One view that needs to be examined in this context is the notion that enlightenment can be transmitted in some subtle experiential way via the physical proximity of a `master.' Traditional Advaita disagrees with this view for the reason that ignorance is deeply entrenched in the aspirant's thinking and that it is only by deep reflection on the teachings that the ultimate assimilation of the knowledge is achieved. This assimilation is often called full or complete enlightenment. On the other hand, the transmission fantasy fits nicely into the Neo-Adviatic conception of easy enlightenment, as it does away with the need for serious practice. One need do nothing more than sit in the presence of a master and presto-chango!I wake up for good. If this were true, however, the thousands who sit at the feet of enlightened masters everywhere would be enlightened.
James Swartz on Neo-Advaita --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "emptybill" wrote: > > > When actions conform to dharma, binding vasanas are neutralized. Dharma > means that I do what has to be done, irrespective of how I personally feel about it. I do not > want to pay my taxes, but I pay my taxes. I may not get a vasana for paying tax, but I will certainly > eliminate any agitation associated with non compliance. But when my desires are all that matter, is it any > wonder that whatever non-dual experience happens in the satsang when the mind is temporarily arrested > by the group energy, quickly vanishes with the appearance of the next binding desire? This is why the > Neo-Advaita world is little more than thousands of people, including the teachers, who have had > scores of non-dual experiences, but who at the end of the day are still prisoners of their desires. > Enlightenment is freedom from dependence on desired and feared objects. > > James Swartz on Neo-Advaita >
