Tag: Ethical Implications

Absolute Monism

Unraveling the Tapestry of Oneness

The vast universe, with its manifold entities and infinite complexities, often bewilders human minds. Philosophers and thinkers from time immemorial have grappled with questions about the nature of existence and the ultimate reality. One profound idea that surfaces recurrently is that of Absolute Monism: the belief that beneath the apparent multiplicity, there is but one undivided reality. Let’s take a deeper look into this captivating worldview.

### A Universe from One Thread

At the heart of Absolute Monism lies the assertion that all differences and diversities we perceive are mere illusions. This assertion may seem contradictory to our daily experiences. After all, isn’t the world teeming with diversity?

Yet, this is where Eastern and Western philosophies converge. Ancient Hindu scriptures speak of *Brahman* as the ultimate, undifferentiated reality. The Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta encapsulates this belief by stating that the world’s multiplicity, driven by *Maya*, is an illusion. Meanwhile, in the West, the philosopher Spinoza proposed that God and Nature are two names for the same reality, implying a singular, infinite substance. These ideas, separated by continents, come together to champion a singular reality beneath the apparent diversity.

### Seeing Beyond the Illusion

The concept of illusion is integral to understanding monism. In life, appearances can often be deceiving. A mirage in the desert, a rainbow after the rain, and even our reflection in the water are all illusions. If such simple things can deceive our senses, might it be possible that our entire perception of diverse reality is similarly mistaken?

*Mysticism* has been one avenue through which individuals across cultures have described experiences consistent with Absolute Monism. The interconnectedness of all things, a theme found in the tapestry of monism, speaks to the heart, nudging us to see beyond divisions and differences.

### Implications for Modern Times

If Absolute Monism holds that all is one, then what does this mean for us in the present age, surrounded by divisive forces and fragmented views?

Firstly, on an ethical plane, it implies that harm inflicted upon one is harm to the entirety. This perspective could drastically alter how we approach interpersonal relationships, environmental concerns, and global crises. If we truly internalize this philosophy, then every act of kindness and harm has far-reaching consequences.

Secondly, it brings to the fore the importance of self-realization. In many monistic traditions, the realization of this singular truth is the end goal, bringing about an end to suffering.

Lastly, it sparks curiosity about the nature of our universe. With advancements in modern physics and cosmology, we find theories that echo monistic thoughts. The Big Bang, for instance, suggests that everything we see, touch, and experience emerges from a singular point.

### Embracing Diversity within Unity

Absolute Monism does not negate the value of diversity. Rather, it calls for a deeper understanding. Imagine a tapestry. Up close, one can see the myriad of colours, textures, and patterns. But from a distance, it’s one cohesive artwork. Similarly, monism asks us to appreciate the individual threads while recognizing the grand design.

In an age teeming with division, perhaps the idea of Absolute Monism can be the bridge that reminds us of our interconnectedness. As we stand at the cusp of profound global challenges, this ancient philosophy might just hold the key to a unified, harmonious future.

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Embracing the ideas of Absolute Monism requires introspection and openness. Whether you fully resonate with its tenets or not, it undoubtedly serves as a beacon, guiding us toward unity, understanding, and profound interconnectedness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Moksha

The Universe in Liberation

As we traverse the intricate corridors of Hindu philosophy, a term that emerges as a beacon of liberation is ‘Moksha’. This concept, commonly associated with individual salvation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, presents a spiritual zenith. However, what if we zoom out from the individual perspective and consider Moksha at a cosmic level? What if the Universe itself were to attain Moksha?

The Big Bang marked the birth of the Universe, setting forth an infinite dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Stars were born, galaxies sculpted, and planets formed, only to one day succumb to the grand design of entropy. This cyclical nature bears a striking resemblance to the cycle of Samsara in Hindu thought, where souls are continuously born and reborn in different forms until Moksha is achieved.

If the Universe could experience Moksha, it would transcend its cycle of cosmic Samsara – from the Big Bang to the eventual Big Crunch or Heat Death, depending on which theoretical physicist you ask. This liberation would mean breaking free from the constraints of time, space, and causality, reaching a state of infinite, timeless existence.

So, what would this feel like for the Universe?

When we ponder this question, we must acknowledge that the Universe’s experience, in this context, is beyond human comprehension. But let’s indulge in the thought experiment. We could imagine this state as one of perfect harmony and unity. There would be no ‘other’, no ‘alien’, and no ‘external’. The galaxies, stars, planets, and even the tiniest quantum particles would exist in a state of interconnection and oneness.

From the perspective of sentient beings, this would mean a profound sense of unity with everything else. Distinctions that currently cause division – species, races, cultures, even life and non-life – would become irrelevant. All of existence, inanimate and animate, would be seen as expressions of the same cosmic consciousness.

And yet, paradoxically, this unified existence would also mean the cessation of experience as we know it. Experience implies a subject and an object, an experiencer and the experienced. But in the absolute unity of cosmic Moksha, these dualities would dissolve. Therefore, in a sense, the Universe would be in a state of ‘experiencing without an experiencer’ or ‘knowing without a knower’.

In the grand scheme of cosmic liberation, human Moksha could be seen as a fractal microcosm – a ripple that mirrors the pattern of the whole. Each being achieving liberation contributes to the whole Universe moving towards its own Moksha, its release from the cosmic cycle of birth and death. This profound realization places our spiritual quests in a broader context and imbues them with a universal significance.

However, the implications of this concept are not just metaphysical, but deeply ethical. Recognizing our shared journey toward liberation fosters compassion, humility, and a sense of stewardship for all of existence. Our actions, in this view, can either facilitate or hinder the Universe’s journey toward Moksha.

In conclusion, contemplating Moksha at a universal scale stretches the boundaries of our imagination and empathy. It invites us to view ourselves not as isolated entities but as integral parts of a grand cosmic dance seeking the ultimate liberation.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith