Perceptions and Knowing

Since the advent of Homo sapiens, we have wrestled with the mystery of existence.  There are so many things that we have not understood and consequently have ascribed magical and mystical qualities to those phenomena. 

We are also a very insecure species for of all living creatures on this planet we are acutely aware of our mortality, our impermanence. 

As time passes we discover and understand more of our world and our own nature and are able to explain why certain things happen in the way that they do.

There are still many mysteries.  Consequently, there are strange beasts, some rooted deep in history such as serpents, vampires, and werewolves; there are the inevitable UFO’s.  We have our concerns about life after death, reincarnation and ghosts.  There are the seemingly inexplicable abilities of some people to view places or move objects remotely with just the power of the mind.  Some people dowse, read other people’s thoughts, and foretell the future.  There are our concerns about good and evil and the existence of a deity who will take care of our needs and insecurities.  There are the mysteries of our physical and mental processes and how some people seem to have magical healing powers, or the ability to withstand great pain.  There is the great mystery of existence itself.

We have a tenacious propensity for creating a multiplicity of explanations for the seemingly unexplainable.  In reality, I suspect it is our very consciousness that represents the greatest mystery of all.

Science has done a good job of explaining many of the mysteries that have confronted humankind.  Because of its very nature, science has to be rigid in its approach, governed as it is by rules of procedure.  This is no bad thing, however it is only a means of identifying underlying principles, - I am hesitant to say ‘truth’ for I am far from convinced there is a fixed reality.  Science is good at ignoring those things it cannot explain, however this is just not good enough for the majority of people and does not meet our insatiable need to explain everything we experience.

The result is that every culture has a history of explaining the inexplicable through symbolism, mythology, and legend.  Symbolism is very personal and many authorities do not recognise this.  Too many sages and gurus pronounce rigid systems of belief and make their way the only ‘true’ way.  This is the nature of the world religions and cults.  Yet, in the realms of the unexplained every individual possesses his or her own truth, there is no right or wrong way to understand.  Anyone who creates or propounds a rigid system of reference is unintentionally or by design, demonstrating an egotistical need to create a following, to impose one's own reality upon others.

Many people need a leader and a framework of reference.  This is not wrong; it can be a starting point.  Ultimately however, everyone has to become increasingly self-aware.  The higher the level of self-awareness the easier it is to perceive one’s own personal truth and reality.  The primary aim of Shinseido practise is to engender self-awareness and the confidence to exist within that self-awareness.  That is why we actively encourage questions no matter how deep or perceptive, it is why we seem to lack organised 'discipline' beyond the common courtesies that hopefully, we all possess. 

Symbolism is a reflection of one’s self-awareness and reality.  Some symbols seem to have the same meaning universally, however, that does make them everyone’s truth for there will always be someone who does not hold that belief or understanding.  This does not make that person wrong, or right, it makes him or her different.  Each one of us is different and hence wonderfully unique.

As a teacher, I am acutely aware that everything I say is merely a reflection of my own truth and reality.  The student rarely sees things that way and confronted with his or her own truth on balance with my own becomes embroiled in a great self conflict and begins to doubt and question.  One should not wrestle with such things, rather listen to one’s heart and mind, go with the flow of things and live in peace.

The important thing within Shinseido is that every person is true to him or her self and seeks to identify that universal spirit of love of all things within creation.

Shinsei

1 December 2000