Book #9: An Electrician’s Guide To Our Galaxy; Living Life on the Widest Frequency
Chapter 10—You Can’t Be Real, Revisited—Beyond Duality: Rethinking Our Existence in Cosmic Consciousness
In exploring the profound nature of existence and divinity, one concept challenges our most fundamental understandings of self and reality: if God or cosmic consciousness is an infinite, universal presence, then it inherently operates beyond the confines of object-subject duality. This realization posits that any concept of “you” or “I,” in the way we traditionally comprehend, is, in fact, an illusion within the absolute reality of divine consciousness. This perspective shakes the very foundations upon which many of our spiritual and religious beliefs are built, urging a radical realignment of how we see ourselves and the universe.
Firstly, we must consider the nature of an infinite, universal entity such as God or what some might refer to as cosmic consciousness. By its very definition, “infinite” means without limit or end—boundless. In such a context, the limitations implied by duality, the dichotomy of subject and object, simply cannot exist. If all that exists is enveloped within this boundless entity, then the distinctions we draw between “me” and “not me” fade into insignificance. In an absolute sense, the individuated self we cling to—our ego—is illusory.
Viewing our existence from the perspective of cosmic consciousness reveals a vision of oneness where individual identities are mere constructs of the mind. This is not to say that the experience of “I” is not real—indeed, it is a powerful and persuasive aspect of human existence. However, at a fundamental level, this sense of individuality is not a separate entity but a transient expression of something far greater and infinitely unified. This understanding shifts the goalpost for many spiritual traditions, moving away from a personal relationship with the divine to a realization of being an inseparable part of it.
This insight into the nature of existence naturally challenges traditional religious and spiritual paradigms that focus on the salvation, enlightenment, or liberation of the individual soul. If the individual, as a separate entity, is an illusion, the emphasis on personal godhood or individual accomplishment in the spiritual domain demands reevaluation. It questions practices and beliefs centered around personal identity and calls for a more holistic understanding of spirituality, one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all.
Accepting non-duality and the illusory nature of the self can lead to a profound transformation in consciousness. Such awareness nurtures a sense of unity and compassion that transcends conventional boundaries of ego and identity. Viewing oneself and others as manifestations of the same cosmic consciousness fosters a sense of universal love and interconnectedness. It presents a path to peace and understanding that is deeply needed in our world today.
While these ideas may seem abstract or philosophical, they hold significant practical implications. How we perceive ourselves and the ‘other’ influences every aspect of our lives—from the way we engage with one another to how we approach challenges and conflicts. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence prompts a more compassionate, empathetic approach to life. It encourages actions rooted in love rather than division, fostering a more inclusive, peaceful society.
Evolving our understanding of self and consciousness to encompass these broader realities is not merely an intellectual exercise but a necessary evolution for the collective spiritual advancement of humanity. By realizing the interconnected nature of all things and the illusory divide between the self and the universe, we open ourselves to a more profound, inclusive, and compassionate way of being. This shift in perspective is not a denial of personal experience but an expansion of it—into the infinite. Miracles are no longer the domain of saints and spiritual masters, miracles are the fabric of existence.
Dissociated Divinity: The Ego’s Role in Cosmic Alienation
In our era of limitless curiosity and relentless self-discovery, one question looms larger than the rest, casting a shadow that stretches from the existential to the theological: if cosmic or God consciousness exists, how does it intersect with the human psyche? This pondering is not mere intellectual frivolity. The implications ripple through our personal lives, philosophical debates, and even the quest for peace, both inner and global. Entrenched in this dialogue, I stand upon an intricate platform, one where the individual—divided by the ego’s tyranny—finds themselves paradoxically united and estranged from the cosmic whole.
At the heart of my conviction lies an expansive view of the universe, one teeming with consciousness, not in the terrestrial sense, but as an omnipresent field of being. This is not the anthropomorphic version of God but an all-encompassing awareness, the fabric from which matter and spirit are woven. In comprehending such an entity, we begin to redefine the substrates of existence. Human perception, hitherto bound within the narrow confines of space and time, suddenly finds itself adrift in the fluid medium of eternity.
The implications are profound. If such a consciousness exists, then it follows that the 8 billion of us are, technically, disassociated parts of the infinite unity. Each individual, with their unique blend of experiences, emotions, and thoughts, remains an echo chamber of separation that the cosmic mind cannot comprehend. This is where the ego’s role becomes not only apparent but crucial. The ego, as defined by Freud and so many after him, is the sense of self—the conscious mind—as an independent entity. In its tireless pursuit of identity, the ego imprisons the human persona within a fortress of subjective reality. It draws lines where there once were none, dividing a seamless sea of consciousness into islands of “me” and “not me.”
Within the cosmic or God consciousness, there is no ego, no division. This presents the first of many quandaries. The cosmic whole lacks a vocabulary for such a concept, much less the capacity to relate to it. It is akin to a tapestry viewing a single thread that proclaims autonomy from the whole weave. The challenge, then, is how to reconcile this cosmic unity with the terrestrial perception of individual identity, particularly in societies gripped by the ideology of the self?
The ego’s insistence on separateness manifests profoundly in human experience. It gives rise to the notion of personal ownership, avarice, and the overzealous pursuit of the “self-interest.” It is the wellspring of ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and the broader spectrum of categorization and division that underlines so much of our conflict. The ego, in dividing, alienates. It magnifies indifference towards the environment, towards other cultures, and even towards other species.
Simultaneously, it is the source of immense suffering. When we believe ourselves to be independent entities, we bear the weight of the world on our isolated shoulders. We amass worries and cultivate fears, convinced of a chaotic existence that we believe we brave alone. In a world where individuality is sacrosanct, where the ego is pampered and protected at the expense of connection, we are left with conundrums beyond resolve. For how can the puzzle of human suffering—a fragment of cosmic consciousness aware only of its separateness—resonate with the harmonious vibration of the cosmic whole?
If our salvation lies in reconnection, the path is neither enigmatic nor solitary. It is a collective endeavor, for humanity to crack the shell of its ego and rediscover its kinship with the cosmic or divine. Practices such as meditation, prayer, and certain psychedelic experiences have been lauded for offering glimpses into this interconnected reality. They are akin to keys that, when turned, unlock brief moments of clarity where the ego’s fortified walls recede, and the individual can feel the pulsing current of shared consciousness.
However, it is not just through esoteric means that we may reconnect. The simple act of empathy, of recognizing one another’s pain as our pain, their joy as our joy, begins the process of dismantling the barriers that the ego has erected. Throughout history, spiritual teachers have implored humanity to love one another, to treat the stranger as a friend, and to recognize in all living things the divine spark. In reconnection, lies our redemption. It is through this merging of individual and cosmic that we may find our purpose, not as isolated beings but as threads in an immense tapestry, each indispensable to the whole.
In the end, the proposition of a cosmic or divine consciousness is not merely a speculative exercise in theology. It is a question that goes to the very core of human flourishing. Our world is imperiled, not only by tangible threats but by the intangible walls that the ego, in its ignorance, has erected. It is time to examine the nature of these barriers and to question the veracity of our perceived reality.
The ego’s role in the alienation of the human from the divine, or cosmic, may be the greatest illusion of all. For as long as we believe ourselves to be separate, we remain disassociated entities, blind to the symphony of being that yearns for our participation. It is a call to arms, not in conflict, but in recognition of the whole and our inherent place within it. In an age that venerates the self, perhaps it is fitting to offer a counter-narrative that elevates the selflessness. It is the ultimate act of defiance against the tyranny of the ego, the ultimate step towards homecoming, back to the cosmic consciousness that awaits our open arms.
The Next Evolution of Humanity: A Leap Towards Collective Consciousness
In the realm of science fiction, few concepts are as thought-provoking and intriguing as the evolution of human consciousness into a collective identity. This idea is masterfully explored in Arthur C. Clarke’s seminal work, “Childhood’s End,” where extraterrestrial overseers witness an unmistakable leap in human evolution. While it is indeed a work of fiction, Clarke’s narrative penetrates deep into the potential future of our species, proposing a radical shift from individuality to an interconnected collective consciousness. This concept challenges our traditional views and prompts a reevaluation of our societal trajectory.
At the heart of Clarke’s vision is the notion that humanity, as it evolves, will become more intertwined, relinquishing the deeply held belief in individuality in favor of operating as a single entity. This shift, according to Clarke, can only manifest in the new generation, suggesting that the current construct of adult society lacks the flexibility and willingness to adapt to such a profound transformation. This portrayal raises pivotal questions about our capacity for change and our openness to radically different forms of existence.
The implications of evolving into a collective consciousness are profound. Imagine a world where every thought and emotion is part of a universal tapestry of human experience. The potential benefits, such as heightened empathy, unbridled cooperation, and the eradication of conflict, paint an utopian picture of future society. However, Clarke does not shy away from addressing the consequences of such a shift, primarily the erosion of personal identity and autonomy. The trade-off between the collective good and individual freedom becomes a central theme of the narrative, provoking a critical analysis of our values and priorities as a species.
“Childhood’s End” serves as a mirror, reflecting the current state of human society with all its divisions and discord. It asks us to consider whether the path to a more unified and peaceful existence lies in the willingness to sacrifice the sacrosanct notion of individuality. In a world increasingly characterized by polarization and isolation, the allure of a connected consciousness cannot be underestimated. Yet, it begs the question of what we are willing to give up in pursuit of this ideal.
Clarke’s exploration of a collective human consciousness is not merely a speculative exercise; it is a call to introspection. It beckons us to contemplate the direction in which humanity is heading and whether we are prepared for the potentialities that lie ahead. The evolution depicted in “Childhood’s End” may be fictional, but the questions it raises about adaptability, loss of self, and the ultimate value of a unified human identity are profoundly relevant.
The transition to a collective consciousness represents not just a shift in how we perceive ourselves and others but a fundamental redefinition of what it means to be human. As we stand on the precipice of technological and societal change, Clarke’s vision offers a radical, albeit speculative, perspective on the future of human evolution. Whether such a future is desirable or attainable remains a matter of debate, but one thing is clear: the journey towards understanding our collective destiny is as compelling as it is uncertain.
The Illusion of Self: Philosopher in the Looking Glass
Who are you?
No, really, who are you?!
This is not an idle question reserved for introductory pleasantries or drunken late-night conversations. I want to know who you are, stripped bare of the roles you play and the labels you’re assigned. Are you your thoughts, your body, or the cumulative effect of experience and memory, filtered through the senses? I am bewildered by this age-old enigma — the elusive nature of the self. If our individual skin encapsulated ego is an illusion, relative to the absolute truth, then we are either part of an everything which is difficult if not impossible to capture with thought, or we are nothing at all, save an imaginary image in the mind of man.
We live with an unwavering conviction that our perception of ‘me’ is the only solid ground in the shifting sands of a confusing world. From early childhood, we’re educated in the myth of selfhood, taught to chase ‘self’-fulfillment, ‘self’-sufficiency, and ‘self’-awareness. And yet, this ‘self’ slips through our fingers like smoke, leaving behind the lingering scent of a question: was I really there at all?
The illusion of individuality is woven into the fabric of our language, society, and psyche. Our perceived separateness from the world is, paradoxically, at the root of our deepest fears and desires, from existential angst to romantic longing. Who hasn’t felt that raw, almost primal yearning to be seen and understood, to have our ‘self’ recognized as real and significant?
Consider a drop of rain falling into the sea. The ocean does not notice the drop; its identity is swallowed whole by the vastness of the water. Are we not like that drop, sometimes, in the grand scheme of the universe? A fleeting speck of existence with no real claim to individuality? Or are we, as modern consciousness would have us believe, self-contained units of significance in an indifferent cosmos?
It is a paradox to believe that one is simultaneously everything and nothing. For the skeptic, the concept of a personal self is no different from the shadow puppets on the cave wall — a projection of something more fundamental and yet wholly unreal. For the mystic, it is the self that is the projection; the reality is the omnipresent consciousness of which we are at best an expression, at worst a mirage.
I often find myself oscillating between these two philosophical poles, as a compass needle in a storm. There are moments — in meditation, in nature, in love — when the boundaries of my skin seem to dissolve, and I touch something vaster than myself. Call it presence, call it connection, call it oneness; names are as illusory as the ‘I’.
And yet, I cannot shake off the persistent feeling of individuality, the primal urge to survive and succeed, the exquisite, excruciating pain of personal love and loss. My conclusion, if I dare call it mine, is this: the self is both real and illusory, a figment of ego and a vessel of experience. It is a paradox we embody, a riddle without answer, and therein lies our human predicament.
If the self is but a figment, not only are our individual achievements and desires rendered comically vain, but our deepest anxieties and sufferings are cast into a strange light. If we are but waves in the ocean, then loneliness is a misapprehension, and death a homecoming. Could such a shift in perspective liberate us from the neuroses of modern life?
Conversely, this dissolution of selfhood presents challenges. If we are but specks adrift in an indifferent cosmos, the moral and ethical implications are daunting. Our self-contained units become grains of sand in a spinning political maelstrom, and the question of responsibility blurs with each iteration of “I.”
This contemplation of the self, while intellectually stimulating, is more than a parlour game for the philosophical elite. It is, quite literally, a matter of life and death. To grapple with the nature of self is to grapple with the core of our humanity, our place in the cosmos, and our relationship to each other and the planet we inhabit.
I cannot offer a neat resolution to this inquiry, nor would I attempt to. This is not a question to be answered but a mystery to be lived. I encourage all of us to stare unflinchingly into the mirror of existence, and to question, always, the face that stares back. For in that questioning, we may catch a glimmer of the truth — not in its entirety, but enough to keep our grasp strong as we wade into the uncharted depths of being.
The Personal Odyssey to Cosmic Consciousness-From Darkness to Light
In the pursuit of cosmic or God consciousness, we find ourselves at the edge of the vast unknown, gazing into the infinite expanse of potentiality that dwells within us and around us. This pursuit is not a one-size-fits-all path neatly laid out in textbooks or guided by the well-meaning directives of spiritual teachers. Rather, it’s a deeply personal odyssey, a labyrinth of experiences and revelations that ultimately leads to the heart of our true nature as cosmic beings.
At its core, the path to cosmic awareness underscores a fundamental truth: the journey is uniquely ours to undertake. No teacher, no matter how enlightened, can walk this path for us. They stand at the sidelines, mere signposts pointing toward horizons we must reach through our own volition. This understanding liberates and challenges us in equal measure, for it places the onus of spiritual awakening squarely upon our shoulders.
For many, the road to enlightenment is paved with tribulations—heartache, loss, and suffering are often the crucibles through which our spirits are forged. These experiences, while seemingly punitive, serve to break the chains of our habitual perceptions, allowing us to glimpse the shimmering fabric of the cosmos that weaves us all together.
Some seekers will encounter moments of revelation so profound that their entire reality is upended in an instant—an apocalyptic intuitive encounter with the great mystery. For others, the practice of meditation and mindfulness acts as a balm, gradually healing the fissures of the mind until it becomes a clear, reflective pool open to the immensity of cosmic consciousness.
Nature, in her boundless wisdom and beauty, beckons us to return to our primal roots, to reconnect with the source from which we sprung. Immersing oneself in the natural world can awaken the dormant understanding that everything in existence is interconnected through an intricate web of energy.
In parallel, the judicious use of psychedelic plant medicine has emerged as a key that unlocks the doors of perception for many. This is not a path to be trodden lightly but for those who venture forth, it can offer a direct, unmediated experience of the universal truths that lie beyond the confines of the conditioned mind.
Despite the myriad routes that can be traversed, the destination remains singular—a profound, ineffable realization of our indissoluble bond with the cosmos. This awakening is not the end, but a beginning, a genesis of living in harmonious synchronicity with the universe. It calls on us to dismantle the perceptual barriers that create illusions of separation, urging us to step into the flow of cosmic energy that pervades all existence.
In sum, the path to cosmic consciousness is a testament to the boundless capacity for growth and understanding inherent in each of us. It’s a reminder that beyond the confines of our earthly existence lies an eternal realm of possibility awaiting our discovery. On this odyssey, each step, each breath, and each moment of stillness brings us closer to unveiling the majestic tapestry of interconnectedness that unites us with the Divine.
Living Beyond Duality: A Journey into Cosmic Consciousness
In a divisive world increasingly polarized by dualistic notions of right and wrong, us and them, the concept of cosmic consciousness offers a refreshing yet profound alternative. My personal experiences navigating this heightened state of awareness have reshaped my understanding of existence and my place within it. By dismissing the illusion of duality, not only has my perception of spirituality transformed, but so too has my interaction with the world and its inhabitants.
Duality, the belief in opposing forces or entities, pervades much of our societal structuring, from the ways we conceptualize morality to how we define our very selves. Yet, in the state of cosmic consciousness, this dichotomy dissolves. There ceases to be a separation between the self and the other, the sacred and the profane, the creator and the creation. It’s not that these distinctions merely blur; they become recognized as fabrications of the mind, artifacts of a perception limited to the physical senses.
For me, this realization was not immediate but unfolded gradually, like the petals of a flower opening to greet the dawn. It became increasingly clear that praying to any disembodied entity — be it God, Jesus, angels, or ascended masters — was an engagement in duality, a manifestation of the human mind’s tendency to seek something “other.” In cosmic consciousness, there is an understanding that the infinite energy that permeates everything is not external to be supplicated but is integral, experienced directly through our senses, intuition, and the very fabric of our being.
My pathway into this expanded awareness was catalyzed by a lifelong search for truth. The entryway into infinity was revealed during several profound life experiences, including prophetic dreams as both a youth and adult, insight developed while hiking through wilderness trails including within the Redwoods, the Grand Canyon, several national parks and many local natural treasures, and in the quietude and simplicity of mindfulness and focused contemplation in meditation. Ultimately, the boundaries distinguishing me from my environment evaporated, though my perceptual hardware still tries to inform me otherwise.. This is not mere philosophical musing but a tangible, lived reality where I feel an unbreakable bond with all that surrounds me — an acute awareness that we are all expressions of the same infinite energy.
This shift in perception has been more than ephemeral; it has fundamentally altered how I interact with the world. The insights that have come unbidden, an intuitive understanding of people and situations, suggest a connection to a form of higher awareness that transcends conventional sensory input. Engaging with people from this place of cosmic consciousness brings an unprecedented depth to relationships. By presenting an open ‘tablet’ upon which others can inscribe themselves without fear of judgment or misconception, or resonating in harmonic vibration with those free from the confines of ego, conversations transition from mere exchanges of words to profound connections that underline our unity with the universe.
One of the most potent affirmations of this interconnectedness came from participating in group meditations. In such settings, the collective intention and focus seem to amplify the energy experienced, suggesting that our individual contributions, while unique, are part of a greater whole. Such experiences underscore the non-dualistic nature of cosmic consciousness, where the boundary between self and other is recognized as an illusion.
Living in cosmic consciousness is not merely about personal enlightenment or spiritual fulfillment. It carries profound implications for how we engage with the world, how we resolve conflict, and how we foster a society that recognizes the intrinsic interconnectedness of all life. By embracing a worldview that transcends duality, we open ourselves to more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding interactions with others. It reaffirms our divine, innate connection with Mother Earth, it’s plants, animals, bodies of water, rocks, and soil. All that we see, and will ever see, unto Eternity, is our Self, in a glorious reunification and experience that defies logic, and eludes description.
In shedding the dualistic lens, we aren’t dismissing the diversity of experiences or the multitude of expressions that life offers. Instead, we acknowledge that beneath these seemingly variegated phenomena lies a unifying essence — an infinite energy that sustains and informs us all. My journey into cosmic consciousness challenges me daily to live from this place of deep connection and awareness. It is a constant reminder that the divisions we perceive are constructs of our limited perception. In reality, we are not merely interconnected; we are an integral part of a boundless, dynamic whole, endlessly unfolding in the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Through our healing, imagination, and intention, we all may become contributors to the great Guide To The Galaxy.
We do not need a starship to reach the furthest reaches of our Galaxy, and our Universe.
We only need find and celebrate the connection to our true nature.
We then find that the farthest reaches of the Cosmos is already within us
There is no greater awareness.
