Testimonials

  Dan has developed a simple way to the awakening of consciousness, called Deep Self Investigation (DSI). He has both inspired and guided me in this process. His book, of course, titled, Deep Self Investigation, is another jewel in the process and understanding of DSI. Dan is intuitive, precise, and kind in leading persons to this direct pathless path of awakening. — 

The effectiveness of deep self investigation seems a difficult topic to parse, as there’s a multitude of variables. Firstly, “I“ am not awake. The investigation has been liberally sprinkled with readings and YouTube watching. Direct interactions with Dan over the past 4 or 5 years seem to have been as or more impactful than the continuing investigation. It does form a framework or touchstone to return to, and seems to run itself much of the time. I feel Dan’s guidance, honesty, and example have been as important to any progress that’s been made. — 

   Dan’s practical methodology for Deep Self Investigation (a modern version of self inquiry introduced originally by Ramana Maharshi) has been a priceless gift in my spiritual unfoldment.  By breaking down the process of uncovering the false sense of “I”, Dan skillfully shares the methods by which he diligently became free of the illusion of separation. This approach is powerfully focused on this aim, and is extremely effective for any serious aspirant interested in living from Truth. — 

   Dan has distilled self-inquiry into a simple, yet powerful, focus that startles the mind out of its complex meanderings. He generously guides and encourages others in this non-process. His clarity and compassion is inspiring. Deep Self Investigation, (DSI), pierces through the illusion of self, and leads to the recognition of what truly is. — 

Dan teaches DSI, which is intended to make one look at the reality of what we call “my life”.  In spite of wondering about the fitness of Veetkam to achieve this investigation, Dan has pointed patiently and endlessly to me, the value of being able to distinguish between thinking (there is a lot of it!) and direct perception. The goal is to come to what is really present here and now, a deep conviction that there is not a person here/now present, but a sense of “I”, which is not more than a fiction! Each time this is perceived, there is a lightening of the mood and in that moment, it seems really true that we are not what we think we are, i.e…I am not a person!!! — 

 As the tenacious belief in a sense of “I” dissolves, and with it the feeling of separation or me, Being remains ordinary and amazing. Deep Self Investigation has been a capstone to this long life of being awareness, and the practice of looking for the non-existent separate sense of “I” is a useful, though sometimes arduous, commitment. And what is has been here all along. How grateful, how beloved, how extraordinary this now. — 

A few years ago, I had the good fortune to hear about the process of Deep Self Investigation that Dan Kelso has developed. In the first session that we had together, I quickly became aware of a familiar feeling of heaviness in my heart. Following his guidance to look for the “I” that was feeling the heaviness, what I saw was a combination of sensations in my chest, a long-held story of unworthiness, and emotions related to insecurity which, together, I had been in the habit of taking to be “me.” Seeing that felt amazing and liberating. With repeated practice of looking for and not finding a solid, separate “I,” the movements of mind and heart are being experienced as increasingly less personal and the sense of being wide open awareness that spontaneously embraces the fullness of what is here now continues to grow. I’m especially appreciative of the way that Dan’s awake presence coupled with his gentle, playful guidance helps to facilitate the process of deep self investigation and the ever-deepening recognition of awake awareness. — 

 I have been working closely with Dan for over 4 years and using his approach of Deep Self Investigation has been nothing less than miraculous! The effects it has had on how this life is lived have been a tremendous, undeserved gift. Learning to directly perceive over and over again that there is actually no one here, has changed how I respond to life’s many challenges or what was previously perceived as a challenge and now is just a happening. Most amazingly as this journey to see the Truth continues, the looking gets easier and the beauty, joy and simplicity of life abounds… equanimity often exists where before there was fear and uncertainty. My gratitude can never be adequately expressed. — 

   Over the past 40 years I have studied with masters, lived in an ashram, sat in silence for months, and resided with a Swami in India––and for the past 15 years actively studied and practiced non-dual self-investigation. 

Deep Self Investigation (DSI), the precision methodology for this work developed by Dan Kelso, is remarkably direct and highly effective. Unlike other teachers that suggest you repeat Who am I? or What is this? over and over, or ask you to “follow consciousness to its source,” Dan has developed an intuitive series of questions pointing to the myriad ways the illusory self shows up. Eventually the most subtle “I-thoughts” and deeply held beliefs are uncovered and seen through. 

If genuine interest in recognizing the truth has brought you to this website, you’re in the right place! —