“You don't 'have' a life, you are life. The One Life, the one consciousness that pervades the entire universe.” ~ Eckhart Tolle In our last blog, we discussed the Buddhist principle of Anahata or “no-self.” The basic idea is that that the self is not real, rather it’s an illusion created by the thinking mind. Buddhists believe that behind the illusory veil of the physical world there lies emptiness or nothingness. Hindus also believe in an infinite void which underlies all things, however in the Hindu religion the void is not empty, it is filled with Divine light.
Instead of denying the existence of the self, Hindus believe that Brahman, or the Higher Self, is the true nature of the universe. Similar to what we might call “God,” Brahman is believed to be the ultimate, unchanging reality that encompasses the entire universe. Beyond time and space, Brahman is the source of all that exists, the eternal consciousness that underlies all of creation. In addition to the Universal Self, the Hindu religion also recognizes the personal soul or self. Known as the Atman, it is the invisible essence that animates all living things. It is the inner light that brings a sparkle to your eyes when you are awake- the conscious presence and eternal witness that resides within us all. The important thing to understand about the Atman is that it is not separate from Brahman. In fact, Hindu philosophy teaches that there is fundamentally no difference between Atman and Brahman- that the Atman is essentially a reflection of Brahman within each person. In other words, your innermost self is not separate from the Universal Self, it’s an expression of it. This understanding is explained with the Sanskrit phrase "Tat Tvam Asi", meaning "Thou art That." In other words, you are it! You are the ultimate reality, experiencing life as a human being for a little while. Realizing the unity between Atman and Brahman means going beyond the illusion of separation and experiencing the oneness of all existence. As Ekhart Tolle once said, “God is not a personality outside of you. What God is, is inextricably part of what you are. God is the dimension of depth within you.”
13 Comments
10/11/2024 06:01:22 am
Food is one of the best parts of travel! Every destination has its own unique flavors and culinary traditions. I love trying local dishes and experiencing the culture through food. From street markets to fine dining, tasting new cuisines is an essential part of any travel adventure.
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Steve
10/29/2024 04:12:06 am
The photos in this post are stunning! They capture the culture and beauty of each place so vividly. Traveling through these images feels like a mini-vacation on its own. Thank you for sharing, and inspiring wanderlust in all of us – I’m ready to pack my bags!
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10/29/2024 04:13:46 am
I loved your beach destination recommendations! Sometimes, there’s nothing better than relaxing on the sand, hearing the waves, and soaking up the sun. You really highlighted some beautiful spots. I’m bookmarking this for future trips – those beaches look absolutely dreamy!
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10/30/2024 06:36:10 pm
I love the examples you included! They really helped bring the points to life. I’ll be referencing this post often as I put these strategies into practice. Thank you for such a useful resource!
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11/9/2024 06:31:36 am
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12/21/2024 06:32:13 am
"The joy of travel lies in the unexpected moments and new discoveries. Your story truly embodies that sense of adventure and excitement. Can’t wait to read more about your travels!"
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12/25/2024 04:03:12 am
Travel gadgets are game-changers! A power bank is a must, and noise-canceling headphones elevate long flights. Compact water filters are great for eco-conscious adventurers. The latest smart luggage with GPS tracking is also a fantastic investment for worry-free travels.
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12/29/2024 10:21:18 am
I love your ideas for family activities! The suggestions for creative and educational games are perfect for bonding with kids while keeping them engaged. Your focus on fostering quality time is heartwarming. Thanks for sharing such thoughtful and fun ideas—I’m excited to try some of these with my family!
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1/10/2025 10:19:11 am
Public transportation is an eco-friendly and immersive way to explore a new city. Buses, trains, and trams let you travel like a local and often reveal hidden gems along the way. It’s a budget-friendly option that adds authenticity to your journey.
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1/10/2025 10:31:11 pm
“You Are It!” explores the spiritual idea of self as an illusion, referencing Buddhist Anahata and Hindu beliefs. While Buddhism sees an infinite void of emptiness behind physical illusions, Hinduism envisions this void as filled with Divine light, both offering profound perspectives on consciousness and the nature of existence.
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1/17/2025 04:18:11 am
This is a great read! I love how you’ve managed to simplify a complex subject without losing any important details. Your writing is clear, and your examples make everything so much easier to understand. I’ll definitely be sharing this with others. Keep up the fantastic work!
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1/17/2025 05:10:11 am
Fantastic post! You’ve explained everything so well, making it easy to understand. The way you’ve broken down each concept is incredibly helpful, and I love how you’ve included real-life examples. This is definitely one of the best posts I’ve read on this subject. Keep it up!
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2/1/2025 09:43:23 pm
Adventure travel is the best way to push your limits and experience the world from a different perspective! Whether it’s hiking through rugged mountains, zip-lining through a rainforest, or diving into deep blue waters, adventure makes travel unforgettable. Every challenge you overcome adds to the thrill and excitement of the journey. What’s the most adventurous activity you’ve tried while traveling?
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About The AuthorNick Hughes is a massage therapist, yoga instructor and co-owner of Well Being. Influenced by the ideas of Alan Watts, Eckhart Tolle, Ram Dass, and Deepak Chopra, Nick presents his unique take on human existence with the goal of helping others live a happier life. Archives
February 2025
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