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The Ultimate Happiness: Timelessness

We are cognisant of our existence, and things happen because we can perceive them through our senses. Humans possess consciousness or sensibility, or more precisely, it indicates the presence of the five aggregates and is characteristically un-illuminated and is therefore confined to death, rebirth, and suffering. In Buddhism, ignorance and suffering arise in samsāra due to the numerous processes of aggregation, segregation, mutation, evolution, transformation, and assimilation. Nevertheless, the suffering of ignorant beings can be alleviated by gradually realising their emptiness.

The word suffering (dukkha) is ubiquitous in Buddhism and it is usually associated with pain, anxiety, agony, sadness, dissatisfaction, and all sorts of negativity in one’s life. Unfortunately, the Buddha's thoughts may differ, as these are just reflections of its repercussions. In Latin, the word sufferre means to bear, undergo, endure, carry, or put under. In other words, dukkha has more to do with the continuous flux, specifically the recurrences of birth, life, death, and rebirth, which are known as samsāra. It's crucial to note that in samsāra, everything is a matrix of everything. Our mental consciousness would perceive existence to be continuous, convoluted, impartial, and interconnected by the universal laws of conservation.

In Buddhism, our mind is the precursor of all different states. Kamma is described as an intentional activity, while vipaka refers to its later outcome; this means there is a powerful reaction that is caused by deliberate action. In nature, the mind is a pattern of consciousness that consists of a blend of dominant and subtle aspects. The dominant mental consciousness functions similarly to a controlling mind capable of directing and conveying actions; compared to the subtle mental consciousness that resembles a herd of wild horses wandering instinctively. Above all, the dominant mental consciousness is a prerequisite for kamma-vipaka, otherwise, the so-called volition would cease to exist. That is to say, any thought or action involving the dominant mental consciousness would be sensitive to kamma-vipaka influences.

Meanwhile, the ultimate goal in Buddhist practice is to seek eternal bliss (nibbāna) which is unconditional through enlightenment. It is known as the final cessation of events, which is an independent nature. From the highest perspective, nibbāna does not exist because there is no subject (no mind) for reflection on the object or matter. Existence is equivalent to becoming to a certain extent, and since existence is absent in nibbāna, there is no process of becoming, or timelessness. This means that if one could neuter the mind, all things would fizzle out and cease to exist or be. A new paradigm is starting, which is a state of affairs that is completely neutral.

In summary, Buddhadhamma is ultimately unrestricted, without stereotypes, and with no labels. The path to spiritual liberation is not about the accomplishments of a single person a few thousand years ago, but rather about the way forward. The focus here is on direct experience, recognition, and liberation, not the blind obsession with Buddhism that ultimately leads to spiritual imprisonment. In other words, the Buddha's natural neutrality and liberation are the only way to discover the ultimate truth. Taking care of the cause instead of the symptoms is crucial. Namo Buddhaya!

The Secrets Of Youthfulness Over Time

Two methods have been identified for reducing the process of aging. The first approach involves elevating vibrational frequencies, while the second involves accelerating physical movement.

Approach 1: Elevating Vibrational Frequencies

For reference, frequency could be related to space and the process of becoming over time. Time is an indicator of the process of becoming and space is only an expression of the energy at work in terms of frequency. In the end, there is no temporal movement, but a regeneration of events in the present dynamism. This means, in the twinkling of an eye, that all events or phenomena would fluctuate and be renewed infinitely. Just like the gravitational effects on earth for all different masses are the same (acceleration value, g = 9.80 m/s2) even though the rock strikes the ground before the feather per se. The applicable principle: -

Present dynamism => Frequency x Becoming (Space x Time)

However, the present dynamism is unconjecturable and is mainly due to the emptiness, that is, the qualities of no beginning and no end. In addition, fluctuating vibration frequencies between different subjects will cause variations in relative chronology. Under the present dynamism, a higher vibratory frequency would produce a slowing of the process of becoming and vice versa. The applicable principle: -

Present dynamism (constant) = frequency (space) ↑ x becoming (time) ↓

Note: -

When the vibrational frequency accelerates, the process of becoming decelerates; when the vibrational frequency decelerates, the process of becoming accelerates.

One way to boost vibrational frequencies is to start samatha meditation. Ajahn Chah (an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma) mentioned, “If you have time to breathe, you have time to meditate”. This means that we could begin a simple meditation by observing the air intake and discharge through our nostrils and lungs quietly and consciously to our liking or at any interval. Samatha meditation is to calm or tranquillise the mind through concentration.

When practising, it is crucial to invoke the state of jhāna, that is, a state of altered consciousness with profound calmness and concentration. Jhāna will culminate in the manifestation of a powerful and radiant black hole. It is thought to be the basis of psychic powers discovered in individuals. In other words, there is an imperious black hole in the innate mind of all individuals which is also known as the Clear Light in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Furthermore, a fully concentrated mind is also exalted, radiant, abundant, compassionate, composed, and confident under circumstances of not too tight or loose. It is a precondition for the presence of a still mind; without it, the condition of one-pointedness would be impossible. To the general understanding, a still mind is a unique state of consciousness that is highly luminous, commanding, and even more acute than a sword. It could accomplish a myriad of miracles, such as time travel, spiritual healing, watching past lives, feeling déjà vu, etc.

Approach 2: Accelerating Physical Movement

According to Newton's 3rd law of motion, every action produces an equal and opposite reaction. The assumption is that the incoming factor is the same as the becoming factor. However, the opposing forces would demonstrate a single harmonising mechanism when moving in a variable motion, such as acceleration.

Acceleration: when the incoming factor accelerates, the relative becoming factor decelerates: -

Force A incoming ↑ Force A becoming ↓

For example, a twin flies off in a spaceship travelling near the speed of light and comes back to find out her twin is a lot older. That’s because the twin inside the spaceship would meet the deceleration process of becoming. It describes time dilation based on Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

Once again, the fluctuation of vibrational frequencies between the different planes of existence would lead to variations in terms of relative chronology. In the present dynamism, a higher vibration frequency would slow down the process of becoming and a lower vibration frequency would accelerate the process of becoming. For example, in relative terms, the experience of a second in a celestial plane with higher vibration frequencies equates to ten years for the human domain with lower vibration frequencies. As a result, it would be wrongly assumed that all heavenly beings are immortal.

In the same breath, the object’s process of becoming will be strained as the motion speeds up. This means that it would lose speed relative to another object placed in constant movement or decelerating. The deceleration process of becoming resembles the slowdown of the aging process for a sentient being. At the end of the day, to maintain a youthful appearance, try bungee jumping, skydiving, riding a race car, or a roller coaster, or taking off a plane more frequently. Alternatively, have fun doing deep meditation during your weekend break!

The Realm of Relativity

The world we inhabit is dependent and empty, with no exceptions. This implies that there is no essence and that everything has never been in its own quality, resulting in nothing being permanent or immutable. They are only present in relation to each other as appearances that vary depending on the viewers' perceptions.

According to Einstein, time and space are not fixed, which forms the foundation of the concept of relativity in physics. When it comes to relativity, things are only significant when they are compared to others. At times, we may question our identity, which is to say, “Who am I truly?” Perhaps the most straightforward answer would be: “I am who I am”. The applicable principle: “If you think this is who I am, then I am”, and “If you know this is what I am, then I am”.

So, the saying goes: -

For the Master, I am a Servant,

For the Teacher, I am a Student,

For the Buddha, I am Empty.

In the context of relativity, there are no absolutes. This means the best of the best isn't necessarily the best. Like the Chinese saying, “Beyond mountain/mountains there is/are mountain/mountains” or “There is always a mountain higher than this one”. The moral of the story is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Be proud of the progress you've made. Put your trust in your abilities and make sure to enjoy the journey.

Something vs. Nothing

There are moments when we question why there is anything around us instead of nothing. What is the purpose of our existence, as well as that of other things? What are the objectives of the cycle of life and death? Wouldn't it be better to be nothing? Everything indeed falls into either the realm of something or nothing. From the moment we wake up or as far as our memories go, we inevitably enter a world of physical reality. We know that things happen because they can be known and felt by our senses. And our mind will interpret it as innumerable conditions we must go through, persevere, go on, or undertake, inevitably. As phenomena existed long before we realise or understood them, we are condemned to ignorance.

As a general rule, there is always something there in the field of something and also, there is nothing there in the field of nothing. Perhaps we’ve all heard the question, “Is it half empty or half full?” If you focus on the more visible part, you’ll see it’s half full. Similarly, if you notice the invisible part first, you have a better chance to see what is lacking. Either way, you only see half the image. The interesting dichotomy between something and nothing looks pretty much like the dualism between yin and yang. Ultimately, it is a simplistic understanding of the complex relationship between thoughts, perceptions, and realities.

Fundamentally, the field of something refers to the orienting energy in the sphere of time and the principle of absence, balance, and constant (ABC). The Energy Conservation Law stipulates that energy cannot be created or destroyed and the sum of all energies in a system is constant. If a scene is provoked, the natural law that governs the balance would take effect through time and the planes of existence, just as the rock hit the water and caused a ring of waves to spread and reverberate around. Furthermore, energy is an element that implies the motion of translation, rotation, and vibration that become the key components of universal laws.

In the field of something, the mind is the precursor of every state. That is, the object or matter must appear within the range of the mental frequency horizon; if not, observation is impossible. The relevant principle: the elements of awareness would discern some simple and variable frequencies based on information and memory. This would give birth to consciousness (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.), commonly called soul. Consciousness would then progress in a manipulative mind (e.g. 1+2, 8-6, 5x7, 3/4, etc.) that can distinguish and understand the features of objects or matters like the dichotomy between something and nothing. Let’s review this illustration below: -

Both Sides To Mother Nature

The two sides will exist simultaneously and can be illustrated in a mathematical equation, as described below: -

Facet 1 Facet 2

The Realm Of Something The Realm Of Nothing

(Dependent Arising) (Inherent Existence)

… (-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) …, etc. = 0

Facet 1: This arising, that arises; this ceasing, that ceases.
Facet 2: Zero = A mathematical value intermediate between positive and negative values; the absence of any or all units under consideration.

At the end of the day, the field of something comes in when you have mental energy. This is because the mind is the architect for discriminating all existences by manipulative distinction. Like the famous quote from Brian G. Dyson (former CEO of Coca-Cola), “Value has value only when its value is valued”. Without mental consciousness, everything would appear as the deepest facts in itself, namely no label, no boundary, no name, no activity, no description, etc. (as the field of nothing). In Buddhism, enlightenment emphasises the full realisation of the modus operandi of Mother Nature and her liberation with absolute and permanent neutrality.

So, what are you in now?

The Purpose of Life

There is no real purpose to life. If things are made to be, they shall be; que será, será. To begin with, life and death are human constructs, namely, they are merely different notions of mental consciousness. Birth and death are two parts of the same thing, as are both sides of the same coin. The coin here is also known by the name of samsãra, i.e. the continuous flux of life and death. In the dependent nature, everything is a matrix of everything. All things or matters are interdependently co-arising ad infinitum. The fundamental cause of this enduring personality is the consciousness that remains in ignorance; when ignorance is uprooted, rebirth ceases.

For general understanding, our Mother Nature's grand design is all about the absence, balance, and constancy. By conscientiously observing, we would realise that all things and all events would eventually achieve a harmonious equilibrium. The visual representation of this concept is well depicted in the Taijitu symbol, or otherwise loosely referred to as the yin-yang symbol. Tai-ji signifies ultimate supreme that represents a perceptive reality of dependent nature, underlines many natural dualities like femininity and masculinity, darkness and light, low and high, cold and hot, water and fire, life and death, expanding and contracting, etc.

If we evoke a scene, immediate reactions would occur through time and the planes of existence, just as the rock hit the water and caused a ring of waves to spread and reverberate around. Buddhism refers to this law as kamma, which is not influenced by religious beliefs, but rather a mechanism that maintains a lasting balance in Mother Nature. Only the doer is accountable, that's it. In the end, there is a conditioned relationship between one life and the other; they are not identical, but they are not completely distinct either.

While life may not have a clear purpose, there is still one objective for the journey, i.e. improving our inner mental consciousness. This is because human thoughts are cosmic waves of energy that permeate all time and space, and it is the most powerful vibration that can attract what is desired or wished for. Our next phase of existence can be traced back to the tendencies of today's mental consciousness. Therefore, we must nurture our innate mental consciousness while living in the human domain.

Ultimately, we are only manipulated by our mental consciousness to enrich life with labels, colours, names, perceptions, conceptions, stereotypes, purposes, etc. In Buddhism, the mind is believed to be the starting point for all states. Energy is constantly being born again in samsãra, which keeps the flow of our mind alive beyond the grave. And consistent nurturing is necessary to cultivate our innate mental consciousness, which is considered to be the architect of realms of existence.

Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang (Photo: 2024-02-06)

Why Depression?

Prosperity can lead to depression in some cases. Having unlimited access to everything one desires could make life uninteresting and cause withdrawal symptoms. Low mood and reluctance to engage in activities are hallmarks of depression, a mental state. And all states begin with the mind in Buddhism.

The mind, in its natural state, is a pattern of consciousness that combines both dominant and subtle aspects. The dominant mental consciousness is like a controlling mind that can direct and convey actions; in contrast to the subtle mental consciousness that resembles a herd of wild horses wandering instinctively. Losing your passion or direction in life means you've become uncontrollable, like riding a wild horse.

According to Buddhism, samsāra is a place where suffering is widely experienced. This is because we have to endure the recurrences of birth, life, death, and rebirth endlessly. Our mundane life exposes us to all worldly desires or attachments, which ultimately lead to suffering. Nonetheless, desire or attachment is not a sin or a strange phenomenon that occurs in our lives. It's natural for humans to have cravings or attachments, and there's nothing to be ashamed of.

Buddhist teachings are designed to uncover the ultimate reality, which implies that any desire or attachment would lead to suffering. To stop suffering, we must have the courage to examine the origin of suffering and then work tirelessly towards ending the suffering. To alleviate suffering, the middle path is the perfect approach to life. The main idea is to pay attention to the core, neutrality, equilibrium, and righteousness.

It is necessary for our mental consciousness to explore and penetrate the core of life and all things without any bias. In the end, enlightenment would lead to the realisation that desires and attachment are not a matter of good or evil for people, but a way to experience suffering or depression. Learning to see all things and events as they really are is all that's needed.

In Buddhism, mettā bhavana, which involves cultivating loving-kindness, is considered a powerful antidote for reducing depression. This potent antidote speeds up the softening of personal ego and expedites the enlightenment of individuals. The following principle applies: -

A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would evoke empathy,

A stream of empathy would evoke boundless,

A stream of boundless would evoke voidness,

A stream of voidness would evoke stillness,

A stream of stillness would evoke sereneness,

A stream of sereneness would evoke enlightenment.

In summary, it's vital to give yourself some time to reflect on your depression and start to appreciate your blessings at the end of the day. Our mind is naturally drawn to objects and flitting around constantly. Always keep it safe and remember that your blessings may not be equally shared by others. Instead of feeling depressed, opt for enlightenment. Namo Buddhaya!

Reflections on the Four Immeasurable (brahmavihāras)

1. Mettā (Loving-kindness) – the unconditional and limitless love, goodwill, and kindness with all beings or things,

2. Karunā (Compassion) – the aspiration to remove the sufferings or misfortunes of others,

3. Muditā (Empathetic joy) – the delighting in the well-being of others,

4. Upekkhā (Equanimity) – the balancing of mind in all circumstances.

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