Tag: existential inquiry

The Paradox of Self and No-Self

Navigating Samsara and Nirvana

In the profound journey of spiritual understanding, the concepts of birth, death, and rebirth hold a pivotal place. The intriguing idea that an enlightened being, despite their profound realization, can still be subject to the continuous cycle of reincarnation, presents a paradox that invites deep contemplation.

The pursuit of Nirvana or Moksha, as understood in various spiritual traditions, suggests a state where this perpetual cycle is broken. This liberation, often depicted as the ultimate goal in spiritual endeavours, implies an escape from the continuous loop of birth, death, and rebirth.

However, this raises a thought-provoking question: Can one truly experience and comprehend nondual suchness – a profound realization of their true self as the foundational essence of all existence – and yet remain entangled in the cycle of birth and death? This notion challenges our understanding of spiritual liberation and the nature of self-awareness.


The intricate relationship between Samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and Nirvana (liberation from this cycle) is a complex one. They are often perceived as two distinct realms or states of being. Yet, in a deeper existential sense, they might be seen as the same. This perspective opens up a philosophical exploration into the nature of the self.

The concept of ‘no-self’ is central to this discussion. It posits that the individual self we identify with is an illusion, a transient construct devoid of inherent existence. Paradoxically, this ‘no-self’ is also the self, as there is no true separation between the individual and the universal. Thus, one might refer to it as the ‘no-self,’ questioning the very existence of a label or reference point in this boundless, interconnected reality.

This exploration leads to profound questions: Who labels this existence if the self is an illusion? What is the nature of the self that encompasses everything, yet is nothing in itself? These are the riddles that spiritual seekers have pondered for ages, and they remain mystifying and intriguing today.


This philosophical conundrum invites us to dive deeper into our understanding of existence, self, and liberation. It challenges us to look beyond the conventional notions of identity and existence, urging us to explore the very essence of being.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Brahman as the Ultimate Reality

In the realm of philosophical and spiritual inquiry, the concept of Brahman stands as a profound cornerstone, especially within the nondual traditions of Eastern philosophy. Brahman, as perceived through this lens, is not just an abstract concept but the very essence of reality itself—a reality that transcends the ordinary experiences of separation and duality which dominate our everyday lives.

At the heart of this understanding is the recognition that there is a fundamental oneness underlying all existence. This oneness, Brahman, is the eternal, unchanging truth that pervades every aspect of the universe. It’s an understanding that challenges the notion of individuality, as it posits that the deepest essence of our being, the Atman, is not separate from Brahman. In this view, the individual self and the universal self are not two but one.


This realization brings us to the experience of Sat-Chit-Ananda. These Sanskrit words translate to ‘existence, consciousness, and bliss.’ When one recognizes that their true nature is Brahman, they experience an unshakeable existence that is beyond birth and death, a consciousness that is vast and all-encompassing, and a bliss that transcends all worldly pleasures and pains.

The journey to this realization is deeply personal and transformative. It involves peeling away the layers of illusion or Maya that cause us to see ourselves as separate from the rest of existence. Through various practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion, one can gradually come to the direct experience of this truth.


The implications of this realization are vast. In seeing all beings and things as expressions of the same ultimate reality, our approach to life, our values, and our interactions with others undergo a profound shift. Compassion, empathy, and a sense of connectedness naturally arise when one sees themselves in others and others in themselves.

In conclusion, the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality invites us to look beyond the surface of our experiences and question the very nature of existence. It’s a journey that leads us not only to deep philosophical understanding but also to a transformation of our entire being.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith



Embracing the Abyss

An Exploration into the Ground of All Being

In the silence of our hearts, amidst the ceaseless chatter of our fears and desires, lies a profound mystery waiting to be discovered. This mystery, dear reader, is not something alien or external, but a journey inward to meet our most authentic selves. It is about unearthing the Ground of All Being, the core from which our existence emanates and upon which it rests. In the course of human history, many have named it differently—God, The Absolute, Consciousness, and so forth. However, this Ground of All Being is not a distant reality; it’s what we truly are. As articulated succinctly, our deepest fear is not of the unknown, but the known transcending into the realm of the unknown, a realm where words fall short and only experience speaks.

Your deepest fear is yourself. This statement, piercing in its simplicity, unveils the core of our existential dread. We fear what we might discover when all pretenses are shed, and we are left with the raw, unadulterated reality of our being. The question is, are we willing to face that fear, to delve into the abyss and allow it to unravel the boundless potential within?

Why do we shy away from understanding our true nature? It’s a paradox that the unknown we fear is already known, buried within the labyrinth of our being. It’s like a familiar tune, the lyrics of which we have forgotten, yet the melody stirs something deep within. It beckons us to listen, to be still, and in that stillness, the melody unfolds, freeing us from the shackles of ignorance and liberating the profound truths hidden within. This knowledge is not an accumulation but a realization, a moving from the periphery to the core, a journey from the ephemeral to the eternal.

We often seek solace in the external, hoping that objects, relationships, or achievements will fill the void within. However, true liberation and fulfillment lie in the exploration and understanding of our essential nature, the Ground of All Being. It’s about confronting fears, transcending superficial identities, and dissolving into the boundless, formless reality that we are.

It’s a venture into the heart of existence, an invitation to be fearlessly authentic. To step into this journey is to embrace the unknown, which is already known, and to unearth the beauty and magnificence of our true nature. So, pause and listen to that innermost call, for in the heart of fear lies the key to liberation.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond Maya

A Profound Exploration of Reality

In the vast tapestry of Hindu philosophy, the concept of ‘Maya’ often emerges as an enigma, enveloping our perception of reality. But what if we were to assert that * everything*, both within and beyond our comprehension, is shrouded in Maya? How would such a revelation change our understanding of the universe and our place within it?

### The Essence of Maya

At its core, Maya is frequently understood as “illusion” or “unreality.” It’s the veil that obscures our true nature and the eternal truth of the universe. The things we perceive, the emotions we feel, and the thoughts that cloud our minds, all dance within the confines of this illusion. Maya convinces us that the temporal is eternal, that the superficial is profound, and that the ephemeral is everlasting.

### Expanding the Bounds

When we claim that everything, in and out of existence, is Maya, we’re delving deeper into an intriguing thought. This suggests that even our most profound realizations, spiritual epiphanies, and the concepts we use to grasp the ineffable are still part of the illusion. It’s not just the tangible, but the intangible; not just the known, but the unknown.

### The Paradox of Understanding

If everything is Maya, then the realization of this truth is also Maya. This presents a paradox: how can one truly transcend the illusion when the very tools and insights we use are part of the illusion itself? This enigmatic thought prompts us to question the very nature of enlightenment and the path to transcendence.

### Embracing the Illusion

Rather than feeling disheartened by the all-encompassing nature of Maya, one can instead embrace it as a transformative understanding. Recognizing that even our loftiest thoughts are touched by Maya can lead to a profound humility. It’s a call to constant introspection, a reminder that there’s always a deeper layer of understanding awaiting us.

### Beyond the Beyond

Perhaps, beyond the layers of Maya, there’s a state of pure consciousness, untouched and unblemished. It’s a state where distinctions fade, where the observer and the observed merge into one. While our journey is fraught with illusions, every step, every realization, brings us closer to this ultimate truth.

In conclusion, the assertion that everything is Maya isn’t a nihilistic statement but a profound recognition of the intricacies of existence. It invites us to look beyond the apparent, challenge our convictions, and seek a deeper, more encompassing truth. It’s a call to journey inward, where the real voyage begins.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith