Let’s get real here. What is reality? Who defines it? How do we define it? Is my reality your reality? Where can I get a decent meal?
To greatly simplify things, let’s talk of reality as having three realms: conventional, intermediate, and ultimate. Conventional reality is consensual, and we all agree, more or less, about what goes on here. The world appears solid, Newtonian physics is widely accepted, the logical realms of consciousness predominate, and we all want a decent meal. Going a bit deeper into consciousness one can encounter the intermediate realms. These realms are vast, and include psycho-spiritual experiences such as hearing voices, seeing visions, and encountering angels, devils, and other non-ordinary phenomena. Then, if one's awareness becomes more subtle, one can know ultimate reality. It’s not a separate reality: it’s with us all the time, and we are it.
Conventional reality requires very little explanation, except that this is where we create, play out, and liberate ourselves from our karma. Since the intentions behind our actions are what make our karma wholesome or unwholesome what we do matters. Our present experience in this moment is a result of our past actions and intentions; and our future experiences will be the result of our current actions and intentions. We are accountable for the minute particulars of our life, and conventional reality is where it all happens—or at least appears to happen.
Ultimate reality, on the other hand, is beyond concepts and words. It isn’t exactly a reality since it is with us all the time; however, for the sake of discussion we’ll have to leave semantics aside. Ultimate reality is inconceivable to the logical mind. It is the Absolute that is ever-present and everywhere, beyond time and space, within and without, of thee as well as me. It is the Unconditioned of which we are all a part. Ultimate reality is beyond, way beyond, any thoughts, belief systems, or any ordinary means of conception. There is an Ultimate reality, and we are that reality. Our spiritual work is to quiet the logical mind and re-discover for ourselves the Source; to break free from our identification with the small sense of self, indeed our identification with any sense of self, and know for ourselves the Ultimate.
Now backing up a bit, we’ll explore the intermediate realms. The intermediate realms are layers of consciousness one step removed from conventional reality. They are somewhat beyond the logical mind, but accessing them is not a measure of our spiritual growth. Here one can channel different entities, have out of body experiences, or learn to walk on water. It’s an endless realm. If you can think it, you can find it here. As interesting as it sounds, this realm is beset with problems.
The most pernicious difficulty is that upon entering these realms is that one may believe that he or she is spiritually advanced. These realms are non-ordinary, and many mistake experiences here with classic enlightenment, or nirvana. Much of the phenomena here can be quite pleasant—it can also be hellaciously unpleasant. Sometimes involvement in the intermediate realms can be a gift, and we may glean greater understanding regarding how to function in conventional reality, and how to move forward with our personal growth. However, experiences here don’t necessarily lead us into subtler understanding: insight which is absolutely essential for self-transformation and self-transcendence. The intermediate realms may appear to be spiritual, but they are as “spiritual” as anything in conventional reality. A person who identifies with these experiences has not yet learned what is and is not the true spiritual path.
The intermediate realms trap many: they’re interesting and unusual but they don’t lead us to insight into the unconditioned. Experience in the intermediate realms is not necessary, absolutely is not necessary, for true spiritual growth. In fact, they are a hindrance on the path of awakening. The only way to the Absolute, to the radical understanding of the selfless nature of existence, is to drop all concepts. Hence, messing around in the intermediate realms where concepts abound cannot in and of itself facilitate the progress of insight.
Another problem, a rather tragic one, is that phenomena in the intermediate realms can become overwhelming, which can lead to psychosis; or, sadly too, these realms can manifest as a consequence of psychosis. If a person doesn’t relate to these mind states with mindfulness and equanimity, or if a person becomes identified with these inner openings, insanity can result. There is a very fine line that distinguishes psycho-spiritual experiences from psychotic ones. The difference is how one is able to relate to them. Witnessing these experiences is the way to relate to them, but sometimes it takes an extraordinary degree of presence to do so.
Conventional, intermediate, and Ultimate reality. Our spiritual journey is to move from conventional modes of consciousness to understanding that of the Ultimate, the Absolute, the Unconditioned. This is best done through meditation. We need to quiet the mind and move out of the realm of concepts regarding time, permanence, and an abiding self and so glean insight into the true nature of our existence.
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