3rd, 2nd, 1st and 0 Person

It is an interesting richness and fluidity in how I find myself relating to Existence (to God, Buddha Mind etc.) as 3rd, 2nd, 1st and 0 person.

First, I notice how there can be an either/or relationship for each. There is just one, and not much awareness of the other. And there can be more of a sense of all of them weaving into each other, with one in the foreground and the other in the background, fluidly.

If there is an exclusive 3rd person relationship, there is only an abstract "it" relationship. An inclusive 3rd person relationship allows me to talk about Existence as an "it" - it allows for a certain (illusory of course) sense of distance.

If there is an exclusive 2nd person relationship, God becomes an "you" in which I am in dialogue (wordless or not). This can be very beautiful. If this relationship is inclusive, then I also know that there is no separation - what is out there is also in here. This can be even more beautiful.

If there is an exclusive first person relationship, this can also be very beautiful. I find myself as That, or Just This, or however I want to express it. When there is an inclusive first person relationship, it all becomes far richer and more dynamic fluid. It seems that it also helps me stay more open for further wakenings and integrations, and for becoming more fully human. I find a new and deep sense of humility, gratitude and compassion.

If there is an exclusive zero person relationship with God/Existence, there is only what is - with no "I" to be found anywhere. This seems to be what Byron Katie, among others, live from. It appears to others as a quite radical and ruthlessly honest way of living (and teaching if that is what comes out). An inclusive zero person relationship again is much richer and more fluid and dynamic. From others not being able to relate very much, there is now a freedom in expression that helps other relate from where they are at.

In general, an exclusive 3rd, 2nd, 1st or 0 person relationship seems a little impoverished, if it is possible to use that word. Or maybe more accurately, a little less fluid and rich in terms of available views and expressions.

When it is inclusive, I can move more fluidly among the 3rd, 2nd, 1st and 0 person relationships. There is another sense of richness, and a much richer way of relating with others as well. I don't have to come across as a weird or unusual spiritual person. I can be just a regular human being, able to live from and express any of these relationships more as appropriate to the situation.