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
When You Aren’t Moved by Anything, You’re No Longer a Slave to Anything
The world thrives on pulling us in every direction. Advertisements whisper that happiness lies in the next purchase. Relationships stir waves of desire and fear. Success dangles like a prize that demands endless striving. Each movement within us, longing, anger, excitement, dread- becomes a hook by which the world tugs us.
Freedom arrives not when the world stops moving, but when your inner stillness no longer takes the bait. When nothing stirs you into attachment or aversion, nothing holds dominion over you. A compliment does not inflate your worth; an insult does not diminish it. Gain and loss, pleasure and pain, rise and fall without catching you in their undertow.
This is not numbness. It is not apathy. It is clarity. The heart continues to beat, the eyes continue to see, the hands continue to act, but no chain is forged by what passes through awareness. You walk unbound, as life’s play unfolds without demanding ownership.
When the winds of the world cannot sway you, you discover the ground beneath all experience; the silent witness that was never captive to circumstance. To live from here is to live without fear of being moved, for you have already found what cannot be taken.
Morgan O. Smith
Get Your Free Copy of My Book, Bodhi in the Brain!
Admiring Her Beauty Without the Need to Possess It
She stood before you—radiant, complete, untouched by your desire. You saw her beauty not as something to claim but something to witness. No attempt to preserve it. No hunger to prolong the moment. Just presence.
This is the essence of non-attachment. The ability to recognize the luminous without needing to make it yours. To love deeply without ownership. To appreciate fully without clinging. To admire, and then walk away—not because you don’t care, but because you’ve seen clearly.
Desire often masquerades as appreciation. It sneaks in, subtle at first, until the gaze becomes gripping. The mind begins to script stories: how it could be, how it should be, how it must be. But true seeing requires no continuation. It is complete in its own silence.
Beauty invites reverence, not possession. When you see her—whatever or whatever she is—truly see her. Let that moment be enough. Let the gaze be unpolluted by longing. Let the love be real because it is free.
To walk away isn’t abandonment. It is freedom for both the viewer and the viewed. There is no trace left behind. No emotional residue. Just the echo of a sacred glimpse, unbroken by need.
And isn’t that the deepest form of intimacy? To allow something or someone to remain what they are, without the distortion of your grasp?
Non-attachment does not dim the light of love; it refines it. It teaches the heart how to hold everything while clinging to nothing. It teaches the soul how to dance with impermanence, and still call it sacred.
Sometimes the most awakened gesture isn’t to stay, or to reach, or to take—but simply to witness beauty… and bow.
Morgan O. Smith
Get Your Free Copy of My Book, Bodhi in the Brain!
In the rich and intricate fabric of Buddhist philosophy, two profound concepts stand out: anatta, or the principle of no-self, and sunyata, or the notion of emptiness. These ideas challenge our conventional understanding of self and reality, offering a transformative path to spiritual enlightenment.
This blog post delves into the fascinating journey of embracing anatta and sunyata and what changes might occur in a person as a result.
Anatta: The Principle of No-Self
Anatta challenges the notion of a fixed and permanent self, a radical idea that has profound implications on how we perceive ourselves and the world. Upon realizing anatta, an individual may undergo the following transformations:
– **Loss of Attachment to Self-Identity**: Labels, roles, and personal narratives lose their grip, allowing for a more fluid and adaptable understanding of self. – **Decrease in Ego-Driven Desires**: The pursuit of personal gain or recognition may fade, replaced by selfless compassion and loving-kindness. – **Deepened Interconnectedness with Others**: Seeing beyond the illusion of separate selves fosters a profound connection with all beings.
Sunyata: Embracing the Emptiness
Sunyata refers to the empty nature of all phenomena, a state where things are devoid of inherent existence. The realization of sunyata leads to:
– **Transcending Dualities**: Ordinary distinctions such as good and bad, self and other, become irrelevant, replaced by an all-encompassing view of reality. – **Detachment from Material Pursuits**: Recognizing the empty nature of material things may lead to a detachment from worldly desires and a more mindful way of living. – **Harmony with the Present Moment**: Seeing things as they are, empty of inherent existence, nurtures a profound connection with the present moment. The Journey Toward Enlightenment
Understanding anatta and sunyata is not an intellectual exercise but a profound experiential realization. The individual may engage in various practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living to cultivate this understanding.
The Impact on Relationships and Society
Embracing these principles fosters compassion, empathy, and altruism, reshaping relationships and offering a model of social harmony. It moves us towards a society rooted in wisdom and compassion, rather than division and selfishness.
Conclusion
The realization of anatta and sunyata is a transformative and enlightening experience that shifts our perception of self and reality. It dissolves the barriers that separate us and leads to a more compassionate and interconnected way of living.
In a world filled with complexity and conflict, these age-old Buddhist principles offer timeless wisdom and a path to inner peace. They invite us to let go of rigid self-identities and material pursuits, to see beyond the surface, and to embrace a more profound and holistic view of existence.
May the teachings of Anatta and Sunyata guide us towards a more awakened and compassionate life, where we recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and live in harmony with ourselves and the world.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In the boundless tapestry of human existence, few ideas are as profound and transformative as the realization of oneself as Brahman. A central concept in Hindu philosophy, Brahman refers to the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit, a principle that transcends the individual self and unites all living beings.
This blog post explores the many changes an individual might experience upon this realization, a journey that transcends mundane existence and awakens a new consciousness.
### The Loss of Ego and the Embrace of Unity
Perhaps the most radical shift in consciousness comes from losing the individual ego. Recognizing oneself as part of the universal oneness leads to a dissolution of the self, allowing the individual to see beyond the superficial distinctions that often characterize human perception. This leads to a profound sense of unity, empathy, and compassion, transcending barriers like race, nationality, and religion.
### A Shift in Values and Desire
The realization of Brahman changes the very fabric of desire and ambition. Material possessions, social status, and even relationships may lose their significance, replaced by spiritual growth and a deepened understanding of the cosmic order. The individual might pursue selfless service, finding fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of all.
### The Embrace of Paradox and the Transcendent Nature of Existence
This profound awakening allows for a comfortable acceptance of paradoxes and contradictions. Time becomes more fluid, creativity blossoms, and the person might develop an ability to recognize synchronicities, meaningful coincidences that reveal the interconnected web of existence. ### Living in Harmony and Transcending Social Constructs
Living in harmony with nature, respecting all life, and transcending conventional gender roles and social constructs, the enlightened individual moves through life with grace, mindfulness, and effortless action. Their actions are unforced, carried out with a sense of reverence and alignment with universal ethics.
### The Physical and Emotional Manifestations
The journey to realizing oneself as Brahman does not merely affect the mind but also resonates through the body and emotions. The individual may find improved physical well-being, experience deeper states of meditation, and become almost entirely devoid of internal and external conflict.
### The Inspiration to Others
Through this transformation, the individual becomes a living example of peace, love, and wisdom, inspiring others simply through their presence and way of being. They embody a philosophy that sees beyond the limitations of material existence and offers a path to spiritual awakening.
### Conclusion
The realization of oneself as Brahman is a profound spiritual concept that encompasses every aspect of being—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It offers a glimpse into a state of consciousness that transcends the mundane and awakens a new way of perceiving reality.
In a world often driven by material pursuits and divisive ideologies, the teachings surrounding Brahman provide a timeless wisdom that calls for unity, compassion, and a life centred on spiritual truth. Whether viewed as a philosophical concept, a religious belief, or a spiritual experience, the realization of Brahman invites us to look beyond the self and embrace a vision of existence that is all-encompassing, transcendent, and profoundly transformational.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may we find inspiration in the ancient wisdom that teaches us to see ourselves not as isolated beings but as part of a grand, interconnected cosmos, guided by a principle that is at once beyond us and within us. It is a journey of discovery, a path to enlightenment, and a call to a deeper, more meaningful existence.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Spiritual Enlightenment and the Story We Live Introduction: Each day, as the earth rotates, the sun appears to rise over the horizon, casting its golden rays upon the world. Just like the sun, spiritual enlightenment is an ever-present force in our lives, though it is often perceived as something to be attained. This misconception, draped in the language of our stories, masks the true nature of spiritual enlightenment.
The Mirage of Attainment: One of the intriguing elements of human nature is the relentless pursuit of something more. In the context of spiritual enlightenment, the journey is often portrayed as a path leading to a destination. However, by framing enlightenment as an end goal, we may be missing its inherent presence in our lives. Like the sun that’s always shining even when it’s out of our sight, enlightenment is not something we acquire but rather realize and tune into. The Stories We Weave: Our narratives shape our perceptions and, often unknowingly, our realities. Through stories, ancient wisdom has been passed down, guiding us toward spiritual growth. Yet, these stories can be double-edged swords. As they often depict characters attaining enlightenment, they inadvertently suggest that it is a finite state, achievable through certain actions or thoughts.
Unravelling The Eternal Now: What if spiritual enlightenment is not something we reach at the end of a strenuous journey but rather an inherent quality of our being that we simply need to recognize? This recognition can be thought of as tuning into a frequency that has always been there. By peeling away the layers of ego, desires, and social constructs, we become more receptive to the eternal now – the ever-present light of consciousness that never wanes.
Practical Steps Towards Recognition: 1. Mindfulness: Engage in practices such as meditation or mindful breathing to bring awareness to the present moment. 2. Detachment: Learn to detach from material desires and social expectations that cloud the true essence of our being. 3. Compassion: Embrace a compassionate lifestyle, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life. 4. Continuous Learning: Engage with philosophical and spiritual texts that challenge and expand your understanding.
Conclusion: Much like the illusory sunrise, the concept of attaining spiritual enlightenment may be a misinterpretation through the lens of our narratives. Rather than seeking to attain, let us recognize and embody the ever-present light within. By focusing on the present moment, detaching from the material world, and embracing compassion, we can tune into the unceasing glow of our inner sun.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
From the moment of our conception until our final breath, each of our experiences – no matter how mundane or extraordinary – holds the potential for spiritual growth. This is the core tenet of the Spiritual Development Design Theory (SDDT), which proposes that our lives are intrinsically designed to guide us toward spiritual enlightenment.
Under the purview of SDDT, every aspect of life is purposefully orchestrated. Even before we are born, the cultural, familial, and societal beliefs that will shape our existence lay waiting to impart the spiritual roadmap that will guide us on our journey.
Consider the simple act of brushing your teeth, making your bed, or even sipping your morning coffee. Mundane? Perhaps. But under the lens of SDDT, these everyday routines become spiritual exercises in disguise, avenues to develop discipline, patience, humility, compassion, and gratitude.
Think of the wide array of traditions, cultures, and practices around the globe. Despite their apparent differences, SDDT sees them as different paths leading up the same spiritual mountain, offering varied yet equally valuable lenses through which to interpret the spiritual world.
In SDDT, the changing of the seasons is more than just a shift in weather. Each transition mirrors the spiritual journey itself, echoing the cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth that underpins many spiritual belief systems.
And what about our careers, hobbies, and pastimes? SDDT invites us to consider how these pursuits can either distract us from or contribute to our spiritual growth, depending on our levels of conscious engagement. They can serve as opportunities for creative expression, societal contribution, and purpose fulfillment, thereby aiding spiritual development.
Our relationships, too, are significant under the SDDT. Each person we interact with is seen as a mirror, reflecting aspects of our spiritual selves back at us. These relationships can act as catalysts for our growth, pushing us toward a deeper spiritual awareness.
But what of our possessions? The SDDT acknowledges that they can either be chains that bind us or tools that free us, depending on our attachment to them. It gently nudges us towards the wisdom of detachment, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from within.
SDDT also embraces the fluidity and constant shifting of roles and perspectives throughout our lives. These fluctuations serve as spiritual lessons, pushing us to become more empathetic, compassionate, and understanding of the interconnectedness of life.
Ultimately, the Spiritual Development Design Theory proposes a radical idea: that our journey from cradle to grave is an intricate spiritual odyssey, where every experience is a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal – spiritual enlightenment. This perspective challenges us to approach each day, each encounter, and each challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth, casting our lives in a profoundly transformative light.
Our journey to enlightenment is a personal path that we all navigate differently. But the understanding that every moment holds the potential for spiritual development is a universal insight that can enrich every life. This is the power and promise of the Spiritual Development Design Theory. So, what spiritual lesson will you uncover today?
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!