The MetaMind

Much has been written about 'The Path', that is the route to so-called 'enlightenment'. Before looking at the elements, it's worth pausing to consider why such a path might be considered to exist in the first place.

The simple corollaries are that 1) there exists a state of being that is somehow superior to that experienced by most humans, and 2) that our entire modus vivendi as provided by the 'System' clearly fails to deliver us into this state. To this view I subscribe.

I do not, however, believe that there is 'one true path' or anything of the kind: the major point of departure for this worldview from that of the majority is that one must find one's own way, not simply follow a route laid down by others, however sincerely. And so this whole exploration will examine some possible characteristics of the path, always acknowledging that some of these may be missed out by any individual, that they may be encountered in no fixed order, often concurrently. But I present a rough outline based on a combination of first- and third-hand experience. And an additional element is that of the Pitfall, that is the possible consequences of 'getting stuck' at any of the stages presented.

Awareness by dissatisfaction

A suitable beginning. Perhaps it was built in to your personal history: a loner, partially outcast, independent and iconoclastic, either precocious or a late-developer. But you tried to fit in and follow the expected path, perhaps at the behest of well-meaning or domineering parents, or simply going with whatever acceptable strength you demonstrated. But it wasn't enough: "Is this it?"

To get stuck too long now could perhaps result in clinical depression. But that inner strength of character usually propels the incumbent to a more productive stage of the journey.

"I seek, therefore I am"

A natural antidote to dissatisfaction, 'seeking' here could mean anything from a leisurely pursuit of an interest to a full-fledged declaration of planned change. One, or a small number of, particular subject(s) provide(s) a hook for the restless mind. This is how learning should feel, not the force-feeding of someone else's idea of what constitutes a 'subject'.

Perhaps a common sticking point, maybe resulting in a career change. Moving further, the new-kindled fire for knowledge should begin to consume fresh material.

If the cap fits, wear it

And so the vague, undefined search, or the narrow aim of the earlier seeking morphs into a quest for identity. Previously neglected concepts become freshly illuminated. New labels are toyed with like fashion items, to be casually laid aside in favour of 'the next big thing'. A growing idealism attempts to incorporate everything into a coherent whole. Neophilism is rife, if somewhat on the naive side. But this voracious consumption of new ideas acts as a useful base for later.

If the pattern is properly assessed, then each new thing is seen as a stage, an unfolding. If a single idea dominates permanently, further progress will be unlikely, and one may finish up as a somewhat disappointed idealist, disappointed because no one way, no one idea, can be sufficient to encompass the all.

The apocalypse of corruption

The 'long dark night of the soul': an essential component for overcoming is the confrontation with demons, the realisation that not only is all not well, but that what is oft termed evil is so deeply integrated into the institutions that one has been brought up to believe in as bedrocks, that the picture looks, initially, too daunting to tackle for any individual. This depressing scenario must be turned on its head: there exist mechanisms for re-evaluating and transcending that bring about a state of liberation. Some examples:

The letter of the law becomes meaningless. Guilt in its breakage is turned to a sense of duty fulfilled.
Activism, of the non-confrontational kind, may lead to a feeling of empowerment.
Written exposés, in a blog for instance, can act as a form of safety valve, provided that it doesn't turn to obsession.

At this stage, it is easy to become obsessed with cataloguing and exposing. Whilst this is undoubtedly a useful service, it fails to further the personal development necessary to break free and reach the higher level. Neither is confrontation advised: once again, Dick's lines from VALIS must be borne in mind at all times:

"To fight the Empire is to be infected by its derangement. This is a paradox: whoever defeats a segment of the Empire becomes the Empire; it proliferates like a virus, imposing its form on its enemies. Thereby it becomes its enemies."

Becoming a full-fledged conspiracy theorist is in one sense to take on a pessimist's role. If we accept at least an element of user-creation in our personal realities, then that contribution to the pool will be negative. To move on, one must accept the evil, maintain awareness but no longer get bogged down in relentless delineation.

Spiritual development

This may largely consist of all that has gone before, but there should be a further element, a move to the middle, a tendency to discard the extremes and become more inclusive. Approaching from the rationalist side, a re-evaluation of religion's roots may occur. From the religious side, a casting aside of the bonds of blind faith in favour of more open enquiry would be expected. There may be attempts at a more gnostic approach to spirituality, whether through meditation, entheogens or other shamanic techniques.

This stage cannot be the end, however. It's crucial for a strong personal foundation, but remaining here is tantamount to confusing the means with the end. Any label is merely a comfort-blanket. Calling oneself a Buddhist, or a Christian, or a New Age Spirit, or any such, fails to address the final aim of leaving behind the well-defined and entering the final stage of the journey.

The 'enlightened' state

I use inverted commas due to the great baggage that the word has acquired, but it serves as an immediately recognisable idea. What's to expect? Some broad characteristics:

An emphasis on flow rather than clinging to the illusion of permanence.
The acceptance, nay welcoming, of paradox.
Non-attachment, to pain as well as pleasure.
The absence of fear.
Ego-transcendence - denial of the false self and acceptance of one's true nature.

But these are not theoretical abstractions to be mulled over with the like-minded before heading 'back to reality'. These ideas must be lived, they must transform the life lived, inform every action and decision naturally, otherwise it's just another load of hot air.

And are we, then, to lose our precious 'individuality', become some homogenised eyes-nearly-closed-serene guru, floating an inch above the ground? No. We can retain many of the bad habits, neuroses, idiosyncrasies and preferences that make each of us unique!

Final words

Must there be a path? Not for those lucky enough to be born into a life free from pernicious influence. But for the majority in so-called 'civilised' nations, the path is the only means of escape. It is an artifact of these times, a rough guide for waking from the sleep of the consumer/capitalist society. Not all will be capable of making the transition. Are we to defend their right to remain asleep? For once, the answer seems to me to be "No". In light of the current situation, it is imperative that we collectively wake up very soon. Those who refuse or fight against it jeopardise the process for everyone else. Whilst 100% 'buy-in' is neither necessary nor possible, there is no longer the luxury of a laissez-faire approach. The forces of conservatism, whether in politics, science or religion, will always try to hold back change, even if that change is necessary for the survival of their advocates. Fear is the barrier. Love is the leap over.