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| ~ ∞ ~ On Reality and Actuality 1/2 - Awaken the Living Awareness Within ~ ∞ ~ |
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This chapter briefly focuses on the subject of reality and actuality – it will serve as an appetizer, which will give you just enough to ignite the spark of interest, but not too much to overwhelm you with the details. More in-depth exploration of the subject is provided throughout the book in its several sections, where step by step, more concepts and analogies are introduced, through which we can grasp and understand this multifaceted subject in more detail. So without a further due, let us delve right into it, shall we?
Before we move any further, we should discuss the difference between reality and actuality; both are paradoxical as we come to learn later. These terms are often confused because of their closeness of meaning and the subtlety of their differences. Nonetheless, there is a fundamental difference between the two, and knowing the difference is paramount if one is to better understand their own being. In a nutshell, reality is what we perceive; actuality is what truly is. Reality, therefore, is the description of actuality.
Actuality is universal, whereas reality is independent: what is real to me may not be real to you. This means that reality is always subjective – we generate our own reality from our perceptions; the conclusion being that reality is malleable and elusive. And yet, in spite of this, we rarely consider that reality could be experienced in various different ways, in various different flavors.
Let us go a little further with this, shall we? When we consider that we are Spiritual beings temporarily occupying physical bodies to accommodate our presence in this material world, we should consider our body to be real but the Spirit to be actual. We often make the mistake of confusing reality with actuality – this is why we tend to identify ourselves with our bodies; it is the most real thing there is, is it not?
Yet, it is our aliveness – our awareness, our core essence as Spirit that is actual; that which knows the world; that which recognizes the body. It has no shape, no form; it is not a person, it does not begin or end, it is not here or there – yet, it is totally real but completely intangible. Hence, it goes without saying that it takes a fair paradigm shift*1 to make the step in understanding that we are not our bodies. You see, our bodies are vehicles in which we travel, but it is the traveller that is the “I,” and not the vehicle in which the road is travelled – see?
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*1 A paradigm is the collection of ideas and assumptions that pass from one generation to the next and which seem to be immutable. The paradigm shift, then, is when the paradigm shifts. In this process, everything that no longer serves its purpose – begins to fade away, to be replaced with something else; and with it goes all the old, outdated and outmoded structures that are limiting us. This in turn gives way to a new understanding, a new way of seeing, a new way of living, being, and doing. Paradigm shifts are necessary for growth and transformation. This area is explored more in detail in the section titled TRANSFORMATION, in a chapter Metaphysical Paradigm Shift.
*1 A paradigm is the collection of ideas and assumptions that pass from one generation to the next and which seem to be immutable. The paradigm shift, then, is when the paradigm shifts. In this process, everything that no longer serves its purpose – begins to fade away, to be replaced with something else; and with it goes all the old, outdated and outmoded structures that are limiting us. This in turn gives way to a new understanding, a new way of seeing, a new way of living, being, and doing. Paradigm shifts are necessary for growth and transformation. This area is explored more in detail in the section titled TRANSFORMATION, in a chapter Metaphysical Paradigm Shift.
So now that we know the difference between the two, let us explore this further. Reality is a fascinating topic that has been endlessly debated since humans developed the ability to think. From that moment onwards we have asked the question: What is real? Is it the apparent reality which is visible and perceptible by the ordinary senses, or is it the reality one comes across in dreams? This raises the question of what is real? And further, what is reality? Well, the answer is not so straightforward – you see, there are as many answers as there are people who ask. Hopefully this book will give some clarity as to what reality is to you.
That said, it should be emphasized that knowing and understanding yourself is the key in understanding reality, and making the distinction between reality and Reality; the former mentioned refers to the surface-level reality and the latter to the deeper underlying Ultimate Reality. The significance of this distinction should become more apparent as the discussion in this book develops. This brings about the question: Can we ever really understand reality? We can, but not in the way we think. You see, it’s not a scientific, or philosophical question, but rather a spiritual question.
Now, someone who subscribes to the scientific paradigm might get triggered and defend themselves by arguing that religion cannot give us answers either. By the same token, one might continue by asking: If religion cannot provide us with answers as to when the universe arose, or the processes by which the universe has changed through time – how can it answer questions regarding reality? These are scientific questions, are they not? After which they may pause for a while and reflect on their stance and continue by asking: How come science cannot provide us with answers?
Well, first of all, the emphasis is on the word ‘spiritual,’ which means that physical sciences are unable to give answers to such “eternal” questions like “What is real?,” or “What is reality?” since they cannot be answered from the scientific point of view. These are subjective questions, are they not? Secondly, we should remind ourselves of the fact that the purpose of science is not to understand reality anymore than it is to understand life – it is to advance technology, is it not? Thirdly, in science, there are no facts – there are data and models, and all models are provisional and incomplete. The scientific community, therefore, cannot provide us with accurate and coherent descriptions of the actuality of reality.
By the same token, philosophy is not much help either – it only adds to the confusion. You see, philosophy is all about other people’s ponderings, thoughts, and wonderings about various topics; the questions that arise are often posed as problems to be resolved, but you see, not all questions are meant to be answered – at least not in logical terms that might satisfy our intellect. Therefore, philosophy will not get us any closer to the Truth we are seeking – which is, ultimately, very much subjective. In other words, there is no closure; the closest we can ever get is to live in the light of mystery.
That said, it should be noted that if we are willing to explore new horizons, we can find the answers we seek; the answers we seek can emerge from a deeper understanding born of the union of heart and mind. You see, the Mystery of Life and Reality unfolds itself as you grow in understanding of yourself and Life within you. The search for greater meaning in life may therefore become more important in this regard. Let us explore this further.
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~ ॐ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi ~ ∞ ~
Get the Book: Awaken the Living Awareness Within – Discover the Keys to Happiness, Inner Peace & Harmony
~ ॐ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi ~ ∞ ~
Get the Book: Awaken the Living Awareness Within – Discover the Keys to Happiness, Inner Peace & Harmony
[ Click » here « to read the next part: On Reality and Actuality 2/2 – Prologue: Part IX ]
Extra Material: Video: You're It - Alan Watts. Video description: "An inspiring and profound speech from the late Alan Watts. Speech extract from 'Zen Bones and Tales' by Alan Watts"
