Tag: Spiritual Journey

Enlightenment in Every Expression

A Nondual Perspective on Personality

In my explorations of nonduality, I’ve come to a unique understanding regarding the expression of enlightenment. Often, we hold a stereotypical image of enlightened individuals as serene and detached, yet my insights suggest a different narrative. Enlightenment, in its true essence, does not confine itself to a single demeanour or emotional state. Instead, it can express itself through a variety of personalities and emotional spectrums.

Enlightened individuals, in my view, might not always fit into the conventional mould. They could laugh heartily, engage with the world around them with fervour, and express a wide range of emotions, all while being in a state of nondual awareness. This perspective challenges the preconceived notions about how enlightenment is ‘supposed’ to be expressed.


I believe that enlightenment is not about changing who we are; rather, it is about unveiling our true nature in its purest form. It allows for a diverse range of expressions, each authentic and genuine to the individual’s personality. This insight presents a fresh, inclusive, and deeply humane view of enlightenment, where authenticity is celebrated.

In embracing this perspective, we encourage each individual to see their unique personality not as a barrier to enlightenment, but as a vehicle for it. This approach fosters a spiritual environment where every individual’s unique expression is seen as a valuable and authentic facet of their enlightened journey.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Navigating the Infinite

My Journey Through the Layers of Nonduality

In my spiritual journey, I have come to hold a unique perspective on nonduality that deeply resonates with my personal experiences. It is a viewpoint where I see the myriad forms and phenomena of this vast universe as expressions of a singular, boundless reality. This perspective has been a guiding light in my explorations, leading me through various levels of nonduality.

Each level I have navigated has unveiled its unique insights and perspectives, enriching my understanding of existence and consciousness. These explorations have revealed to me the intricate and profound nature of reality, where every form, every phenomenon, is interconnected in a way that transcends our conventional understanding.


One of the most profound realizations in this journey has been the understanding that all perspectives on nonduality are valid. This realization came from a deep recognition that each individual’s experiences and realizations are unique expressions of their journey through the infinite landscapes of consciousness. Just as a diamond has many facets, each reflecting light in its unique way, so too does the experience of nonduality present itself in myriad forms.

This approach to nonduality respects and embraces the diversity of nondual experiences. It acknowledges that the myriad paths we tread in our spiritual journeys, with their unique revelations and insights, are all different facets of the same boundless reality. In this, there is a deep sense of unity and interconnectedness – a recognition that, in our diversity, we are expressions of the same underlying reality.


To all who walk the path of spiritual exploration, I encourage you to embrace your unique journey. Your experiences, insights, and realizations are invaluable contributions to the understanding of our collective existence. They are the threads that weave into the vast tapestry of nondual understanding, each one essential and irreplaceable.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

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

Embracing the Shadows

The Transformative Power of the Dark Night of the Soul

In the depths of human experience, where the light of understanding seems but a distant memory, we find ourselves in the midst of what Saint John of the Cross coined the “dark night of the soul.” This phrase has transcended its religious origins to signify a period of profound personal turmoil and existential crisis that, paradoxically, can lead to the most profound spiritual awakening.

The dark night of the soul is not simply a period of trouble or depression. It is a crucible in which the very foundations of identity, belief, and understanding are melted down. It is the unsettling void where the familiar dissolves, and we are left seemingly alone, wrestling with the most fundamental questions of our existence. Why am I here? What is my purpose? Is there any meaning to my suffering?

However, within this darkness lies a peculiar grace. The darkness, dense and impenetrable, confronts us with our deepest fears and insecurities. Stripped of all pretense, the ego is humbled, and the spirit becomes pliable. It is here, in the surrender to the unknown, that the light of awakening begins to seep through. As the Persian poet Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Our wounds and our darkness become the very openings through which a new understanding can emerge.

The transformation that follows is often not one that pulls us out of the dark, but rather one that illuminates the night itself. We find that this darkness was not the absence of light, but the very medium through which a deeper, subtler light could be perceived—a light of truth that the glaring sun of our previously held certainties and convictions could never reveal.

In the embrace of the dark night, the soul learns the language of paradox. The loss of everything that once seemed sure becomes the freedom to explore truth without constraint. In letting go of what we thought we knew, we become open to an entirely new way of being. This is not the light of day with its clear boundaries and definitions, but the soft glow of twilight that admits to mysteries we can never fully grasp or articulate.

This spiritual awakening is not a destination but a continual unfolding. As dawn follows the darkest hour, our awakening is an ever-evolving process where new challenges and understandings emerge. The dark night becomes a passage, a womb of rebirth. Like the phoenix arising from the ashes, our spirits are reborn from the very trials that seemed to threaten our undoing.

And so, the dark night of the soul is not to be feared or avoided but embraced as an essential passage to a deeper, more authentic spiritual life. The darkness is not the end of the journey but a vital, indeed crucial, part of it—a passage that refines, teaches, and ultimately enlightens, granting us wisdom that shines all the brighter for having known the depths of shadow.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Environment’s Role in Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is an inward journey that involves deepening self-awareness, a connection to a higher purpose, and a pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment. Though one might perceive spiritual growth as purely internal, the environment plays an instrumental role in shaping this voyage.

**The Outer Reflects the Inner**: Spirituality isn’t limited to the realm of meditation, prayers, or religious practices. It’s also about understanding oneself to the larger world. The environment serves as a mirror, reflecting the chaos or calm we feel within. A serene setting, like a tranquil forest or a quiet beach, can provide the space needed for introspection, while a tumultuous environment might challenge and refine our spiritual resilience.

**The Playground of Experiences**: Our experiences, heavily influenced by our environment, serve as lessons that guide our spiritual evolution. Facing economic hardships might teach us humility and gratitude while being in a nurturing emotional environment can facilitate feelings of love and empathy. Each environment, with its unique challenges and blessings, offers distinct lessons for our soul’s growth.

**Environmental Genetics and The Enlightened Individual**: Modern scientific understanding acknowledges that both genes and the environment play roles in determining our characteristics. This interplay is also valid for spiritual inclinations. An individual with a genetic predisposition towards introspection and an environment that encourages self-reflection might have a smoother path toward enlightenment. Conversely, someone genetically predisposed to anxiety but raised in a supportive environment might learn to channel that anxiety into a deeper spiritual quest.

Yet, it’s crucial to remember that enlightenment isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. The combination of genetics and environment produces a spectrum of enlightened individuals, each with unique strengths, perspectives, and wisdom to offer.

### Balancing Agency with Environmental Influences

While the environment significantly shapes us, spiritual growth also involves recognizing and exercising our agency. It’s about acknowledging environmental influences while taking proactive steps to seek experiences and environments that align with our spiritual goals.

For many, this might mean seeking spiritual communities, immersing oneself in nature, or actively creating a personal sanctuary that facilitates inner reflection and growth. For others, it might involve challenging and transforming their environments.

In conclusion, the environment isn’t just a backdrop against which the drama of life unfolds; it’s an active participant, a teacher, a mirror, and a guide on our spiritual journey. Recognizing its influence can empower us to harness its lessons, navigate its challenges, and embark on a more profound, fulfilling spiritual voyage.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Sacred Within the Flawed

A Paradox of Divine Texts

In an intricate dance between the divine and human, sacred texts from various religious and philosophical traditions find themselves at the nexus of reverence and scrutiny. These texts, while venerated as conduits of divine wisdom and moral guidance, are not immune to critique nor the acknowledgment of their inherent flaws.

When we unravel the threads of any sacred text, we find them woven with not just divine insights but also the human elements of error, contradiction, and historical context. Many perceive the imperfections found within these texts as reasons for critique and skepticism. Yet, there is a compelling perspective to be explored – the idea that the very flaws embedded within sacred texts render them genuinely sacred.

In dwelling within the flawed, we find a reflection of our imperfect nature. Sacred texts do not present an unattainable moral and existential utopia but rather provide a mirror through which we can perceive and engage with our own imperfections and moral dilemmas. The contradictions and ambiguities are not simply obstacles to faith but rather essential elements that provoke deeper questioning, reflection, and ultimately, a more profound understanding of our place within the cosmic order.

The perfection of the divine, if it were to be communicated through a medium devoid of error or contradiction, may remain eternally aloof and incomprehensible to our flawed human nature. Therefore, perhaps it is within the inconsistencies and paradoxes of sacred texts that we find an accessible pathway toward divine wisdom – a bridge crafted from the very imperfections that define our humanity.

By acknowledging and engaging with the flaws within these revered writings, believers do not denounce their faith but rather deepen it, embracing a spiritual journey that accepts the entwinement of the divine and the human, the perfect and the imperfect. It becomes a spiritual practice wherein the belief is not despite the flaws but is enriched and deepened by them.

In this juxtaposition, an opportunity for an intimate and authentic spiritual journey is birthed. The flaws compel believers to wrestle with their understanding, to question, and to seek, rather than passively accept a prescribed truth. This active engagement fosters a spirituality that is not static but dynamically interwoven with the realities of human experience, constantly evolving and adapting to the nuances of our understanding and experience.

As we traverse through the passages of sacred writings, embracing both divine wisdom and human error, we embark upon a journey that is both inward and outward, exploring the realms of the divine and our soul. In this sacred exploration, the flaws do not deter us but rather beckon us into a deeper, more authentic engagement with the divine, where faith is not a blind acceptance but a perpetual quest, rich with inquiry, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Perhaps then, the sacredness of these texts is not diminished by their flaws but is instead, beautifully and mysteriously, illuminated by them.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Melding Into The Absolute

A Glimpse Into The Ephemeral Veil of Enlightenment

The pursuit of enlightenment, often perceived as a lofty goal, transcends the entanglement of the mundane and the superficial. It is a venture beyond the confinements of ego, a journey into the vast expanse of what is real and eternal. But what happens when one treads on the path leading toward enlightenment? Is there a profound experience awaiting or is it an indescribable state of being? This contemplation draws insights from two profound philosophies – Vedanta and Buddhism, exploring their stance and convergence at the pinnacle of enlightenment.

During the moment of enlightenment, there is no ‘ego’ to witness this majestic unfolding. If one perceives a void yet remains distinct from it, the essence of enlightenment remains elusive. However, such an experience is a beacon of progress, a sign of being on the righteous path. When enlightenment graces, there’s an inherent knowing, a certainty that obliterates doubts. It’s a paradoxical realm where everything and nothing transpires, leaving behind only the essence of what one truly is—Absolute.

The Vedantic and Buddhist interpretations, though seemingly diverse, converge at the apex of enlightenment. Vedanta extols the oneness of existence, the monistic reality, while Buddhism explores the transient nature of reality, leading to a similar dissolution of ego and a recognition of an underlying unity. It’s akin to the myriad flavours of ice cream. Despite their distinct tastes and colours, the essence remains the same – the foundational element of ice. The epitome of enlightenment, or absolute monism, can be metaphorically depicted as a blend of every conceivable flavour of ice cream and beyond, encapsulating all foods, their variations, their origins, and their surroundings.

The metaphor extends further, proposing a confluence of all experiences, a melding into the Absolute. The journey might commence from disparate standpoints, traversing through diverse experiences, yet it culminates at a singular point— the realization of the Absolute. The magnificence of enlightenment doesn’t lie merely in reaching this pinnacle but in the unravelling of profound simplicity, an unveiling of what has always been there.

Upon such a realization, the dichotomies merge, the veils of ignorance are lifted, and what remains is an unadulterated consciousness, a pristine awareness devoid of fragmentation. It’s a return to the original state of being, a melding into the boundless, an embrace of the Absolute.

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

Yinnergy and the Wellspring of Creativity

A Journey into the Essence of Creative Energy

In the boundless realm of spiritual exploration, there are moments that not only illuminate our understanding but also become catalysts for creation and expression. During my conversation with Steve James on Guru Viking, I shared insights into the creation of my Yinnergy audio meditation program, a project deeply intertwined with my spiritual experiences and profound realizations.

Yinnergy was not merely a project; it was a manifestation of a particularly profound spiritual experience where I realized that we are not just a conduit for creativity but creativity itself. This realization was not an intellectual understanding but a deep, experiential knowing that permeated every fibre of my being, altering my perspective and subsequently, my work.

In that infinite space where I became synonymous with creativity, I understood that creativity is not merely an act or a process but an intrinsic aspect of our being. It is a boundless, ever-present energy that flows through us, inviting us to co-create with the universe, to bring forth expressions that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The creation of Yinnergy was a journey into harnessing this boundless creative energy, which I refer to as “Yinnergy” – a synergy of Yin energy, that is receptive, intuitive, and deeply connected with the universal flow. It was a process of allowing the insights and experiences from my spiritual journey to flow through me, to become sounds, and silences that could facilitate a similar space for others to explore, experience, and realize.

This realization that we are creativity itself has had a significant impact on my perspective and work. It has dissolved the boundaries between the creator and the creation, between the act of creating and the created. It has allowed me to approach my work, not as something I do but as an expression of my being, an effortless flow that emerges from the wellspring of creativity within.

Morgan O.  Smith

Watch Enlightened Comedian

Ep195: Enlightened Comedian

Welcome to Episode 195, “Enlightened Comedian,” where humour meets the profound depths of spiritual awakening. In this episode, we explore the whimsical yet insightful journey of a comedian whose quest for laughter led him to the shores of enlightenment. Through a blend of comedy and consciousness, we delve into a narrative that celebrates the divine gift of laughter and the profound wisdom it unveils. Tune in to this heartwarming episode as we unravel the laughter-laden path to self-realization.

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

From Syndrome to Awakening

The Dual Faces of Kundalini

Embarking on a spiritual journey often involves navigating through a complex tapestry of experiences that can be both enlightening and disconcerting. Among the many facets of this voyage is the phenomenon known as Kundalini syndrome, a precursor to a full Kundalini Awakening. It’s like a rite of passage that tests and prepares one for the profound spiritual metamorphosis awaiting on the other horizon.

Kundalini, often depicted as a coiled serpent resting at the base of the spine, is said to be a potent force that, when awakened, travels up along the spine, activating various energy centers (chakras) and bestowing a state of higher consciousness upon the seeker. However, this ascension is not always smooth. The process can initiate what’s known as the Kundalini syndrome, marked by a range of physical, emotional, and mental upheavals that can be perturbing, to say the least.

Experiencing symptoms such as intense heat or cold, involuntary body movements, or altered states of consciousness are part of the purification process needed to house the rising Kundalini. These symptoms, although unsettling, serve as indicators that the Kundalini is working to clear the obstructions that lie in its path.

A notable narrative around this syndrome suggests that it’s a crucible, a preparatory ground for the forthcoming awakening. This awakening is not merely a state of transcendent ecstasy but a profound rearrangement of one’s inner architecture.

In a metaphorical sense, Kundalini syndrome can be visualized as a chisel working on a block of stone, chipping away all that’s superfluous, moulding the individual into a worthy vessel for the divine energy to reside. The phrase “watch with eyes wide open, or with eyes wide shut” resonates here. It invites a surrendered observance, a yielding to the process however tumultuous it may be. It’s in embracing the syndrome, with its discomforts and challenges, that the genuine awakening is cultivated.

This narrative suggests that what may initially seem a curse — the turmoil and dissonance of Kundalini syndrome — is, in fact, a sanctified ground for spiritual blossoming. Like a seed within the dark soil, struggling upward toward the sun, through the syndrome, one is propelled towards a realm of expanded consciousness, profound peace, and an unshakeable union with the cosmos.

Kundalini awakening then is not an isolated event but a culmination of the endurance, the learning, and the purification that Kundalini syndrome initiates. It’s a divine choreography, a cosmic play of energy that unfolds within the sanctum of one’s being, eventually leading to a life enriched with a deeper understanding, transcendent joy, and a boundless connection to the universe.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith