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What is Ramesh Balsekar's view on suffering and pain?
Ramesh Balsekar, a renowned Advaita teacher, had a unique perspective on suffering and pain. He believed that suffering and pain are an inevitable part of life, but it is our perception and attitude towards them that determines our experience of them.
Balsekar's teachings were deeply rooted in the concept of non-duality, where he emphasized that there is no separation between the individual and the universe. According to him, suffering arises when we identify ourselves as separate entities and attach ourselves to our thoughts and emotions. This identification leads to the illusion of control, and when things do not go according to our expectations, we experience pain and suffering.
Balsekar also believed that suffering is a natural part of the human experience and cannot be avoided. He often used the analogy of a movie to explain this concept. Just like in a movie, we experience a range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, joy to pain, similarly, in life, we will inevitably experience both pleasure and pain. However, it is our understanding of this duality that determines our experience of it.
According to Balsekar, the root cause of suffering is our attachment to the idea of being a separate individual with free will. He believed that the concept of free will is an illusion, and everything that happens is a result of the universal flow of consciousness. When we let go of our attachment to the idea of control and surrender to the flow of life, we can find peace and freedom from suffering.
Balsekar also emphasized the importance of acceptance in dealing with suffering and pain. He believed that when we resist or try to escape from our suffering, we only prolong it. Instead, we should accept the situation as it is and surrender to the will of the universe. This surrender does not mean being passive or giving up, but rather it is an active acceptance of what is.
In conclusion, Ramesh Balsekar's view on suffering and pain is rooted in the concept of non-duality and the understanding that they are an inevitable part of life. He believed that our perception and attitude towards them determine our experience of them. By letting go of the illusion of control, accepting the duality of life, and surrendering to the universal flow of consciousness, we can find peace and freedom from suffering.