The Dance of Perception: A Yogic Exploration of the Mind's Unbound Nature

Untethered: A Yogic Exploration of the Mind's Dance with Duality 

"Carved by the winds of experience, it dances with duality's sway. Yet within its depths, a silent witness resides, reflecting the boundless ocean where self and other dissolve as one. What is it?"

 

-Shivoham

The yogic perspective on the mind challenges our very assumptions about its inherent duality. It proposes that the mind, in its purest form, transcends the boundaries we create between self and other, subject and object. This might seem paradoxical, considering the constant dance of "me" and "them" that plays out in our daily experience. But delving deeper, we discover a fascinating possibility – the mind, at its core, reflects the non-dualistic nature of reality.

Imagine a pristine Himalayan glacier, its surface a vast expanse of flawless white. The snow reflects the azure sky above with perfect clarity, creating a seamless tapestry of color and light. There's no distinction between the glacier and the heavens; they appear as one unified whole. This, in essence, is the proposed nature of the mind in its original state. It's a clear, unblemished reflection of the non-dualistic oneness.

However, just as a strong wind whipping across the glacier's surface can carve intricate patterns and ridges, our experiences and conditioning create "wrinkles" on the mind's pristine surface. These wrinkles are the filters through which we perceive the world – our personal history, beliefs, and emotions. They cause us to see separation where there is none.

For instance, the concept of "self" arises as a wrinkle on the mind. We begin to identify with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a sense of separation from the world around us. This "self" then interacts with the "other," further solidifying the illusion of duality.

The yogic practices like meditation aim to smooth out these wrinkles, to still the wind that disturbs the glacier's reflective surface. Through focused attention and present-moment awareness, we learn to observe the mind's activity without getting caught up in it. We become aware of the "wrinkles" – the thoughts, emotions, and sensations – but we don't identify with them. 

As we persist in this practice, a fascinating phenomenon occurs. The mind, no longer cluttered with self-referential thoughts and judgments, begins to regain its original reflective nature. It becomes a clear mirror, reflecting the inherent oneness of reality.

This doesn't mean that distinctions and experiences disappear entirely. The glacier still reflects the individual snowflakes that form its surface, and the wind may still carve temporary patterns.  Similarly, the non-dualistic mind can still perceive differences – a blade of grass and a towering mountain, joy and sorrow. However, the underlying sense of unity remains, a constant hum beneath the ever-changing melody of experience.

Here's where the yogic understanding of "witness consciousness" comes in. Imagine you're watching a magnificent sunset. You're captivated by the fiery hues painting the sky, experiencing awe and wonder. Yet, there's a part of you that remains aware that you're observing the sunset, separate from the celestial spectacle.  This detached awareness is akin to witness consciousness.

Through meditation, we cultivate this ability to observe the mind's activity – thoughts, emotions, sensations – without getting swept away by them. We become the witness, not the participant, in the grand theater of the mind.  And from this vantage point, the non-dualistic nature of reality begins to shine through.

The inherent non-duality of the mind isn't just a philosophical concept; it has profound implications for how we navigate the world. When we recognize the mind's true nature, we cultivate a sense of peace and equanimity. We become less reactive to external circumstances, understanding that our experience is colored by the "wrinkles" on our minds. We begin to see ourselves and others as interconnected parts of a vast, unified whole.

This perspective fosters compassion and understanding. We recognize that suffering arises from clinging to the illusion of a separate self. By letting go of this self-centered view, we open ourselves to the boundless love and interconnectedness that lie at the heart of reality. It's a liberation from the limitations of the mind's "wrinkles," a homecoming to the inherent oneness that we've always been a part of.

So, the next time you find yourself caught in the web of duality, remember the pristine glacier. Engage in practices that quiet the mind, allowing its inherent reflective nature to emerge.  As the wind of conditioning settles and the wrinkles smooth out, you might just catch a glimpse of the non-dualistic reality that lies beneath the surface of your thoughts. It's a journey that begins with each breath, a path towards a life lived in harmony with the oneness of all things. 

Namaskaram 
🙏🏽