I started reading the Ashtavakra Gita. It really goes overboard on declarations of being the Lord, being in everything and having everything in oneself. It speaks of actions not mattering and that one can simply wander. All of this might be true, especially in that historical cultural context, however it is not really my interest. I could believe it or not but I don’t think my confidence could rest in it.It is not the same as Buddha’s teaching. Buddha preached adherence to a strict moral discipline. One may see beyond differentiation of right and wrong in states of consciousness but he often emphasized  that one’s actions matter. One is to strive to perfect loving kindness, sympathetic joy, compassion and equanimity. Of these, equanimity strikes a chord with Advaita but I’m not sure about the others. In Buddhism, these are taught in order to qualify oneself for a shift to the supramundane. I don’t feel think Advaita and Buddhism are  the same.

I also do not have an inclination to dwelling in bliss states. I don’t trust bliss. Maybe if I ever experience “supreme” bliss I would never abandon it!  For now, for me, bliss is shifty. It is inconstant. Stillness is more what I long for. In stillness I have tasted security, contentment, fullness. 

What I share on this Forum is my experience. I’m not trying to fit it into a neat belief box any more. Teachings have changed throughout the centuries. Interpolations have been added. Omissions took place. Oral repetition is not perfect.

I’m looking for the essence, not the convention. I find it helpful to share experiences and hear of others’ experience. Direct insight is what I strive for and what I wish for others.