Exploring the Nature of Free Will, Divine Will, and Acceptance with Ramesh Balsekar 2008-01-20

*Introduction and Participant Background:*
The conversation begins with Louis, a retired teacher from French Canada, introducing himself and sharing his background in teaching mathematics and science. He mentions his struggle with understanding English, as his first language is French.
*Question on Predetermination and the Will of God:*
Louis asks about the concept that everything is predetermined and the role of God's will in this context. He struggles with the idea of a loving God allowing bad things to happen.
Ramesh Balsekar challenges the traditional notion of God as a loving entity, explaining that God is not an entity in the human sense but rather the source of all, including both good and evil. He emphasizes that everything in life, including duality, originates from this source.
*The Concept of Duality and Non-Duality:*
Balsekar elaborates on the concept of duality, explaining that life’s manifestations, such as good and evil, male and female, are necessary for the functioning of the universe.
He clarifies that while duality exists, it is created by the non-dual source, and the human experience is a part of this dualistic manifestation.
*The Nature of Happiness and the Illusion of Control:*
Balsekar shifts the focus to the human pursuit of happiness, explaining that most people seek pleasure and avoid pain, but true happiness cannot be found in these transient experiences.
He emphasizes that individuals have no control over the pleasures and pains they experience, as these are predetermined. True happiness, or peace of mind, comes from accepting life as it is and understanding that one's attitude towards life is what truly matters.
*Louis’ Struggle with Acceptance and Control:*
Louis expresses difficulty with accepting that he has no control over the pleasures and pains in life. He gives the example of avoiding pain by not putting his hand in a fire, questioning the extent of control he has over his experiences.
Balsekar responds by explaining that while one might avoid specific instances of pain, the overall amount of pleasure and pain one experiences in life is beyond personal control. He encourages Louis to accept this reality as a step towards achieving peace of mind.
*The Role of Attitude and Spiritual Seeking:*
The conversation turns to the importance of one’s attitude towards life, particularly in relationships with others. Balsekar explains that happiness is not found in external circumstances but in how one relates to others and life itself.
He shares his own journey of spiritual seeking, where he realized that true happiness lies in changing one’s attitude towards life, rather than seeking external validation or control.
*The Concept of Surrender and Divine Will:*
Balsekar introduces the idea of surrendering to God’s will as a path to peace. He cites the phrase "Thy will be done" from the Bible and explains that true surrender involves accepting that everything happens according to God’s will, including both good and bad events.
He connects this idea to different religious teachings, including Islam’s concept of surrender and the Hindu understanding of the self as not the doer.
*Overcoming Guilt, Shame, and Hatred:*
Balsekar discusses how the realization that one is not the doer can lead to the dissolution of guilt, shame, and hatred. He explains that these emotions arise from the illusion of personal doership and that understanding one's actions as part of a divine plan frees one from these burdens.
He shares his personal experience of finding peace through this understanding, describing how it led to a deeper sense of happiness and freedom from the emotional loads he previously carried.
*Reflections on Personal Practice and Spiritual Exercises:*
Louis inquires about the role of personal spiritual practice in daily life. Balsekar suggests a simple practice of self-inquiry, where one reflects on daily events to understand that most actions are not under personal control. This practice, he explains, can lead to a deeper acceptance of life’s flow.
The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing that even spiritual seeking and practices are part of the divine will, and that true surrender involves accepting this reality.
*Expressions of Gratitude and the Role of a Guru:*
The conversation includes expressions of gratitude from other participants, who share their experiences of feeling guided by Balsekar's teachings.
Balsekar reflects on the nature of gratitude, sharing examples of how it manifests in actions, such as service to a guru or helping others. He emphasizes that gratitude is not just a feeling but something that often leads to meaningful actions.

[@sangamgupta2635]

Divine Gratitude ❤

[@krishnapartha]

The lady at the end just breaks my heart. So honest and resonates with us all. ❤

[@grahamtrave1709]

He was so patient with people.The master.

[@krishnapartha]

Anyone who stumbles upon Ramesh is already blessed. Spoiler alert: the teaching is always the same. However, it’s full proof. I’ve tested it. ❤

[@krishnapartha]

Moreover if you have a personal friend who has pointed you in his direction you are more blessed.

[@vivekam101]

Just happened to watch his video.. then it started watching back to back