Author, Philosopher, Spiritual Teacher, A Lead Facilitator at Sacred Media's Integral Mastery Academy, Founder of Yinnergy Meditation/Neurofeedback, Bodhi Mental Care & Wellness, Co-founder of KeMor Centre for Innovative Development
Many spiritual paths appear radiant on the surface, filled with symbols, mantras, and promises of transcendence. Yet beneath the surface lies a crucial divide often overlooked: the difference between pre-rational and trans-rational spirituality. Both appear to reach beyond logic, yet one regresses beneath it while the other transcends it entirely. To the untrained eye, they can look identical.
The pre-rational domain is instinctive, emotional, and magical. It belongs to an earlier structure of consciousness that sees reality through myth, projection, and emotional fusion. The pre-rational individual feels connected to life, but that connection is often undifferentiated; there is no clear boundary between the self and the world. Intuition replaces discernment. Myth replaces direct knowing. This is the consciousness of the dreamer who mistakes imagination for revelation. Many who fall into this category speak the language of mysticism but remain bound by emotional dependency and unexamined belief.
The trans-rational individual, on the other hand, has journeyed through the rational mind, not around it. They have integrated logic, science, and self-reflection into their foundation. Their transcendence is not an escape from intellect but a movement beyond its limitations. The mind becomes a servant rather than a master. Awareness expands to include paradox, complexity, and the ineffable without denying the relative truth of reason. Where the pre-rational personality confuses fantasy with insight, the trans-rational sees through both fantasy and logic as partial mirrors of the Real.
Many spiritual communities confuse these two movements, what Ken Wilber calls the pre/trans fallacy. Mystical language, emotional intensity, or devotion can appear “advanced,” when in fact they may mask regression to earlier, unintegrated states. True trans-rational realization does not deny the world; it refines perception until all appearances reveal the same unbroken consciousness. It honours both matter and spirit as dimensions of the same reality, seeing no need to reject one for the other.
The pre-rational seeks comfort in transcendence; the trans-rational finds freedom in presence. The former escapes complexity; the latter embraces it as divine play. One dissolves into illusion; the other dissolves illusion itself. The difference is not about how high one climbs, but how fully one includes.
Morgan O. Smith
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Inspired by the work of Alexander Ngu and Amaya Odilon Kosso — “Intelligent Transformation: General Intelligence Theory” (2024)
Humanity has long searched for a bridge between consciousness and cosmos, between the ineffable pulse of awareness and the measurable rhythms of reality. Alexander Ngu and Amaya Odilon Kosso may have drawn that bridge with their revolutionary General Intelligence Theory (GIT), proposing a universal abstraction known as ∆∞Ο; the triarchic principle of the infinitesimal (∆), the infinite (∞), and the finite (Ο).
Their insight dismantles the old notion of equality as the foundation of understanding. The equal sign, they argue, limits the sensitivity of thought to the subtler play of transformation. Equality is static — it implies stillness between two mirrored sides. Transformation, however, is alive. It breathes through every exchange, allowing one form to become another without contradiction. ∆∞Ο is the language of that breath; the patternless rhythm by which energy becomes matter, idea becomes awareness, and self becomes all.
If you’ve read any of my past work, you’d know that my main focus is spiritual enlightenment. The moment I read their paper, I could conceptually see how their work may apply to my personal direct experience of The All. Though I could be jumping at this prematurely, my intuition said otherwise. I got the same feeling when I first discovered Bill Harris’ work regarding low-carrier frequency brainwave entrainment, Marko Rodin’s work in Vortex Based Mathematics, and my teacher and colleague, Ken Wilber’s work in Integral Theory. So far, I’ve never been wrong.
The spiritual implications are profound. The infinitesimal (∆) reflects the fleeting pulse of perception; each thought, sensation, or breath that rises and dissolves. The infinite (∞) mirrors the boundless consciousness in which those movements occur. The finite (Ο) represents the manifest world, the circle of appearances that seems to contain experience. The realization that ∆, ∞, and Ο are not separate but continuous is the essence of enlightenment. Awareness awakens to its own structure; the one relation that holds all opposites in seamless reciprocity.
This triarchic model suggests that intelligence, in its most universal sense, is the self-recognition of transformation. Every shift of perception, every oscillation between thought and stillness, is the cosmos contemplating itself through the medium of form. The so-called “theory of everything” becomes not a formula etched in numbers, but a recognition that everything is the formula; a living geometry of being that reconciles complexity, dimensionality, and spatiality in one infinite act of awareness.
Spiritual awakening, through this lens, is not an event within time but the cessation of all resistance to transformation. The individual dissolves into the very process that sustains existence; a process that requires no computation, no passage of time, no distance traversed. Enlightenment, therefore, is not achieved; it is realized as the zero-point of transformation, where the infinitesimal and infinite converge in perfect immediacy.
Ngu and Kosso’s ∆∞Ο does more than redefine intelligence; it redefines reality itself. It reveals that consciousness and existence are not two domains awaiting reconciliation, but one relational field eternally transforming within its own awareness. The ancient mystics called this unity Brahman, Tao, or the Absolute. The scientists now call it General Intelligence. Both are describing the same ineffable truth: that the universe is awake, and you are its knowing.
Morgan O. Smith
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The quadrants of experience—I, We, It, and Its—have long been a lens through which consciousness organizes reality. Each provides a vital perspective: the subjective interior of the self, the shared intersubjective domain, the objective forms of matter, and the interobjective systems of the whole. These lenses do not compete; they illuminate the multiple dimensions of existence. Yet, any frame cannot contain the essence of reality, no matter how inclusive or comprehensive it may be.
What reveals itself when awareness no longer clings to a particular quadrant? A vastness appears that cannot be named solely as an “I,” nor reduced to the communion of “We.” It is not confined to the world of objects, nor to the vast interplay of systems. The Supreme Identity both transcends and enfolds these domains, existing as their ground and source.
This Identity is not separate from the quadrants; it is their silent witness and animating force. Just as light contains within it every visible colour yet is itself colourless, the Supreme Identity contains every possible perspective while remaining free of perspective altogether. When seen clearly, the quadrants dissolve into expressions of a singular field that cannot be divided.
What makes this recognition so profound is that it shatters the tendency of consciousness to fixate. The mind grasps for a standpoint—self, relationship, object, or system—but here, every standpoint is unmasked as a partial gesture of the whole. The Supreme Identity does not stand against them; it whispers through them. The “I” speaking, the “We” sharing, the “It” observed, the “Its” interlinked—all are nothing other than its unfolding.
Realizing this does not negate the quadrants. Rather, it liberates them. Each becomes transparent, shining as a clear facet of a jewel that was never fractured to begin with. The Supreme Identity calls forth a recognition: the One is never elsewhere. It is already present, before all perspectives, yet manifesting as each.
To live from this recognition is not to abandon life’s frameworks but to embody their ground. Every conversation, every act, every encounter reveals the unbroken presence that cannot be named yet pervades all. The quadrants remain as tools of navigation, but the navigator is no longer lost.
Morgan O. Smith
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Integral Theory, a comprehensive framework developed by philosopher Ken Wilber, offers a unique lens to understand the evolution of human consciousness and culture. Through this lens, the concept of God, a central figure in many spiritual and religious traditions, has undergone a profound transformation. This blog post explores this transformation from the archaic to the super integral stage, shedding light on how our perception of the divine reflects our developmental stage.
The Archaic Understanding of God
In the archaic stage, the earliest human consciousness, God was perceived in a very elemental and life-centric manner. This stage, characterized by a deep connection with nature and the immediate physical environment, saw God as an omnipresent force, deeply intertwined with the natural world. The divine was not seen as a distinct entity but as an integral part of the living earth.
The Traditional View of God
As humanity entered the traditional stage, God began to take on a more anthropomorphic character. Here, God was often seen as a supreme being, ruling over the universe with omnipotence and omniscience. This stage reflected a hierarchical view of the world, with God at the apex, guiding and judging human affairs according to a set of moral and ethical codes.
The Modern Perspective on God
The modern stage brought a significant shift. The Enlightenment and the rise of scientific rationalism introduced a more skeptical view of God. The divine was often seen as a construct of human thought, a necessary idea to explain the unknown in a pre-scientific world. In this stage, God was often relegated to the margins of society, as human reason and empirical evidence took center stage.
The Postmodern Interpretation of God
Postmodernism, with its emphasis on relativism and subjectivity, offered a pluralistic view of God. Here, God was understood in multiple ways, reflecting the diverse perspectives of various cultures and individual experiences. The divine was no longer seen as a singular, absolute entity but as a concept open to interpretation and personal meaning. The Super Integral Conception of God
Finally, the super integral stage, a more recent development in human consciousness, presents a holistic and inclusive understanding of God. This stage integrates the insights of all previous stages, seeing God as a multifaceted and evolving concept. Here, God is not just a being or an idea but an all-encompassing reality that transcends and includes all stages of development. This view acknowledges the complexity and depth of the divine, embracing both the immanent and transcendent aspects of God.
In conclusion, the journey from the archaic to the super integral understanding of God reflects our evolutionary path as human beings. As our consciousness expands, so does our perception of the divine, revealing the limitless potential of both humanity and God.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
In the soft blush of dawn, I stirred awake at 5:40, surrendering to an hour of Yinnergy meditation before nestling back into slumber’s embrace. In my dream, I found myself standing amidst the familiar halls of a school with which I shared a work/community partnership. The peculiar morning sunlight bathed the main foyer where I found myself, the uncertainty of my presence there simmering in my mind—I had supposedly called in sick.
Attempting a swift, unseen exit, I brushed past the main entrance only to discover a quaint store tucked to the left. It served as my temporary refuge before I ventured forth into the daylight. To my amazement, the school’s parking lot had morphed into a sprawling mall parking, and my vehicle seemed to have vanished into thin air. A click on the car remote yielded a chirping sound, yet my car remained unseen. The chirps echoed eerily through the boundless maze of parked vehicles.
With resolve waning, I traced my steps back to the school. However, the once familiar school interior now sprawled before me as a vast complex, a labyrinth with countless sections awaiting exploration. As I delved deeper, descending a flight of stairs, I chanced upon a woman. In the realms of the waking, she was a librarian at the public library under another community partnership. But here, she had aged, her eyes lacking the spark of recognition. As I endeavoured to slip past unnoticed, our eyes met, casting a fleeting veil of fear over her face. The eerie thought of her calling the authorities hastened my escape down another stairwell.
There, I stumbled upon a colleague of mine, her lips spewing venom over the phone about another. The stark contrast between this avatar and her workplace demeanour was startling. I whisked myself away, leaving her unembarrassed in her secret slander.
The surreal escapade led me outside and then back into a stairwell, where fate unveiled a harrowing scene—a young mother, perhaps a teenager, with a newborn, suffered the misfortune of dropping her baby down the stairs. Accusations and exasperations filled the air, yet miraculously, the baby remained unscathed. The young mother’s stoic face stood as a testament to the resilience ingrained in the fabric of life.
The quest for my car resumed, turning futile until a gentle stranger extended his hand to aid in my search. Though unsuccessful, his kind gesture steered my way back to the library—a sanctuary that bore a resemblance to the one in my waking world.
In the quiet sanctum, I was warmly greeted by a former love. Our chatter soon took a magical turn as Ken Wilber, the revered philosopher, graced us with his presence. Recently, I completed a spiritually illuminating program under his guidance, hence his arrival felt serendipitous.
Our banter cascaded from the mundane to the mystical. With each shared thought, a strange familiarity wrapped around us. He voiced concerns about my serious demeanour, urging a smile. His inquiry into my spiritual saga met my story of awakening in 2008, which unfolded into the miraculous narrative of my life. Ken’s skepticism gradually crumbled, paving the way for a profound moment of connection.
With a gentle grasp, I held his face, our eyes serving as the conduit for the ethereal. An explosion of divine love, compassion, empathy, and bliss erupted within and around us, a phenomenon often described as satcitananda in ancient texts. The heavenly vibrations resonated through the library, igniting a flame of consciousness between Ken and me.
He sank to his knees, tears of profound realization streaming down his cheeks, echoing the eternal phrase “Aham Brahmasmi” – I am Brahman. His tears met mine as our cries of liberation filled the sacred space. This was an unveiling, a transcendence beyond the ordinary perception of reality.
As the new dawn caressed my waking eyes, my body curled into a ball, the reverberations of divine love still ringing through every cell. Tears of joy coursed down, without a drop to spare, as a celestial peace enveloped my being. Though bound within the ephemeral embrace of a dream, the profound spiritual dialogue orchestrated in that serendipitous encounter resonated through the ether, awakening a sublime reality nestled between the realms of the waking and the dream.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
As we navigate through life’s labyrinth, we encounter myriad philosophical viewpoints designed to offer us clarity about the nature of reality. Two such perspectives – one rooted in ancient Eastern spirituality, Advaita Vedanta, and the other a more contemporary Western theory, Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory – provide us with intriguing interpretive lenses. While appearing distinct, when juxtaposed, they unfold a captivating dialogue, revealing the interconnectedness of diverse paths of wisdom.
**Non-Duality: The Heart of Advaita Vedanta**
At the core of Advaita Vedanta lies the profound principle of non-duality. The term ‘Advaita’ translates to ‘not two’, pointing towards the notion of unity beneath apparent multiplicity. According to this philosophy, all phenomena – whether perceived as separate entities or diverse experiences – are manifestations of a singular absolute reality known as Brahman.
This philosophy posits that the perceived distinction between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is an illusion (Maya), born out of ignorance (Avidya). The journey of spiritual awakening in Advaita Vedanta is about transcending this illusion, recognizing the non-dual nature of existence, where the Atman and Brahman are not separate but one.
**Ken Wilber’s Four Quadrants: A Comprehensive Map of Reality**
Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory, particularly the Four Quadrants model, offers a different but complementary perspective. Wilber presents a holistic map of reality, dividing it into four quadrants: Individual Interior (consciousness), Individual Exterior (behaviour), Collective Interior (culture), and Collective Exterior (society). Each quadrant represents an integral part of our existence and must be considered to understand reality holistically.
**The Interplay: Advaita Vedanta and Four Quadrants**
Drawing parallels between Advaita Vedanta and the Four Quadrants can create a fascinating synthesis of Eastern and Western thought.
The Upper Left Quadrant (Individual-Interior) aligns with the individual’s subjective experience, mirroring the Advaita exploration of Atman. The Upper Right Quadrant (Individual-Exterior) encapsulates the physical manifestation of the individual, aligning with the Advaita concept that even our physical existence is a manifestation of Brahman.
The Lower Left Quadrant (Collective-Interior) represents shared beliefs and cultures, resonating with the Advaita perspective that cultural differences are superficial, and at a deeper level, unity prevails. The Lower Right Quadrant (Collective-Exterior) mirrors societal structures, all manifestations of the same non-dual reality.
From the Advaita viewpoint, the division of the four quadrants are themselves expressions of Maya, as they create apparent separations where none ultimately exist. They are valuable tools for understanding and navigating the world but do not represent the deepest truth of non-duality.
**Uniting Perspectives: A Path to Enlightenment**
Exploring the intersection of Advaita Vedanta and Ken Wilber’s Four Quadrants offers a richer understanding of reality, harmonizing subjective and objective, individual and collective, Eastern spirituality and Western theory. As we understand that the lines dividing these quadrants are more porous than they seem, we move closer to the non-dual truth of Advaita – that beneath apparent diversity, unity pervades.
At a time when division and fragmentation are rampant, this synthesis could offer a path toward the kind of transcendental insight that can bridge divides, fostering a deeper sense of interconnectedness and wholeness. After all, as Advaita Vedanta teaches us, beneath the surface of multiplicity, we are ‘not two’ but one. As we embrace the wisdom of the four quadrants, we might just find ourselves taking a step closer to that unity, opening ourselves to a richer, more holistic understanding of the world.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Exploring Integral Theory’s Perspectives on Nature vs. Nurture
Introduction: In the quest to unravel the essence of human existence, the age-old debate of Nature vs. Nurture finds itself intertwined in the heart of discourse. The Integral Theory, founded by philosopher Ken Wilber, offers a unique lens to dissect this debate through its Four Quadrants. This thought-provoking analysis aims to delve into how the Integral Theory’s Four Quadrants elucidate the interplay between nature and nurture.
The Four Quadrants: For context, Integral Theory’s Four Quadrants are a framework to understand reality. They are: Interior-Individual (Upper-Left), Exterior-Individual (Upper-Right), Interior-Collective (Lower-Left), and Exterior-Collective (Lower-Right). These quadrants reflect the inner and outer, as well as the individual and collective dimensions of existence.
1. Interior-Individual (Upper-Left) – The Subjective Self: Here, nature manifests as the innate essence, such as genetic predispositions and temperament. Nurture, on the other hand, shapes our consciousness through personal experiences and emotions. The harmony or dissonance between one’s nature and the nurturing influences could define their subjective reality. 2. Exterior-Individual (Upper-Right) – The Observable Self: In this quadrant, nature is viewed through the lens of biology – our brain structure, hormones, and genetic makeup. Nurture is the external stimuli that alter our biology. Understanding how the external environment (nurture) impacts our physiological being (nature) helps in comprehending the fluidity of human behaviour.
3. Interior-Collective (Lower-Left) – Shared Cultural Values: This quadrant takes into account the collective consciousness, where nature represents the innate human desire to belong and socialize. Nurture is the culture we imbibe. It is critical to examine how societal norms and values (nurture) can either support or conflict with our innate tendencies (nature). 4. Exterior-Collective (Lower-Right) – Social Structures: The Lower-Right quadrant emphasizes the social systems and structures. Here, nature is the evolution of societies, while nurture represents the societal systems such as education, law, and governance. The structures that societies create (nurture) can either facilitate or hinder the natural progression of human evolution. Finding Balance: The Integral Theory’s Four Quadrants reveal the intricate tapestry woven by the threads of nature and nurture. Recognizing the dialogues between these dimensions empowers us to find balance. Are we honoring our innate essence while being responsive to external influences? How are our societal structures and shared values nurturing our natural propensities or thwarting them?
Conclusion: As we navigate through the currents of existence, the Integral Theory’s Four Quadrants provide us with the compass to explore the depths of Nature vs. Nurture. By seeking harmony between our inherent nature and the nurturing environments, we create a symphony that resonates with the very core of human existence. It is through this understanding that we can work towards a more holistic, compassionate, and evolved society.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Drawing Parallels between Integral Theory and Telephony
Integral Theory, developed by philosopher Ken Wilber, is a comprehensive framework that seeks to reconcile the diverse theories and philosophies concerning reality and human experience. It encapsulates every field of human inquiry, from art and science to morality and spirituality, drawing on multiple perspectives to provide a holistic understanding. Integral Theory presents a model of human development that outlines a series of stages, each more complex and encompassing than the last, from the basic “Archaic” to the highly evolved “Super-Integral” stage.
Now, imagine drawing parallels between this theory and something as commonplace as a telephone. Have you ever wondered about the connections between seemingly unrelated aspects of life? This blog will explore an interesting correlation between the evolution of the telephone and Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory, from the “Archaic” to the “Super-Integral” stage. The trajectory of both illustrates the ongoing transcending and including of previous stages, manifesting new, emergent qualities. Top of Form
**Archaic Stage and the Telephone’s Birth**
The “Archaic” stage of Integral Theory focuses on basic survival needs. This parallels the advent of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell. This rudimentary device served the basic need of communication, carrying sound across distances, a technological marvel of its time, akin to the struggle for survival in the archaic stage of human development.
**The Magical Mystery of Telephones**
Next, in the “Magic” stage, life is influenced by mythic belief systems and superstitions. When the telephone was initially introduced, it was seen as a ‘magical’ or mystical object. The ability to convey voices over long distances was mysterious, and to many, unexplainable. The enchantment associated with this new invention was reminiscent of the enchantment found in the magical stage of human consciousness.
**Mythic Stage and Societal Norms**
Moving into the “Mythic” stage, life is governed by rules and cultural norms. As telephones became common household items, societal norms formed around their usage. There were specific protocols to adhere to while talking on the phone, hours during which calls were acceptable, and even areas designated for phone use. This stage was a reflection of the normative rules associated with the mythic stage of Integral Theory.
**Rational Stage and the Age of Landlines**
As we move into the “Rational” stage, logic and scientific reasoning become dominant. Analogously, this corresponds with the era of landlines and the systematic network of telephone lines. Improvements and expansions were driven by scientific advancements and logical problem-solving, reflecting the rational thinking associated with this stage of human consciousness.
**Pluralistic Stage and the Advent of Mobile Phones**
The “Pluralistic” stage of Integral Theory values multiple perspectives. In telephony, this could be likened to the birth of mobile phones and the internet, initiating a new era of communication diversity. The introduction of different communication modes (text, voice, video, etc.), and a plethora of apps and platforms catered to various needs, mirroring the pluralistic appreciation of different viewpoints.
**Smartphones and the Integral Stage**
The “Integral” stage of Integral Theory recognizes the importance of all previous stages and values continuous development. This is best represented by the advent of smartphones, which integrated all previous modes of communication, along with additional features. The smartphone, a single device capable of myriad functionalities, symbolizes the integral stage, acknowledging and valuing the entire evolutionary journey of the phone.
**Super-Integral Stage and the Future of Phones**
Finally, the “Super-Integral” stage entails the ongoing transcending and including of previous levels, leading to the emergence of new qualities. In the context of phones, this could be seen as future technologies like holographic communication or brain-computer interfaces. Such technologies, by integrating and transcending all previous stages, would create a form of communication that’s currently unimaginable, reflecting the emergent potential of the super-integral stage.
In conclusion, the progression of Integral Theory and the evolution of the telephone showcase the fascinating dynamics of growth, integration, and transcendence. As we look forward to what the future holds, let’s appreciate how far we’ve come, with an integral perspective on the marvels of technology and consciousness alike. This exploration encourages us to appreciate the past, navigate the present, and shape the future with an inclusive, forward-thinking approach. It also serves as a reminder that progress is not about abandoning old stages for new ones. Instead, it’s about integrating the lessons, strengths, and wisdom of each stage to form a more holistic and effective approach.
As we peer into the future of telephony and human development alike, we stand on the brink of a Super-Integral era—a time of unforeseen innovation and progression. The future of phones might include features like holographic communication or brain-computer interfaces, with advancements integrating and transcending all previous stages. In the same vein, as we evolve in our collective consciousness, we’re creating a world that is unimaginable from the perspective of earlier stages.
In essence, our evolution—whether technologically or consciously—reflects the unending dance of integration and transcendence, each stage building upon and encompassing the last. As we recognize this, we can approach every new stage, every leap forward, every breakthrough with a sense of awe and gratitude, understanding that it stands on the shoulders of the countless transformations that came before.
In both the evolution of the telephone and human consciousness, there is one constant: change. As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, let’s remember to appreciate the journey as much as the destination, and to value every stage as an integral step toward an exciting, emergent future. The path ahead is not just about reaching new heights, but also about deepening our understanding of the intricate, beautiful tapestry of our shared evolution.
Our journey toward the Super-Integral stage, much like the future of telephony, promises to be a fascinating voyage of discovery and growth. Here’s to celebrating each milestone along the way, and looking forward to the incredible possibilities that await.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 