Exploring Non-Duality and the Illusion of Free Will: A Satsang with Ramesh Balsekar 2007-12-10

In this rich and introspective satsang, Ramesh Balsekar engages with participants on deep spiritual questions related to non-duality, free will, and the nature of happiness. The conversation begins with a participant named Rishi, who is attending the satsang for the first time. Rishi, intrigued by the analogy of life as a theater or movie where individuals play roles according to a divine script, delves into the concept of ego and the connection between individual consciousness and the greater impersonal Consciousness.
Balsekar explains that the ego is an identification of the impersonal Consciousness with the body-mind organism, creating a sense of individuality. He emphasizes that while every individual appears to have free will, the outcomes of their actions are beyond their control, predetermined by factors such as genetics and conditioning, which are ultimately infused by the divine will or cosmic law.
The dialogue then shifts to the idea of duality as the fundamental nature of existence. Balsekar explains that life is inherently dualistic, with opposites like good and bad, rich and poor, health and disease being essential parts of the manifested world. This duality, he suggests, is not just relative but is the very basis of the universe's functioning.
A participant challenges the notion of free will by questioning whether one can improve oneself or influence their karma. Balsekar responds by affirming that while individuals are free to attempt to improve themselves, the success of these efforts is not within their control. He underscores that all actions are part of a predetermined cosmic order, and recognizing this truth can lead to peace of mind.
The satsang also touches on the concept of predestination, with Balsekar referencing modern physics and the idea that the universe, much like a movie, is already complete, and we are merely witnessing it unfold frame by frame. This understanding, he argues, can alleviate the anxiety of future uncertainties and help individuals live with greater contentment.
As the discussion progresses, Balsekar delves into the nature of happiness and the pursuit of peace of mind. He asserts that true happiness is not found in the pleasures or pains of life but in one's attitude towards life. By accepting that everything happens according to cosmic law and that individual actions are not truly one's own, one can achieve a state of peace, free from guilt, shame, and resentment.
The session concludes with a focus on the practical aspects of living with this understanding. Balsekar advises participants to engage in self-inquiry and personal investigation to deepen their acceptance of non-doership and to gradually diminish the intensity of involvement in daily life. He assures them that while intellectual understanding is a start, total acceptance will come in its own time, according to divine will.
This satsang serves as a profound exploration of non-duality, offering participants and readers alike a path towards inner peace by challenging the deeply ingrained belief in personal doership and embracing the flow of life as it is.