Facilitators of Insight

[Vinayaka]

You're walking along, and suddenly its ... Oh yes, that makes so much sense! about something that previously never made any sense at all.

What activities, for you, are conducive to this happening at increasing intervals?

 

[Vinayaka]

I can get insightful stuff by reading ion here, or really listening to people in real life.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

This is going to sound weird but - whenever I'm in the bathroom. Maybe it's because my subconscious is completely convinced that I'm not going to be interrupted so it figures it's a good time to get my attention.

 

[Vinayaka]

This is going to sound weird but - whenever I'm in the bathroom. Maybe it's because my subconscious is completely convinced that I'm not going to be interrupted so it figures it's a good time to get my attention.

Thanks.

Makes sense to me. I did ask my Guru about something similar once ... what I remember from his answer and the ensuing discussion were 2 factors ...

it comes unbidden at unexpected times, and secondly, there is no emotion attached.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

Thanks.

Makes sense to me. I did ask my Guru about something similar once ... what I remember from his answer and the ensuing discussion were 2 factors ...

it comes unbidden at unexpected times, and secondly, there is no emotion attached.

Both of those things seem to be true based on my memory of such events. Although, when the thought strikes there is a moment of confusion. As in, "Really? Now?"

 

[Aupmanyav]

Being alone. When you are replying to a post on the computer, then also you are alone. Your thoughts are centered on that subject. So, I would say it is basically 'dhyana', whether you are alone or in a multitude.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

So then I guess the question becomes, is there a way to induce this experience intentionally? Sometimes I feel like if I try to do it during meditation I only push the insight further from me.

 

[Vinayaka]

So then I guess the question becomes, is there a way to induce this experience intentionally? Sometimes I feel like if I try to do it during meditation I only push the insight further from me.

I think it depends on what works for you, and which experiences have brought it on. My Guru always recommended sitting quietly after all pujas, even for a few moments. I also think you have to be open to it. When intuition comes at some people, they shut it out right away, because the logical brain just can't handle any thoughts of mystic realities.

I see it quite similar to that inspiration moment in creativity. I get writer's block, and then .... one day, it'll just flow effortlessly. I suspect you're the same with art. Is there a time when art flows. Are there conditions when art flows?

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

I think it depends on what works for you, and which experiences have brought it on. My Guru always recommended sitting quietly after all pujas, even for a few moments. I also think you have to be open to it. When intuition comes at some people, they shut it out right away, because the logical brain just can't handle any thoughts of mystic realities.

I see it quite similar to that inspiration moment in creativity. I get writer's block, and then .... one day, it'll just flow effortlessly. I suspect you're the same with art. Is there a time when art flows. Are there conditions when art flows?

I think there are conditions that make flow more conducive on a day to day level, definitly. For example, I work better and faster if I start in the morning and finish before 3pm or so. After that, my motivation and physical energy drop too much.

Sometimes it hits like an obsessive thought though. For example, just the other day I was reading a book and a sentence in the book gave me an idea for an image. It wasn't related to any of my work obligations or current interests, but I spent the next whole day working on it obsessively until it was done. While I'm working like that it's almost like I'm being compelled by something outside (or inside?) myself and If I try to stop before it's finished I get very anxious. And then, once it is finished, I take a deep breath and the whole body relaxes. Writing it now probably makes it sound unpleasant but it's actually pretty exhilarating when it happens.

 

[Aupmanyav]

So then I guess the question becomes, is there a way to induce this experience intentionally? Sometimes I feel like if I try to do it during meditation I only push the insight further from me.

I feel that is a loss of concentration, an insufficient 'Dhyana'. When one is positively in it, one should be oblivious of all other things in the world. 'Dhyana' has a purpose and is different from being 'aware'. In 'Dhyana' one is aware of just one particular thing/question and nothing else. Just my two rupees.

 

[DeviChaaya]

@Vinayaka You won't approve of this but I tend to have my moments when I'm... removed from myself through the use of certain substances. My mind works obsessively in circles and around and around. So anything that helps lessen the obsessive patterns frees up my inner ear.

 

[Terese]

Happens during many activities

 

[Aupmanyav]

.. removed from myself through the use of certain substances. My mind works obsessively in circles and around and around.

Your mind goes into circles because of the use of other substances. All wise-old people will advise you to keep away from them.

 

[DeviChaaya]

Your mind goes into circles because of the use of other substances. All wise-old people will advise you to keep away from them.

Trust me, Aup, if I could think less I would. But I have autism and the way my brain works it won't shut up without a little help.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I won't comment on that, I am not qualified to do that. May the Mother help you conquer all obstacles.

 

[DeviChaaya]

I won't comment on that, I am not qualified to do that. May the Mother help you conquer all obstacles.

She does! She is very helpful and I am so glad She led me to Her. Tonight is Shivaratri and I have a migraine. I think I will know be attending the 9pm puja.

 

[Vinayaka]

Trust me, Aup, if I could think less I would. But I have autism and the way my brain works it won't shut up without a little help.

Lots of herbal medicines may be of help, and I know of one in particular, that is a great aid for many conditions, including glaucoma, muscular sclerosis, and more. Just as intuition can rush in easier when the mind is calmed from going to temple or from meditation, the circular rushing thoughts may just slow down enough for a bit of space in there for an intuitive thought to rush in.

 

[ajay0]

You're walking along, and suddenly its ... Oh yes, that makes so much sense! about something that previously never made any sense at all.

What activities, for you, are conducive to this happening at increasing intervals?

It is also dependent on tapas or austerity. You should have read or listened to the knowledge and do contemplation on it letting it soak into the unconscious . Then the insights springs up.

Meditation also helps in tuning up the intuition to peak levels which helps one jump to the answer without any linear logical thinking in between.

 

[Vinayaka]

You should have read or listened to the knowledge and do contemplation on it letting it soak into the unconscious . Then the insights springs up.

Meditation also helps in tuning up the intuition to peak levels which helps one jump to the answer without any linear logical thinking in between.

Of course meditation, temple worship tunes things up. But as to 'listened to the knowledge' in many cases that's not applicable. Much intuition comes because of life situations that have no book on them. If you're dealing with a person with a particular condition, for example, another person might come along and suggest you read up on autism, and you get this 'Ah Ha', do what the third person suggested, then see the first person in a kinder light.

I recently spoke at a funeral. The person who invited me met me 'coincidentally' at at the temple, and had a flash of insight that she should invite me to speak. So after some delay, I accepted. And from comments afterwards, it seemed it was more or less what the doctor ordered all around. Many people may have came to a greater understanding.

Now you tell me which book the two of should have read to come to that insight.

 

[ajay0]

Of course meditation, temple worship tunes things up. But as to 'listened to the knowledge' in many cases that's not applicable. Much intuition comes because of life situations that have no book on them. If you're dealing with a person with a particular condition, for example, another person might come along and suggest you read up on autism, and you get this 'Ah Ha', do what the third person suggested, then see the first person in a kinder light.

I recently spoke at a funeral. The person who invited me met me 'coincidentally' at at the temple, and had a flash of insight that she should invite me to speak. So after some delay, I accepted. And from comments afterwards, it seemed it was more or less what the doctor ordered all around. Many people may have came to a greater understanding.

Now you tell me which book the two of should have read to come to that insight.

Yes, book reading is not essential for intuition.

Surdas was a blind saint who had a gift of intuition and could answer queries of devotees with respect to missing horses, people or other issues. His intuitive gifts made him famous and waited upon by people. Surdas was illiterate due to his blindness and had no scholarly knowledge.

Similarly Baba Vanga was a bulgarian prophetess who was blind from childhood and illiterate. Her intuitive gifts made her world famous. She died in 1996 but accurately predicted 9/11 and that the 44th American president would be an African-American.