Welcome to the Practices of Neti Neti series, an exploration into one of the most profound methods of self-inquiry within the Advaita Vedanta tradition. This series is dedicated to the practice of Neti Neti—a Sanskrit phrase meaning “not this, not this”—which serves as a guide for stripping away all that is not the true Self, leading to the recognition of our pristine, unchanging nature.
What is Neti Neti?
Neti Neti is a process of negation that helps practitioners identify and discard false identifications with thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It is a method of peeling back the layers of the ego to reveal the stillness and silence of the pristine mind—the pure consciousness that is unaffected by the fluctuations of the mind. This practice is at the heart of Advaita Vedanta and is used to guide the seeker toward the realization of the Self, or Atman, which is ultimately one with Brahman, the universal consciousness.
About This Series
In this series, you will find a collection of questions and answers that delve deeply into the practice of Neti Neti. Each question is a reflection of the natural inquiries that arise during meditation and self-inquiry. The answers are written in a contemplative and encouraging style, as letters from a friend —offering wisdom, clarity, and support as you navigate your own journey of self-discovery.
Why Questions and Answers?
The format of questions followed by reflective answers is inspired by the teaching styles of great spiritual masters like Ramana Maharshi and Papaji. This approach allows for a dynamic exploration of the practice, addressing the doubts and insights that naturally emerge as one progresses on the path. By engaging with these questions, you’ll find that the answers are not merely intellectual responses, but invitations to deeper inquiry and realization.
How to Use This Series
This series is designed to be read sequentially, as the posts build upon each other, following the natural flow of practice and understanding. However, you are also welcome to explore the posts in any order, depending on where you are in your own practice.
Each post presents a question that might arise during your meditation or reflection, followed by a letter that offers guidance on how to address it. These letters are not just answers—they are invitations to deepen your practice, to explore the subtleties of Neti Neti, and to connect with the stillness that lies beyond all mental events.
Beginning the Journey
As you embark on this journey through the Neti Neti practice, remember that this path is not about attaining something new, but about recognizing what has always been present. The goal is to gently guide the mind away from its distractions, allowing the pristine mind—your true nature—to shine through.
Whether you are new to Neti Neti or looking to deepen your understanding, I invite you to explore these letters with an open heart and a quiet mind. May they serve as a steady guide on your path to self-realization.
Engage and Explore Together
I warmly encourage you to leave any questions or reflections in the comments section of each post. If a question resonates deeply or sparks a new line of inquiry, I may create additional blog posts to explore these topics further. Your engagement helps to create a community of shared learning, where we can all benefit from each other’s insights and experiences.
Let us begin this journey together, one question and one insight at a time, as we uncover the truth of who we truly are.
For those who wish to explore further the concept of pristine mind and its practices, I highly recommend Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche’s book, Pristine Mind: A Journey into Self-Awareness. Although this book does not specifically address the Neti Neti practice, it offers profound insights into the nature of pristine mind, a state of pure awareness that lies beyond the mental events and distractions that often cloud our perception. Rinpoche’s teachings provide a clear and accessible guide to realizing and resting in this natural state, which closely aligns with the ultimate goal of Neti Neti. You can explore the Kindle version of this book below, which may serve as a valuable companion on your journey of self-inquiry and spiritual awakening.
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Inspirations of Love and Hope 
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