Tag: Ultimate Reality

Emptiness and Form

Exploring the Essence of Ultimate Reality

In the vast expanse of spiritual philosophy, the concept of ultimate reality often emerges as a profound focal point of contemplation. At its core, ultimate reality is a paradox: an emptiness encompassing all that takes form. This paradox invites us to explore the intricate dance between the seen and the unseen, the manifest and the unmanifest, and the ever-present flow between these states of being.

Emptiness, in its essence, is not a void in the conventional sense. It is a fertile ground, a boundless potential from which all phenomena arise. This emptiness is not devoid of life; rather, it is the very source of existence, the womb of creation. It is in this emptiness that the seed of every form, every thought, and every experience is planted and nourished.

When we speak of “everything that takes form,” we refer to the myriad expressions of life—mountains and rivers, thoughts and emotions, stars and galaxies. These forms are the manifestations of the underlying emptiness, brought into being through the dance of energy and consciousness. They are transient, ever-changing, yet intimately connected to the unchanging, formless essence from which they emerge.

This understanding challenges us to look beyond the superficial appearances of the world. It encourages us to see the impermanent nature of forms, not as a cause for despair, but as an invitation to connect with the timeless reality that underlies all existence. This connection fosters a deep sense of peace and acceptance, as we recognize that everything, in its transient nature, is a part of a greater whole.

To truly grasp the nature of this ultimate reality, one must move beyond intellectual understanding and into direct experience. This requires a quieting of the mind, a stilling of the incessant chatter that often distracts us from the subtle truths of existence. In moments of deep meditation or profound insight, we may glimpse this ultimate reality—a state where the distinction between emptiness and form dissolves, and we perceive the unity that lies at the heart of all things.

In this state of awareness, we see that emptiness is not a lack, but a fullness—a fullness that contains all possibilities, all potentialities. It is a space of infinite creativity, where the play of consciousness unfolds without limit. This realization transforms our perception, allowing us to live with a sense of wonder and reverence for the mystery of existence.

As we navigate the challenges and joys of life, this understanding can be a guiding light. It reminds us that, at our core, we are not separate from the world around us, but deeply connected to it. In embracing the paradox of emptiness and form, we find a deeper meaning in our experiences and a greater compassion for all beings.

The journey to this understanding is a lifelong one, filled with moments of clarity and confusion, insight and doubt. Yet, each step on this path brings us closer to the heart of the mystery, where we may find a profound sense of peace and a recognition of the sacredness of all life.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The God Beyond God

Transcending the Boundaries of Love

When speaking of God, we often resort to the most powerful language: love. We say, “God is love,” encapsulating the divine in a universally comprehensible and deeply comforting concept. But what if this notion, as profound as it seems, is merely a stepping stone to a deeper understanding? What if the God we believe to be love is but a veil, and beyond it lies a transcendence so vast and incomprehensible that it defies our very definitions?

In nonduality, we explore the essence of reality that transcends dualistic distinctions. Love, as we perceive it, is bound by duality—there is the lover and the beloved, the giver and the receiver. It is an experience of connection, an interplay between entities. But the ultimate reality, the God behind the God, dissolves these boundaries. It is an all-encompassing presence where subject and object merge, where the dance of love and beloved dissolves into pure being.

This transcendence challenges our deepest convictions. We find comfort in attributing qualities to God—love, mercy, justice—because it makes the divine relatable. Yet, these qualities are expressions within the realm of form. They are the waves on the surface of the ocean, while the God beyond God is the ocean itself, formless and infinite, embodying all potential yet transcending all manifestation.

To approach this understanding requires a journey beyond concepts, beyond the comforting boundaries of language and thought. It calls for a surrender to the unknown, a willingness to dissolve into the mystery. It is here, in the heart of this mystery, that we encounter the essence of nonduality. This is the ground of all being, where the distinctions between creator and creation, lover and beloved, God and self dissolve into a singular, ineffable presence.

In this state of transcendence, what we once called love is seen as a mere reflection of the boundless reality that underlies all existence. It is not a negation of love, but an expansion beyond it. It is an invitation to experience the divine not as an attribute, but as the groundless ground of all attributes. Here, we are not merely loved by God; we are immersed in the divine, where every breath, every heartbeat, every moment is a manifestation of the infinite.

To truly know God, then, is to venture beyond the familiar and the comforting. It is to embrace the paradox that the God we seek, the God we attribute with love, is but a shadow of the ultimate reality that transcends all attributes. This journey is not for the faint of heart; it demands the courage to let go of cherished beliefs and the humility to accept the limits of our understanding. But in this surrender, we find a freedom and a peace that surpasses all understanding, a union with the divine that is as boundless as it is profound.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Convergence of Quadrants

A Journey from Relative to Ultimate Reality

In the realms of Integral Theory, our perception of reality is intricately divided into four primary dimensions or perspectives: the subjective (‘I’), the intersubjective (‘We’), the objective (‘It’), and the interobjective (‘Its’). These perspectives serve as the foundational pillars through which we navigate our relative existence, framing our experiences, relationships, and understanding of the world around us. These quadrants, when represented graphically, are not just abstract concepts but are reflective of the comprehensive ways in which we engage with reality.

However, the journey toward spiritual awakening introduces a profound transformation in this perception. As one advance towards the state of Turiyatitta, a term deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy signifying a state beyond the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, a remarkable unification occurs. In Turiyatitta, the boundaries that once separated the ‘I’ from ‘We’, the ‘We’ from ‘It’, and the ‘It’ from ‘Its’, dissolve into a seamless oneness. This state transcends the distinctions between the subjective and the objective, the individual and the collective, and the observer and the observed.


The exploration of Turiyatitta challenges the compartmentalized view of reality presented by Integral Theory. It invites us into a realm where the delineations between the upper-left (I), lower-left (We), upper-right (It), and lower-right (Its) quadrants blur, suggesting that these divisions are merely constructs of a relative reality. In the ultimate reality experienced through Turiyatitta, these quadrants converge, revealing that at the most profound level, there is no distinction between ‘I’ and ‘We’, ‘We’ and ‘It’, ‘It’ and ‘Its’—everything becomes interconnected, a unified whole.

This revelation has significant implications for our spiritual and philosophical journeys. It suggests that the ultimate truth lies not in the separation and analysis of reality into distinct quadrants but in the recognition of the inherent oneness that underlies all existence. The experience of Turiyatitta offers a direct encounter with this oneness, an experiential understanding that transcends intellectual comprehension and invites us into a direct, immediate experience of unity.


Engaging with this perspective does not invalidate the usefulness of the four quadrants in navigating our relative reality. Instead, it enriches our understanding by adding depth to our perception, allowing us to see beyond the surface distinctions and appreciate the underlying unity that connects all aspects of existence. This holistic view fosters a deeper sense of empathy, interconnectedness, and a profound appreciation for the mystery that is life itself.

As we navigate our spiritual path, the exploration of Turiyatitta and the convergence of the four quadrants invite us to reconsider our understanding of reality. It encourages us to look beyond the apparent separations and to embrace the unity that encompasses all aspects of our existence. In doing so, we open ourselves to a more profound, interconnected, and unified experience of reality, one that transcends the limitations of our conventional perspectives and guides us toward a deeper realization of the ultimate truth.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Beyond the Dualistic Mind

Nonduality as Direct Experience

Nonduality transcends mere philosophy. At its core, it embodies the direct encounter with the ultimate reality, which paradoxically, isn’t an experience in the conventional sense. The philosophy that arises around nonduality is intriguing, as it invites one to engage with a deeper form of wisdom. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this philosophical engagement is inherently prone to misinterpretation.

Consider the nature of thought itself. The very act of thinking about nonduality alters its essence. The subtle beauty and profound truth of nonduality are such that they evade the grasp of mental conception. To speak of nonduality is to risk distorting its pure form, as words are a tool of duality, crafted to delineate and differentiate.

Acting on nonduality further complicates its expression. Every action taken in the name of understanding or demonstrating nonduality carries the imprint of individual interpretation, thus never fully encapsulating its truest form. This is why nonduality cannot be pinned down as a mere philosophy or concept. It is beyond the intellectual and the tangible; it is the space where all dualistic perceptions dissolve.


However, this does not diminish the value of discussing and exploring nonduality. Each exploration, each dialogue, though imperfect, is a step toward the vast, uncharted expanse of understanding. It is in these explorations that we create space for insights to arise, even within the confines of our conceptual frameworks.

Ultimately, the pursuit of nonduality isn’t about attaining something or reaching a conclusion. It’s about the continual process of unlearning the layers of dualistic conditioning that obscure our true nature. It’s about resting in the spaciousness where true wisdom resides, beyond the reach of conventional thought and speech.


This journey invites you to experience the world afresh, beyond the confines of the dualistic mind. It beckons you to live in the wonder of the immediate and the real, where the essence of nonduality resides—not as a concept to be grasped, but as a reality to be lived.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Embracing the Infinite

Understanding Para Brahman as the Ultimate Reality

God, referred to as Para Brahman in this context, represents the absolute of all absolutes – an entity encompassing everything from the beautiful to the good, the bad, and the ugly. This concept presents a holistic view of divinity, not limited to only the positive or traditionally ‘godly’ aspects but encompassing all facets of existence.

Para Brahman, in many Eastern philosophies, particularly in Hinduism, is seen as the highest form of Brahman – the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit. This interpretation of God goes beyond the traditional Western notion of a deity who is separate from its creation. Instead, Para Brahman is seen as both immanent and transcendent, existing within and beyond all things.

This idea challenges our typical understanding of divinity and morality. It suggests that everything in existence, regardless of our human judgments of good or bad, is part of this ultimate reality. This inclusive view of the divine implies a deeper, perhaps incomprehensible, unity to all aspects of existence.


This perspective can be both comforting and disconcerting. Comforting, because it suggests a universe that is intrinsically connected and purposeful. Disconcerting, because it challenges our notions of morality and justice, blurring the lines between what we typically consider ‘good’ and ‘evil.’

Such a viewpoint can lead to a more compassionate and understanding approach to life. Recognizing that all aspects of existence, including what we perceive as negative or undesirable, are part of a greater whole, can foster a sense of tolerance and empathy. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate judgments and understand the broader context of life’s events.

However, it also raises complex questions about free will, destiny, and the nature of existence. If everything is part of Para Brahman, what does that say about individual agency and the consequences of our actions? Are good and evil just human constructs with no basis in the ultimate reality? These answers lie within.


In conclusion, viewing God as Para Brahman – the absolute of all absolutes – offers a profound and encompassing perspective on divinity and existence. It challenges our conventional views and invites us to contemplate the deeper connections and meanings of all that occurs in our lives and the universe at large.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Exploring the Concept of ‘The Absolute’

In Philosophy and Spirituality

The notion of ‘The Absolute’ is a profound and enigmatic concept that has intrigued philosophers, theologians, and spiritual seekers for centuries. At its core, The Absolute represents the ultimate reality or truth that transcends ordinary understanding. It is often described as the ever was, the ever is, and the ever shall be, encompassing the past, present, and future in a singular, unified existence.

This concept is not confined to any one religion or philosophical system. It is found in various forms across different cultures and spiritual traditions. In Hindu philosophy, it is known as Brahman, an unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality that is the source of everything. Brahman is the ultimate cause and foundation of all existence.


In Buddhism, particularly in its Theravada tradition, the concept of Anatta or ‘non-self’ echoes a similar idea. Anatta suggests that living beings have no unchanging, permanent self, soul, or essence. It points to a kind of Absolute that is devoid of individual identity, yet underpins the nature of existence.

Similarly, in Islamic theology, Allah is the Absolute, encompassing all attributes and beyond all human understanding. Allah is the ultimate reality, creator, and sustainer of the universe, beyond all temporal and spatial limitations.


In Christian mysticism, the term ‘God’ often transcends the anthropomorphic deity figure, representing instead an Absolute that is the ground of all being. This idea is also seen in other forms of monotheism and panentheism, where God is understood as both immanent and transcendent, existing within and beyond the universe.

The concept of ‘The Absolute’ also finds a parallel in Western philosophy, particularly in the idea of Absolute Monism. This philosophy posits that there is only one underlying reality, and all diversity and plurality we observe are merely manifestations of this singular existence.


At the heart of these diverse interpretations is a common thread: The Absolute is the ultimate reality, beyond the grasp of human thought and language, transcending our limited perceptions of time and space. It is a concept that challenges us to look beyond the material and ephemeral world, urging us to ponder the mysteries of existence and the universe.

In exploring ‘The Absolute,’ we delve into the deepest questions of life and existence. It’s a journey that takes us beyond the boundaries of conventional thought, into the realms of spirituality and metaphysical contemplation.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Ultimate Context

Authenticity and the Tapestry of Life

In my spiritual journey and teachings, I have always emphasized the importance of authenticity. I believe that when we strip away the layers of pretense from our spiritual practices, what we are left with is a genuine quest for truth. This journey towards authenticity is not just a path to spiritual enlightenment, but also a journey of self-discovery.

I often describe life as a tapestry of personal narratives. Each one of us contributes our unique thread to this tapestry, weaving stories of joy, sorrow, triumph, and struggle. These personal narratives are significant, yet they form part of a larger, immutable context — what I refer to as the Ultimate Reality or Ultimate Context. This Ultimate Context is the backdrop against which our individual stories unfold.

This concept of the Ultimate Context is akin to a vast ocean, with our individual lives symbolized as transient waves. While each wave has its unique shape and journey, it is not separate from the ocean. Similarly, our lives, with their narratives, are part of a larger, interconnected reality. Our experiences, no matter how personal or unique, are intrinsically linked to this broader context.

The recognition of this Ultimate Context invites us to view our lives from a broader perspective. It encourages us to find meaning not just in the personal ups and downs of our daily existence but in our connection to something greater than ourselves. It is a reminder that our individual stories, while important, are part of a vast, interconnected universe, which is ultimately The Self.


In embracing this perspective, we find a deeper sense of purpose and belonging. We begin to understand that our journeys, no matter how solitary they may seem, are integral parts of a grand, cosmic narrative. This realization brings a sense of peace and grounding, as we understand that our lives are woven into the very fabric of existence itself.

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

Satcitananda

The Voyage from Happiness to Bliss

In the pursuit of well-being, human beings have often conflated happiness with bliss, treating them as interchangeable states. However, the ancient concept of Satcitananda, a Sanskrit term embodying the essence of ultimate reality offers a profound distinction between these two.

Happiness is a fleeting emotion, a reaction to external stimuli, tethered to the temporal and the material. It is as changeable as the weather, reliant on circumstances, people, possessions, and places. Happiness is the surface-level response to life’s favourable events and acquisitions, tied to the sensory and the transient.

Bliss, or Ananda, in contrast, represents a state beyond the physical or emotional. It is not contingent on the external but is the intrinsic nature of being, untouched by the vicissitudes of life’s ever-changing landscape. Bliss is the deep, unshakable contentment that comes not from what happens to us but from what we are at our core. It is a realization of one’s true nature, a state of being where one exists in complete harmony with the universe.

Satcitananda breaks down into ‘Sat’, ‘Chit’, and ‘Ananda’. ‘Sat’ refers to truth or existence itself, ‘Chit’ to consciousness or knowledge, and ‘Ananda’ to bliss. These are not mere attributes but the very fabric of the ultimate reality, the Brahman. To realize Satcitananda is to awaken to the truth that our own deepest self is not separate from this reality.

The journey from happiness to bliss is a transformational process of expanding one’s understanding from the finite to the infinite, from a state of doing to a state of being. Where happiness might be thought of as a single note in a symphony, bliss is the symphony itself. It is the silent space between notes, as integral to the music as the sound, offering a depth that is both immanent and transcendent.

To chase happiness is to chase the shadows of what we believe we lack, while to embrace bliss is to step into the light of our divine nature, which lacks nothing. It is a shift from seeking satisfaction from the external world to discovering the inexhaustible joy within.

In Satcitananda, one finds the key to unlocking a truth that spiritual traditions have whispered for millennia: that what we seek outside has always been within. As we navigate the shifting tides of life, the realization that we are not merely chasing fleeting happiness but are embodiments of eternal bliss can transform our entire way of being.

Thus, Satcitananda is not merely a philosophical concept; it is an invitation to a way of life, a reminder that beneath the ephemeral dance of happiness and sorrow lies a profound peace and joy, waiting to be realized.

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