But when I look out into the universe I also recognize that the most important thing to examine is the nature of the examiner himself (or herself). Otherwise how can I know the bias that I bring to my examination and understanding?
It is Important to Know our Bias
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Give the gift
of enlightenment to yourself and to others when you get Making Your
Wisdom Come Alive.
This book points to the wisdom and joy that you find at your center.
Here you can find the light that makes life shine in its full glory.
Right
now we have 8 copies on sale for $9.65 plus shipping. To get a copy
call us at Ananya Systems
(408) 353-3000.
For
more information go to: Amazon.com
___________________________________________________________________
This bias is based on an assumption of what I am. From there follows assumptions on what my mind is, what the world is, and what the universe is. This means that when I change my view of the experiencer, the nature of the universe experienced also changes in ways that I could not have predicted.
An example of this is that when I take myself to be limited to a body, then the universe appears to be made of a different substance that’s outside of me. But when I begin to see that I am much more than a body, which is just another thing that I am aware of, the universe, comes right inside. Here differences disappear into oneness and universe becomes a much friendlier place. It is from here that the beauty of the universe really shines.
The assumptions that limit our view of things
There are two types of assumptions that seem to limit our view of the experiencer. There are the public assumptions that until we wake up, we all hold. These include the assumption that we are limited to a body and that the mind is inside the body and the universe is outside of it.
Then there are the private assumptions. These are the personal frameworks that we live from. But these framworks seem so close to us that we barely know that they are there. And yet these assumptions also limit our view of the universe and what people really are.
The advantage of becoming aware of both types of assumptions, as just our ideas, and not necessarily reality is that we are then in a position to decide whether they are valid or not. Otherwise, without our knowledge, they influence how we think, see, and what we experience in the world. Furthermore being limited these assumptions are the root of suffering.
Becoming Aware of our View of the Universe
As an example of letting go of limiting frameworks, what if we held the assumption that the universe is a scary place that is inimical to us, and if we don’t look out, it could harm us at any moment. With this as our underlying assumption how would we live? What would we be afraid of, and how would we have to protect ourselves?
Now let’s switch the view. What if we looked into our identity and discovered that we weren’t limited to the person that we thought we were? In fact we discovered that our Consciousness, which we thought was limited to the inside of a body, actually encompassed the whole universe. How would things look then?
Everything that we see and experience would be our own identity, not different from us in any way. Then, instead of defending ourselves, we could join in the natural harmony of the universe. This would be a massive relief and a wonderful celebration. Instead of viewing life as the survival of the fittest, we would view it as the opportunity to discover the wonderful harmony that underlies our life in the universe.
So when we examine and let go of limiting assumptions, we find ourselves expanding until we get to just the right size, which in infinite. Here, we feel right at home. It is also here where we get to see things just as they are. Then all of the detailed knowledge that we have of the universe and the people in it becomes even more meaningful and beautiful.
Feel
free to ask questions
Right now we are redesigning Making Your Wisdom Come Alive, a
book that provides a step by step approach so that you can find your
natural freedom. It also gives you plenty of inspiration for your
practice. Because we are doing a publicity campaign, there is a good
possibility that I will have some radio and TV interviews. So look for
them, and if you are allowed to, call in and ask questions. Remember,
inner development is for the curious and this may be your opportunity to
practice curiosity.
Now I want you to experience your
true identity in its full glory. So please
feel free to continue asking questions. I’m always glad to hear your
reactions and clarify my answers. Unlike the path of faith, on the path
of Self-Knowledge it is curiosity that destroys limitation and allows
you to abide in your natural freedom.
Best Wishes for Your Practice,
Michael Gluckman
