From Limited Mind and Body to Our True (No) Self

Abstract: In the Abrahamic faiths, we often observe a clash between two foundational teachings: Gnosticism and Christianity/Catholicism. Gnosticism, with its emphasis on higher knowledge or "Gnosis", can be seen as controversial when compared to the other two teachings. Many Gnostic beliefs are considerably more liberal and diverge from traditional Abrahamic doctrines. This divergence can present both positive and negative implications.  However, a clear distinction exists between the central concepts of Gnosticism and those of other Abrahamic teachings. Gnosticism centers around the notion of a higher being known as the "Demiurge", whereas Christianity and Catholicism trace their roots to the forefather termed the "Supreme Creator" or "True God". Various religious narratives and mythologies have emerged surrounding these concepts; for practitioners and bodhisattvas, they represent authentic stories, milestones, and revelations along their evolut...

Abstract: We all have a fascination with supernatural beings. This intrigue often stems from our curiosity about what lies beyond our understanding as we explore the divine. At certain levels of meditation and through energy channels, we can encounter these divine figures face-to-face. One may feel inspired to uncover these mysteries based on their religious studies and background. Both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions describe divine or enlightened beings who assist the truth seekers by providing guidance and direction for their spiritual growth. This article aims to shed light on to this topic and illustrate examples of how these divine beings make themselves known to practitioners in both Eastern and Western traditions. It is surprising to see how these divine figures appear in different/unique shapes to us, depending on the relative/background information we have in our mind. But that is how the universe communicates to the meditator. A divine message from the absolute to t...

Abstract: In many occasions we see that, Mahayanists are liberal towards other faiths, spiritual traditions and religious beliefs. This may be seen as a "weakness" by some other Buddhist traditions and extreme views. Had it not been for Mahayana philosophy, Buddhism would not have really flourished in the West. The reasons for the survival of Buddhism include its philosophical depth, creativity, compassion, wisdom and the life long dedication of old masters. Where do these qualities such as liberty, innocence and creativity come from ?  Fig. 1: HH Dalai Lama enjoying the visit at  St Stephen’s Cathedral   Many westerners who practice Buddhism, especially the Tibetan version, may try to cultivate the qualities of impartiality just because HH Dalai Lama demonstrates it. Or because their root guru or lineage masters recommend it. Is this mere a display of act to win favor of people and politicians ? Should we do the same following their footsteps ? Or is there a partic...

Abstract: We have already analyzed the concepts of Self and No-Self in religious and spiritual contexts. The conclusion was, these two were same in spiritual context, despite their different names. However there is a confusion related to "Self Realization", considering the "Self" to be an eternal substance. This is not the case with No-Self concept, as the only possibility in that teaching is change or impermanence. Why these are contradictory points ? Is the "Self" eternal ? This article evaluates these statements, and brings some light to the topic. In certain religious traditions, even in Vedic traditions, we find the term "eternal self". The literal meaning of the term "eternal" is everlasting, forever. Or even "very long time". We learnt that, so called "self" realization is none other than finding our original source within. Which source is it ? We learnt that deeper we go within ourselves, the more empty we be...

Abstract: The general belief is that there is no space for Intellectuals, Philosophers or Radicals to express themselves, their revolutionary ideas in a religious arena. However certain religious traditions welcome such people. i.e. Buddhism has produced such extraordinary philosophers in the past. And they represent themselves as free thinkers within this tradition. The freedom and the depth they held attracted both wise as well as enemies. Even today, Hinayana Buddhists do not accept the teachings of great philosophers such as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu and Asanga. This story is about the greatest non-dualist who ever appeared on the earth, Nagarjunapada.     Fig. 1: Nagarjuna and Aryadeva Working on Madhyamaka Philosophy Studies Mahayanists (and the practitioners of this lineage) consider Nagarjunapada as the second Buddha whose wisdom and intellect is more or less comparable to Gautham Buddha's. In my opinion, Gautham Buddha cannot be understood without studying all...

Abstract: In any authentic spiritual practice, we do not delve into our past lives. Any meditation we do, we do it for our peace, liberation and to find ourselves. Any meditation we do for getting to know our past lives, to gain psychic abilities mostly end up screwing ourselves. Instead these qualities and abilities should naturally stem from our genuine effort to know ourselves. As byproducts! Certain spiritual traditions highly emphasize about the reincarnation of human beings, ever running samsaric cycles. But if we forget what we become in next life, why bother ? Why practicing spirituality ?   This goes like a conversation between a Master (not a teacher) and a Disciple..... Disciple : Master, I do like to know my past lives. I want to recollect these memories. How to do that ? Master : Why did you come here in the first place ? Why being distracted to know something else ? Why don't you meditate diligently and let everything reveal by itself ? Disciple : ...

Abstract: Most Abrahamic and Indian traditions emphasize realizing the "Self" nature of the individual. On the contrary, Buddhism thrives to realize "No-Self" nature. They seem to be contradictory in their definitions and names. But we learnt that we share the same human body, mind and energy system despite the religious background we come from. Then there should not be two types of liberations, and this article brings some light and wisdom by demystifying these concepts, that clears up the confusion.     Gautham Buddha's teaching has flourished throughout the Asia, reaching out to the lands of far east. Some people even fight over the birthplace of Buddha, proclaiming he was originally from their home countries (i.e. Sri Lanka and Iran) even by presenting historical accounts and archeological evidences. However Buddha's main teaching is to let him born within ourselves, turning our hearts to be the ground where a lotus can bloom. Turning our gross minds to...