Question 1: Self-awareness is better than self-consciousness. Beyond contemplation, how do we build self-awareness? And what do we do when we feel self-conscious?

Answer: Self-consciousness comes from misidentification. We “measure” ourselves (mana) and then we praise ourselves or get praise leading to an inflated identity (abhimana) or face criticism leading to a deflated identity. This happens because we identify with the limited body-mind.

Instead of identifying with the limited self, offer that identity to Ishwara. Recognize that all abilities/limitations are expressions of the Divine. For self-awareness, practice being the seer (observer). Remember, “I am not the body, mind, or thoughts — I am the illuminator of them” Then, every emotion becomes: “This is an emotion in the mind — I am the witness”

Question 2: How do I know if I am sublimating emotions versus suppressing them?

Answer:

Step 1: Allow the emotion. Sadness is natural, don’t deny it , experience it

Step 2: Do not over dwell. If the sadness is prolonged, it becomes grief and become debilitating. Example: Arjuna’s sorrow expanded into paralysis.

Step 3: Shift the mind upward.

The key distinction is

• Suppression = escaping sideways
  (distractions like binge-watching, food)
  
• Sublimation = lifting upward
  (turning to Ishwara, Guru, scriptures)
  

 You’ll know it’s sublimation when:

• The mind feels lighter, elevated, clearer
  

Question 3: Is redirecting the mind toward something higher a forced act or something organic?

Answer: It is an intentional effort Especially in difficult emotions, it feels like climbing a slippery slope. It is repeated slipping + pulling back up. What is important is to grab something higher (Ishwara, japa, wisdom) rather than something lateral (distraction). Growth is not linear — it’s wave-like, but direction matters.

Question 4: How do we set a strong, sattvic sankalpa (resolve)?

Answer: A sankalpa is a firm, sacred resolve. Start small so it is sustainable. Align it with your current level, not as the ideal but as a real starting point. Focus on building virtues over time. As an example, the goal (sadhya) is “i want liberation” and the sankalpa is “i will do daily japa”. To strengthen your sankalpa, make Ishwara your partner. Your inner dialogue should be “help me stay committed”.

Sankalpa prepares the mind (container):

• Remove impurities (clean vessel)
  
• Plug leaks (reduce vices)
  
• Then knowledge becomes effective
  

Question 5: How does viveka practically help a seeker?

Answer: For a karma yogi,

Viveka helps in:

1. Choosing action
   
   • Duty vs likes/dislikes
     
2. Choosing attitude
   
   • Ishwara-arpana (offering)
     
3. Understanding purpose
   
   • Why am I acting?

Without viveka, we follow likes/dislikes. With viveka, we follow dharma. Viveka evolves in layers:

1. Like / Dislike
   
2. Dharma / Adharma
   
3. Shreyas / Preyas
   
4. Nitya / Anitya

One gradually shifts from pleasure-seeking to self-development

Question 6: Is it possible to remain the witness (seer) all the time?

Answer: Not initially — that is a realized state. But, we can practice intermittently. The mind can do two things simultaneously, engage in action and stay aware. An example is watching a movie- you’re immersed but still know it’s a movie. Train yourself to have one “hand” in the world and one “hand” holding Bhagavan. Over time, awareness strengthens.

Question 7: When physically/mentally exhausted, how do we maintain practice?

Answer: Use different tools for different states:

• Sattvic mind → contemplation
  
• Rajasic mind → bhajan, devotion
  
• Tamasic mind → rest
  

During intense action, don’t force the “seer” practice. Instead, be a karma yogi. Act fully and offer to Bhagavan.
There is a right practice for each context.

Question 8: If we know better but still repeat mistakes, what are we missing?

Answer: It depends on depth of the vasana. Light vasanas are easy to change but a strong vasana is like an 18-wheeler at 80 mph. The process requires a gradual slowing down and is not an instant transformation. Be patient and be kind to yourself. Keep applying knowledge. Progress is indicated when there is a reduction in intensity of the vasana. Do not expect instant elimination.

Question 9: How do we overcome constant judgment?

Answer: Judgment = adding subjective layers to neutral observation

1. Pause early
   
   • Stop at observation (don’t escalate)
2. Ask
   
   • “Who am I to judge?”
     
3. Surrender:
   
   • “This is Bhagavan’s role, not mine”
     

Replace judgment with humility and surrender