Chuang Tzu
An article on the Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu, by Hari Prasad Shastri. The sixth century BCE was marked by an unprecedented upheaval in the world of philosophy. Discarding the old and no longer suitable authoritarianism of the ancient writers, humanity made reason its sole guide and entered the realm of investigation with an open mind.…
Read MorePoetic Pointers to Non-Duality
One of the themes that we find in the poetry of Hari Prasad Shastri is how the seeker of truth is open to receiving help from a power far greater than that of our limited intellect and will. This help is sometimes called inspiration, sometimes grace, and its influence, though itself indescribable, is indicated by…
Read MoreSharing the Same Boat
In this changing world We are all travellers in the same boat. Let us treat each other with love. Tulsidas Is universal peace possible? Only when we realise that our Self is not confined to our personal body and mind, but is one with the Self of all. Then we will know that none is…
Read MoreYour Real Nature is Perfection
That is perfection, this is perfection. Out of perfection comes forth perfection. When perfection is removed from perfection Perfection alone remains. This verse comes from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. It was revealed by an enlightened seer of Truth. These words indicate non-duality—the direct experience of ultimate reality. This experience is not something that comes and goes.…
Read MoreBhavagad Gita Chapter 2 on Dedicated Action
Knowing that the true Self is beyond cause and effect, while in this world action is unavoidable, the true Yoga practice is, to act—to do what is required of us—but without concern for the results. This is the real way to be free of the constraints of action and reaction, the way to attain inner…
Read MoreProgress and Realisation
In a certain, provisional sense, spiritual progress can be viewed as a progressive unveiling of our true being. If a lamp is covered with layers of cloth, its light is hidden. But remove the cloths one by one, and the light will gradually shine through, although there is a world of difference between the last…
Read MoreDiscovering Our Infinite Nature
We function in the world of time but the roots of our being are in eternity. We seem to be limited but there is something in us which is not at all limited, and which is at the root of our being. Hari Prasad Shastri The chief purpose of the Yoga of Self-Knowledge is to…
Read MoreOn Discovering Our Infinite Nature
The chief purpose of the Yoga of Self-Knowledge is to awaken us to the truth of our essential nature. This truth is that our innermost Self is identical with the supreme reality that underlies and makes possible the universe. Our fundamental nature is infinite, imperishable, and transcends the conditions that apply to our physical and…
Read MoreMeditation Practice: the Essence of All
A meditation practice session led by the Warden at Shanti Sadan Let us use this precious time to establish ourselves in the peace and harmony which always prevails at the centre of our being whether we are aware of it or not. In order to prepare for meditation, we consciously turn our attention inwards. Not…
Read MoreProgress in Self-Knowledge: Part One
Self-knowledge has many levels of meaning, depending on which aspect of our nature is being considered. Many would agree that it is better to have some understanding of our psychological makeup than risk living in a way that may be based on self-deception. This sort of self-knowledge includes a willingness to pause and reflect about…
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