Beyond Patanjali

In Hinduism, functioning in the world is fundamentally the interplay between the three gunas, tamas, rajas and sattva. Tamas is dullness or ignorance. Rajas is passion, goal driven action. Sattva is goodness, refinement or inspiration. Our behavior is a domination of one of these gunas but the other gunas are never far behind.

Sattva is what is at the basis of religion or norms of proper behavior. An attempt to be more Godly. Behavioral training until we achieve a state where we are “good” spontaneously, Atman.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras span the gap between sattva and atman. The apex of Patanjali’s knowledge rests in chapter 3, The Powers. There Patanjali brings Dharana, (focus) Dhyana, (meditation) and Samadhi, (transcendence) into one exercise he calls, Samyama.

Let’s take a step back. Before we launch onto samyama, we must first get familiar with the field of the transcendence, samadhi. This happens via meditation. Once we go deep into meditation we come to a layer of awareness which we can term as pure awareness. Awareness without any objects of focus. Awareness alone. Usually experienced as a bright field of light with nothing else. There is a sense of peace, contentment or bliss, in this state. If you get nothing but this state out of your spiritual exploits consider yourself blessed. Resting in this state is a phenomenal achievement. Evidently, however, there is more.

Patanjali sought to explore this field of samadhi. He located two layers of samadhi. One that was pure and not involved in the phenomenal world, a seedless samadhi. The other was, as Patanjali put it, a samadhi with seed.

The samadhi with seed seems to have many names, storehouse of all impressions, field of all possibilities, ritam bhara pragya, a layer of truth, etc. Through samyama we request traits, qualities or aspects such as friendliness, compassion or love and allow them to fall into samadhi and in a moment that quality is mentally manifest in our awareness. In my case I end up wearing the quality as a cloak. We bring that particular quality out of the field of all possibilities and imbue it onto our self. But it is not our self. It’s an item of clothing so to speak, that we choose, as it were, to portray our self as … Its a costume. An outfit. A persona we wish to display. Patanjali has brought us this level of interaction with samadhi. However, this field of samadhi with seed has more for us.

It’s also a seat of knowledge. Endless knowledge. Akashic records knowledge. Once we become intimately familiar with this layer of samadhi with seed we can actually ask this glorious domain questions. This state of awareness is filled with an endless array of information/knowledge. It is overwhelming. So, before you go in, you want to have an intention of what specifically you want to know. In this way you can follow one thread and not a whole ball of yarn. You can unravel that one thread and know everything about it. Why it is? How it is? How that tendency started? What contributed to its altered nature? What needs to happen to unravel the damage or injury? 

And if we go deep enough we may even get a glimpse of the blueprint of that particular trait. That particular trait in a state of perfection. Restoring a trait of our personality to its original state is huge. This is real shadow work. True healing. This is the fourth state of the highest use of the Light. The transcendence. God.

Let's recap. First we find a way to have direct experience of the lively transcendence. Samadhi with seed. The field of all possibilities.

Then we call on that field to manifest a quality or trait. Example: friendliness, compassion or unconditional love. When our request is fulfilled we wear that trait like clothes. Allowing it to influence our self. All the while knowing that the cloak is not our self but rather an influential garment, a tool to help us refine our persona in a specific manner.

Then we use the knowledge aspect of the light/transcendence and ask it questions, specific questions. Thereby establishing and interactive dialogue between the light and our self. At this stage we may notice our self go between being an object and a subject. This is good. It shows maturity of awareness. These states are not static. They are both object and subject simultaneously. This is a rich experience capturing wholeness of experience by playing the knowledge from both the prospective of the object, the receiver and the subject, the conceiver, simultaneously. This is the goal of karma. The experience of being the actor and the one acted upon. This is a more refined method of accomplishing the role of karma. Designed to provide the wholeness of experience by experiencing the thing both objectively and subjectively.

Lastly, we use the light, this transcendental state to unravel itself. Since, through deep communication in the knowledge stage of this process we now know the purpose of our experience, and can understand the pure intention of the experience, without the drama. Now, the harm or injury to the self can be healed. Healed in a complete way without using overlays of “good” traits like friendliness, compassion, unconditional love, etc.

Once, through the stage of knowledge, the understanding is crystal clear as to the purpose of our seeming missteps, there is no need to imbue the self with the vibration of goodness. The fire of knowledge consumes the reason for karma. The self is free. Free to live the intended state. Free to live the perfection of our own blueprint. This is liberation, Moksha.

First, direct experience of samadhi, the transcendence. Then, activation of the refined state of the qualities within the field of all possibilities. Then, interactive communication with the knowledge aspect of this field. Lastly, utilization of the true healing nature of the field which will yield perhaps, the fifth step, that of true freedom.

With, Love 

Be The Future Now

Seems like we are always in the process of development. Becoming a more enlightened being. The concept of becoming or developing inherently assumes the framework of time. We are something now but with work we can be something better later. 

What if, we allow ourselves to feel beyond time? To sense a reality not restricted by time. If so, then that grand future self is actually here, now. The job is already done. 

You say, what about the concept of hard work to build something, someone better? I say, it’s still there but mainly for the folks that are attached to time and space. Will there not be a “time” when we are not so tightly held to time and space? Of course, there will. 

This whole thing doesn’t have to be a revolutionary development. It can be gradual. In fact, we are working towards this anyway. This actual reality of having experience beyond time and space. Transcending in our meditation is an experience, in its deepest sense, that is beyond time and space. Aren't we seeking to develop that more?

So how do we shake hands with this more fully developed self? I see it as simply allowing our attention to go there. When we need to make a decision ask, what would a more enlightened me, do in this situation? In this way we are invoking, giving life to that future self. Overtime, that future self will become more of a part of our president self. Just sit for a moment and feel that future self. 

Notice how easy it is to be that. The blueprint for future-you is contained in current-you. Future-you is already here. That’s why it’s so easy to imagine that self. It’s simply “you” less inhibited by the construct of time and space, reverberating at a higher frequency. It feels good doesn't it? You're happier. More expanded. Full.

Although, there is an instant component to this fast track to consciousness development note that there will be an adjustment phase. The physiology and psychology will have to function in this higher state so there is a transition phase but knowing that this is a simple method of development will go a long way in allowing us to accept those adjustments. We can always rest in future-self and directly experience the benefits. In this way we will inspire our self, with our self, for our self. :) ❤️

Beyond Witnessing Part I

Witnessing happens when we identify with the big Self and watch our five senses, thinking, emotions, small self (ego) function amongst the phenomenal world. We sit back as it were playing the part of the observer. The observer to everything. As the silent witness we stand unattached to our actions. We allow our senses, mind, feelings to interact with the world. Initially, the separation is a big gap. You find your small self interacting in the world yet the infinite-you is uninvolved. The Real-you is resting in its own contentment unaffected by the goings and comings of the actions of the small self.

There is both joy and discomfort in this state of consciousness. The big Self is fulfilled and content but the subtle currents of the small self feels a sense of guilt due to a sense of responsibility. Responsibility for our charges. Without a plan, direction, intent - how will things get done? However, the attraction to the big Self is so satisfying and feels so right that in the end it wins out. The small self gradually sees success in this new mode of operation. Things get done, people we are responsible for get handled, we continue to make a living all without a formal plan, somehow almost by itself. This gives us confidence to let go even more.

After sometime of functioning like this the gap between the big Self and the small self starts to close and we slowly begin to recognize a change. We start to appreciate the phenomenal world and the value of our involvement in that world. And through this subtle bond of acceptance and harmony, love begins to blossom. This love becomes so strong that the heart begins to override the head's sense of separation to deliver us to Unity, rendering us Whole. It’s such a blissful state that everywhere we look we see heaven in all its golden essence. This golden vision echoes back our love to fill our hearts again and again in lovely waves of bliss to the point where our hearts can only open. The love pangs are almost unbearable.

There’s more but this moment is too full to not rest here for a while and allow ourselves to be washed over by it. Just fall back and enjoy. ❤️❤️❤️

Brahman Consciousness (BC) vs Unity Consciousness (UC)

UC is unification of the world of attributes from the gross material to the rarified celestial. I like to call it the World of Everything. Or just plain Everything for short. :)

Beyond Everything is Nothing. Even samadhi, according to Maharishi Patanjali, has two aspects, savikalpa - samadhi with attributes and nirvikalpa - samadhi without attributes.

Nothing isn’t spoken of much, I mean like what can you say about Nothing. :) So, Everything gets all the attention. But let’s shine some light on Nothingness.

Nothingness can be spoken of as Shiva. Many call Shiva the destroyer but he’s really the lack of Everything-ness. A state of no identity of No Self. He is Transcendence with a capital “T”. This can be termed as ‘destroyer’ if we are strongly attached to Everything-ness. And if you experience Nothingness completely it’s pretty scary in the beginning when you realize you really have nothing to hang on to. You are absolutely alone. That experience will shake you to the core and will never be forgotten.

From the standpoint of Everything, Nothingness seems like a destroyer. However, from the standpoint of Nothingness it’s simply a counter balance to Everything-ness. Here in lies the case for Nothingness to have equal billing with Everything. Now unification here unveils a more mature comprehension of consciousness development a state of early Brahman Consciousness.

Words used to describe BC are totality, wholeness, evenness. This comes from the inclusion of Nothingness with Everything and its being appreciated as, of equal value, seen everywhere in everything without separation. One within the other, literally impossible to separate.

In the first few verses of chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna discusses renunciation of action, Samkhya (Nothingness) and the union of action, Yoga (Everything) as one. At the end of chapter 5 verse 5 Krishna ends with, “... He who sees Samkhya and Yoga to be one, verily he sees”.

Cycling of Consciousness

Cycling of Consciousness is the precursor to something else.

Many awake folks experience new awakenings regularly. What I’ve noticed is each of these cycles have the same pattern.

Initially, there’s a grand overview like I am everything. Then, there is a second experience like, I am nothing. Finally, I am everything and nothing simultaneously and therefore whole again.

This really is the rediscovery of knowing yourself to be complete, whole or brahmam, using vedic terminology.

It sounds simple and benign, After the fact. But when you’re going through the experience it can be traumatic. Finding yourself to be either everything or nothing is okay but when both are experienced as your whole self and you are alternating between them you soon find yourself in limbo. Lost in no-man's land asking, “Which one is it? Which am I?” It’s psychologically painful.

The in-between state, many times is experienced as, “the dark night of the soul”.

It takes the alternation of awareness to mature to a simultaneous awareness to get relief. Once one is able to grow past the seeming duality to arrive at singularity the cycle is complete. We find ourselves to be whole again.

Within the growth of Brahman Consciousness, there is the development of the Brahma Sutras. This “cycling” of consciousness is the living day-to-day version of the Brahma Sutras. The actual stitching together of Brahman Consciousness. The putting together of wholeness, endlessly.

“Curving back on my own nature, I create, again and again”. Bhagavad Gita ch 9 v 8.

Play Ground of Enlightenment

Spiral of consciousness, Infinite Self, 3 Infinities, Atma, Brahm, Sat Chitt Ananda, Shakti, Kundalini, Grace, The Gap, Ritam Bhara Pragniam, Samadhi, Self vs No Self, Jiva vs Atma, Chakras, Fire of knowledge, Fire of Brahman,Being What Is, The Devatas,Unbounded Bliss, Bubbling Bliss, Emptiness, Field of subtle perception, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotent, One pointedness, Multiplicity, Knowledge of the nature of an object to include other beings, etc, etc, etc.

Every one of these realms is complete, full, whole... Is a study or playground unto itself, with endless possibilities. Each holds a foundation for its own discipline, could easily be the basis for a belief system, a religion. But in reality it’s simply another face of the Infinite, endlessly complex and surprisingly simple and even nonexistent, all phases experienced simultaneously in a continuum of finely layered evolutions. Overwhelmingly beautiful resting in its own nature. Beauty beyond description. Painfully exquisite. (Pause to experience)

For the enlightened these realities are revolving play grounds experienced either with eyes closed or open, accessible all the time.

What I find interesting in the entertainment of these experiences is the sense of feeling the limits of our nervous systems. One knows internally that the experience can be richer because it’s all rooted in infinity so there is no limit to each reality. The limit rests in the vehicle’s ability to experience those specific infinities. Experience has limits. Infinity does not.

Self vs No Self

There is a stage of consciousness development that renders us as everything. The self has grown to the level of Self. A grand Self. A super Self. A Self that allows us to say, "I am Everything and Everything is Me."

But in this search for more, which seems ridiculous, like how can there be more, when one is Everything, nevertheless, ones own nature still feels there is “more” so, yes, the search does continue. And, what is found?

An experience beyond identity. An experience that transcends the Self. Where one is left without identity. A state of "No Self." Emptiness in its purest sense. The state of the Uncreated. Is-ness alone. Pure Existence. That which has no beginning, middle or end. That, that has always been.

At this point in our consciousness development we are left resting in our greatest doubt. We find ourselves asking, “Which is it? What am I? Self or No Self? The answer comes, sometimes not right away. Some souls end up pondering this for quite some time. In some ways it’s never resolved. The answer to, “Am I Self or No Self?” Is, Yes.

If you know my writing, you know I’m fond of these dichotomies, reason being, that is the experience. The entertaining of two opposing realities lived as one. This structure of psychology is nonlinear but true to the actual experience. The coexistence of Self (Everything) with No Self (Nothing) on equal footing. This is an absolute reality. The struggle between them is the ultimate dark night of the soul.

In the venue of academics it’s strange enough to ponder this but when taken into the realm of understanding of one own psychology, it’s impossible but somehow absolutely real.

Give it a moment to sink in.

Does Small Self need to be Conquered to Gain Enlightenment?

Seems that many have found a way to know the expanse of their own infinity while still expressing 'small-self' traits. Stretching consciousness to unboundedness does not exclude anything of what we were before this awakened state. Enlightenment is not a zero-sum game, it's rather a play of infinite inclusion. So, everything we were before is simply added to the grandness of who or what we are now.

I often see so many individuals place qualifier on themselves before they will allow their enlightenment. Simple question I pose is, "What's holding you back?"  I then address these obstacles until the client realizes they are holding themselves back by giving power to these silly little barriers. 

Our infinite nature has the ability to incorporate All that we are and still know its Self.

Glory of One Pointedness

One Pointedness comes from living in the moment. Simply direct your attention to, Now. Even say it mentally to affirm the experience. Something like, ‘Be in this moment’. Or ‘Experience Now’. 

As one pointedness begins to take hold in your psychology notice that it has a physiological correlate in the heart. Let the attention go there. Rest there. Be there. 

The heart will open like a porthole into pure being-ness. Go through it. Rest there.