H.W.L. Poonja

A look at the life and teachings of H. W. L. Poonja (Papaji), an Indian guru and devotee of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

In the spring of 1993 Papaji and David Godman sat in the beautiful botanical garden in Lucknow, where Papaji lovingly answered a wide variety of questions. His answers are sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, but always profound and direct.

bide As the Self is a transforming video that takes you on an inner journey into the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and the path of Self-knowledge.

The theme that runs throughout this compilation (extracts from several Satsangs) is “silence.” Papaji states and demonstrates that silence is one's real and permanent nature. He goes on to say that silence is the ground and substance of everything in existence. He also answers the question, “Can one be silent while being active in the world? “ Papaji speaks of the way by which Sri Ramana Maharshi demonstrated silence and what he taught about how to realize it. As importantly, he speaks of the means by which we distract ourselves from the experience and realization of silence.

This interview included beautiful stories and reminiscences by Papaji: . Papaji recounts having darshan of Shiva and Parvati in the Himalayas, where he went aiming at reaching the heavens following on Yudhishtira's steps. Parvati offered him a sweet and the taste of that nectar is still in Papaji's fingers. What a prasadam! . Papaji tells the story of how he guided a Russian Iskcon follower to have darshan of Radha. . Papaji speaks about his connection with Osho and the difference between teacher and sadguru.

Blueprints for Awakening: Wisdom of the Masters

In this satsang from 6th November 1992, following his talk on the Seer and Self-Enquiry, Papaji addresses a vipassana meditator who wants to return to a state of no-mind. He tells her not to be affected by any events, ‘Whatever happens, never mind. If someone slaps you, never mind! If someone kisses you, never mind!’ He then asks a French woman who has written a beautiful poem to explain ‘the source of the unknown,’ the mystery beyond mystery. A man with a lot of doubts comes up and Papaji scolds him for not honouring his declaration of freedom, “Don’t speak unless you are worthy of it.” The last encounter is with a young man who asks Papaji whether it is ok to feel fear. Papaji gives a beautiful guidance about no difference between sleep state and dream state. When we wake up from this ‘reality’ we realise we are already free.

This satsang from the 30th of March 1993 was recorded during the period the documentary 'Call off the search' was being filmed and everyone who comes up is sitting on a chair next to Papaji. The satsang is 55 minutes long and includes the following interactions: Prabhavati: Being unworthy and losing the diamond in the fish market. Papaji: "That's the unworthiness of the people whom diamond is handed over. People who misuse it will suffer for million of years. It is their business to look after the diamond.

This interview from 8th November 1993 contains some of the most precious, concise and profound teachings of Papaji and addresses a wide variety of topics. Papaji's replies to Pete Wilson’s questions reflect the wisdom of one who directly knows the truth of Being, and are filled with the humour that endears him so much to those who hear him. Questions include: . What is the nature of Emptiness? . Is there a place for spiritual practices? . Are there degrees of enlightenment? . Are nirvana and samsara the same? . What is the true nature of the Self? . What is the purpose of incarnation? . What is Kali Yuga?

Part 1 covers most aspects of Papaji's early life and his relationship with Ramana Maharshi Part 2 details some of the interactions that took place between Papaji and Ramana Maharshi and the relationship that existed between them.

"Behold the Inner Flame, eternally ablaze within the cave of your own heart and in the hearts of all beings. There is potential in all the beings to be Buddhas. Don't look back into the past, that this Siddhartha became Buddha. If you reject all those desires of the past and put a stop and then aspire for this Inner Flame, this Wisdom, Light and Beauty, and spend just a second, just one second, I believe you have touched the goal." " For Freedom, price is only 'I.' 'I' is the only trouble. 'I' is the only bondage. And if you pay this price, you are free." In this beautiful Satsang from 26th November 1992, Papaji talks about three methods for experiencing the inner flame that is always shining in one’s heart. He also speaks about the price for total freedom and, in a very funny and moving exchange, guides a devotee through the quagmire of attachments to the experience of peace. He ends this Satsang with a profound teaching on the removal of fear.

“Where is the mind that needs to be renounced?” By renouncing desire one realizes that there is no mind and no ego. There is only emptiness requiring neither union nor separation. In this video compilation Papaji explains that to be free is for the warriors. As old habits have a tendency to come back, one has to keep vigilant and abide in the silence of the Self.

Papaji speaks about the blessings that derive from sitting with a realized being. He says that, among other things, close association with an awakened teacher will remove the fear of death. He advises nourishing the desire to be free and to “come with empty hands” and minds to the teacher. He goes on to explain that any concept, including the concept of birth and death, stands as an obstacle to awakening. He encourages devotees to always aspire for that which lies beyond birth and death, what he calls “the Changeless,” which abides in the cave of the heart. Constantly meditate on the Changeless, the Self.

Papaji: “The glimpse is there. You don't honour it. You use the word 'I.' Do you ever think where does this 'I' is coming from? Simply question this, and then there's a glimpse.