VIDEO LINK: Believing in Our Separation (Excerpt)
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Adyashanti, a well-respected figure in the field of spiritual teaching, invites us to explore the nature of thought and our unwavering belief in the boundaries our minds create. This reflection opens a doorway into understanding the limitations of thought, and ultimately, encourages us to see beyond these self-imposed boundaries.
Adyashanti begins by imagining a scenario where one’s mind stops thinking entirely for a period, say five minutes. In those five minutes, he suggests, it would be impossible to perceive any problem. Situations could still arise—a car crashing through a window or an asteroid descending—but without the mind to label these events as ‘terrible’ or ‘wrong,’ they simply exist as events, devoid of emotional and cognitive turmoil.
This is not a call to solve humanity’s issues by eliminating thought, which Adyashanti himself dismisses as impractical. Instead, it’s an invitation to recognize the profound simplicity in observing experiences without judgment or resistance. In this state, we cease to rely on thought to define who we are or what is real. By seeing the limitations of thought, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of our true nature and the world around us.
Adyashanti acknowledges the power of thought, a concept deeply ingrained in us through years of education. Thought is undeniably a potent tool, but it’s crucial to also understand its limitations. The mind, by its very nature, creates boundaries; it names and categorizes, defining reality in bits and pieces. However, he reminds us that various fields of study, from biology to physics, have recognized the interconnectedness of all things. Despite this understanding, society continues to function under the illusion of separateness.
This habitual tendency to perceive separation extends into our spiritual endeavors. For many, enlightenment or the divine is seen as a distant, external goal—a separate entity to be attained. In doing so, we perpetuate the same separation we intellectually understand to be false. Adyashanti stresses that this is not a mere intellectual exercise; the realization of non-separation must permeate our very being.
Thoughts, once believed, aren’t just abstract. They manifest in our reality, shaping our experiences and emotions. An insight into the inherent non-separation of existence can profoundly shift how we move through life. When we stop perceiving ourselves as isolated entities, a significant transformation takes place. We begin to see enlightenment not as a distant goal but as an intrinsic part of our nature.
By drawing attention to this, Adyashanti challenges us to shift our perspective. Rather than perceiving the world and ourselves through the fragmented lens of thought, we can embrace a more holistic and interconnected understanding. This shift is not about negating the usefulness of thought but about recognizing its boundaries and not being confined by them.
Adyashanti’s reflections serve as a gentle reminder that our deeply rooted belief in separation is the fundamental aspect of human conditioning we need to revisit. This understanding does not demand an abandonment of thought but calls for a balanced approach—one that appreciates the power of thought while also acknowledging the truth of unity in our existence.
For those seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves and a clearer understanding of these concepts, I encourage you to watch Adyashanti’s video on his YouTube channel. His teachings offer a profound exploration into breaking free from the limiting beliefs structured by our own minds and moving towards a more unified perception of reality.
——
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we believe will add value to our readers. Thank you for your support!