Tagged: unity
The power of unity
In the not too distant past, most individuals used to feel a “high” out of different simple activities.
What do I mean by a “high”? It is a “feel good” action when things in Life are not according to plan.
For instance, shopping. I buy something and I feel good for a moment. That is a “high.”
However, times have been changing and isolation has become the norm. How do we get that high now ?
At this time, it is through unity. That is unity with the family or with individuals with some affinity.
Isolation usually brings self absorption which deepens the sense of separation.
To deal with a challenging Life experience in a harsh manner, is a consequence of feeling isolated.
The power of unity is an umbrella for rainy days.
Perception and interpretation
Our perception becomes our world. However, is that the “real world”?
Most are concerned with interpreting their perception; so the mind can make sense of it. To make that perception fit our conditioning as much as possible, is to “make sense.”
Interpretation through conditioning becomes our experience.
We say: “I acted by following my previous experience.” That is how the old becomes the new. We do not meet newness with newness.
What is happening does not require interpretation. It is only there. Acknowledge it. Accept it.
For if it is there, it has the right to be. In that acceptance of “what is,” is when unity with “what is” starts.
When unity is not, there is judgment. As we judge, we label, we separate. That is the beginning of antagonism.
Notes on Quotes: Duality
“Every explicit duality is an implicit unity.” ~ Alan Watts
Our perception that things are only individually separated will be the seed of comparison and from that point we choose one over another. Take the duality of day and night. It is a duality promoted by language. Through words we want to clarify a distinction and we make a “thing.” In western culture we equated day with God and goodness.The connotation of Night is with darkness, evil and what is forbidden. In brief: Good is day. Night is evil. Thus, unconsciously we choose one side and reject the other. Ideas about that particular chosen “thing” are contributing to create further divisions through fear, further dualities, for instance: There is the white race and the black race (duality) which could be associated with the conditioning of day and night. However, black and white races are part of the same human race, but as history has recorded; less than 200 years ago (Even now?) we couldn’t see that, and came up with slavery of one race over another. The reality of unity is there all the way, but it may need to be separated only as a way to clarify and point out through language. When we live in the mind however, the word is the “thing,” the concept is the “thing.” The word “cat” will trigger different emotions or mind images in every individual which in turn become the reality of what a cat is for that person. Very few will take that word as just that, a word. When we become aware that the mind is only one way to perceive Life, then words are just a way to communicate and not a way to separate and create “things” through analysis and comparison of what is meant to be together. Similarly, we could be caught up in the “reality” of “I” and “you.” Through language and physical perception, we separate something that cannot be. “I” cannot act upon “you” without consequences and by action it is meant the way I look at “you,” what I say and the intention behind those words and then any DOING, action. In Life “I” am bound to every perceived “you.” Words will not allow me to go any further than this. We may need to go beyond intellectual understanding, for words are themselves supporters of duality.
“Love is the recognition of oneness in the world of duality.”~ Eckhart Tolle
Love does not make distinctions between day and night (duality) for it knows every perception is an expression of the same reality. Thus, the “other” is “you.” The experience of that recognition is bliss.
“Who is it that loves and who that suffers? He alone stages a play with Himself; who exists save Him? The individual suffers because he perceives duality. It is duality which causes all sorrow and grief. Find the One everywhere and in everything and there will be an end to pain and suffering.” – Anandamayi Ma
That is, ending the mental separation which causes isolation by going into our own psychological conditioning; for no one could liberate us from that by our own awareness. Observe how words have power for an unaware mind. Love is a feeling not a word. Reasoning kills our feelings.
“Past and Future are a duality of which Present is the reality. The now-moment alone is eternal and real.”~ Wei Wu Wei
How is possible for the now-moment to be eternal? Please do not think about it. Feel it…The “now” is still there.
Fight to survive
Our society is built upon the idea of separation. There has to be a nemesis to make our Life interesting, to have a purpose.
Humans have developed their little colorful country flags, their little national anthems and the idea that they are “representing” something “special” over everyone else. That sense of identification is misguided through chauvinism.
It is team A against team B. It is “Me” and what I am identified with, against everything else.
To separate, we could use jerseys of different colors, the color of our skin, or ideas. Anything helps to make a separation.
That idea of separation is in our core. When “I” am not representing “my” country, “I” am representing my town, my church, my political party, my “ism,” my race, my social status, my education, my age group, my sexual identity….
It is that idea the one that needs to be flushed out from our system for the repercussions are tremendous. This is a matter of consciousness.
I can litter the streets because those are not “mine.” It is “my” country but my separation mode is different now. Among same countrymen, the streets, the Ocean, the air are not “mine.” Those are “mine” only when someone from another country, someone “different” wants something with them.
That is the stupid idea deeply ingrained which books do not talk about, nor the priest, the religion or the politician.
Those only “talk about” peace, unity, love… Cheap talk.
When we ARE separation, how could we be united? By DOING something?
That conditioning of “survival of the fittest” is flawed as most humans believe it is.
“I” cannot survive without the other things around for the “other” things are truly part of “I.”
Pollute the air, pollute the Ocean, displace animals from their habitat… What happens then?
In our society, economic interests are first. We live in this human made realm to compete. That is our fight to survive.
That is the extension of the conditioning.
With the above in mind, how a man will act with a woman when united in sexual intercourse?
In separation.
Deep down it is a fight. A competition. A struggle to subdue the other. It comes natural! Although we may label that as “love” or “making love,” or use another “nice” label. We cannot hide who we ARE.
Anything a “modern” conditioned man DOES will only reflect who he IS.
So, am “I” preaching to “change,” to be someone else by “practicing” some idea? NO. I am merely stating my perception. It is just a perception.
Change does not happen when I try to DO the opposite of what “I” understand to be “wrong” to make it “right.” That is infantile.
Change happens when I can clearly see who “I” AM without any additional emotions to defend or condemn myself. Just SEE it completely.
For as long as we do not SEE it, we will only believe it or we will not.
We will add yet another belief in our deep and huge bag of beliefs, that sooner or later will be lost in forgetfulness. All we will have left then, is another “nice” talk about Love, Peace, Compassion, Unity, etc.
The mind can live with the ideal, but “reality” cannot.
Separation will bring unity
The “I” cannot fix Life, neither self…but the “I” can fix things and do things.”
Once a person learns a concept, and “buys it,” then that concept becomes an investment to protect, to treasure.
“Separation is bad. This world is the way it is because there is separation, animosity, fights, quarrels, etc. We need unity to bring peace in the world.”
The above phrase is a politician’s talk. It is the magic of empty words. Use certain keywords such as: Life, Freedom, Democracy and some method to support those “values,” to have the acceptance of the “majority.”
The other day I heard a politician trying to explain to the public, how 2 commercially competing neighbor countries, could “complement” each other. If 2 people compete against each other, there cannot be a possibility to complement each other, so is with nations for they are the extension of individuals.
The “power” of appeal over depth of understanding.
Through concepts, through thinking, through believing totally in the accuracy and truth of our own minds, we create space for self-righteousness and because of that, we are biased towards anything that goes against our “investment.”
Nevertheless, Life will teach us the lesson. Whenever there is a belief that someone is “great,” that is the exact path to diminish that one as small, minor, modest. It is just a matter of time.
Observe how your “high” at one point due to something, will become your “low” at another time, when that something is gone.
Then the advice for “others” will be: “Stay away from that.” There is no understanding of a process.
Every experience is meant to show us who we ARE as the sky reflects a cloudy afternoon in a tranquil Ocean.
The clouds are not the problem between you and the Sun. The problem is that we are incapable to enjoy the clouds…
All clouds move, they go on, never static… Once they are all gone, then we could discover that we “miss” the clouds for we realize that the Sun is too bright, too hot… suffering sets in.
“SO… What do you want me to do if “I” am burning?”
Jump into the Ocean. Don’t think too much.
Labeling separation as “bad” is not a solution. Separation does not require a solution for it is not a problem to be “fix.”
It is merely a state of being. Once that state reaches its fullness, it will change itself through a Life process of dissolution. Merely observe how Life brings the perfect setting when we are ready.
“That does not make sense. I want to help the world to be united. I want to help people who are in need, I want to make a difference and not just sit there and watch…Go with the flow…”
Then, allow for that “I” to be dissolved. Otherwise, any activity that you “do” will be tinted with egotism. Do you want change “now,” right?
If you force that to happen because it is your goal, you will be acting with violence as you will not be respecting the natural process of Life.
Please see this: If something is currently “left,” it will move to the “right.” It has its own timing to be natural. If you force that because you feel sorry, because you want change in your Life time, etc. Violence will be executed unavoidably. There are consequences for that.
“So it is better not to act, then…”
An action coming from the unity of the heart, mind and soul and expressed through the body is a wholesome action. That is a “pure” action. Typically our actions are fragmented not wholesome. There is a difference.
Would you like to spend your Life thinking about solutions, thinking about ways to bring “good” to this world by fixing it “now”?
That attitude only shows the strength of your “I.”
Life does not need of an “I” to “help it” improve.
Separation brings unity and unity will bring separation. Duality 101.
Dance the tune, move with the song, it is not about “fixing” the music, changing the song; but to learn to enjoy and appreciate “what is,” for it will change for sure.
Note: I came upon this blog: http://lonerwolf.com/ I was fascinated to find “newness” there. FYI.
Unicity through diversity
One of the greatest ego-trips is the belief in individuality.
It is that belief the one originating separation among human beings. That separation expresses itself through a competitive attitude.
If you are number “1” in something, there must be number “2,” “3,” etc.
“I” need to become this or that. “I” need to arrive there all by myself, with my “own effort,” “I” must control “my” life and “my” environment; so I can become successful, well-known, somebody… In that way the world will know about “me” and “my” greatness, and “I” will be an example for humanity to emulate and they will follow “me,” and “I” will be teaching them to be “like me,” the “right way.” 🙂
Then, everyone will remember me when “I” die.. and “I” will be helping them from “up above,” (so “I” will continue on) so things will move in the “right path,” with the “right belief.” “I” will be seating next to God, observing, judging, controlling, punishing, criticizing, making things “good,” for all and helping all… “my way.” 🙂
The above is an egotistical, childish trip to nowhere.
For many the “reality” of being an individual who can do what he likes when he likes, is enough to create that illusion of separation.
Why is it an illusion?
Because what “I” do, what “I” say to “others” has a consequence which will be experienced by “me.”
“I” can do what “I” want, but “I” cannot stop the consequence of “my doings.” Moreover, If “I” had wisdom, “I” will not do something which will hurt “me.” Right?
But … “reality” is that we typically hurt ourselves at any given day.
Even though it is so simple to understand this principle of interdependence, our imagination and illusory thought; fully believes in our individuality.
There is no one who has taken the life of another being, who has no experienced a return on that.
There is no one who can possibly sit on the right side of God, who has developed an illusory sense of “I,” that individuality which is killing the best of humanity.
There is no one who can “go to heaven,” without caring for “others” and not just their own little story, their own beliefs and dogmas, their own sense of “security.”
Why is it so difficult to look at the Ocean and see that Ocean as part of “me”?
Isn’t that Ocean helping me survive? Can’t we see that far?
Humanity is a story, which has already been written. Things will happen as they have to. It is when “I” separate from that story, to create my “own,” when “I” create suffering for “me.”
All of our own beliefs are supported by this idea of individuality, separation.
The irony resides in labeling “others” who perceive the unicity of diversity as “infantile,” by doing that, we create the separation of “you” and “me,” which is the greatest illusion of the mind.
Are we interested on religious dogmas or in perceiving truth?
Are we interested in following an educational system based on solely this idea of individuality?
We could have the consciousness of individuality; but that is a partial “reality.” When we understand oneness through individuality; that is the time when our conceptual, analytical understanding of life is happily thrown out of the window of our own minds.
“All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.”
― Swami Vivekananda
“The meaning of Supreme Knowledge is to become one with all. Why so many diversities in the world? It is also due to lack of this oneness. Why so many diversities among different religions? That was also due to lack of oneness. Nothing will exist one day. Temples, Churches will not be required. When a man gets God within his body, then only everything will be abolished.”
― sri jibankrishna or Diamond
“We are all different expressions of one reality, different songs of one singer, different dances of one dancer, different paintings – but the painter is one.”
― Osho
“Why struggle to open a door between us when the whole wall is an illusion?”
― Rumi
“Trouble makes us one with every human being in the world – and unless we touch others, we’re out of touch with life.”
― Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
“We are members of one great body, planted by nature…. We must consider that we were born for the good of the whole”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Caught up in feelings to “feel” Spirituality
“The beauty of your celestial face
shines in the softness of your skin
that is your everlasting grace
which makes us lovers akin
Mystery is your Divine name
your beauty is worth a golden frame,
to me there is nothing but your heart
that is what keeps our passion alive.”
The above piece (written sometime ago and re-arranged) may bring certain feelings. It may bring a closeness to an ideal, an experience, a wish, a desire.
In feelings, we can open a different world of experiences. We could be finally “alive.”
In Spirituality, God has taken that pedestal of perfection, of totality, of fulfillment.
A “lover pursuing the beloved” is the story of human beings looking to meet their complements for the experience of completeness.
Even though romantic feelings will take us away from the common “primal instincts” and put us into the plane of deep sentiments, closer to “real” spirituality; still there is the need to recognize that unless we are complete in ourselves; there cannot be the experience of two equals complementing each other in a “healthy” relationship.
If there is no “self completeness,” God is “up there” even though “here.”
That is what makes God unreachable. For the moment we could reach that equality in our beings; that is the moment where the need to feel fulfilled through another, magically dissapears.
Then, being “merged,” being equal, being complements, is the natural relation. Oneness.
Oneness starts with the Universe inside ourselves. When feelings and thoughts align in this Oneness; then there could be the opportunity to complement that oneness with a greater one… 🙂
Exploring the Depth of Living 