Topic
started: 10/15/2008
Is oneness an experience or a state? How do you define oneness? How do you reconcile oneness and diversity? Is oneness something to be afraid of?
I just came across this wonderful discussion, I would start by saying just focusing on the questions brings you deeper into the experience... I also offer everyone my perspectives on these questions based on my own experiences and insights...
"Is oneness an experience or a state?"
It's a state that can be experienced once we learn to cease doing that which interferes with our experience of what already naturally is.
"How do you define oneness?"
It defines itself in a way that cannot be put into words once we can experience our inter-connectedness with all things and beings. Until then all attempts to define it are intellectual exercises. These have value, but they should not be mistaken for the deeper realization that is possible.
"How do you reconcile oneness and diversity?"
The idea of reconciliation is rooted in a separative belief, yet I deeply understand what the seeming paradox is that this question explores. I have personally learned that to the degree we can be fully present in our differentiated selves while simultaneously operating from the expanded level of awareness our undifferentiated or "oneness" selves represents, we become the living reconciliation, i.e. the balance of all dimensional aspects of our being operating in total harmony simultaneously.
Is oneness something to be afraid of?
If by oneness we mean our true nature that knows inherently and perpetually that it is interconnected with all things and beings, then certainly not. If by oneness we mean mistakenly losing our individuality and uniqueness in the worlds of diversity, then I would not suggest being afraid but rather exercising more discernment and learning to find balance.
We are here in the worlds of differentiation and diversity for a reason or we would not be here. It is in being fully present where we are focused as a multi-dimensional being within the context of our conscious minds RIGHT NOW that our true power can emerge.
There is much in this world in regards spiritual development that toggles between attempting to do away with the diversified self or ego in favor of some transcendent state, or conversely which locks into base patterns of materialism that get camouflaged as something spiritual.
These are all valid experiences that can bring one to a greater realization. Yet we can take a shorter and less circuitous route. To do so we need to simply be able to develop the ability to stay focused in an "overview" state of awareness wherein we accept our human limitations and work to transcend them through loving ourselves, and others as aspects of ourselves, so completely that we can then enjoy the ride our human vehicle is taking us on and be fully present with our Divine Spirit in the process.
That is what I mean basically , to "measure the pudding" if you will - not of individuals but as a collective, since it IS about oneness, after all. Obviously an actual measurement will be difficult, but it is only to say instead of going for quantity like a head count or even measuring the quality of those heads individually in the way they interact with the world, but more specifically the collective dynamic of spiritual individuals and groups, how they interact with each other as one. After all, we're supposed to be hip to this oneness thing, shouldn't there be something to show for it? And if it's between each other as spiritual/oneness people we can't say it's because the rest of the world doesn't get it, it should come fairly easily then. Not just peace by the way, but is there a cooperative dynamic with people working together, or are we just doing our own thing?
In considering the dialogue for the Waking Up video with Tenzin Palmo along with this question, it occurs to me that we might say for some oneness is a state, (of abiding) and for others it is an experience. And as far as this concern of having enough people who are awake, I think we have to acknowledge that we are viewing things from a perspective of separation if we're talking about a head count of the number of human beings functioning from a state of oneness. (on the most basic level - "they are awake, others are not") We may do well to try and measure how much oneness there is amongst those who have an awareness of oneness instead, whether that is the occasional experience or the state of ones being. People understandably are concerned with things on the social level, so maybe an appropriate question is how much oneness is there between those who have this awareness, even those who are functioning from that state? After all, there is a question of both breadth and depth.
I would guess that for most people, experiences of oneness are not that rare, but states of oneness are (though becoming less so). And, as you say, Mark, it is perhaps more meaningful to measure the degree of oneness among people who 'experience' (ha!) a state of oneness since the depth would undoubtedly vary considerably. Yet, given its inherent subjectivity, how would such a measurement be made?? Maybe the proof is in the pudding, so to speak...in that a person's actions and being in (relationship to) the world is the best measure of someone's success in integrating (deepening) their state of oneness. Still a subjective measure in many ways.
I like Tenzin's provocation...asserting that she doesn't see any signs of it. She succeeds in throwing a monkeywrench into the workings of the spiritual persona she represents...
Wonderful dialogue. I love each and everyone of you...
If there is oneness there can only be one oneness.
The only way that oneness can express itself is through uniqueness.
There is nothing exactly the same, there can only be one of me.
My uniqueness is already, nothing has to be added, I was born with it.
Uniqueness lived is defined by relationship for there is no uniqueness if there is only me.
When I look at it all I see is radiant emptiness and silent bliss.
When I give myself to you I experience my unique gifts.
Coming to my uniqueness opens the door to oneness.
Coming into oneness strips me from all that is not me.
Oneness realized celebrates "otherness" as the driving wheel of creation. It is separation that seeks security in sameness.
In separation I am trapped IN one of the sides, in oneness I celebrate the vibration of duality.
On the way to oneness I used separation and egoic distinction to locate and to create myself.
In oneness I rest in my bare existence and express my embeddedness.
Then and only then the waters of life flow freely.
I would love to meet you sometime in person.
Together may we journey
evermore deeply
into the realms of the Sacred Heart
and live out its Truth
of Love, Peace, Happiness & Freedom
in every dimension
unto Oneness
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