Feb’ 2016
This work is drawn from common themes found in many mystical traditions; Vedic, Buddhist, Taoist and other inclusive teachings through the ages to modern times. Such teachings are often referred to as non-dualist, (Advaita), which literally means ‘not two’. Some intense experiences can lead to the thought ‘I feel completely at-one’
It holds the view that our total integration and oneness with the universe we share is the principal and foundation of all life and matter. There is no other in time and space, but ‘here and now’… no other time but now, no other place but here, no other self but ‘I’. A common message they all share, along with a path to true freedom and happiness.
“A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest…. a kind of optical delusion of our consciousness. This delusion is a prison for us.
Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
Albert Einstein 1879-1955. Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921.
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Is this great path to freedom and happiness, shared by the wise, some kind of journey? Well, yes and no… It’s a bit like asking for the way home when all the time you’re standing in your own doorway. Or finding your way to the top of a mountain, a most difficult and challenging climb indeed, with slips, rock falls and great suffering; all the trials and tribulations it brings… only to find that the mountain was never really there! It was all in the mind. “The truth will set you free!”
You might well ask ‘is such a journey necessary, with all the challenges it brings?’ – Yes! By nature we are born into darkness and ignorance, blessed with the great and noble task to find our way to the light. Is it a good thing or a bad thing..? That question just doesn’t arise, for that is just the way it is; not good or bad. You might just as well ask – ‘Is it necessary for a child to go through childhood, and all the learning, falls and tears that go with it to reach adulthood?’ Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
“There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so” ~ Wm Shakespeare
We can only hope that we are granted good guidance and governance that our falls will not be too painful, and that the learning we gain will be true. That we shall pass this on with wisdom and compassion for those that follow.
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I do hope you find this of interest, if not at least a little thought provoking. Much of this work, at first glance, will appear to be highly controversial, and deeply challenging to many of our fundamental beliefs. The principle thinking of non-duality, ‘Advaita’, where no part, in time and space is separate from another, all flowing with the same inseparable will, like an immense river flowing to the sea it has vast implications for cause and effect, birth and death, Karma and free-will.
In writing this work I have found common perceptions shared across the many traditions, yet remaining free of dogma, fixed views and attitudes. These notes are for guidance only, views to explore and ponder, and only when found to inspire deep reflection and insight.
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This work is in no way meant to present any kind of doctrine, but to be shared, tested and openly debated and reflected upon. Many may well disagree; words at best are a guiding map only, not the territory. As was once said to me, “there is your way, my way, and the right way; and working together we may just come a little closer to the truth”. True knowledge and understanding can only come from direct experience. That must be found by living action, deep mindful reflection and insight. At best, I hope this will help you find ‘your’ way.
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Apart from skilled use of enlightened, and paradoxical poetic license – Wm Shakespeare being a master of such – modern western language is not well adapted to convey some of the deeper spiritual truths. Consequently I have developed the meaning applied to ‘awareness’ and ‘consciousness’. I draw your attention to, and recommend reading chapter 14, for clarification. This distinction will bring greater clarity throughout this work.
Each chapter brings greater light to the preceding and following chapters and, as suggested, should be read over in sequence and in conjunction with the others with mindful attention. This mindful attention, greater presence of mind and body to reading, thought, and application will bring deeper understanding, wisdom, calmness and contentment. Most of what we learn is held in memory which is on the surface only and temporary. Deep attention to reading, listening and application brings understanding which is deep and permanent.
Every good ball player knows the importance of paying attention, body and mind, to every stroke and catch for the lessons learned. All good teachers know the value of student attention. And every mountaineer depends for his life on being completely present to every foot’ and handhold.
To help you to develop and bring your skills of mindfulness, not just to these pages but throughout life, please find this simple, transferrable programme at www.keystoneway.com – Keystone Meditation. There you will find a full explanation and an on-line link to a Meditation timer and support group – ‘Keystone Group’. The on-line timer is an independent service that links many thousands of meditators around the world of all traditions.
Most of today’s house-holders, as opposed to monks and ascetics, find themselves in a busy and competitive world. With this in mind this simple approach requires little more than 1 minute per day, done in the right way, followed by simple acts of attentiveness. It may seem too simple, but a single seed planted and nurtured in the right way, at the right time and in the right soil, will grow into a mighty forest.
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I am not here to change the world
I am here to help it grow
As every good parent would know
For further guidance I have searched out teachings that would help us to absorb and share what has been learned and understood by enlightened beings through the ages. I have made constant, personal referral to the works of G.I.Gurdjieff, who, along which many of his pupils worked tirelessly with such teachings for the betterment and harmonious development of man. I could well have chosen any of the other great teachings. However, with this I have felt best directed and most at ease.
I claim no originality for many of the views and comments expressed here as I believe them to be timeless truths presented in so many works that have gone before. However, the way I have collected, assembled and presented them is uniquely constructed to bring new clarity to the work.
It is, as I am, a work in progress, and I hope it helps to open up some inspirational thinking, and can only hope that it adds something worthwhile to your own journey in life, and for others who come across this work.
Love not the world for your-self, but as your-self… ~ Brihadaranyaka-Upanishad Bk IV
I welcome any views and comments that will help to bring more light of understanding to this amazing universe we all share.
For those who have followed a similar work you may recognize some references from Shankara, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, with references to the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Tao-Te-Ching, Buddhist and Sufi sages.
For further reflections and thoughts in progress… http://www.twitter.com/NaturesDestiny
“Follow not the teacher, but the teachings truth’s your home – he knows his way is not your own but must be your’s alone”
“Neither teacher I nor pupil be, just hold my hand, walk with me and together… we shall see”
NaturesDestiny 