Meditation at the Deepest Levels
In 2007 M. A. Singer’s The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, opened up a whole new, deeper perspective on why consciousness or pure awareness is the root of self. Even in a Buddhist “no-self” view, Singer’s inquiries leave us with a great deal to unravel. Here are some reasons why Singer’s believes that deep meditation is the highest form of pure awareness in the self as the observing being.
- Deep meditation, beyond the experience of single-pointed concentration, bring you into an experience where you are observing/experiencing consciousness or awareness itself.
- This deep meditative experience is consciousness pointed back to itself. It is ultimate you!
- As inner and outer worlds integrate into a single state, you “see” the true nature of self.
Because only deep and prolonged meditation can focus consciousness on our true nature, it is the “highest state” of being. The observing self is the seat of consciousness, your root of all being.- Romana Maharshi’s question of “Who am I?” is fused within this deep meditative state.
- There are no more emotional projections, unending cognitions, rising and falling emotions, incessant evaluations, cravings – just inner peace with observation of the true self. A “felt sense” of safety.
- For some this deep meditative experience is the source of special spiritual experiences.
- The non-attachment to “people, places, and things” allows us to let go of all judgments.
- Our sensory contact with objects, phenomena, experiences is at rest. We no longer have to desire or fear what comes next in life. Just radically accept the now.
- Welcoming impermanence and change without ego infections bring us joy and happiness.
- This you as watcher is the state of your intuitive self, and may be the path to connection with boundless emptiness in space and time. It may be your connect to great wisdom.
- With these new perspectives on personal experience, you suffer less, have more joy, and may attain both personal happiness and great enlightenment.
- Perhaps these are the experiences so valued by Buddha, Christ and Maharshi. This ultimate formlessness may be discomforting for some who may not yet be ready for it. You are the change that so often in the past has caused great suffering. In deep meditation, you learn to allow it all.
For more information refer to Singer, M. A. (200-7). The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself.Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, pp. 31-38.
Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC
From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont and the Home of The Monkton Sangha
Author of Mindful Happiness
