Pittsburgh Self-Inquiry Group

We are a group of seekers, searching for ways and means to find answers to the big questions in life: 'Who is it that exists?' or 'Who is it that is here?' questions that can only be answered by looking inwardly, by whatever means possible, and not through beliefs or theoretical aspects of philosophy and psychology, or through science or dogma. A search for a final indisputable answer to the age-old question "Who Am I?"
Our regular online attendees are from all four time zones in NoAmerica and occasionally elsewhere. Our backgrounds may be Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, atheist, mysticism, philosophy, psychology -or as anyone with serious questions about who they are and the meaning of life.
Our meetings ask for participants' beliefs, first-hand subjective experience and observations, shared with and questioned by others also serious in looking for answers. And no one can give you those answers, but together we can help evaluate each others' thinking, feelings and experiences. Rest assured, our meetings do not tolerate "attack dogs" or insensitive questions. One regular member acts as monitor to keep questioning from being embarrassing and disruptive. We do not allow "preaching", nor solicitations to join, believe or buy a single thing.
Self-inquiry is the investigation of the "I" or "me", and the “selfing” with which one identifies.
The format of our meetings is both discussion and group confrontation, to examine, question and confront our convictions, motivations and identities in an organized way. We use others as mirrors as they question our own and others' opinions and views, in a respectful and sincere manner. Each meeting focuses on a prepared specific topic.
There is nothing to join, nothing to buy, meetings are free and there is nothing to believe in. This is not a solicitation for any belief system, organization or philosophy. Just “Take what you need, give something in return and leave the rest”. Think for yourself and figure out what’s true. That’s all it's about -sifting and asking yourself what’s true until you know. You are welcome if you are willing to question yourself and others.
Some previous meeting topics have been inspired by:
Zen
Christian Mysticism
Sufism
Advaita Vedanta
Buddhism
Ramana Maharshi
Nisargadatta
Douglas Harding
Richard Rose
Bernadette Roberts
Franklin Merrell-Wolff
John of the Cross
Rumi
Theresa of Avilla
G.I. Gurdjieff
Eckhart Tolle
Rupert Spira
J. Krishnamurti
P.D. Ouspensky
Paul Brunton
Hubert Benoit
Currently (2025) we hold two in-person meetings each month in person at Aladdin's Restaurant /Eatery in Pittsburgh, an online Zoom meeting every Wednesday evening and occasional monthly book reviews and talks by authors and noted speakers.
Our online meetings are 2 hours long, based on a new topic each week, and everyone who wants to participate gets somewhat equal time to give their view or opinion and then be questioned.
Typically 8-12 people attend Wednesday evening online Zoom meetings, and 3-6 people attend Monday evening in-person meetings, both to which new people are welcome. We do ask for a short introduction from newcomers.

Some resources regarding self-inquiry include:
- TAT Foundation.org: a self-inquiry organization that hosts four in-person weekend retreats each year at the Claymont Retreat Center https://claymont.org/ 80 miles NW of W.DC as well as "TAT Talks" one Sunday online each month. Check out the book titles for sale as well as references to the teachings of founder Richard Rose, various instructors and member activities in both the U.S. and Europe.
- TAT Forum: Monthly publication of self-inquiry articles and reader feedback which includes a list of self-inquiry groups. Subscription is free and your participation is welcomed.
- spiritualteachers.org
- selfdefinition.org
- selfdiscoveryportal.com
- mysticmissal.org
Meet-up groups:
Pittsburgh Self-inquiry Group -online Wednesday 8PM (check out listing of meeting topics since 2016)
Pittsburgh Self-inquiry Live -local in-person meetings two Mondays each month

For further info, or Zoom invitation to public meetings, please email us.
Thank you for your interest and hope to see you soon.
selfinquirer@aol.com