The Advisor Who Didn't Resolve It Himself

Ashtavakra Gita doesn't tell you to stop believing in the act of doing. It advises to be aware of three versions of self — mind, body, and soul. Soul.

When I have experience — like going through 4 surgeries in less than 1.5 years — my memory holds on to it. And when I see someone in need of counsel or consolation, my experience spills out as advice. Advice that I own and am possessive about. And failing to recall what Ashtavakra said — you think you own your experience. No, you don't. You did not own the act that gave you this experience, so why even advise.

A true enlightened person will never say "I did it." Never say "it happened since I said so." Will only say — a possibility is there if you ask me, but I am not sure. Don't worry if you sound risk-averse. Don't mind.

Will ask — what do you think is best. Will speak from personal perspective. Is aware of bias and self — the impulsive mind, the actor body, the untouched soul — but knows it's all role play. Fully detached.

And says, hmm… I am here. Don't worry.

But I am not able to get there. I end up advising. And in the process lose my own wisdom and fail to help the one who shared his problem with me. It is like me advising myself for a problem which I did not resolve myself.

Some of my posts will end abruptly. Like hearing someone you barely knew just died. You pause. You're not sure why. And then you move on.