The Mystery of Life: Unveiling the Essence Within

[Iacchus32]

The mystery is that which lies within. And yet the mystery is none other than the essence which gives rise to form. Whereas all mysteries are pretty much one and the same, in that they lead to the one true mystery, The Mystery of Life ...

 

[wuliheron]

All mysteries together form a context or continuum if you will that extends from the mystery within to the mystery of existence. Many argue their is no distinction whatsoever between any of these and the mystery within is the mystery without.

 

[Iacchus32]

What is the difference between history and mystery? Besides one being factual and the other subject to interpretation? Which would be more correct? You can have the history with all the facts, but what's the point without understanding the mystery? (i.e., why it happened).

It's the same thing when people read the Bible, they can take it in the literal sense or, if they're versed in what the symbolism means, they can take it in the spiritual sense. In which case you're likely to get two completely different--if not contradictory--meanings. Which would be more correct? The literal sense which, may be enough to send somebody to prison or, the spiritual sense, which may warrant a reprieve and a better outlook on things?

Where's the mystery, if it's all a matter of not understanding something in context? And why should we allow this to invalidate an experience which may otherwise be real?

 

[wuliheron]

Where's the mystery, if it's all a matter of not understanding something in context? And why should we allow this to invalidate an experience which may otherwise be real?

The mystery may be the context.

Mystery

Looked at but cannot be seen
It is beneath form;
Listened to but cannot be heard
- It is beneath sound;
Held but cannot be touched
It is beneath feeling;
These depthless things evade definition,
And blend into a single mystery.
In its rising there is no light,
In its falling there is no darkness,
A continuous thread
Beyond description,
Lining what cannot occur;
Its form formless,
Its image nothing,
Its name silence;
Follow it, it has no back,
Meet it, it has no face.
Attend the present to deal with the past;
Thus you grasp the continuity
Of the Way,
Which is its essence.

 

[Iacchus32]

Mystery can be likened unto the "living substance" or food. While history can be likened unto the wrapper it comes in, to be discarded once we partake of the mystery.

Why would you settle for the box? when you can have the chocolates instead?

Isn't that kind of what the problem is with religion? They get all caught up in the history and formality of it, while losing sight of the mystery and the essence which enlivens the soul. Whereas science steps in and takes it a step further and says, Where is the substance behind all this dead formalism? and drops the whole thing entirely deeming it unworthy to investigate.

It's too bad science can't acquire a taste for chocolates? But, that would all be in the mind of the chocoholic now wouldn't it?

 

[wuliheron]

Isn't that kind of what the problem is with religion? They get all caught up in the history and formality of it, while losing sight of the mystery and the essence which enlivens the soul. Whereas science steps in and takes it a step further and says, Where is the substance behind all this dead formalism? and drops the whole thing entirely deeming it unworthy to investigate.

It's too bad science can't acquire a taste for chocolates? But, that would all be in the mind of the chocoholic now wouldn't it?

Science has developed a taste for chocolates. Quantum Mechanics is perhaps the best known example. They just had some bad experiences with foods in the past and are now about the pickiest and most reluctant eaters you can imagine. Getting them to try something new requires a great deal of patience and understanding not to mention trust building. Don't worry, everybody grows out that phase eventually. :0)

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Iacchus32

Mystery can be likened unto the "living substance" or food. While history can be likened unto the wrapper it comes in, to be discarded once we partake of the mystery.

Why would you settle for the box? when you can have the chocolates instead?

Isn't this kind of what the deal is about society as well? Where we go through a tremendous expense to insure the packaging has appeal, to where we practically lose sight of the contents inside which, have either been pumped full of hormones or preservatives or, has little nutritional value. Whereas all this "fancy" packaging goes directly into the trash, and from there into the local landfill. What a waste!

Neither does this apply only to our food but, to our whole whole market driven economy as well, where everything is set up for the "easy sale," in a continual bombardment of glamore, glitz and sales appeal. There's that ol' Madison Avenue Whore again! Yep, one never ending distraction, in a parade of materialistic enticements we thought we could never do without. Reminiscent of the original enticement way back when? (in the Garden of Eden).

No wonder there's a great lack of introspection in our society nowadays. We're so busy caught up with our quick "material fix" that we don't have time to marvel about things such as "the moment" or, the mystery of life ...

Whereas if we did, it might be far less painful on our pocket books and, to the environment as well.

 

[kyleb]

that is exactly the case Iacchus32, i have lived on both sides of the fence on that issues so i can attest from experience that you are very much correct in what you said there. however there was a comment of your earlier that i do not agree with:

Originally posted by Iacchus32
It's the same thing when people read the Bible, they can take it in the literal sense or, if they're versed in what the symbolism means, they can take it in the spiritual sense.

while spiritual things are only witnessed though symbolism, if one needs to be versed in the meanings of such symbolism; then it is becomes more a worldly experience than spiritual one.

 

[Iacchus32]

Origninally posted by kyleb
while spiritual things are only witnessed though symbolism, if one needs to be versed in the meanings of such symbolism; then it is becomes more a worldly experience than spiritual one.

All I'm saying is unless you have some idea of what the symbolism means, you won't be able to grasp what the spiritual means (which, is highly symbolic).

 

[Mentat]

Is there anyone else here who fails to see what "The Mystery Within" refers to?

Iacchus, could you please explain what you mean?

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Mentat
Is there anyone else here who fails to see what "The Mystery Within" refers to?

Iacchus, could you please explain what you mean?

The mystery is life. Just as everything has a beginning (cause), it also has an ending (effect). And yet when you look at the effect, without any understanding of the cause, it's hard to imagine how it all came about? Indeed this is the mystery which, can be applied towards anything.

So what does it mean? Just as there is an exterior "objective sense" to things, what we would apply to "form" (truth), there's also an interior "subjective sense," which we would apply to "essence" (i.e., wisdom, which gives rise to truth). So in this respect it's makes sense that "the subjective" (essence) be contained within and "subject to" the form? And so it is the understanding of the mystery (any mystery) can be assessed through the understanding of its interior wisdom or nature (from within).

Whereas if you were to look around, at everything you can experience through the five senses, it would apply towards the "exterior form," as it can be observed or measured somehow "objectively." So in this respect it's easy enough to acknowledge the truth (form) and put a label on it.

But what of the hidden mystery that lies beyond the forms? What are the inner-dynamics behind this incredible facade we call "objective reality?" Do we really understand what's going on underneath? For instance let's say we take two objects, one that is inanimate, like a rock, and the other which is alive, like a human being? Now the rock will pretty much remain a rock indefinitely, and still retain the energy field that defines it as a rock. But with a human being it's a different story. Granted that when we die we leave behind a corpse, and the corpse will retain the energy field of a dead corpse.

But that's just it, where does all this "conscious energy" which, defines our very existence, go? And I don't mean sometime later, but almost immediately after death? There's obviously some sort of energy pattern or field there when we're alive, but where does it go when we die? Does it just dissipate into the atmosphere? Or, as I'm inclined to believe, does it retain its pattern and return to say, the "collective unconscious?" I can hardly imagine this "living entity," which consolidates itself in a living form (my body), would just dissipate at death. There's just too much consistency about it to suggest otherwise. Or else why would it cling so steadfastly, and coherently, to my body in the first place? Except perhaps for one exception, where do we go when we dream? Now that's a strong indication right there!

I would like to speak more about this here, but I'm a bit limited by time and will have to leave it at this for now ... Thanks!

 

[wuliheron]

I thought you were talking about the mystery, but now you are talking about consciousness and life after death. Which is it?

 

[Another God]

I was lost half way through the first post.

 

[wuliheron]

I was lost half way through the first post.

That's easy to understand, its a slippery one, but really well written. It expresses a very Asian view.

The mystery is that which lies within. And yet the mystery is none other than the essence which gives rise to form. Whereas all mysteries are pretty much one and the same, in that they lead to the one true mystery, The Mystery of Life ...

Note the word "essence" is pretty much as mysterious as "mystery". All mysteries, of course, are mysteries so they are pretty much one and the same and all originate with the mystery of life. If for no other reason that if we didn't exist it wouldn't be a mystery.

As Chuang Tzu said, "Once I dreamed I was a butterfly, or am I really a butterfly dreaming I am a man?" Just as existence is a profound mystery, so too is awareness.

Hence there are several basic interpretations of these mysteries possible. Some say everything is in reality consciousness or awareness (consensual reality as s/he called it). Others say everything is Oneness. Others say change is the only constant and consciousness becomes unconsciousness, etc. While still others say infinity resolves the mystery.

Any and all of these can be mixed and matched according to taste and, if you want, you can say the result is ultimately ineffable. That is, it cannot be expressed.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by wuliheron
I thought you were talking about the mystery, but now you are talking about consciousness and life after death. Which is it?

Both. I tried to begin by introducing the nature of mystery itself, in order to suggest a means by which to understand it, and hence the means by which to resolve it (i.e., based upon my own insights). And, since all mysteries are basically one and the same, in that "hidden elements" exist beyond "the facade," I was hoping to touch on both the mystery of life and, the mystery of death, which are basically "paradoxical elements" of the same mystery. This is the "big mystery" as far as I'm concerned. And yet, if people want to talk about mystery in general, that's okay too.

I also felt a bit pressed for time and was unable to take it a step further, i.e., the mystery behind the physical creation of the universe (hence the facade) and the "spriritual essence" behind it. But first I thought I should "try" alluding to the essence within us which is our soul.

And wuliheron thanks for the explanation!

 

[Iacchus32]

From the thread, "What is it about the moment?"

Originally posted by Iacchus32

"I close my eyes, only for a moment and the moment's gone" ... from the song, Dust in the Wind, by Kansas.

So what is it about the moment? Except that it stands outside of time and space? Or, does time and space stand within it? Ahh, could this be the origin of both eternity and infinity?

Ahh, could this be the very connection to an Eternal Creator Who, stands outside of time an space? ... i.e., through the moment? So what is it about the moment that speaks to us about such things? ... "our experience?"

Therefore it must be like they say, how can you experience God or, for that matter anything else, if you can't experience "It" for yourself?

"Be still, and know [experience] that I am God ..." (Psalms 46:10)

Originally posted by Iacchus32

If just for "one moment" we took a snapshot of Creation, everything would exist in the here and now, including time and space, which are infinite. Therefore the moment itself must encompass (i.e., stand outside of) everything. Just picture in your mind for "one moment," the universe as a bubble, and you'll see what I mean.

This is just something to reflect on for now ... it has to do with the nature of the meditation referred to in the thread, "The Advent of Color" (God & Religion section) which, involves "focusing on the moment." It also explains the nature of my new Avatar, which is derived from the meditation. Am still debating on whether or not I should try to begin discussing it there? ... And yes, this would be considered part of The Mystery Within.

 

[Iacchus32]

The truth of God is without, the whole material universe. The Essence of God is within. Whereas the truth is discerned, and the essence is to be experienced. So why do we go to such great lengths to uncover the truth, when we don't partake of the experience which gives birth to it? We seek the truth in "its effect," but we don't seek the Life which leads to it?

The Mystery of Life, is also the mystery of conception and birth.


And here I would mention (as below) that I died and gave birth to myself, only to be rent to pieces shortly thereafter--which, happened on this very day 16 years ago--only to be reconstituted and give rise to a "New Universe" so to speak ~ http://www.dionysus.org/x0501.html

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
The truth of God is without, the whole material universe. The Essence of God is within. Whereas the truth is discerned, and the essence is to be experienced. So why do we go to such great lengths to uncover the truth, when we don't partake of the experience which gives birth to it? We seek the truth in "its effect," but we don't seek the Life which leads to it?

The Mystery of Life, is also the mystery of conception and birth.

Iacchus32, what do you mean by "the truth of God is without, the whole material universe"?

Also, is this the right place to be posting about God?

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Mentat
Iacchus32, what do you mean by "the truth of God is without, the whole material universe"?

The whole material world is evidence (the truth), of the mystery that lay within ..." I don't know, does that make sense? The mystery is the beginning (essence), which gives rise to the physical effect, what we otherwise call the truth (or form).

And just as we all have a body, which manifests itself externally (and notice the external layers of our skin are considered "dead"), there's also a living entity or soul within, which dictates to the body what to do.

So why can't we address the Universe in the same fashion? In terms of that which manifests itself outwardly, in the physical sense, and that which exists inwardly as a soul? (consisting of motive, reason, etc.). In other words does the Universe have a soul? If so, then would that be God?

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
The whole material world is evidence (the truth), of the mystery that lay within ..." I don't know, does that make sense? The mystery is the beginning (essence), which gives rise to the physical effect, what we also call the truth (or form).

And just as we all have a body, which manifests itself externally (and notice the external layers of our skin are considered "dead"), there's also a living entity or soul within, which dictates to the body what to do.

So why can't we address the Universe in the same fashion? In terms of that which manifests itself outwardly, in the physical sense, and that which exists inwardly as a soul? (consisting of motive, reason, etc.). In other words does the Universe have a soul? If so, then would that be God?

Ah, but you are assuming that we all have living souls within us. This is not the Bible's opinion, and is not a very respected idea within the scientific community.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Mentat
Ah, but you are assuming that we all have living souls within us. This is not the Bible's opinion, and is not a very respected idea within the scientific community

Then with whom am I speaking, nothing? Either you exist as an entity or you don't.

Sorry, wrong answer.

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
Then with whom am I speaking, nothing? Either you exist as an entity or you don't.

Sorry, wrong answer.

I do exist as an entity, but that doesn't mean that I have something (a soul) that lives within me.

 

[M. Gaspar]

Mystery

Wuliheron: What "mystery" are YOU pondering if it doesn't include consciousness or theories about "God"?

IACCHUS 32: I believe the Universe is a living, conscious Entity whose natural forces tend toward ORDER. On the physical "plane" (for want of a better way to express it), matter (which is actually energy, as we "know") accretes due to natural spin and gravity. I believe similar forces are at work in the "non-physical" Universe...namely consciousness (and spirit, as well).

At the moment after the "Big Bang" all "matter" was a "soup" of elementary particles. I think CONSCIOUSNESS is within each particle, and hence was a Soup of Consciousness, too.

After thinking about symmetry for awhile, I came to the thought that consciousness accretes through a natural force corresponding to gravity, and that these "coherent chuncks of energy" -- like the disembodies spirit -- would "hold together" because, after all (and I mean that LITERALLY), the whole process if to expand -- have the Experience -- and contract... then burst forth again into the Universe's NEXT incarnation.

What say you?

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Mentat
I do exist as an entity, but that doesn't mean that I have something (a soul) that lives within me.

The living entity which is "you," is your soul. Isn't this what the dictionary also refers to as psyche? Don't you believe you have a psyche?

Also, if you die, do you think you would still be in contact with your dead corpse? Where would "you" go?

 

[FZ+]

Nein!
Your psyche is made up of your experiences, instincts etc. The components make the whole. There is no one, reductionist "soul" in the middle of it all. The group exists, but a puppeteer of the players of the mind does not. You talk to the sum of existence and experience, and this is the entity, not a singularity. Nothing lives within you. You just live.

If you die, you die. The components of the whole cease to be together. They change, fall apart, stop working. While the physical parts of you still exist, the complex pattern they make up, that generate the "entity" cease to be. Where does a picture go when the canvas is burnt? Nowhere.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by M. Gaspar

IACCHUS 32: I believe the Universe is a living, conscious Entity whose natural forces tend toward ORDER. On the physical "plane" (for want of a better way to express it), matter (which is actually energy, as we "know") accretes due to natural spin and gravity. I believe similar forces are at work in the "non-physical" Universe...namely consciousness (and spirit, as well).

I believe there's a similarity between the two, except that the spiritual realm is more "fluid" and in a state of flux, otherwise it wouldn't be able to "abide" in the subconscious realm. Whereas from top to bottom, Heaven and Hell if you will (pardon me), there is a constant influx by which everything exists, both internally and externally.

Originally posted by M. Gaspar

At the moment after the "Big Bang" all "matter" was a "soup" of elementary particles. I think CONSCIOUSNESS is within each particle, and hence was a Soup of Consciousness, too.

If the Universe is conscious, just as with "our soul," then that would imply consciousness resides within matter.

Originally posted by M. Gaspar

After thinking about symmetry for awhile, I came to the thought that consciousness accretes through a natural force corresponding to gravity, and that these "coherent chuncks of energy" -- like the disembodies spirit -- would "hold together" because, after all (and I mean that LITERALLY), the whole process if to expand -- have the Experience -- and contract... then burst forth again into the Universe's NEXT incarnation.

What say you?

Originally posted by Iacchus32

But what of the hidden mystery that lies beyond the forms? What are the inner-dynamics behind this incredible facade we call "objective reality?" Do we really understand what's going on underneath? For instance let's say we take two objects, one that is inanimate, like a rock, and the other which is alive, like a human being? Now the rock will pretty much remain a rock indefinitely, and still retain the energy field that defines it as a rock. But with a human being it's a different story. Granted that when we die we leave behind a corpse, and the corpse will retain the energy field of a dead corpse.

But that's just it, where does all this "conscious energy" which, defines our very existence, go? And I don't mean sometime later, but almost immediately after death? There's obviously some sort of energy pattern or field there when we're alive, but where does it go when we die? Does it just dissipate into the atmosphere? Or, as I'm inclined to believe, does it retain its pattern and return to say, the "collective unconscious?" I can hardly imagine this "living entity," which consolidates itself in a living form (my body), would just dissipate at death. There's just too much consistency about it to suggest otherwise. Or else why would it cling so steadfastly, and coherently, to my body in the first place? Except perhaps for one exception, where do we go when we dream? Now that's a strong indication right there!

By the way, I did die and give birth to myself, only to be rent to pieces shortly thereafter--which, happened on this very day 16 years ago--only to be reconstituted and give rise to a "New Universe" so to speak ~ http://www.dionysus.org/x0501.html

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by FZ+

Nein!
Your psyche is made up of your experiences, instincts etc. The components make the whole. There is no one, reductionist "soul" in the middle of it all. The group exists, but a puppeteer of the players of the mind does not. You talk to the sum of existence and experience, and this is the entity, not a singularity. Nothing lives within you. You just live.

If you die, you die. The components of the whole cease to be together. They change, fall apart, stop working. While the physical parts of you still exist, the complex pattern they make up, that generate the "entity" cease to be. Where does a picture go when the canvas is burnt? Nowhere.

Where's your proof? All you have is the "dead" external facts. Also, would say the picture is alive? (before it is burnt). Or, just a compilation of "dead forms" mixed together in a way to create a "new" dead form?

 

[FZ+]

Where's your proof? You claim that the best conclusion you draw is the existence of the essence, but I show an equally, if not more probable conclusion. Dead external facts? Oh, so where are these live internal lies then?
But in this case, there is somewhat more evidence. The idea of education as being capable of affecting behaviour. The principle of brainwashing. Tons of neuroscience experiments. Mathematical models of neural networking in the brain. Tests of how your neurones function. All suggest that the mind is generated by the conglomerate of nerve cells together. We have even see it working in scans. We can even affect it with targeted magnetic fields. No evidence of soul, essence etc can be found. Indeed, it may by definition be never found.

Is DNA alive? no. Are enzymes alive? No. Are proteins alive? No. But together they make a cell, which we term living. If we grind up a cell, do we have powdered life? Our definition of life is very much subjective, and is based on what we feel, rather than an idea of inherent "livingness". It is to do with structures and patterns, not the composition. Hence the painting. To an observer, the painting has meaning. It has emotion. It has something beyond just a combination of chemicals. But once burnt, it is meaningless, just a pile of ash. The incredible structure of a human has meaning. It has life. But once it is destroyed, it no longer has it. The pattern has been destroyed. Just another pile of dirt.

 

[Iacchus32]

From PF 2.0 thread, An unbound existence ...

Originally posted by Iacchus32

Yes, but where do we go when we dream? Now that's a whole new world (dimension) unto itself. It's not tangible in the sense that we can see it or touch it, at least in this world, and yet we've all been there ... Is it possible this is where we go when we die?

From PF 2.0 thread, Whose Dream Is It Anyway? ...

Originally posted by Iacchus32

Who are we and what are we in relationship to that which we dream about? I know for me there's always some sort of interaction going on, and it's hard to believe it's merely a by-product of some electro-chemical process going on in the brain. What are these other so-called "enitities" experiencing when they experience me? It's like I had always been there, and yet separate, as if I were a separate entity. Which, is pretty much the way I experience them.

And yet there are times when I become more concsious in this state and I say, "By the way, I haven't died yet." And they all look at me with puzzled faces and say, "What do mean? It's always been this way. This is it man (reality)." And it's about this time that I begin to wake up, and realize that I'm laying in bed, and there they are still looking at me! And I say, "Hey, I tried to explain it you!" Soon after they would all depart and I would go back to my being unaware of them.

 

[wuliheron]

Wuliheron: What "mystery" are YOU pondering if it doesn't include consciousness or theories about "God"?

The mystery of identity and, ultimately, existence again. That's pretty much what I think these guys are debating. Psychological studies provide some meaningful insight into this mystery, whereas, I think debating materialistic and supernatural viewpoints gets you nowhere fast.

John Lilly was one of the few researchers to do work in this area before psychedelic drugs were banned from research. He had two psychologists hypnotize him while he took LSD and lay down between two speakers playing classical music. Over a series of such experiments a vivid hallucination emerged.

Lilly dreamed he was a robot and the devil was pushing the buttons that made him act and react. Upon closer examination, the devil himself was discovered to be a robot as well. His nightmare then was symbolic of a kind of doubt each of us might harbor to various extents in light of the paradox of existence.

Is it live or is it memorex? Are we real or illusory? How do we find security and identity under such circumstances? Does existence create us or do we create existence? Is there any difference between ourselves and existence?

If we take the view that logic and science must answer these questions, ultimately we undermine our own identity as individuals possessed of free will and living meaningful lives. If we take the opposite tack of the supernatural, we undermine logic and science which have proven so useful. Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. :0)