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Metaphysical exercises are just as nonproductive for self-realization as practices and disciplines. But if you are drawn to explore these things, by all means do so. Enjoy your life. And perhaps one day, you will see that liberating methods don't liberated. As the sixth-century Zen master Sosan said in his The Book of No Mind, "When you try to stop activity to achieve passivity your very effort fills you with activity."
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Take a moment to see what has always, always present. You're placing all of your emphasis on your mind, and the mind really isn't the issue. You're focusing on the wrong thing. All spiritual seekers the world over are focusing on the wrong thing. Your mind (if it is neurologically sound and sane) is, in all probability, working normally. Rising thoughts and emotions are a parting of your functioning. You simply aren't seeing that not only is awareness fully present, but that it never moves from being so.
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Yes, we are all One. But what is that oneness? What is that singularity that is in each transitional body and mind? You see, if you merely say that we are all One, it's theoritical. You are just throwing words around. But when you actually attempt to see and understand that magnificent principle that is within each of us, then it becomes an engaging and energetic investigation.
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You don't need to try to step out of the "stream of thinking." You're already out! You're continuing to believe in the assumption that you're the thinker when you're employing some practice or effort to step out of the stream. Again, you're already out! Thoughts happen in you, not to you!
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Thoughts and feelings come and go. But something doesn't. What is that something?
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You never move from being absolute awareness. That is the ultimate truth. That is a pointer that pauses you because of its pronounced clarity and simplicity. Reflect upon that truth throughout the day, if you're moved to do so. "I am awareness. I never move from this. There is nothing to get, because I am That already--absolute awareness." Don't make it mechanical or even contemplative! Just see the actuality to which the words are pointing.
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Do you really think that your doubts, beliefs, and philosophical views affect awareness? Awareness doesn't care in the least whether you curse it or praise it. Even your eventual seeing of it will not bring forth any Indic Hosannas or spirituals (though a little something from the Staple Singers might be nice).
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You are the presence that is already beyond all thinking. Now when I say "beyond," I obviously don't mean that it is something that you haven't yet gotten. I also don't mean that you have to somehow ascend to it or to go in some direction towards it. Yes, you have to see your Self for yourself. But that couldn't see easier, I promise you. It only appears tricky because you are awareness already. So there is nothing to see as object. All that you can do (or that is needed) is the recognition of your own presence of peace and spaciousness. That is all.
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News & Info
Fully Present is now available at the superb Powell's Bookstore, in Portland, Oregon.
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Fiona Robertson interviews Rodney on Nic Higham's NONDUALITY NETWORK!
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And click HERE to purchase Fully Present at Barnes & Noble.
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And go HERE for the press release for Fully Present.
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For Tami Brady's review of Fully Present in TCM Reviews, go HERE.
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"Fully Present is an elegant addition to the growing literature on nonduality as it is being uncovered, lived and understood in the modern West."
--Philip Goldberg, author of the best-selling American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation--How Indian Spirituality Changed the West. Philip's Web site can be found at www.philipgoldberg.com.
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"Rodney Stevens opens his daily life and thoughts to us in these immensely natural and pleasant ramblings of one who is fully engaged in life, love, nonduality, and cinnamon muffins."
--Catherine Ann Jones, award-winning screenwriter, spiritual workshop leader, and author of The Way of the Story: The Craft and Soul of Writing. Her Web site is www.wayofstory.com
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Rodney is also the author of A Vastness All Around: Awakening to Your Natural State, a powerful and elegant collection of essays, discussions, interviews, and powerful pointers. It can be ordered directly from the publisher at Lulu Press.
Feel free to read 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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"I like your approach in A Vastness All Around. The stories, thoughts and vignettes of your life seem wonderful ways to make people stop and pay attention to where they actually are right now, rather than in some imagined past or future. They show that you don't have to be some specially qualified person, preferably with a title and a name in Sanskrit, to pursue the spiritual quest. Your message comes across particularly well in such pieces as 'Sheerness of Being.'"
--Valerie J. Roebuck, Ph.D., Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester (England)
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I am now doing phone consultations via Skype! Each conversation will take about an hour, and a $25 donation will be greatly appreciated.
I am also scheduling teaching events at this time. If you would like to arrange something in your area, you may email me at: writerguy (at) fastmail (dot) fm
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This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.
