Category: Consciousness & Philosophy

Meditations on the nature of consciousness & phenomenological philosophy

The Children of Cain

22 Apr 2024

The elder, breaking his vow of silence after 146 years, said to Alexei, “you’ve come to my room and prayed at my feet more than the other monks in this monastery. Now, I shall speak to you, the son of Cain! It’s not your prayers that compelled me to speak; what compelled me to break silence is that which compelled you to ceaselessly pray; it’s rising wave in all of us, felt in the core of our Being, that compels the collective impulse. I, too, speak because this wave is reaching a threshold in our time.” … More The Children of Cain

Beyond The Shadows: Deciphering The Phenomenological Reduction – Part 2

22 Mar 2024

What makes the phenomenological reduction unique, is that it’s not a suspension of an act or cluster of acts in favor of living in some other acts; it’s rather a total and complete suspension or putting out of play of all acts or all manners of being directed toward meanings through the stream of consciousness. It is unique both in its universality and its peculiar directionality: everything is suspended by an abrupt move toward the center of consciousness, the pure I, which will bring to view the total streaming consciousness. The phenomenological reduction is, as Fink has said, a persistent abstention from any participation in the stream of consciousness by making the streaming itself the theme, a streaming that throughout human history has always remained un-thematic and un-discovered for necessary reasons. To perform the reduction is to see the streaming, the Heraclitean flux, for the first time. … More Beyond The Shadows: Deciphering The Phenomenological Reduction – Part 2

Beyond The Shadows: Deciphering The Phenomenological Reduction – Part 1

8 Jan 2024

The things that we experience, including our own human self, its history and its fundamental situatedness within a context, i.e. the world, are nothing but shadows compared to what’s truly real: they derive their sense of Being and reality from something else outside of the cave, from what Fink calls the Light-World. However, being chained to our mundane self-understanding, we falsely attribute reality and existence to these shadow-appearances. We are fundamentally oblivious to the possibility of the true dimension of Being. That’s why Fink argues that insofar as we see and interpret ourselves as humans in the world, we cannot break free from this beginingless imprisonment. Rather, we must turn away from the shadows and step outside the cave, a movement accomplished by the performance of the reduction, and this reduction which is a persistent abstention from belief needs to be performed from a deeper level of self than our human self which itself is nothing but a shadow. … More Beyond The Shadows: Deciphering The Phenomenological Reduction – Part 1

Exploring the Depths of Consciousness: Edmund Husserl’s Natural Attitude versus Phenomenological Attitude

26 Dec 2023

In performing the phenomenological reduction, phenomenology challenges our assumptions about an objective reality external to consciousness. Instead, it reveals a dynamic and mutually dependent interplay between the subject and the world, with the lifeworld serving as the shared horizon of our collective experiences. In adopting the phenomenological attitude, we embark on a journey that transcends the mundane and unveils the profound mysteries of consciousness, inviting us to explore the depths of our subjective worlds and the interconnectedness that binds us all. In the final analysis, a successful entry into the phenomenological attitude coincides with the realization that while as empirical egos we appear to be living in the world, as transcendental ego, it is the world that lives within us, a world that is constantly constructed and simultaneously lived as the field of play for consciousness itself. … More Exploring the Depths of Consciousness: Edmund Husserl’s Natural Attitude versus Phenomenological Attitude

Transcendental Experience: Moving Beyond States and Illusions

21 Dec 2023

Turiya, the timeless reality within and beyond waking, dreaming, and dreamless states, isn’t a distant goal but a constant presence in our daily lives. Imagine experiencing undifferentiated awareness amid the hustle of the waking world, breaking through illusions that once obscured our true reality.

This journey isn’t about withdrawal; it’s about engagement from a transcendent perspective. Relationships transform as compassion deepens, conflicts lose their grip, and a sense of interconnectedness prevails.

Guided by teachings, we navigate this path not toward progress but a recognition of what has always been. Turiya isn’t a destination; it’s a lived reality that integrates profound insights into the fabric of our existence. … More Transcendental Experience: Moving Beyond States and Illusions

Metaphysics of Light & Spiritual Realization

8 Dec 2023

Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the parallels between light and the nature of the Self. This post delves into the invisible essence of light, drawing connections with the unseen Self. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the interdependence of form and light, echoing the relationship between the Self and non-self elements. Shifting focus to the nature of reality, the post replaces “Being” with the tangible concept of reality. Concluding with spiritual realization as a transformative process of intuitive recognition, the reader is invited to contemplate the intricate interplay between light, perception, and the essence of the Self. … More Metaphysics of Light & Spiritual Realization

Exploring the Depths of Nondual Reality & States of Consciousness: Shankara’s Commentary on Mandukya Upanishad

27 Nov 2023

Embark on a transformative journey through the Mandukya Upanishad with Adi Shankara’s profound insights. Explore the essence of Aum, the Atman’s four quarters, and the transcendent Turiya. Shankara’s timeless wisdom invites you to transcend ordinary perceptions and discover the unchanging reality within. Embrace unity, dispel diversity, and dive into self-discovery. Enriched by Shankara’s guidance, the Mandukya Upanishad beckons you to uncover timeless truths and dance with the eternal rhythm of Aum. Ready to embark on the path to self-realization? Explore the wisdom of Mandukya Upanishad now. … More Exploring the Depths of Nondual Reality & States of Consciousness: Shankara’s Commentary on Mandukya Upanishad

The Art of Self-Creation: Unleashing the Power of Imagination

13 Nov 2023

Embark on a journey into the captivating realm of self-creation through the extraordinary force of imagination. Explore how the boundless landscapes of our minds become the canvas on which we paint the vibrant tapestry of our desired selves. This post delves into the profound impact of harnessing imagination as the architect of personal transformation. Discover the keys to sculpting the version of yourself you aspire to be, using imagination as the guiding force in this exhilarating odyssey of self-discovery and realization. … More The Art of Self-Creation: Unleashing the Power of Imagination

How to use our inner chaos to lead a better life and become who we’re meant to be

3 Jul 2023

To move out of the looming chaos, we can pay attention to the loudest call that’s drawing our attention to itself; in most cases it’s very simple and is something in our most immediate environment and time-zone. Perhaps cleaning something up, writing the next blog post, renewing the car’s annual inspection, etc.. It’s only when our immediate environment (both mental and physical) is in a state of relative order that we can get a more stable long-term vision of our life and the next right step toward it. When we make our day a relatively clean day, not only do we allow the next layer of possibilities to shines forth, we also create more positive emotions through these meaningful actions, emotions that are conducive to more meaningful actions that can exponentially improve our situation. … More How to use our inner chaos to lead a better life and become who we’re meant to be