essence – Morgan O. Smith

Essence and Existence

The Unseen Unity

In the labyrinth of existence, we often perceive ourselves as isolated entities navigating a myriad of external circumstances. Yet, beneath this surface, lies an essential truth: wherever essence is, you are. And wherever you are, only essence remains. This statement is not merely a poetic abstraction but a profound reflection on the nature of reality and our place within it.

Essence, in this context, refers to the fundamental nature of existence. It is the unchanging, underlying reality that permeates all forms and phenomena. It is the substratum of being, the silent witness to all experiences, and the ultimate source from which everything arises and to which everything returns. We begin to see the world through a different lens when we recognize that essence is our true nature.

Our usual mode of perception is dualistic. We see ourselves as separate from the world, creating a dichotomy between self and other, subject and object. This dualistic perception leads to a sense of isolation and disconnection, fueling a continuous search for meaning and fulfillment in the external world. However, when we shift our awareness to the essence, we realize this separation is illusory.

Wherever essence is, you are. This means that our true identity is not confined to the physical body or the individual mind. It is the essence itself, which is infinite and boundless. This essence is present in every moment, in every experience, and every being. It transcends the limitations of time and space, uniting all existence in a seamless whole.

And wherever you are, only essence remains. This implies that in the ultimate analysis, all distinctions and differences dissolve into the unity of essence. The various forms and phenomena we perceive are simply expressions of this one essence. When we look beyond the surface appearances, we see that everything is interconnected and interdependent, arising from and returning to the same source.

This understanding has profound implications for our daily lives. It invites us to shift our focus from the transient to the eternal, from the superficial to the profound. By recognizing our true nature as essence, we can experience a sense of peace and fulfillment that is not dependent on external circumstances. We become more compassionate and empathetic, seeing ourselves in others and others in ourselves.

Moreover, this recognition of essence can transform our relationship with the world. We begin to see the divine in everything and everyone, honouring the sacredness of all existence. This shift in perception fosters a sense of reverence and gratitude, leading to more harmonious and sustainable ways of living.

In essence, recognizing the unity of essence and existence is a journey of awakening. It is a shift from the fragmented perception of the ego to the holistic vision of the true self. It is an invitation to live in alignment with the deeper reality of our being, experiencing the boundless joy and freedom that comes from knowing that wherever essence is, you are. And wherever you are, only essence remains.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Ground of All Being is Groundless

In the realm of philosophical thought, there exists a profound paradox that has puzzled thinkers for centuries: the concept that the ground of all being is, in fact, groundless. This idea challenges our fundamental understanding of existence, suggesting that the foundation upon which reality is built is devoid of any intrinsic substance or essence.

At first glance, this notion appears contradictory. How can the ground of all being, the fundamental basis of everything that exists, be groundless? To unravel this enigma, we must delve into the philosophical and metaphysical discussions that surround the nature of existence and reality.

The idea of a ‘groundless ground’ originates from existential and metaphysical debates. Philosophers like Heidegger and Sartre pondered the absence of an inherent essence in existence. This absence implies that existence precedes essence, meaning things exist first and their meanings or purposes are secondary, shaped by external factors rather than intrinsic qualities.

This perspective shifts the way we perceive reality. Instead of viewing the universe and everything in it as having a predetermined purpose or essence, we begin to see existence as a blank canvas. Our perceptions, experiences, and the meanings we assign to things shape this canvas. In this sense, the ‘ground’ of all being is not a pre-established foundation but a dynamic, ever-changing tapestry of experiences and interpretations.

Moreover, this idea resonates with quantum physics, where the most fundamental levels of matter behave in ways that defy traditional laws of physics. Particles exist in states of potentiality, their positions and velocities are determined only when observed. This uncertainty at the heart of matter echoes the philosophical concept of a groundless ground, suggesting that at the most fundamental level, the universe itself may not rest on any fixed foundation.

The implications of a groundless ground are both liberating and daunting. It frees us from the constraints of preordained meanings and purposes, allowing us to shape our existence. However, it also places the responsibility of finding or creating meaning squarely on our shoulders.

In conclusion, the concept that the ground of all being is groundless invites us to explore the depths of our existence. It challenges us to seek meaning and purpose not in some inherent essence but in the experiences and interpretations that shape our reality. This exploration is not just a philosophical exercise; it is a journey into the heart of what it means to be.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Everything is Spirit in Disguise

The Power of Perspective

In the vastness of our universe, we often find ourselves lost in the mundane, the mechanical, and the linear progression of everyday life. But what if, beneath this superficial layer of existence, everything is, in essence, spirit in disguise?

The spiritual world is not a separate realm, isolated from our day-to-day life, but is instead intertwined with every moment, every thought, and every object we encounter. When you hold a pebble in your hand, do you see just a stone? Or do you see millions of years of Earth’s history, the force of nature, and the energy that pulses within? Such perspectives shift our perception from seeing a mere rock to recognizing a spiritual entity that tells a grand story of our universe.

Every encounter, every experience, and every object has the potential to be a spiritual lesson. The person you pass by on the street, the food you consume, the song that touches your soul – all are manifestations of spirit, merely wearing different disguises. Our challenge is to peel back these layers, to see beyond the mask, and to recognize the spirit in everything.

This perspective does not demean the value of the material world but instead enriches it. By choosing to view the world through a spiritual lens, we cultivate gratitude, reverence, and a deeper connection with everything and everyone around us. The coffee you drink in the morning is not just a beverage, but a testament to the intricate balance of nature, human effort, and the magic of existence.

In essence, the choice is yours. You can continue to view the world as a series of random events, or you can embrace the idea that everything is spirit in disguise. By adopting the latter, you not only deepen your understanding of the world but also uncover the spiritual lessons that lie hidden in plain sight.

In the end, the spiritual world is not some distant realm. It’s right here, in every breath, in every heartbeat, and in every gaze. All it requires is a shift in perspective.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Nonduality

Delving into the First Ten Meanings

**Introduction:**
The term ‘nonduality’ has ancient roots, spanning across spiritual, philosophical, and scientific landscapes. Its depth is immense, often challenging the linguistic boundaries we’ve set. In this first of a three-part series, we’ll explore the initial ten meanings of nonduality.

**1. The Interconnectedness of All Things:**
Everything in existence is interwoven, suggesting a universe that functions as one organism. This hints at a cosmic web where every action ripples across the vast expanse of existence.

**2. The Unbroken Wholeness of Existence:**
No part of the universe is truly separate. We’re all fragments of an unbroken wholeness, seamlessly flowing into one another.

**3. Beyond the Concepts of Subject and Object:**
In true realization, the perceived barrier between the observer and the observed fades, inviting a unified experience.

**4. Absence of Separation Between Self and Other:**
The ego-driven distinction between “me” and “you” is an illusion. At our core, we arise from the same source.

**5. Reality Undivided by Conceptual Distinctions:**
Our minds love categorizing, but reality, in its pure form, remains undisturbed by these conceptual labels.

**6. The Ground of Being Where Opposites Merge:**
Contradictions and polarities find their reconciliation in this primordial ground, pointing towards a harmonious existence.

**7. A State Where Observer and Observed are One:**
Pure awareness doesn’t differentiate. In moments of profound insight, the duality of perceiver and perceived collapses.

**8. The Essence That Remains When Duality Dissolves:**
When the mind’s dualistic tendencies dissolve, what remains is pure, undifferentiated essence.

**9. The Primordial Nature of Consciousness:**
Consciousness is the foundational fabric from which all dualities emerge and into which they dissolve.

**10. A Unified Field Transcending Dualistic Notions:**
Beyond the quantum and cosmic scales, there might exist a unified field that transcends our dualistic understanding of reality.

**Conclusion:**
These initial ten meanings provide a gateway into the vast landscape of nonduality. They beckon us to question our perceptions, beliefs, and understandings of the universe and our place in it.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Illusion of Spiritual Identity

Beyond Stories We Tell Ourselves

Spirituality, at its core, is a profound journey toward understanding one’s place in the vast expanse of existence. However, in our attempt to grasp this elusive understanding, we often pigeonhole ourselves into labels: spiritual, materialistic, moral, and the like. But what if I were to suggest that these labels, these stories, are mere illusions? And that by clinging to them, we might be limiting our true potential.

#### **The Stories We Tell Ourselves**

Every culture, every religion, and every individual has a narrative. These narratives shape our beliefs, our actions, and the way we perceive the world. They are the tapestries upon which our identities are woven. But what happens when we deconstruct these tapestries? Beneath the intricate designs and patterns, what remains?

The reality is that these stories are our creations, shaped by societal norms, personal experiences, and myriad other factors. To say one is ‘spiritual’ or ‘materialistic’ is to adopt a particular perspective, a specific lens through which we view the world.

#### **The Ground of All Being**

But let’s delve deeper. Beneath these self-imposed labels and narratives, there lies a fundamental essence – often referred to as the ‘ground of all being’. This essence is the raw, unfiltered state of existence. It is what you are before the stories, before the labels, and before the definitions. It is the canvas upon which all our narratives are painted.

This ground of being is paradoxical. While it exists beyond all descriptors, it simultaneously encompasses them. Think of it as an ocean. The waves, currents, and whirlpools may differ in their nature and intensity, but they all arise from and subside back into the same vast expanse of water.

#### **Embracing the Beyond**

Realizing this fundamental truth can be liberating. When we understand that our spiritual or materialistic labels are mere waves upon the ocean of existence, we can learn to see beyond them. We can experience the world without the confines of our self-imposed narratives.

This doesn’t mean that one should abandon their spiritual practices or beliefs. Rather, it’s about recognizing them for what they are – beautiful expressions of the infinite variations of existence.

#### **Conclusion**

In the end, whether you consider yourself spiritual, materialistic, or anything in between, it’s crucial to remember that these are just facets of the grander jewel that is existence. By stepping back and seeing beyond our self-crafted stories, we can come closer to experiencing the profound depth of what we truly are.