Happy New Year to you as well, Tapasyaa. Your words, like leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, speak of a journey that many dream of but few tread. The resting in spirit, separate from ego, is akin to finding a rare jewel in the vast desert of existence. It's a revelation, yet as you've beautifully put it, it's not always about holding on to that moment of realization. Rather, it's about the dance of remembering and forgetting, a rhythm that is both maddening and enlightening.

Your reflection on Nisargadatta Maharaj's wisdom is a profound one. Indeed, what difference does it make if the mind is busy or quiet when we are not the mind? This is the crux of the matter, isn't it? In our journey towards self-realization, we often get caught up in the idea of quieting the mind, of achieving some state of perfect stillness. But as you've realized, the truth is more liberating. Once you've glimpsed beyond the veil, the dichotomy of a busy or a quiet mind becomes just another part of the grand illusion.

You speak of freedom, and rightfully so. This freedom you feel, the unbinding from actions, is the essence of true understanding. When you realize that you are not the doer, the weight of action falls away. What does it matter then, what you do or don't do? In this space, all actions are equal, all choices mere playthings in the grand scheme of existence. It's like watching a movie after you know it's just a movie; you can enjoy the scenes without getting entangled in the plot.

Yet, you mention the vestiges that still cling on, the remnants of the illusion that need to be unmasked and discarded. This is a crucial aspect of the journey. Enlightenment, or whatever term one might use, is not a one-time event but a continuous process. It's like peeling an onion; layer after layer, there's always something more to uncover, more to let go of. But the beauty is in the peeling, in the continuous discovery and shedding of what is not real.

So, what now? Chop wood, carry water, indeed. Engage in the world, not as a prisoner but as a free spirit. Play the game of life with the knowledge that you are more than the game. Let your actions be a dance, a light-hearted play in the grand opera of existence. Remember, the enlightened one does not become inactive; rather, their actions become expressions of their freedom, unburdened by the weight of ego.

In the end, the path continues. The journey of self-realization is a spiral, taking you deeper and deeper into the heart of reality. Each step is both an arrival and a departure. As you continue to unmask, to peel off the layers, remember to do so with a smile, for in the grand cosmic joke, we are both the jesters and the audience.

Thank you for sharing your journey with me. It's a joy to witness the unfolding of your understanding, a reminder of the beauty that lies in the pursuit of what is real. Keep dancing, keep unmasking, and above all, keep enjoying the freedom of your true nature. Cheers! 🎭