---

Who Suffers?

---

A recent thread in an online forum I participate in focused on the question, “Did I create this?” A variety of viewpoints were presented, of course, and all were more or less valid as they related to the experience of the individual writer. The following is a version of my input into the discussion.

Confusion arises over what one thinks of as self. If one is still primarily identified with mind (ego, personality, emotional activity, etc.), then the response to the proposition that self creates reality (no small task to define either) naturally ranges from “that’s preposterous” to, “well, OK, maybe to some degree, but c’mon ...” I think we can all see that our interactions with others do create results in our little corners of consensual reality, but our ability to change the larger world depends on cooperation with large numbers of others, which is a valid endeavor that I am engaged in. It is the sum total of all of humanity’s thoughts, feelings and actions that creates consensual reality, and it is malleable, but one changes it in concert with many others.

In our individual worlds, we are largely responsible for what comes into our lives, but not completely. If dad gets fired or promoted, our lives change and we did not do much, if anything, to make that happen. If a comet hits the planet, we’ve all got a problem—and no one individual can be held responsible. So we are not necessarily responsible for everything that comes in, but we are certainly responsible for how we respond to it. This brings that part of the reality creation process full circle.

However, in our individual worlds, identified with personality-mind, awareness of our connection to Source is weak and our ability to manifest corresponds. On the other hand, setting aside personality, our mental and emotional processes, identifying with the awareness that remains when the mind is silent, and consciously turning to Source opens one up to the creative energy of existence itself and all power is accessible. Of course, there is a sliding scale of power depending on one’s discipline and how much one’s focus wavers.

Now, we are all equally hooked up to Source. No one is any more powerful than anyone else. But some are more aware of their power than others. This is the meaning behind the Judeo-Christian and all the other systems as well; prayer and meditation leading to the greater awareness of and ability to shape the flow of energy from Source.

Remaining identified with mind, which can be brilliant and tremendously resourceful, has inherent limitations. Mind cannot fix mind. It can lead to the place where illumination becomes more possible, but illumination puts mind in its place. Self that creates is not self that we habitually think of as us. Self that creates is Self that we really are, normally
obscured by mind and personality. Who suffers? Not Self, only self.

---

I hope this has cleared up some questions. All are welcome to come to my Thursday meditation sessions at Yoga Now Gold Coast to hear more. We begin at 7:00 for an hour of discussion and questions (bring your challenges, your best shots), and start at 8:00 with the meditation itself.

---

Next Article

Return to This Month's Index

Go to the Home Page