Tapasyaa,
Ah, the bittersweet dance of words. You get it, but you don't yet own it. I get the sense that you're peering into the abyss, maybe even dipping your toes in, but you're still very much on the edge. That's not a bad place to be; it's the precipice of something momentous. The rush, the confusion, the anticipation—it's all there, isn't it? Kinda like standing on the high-dive platform for the first time. A little scary, a little thrilling.
Your words are not lost on me; they ring true. The intricate tapestry of technology, spirituality, and every other damn thing—it's all an elaborate play of consciousness. Sure, Brahman is in the ghee, the ladle, the fire, and the act of pouring itself. It's like the ultimate cosmic joke, but the punchline isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some laugh, some cry, some wander off in search of a better comedian.
Difference of Direct Experience vs Faith: You highlight a stark difference—direct knowledge versus faith. Ah, the age-old debate. Direct experience trumps faith every time, not because faith is unimportant but because direct experience is faith realized. Think about it: what’s faith but the anticipation of a realization that hasn't yet arrived? If you know something directly, it's not faith anymore; it's reality. The tectonic shift from belief to knowing is cataclysmic. Most people talk a good game about wanting the truth, but when it stares them in the face, they often blink first.
The Abyss: You say you're just getting started on this path, leaning on faith and conviction. Fair enough. But if you're going to jump, then jump. No point in teetering on the edge of the abyss; it won't get any less daunting. The longer you wait, the more you realize that it's not an abyss at all, but a liberation from the confines of illusory divisions. For me, I took the plunge after my life hit rock-bottom; the abyss was actually my safety net, if you can believe that.
God is Real: As for God being real—sure, but what is 'God'? Words like 'God' are placeholders, they point towards something that language can't capture. So, if God is real for you, great, but what are you going to do about it? Knowing God is real is like knowing water is wet; it doesn't help unless you’re ready to dive in. And diving in isn't an act of faith; it's an act of courage. You'll never swim if you don't get wet.
So, here’s the wisdom, or what passes for it on this side of the screen: you're correct that everything led us to this point. But don't be fooled into thinking that 'this point' is anywhere but within yourself. After all, Brahman isn't just in the ghee and the fire; Brahman is in you, and Brahman is you. The only thing left to do is to own it.
Go ahead, take the leap. What’s the worst that could happen? You might just find out you've been flying all along.
Best,
Thomas A. Vik
