Will, as you write "So I think that as long as Ghi and other premies still believe in the attainment of higher states of consciousness as the goal of human life, they will accept the concept of a living master. This is tricky, because I think we all should remain somewhat "undecided" about this topic. Despite my sometimes concrete proclamations here, I do not hold to a world view that entirely rejects higher states of mind. I simply understand how foolish certain human endeavors have been in this regard. Who knows? Maybe life and evolution are indeed headed toward some perfect state. Well, if that is the case, then I don't object."
Will, your writing (above) about what one believes as a motivation for practicing Knowledge and listening to Maharaji approaches the inquiry in a logical, but jagged way, from how I read it I know there are a number of scholars, lawyers posting here who hold logical reasoning in higher regard than feeling. I totally understand that perspective, working in a Bio-Tech field. However, with Knowledge, I find that feeling clearer, experiencing ‘connectivity’ and oneness with the Self and life happens the more I trust this Knowledge and experience it. I don’t first seek the ‘atman’ or a higher state and then practice hoping to ‘get blissed-out’, or ‘get clear’. Probably there are higher states of being, and they may be associated having a still mind, acceptance, and interacting in a nourishing, positive way. (as opposed to a lower state consumed by fear, greed, and isolation). Human endeavors have continually sought the higher place, and I do feel grateful that in my limited search for a teacher and path to inner peace, Maharaji was there for the long stretch providing guidance and inspiration.
I have listened to other people, teachers, speak and met them over the years, who seem ‘whole’ and ‘clear’ from some epiphany event of theirs. (Eckart Tolle, Gangaji, etc.) They attract those with a thirst to know. They may deliver something to people, at a minimum, needed inspiration. There was no impulse to tell these inspired speakers about Maharaji, or even feel a contradiction. I appreciated their message, their effort, and again felt fortunate to have learned from Maharaji a path that I find rewarding. If two people are smiling and enjoying a moment together, does it matter who their teacher is, or if they have a teacher? In the point of experience, in this moment, is where we live. The search is over when we feel what it is, now. Knowledge keeps that moment coming. Knowledge = realizing your self. (from my experience). Eventually it’s really over when we die. But while alive, how to be free and full, is the choice to make.
Will, you wrote "There is another aspect to this - the feeling of connectedness that one gets in a cult. This feeling is tangible between people and heartfelt."
Yes, as you write (above), comradeship can birth a group identity that is not natural to the individual. It can also be supportive and encouraging. This happen in sports, working for a candidate, or in any mission or project that connects many to one effort. Social behavior is a phenomenon to itself. The result can be a cult, or it cannot. The feelings are tangible. I find that today, people practicing Knowledge and working together, are all so unique and do not relinquish their identities. There’s almost a heightened awareness to check a tendency to follow a religious or conceptual decision, because it just sticks out as false. This is refreshing and attests to the reality of this experience. I do not see one telling anyone what to believe. We need find out from your own experience.
The regard and quest for to know Truth, find that ultimate Energy, and desire to cut through the ‘maya’ as you described was the original step, for me. I can live in a world full of illusion but enjoy the knowing, inside, and feel the energy that sparkles out in life’s expressions. I write this not to persuade you, or give ‘satsang’ but to share how I see Knowledge, becoming involved with Maharaji’s effort and taking the day through the moment.
Today, the process is the same, living, enjoying, remembering, experiencing. One recurring sentiment I do read here on e.p.org carries a hurt and disappointment. The expectations of how things should be versus what they are will naturally set up a failed ending. Keeping things honest and real, while appreciating the experience of Knowledge, somehow protects the heart from believing what is not possible. This may sound insensitive, but in posting back here to Mike F, Joe W, Quirky, I wonder if you would be in a positive state of mind if the cognitive dissonance were resolved very early.
This posting name 'Ghi' (short for ghee)was picked because it was an icon for me of something that was strange, but not a huge hurdle. I was puzzled at the butter process preparing for arti and serious, frentic steps by housemothers every morning to have this eastern ritual ready. I played along, somewhat respecting, but knew it did not have any bearing on my experience on Knowledge and Maharaji. There will always be little rituals or observances, but what we really want it not in these forms. Riding the fuller wave of experience continues to fulfill.
