The Unitive Value of Self-Actualization
In this piece of writing, I explore two opposing concepts – the Eastern or Universal Axis and the Western or Mundane Physical Axis. Let us start with the Eastern Axis. At the highest level, the Universal or Cosmic Source is the origin of the mind or Unitive State of Chit consciousness. This state reflects within and reveals the completeness of being. It is characterized by Advaita or non-duality and indivisibility in the Vedanta (Samkhya Yoga) way. The integrated systems of these concepts relate to wholeness in motion.
In Western culture, the second experience is related to the physical world. It is characterized by various aspects or attributes, as I mentioned before. The challenge we face is to understand how our perception of the non-separation of our ego state of consciousness, through both divine and mundane experiences, affects our inner selves.
As someone who seeks spiritual enlightenment and is devoted to it, I can perceive the cosmic source of existence through direct knowledge. This knowledge comes from the pure nature of the Self within me, which is a creative and intelligent force.
I also engage in a personal narrative through self-inquiry and inner research to understand the unity of consciousness of the Self. I have experienced various levels of development before being born and during my life. Through this, I became aware of a state of non-cognitive knowing, which stems from a cosmic source of Divine Law. This has helped me establish a relationship with the Divine order.
As a result of the cosmic changes, I have become aware of a personal call that triggered a cognitive response in me. I have gained a deeper understanding of Vedic Literature and its fundamental principles by responding to its vibrational pull, which has also invoked a cosmic memory. Furthermore, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have enabled me to identify ancient elements or attributes of consciousness that can facilitate self-transformation through ‘Discriminative Knowledge’ or Meditation.
Throughout my life, I have encountered various experiences that have led me to ponder and reflect on several aspects of my existence. I have conducted research and sought knowledge on consciousness, which has allowed me to integrate the fundamental elements of cosmic consciousness within myself. As a result, I have been able to develop and actualize my potential in this life.
In Western culture, our social and spiritual contract plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and development. By agreeing to come here and take part in this play of consciousness, we could gain experience and achieve on a spiritual and cosmic level. The concept of karma is an essential aspect of this journey.
As a Westerner, I initially struggled to adjust to this social and spiritual contract. I felt out of place and at odds with the expectations and norms of my culture. However, by embracing this journey and learning from my experiences, I have been able to find my place and fulfill my purpose.
The suppression of all mental mind modifications can be achieved through self-inquiry, which involves mapping out the journey towards self-understanding. This practice requires effort, but by focusing on daily concentration on self-referral consciousness, one can come to know their entire being.
The first step is to simplify the effort to self-inquiry by focusing on steps that count, starting with how we perceive nature.
The second step involves reaching a contemplative state, which can lead to experiencing absolute peace, bridging coherence, and the inner awareness of one’s emotional and spiritual continuity in life – in other words, meditation.
The third step involves experiencing the purification of the ego body and dissolving its latent impressions. This allows one to merge their mind into Self, pure consciousness.
The fourth element is sharing aspects of life, preferably through Dharma, as nature takes its course. One should observe and let go, without becoming too mindful. Transformation occurs when one practices Sadhana and stays on the path, leading to the integration of the ego into pure consciousness. This leads to an understanding of the very nature of Being/Essence.
There are two natures or elements: the Purusha, which is pure consciousness or the primordial Divine nature, and the Buddhi/Mind, which is the subtlest attribute that produces Prakriti or Maya, which is not real. From Buddhi, the three Gunas evolved Sattva (electron), Rajas (Proton), and Tamas (Neutral) gunas; tranquility, activity, and inactivity; Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, respectively. When the soul becomes dependent on matter and becomes veiled by the physical world, it forgets its true nature. One must work at retrieving the Real.
The ego arises from the evolution of nature or out of God’s Karmas. Everything is bound to the law of karma by duality, male and female; light and dark; day and night, happiness, and misery, etc. But everything has individuality linked to Universality. Thus, our spirituality mirrors matter, and the soul reflects the physical body, mind, and intellect. The individual soul shadows the ego. Reflection exists because the soul evolves continually, repeatedly, until the mind stuff fades from memories, causing grief and sorrow from one life to another in one’s world. We are reincarnating in this play, or Leela, until we merge into one Divine Ocean that is.
