Easy steps to delusion.

The main problem for new age philosophies is that they take parts of ancient teachings which are complete on the nature of mind, and so only ‘get’ a piece of the picture, which distorts and confuses. This incomplete information is then repeated, until we arrive at speculation and total delusion, as in the children’s game Whispers.

If we want something new, we only have to look more closely, and so refine our present understanding. Always trust your own logic and common sense, and take a very good look at what you are being told. Even the Buddha said, “Test my teachings for yourself!” Always search for the source of the knowledge. You will find it within your own mind.

As perception deepens, so does the meaning of words.

If we continue to feed our minds with partial information, we will be caught up in a mistaken view, and fall into the make-believe dream world of films, games and exotic conspiracies.

 Actually spreading mis-information confuses our brothers and sisters, and sentences us with a heavy karmic load, as we are putting obstacles in the way of others’ spiritual development.

An example of how the true teachings work by refinement:

The teachings explain to us what we already know but were unclear about, and we arrive at wisdom without doubt. The outer teacher introduces us to the inner teacher: this reveals the symbolic teacher, reflecting the true nature of oneself and everything as being empty – seeing reality within the dream. It is important to be aware that which is happening around us causes reactions in the mind. Overreacting creates stress, and this is unhelpful and unhealthy, and has a detrimental effect on our minds and bodies.

 This is where understanding the processes of meditation comes in.

There are two aspects to meditation: the first is mindfulness, where we focus on an object. Here is our first experience and recognition of duality: we have to identify the problem (duality) before we can be free of it!

The second aspect is awareness – but here we are talking about non-dual awareness, which has no focus whatsoever, our vision is wide open. This means the eyes are open (not strained) just aware, like all the senses and the perceiving mind. It is said, “Short moments many times,” so that we do not strain or get attached. This is pure, unembellished, unmodified awareness. There is no me and awareness – awareness has become non dual…just pure awareness. We are that pure awareness. It is this which brings about clarity – clarity is clear seeing, and that is what is meant by luminosity, or clear light. This is our essential empty nature.

With clarity, essence recognises its true nature: that it is enlightened. The light recognises the light. This basic nature is not a “thing”. This essential nature cannot be captured, but it can be (and is) distracted. This is what is happening all the time, and it is this – our own conceptual mind – that keeps us imprisoned…in delusion!

When we recognise the delusion,
we recognise the cause of that delusion
and the path of cessation
that dissolves that delusion,
thereby liberating us from delusion.