Spiritual seekers who practise yoga have most probably heard of the gunas. They play a prominent role in the Vedic phenomenology which both, Yoga and Vedanta are based on. But both interprete the Vedas differently. This is how yoga came to consider reality to be dual whereas Advaita Vedanta considers it to be non-dual. I am using the word „phenomenology“ …
The ability to prioritize grants good prospects to achieve whatever one wants to achieve in life. Without this ability one will lose sight of one’s goals over and over again and, thus, often moves in circles. The clearer the internal alignment and the fewer aims there are, the higher the likelihood to achieve one’s goals. Those, however, who are convinced …
The Ego In the mindscape of most spiritual seekers there is something called “the ego”. However, the exact meaning they assign to this ego remains vague. Often they merely have generalized ideas in mind, ranging from “selfish and cold”, via “emotional and immature” to “arrogant and proud”. Even if all this can the ego, for Advaita Vedanta none of it …
Most spiritual seekers know about the value of clearing out. No matter whether this is about the cellar, the winter wardrobe, one’s handbag, drawers or those papers constantly piling up – it is a great relief if one has managed once again to get rid of old things, which have become useless. This is the process of clearing out at …
To begin with, some excerpts from what readers wrote to me with regard to their (mostly former) ideas about enlightenment: “The enlightened person is wise (as pointing in the direction of being omniscient or at least able to know the world of another person’s thoughts), gentle, patient, tolerant. Not prone to addictions, not obese, able to meditate for hours, the …
Part 1 There is an abundance of ideas on what enlightenment is. These ideas involve the enlightened one, trying to express his reality in words, i.e. trying to translate non-duality into a dual language-system; the unenlightened person trying to understand those words. Here it is inevitable that his mind creates an idea of its own. Of course there is also …
Although gratitude is an important topic, I have avoided it so far. The reason is that in our culture it often has a sentimental flavor on the one hand and a moral, demanding one on the other, as expressed by the often heard statement: “You ought to be a little grateful now. After all, there are many who are far …
Most people wish for boundless, everlasting abundance, and thus most also try to create this abundance in their lives. They wish for everything being utterly complete in itself. Sometimes this succeeds for 5 minutes, sometimes for an afternoon, sometimes even for a whole weekend; at least it feels that way. But since this completeness is going to bid goodbye once …
At some point during their journey, most spiritual seekers encounter the topic of the „heart“. It is about opening the heart, being more in the heart, remaining rooted in the heart, seeing with the eyes of the heart, following the heart, discovering the wisdom of the heart and/or speaking from the heart. The heart is a very special treasure and …
A little story… On the kitchen shelf of an apartment shared by students, there’s a colourful mixture of containers – a large box of teabags, a coffee tin, smaller jars with spices, a high glass with spaghetti, a blue and white saltshaker, a big muesli jar, etc. The muesli jar squints at the glass with the spaghetti and sighs, feeling …
This essay, just like the three previous ones, highlights characteristics helping the seeker on his path. They also support those who already know who they truly are to resolve disrupting automatisms in their way of thinking and feeling. The inability to endure cumbersome, disappointing, unpleasant and unsatisfactory situations characterizes especially seekers from the West. In part, this is due to …
In the previous two essays, as well as in this one, I highlight characteristics, which help the seeker on his journey. They also support those who already know who they truly are, in terms of dissolving disruptive automatisms in their way of thinking and feeling. Self-discipline Opinions vary when it comes to the word „discipline“. While some consider it …
In the following essays, I intend to shed light on qualities that help the seeker on his spiritual journey. Besides, they also support those who already know who they truly are by dissolving annoying automatisms in their ways of thinking and feeling. Equanimity Most spiritual seekers are aware of the value of equanimity and everyone wishes for more …
In the following essays I plan to highlight certain qualities that help the seeker on his or her journey. They also support those who already know who they truly are to dissolve persistent automatic thinking and feeling patterns. Courage Some people are courageous by nature, but rarely in all areas of life. Even those who have no problem with …
To be free from the other, from all others, is true freedom. To be one with the other, with all others, is true love. Both together is true happiness.
