The person leading the conversation read 2 excerpts, one of them from a Deepak Chopra’s book, which mentioned: “Change your thinking to change your Life.”
The other book was the “Hua Hu Ching” attributed to Lao Tzu, it went something like: “There is nothing to teach: no religion, no science, no information which will lead your mind back to oneness. Always the integral way is beyond words and beyond mind. Simply be aware of the oneness of things.”

One of the participants said: “Those teachings are contradictory.”
Without a doubt, that individual has a sharp intellect.

In which way are those teachings contradictory?
Obviously, Chopra’s is about the “I” changing things around: Thoughts, actions, beliefs, attitudes. That “I” is a little changing devil… 🙂 It is the world of the “doer.”
The “Hua Hu Ching” is about observation, awareness, letting the mind go away…
“No-I.” Being.

Both teachings will be beneficial according to the consciousness of the individual.
Which one is “true”?
Both and none.
Paradoxical, right?

“I” can change my world. “I” can change my Life. “I” can change my thoughts. “I” can go to heaven. “I” am a sinner. “I” am pure. “I” am a son of God, etc.
Most religions, philosophies and scientific “evidence” points out to the fact of an “I” always busy “doing” things, having “control” over destiny…

For those individuals, Chopra’s and other Self-help guru’s teachings will be great. Many “I’s” together create a religion, which in turn holds the “truth.”

On the other hand, the “No-I” is based on awareness without a specific center, observation. That observation in itself is the “doing.”
Because observation “IS,” there is no morality needed, as in for example, “that action is bad. Don’t do it.” “No-I” is not interested in finding the indisputable “truth” when it can appreciate the different consciousness and perceptions.

A person only aware of the “I,” full of “I” could say: “But …just observation will not change anything… “I” want change!” That is the same person who needs a God to believe in, or a moral code to dictate what is “right or wrong.”
That is the same person that will utter: “Ego is bad. I have to conquer it.” Not realizing that this “I,” this ego cannot conquer itself.

What I learned in that gathering was interesting. Most individuals are incapable of self-observation.

Someone asked: “What is the origin of desires? What do you all “THINK”?
Everyone gave his or her “thought.”
For God’s sake, Can you look at “you” for just a bit and talk about “your” experience?
Why is that so hard?

“According to so and so, Ph.D the origin of desires is “this.” Guru XYZ says in his great book, “Tomorrow is another day” that desires are not “bad.” Have you read his book?
Isn’t that a fascinating work? “I” get something new every time “I” read it.” (That is obvious, because “you” are never the same.)

Please….Look at your desire. Look deeper, why is it there?
Could it ever be a desire without an “I”?
“Oh…. I see, is the “I” ….”

Maybe. Maybe not. Let us keep looking. Isn’t that “I” a separation from “what is”?
Are the circumstances, the settings different than “you” since “you” are in those, part of those? Can you exist without circumstances and settings?

“Don’t get that complex with me. Make it simple. Spirituality is very simple. Is desire good or bad?”

🙂 All right. Change your “self.” Transform your self. Self-Transformation… Do it. Change your thoughts. Change your actions. Change your attitude. Change your feelings. What is currently “bad” change into “good.” Connect with God. He can help you. Need extra encouragement? If you fail you will be punished for ever…
Is that simple enough? 🙂

“What book do you recommend I read to improve myself?”
Any book full of “I.” Any book full of God. Any book full of salvation.

Observation. Awareness. That is all.

The minute we could understand that the “I” trying to change himself is a complete illusion, that is the minute when we understand the difference between behavior and consciousness.

When the “I” changes his behavior to appear “saintly,” let me assure you that unless there is a change in consciousness, that “ change” is only in essence a repressed “saint.”

Can the “I” change his consciousness?
No.
Can God change the consciousness of the “I”?
No.

Here a “secret”: The “I” does not exist. Consciousness does. 🙂

“That is not true! …I am this body/soul/mind/whatever/…”
You “are.” That is all. At night when you sleep deeply: Are “you” there?
Yes? Where? Do you need a belief to help you answer the question?
There is no “being” at that time.
Can you “be” if there is no consciousness?

“Your” perception is due to “your” consciousness. “Your” actions will be according to that perception.

When consciousness is allowed to change naturally, so our perceptions will change.

“But… “I” am supposed to stick with my moral standards, with my beliefs and with my ideas and be consistent every time no matter what.”
Dear, that is a human invention.

Consciousness. Some call it “Tao,” others the “Drama.” Consciousness is the script to be performed by the actors, the “instruments” of the stage of Life.
Void of all morality, it is “what is.”
Void of name, it produces all labels.
Void of separation, it arranges for it.

Consciousness is not a religion. It is not a belief. It is what brings all sentient beings together. It cannot be destroyed.
Some call that God, others destiny.

Lost in names, the “I” will create religions and philosophies to separate people.
The “I” lost in itself will experience the suffering of never being fulfilled.
The “I” looking to survive will look into “enlightenment,” or to “become like God.”

Observe. Become aware… and enjoy the game…