Tag: True Self

The Paradox of Self and No-Self

Navigating Samsara and Nirvana

In the profound journey of spiritual understanding, the concepts of birth, death, and rebirth hold a pivotal place. The intriguing idea that an enlightened being, despite their profound realization, can still be subject to the continuous cycle of reincarnation, presents a paradox that invites deep contemplation.

The pursuit of Nirvana or Moksha, as understood in various spiritual traditions, suggests a state where this perpetual cycle is broken. This liberation, often depicted as the ultimate goal in spiritual endeavours, implies an escape from the continuous loop of birth, death, and rebirth.

However, this raises a thought-provoking question: Can one truly experience and comprehend nondual suchness – a profound realization of their true self as the foundational essence of all existence – and yet remain entangled in the cycle of birth and death? This notion challenges our understanding of spiritual liberation and the nature of self-awareness.


The intricate relationship between Samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and Nirvana (liberation from this cycle) is a complex one. They are often perceived as two distinct realms or states of being. Yet, in a deeper existential sense, they might be seen as the same. This perspective opens up a philosophical exploration into the nature of the self.

The concept of ‘no-self’ is central to this discussion. It posits that the individual self we identify with is an illusion, a transient construct devoid of inherent existence. Paradoxically, this ‘no-self’ is also the self, as there is no true separation between the individual and the universal. Thus, one might refer to it as the ‘no-self,’ questioning the very existence of a label or reference point in this boundless, interconnected reality.

This exploration leads to profound questions: Who labels this existence if the self is an illusion? What is the nature of the self that encompasses everything, yet is nothing in itself? These are the riddles that spiritual seekers have pondered for ages, and they remain mystifying and intriguing today.


This philosophical conundrum invites us to dive deeper into our understanding of existence, self, and liberation. It challenges us to look beyond the conventional notions of identity and existence, urging us to explore the very essence of being.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Nuances of Bliss and Happiness

Satcitananda Explored

In our perpetual quest for joy, most people often use the terms ‘bliss’ and ‘happiness’ interchangeably. Yet, when we delve deep into philosophical and spiritual terrains, subtle distinctions emerge, making it imperative to comprehend their intricacies. One such profound concept from Eastern philosophy is ‘Satcitananda’ – an amalgamation of three Sanskrit words: Sat (existence), Chit (consciousness), and Ananda (bliss). This triune not only illuminates the differences between bliss and happiness but also offers a deeper understanding of our true nature.

**Happiness: The Fleeting Emotion**

Happiness is an emotion, an ephemeral state dependent on external stimuli. It’s reactive – linked to achievements, possessions, or relationships. As circumstances change, so does our state of happiness. This transitory nature often leaves individuals in a constant chase, forever seeking the next source of joy.

**Bliss: The Intrinsic State of Being**

Satcitananda, on the other hand, represents a state of bliss that is non-reactive and intrinsic. It’s an inherent part of our spiritual existence, unaffected by the ebb and flow of life’s experiences. This bliss isn’t about elation or a surge of positive feelings, but a profound peace and contentment stemming from the realization of one’s true self.

**Satcitananda: The Bridge to Understanding**

When we disentangle Satcitananda:
– **Sat** reminds us of our eternal nature, transcending the physical world.
– **Chit** points to the consciousness or awareness, urging us to be observant and reflective.
– **Ananda** is the culmination – the state of supreme bliss derived from understanding and embracing the first two.

In essence, while happiness is an ever-shifting emotional state predicated on external factors, Satcitananda represents the immutable core of our being, where we find true bliss.

The journey from happiness to bliss involves moving beyond the physical and the fleeting, to recognizing and embracing our eternal and conscious essence. It’s not about denying happiness or its value, but about recognizing a deeper, more sustainable form of joy.

In conclusion, as we navigate life’s tapestry, it’s beneficial to not just seek moments of happiness but to strive for the ever-present bliss encapsulated in Satcitananda. It’s a call to explore beyond the surface, to discover joy that isn’t just an emotion, but a state of being.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Illusion of Spiritual Identity

Beyond Stories We Tell Ourselves

Spirituality, at its core, is a profound journey toward understanding one’s place in the vast expanse of existence. However, in our attempt to grasp this elusive understanding, we often pigeonhole ourselves into labels: spiritual, materialistic, moral, and the like. But what if I were to suggest that these labels, these stories, are mere illusions? And that by clinging to them, we might be limiting our true potential.

#### **The Stories We Tell Ourselves**

Every culture, every religion, and every individual has a narrative. These narratives shape our beliefs, our actions, and the way we perceive the world. They are the tapestries upon which our identities are woven. But what happens when we deconstruct these tapestries? Beneath the intricate designs and patterns, what remains?

The reality is that these stories are our creations, shaped by societal norms, personal experiences, and myriad other factors. To say one is ‘spiritual’ or ‘materialistic’ is to adopt a particular perspective, a specific lens through which we view the world.

#### **The Ground of All Being**

But let’s delve deeper. Beneath these self-imposed labels and narratives, there lies a fundamental essence – often referred to as the ‘ground of all being’. This essence is the raw, unfiltered state of existence. It is what you are before the stories, before the labels, and before the definitions. It is the canvas upon which all our narratives are painted.

This ground of being is paradoxical. While it exists beyond all descriptors, it simultaneously encompasses them. Think of it as an ocean. The waves, currents, and whirlpools may differ in their nature and intensity, but they all arise from and subside back into the same vast expanse of water.

#### **Embracing the Beyond**

Realizing this fundamental truth can be liberating. When we understand that our spiritual or materialistic labels are mere waves upon the ocean of existence, we can learn to see beyond them. We can experience the world without the confines of our self-imposed narratives.

This doesn’t mean that one should abandon their spiritual practices or beliefs. Rather, it’s about recognizing them for what they are – beautiful expressions of the infinite variations of existence.

#### **Conclusion**

In the end, whether you consider yourself spiritual, materialistic, or anything in between, it’s crucial to remember that these are just facets of the grander jewel that is existence. By stepping back and seeing beyond our self-crafted stories, we can come closer to experiencing the profound depth of what we truly are.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Enigma of the Monistically Absolute

A Journey Beyond Comprehension

Imagine, for a moment, immersing yourself into an immeasurable realm of complete egolessness, a profound plunge into the depths of an eternal abyss that, paradoxically, awakens you to the highest pinnacle of existential understanding. It’s a journey toward the Monistically Absolute – an awakening to the Ultimate Truth where you comprehend an uncanny Total Singularity that scoffs at the confinements of quantifiable laws.

At the crux of this unfathomable awareness, you realize a truth so deep, it pierces the veil between the subjective and the objective. This is the domain where the intangible and tangible lose their distinctions, where The One that is Nothing becomes the full embodiment of Everything, actualized and present. It is a formless form encapsulating all of existence, flourishing within, around, and beyond the contours of its existence. It is a sphere of limitless awareness, an unbroken stream of consciousness that’s perpetually alert of its Totality. A No-Self that is paradoxically the True Self, a staggering enigma that transcends all earthly dialectics.

In this grand unveiling, God is no longer a figment of belief, a notion, or an intellectual construct. Instead, God morphs into an undeniable Knowing, an indelible Truth that shuns falsehood. It’s a profound Love that transcends expression and becomes the very essence of all that Is. The intimacy of this event is beyond temporal boundaries; it engulfs every moment of existence, a timeless experience that allows The One to be conscious of its simultaneous manifestation as All Things. It’s the silent observer, the omnipresent witness of the past, present, and future, all intertwined within the continuum of the eternal Now.

As you dwell deeper into this mysterious reality, the sensation of this something, this profoundly intuitive phenomenon, penetrates your very core. It is a transformative event, an encounter where you, the seeker, tap into the pulsating heart of the universe, the underpinning reality that blankets all forms of Being. This is an experience of a Paradoxical Presence that stretches beyond all measurable scopes. It leaves the experiencer in a state of rapturous awe, a sublime ecstasy so profound it overshadows any state considered sublime. It is an unbounded experience that cannot be confined by mortal limitations, it’s a boundlessness that transcends all known bounds.

For in this divine encounter, what once was restricted by the mortal mind finds liberation in an outpouring of boundless stillness, an ecstatic dance of Absolute Pure Essence. It is an experience that echoes within the realm of the ineffable, shattering all illusions, tearing away the cloaks of misconceptions, and inviting one to taste the nectar of the Monistically Absolute. It’s a realm where contradictions dissolve, boundaries disappear, and all that remains is the unending dance of absolute existence, consciousness, and bliss.

The realm of the Monistically Absolute is an invite to all seekers, a call to transcend earthly illusions and merge with the infinite truth. It’s a realm that unfolds before us when we are ready to let go of all we think we know and open ourselves to the enigmatic beauty of the universe. It’s a journey of self-discovery and cosmic understanding, an odyssey that has the potential to redefine our perspectives and transform our realities. Will you heed the call?

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith