In this profound journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, we delve into the realms of the human psyche and explore the transformation of consciousness through the concept of the three attentions. In this article, we will deep dive into the Dream of the Third Attention..
The human psyche is a complex and multifaceted landscape. It encompasses our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and experiences, all of which contribute to our understanding of self and the world around us. Self-discovery is the process of peeling back the layers of this psychological landscape to uncover our true nature and purpose. Enlightenment, on the other hand, is the realization of a higher state of consciousness and awareness that transcends the limitations of the ego.
The concept of the three attentions is a central theme in this exploration. It refers to different levels of awareness and consciousness that individuals can attain on their spiritual journey. These attentions represent stages of growth and evolution, each marked by distinct characteristics and insights.
The Masters
The Dream of the Second Attention, a pivotal stage in our spiritual journey, culminates in a significant event known as the “last judgment.” This momentous occasion marks the cessation of judgment, both self-imposed and directed towards others. It signifies the day when we wholeheartedly embrace ourselves as we are, devoid of judgment or self-criticism. Simultaneously, we extend this acceptance to every other individual, unconditionally embracing their essence.
This section elaborates on the concept of the Second Attention and the last judgment. The Second Attention represents a shift in consciousness where one begins to let go of ego-driven judgments and criticisms. It’s a stage of self-acceptance and compassion. The last judgment is not a day of punishment but a day of liberation. It symbolizes the release from the shackles of self-criticism and the realization of our inherent worth and the worth of every other being.
The Masters, in this context, are individuals who have reached a state of inner peace and serenity through their spiritual journey. They serve as exemplars of what can be achieved when one transcends the ego and embraces a higher state of awareness. The Dream of the Masters represents a realm characterized by truth, respect, profound love, and boundless joy, qualities that are cultivated through inner transformation.
Reimagining the Last Judgment
Contrary to some religious doctrines that depict the last judgment as a punitive event reserved for sinners, it is, in essence, a symbol deeply rooted in the Tarot and ancient Egyptian mythology. Within the teachings of mystery schools, the last judgment is an eagerly anticipated day. It marks the resurrection of the dead, symbolizing the awakening from the dream of the underworld—the realm of shadows and illusions.
This section delves deeper into the symbolism of the last judgment. It challenges conventional interpretations and presents it as a symbol of awakening and resurrection rather than condemnation. The reference to the Tarot and ancient Egyptian mythology underscores the universality of such symbols in human history and their significance in understanding the human psyche.
The resurrection mentioned here is not a literal bodily resurrection but a metaphorical one. It represents the awakening from the dream of ignorance and illusion, where individuals come to realize their true nature and the interconnectedness of all existence.
Embracing the Present Moment
Today can be like any other day, or it can be a day of celebration—a day of personal resurrection. It is the day when you liberate yourself from the grave of limiting beliefs and emerge as your authentic self. In the Dream of the Third Attention, you attain an awareness of your true essence, transcending the need for words. Here, in this state of peaceful serenity, words become obsolete in understanding your being.
This section emphasizes the significance of the present moment in the spiritual journey. It invites readers to view each day as an opportunity for personal transformation and awakening. The idea of liberating oneself from limiting beliefs is central here, highlighting the importance of shedding societal and self-imposed constraints that hinder personal growth.
The Dream of the Third Attention is presented as a state of heightened awareness where words and verbal constructs are no longer necessary to understand one’s true essence. It’s a state of pure being and presence, where the limitations of language and concepts fade away.
Ancient Wisdom on the Ineffable
Ancient religions wisely proclaim that the name of God cannot be spoken, for there exists no symbol to encapsulate the essence of the divine. To truly comprehend God, one must become God—an epiphany that resonates with the soul. When you achieve this realization, you understand why the symbol was elusive—it was because you had yet to embody the divinity within. Thus, the term “God” becomes a symbol that merely represents an underlying reality, one that might be different for each individual.
This section explores the notion of the ineffable in ancient religious and mystical traditions. It acknowledges the limitations of language and symbols in capturing the essence of the divine. The idea that the name of God cannot be spoken reflects the belief that the divine is beyond human comprehension and linguistic expression.
The concept of becoming God is introduced as a transformative experience where one transcends the boundaries of the self and realizes their intrinsic connection to the divine. It highlights the deeply personal and subjective nature of spirituality, where the understanding of God or the divine may vary from person to person.
The Indescribable Dream of the Masters
Describing the Dream of the Masters poses a challenge, for it transcends the limitations of words. True teachings from esoteric philosophies emphasize that the ultimate attainment is beyond verbal expression. Instead, it is a state best grasped through the presence itself.
This section underscores the difficulty of describing the Dream of the Masters using language. It acknowledges that this state of consciousness goes beyond the capabilities of words and symbols to convey. Instead, it suggests that the essence of the Dream of the Masters can only be grasped through direct experience and presence.
The emphasis on presence as the means to understand this state aligns with mindfulness and meditation practices, where individuals aim to cultivate a heightened state of awareness and direct experience. It implies that words are inherently limited in capturing the depth of spiritual insight and must be transcended in the quest for higher understanding.
You as the Force of Intent
Rather than relying on words, imagine standing face-to-face with the divine. In this encounter, you witness God, but what you truly see is yourself. This revelation, whether accepted or not, unveils that you are the manifestation of the divine. Everything in existence, every force and entity, is part of the same living being—a realization that dissolves the entire structure of your belief system and ushers you into a heavenly dream.
This section invites readers to envision a direct encounter with the divine, emphasizing that in such an encounter, they witness not an external God but their own essence. It underscores the interconnectedness of all existence, where every individual is a manifestation of the divine.
The revelation that you are the manifestation of the divine challenges conventional belief systems and encourages readers to question their preconceived notions about God and self. It suggests that this realization can lead to a profound transformation of one’s belief system, allowing them to embrace a more expansive and interconnected perspective.
Every Atom, a Universe
Within the Dream of the Third Attention, you attain the profound awareness that your body constitutes an entire universe. It comprises atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and systems, ultimately forming a cosmic whole. Each atom in your body possesses its own unique perspective, imbuing your universe with diverse consciousness. As you become attuned to this reality, your awareness expands beyond your physical form to encompass the entire cosmos, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.
This section explores the idea that the body is a microcosm of the universe, with each atom and component contributing to the complexity of the whole. It highlights the concept of fractal consciousness, where individual elements within the body possess their own unique perspective and consciousness, contributing to the overall awareness of the individual.
The expansion of awareness beyond the physical body to encompass the entire cosmos reflects the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms. It suggests that through the Dream of the Third Attention, individuals can experience a profound sense of unity with the universe, recognizing their place within the larger cosmic whole.
The Force Behind Everything
In this profound exploration, we delve into the concept that you are the force, the intent, that animates the cosmos. This force, often referred to as intent, represents a fundamental aspect of existence. It is the unseen, omnipresent energy that orchestrates the intricate dance of the universe. This section sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how you are intrinsically connected to this life force.
The idea that you are the force behind everything challenges conventional notions of separateness and individuality. It invites you to consider that your existence is not isolated but intertwined with the vast cosmic web of life. This force of intent, which underpins the movement of celestial bodies, the behavior of subatomic particles, and the essence of all living beings, suggests that you are an integral part of the grand tapestry of existence.
Light: The Messenger of Intent
At the heart of creation lies light, or energy, which serves as the messenger of intent. This concept bridges the realms of science and spirituality, emphasizing that everything in the universe is fundamentally composed of energy. From the smallest subatomic particles to the grandest galaxies, all entities are manifestations of this energy. Understanding yourself as light means recognizing your intrinsic connection to the very essence of existence.
The notion that you are light challenges the perception of the physical body as a separate and distinct entity. Instead, it invites you to view yourself as a manifestation of the same energy that forms the stars, the oceans, and all living beings. This realization fosters a sense of unity and interconnectedness with the cosmos, blurring the boundaries between self and the universe.
The Inseparable Connection
Within the Dream of the Third Attention, a state of heightened awareness, the boundaries that delineate the self from the universe dissolve. Your realization that you are light intertwines your being with the cosmic tapestry, emphasizing your role as an integral part of the grand living being that is planet Earth.
This dissolution of boundaries highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms on Earth. It illuminates the idea that you are not a separate entity but a vital organ of the planet’s living system. Just as individual cells contribute to the functioning of an organ, humans collectively form an organ within the greater living being of Earth, collaborating to maintain the equilibrium of the planet’s metabolism.
Humanity’s Unity
Expanding on the inseparable connection, this section emphasizes that all of humanity collectively forms an organ within the greater living being of Earth. It underlines the fact that humans are not isolated entities but integral components of the planet’s ecosystem. The forests, the atmosphere, and every species, including humans, play essential roles in sustaining the planet’s balance and health.
This realization transcends the conventional notion of separateness among individuals and species. It underscores the profound interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms on Earth. Humanity’s unity is not merely a philosophical idea but a tangible reality that highlights our shared responsibility in maintaining the well-being of the planet and its diverse ecosystems.
The Dream of Oneness
In the Dream of the Third Attention, a state of expanded awareness, you perceive yourself as a universe of living beings. Each component, from atoms to cells, tissues to organs, systems to the whole, possesses its unique perspective and consciousness. Yet, you are the culmination of their collective consciousness. This perspective transcends the human-centric viewpoint and reveals the underlying oneness of all entities.
This section explores the idea that you are not an isolated entity but a microcosm of the entire universe, embodying the complexity and diversity of life within you. It invites you to recognize that all entities, regardless of their form or scale, are part of the same universal, living being. This profound understanding fosters a sense of unity and compassion, where the well-being of every entity is interconnected.
The End of the Illusion
Within the Dream of the Third Attention, the ephemeral nature of symbols becomes evident. This section highlights the recognition that labels, definitions, and beliefs serve as veils that obscure the truth of your existence. The quest for understanding through symbols unravels as an illusory endeavor, leading to the embrace of the simplicity of being.
Symbols and language, while valuable tools for communication and understanding, have their limitations. They often create artificial distinctions and boundaries that can hinder a deeper, direct connection with the essence of existence. This section encourages you to move beyond the confines of symbols and concepts, allowing for a more profound and direct experience of reality.
The Wisdom of Popeye
Drawing wisdom from Popeye’s declaration, “I am what I am, and that’s all that I am,” this section signifies the liberation from the relentless pursuit of external validation, perfection, or happiness. It emphasizes the profound realization that you are enough just as you are—an authentic expression of existence.
Popeye’s simple yet profound statement reflects the idea that you need not strive for an idealized version of yourself or seek external approval to find contentment and self-acceptance. It encourages you to embrace your authentic self, with all its imperfections and complexities. This wisdom resonates with the journey toward self-discovery and authenticity, reminding you that your true essence is already complete and whole.
The Dream of the Third Attention
The Dream of the Third Attention represents the culmination of the spiritual journey, an awakening to the profound interconnectedness of all existence. At this stage, the ego dissolves, and the self merges with the universal consciousness. It is a state of pure being, free from the confines of egoic desires and attachments.
This final section summarizes the key aspects of the Dream of the Third Attention, emphasizing its significance as the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey. It underscores the dissolution of the ego and the merging of the self with the universal consciousness as central themes in this state of awareness.
The Dream of the Third Attention is presented as a state of pure being, where individuals are liberated from the trappings of ego-driven desires and attachments. It signifies a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness with all existence, leading to a state of inner peace and serenity.
Conclusion
The Dream of the Third Attention beckons those daring enough to transcend the confines of belief systems and symbols. It offers a path towards self-discovery, authenticity, and presence, leading to a profound awareness of the interconnectedness of all existence.
Embracing this dream is an invitation to return to your true essence—a journey that culminates in the realization that “I am what I am, and that’s all that I am.”
In conclusion, this section summarizes the overarching message of the article, emphasizing that the Dream of the Third Attention is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
It encourages readers to transcend the limitations of belief systems and symbols in pursuit of a deeper awareness of their interconnectedness with all existence. Ultimately, embracing this dream leads to the realization of one’s true essence and a state of inner peace and contentment.
Aseem’s Note: This article covered the concepts and insights described in the eleventh chapter of The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz. In a previous article, we broke down the tenth chapter The Dream of the Second Attention – The Warriors. In the next article, we will dive into Chapter 12: Becoming a Seer – A New Point of View.