Best of The Aware Show with Gangaji: Inner Peace – Discover Your True Radiance

How can we find peace and happiness during these times of such conflict? Do you often ask yourself questions like “Who am I?” or “Why am I here?” Today’s guest is spiritual teacher and author Gangaji who discusses her book “The Diamond in Your Pocket – Discover Your True Radiance.”

Gangaji talks about how we are naturally conditioned to look outside of ourselves for food and shelter, so we continue to look there for answers. Eventually we discover that we cannot find peace and fulfillment outside and we need to turn inward. We seek and acquire knowledge, but some things can only be found inside. We can stop looking outside for the next book, the next teacher, the next escape. It’s so simple, yet revolutionary. Inside there’s potential for great creativity. She explains that it’s no longer “seeking” but “discovering.” It’s impossible to find lasting happiness outside. All pleasure fades, but lasting fulfillment can be found inside.

Growing up in Mississippi, with the given birthname Toni Roberson, she felt something was missing in her life. She shares the story of finding her spiritual teacher Papaji. She is a very Western woman and never thought she would seek out a guru. She reached a point in her life where she realized she needed a teacher. She prayed and intended for one, then found herself in India six months later. Papaji was very welcoming. She recognized that this was the answer to her prayer. She found grace and radiance in his teachings. He suggested that she stop seeking and look inside for the truth. She was fearful to stop, as she thought she may lose what she had gained. She didn’t know what the outcome would be.

He taught her to stop following the mind. If a thought arises, let it go. For a moment, turn your attention away from what you want. As she eventually did, she was overwhelmed with love and peace. She found peace and fulfillment exists already. She experienced stillness and it was scary at first. She learned to “see what is” and we discover “what’s already here.” It’s our beingness. It’s consciousness.

Gangaji teaches the willingness to learn that we are all connected. Destructive global events are tragic yet offer a way for us to discover the limitlessness of our own hearts. She also discusses the work she does within the prison environment, teaching people to learn to experience peace. We can all support one another. If we are willing to care, we can learn greater levels of love. Info: Gangaji.org.