Understanding Consciousness, Time, and Non-Duality with Ramesh Balsekar 2008-01-09

In this satsang, Ramesh Balsekar engages in a deep discussion on the nature of happiness, time, and consciousness. The dialogue begins with a participant's inquiry about the relationship between science, consciousness, and the concept of parallel universes. Balsekar redirects the conversation toward understanding the human pursuit of happiness and how it relates to one's attitude towards life.

*Key Points Discussed:*

1. *Nature of Happiness:*
- Balsekar emphasizes that true happiness is not related to the fleeting pleasures of life but rather is deeply rooted in one's attitude towards the happenings of life.
- He distinguishes between pleasure and happiness, explaining that pleasure is momentary and often leads to dissatisfaction when it fades.
- True happiness, according to Balsekar, comes from a state of peace of mind, which is unaffected by the external events of life.

2. *Attitude Towards Life:*
- The discussion explores how an individual's attitude towards life, particularly towards others, determines their peace of mind.
- Balsekar suggests that harmonious relationships with others, free from rivalry, suspicion, and enmity, are essential for attaining lasting happiness.
- He points out that many people’s relationships are based on potential rivalry or enmity, which hinders true happiness.

3. *The Role of the Ego:*
- Balsekar delves into the concept of the ego and its role in human suffering.
- He asserts that the ego is merely an idea, a sense of personal doership, which creates the illusion of control over life’s events.
- Enlightenment, he explains, involves the realization that the ego is not the true doer, and this acceptance leads to the end of suffering.

4. *Control and Acceptance:*
- A significant portion of the discussion centers around the idea of control, or rather, the lack thereof.
- Balsekar explains that humans have no real control over the events of life, as everything is predetermined according to cosmic law.
- Acceptance of this fact is crucial for peace of mind and happiness.

5. *Challenges of Practical Application:*
- Participants express concerns about how to practically apply these concepts in daily life, especially when faced with decisions and actions.
- Balsekar offers practical advice, such as flipping a coin when unable to make a decision, to illustrate the importance of accepting whatever outcome occurs.

6. *Happiness and Poverty:*
- The conversation briefly touches upon the applicability of these teachings to those living below the poverty line.
- Balsekar acknowledges that while the teachings are universal, those struggling for basic needs may not be in a position to pursue the deeper happiness he discusses.

7. *Spiritual Practice and Personal Inquiry:*
- Balsekar introduces the concept of personal investigation or inquiry as a method to deepen one's understanding and acceptance of life’s events.
- He encourages participants to reflect on their actions and the thoughts that precede them, leading to a deeper realization of the non-doership.

Throughout the satsang, Balsekar emphasizes the importance of shifting one’s focus from the external pursuit of pleasure to the internal cultivation of a peaceful and accepting attitude towards life. This shift, he argues, is the key to true and lasting happiness.