Rodney: Well, thanks. I may start taking a week off, here and there. But don't worry, I'll let you know ahead of time!
Q: Please do! I call your blog my "sweet dependency."
Rodney: No dependency is good, except coffee maybe! And that's only for me. You are what you are right here and now. That's the central point that you need to be clear on. And you can ponder that anytime, whether there is a new blog posting or not. And really, this understanding isn't so much a matter of pondering as it is seeing--a seeing of what the words are pointing to.
Q: Yes, I'm continuing to plow ahead on all this. It's like I can't help it!
Rodney: Your having little choice is the matter is what I term as your "heart leading the way." But in all actuality, there is no "way." And there certainly isn't any "plowing ahead" in nonduality. It's all about recognizing what is continually present, which is pristine peace and spaciousness. Thus, there is nothing that you have to attain or strive for. See the simple logic of this. And just "who" would be doing the striving anyway? Your thoughts and concepts can't; neither can your body. So that leaves only Presence, which is ever-there for the seeing.
Q: That's really powerful...I like how you keep coming around to the point (in your blog) that there is nothing but awareness.
Rodney: Yes, that point is key.
Q: Exactly. And I need the reminder. When it comes to nonduality, I'm not necessarily the brightest girl on the block--despite my two academic degrees!
Rodney: Trust me, you're astute enough to see your Self for yourself. If I can come to this understanding, practically anyone can.
Q: Yes, but you were in Mensa!
Rodney: It's a nonissue. Nisargadatta was said to have been practically illiterate. Yet, he was one of the greatest sages of all time. Come back to what you are. And it truly is a what not a who. The who is an assemblage of appearances, and all experiences change. And those appearances include thoughts, feelings, sensations, ideas, and most certainly your body, which are altering in multiple ways all the time. So what does that leave?
Q: Consciousness.
Rodney: Not consciousness, but awareness. Consciousness is another appearance in awareness. And doesn't consciousness change? Indeed, it even has states! You are awake one moment, and dreaming the next. You're closer to what you actually are in deep sleep. But because there is only a minimum level of consciousness present at that time, you only know that, upon waking, you slept deeply and well. Your body feels fully rested and refreshed. So try not to complicate the issue. This understanding is so simple and straightforward. And how could it not be, given that we are talking about something--awareness--that is your natural state of being? You are seeing, utilizing, and existing as That in this very moment. Have a careful look, and you're bound to see that you've been searching for something that you've actually never been without.
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News & Info
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"I love A Vastness All Around! I just can't say enough good things about it! It keeps stopping me in my mental tracks, and it always does it in this really deep and beautiful way. I could go on and on, of course. But I know you understand exactly what I am pointing to! :)" -- Terrence Smith
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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.
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Tami Brady reviewed Vastness on her TCM Reviews page.
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Here's a review of the Kindle Edition of Vastness on Amazon.
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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.
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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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This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.
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