Introduction

Vivekji began by sharing how expressing and sharing at an emotional level allows one to understand emotions more deeply. The same principle applies to insights — when we articulate and share our reflections, we deepen our understanding of the Science of Oneness.

He recalled his long-standing practice of writing e-vicharas — weekly reflective writings he did for ten years. The term e-vichara combines e (electronic) and vichara (reflection).

Opening Reflection

One such e-vichara, written on June 2, 2014, focused on what one should practice while observing silence. Vivekji outlined these practices from the least to the most intense:

1. Experience: Begin by simply experiencing the external — feel your breath, your footsteps, the air, and your surroundings.
2. Chant: Engage in chanting while doing your daily activities. Let your body act, but keep your mind chanting meaningful affirmations such as I am joy or tat tvam asi.
3. Ask: Move to inquiry — not superficial questions like “Who will win the World Series?” but deeper reflections such as “Why was I frustrated today?” or “How did I allow someone to affect me?”
4. Observe: Progress to pure observation without identifying with your body, mind, or intellect. This sadhana  or practice shifts one from doership to instrumentship.
5. Be: The most advanced stage is simply to be — be peace, be joy. This is the space of inclusivity — not about outer experiences or chanting, but abiding in Oneness.

Vivekji emphasized that if one is not living the Science of Oneness, it is due to a lack of clarity. When clarity arises, dedication and care for this subject grow naturally. Satsang and reflection provide the space to develop that clarity.

Q&A

Question 1 

How do I know if I am truly disidentifying from my body, mind, and intellect? When illness prevents me from doing sadhana, how can I rise above that? Even when I try to stay balanced, the emotional effect lingers for a long time.

Vivekji’s Response

1. Recognizing Disidentification: True disidentification is not consciously noticed; rather, it happens when one becomes so identified with something higher that one naturally becomes unconcerned with the lower. It is a natural process — as you identify with the greater, disidentification with the lesser follows.
2. When the Body Is Ill: Accept the body’s condition without magnifying it. Simplify your sadhana instead of stopping altogether — for example, walk instead of run. Practice with the body’s capacity.
3. Handling Praise and Criticism: The more seriously you take compliments, the more seriously you will take criticism. Begin with what is easier — not taking compliments too seriously. Recognize that your strengths come from many sources — parents, environment, and the universe. When you acknowledge that, you naturally become less attached to praise or criticism. Direct both positivity and challenges toward Divinity; this will make you steady amidst ups and downs.

Question 2

If I say “I am not the body,” is that the ego speaking? What should my thought be? And how can I get closer to Oneness?

Vivekji’s Response
The “I” that says “I am not the body” is indeed the ego — not the Atman. In relation to Infinity, there is no I — only being, only existence. The ego identifies with the mind and intellect but can be trained not to. When the ego has nothing left to identify with — no body, breath, mind, or intellect — it becomes still. At that point, a new sādhana begins: developing the sākṣī (observer).

The sākṣī exists below the ego — deeper than ego but not yet pure Awareness. We cannot force awareness; we can only prepare through momentum and grace to experience it.

How to Enact Oneness: At a higher level, oneness is forgetting oneself — being naturally in the flow toward advaita. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” When we focus on serving others, our self-centered needs diminish.

At a practical level, one can practice oneness by engaging in professions or activities that involve giving — of time, resources, or effort. Keeping represents separation; giving expresses oneness.

Question 3 

In professional settings, how do I reconcile humility and leadership? Should I stay quiet about my contributions?

Vivekji’s Response
In the Rāmāyaṇa, Ṛṣi Tulsidas teaches that as soon as we speak of our good deeds, their merit is lost. However, tact is important. If speaking about your contribution helps a greater purpose or the team’s success, do so — but be conscious that it is a leela (divine play).

Higher living involves cultivating a culture of kindness and appreciation. Some people need external validation initially; as they mature, help them grow out of that dependency. Eventually, appreciation should come from within.

Question 4 

How do I differentiate between true meditative experiences and hallucinations?

Vivekji’s Response
Every experience must be supported by knowledge. Without understanding, new states can lead to confusion or fear. Like navigating your home in the dark — you can move confidently only because you know its layout.

Contemplation should be preceded by a foundation of knowledge. Identification with unusual experiences leads to confusion, but observing them objectively makes them harmless — like watching people in Halloween costumes.

Question 5 

What are samādhi, moksha, and enlightenment?

Vivekji’s Response
The journey unfolds in five stages:

1. Purification – Living more intentionally through karma yoga.
2. Inspiration (śravaṇa) – Listening to or reading scriptures that uplift you.
3. Reflection (manana) – Personalizing teachings and applying them in daily life.
4. Contemplation (nididhyāsana) – Not thinking about truth but being truth.
5. Meditation (samādhi) – Abiding in unconditioned joy (nirvikalpa samādhi).

Each stage naturally leads to the next — from doing to being.

Question 6 

Why do we struggle to find ourselves when we are already Brahman?

Vivekji’s Response
We are already free; Infinity cannot become finite. Māyā, the incomparable power, veils this truth and creates ignorance. Knowledge does not make us free — it helps us remember that we were never bound.

At a practical level, selfishness strengthens ignorance, while selflessness reveals our nature as Brahman.

Question 7

How do I know I am living with integrity?

Vivekji’s Response
We intuitively know when we are not living with integrity — when our thoughts, words, and actions don’t align, we feel uneasy.

At a basic level, integrity is strengthened by taking vratas (commitments or vows) and honoring them. This practice builds the “integrity muscle.”

Question 8  

A child is overwhelmed and a mother seeks advice. What would a wise person do?

Vivekji’s Response
The purpose of life is to be happy, not merely successful. Crying daily or constant stress is not healthy. High school should be a time for balanced living. Encourage professional help when needed — therapists have the time and skill to support. You can complement that with spiritual care and prayer for their svasthi (well-being).

Question 9 

For those in a pre-job or post-college phase, how can one stay dedicated and balanced when there’s pressure to keep learning and upskilling endlessly?

Vivekji’s Response
The pursuit of endless improvement is a game with no finish line. Once work begins, responsibilities multiply — leading to exhaustion. If you’re about to start a job, take time to rest and enjoy this transition.

To reassure parents, demonstrate discipline and health — manage your time well, stay active, and show that you’re balanced. (Vivekji added humorously: “You could even pretend you have a girlfriend to make them worry less!”)

Reflection Assignment (RAW)

From the previous class: Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses you have inherited from your parents.

• Strength (Father): Udasina — indifference to others’ opinions.
• Weakness: Being dismissive of what may matter to others.

RAW for this week: Do not give in to inherited weaknesses. Recognize and work on transforming them.