The treasure within: Discovering true freedom and joy

The Nature of Thinking and Mind

Thinking can become a disease when it dominates our lives, leading to a false sense of self and disconnection from our true nature.

• The mind is a powerful tool but can be destructive when it controls us.

• Most people are unconsciously identified with their minds, leading to aimless and compulsive thinking.

• Observing the thinker allows for a higher level of consciousness and awareness beyond thought.

• True liberation comes from recognizing that we are not our thoughts.

Freeing Yourself from Your Mind

Awareness of the incessant voice in our heads can lead to freedom from compulsive thinking.

• Everyone experiences a continuous internal dialogue, which can be likened to madness.

• This voice often distorts our perception of reality, leading to negativity and emotional pain.

• By listening to and observing this voice without judgment, we can create gaps in our thought patterns.

• These gaps lead to inner peace and a deeper connection with our true selves.

The Role of Emotions in the Mind

Emotions are reflections of our thoughts and can reveal deeper truths about our mental state.

• Emotions arise from the intersection of mind and body, often reflecting unconscious thought patterns.

• Observing emotions can help bring unconscious thoughts into awareness.

• The body can manifest emotional pain, which can lead to physical symptoms if not addressed.

• True emotions can be distinguished from the mind's interpretations, which often create conflict.

Understanding Pain and Suffering

Much of human pain is self-created through resistance to the present moment.

• Pain arises from nonacceptance of the Now, often linked to judgments and negativity.

• The mind's denial of the present moment leads to unnecessary suffering.

• Accepting the present moment as it is can transform our experience of life.

• Past pain accumulates in the body and mind, creating a "pain-body" that can dominate our lives.

The Concept of the Pain-Body

The pain-body is an accumulation of emotional pain that can take over our consciousness.

• It can be dormant or active, influencing behavior and emotional responses.

• The pain-body feeds on negative experiences and emotions, perpetuating cycles of suffering.

• Observing the pain-body can help disidentify from it and initiate healing.

• Consciousness can transmute the pain-body into light, leading to greater inner peace.

The Nature of Fear and Ego

Fear is a fundamental aspect of the ego, often rooted in the fear of death and loss.

• Psychological fear is divorced from immediate danger and is often a projection of the mind.

• The ego's vulnerability leads to a constant state of fear and insecurity.

• Fear manifests in various forms, including anxiety and dread, affecting daily life.

• Disidentifying from the ego reduces the need for fear and allows for a more peaceful existence.

The Pursuit of Wholeness and Identity

The ego seeks fulfillment through external validation, leading to a sense of incompleteness.

• People often pursue possessions, status, and relationships to fill a perceived void.

• This pursuit is ultimately unfulfilling, as the sense of lack remains.

• True fulfillment comes from recognizing one's deeper self beyond the ego.

• The process of "dying before you die" reveals the true nature of existence.

Embracing the Present Moment

Living in the Now is essential for spiritual growth and liberation from the mind.

• The present moment is the only reality; past and future are mere illusions.

• Engaging fully with the Now allows for a deeper connection with life and existence.

• The shift from time to presence can lead to profound inner transformation.

• Practicing presence enhances clarity and focus in daily life.

The Illusion of Time

Time is often perceived as precious, but it is ultimately an illusion that distracts from the Now.

• The mind's fixation on time creates unnecessary suffering and prevents true presence.

• Clock time is necessary for practical living, but psychological time is a burden.

• Learning to differentiate between the two can lead to a more fulfilling life.

• The essence of life is found in the eternal present, where true joy and peace reside.

The Dangers of Psychological Time

Psychological time is a mental illness that distorts present reality by focusing on future ideals.

• Psychological time manifests in ideologies like communism and nationalism, which justify harmful means for future ends.

• Historical examples include an estimated fifty million deaths due to communism in pursuit of a "better world."

• The belief in a future heaven often creates a present hell, highlighting the dangers of psychological time.

The Roots of Negativity and Suffering

Negativity and suffering stem from an overemphasis on time, neglecting the present moment.

• The present can be dreadful, but true transformation occurs through presence, not time.

• Accumulation of psychological time leads to unease, anxiety, and fear related to the future, while guilt and regret stem from the past.

• A state of consciousness free from negativity is possible and is the goal of spiritual teachings.

The Importance of Present Awareness

Focusing on the present moment is essential for true fulfillment and happiness.

• Life situations often distract from the essence of life, which exists in the Now.

• One should differentiate between life situations (psychological time) and life (the present).

• Engaging fully with the present moment can reveal the underlying life beneath external circumstances.

Problems as Illusions of the Mind

Problems are mental constructs that arise from a lack of presence and awareness.

• True problems do not exist in the Now; only situations do, which can be accepted or dealt with.

• The mind creates pain by labeling situations as problems, which leads to suffering.

• A conscious state allows for clear action and decision-making, free from the burdens of the past or future.

The Evolution of Consciousness

The transformation of consciousness is a collective process that requires individual effort.

• The shift from unconsciousness to presence is essential for personal and collective evolution.

• This transformation is not guaranteed; individual cooperation is necessary for progress.

• The awakening of consciousness is crucial for survival and healing in a troubled world.

The Joy of Being in the Present

Experiencing joy and ease in actions is a sign of being present and connected to life.

• The quality of consciousness in the present moment shapes experiences and actions.

• Nonattachment to outcomes allows for a more joyful and fulfilling life.

• True prosperity comes from gratitude for the present, not from future expectations.

Strategies for Overcoming Ordinary Unconsciousness

Awareness of ordinary unconsciousness is key to breaking free from habitual negativity.

• Self-observation helps identify moments of unease, discontent, and resistance to the present.

• Complaining and waiting are forms of resistance that create inner conflict and unhappiness.

• Accepting the present moment and taking conscious action can dissolve negativity.

The Inner Purpose of Life's Journey

Life has both outer and inner purposes, with the inner purpose focusing on the quality of consciousness.

• Outer purpose involves achieving goals, while inner purpose is about deepening one's Being.

• The present moment is the only reality that matters in the journey of life.

• Success in the outer purpose is secondary to the fulfillment of the inner purpose.

The Power of Now in Overcoming the Past

The past can only be dealt with in the present; understanding it is not necessary for healing.

• The past cannot survive in the presence of awareness; it only exists in the absence of the Now.

• Focusing on present challenges reveals unconscious patterns and allows for transformation.

• True self-discovery occurs through presence, not through dwelling on past experiences.

The State of Presence and Its Significance

Presence is a state of consciousness that transcends thought and connects one to the essence of life.

• Presence cannot be understood through thought; it must be experienced.

• Being rooted in the body and aware of the present moment enhances the state of presence.

• True beauty and creativity arise from a state of presence, free from mental distractions.

The Nature of Consciousness and Ego

Consciousness can evolve beyond egoic identification, leading to enlightenment and presence.

• Most humans are trapped in egoic consciousness, leading to confusion and conflict.

• The collective egoic mind is destructive and can lead to societal breakdown.

• Liberation from the mind is essential for survival and higher consciousness.

• Consciousness is evolving, and some individuals have already achieved enlightenment.

The Role of Presence and Silence

Presence is the state of pure consciousness, which can be accessed through silence and awareness.

• Silence is a powerful carrier of presence and can create stillness within.

• Listening to silence helps individuals become present and aware of their true nature.

• Words are merely pointers to the truth; they should not be overly attached to.

• The practice of being present can lead to a deeper understanding of one's essence.

Understanding Christ and Divine Presence

Christ represents the indwelling divinity within all individuals, transcending time and form.

• Christ is synonymous with presence, representing awakened divinity.

• The concept of the "second coming" refers to a transformation of human consciousness.

• True understanding of Christ involves recognizing the eternal "I AM" presence.

• Enlightened beings are not special; they reflect the divine essence present in everyone.

In my next article, I’ll dive deeper into how we can silence the constant noise of the mind and access the peace that’s already within us. Stay tuned!

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