Author, Philosopher, Spiritual Teacher, A Lead Facilitator at Sacred Media's Integral Mastery Academy, Founder of Yinnergy Meditation/Neurofeedback, Bodhi Mental Care & Wellness, Co-founder of KeMor Centre for Innovative Development
My Journey with Meditation, Consciousness, and Awakening
Exploring the intricate facets of consciousness and the enigma of meditation has been a lifelong quest for me. This week, I had the privilege to join Ellevan & Winny Clarke on the “Disciplined Stoners” podcast, sharing my insights, experiences, and discoveries.
I’m not just here as a meditation enthusiast; I introduced them to my creation, Yinnergy, a program born from my years of exploring and understanding the depths of inner peace and mental clarity. We also delved into the themes of my latest book, “Bodhi in the Brain,” embarking on a thrilling discourse on states of consciousness, spiritual awakenings, and the fascinating world of psychological development.
It was a transformative conversation, touching upon the delicate line between mere understanding and direct experience – a distinction that’s been pivotal in my personal and spiritual journey.
For those of you intrigued to dive deeper into my Yinnergy meditation or to navigate the pages of “Bodhi in the Brain,” you can explore them here at https://linktr.ee/morganosmith
Join us in this episode, where we venture beyond mere conversation, stepping into a realm of true transformation!
In the spiritual journey towards understanding and living in universal love, or agape, two enlightened beings emerge on parallel paths. They both embrace agape, yet their personalities and the way they manifest this profound love are strikingly different.
The Introverted Universal Love
The first enlightened being, whom we shall call Seraphina, channels agape through introverted universal love. This means her love is directed inward, nurturing the self and radiating outwards in subtle, non-obtrusive ways.
Impact on Others
Seraphina’s love affects others through quiet acts of kindness and a gentle presence. She may not actively seek to spread love, but those who come into contact with her feel a calm, loving energy that often leads to inner transformation. Her love is a tranquil pond, reflecting the beauty of the world without rippling its surface.
The Extroverted Universal Love
On the other hand, we have Gabriel, who embodies extroverted universal love. His love is outward-facing, actively engaging with the world, and seeking to connect with others.
Impact on Others
Gabriel’s love is a dynamic force, touching lives through acts of charity, teachings, and open-hearted connections. His love is a roaring river, sweeping people along in its powerful current and leaving change in its wake.
A Harmonious Dichotomy
While their approaches differ, both Seraphina and Gabriel contribute to the universal energy of love. They show us that love is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s a multifaceted gem that can shine through various personalities.
The Introverted Love: A Deep Well
Seraphina teaches us that love does not always have to be loud or grand. It can be a silent force, a deep well that nourishes the soul. Her love invites contemplation and self-reflection, allowing for a profound connection with oneself and the universe.
The Extroverted Love: A Brilliant Flame
Gabriel, on the other hand, shows us that love can be a brilliant flame that illuminates the world. It’s about embracing others, taking action, and spreading joy. His love is a call to action, urging us to engage with the world and make a difference.
Conclusion
The paths of introverted and extroverted universal love, though different, are equally valuable. They teach us that love can be manifested in diverse ways, tailored to our unique personalities and life paths.
In a world torn by division and conflict, the lessons from Seraphina and Gabriel remind us that agape is within everyone’s reach. It’s a love that transcends boundaries and unites us all. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil pond or the roaring river, the journey toward universal love is an expedition worth embarking on.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Michael and Linda Molina from the Emerging Sciences Foundation hosted a live interview with Morgan O. Smith to discuss the process of spiritual awakening.
Morgan O. Smith is a revered meditation instructor and spiritual guide. His life took a transformative turn in 2008, leading him to commit wholeheartedly to assisting others in discovering their inner tranquility. This led to the establishment of Yinnergy Meditation, a grassroots movement that utilizes the potency of audio-guided deep meditation practices to foster emotional, mental, and spiritual growth.
He has penned the newly released book, “Bodhi in the Brain”, which delves deeply into the symbiotic relationship between meditation and neuroscience. He has collaborated with the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), and presented at the Institute for Consciousness Research’s 37th Annual Conference. He has also appeared on podcasts such as “Guru Viking” and “Waking the Wild.”
He used to be a comedy writer, stand-up comedian and an acclaimed television personality. He co-hosted the award-winning show, “Buzz” and shared the stage with comedy legends and featured in nearly 50 television shows, indie films, and documentaries. His insights influenced Arian Herbert’s compelling book, “The God Behind The God.”
Morgan’s unique journey from entertainment to the tranquil realm of mindfulness enables him to resonate with diverse audiences and guide them toward a life enriched with inner peace.
In the labyrinthine corridors of the soul, there lies a path seldom tread, shadowed by mystery and often enveloped by fear. It is a path that leads to a place known as the “dark night of the soul,” a phase of spiritual desolation that has baffled seekers across generations. Yet, within the enigmatic darkness, emerges an unexpected companion – the “dark knight of the soul.”
The Dark Night: A Crisis of Faith
The “dark night of the soul,” a term coined by St. John of the Cross, represents a profound spiritual crisis, a period where the familiar becomes strange, and the divine seems distant. It is a time of purging, where doubts, fears, and the hidden shadows of the soul rise to the surface. The comfort of belief evaporates, replaced by a void that challenges the very core of spiritual identity.
In the “dark night,” one is forced to confront the most profound existential questions. What is the nature of divinity? Why does it seem so elusive? What is the purpose of suffering? The answers are not easily found, and the path becomes obscured.
The Dark Knight: The Warrior Within
In contrast to the disorienting emptiness of the “dark night,” the concept of the “dark knight of the soul” represents a heroic inner archetype. It is the spiritual warrior within, forged not in battles against external foes but in the internal struggles against one’s demons.
The “dark knight” is not a saviour but a guide, a symbol of the courage, resilience, and wisdom needed to navigate through the night. It embodies the willingness to face the darkness, wrestle with doubt, challenge fears, and integrate the shadows rather than shunning them.
The “dark knight” does not vanquish the night but learns to dance with it, finding grace in struggle and meaning in confusion.
The Dance of Darkness and Light
The interplay between the “dark night” and the “dark knight” is a profound spiritual odyssey. One cannot exist without the other. The “dark night” provides the terrain, the challenge, and the abyss that must be crossed. The “dark knight” offers the tools, the strength, and the inner fire that illuminates the way.
In this spiritual dance, the darkness is not something to be feared but embraced. It is a crucible where the false self is burned away, leaving only the authentic soul, raw and unburdened.
The path through the “dark night” is not a path of despair but a journey toward enlightenment. The “dark knight” is not a symbol of battle but a metaphor for inner harmony.
Conclusion
The journey through the “dark night of the soul” and the guidance of the “dark knight of the soul” offers a rich tapestry of spiritual exploration. It reminds us that darkness is not an end but a beginning, a transformation that leads to a deeper connection with the self and the divine.
In embracing both the “dark night” and the “dark knight,” we find a roadmap to authenticity, wisdom, and a spirituality that transcends superficial understanding. The darkness and the knight are not foes but partners, leading us toward a horizon where the soul’s true radiance shines.
The odyssey through the dark night is an invitation, a calling to all who seek. The dark knight awaits, a silent companion ready to guide us through the shadows into the embrace of our luminous essence.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Sculpted by ancient wisdom and breathed into existence by mystic philosophies, the idea of reincarnation challenges our perception of reality, questioning the depth of life, death, and the realms that extend beyond our comprehension. It’s an intriguing path leading to a fascinating panorama of eternal becoming, a ceaseless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that we often term ‘Samsara’. Delving deeper into this concept, a theory emerges, where the omnipresent Spirit, or the Ground of all Being, embarks on a journey to experience life from an individual standpoint.
The Spirit, in its omnipotent and omniscient state, voluntarily decides to fragment its infiniteness into a finite form, breathing life into an individual self. But why does this transition occur? Could it be that the Spirit seeks to experience, understand, and embrace the existential dynamics from the individual lens? To dive into the chaotic beauty of life, to suffer, to joy, to yearn, and to discover? We can only speculate.
The interaction between the Spirit and its earthly existence forms an intricate dance, a dance that eventually leads to the enrichment of the Spirit. Each incarnation, each dance, is an opportunity for the Spirit to learn, grow, and evolve. If Nirvana or Moksha, the state of absolute liberation, isn’t attained in a single lifetime, the Spirit continues its journey through subsequent lifetimes, circling the samsara wheel.
In this theory, one might imagine each cycle of Samsara to be equivalent to a full rotation of 360 degrees. Each degree of rotation represents the lived experiences, the struggles and victories, the heartaches and joys, and the insights and awakenings that shape the individual soul’s evolution. Upon completing this 360-degree cycle, the Spirit transitions to a new plane of existence, a higher level of consciousness, armed with the wisdom and enlightenment accumulated from its previous journey.
This continuum is profound. It’s a cosmic design that instills a sense of awe and wonder, presenting the possibility of existence in planes beyond our material world. It grants our life a transcendent purpose, a grandeur that transcends the limitations of a single life span.
Reincarnation, as visualized in this theory, leads us to reconsider the significance of our lives. It encourages us to perceive every event, every interaction, as an opportunity for the Spirit to learn and evolve. Furthermore, it nudges us to view ourselves not merely as transient beings but as vessels for the Spirit’s journey toward the absolute.
In conclusion, the philosophical discourse on reincarnation paints a vivid picture of the Spirit’s quest. It traverses from the individual standpoint to the Ground of all Being, from the mortal realm to the absolute. In each cycle, in each dance, in each 360-degree turn, we find the Spirit growing, understanding, and inching closer to its final destination: a state of total enlightenment and liberation. As seekers on this journey, may we live mindfully, learn incessantly, and evolve steadily. After all, aren’t we the Spirit’s manifestation seeking its way back home?
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Embracing the Indescribable in the Pursuit of Nondual Consciousness
The realm of metaphysics has been exploring the uncharted territory of human existence since the inception of philosophical thought. The concept of ‘Turiyatita’, borrowed from the ancient Vedantic wisdom, invites us to delve into the mystery of the Ultimate Nondual Presence. In a state of supreme transcendence, Turiyatita marries the notions of Emptiness and form, painting a picture of the Self fully liberated and realized.
This profound state is said to represent the highest level of human awareness. It’s the experience of actualizing the quintessential Vedantic concept, “Aham Brahmasmi,” the realization that all is Brahman, the ultimate reality.
The fascinating paradox of this journey lies in its unspeakability. The moment of enlightenment, where one realizes their ultimate oneness with the universe, is so overwhelmingly mind-shattering that no human language can capture its essence. We find ourselves venturing into a stateless state, an inexplicable expanse that houses all potentiality, while simultaneously being nothing. It’s a cosmic riddle that has always existed and will continue to exist, challenging the very constructs of human understanding.
Over the years, I grappled with expressing the enigma that is Turiyatita. I discovered that language, no matter how profound or poetic, remains insufficient to convey this transcendental experience. The individual mind’s narratives fall short when tasked with communicating such an experience to the collective consciousness. This realization is like a boundless sea that can only be expressed through the universe itself – through everything around us, beneath us, above us, within us, and even through us. Our very existence, after all, is an echo of this ‘Absolute’ language.
This illuminating journey of pure awareness left me in a state of awe, marking an indelible imprint on my ego’s fragments. An unforgettable memory, it is the most profound self-discovery I’ve had in this lifetime.
Most of us remain oblivious to the existence of this state, yet it’s accessible to everyone. It waits patiently for anyone bold enough to plunge into its mysterious depths. These are the Akashic waters of enlightenment, a blissful abyss where the brave explorers willingly lose themselves.
This presence, while unnoticeable, pervades our existence as an invisible field, a force that forms the bedrock of all beings. It’s in the exploration of this Ground of All Existence that one realizes the enigma of the indescribable, the ineffable mystery commonly referred to as ‘God’.
So, as we journey through life and its varied experiences, may we always strive for the courage to explore these profound depths. For it is in these explorations that we touch upon the mysteries of our existence, our true selves, and the cosmic reality we are all a part of.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Embarking upon the voyage of self-realization, one might chance upon the profound state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi, a realm where ordinary definitions of consciousness cease to exist. A phenomenon beyond words, it is an experience of unbounded vastness, where the mind expands beyond its limitations, reaching toward the omnipresent truth of totality.
Becoming the Absolute
In this unfathomable dimension, you journey from your everyday self to a radiant wholeness, a unity that echoes in the depths of your being. As your identity dissolves into the absolute, the stark paradox of the universe comes into focus – the reality of nothingness. This is the state where you free yourself from all worldly attachments, transcend your ego and step into a realm of pure awareness. The essence of who you truly are emerges, unrestrained and sovereign. The concept of ‘you’ vanishes, leaving a sea of pure consciousness in its steads.
Realizing the Totality
Nirvikalpa Samadhi takes you beyond yourself, and merges you with the Universe, introducing you to the power of omnipresence. You discover your entire being present everywhere, intertwined with everything, past, present, and future. A profound realization dawns upon you as you feel the universe within you, and yourself within the universe. A beautiful interplay of microcosm and macrocosm emerges, painting a picture of cosmic unity.
Saccidananda: The Triune Reality
The experience deepens further as you ascend to Saccidananda – a Sanskrit term that merges Sat (existence), Chit (consciousness), and Ananda (bliss). In this transcendent state, you attain an all-encompassing awareness, understanding that you are everything that exists, everything that is conscious. You become the embodiment of bliss itself, experiencing an ineffable joy that pervades all creation.
Awakening from the Dream
As you delve deeper into Nirvikalpa Samadhi, you experience an awakening, reminiscent of rousing from a profound slumber. The world as you know it – a construct of your mind, appears as an illusory dream. The illusion of the self fades away, making way for an unfiltered perception of reality. The world, once a confusing labyrinth, the world transforms into a crystal-clear mirror reflecting your true essence.
The Unmanifested Oceanic Field
This ultimate state of consciousness acquaints you with your original face – a radiant, bright light that is the source of all creation. You find yourself in the heart of the unmanifested oceanic field, the Dharmakaya in Buddhist philosophy. A state where all potentials reside, this is the womb of the cosmos where creation unfolds from possibility into existence.
Engaging with Nirvikalpa Samadhi is not merely a philosophical exercise, but a transformative experience that illuminates the path towards self-realization and universal understanding. It is a mystical journey into the depths of consciousness, where one awakens to the fundamental truth of existence – that we are all interconnected, part of a cosmic symphony resonating with the music of the universe.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Introduction: In an age where spirituality is often a trend, the differentiation between authentic spiritual pursuit and a mere display of piety becomes pivotal. If one merely adopts the garb of spirituality without authenticity, is it spirituality at all? This article seeks to explore the delicate balance between presenting oneself as spiritual and embarking on an authentic spiritual journey. The Allure of Spiritual Image: Social media, popular culture, and sometimes peer pressure portray spirituality as a serene and enlightened state. This depiction can be tantalizing. People are enticed to showcase themselves as spiritual beings, oftentimes to fit into a community, gain admiration or even as a refuge from self-accountability. Defining Authenticity: On the other side lies authenticity, which is the honesty and genuineness in one’s thoughts, actions, and intentions. Authenticity in spirituality means that one’s quest is not for show, but a sincere endeavour to seek meaning, connection, and perhaps even transcendence. Dissecting Inauthentic Spirituality: If spirituality is worn as a mask and not lived, it becomes hollow. For instance, one might engage in spiritual practices in public but live a life contrary to those principles in private. This lack of alignment between external display and internal values questions the very essence of one’s spirituality. Is it spirituality or is it pretense? Authentic Spirituality – A Journey Within: Authentic spirituality, by contrast, is unshackled by the need for external validation. It is a deeply personal journey, irrespective of the eyes that may or may not be watching. This path might be replete with doubts, stumbles, and personal challenges, but it’s real and grounded in honest pursuit.
The Purity Test: So, how can one discern authentic spirituality? A question that individuals must ask themselves is whether their spiritual actions and pursuits would remain the same if there was no one to witness them. The answer can be very telling.
Conclusion: To embrace spirituality is to undertake a journey of profound depth. It’s not just a robe one wears but the very fabric of one’s being. As such, authenticity should be its cornerstone. When spirituality is stripped of pretense, what remains is a raw and real quest – a journey that can be tumultuous, rewarding, and ultimately transformative. Let us aspire to ensure that our spiritual pursuits are rooted in the genuine soil of our being, not just the sands of outward display.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
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!
Introduction: Time is a mysterious and often bewildering dimension of our existence. Like the fleeting shadow of tomorrow, enlightenment is often thought to be something that is always just out of reach. However, what if the key to enlightenment was not in endlessly chasing it, but in realizing that it is already here?
The Illusion of Tomorrow: Many of us tend to postpone our happiness or goals for the future. “I will be happy when…” or “I will do that tomorrow,” are phrases we frequently tell ourselves. Yet, as time moves forward, tomorrow remains as elusive as ever. It’s always today. This is a poignant reminder that the present moment is all we have.
Parallel to the Illusion of Enlightenment: Enlightenment is often perceived as the pinnacle of spiritual accomplishment, a state to be attained in the distant future. However, much like tomorrow, the notion of enlightenment as a destination may be an illusion. If enlightenment is truly understanding and being at peace with oneself and the universe, then it must exist in the here and now.
The Eternal Present: The Buddhist concept of “Satori” embodies a sudden awakening or flash of insight. It illustrates that enlightenment is not a far-off goal but an ever-present possibility. When we begin to see that the essence of life and self-realization is embedded in the present, the journey toward enlightenment takes on a different texture. It becomes a continuous, unfolding process rather than a destination.
Cultivating Awareness: The path to recognizing that enlightenment is in the present involves cultivating awareness and mindfulness. By fully engaging with the present moment and releasing our attachments to the past and future, we can find clarity and wisdom.
The Role of Experience: Our experiences, no matter how mundane, are integral to our understanding. Every moment provides an opportunity for growth and learning. Through mindfulness, we can recognize the sacredness in the ordinary, and see that enlightenment isn’t something distant, but an ever-present reality.
Conclusion: “Enlightenment is always here” is not just a statement, but an invitation to break the chains of time and enter the eternal now. It’s an invitation to stop searching and start living. Like the enigmatic nature of tomorrow, enlightenment is not something that can be grasped or attained in the future. It is a journey that is happening right now. Every moment is an opportunity for awakening. May we have the courage to embrace the present and recognize the enlightenment that is always here.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 