Tag: Philosophical Insight

The Paradox of Unconditional Love

From Relative to Ultimate Self

In the pursuit of understanding love, especially unconditional love, we encounter a profound dichotomy between our relative self and our ultimate self. This journey from dualistic thinking to a non-dualistic state of being offered a rich terrain for philosophical exploration.

#### Relative Self: The Duality of Love and Judgment

The relative self operates in a world of dualities. Here, we are taught to “love the sinner, hate the sin,” a phrase that encapsulates our struggle to navigate the complexities of love intertwined with judgment. This perspective, while grounded in good intentions, often leads us into a labyrinth of conditional affection, where love is metered out based on perceived right or wrong.

However, this is not the endpoint of our journey with love. As relative beings, we are called to observe our actions, thoughts, and emotions without judgment or bias. This doesn’t imply a passive existence but rather an active engagement in self-awareness. It’s about understanding our reactions and biases at every stage of our development.



#### Ultimate Self: Realizing Love as the Essence of Being

Transitioning to the concept of the ultimate self, we enter a realm where the individual self dissolves into a universal consciousness. In this state, “everything is the self, and of the self,” leading to the realization that all there is, is Love – with a capital L. This Love transcends the dualities of the relative self. It is not just an emotion or a state of being but the very essence of existence.

Unconditional love, in this ultimate sense, is not something one can force. It’s a realization that emerges as the soul matures and lets go of attachments and prejudices. It’s recognizing the self in all things and all things in the self.

#### The Path to Unconditional Love

The journey to unconditional love is neither linear nor predictable. It involves years of introspection, meditation, and conscious efforts to detach from the biases and attachments of the relative self. This path requires patience, as unconditional love doesn’t happen overnight.

In this process, action and acceptance go hand in hand. While it’s important to act and change situations for the better, it’s equally vital to accept what cannot be changed. This acceptance is a form of unconditional love, acknowledging that not everything is within our control or needs to be controlled.



#### Conclusion

Unconditional love is more than an ideal; it’s a transformative journey that bridges the gap between the relative and the ultimate self. It’s about realizing that at the core of our being, beyond the layers of judgment and bias, lies an all-encompassing love. This realization dawns not through force but through a gradual awakening of the soul, ready to embrace the self in all its forms.

 Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Mirror of Compassion

Seeing Beyond the Self

In a world often driven by divisions and distinctions, the essence of seeing others through a lens of love is a profound step towards transcending the superficial boundaries that separate us. This insightful dialogue between host Steve James and me in this episode “Bodhi in the Brain” on Guru Viking, unveils a perspective that challenges the conventional paradigms of self and other.

The narrative unfolds a journey towards seeing others not as separate entities, but as reflections of our being. It’s a call to embrace a higher perspective, where love becomes the lens through which we perceive the world around us. This perspective is not about blurring the lines but about seeing the inherent unity that binds us all.

As this dialogue delves deeper, the notion of seeing others as we see our children emerges as a metaphor for boundless compassion and unconditional love. It’s about nurturing the seeds of empathy and understanding, allowing us to transcend the habitual tendencies of judgment and separation. This is not merely a philosophical idea, but a transformative practice that has the potential to reshape our interactions and relationships.

The profound statement, “Love thy neighbour as thyself,” is revisited with a fresh understanding. It’s not just a moral injunction but a pointer towards a state of consciousness where self and other are recognized as manifestations of the same divine essence. It’s about realizing that the same life force that animates our being also flows through every other individual, thus creating a bridge of compassion and understanding that transcends the apparent differences.

The journey towards seeing others as we see ourselves is a voyage into the heart of compassion. It’s about dismantling the walls of ego that keep us entrapped in a cycle of separation and conflict. It’s about cultivating a heart that sees not with the eyes of judgment, but with the eyes of love and understanding.

This perspective invites us to reflect on the quality of our interactions and the lens through which we perceive others. It’s a call to step into a space of openness, where love becomes the guiding light illuminating the path towards a more harmonious and compassionate world.

This conversation in “Bodhi in the Brain” is a dialogue with humanity, urging us to awaken to the boundless potential of love and compassion that resides within us. It’s a reminder that in the mirror of compassion, we see not just the reflection of others, but the reflection of our true self, united in the dance of existence.

As we embark on this journey of seeing others through a lens of love, we are not just transforming our perception; we are contributing to a collective shift towards a more compassionate and unified world.

Morgan O.  Smith

Watch Bodhi in the Brain, and previous episodes below:

Ep 220: Bodhi in the Brain

Welcome to Episode 220 of our enlightening series, where today we delve into a profound narrative titled “Bodhi in the Brain.” In this episode, we are joined by a spiritual seeker who shares his riveting journey towards higher consciousness. Through a blend of ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience, we explore the realms of mind and spirit, unveiling a path that bridges the tangible with the transcendental. Tune in as we navigate the intricate dance of existence, and uncover the serene space where the mind meets the infinite.

Ep 176: The Awakening of Mista Mo

Embark on a captivating expedition in Episode 176, “The Awakening of Mista Mo.” Today, we unravel the transformative journey of Mista Mo, a soul who found enlightenment in the most unexpected corners of life. His tale is one of resilience, discovery, and awakening to a higher calling amidst the cacophony of worldly chaos. As we traverse through his life’s chapters, we uncover pearls of wisdom that beckon a deeper understanding of self and the universe. Join us in this stirring narrative that echoes the eternal quest for inner peace and enlightenment.

Ep 195: Enlightened Comedian

Laughter is often said to be a divine gift, but can it also be a gateway to a deeper understanding of our existence? In Episode 195, titled “Enlightened Comedian,” we explore the whimsical yet profound journey of a comedian whose quest for laughter led him to the shores of enlightenment. Through a tapestry of humour, insight, and spiritual awakening, we delve into the heart of a narrative that celebrates the confluence of comedy and consciousness. Tune in to this heartwarming episode as we unravel the laughter-laden path to self-realization and the profound wisdom that accompanies it.

🔗 For those yearning for a transformative meditative experience or eager to delve into the philosophical depth of “Bodhi in the Brain”, the gateway awaits https://linktr.ee/morganosmith A friendly reminder for seekers everywhere: Guru Viking continues to unfurl wisdom every Friday on YouTube. Enrich your spiritual palette on Apple, SoundCloud, and Spotify as well. https://www.guruviking.com/

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Drugs, Mystical Experience, and the Value of Service

A Conversation with Linda & Michael Molina

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Linda and Michael Molina for inviting me to share my insights and experiences on their esteemed platform. Our engaging conversation traversed through the realms of spirituality, the use of entheogens, and the profound journey toward self-realization. Here are some of the key points I discussed during our enlightening conversation:

Oneness and Surrender:

One of the pivotal aspects of spiritual growth I emphasized is the practice of surrender and the dissolution of the ego to attain a state of “Oneness” or non-dual awareness. This state transcends the dichotomy of self and other, immersing one into a boundless existence that is the true nature of reality. I posited that the various paths and narratives leading to Oneness are but creations of higher consciousness, serving as a script that guides us through the unfolding drama of self-discovery. The crux of the journey lies in surrendering and opening one’s heart to the myriad experiences that life presents, allowing the essence of Oneness to permeate our being.

Embracing Negative Experiences:

The path toward spiritual enlightenment is not always bathed in light. It often takes us through the dark alleys of our psyche, urging us to confront and embrace our shadows. I shared the importance of welcoming negative experiences or the “dark sides” as integral parts of the spiritual journey. These challenging phases, when navigated with awareness and acceptance, can catalyze profound growth and a deeper understanding of our true nature.

Advice for Spiritual Seekers:

The spiritual expedition is an endless voyage towards the heart of existence. I advised fellow seekers to persevere, even when they stumble upon beautiful or profound experiences. There’s always a deeper level of realization awaiting beyond the apparent zenith. Each step taken on this sacred path unveils a new horizon of understanding, urging us to delve deeper into the mystery of existence.

Philosophical Insight:

Reflecting on the nature of reality, I likened the stories and paths leading to spiritual realization to scripts in a movie, orchestrated by a higher consciousness. These scripts, while seemingly real and consequential, are mere narratives that help make sense of our journey towards Oneness. The ultimate truth lies beyond these scripts, in the boundless realm of pure consciousness where the illusion of separation dissolves, revealing the unadulterated essence of Oneness.

Our conversation was a deep dive into the essence of spirituality, the transformative potential of brainwave entrainment, entheogens, and the boundless journey toward self-realization. I am immensely grateful to Linda and Michael Molina for providing a platform to explore and share these profound truths. Through such enlightening exchanges, we inch closer to unravelling the mystic tapestry of existence and fostering a collective awakening to the inherent unity of all life.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Watch the episode “Drugs, Mystical Experience, and the Value of Service” below. For more on ESF, check out their channel at https://www.youtube.com/@EmergingSciences

Tracing the Divine Contours

Metaphorical Exploration of the Three Faces of God

As we endeavour to understand the divine, let’s imagine sketching three different portraits of God, each revealing a unique aspect of the divine. These are the “Three Faces of God,” metaphorically spoken of as “I am That,” “Thou art,” and “It, the Ground of All Being.” Each face provides a different set of facial features, offering a new perspective and experience of the divine.

1. The First Portrait: “I am That”

Envision drawing the first portrait, where you sketch not with your hand, but with your consciousness. This portrait, entitled “I am That,” represents the divine as the reflection of our inner selves. The eyes in this portrait mirror our own, sparkling with the wisdom of unity and oneness. These eyes are windows into the soul, witnessing the divine within us and in everything around us.

The lips are sealed, symbolizing the silence that encapsulates the profound realization of this facet of divinity. It is a silence not born of absence but of completeness, tranquillity that resonates with the essence of existence. The serene countenance of this portrait is a silent affirmation of our inherent divinity.

2. The Second Portrait: “Thou Art”

Now, we turn to the second portrait, “Thou Art.” Here, the divine is perceived as the other, an entity separate from ourselves. In this image, the eyes are compassionate, gazing at us with empathy and understanding, reflecting a personal deity who knows us intimately, one who listens, guides, and protects.

The lips are gently curved into a comforting smile, a symbol of the divine’s eternal love and benevolence. This portrait embodies a divine entity that exists independently of us, yet is deeply connected in a loving and caring relationship.

3. The Third Portrait: “It, the Ground of All Being”

The third portrait, “It, the Ground of All Being,” is an abstract masterpiece. Instead of conventional facial features, it is an evolving canvas of colours, shapes, and patterns, capturing the unfathomable depths and dimensions of the divine as the fundamental essence of existence.

This image lacks eyes and lips because it symbolizes the impersonal aspect of the divine. It is the primordial backdrop from which all forms arise and into which they merge. This face does not interact or engage in the usual sense but is simply there, perpetually present, the immutable reality underlying all of existence.

Wrapping Up

This metaphorical exploration of the “Three Faces of God” is like an artful journey into divinity’s vast and varied landscapes. It encourages us to recognize the divine in our reflections, in a comforting gaze, and in the ever-changing canvas of existence.

Each of these faces, with its unique set of features, invites us to a different experience and understanding of God, enabling us to connect with the divine on multiple levels. It’s a contemplative journey that opens up possibilities for self-discovery and spiritual growth, enhancing our cosmic connection. In these divine portraits, we don’t just see different faces of God; we see reflections of our own quest for spiritual understanding and existential meaning.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith