photo credit: pixeliciousnlWhen I went to my first Vipassana meditation course, back in 1992, it was like a Buddhist boot camp that has changed my life forever. Vipassana literally means “to see things as they really are”, through a technique of self-observation, which ultimately leads to the understanding of the connection between mind and body, and our perception of reality.
On day two, of the 10 day course, I was ready to sell my own mother, just to get out of there and never be found again. On day 10, my new perception of reality had become a life long companion. Training the mind to develop equanimity has been an intense, extremely hard, but wonderful experience.
Modern quantum physics is getting closer and closer to the Buddhist view of reality, the impermanence of all things, and the concept of subatomic particles being influenced by the observer.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. – Buddha
Observing reality as it is, and not as you would like it to be, is at the core of the teachings. Just observe, while developing a balanced mind, realizing the ultimate impermanent nature of things. Attachment to anything, leads to suffering, because we are bound to part from it eventually. Nothing is there forever, everything is in a constant state of change.
I recognize the truth in it, and it has helped me to sense life in a deeper way, while maintaining the awareness that the “real world”, in essence, is an illusion of the Mind. A temporary experience.
Yet, when I came across the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, and the Law of Attraction, it was like a mental Big Bang. I resonated with the concept completely. The interesting thing, is that while their quantum view of reality is the same, their approach seems to be the complete opposite.
Observe reality as you would like it to be, and not as it is (if you don’t like it). Focusing on what is, perpetuates it. Because we are what we have thought, and become what we think, we can choose our way of thinking to create a different reality.
One approach is passive, simply by observing. The other one is active, by directing the observing mind-eye.
Everything affecting you is a reflection of the vibration that you are emitting. Spend more time focused upon your dream than upon the reality. The reality gives birth to the dream — but the dream is where you are wanting to put your attention. — Abraham
Both paths show that it is the Mind that creates our perception of reality, both lead to vibrations of love and embrace the happiness of all beings. Both free you from the bondage of mental illusions. By Law of Attraction, I mean the true understanding of it, not the purely materialistic approach of the “I want a million dollars and the race car”. Nothing wrong with it, if one wants to attract that. But what I am talking about here, is the realization that we are the only creators of our own Universe, and ultimately absolutely free.
The difference lies in the role given to emotion and desire. For Buddhism, they both lead to suffering, and a balanced mind is obtained by developing equanimity and detachment. For the Law of Attraction, emotions are the creative tool and our compass in understanding which direction we are taking. They allow us to dream the reality that we want. And reality is the launching pad for our rockets of desire. Desire is life expanding and moving forward.
Observe reality as it is, just enough to launch a new desire. If you don’t like what you see, remember that everything is impermanent and shall pass. With a balanced mind and a positive attitude, create in your mind-eye the reality as you would like it to be, and give it your undivided attention. All that you are, and will be, is the result of what you have thought. – The mix between the two.
I feel that both are beneficial and complementary. When one has practiced equanimity, he/she will be able to observe reality without being engulfed by it, when things don’t go the way we like. From there, we can start focusing our attention on how we would like things to be, therefore changing the Universe around us.
reginaldc
Elizabeth Barrette
Marty
Kim Woodbridge
This is an excellent observation, that the different approaches each have their uses. Everything in moderation — including moderation.
Elizabeth Barrette’s last blog post..How to Save Money by Living Together
@Elizabeth Barrette – Yes, a “moderated” moderation is the balanced middle path!
There are many different paths that shed light to the understanding of reality. Each one with a hidden gem. In my personal experience, I have found that what works best, is to take what resonates with you, and what helps you to evolve, from all the ones that you have found valuable. Then create your own vision, your own personal mix, your truth.
Great post! I love Abraham-hicks. Abraham really hammers home for me the principle of detachment. That is so difficult for the Scorpio in me that wants to be in control of all facets of my life. When we talk about manifesting our reality, I want to MAKE it happen. As Abraham says we have to allow it to happen. We just need to ask for what we want then move out of the way. love your post Palma glad I attracted you into my awareness.:)
Reginaldc
reginaldc’s last blog post..How does God know what you need before you ask? Because Time Is An Illusion
Thank you, reginaldc! I thought the same of you, when I found your blog. Yes, the allowing part is in theory so easy, and yet so hard to practice. If the Scorpio in you wants to MAKE it happen, the Aries in me wants to MAKE it happen NOW!
Learning how to move out of the way, as you mention, is the real secret behind manifestation, trusting that the Law works for everyone, every time.
Palma,
I somehow fell onto your sight while surfing the web and let me tell you that it has been the best thing ever. I just turned 21 years old and everything that you say and talk about hits home so much that it is amazing .. i completly understand and agree with everything you say and its refreshing to be able to see that other people out there agree as well.. especially at my age, it is very hard to find people that understand the thoughts behind the reality .. i wonder all the time if it would be possible for everyone to gather this information and come together and make serious changes.. people always think that war or money could change the world, but the answer is so much easier than that.. if everyone would just become intouch with their conscious self, the things that could change would be nothing short of miraculous.. i loved this article along with the many others that you have posted that i have gobbled up in only 1 short day … thank you so much !
-nicole
I’m glad you found this website. I like its contemplation of deep issues, too.
You might also enjoy my blogs “Gaiatribe: Ideas for a Thinking Planet” and “The Wordsmith’s Forge” because I talk about some similar issues and generally encourage readers to think.
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Hi Nicole Marie – It is beautiful to be as young as you are and approach life and reality with a higher perspective, being aware. You have an exciting and mind expanding journey ahead of you!
As you allow your true nature to express itself, looking at things from your expanded horizon, you will find out that by synchronicity you will attract into your life like minded individuals. There is a great bunch out there, keeping the momentum alive, until a major shift occurs in global consciousness. Each person, individually, can change the world for the better, by tapping into the stream of higher consciousness. Each little drop is as important as the entire Ocean. Together, including Elizabeth’s great sites, we make waves, and you are already part of it.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback!
oh yes, i forgot – EXPAND HORIZONS * CHANGE PERSPECTIVES =)