The Paradox of The Fully

THE PARADOX OF THE FULLY
AWAKENED CONDITION

Subtlety in discrimination vs.
Feeling and Experience

Most people have great difficulty making subtle distinctions. And in the realm of spiritual experiences and spiritual feelings, in the realm of meditation, reflection and contemplation, the ability to make subtle distinctions is most important, if one yearns to see with penetrating clarity, this is the arena to venture into. Why is this? Because most people tend to approach the possibility of spiritual emancipation in a very clumsy and gross-­minded way. In the name of Enlightenment, many are only seeking for a condition that could be seen as not much different than a narcotic stupor. Instead of seeking for that realization that awakens the intelligence, most instead seek for a spiritual feeling that, like a narcotic, will hopefully relieve them of the burden of existence.

When one ventures beyond the surface of spiritual experience, one who is truly earnest soon discovers that the meaning and significance, of Enlightenment is not the experience of intense feelings, but rather the recognition of the ability to perceive the subtlest of subtle distinctions. The perception of this subtlety demands the awakening of intelligence and a humility that is profound.

No Position

Anyone who is truly serious about awakening sooner or later must begin to look into what subtlety of perception and understanding might mean in the actuality of their own life. That means; with what degree of subtlety is one perceiving the actuality of one’s own life? With what degree of subtlety is one perceiving the entirety of one’s existence - from the personal all the way to the absolute and beyond?

The way to pursue the matter of subtlety of perception and also the accuracy of perception is to investigate deeply and with intensity the question; What position am I taking?

In order to see clearly, with sensitivity and real objectivity, it is imperative that one finds a way to take absolutely no position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience. It is a very difficult thing to do. In spite of that, it must be done; and, indeed, the discovery of the ability, to take no position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience is the very ground of the Enlightened perspective.

The ability to, take no position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience is the mystery and the key that unlocks the door of awakened knowledge, and it is imperative that one somehow or other find that key. Otherwise, it will be difficult even to begin to perceive real depth, and therefore impossible to recognize subtle distinctions.

One needs to let everything fall into place as it is in order to be able to see it as it is. If one would take a position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience, then how could one possibly see any of it clearly?

What Position Are You Taking?

On the other hand, one finds that as part and parcel of the human condition, whether one is profoundly ignorant or fully awakened, it is impossible to take absolutely no position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience. Why? because as long as one is living and breathing, one must act. One has no choice. Even if one would choose to do and say absolutely nothing, one would still be making a choice, and therefore, acting. And as long as one is acting, one will be expressing a position. It is impossible to be alive and not take a position. Therefore, the question is this: What position are you taking?

Non-duality

What is the meaning and significance of non-duality in the face of the inherent paradox of, on one hand, the need to take no position in order to be able to see clearly, and on the other, the inherent impossibility of taking no position simply in the fact of being alive? The meaning and significance of non-­duality in the face of this inherent paradox is this: there is no escape from actuality. There is no spiritual experience, feeling or insight that can free us from the burden of actuality, the burden of life as it truly is. Therefore, it is the secret of no position alone that can reveal that position that itself is a perfect reflection of the Real. There is no other way. The meaning and significance of non-duality in the face of this inherent paradox is ultimately the complete destruction of the paradox itself. When the secret of no position has been discovered inwardly, and then is simultaneously reflected outwardly as that action that most perfectly expresses true integrity of realization and action, then and only then has the paradox truly been destroyed. Only then has the destruction of the distinction between inner and outer truly occurred, ultimately, the fullest realization of no position becomes the most profound expression of that position that is truly undivided.

Addendum

Why is this so important? I have found that far too many people these days believe that they are taking no position, when in fact if only they would truly scrutinize themselves and look more closely, they would discover all too quickly that of course they’re taking many positions. How many people in the name of spiritual enlightenment claim no position as a hiding place from the burden of discrimination that real life demands?

One has to somehow find a way through contemplation and meditation to take no position in order to be able to perceive the Real, and at the same time one has to be able to find a way to act, respond and react spontaneously and without hesitation to a perfect and clear reflection of the real. This is always very delicate and unbearably subtle. Most people prefer to err on one side or the other, it’s much easier. It’s less demanding. Either one will be taking such a strong position that it would make true objectivity an impossibility or else one would end up assuming false conclusions about one’s ability to truly take no position. Finally, one has to ask oneself: What position am I taking and to what degree am I truly able to take no position in relationship to what I’m perceiving? This kind of meditation must be sustained. It’s not something that can be done just once and then left. The natural inclination of most people is to want to rest. And when one rests, the next thing that might; happen is one may get drowsy, and from there one may end up falling asleep once again. This is what happens most of the time when people for some reason or other stumble upon awakening. Just as easily as one can stumble upon awakening, one can stumble right into bed.

[Reprinted from What is Enlightenment? a biannual journal publication of Moksha Foundation; Volume 2, Number 1, January 1993; courtesy Moksha Foundation, P. O. Box 5265, Larkspur, CA 94977, USA.]