Author, Philosopher, Spiritual Teacher, A Lead Facilitator at Sacred Media's Integral Mastery Academy, Founder of Yinnergy Meditation/Neurofeedback, Bodhi Mental Care & Wellness, Co-founder of KeMor Centre for Innovative Development
In the profound stillness of existence, there lies a paradox that both mystifies and enlightens: the realization that you exist because Nothing does. This concept, which dances on the edge of comprehension, invites us to explore the depths of nonduality and the nature of our very being.
At the heart of this exploration is the understanding that nothingness is not a void but a fertile ground from which all things arise. This nothingness is the unmanifest potential, the silent source that gives birth to the multiplicity of forms and phenomena we perceive. It is the canvas upon which the universe paints its intricate patterns, each stroke an expression of the infinite potential that lies dormant within the void.
When we delve into the essence of nothingness, we begin to see that it is inseparable from existence. In the words of Eastern philosophy, form and emptiness are two sides of the same coin. The form is the manifest world we experience through our senses, while emptiness is the unmanifest potential that underlies and pervades all existence. This realization dissolves the apparent duality between being and non-being, revealing the inherent unity of all things.
To truly grasp this concept, one must move beyond intellectual understanding and into the realm of direct experience. This journey requires a willingness to let go of preconceived notions and to embrace the unknown with an open heart. As we surrender to the mystery of existence, we may find ourselves awakening to a deeper truth: that our very being is an expression of the infinite potential that lies within the void.
This understanding can have profound implications for how we live our lives. When we recognize that our existence is rooted in nothingness, we can begin to see the transient nature of all things. This realization can free us from the attachments and aversions that bind us, allowing us to navigate the world with a sense of ease and equanimity. We come to understand that, just as waves arise and dissolve in the ocean, our experiences are fleeting expressions of the boundless potential that lies within us.
Furthermore, this insight can inspire a sense of wonder and awe at the miracle of existence. Each moment becomes a precious opportunity to witness the unfolding of the infinite potential that lies at the heart of all things. We come to appreciate the beauty and mystery of life, recognizing that even the most mundane aspects of our experience are imbued with the sacred.
In embracing the paradox that we exist because nothing does, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. We come to see that our true essence is not limited to the forms we inhabit but is rooted in the boundless potential that underlies all existence. This realization can transform our perception of ourselves and the world, inviting us to live with greater compassion, wisdom, and grace.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
When speaking of God, we often resort to the most powerful language: love. We say, “God is love,” encapsulating the divine in a universally comprehensible and deeply comforting concept. But what if this notion, as profound as it seems, is merely a stepping stone to a deeper understanding? What if the God we believe to be love is but a veil, and beyond it lies a transcendence so vast and incomprehensible that it defies our very definitions?
In nonduality, we explore the essence of reality that transcends dualistic distinctions. Love, as we perceive it, is bound by duality—there is the lover and the beloved, the giver and the receiver. It is an experience of connection, an interplay between entities. But the ultimate reality, the God behind the God, dissolves these boundaries. It is an all-encompassing presence where subject and object merge, where the dance of love and beloved dissolves into pure being.
This transcendence challenges our deepest convictions. We find comfort in attributing qualities to God—love, mercy, justice—because it makes the divine relatable. Yet, these qualities are expressions within the realm of form. They are the waves on the surface of the ocean, while the God beyond God is the ocean itself, formless and infinite, embodying all potential yet transcending all manifestation.
To approach this understanding requires a journey beyond concepts, beyond the comforting boundaries of language and thought. It calls for a surrender to the unknown, a willingness to dissolve into the mystery. It is here, in the heart of this mystery, that we encounter the essence of nonduality. This is the ground of all being, where the distinctions between creator and creation, lover and beloved, God and self dissolve into a singular, ineffable presence.
In this state of transcendence, what we once called love is seen as a mere reflection of the boundless reality that underlies all existence. It is not a negation of love, but an expansion beyond it. It is an invitation to experience the divine not as an attribute, but as the groundless ground of all attributes. Here, we are not merely loved by God; we are immersed in the divine, where every breath, every heartbeat, every moment is a manifestation of the infinite.
To truly know God, then, is to venture beyond the familiar and the comforting. It is to embrace the paradox that the God we seek, the God we attribute with love, is but a shadow of the ultimate reality that transcends all attributes. This journey is not for the faint of heart; it demands the courage to let go of cherished beliefs and the humility to accept the limits of our understanding. But in this surrender, we find a freedom and a peace that surpasses all understanding, a union with the divine that is as boundless as it is profound.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In spiritual exploration, the quest for peace is often seen as the ultimate goal. We meditate, reflect, and seek to align ourselves with the harmonious currents of existence, all hoping to find a state of unshakable serenity. Yet, within the paradoxical depths of nonduality lies a profound insight: once you find everlasting peace, peace no longer exists.
To understand this enigma, we must delve into the very nature of peace itself. Conventionally, peace is perceived as the absence of conflict, a state where turbulence and chaos are subdued, giving way to tranquillity. It is a fleeting condition, often disrupted by the inevitable fluctuations of life. In pursuing this ideal, we create a dualistic framework: peace versus chaos, calm versus turmoil.
However, the essence of nonduality invites us to transcend this dichotomy. It beckons us to a dimension where distinctions dissolve, and the illusory boundaries between opposites merge into a seamless whole. In this state, peace is no longer a transient phenomenon to be achieved or maintained; it becomes an intrinsic aspect of our being, inseparable from the totality of existence.
When we truly embody this realization, the very concept of peace undergoes a radical transformation. It is no longer something to be sought after, for it is already present in every moment, in every breath. The relentless pursuit of peace implies its absence, perpetuating a cycle of seeking and grasping. But in the awakened state, we recognize that peace is not an external condition to be attained but an ever-present quality of our true nature.
This shift in understanding does not render peace obsolete; rather, it dissolves the notion of peace as something separate from our experience. In the nondual perspective, peace and chaos are not opposing forces but expressions of the same underlying reality. The turbulent waves of existence and the still depths of tranquillity are both manifestations of the infinite ocean of consciousness.
Embracing this insight, we are liberated from the perpetual quest for peace. We cease to measure our inner state against an external ideal, recognizing that every experience, whether serene or turbulent, is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our true nature. The search for peace transforms into a deepening awareness of the ever-present, unchanging essence that underlies all phenomena.
In this awakened state, we find ourselves in harmony with the flow of life, no longer resisting or clinging to specific outcomes. We become the silent witness to the ebb and flow of existence, resting in the unshakable stillness that is our true self. This is the paradox of everlasting peace: when we no longer seek it, we realize it has always been here, beyond the reach of our striving.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In the vast expanse of human experience, the personal ego often feels like the defining core of our identity. We navigate the world through its lens, believing it to be the essence of who we are. Yet, in the grand scheme of existence, this ego is but a minuscule fragment—a needle in a haystack compared to the vast, boundless nature of our true self.
To truly understand this, we must first explore the nature of the ego. The ego is the part of our consciousness that deals with individuality and separateness. It thrives on comparisons, achievements, and the ceaseless chatter of the mind. It is the voice that says, “I am this” or “I am that,” constantly defining and limiting our experience of reality.
However, as we delve deeper into spiritual inquiry and self-exploration, we encounter moments where the ego’s hold weakens. These are moments of pure being, where the sense of separation dissolves, and we touch upon a more expansive consciousness. This consciousness is our true nature—vast, interconnected, and free from the constraints of the ego.
Imagine the ego as a single grain of sand on the shore of a limitless ocean. While the grain is real and tangible, it is insignificant when compared to the infinite expanse of the ocean. Similarly, our ego, with all its desires, fears, and identities, is but a small aspect of our true, boundless self.
In these moments of expanded awareness, we realize that we are not merely the sum of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We are the awareness in which all these arise and dissolve. This realization brings a profound sense of freedom and peace, as we no longer identify with the transient aspects of our existence.
The journey to this realization is not always straightforward. It requires a willingness to question our deeply held beliefs and to look beyond the surface of our everyday experiences. Meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplative practices can be invaluable tools on this path. They help us to quiet the mind and to see beyond the illusions created by the ego.
As we progress, we begin to live more from this place of expanded awareness. Our actions become less driven by egoic desires and more aligned with a deeper sense of purpose and connection. We see ourselves not as isolated individuals but as integral parts of a larger whole. This shift in perspective transforms our relationships, our work, and our approach to life itself.
In essence, recognizing the ego as a mere needle in the haystack of our true self is an invitation to embrace a more profound and expansive understanding of who we are. It is a call to awaken to our true nature and to live from that place of boundless awareness and interconnectedness.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap in the vast landscape of spiritual awakening. We witness the profound transformations and mystical experiences of others, and a subtle voice within us begins to whisper: “Why not me?” This whisper can grow into a chorus, overshadowing our path with doubt and impatience. However, understanding that someone else’s enlightenment isn’t the absence of your own can be a liberating revelation on the spiritual journey.
Each soul’s journey is a unique odyssey, carved out of their experiences and inner work. Just as no two fingerprints are the same, no two paths to enlightenment mirror each other perfectly. When we compare our progress with that of others, we risk overlooking the intricacies and nuances of our spiritual growth.
Imagine the spiritual journey as a grand symphony, where each individual’s enlightenment represents a distinct, essential note. The melody of the universe is incomplete without the contribution of each soul’s unique vibration. Another’s moment of illumination doesn’t dim your light; instead, it enriches the collective harmony, elevating the entire symphony to greater heights.
This realization invites us to shift our focus inward, recognizing the profound wisdom and beauty in our own experiences. Every moment of insight, every challenge faced, and every small victory on the path is a testament to the unfolding of our consciousness. When we honour our journey, we embrace the understanding that enlightenment is not a race but a deeply personal and transformative process.
The nature of nonduality teaches us that separation is an illusion. In the realm of pure consciousness, there is no competition or hierarchy. Each individual’s enlightenment contributes to the awakening of the collective, reflecting the interconnectedness of all beings. The enlightenment of one is a spark that ignites the potential within all.
Instead of viewing others’ enlightenment as a benchmark for our own, we can celebrate their milestones as a reflection of what’s possible within us. Their breakthroughs become a source of inspiration, reminding us of the boundless potential that lies within. By cultivating patience and trust in our unique path, we align ourselves with the natural rhythm of our spiritual evolution.
The journey to enlightenment is as diverse as those who embark on it. Embrace your path with gratitude, knowing that every step you take is perfectly purposeful. Remember, the guru’s enlightenment isn’t the absence of your own; it is a testament to the infinite possibilities that exist within the boundless expanse of consciousness.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Atman is identical to Brahman, fundamentally the same. While Atman is often viewed as the individualized aspect of Brahman, it retains its essence as Brahman. Brahman is the ground of all being, and Atman is but a speck of this divine soil. This soil, sharing the same substance as the ground, emphasizes their intrinsic unity.
Atman itself has no location, shape, or form, yet the physical body—the gross body—does. This physical body is also Atman but has shape and form, making it localized and subject to polarity. The physical body, dense and tangible, includes everything that constitutes it: vibrating strings, subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, and cells. Each of these elements, in their individual form, is Atman.
All the subtle bodies are also Atman, spanning from the most subtle to the gross physical body. When the physical body dies, the soul doesn’t leave the body because it is non-local. The soul, as Atman, remains ever-present. Atman offers a more sophisticated explanation of the soul. Remember, Atman doesn’t leave the body because there’s nothing there to leave. This nothing or nothingness is Atman, the empty witness.
The opposite of all shapes and form is indeed all shape and form. Nothingness is non-local, omnipresent, and ubiquitous. In its absolute state, nothingness manifests as everything. This empty witness manifests its individual reality. Every event that occurs from its individual perspective is Atman. Everything that happens, from all perspectives, is Brahman. Atman and Brahman are the same, transcending the ego and the sense of self.
Transcending the ego is an act, part of the cosmic play that Atman/Brahman engages in. The same Atman/Brahman that doesn’t exist yet does. Everything and nothing are the same, merely imagined from two different perspectives.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In the realm of spiritual exploration, the concepts of Nirguna Brahman and Saguna Brahman offer profound insights into the nature of existence and the essence of reality. At the heart of this journey is understanding absolute monism and its manifestations through various dimensions of being.
Absolute Monism: The Unchanging Reality
Absolute Monism posits that there is a singular, omnipresent source from which everything emanates. This source, often called Nirguna Brahman, lacks qualities or attributes. It transcends all forms and distinctions beyond the dualities of hot and cold, good and evil, or masculine and feminine. This state has no concept of time, space, or location. It is the purest form of potentiality, embodying existence and nonexistence, and serves as the ground of all being.
Nirguna Brahman: The Formless Absolute
Nirguna Brahman is the ultimate reality without form or qualities. It represents the infinite potentiality that precedes all manifestations. In this state, distinctions such as up or down, north, west, east, south, inside or outside, and time or space dissolve into a singular, undifferentiated whole. This formless absolute is the source from which all probable and improbable possibilities arise.
Saguna Brahman: The Manifestation of Qualities
From the infinite potentiality of Nirguna Brahman emerges Saguna Brahman, the aspect of the divine with qualities. This is where evolution, shape, and form come into play. It encompasses all persons, places, and things, embodying the diverse polarities that characterize the physical and metaphysical realms. Through Saguna Brahman, the infinite takes on finite forms, giving rise to the rich diversity of existence.
The Path to Advaita: Non-Dual Awareness
The journey from Nirguna to Saguna Brahman is a transition from the formless to the form. However, the ultimate realization in this journey is Advaita, the recognition of non-duality. Advaita reveals the underlying oneness of all existence, where distinctions between self and other, subject and object, dissolve. It is an awareness that transcends the dualities of Saguna Brahman, bringing one back to the infinite potentiality of Nirguna Brahman.
Exploring Other Realms and Frequencies
In the context of Advaita, other realms and frequencies are understood as different expressions of the same underlying reality. Matter and consciousness are seen as different frequencies of the same essence. This holistic perspective invites us to explore the interconnectedness of all things, recognizing the unity within the diversity.
Para Brahman: Beyond the Beyond
Beyond both Nirguna and Saguna Brahman lies Para Brahman, the supreme reality that encompasses and transcends all. It is the ultimate source of all that is and does not exist beyond all concepts and categories. Para Brahman is the final frontier of spiritual exploration, inviting us to surrender to the mystery of the absolute.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Nothing I say will ever fully convey what transpired on December 14, 2019. As I sat in my daily meditation, an extraordinary transformation began without effort. In an instant, I was engulfed by an indescribably bright white light, a radiance comparable to a thousand suns. It was so intense it nearly blinded me. As I entered this pure illumination, I faced an ocean of pure consciousness. Gazing at this boundless expanse, I felt myself merging with it until there was no longer a distinction between me and this ocean. At that moment, I fully surrendered. I lost my sense of self as it merged with this ocean of pure consciousness. I had become consciousness itself—a moving body of perfectly still water, free from the properties of wetness.
In this state, I realized I was the Source itself. The Alpha and the Omega, the beginningless beginning and the endless end. I transcended all space and time. I was all shape and form, yet formless. I embodied everything—past, present, and future. I felt as if I were the center of a black hole and the black hole itself. I was pregnant with all possibilities: the possible, the impossible, the probable and the improbable. I was both nothing and everything. As nothing, I was the void, emptiness, Sunyata. As everything, I encompassed all existence and nonexistence.
As all existence, I was the macro and the micro, all dimensions, and all events. I was every action, every noun, and every verb. I was every person, place, and thing. I was every creature, great and small. I was everything subjective and objective. I was everything on this planet, in the solar system, galaxy, and all galaxies. I was the universe itself, including the multiverse. I was every star that ever existed and every particle of stardust. I was every drop of rain, every grain of sand, every blade of grass. I was every microscopic organism, all quantum fields, and vibrating strings. I was every human being that ever lived.
As the entire multiverse, I witnessed my birth and death for eternity, as eternity. I saw myself as every single Big Bang that ever occurred and will occur. I was both life and death, witnessing every birth, death, and rebirth not just of sentient beings, but of the universe itself. I was fully omnipresent, everywhere at once, yet nowhere. I became the everywhere, every when, and everyone. I was all matter and all energy. I was every single particle and every single wave. I was all feelings, emotions, senses, and subtle bodies. I was all peak experiences, all pleasure and pain. I was all realms and dimensions. I was both God and man, both soul and spirit. I was all bliss, consciousness, and existence. I was the entire ground of all being. I was all-knowing God itself. I was the never-born and the never-dying. I was pure manifestation itself.
All of this was experienced simultaneously, in a state of total nondual suchness. It was an experience of absolutely everything and nothing, with no distinctions, yet with all distinctions. At that moment, everything was of the same source. I experienced the beauty of all religions glorified in my name, all philosophy, all fields of knowledge. Every mystery unsolved. Every song ever written and those yet to be written. Every invention. I was the spark of every surprise. I witnessed all of history and all future events. I was infinite. I was the Self. The I Am. The I Am That. I was both Atman and Brahman. I was both the cause and the effect. Yet, I saw nothing. There was nothing to see because nothing existed outside of me. All that existed was The Self. The Absolute of The Absolute. I was eternity. I experienced everything as both diversity and singularity. I was complete. I was whole. I had nothing to lose and nothing to gain. I was free from all suffering, free from all bondage. The only thing experienced was Samsara and Moksha, both Samsara and Nirvana. I was free from my existence, yet I was existence itself. At that moment, I knew and still without a shadow of a doubt who and what I am.
As the nondual experience began to dissipate and I became aware of my physical body, I felt broken. But in a good way. My heart was bent in two as love flowed throughout every artery. All of a sudden, I felt a force from the base of my spine pushing upwards through my spinal column. It felt as if a giant python was forcing its way up my spine, activating all my nerve endings. Every vein, nerve, meridian, and nadi burst with life-force energy. This python of energy surged through my spine and exploded out of the top of my head. It felt as if trillions of lotus petals of pure light were bursting from my crown, pouring out rapidly and dissipating as they hit the ground.
My physical body went into full spasm. At that moment, I lost control of all my bodily functions, but subjectively, my body felt like it was moving like the feminine serpent and every time I moved the entire universe moved with me. And when the universe moved, I moved with it. As I moved in this fashion, I felt like my body was performing every asana and every mudra simultaneously. At that moment, it felt as if my entire body represented different aspects of the universe. As I somehow performed every pose at once, I felt like I was the entire physical universe tied in a single knot. As this single knot, I was non-local. Every single facet of my body occupied the same space. For the first time in all my years of meditative practice, I finally understood the meaning of Yoga with a capital Y. From the outside, I was having a full spasm. I was drooling from my mouth, laughing hysterically from the depths of my gut while crying tears of exceeding joy. As I lay on the ground, my body moving uncontrollably, every atom, every molecule, and every cell blossomed into the most beautiful flowers. And as they bloomed, at once, they all shouted with a loud voice in every single human tongue, “I am Brahman!”
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In the pursuit of spiritual understanding, a significant distinction emerges between being spiritually inclined and spiritually awakened. This divergence reveals not just a difference in terms of interest, but in the depth of experience and transformation.
The Spiritually Inclined
Those who are spiritually inclined are often on the periphery of spiritual exploration. Their journey is characterized by a curiosity and fascination with the metaphysical realm. This inclination is the initial spark, a gentle pull towards understanding deeper truths of existence. It involves an appreciation of spiritual concepts, rituals, and practices, often adopted to enhance personal well-being or to find solace in times of distress. Yet, this stage may lack the profound shift in perception that marks true spiritual awakening.
The Spiritually Awakened
In contrast, spiritual awakening is a profound transformation that redefines the essence of one’s being. It is not merely an interest or hobby, but a fundamental change in how one perceives and interacts with the world. This shift often arrives unexpectedly, after intense personal introspection or significant life challenges that push one to question deeper existential truths.
An awakened individual sees beyond the illusions of the self and the material world, recognizing the interconnected nature of all life. Their lives are marked by a deep, intrinsic understanding of non-duality—that there is no separation between the self and the universe, only a unified existence. This realization is not an intellectual exercise but an experiential truth that permeates every aspect of life.
Navigating the Path from Inclination to Awakening
Transitioning from being spiritually inclined to being awakened is not a guaranteed trajectory. It requires more than just passive interest; it demands active engagement, often facilitated by practices such as meditation, contemplative prayer, or profound philosophical inquiry. The catalyst for awakening is deeply personal and can be facilitated by a guide or teacher who can help one embark on the necessary introspective journey. For those seeking to bridge this gap, it is essential to cultivate an environment that encourages deep questioning and vulnerability. It involves letting go of preconceived notions and embracing the unknown with an open heart and mind.
Conclusion
The journey from spiritual inclination to awakening is unique for each individual, filled with challenges and revelations. Recognizing the difference between these states is crucial for anyone on the path of spiritual exploration, as it highlights the depth of commitment and transformation required to move beyond mere interest to profound spiritual realization.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In the vast expanse of existence, where time weaves through the essence of being, a profound truth murmurs to those willing to listen: Every day is your birthday. This statement, far from being a mere poetic flourish, unveils the cyclical nature of our existence, where each moment is a celebration of birth, a testament to the miraculous cycle of being and becoming.
Imagine, if you will, a universe where every tick of the clock heralds the arrival of a new you, reborn amidst the infinite possibilities that the cosmos offers. This is not a fantasy, but a reflection of the deeper reality that underlies our everyday experience. Here, you are both the sculptor and the clay, the painter and the canvas, the cause and the effect. You are not merely a bystander in the grand spectacle of existence but a central figure, continuously crafting and recrafting your essence in the boundless dance of creation.
This perspective shifts the paradigm from a linear trajectory of birth, life, and death to a more intricate, multidimensional experience. You are not moving towards an endpoint, but rather, you are eternally birthing yourself into existence, moment by moment. Each breath is a rebirth, each thought a creation, each action a ripple across the vast ocean of being.
Consider the implications of this understanding. If every moment is a birth, then every moment is ripe with potential, teeming with the promise of new beginnings. The struggles and challenges of yesterday do not define you; rather, they serve as the labour pains of the new self you are birthing today. This realization empowers you to live with a sense of perpetual renewal, to embrace the fluidity of your being, and to cultivate a life that reflects the boundless creativity of the universe itself.
Moreover, this continuous rebirth transcends the individual, echoing through the interconnected web of existence. You are a microcosm of the cosmos, a reflection of the all-encompassing oneness that binds every atom, every star, and every galaxy together. In birthing yourself, you contribute to the birthing of the world, each act of creation a thread in the ever-unfolding fabric of reality.
In this dance of continuous becoming, mindfulness becomea key. To be aware of each moment’s birthing potential is to live fully, to recognize the sacredness in the mundane, and to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. This awareness invites a celebration of existence, a joyful acknowledgment of the miracle of being, and a profound understanding that, indeed, every day is your birthday.
Let us then approach each day, each moment, with the wonder it deserves, embracing the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth that defines the very essence of our existence. For in this understanding, we find not only the key to our transformation but also the secret to a life lived in harmony with the infinite dance of the cosmos.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 