The Euphoric Illusion of the Divine

It is always interesting how people get caught up in their own "path" to the unexplainable, that belief in the otherness of some divine presence. There is a plethora of books by numerous authors proclaiming some secret or little known path to the divine. AND IT ALL SEEMS TO MAKE SENSE! At least it seems to conform to ones conditioned mind. Many will believe any "New Age" fantasmic logic that comes down the pipeline. It has appeal because it has a perceived relationship to what has been, with the wisdom of the ancients and in many cases with the ancient texts. How can the mind which is conditioned find "truth" in that which is a product of that very conditioning? To this person it is very simple. In order for one to find the "true self" one must first realize freedom. Freedom that is the outcome of a mind that is unfettered by the conflict and confusion of all these systems and paths that are the result of conditioned thought. All thought is conditioned, there is no such thing as free thought or a free thinker. Thought is the movement of self as the defined and therefore the illusion of the known.

Why this strong attachment to spirituality? Is there a psychological relationship that exist between ones desire to "know God" and the desire to "be God". It is thoughts equation, to know the face of God as the projected image of self. But the known is always the illusion of the self absorbed. So you need to ask this question in all earnestness, what is the state of a mind that is seeking? and What is the true reality of that which is sought? Is there an end to it? Does one arrive? Or is there always another level of "attainment"?

If one is to ever have a realization that sets one free it cannot be an attainment, accomplishment or an experience of gratification. Whatever is found or discovered is also lost in the same moment. Can you as an entity that exist in the freedom of the unknown be tethered to a belief of any kind or be identified with a conceptual ideal? Of course if one is truly free then there can be no illusion, no mind that is seeking and nothing to be sought. So one realizes that all these books that have been written on spirituality have no meaning what so ever, because they are all the illusion of the self absorbed. They are the projected image of thoughts desire to know. And what is known is always the continuity of the conflict and confusion of the past. To be free is to discover the originality of the moment and the true self, that which has no beginning or end. It is the beauty, simplicity and passion of living the unconditioned.

No Mind

What is the state of a mind that is without identification? This is something that is very very subtle. Thought is a movement, it does not exist except that it moves from one time element to another. Thought and the self are the inseparable elements of a movement through time/space. They are the perceived individuality of a defined movement. That individuality and movement are the combined illusion of an entity that is seeking to know its self though its own self created image. In essence what is observed is the observer, a projected image of self knowledge. One cannot realize the original mind essence, which is the unconditioned, until there is insight into the duality of thought and its driving force, the desire to be and to continue as a defined entity.

When we define we limit, one becomes a being that relies on its self created image to deal with the conflict of daily living. One acts within the defined constraints of ones self imposed ideals. Such a person becomes a prisoner of systematic ideological protocols. One may deviate, but in the end it is impossible to escape the elemental conforming requirements of ones beliefs. So you are trapped by the limitations of your own self created identity. You may think that you are free to decide but you are not. One is collared with ones own psychological accumulations, the imprint of a self seeking individuality. You can have a realization about your state of mind that is either a defined ideal or an in the moment direct experiencing of what is. When one sees directly without the self that is concluding then all illusion dissipates. There is then the truth of the absolute moment which is without self image. The words that are used to explain this state of mind in no way capture the reality of it. That is why it is called no mind. Because it is a state of existence that is absent thoughts movement as an individuality. It is beyond normal comprehension and cannot be mathematically or logically resolved as factual evidence. But its outcome is a being that is at peace with all existence. One who is without prejudice or violence. A totally free entity that lives in the unknown. It is the way of the unconditioned.

Truth of the Middle Way

Some have asked about the "middle way" of Buddhist thought and what is my view on what the Buddha meant by the middle way. When ever a person looks at the concept of a particular school of thought one must realize that it is interpretation. One looks according to ones conditioning. So a person may disagree, agree or not have an opinion according to ones beliefs. But if one can look without the self that is embroiled in its own agenda with conclusions and opinions then one may realize the truth behind the concept. If a person lives and exist (psychologically) in the freedom of the moment then it is possible to realize the reflection of the true self in what is conceptual. That is one sees the middle way not as a concept but as the truth and reality of a mind that is not caught in the illusion of conceptual extremism. To such a person the concept "middle way" has no meaning or definition because it is not a subjective or objective ideal, it is the actual reality of ones existence.

If there is belief, then there is the ideal, that which is sought. If there is non-belief, then there is still the ideal, that which is not sought. The middle way is neither belief nor non-belief. The mind as the self is involved in decision making processes that can lead to the extremes of psychological determinism. When one is unaware of the self as the activity of a consciousness that is conditioned and being conditioned by external influences, then one gets ensnared by ones own desire to conform to a conceptual ideal. Most Buddhist would do well to read the Pali Cannon or the various sutra's and then throw them in the trash so that they could rid themselves of the illusion of conceptual desire. They are caught in the very attachment and identification that Buddha warned them about. Ironically, one must ultimately die to Buddhist thought and "Buddhism" its self. Then there is total freedom from the self that is seeking its own image in the conceptual ideal of "Buddhism".

The purest teaching of freedom and self realization is found in the "Diamond Sutra". If one is totally in the moment in which there is the freedom of the true self, then one lives the "Diamond Sutra". But one must go beyond the word as concept to the realization of that which is unconditioned.

Transitory Self Image

To the mind that is caught in illusion things appear transitory, life seems to be in a constant transition. Because the mind as the self is a transitory entity, we equate that sense with all existence. Thought is movement through time as a spatial existent being. It is a separated and divided entity that is seeking identification through attachment to the self created illusion of the defined. When the mind names it moves away from the reality of the moment into the transitory illusion of the ideal. It is the past as memory, the idyllic, that becomes the projected illusion of a transitory self image.

When one has the realization that the process of thought is the activity of self in transition then something new may happen. It may be seen that ones accumulations (experiences and beliefs) are the root cause of a self in transition. Clearly one sees that transition is the minds way of creating an identified and defined self. When all this is understood in the moment it falls away, what is left is oneness, the yoga of the absolute moment.

From the Yoga Sutra (Patanjali) by Swami Venkatesananda: Chapter 1.4 "At other times, when yoga does not happen and when the mind is busily occupied with movement, there is a cloud of confusion in the undivided, homogeneous intelligence. In the shadow of that cloud, there arises false identification or cognition of the movement of the mind-fragment and hence distorted understanding. The single concept or idea or the single movement of thought is mistaken as the totality."

When there is movement of thought as a separated individuality having definition and so attachment there is the samsara of a transitioning image self that has the appearance of change. But in actuality it is the continuity of repetition that is seeking to further define its conceptual or ideal image. So if one thinks of ones self as a Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist etc. who is "becoming" illuminated, one defines and is therefore caught in the ideal. The result is the illusion of a transitioning self image. To follow and believe in a teaching is to be identified with ideological will that can only lead to self importance and a deluded mind.

One must read, listen, study and meditate in the moment that is free of all identification with appearances. To look with a free, open and vulnerable mind is to find the truth of the absolute moment which is without definition and knowing.

The Truth is Radical

If the truth is not radical to you, then it is just a continuity of the past. It is then just the same old repetitious beliefs. If there is comfort with what is said then what will change? Will you not just continue as you always have? If what is said supports your conditioned thinking, how will you ever transform, have a life changing realization? If something is said that you disagree with or do not understand, then perhaps you should take a closer look at it. If possible look without a mind that is seeking conformity. In order to see, to realize the truth of the moment one must be free of the mind that is seeking the image of its self, its formulated ideals. One must realize that what one observes is the observer, it is the creation of the mind. It is the illusion of the known, of thoughts accumulated knowledge.

If we were able to "look" with a fresh mind, one that is not hindered by its own knowledge, then perhaps a new discovery could be realized. One might observe with an innocence that is not clouded with results as conclusion. To have the ability to see into the "truth essence" of each and every moment. Its that baggageless state of being, in which one truly sheds all those things that cause us to be opinionated and judgemental. Things that constantly dog us and create an existence that is in a mind fog induced vertigoic state. Most people try to side step there conditioned thinking by adding more knowledge, to seek out ways that allow then to "live" with there illusion of knowing. To seek the opposite of that which one knows to be inconsistent with beliefs is just a way of covering up ones true psychological conditioning.

The psyche is in need of a radical realization, one that shakes ones beliefs and opinions to the core. But it is not easy because we like the familiarity and security of our long held beliefs and opinions. We want to feel that we are in control of ourselves and therefore have some control over our environment. The fact and truth of the moment is very difficult to fully understand because we a caught in a mindset that allows only for conformity. As has been pointed out many times the first step is freedom. To shed all that accumulated knowledge that prevents one from "seeing" the true reality of the moment. To move it to the back of ones psyche, so that it is just background noise that in no way hinders a radical transformation of ones being.

Is it possible to realize the radical truth of the moment, a realization that is not a continuity of the past? To realize an existence that is without dimension, that has no limit. Then there is no beginning or end there is only the truth of the absolute moment in which one realizes the peace and freedom of the unconditioned.

Losing The Baggage

The mind is consumed with its problems and the grind of daily living. These problems along with the monotony of living creates a being that exist, it seems, just to carry around baggage. The baggage of the past which weighs one down with its worrisome fears of not achieving or not having whatever it is that the mind desires. We may try to escape through the various distractions that seem to give relief. One may seek relief in recreational activities or spiritual pursuits. Or one may just give up and find relief in drink, drugs or sexual promiscuity. But those problems do not go away and in some cases our escapes only deepen our sense of hopelessness.

When we carry around the baggage of the past it invariably affects what we do and do not do in the present. In essence we are not living in the present we are just using the moment to renew the past. So we get caught in a never ending circle of reliving our baggage, the past as memory. We are under the illusion that we are dealing with the problem but all we are doing is reviving what should have died long ago. To let go without trying to get some "thing" or some "closure" is the way that one "moves on". To see that what is held on to is just the minds need for security and a sense of self. Life takes care of its self. It really does not need your doing or not doing. Things have a natural order that is the reality of what is. But the moment the self inters the picture life becomes complicated. The self wants reality to conform to its own image, so it creates the problem of what should be and is unable to accept the reality of what is. Change is always in what is, not in what should be. What should be is the repetition of what was as the conflict of projected self image. When the self is not there is already change.

Because we carry around this baggage of disconnection and discontent we are unable to see the truth of the moment. One does not see that the self is the problem and that the baggage is its defining element. In reality we know that the baggage is the problem of self, what we do not realize is that we cling to it because it creates a sense of self. The self finds security in problems and there projected solution. Even if the self solves the problem it still continues to be a problem in absentia that is relived for the definition that it provides. One does not really desire the freedom of the moment, because it is without the self as the definition of what is. So one is caught in the repetitious bondage of self created problems.

The first thing is to realize that the baggage you carry around is you, it is not separate from you. So to deal with it one must see how that the mind clings to problems and issues that give it a sense of identity. The mind is constantly projecting the image of the content of its own consciousness. The baggage is its conditioning. A conditioned consciousness cannot realize beyond its own defining elements. When one realizes that it is possible to be aware in the moment of this whole activity of mind/thought, then something new may happen. That which is unconditioned may flower into an understanding that causes all that baggage to fall away. Not as a result of something that is learned or gained through some sort of teaching. But a clear realization of the self that is the outcome of freedom and the subsequent dissipation the conditioned self.

To Find Without Seeking

When one is totally free psychologically, then a new person may be realized. This person does not accept the authority of individuals or organizations. As an entity that does not exist as a defined individuality, one is free to realize the truth of each moment as it arises. To live as one who is not identified with any belief or system of thought, means that you accept the diversity of life and are not destructive of its existence. One lives a life of anarchistic simplicity. There is no attempt by the self to alter the truth of the moment. There is no entity that seeks to quantify or compare "what is" with the ideal of self. When one is totally free there is no intervening self as an entity that is seeking or concluding. Such a mind is meditative in that there is an awareness that transcends time/space. The outcome of this awareness is a consciousness that is unconditioned. A consciousness that can only exist in total freedom.

It is difficult for most people to comprehend such a state of consciousness because they are all wrapped up and concerned with their own problems and issues. Just to get past the idea of the self as the center of "being" seems insurmountable. Meditation can give a person a measure of peace. But it is only a temporary respite from a mind that is in constant conflict. A transcendent consciousness that is not at the mercy of the self requires one to see into the nature and source of all division. Even if one has a realization that brings to light the true self, it is difficult to maintain because the mind is in a constant state of becoming. Realization of a consciousness that is unconditioned is a dynamic process that involves a constant in the moment understanding of the self that is seeking the idealization of its image as what is. This dynamic process is the activity of a "Meditative Mind". It is the unfolding of an awareness that is a transcendence of the illusion of minds propensity to define and thus conclude. The mind moves through time/space creating its own reality which is the result of its beliefs and experience. It is not enough to realize the illusion of this movement. One must observe in the absolute moment, which means without self as observer and observed, the true reality of minds intent. To see the materialization of thought as movement through time/space as the illusion of duality. Duality which is the conflict of the me and not me, the separative activity of a mind that is creating its own conflict.

The mind moves away from the reality of the moment because it is seeking and desiring an intervening source that will provide answers i.e. God, Krishna, Mohammed, Buddha or Spiritualism as the other. One cannot stay with the self because the self is the source of the conflict. So we escape into the self created fantasy of other worldliness. One must stay with the illusion of self, see how that it arises and creates conflict. Within that seeing, that realization is the freedom of the true self. That realization cannot become idealized otherwise it is just another "spiritual tenet" that becomes a path or goal. It is a dynamic experiencing that is only in the moment, it is the new and totally without comparison from moment to moment. Do not "spiritualize" a realization into a goal or aspiration for the gratification of the self. Live in the desolation of the absolute moment, that is absent all save the reality and truth of the unconditioned.

The Distructiveness of Organizations

Why do we create and formulate organizations? Obviously we are seeking security. But beyond that what is the impetus for wanting to create further division in an already divided and conflicted environment? Is there a deep psychological need for wanting to be identified and attached to some ideal? The mind is conditioned from birth to identify with its surroundings and to morph into a mold that is the result of its cultural and experiential accumulation. The mind must accumulate in order to survive. It is the mind of man that is resource without end. It is, at the same time a creative and destructive energy/force. The mind is capable of going beyond the limitations that are imposed by self identification and attachment. But one must realize a freedom that is removed from minds propensity to think in terms of ideals. All ones accumulated experience while necessary to existence must be realized as a barrier to understanding that blocks one from seeing and realizing the truth of the absolute moment. This can only occur when the mind is not thinking in terms of the past. When we reference the past we are caught in the repetition of what was. Then the moment becomes the modified repetition of past conflict. Original insight is the outcome of the mind that has been freed from the tyranny of the past. It is the realization of that which is unconditioned from moment to moment.

So it may now be realized that organization is the projection and logical progression of a mind that is seeking continuity in the perceived security of the past. Such a mind has little regard for the realities or the needs of others, only in what sustains the self and the organization that supports a particular belief or agenda. The psychological conflict and violence that is inflicted on others though its rules and policies is seen as justified protectionism. All organizations are a destructive force because they are discriminatory and exploitative in nature. All justification is simply an escape from the actual truth and the reality of organizational gangsterism. All organizations are a gang of like thinkers with an agenda that involves the procurement of that which supports and maintains the so called legitimacy of its psychological tribalism. No matter how long they are around all organizations eventually destroy themselves. The seed of there destruction lies in the very activity that they take to insure survival. An organization must comply with the needs and wants of its members and potential members and it must suppress that which is counter to its perceived agenda. It is impossible for an organization to comply with the dynamics of change that is the nature of all existence. An organization may change superficially, but it eventually must give way to total realignment with another organizational entity or cease to exist.

When we organize we create a psychological unity of division and separateness that is the embodiment of discriminatory thought. One is embroiled in the activity of exclusiveness that creates an air of self importance and righteousness. When one is in an organizational mindset then one may justify almost any action that protects and maintains the beliefs and or agenda of a given entity. Gangsterism or Tribalism is the psychological outcome of belief and support in and for an organization regardless of its goals.

Organization is the logical extension of a mind that is seeking the ideal as the image of self. Organization creates an air of legitimacy through the mathematical justification of majority opinion. Because the self is looking for security in what is, it is quite easy to find people who are willing to "sign up". The mind that is unconditioned sees through the illusion of organizational thought. Such a mind is free of all organized systems that seek to further an ideal. This mind neither agrees nor disagrees, it is aware only of the truth of the moment which is the selflessness of the unconditioned.

The Core Realization

The mind is made very complex by layers of self illusion that are interwoven with our desire to find identification and create individuality. It is very difficult to get to the core of ones being. As a person gains insight into the various inner workings of the self other deeper layers of neurosis emerge. Self discovery on a superficial level can be had through visits to a psychologist and through therapy. But more often than not the deeper levels of ones mind, the basis for our personality and our neurosis, can only be realized by the individual. Because we are caught in our conditioning and live for repetition and conformity it is most difficult to break free and see the self as it actually is.

The first thing to realize in the immediate moment is your own illusion and how that you are trapped by the minds projection of what is known. One must begin by seeing clearly that the image of self is created by the mind that is seeking continuity. It is seeking its identity in the elements of the perceived sensual world. From this process of identification it formulates the self, the ego/entity. The self becomes attached to things and ideas that give it definition. The self becomes a positional entity that judges and concludes from a position. That position is the result of its experience and beliefs. As a positional being one is caught in the duality of I, me and its opposite, the other. The "other" is that which position seeks as the self defining, it is opposition. It becomes the conflict and violence of oppositional thought. The mind as the identity of self moves from one conflict to another. This is the essence of the dual nature of thought as the self that is caught in the movement of time.

All this may be somewhat difficult to comprehend, but clarity comes with gradual awareness of the self as the creation of thought. For one to see in the moment the reality of what is, there must be a dissipation of self as motivation that is seeking accomplishment or gratification. The truth is realized in freedom that is absent knowing and the known. One should not confuse the ideal of the known, which is ones memory, with the dissipation of the known and ones activity of knowing. Mind/thought exist in the known, it is part of ones instinct, a survival mechanism. But simple awareness of its activity allows one to move the self to the background and realize an intelligence that is not a result of the known. In the absolute moment the known has little significance and is resolutely seen as the illusion of self centered activity. When the self is negated there is unadulterated and undistorted truth. One cannot label or define truth, because "it is" and "is not" in the same moment. Because one exist in freedom that has no agenda or program, truth cannot become a symptomatic ideal of the self.

The layers of illusion fall away as one becomes more aware of the subtlety of the mind and how that it seeks to know. Observing choicelessly the minds penchant to understand through its conditioned patterns of thought. The mind is constantly modifying its image to fit the perceived realities of the moment, but that modification always reinforces its accumulated beliefs and conclusions. When one has striped away all attachments to self illusion, then it is possible to get to the core of ones being and realize the illumination of the unconditioned.