Christianity – Page 2 – Morgan O. Smith

Embracing Roots

A Journey Through Ancestry and Spiritual Enlightenment

In the heart of Black History Month, a period steeped in reflection and celebration, as a born Jamaican, I embarked on a deeply personal exploration into the labyrinth of my lineage. The unveiling of my genetic heritage—spanning Nigeria, Benin-Togo, Congo-Western Bantu, Ghana, Senegal, and a surprising touch of Sweden-Denmark—initiated a profound contemplation on the spiritual practices that once thrived in these regions, long before the erasure and transformation brought by the slave trade.

The spiritual landscapes of my ancestors were rich with diversity, each culture nurturing a unique relationship with the divine, the natural world, and the community. From the Orishas of Nigeria to the ancestral veneration in the Congo, and from the rhythmic ceremonies of Vodun in Benin-Togo to the profound Serer spirituality of Senegal, these practices were rooted in a deep understanding of interconnectedness. In Ghana, the harmonious balance between the physical and spiritual realms underscored the essence of existence.

The advent of the slave trade and the subsequent imposition of Christianity introduced a seismic shift in the spiritual orientation of many African descendants. This convergence of beliefs, however, did not obliterate the ancestral wisdom but rather embedded it deeper into the collective consciousness of those who were forcibly displaced. Christianity, with its narrative of suffering, redemption, and salvation, offered a new lens through which the spiritual heritage of my ancestors could be reinterpreted.

My spiritual journey, influenced by the intricate web of my genealogy, has been a testament to the resilience and adaptability of faith. It led me to the profound awakening of Nondual Suchness—an understanding that transcends the binary oppositions and dualities that often confine our perception. This realization, that everything is interconnected and every part of the universe is contained within me, has been a transformative experience. It signifies not just a return to the spiritual practices of my ancestors but an evolution of those beliefs into a holistic understanding of existence where everything is included within the gross body of my DNA.

This journey through my ancestral spiritual practices to the enlightenment of Nondual Suchness underscores the notion that we are not merely products of our immediate culture but are deeply connected to a rich historical and spiritual lineage. It highlights how the imposition of a new spiritual system can act as a catalyst for deeper spiritual exploration, leading to a more encompassing awareness that honours both the diversity and unity of our existence.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the spiritual legacies of our ancestors. Their wisdom, resilience, and spiritual insights continue to guide us, offering a beacon of light as we navigate our paths to understanding and enlightenment. In embracing our roots, we find the strength to transcend and include all that we are, forging a path toward a future where the past is not forgotten but honoured as the foundation of our spiritual growth.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond Belief

Embracing Enlightenment Beyond Philosophical Boundaries

Philosophies, at their core, are a tapestry of beliefs and principles that guide our understanding of the world and our place in it. They offer frameworks for interpreting life’s complexities, from the ancient wisdom of Hinduism and Buddhism to the foundational teachings of Christianity and beyond. Each philosophy, with its unique perspectives and teachings, resonates differently with individuals, often aligning with their inherent values and worldviews.

However, a profound transformation occurs when one experiences a spiritual awakening. This awakening transcends the conventional realm of beliefs and ideologies. It’s a profound realization that our true essence lies beyond the constructs of any philosophy. In this enlightened state, the distinctions between different philosophies blur, as the awakened individual perceives a universal truth that underlies all teachings.

Spiritual awakening brings about a shift in consciousness where the ego, once the center of our universe, becomes an enlightened ego. This enlightened ego no longer clings to rigid belief systems; instead, it navigates the world with a newfound understanding and flexibility. It acknowledges that while philosophies can provide guidance and insight, they are not absolute truths but rather tools that help us make sense of our journey.

In this light, philosophies are not rendered obsolete, but their role in our lives is significantly altered. They become references rather than doctrines, offering insights that complement the inner wisdom gained through spiritual awakening. The enlightened ego uses these philosophies not as definitive answers but as aids in its continuous journey of growth and understanding.

In essence, spiritual awakening marks a transition from seeking truth in external philosophies to discovering it within. It’s an invitation to view the world and its myriad philosophies not as definitive guides but as mirrors, reflecting parts of the universal truth that resides within each of us.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Brahman Through a Christian Lens

Exploring the Divine Tapestry

In the lush gardens of spiritual thought, there exist concepts that, at first glance, may appear to belong to entirely different landscapes. Yet, upon closer examination, one finds threads that weave them together into a grand tapestry of the divine. Such is the case when one seeks to understand the Hindu concept of Brahman from a Christian perspective.

At the heart of Hindu philosophy lies Brahman, the ultimate reality, the absolute existence, knowledge, and bliss. Brahman is not merely a god among many but the ineffable ground of all being, beyond form, beyond limits, the essence of everything that was, is or will be. It is an ocean of consciousness, infinite and eternal, from which the universe springs forth like waves from a boundless sea.

How, then, can a Christian approach this concept? Christianity speaks of God in terms of a personal deity, a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet also affirms that God is beyond all comprehension, omnipresent, and the source of all that exists. The Christian mystical tradition, with its contemplative gaze, has long sought union with the divine, echoing the Hindu pursuit of realizing one’s oneness with Brahman.

In the Christian mystical experience, one might glimpse parallels to the understanding of Brahman. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of Christ as the one “in whom all things hold together.” This echoes the sense of Brahman as the underlying reality that upholds the universe. Theologians like St. Augustine have described God as being closer to us than we are to ourselves, resonating with the Hindu notion of Atman, the innermost self, ultimately one with Brahman.

Furthermore, the Christian concept of agape, or self-giving love, can be seen as a reflection of the blissful aspect of Brahman. In creation, God pours out love, which might be understood as a movement from the fullness of divine bliss. The Incarnation, the event of God becoming human in the person of Jesus, is a profound expression of this divine self-outpouring, analogous to the way Brahman manifests as the universe.

Yet, there are also profound differences. Christianity insists on a personal relationship with God, while the realization of Brahman is often described in impersonal terms. The Christian God enters into history and suffers with humanity, whereas Brahman is often seen as beyond all duality and unaffected by the play of cosmic forces.

In exploring Brahman from a Christian standpoint, we tread a path of mystery and paradox, where words falter and concepts blur. It is a journey that calls for humility, for what we encounter is the divine mystery, which, whether named Brahman or God, ultimately eludes all attempts at definition.

As we reflect on Brahman through a Christian lens, we are invited not to a debate but to a dance of understanding, where diverse beliefs can enrich each other. It is a reminder that our grasp of the Infinite is always incomplete and that perhaps, in the silent spaces between our words and concepts, there might be more that unites than divides.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Trikaya and the Trinity

Parallel Philosophies Across Cultures

Introduction:
In the realms of spirituality, the Buddhist concept of Trikaya and the Christian doctrine of the Trinity share an intriguing resemblance. Trikaya, which translates to ‘Three Bodies’, refers to the Dharmakāya, the Saṃbhogakāya, and the Nirmāṇakāya, while the Trinity consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This blog delves into the philosophical parallels between these central tenets in Buddhism and Christianity.

Trikaya in Buddhism:
The Dharmakāya or “Truth Body” represents the unmanifested aspect of Buddha, embodying the ultimate nature of reality and enlightenment. The Saṃbhogakāya or “Enjoyment Body” refers to the celestial Buddha who brings teachings to enlightened beings. The Nirmāṇakāya or “Emanation Body” represents the historical and physical form of the Buddha, which is accessible and relatable to ordinary beings.

The Trinity in Christianity:
The Trinity comprises the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Father signifies the unmanifest aspect of God, the ultimate creator. The Son, Jesus Christ, symbolizes the physical embodiment of God’s will. The Holy Ghost represents the guiding spiritual force, which brings wisdom and understanding to believers.

Philosophical Parallels:

1. Unmanifest and Eternal:
In Buddhism, the Dharmakāya is akin to the Christian concept of the Father. Both represent the unmanifest, eternal aspects of the divine. While the Dharmakāya embodies the ultimate truth and wisdom, the Father signifies the ultimate creative force.

2. Physical Embodiment:
The Nirmāṇakāya in Buddhism and the Son in Christianity are manifestations of the divine in human form. They are relatable and accessible to ordinary beings. Through their physical forms, they guide and lead by example. The Nirmāṇakāya (Buddha) through enlightenment and the Son (Jesus) through sacrifice and resurrection.

3. Guiding Force:
The Saṃbhogakāya and the Holy Ghost serve as the connecting link between the divine and the earthly realms. The Saṃbhogakāya, through celestial teachings, guides enlightened beings, while the Holy Ghost acts as a messenger of God, bringing wisdom and understanding to the faithful.

Conclusion:
The Trikaya and the Trinity represent complex theological concepts that offer deep insights into the nature of divinity. The parallel elements in these concepts hint at a universal human yearning to understand the divine and to connect with it. While they emerge from different cultural and religious traditions, their striking similarities foster an appreciation of the rich tapestry of spiritual thought across the world. Through the exploration of such parallels, we can find common ground in our quest for spiritual understanding and fulfillment.

Morgan O. Smith

Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Enigmatic G.O.D.

A Tapestry of Multifaceted Interpretations through Turiyatita

Introduction:
In the endless quest to fathom the profound entity known as God, Eastern and Western philosophies converge and diverge in a myriad of ways. This cosmic journey leads us to Turiyatita, a transcendent state beyond the fourth state of consciousness, where the true essence of God can be wholly embraced. Let us delve into the kaleidoscopic interpretations of the acronym G.O.D. through the lens of both Eastern and Western spirituality.

Giver Of Dreams:
In Western concepts, God is often seen as the Giver Of Dreams, inspiring aspirations. Contrarily, Eastern philosophies like Hinduism consider God as the Atman, reflecting the highest potential within oneself.

Guardian Of Divinity:
The Western Abrahamic faiths often portray God as a protector of purity, a Guardian Of Divinity. In Taoism, the Tao is considered the source of all divinity, without actively guarding it.

Guide Of Destiny:
In the Western context, God often plays a direct role in guiding destinies. The Eastern concept of Dharma reflects an innate order and righteousness, where individuals are their own guides through Karma.

Generator Of Diversity:
In the West, God’s creative aspect is exemplified in Genesis. In Hinduism, Lord Brahma symbolizes the Generator Of Diversity, being responsible for creation within the eternal cycle of Samsara.

Gatherer Of Devotion:
In the West, devotion is often gathered in the form of prayer. In Bhakti Yoga, an Eastern practice, devotion is an all-encompassing love and surrender to the divine.

Grand Orchestrator of Dynamics:
While Western deism believes in God as the Grand Orchestrator who set the universe in motion, Daoism sees the Dao as an impersonal force, guiding the natural order.

Garden Of Delight:
In Christianity, Eden represents the Garden Of Delight. In contrast, Buddhism’s Sukhavati is a pure land, representing an enlightened state of bliss and contentment.

Galaxy’s Omnipotent Designer:
In the West, Intelligent Design Theory posits God as the designer. Hinduism’s Vishwakarma is revered as the divine architect of the universe, reflecting a similar sentiment.

Guardian Of Deeds:
In Western theology, the idea of a judgmental God who serves as Guardian Of Deeds is prominent. The Eastern concept of Karma conveys a self-regulating system of moral retribution.

Gracious Overseer of Deliverance:
Both Eastern and Western traditions portray God as a liberator. In Christianity, salvation is through Jesus Christ; in Hinduism, Moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Realization through Turiyatita:
To truly integrate these interpretations, one must transcend to Turiyatita, a state beyond the waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and Turiya (pure consciousness). In this pinnacle of spiritual awakening, the boundaries dissolve, and one can embody the limitless interpretations of G.O.D., embracing a harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western spiritual thought.

Conclusion:
The myriad interpretations of G.O.D. weave a rich tapestry of philosophical thought. Turiyatita offers a transcendent vantage point where the essence of these interpretations is revealed in its full glory, harmonizing the wisdom of the East and West.

Morgan O. Smith