Tag: Enlightenment

Navigating the Depths

Nonduality vs. Absolute Monism

In the intricate tapestry of philosophical thought, two concepts often emerge as profound and perplexing: Nonduality and Absolute Monism. These philosophical gems, though seemingly similar, hold distinct perspectives on the nature of existence and the universe.

**Nonduality: The Unity of Existence**

Nonduality, a term often associated with Eastern philosophies, particularly Advaita Vedanta, posits a fundamental principle: reality is one, and the perception of duality or separation is illusory. It suggests that what we experience as separate entities – ourselves, others, and the world around us – are not distinct, but part of a unified whole. The philosophy of Nonduality encourages us to transcend this illusion, to realize that at the core of our being, we are not separate from the universe but one with it.


**Absolute Monism: The Dance of Oneness and Multiplicity**

Absolute Monism, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. While it agrees with the principle of oneness, it also acknowledges the existence of multiplicity. This philosophy, as I interpret it, embraces the paradoxes of existence: one and not two, two and not one, one and two, two and one, one within two, two within one, yet simultaneously neither one nor two. It reflects a deeper understanding of the cosmos as a dynamic interplay of unity and diversity, where the singular and the plural coexist in a harmonious yet complex relationship.

**The Interplay and Implications**

The discussion of Nonduality versus Absolute Monism is not just a theoretical exercise but has profound practical implications. In Nonduality, the path to enlightenment or understanding involves the realization of oneness, leading to a sense of peace and connectedness with all. In Absolute Monism, the journey is about embracing and understanding the complexity and paradox of existence, leading to a deep appreciation of life’s multifaceted nature.

Both philosophies, in their essence, guide us toward a greater understanding of our place in the universe. They invite us to look beyond the superficial and to question the very nature of reality.


**Conclusion: A Journey of Understanding**

In the end, whether one leans towards Nonduality or Absolute Monism, the journey is one of deep introspection and understanding. It’s about peeling back the layers of what we perceive and understanding the deeper truths of our existence. As we delve into these philosophies, we find not just answers, but also a greater appreciation for the questions themselves.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Enlightenment in Every Expression

A Nondual Perspective on Personality

In my explorations of nonduality, I’ve come to a unique understanding regarding the expression of enlightenment. Often, we hold a stereotypical image of enlightened individuals as serene and detached, yet my insights suggest a different narrative. Enlightenment, in its true essence, does not confine itself to a single demeanour or emotional state. Instead, it can express itself through a variety of personalities and emotional spectrums.

Enlightened individuals, in my view, might not always fit into the conventional mould. They could laugh heartily, engage with the world around them with fervour, and express a wide range of emotions, all while being in a state of nondual awareness. This perspective challenges the preconceived notions about how enlightenment is ‘supposed’ to be expressed.


I believe that enlightenment is not about changing who we are; rather, it is about unveiling our true nature in its purest form. It allows for a diverse range of expressions, each authentic and genuine to the individual’s personality. This insight presents a fresh, inclusive, and deeply humane view of enlightenment, where authenticity is celebrated.

In embracing this perspective, we encourage each individual to see their unique personality not as a barrier to enlightenment, but as a vehicle for it. This approach fosters a spiritual environment where every individual’s unique expression is seen as a valuable and authentic facet of their enlightened journey.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Moksha and Nirvana

Two Sides of the Same Coin in Nondual Suchness

In the realm of spiritual philosophy, the concepts of Moksha and Nirvana often emerge as distinct paths toward spiritual liberation. Moksha, a term deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, represents liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara), a release from the constraints of worldly existence. On the other hand, Nirvana, central to Buddhist thought, is the state of being free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth, a culmination of enlightenment.

At the surface, these two concepts might appear as separate paths, guiding the individual through distinct spiritual journeys. However, when explored at the ultimate level of nondual suchness, a profound realization emerges: Moksha and Nirvana are, in essence, two sides of the same coin.


Nondual suchness refers to a state of consciousness where dualities and distinctions dissolve. In this state, the separation between self and other, between one spiritual goal and another, ceases to exist. It is here, in this realm of nondual awareness, that Moksha and Nirvana converge, revealing their inherent unity.

This realization transcends the apparent differences imposed by linguistic and cultural contexts. While Moksha speaks a language of liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and Nirvana talks of extinguishing the flames of desire and suffering, at their core, they both aim towards the same ultimate truth – freedom from the limitations of human existence and a reuniting with the absolute, the infinite, or the void.


Understanding Moksha and Nirvana as interconnected aspects of the same spiritual truth offers a more inclusive and comprehensive perspective on the journey toward enlightenment. It encourages a deeper exploration beyond the boundaries of religious doctrines and invites a unifying experience of spiritual awakening.

In this light, the journey towards Moksha or Nirvana is not about choosing one path over the other but about realizing the underlying unity that they both represent. It is about transcending the ego, dissolving the illusions of separation, and embracing the wholeness of existence.

In conclusion, the ultimate level of nondual suchness opens the door to a profound understanding where Moksha and Nirvana are no longer seen as separate goals but as harmonious expressions of the same ultimate reality. This realization is a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey, marking a transition from a path of seeking to a state of being, from a pursuit of liberation to the realization of inherent freedom.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Paradox of Nonduality

Beyond Cherry-Picking Reality

In pursuing spiritual understanding, the concept of nonduality presents a profound paradox. This philosophy, deeply rooted in various traditions, asserts that reality is an undivided whole, transcending the usual distinctions we make between self and other, here and there, or this and that. Nonduality suggests that these separations are illusions, conceptual divisions in the seamless fabric of existence.

However, a common pitfall in approaching nonduality is what could be termed “cherry-picking.” This is where one selectively embraces aspects of nonduality that appeal to them, while conveniently discarding others. It’s akin to admiring the beauty of a rose while ignoring its thorns. Yet, true nonduality, as a concept, includes and transcends all there is. It encompasses every aspect of existence, leaving nothing out, yet paradoxically, it also transcends everything we can conceive or perceive.


The crux of understanding nonduality lies in its experiential realization. Unlike concepts that can be learned from books or teachings, nonduality must be directly experienced to be truly known. This direct experience often defies language and intellectual comprehension. It’s a state of being where the boundaries that separate the self from the universe dissolve, revealing a fundamental unity.

This direct experience of nonduality often comes in fleeting moments of profound insight or deep meditation. In these moments, the constructs of the mind fall away, and what remains is a sense of oneness with all that is. This experience can be both exhilarating and disorienting, as it challenges the most fundamental beliefs about ourselves and the world.


The journey to nondual realization is, therefore, not about acquiring new knowledge but about unlearning – letting go of the deeply ingrained patterns of thought that keep us locked in the illusion of separateness. It’s a process of deconstruction, where one sheds layers of conditioned thinking to reveal the underlying unity of existence.

In embracing nonduality, one must be wary of the temptation to cherry-pick. The whole of existence, with its beauty and brutality, its joy and suffering, is included in the nondual understanding. Nothing is excluded, yet everything is transcended. This paradox is at the heart of nonduality – a reminder that the ultimate truth lies beyond the grasp of our usual ways of thinking and perceiving.

In conclusion, nonduality offers a radical perspective that challenges our conventional understanding of reality. It invites us to look beyond our selective perceptions and embrace the totality of existence. While its true essence can only be known through direct experience, the journey toward this realization can transform our understanding of ourselves and the world.

 Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Tapestry of Reality

Synchronicity and the Illusion of Separateness

In the dance of existence, our perceptions often lead us to believe in the solidity and separateness of things. The term “Maya,” derived from ancient philosophical traditions, refers to the illusory nature of the world. It’s a veil that covers the true essence of reality, suggesting that what we experience is not exactly what it seems.

The concept of “Atman,” on the other hand, points to a deeper truth. It is the individual soul, the pure, unchanging self within each person that is part of a universal soul, Brahman. The realization of Atman within oneself is to acknowledge that one is not just a passive observer of reality but an active creator of it. The synchronicities we encounter, those meaningful coincidences that seem to defy mere chance, are glimpses into this profound interconnectedness of all things.

Meditation serves as a pathway to peel back the layers of Maya, to expand our consciousness from the narrow confines of the ego and to experience the oneness with Brahman. Enlightenment, the pinnacle of spiritual realization, is the recognition that one is not separate from the universe but is the universe, participating in its unfolding as both creator and creation.

In this state, everything occurs simultaneously, and the distinctions between actor, action, and acted upon blur. You are the painter and the canvas, the dancer and the dance, the dreamer and the dream. Your everyday reality is a play of consciousness, a symphony where the whole orchestrates every part.

But the ego is not equipped to handle the enormity of this realization; hence, we experience reality in fragments, in synchronicities that hint at a larger, more intricate design. These moments are invitations to look deeper, to question, and to ultimately discover that you are, in essence, everything you perceive—boundless and infinite.

In the end, perhaps all of existence is an elaborate tapestry woven from the threads of nothingness, and in every stitch, there’s a story of creation and the creator, entwined in an eternal dance.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Infinite and Beyond

Contemplating Brahman and Para-Brahman

In the profound depths of Indian philosophy, the concepts of Brahman and Para-Brahman emerge as pivotal ideas that transcend ordinary comprehension, inviting seekers to explore the very edge of cosmic understanding. Brahman is often described as the ultimate reality, the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality that is the Divine Ground of all matter, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond in this Universe. It is the singularity from which multiplicity flows, the essence that sustains and constitutes the cosmos and its myriad expressions.

Yet, within this already boundless concept lies the hint of something even more ineffable: Para-Brahman. This term goes beyond even Brahman, suggesting a reality that exists beyond the highest conception of the Absolute as known within the limits of human understanding. If Brahman is the white canvas upon which the universe is painted, then Para-Brahman is the very space that holds the canvas, the possibility of canvases yet untouched, and the idea of the canvas itself—both less tangible and more fundamental.

Para-Brahman is not just a step further; it is an exponential leap into the realm of the Absolute’s absolute. While Brahman can be approached through spiritual practice, described in scriptures, and meditated upon, Para-Brahman remains forever beyond the grasp of direct experience and intellectual articulation. It is the ‘Beyond’ in ‘Beyond the Ultimate’, the ‘Transcendence’ in ‘Transcendental’, where even the concept of ‘existence’ loses its footing.

The distinction between Brahman and Para-Brahman is not just of scholarly interest—it offers a radical perspective on the nature of enlightenment and the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit. It challenges practitioners to question the very foundation of what they consider to be Absolute. In Brahman, we find the dissolution of the ego and the union with the divine; in Para-Brahman, there seems to be no ‘we’ to experience the union, no ‘divine’ to unite with, only an unmanifested potentiality that defies duality and description.

This philosophical delineation beckons us to reconsider the nature of reality and our place within it. It humbles our narrative-driven minds to accept that the ultimate truth may be a mystery that remains forever out of reach, something that can be hinted at but never fully explained or understood. Yet, this is not a cause for despair but an invitation to expand our perception, to live with a sense of wonder, and to find peace in the ineffable mystery that is the grandeur of existence.

In this light, the journey of life transforms into a sublime trek across the expanse of consciousness—with Brahman as the guide and Para-Brahman as the destination that was never apart from us, yet always beyond us. The seeker thus becomes the ultimate pilgrim, traversing an inner universe where questions and answers merge into the silent eloquence of Being.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Luminous Path

Shaktipat and Darshan in the Quest for Enlightenment

In the rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, the concepts of Shaktipat and Darshan emerge as profound mechanisms of grace, each offering a unique conduit to the divine. These terms are often encountered in the lexicon of Indian spirituality, particularly within the paths of yoga and tantra, where the pursuit of enlightenment takes a form as varied as the seekers themselves.

Shaktipat, often translated as the “descent of grace,” is a spiritual act where a guru or enlightened master transmits spiritual energy to a seeker. This transmission can catalyze a profound transformation, initiating or deepening the spiritual awakening process. It is an act of unlocking, a key turned in the lock of latent spiritual potential, often without the necessity of the seeker’s understanding or effort. It is said to be a direct intervention by the divine through the guru, whereby the seeker’s energy is awakened and the journey towards self-realization is accelerated.

Conversely, Darshan translates to “sight” or “a glimpse” in Sanskrit. It refers to the auspicious seeing or beholding of a holy person, deity, or sacred object. Darshan is not merely a passive observation; it is an active engagement, a reciprocal act where the seer is seen, where the act of viewing is saturated with spiritual significance. In darshan, the barriers between the divine and the devotee dissolve in the act of sacred viewing, and it is in this mutual encounter that blessings are believed to flow.

While Shaktipat can be considered an active transmission of spiritual energy, Darshan is a more passive receipt of divine presence. Yet, both hold the common thread of divine grace as central to their efficacy. They differ not in their ultimate aim—liberation and enlightenment—but in their operation. Shaktipat is akin to the wind that stirs the still waters of a lake, while Darshan is like the sun that is reflected upon it.

In contemplating Shaktipat and Darshan, one realizes that they are not mere practices but experiences that lie at the heart of the mystical relationship between the individual and the absolute. They embody the dual aspects of the spiritual journey: Shaktipat represents the inner transformation through direct intervention, and Darshan symbolizes the outer reflection of the divine in the world.

Ultimately, both Shaktipat and Darshan remind us that enlightenment is not a solitary pursuit; it involves a profound interconnectedness with the divine and the world. They encourage the seeker to remain open to the myriad ways grace manifests and recognize that each moment holds the potential for a deeper awakening.

In the spiritual odyssey, Shaktipat and Darshan are not merely destinations or methods; they are living dialogues with the divine, where each seeker is both a witness and a participant in the eternal dance of consciousness. As we embrace the mystery and beauty of these encounters, we find ourselves woven into the very fabric of spiritual unfolding, a journey that is as unique as it is universal.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Illuminating the Mind

The Dual Paths of Enlightenment and Spiritual Awakening

The quest for Enlightenment has been the pinnacle of human aspiration in various domains—intellectual, ethical, and spiritual. At the heart of this quest lies the promise of awakening, a transformative experience that propels an individual beyond the ordinary perception of existence. Yet, despite the shared terminology, Enlightenment and Spiritual Enlightenment diverge on fundamental grounds, embodying distinct trajectories in the pursuit of truth and self-realization.

Enlightenment, in its classic Western sense, refers to the age of reason that dawned in the 17th and 18th centuries. This period was marked by a surge in philosophical thinking, scientific discovery, and the push for political and individual freedoms. It was an era where human intellect, armed with skepticism and inquiry, sought to dispel the shadows of ignorance and dogma. The Enlightenment’s legacy is one of empowered rationality, urging humanity to harness knowledge as the light to guide society toward progress and civilization.

In contrast, Spiritual Enlightenment is an Eastern siren call that echoes through the annals of various religious and metaphysical traditions. It is not merely an expansion of knowledge but a profound transformation of consciousness. Spiritual Enlightenment implies an experiential realization of oneness with the ultimate reality. It is often depicted as the dissolution of the individual ego, a leap into the boundless ocean of divine essence, which exists beyond the material plane and the constructs of intellectual thought.

The distinction between these two is as significant as it is subtle. The Enlightenment champions the mind’s ability to question, to deduce, and to construct, seeking freedom from external tyranny. Meanwhile, Spiritual Enlightenment seeks liberation from the internal chains of desire, ego, and illusion, focusing on transcending the self rather than actualizing it.

One could argue that the paths are not mutually exclusive but are rather complementary. The enlightened mind that questions and reasons can pave the way for a deeper spiritual quest by clearing the underbrush of superstition and prejudice. Conversely, a spiritually awakened soul may view the dance of creation with a profound sense of peace and interconnectedness, bringing a compassionate perspective to the rational world.

In a broader sense, both forms of enlightenment are beacons of human aspiration. Whether it is the light of reason or the glow of spiritual wisdom, each seeks to illuminate the human experience profoundly. It is perhaps in the convergence of these paths that one may find the truest sense of enlightenment—a holistic awakening that marries the mind’s brilliance with the heart’s intuitive depths.

In conclusion, while the Enlightenment speaks to the power of human intellect and the value of empirical truth, Spiritual Enlightenment invites us to explore the mystical depths of our being and the universe. Together, they form a bidirectional odyssey of enlightenment that continues to inspire and challenge humanity to rise above its primal origins and embrace a more illuminated state of existence.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Uncharted Horizons Beyond Enlightenment

In the profound silence that follows the cacophony of seeking, what remains when the concept of spiritual enlightenment dissipates like mist at the rise of the sun? We often perceive enlightenment as the ultimate destination, a summit where the flag of our deepest self-inquiry plants its roots. But perhaps this pinnacle is not an end but a gateway, an opening to a landscape more expansive than the binary of enlightened or unenlightened.

Beyond enlightenment, the journey does not cease; it transforms. The seeker, who once scaled the mountain of self, now realizes that the mountain itself is but a wave in an ocean of consciousness. Here, in the boundless vista beyond enlightenment, the distinction between the seeker and the sought blurs and vanishes. The notion of spiritual progress, which implies time and measurement, becomes irrelevant in the face of a timeless being.

This post-enlightenment terrain is not about acquiring more spiritual knowledge or experiencing more profound states of meditation. It is a surrender to the simplicity of presence, where each moment is complete in itself, untethered from the ambition of reaching another. It’s an unlearning of the spiritual concepts that once seemed indispensable.

What awaits is a life lived in the fullness of emptiness, a paradoxical state where the wisdom of uncertainty is embraced. This is the wisdom that knows itself beyond forms and practices, identities and histories. In this realm, the very questions that once fueled our inner quests lose their grip: “Who am I?” becomes an echo without a source, a playful dance of consciousness without a questioner or an answer.

Here, the individual soul’s melody harmonizes with the universal symphony, and action arises from stillness, not strategy. The duality of self and other, spirit and matter, sacred and mundane, no longer confines. Everything is seen as an expression of the divine, and the divine is seen in everything.

The concept of “beyond enlightenment” invites us to explore a state where life is lived with an openness that requires no label, no status, and no fixed point of reference. It is a call to live deeply rooted in the mystery, to become the living expression of the question mark rather than the period at the end of a sentence.

In this sacred space beyond maps, we are each on an uncharted journey, a unique expression of life that never was before and never will be again. It is in this boundless realm that the enlightened mind, now free from the pursuit of enlightenment, can truly engage with the full spectrum of existence.

This is not a territory of more or better, but of true freedom—a freedom that comes not from reaching a destination, but from the realization that there was never anywhere to reach in the first place.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Shadows

The Transformative Power of the Dark Night of the Soul

In the depths of human experience, where the light of understanding seems but a distant memory, we find ourselves in the midst of what Saint John of the Cross coined the “dark night of the soul.” This phrase has transcended its religious origins to signify a period of profound personal turmoil and existential crisis that, paradoxically, can lead to the most profound spiritual awakening.

The dark night of the soul is not simply a period of trouble or depression. It is a crucible in which the very foundations of identity, belief, and understanding are melted down. It is the unsettling void where the familiar dissolves, and we are left seemingly alone, wrestling with the most fundamental questions of our existence. Why am I here? What is my purpose? Is there any meaning to my suffering?

However, within this darkness lies a peculiar grace. The darkness, dense and impenetrable, confronts us with our deepest fears and insecurities. Stripped of all pretense, the ego is humbled, and the spirit becomes pliable. It is here, in the surrender to the unknown, that the light of awakening begins to seep through. As the Persian poet Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Our wounds and our darkness become the very openings through which a new understanding can emerge.

The transformation that follows is often not one that pulls us out of the dark, but rather one that illuminates the night itself. We find that this darkness was not the absence of light, but the very medium through which a deeper, subtler light could be perceived—a light of truth that the glaring sun of our previously held certainties and convictions could never reveal.

In the embrace of the dark night, the soul learns the language of paradox. The loss of everything that once seemed sure becomes the freedom to explore truth without constraint. In letting go of what we thought we knew, we become open to an entirely new way of being. This is not the light of day with its clear boundaries and definitions, but the soft glow of twilight that admits to mysteries we can never fully grasp or articulate.

This spiritual awakening is not a destination but a continual unfolding. As dawn follows the darkest hour, our awakening is an ever-evolving process where new challenges and understandings emerge. The dark night becomes a passage, a womb of rebirth. Like the phoenix arising from the ashes, our spirits are reborn from the very trials that seemed to threaten our undoing.

And so, the dark night of the soul is not to be feared or avoided but embraced as an essential passage to a deeper, more authentic spiritual life. The darkness is not the end of the journey but a vital, indeed crucial, part of it—a passage that refines, teaches, and ultimately enlightens, granting us wisdom that shines all the brighter for having known the depths of shadow.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith