of course.) So it's a matter of seeing or understanding what it is that exists in all three states, and that can be discerned right now if you carefully take note of the fact that your ordinary, everyday awareness isn't unremarkable at all. Indeed, it is ripe with hushness and everlasting peace. It is alive, but unchanging. There, but indefinable.

Q: It's just a matter of recognizing it.

Rodney: Right, of seeing or understanding that what you are looking for is what you already are. That immediacy is currently being overlooked for any number of reasons. But the usual "suspects" are a needless attention on thoughts and feelings, dualistic thinking (awareness is there, but "I" have to "attain" it), and the objectification of yourself and appearances (e.g., that you are an individual person rather than awareness itself).

Q: So this "I" within me can't take me that final understanding.

Rodney: It cannot. It is just a thought, a temporary sense of an individual self arising in presence. Having been told that, you simply bring your attention back to the spaciousness from which a thought or feeing or belief emerges. So not only is the "answer" already there, you are the answer. It is your ordinary, everyday awareness seen in its totality. As you reflect upon any of this, be attentive to any cessations of thoughts and sentiments. And those pauses most definitely will occur; for thoughts and ideas come and go. Awareness does not. So what is it, right at this moment , that is not moving? The answer is before and within you, and you are That.

Q: Much thanks, Rodney. Now I understand what you mean. There is something present through all three states, and that it doesn't change. That's very powerful and for some reason, comforting. It is very nice of you to help people with this. I look forward to your weekly entries, so please continue to write.

Rodney: All the best, and keep in touch, if you're moved to do so.

-----

News & Info

JUST IN: Non-duality America has just published an excerpt from A Vastness All Around.

~~~~~

Tami Brady reviewed A Vastness All Around on her TCM Reviews page.

~~~~~

"A Vastness All Around is, hands down, one of the best books out there on nonduality. Thank you for all of your writing." --Alex Taylor

~~~~~

Here's a review of the Kindle Edition of Vastness on Amazon.

~~~~~

Nonduality Magazine has published a discussion with Rodney about his work and book. The extensive and wide-ranging interview was done by John LeKay, the magazine's editor.

~~~~~

"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

~~~~~

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.

~~~~~

Vastness is now available for the Amazon Kindle! Order Here.

~~~~~

And for the book's Press Release, click Here.

~~~~~

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!

~~~~~

This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.