The Secret of Secrets

1. The Essence of Meditation: Shifting from Thought to Awareness

Contemplation means changing the gestalt. Ordinarily we look at thoughts: one thought, another thought, another thought. When you change the gestalt you look: one interval, another interval, another interval.

Shifting perspective. Meditation is not about suppressing thoughts, but about changing our relationship with them. Instead of being caught up in the content of thoughts, we learn to observe the spaces between them. This shift in awareness allows us to experience a deeper level of consciousness.

Practical application. To practice this shift:

• Sit quietly and observe your thoughts
• Notice the gaps between thoughts
• Gradually expand your awareness of these gaps
• Allow thoughts to come and go without engagement

As you cultivate this practice, you'll discover a vast, peaceful awareness beneath the surface of your mind. This is the foundation for all spiritual growth and transformation.

2. The Third Eye: Gateway to Inner Light and Consciousness

Release is in the eye...The seed-blossoms of the human body must be concentrated upward in the empty space.

Awakening inner vision. The third eye, located between the eyebrows, is a symbolic gateway to higher consciousness. It represents our capacity for intuition, insight, and spiritual perception. By focusing attention on this area, we can activate dormant spiritual faculties.

Techniques for activation:

• Gently focus your attention between the eyebrows
• Visualize a point of light in this area
• Practice alternating focus between the tip of the nose and the third eye
• Use mantras or breathing techniques to enhance concentration

As the third eye awakens, you may experience sensations of light, expansion, or deep peace. This is the beginning of a profound journey into the depths of your own consciousness.

3. Balancing Yin and Yang: The Path to Wholeness

Tao, Zen, Tantra – their insight is far deeper than the so-called religions of the marketplace. I am trying to create a great synthesis: the synthesis between Zorba the Greek and Gautama the Buddha, the synthesis between materialism and spiritualism.

Integrating opposites. True spiritual growth involves harmonizing seemingly opposite forces within ourselves. The goal is not to reject one aspect of life for another, but to find a dynamic balance between them. This integration leads to a more complete and fulfilling existence.

Key aspects of balance:

• Embracing both material and spiritual aspects of life
• Combining active engagement with passive receptivity
• Balancing intellect with intuition
• Harmonizing masculine and feminine energies

By cultivating this balance, we become more whole, resilient, and capable of living with greater authenticity and joy.

4. The Circulation of Light: A Transformative Practice

The circulation of the light is not only a fantasy.

Inner alchemy. The circulation of light is a profound meditative practice that involves visualizing and directing energy within the body. This practice is believed to awaken dormant spiritual potentials and lead to profound transformation.

Steps in the practice:

1. Focus attention on the third eye
2. Visualize light or energy circulating through the body
3. Allow the energy to flow naturally, without force
4. Gradually extend the duration and intensity of the practice

Regular practice of this technique can lead to increased vitality, clarity of mind, and spiritual insight. It is a cornerstone of many Taoist and Buddhist meditation traditions.

5. Contemplation vs. Concentration: The Key Distinction

Fixation without contemplation is circulation without light. Contemplation without fixation is light without circulation!

Balancing focus and openness. Many spiritual seekers make the mistake of either forcing concentration or getting lost in vague contemplation. The key is to find a balance between focused attention and open awareness.

Characteristics of effective practice:

• Gentle but steady focus on the object of meditation
• Allowing thoughts and sensations to arise and pass without attachment
• Maintaining an attitude of relaxed alertness
• Alternating between periods of concentration and open awareness

By cultivating this balanced approach, we can avoid the pitfalls of rigid concentration or aimless daydreaming, and make steady progress on the spiritual path.

6. Transcending Duality: Moving Beyond Self and Other

When the light enters into the third eye – the one eye, the single eye – all distinctions disappear: the rainbow again becomes a single ray of white light.

Unifying consciousness. The ultimate goal of spiritual practice is to transcend the illusion of separateness and experience the fundamental unity of all existence. This involves moving beyond the dualistic perception of self and other, subject and object.

Stages of transcendence:

1. Recognizing the constructed nature of the ego
2. Cultivating non-attachment to thoughts and perceptions
3. Experiencing moments of ego dissolution in meditation
4. Gradually integrating non-dual awareness into daily life

As we progress on this path, we begin to experience a profound sense of interconnectedness with all of life, leading to greater compassion, wisdom, and inner peace.

7. The Golden Flower: Symbol of Spiritual Awakening

The Golden Flower is the light. One uses the Golden Flower as a symbol.

Blossoming consciousness. The golden flower is a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening and the unfolding of human potential. It represents the culmination of inner work and the manifestation of our highest nature.

Aspects of the golden flower:

• Radiance: The luminous quality of awakened consciousness
• Beauty: The inherent perfection of our true nature
• Growth: The gradual process of spiritual unfoldment
• Transformation: The alchemical change from ordinary to extraordinary consciousness

By contemplating this symbol and embodying its qualities, we can accelerate our spiritual growth and align ourselves with the highest potentials of human existence.

8. The Role of the Body in Spiritual Practice

One looks with both eyes at the tip of the nose, sits upright and in a comfortable position, and holds the heart to the center in the midst of conditions.

Embodied awakening. While many spiritual traditions emphasize transcendence of the body, the Taoist approach recognizes the importance of working with the body as a vehicle for awakening. Proper posture and bodily awareness are crucial for effective meditation and energy cultivation.

Key aspects of bodily practice:

• Maintaining an upright, relaxed posture
• Using specific eye positions to facilitate inner focus
• Cultivating awareness of energy centers in the body
• Integrating breath work with meditation

By honoring and working skillfully with the body, we create a strong foundation for spiritual growth and avoid the pitfalls of disembodied spirituality.

9. Overcoming Obstacles in Meditation

If for a day you do not practice meditation, this light streams out, who knows whither?

Consistency and persistence. The path of meditation is not always smooth. We encounter various obstacles, such as restlessness, doubt, and distraction. The key to overcoming these challenges is consistent practice and a patient, non-judgmental attitude.

Common obstacles and solutions:

• Restlessness: Practice shorter sessions with more frequent repetition
• Doubt: Study teachings and connect with like-minded practitioners
• Distraction: Gently but firmly return attention to the practice
• Physical discomfort: Adjust posture and gradually build endurance

Remember that every moment of practice, even if imperfect, contributes to your overall growth and transformation.

10. The Integration of Eastern and Western Wisdom

I am trying to create a great synthesis: the synthesis between materialism and spiritualism. I am trying to create a spiritual materialism.

Bridging traditions. In our globalized world, we have the unique opportunity to integrate the wisdom of both Eastern and Western traditions. This synthesis can lead to a more comprehensive and balanced approach to spiritual growth and human development.

Areas of integration:

• Combining meditation with psychological insight
• Balancing individual growth with social responsibility
• Integrating scientific understanding with spiritual practice
• Harmonizing ancient wisdom with modern innovation

By embracing this integrative approach, we can create a more holistic and effective path of transformation that addresses the complex needs of contemporary life.

Last updated: October 1, 2024