mysticism – Page 4 – Morgan O. Smith

The Peak Experience

Mount Olympus and Mysticism

To ascend a mountain and stand at its zenith is a profound experience. But to stand atop Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the gods, is to touch a space where the divine meets the mortal. Unlike any other, this mountaintop symbolizes an intersection between the world as we know it and a realm beyond comprehension. What does it mean to attain such an experience? How does this metaphorical journey relate to the mystical peak experiences described by the world’s spiritual seekers?

**1. A Realm Beyond the Senses**

In many religious traditions, mysticism represents an encounter with the Divine, the Ultimate Reality, or the Absolute. These encounters are said to be ineffable, transcending words, and profoundly transformative. Similarly, the summit of Mount Olympus shrouded in myth and legend, exists as a space beyond the ordinary. Both represent realms beyond our senses, places where our ordinary conceptions of reality are challenged.

**2. The Ascent**

The path to mysticism, like the climb to a mountain’s summit, is not without challenges. Doubt, hardship, and uncertainty plague the seeker, testing their commitment and resolve. Yet, it’s through these adversities that transformation occurs. The ascent shapes the soul, refines the spirit, and prepares one for the profound revelations that await at the peak.

**3. Transient Yet Timeless**

Mystical experiences, though often fleeting, leave an indelible mark on the soul. The same can be said about reaching the summit of a great mountain. In that brief moment atop Mount Olympus, one is both part of ancient mythology and the present moment. Time seems to both stand still and move rapidly, offering a glimpse into eternity.

**4. The Return**

Mystical experiences often come with a mandate to return to the ordinary world, bearing the fruits of spiritual insight. Similarly, after reaching the peak, the climber must descend and integrate their experience into their everyday life. They bring back with them a new perspective, a deeper understanding, and a sense of connectedness that enriches their existence.

**5. The Universal Quest**

The legends of Mount Olympus and the experiences of mystics from diverse traditions remind us of a universal human quest: the pursuit of meaning, connection, and a deeper understanding of existence. Whether through meditation, ritual, or scaling a mythical mountain, the journey toward the peak is a timeless endeavour that inspires and challenges us.

In conclusion, with its rich tapestry of legends, Mount Olympus serves as a poignant metaphor for the peak experiences in mysticism. Both offer a transformative journey, a meeting with the transcendent, and a glimpse into realms beyond the ordinary. And in both, the seeker is reminded of the beauty, mystery, and depth of existence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Boundless Horizon of Spiritual Awakening

Beyond the Senses

In the vast expanse of human experience, there lies a realm that defies the conventions of our five senses. This realm, often alluded to in ancient texts, mystic traditions, and modern anecdotes, is the space of spiritual awakening. When one truly steps into this realm, it isn’t just an augmentation of the senses, but a transcendence of them.

**The Limitations of the Five Senses**

Our everyday experiences are shaped by what we can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. These senses, while fundamental to our existence, are in essence a finite way of interpreting the infinite complexities of the universe. They serve as filters, helping us navigate our immediate environment, but perhaps, at times, limiting our broader understanding.

**The Unifying Experience of Awakening**

A genuine spiritual awakening, as described by mystics and seekers, breaks these sensory barriers. It isn’t about enhancing vision or amplifying sound, but about a deep, profound realization that everything is interconnected. When this awakening takes hold, one doesn’t just feel connected to their immediate surroundings or to the people they know; they feel an intricate bond with all sentient beings, irrespective of the constraints of time, space, and dimension.

Imagine a tapestry, vast and intricate, where every thread represents a life, a consciousness. In our usual state, we might see only the threads closest to us. But amid spiritual awakening, the entire tapestry becomes visible, and we realize every thread is essential, beautifully intertwined with every other, weaving the grand design of existence.

**Beyond Time, Space, and Dimension**

What’s even more profound is the idea that this connection isn’t bound by our linear understanding of time or the three-dimensional space we inhabit. It’s a realization that one’s soul, essence, or consciousness is linked to entities in distant galaxies, past epochs, and even realms we might consider purely fantastical.

Perhaps the ancient mystics, with tales of astral travels and cosmic visions, were hinting at this very concept. They spoke of realms beyond our comprehension, of beings of light and energy, existing outside our dimensional understanding.

**The Implications of This Connection**

If we truly believe in this interconnectedness, it imparts a tremendous responsibility upon us. It means that our actions, thoughts, and feelings reverberate beyond our immediate surroundings. The kindness we show, the love we share, and even the harm we inflict, might have consequences beyond our wildest imaginations.

In conclusion, a genuine spiritual awakening serves as a reminder that we are not solitary beings navigating an indifferent universe. We are, in essence, cosmic entities, profoundly linked to every particle, every being, and every dimension. Such an understanding can lead us towards a life of greater compassion, purpose, and unity, as we recognize the divine tapestry to which we all belong.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

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

The Soul’s Paradox

A Dance of Definites and Possibilities

As one treads the expansive corridors of philosophy, few subjects engender as much fascination as the soul – that elusive, ethereal concept often seen as the essence of who we are. A common question on this voyage of introspection is: where does the soul reside?

The simplest answer might be: within the physical body. After all, we experience life, feel emotions, think thoughts, and dream dreams all within this organic structure we call a body. Yet, to confine the soul strictly within the physical body is a reduction that strips the soul of its sublime complexity.

In truth, the soul is non-local. Like a scent carried on the wind, it isn’t confined to a single spot but diffuses through the spaces and structures we inhabit. It permeates the cosmos yet is intimately tied to our bodies. The physical body may be viewed as its vessel – a corporeal nexus in the unfathomable cosmic network.

Yet, the body is not just a vessel. It is also a localized expression of the soul – a physical manifestation reflecting the soul’s ongoing journey. Our bodies transform from conception to birth, from childhood to adolescence, adulthood, and eventually to old age. This journey is a mirror, echoing the multi-cycle, or trans-cycle, of the soul – an individual expression of the all-encompassing Spirit, or Ground of All Being.

To this understanding, the soul both resides in and outside the body. Yet simultaneously, it neither exists inside nor outside nor does it exist at all in a conventional sense. This seeming paradox is at the heart of the soul’s mystery. It exists within the realm of definite and indefinite, possible and impossible, probable and improbable.

To elucidate, imagine the soul as a song. The notes (definite, possible, probable) resonate within our physical form, the singer. Yet, the melody (indefinite, impossible, improbable) drifts beyond, filling the room, seeping through walls, and touching those within its reach. Even when the song ends, the echo lingers – it remains within and beyond us, simultaneously nowhere and everywhere.

This enigmatic duality of the soul invites us to question our preconceived notions about reality and selfhood. It prompts us to view ourselves not merely as static, defined entities, but as dynamic participants in the cosmic dance of existence. We are both the dancer and the dance, the singer and the song, the vessel and the soul, embodying a myriad of possibilities, probabilities, and beautiful impossibilities.

To journey towards understanding the soul is not about seeking a destination, but engaging in an ongoing dance of discovery, where questions are as crucial as answers. It’s a dance that challenges us to embrace both the physical and metaphysical aspects of our being, and to live in the mystery that we are far more than just our physical bodies. We are the enigmatic soul – definite and indefinite, possible and impossible, probable and improbable, and beautifully, profoundly, paradoxically both everything and nothing.

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

The Multiverse Within

Exploring Chakras Beyond Our Perception

In the rich tapestry of Eastern philosophy and spirituality, the concept of chakras and kundalini awakening has long captivated the Western world. But a deeper, more expansive understanding of these ideas prompts us to transcend the traditional seven chakras in the human body and see them permeating the universe at every level – from the massive galaxies to the tiniest sub-atomic particles.

This perspective’s core is the belief that chakras are not exclusive to the gross or subtle human body. They are ubiquitous and omnipresent, extending their influence to every cell, every molecule, every atom, and even to the most infinitesimal particles. Just like each human has energy centers, these minuscule entities – bodies in their own right – are also believed to possess chakras.

This viewpoint is a confluence of spirituality and quantum physics. It suggests a microcosm-macrocosm principle where the patterns of the universe repeat themselves at different scales, connecting everything from the vastness of the cosmos to the smallest particles.

During a full-blown kundalini awakening, a transformative spiritual experience often depicted as the release of divine energy stored at the base of the spine, it is proposed that not only the individual’s chakras but also these infinitesimal chakras, in each ‘body’ within our physical body, come to life. It is a grand unison of consciousness awakening at all levels of existence, interconnecting every particle within and beyond us.

In such a profound event, each ‘body’, from cellular to atomic and sub-atomic levels, reaches a state of self-realization, comprehending that it is part of the ‘Brahman,’ the ultimate reality or absolute in Hindu philosophy. This concept equates to ‘The Ground of all Being,’ a term that mystics and spiritual teachers use to describe the deepest level of reality.

This fascinating belief presents an interconnected universe where the microcosm and macrocosm continually interact, affecting and reflecting each other. A place where every entity, regardless of size or subtlety, is a unique expression of the same energy, bound by a common cosmic rhythm and linked through an intricate network of chakras.

In conclusion, the belief in a kundalini awakening of not just the seven primary chakras, but countless others within every atom and sub-atomic particle, invites us to broaden our perception of reality. This concept urges us to look beyond the boundaries of our current understanding and explore the uncharted territories of consciousness that might hold the key to our oneness with the universe. It is a philosophy that doesn’t merely expand our knowledge of self and the universe; it transforms it.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Drowning or Swimming? Decoding the Paradox of Mind Transcendence

Joseph Campbell, a luminary in the realm of comparative mythology and religion, once penned a remarkably profound quote: “The psychotic drowns in the same waters in which the mystic swims with delight.” This sentence invokes an evocative imagery of two people submerged in the same waters, yet experiencing entirely different outcomes. As we unravel the layers behind this quote, we delve into the profound disparity between losing one’s mind and transcending it.

On the surface, the quote suggests a nuanced understanding of how two people can experience the same reality in starkly different ways. But it goes deeper than that. It’s about the fine line that separates self-destruction and self-actualization, the boundary between psychosis and mysticism. The “waters” in this quote can be seen as the metaphorical sea of consciousness – the vast, undefined, often unruly and chaotic realm of the mind.

For the psychotic, these waters are treacherous, overwhelming, and ultimately engulfing. This individual is at the mercy of their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, succumbing to the unfiltered and uncontrollable tide of the mind’s creations. They ‘drown’ as they lose their ability to discern between their constructed thoughts and objective reality.

On the other hand, the mystic does not just survive but thrives in these waters. How so? They are those who have mastered the art of transcending the mind. They don’t seek to control or suppress their thoughts and feelings but rather learn to navigate them. By developing a keen awareness of their internal states, they can distance themselves from their thoughts, recognizing that they are not defined or confined by them. This detachment isn’t a rejection of the mind but a profound understanding of its place.

Does this mean transcending the mind is merely about survival? Not in the least. For the mystic, the sea of consciousness becomes a source of delight and wonder, a playground of existential exploration. The waters which are tumultuous for the psychotic become serene for the mystic. They can revel in the complexities and curiosities of the mind, but they never forget they are swimming – not sinking.

So, what distinguishes the drowning psychotic from the delightfully swimming mystic? It lies in the relationship each holds with their mind. The psychotic is subjugated by their mind, entangled in a brutal dance with their thoughts, leading to the loss of self. Conversely, the mystic views the mind as a tool, a companion in their quest for enlightenment, not a ruthless master.

We can argue that the art of swimming in these waters, as a mystic does, is accessible to us all. The question is whether we can cultivate mindfulness, detach from our thoughts without suppression, and remain open to the vast possibilities of human consciousness. After all, the goal isn’t to escape the waters but to learn to swim and ultimately delight in them.

Joseph Campbell’s metaphor presents a thought-provoking dichotomy between two extremes of human consciousness. It is a profound reminder that our relationship with our mind can either lead to our downfall or our enlightenment. It urges us to transcend rather than lose ourselves in the convoluted maze that is the human mind. The water, after all, is the same. It’s the swimmers who are different.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Three Perspectives on Divinity

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cosmic Connection

Every human being, at some point, grapples with the concept of divinity. How we perceive the divine greatly influences how we understand ourselves and our place in the cosmos. While there are many ways to envision divinity, let us ponder the “Three Faces of God” – “I am That,” “Thou art,” and “It, the Ground of All Being.” Each provides a distinct lens through which we may view and experience the divine.

1. Divine Within: The Face of “I am That”

“I am That” is a call to recognize the divine within us. It is not just a statement; it’s an acknowledgment of our inherent divinity. This perspective dissolves the illusion of separateness, helping us realize that we’re not merely fleeting existences in an indifferent universe, but integral fragments of a divine whole.

This face asks us to engage in deep introspection, to see beyond the veil of our mundane identities, and to understand that our true essence is not our transient ego, but the eternal spirit. Could it be that we’re more divine than we’ve ever imagined? This face prompts us to explore that possibility.

2. Divine As Other: The Face of “Thou Art”

The face of “Thou Art” offers a contrasting perspective. Here, the divine is seen as the ‘Other,’ an entity outside ourselves with whom we can establish a personal connection. This relationship with the divine, filled with reverence and love, is akin to the bond between a devotee and their deity.

In this model, God is the figure we pray to, seek comfort from, and surrender our troubles to. It’s a perspective that creates a powerful, intimate bond with the divine, letting us experience the divinity not as a part of us, but as a separate, caring, and guiding entity.

3. Divine As All: The Face of “It, the Ground of All Being”

The third face, “It, the Ground of All Being,” portrays God as an impersonal essence, the primal energy that permeates the cosmos. This face of divinity does not personify the divine but sees it as the raw material of existence. It is the unchanging reality amidst the ceaseless flux of the universe.

This view urges us to go beyond the traditional understandings of God and probe deeper into the mysteries of existence. Could it be that the divine is not just a deity or a spirit within, but also the very fabric of reality?

Wrapping Up

The Three Faces of God offer a multidimensional understanding of the divine, guiding us on our spiritual and philosophical quest. They propose different ways to connect with the divine, based on our personal inclinations and spiritual needs. More than a simple triad, they represent a spectrum of possibilities on our spiritual journey.

In acknowledging these perspectives, we can foster a richer understanding and experience of God, allowing us to discover the divine within ourselves, in an intimate relationship, and as the underlying reality of existence. Such an exploration can become a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual evolution, leading us to new levels of self-discovery and cosmic connection. After all, isn’t that what the quest for understanding divinity is all about?

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Dawn of Syncretic Souls

A Harmonious Unveiling of Eastern and Western Spirituality

Introduction:
In the transcendent tapestry of human spirituality, East and West have often been seen as disparate threads. The West, with its logical rigour and scientific orientation, seems worlds apart from the East’s mystical, inward-focused spiritual traditions. However, in the heart of a spiritual awakening, a resplendent horizon emerges, revealing the unity and complementary nature of these spiritual worlds. This article explores this enigmatic integration, delving into how the confluence of Eastern and Western spirituality can offer a comprehensive and profound spiritual experience.

The Philosophical Underpinnings:
Eastern spirituality, rooted in traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, often emphasizes the notions of unity, interdependence, and the cyclical nature of existence. In contrast, Western spirituality, particularly in Abrahamic religions, has been more inclined toward linear progression, individual salvation, and a personal God. Notwithstanding these differences, both sides seek to understand the fundamental nature of existence and the path toward greater fulfillment and enlightenment.

The Awakening Confluence:
The moment of spiritual awakening can be likened to the dawn; the dark night of ignorance recedes as the sun of wisdom rises. In this pivotal moment, the dichotomies of East and West dissipate, as one comprehends the interwoven complexities of existence. The Eastern idea of interconnectedness suddenly harmonizes with the Western emphasis on individual worth, signifying that our individual journey has cosmic interconnected consequences.

Science and Mysticism:
One of the key avenues through which this integration is taking place is the dialogue between science (often associated with the West) and mysticism (a domain of the East). Through disciplines like quantum physics, Western science is beginning to echo Eastern concepts of interdependence and non-duality. The parallels between quantum entanglement and the interconnectedness emphasized in Eastern philosophies are a testament to this evolving synthesis.

A More Comprehensive Path:
By integrating Eastern and Western spirituality, individuals may find a more comprehensive and balanced path. For instance, the Western emphasis on social justice and activism can bolster the Eastern focus on inner peace and equanimity. Conversely, the Eastern practices of meditation and mindfulness can bring a sense of inner clarity and purpose to the Western pursuit of external achievements.

Conclusion:
As the human spirit continues to evolve, the integration of Eastern and Western spiritual perspectives offers a more holistic and enriched path. This synthesis, fully realized in the moment of spiritual awakening, acts as a bridge between dualities, fostering a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. Through this harmonious integration, humanity has the potential to weave a more intricate, compassionate, and enlightened tapestry of existence.