Mind as Enemy during Spiritual Transformation?

In a class at Atlantic University, we were recently asked if the mind is the worst enemy of transformtion and spiritual awakening. I had never thought of the mind as the “worst enemy” of any thing.   Yoga and Buddhism will often refer to the “monkey mind” – that thing, forever jumping around, which for some, prohibits the focus, stillness, and awareness required for awakening.  But, another spiritual teaching is that our greatest strength can also be a weakness, and I believe the opposite is also true.  Our supposed worst enemy and weakness, the mind, is also our route to greater awareness.

           The key words in the issue are “transformative process.”  Transformation implies change, and the mind does not like change.  Not that the mind does not enjoy stimulation, but overall, the mind is designed to determine and “figure out” the process for success and survival.  Newness and change forces the mind to adapt and reconfigure a plan it had already determined for success.  

            Throw a spiritual emergency into the mix, and not only is the mind confronting change, the mind is also confronting a LOSS of ITS REALITY.  The one reality, the mind had fully participated in creating.  In creation of this reality, the mind maintains a position of power.  What if this reality is turned upside down?  What if sensory stimuli are no longer as they once appeared?  What if the person’s beliefs, spiritual and otherwise, are found to be distorted?  What if the mind is confronted with the fact that a reality exists outside of its creation?  For the mind, this is death and loss of power.

            In the loss of power, the mind revolts, and potentially becomes the worst enemy.  It skips around, it loses focus, it creates drama where none exist, and it perceives threats in nothingness.  Prepared for survival, itself included, the mind becomes a distraction.  However, we can not simply push aside this “worst enemy”, for in the mind is a key to our awareness of being.   Many traditions work on training this aspect of the mind, whether through yoga, meditation, chanting, or artistic creations.  Stilling the mind, so it may contribute to greater awareness, becomes our path to integration rather than separation.

            Of course, this is not easy.  The mind itself can become resistant to such awareness.  As in Transpersonal Knowing, Puhakka states, “Not surprisingly, thinking is deeply disdainful of the prospect of awareness operating free from its control.  For in such a prospect thinking contemplates it own demise” .  The mind, having determined the view of the world and an understanding of how the world operates, is hesitant to relinquish any control.  But, within this problem, the escape exists.  For if we come to realize that “We do not see things as they are, but also as we are” , we can change our view of ourselves and the world.  

Excellent book on Spritiual Transformation :  The Stormy Search for Self  by Grof and Grof

Website: http://www.holotropic.com/

http://realitysandwich.com/blog/stanislav_grof

Discernment or Judgment?

http://www.stariq.com/Main/Articles/P0003952.HTM –Jupiter is religion and Neptune is spirituality.  The former has judgment the latter does not. 

What does this mean?  Does Neptune not judge others or does it lack judgment in the form of discernment. This quote caught my attention, as I have often stated I am spiritual but not religious.  I have never understood those who feel their religion is “right”.  The certainty of their actions often astounds me, as if all is lost if one does not proclaim certain ideals. 

I had a dream with an owl looking at me backwards.  It would not look to me face on and stated, “Is it discernment or judgment?”  I had to stop and think – of course we are all familiar with the wise, old owl.  But is this wisdom used for discernment or for judgment?  Too often, I feel, at times, I have fallen into the trap of judgment.  Viewing my self and actions as superior to others.   There is a difference.

So many Neptune dreams…

The eye of the divine looks upon us.  What do I see with this “I”?

So many dreams and images last evening, I felt as if I were losing my mind.  I am hoping this blog helps me organize some of the material, posting the images as I create them.

Dream of 1926 (date important – Why?) – walking in city, Chase bank sign.  I am a well-dressed woman.  Travel to new building site – I stand and stare at a poured building foundation.  I am concerned if the structure is solid and if the time is enough.

From http://www.stariq.com/Main/Articles/P0003952.HTM — 1926 – Jupiter-Neptune opposition.  In 1926 first liquid fueled rocket launche by Goddard. – Aiming for heavens?? Key time??

 Meeting myself before birth- light blue color, peaceful soul – knowing.

Two images appear – spiraling smoke, forming a circle on blue background

Red stone cross with interlocking yellow circle – this image is to be use for healing and weight loss.  Will post once created.