About
JOYFUL ILLUMINATION:
Exploring Non-Duality
elcome Continued:
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First of all, I would like to point out that this site follows no one particular tradition, dogma, or spiritual system. And yet, we explore and are open to information from any source, ancient or contemporary. One of the basic elements of the non-dual is the recognition that beliefs of any kind, as information, are all by nature limited. Our journey, if we are to pursue its fullness requires an energetic transformation within us, a direct encounter with the unknown, and the frequencies beyond this material plane.
There is no denial necessary, simply a transcendence into a higher state of consciousness that is pure and free of any object. Some beliefs are simply no longer useful and we let them go. Others are useful and help us on our way. Ultimately, all that we experience with our senses, including our physical body, our egoic personality, and even our cognitive intellect must be transcended. We are moving beyond name and form; beyond space and time. These are not new ideas. They have been known and practiced for millennia. The teachings and practices are innumerable as are their interpretations by philosophers, teachers, spiritual guides, and others. These messengers range from Enlightened beings to the not so enlightened. Some are false prophets preaching for profit.
Another element of the non-dual view is that we are our own ultimate authority. The True Spiritual guide is within us. Certainly, the external helpers have been essential in our journey and inspire our gratitude and appreciation, even our devotion, but ultimately we must mature spiritually and connect with our own inner wisdom. Consequently, my objective for my readers is to offer a variety of practices and experiences that can be used to create one’s own spiritual practice. We can start from square one or simply expand and incorporate elements that work well for us.
I just want to point out that the practices you use to awaken are yours alone and that a Loving Intelligence is always present and will always be there to guide you. This loving Presence wants you to realize the Truth of your nature. May it be so!
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Duality and the non-dual are not in conflict. We have a 3D ego self and a spiritual self. They both exist and support one another.
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The challenge is to simply see, accept, and understand the nature and limitation of the conventional ego self and especially it’s impermanence. The negative aspects must be faced and transformed, yes, but the ego is not the enemy.
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We simply change our view of who and what we are. We are expressions of Source consciousness, of ultimate truth. But we are projected into the conventional truth of sense- based reality and we forget our true nature. Just understand this and you are on your way!
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Our task is to experience and understand the balance of these two truths.
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We need to cultivate a deep enjoyment in being silent and still. This is the essence of any form of meditation. Disconnect from the busyness of ordinary life and turn your awareness inward.
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The regular practice of this is best. Even a few minutes every day is more beneficial than an hour or so occasionally. Although any meditation is good. Just showing up is the thing.
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Entering the silence and stillness of the body and mind is the starting point. Just that. You are not at war with your mind. Thoughts will arise for a very long time. Don’t struggle with them. Eventually, you will learn how to let them just drift by like clouds in the sky, or a leaf floating by on a gentle stream.
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Take time to study the energetic geography of your body. Begin to feel the effects of your meditation in your body. It is not just a mental process but the union of body, mind, emotion, and spirit.
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Feelings and sensations are way more important than knowledge.
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Non-dual meditation takes us beyond language. We can learn to recognize distracting thoughts as products of the learned, cognitive mind. Thoughts are all either about the body, the environment, or some time. When thoughts arise we can think something like “not now” and brings our awareness back to the silent stillness.
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Cultivating the habit of recognizing the present moment as the Eternal Now is essential. If we can enter the silence and stillness and just be aware of being aware, of being pure awareness and hold that in the Eternal Now, we are getting very close to Home!
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Pure Awareness is another way of saying pure consciousness. Pure, without any object is Source consciousness. Which is the source of all that is, has been or ever will be. It has many other names, ie., the One, Unity Consciousness, the Quantum Field, the Tao, the Holy Spirit, the Mind of God, etc. I assure you the name does not matter. Scholars may get caught up in the exact meanings, don’t get stuck in that quagmire, there is no definition for any of this.
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This is not theoretical. It can and must be experienced as it reveals itself to you in meditation and your experience of outward life.
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There are many teachings regarding posture, breath, and the mechanics of meditation. You can experiment with these if you wish. Having the back as straight as possible is usually suggested but the main thing is to be comfortable. Let your body guide you. Find your own time. If your noses itches, scratch it. Or not.
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Mainly RELAX. Relax into your body, relax into the present moment, relax the mind, take a break from your ordinary life and it’s demands. And most important, relax into your own true nature. Simply ALLOW yourself to REMEMBER your own spiritual essence!
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Meditation should and can be fun, pleasurable, and joyful. It unfolds in Love, like a child at play in the Mind of God!