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From Clarity to Conflict: The Five Phantoms of Ego
Read time 6 minutes. How distinction gives rise to the phantoms of ego—and the illusion of self is born. This stand alone article is part of our new model of reality series. We’ve already laid the groundwork. Unfiltered Vision introduced the nature of pure perception—non-dual and transparent. In our exploration of distinction, we saw how the unbiased separation…
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Zen Drop 009: Start Zen Revolution Redux
Read time about 1 minute. The Zen Revolution will not be YouTubed. What’s this nonsense—StartZenRevolution?Is this for real, or is it a joke?Some kind of meme in pseudo-meditation… or a cynical slogan smuggling stillness?Which do you dismiss? Lost at sea in a promotional barrage of instant gratification, capitalism offers us an unspoken product line: Forgetfulness. The…
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The Illusion of Self: Stink Lines of Reality
Read time approximately 4 minutes. The illusion of self is like a mirage, a heat shimmer. How much we buy into it is a matter of perception. This stand alone article is part of our new model of reality series. All of this talk that the ego is illusion—how can this be possible? The sense of self…
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Something Remembered: Zen Drop 008
Read time 1 minute. Something remembered. What spiritual amnesia forgot. What is it about touching stillnessthat feels PeacefullyFamiliar? You don’t need to wait to get present.Presence is already here. Mini-awakenings are a slight return.The ache with no villain longs for a complete return. And that’s why we practice. Spiritual practice is remembering—remembering not to forget.…
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More Than Two: Distinction, Duality, and the Illusion of Conflict
Read time 3 minutes. Distinction and division are not the same thing. Duality gives rise to division and, more importantly, opposition. This stand alone article is part of our new model of reality series. Zen teachings often warn of the imperfection of words. These warnings typically point to the limits of language when trying to describe what…
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Something Forgotten: Zen Drop 007
Read time 1 minute. On spiritual amnesia, something forgotten, and the ache of return. So Zen rebels with a whisper.A gentle reminderof something forgotten. “Who are you, really?What is your true nature—before the question?” Even finer than stardust—beyond fine. Why are there self-help books?Why are there meditation retreats?Retreat? From what? Into where? Something has been…
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Unfiltered Vision: Perception Merges Back Into the Perceived
Read time 4 minutes. Unfiltered Vision is the first stand alone article in our new model of reality series. In our last series we pecked away at the nature and causes of awakening. Today we shall consider the concept of unfiltered vision. We should always remember that our inherent tendency to view the world through the lens of…
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RebelWhisper: Zen Drop 006
Read time 1 minute. A RebelWhisper sharpens stillness like a blade. Zen Drops are telling a story— from self-disruption to whispered rebellion and onto peaceful awareness. When you think of rebellion, what words come to mind? Loud? Outrageous? Riotous? Billy Idol sang,“With a rebel yell, she wants more, more, more.” With a rebel whisper,Zen demands…
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The Sound of Awakening and the Cosmic Snooze Button
Read time 3 minutes. This is the final stand alone article is part of our series on awakening. What is the sound of awakening?Each night before bed, we set the alarm. We enter a dream state. Then, abruptly, the sound wakes us up. Unless, of course, we hit the snooze button. As you read this, what…