Shifting filters
I was just reminded of how Ken Wilber's old model of the levels of development reflects these shifts of filters.
The conventional level these days is where the field is filtered into a strong sense of I and Other, and the I is placed on only a relatively small part of our individual self.
Then, the I is placed on more of our whole individual self (whole body/mind, centaur.)
Then, a sense of I is also out there, in the form of nature mysticism. There is a sense of I, yet also of an aliveness and intelligence out there.
Then, a sense of all as God. I am still here, and everything is also God (deity mysticism).
And finally, the field awakening to itself as awake emptiness and form, centerless and selfless, even as it is functionally connected with an individual.
It is all part of the field awakening to itself as a field, and filtering itself slightly differently at different phases of the process. At the same time, there is a corresponding reorganization and development of the individual, as these changing filters are taken into account and reflected in the life of the individual.
Summary of the shifts
Throughout the whole process, the field is already and always a field of awake emptiness and form, with no center, no separate I, yet also functionally connected with a particular human self.
After the typical childhood development, there is a strong sense of I here and Other out there, this sense of I is placed on this individual, and any immediate sense of awakeness and consciousness is placed on this I here (it takes a great deal of energy and resistance to filter out the sense of awakeness, which is already alive throughout the whole field, and place it on this I).
From here on, the sense of a separate I is reduced at each shift, and the sense of an "I" out there increases - in the form of a sense of aliveness, intelligence, love and consciousness out there... in nature, and then in all of Existence.
Finally, the whole sense of I and Other falls away entirely, revealing the field as everywhere awake emptiness and form, without any center, without any separate I anywhere.
Labels: awakening, deity mysticism, development, ken wilber, nature mysticism, process
1/19/2007 08:35:00 AM
I wanted to let you know that I enjoy your writing. Peace - John top
1/26/2007 04:16:00 PM
Thanks! And I am enjoying your photos. top