Conversations with Avant-garde Sages - The Wizard LLC

Conversations with Avant-garde Sages
inhabits the headless heart any time it is given attention. This
resplendent joy is available to anyone regardless of their station in
life, intellect, or physical condition. Why, once exposed, some go
on to investigate this possibility and others do not, is a great
Mystery. In my case, the clean simple words of wisdom expressed
by Ramana Maharshi exquisitely mirrored my true Self. For that I
am eternally grateful. And while I do venerate Ramana Maharshi
as the ultimate example of what an ordinary man can be, I do not
worship or deify him. We are equals. He is an immaculate mirror
of my true Self.
What happened to me is extraordinary only by the smallest of
degrees. All of us have shared a similar taste. Some get it on
psychedelic drugs or through near death experiences or by being
“in the zone” or in moments of breathtaking exhilaration or in
Satsang with a true teacher or every night in dreamless sleep.
What makes the pivotal spiritual experience unique is that it
“sticks”. We simply reach a point of ripeness where we are ready
to surrender our individuated personhood for the joy of Being.
As powerful as my experience was, it was too incredible to be
believed. My mind could not contain it. No death!? God is
everywhere and this is heaven? There is no time or space, just
simple Being? To own all of that through my heart as direct
experience unsheathed by thoughts requires a still mind. And that
would require the answering of my many doubts and questions by
an established mentor or sage. For my path, as it turned out, was
that of wisdom, Jnana, and my brain was not going to take a knee
to my heart on the strength of a teaching, a guru, religion or God
itself without the satisfaction of every last answer to every
conceivable question. For the next five years I would be blessed
with a spiritual enlightening sojourn of supreme quality that
unfolded without having to lift a finger. This is the nature of grace.
So beautiful!
Immediately following my spiritual experience, my friend, John
Troy aka “The Wizard,” emerged as my spiritual pal and mentor
who had already been my friend for 15 years! I had not had “the
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