Many founders of Eastern religions (like the Buddha) came from wealthy backgrounds and had no practical experience of life. Contemporary gurus like Krishnamurti also were financially well off. So can a person with no "real life" experience apply these teachings? Aren't these "rich man's" teachings? If I am down and out, would it be the best time to take up these teachings?...

When reading books, our brain produces a stream of thoughts concerning what it is reading. On the path, our practice is suspension of thought in favor of watching over ourselves. Should one give up such reading at a certain point in one's development to help reduce the number of thoughts compounding the mind? Are these thoughts from reading a hindrance to one's advancement?...

How do I find peace when I suspect that my spouse may be having an affair? I have not said a word about it, but how do I make peace "inside me" with that fact, especially when it hurts so much?(Student correspondence)...

The moment I become aware of mental noises or voices and pay attention to them, they go silent... but I can feel their presence in the form of pressure in my head. When the pressure dissolves, I feel relaxed since I hear no more voices. Am I going in the correct direction of meditation? (From student correspondence)...

Topics Covered: Stillness, peace and genuine security cannot be created by the mind. The peace that passes all understanding dwells in another order of our being that is beyond the intellect; The return journey to our spiritual home cannot be separated from the realization that you cannot fill yourself. Nothing that you fill yourself with will free you; The condition that is blamed for the way...

I am about half way through The Secret of Letting Go and have been enjoying it up until this point. But as of about a day or two ago something has changed. The insights and "aha" moments I was having at the beginning have all but disappeared. Now when I read, it's all at mind level and nothing deeper. Do I keep reading even though my false self keeps getting stronger by taking all these ideas and...

I have been as faithful in this journey as I possibly can for well over twelve years and I can't understand why I can't break through. Day after day the fight goes on... I suffer the battle, yet still can't break through. I am really at my wits end. I am so done with this nature that is always stalking me, hounding me, and won't leave me alone!...

Why is it we cannot learn these spiritual concepts from birth, instead of in the last chapter of life? As I look back, there are so many things I would rewrite. I know they are just pictures passing through my mind at present, but they still bring sorrow to my heart. Poor choices have consumed so many years ... it is hard to believe I could have spent so much time chasing my tail!...

Since I was a young man I have harbored a paralyzing fear of unplanned pregnancy. Then, it seemed logical because of great responsibility too soon. Now, however, in middle age, it still exists -- "supported" by a multitude of reasons. I have been blessed with a good woman now who wants kids. How can I decide to try this as life stands now, regardless of all the "reasons?"...

I do not think it is fair or even correct to assume someone prefers the company of unfriendly thoughts and feelings just because they are suffering. There are certain illnesses where people do suffer. I find that so many people are trying to explain suffering, or make it go away, but it is part of life. By thinking that something is wrong with us if we experience it, or feel dark states around...

Isn't it true that we are trying to get to the place where there is no more "I"? Yet, even thinking in terms of eliminating the "I" is still "I" thinking! If the Christ state is already in us, then there is no progression to that state -- merely waking up, or coming to. If that is true, then when a person wakes up, is the "I" gone? (From student correspondence)...

Topics covered: The problem isn't the disturbance itself. The problem is that nobody understands the reason for it, which is why unnecessary suffering continues; The more that we listen to the temptation to follow the choices that appear to try to change what disturbs us, the more everything remains the same; It is the choices you make that lead to the very conditions that you feel trapped by...