From the Periphery to the Core
A major key in increasing awareness is to begin to reason in terms of the primacy of the components of reality. This means paring things down to the more simple, the more profound. Of course, we know through the principle of nonduality that this concept of separate components is false in the final perspective. However, that is merely an intellectual understanding for 99% of people who speak of it. Most of us remain in a stage where we can reason based on an ever-clarifying scale of "fundamentality." In simple terms, it means discovering what is the "core" or "essence" of a situation, person, conflict, dilemma, project, idea, anything. This is what I call moving from the periphery (or circumference) to the core.
This is incredibly powerful beacuse as we practice it, we will be able to pinpoint the origin from which something miniscule gradually accumulated more and more density, until it is suddenly termed a "huge conflict." Through this contemplation we will cultivate much compassion and even humor for the immaturity and general silliness of human behavior, which is largely animalistic and/or rather childish. (This understanding was popularized by the term "petty," a good and accurate meme indeed!) Only a tiny sliver of the world's population makes the choice and dedication to gradually move beyond this state of affairs, for several reasons.
It is rather unpleasant at first to face the reality of ignorance and misunderstanding, both on the part of others, but especially one's own. It brings up a huge amount of repressed guilt, sadness, anger, shame, and even despair to be healed and transmuted. One must practice daily loving-kindness and forgiveness towards self and other at all times and no matter what.
Maturing is a twofold process. One aspect is natural and based on the metaphysical effect of the illusion of linear time upon a semi-coherent quasi-autonomous entity and is apassive phenomenon. The second is based upon the inner decision of the entity in question to accelerate its spiritual growth which is based upon choice, an active phenomenon. So we see that growing in the required wisdom and discernment to be able to penetrate into essences and move from the periphery to the core is not just a given, but has a large component of choice. Most people do not choose to leave behind their comfortable illusions, even if they live to 90 or 100 years old!
In order to move from the periphery or skin of things into the real flesh, one must address one's fear of death, nonexistence, "lack of meaning," void, depression, despair, existential crisis, "dark night of the soul," etc. and eventually give up the pleasure of the pain and self pity that the masochistic and immature animal self loves so dearly. Suffering is an insanely powerful psychotropic drug that the majority of people are highly addicted to. Pleasure is no exception, and of course this is well known. However, there is a balance point, and that is equanimity, serenity, and peace. This is a different type of enjoyment or appreciation of life which is less based on the pleasure/pain rollercoaster.
Though the challenges faced by a being who desires to resolve things back to a core of wholeness are formidable indeed, the fulfillment of such a practice is beyond any worldly satisfaction. Actually, the two are not incompatible at all but intermingled! One need not sit in meditation in a cave or a monastery and renounce all worldly things. As one grows in discernment, one may still do the same actions as before. However, there will be a much more profound comprehension that how things appear on the surface are only the barest glimpse of the true mechanics.
Gradually going towards the core of things, there is a clairvoyant and at times supremely blissful feeling of being light as a feather, of being in-the-world-but-not-of-it. Also, there is at times extreme disillusionment, despair, and powerful grief for the collective suffering of humanity, which is very real for those who experience it, even if illusory from the ultimate perspective. So this is not a path for the faint of heart, it is for those with the courage to face the darkness and unveil its impotency, for those who are willing to be crippled and blinded by the transcendent Light.
It is for those willing to feel. The idea that becoming advanced in consciousness is becoming more and more numb and detached is absurd to the highest degree! That is the complete opposite of the mystical union with the Divine. It is true that one becomes less attached, but one grows in feeling. So this practice is for those willing to grow in fantastic, uncomfortable, miraculous, and truly unimaginable ways. It is, again, devotional nonduality, which gradually simplifies all things and resolves them back to the primordial Totality. It is the path of compassion and unconditional Love, total forgiveness of self and other, and cultivation of lovingkindness towards all living things.
Let us continue in our growth and become emboldened by the beauty we behold in the Other until between Self and Other there is no separation, and we dance together in the endless bliss of that Union Divine.
Wholeness,
Daniel Pendergraft
9/24/17
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