The Nature of Consciousness
Or Self-reflection, Purusa and Prakriti
So after much absence from the world of interneting and much participation in the world of perceived reality, I am finding a moment to reflect and blog. Amongst background conversation about things which I know nothing of. Video games. So badass I have absolutely no opinion about them. Unless of course it's Sim's Bustin' Out and my opinion is that it takes over my life.
Onward.
Change has visited this here life of mine (or that which I am participating in...). Lessons on surrender (ishvara pranidhana) have come knocking on my door... while I read casually on the subway about the nature of consciousness. Yep. I said it. The nature of consciousness. Makes me think of dear Eric. Whose blog I just visited. Losing the self and stumbling across the Self. I love it. I think I could quite possibly be talking gibberish. But in this here blog, it is to be expected.
So my question (or questions... plural) for all of you is this: What is the nature of consciousness? What is enlightenment? How does it differ from samadhi? Let us reflect.
Our dear friend wikipedia says that samadhi... describes a non-dualistic state of consciousness in which the consciousness of the experiencing subject becomes one with the experienced object. So samadhi could be explained as brief or extended moments of clarity and/or oneness. Where all perceived lines of separation disappear. In the Eight Limbs of Yoga, samadhi is the last limb, following dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation).
And then.
Enlightenment.
Some internet searching gave me this... Enlightenment is defined as the loss of `ego’ or the loss of the delusion of the `me.’ The average person believes in and identifies with a separate ego or `me’ residing in the body. This belief gives rise to me-based conditioning, which is the root cause of me-based or psychological suffering, which is avoidable. When a person sees through this me-delusion, he is said to be Enlightened. Enlightenment initiates a process of reversal of the me-based conditioning, and this process of deconditioning is the process of Liberation. The end-point, Final Liberation, is a state completely free of me-based suffering, a state of absolute, causeless compassion.
So one could say that samadhi is a brief moment of euphoria whereas enlightenment is a complete disassembling of conditioning, establishing a place where oneness is fully and constantly experienced. Compassion (karuna) factors in because once you identify all beings as one, then the absence of compassion is cruelty. Being kind to them is equivalent to being kind to yourself.
Through my ponderings (always on the subway), I have decided a few basic concepts for myself. Not necessarily full and fleshed-out. Just small thoughts.
1. I believe in non-dualism. Oneness. Multiplicity is a perceived reality (or misperceived, as it were). Yet one that is the playground set out for us.
2. God is love. Literally.
3. All actions should be for the benefit and well-being of all ( or one... as it were).
4. The greatest acts are those of compassion (karuna).
5. The purpose of a yoga practice is to develop a sense of interconnectedness. To connect to the earth, to other kids in the room, to the air, to anything and everything. Or more clearly, to experience the already existing connectedness. To eliminate the idea of separateness. To offer yourself to the well-being of others, for in their happiness you will find joy.
So that is it. That is all that I've got for now. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around purusa and prakriti. So friends, if you have thoughts on the matter. Please share. Especially you. Yeah YOU.
In 'real-life' news. Team Rybot and Nicole have rearranged (a.k.a. the kids have split). I've recently moved into a new home. One which is all things amazing. New people have entered the circle. They are greatness. Teaching and practicing have been less of a focus. But I feel like that is what life has to offer me right now. Lessons. For you kiddies in Taiwan, send me letters in any form (msn, myspace, email, paper). I miss you (Eric! Emma!). Catch ya' on the flip side.xx. -n.
1 comment:
nice.
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