The journey of self-realization is one that traverses the realms of sensory experience, emotional depth, intellectual contemplation, and spiritual insight. The statement
“I sense, I feel, I think.
I hear, I touch, I see.
To observe, recognize and reveal:
I am THAT I am.
Om Tat Sat.”
may encapsulate this multifaceted path towards understanding and embracing one’s true essence.
Experiences, preludes of expression
The three primary experiences—sensing, feeling, and thinking—comprise the basic human interactions are the initial steps towards self-awareness:
- I Sense: Sensing refers to the perception of the external world through our five physical senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. It is through these senses that we gather information about our surroundings and begin to understand our place within it.
- I Feel: Feeling encompasses the emotional responses triggered by our sensory experiences. Emotions such as joy, sorrow, love, and fear add depth to our existence, coloring our perceptions and influencing our actions.
- I Think: Thinking involves the cognitive processes that interpret and analyze the information gathered through our senses and emotions. It is through thinking that we make sense of our experiences, draw conclusions, and create knowledge.
These three experiences—sensing, feeling, and thinking—constitute the initial stages of self-exploration, emerging as the physical senses of hearing, touch and vision unfold, in that order. They enable us to interact with the world and begin the introspective journey toward deeper understanding and expression of our higher Self, the Thinker.
Serene Expectancy
Serenity, often associated with peace and calm, is far more profound when examined through the lens of spiritual and philosophical depth. This definition of serenity
“the expression of an intensity of feeling, transmuted into focused (imperturbable) understanding, revealing the underlying meaning and purpose of any experience”
may encapsulate a more nuanced concept integrating emotional intensity, mental clarity, and spiritual insight.
At the core of the experience and expression of serenity lies a high-voltage field of energy. The intensity generated by the pull of the pairs of opposites in the emotional realm of experience serves as the substrate for serenity. Unlike the superficial calmness of peace, true serenity emerges from engaging deeply with this intense field of emotional energy rather than avoiding or suppressing feelings.
Transmutation: The Alchemical Process
The journey from emotions pulling in all directions to “focused understanding” involves a process of transmutation. In alchemical traditions, transmutation refers to the conversion of base metals into noble ones, symbolizing the transformation of the soul’s base elements into higher states of being. Similarly, the intensity of feeling must be transmuted through an inner work of fusion, not unlike the nuclear fusion process operating at the heart of the Sun. This process requires a lifelong discipline and a willingness to face one’s innermost fears and desires, hinging on the ability to transform chaotic emotional energy into a coherent Force able to produce the alchemical Work necessary for personal and spiritual growth.
Focused Understanding
Once transmuted, this intensity of feeling becomes a “point of tension” from which emerges a laser-sharp beam of light focusing our understanding of the situation in a correct perspective. This state of mind is characterized by imperturbability—a sense of steadfastness and unwavering clarity regardless of external circumstances. This is where a critical distinction emerges between peace, suppression of feeling, and serenity.
- Peace is often seen as a state of calm and tranquility, yet it remains susceptible to disruption by external influences. Someone at peace might be content until confronted with a challenge or conflict, at which point their calm may waver.
- Suppression of feeling, as seen in the cold mind of a criminal, involves the deliberate avoidance or numbing of emotions. This suppression is not born from transmutation but from rejection of emotional experiences. It leads to a lack of empathy and an artificial calm that can be shattered under pressure, resulting in potentially destructive behavior.
- Serenity, on the other hand, is not easily shaken by life’s vicissitudes; it is a stable anchor in the stormy seas of existence. A focused understanding, a wiser approach from a higher — mental — perspective, allows individuals to perceive experiences with a clear, undistorted vision, recognizing their transient nature and deeper significance.
With focused understanding comes the ability to discern the underlying meaning and purpose of experiences. On the Path of Return—a metaphorical journey towards spiritual homecoming—each experience holds a lesson or insight. Serenity enables one to penetrate the surface of events and uncover the hidden wisdom embedded within them. This revelation is not just intellectual but experiential, offering a holistic comprehension that integrates mind and heart.
A serenely expectant mind
A serenely expectant mind, associated with the practice of mindfulness, is an attitude — and altitude — of mind enabling profound attentiveness to the meaning and purpose of any present circumstances and experiences, as well as keeping the mind nonjudgmentally poised, in a state of perfect adaptability, to deftly execute a response —or nonresponse — without disrupting our inner balance.
This state of mind also involves maintaining a hopeful outlook towards the future, liberating the mind from fixations to past-bound reactions. Serene expectancy is characterized by a confident anticipation of any outcome without the anxiety or restlessness that often accompanies mere hope. It combines the imperturbable clarity of serenity with a forward-looking perspective, allowing individuals to navigate their spiritual journey with both patience and cautious optimism.
Serenity on the Path of Return
Along the Path of Return, individuals encounter various trials and tribulations designed to foster growth and understanding. Serenity acts as both a guide and a reward on this journey. It is a state of being that reflects the culmination of inner work and the continuous practice of transmuting intense feelings into wise understanding.
Through serene expectancy, mindfulness practitioners can navigate the complexities of the Path of Return with grace and poise. This state of mind enables them to remain centered amid chaos, maintaining their focus on the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment, as well as the development of compassion and empathy in spiritual service. Serenity enables us to better understand and connect with others on similar journeys.
Who Am I? The Thinker
“To observe, recognize and reveal:
I am THAT I am.
Om Tat Sat.”
Our senses, our emotions, and our mind enable us:
- To Observe: Observation is the act of attentively noticing and perceiving the details of our experiences. It requires mindfulness and an open awareness to truly witness the richness of life.
- To Recognize: Recognition involves identifying and understanding the significance of what we observe. It is through recognition that we connect the dots, making sense of the patterns and meanings within our experiences.
- To Reveal: Revelation is the process of uncovering deeper truths and insights. It is the moment of clarity when the underlying essence of our being and the universe is unveiled.
These stages of observing, recognizing, and revealing guide us towards a profound comprehension of our true nature.
I Am THAT I Am
This phrase, “I Am THAT I Am,” is a declaration of self-realization and identification with the divine Presence within and around us. It signifies the recognition of one’s true essence as an expression of the infinite and eternal:
- I Am THAT I Am: This statement affirms the unity of the individual self — God Immanent — with the universal Self, God Transcendent. It acknowledges that the core of our being is not separate from the divine source but is, in fact, one with it.
This realization is the culmination of the journey of self-discovery. It transcends the ego and reveals the ultimate truth of our existence—an unchanging, eternal Presence that underlies all phenomena.
Om Tat Sat
“Om Tat Sat” is a Sanskrit mantra, an affirmation of the eternal, unchanging reality that pervades all creation:
- Om: The primordial sound representing the essence of the universe and the vibration of creation.
- Tat: Meaning “That,” it refers to the ultimate reality or Brahman.
- Sat: Meaning “truth,” it denotes the unchanging, eternal nature of the divine.
Together, “Om Tat Sat” similarly encapsulates the essence of the spiritual journey—a return to the recognition of the true, divine nature of all existence.
Impressions, Experiences, and Expressions
The journey of the soul through the realms of existence is a profound voyage that involves impressions from the spiritual heights, experiences in the material world, and expressions of its intrinsic virtues. To better understand this journey, we can explore: 1) the impressions of the Thinker from above (the Monad or Spirit), 2) the maya, glamours, and illusions experienced by the incarnating soul, and 3) the expressions of faith, hope, and charity as the soul returns to its spiritual home redeeming the gains of experience.
Impressions from Above, the Monad
The Monad, often referred to as the Spirit or the divine spark within, is the ultimate source of all wisdom and truth. It is the highest aspect of our being, connected directly to the divine:
- Impressions from the Monad: These impressions are the intuitive insights, divine inspirations, and higher guidance received by the Thinker—the soul in its purest form. These impressions transcend ordinary thought and feeling, providing a direct connection to the universal mind and the essence of divinity. They are the inner light that guides the soul, illuminating its path with eternal truths and higher wisdom.
As the soul descends into the material world to gain experience, these impressions from the Monad serve as the bedrock of its true nature, reminding it of its divine origin and ultimate purpose.
Experiences in the Material World
The material world is a realm of duality and deception where the soul encounters myriad challenges of misidentifications:
- Maya: Maya refers to the mirages of the physical world. It is the veil that obscures the true nature of reality, causing the soul to identify with the transient rather than the eternal. Maya creates the appearance of separation, distracting the soul from its inherent unity with the divine.
- Glamours: Glamours are the distortions of truth that arise from emotional desires and attachments. They are the seductive forces that lure the soul into pursuing temporary pleasures and superficial goals, leading it away from its spiritual path.
- Illusions: Illusions pertain to the mistaken beliefs and false perceptions of the mind. They are the mental constructs that imprison the soul in ignorance, preventing it from seeing the broader, spiritual perspective of life.
These experiences of maya, glamours, and illusions form the battleground where the soul must navigate through ignorance and deception to rediscover its true self.
Redeeming Expressions
As the soul progresses on its Path of Return, it begins to manifest its divine qualities through the redeeming expressions of faith, hope, and charity:
- Faith: Faith is unconscious knowledge, “the substance of things hoped for.” It is the deep, intuitive trust in the divine order and the unseen realities of existence. Faith sustains the soul, providing assurance and strength amidst the uncertainties of the material world. It is the foundation upon which spiritual truths are built, guiding the soul back to its source.
- Hope: Hope is the will to do good, the driving force that propels the soul forward on its journey regardless of the circumstances. It is nourished by serene expectancy and the unwavering determination to manifest higher ideals and divine intentions. Hope inspires the soul to overcome obstacles, transform challenges into opportunities, and align its actions with the greater good.
- Charity: Charity encompasses love, compassion, and the cultivation of right human relations. It is the expression of the soul’s innate goodness and its recognition of the interconnectedness of all life. Charity manifests as selfless service, empathy, and the fostering of harmonious relationships. It is through charity that the soul reflects its divine nature, contributing to the upliftment and healing of the world.
By embodying faith, hope, and charity, the soul gradually redeems itself from the distortions of maya, glamours, and illusions, aligning more closely with its true essence and divine mission.
In this journey, the Thinker—the Soul—embodies the quintessential qualities that reflect its divine origin and ultimate destiny. Through the alchemical process of transformation, the human soul purifies itself, aligning more harmoniously with the Monad.
This Path of Return is not merely a passage through time and space but a profound awakening to the eternal, unchanging reality of the Divine. Through this Path, we come to understand and embrace our true essence, realizing that we are indeed THAT which is, has been and will ever be.
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