Tagged: perceptions
Going beyond mental understanding
Our world of concepts is supported by our perceptions. That in itself, will give us a twisted view of what we call “reality.”
For example, what I can observe, touch, smell, etc. becomes my physical “reality.” Many individuals having similar experiences will agree to label our descriptions of similarities as “reality.” However, how could we be so sure that what we are able to interpret through our senses is in fact what is “real”?
Isn’t science verifying our physical reality from the standpoint of what our senses are able to pick up? What is that which we could truly know?
We heard it many times, ME; but yet that is left for the very last.
We use more labels to figure out what we ARE, but we do not observe what IS.
We are a “soul” we say. Isn’t that merely a label to describe a concept? The concept is whatever we believe a “soul” to be. How is that helpful to know ourselves?
Is the reality of that label depending on my experience alone ? Or perhaps is the acceptance of the authority of someone else like a guru, a scientist, God, etc?
In self knowledge, concepts are truly deceitful.
Free will and Predestination. Merely labels to describe a perception. When we go beyond the labels and concepts, another “reality” emerges.
That is our interdependence. Observe the web of relationships. When we understand that our actions affect everything else (Totality) we could also understand that someone’s activity even though away from my field of perception, will definitely affect ME in some way. The part (“I”) affects the whole (every living being) and similarly, the whole affects the part. “Logical”?
Why do you like chocolate ice cream (or other flavor)? How does it (particular taste) appeared in your repertoire of things to like? We don’t think about that. We prefer the shallow “I like.” End of report. We call that “free will.” There is a Totality behind that “I like” phrase, we express a small part of that Totality through an insignificant “I like.”
However, Science hasn’t proved that. Science cannot comprehend that we ARE individuals but at the same time, a Totality. That is too far out.
What are the practical aspects of the above?
Every religion, every philosophy, every “ism”, every political party out there cannot have the “truth.” It is always partial. An incomplete perception.
How do I know that?
Life cannot be described through words. The Totality cannot be understood through words just like a human being cannot.
Need proof?
Ask someone to describe you exactly as you ARE. That is not only your psychological make up at a certain point in time, but your physical appearance, your unique behaviors, etc.
It is impossible. Only you know and the totality of what you know cannot be shared to others.
Perceptions. Our world is viewed through perceptions.
Isn’t what I am explaining also a perception? You bet.
That is why, mental explanations, descriptions and concepts are only distractions from what truly matters.
What is that?
To learn to be AWARE of ourselves. That is the only thing that we can know for sure, the only thing that we could be completely honest about; but yet for most of us, that “reality” is full of conditioning, full of traumas which will not allow us to fully look.
The mind has expectations, it has dreams, it has objectives to accomplish. The world is a playground to “achieve” and to show everyone “who we are.”
That is ego. That is not who we ARE. We ARE when ego is not.
“We” are a soul. “We” are a spirit. “We” are a multidimensional being.
Those labels behind concepts are fooling us from the possibility to observe.
Get rid of those labels. They only confuse and limit the unlimited.
Feel what IS. Observe what IS. Become AWARE of that without the distraction of labels and mental voices, which compel us to verbalize our experiences.
When there is no mind, we ARE.
Perceptions and Consciousness
What you read here or in “spiritual” books, holy scriptures, etc. is of no use to change consciousness; without change of consciousness, there is only change of behavior to pretend to BE someone who we are not. Are those things useless then?
No! Those things influence our perceptions, allow us to see things from a different angle, but we are still under the same consciousness.
The “spiritual teacher” across the street or the “personal coach” may have read a lot. He knows all the answers, he solves the problems of his followers; however his relative told him: “You don’t practice what you preach.”
The “coach” realized, his relative was “right.”
How is that possible? His intellect may know a lot of theory, but his consciousness is the same. He cannot BE who he pretends mentally to be.
How consciousness changes?
Through Life experiences. Everyone has a different Life experience, different paths; that is why there cannot be a single “method” to change consciousness. The journey is individual. The final step to change is not the true “solution” but the catalyst. There is a background of many experiences to get someone ready, ripe enough.
My experience of happiness is different than someone else. We may communicate using the same word: “Happiness;” but our meanings are different. That is why words cannot convey the “reality” of an experience….
One question was submitted: “How to go to the subtle region?”
For many readers, the “subtle region” has no meaning at all. For the reader who asked that question, there is no experience of that “subtle region” but it is only second hand knowledge, a dull repetition of someone’s experience. A belief.
The reader wants a “method.”
The subtle region is not in my experience, if it was I couldn’t tell you. A close relative “goes” there at will. She didn’t practice a method. She just can do it.
I am sure you have many experiences. Cherish all of them. Enjoy them.
Two things I can tell: When you understand about different states of consciousness in yourself, you will understand the subtle region … and when it is your time, you will “go.” Until then… enjoy yourself…
Many Brahma Kumaris brothers and sisters, have been writing questions in this blog recently. Sometime in the future, Ahnanda will interact openly in a different platform. Thank you for your questions. Please bear with “my process” until the time is right. 🙂
A perception is a teacher not a judge.
“I thought I saw a pussy cat… I did, I did!
No. You didn’t. You are wrong!”
In Life we may have different perceptions of reality. That is based on the filtering of the mind, which in turn is related with the limited information gathered by our senses. The “I” creates that filtering.
At that point, we may assume things, we may extrapolate on previous known stories, and determine that our perception is the “right one.”
Perceptions of reality are neither right nor wrong. For we are always dealing with a changing location of consciousness and type of information that we could perceive.
What it is “now,” will not be tomorrow.
The issue is when we have determined in our minds that something is the way we think, and because of that we place an unchanging label of approval to our perceived “reality.”
Certainty is created by “force” in that way, and then supported by a belief, when we fear that our “reality” may change.
It has been said that the World is an illusion.
It is not. It is what we perceive of it. Neither illusion nor reality.
What is the purpose of experiencing, if that experience will be colored by a subjective perception, which is not “reality”?
There is no purpose for experiencing unless we make up one. There is no “reality” per say that is why; there cannot be illusion. Are you enjoying that perception? 🙂 Our capacity for enjoyment is fundamental to live Life.
Because perceptions cannot be right or wrong, what matters is how we feel about that perception, what matters is what we discover about us through that perception. In self-realization, every experience will give greater realization of the self for the one who is aware.
It has been said that the world is our own mirror. As long as there is a “someone” an “I,” there will be a reflection of something. That reflection can show us what is inside us, which is not meant to be labeled as “right” or “wrong.”
A stranger came from out of town asking for help. Carl, heard the stranger’s plead but decided not to help.
Carl was taught to “never trust a stranger.”
We could be lost in the morality of judging if Carl’s action is “right” or “wrong.” That does not matter.
What matters is if Carl is able to look at his own biased behavior. If he is able to look at the belief of righteousness based on a generalization.
That is true “spiritual” intelligence.
When we understand Oneness, how is it possible to discriminate based on the duality of “stranger” or “non-stranger”?
For that observation to take place, any cultural or religious belief will need to be set aside.
Another example?
Henry may have lived under the impression of having the unconditional love of his girlfriend. The girlfriend run away with another man.
Henry could divert his energy in demonstrating how “wrong” his girlfriend was.
That is not the point, if we are dealing with the opportunity to grow in consciousness.
What is important for Henry is to observe how this episode is generating in him certain emotions, feelings which otherwise are hidden from his awareness.
Those things are the “real me” in disguise.
If we look at Life under this perspective, how “bad” or negative was the experience of Henry then?
It wasn’t negative at all, but the opportunity to learn about “him.”
“ But …That is not the case for the majority. 90% of people will feel devastated, perhaps to the point of taking their own life due to the pain felt as a consequence of their own attachment… in the name of love…”
Sure. That is because there is no awareness of that which we call “self.” There is a price to pay for that awareness which the majority is not willing to pay for… until there is no other way.
Life itself is the greatest teacher for those who are aware. For those who are not yet, a religion, a moral code, a cultural tradition may be necessary to tell them how to behave, how to feel and how to live.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many books’ titles, starting with the title of “How to do” something?
Perhaps we have the answer now.
So, you saw an Oasis when there was only a desert?
Observe your desire for water. Your mind is meant to do the rest.
The issue is “Me.”
Once we start our “spiritual” search, the “I” is a pretty strong fellow.
The “I” is always innocent. The problem is with the “others.”
Blame to “others” will arrive as events are not happening the way we want it, or the way they “should.”
After some experience of suffering, we may be willing to see Life from a different perspective; then our search for answers may take us to the opposite view:
The problem is with “Me.”
Welcome to your new “spirituality.”
What a shift, huh?
In awareness, we could observe how we go from one extreme into another. Yes, it is the “Black or White” mentality.
What makes that change?
Again, typically is the experience of unbearable pain, sorrow.
The greater is the extent of that “I,” the greatest suffering will be experienced to break that “I” apart.
For example, jumping from one relationship into another due to the feeling of pain, we may search for the psychologist, the priest, the holy one as a desperate attempt to find “answers,” just to hear the same song: “The problem is you.”
At that point we may shift the blame game and we become the victim and the perpetrator at the same time.
Guilt arrives.
We need “healing.”
Do we see the game?
If we understand this Guilt/Blame game and we could see how guilt arrives, then could we say that feeling guilty is “real”?
Yes and No.
Yes, we can feel it even though it is a ghost.
We created that phantom based in our upbringing while being surrounded by players of the “blame game.”
The blame/guilt game is continually reinforced in our society, our beliefs and values. We may become paranoid of doing some action as that may bring guilt/blame.
Perhaps the above is crystal clear for some. Even though it may be understood intellectually; when the time comes and Life throws a particular experience at us, we will not remember what we theoretically “know.”
Moreover, even if we read this article 1000 times; it will not help us to deal with the surprising “test” from Life.
Why?
Because our emotions are the ones affected and our emotions are not interested in intellectual stuff.
Do we see that?
What is the solution?
Become aware of the emotion and release it. Let it go.
How that happens?
That is our personal path.
Releasing a particular emotional energy at one time such as feeling guilty, does not mean that the guilt/blame game will not recur again in a different form, a different way. That is known as a “recurrent energy.”
We may need to observe what is happening in ourselves and allow for those emotions to dissolve by itself through our own feeling of openness to “others.” It is in our relationship with “others” how we know if a recurrent energy is affecting us or not. If it has been healed or not.
Observe how the emotion of anger or fear comes in. Feel how those energies will be used against ourselves, in our every day activities, which in turn will sabotage what we truly want for ourselves in Life.
We will become our own enemy, not the “other.”
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and not defensive. Observe the process and be mindful of the time needed for healing to occur by itself. If you close doors that come to help you, suffering will be extended.
Life has different ways to extend that help. Take it and do not judge it.
Openness is the key for our perception of reality to change.
That is known as forgiveness.
To forgive yourself and to forgive others, is perceived as 2 different things in the “normal,” spiritual/religious use of the word.
In reality, it is only a childish lesson to strengthen the existence of the “I.”
“I am so good. I am forgiving you.” Observe how insane is for you to divide yourself into 2 so you can forgive yourself.
Allow for a different perception of Life to sink in. That is all. Forgiveness is to allow for a different perception to appear in your consciousness.
Openness happens when there is an empty space in us available for newness to arrive.
We need that emptiness. We are emptiness.
That “seat” becomes empty, because an emotion /belief was released.
That may be the whole magic behind the word “healing.” It is the process to emptiness.
Going beyond the sense organs
A reader wrote about the need to go “beyond the sense organs to experience a different reality.” He also mentioned “Purity is in the mind.”
The above is interesting.
In many sharings here it has been stated that “reality” per say; is a perception. “I” perceive something based on my senses (sense organs.) That perception is not “reality” but it is the way I perceived things according to the way my sense organs are designed to work.
My “reality” is confined to the way my perception appears. Do we see that?
Because I see a tree, it does not mean that it is “real” as I perceive it.
Without the experience of the above, we will be caught up in beliefs and dogmas about the “right perception.”
“The word of God” is the right perception… Some may say.
Isn’t the perception of what someone considers God, just another perception?
There are many religions with a “different God” stating that “theirs” is the “true one” because of a different perception which could be a “collective” perception but nevertheless, a perception.
“Self” is yet another perception. We have agreed to make our world based on that perception. It is our “reality” by agreement. 🙂
If readers could follow that up to this point, wouldn’t it make sense to accept and enjoy those perceptions rather than deny them, once we know that “reality” is a perception?
In other words, experience what is in your lot, but enjoy it while it lasts without being attached to it because those perceptions will change as our consciousness changes.
Consciousness will change and it will bring different awareness, and that brings a different “reality.” (Perception.)
We cannot control change of consciousness. It happens at a particular time for every individual.
Consciousness is the key for a different perception of “reality.”
Beyond the “sense organs” there will be another perception. The reader has decided to call that “Purity.”
That is his perception.
“Purity is in the mind.” Of course it is, because duality is in the mind and so are addictions, obsessions, over-thinking and… the self.
The “impure mind” trying to make itself “pure.” That is the irrationality that we may believe in.
Have we experienced no-mind? 🙂
Is that “pure” or “impure”?
Do we realize that actions do not change the state of mind? Aren’t intentions before actions?
Let me give an example:
Are you “pure” because you practice celibacy, that is “sex denial”?
There is no purity if there is denial.
That is called dishonesty.
Is the denial of an action the way to have a “pure mind”? What is the intention? To be “pure” through repression?
Isn’t a denial a way to repress, to negate to separate?
We may want to look into it. Beliefs aside. Without fear.
It is not “bad” to practice celibacy with understanding and not just to follow someone for an ideal. However, dishonesty has its consequences.
The path of a “Life walker” may be different according to his consciousness and perceptions.
To be open in life means to accept all of those perceptions, knowing that individuals act based on their own perceptions and label them as “the truth” to feel “good” about themselves. That is the typical “collective” consciousness at this time.
When our consciousness looks at it from a different perspective, then “reality” will look different.
Do we see this brilliant game of life?
You label something as “purity.” I label it as “impurity.”
Who is “right” who is “wrong”?
Whether that is “purity or impurity” it is a matter of perception… A mind in duality will only label.
Feeling beyond thinking
Living life to the fullest means the capacity to enjoy every moment of it for “what it is.”
Perceptions of reality are there all the time.
What do we do with them?
Do we create a philosophy or a religion out of “our” perception? Or do we want to spend our time, searching for the “truth”?
Those perceptions are there to be enjoyed while they last. There is no “purpose” other than our own, so why not enjoy it?
When we label those perceptions and compare them with our own expectations, then that perception becomes a belief and that belief will be part of our personality. We are building the “Self.”
Expectations become beliefs.
A life, which is full of thinking and thoughts, is ready-made to support the existence of the thinker, the “self.”
“I think, therefore; I am.”
That phrase by Rene Descartes has become the basis of Western mentality. The “I” exists because the “I” is the thinker.
Doesn’t it seem logical? 🙂
However, that “I” is living miserably because of its “own” thinking which cannot be stopped.
A child does not have that “problem.” His thinking is minimal. His innocence is there to protect him.
An adult who was indoctrinated into the belief of the existence of the “I” as the only “reality,” has lost the zest for living.
That is the modern man searching for security and comfort. Searching for pleasure and power, searching for immortality and looking to possess someone who he believes to be the ultimate “boss” in the Universe, God… for in that way, “He is alright,” saved, redeemed, etc.
That thinking is dualistic. That man will be trapped with his own expectations and beliefs. Isn’t that obvious?
What is the solution?
Shall we “think” about a solution?
Feel life. Feel your own being without the enclosure of the word “I.”
Be natural, in Nature… get acquainted with “it” again.
Joy resides in feelings not in thinking. As our feelings increase our thinking will diminish. Balance will come back again to our lives.
This feeling is not something that we could artificially focus on something or someone. It comes naturally, for life itself, for the Totality.
The separation of Godly and Evil exists only in our minds.
Nature, the Universe does not operate through that “black or white” morality.
A “free man” is the one who can enjoy without the mental blockages of beliefs, fear and ego driven traumas, someone who has the innocence of that child, to live life spontaneously without hurting the “others;” for he is in tune with life itself…while at the same time, having the courage to conquer his inner dragons… one by one, through carefully looking at the mirror of relationships.
“I feel, therefore I enjoy Life.”
Enlightenment through duality
The time comes when our belief that there is only an answer, a right answer for everything, will be challenged by reality itself.
It is “either this or that,” is one of the greatest beliefs which is limiting our perception of many avenues and many paths.
Anyone wants examples to clarify? 🙂
Is free will true, or it is predestination?
It is both and neither. It is both, for both exist according to our consciousness. It is neither because they are just ideas.
Are we mortal or immortal?
It is both and neither. We will die, but we are eternal as well. We are neither mortal nor immortal. We are both. Those are not ideas for there is an experience of that. Consciousness.
Does heaven exist?
It does and it doesn’t. It only exists when we are not in it. Once we are in it, it does not exist. Heaven exists only out of comparison, out of duality.
There is soul consciousness and body consciousness. Are we the soul or are we the body? Both and none. In duality we think of a separation. Without duality, there is nothing to be separated. There is a wholesome unity.
Soul consciousness is a label to denote absence of duality in our awareness: man and woman, life and death, heaven and hell, good and bad, etc.
If we could imagine a consciousness beyond duality, we could look for the origin of that duality: Our minds.
Thinking is separation. Analysis will not allow us to know. When the object separates from the subject, there is just description. A description is not the same as knowing.
That is why, to know is not related with thinking. Knowing is a very distinct faculty beyond thinking.
Logic is just the game of words, which exalts thinking.
If we look at the beauty of the waters of a river at dawn, we will perceive how nighttime changes into day light. Morning time does not exist. Afternoon does not exist. Night does not exist.
It is just continuity. It is unity perceived as three different stages, separated in an artificial way to allow for language to describe phases when there is none….but there is. 🙂
A thinking mind will see separation only. 11 PM does not exist but only in a thinking mind. Nevertheless, we call 11 PM “late.” That label creates an idea. When we believe in that idea we create a world of our own. When this world is made out of collective conventions, we live in our own “fantasy world.”
The irony is that we call that fantasy, reality. We call that life.
Mathias: How much time have you existed, Ananda?
Ananda: I am eternal.
Mathias: I have not asked that. I have asked, how much time have you existed?
Ananda: 27 years. I was born 27 years ago.
Mathias: and before that?
Ananda: I think that I have lived before. But there is no proof. I do not remember.
Mathias: Aren’t you eternal then? How long have you existed?
Ananda: My belief says that 5000 years. That is my belief.
Mathias: Mathias has not asked you about your belief. Mathias have asked you about how much time have you existed.
Ananda was in silence. Ananda wasn’t able to respond to Mathias because Ananda was caught up in reasoning, logic and duality.
Ananda couldn’t see that Ananda has lived as long as time has existed. No beliefs in that.
Exploring the Depth of Living 