Category: philosophical counseling
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Going Backwards From Thoughts To Prior To The ‘I Am The Body Idea’
In Verse 27 of Ramana Maharshi’s translation of “Devikalottara,” we read: “The mind, hankering after things of the world, is more restless than a monkey. If one controls it from wandering after external things and holds it in the void of non-matter one will attain liberation directly” (The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi, p. 140).…
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On Samskaras, Vasanas, And Thought
Annamalai Swami, like his sadguru Sri Ramana Maharshi, draws our attention to vasanas in his attempts to show us how the mind arises. Here are some relevant passages: I. Those who are damp or wet can dry themselves out by sadhana, by having a strong determination to be aware of the Self at all times.…
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Sunyata On Negative Capability
The “rare-born mystic” who, by midlife, went by the name Sunyata states this about his childhood: Due to my passive receptivity and negative capability (both marvelous tools, but each also having a shadow side that made me seem weak), there was a steady succession of “smaller” ego cruxifixions as I made contact with people during…
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How Can We Keep Up Our Spiritual Practice In The Midst Of Our Daily Activities?
The questioner asks Annamalai Swami a question that is relevant for anyone–perhaps like you, dear reader–who is committed to spiritual practice. It is: “How can we keep up our sadhana in the middle of all our daily activities? It is very difficult” (Annamalai Swami: Final Talks, ed. David Godman, p. 59). Annamalai Swami’s answer is…
Andrew Taggart, Ph.D. 