escape the ignorance.

meditation descends upon me/rises up from within, often, predictably, effortlessly. i don't do anything which is of course the point, the portal. it's spectacularly subtle but it builds and takes me over. i've no concern or doubts irregardless of life's big unanswered questions. meditation hasn't afforded me the answers. it just sort of leads my attention, as if with whispers and hints. what is god or our source, the origin of this world, the meaning of life? i'm profoundly appreciative. it’s like a mother's smothering love or a lover's mothering. i’m wandering on my own, a kind of western version of the himalayan cave yogi minus the hashish.

Hey Nathan; The entry to your blog ('your true place') struck a very resonant chord with me.  Yes, how significant we take ourselves to be, stars of our own movie, and how challenging to that notion is the solitary life… no faithful co-stars or supporting actors, just whoever arises to share the moment with. Sometimes the glimpses you offer of your life remind me so much of my own.  Good to share this moment with you. Sincerely; Rosie.
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Hansraj; How do we know meditation isn't just another form of escape from the harsh realities of life, like booze or drugs? Sarvanand.

dear sarvanand; meditation can be just another form of escape. absolutely. i was driving in downtown ottawa the other day when i spotted a guy on the side-walk sitting half up against a black iron fence. he was totally spaced-out and i thought: 'why do i conclude he's drunk or on drugs? maybe he's in samadhi, deep in meditation. after all, he doesn't look so different to how i must look at times. he has a big beard. i have a big beard. i don't generally meditate on a busy downtown sidewalk with folks stepping over me, but otherwise... sarvanand ji maharaj, you're a very intelligent guy. i know you will answer your own question. regards; hansraj.

phyllis;
    regards to you and your brothers, father and mom from way up here.
    i just listened to your video about expression, briefly, for the second time. and i decided to accept your suggestion to express 😋. you speak beautifully and your perceptions are very beautiful. you're intelligent and eloquent. and i agreed with what you said and offered in that video. i just didn't feel entirely comfortable with that one statement: 'i'm sure we can all agree that as humans we are imperfect and perfection is unattainable.' i may not have your wording exact, but that was the gist of it.
     the judeo-christian concept of being born sinners, the buddhist noble 'truth' of dukh or the inherent pain and suffering of human life: these are definitive, and rather dark, statements. i don't disagree. the vedant concept is in fact that we can attain perfection with the realization of Self, that it is our birthright. i don't disagree with that either. buddhists talk about shunya, no self, while hindus talk about atma, an all-permeating self. i understand both as essentially the same. in my semi-humble opinion, it's all a matter of semantics and all concepts, philosophies and world religions are wide open to interpretation.
    so where's my discomfort with your statement? my only issue with it is that it's a negative statement. i personally like the sound of an all permeating self rather than a non existence, perfection rather than imperfection. it's really just a personal preference. but you included me in your statement. 'we can all agree...' i would agree we're not perfect within the context of our being impermanent. but if in fact there's an eternal spark within me, then? i'm not saying there is or isn't. i'm not saying we're imperfect or perfect. i'm just expressing.
     best wishes always. affectionately; nathan.