The Nature of Reality
Posted: December 15th, 2022, 12:45 pm
What is the nature of reality?
There are many conceptions of the nature of reality and ontology. In this thread I’d like to discuss some of those conceptions, propose my own and ask of yours as well.
The one thing we can all agree is that we are here. The how and why are the pertinent questions.
First, let’s go over some of the more common conceptions of reality and their ontological meanings:
Christian
The Christian conception of the nature of reality and ontological meaning is fairly simplistic. There is a clear cut dichotomy between good and evil and our purpose is to live a life as much in alignment with God’s edicts as possible to achieve ever lasting life in heaven. God obviously created the universe and everything in it and there can be no question. @MrMan is our most prominent resident Christian as far as I am aware.
Atheist
The atheist conception is even more simplistic. @CaptainSkelebob fashioned himself as the champion of atheism in the thread about Christianity vs Spirituality vs Atheism viewtopic.php?style=11&f=15&t=45751 in this model the universe miraculously created itself from nothing and we evolved from the same matter that makes up the rocks and planets etc. Ontologically speaking, there is no definable purpose to our lives or existence on earth. The only conceivable reason for being is to be here in the here and now. To appreciate life while you have it because once you’re gone you’re gone.
I don’t subscribe to either of these conceptions of the nature of reality or ontological meaning. I find them to be a false dichotomy as @Winston has said himself before. Both are life denying in their own way. Endless servile passivity and weakness or nihilistic materialism which promotes a solipsistic life?
I’d like to share my own conception of reality, based on my research into philosophical works and through the experiences I’ve had with psychedelics, which revealed to me several philosophical concepts found in Hermeticism without me ever having looked into them myself. This cemented into my mind that the Hermetic philosophy is accurate and the 7 Hermetic principles are the underlying basis of reality. So, let’s take a look:
1. Mentalism
”The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental.”
The All is the Hermetic name for the intelligent creator of our universe. This is the western version of the Hindu idea of Brahman. Both the All and Brahman are both described as a kind of consciousness from where we originate as individuated units as consciousness.
We are all part of Brahman’s dream. Part of its quest for evolution and growth, which is the goal of every living thing on the planet. Everything strives to grow and to flourish, to reach its maximum potential. I think Brahman is not a perfect creator, but flawed and experimental with its creations. This is why some species die out or evolve to survive in changing environments. Adaptability and will are key to surviving in the natural world.
As human beings I think our purpose within this material world is to grow through our experiences. I think Brahman grows through its creations and this is why we exist as a means for Brahman to grow through our growth and spiritual evolution. This is our purpose.
The physical world around us that we experience through our senses are interpreted through our consciousness. Without consciousness we cannot experience anything around us. In this sense the first principle of Hermeticism is correct. The universe is indeed mental “I think therefore I am.”
Mind over matter.
Here is an interesting experiment which further proves that consciousness is the foundation of all reality. The double slit experiment shows electrons fired at a screen through two slits form a wave interference pattern instead of forming two lines on the board. Demonstrating that the particles fired are simply potentials rather than fixed in reality. The particle becomes a wave and creates a wave interference pattern instead. It is only when observed by a conscious being that the particles choose one slit or the other and form two lines of particle patterns. Check out the video below:
In conclusion: The All/Brahman is the intelligent creator. It is a universal conscious mind capable of creating physical reality though thought alone and conscious perception. Also, consciousness affects matter when the matter is observed.
2. Correspondence
"As above, so below; as below, so above."
The principle of correspondence can be seen all throughout the natural world. The macrocosm, which is the very large or the totality, and the microcosm, the very small and individual units that comprise the whole, are reflections of one another. As above, so below; as below, so above.
Here are some images to illustrate this point:
As we can see with the images above, there is a direct correlation between the macrocosm and the microcosm. The principle of correspondence is directly linked to the first principle of mentalism in the sense that Brahman, or the All, is the macrocosm, the totality and supreme consciousness and we are the microcosm, individuated units of consciousness and individual parts derived from the whole.
This is a principle which also correlates with spirituality and layers of reality, each with varied frequencies. I explained in a thread about spiritual anatomy linked here: viewtopic.php?style=11&f=15&t=46686 that our spiritual anatomy and the functioning of the chakras directly corresponds with our physical and mental health as well. I also explain in this thread how society is designed to block the natural functioning of our spiritual anatomy with life denying ideologies and restrictive economic systems which are nothing short of indentured servitude.
3. Vibration.
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."
This principle states that everything, both physical matter and spiritual energy, hold a certain vibration. Science tells us that particles are in constant motion, as is the universe at large. Again, the microcosmic and the macrocosmic.
Everything has its own vibration and frequency. Our hearts are in constant motion. As they beat in varying rhythms they give off different vibrations depending on our emotional state.
Even inanimate objects have their own vibration and resonance. Take a gong or a drum for example and hit it and you hear a noise. That's the object's frequency and resonance. Here's a video of some tibetan singing bowls to illustrate this point.
I've talked before about the study of cymatics, which is the study of sound and vibration, and how some experiments show that different vibrations and frequencies can directly affect matter. Here are some videos to show this is true:
This is an awesome clip by the way. If you can't be arsed with the other videos I've posted at least check this one out.
This shows how different frequencies affect matter. The frequency of the vibration changes the physical reality. This is why some behaviours can be seen as objectively good. They raise the frequency. More on this in my thread on ethics and morality: viewtopic.php?style=11&f=32&t=46815
This is why in some cases you may take an instant disliking to someone, because on a vibrational level their frequency could be something that makes the two of you energetically incompatible as you're both vibrating at different frequencies.
In a psychedelic experience I saw that we exist across different levels or layers of reality, each subtle body vibrating at different frequencies. Our consciousness is fixed on this frequency of material reality, like a radio on a fixed channel. Our purpose is to bring the vibration of all our subtle bodies to the same frequency so we may raise the Kundalini and achieve divinity. The ultimate resonance and harmony. Perfect balance.
Here is a link to my psychedelics thread if anyone is interested in reading more about this: viewtopic.php?style=11&f=15&t=45587
4. Polarity
"Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."
This principle is another one that can be seen throughout the natural world and all of its many components. Seemingly opposites are often just the same thing but at varying degrees. Temperature is an example, cold is just an absence of heat, both are polar opposite degrees of the same value. Both are temperature. Love and hate are both polar opposite degrees of the same thing. Pleasure and pain etc.
Ideologies of today are exactly the same. Feminism and MGTOW are both two extremes of the same toxic value. Left and right wing ideology. Etc etc. Like with the political spectrum and other such polarisation of various values what can be ascertained is that nothing is ever truly in black and white terms. There are always nuances in everything which must be considered to find the objective truth. Some people don't understand nuances at all, or fail to grasp the complexity of various nuances and polarities and where they meet in the middle. Everything is a dichotomy to some people.
Physical matter and spiritual energy are essentially the same thing, as I kind of alluded to in the principle of vibration. With dense physical reality at one end of the spectrum and pure spirit at the opposite polarity. Spiritual energy vibrating at such a high vibration it cannot be perceived by our physical senses.
This is the foundation of alchemy, or the ability to "transmute" your experiences at will. @WanderingProtagonist this is kind of what I was trying to explain in a thread @WilliamSmith made about you. Transmuting feelings of negativity towards the world around you into something more positive, like an appreciation for nature for example. Any time a lower vibrational emotion is bringing you down the best thing to try and do is to recognise it, feel it, and try to transmute it into a more positive one.
5. Rhythm.
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."
Closely related to the principle of polarity, the fifth principle states that between the opposing poles, there exists an inherent rhythm. The tides move in and out. We inhale and exhale. Everything is in motion. Nature has its seasons and so, too, do we.
Understanding and ultimately accepting this principle helps us to understand the natural rhythm of the universe and of our own lives... so that we may work with them and not have them work against us.
Nothing lasts forever and things are ever-changing. Understanding this law of nature and the inevitable rhythm of life, will help you to work with your own emotional states to avoid a dramatic pendulum-swing of feelings.
Life and death are part of the natural rhythm of life. As are astrological eras. Different astrological eras have their own energies and I want to go more in depth about this and about Kali Yuga and Satya Yuga in a different thread. Though I'm not sure if @Lucas88 had intended to write this thread instead. It is something we talked about in person recently.
6. Cause & Effect
"Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name for law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law."
Everything is connected through cause and effect, for each cause of one thing is simply the effect of another going back to the very beginning.
This principle is all about acknowledging our thoughts and behaviour and how we may change them to bring about more positive effects.
Do we want to keep sitting on our asses and acquiesce whilst the global elite keep subjugation us to this life of misery and endentured servitude? Do we want to be the miserable effect of a slave system? Or do we want to f***ing fight like badass warriors to instill our own noble values of freedom, love and compassion? Do we want to be the cause of something greater?
Many times, we find ourselves reacting to the world around us, trapped in a back-and-forth of reacting to our circumstances rather than forging our own path. When we take action to get the effect we want, we move from feeling like a victim to feeling empowered.
7. Gender
"Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes."
Gender is the seventh and final principle. It is inherent in reality and everywhere. Not only in humans and animals, but plants as well. Everything has its male and female principles. This is one of the reasons I get so mad about the globohomo agenda and the fact that all way through covid I was encouraged to follow the science, but then when it comes to biological gender the science goes out of the window.
The principle of gender is something we associate with physical gender, which is a true manifestation of these energies, but also on a spiritual level we all hold both energies. I've had a lengthy debate before with @MrMan about the Lingam and Yoni, the Hindu version of the Chinese Ying and Yang. These energies are metaphysical and in no way an indication of whether or not you've got a spiritual vagina, for those who don't understand the idea
These two energies exist everywhere and the unity of these energies is essential for creation. It's important to understand that balance in all is key to self-mastery. The balance of the masculine and feminine; of the heavenly and Earthbound; of the body, the mind and the spiritual anatomy of our souls. When we can achieve this balance within ourselves we can harness the lessons of the Hermetic principles to make our lives better and to make ourselves strong from within!
Some others who might enjoy this thread:
@Tsar
@MarcosZeitola
@gsjackson
There are many conceptions of the nature of reality and ontology. In this thread I’d like to discuss some of those conceptions, propose my own and ask of yours as well.
The one thing we can all agree is that we are here. The how and why are the pertinent questions.
First, let’s go over some of the more common conceptions of reality and their ontological meanings:
Christian
The Christian conception of the nature of reality and ontological meaning is fairly simplistic. There is a clear cut dichotomy between good and evil and our purpose is to live a life as much in alignment with God’s edicts as possible to achieve ever lasting life in heaven. God obviously created the universe and everything in it and there can be no question. @MrMan is our most prominent resident Christian as far as I am aware.
Atheist
The atheist conception is even more simplistic. @CaptainSkelebob fashioned himself as the champion of atheism in the thread about Christianity vs Spirituality vs Atheism viewtopic.php?style=11&f=15&t=45751 in this model the universe miraculously created itself from nothing and we evolved from the same matter that makes up the rocks and planets etc. Ontologically speaking, there is no definable purpose to our lives or existence on earth. The only conceivable reason for being is to be here in the here and now. To appreciate life while you have it because once you’re gone you’re gone.
I don’t subscribe to either of these conceptions of the nature of reality or ontological meaning. I find them to be a false dichotomy as @Winston has said himself before. Both are life denying in their own way. Endless servile passivity and weakness or nihilistic materialism which promotes a solipsistic life?
I’d like to share my own conception of reality, based on my research into philosophical works and through the experiences I’ve had with psychedelics, which revealed to me several philosophical concepts found in Hermeticism without me ever having looked into them myself. This cemented into my mind that the Hermetic philosophy is accurate and the 7 Hermetic principles are the underlying basis of reality. So, let’s take a look:
1. Mentalism
”The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental.”
The All is the Hermetic name for the intelligent creator of our universe. This is the western version of the Hindu idea of Brahman. Both the All and Brahman are both described as a kind of consciousness from where we originate as individuated units as consciousness.
We are all part of Brahman’s dream. Part of its quest for evolution and growth, which is the goal of every living thing on the planet. Everything strives to grow and to flourish, to reach its maximum potential. I think Brahman is not a perfect creator, but flawed and experimental with its creations. This is why some species die out or evolve to survive in changing environments. Adaptability and will are key to surviving in the natural world.
As human beings I think our purpose within this material world is to grow through our experiences. I think Brahman grows through its creations and this is why we exist as a means for Brahman to grow through our growth and spiritual evolution. This is our purpose.
The physical world around us that we experience through our senses are interpreted through our consciousness. Without consciousness we cannot experience anything around us. In this sense the first principle of Hermeticism is correct. The universe is indeed mental “I think therefore I am.”
Mind over matter.
Here is an interesting experiment which further proves that consciousness is the foundation of all reality. The double slit experiment shows electrons fired at a screen through two slits form a wave interference pattern instead of forming two lines on the board. Demonstrating that the particles fired are simply potentials rather than fixed in reality. The particle becomes a wave and creates a wave interference pattern instead. It is only when observed by a conscious being that the particles choose one slit or the other and form two lines of particle patterns. Check out the video below:
In conclusion: The All/Brahman is the intelligent creator. It is a universal conscious mind capable of creating physical reality though thought alone and conscious perception. Also, consciousness affects matter when the matter is observed.
2. Correspondence
"As above, so below; as below, so above."
The principle of correspondence can be seen all throughout the natural world. The macrocosm, which is the very large or the totality, and the microcosm, the very small and individual units that comprise the whole, are reflections of one another. As above, so below; as below, so above.
Here are some images to illustrate this point:
As we can see with the images above, there is a direct correlation between the macrocosm and the microcosm. The principle of correspondence is directly linked to the first principle of mentalism in the sense that Brahman, or the All, is the macrocosm, the totality and supreme consciousness and we are the microcosm, individuated units of consciousness and individual parts derived from the whole.
This is a principle which also correlates with spirituality and layers of reality, each with varied frequencies. I explained in a thread about spiritual anatomy linked here: viewtopic.php?style=11&f=15&t=46686 that our spiritual anatomy and the functioning of the chakras directly corresponds with our physical and mental health as well. I also explain in this thread how society is designed to block the natural functioning of our spiritual anatomy with life denying ideologies and restrictive economic systems which are nothing short of indentured servitude.
3. Vibration.
"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."
This principle states that everything, both physical matter and spiritual energy, hold a certain vibration. Science tells us that particles are in constant motion, as is the universe at large. Again, the microcosmic and the macrocosmic.
Everything has its own vibration and frequency. Our hearts are in constant motion. As they beat in varying rhythms they give off different vibrations depending on our emotional state.
Even inanimate objects have their own vibration and resonance. Take a gong or a drum for example and hit it and you hear a noise. That's the object's frequency and resonance. Here's a video of some tibetan singing bowls to illustrate this point.
I've talked before about the study of cymatics, which is the study of sound and vibration, and how some experiments show that different vibrations and frequencies can directly affect matter. Here are some videos to show this is true:
This is an awesome clip by the way. If you can't be arsed with the other videos I've posted at least check this one out.
This shows how different frequencies affect matter. The frequency of the vibration changes the physical reality. This is why some behaviours can be seen as objectively good. They raise the frequency. More on this in my thread on ethics and morality: viewtopic.php?style=11&f=32&t=46815
This is why in some cases you may take an instant disliking to someone, because on a vibrational level their frequency could be something that makes the two of you energetically incompatible as you're both vibrating at different frequencies.
In a psychedelic experience I saw that we exist across different levels or layers of reality, each subtle body vibrating at different frequencies. Our consciousness is fixed on this frequency of material reality, like a radio on a fixed channel. Our purpose is to bring the vibration of all our subtle bodies to the same frequency so we may raise the Kundalini and achieve divinity. The ultimate resonance and harmony. Perfect balance.
Here is a link to my psychedelics thread if anyone is interested in reading more about this: viewtopic.php?style=11&f=15&t=45587
4. Polarity
"Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."
This principle is another one that can be seen throughout the natural world and all of its many components. Seemingly opposites are often just the same thing but at varying degrees. Temperature is an example, cold is just an absence of heat, both are polar opposite degrees of the same value. Both are temperature. Love and hate are both polar opposite degrees of the same thing. Pleasure and pain etc.
Ideologies of today are exactly the same. Feminism and MGTOW are both two extremes of the same toxic value. Left and right wing ideology. Etc etc. Like with the political spectrum and other such polarisation of various values what can be ascertained is that nothing is ever truly in black and white terms. There are always nuances in everything which must be considered to find the objective truth. Some people don't understand nuances at all, or fail to grasp the complexity of various nuances and polarities and where they meet in the middle. Everything is a dichotomy to some people.
Physical matter and spiritual energy are essentially the same thing, as I kind of alluded to in the principle of vibration. With dense physical reality at one end of the spectrum and pure spirit at the opposite polarity. Spiritual energy vibrating at such a high vibration it cannot be perceived by our physical senses.
This is the foundation of alchemy, or the ability to "transmute" your experiences at will. @WanderingProtagonist this is kind of what I was trying to explain in a thread @WilliamSmith made about you. Transmuting feelings of negativity towards the world around you into something more positive, like an appreciation for nature for example. Any time a lower vibrational emotion is bringing you down the best thing to try and do is to recognise it, feel it, and try to transmute it into a more positive one.
5. Rhythm.
"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."
Closely related to the principle of polarity, the fifth principle states that between the opposing poles, there exists an inherent rhythm. The tides move in and out. We inhale and exhale. Everything is in motion. Nature has its seasons and so, too, do we.
Understanding and ultimately accepting this principle helps us to understand the natural rhythm of the universe and of our own lives... so that we may work with them and not have them work against us.
Nothing lasts forever and things are ever-changing. Understanding this law of nature and the inevitable rhythm of life, will help you to work with your own emotional states to avoid a dramatic pendulum-swing of feelings.
Life and death are part of the natural rhythm of life. As are astrological eras. Different astrological eras have their own energies and I want to go more in depth about this and about Kali Yuga and Satya Yuga in a different thread. Though I'm not sure if @Lucas88 had intended to write this thread instead. It is something we talked about in person recently.
6. Cause & Effect
"Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to law; chance is but a name for law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the law."
Everything is connected through cause and effect, for each cause of one thing is simply the effect of another going back to the very beginning.
This principle is all about acknowledging our thoughts and behaviour and how we may change them to bring about more positive effects.
Do we want to keep sitting on our asses and acquiesce whilst the global elite keep subjugation us to this life of misery and endentured servitude? Do we want to be the miserable effect of a slave system? Or do we want to f***ing fight like badass warriors to instill our own noble values of freedom, love and compassion? Do we want to be the cause of something greater?
Many times, we find ourselves reacting to the world around us, trapped in a back-and-forth of reacting to our circumstances rather than forging our own path. When we take action to get the effect we want, we move from feeling like a victim to feeling empowered.
7. Gender
"Gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles; gender manifests on all planes."
Gender is the seventh and final principle. It is inherent in reality and everywhere. Not only in humans and animals, but plants as well. Everything has its male and female principles. This is one of the reasons I get so mad about the globohomo agenda and the fact that all way through covid I was encouraged to follow the science, but then when it comes to biological gender the science goes out of the window.
The principle of gender is something we associate with physical gender, which is a true manifestation of these energies, but also on a spiritual level we all hold both energies. I've had a lengthy debate before with @MrMan about the Lingam and Yoni, the Hindu version of the Chinese Ying and Yang. These energies are metaphysical and in no way an indication of whether or not you've got a spiritual vagina, for those who don't understand the idea
These two energies exist everywhere and the unity of these energies is essential for creation. It's important to understand that balance in all is key to self-mastery. The balance of the masculine and feminine; of the heavenly and Earthbound; of the body, the mind and the spiritual anatomy of our souls. When we can achieve this balance within ourselves we can harness the lessons of the Hermetic principles to make our lives better and to make ourselves strong from within!
Some others who might enjoy this thread:
@Tsar
@MarcosZeitola
@gsjackson