Tag: nonduality

Seeing God in All Faces, Places, and Empty Spaces

“See God in all faces, places, and empty spaces” is an invitation to recognize the divine presence in every aspect of existence. This perspective encourages a profound shift in how we perceive the world, inviting us to see beyond the superficial and appreciate the sacredness that permeates all things.

Faces
Seeing God in all faces means acknowledging the inherent divinity within every person we encounter. It is a call to look beyond differences in appearance, culture, or belief, and to recognize the shared essence that connects us all. This recognition fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper sense of unity, as we see each individual as an expression of the divine.

Places
When we see God in all places, we cultivate a sense of reverence for our surroundings. Whether in nature, urban environments, or our homes, this perspective encourages us to find beauty and sacredness everywhere. It prompts us to treat our environment with respect and gratitude, understanding that every place is a manifestation of the divine presence.


Empty Spaces
Seeing God in empty spaces invites us to appreciate the silence, stillness, and potential that exist in the gaps and voids of our lives. These spaces are not merely absences but are pregnant with possibility and the unmanifest potential from which all creation arises. By embracing these empty spaces, we learn to find peace in stillness and to trust in the unfolding of life’s inherent wisdom.

Integrating This Perspective
To truly embody this perspective, one must cultivate mindfulness and an open heart. Practicing presence in each moment, we can begin to see the interconnectedness and the divine thread that weaves through all of existence. This practice transforms our perception, allowing us to live with greater joy, peace, and a deep sense of belonging.


By seeing God in all faces, places, and empty spaces, we align ourselves with a higher understanding of unity and divine presence. This shift not only enriches our spiritual journey but also enhances our interactions with the world, inspiring us to live with compassion, respect, and a profound appreciation for the sacredness of life.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

A Choice is a Response to a Choice Already Made

In the intricate dance of existence, each choice we make is not an isolated event but a response to a multitude of preceding choices, both conscious and unconscious. This realization invites us to explore the profound interconnectedness that defines our lives and shapes our destinies.

Consider the idea that our choices are echoes of prior decisions, reverberating through the corridors of time. Every action we take is influenced by the context created by our previous actions, the environment we inhabit, and the subconscious patterns we have developed over time. This continuum of choices forms a dynamic interplay where each moment is both a consequence and a cause, a delicate balance of cause and effect.

In the realm of nonduality, where distinctions between the self and the other dissolve, we begin to see that our decisions are not merely personal but are also part of a larger, cosmic unfolding. The individual choice merges with the collective will, and the personal narrative intertwines with the universal story. This perspective encourages us to approach decision-making with a sense of humility and responsibility, recognizing the ripple effects of our actions across the fabric of existence.

Moreover, understanding that a choice is a response to a choice already made invites us to examine the underlying motivations and beliefs that drive our decisions. Are we acting out of fear or love? Are we perpetuating old patterns, or are we consciously creating new ones? This introspective inquiry can lead to greater self-awareness and a deeper alignment with our true selves.

The concept of interconnected choices also highlights the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives. By bringing conscious awareness to our decisions, we can break free from automatic responses and create space for intentional action. This practice of mindfulness allows us to see the interconnected web of choices and to navigate it with greater clarity and purpose.

In essence, each choice we make is a dialogue with our past and a co-creation of our future. It is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things, a reflection of the continuous flow of life. As we become more attuned to this flow, we can embrace the wisdom that emerges from understanding the intricate interplay of choices and the profound unity that underlies our existence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Evolution Beyond Personal Deities

Embracing the Infinite

In the profound journey of spiritual awakening, there comes a moment when the personal god, once a comforting presence, begins to feel like an ill-fitting garment. This is not a rejection but an evolution, akin to an adolescent who outgrows their need for an imaginary friend. This metaphorical maturation reflects a deeper understanding of the divine as an infinite, formless presence, beyond any personal characteristics or limitations.

In our early spiritual development, the idea of a personal god can be immensely comforting. It offers a sense of security and companionship, much like a child’s imaginary friend. This anthropomorphic deity provides guidance, solace, and a moral compass, helping us navigate the complexities of life. However, as we delve deeper into the realms of spirituality and nonduality, our perception of divinity begins to transform.

The transition from a personal god to an impersonal, infinite reality mirrors our journey from ego-bound identities to the realization of our true, boundless nature. This shift is not about abandoning faith but about expanding it. It is about moving from a limited, dualistic perception of the divine to an all-encompassing, nondual awareness. Here, the divine is not a separate entity but the very essence of existence itself, permeating every atom of the cosmos.

Embracing this infinite reality requires a profound letting go of old paradigms. It involves releasing the need for a deity who looks like us, thinks like us, and intervenes in our lives. Instead, we begin to see the divine as an all-pervasive consciousness, a vast, unconditioned presence that transcends all forms and concepts. This realization brings a deep sense of peace and unity, as we recognize our inherent connection to the divine.

This evolution can be challenging. It demands that we confront our deepest fears and insecurities, the aspects of ourselves that clung to the comfort of a personal god. Yet, it is in this very confrontation that we find liberation. By letting go of the need for a personal deity, we open ourselves to the infinite, experiencing the divine in every moment, every breath, and every heartbeat.

In this state of expanded awareness, prayer and meditation transform. They become less about seeking guidance or intervention from a higher power and more about attuning themselves to the subtle, ever-present flow of divine energy. Our spiritual practices deepen, becoming a means of aligning with the infinite, of experiencing the divine as an intimate part of our being.

Ultimately, the evolution beyond a personal god is a return to our true nature. It is a journey from the confines of duality to the boundless expanse of nonduality. This realization is not an endpoint but a continuous unfolding, a never-ending exploration of the infinite depths of existence.


As we embrace this evolution, we step into a new dimension of spiritual maturity. We recognize the divine in all its forms and formlessness, in every aspect of life and beyond. And in this recognition, we find a profound sense of belonging, a deep, abiding peace that transcends all understanding.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

You Exist Because Nothing Does

In the profound stillness of existence, there lies a paradox that both mystifies and enlightens: the realization that you exist because Nothing does. This concept, which dances on the edge of comprehension, invites us to explore the depths of nonduality and the nature of our very being.

At the heart of this exploration is the understanding that nothingness is not a void but a fertile ground from which all things arise. This nothingness is the unmanifest potential, the silent source that gives birth to the multiplicity of forms and phenomena we perceive. It is the canvas upon which the universe paints its intricate patterns, each stroke an expression of the infinite potential that lies dormant within the void.

When we delve into the essence of nothingness, we begin to see that it is inseparable from existence. In the words of Eastern philosophy, form and emptiness are two sides of the same coin. The form is the manifest world we experience through our senses, while emptiness is the unmanifest potential that underlies and pervades all existence. This realization dissolves the apparent duality between being and non-being, revealing the inherent unity of all things.


To truly grasp this concept, one must move beyond intellectual understanding and into the realm of direct experience. This journey requires a willingness to let go of preconceived notions and to embrace the unknown with an open heart. As we surrender to the mystery of existence, we may find ourselves awakening to a deeper truth: that our very being is an expression of the infinite potential that lies within the void.

This understanding can have profound implications for how we live our lives. When we recognize that our existence is rooted in nothingness, we can begin to see the transient nature of all things. This realization can free us from the attachments and aversions that bind us, allowing us to navigate the world with a sense of ease and equanimity. We come to understand that, just as waves arise and dissolve in the ocean, our experiences are fleeting expressions of the boundless potential that lies within us.

Furthermore, this insight can inspire a sense of wonder and awe at the miracle of existence. Each moment becomes a precious opportunity to witness the unfolding of the infinite potential that lies at the heart of all things. We come to appreciate the beauty and mystery of life, recognizing that even the most mundane aspects of our experience are imbued with the sacred.


In embracing the paradox that we exist because nothing does, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. We come to see that our true essence is not limited to the forms we inhabit but is rooted in the boundless potential that underlies all existence. This realization can transform our perception of ourselves and the world, inviting us to live with greater compassion, wisdom, and grace.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The God Beyond God

Transcending the Boundaries of Love

When speaking of God, we often resort to the most powerful language: love. We say, “God is love,” encapsulating the divine in a universally comprehensible and deeply comforting concept. But what if this notion, as profound as it seems, is merely a stepping stone to a deeper understanding? What if the God we believe to be love is but a veil, and beyond it lies a transcendence so vast and incomprehensible that it defies our very definitions?

In nonduality, we explore the essence of reality that transcends dualistic distinctions. Love, as we perceive it, is bound by duality—there is the lover and the beloved, the giver and the receiver. It is an experience of connection, an interplay between entities. But the ultimate reality, the God behind the God, dissolves these boundaries. It is an all-encompassing presence where subject and object merge, where the dance of love and beloved dissolves into pure being.

This transcendence challenges our deepest convictions. We find comfort in attributing qualities to God—love, mercy, justice—because it makes the divine relatable. Yet, these qualities are expressions within the realm of form. They are the waves on the surface of the ocean, while the God beyond God is the ocean itself, formless and infinite, embodying all potential yet transcending all manifestation.

To approach this understanding requires a journey beyond concepts, beyond the comforting boundaries of language and thought. It calls for a surrender to the unknown, a willingness to dissolve into the mystery. It is here, in the heart of this mystery, that we encounter the essence of nonduality. This is the ground of all being, where the distinctions between creator and creation, lover and beloved, God and self dissolve into a singular, ineffable presence.

In this state of transcendence, what we once called love is seen as a mere reflection of the boundless reality that underlies all existence. It is not a negation of love, but an expansion beyond it. It is an invitation to experience the divine not as an attribute, but as the groundless ground of all attributes. Here, we are not merely loved by God; we are immersed in the divine, where every breath, every heartbeat, every moment is a manifestation of the infinite.

To truly know God, then, is to venture beyond the familiar and the comforting. It is to embrace the paradox that the God we seek, the God we attribute with love, is but a shadow of the ultimate reality that transcends all attributes. This journey is not for the faint of heart; it demands the courage to let go of cherished beliefs and the humility to accept the limits of our understanding. But in this surrender, we find a freedom and a peace that surpasses all understanding, a union with the divine that is as boundless as it is profound.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Paradox of Everlasting Peace

Beyond the Illusion

In spiritual exploration, the quest for peace is often seen as the ultimate goal. We meditate, reflect, and seek to align ourselves with the harmonious currents of existence, all hoping to find a state of unshakable serenity. Yet, within the paradoxical depths of nonduality lies a profound insight: once you find everlasting peace, peace no longer exists.

To understand this enigma, we must delve into the very nature of peace itself. Conventionally, peace is perceived as the absence of conflict, a state where turbulence and chaos are subdued, giving way to tranquillity. It is a fleeting condition, often disrupted by the inevitable fluctuations of life. In pursuing this ideal, we create a dualistic framework: peace versus chaos, calm versus turmoil.

However, the essence of nonduality invites us to transcend this dichotomy. It beckons us to a dimension where distinctions dissolve, and the illusory boundaries between opposites merge into a seamless whole. In this state, peace is no longer a transient phenomenon to be achieved or maintained; it becomes an intrinsic aspect of our being, inseparable from the totality of existence.


When we truly embody this realization, the very concept of peace undergoes a radical transformation. It is no longer something to be sought after, for it is already present in every moment, in every breath. The relentless pursuit of peace implies its absence, perpetuating a cycle of seeking and grasping. But in the awakened state, we recognize that peace is not an external condition to be attained but an ever-present quality of our true nature.

This shift in understanding does not render peace obsolete; rather, it dissolves the notion of peace as something separate from our experience. In the nondual perspective, peace and chaos are not opposing forces but expressions of the same underlying reality. The turbulent waves of existence and the still depths of tranquillity are both manifestations of the infinite ocean of consciousness.

Embracing this insight, we are liberated from the perpetual quest for peace. We cease to measure our inner state against an external ideal, recognizing that every experience, whether serene or turbulent, is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our true nature. The search for peace transforms into a deepening awareness of the ever-present, unchanging essence that underlies all phenomena.


In this awakened state, we find ourselves in harmony with the flow of life, no longer resisting or clinging to specific outcomes. We become the silent witness to the ebb and flow of existence, resting in the unshakable stillness that is our true self. This is the paradox of everlasting peace: when we no longer seek it, we realize it has always been here, beyond the reach of our striving.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Illusion of the Ego

Beyond the Needle in the Haystack

In the vast expanse of human experience, the personal ego often feels like the defining core of our identity. We navigate the world through its lens, believing it to be the essence of who we are. Yet, in the grand scheme of existence, this ego is but a minuscule fragment—a needle in a haystack compared to the vast, boundless nature of our true self.

To truly understand this, we must first explore the nature of the ego. The ego is the part of our consciousness that deals with individuality and separateness. It thrives on comparisons, achievements, and the ceaseless chatter of the mind. It is the voice that says, “I am this” or “I am that,” constantly defining and limiting our experience of reality.

However, as we delve deeper into spiritual inquiry and self-exploration, we encounter moments where the ego’s hold weakens. These are moments of pure being, where the sense of separation dissolves, and we touch upon a more expansive consciousness. This consciousness is our true nature—vast, interconnected, and free from the constraints of the ego.

Imagine the ego as a single grain of sand on the shore of a limitless ocean. While the grain is real and tangible, it is insignificant when compared to the infinite expanse of the ocean. Similarly, our ego, with all its desires, fears, and identities, is but a small aspect of our true, boundless self.


In these moments of expanded awareness, we realize that we are not merely the sum of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We are the awareness in which all these arise and dissolve. This realization brings a profound sense of freedom and peace, as we no longer identify with the transient aspects of our existence.

The journey to this realization is not always straightforward. It requires a willingness to question our deeply held beliefs and to look beyond the surface of our everyday experiences. Meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplative practices can be invaluable tools on this path. They help us to quiet the mind and to see beyond the illusions created by the ego.

As we progress, we begin to live more from this place of expanded awareness. Our actions become less driven by egoic desires and more aligned with a deeper sense of purpose and connection. We see ourselves not as isolated individuals but as integral parts of a larger whole. This shift in perspective transforms our relationships, our work, and our approach to life itself.


In essence, recognizing the ego as a mere needle in the haystack of our true self is an invitation to embrace a more profound and expansive understanding of who we are. It is a call to awaken to our true nature and to live from that place of boundless awareness and interconnectedness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Guru’s Enlightenment Isn’t the Absence of Your Own

It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap in the vast landscape of spiritual awakening. We witness the profound transformations and mystical experiences of others, and a subtle voice within us begins to whisper: “Why not me?” This whisper can grow into a chorus, overshadowing our path with doubt and impatience. However, understanding that someone else’s enlightenment isn’t the absence of your own can be a liberating revelation on the spiritual journey.

Each soul’s journey is a unique odyssey, carved out of their experiences and inner work. Just as no two fingerprints are the same, no two paths to enlightenment mirror each other perfectly. When we compare our progress with that of others, we risk overlooking the intricacies and nuances of our spiritual growth.

Imagine the spiritual journey as a grand symphony, where each individual’s enlightenment represents a distinct, essential note. The melody of the universe is incomplete without the contribution of each soul’s unique vibration. Another’s moment of illumination doesn’t dim your light; instead, it enriches the collective harmony, elevating the entire symphony to greater heights.

This realization invites us to shift our focus inward, recognizing the profound wisdom and beauty in our own experiences. Every moment of insight, every challenge faced, and every small victory on the path is a testament to the unfolding of our consciousness. When we honour our journey, we embrace the understanding that enlightenment is not a race but a deeply personal and transformative process.

The nature of nonduality teaches us that separation is an illusion. In the realm of pure consciousness, there is no competition or hierarchy. Each individual’s enlightenment contributes to the awakening of the collective, reflecting the interconnectedness of all beings. The enlightenment of one is a spark that ignites the potential within all.

Instead of viewing others’ enlightenment as a benchmark for our own, we can celebrate their milestones as a reflection of what’s possible within us. Their breakthroughs become a source of inspiration, reminding us of the boundless potential that lies within. By cultivating patience and trust in our unique path, we align ourselves with the natural rhythm of our spiritual evolution.

The journey to enlightenment is as diverse as those who embark on it. Embrace your path with gratitude, knowing that every step you take is perfectly purposeful. Remember, the guru’s enlightenment isn’t the absence of your own; it is a testament to the infinite possibilities that exist within the boundless expanse of consciousness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Divine Soil of Atman

Understanding the Unity of Existence

Atman is identical to Brahman, fundamentally the same. While Atman is often viewed as the individualized aspect of Brahman, it retains its essence as Brahman. Brahman is the ground of all being, and Atman is but a speck of this divine soil. This soil, sharing the same substance as the ground, emphasizes their intrinsic unity.

Atman itself has no location, shape, or form, yet the physical body—the gross body—does. This physical body is also Atman but has shape and form, making it localized and subject to polarity. The physical body, dense and tangible, includes everything that constitutes it: vibrating strings, subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, and cells. Each of these elements, in their individual form, is Atman.


All the subtle bodies are also Atman, spanning from the most subtle to the gross physical body. When the physical body dies, the soul doesn’t leave the body because it is non-local. The soul, as Atman, remains ever-present. Atman offers a more sophisticated explanation of the soul. Remember, Atman doesn’t leave the body because there’s nothing there to leave. This nothing or nothingness is Atman, the empty witness.

The opposite of all shapes and form is indeed all shape and form. Nothingness is non-local, omnipresent, and ubiquitous. In its absolute state, nothingness manifests as everything. This empty witness manifests its individual reality. Every event that occurs from its individual perspective is Atman. Everything that happens, from all perspectives, is Brahman. Atman and Brahman are the same, transcending the ego and the sense of self.


Transcending the ego is an act, part of the cosmic play that Atman/Brahman engages in. The same Atman/Brahman that doesn’t exist yet does. Everything and nothing are the same, merely imagined from two different perspectives.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Journey from Singularity to Advaita

A Deep Dive into Absolute Monism

In the realm of spiritual exploration, the concepts of Nirguna Brahman and Saguna Brahman offer profound insights into the nature of existence and the essence of reality. At the heart of this journey is understanding absolute monism and its manifestations through various dimensions of being.

Absolute Monism: The Unchanging Reality

Absolute Monism posits that there is a singular, omnipresent source from which everything emanates. This source, often called Nirguna Brahman, lacks qualities or attributes. It transcends all forms and distinctions beyond the dualities of hot and cold, good and evil, or masculine and feminine. This state has no concept of time, space, or location. It is the purest form of potentiality, embodying existence and nonexistence, and serves as the ground of all being.

Nirguna Brahman: The Formless Absolute

Nirguna Brahman is the ultimate reality without form or qualities. It represents the infinite potentiality that precedes all manifestations. In this state, distinctions such as up or down, north, west, east, south, inside or outside, and time or space dissolve into a singular, undifferentiated whole. This formless absolute is the source from which all probable and improbable possibilities arise.

Saguna Brahman: The Manifestation of Qualities

From the infinite potentiality of Nirguna Brahman emerges Saguna Brahman, the aspect of the divine with qualities. This is where evolution, shape, and form come into play. It encompasses all persons, places, and things, embodying the diverse polarities that characterize the physical and metaphysical realms. Through Saguna Brahman, the infinite takes on finite forms, giving rise to the rich diversity of existence.


The Path to Advaita: Non-Dual Awareness

The journey from Nirguna to Saguna Brahman is a transition from the formless to the form. However, the ultimate realization in this journey is Advaita, the recognition of non-duality. Advaita reveals the underlying oneness of all existence, where distinctions between self and other, subject and object, dissolve. It is an awareness that transcends the dualities of Saguna Brahman, bringing one back to the infinite potentiality of Nirguna Brahman.

Exploring Other Realms and Frequencies

In the context of Advaita, other realms and frequencies are understood as different expressions of the same underlying reality. Matter and consciousness are seen as different frequencies of the same essence. This holistic perspective invites us to explore the interconnectedness of all things, recognizing the unity within the diversity.


Para Brahman: Beyond the Beyond

Beyond both Nirguna and Saguna Brahman lies Para Brahman, the supreme reality that encompasses and transcends all. It is the ultimate source of all that is and does not exist beyond all concepts and categories. Para Brahman is the final frontier of spiritual exploration, inviting us to surrender to the mystery of the absolute.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith