Tag Archives: Vajrayana Buddhism

Buddhism, Meditation, Metaphysics, mind, Philosophy, Psychology

Hermetic Philosophy and the Great Seal Mahamudra, is there a Universal Wisdom?

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Hermetic philosophy and the Great Seal, Mahamudra, may originate from different traditions, but they converge on universal truths about the nature of reality and the path to self-realization. Both systems offer profound insights, not only into the cosmos but also into the mind as a mirror of the infinite. Each path offers a way to transcend illusions and recognise the deeper truths that connect all things everywhere.

Hermeticism, grounded in the ancient teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, asserts that the universe is a unified whole governed by immutable principles. The Emerald Tablet, one of Hermeticism’s foundational texts, proclaims:

“That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracle of the One Thing.”

This principle of correspondence emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. The inner world of the mind reflects the outer world of the cosmos, and understanding one allows access to the other. Hermeticism teaches that the transformation of the self is a key to unlocking universal truths, blending the mystical and the practical into a single path of self-discovery.

Mahamudra, a cornerstone of Vajrayana Buddhism, also delves into the nature of reality but approaches it through direct experience. Known as the “Great Seal,” Mahamudra reveals the inseparability of subject, object, and action, inviting practitioners to rest in the uncontrived awareness of the present moment. It teaches simplicity, pointing directly to the luminous, empty essence of mind. The seal it refers to symbolizes the inherent truth of reality, present in all beings, waiting to be recognized.

“Stop all physical activity: sit naturally at ease. Do not talk or speak: let sound be empty as an echo. Do not think about anything: look at experience beyond thought.”

Tilopa’s teachings echo the Hermetic focus on simplicity and direct experience. Just as Hermeticism calls for aligning with the natural order of the universe, Mahamudra invites practitioners to rest in the effortless awareness of the present moment, uncontrived and free from conceptual grasping.

Both traditions aim to transcend the illusions of duality. The Emerald Tablet declares:

“It ascends from the earth to the heaven, and again it descends to the earth, and receives the power of the superior and inferior things.”

This reflects Mahamudra’s recognition that samsara and nirvana are not separate realms but two aspects of the same reality. As the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje stated in his Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra:

“Observing phenomena, none is found. One mind Looking at mind, no mind is seen, it is empty in essence. Through looking at both, one’s clinging to duality naturally dissolves. May we realize mind’s nature, which is clear light.”

These teachings align with Hermeticism’s view of the universe as a mental construct, where dualities like above and below, inner and outer, dissolve into the oneness of creation or pure light.

Perhaps most strikingly, both traditions guide practitioners toward liberation by turning inward Hermetic tools such as meditation, visualization, and alchemical transformation parallel Mahamudra’s focus on resting in the natural state of awareness. Both traditions emphasize simplicity, urging practitioners to move beyond complexity and directly experience the truth. Simplicity over dogma.

By bringing Hermetic philosophy and Mahamudra together, we find complementary paths to understanding the nature of reality. Hermeticism provides the structure of universal principles, while Mahamudra points to the direct experience of those principles through non-dual awareness.

Ultimately, both traditions lead to the same realization: the infinite is not something external to be sought—it is already within us. Whether approached through the mystical reflections of Hermeticism or the meditative clarity of Mahamudra, the journey unveils the truth of existence as boundless, interconnected, and ever-present. As Tilopa reminds us:

“What joy! Samsaric ways are senseless: they are seeds of suffering. Conventional ways are pointless. Focus on what is sound and true. Majestic outlook is beyond all fixation. Majestic practice is no distraction. Majestic behaviour is no action or effort. The fruition is there when you are free from hope and fear.”

Both the Emerald Tablet and the Tibetan Mahamudra Texts remind us that the Great Seal is not out there in the heavens or in some distant plane. It resides in the simple, open truth of the here and now. The challenge and invitation of both traditions is to awaken to this reality and embody it fully. The seal of the infinite is not outside us—it is, and always has been, within.

QP

Buddhism, consciousness, Meditation, Metaphysics, mind, Philosophy, Quantum Mechanics

Panpsychism C=E=mc2

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Let’s explore the Relationship Between Consciousness and Energy in Comparison to Vajrayana Buddhism

Panpsychism is a philosophical theory that posits that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe, present in all forms of matter from the smallest particles to complex organisms. This theory challenges traditional notions of consciousness as solely a product of biological processes, suggesting instead that consciousness is inherent in the very fabric of reality. Today, we will explore the relationship between consciousness and energy in the context of panpsychism, specifically comparing it to the perspective of Vajrayana Buddhism, which also has profound insights into the nature of consciousness and reality.

In the equation, C=E=mc², C represents consciousness as a fundamental aspect of the universe. Panpsychism asserts that consciousness is not exclusive to sentient beings but is pervasive throughout the cosmos, imbuing all matter with some level of subjective experience. C=E aligns with the notion that consciousness is a form of energy that permeates the universe, similar to the energy described by the equation and its relationship to mass. By framing consciousness as a fundamental force akin to energy, panpsychism challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of the relationship between mind and matter.

Vajrayana Buddhism, a school of Tibetan Buddhism known for its esoteric teachings and advanced meditation practices, offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness. According to Vajrayana teachings, consciousness is not limited to individual beings but is interconnected with all phenomena in the universe. This view resonates with panpsychism’s premise that consciousness is ubiquitous and present in all aspects of reality. In Vajrayana Buddhism, consciousness is seen as the radiant clarity that underlies all experiences and perceptions, transcending individual identity and ego. This is supported by the mind only, Cittamatra, or non dual perspective. Mind only means that everything that happens, what we see, what we do and the universe all happen in mind.

Both panpsychism and Vajrayana Buddhism share a holistic understanding of consciousness as a pervasive force that transcends individual beings. While panpsychism articulates this idea in terms of consciousness as a fundamental property of matter, Vajrayana Buddhism approaches it from a metaphysical perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of consciousness with all phenomena. Both perspectives challenge dualistic views of mind and matter, pointing towards a more integrated understanding of reality that acknowledges the intrinsic relationship between consciousness and the universe.

Furthermore, the equation C=E=mc² serves as a metaphorical bridge between panpsychism and Vajrayana Buddhism, highlighting the interconnectedness of consciousness and energy. Just as energy can be converted into mass and vice versa, consciousness in panpsychism and Vajrayana Buddhism can be seen as a dynamic process that transforms and manifests in various forms. Here we are reminded that subject, object, and action are all on; whereas consciousness, energy and mass form the universe. By exploring the parallels between panpsychism and Vajrayana Buddhism through the lens of consciousness and energy, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound implications of these theories on our perception of reality.

The comparison between panpsychism and Vajrayana Buddhism offers a rich tapestry of ideas that challenge conventional notions of consciousness and its relationship to the universe. By viewing consciousness as a fundamental aspect of reality, both perspectives invite us to reconsider our understanding of mind, matter, and the interconnectedness of all phenomena. Through the equation C=E=mc², we are prompted to reflect on the deep unity between consciousness and energy, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and spiritual wisdom. In exploring the parallels between panpsychism and Vajrayana Buddhism, we are called to contemplate the profound implications of these perspectives on our perception of self, reality, and the nature of existence.

QP