Wellness & Spirituality – CONSCIOUS FLOW

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Modern science and ancient wisdom both agree that, at the most fundamental level, all existence (including you, I and all living things) are, in essence, made up of vibrating, pulsating energy.

Since time immemorial there have been accounts of humans experiencing this underlying source energy. This peek experience is commonly described as an all-encompassing humming vibration. It manifests in our internal experience as we expand and refine our awareness beyond gross surface level phenomena to the most subtle frequency of being.

In Sanskrit this sound at the source of all existence is called “Anahata Nada” or “The Unstruck Sound”. In other words, it is the only sound that is not created by two (or more) objects striking together. This sound is the sound of primordial energy, of the universe itself, of source. Joseph Campbell aptly describes this sound as similar to the humming vibration of an electrical transformer.

You have probably heard the famous ancient Buddhist koan “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”. On a surface level this riddle may seem to have no logical answer. However, perhaps it points towards knowledge of a sound much more subtle and fundamental than anything on a physical level…

There are many interpretations of this ancient primordial sound, but the one that resonates most with my personal experience is that of the Vedic tradition. They say that the audible sound that best captures this unstruck sound is “OM”.

This ancient mantra is made up of 4 distinct elements. The first three are the vocal sounds A, U, and M, while the fourth is the silence that begins and ends the sound. Each of these elements are in fact representative of 4 distinct states of consciousness:

“A” represents the level of normal waking consciousness where subject/object duality is present. This is the material world.

“U” represents the level of dream consciousness where the subject/object divide becomes blurred as both are contained within our awareness. This is our inner world.

“M” represents the level of deep dreamless sleep. Subject and object no longer exist in our awareness. This is the cosmic night, the underlying field of pure consciousness, infinite potentiality and contains all worldly phenomena.

We can distil the aim of all spiritual endeavour to experiencing (or rather permanently establishing) the third and most subtle level of consciousness while awake. In fact, the term “Yoga” itself means to yoke or join. The pinnacle of yogic teaching can therefore be understood as when we join and unify our waking consciousness with its deepest silent source.

This is what “AUM”, the fourth element, represents. It is the yoking of the first three elements. The unstruck sound that completes and begins the perpetual cycle of all creation. It is the unified vibration and frequency of silence.

Modern science would lead us to believe that our universe was created by the Big Bang, a singular event that gave rise to our universe yet has been and gone. Ancient wisdom and the accounts of innumerable mystics throughout time would lead us to understand that the vibrations and frequencies that correlate with the source of creation are in fact ongoing and eternal. Furthermore, they can be experienced, at any time, within our own human awareness.

You may be asking what the significance of this is? What is the real-world value of this knowledge?

To answer this question, we must first remind ourselves that we are not separate from the universe or any aspect of creation.

In today’s world so many of us are searching for a sense of belonging and connection. As our outer world becomes ever more technologically advanced the result is that we lose touch with our inner world and innate inner technologies.

Rudolph Steiner once stated that “man will continue to create technologies outside of himself until he realises they are all copies of technologies that exist within him or he destroys the world. The question is which will come first.”

Given the current state of our world this is a time for us to reflect and re-evaluate the methods that got us to this point. It is high time we re-connect with ancient wisdom that may help us to create peace and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

If we as a society have lost touch (for the most part) with the knowledge of our source is it not natural that we may feel lost and disconnected? How can we feel at home when we are cut off from our innate essence?

Furthermore, if contained within the primordial sound is the latent energy, frequency and vibration that gave rise to all creation what are we missing out on by not harnessing and nurturing this connection to source?

What latent human potentials are waiting for us to re-discover if we learn to develop our inner world?

We know that incredible feats and miraculous healing events have been documented throughout history, often attributed to highly evolved spiritual masters and yogis.

Nevertheless, these very teachers always remind us that any power they have is accessible and attainable for every single human being with no exception.

We are currently experiencing a time in the world where many of us are living in fear during a global pandemic. Furthermore, our health as a global society is falling apart. Yet, we continue to put our faith in external powers (modern technologies and governments) to provide the solution. Unfortunately, most of us overlook our own internal powers and the effect this can have on the world as we cultivate them.

Simply put, many of us are living in a state of chronic dis-ease and dis-connection. Our planet and the very fabric of our societies are suffering as a result. We are caught in a perpetual search outside of ourselves for a solution to our existential angst. With each Facebook like, with each hit of dopamine in a world of instant and illusory gratification, we are drawn further away from our source.

Saint Francis of Assisi once said: “What you are looking for is what is looking”. An apt pointer as to the direction of observation and enquiry required to truly find our way back home as humans. It is just as pertinent today, if not even more so.

We exist in a paradigm where modern science and technology has become our new religion. The end goal is one of complete control and domination over nature. It is a path that, if Steiner’s prophecy turns out to be correct, will lead to the destruction of humanity.

Perhaps we are being lead astray by our new faith? It certainly seems as though our continual pursuit for more and greater external advancement is spiralling out of control to the detriment of our inner peace and happiness.

Has our society gone mad? Have we lost touch with reality in the truest and most fundamental meaning of the word?

Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. With that in mind, we must at least admit that the modern mission of continually seeking fulfilment and salvation though external means is built on somewhat shaky and elusive foundations.

Nikola Tesla famously said that “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration”.

This may all sound good on paper, but you might be asking yourself what is the practical application of all this? How does AUM and esoteric concepts relating to the sound of silence help me in my day to day?

To answer this it is useful to note the AUM is also referred to as Prananva, a Sanskrit word which means both controller of life force (prana) and life-giver (infuser of prana). Prana also means breath (wherein lies a potential clue). It is our breath (prana) that connects us to our primordial source of pure consciousness.

Now, there are many methods and techniques that can help us to experience union with source and validate for ourselves the truth behind this ancient wisdom from yoga to breathwork and pranayama or even certain consciousness-altering substances.

It is an experience that I would best describe as an orgasm of the soul.

As one’s awareness settles beyond any external point of reference our mind’s eye is filled with golden white light. As we surrender and allow the light to wash over us we are filled with an ever growing and expanding sense of bliss. As we deepen further into the experience and let go of any construct or notion of I or a separate self we can transcend the light.

Beyond the light we hear, feel and become the primordial vibration. As we continue to surrender the vibration intensifies and the frequency can be allowed to rise infinitely until we dissolve into absolute nothingness…only to emerge from the thundering washing machine of creation and back into the beautiful light of our highest self.

Another way to describe it would be to experience death and rebirth without losing consciousness for a moment.

As we come out from this experience, we are filled with an innate knowing that this experience is the pinnacle of human pleasure. A knowingness dawns that this is the completion of an inward/outward cycle as our own awareness becomes aware of its very own source and creator.

The reason why I am writing this post is firstly to educate myself more deeply on the topic and secondly to serve as a memoir, a reminder to myself to document this beautiful experience. Moreover, I would also like to encourage others to go within and develop their connection with the subtler realms of creation.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has said that all knowledge is structured in consciousness. As I still attempt to process and come to terms with this experience a takeaway that I can communicate is that within this vibration of AUM lies a field of untapped knowledge and unlimited potentialities for human existence. Therein perhaps lies the secrets to the universe, as eluded to by Mr. Tesla.

However, and most importantly for my own personal life journey, it was made very clear to me that by accessing this level of awareness and truly coming back home for the first time, we can unlock the potential to heal anything. Any dis-ease in essence is one of a lack of life force. A misalignment with source, which cuts us off from the energy we require to heal and maintain health.

Within that primordial vibration lies not only the ancient secrets of creation and our universe but also the energy, frequency and vibration to heal. It contains within it the power to heal us individually, collectively and restore the health of our planet.

It is a knowledge and power contained within its own supremely subtle and all-encompassing vibration.

It is our birthright of love, light and good vibes only.

Spread the word.

Auuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmm….

A WISE NEW WORLD – THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCERNMENT AND THE WAY OF THE SANGHA

May 2020

I grew up with the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. You could say he was my first guru. When asked what the most important quality was for a human being with regard to human evolution Maharishi gave the answer of discernment. It is only in recent times that I have begun to fully grasp the importance and truth of this insightful statement.

Many spiritual teachers have shared that we are currently moving away from the era of the Guru towards a new era of spiritual teachings. This new era they say is the way of the Sangha. Sangha is a Sanskrit word that means association, assembly or community. In Buddhism the concept of Sangha refers to a monastic order of monks and nuns. However, there is a separate category that refers to the noble Sangha. The noble Sangha includes any individual in society, whether a member of the monastic order or not, who has attained enlightenment.

The concept of Sangha I am pointing towards here refers to the latter. This is not an obscure religious concept. Quite the opposite. It is highly relevant to our current society and will likely prove to be of great importance given recent world events and the societal turmoil set to arise as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before I lose you in esoteric and undefined concepts such as enlightenment and Sangha, I would like us to demystify and define the terms for a moment.

Under my definition, enlightenment is not in essence an attainment or a grandiose achievement relegated to a select few ancient masters. In this context, it simply refers to those virtuous people in society who are firmly established in their true nature. Those who are living in state of connection and communion with pure heartfelt awareness and aligned with their life purpose. It is a state of being that naturally brings light to darkness and holds the keys to our intuition and true knowledge. It is something we all know and have all experienced, if even just for a fleeting moment, but perhaps don’t have the intellectual framework to fully recognise or appreciate it. It does not negate the challenges of the human experience and does not imply perfection. It is both beyond and inclusive of these concepts.

The way of the Sangha means maintaining collective harmony and flow. The Sangha is responsible for upholding the knowledge-base of the collective and is aligned on a common mission of sharing truth for the greater good. The way of the Sangha refers to the natural flow of the collective. It is guided by the same intelligence that allows a murmuration of starlings to navigate in perfect alignment. A gentle whisper of cosmic intelligence that is contained within all human beings and living creatures.

There is a common path that is paved with the fabric of true knowledge and aligned guidance. When we step back onto this path of inner knowing we begin to understand that we must authentically connect and share the fundamental truths of our human experience. This is imperative in order to build a kinder, more compassionate and harmonious world. When re-connected to this field we gain access to the creative intelligence of mother nature. This is the foundation to human evolution and will lead us to a wise new world.

At our core our fundamental nature is innocent. It is based on pure love and compassion. However, I understand that some of you reading this will be more jaded in your outlook and understandably so. As we look out at the world around us we see so much of the opposite. So much pain, suffering and destruction. It can be hard to understand that fundamentally all is good. Those that subscribe to this worldview can seem like they have their head in the clouds and are negating the facts of reality with positive thinking.

For a moment, as a mediator by nature, I am actually going to agree with this criticism. However, the truth is always more subtle than any fixed conclusion. The key to unveiling fundamental truth comes with the power of discernment and the ability to bring the dark into the light.

When we transcend the mind and connect with our true nature, we experience first-hand the very fabric of our existence and know this to be true, loving and innocent. By innocence I mean that it contains no quality that can be accurately described in words. Silence would be the closest metaphor.

As we become more established in this truth it opens our mind and increases our ability to embrace and accept paradox. From a clear vantage point of inner truth we attune to an innate intelligence that naturally removes ignorance and provides guidance. A heightened sense of intuition and more frequent synchronicities occurring in our life can signal that we are living more aligned with our true nature and life purpose.

However, the discovery of our true nature or what some may refer to as enlightenment, as I highlighted before, is not an unattainable achievement. It is simply a shift in perspective. It is the first step of a journey. A journey that requires the support of community, greater integration and continuous learning to reach our ultimate human potential as reflected by the great masters and gurus of the past (and present). When connected to our true nature this does not automatically bestow us with instant wisdom or total knowledge. And most importantly, it does not automatically provide discernment.

Discernment is a faculty of the intellect. It is a skill and quality of a human being that must be honed. It is the power of discernment that acts as the compass towards spontaneous right action and a virtuous life that will ultimately lead to greater fulfilment and happiness on a personal level while solving many issues on a societal and environmental level.

This concept of virtue and living established in truth can be summarised by another Sanskrit term Satya. Satya in Sanskrit means virtue or truth and refers to being truthful in one’s thought, speech and actions. It also implies the virtuous restraint from falsehood and distortion of one’s expressions and actions. In more relatable terms authenticity sums up the concept of Satya quite nicely.

Another beautiful Sanskrit term is that of Satsang, which stems from the root words Sat (meaning truth) and Sangha (meaning association, company or community). It is often used to refer to the gatherings where enlightened gurus share their teachings with disciples. However, in essence, this term simply refers to keeping the company of people established in truth or building community with virtuous people.

The purpose of Satsang is to share knowledge. In Sanskrit there is a term called Vidya, which provides deeper insight into the concept of knowledge. Vidya refers to valid knowledge and the science of intuitive learning. In other words, knowledge that cannot be contradicted. It implies direct knowledge of the self, of our true nature or essence. Vidya can only be gained self-intuitively. Truth, or real knowledge, therefore can only be known through direct experience. It cannot be grasped by the intellect. Vidya is by definition subjective, but also universal in essence.

In this regard, we must learn to understand that fundamental or true knowledge cannot be attained by the scientific method alone, but must rather be attainted through the merging and integration of science and spirituality. Direct experience must be our ultimate litmus test.

Intuition is the impulse of true knowledge. Discernment is the faculty that allows us to appropriately act on this impulse. Discernment is therefore the key to a wise mind and provides the filter and direction for us to embody and accurately express our true nature. This is where the modern scientific method, data and mathematics can help us hone the faculty of discernment, but science must not become a new religion. It is a thorn that can serve to remove a thorn.

When we are both established in our true nature and our intellect has honed the faculty of discernment we can then truly act as conduits of light and help to serve the greater good. If these two aspects are not balanced and skilfully integrated our thought, speech and actions can be misguided and potentially lead us and others astray.

This is precisely why the way of the Sangha is so important to maintain the wisdom of the collective and prevent individuals getting lost. Connecting with our true nature is not the hardest or most elusive part. It is having the correct level of discernment and humility to understand any errors in our ways. The challenge lies in transcending the ego and staying humble. The refinement of this process can take decades or even lifetimes.

We can also understand the way of the Sangha as a form of compassionate teaching. This process of collective learning goes beyond the guru disciple divide. It becomes a mutual exchange of knowledge. It is the transmission of learning through the expression of authentic human experience. It empowers and connects rather than separates and distances.

Learning from an individual who may be one step higher on the ladder of knowledge, or one step further ahead on their spiritual journey, can be a more relatable and effective way to share knowledge. This collective process of sharing truth is about rebalancing the playing field.

Many so-called gurus or spiritual masters may be promoting knowledge that is either not relevant for one individual or they may have simply climbed a completely different or unstable ladder of learning that may mislead or misguide. The way of the Sangha therefore also demands a greater requirement for discernment. It requires greater trust in our own intuition and validation in our own personal experience. Our ability to trust in what resonates is a key guiding principle to hone discernment.

Now, I want to take you with me briefly to another timeline. To demonstrate the origins of some of the aforementioned concepts…

Kosambi was an ancient Indian city, which is said to have been of great importance during the times of Buddha. It was a place deemed suitable for Buddha’s final resting place. It is symbolic of release from the cycle of death and rebirth. It implies merging with the infinite and attaining nirvana after death. In other words, the ultimate goal of all spiritual practice.

The King of Kosambi during the times of Buddha decreed that the way of the Sangha (community) must not be abandoned. Anyone who disrupted the unity of the Sangha would be outcast and made to wear white robes.

In today’s day and age we associate wise gurus and enlightened masters with men in white robes. Many still feel that the knowledge required for spiritual development is held only by those who dwell in caves in the Himalayas or spend a lifetime of solitude free from the stresses and distractions of our fast-paced modern lifestyle.

This little anecdote of Kosambi and the King’s decree is somewhat symbolic of the power and importance of community for spiritual evolution. It reminds us that the way of the Sangha, the direction and knowledge-base of the collective, is fundamental for the betterment of humanity as a whole.

However, we must understand that the harmony of the Sangha is governed first and foremost by our own inner harmony and alignment with our true nature. This is the first step that is required in order to transcend disharmony within the collective.

It is my belief that there are certain core values that must be re-established in order to guide us towards greater harmony. As we move into the era of the Sangha we must understand the importance of community, connection, kindness, authenticity, humility and compassion. These are qualities that will lay the foundations to a brave and wise new world.

However, we must also understand that transformation and transition is a process and that light and dark will always exist in the world. It is for this reason that as we aim to re-establish and maintain the way of the Sangha we must also exercise and hone our power of discernment.

The true gurus and warriors that will create a better world moving forward will be those that operate relentlessly from their true nature and express qualities of kindness, authenticity and compassion in their speech and actions.

However, in order to survive and be successful in this turbulent world we must act skilfully. The faculty of discernment must be used as a guiding principle and understood as the most important quality for a human being in this day and age.

Our next generation of leaders must act with the hearts of saints, but with the cunning of sharks.

These leaders should not be placed on a pedestal.

These leaders are me and you.

Change begins within.

The power to create change lies in the way of the Sangha.

Follow your intuition.

Connect.

Share your truth with humility.

Listen.

Exercise discernment.

A wise new world awaits.

NURTURE THE LIGHT – An illuminating non-conclusion on Covid-19

May 2020

Are we perhaps simultaneously dealing with a pandemic of fact versus fiction? Of sincerity versus deception? Of truth versus lies?

Of doubt versus discernment?

Of fear versus love?

Is there an unspoken war of light versus dark that is muddying the waters?

From where I stand you don’t have to believe or not believe anything. You don’t have to figure it all out or have certainty over any single narrative.

That’s for sure.

There is a hidden value in this situation with it’s contradictory theories and conflicting stories.

The value lies in self-enquiry. To evaluate what you truly know to be true.

To truly be honest with yourself. To be willing, even just as a thought experiment, to challenge and go beyond all your limiting beliefs.

To simply be prepared to let go of needing to know, if even just for a moment, clears the way for light.

This light allows you to reconnect with your intuition. A deeper and more trustworthy part of your human nature.

Nurture that inner light. It is sacred.

That is how you will find discernment. Even then it’s a deepening process to trust your intuition. Intuition arises from a timeless space, but requires time to establish and hone it’s accuracy.

To see a lie sandwiched between two truths nourishes discernment. To discern truth sandwiched between two lies builds confidence.

You should not rush to definitive or divisive conclusions using your mind alone. It’s better to come to a place of intuitive knowing, which in turn will sharpen your intellect. Still, even then, it’s prudent to remain humble and open to being wrong.

The pandemic is an invitation to reconnect more deeply to ourselves, to nurture our inner light and connect with others more authentically.

Find the light. Hold the light. Share the light.

It will show you the path back home.

Don’t be afraid. Light dissolves fear.

You may get lost, for a little while.

You may make mistakes along the way.

Trust and let the light guide you.

Light contains the truth.

The truth is light. Darkness is heavy.

Come home. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay humble.

Home is where the heart is.

It’s warm and bright inside.

Find comfort there. And then share.

Put your own mask on first.

There is always a choice.

Trust the light.

Chose love not fear.

EPHEMERALITY AND NAVIGATING CHANGE WITH THE CONCEPT OF WU WEI

February 2020

“The only constant is change”, they say. Nothing remains forever. Our ability to let go dictates our ability to flow…

Letting go does not equate to detachment and a lack of care or concern. In letting go we allow eternal love to bless us. In holding we exert control. This futile attempt to prevent change will result in stagnation and ultimately invite the pain teacher until we learn to accept and welcome transience.

How can we find and nurture our ability to accept and embrace change? The key is to find the balance between passivity and forcing (or trying to control and manipulate outcomes to align with one’s egoic wills and wants).

In the Tao Te Ching there is a concept known as wu wei. Wu meaning “not” and wei meaning “action” or “doing”. However, if we delve deeper into the true meaning of this Taoist tenet of being, the best and most accurate understanding can be defined as “not forcing”.

I have written before on the concept of the currents of nature and a flow of innate wisdom that we can tap to guide us on this earth, to help live a smoother life and avoid unnecessary, stress, strain and struggle.

Not forcing can be easily misinterpreted as not doing, or not taking action. This misconception can lead to passivity and ultimately disconnecting from the guidance and messages from our higher self and/or mother nature. This repression of our truth can make us feel lost and without clear direction or purpose.

To get one’s bearings one must remain anchored and connected to stillness. It is in stillness, by opening up to the quiet place within that resides in all of us and makes up the foundation, the blank canvas, of experience, that we can we hear the voice of the higher self. If the mind is too busy with past or future worry, too noisy with fear or concern, we are unable to listen to the constant whispers of nature.

If we are able to attune to those whispers, they gradually become louder and our confidence in following these impulses of knowledge grows.

How can we know that these whispers can be trusted? What am I listening for? This is where we must step into the sensory territory of the heart and gut. The logical and conditioned mind can struggle to hear and trust these signals.

This is why we must first settle the mind and from the eternal and never changing foundation to our awareness we can begin to hear the truth of our heart and trust in the intuitive receptor that is our gut.

The heart speaks in the language of frequency and resonance. It is attuned to the gentle and soft words of love, passion and compassion. The heart knows what it wants, but when our overriding frequency is dominated by excessive fear, we cannot hear the heart’s song. It’s beauty and subtlety get drowned out and we feel alone, disconnected and fearful.

If we can move beyond the mind and connect to the frequency of our heart this then leads us to the next step….

When our heart is open and listening we can hear the deeper and more subtle messages of our intuition, which can be felt in the gut.

Wu wei as we discussed is not passivity, but rather action that is frictionless, that is not forced and does not create stress or strain. We can consider wu wei as the path of least resistance.

Now, how can we find the map to follow this path and make it a reality in this life? How is it possible to always have spontaneous right action and flow through this ephemeral life where the only constant is change? If the terrain is ever-changing how can the map be accurate? How can we avoid getting lost?

The key to this is our intuition. Now, we are all human and in the relative physical world perfection is a concept that only really exists subjectively. It can only be considered possible or realised experientially from the standpoint of unity consciousness where we are all one, nothing ever happened, and there is no such thing as change, or even life. Or as Bill Hicks would say “that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves”. Our intuition is our inbuilt weather forecast.

Leaving that concept of perfection behind we must understand that in this world the nature of life is to grow. Growth is a process, there’s no ultimate destination and growth results in change.

As we grow we learn to deepen our appreciation of change and welcome the unknown. As we learn to stop clinging to the past and grasping for the future we are able to experience a deepening trust of the currents of nature.

As our ability to follow the cues of our intuition grow, as we begin to better recognise the signals of synchronicity and follow the true desires and impulses of our heart, we are able to finally relax.

In that relaxation and grounded in the alert restfulness of our inner stillness we can hear the satellite navigation of mother nature.

Knowledge is structured in consciousness. The real and most sophisticated search engine in this universe is contained within us. To find our true and highest path in this life Google maps is not the answer.

Look within and you will find your way.

Learn to be quiet.

Learn to listen.

Find and nurture your inner light.

Bring it with you into this world.

It will guide you, even in times of darkness.

One step at a time.

Don’t let your love of life become overshadowed.

We cannot avoid change.

Life is ephemeral.

We are eternal….