One Way or Another

Let’s try this again. You are a wave on the ocean of Being. Its essential mystery is rising into manifestation as you in this very moment. As it rises and becomes conscious in you, what you see looking around is a vast web of participation among countless other waves. By the principle of manifestation, theContinue reading “One Way or Another”

Human Natures

In the illustration on the right, three squares are labeled Body, Soul, and Spirit. Together and holistically these three elements constitute a human being’s essential nature: An animal biology (Body), an inner presence (Soul), and an impetus toward transcendence and self-actualization (Spirit). Body and Soul are united in the taijitu symbol of Taoism, representing theirContinue reading “Human Natures”

A Post-Theistic Theology

Behind the multiplicity of personality profiles that make up the expansive catalog of gods across the traditions of theism, we find four – more than mere attributes, so let’s name them principles, that serve as its architectural framework. These four principles are not always apparent in every deity, particularly in those that function more asContinue reading “A Post-Theistic Theology”

Under the Hat

According to the worldwide spiritual wisdom tradition known as the Perennial Philosophy or Sophia Perennis, the one thing each of us must realize is that we are not who we think we are. Who is a term attaching to a personal identity, which is all about playing a role on the social performance stage. TheContinue reading “Under the Hat”

Seeing the Truth

When you were just an infant, your experience was, in the words of William James, a “blooming, buzzing confusion.” You had no language and hence no discrete categories of thought to label, classify, and organize your perceptions. Everything just swirled around you, bombarding your senses from every side. It was fascinating – and frequently overwhelming.Continue reading “Seeing the Truth”

Working on Ourselves

When it comes to understanding ourselves, humans tend to be a fairly confused species. This is not to say that other species really understand themselves, either. It’s likely our evolved talent for self-conscious reflection and contemplation that makes understanding ourselves even possible, as well as what’s behind our confusion – and a lot of ourContinue reading “Working on Ourselves”

A Family History of the Passions

We like to think that we act the way we do, believe what we believe, and curate a philosophy of life based on rational choices. We thought it all out and made a decision. Where we stand on things and how we feel about it is the product of careful consideration and common sense. Right.Continue reading “A Family History of the Passions”

The Wonder of It All

What our planet of nations needs, almost more than anything else right now, is a shared image of existence – a sacred mandala that can guide a deeper contemplation of the universe and of our own human nature. If we had such an understanding of ourselves and all things, I am sure that most ifContinue reading “The Wonder of It All”

Our Human Adventure

I can absolutely guarantee that after a short orientation, you will be able to find yourself on the map illustrated above. Now, whether you build on that discovery and successfully find your way to the fulfilment of your human journey, also known as self-actualization, salvation, and the liberated life, is entirely your choice. You mightContinue reading “Our Human Adventure”

All and Nothing

It took a couple of centuries into the first Axial Age of the higher cultures (800-200 BCE) for the shocking realization to set in. In sixth-century Persia it came together in Zarathushtra’s idea of apocalypse, which regarded the world as a richly embroidered veil of illusion that must be pulled aside in our quest toContinue reading “All and Nothing”