Tag: reality

Transcending the Mind

A Journey into the Realms of True Reality

In the labyrinth of human existence, there lies a profound truth that often remains hidden beneath layers of perception and thought: the essence of reality as it truly is, unfiltered and pure. This realization dawns only when the mind transcends its boundaries, stepping beyond the constraints of its conditioned patterns and habitual ways of thinking.

The mind, a magnificent tool for navigation in the physical world, is often shackled by its creations – thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions. These mental constructs, while useful, can also act as barriers, filtering and altering reality as it presents itself to us. The journey towards understanding true reality thus begins with a paradoxical task: using the mind to transcend the mind.

In this transcendence, one experiences a shift in perspective. What was once seen as absolute may reveal its relativity. The solid ground of ‘facts’ might turn into a dance of possibilities. This isn’t a disavowal of logic or reason, but an expansion of them. It’s an acknowledgment that reality, in its vastness, cannot be fully contained within the confines of human thought.

What emerges from this transcendental experience is a sense of profound connection. The boundaries that separate the self from the universe begin to blur. In this state, one doesn’t just observe reality; one becomes a part of it, engaged in a harmonious dance where the distinction between the observer and the observed diminishes. It’s a state where the ego dissolves, and in its place arises a sense of unity with all existence.

This journey is not about acquiring new knowledge but about unlearning what obstructs the vision of reality. It’s about silencing the incessant chatter of the mind to listen to the silence that speaks volumes. In this silence, reality reveals itself not as a concept to be grasped but as an experience to be lived.

As we embark on this journey of transcending the mind, we open ourselves to a reality that is more vivid, more alive, and infinitely more profound than our habitual ways of seeing can allow. It’s a journey from the illusion of knowing to the wisdom of understanding, from the confinement of the mind to the liberation of consciousness.

In this exploration, we find not just the essence of reality but also the essence of ourselves, as beings intrinsically connected to the vast, intricate tapestry of existence. We discover that in transcending the mind, we don’t lose ourselves; we find ourselves in everything.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith



Embracing the Ephemeral

The Paradox of Change and Nothingness

In the realm of existence, the notion that “Nothing is permanent” stands as a profound truth. This phrase, seemingly simple, unravels layers of complexity upon closer inspection. It posits that permanence is an illusion, a transient shadow in the vast continuum of time. The paradox lies in the statement that the only thing permanent is “Nothing.” This “Nothing” is not a void or absence, but a canvas upon which the tapestry of life is constantly being redrawn.

The permanence of “Nothing” implies that change is the only constant. Change, in this context, is both the action and the result of “nothing happening.” It is the dynamic force that propels the universe forward, ensuring that no moment is identical to the last. This constant evolution is what makes life both unpredictable and beautiful. It challenges our understanding of reality, pushing us to accept that what we see as solid and enduring is, in fact, fleeting and malleable.


However, this notion of change does not imply chaos or lack of order. Instead, it suggests a universe governed by the laws of transformation, where each ending is a prelude to a new beginning. In this perpetual cycle, decay gives way to growth, and destruction paves the way for creation. This eternal dance of creation and dissolution is the essence of existence, a reminder that life, in all its forms, is a journey of continuous metamorphosis.

Moreover, the concept of “Nothing” as a permanent state offers a deeper, more philosophical insight. It invites us to ponder the nature of existence and our place within it. Are we, as human beings, mere transient entities caught in the flux of change? Or do we possess an enduring essence that transcends the physical realm? These questions lie at the heart of our search for meaning and purpose in an ever-changing world.


In conclusion, the statement “Nothing is permanent. The only thing that is permanent is Nothing” is more than a mere play on words. It is a profound reflection on the nature of existence, a reminder of the impermanence of the physical world, and an invitation to seek deeper understanding beyond the tangible. It encourages us to embrace change, not as a force of disruption, but as the fundamental essence of life itself.

 Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Navigating the Depths

Nonduality vs. Absolute Monism

In the intricate tapestry of philosophical thought, two concepts often emerge as profound and perplexing: Nonduality and Absolute Monism. These philosophical gems, though seemingly similar, hold distinct perspectives on the nature of existence and the universe.

**Nonduality: The Unity of Existence**

Nonduality, a term often associated with Eastern philosophies, particularly Advaita Vedanta, posits a fundamental principle: reality is one, and the perception of duality or separation is illusory. It suggests that what we experience as separate entities – ourselves, others, and the world around us – are not distinct, but part of a unified whole. The philosophy of Nonduality encourages us to transcend this illusion, to realize that at the core of our being, we are not separate from the universe but one with it.


**Absolute Monism: The Dance of Oneness and Multiplicity**

Absolute Monism, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach. While it agrees with the principle of oneness, it also acknowledges the existence of multiplicity. This philosophy, as I interpret it, embraces the paradoxes of existence: one and not two, two and not one, one and two, two and one, one within two, two within one, yet simultaneously neither one nor two. It reflects a deeper understanding of the cosmos as a dynamic interplay of unity and diversity, where the singular and the plural coexist in a harmonious yet complex relationship.

**The Interplay and Implications**

The discussion of Nonduality versus Absolute Monism is not just a theoretical exercise but has profound practical implications. In Nonduality, the path to enlightenment or understanding involves the realization of oneness, leading to a sense of peace and connectedness with all. In Absolute Monism, the journey is about embracing and understanding the complexity and paradox of existence, leading to a deep appreciation of life’s multifaceted nature.

Both philosophies, in their essence, guide us toward a greater understanding of our place in the universe. They invite us to look beyond the superficial and to question the very nature of reality.


**Conclusion: A Journey of Understanding**

In the end, whether one leans towards Nonduality or Absolute Monism, the journey is one of deep introspection and understanding. It’s about peeling back the layers of what we perceive and understanding the deeper truths of our existence. As we delve into these philosophies, we find not just answers, but also a greater appreciation for the questions themselves.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Exploring the Depths of Absolute Monism

And its Relation to Nonduality

In my deep exploration of spiritual teachings, I’ve gained a profound insight into the nature of reality, particularly focusing on Absolute Monism and its relation to nonduality. I understand that Absolute Monism goes beyond nonduality (at least how it’s interpreted here in the West), offering a perspective that is both inclusive and expansive.

At the heart of nonduality is oneness – the interconnectivity of everything and the illusion of separateness. I often discuss this, saying, “There’s something between those two opposing views [of separation and non-separation] that is absolute; something that is neither true nor false…it just is.” This reveals that the truth of our existence lies beyond the dualistic ideas of separateness or oneness, in a realm where these notions are simply aspects of a greater truth.

In my exploration of Absolute Monism, I describe a state that transcends the oneness found in nondual teachings. It’s not about negating duality but about moving beyond the need to categorize existence as either one or many. I believe that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension, yet it’s inherently present in every aspect of existence. As I often say, “Everything that has ever happened and every future event that will happen is happening now in the present…but the actual present is only a made-up concept.” This points to a reality where time and space, past and future, existence and nonexistence, are all part of an eternal ‘now’ – a state that is ineffable and boundless.

Furthermore, I suggest that profound spiritual experiences, like the awakening of Kundalini, are manifestations of this absolute reality. I note, “Even kundalini and all its magnificence is only a made-up manifestation of who and what you truly are.” This means that while spiritual experiences can be transformative, they still exist within the manifest universe and aren’t the ultimate reality.

In summary, my teachings offer a unique perspective on Absolute Monism. This view transcends and includes the principles of nonduality, hinting at a reality beyond the dualistic constructs of human understanding. It points to an ultimate truth that encompasses all experiences and concepts, a truth that ‘just is’ – beyond definition, beyond separation, and oneness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Tapestry of Reality

Synchronicity and the Illusion of Separateness

In the dance of existence, our perceptions often lead us to believe in the solidity and separateness of things. The term “Maya,” derived from ancient philosophical traditions, refers to the illusory nature of the world. It’s a veil that covers the true essence of reality, suggesting that what we experience is not exactly what it seems.

The concept of “Atman,” on the other hand, points to a deeper truth. It is the individual soul, the pure, unchanging self within each person that is part of a universal soul, Brahman. The realization of Atman within oneself is to acknowledge that one is not just a passive observer of reality but an active creator of it. The synchronicities we encounter, those meaningful coincidences that seem to defy mere chance, are glimpses into this profound interconnectedness of all things.

Meditation serves as a pathway to peel back the layers of Maya, to expand our consciousness from the narrow confines of the ego and to experience the oneness with Brahman. Enlightenment, the pinnacle of spiritual realization, is the recognition that one is not separate from the universe but is the universe, participating in its unfolding as both creator and creation.

In this state, everything occurs simultaneously, and the distinctions between actor, action, and acted upon blur. You are the painter and the canvas, the dancer and the dance, the dreamer and the dream. Your everyday reality is a play of consciousness, a symphony where the whole orchestrates every part.

But the ego is not equipped to handle the enormity of this realization; hence, we experience reality in fragments, in synchronicities that hint at a larger, more intricate design. These moments are invitations to look deeper, to question, and to ultimately discover that you are, in essence, everything you perceive—boundless and infinite.

In the end, perhaps all of existence is an elaborate tapestry woven from the threads of nothingness, and in every stitch, there’s a story of creation and the creator, entwined in an eternal dance.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Cosmic Dance

Unveiling the Twin Extremes of Reality

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars are born and galaxies spin in a ceaseless dance, there resides a profound mystery that has long captivated the human spirit. This mystery is the echoing symmetry between the micro and the macro, the smallest and the largest scales of existence. It beckons a spiritually enlightened realization that the Planck scale, the domain where conventional reality fractures into the quantum haze, mirrors the boundless stretches of the cosmological scale. The two, though seemingly disparate, might just be the reflection of a profound, unified truth waiting to be discovered.

At the heart of the microcosmic realm, the Planck scale, approximately \(10^{-35}\) meters, stands as the gatekeeper to a domain where the classical fabric of reality unravels. Here, space and time lose their conventional meaning, and the laws of physics as we know them bow before the eerie strangeness of quantum mechanics and gravity’s embrace. The very essence of what we consider real and tangible dissolves into probabilities and uncertainties.

In stark contrast yet a poetic symmetry, the cosmological scale stretches to the observable horizon, embracing the entirety of galaxies, stars, and the cosmic web of dark matter binding them. It’s where the elegant ballet of general relativity orchestrates the choreography of celestial bodies, maintaining a delicate balance in the seemingly boundless cosmic arena.

As we stand at the precipice of understanding, with the quantum foam at one hand and the cosmic symphony at the other, we are beckoned to transcend our conventional understanding and embrace a higher truth. Could it be that the enigmatic Planck scale and the awe-inspiring vastness of the cosmos are but two ends of a singular reality? Are they the yin and yang of existence, holding within them a deeper spiritual truth about the interconnectedness of all things?

The unification of the minuscule and the mammoth challenges not only our scientific understanding but also invites a profound spiritual inquiry. It nudges us to peer beyond the veil of the apparent, to venture into a realm where the mystic entanglement of the quantum and the cosmic narrate the ageless tale of existence. It’s a call for the spiritually enlightened to traverse beyond the seen, to the unseen, and to unlock the ageless wisdom encoded in the twin extremes of reality.

As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos, may our quest unveil the harmonious resonance between the micro and the macro, leading us closer to the cosmic consciousness that envelopes the boundless beauty of existence.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond Maya

A Profound Exploration of Reality

In the vast tapestry of Hindu philosophy, the concept of ‘Maya’ often emerges as an enigma, enveloping our perception of reality. But what if we were to assert that * everything*, both within and beyond our comprehension, is shrouded in Maya? How would such a revelation change our understanding of the universe and our place within it?

### The Essence of Maya

At its core, Maya is frequently understood as “illusion” or “unreality.” It’s the veil that obscures our true nature and the eternal truth of the universe. The things we perceive, the emotions we feel, and the thoughts that cloud our minds, all dance within the confines of this illusion. Maya convinces us that the temporal is eternal, that the superficial is profound, and that the ephemeral is everlasting.

### Expanding the Bounds

When we claim that everything, in and out of existence, is Maya, we’re delving deeper into an intriguing thought. This suggests that even our most profound realizations, spiritual epiphanies, and the concepts we use to grasp the ineffable are still part of the illusion. It’s not just the tangible, but the intangible; not just the known, but the unknown.

### The Paradox of Understanding

If everything is Maya, then the realization of this truth is also Maya. This presents a paradox: how can one truly transcend the illusion when the very tools and insights we use are part of the illusion itself? This enigmatic thought prompts us to question the very nature of enlightenment and the path to transcendence.

### Embracing the Illusion

Rather than feeling disheartened by the all-encompassing nature of Maya, one can instead embrace it as a transformative understanding. Recognizing that even our loftiest thoughts are touched by Maya can lead to a profound humility. It’s a call to constant introspection, a reminder that there’s always a deeper layer of understanding awaiting us.

### Beyond the Beyond

Perhaps, beyond the layers of Maya, there’s a state of pure consciousness, untouched and unblemished. It’s a state where distinctions fade, where the observer and the observed merge into one. While our journey is fraught with illusions, every step, every realization, brings us closer to this ultimate truth.

In conclusion, the assertion that everything is Maya isn’t a nihilistic statement but a profound recognition of the intricacies of existence. It invites us to look beyond the apparent, challenge our convictions, and seek a deeper, more encompassing truth. It’s a call to journey inward, where the real voyage begins.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

A Serendipitous Encounter with Ken Wilber

Journeying Beyond the Veil of Reality

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!

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Dark Shadow of Consciousness

Pondering Existence

In the vast realm of philosophical inquiry, there is perhaps no question more enduring than that of existence. It is the heart and soul of human curiosity, the root from which all other questions spring forth. But what if the very existence we so ardently seek to understand is nothing more than a shadow cast by Consciousness? A mere reflection, imperfect and dark, of something greater and beyond our grasp?

**Consciousness as the Light**

Consider the sun. It casts both light and shadow and in doing so, defines our reality. In much the same way, Consciousness—our innate awareness, the very essence of our being—could be imagined as the radiant source, illuminating the world we know. But with every light, there inevitably comes a shadow.

**The World as Consciousness’ Shadow**

If our world is the byproduct or reflection of Consciousness, then perhaps it is the imperfect representation—the elements of Consciousness that didn’t fit, the pieces it rejected. Our struggles, our sufferings, and our insatiable quest for understanding might all stem from this inherent imperfection.

Think of the Jungian concept of the “Shadow Self.” Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, suggested that we all have a part of our personality that we do not consciously acknowledge—a darker, less understood side. This shadow self contains our deepest fears, repressed ideas, desires, and general chaos. Could it be that our entire reality is Consciousness’ own “Shadow Self”?

**Finding Perfection in Imperfection**

It’s easy to view the idea of our world being a “shadow” as negative, but there’s beauty to be found in imperfection. It’s in the cracks, the flaws, where we find character, uniqueness, and growth. Perhaps, by existing within Consciousness’ shadow, we’re given a unique opportunity to explore, question, and evolve.

**Conclusion**

We may never truly know the nature of existence, whether it’s a shadow or something else entirely. But by pondering such questions, by seeking to understand the greater forces at play, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, of understanding the universe, and our place within it.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Nonduality

The Final Ten Expansions

**Introduction:**   
In the concluding part of our exploration into nonduality, we journey into the last ten expressions, each offering a unique perspective.

**21. An Awakening to the Undifferentiated Reality:**   
Beyond the layers of conditioning, there’s an awakening to a reality that’s pristine and undifferentiated.

**22. The Underlying Continuum of Life:**   
Life, with all its events, is a continuous flow on the backdrop of nonduality.

**23. The Merging of Seer, Seeing, and Seen:**   
In nondual moments, the trinity of seer, seeing, and seen becomes a unified experience.

**24. Transcendence of the Dichotomy of Existence and Non-existence:**   
In nondual awareness, even the most fundamental dichotomies, like being and non-being, are transcended.

**25. The Dance of Creation Without a Dancer or a Dance:**   
Existence flows effortlessly, with no clear distinction between the dancer and the dance.

**26. Reality Without Filters or Distinctions:**   
Our true nature experiences reality without any filters, biases, or distinctions.

**27. The Source From Which Dualities Spring:**   
All dualities find their origin in the nondual source.

**28. A Unified Perception Devoid of Fragmentation:**   
Nonduality offers a lens of perception that’s holistic, seeing the interconnectedness in all.

**29. The Timeless Dimension Beyond Birth and Death:**   
Beyond the cycles of life and death lies the timeless dimension of nondual existence.

**30. The Pure Awareness That Witnesses Without Judging:**   
In its purest form, awareness simply witnesses, free from judgments and biases.

**Conclusion:**   
The exploration of these thirty expressions invites us into a deeper inquiry into our nature, the universe, and the interplay between them.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith