Tag: Ultimate Reality

The Peak Experience

Mount Olympus and Mysticism

To ascend a mountain and stand at its zenith is a profound experience. But to stand atop Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the gods, is to touch a space where the divine meets the mortal. Unlike any other, this mountaintop symbolizes an intersection between the world as we know it and a realm beyond comprehension. What does it mean to attain such an experience? How does this metaphorical journey relate to the mystical peak experiences described by the world’s spiritual seekers?

**1. A Realm Beyond the Senses**

In many religious traditions, mysticism represents an encounter with the Divine, the Ultimate Reality, or the Absolute. These encounters are said to be ineffable, transcending words, and profoundly transformative. Similarly, the summit of Mount Olympus shrouded in myth and legend, exists as a space beyond the ordinary. Both represent realms beyond our senses, places where our ordinary conceptions of reality are challenged.

**2. The Ascent**

The path to mysticism, like the climb to a mountain’s summit, is not without challenges. Doubt, hardship, and uncertainty plague the seeker, testing their commitment and resolve. Yet, it’s through these adversities that transformation occurs. The ascent shapes the soul, refines the spirit, and prepares one for the profound revelations that await at the peak.

**3. Transient Yet Timeless**

Mystical experiences, though often fleeting, leave an indelible mark on the soul. The same can be said about reaching the summit of a great mountain. In that brief moment atop Mount Olympus, one is both part of ancient mythology and the present moment. Time seems to both stand still and move rapidly, offering a glimpse into eternity.

**4. The Return**

Mystical experiences often come with a mandate to return to the ordinary world, bearing the fruits of spiritual insight. Similarly, after reaching the peak, the climber must descend and integrate their experience into their everyday life. They bring back with them a new perspective, a deeper understanding, and a sense of connectedness that enriches their existence.

**5. The Universal Quest**

The legends of Mount Olympus and the experiences of mystics from diverse traditions remind us of a universal human quest: the pursuit of meaning, connection, and a deeper understanding of existence. Whether through meditation, ritual, or scaling a mythical mountain, the journey toward the peak is a timeless endeavour that inspires and challenges us.

In conclusion, with its rich tapestry of legends, Mount Olympus serves as a poignant metaphor for the peak experiences in mysticism. Both offer a transformative journey, a meeting with the transcendent, and a glimpse into realms beyond the ordinary. And in both, the seeker is reminded of the beauty, mystery, and depth of existence.

Morgan O.  Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Absolute Monism

Unraveling the Tapestry of Oneness

The vast universe, with its manifold entities and infinite complexities, often bewilders human minds. Philosophers and thinkers from time immemorial have grappled with questions about the nature of existence and the ultimate reality. One profound idea that surfaces recurrently is that of Absolute Monism: the belief that beneath the apparent multiplicity, there is but one undivided reality. Let’s take a deeper look into this captivating worldview.

### A Universe from One Thread

At the heart of Absolute Monism lies the assertion that all differences and diversities we perceive are mere illusions. This assertion may seem contradictory to our daily experiences. After all, isn’t the world teeming with diversity?

Yet, this is where Eastern and Western philosophies converge. Ancient Hindu scriptures speak of *Brahman* as the ultimate, undifferentiated reality. The Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta encapsulates this belief by stating that the world’s multiplicity, driven by *Maya*, is an illusion. Meanwhile, in the West, the philosopher Spinoza proposed that God and Nature are two names for the same reality, implying a singular, infinite substance. These ideas, separated by continents, come together to champion a singular reality beneath the apparent diversity.

### Seeing Beyond the Illusion

The concept of illusion is integral to understanding monism. In life, appearances can often be deceiving. A mirage in the desert, a rainbow after the rain, and even our reflection in the water are all illusions. If such simple things can deceive our senses, might it be possible that our entire perception of diverse reality is similarly mistaken?

*Mysticism* has been one avenue through which individuals across cultures have described experiences consistent with Absolute Monism. The interconnectedness of all things, a theme found in the tapestry of monism, speaks to the heart, nudging us to see beyond divisions and differences.

### Implications for Modern Times

If Absolute Monism holds that all is one, then what does this mean for us in the present age, surrounded by divisive forces and fragmented views?

Firstly, on an ethical plane, it implies that harm inflicted upon one is harm to the entirety. This perspective could drastically alter how we approach interpersonal relationships, environmental concerns, and global crises. If we truly internalize this philosophy, then every act of kindness and harm has far-reaching consequences.

Secondly, it brings to the fore the importance of self-realization. In many monistic traditions, the realization of this singular truth is the end goal, bringing about an end to suffering.

Lastly, it sparks curiosity about the nature of our universe. With advancements in modern physics and cosmology, we find theories that echo monistic thoughts. The Big Bang, for instance, suggests that everything we see, touch, and experience emerges from a singular point.

### Embracing Diversity within Unity

Absolute Monism does not negate the value of diversity. Rather, it calls for a deeper understanding. Imagine a tapestry. Up close, one can see the myriad of colours, textures, and patterns. But from a distance, it’s one cohesive artwork. Similarly, monism asks us to appreciate the individual threads while recognizing the grand design.

In an age teeming with division, perhaps the idea of Absolute Monism can be the bridge that reminds us of our interconnectedness. As we stand at the cusp of profound global challenges, this ancient philosophy might just hold the key to a unified, harmonious future.

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Embracing the ideas of Absolute Monism requires introspection and openness. Whether you fully resonate with its tenets or not, it undoubtedly serves as a beacon, guiding us toward unity, understanding, and profound interconnectedness.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Ultimate Context

A Glimpse Beyond Our Narratives

Life is a tapestry of personal narratives. Each of us is the author of our own story, swept up in the whirl of our everyday trials and tribulations, from the mundane to the monumental. We’re all preoccupied with our victories and defeats, joys and sorrows, dreams and disappointments, which collectively form our unique, personal content. Yet, amidst this tumultuous weave of personal stories, there lurks a broader tapestry, a profound, immutable context that transcends our existences—the Ultimate Reality or the Ultimate Context.

This Ultimate Context is akin to a vast ocean upon which our individual lives are but transient waves. We are too often ignorant of its presence, absorbed in the details of our fleeting crests and troughs, beginnings, and endings. But our myopic vision deprives us of the understanding that our waves are inseparable from the larger, unfathomable expanse of the ocean—the Ultimate Reality.

Unveiling the Veil of Illusion

Many philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, refer to our preoccupation with personal content as an illusion—maya or samsara. This illusion stems from our inability to recognize that the seemingly separate, solid, and enduring ‘self’ we believe ourselves to be is just a wave on the ocean’s surface, part of the boundless, interconnected, and constantly changing Ultimate Reality.

Our inability to perceive this reality is often compared to a dream from which we struggle to awaken. Our ‘personal content’ may seem to us the full reality because it engrosses our senses and emotions, yet it is merely a fragment of the ‘Ultimate Context.’

Rediscovering the Ultimate Context

How do we reorient our focus away from our narratives to understand the Ultimate Context? Philosophies and spiritual traditions around the world suggest varied paths, from rigorous intellectual inquiry to deep meditation. Regardless of the method, the goal remains the same: to transcend the confines of our consciousness and recognize our union with the Ultimate Reality.

Practicing mindfulness and living in the ‘here and now’ is one approach that offers us the chance to step away from our content. Mindfulness offers a way to become aware of the ‘nowness’ of existence, to experience the world and ourselves as a series of interconnected, ephemeral phenomena. Through this process, we can gradually attune ourselves to the Ultimate Context.

The Potential Impact

Imagine what our lives would look like if we acknowledged the Ultimate Context. Our struggles, while not diminished, might be seen in a new light. We would recognize that we are not isolated entities combating a hostile universe, but integral parts of a vast, interconnected whole. This understanding could engender a profound sense of peace, compassion, and interconnectedness, transforming our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world at large.

Embracing the Journey

Venturing into the realm of the Ultimate Context is not an easy task. It requires us to shift our perceptions, to question our deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves and reality. But the journey, while challenging, holds the promise of a profound transformation—a metamorphosis from a wave oblivious of its oceanic nature to one that rides the currents of existence with grace, understanding, and wonder.

In the end, the Ultimate Context is not a lofty abstraction to be pondered upon, but a living reality to be experienced. It invites us to shift our gaze from the canvas of our content and behold the magnificent tapestry of existence. To make this shift is to awaken from our dream of separateness and embrace the full richness of our interconnected lives. This is not an escape from our day-to-day trials and tribulations but a broader understanding of their place within a larger panorama of existence. By grounding our narratives within the Ultimate Context, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with greater equanimity, wisdom, and inner peace.

Implications for Society

If we expand this understanding from the individual to the collective level, the implications are profound. Recognizing the Ultimate Context could revolutionize our approach to societal issues, from climate change to social inequality. Instead of viewing these problems through the narrow lens of individualistic concerns, we would perceive them as disruptions in the interconnected web of existence that they truly are. This could catalyze a more compassionate, holistic, and effective response.

The Ultimate Journey

The journey toward the Ultimate Context is more than a philosophical quest. It is a profound transformation, an inner pilgrimage towards a fuller, more interconnected understanding of reality. It is a journey from the known to the unknown, from the surface to the depth, from separateness to oneness.

Embracing the Ultimate Context does not mean rejecting our content, our individual stories. Instead, it invites us to view them as integral threads of a grander cosmic tapestry. The beauty of our trials and tribulations, our victories and defeats, lies in their interconnectedness with everything else that exists.

In this journey, we are not alone. Every individual, consciously or unconsciously, is a traveller on this path. We are all part of the same quest, the same unfolding story of discovering and understanding the Ultimate Context. As we navigate this path, let us remember that our waves are not separate from the ocean. They are the ocean, expressing itself in all its diversity, beauty, and mystery. In embracing the Ultimate Context, we celebrate not just our narratives, but the grand saga of existence itself.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Quest for Wholeness

Nirvana, Moksha, and Sahaja Samadhi

Introduction:
In the frantic, cacophonous world we inhabit, the pursuit of true peace of mind has become more essential than ever. Many of us harbour a longing, often unarticulated, for a state of being that transcends the mundanity of our daily routines. This is not just about calming the mind; it’s about an all-encompassing peace that permeates every fibre of our being – peace of the mind, heart, and gut. This form of liberation, known in different cultures as Nirvana, Moksha, or Sahaja Samadhi, is the ultimate aspiration.

Body:

I. Understanding the Concepts
Nirvana, a term originating from Buddhism, literally means ‘to extinguish’. It is the extinguishing of desires, ignorance, and the sense of self. Moksha, rooted in Hinduism, signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, and the realization of one’s unity with the ultimate reality or Brahman. Sahaja Samadhi is an effortless state of deep spiritual absorption, where one is simultaneously aware of the inner Self and the external world. These three concepts, while having different origins, converge on the notion of liberation and inner peace.

II. The Nature of True Peace
True peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a profound sense of unity and harmony within oneself and with the universe. It’s a sense of completeness and fulfillment that is not contingent on external circumstances. It is in this state that the heart finds contentment, the mind is unshaken, and even the gut, often referred to as the ‘second brain’, is at ease.

III. The Journey Within
The quest for true peace demands a deep, inward journey. This is a path of self-discovery, contemplation, and inner transformation. Through meditation, self-reflection, and sometimes through guidance from spiritual traditions, one begins to detach from the illusions and constraints of the material world.

IV. The Liberation of the Self
In reaching Nirvana, Moksha, or Sahaja Samadhi, the self is liberated. This liberation is an awakening to the true nature of reality. It’s the realization that our essential self is not separate from the universe. This sense of oneness alleviates the turmoil of the heart, the restlessness of the mind, and the tension within the gut.

V. The Role of Compassion and Mindfulness
Compassion towards oneself and others is a vital component of this journey. It is through a compassionate heart that one can embrace the imperfections of human existence. Additionally, mindfulness helps in cultivating an awareness of the present moment, which is fundamental in the pursuit of inner peace.

Conclusion:

The pursuit of true peace, as epitomized in Nirvana, Moksha, or Sahaja Samadhi, is a deeply enriching and transformative journey. It’s not just an intellectual exercise but an all-encompassing spiritual endeavour that engages the mind, heart, and gut. This form of liberation is the pinnacle of human aspiration and a goal that can guide us toward a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

Journeying the Spectrum of Selfhood

A Novel Take on Eastern Philosophy

We’re all familiar with the concept of the individual ‘self’, the ego, and our personal identity that separates us from others. Conversely, many of us are aware of the concept of the ‘Universal Self’, the unbounded reality that underpins all existence, a staple idea in Eastern Philosophy. But what if we looked at these two states not as polar opposites but as points on a spectrum of selfhood? What if our understanding of ‘self’ could be broadened into a continuum that spans from the individual ego to the Ultimate Reality? In this blog, we explore the Theory of the Spectrum of Selfhood.

**Understanding the Spectrum of Selfhood**
The Theory of the Spectrum of Selfhood posits a fluid transition from the ‘small self’ or ego to the ‘big self’ or the Ultimate Reality. The journey from the ego-bound state of individual identity to the egoless state of universal consciousness isn’t an abrupt leap but a gradual progression along a continuum of selfhood.

**Navigating the Spectrum**
While this process of self-evolution is dynamic and fluid, it might be useful to outline several potential stages or ‘selves’ along the spectrum:

1. **The Empathetic Self**: The first significant step beyond pure self-interest is when we start appreciating and feeling the needs and emotions of others. This is the dawn of less dualistic thinking, where others begin to be seen as extensions of oneself.

2. **The Societal Self**: Here, we become more community-focused, perceiving ourselves as parts of the societies or communities we belong to. We adopt group values, work towards communal goals, and blur the lines between the self and others.

3. **The Global Self**: Progressing further, we extend our consciousness beyond our immediate surroundings to encompass all of humanity. We acknowledge our shared human experiences and feel connected to diverse cultures, races, and backgrounds, which promotes unity and erodes dualistic perspectives.

4. **The Cosmic Self**: At this stage, we expand our identity beyond humanity, resonating with all life forms and the cosmos itself. As a cosmic self, we experience the interconnectedness of all beings and sense a deep unity with the universe, inching closer to non-duality.

5. **The Transcendent Self**: Here, the illusion of a separate self begins to dissolve. We start to experience moments of transcendence where we feel absolutely unified with all that is, leading us further down the path of non-duality.

6. **The Big Self (The Self/Ultimate Reality)**: The final stop on our journey where the individual self is completely transcended. We realize our true nature as pure consciousness and become one with the Ultimate Reality, embodying absolute non-duality.

**A Journey, Not a Destination**
Remember, the Theory of the Spectrum of Selfhood presents a journey, a process of becoming, rather than a fixed state to attain. As such, these stages are not rigid or sequential; they provide a framework to understand the fluid and expansive nature of selfhood.

In embarking on this journey, we might find ourselves oscillating between different stages at different times, and that’s perfectly fine. The aim is not to rush through to the ‘end’ but to understand, embrace, and learn from each stage as we continue to evolve and expand our sense of self.

To borrow a phrase from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.” Similarly, our journey along the spectrum of selfhood ensures that we are not the same ‘self’ at any two points in our life. We are always evolving, always expanding, forever journeying toward that Ultimate Reality.

This theory offers a refreshing perspective, and a new lens to view our spiritual evolution and growth. It invites us to acknowledge and accept that our sense of self is not a static or a binary concept but a dynamic and expansive one.

**Implications of the Theory of Spectrum of Selfhood**
Understanding ourselves as existing on this spectrum can foster tolerance, empathy, and a deeper connection with all that is around us. As we move along the spectrum, our focus shifts from a purely self-centred perspective towards a more inclusive view that acknowledges our interconnectedness with the universe.

This shift in perspective allows us to approach our lives and interactions with a sense of unity and compassion. It also helps us to appreciate the diversity and complexity of human experiences. After all, we are all on our own unique journey along this spectrum, each of us exploring and expressing different aspects of selfhood at different stages of our lives.

**In Conclusion**
The Theory of the Spectrum of Selfhood, while grounded in Eastern philosophy, offers a universal model for understanding and exploring our own identity. By viewing selfhood as a spectrum, we can embrace the complexity, fluidity, and dynamism of our personal and spiritual evolution.

Every moment provides us an opportunity to experience a different point on this spectrum, and each point brings us a step closer to the Ultimate Reality. So, let’s celebrate the journey, acknowledging each phase of selfhood as a stepping stone towards broader awareness and deeper understanding.

And remember, you are not just the drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop, ever-evolving, ever-expanding. Happy journeying along your Spectrum of Selfhood!

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith

The Constructed Sovereign Born from our Profound Void

The Illusion of Divinity and the Awakening of Inner Sovereignty

When we summon the image of an omnipotent moral authority, an unseen deity, we’re sketching a spectre birthed within the confines of our minds. This entity isn’t a divine phenomenon, but an offspring of our collective ego — an abstract amalgamation of ethics, morality, societal norms, rules, and dogmas. It thrives within the interconnected webs of our cultural and religious environment, existing as a part of us we’ve divorced from our understanding, enthroned too high in sacred spheres to accept it as our creation.

This fabricated deity stands as a sentinel, shielding us from the lure of a so-called demon, our id. This id, a tempestuous, liberated facet of our psyche, intimately bound to our physicality, represents the part we battle relentlessly. It’s in this internal war where the dream of resolution dawns, an arena where the ego and the id duel to claim dominance, awaiting a day when one will stand victorious upon the self’s throne.

We hold a solution in our grasp. Yet when enlightened souls, unhindered by societal constructs, attempt to illuminate the truth about this divine entity, we recoil. We revile them with hushed condemnations, predicting their doom by the flickering light of divine retribution. We imagine they’ll be smitten by a wrathful deity, ironic considering we believe this god granted us the right to reason critically and voice our truths.

Despite the inflexibility of our beliefs, the spectre remains. Even if we dismantle our collective ego, or raze all institutional bodies of authority and religious tenets, this deity will endure. Its eradication would unleash the collective id in a surge of high entropy chaos, shredding order, poised to reconstruct once our desires breed more disillusionment.

So, we are left under the shadow of a perceived dominator, who indeed governs as long as we believe it defends virtue. We extol this deity as the supreme entity, blind to the reality that we, the self-proclaimed limited beings, are the puppeteers. The stern god we fear is merely a man-made construct, a mythical lord over a land it doesn’t possess. We’re the true sovereigns, unknowingly directing a god on a leash, a faithful creature that bows to our every whim.

I implore you to see beyond the shimmering facade of your golden idol. The essence of the authentic divine, indivisible from us, is the omnipresent force permeating the All. To fathom the authentic divine is to realize there’s no puppet god, and in embracing this enlightenment, we shatter the chains of ignorance.

A creator does exist, but not outside of you. The world you perceive as external is an extension of your internal narrative. You are Consciousness, Spirit, Existence, and Ultimate Reality embodied, performing the roles of physical, psychological, and emotional existence. You are not merely a being, but a Presence, an omnipresent force enacting a grand cosmic play of energy, particles, atoms, cells, objects, systems, and their operational mechanics. This essence, forever within your grasp, is empowered by your belief in it, yet you offer this power to a creator birthed from you, the genuine Almighty.

Morgan O. Smith

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

https://linktr.ee/morganosmith