August 9, 2011

Last night I decided to explore the Advaitan world at large, so I hopped onto advaita.org and actually took part in a chatroom/lecture by Wayne "Ram Tzu" Liquorman.  I was intrigued by a video of him recounting his history, some of which I identified with, but now I don't know what to think, especially given my overly cynical view of self-anointed "gurus."  Poor Wayne seemed to be running a mental health clinic for awhile there, and that sort of tangent can do damage if the guru is not adept.  I typed in a question about what I have been experiencing of late and he confirmed that they were genuine spiritual experiences. I asked a couple of other self-aggrandizing questions that he mercifully ignored.  I had hoped for more...something, depth?...and may tune in again to get a better feel for him.  I think the group had a downer effect on him.  My hope was based on Liquorman's proximity to Nisargadatta by way of his guru, Ramesh Balkesar, who was an interpreter for N.M. for 3 years.  Unfortunately, Balkesar has a bit of philandering and monetary baggage, internet innuendo (so it must be true), and that tends to fuel my cynicism.  I've read a couple of R.B.'s books--very heady, lots of syllables, kind of N.M. with a PhD--and found them a bit dry for my oh so exquisite palate.  But Liquorman is not R.B., and he does seem to have some street cred out there, so maybe I'll deign to listen in again.