The principle of Subjective Reality—that the universe is consciousness and nothing more—has been employed by authentic spiritual traditions for millennia. Its intended function is not to reveal Universal Truth, but to prepare a seeker for the next stage in their development by dispelling their material illusions.
In other words, Subjective Reality is a spiritual colonic, which for best results must be followed by healthy wisdom food. New-age teachers who skip this critical lesson are like surgeons who excise a tumor, but neglect to close the incision afterwards.
A famous Buddhist proverb states,
First there is a mountain
Then there is no mountain
Then there is
Here the first two stages belong to dualism, or denial, whereas the final stage of nondualism denies nothing. From a nondualist standpoint, one could argue that nihilism, solipsism and Subjective Reality are (contrary to SR acolytes’ insistence) distinctions without differences.
Another Zen proverb:
Before enlightenment
Chop wood, carry water
After enlightenment
Chop wood, carry water
Note the references to chopping and carrying, and the conspicuous absence of Intending, Manifesting and even consciousness. Realizations must be applied in the real world.
Ramana Maharshi, Advaita guru
Credit: Sri Ramanasramam
The Second Secret
Members of the Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) school refer to the incomplete teachings of the Law of Attraction, Intention-Manifestation Theory and Subjective Reality as neo-advaita or pseudo-advaita.
Confusing the vehicle and the destination, sufferers of neo-advaita syndome frequently exhibit the following symptoms:
- Anti-intellectualism
- Chronic dissociation and apathy
- Passive aggression and predatory behavior
- Lack of (sexual and financial) ethics
As Jesus reputedly said of false gurus, by their fruits you shall know them. Traditional nondual spirituality teaches that we should not grasp too tightly to Subjective Reality and the Law of Attraction, but instead favor a Law of Action:
Don’t think about it. Don’t talk about it. Be about it.
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13 responses so far ↓
1
Ben
// Dec 24, 2007
I liked where you were going with this, but I got lost on the main point :/
2
Chris
// Dec 25, 2007
Thank you for your comment, Ben. I will go back and edit for clarity.
3
Ben
// Dec 25, 2007
That is clearer. Thank you
4
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
// Dec 28, 2007
Hey Chris, good stuff here, I have been thinking on the differences between the traditionals and the neos for a while.
5
Matthew | www.loving-awareness.org
// Dec 29, 2007
Now this would be great in the Carnial of Non-duality. I’ll make sure it’s in there!
http://www.loving-awareness.org – A Journey to Wholeness
6
Chris
// Dec 29, 2007
Thank you, Matthew. This article has also been featured in the Carnival of Healing.
7
Thomas
// Dec 29, 2007
Either way, the results of your practice are what is key. Whether their exists an empirical reality or a subjective one, what matters is what you do and what you get out, as far as I can see.
8
CG Walters
// Dec 31, 2007
Nice focus, Chris. Thank you.
blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG
9
thomas
// Jan 6, 2008
This link is to a blog of someone who has explored nondual advaita quite a bit, as well as MAs of many traditions. I will write more later.
http://www.cattanga.typepad.com
10
isabella mori
// Jan 14, 2008
thank you very much! the law of action instead of the law of attraction. right on.
11
Human to God
// Oct 28, 2008
My take on reality.
The best way to handle it is to have as much fun as possible, and to try to make as few stupid decisions as possible.
Now, chance may still stomp a person in the cojones, hard.
However in my experience as a lowly human, many of the situations that harm us are a direct result of our choosing the wrong action.
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The Zen Habits of Master Hsuan Hua // Aug 1, 2008
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