Many people appear different in unique ways. Some people are very kind, benevolent, and caring; others, not so much. Yet, beneath the surface, most of us are the same—bound by identical internal modalities, parameters, and mental frameworks. Most people believe they possess an individual, separate self: an “I,” a “me,” a central “controller” that stands apart from others and that dictates thoughts. This outlook has been a heavily reinforced tradition, passed down through teaching and learning for thousands of years.
However, contrary to these primitive, conditioned stances, thoughts may fabricate the “thinker.” The thinker may be another thought, projected from conditioned ideation within the mind. There is no central controller manipulating separate things in consciousness. The traditional notion of a separate ego is precisely what breeds fragmentation, conflict, division, indifference, and illusory selfishness. To transcend this is real intelligence—not the superficial high IQ that a foolish society admires. Transcending the ego is psychological grace, not a bad thing. In not clinging to a separative ego, there can be real spirituality, compassion, order, goodness, and clarity.
Deep intelligence radiates as compassion and profound insight, cutting clean through fragmentation and illusion. Old tradition thrives on competition, friction, stagnant borders, and division. Unfortunately, most minds are trapped in this loop. Apparently, it is easy to be lackadaisical, indifferent, imitative, and mediocre— and to blindly dwell within these illusions. Over time, these primitive patterns dull the mind, drugging awareness and wasting immense psychological energy. The mind is left stagnant, dull, and satisfied with the status quo.
We think we are separate from others. We think we are separate from nature. We think we are separate from the very thoughts we claim to control. To pierce through this confusion is arduous and immensely (mentally) revolutionary. But to transcend the stagnant and the false is truly a miraculous blessing. Going beyond the darkness of fragmentation, separation, and conflict is true liberation, integrity, and joy.
