VIDEO LINK: Conditioning is a Given (Excerpt)
In the journey of spirituality, many of us grapple with a profound challenge—reconciling the duality between our inherently conditioned existence and the unconditioned essence of our being. This dilemma has persisted for centuries. Adyashanti, in his thought-provoking YouTube video, provides profound insights into this age-old conundrum, inviting us to explore the intricate dance between the conditioned and the unconditioned aspects of our lives.
Adyashanti begins by highlighting our natural inclination to mistake our physical and mental conditioning for our true, unconditioned nature. We often strive to transform our conditioned bodies and minds into something unconditioned, a futile endeavor as he poignantly points out. The essence of our being, he observes, is the Unborn, the undying, the unconditioned—a state fundamentally distinct from our conditioned existence.
Our bodies and minds, by their very nature, are intricately conditioned. Conditioning, in this context, is not inherently negative but is a crucial aspect of our physical and mental survival. Adyashanti explains that if we were to strip away all conditioning, our biological functions would cease, leading to death. Our heartbeats, breaths, and myriad biological processes are all conditioned responses crafted meticulously through evolution to ensure our survival. This conditioning extends to our minds as well—our thoughts, concepts, and knowledge are all products of learning and conditioning.
Adyashanti offers an analogy to computers, emphasizing that just as a computer requires programming to function effectively, our minds must be conditioned to navigate life. Conditioning itself is neither good nor bad; it simply is. However, while some conditioning serves practical functions, much of it—particularly the conditioning surrounding our sense of self—brings about strife and sorrow. Our beliefs about ourselves are deeply ingrained programs, often leading us to live out narratives that don’t necessarily serve our highest well-being.
The crux of Adyashanti’s teaching lies in the recognition that we can never uncondition the conditioned; at best, we can modify it. By accepting the inherent conditioning of our bodies and minds, we are freed to look deeper within. In doing so, we reach an understanding that all conditioned experiences occur within a vast expanse of unconditioned consciousness. This ever-present awareness underlies our every thought, sensation, and perception, remaining untouched by the conditioning it observes.
This unconditioned awareness is our true essence. It is the constant backdrop against which the drama of our conditioned existence plays out. In this state of pure consciousness, we find the freedom that eludes us when we attempt to recondition or perfect our human personas. Adyashanti’s words guide us towards recognizing this unconditioned awareness as our true nature, beyond the vicissitudes of our conditioned minds and bodies.
By embracing this perspective, we can cultivate a state of inner peace and liberation. We move beyond the futile effort of trying to perfect the conditioned self and instead rest in the vast, unconditioned awareness that is our true essence. This realization does not entail an abandonment of our conditioned existence but rather an acknowledgment of a deeper, unchanging truth within us.
Adyashanti’s teachings remind us to cease the relentless struggle against our conditioned nature and instead, to anchor ourselves in the unconditioned awareness that transcends our temporal identities. This shift in perspective opens the door to a richer, more authentic experience of life.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of these concepts, watching Adyashanti’s video is highly recommended. His eloquent articulation and compassionate guidance provide a beacon for all who tread the path of spiritual awakening. Take a moment to watch the video linked above, and let Adyashanti’s wisdom illuminate your own spiritual journey.
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