Tag: Transcendence

The Souvenir of Spiritual Enlightenment

Beyond the Peak Experience

In the realm of spiritual enlightenment, there lies an experience so profound and transformative that it often defies description. It’s a peak experience, a moment of nondual awareness where the sense of self merges with the universe, transcending the usual barriers of the ego and the mind. Those who attain this state describe it as a moment of absolute clarity, an encounter with the true essence of being. But what happens after this peak experience? How does one integrate this transformative moment into the fabric of everyday life?

The answer lies in the concept of the ‘souvenir’ of spiritual enlightenment. This souvenir is not a physical object, but a subtle, yet profound change within the individual. It’s the lingering essence of the experience, a change in perception and understanding that remains long after the peak moment has passed. This souvenir is a reminder, a glimpse of the infinite that we carry back into our ordinary lives.


This souvenir manifests in various forms. It might be a deepened sense of peace, a newfound ease in dealing with life’s challenges, or a pervasive feeling of connectedness with all things. For some, it’s a shift in values and priorities, leading to a life more aligned with inner truth and compassion. For others, it’s an ongoing journey of self-realization and growth, a path that continuously unfolds with each new insight and understanding.

The phenomenon of spiritual enlightenment itself is vast and incomprehensible, which cannot be fully grasped or retained by the finite human mind. In this light, the souvenir we bring back is not the entirety of the experience, but a fragment, a taste of the infinite that changes us in subtle and profound ways.


To integrate this souvenir into daily life requires patience, awareness, and a willingness to continue the inner journey. It’s about maintaining an openness to the lessons and insights from this transformative experience. It involves embracing the present moment, living with mindfulness and heart, and allowing the essence of the experience to guide and inform our actions and choices.

In conclusion, the nondual peak experience of spiritual enlightenment is a transformative journey that leaves us with a lasting souvenir. This souvenir, though a mere fragment of the vastness of the experience, has the power to profoundly alter our perception, guiding us towards a life of greater awareness, compassion, and connection. As we navigate the complexities of life, this souvenir becomes a beacon, illuminating our path and reminding us of the deeper truths of our existence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Profound Journey

Understanding Mystical Experiences and Spiritual Awakenings

**Introduction**:
In the pursuit of understanding life’s profound mysteries, we often come across terms like ‘mystical experience’ and ‘spiritual awakening.’ While these concepts are intertwined in the grand tapestry of spiritual exploration, they hold distinct meanings and implications for the seeker. In this blog post, we delve into the essence of these experiences and how they shape our journey toward enlightenment.

**Mystical Experience – A Moment of Transcendence**:
A mystical experience is like a flash of lightning in the dark night of our existential journey. It’s a transient, profound event that gifts the individual with a sense of unity and oneness with the universe. This experience transcends normal perception and thought, offering a glimpse into a deeper reality that is usually veiled by the mundane aspects of life. Mystical experiences are often described as ineffable – beyond the grasp of language and logic. They can occur spontaneously or be induced through various practices like deep meditation, prayer, or even through profound encounters with nature or art.


**Spiritual Awakening – The Dawn of Consciousness**:
On the other hand, a spiritual awakening is a gradual, transformative process. It’s not just a fleeting moment of insight but a fundamental shift in consciousness. This awakening alters how an individual perceives themselves and their surroundings. It’s akin to waking up from a deep slumber, where one starts to question and understand the deeper aspects of life, self, and the universe. This transformation often leads to personal growth, an increased sense of empathy, and a deeper connection with others. It signifies a lasting change in one’s worldview and approach to life.

**Interconnection and Differences**:
While both mystical experiences and spiritual awakenings can profoundly impact an individual’s life and worldview, they differ in nature and impact. A mystical experience might catalyze a spiritual awakening, yet it can also occur as a standalone event. The key difference lies in their duration and transformative effects. Mystical experiences are short-lived yet intense, whereas spiritual awakenings are long-term, gradually reshaping one’s consciousness and perspective.


**Conclusion**:
In the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, both mystical experiences and spiritual awakenings play vital roles. They offer glimpses into the profound mysteries of existence and guide us toward a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos. As seekers on this path, embracing these experiences can lead us to a more fulfilled and enlightened existence, marked by a profound connection with the world and a deeper understanding of the self.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Paradox of Purpose in the Ground of All Being

In philosophical discourse, few concepts are as intriguing and paradoxical as the nature of the “ground of all being.” This term, often used in metaphysical and theological discussions, refers to the fundamental basis or underlying reality of all that exists. At the heart of this concept lies a profound paradox concerning purpose.

#### Purposelessness at the Core

The ground of all being, by its very definition, transcends all known dimensions, including space and time. The ultimate reality underpins everything, yet it stands outside the boundaries of our physical and temporal world. In this sense, the ground of all being is inherently purposeless. It does not pursue goals or objectives because it exists beyond the constructs where purpose holds meaning. In its neutrality and transcendence, it simply ‘is’, unburdened by the need for purpose that characterizes human existence.


#### The Emergence of Purpose

Yet, curiously, from this purposeless ground emerges all purpose. The universe, with its myriad galaxies, stars, and planets, including our own, sprang from this foundational reality. Every atom, every life form, every human thought and endeavour finds its origin in this ground of all being. The very space and time that it transcends are the platforms upon which purpose is built and realized. In human terms, purpose is inextricably linked to our existence within space and time. Our goals, dreams, and aspirations are rooted in our temporal journey through life.

#### A Flourishing of Purpose within Constraints

It is within the confines of space and time that purpose finds its expression and fulfillment. Human endeavours, whether artistic, scientific, or personal, unfold within the physical world and over time. The space-time continuum is not just a physical reality but a canvas for manifesting purpose. The ground of all being, while itself devoid of purpose, is the source from which all purposes derive and the stage upon which they play out.


#### Conclusion: A Profound Duality

The ground of all being presents us with a profound duality. It is a realm devoid of purpose, yet it is the very source from which all purpose in the universe springs. This paradox is a philosophical quandary and a reflection of the profound mystery at the heart of existence. In understanding this, we gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities and wonders of the universe and our place within it.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Transcendental Journey

Beyond Self and Society in Pursuit of Enlightenment

The quest for spiritual enlightenment is a profound journey that goes far beyond the realms of the individual self. It is a path that demands transcendence in its truest form – a journey that calls for us to rise above not just our identity, but also the collective constructs that define our existence. This process of transcending encompasses various aspects of life: ego, behaviour, traits, race, gender, community, religion, tradition, culture, species, opposition, and even the environment.

Transcending individuality means moving beyond the ego and the superficial traits that define personal identity. It’s about realizing that at the core, we are more than our personalities, habits, or physical attributes. This realization opens up a new way of experiencing the world, where personal biases and limitations no longer bind us.


Moreover, transcending race, gender, community, and religion involves recognizing the unity and interconnectedness of all beings. It’s about understanding that these social constructs, while significant in our worldly interactions, are not the ultimate truths of our existence. By moving past these distinctions, we embrace a more inclusive and compassionate view of the world.

Transcending tradition and culture is equally critical. It means acknowledging the value and beauty in all cultural expressions while not being limited by any single worldview. This broadens our understanding and appreciation of the diverse tapestry of human experience.


Furthermore, transcending species signifies acknowledging and respecting the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms. It’s an acknowledgment that human life is just a part of the vast web of existence, not separate or superior to it.

Transcending opposition and the environment involves realizing that conflict and the perception of separation from nature are illusions. True enlightenment recognizes the harmony and balance inherent in all things and seeks to foster it.

In essence, to attain spiritual enlightenment is to transcend the myriad divisions and categories that fragment our perception of reality. It’s a journey towards seeing and experiencing the underlying unity and interconnectedness of all existence. This path leads not only to personal transformation but also to a more profound understanding and relationship with the world around us.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond the Infinite

Contemplating the Vastness Beyond Para-Brahman

In the profound depths of Hindu philosophy, the concept of Para-Brahman represents the ultimate, unchanging reality, the absolute existence that transcends all forms and phenomena. It is an entity beyond human perception, beyond all attributes, the substratum of both the manifest and the unmanifest. But the human mind, insatiably curious and inherently uncontent with limits, dares to ponder—what, if anything, lies beyond Para-Brahman?

To consider what is beyond Para-Brahman is to engage in a philosophical exercise that stretches the boundaries of thought and existence. It is like trying to illuminate the space beyond the edge of the universe’s observable horizon. Para-Brahman itself is defined as the highest Brahman, beyond which nothing further can be conceptualized within the traditional frameworks of Hindu philosophy. However, this does not deter the most adventurous minds from speculating on the nature of the absolute’s transcendence.

In attempting to name that which is beyond the ultimate, we delve into a realm of thought that precedes language and form. Such a pursuit may lead us to the Sanskrit term “Anirvachaniya,” meaning that which cannot be expressed or described. In this context, the term acknowledges the limitations of human language and understanding when faced with the immensity of the infinite.

Yet, it is in the silence of meditation and the stillness of contemplation that Hindu tradition often finds its deepest insights. Here, the individual soul (Atman) comes into direct experience with Brahman, and it is perhaps in the dissolution of the self where one might fleetingly encounter the hint of something even more profound than Para-Brahman—something that, by its very nature, cannot be encapsulated by any concept or word.

We might then call this speculative beyond “Ananta,” the infinite, a term that suggests an endlessness that extends even beyond the ultimate expanse of Para-Brahman. It is not a place, entity, or state that can be reached or understood; it is the possibility of infinity within infinity, the essence of boundlessness that permeates every aspect of the cosmos and yet is apart from it, untouched and untouchable.

To ponder what lies beyond Para-Brahman is to embrace the essence of the Upanishadic inquiry, “Neti, neti,” not this, not this. By negating all that can be known, we are left with silent wonder, an acknowledgment that the truth is ever beyond the grasp of our finest conceptions. It is a journey not toward another concept, but towards an ever-deepening mystery that invites us to find peace in the acceptance of the unknown.

The spiritual endeavour to reach beyond even the concept of Para-Brahman invites us to a profound humility, an understanding that what we know and experience is only a fragment of the vastness of reality. It is a cosmic reminder that the journey is not just about seeking answers, but also about appreciating the beauty of the questions themselves.

In this exploration, we are not just students of Hindu philosophy but of the universe itself, engaged in a ceaseless dialogue with the essence of existence. And perhaps, in that very dialogue, we come to realize that the ultimate truth is not a distant reality to be pursued but an ever-present mystery to be lived.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith


The Infinite and Beyond

Contemplating Brahman and Para-Brahman

In the profound depths of Indian philosophy, the concepts of Brahman and Para-Brahman emerge as pivotal ideas that transcend ordinary comprehension, inviting seekers to explore the very edge of cosmic understanding. Brahman is often described as the ultimate reality, the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality that is the Divine Ground of all matter, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond in this Universe. It is the singularity from which multiplicity flows, the essence that sustains and constitutes the cosmos and its myriad expressions.

Yet, within this already boundless concept lies the hint of something even more ineffable: Para-Brahman. This term goes beyond even Brahman, suggesting a reality that exists beyond the highest conception of the Absolute as known within the limits of human understanding. If Brahman is the white canvas upon which the universe is painted, then Para-Brahman is the very space that holds the canvas, the possibility of canvases yet untouched, and the idea of the canvas itself—both less tangible and more fundamental.

Para-Brahman is not just a step further; it is an exponential leap into the realm of the Absolute’s absolute. While Brahman can be approached through spiritual practice, described in scriptures, and meditated upon, Para-Brahman remains forever beyond the grasp of direct experience and intellectual articulation. It is the ‘Beyond’ in ‘Beyond the Ultimate’, the ‘Transcendence’ in ‘Transcendental’, where even the concept of ‘existence’ loses its footing.

The distinction between Brahman and Para-Brahman is not just of scholarly interest—it offers a radical perspective on the nature of enlightenment and the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit. It challenges practitioners to question the very foundation of what they consider to be Absolute. In Brahman, we find the dissolution of the ego and the union with the divine; in Para-Brahman, there seems to be no ‘we’ to experience the union, no ‘divine’ to unite with, only an unmanifested potentiality that defies duality and description.

This philosophical delineation beckons us to reconsider the nature of reality and our place within it. It humbles our narrative-driven minds to accept that the ultimate truth may be a mystery that remains forever out of reach, something that can be hinted at but never fully explained or understood. Yet, this is not a cause for despair but an invitation to expand our perception, to live with a sense of wonder, and to find peace in the ineffable mystery that is the grandeur of existence.

In this light, the journey of life transforms into a sublime trek across the expanse of consciousness—with Brahman as the guide and Para-Brahman as the destination that was never apart from us, yet always beyond us. The seeker thus becomes the ultimate pilgrim, traversing an inner universe where questions and answers merge into the silent eloquence of Being.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Uncharted Horizons Beyond Enlightenment

In the profound silence that follows the cacophony of seeking, what remains when the concept of spiritual enlightenment dissipates like mist at the rise of the sun? We often perceive enlightenment as the ultimate destination, a summit where the flag of our deepest self-inquiry plants its roots. But perhaps this pinnacle is not an end but a gateway, an opening to a landscape more expansive than the binary of enlightened or unenlightened.

Beyond enlightenment, the journey does not cease; it transforms. The seeker, who once scaled the mountain of self, now realizes that the mountain itself is but a wave in an ocean of consciousness. Here, in the boundless vista beyond enlightenment, the distinction between the seeker and the sought blurs and vanishes. The notion of spiritual progress, which implies time and measurement, becomes irrelevant in the face of a timeless being.

This post-enlightenment terrain is not about acquiring more spiritual knowledge or experiencing more profound states of meditation. It is a surrender to the simplicity of presence, where each moment is complete in itself, untethered from the ambition of reaching another. It’s an unlearning of the spiritual concepts that once seemed indispensable.

What awaits is a life lived in the fullness of emptiness, a paradoxical state where the wisdom of uncertainty is embraced. This is the wisdom that knows itself beyond forms and practices, identities and histories. In this realm, the very questions that once fueled our inner quests lose their grip: “Who am I?” becomes an echo without a source, a playful dance of consciousness without a questioner or an answer.

Here, the individual soul’s melody harmonizes with the universal symphony, and action arises from stillness, not strategy. The duality of self and other, spirit and matter, sacred and mundane, no longer confines. Everything is seen as an expression of the divine, and the divine is seen in everything.

The concept of “beyond enlightenment” invites us to explore a state where life is lived with an openness that requires no label, no status, and no fixed point of reference. It is a call to live deeply rooted in the mystery, to become the living expression of the question mark rather than the period at the end of a sentence.

In this sacred space beyond maps, we are each on an uncharted journey, a unique expression of life that never was before and never will be again. It is in this boundless realm that the enlightened mind, now free from the pursuit of enlightenment, can truly engage with the full spectrum of existence.

This is not a territory of more or better, but of true freedom—a freedom that comes not from reaching a destination, but from the realization that there was never anywhere to reach in the first place.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond Enlightenment

Navigating the Infinite Landscape of Wisdom

In the perennial quest for spiritual enlightenment, seekers envision it as the ultimate destination — a summit of understanding where peace and clarity reign supreme. Yet, what truly unfolds after this profound awakening is seldom addressed. Enlightenment, rather than being a finality, marks the commencement of a deeper journey into the essence of existence.

When one crosses the threshold of enlightenment, the transformation is both silent and explosive. There’s a dismantling of the ego’s grand fortress, allowing the individual to merge with the boundlessness of the universe. This fusion doesn’t eradicate the self but rather expands it to encompass all that is. Here, in this expanse, the enlightened mind finds not a static state of bliss, but a dynamic canvas where the play of life continues.

Post-enlightenment existence is characterized by a paradoxical awareness: the enlightened being sees the dance of creation with all its suffering and joy, yet remains untouched by it. They are the serene center of the storm, the silent witness who understands that all forms are transient expressions of the formless. Compassion becomes their natural state, not as a cultivated virtue but as an innate response to the interconnectedness of all life.

Moreover, this heightened state does not absolve one of responsibility or action. Instead, it calls for a more profound engagement with the world. The enlightened beings act, but their actions are no longer driven by personal desire. They become instruments through which the universe acts, their every move aligned with the greater harmony of existence. This embodies true freedom—action without the chains of attachment or aversion.

As the enlightened navigate their existence, they also grapple with the paradox of conveying the inexpressible. They stand as beacons, sharing wisdom not through dogma but through the silent power of their presence and the grace of their actions. Their words, when spoken, carry the weight of lived truth, offering signposts for those on the path.

Yet, the challenge remains for society to integrate the insights of these awakened souls. The true test of post-enlightenment is not in the transcendence of the individual but in the transformation of the collective. Can the clarity and peace of the enlightened consciousness ripple through the fabric of society, infusing our institutions, relationships, and daily lives with its essence?

In conclusion, spiritual enlightenment is not the end, but a rebirth, an invitation to embrace the infinite dance of existence with eyes wide open. It is here, beyond the illusory summit, that the real journey unfolds — a journey without distance, taking place in the eternal now, where each moment holds the potential for boundless wisdom and an ever-deepening love for all that is.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Brahman Through a Christian Lens

Exploring the Divine Tapestry

In the lush gardens of spiritual thought, there exist concepts that, at first glance, may appear to belong to entirely different landscapes. Yet, upon closer examination, one finds threads that weave them together into a grand tapestry of the divine. Such is the case when one seeks to understand the Hindu concept of Brahman from a Christian perspective.

At the heart of Hindu philosophy lies Brahman, the ultimate reality, the absolute existence, knowledge, and bliss. Brahman is not merely a god among many but the ineffable ground of all being, beyond form, beyond limits, the essence of everything that was, is or will be. It is an ocean of consciousness, infinite and eternal, from which the universe springs forth like waves from a boundless sea.

How, then, can a Christian approach this concept? Christianity speaks of God in terms of a personal deity, a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet also affirms that God is beyond all comprehension, omnipresent, and the source of all that exists. The Christian mystical tradition, with its contemplative gaze, has long sought union with the divine, echoing the Hindu pursuit of realizing one’s oneness with Brahman.

In the Christian mystical experience, one might glimpse parallels to the understanding of Brahman. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of Christ as the one “in whom all things hold together.” This echoes the sense of Brahman as the underlying reality that upholds the universe. Theologians like St. Augustine have described God as being closer to us than we are to ourselves, resonating with the Hindu notion of Atman, the innermost self, ultimately one with Brahman.

Furthermore, the Christian concept of agape, or self-giving love, can be seen as a reflection of the blissful aspect of Brahman. In creation, God pours out love, which might be understood as a movement from the fullness of divine bliss. The Incarnation, the event of God becoming human in the person of Jesus, is a profound expression of this divine self-outpouring, analogous to the way Brahman manifests as the universe.

Yet, there are also profound differences. Christianity insists on a personal relationship with God, while the realization of Brahman is often described in impersonal terms. The Christian God enters into history and suffers with humanity, whereas Brahman is often seen as beyond all duality and unaffected by the play of cosmic forces.

In exploring Brahman from a Christian standpoint, we tread a path of mystery and paradox, where words falter and concepts blur. It is a journey that calls for humility, for what we encounter is the divine mystery, which, whether named Brahman or God, ultimately eludes all attempts at definition.

As we reflect on Brahman through a Christian lens, we are invited not to a debate but to a dance of understanding, where diverse beliefs can enrich each other. It is a reminder that our grasp of the Infinite is always incomplete and that perhaps, in the silent spaces between our words and concepts, there might be more that unites than divides.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

To Reach Beyond the Luminous

A Contemplation on Enlightenment and Distractions Along the Path

In our intrinsic pursuit of enlightenment, myriad entities, experiences, and spiritual phenomena often unveil themselves, presenting a paradoxical tapestry where understanding and distraction intertwine. When such entities or guides emerge along our path, they necessitate neither fixation nor rejection. For if they come, let them come, and if they decide to part, let them go. They are merely visitors, not permanent dwellers in our spiritual quest.

The venerable aphorism, “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him,” underscores the necessity of liberating ourselves from attachments and anticipated experiences in our spiritual pursuit. For, anything that becomes an object, a tangible or conceptual entity in our path, is not the ultimate truth. Therein, even the luminous light, an experience that many consider synonymous with spiritual ascension, is merely an objective reality, one that still exists within the domain of duality and separation.

The spiritual path unfurls itself as a journey where psychic powers, or Siddhis, may develop. If they do, they are not to be clung to. Enlightenment is neither a culmination nor an accumulation of powers or experiences, but a transcendence that paradoxically both surpasses yet includes all phenomena. It is an unceasing journey toward non-duality, where there is no seer, no seen, and no seeing – only a unified, unblemished consciousness that permeates all.

Phenomena, be they seemingly mundane or extraordinarily mystical, are to be acknowledged, witnessed, and permitted to drift away without attachment or aversion. They are waves on the surface of the ocean of consciousness, significant in their momentary existence, yet ultimately rejoining the vast, undulating expanse from whence they came.

Our ego becomes the most subtle, pervasive, and potentially pernicious impediment in this spiritual journey. It distorts, distracts, and sometimes destructs, coaxing us into traps that appear as enlightening experiences. The seductive allure of these experiences has ensnared many seekers, captivating them in a web that is woven from the threads of spiritual materialism.

The aspiration is not to annihilate the senses but to transcend and include them, to experience them in their fullest, most vibrant expressions, and yet remain unbound by them. It is to dive deep into the very essence of existence until all dichotomies, dualities, and senses converge into a singular, unified experience where distinctions cease, and all that remains is the unbounded, immeasurable expanse of Being.

Hence, the spiritual path might be perceived not as an endeavour of attaining or achieving, but as a continuous unfolding of letting go, a perpetual surrender. For in this surrender, we do not become devoid or nihilistic, but rather, we open ourselves to the entirety of existence, unshielded and unbounded.

All is a dream within the mind of God, and you, the dreamer, are no distinct from the dream you conjure, for at the ultimate level of who and what you are, is even beyond the luminous, beyond objectivity. To witness without becoming witnessed, to experience without becoming experienced – this is the path to enlightenment, where letting go is the ultimate embrace.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith