Becoming part of the solution

Today’s podcast is part of a series reviewing spiritual books that align closely with Tom Campbell’s more science-based theory of everything, My Big TOE (MBT).

The interview delves into the teachings of Sri H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji), based on his book The Truth Is, which is a collection of his spontaneous, raw, and direct talks on spiritual topics. Central to Papaji’s teachings are the nature of the self, freedom, and the role of a true teacher.

Papaji explains that we are both the awareness (the ocean) and the objects of awareness (the waves), and that the sense of being a separate, limited self is an illusion created by the ego. True freedom comes from recognizing our true nature as boundless awareness, rather than identifying with the small “I” of the ego.

A key aspect of Papaji’s teaching is self-inquiry (vichara), which involves turning inward and questioning the nature of the “I.” He stresses that self-realization is not a result of practices or methods, but a natural unfolding that occurs when we remove the mental blocks, like attachment to the ego, that obscure the truth. The true teacher, or Sat Guru, does not give answers or teachings but helps to clear away these obstacles, pointing to the truth within.

Papaji also emphasises the importance of surrender, which is not passive submission but a recognition of our inherent freedom. Spiritual awakening, according to him, comes through grace, not effort. He teaches that death is not to be feared, as the true self is eternal. Ultimately, freedom is the recognition that we are already free, and the spiritual path is about uncovering this truth, effortlessly and naturally.