A Non Dual understanding of the Cosmos

Spirituality or mysticism is mental discipline, inquiry and the quest for ultimate Reality.

In our current era, there are millions of people striving to understand higher realities in order to support their spiritual well being, What is required in this endeavour is an accurate understanding of ultimate Reality and our relationship to it. This needs to be followed by a calm concentrated effort to allow our innate qualities to be revealed and then appropriately acted upon. We also need to let go of our mistaken sense of self identity in order to directly experience our pure essence which is always a unit of pure, ultimate Reality.

Yet living in the world we need to daily make choices, ponder possibilities, use our will power and mind and perform physical activities. In order to live effectively, we should perform all our actions wisely and skillfully.

To nurture our spiritual awakening is keeping in mind, that everything we do and think is a spiritual activity. We need to act as though our spiritual and material life and the circumstances, into which they bring us, are one. Which leads us into a non dual understanding of ‘(one not two)’ the cosmos.

Only one Reality exists. Life, nature and all processes express in that one Reality, which is absolute or pure. It expresses as energy and enlivens universes. The realm of nature in which we live is as spiritual as any place in, or outside of, a space-time existence.

This ultimate Reality can be partially known by the intellect, more fully understood through the process of intuition and finally realized through direct experience.

However, when we are not conscious of our relationship with ultimate Reality, and its supportive life enhancing processes, we say that we are lucky. Yet when we are awakened to the source, we will realize that what we need can be spontaneously provided for by nature’s processes, which we do not cause to occur, but which spontaneously come to us. This is known as grace.

How does spiritual awakening occur? It happens easily and naturally since in reality we awaken to our true nature as spititual beings. We all have moments of insight and clarity when we are open to the process. What confine the awareness of our true nature are erroneous ideas and opinions such as thinking, I am non else than body and mind, flawed perceptions, I am the doer, lack of discernment between what is real and what is not, troublesome sub conscious influences, mistaken perception of self-identity.

These are some ideas of how to overcome that which confines our awareness. Know the difference between what is true and an opinion or belief. Rigid opinions can cause mental confusion and interfere with rational thinking. Many religious, social and political ideas are only opinions maintained because of habit, personal bias, resistance to change, a desire to be accepted by people who have similar beliefs or to influence the opinions of and/ or behavior of others, inability or reluctance to know the truth.

There is one universal mind common to everyone. Our mind is part of that universal mind, which means that we have access to it.

The existence of cosmic or universal mind was known to philosophers in India and other parts of Asia several thousand years ago. During the past two hundred years, many teachers of metaphysics taught that mental attitudes, desires and beliefs and expectations interact with cosmic mind, which is inclined to produce and attract corresponding circumstances.

Knowing the relationship between mental states and personal circumstances provides opportunities for people who can be decisive to actively participate in producing and attracting ideal events, resources, relationships and circumstances that can enhance their lives.  

Calm, confident intention to have what is wanted is sufficient to have a positive response from the cosmic mind. The results are not magical or contrary to natural laws of cause and effect. Just as physical actions produce intended effects, mental influences produce intended effects.

What needs to be done is to clearly define one’s needs, desires, goals and purposes that when actualized (produced or attracted by our action), will enhance our life and the lives of others who are affected by what is done. It is a good idea to write out a plan and to do the practical steps to have the results we desire. Above all we need to trust cosmic mind to do for us what we cannot do ourselves. Never forget to be receptive and responsive to unplanned fortunate events and circumstances that life can and will provide for us. Always be established in your pure essence and relationship with ultimate reality while attending to duties and relationships with others, be humble and thankful. Don’t be discouraged when circumstances don’t unfold as you thought they would. Avoid thinking that you don’t have time to nurture your spiritual growth and awaken to Self-realization.

We need to wisely choose our ethical behaviors for every situation and circumstance to promote harmonious relationships that are conducive to psychological well-being and spiritual awareness.

The most ethical characteristic is compassion and relating to people with full awareness of their spiritual essence. Cheerfulness, optimism, confidence, faith, orderly thinking, emotional stability, generosity, constructive purposefulness and having friendly enjoyable relationships, nourishes physical, psychological and spiritual well being.