Beginner Mind

I found David Godman's "Be As You Are" to be a great overview of Ramana's teaching.

@LfcCharlie4 I agree that Rupert's writing can be difficult for newbies, and even for seasoned seekers. But I've grown to appreciate his style over time. Very articulate. He's like the Jean-Luc Picard of spirituality.

"Being Aware of Being Aware" by Rupert Spira inspired me to discover my true nature.

@spiritualryan A simple way of being aware of being aware is to notice the fact that you are experiencing anything at all. Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear this. His audio program "The Deepest Acceptance" was a big help to me.

It might be helpful to realize that your ego may always be present, and your desire to be rid of it is causing unnecessary suffering.

@Javfly33 Perhaps you haven't fully welcomed the present moment yet. Eckhart Tolle: "The decision to make the present moment into your friend is the end of ego." And, I would add, is the doorway to deep peace.

I'm thinking of joining a dating site and being upfront about my weaknesses (as a way of demonstrating authenticity). Something like: "A little about me: I have terrible social skills and I avoid exercise like the plague." Would women appreciate the honesty/humor of it, or would they see it as me simply putting myself down and lacking self-esteem?

Thanks everyone for your responses. Mods, please lock this up.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Mods, please lock this up.

35 year old male here. I've been a hermit for quite a while and haven't gotten laid in six years. It's been ten years since my last serious relationship. Everything has been going well for me from a spiritual perspective: From discovering my true nature as awareness, going deeply into the present moment, to surrendering to what is. But at the same time, there is often a sense of lack, of loneliness, which I suspect can only be healed by meeting a good girl. Am I delusional to think that a woman is the missing piece of the puzzle? Should I just embrace being alone?

You may be right: I might have to experience it for myself in order to understand. Problem is, there don't seem to be many opportunities to date these days.

@flowboy I would just say that a relationship is the ultimate pleasure. Not a source of fulfillment, but of pleasure. Seems pretty enjoyable.

@flowboy Perhaps.

Admittedly I didn't like your approach. But I see what you're saying. In real life, I would easily admit my weaknesses to a woman, no problem. But I wasn't sure if online dating is a different ballgame. Will the humor/authenticity shine through as intended, or will she just assume I lack self-esteem? I just don't know.

I'd be genuinely curious to know who in this world is entering into a relationship as "an expression of love" or whatever, and not as a means of attaining fulfillment.

Weird thing for you to post tbh. I don't see the harm in seeking out some opinions.

Wise words for a 21 year old. It's interesting to me that all spiritual teachers, the people we admire for being truly fulfilled and self-sufficient, even they develop romantic relationships. Even Eckhart Tolle, probably the most non-needy self-sufficient human on the planet, has a partner. So, while these teachers will say things like, "A partner will never fulfill you", the next moment you will see them holding the hand of their beloved partner... Seems somewhat hypocritical to me. Ah well... I think I just need to embrace being alone. Accept what is.

Yeah, you're probably right. Thanks.

I've been chasing happiness for decades. In my opinion, happiness is simply dropping your resistance to this moment, deeply accepting what is.

Agreed.

I was first introduced to this concept in Eckhart Tolle's book, "Stillness Speaks", in which he recommends listening to silence. I've found that listening to silence leads to peace and even joy. If you haven't tried this before, I highly recommend it. Just sit in a comfortable position (I sit in a chair), at a time when there is no noise in your immediate environment, and simply notice the silence around you. Really pay attention to it. After doing so for a few minutes, you will begin to experience deep peace. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Music to my ears.

Oh I've had my fair share of suffering. I'm much more interested in experiencing peace at this stage of my life.

Are you psychic, Nahm? Do you give readings?