RE: Words Create Identity and Separate us from Unity
One of the hardest tasks is to keep that awareness and be able to function, both mentally and physically. It can be done.
Also, if that experience of oneness is global, then how do we know it is us? The important thing here is that it leaves a memory - it is not deep unconscious sleep - and although such a memory becomes another thought-symbol, it is still a pointer to that state.
During one such experience, I recall the inner-chatter coming back but being very distant. It was my inner mind but it was not at centre-stage. The selfless awareness was no longer pure, but it was also not wholly absent.
Language does exist to describe these states but we must look at those cultures for whom this is important. For example, look at the subtle definitions of Rigpa in Dzogchen and Tibetan Buddhism.
Oh yeah, upvoted and added to the next MAP Resteems post.
I agree.
That's an interesting point. I have heard that there are several layers or degrees of consciousness. It is something that anesthesiologists especially have to be aware of. I wonder if this somehow relates to that, in that there are various degrees of awareness? People often talk about having awakening experiences which i am sure are different for everyone. What you said kind of alludes to this point - that there are varying degrees of awareness (i.e. "The selfless awareness was no longer pure, but it was also not wholly absent.")
I'm going to think of that further.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for the support. Its very much appreciated :)
The explanations given on the Rigpa wiki are rather terse, but can be used as a launching point to further writings. Note the subtle differences between effulgent and essential rigpa.
There are many different types of awakening, mixing transcendence, visual hallucinations and deep emotional states. The feeling of being "overwhelmed" also gives them a kind of "stamp of authority", when there are further such states that can be experienced.
If we actually had a map of states of mind, I suspect many transcendental experiences are very similar once the personal overlays are taken into account. For example, meeting a deity rather depends on one's religious upbringing. Carl Jung says that he thinks most people should return to their childhood religion because the archetypes are too powerful. For all his insights, I feel he couldn't see what lay beyond the archetypes, beyond the visions.
If Dzogchen has a motto, it is "Keep going - there is more."
That is very interesting and insightful. You are probably right about experiences being similar if they were compared accurately.
I really like the motto.
I tend to agree with it. Basically, how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?