Good and Evil – Morgan O. Smith

Embracing the Infinite

Understanding Para Brahman as the Ultimate Reality

God, referred to as Para Brahman in this context, represents the absolute of all absolutes – an entity encompassing everything from the beautiful to the good, the bad, and the ugly. This concept presents a holistic view of divinity, not limited to only the positive or traditionally ‘godly’ aspects but encompassing all facets of existence.

Para Brahman, in many Eastern philosophies, particularly in Hinduism, is seen as the highest form of Brahman – the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit. This interpretation of God goes beyond the traditional Western notion of a deity who is separate from its creation. Instead, Para Brahman is seen as both immanent and transcendent, existing within and beyond all things.

This idea challenges our typical understanding of divinity and morality. It suggests that everything in existence, regardless of our human judgments of good or bad, is part of this ultimate reality. This inclusive view of the divine implies a deeper, perhaps incomprehensible, unity to all aspects of existence.

This perspective can be both comforting and disconcerting. Comforting, because it suggests a universe that is intrinsically connected and purposeful. Disconcerting, because it challenges our notions of morality and justice, blurring the lines between what we typically consider ‘good’ and ‘evil.’

Such a viewpoint can lead to a more compassionate and understanding approach to life. Recognizing that all aspects of existence, including what we perceive as negative or undesirable, are part of a greater whole, can foster a sense of tolerance and empathy. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate judgments and understand the broader context of life’s events.

However, it also raises complex questions about free will, destiny, and the nature of existence. If everything is part of Para Brahman, what does that say about individual agency and the consequences of our actions? Are good and evil just human constructs with no basis in the ultimate reality? These answers lie within.

In conclusion, viewing God as Para Brahman – the absolute of all absolutes – offers a profound and encompassing perspective on divinity and existence. It challenges our conventional views and invites us to contemplate the deeper connections and meanings of all that occurs in our lives and the universe at large.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Paradox of Perfection

Rethinking Good and Evil in Theological Perspective

In a realm beyond human comprehension, where the notions of good and evil blur into a cosmic dance, we find ourselves pondering the nature of divinity and creation. From God’s standpoint, the binary concepts of good and evil do not hold the same significance as they do for us, the sentient beings of his creation. This perspective invites us to delve into a philosophical exploration, especially when viewed through the lens of Christian mythology.

Consider the figure of Lucifer, often depicted as the epitome of rebellion and wrongdoing. According to some interpretations of Christian theology, Lucifer was created as a perfect being by God. If perfection is inherent in his design, then his actions, including those perceived as wrong, could be seen as an expression of this perfection. This raises a profound question: can a being created perfect by an all-knowing deity truly do wrong?

The concept of free will complicates this scenario further. Lucifer’s decision to rebel is often attributed to his exercise of free will. But, if this free will was granted by the same perfect and all-knowing God, then are Lucifer’s actions a deviation from perfection, or are they a part of a divine plan? This paradox suggests that if God is perfect and creates beings with the capacity for perfect expression of free will, then their actions, regardless of how we perceive them, might be in alignment with a broader, divine narrative.

From this standpoint, the actions of a perfect being like Lucifer could be viewed not as a failure or flaw, but as an integral part of a grand design, orchestrated by a perfect deity. This perspective challenges our traditional understanding of morality, urging us to reconsider the concepts of good and evil, not as absolute truths, but as human interpretations of a much larger, divine puzzle.

Such contemplations lead us down a path where philosophical and theological musings intersect, prompting us to question the very foundations of our moral compass. In this cosmic scheme, where does humanity fit in, and how do our notions of right and wrong resonate with the divine narrative?

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Dancing with Shadows

The Devil as Society’s Dark Projection

Intro:

As we sail through the oceans of human consciousness, we often encounter tempests that unveil the darker facets of our nature. If the divine represents society’s golden shadow, virtues, and aspirations, could the devil figure embody society’s dark shadow, a reflection of our collective id and repressed instincts? This article plunges into the depths of this unsettling yet captivating hypothesis.

Understanding the Dark Shadow:

Carl Jung posited the existence of the shadow as a component of the unconscious, housing both positive and negative elements that are not integrated into the conscious self. The dark shadow encompasses the negative aspects – our fears, impulses, and darker instincts.

The Devil as Society’s Dark Shadow:

Across cultures, the devil often symbolizes the epitome of evil, temptation, and the darker aspects of human nature. By projecting these qualities onto a devil figure, society externalizes its inner darkness, creating a ‘scapegoat’ onto which it can cast its sins and unwanted characteristics.

The Collective Unconscious and the Id:

Sigmund Freud’s concept of the id complements Jung’s shadow. The id is the instinctual part of the mind that contains sexual and aggressive drives and desires. Society’s projection of the id onto the devil may represent a form of collective defence mechanism, an attempt to deal with the disconcerting aspects of our nature.

The Devil as an Archetype:

In Jungian terms, the devil can be seen as an archetype, a universal symbol that dwells in the collective unconscious of mankind. This archetype manifests in various forms in different cultures, but its core characteristics usually represent the antithesis of societal norms and moral values.

Facing Our Demons:

Recognizing the devil as a projection of society’s dark shadow calls for the courageous endeavour to face our inner demons. Individuals and societies can work towards a more balanced and authentic existence by accepting and integrating these shadow aspects.

Conclusion:

The notion of the devil as society’s dark shadow casts a new light on the traditional narratives of good and evil. It invites us to reflect upon how the figures of deities and demons are not only external entities but also potent symbols of the complexities of human nature. Through understanding these shadows, society stands on the precipice of deeper self-awareness and a more holistic grasp of the human condition.

Morgan O. Smith