High Folks,
Wow, what a heady discussion!!! The whole thing is starting to resemble a Zen koan, like; "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Or something along those lines? From my windowsill, it looks like Science is trying to craft a logical formula to catch something that is outside of it's capacity to grasp? Like Ouroboros devouring his/her own tail? Frankly, after three pages, my mind is tied in a knot! Or at least, it appears to be tied in a knot, to the illusory sense of self, which I perceive myself to be. Who am I?
I certainly can't speak for gibran2 (nor does he/she need anyone to do so) but I agree with much of his/her ideas. I have discovered, that without learned behavior and the accumulation of subjectivity... no reference point can be found that has any degree of certainty, let alone REALITY. True enough? Therefore, no real lines of boundary or differentiation. Without a witness to the phenomenon, there is nothing happening (which can truly be discerned as real). A fixed point of ego consciousness can be temporarily dissipated, thank God for psychedelics!!! Thus, allowing for a perception of the Void. So, obviously, consciousness still exists without definitive parameters or fixed solidity of perspective. Strip away everything else and consciousness still exists, yearning for awareness. awareness of... EVERYTHING. Or everything that is perceivable as having being and substance. It has often been described, that the Creator brought the universe into being, as an effort to see himself/herself. Obviously an anthropomorphic projection of Humanity but there is something of the truth in its implications. Existence, ITSELF, is searching for itself (within itself). Again, the paradox of it all, eh?
If I may join gibran2 on such philosophical thin-ice, I would choose to utilize the term "never". Especially in terms of a God Theory or any human formula to encapsulate Infinity within a rational, mathematical equation. The level of an undifferentiated frequency of indivisible (GOD) consciousness, is not perceivable through subjective analysis, rather... can be experienced through conscious merging and ego-death, alone. Now, this indivisibility can NEVER be proven or theorized about, with sentient mortal MIND, as the human brain, which processes data within individuated mind, is itself part of the very illusion that manifests self as finite awareness. Finite self (ego) cannot see Infinite Self, nor the reverse case scenario. Right? These polarities exist within the duality of individual perception and are illusory, at best.
I think Ram Das/ Richard Alpert said it best (and I heavily paraphrase), "You can't prove God exists with the human mind, as it is composed of subjective interpretations. Now, the concept of God is the polar opposite of the concept of individual self/ego. You can't prove the existence of a Divine level/frequency of consciousness BUT... you can BE such a state of consciousness, (as we all truly are)."
Or something rather similar to that? It's been 30 years and I haven't re-read any of the old materials for a stretch. And I also agree (whoever I am) that there is only ONE being, irregardless of the seeming appearance of the many (within the confines of a subjective reference of self-orientation). It's an unreachable goal, to seek to pin-point self, reality or eternity... with the human brain. Why? Because within the mirage of time-space-dimension, much will remain unknowable, as the mystery will exist with or without our awareness of it.
The simplest truth is this... that all we know for a certainty (or at least believe we know) is learned by our attachment to the symbolic meaning and solidity we accept as reality. Now, that state/frequency of absolute awareness, is the opposite of all that can be recognized or theorized about. In complete objectivity, the only reality is the Void. Except, we would not use the term "reality" for it has no meaning, without an isolated perspective to view it from. You know, an ego-orientation to project thoughts from. The funny thing I keep discovering, is that I am aware of something spiritual, undefinable and unbound (hidden within the play of light and shadow). And this is a paradox, which can "never" be bridged. Why? Again, because I do not really exist as a specific form or partial aspect of universal being. In my nothingness, I am everything. At rare moments of great inspiration... an infinity of limitless Light. I am trying to see myself in the emptiness of the indivisible ONENESS, yet, cannot locate any real self, with which to perceive THAT which is not myself. Sort of??? Oh, I give up! I will now sit quietly, with a big smile on my face. My face? Well... who am I? Whose face? My face? Your face? Our ONE face? 8)
Peace, Love & Light... Rising Spirit