A short essay on the subtle architecture of our inner life

[old3bob]

6 hours ago, Bindi said:

What if the ‘perfect substrates’ of Daoism, Vedanta, and similar systems were simply attempts to explain what was not understandable at the time? Today, other perspectives might offer better explanations, like an evolutionary approach. What if the subtle body is an emergent property of complex systems, arising from the interaction of energy, information, and consciousness? Over time, it naturally self-organises toward coherence, integration, and functional refinement, producing the effects traditions describe as alignment. I agree that the subtle energy body exists, but I prefer to explore how it emerges naturally, rather than relying solely on traditional frameworks to tell me where it comes from or where it’s going.

 

 

good wine put into old bottles does have some problems in our "modern times" then again what do our modern times boil down to?  Is a good wine made better or is it the same just in a different bottle?   The drink of Purity is what counts the most!  I like your sentence of: "Over time, it naturally self-organizes toward coherence, integration, and functional refinement, producing the effects traditions describe as alignment."  although I'd use words more like unfolds or reveals instead of "producing", for a particular light body is woven of light but what is inside that light and where did it come from or what produced it?  (Is it dependent on and created by human means,  btw if said body has been woven at some point will it not also be unwoven at some point - returning into an ocean of light? )

 

Edited August 29 by old3bob

[Bindi]

14 hours ago, old3bob said:

 

good wine put into old bottles does have some problems in our "modern times" then again what do our modern times boil down to?  Is a good wine made better or is it the same just in a different bottle?   The drink of Purity is what counts the most!  I like your sentence of: "Over time, it naturally self-organizes toward coherence, integration, and functional refinement, producing the effects traditions describe as alignment."  although I'd use words more like unfolds or reveals instead of "producing", for a particular light body is woven of light but what is inside that light and where did it come from or what produced it?  (Is it dependent on and created by human means,  btw if said body has been woven at some point will it not also be unwoven at some point - returning into an ocean of light? )

 

I think the way we frame “source consciousness” does really shape how we approach it.

 

Here’s my idea. Before the theory of evolution, humans were seen as endpoints, while gods, the Dao, or Brahman were thought perfect and unchanging. But the theory of evolution changes that. Everything, including individual consciousness, systems, and even our assumed ground of being,  emerges, develops, and evolves.

 

Say there is a “point of light” or pure consciousness hidden within, split from source consciousness. What if It’s not fixed, what if it unfolds, grows, and at death returns to contribute back to the whole, showing that the Source itself is dynamic. What if each spark subtly shapes the larger field, demonstrating that perfection isn’t stasis but coherent adaptability.

 

Spiritual striving then isn’t about returning to a pre-existing perfect state. It’s about participating consciously in the evolution of consciousness itself, including source consciousness. By refining ourselves we reveal the latent potential in an ever-unfolding reality. From this perspective, our physical bodies, our subtle energy body development, our awareness, all of it matters so much, because it’s one way source consciousness expresses itself and evolves. 

[old3bob]

12 hours ago, Bindi said:

I think the way we frame “source consciousness” does really shape how we approach it.

 

Here’s my idea. Before the theory of evolution, humans were seen as endpoints, while gods, the Dao, or Brahman were thought perfect and unchanging. But the theory of evolution changes that. Everything, including individual consciousness, systems, and even our assumed ground of being,  emerges, develops, and evolves.

 

Say there is a “point of light” or pure consciousness hidden within, split from source consciousness. What if It’s not fixed, what if it unfolds, grows, and at death returns to contribute back to the whole, showing that the Source itself is dynamic. What if each spark subtly shapes the larger field, demonstrating that perfection isn’t stasis but coherent adaptability.

 

Spiritual striving then isn’t about returning to a pre-existing perfect state. It’s about participating consciously in the evolution of consciousness itself, including source consciousness. By refining ourselves we reveal the latent potential in an ever-unfolding reality. From this perspective, our physical bodies, our subtle energy body development, our awareness, all of it matters so much, because it’s one way source consciousness expresses itself and evolves. 

 

I'd say evolving "soul" is related to all the aspects you are bringing up  (some schools even deny soul and its evolution) But not so for the "Soul of the soul" as pointed to with the term "Self" in the Upanishads and other systems.  Btw. in many schools of Hinduism the causal realm gods are not equated with the Self,  for instance Lord Brahma the creator is said to be an emanation of the transcendent which manifests and expresses through that aspect.  Mind can not wrap its head around the Self for the Self is not of the mind or a thing,  thus with all of minds powers, reasoning and striving it still can not split the Self apart or nail it down.  I'm not an enlightened or empowered master but I'd also say ideas (thoughts) of a static, in some ways lacking, or Source as being incomplete if It doesn't also evolve as things do -- does not apply to It, a.k.a.  "Mystery".   (a term from chap. 1 of the T.T.C.)

Edited August 30 by old3bob

[old3bob]

 

a short follow up:  I agree with your idea of possible spiritual GAIN or benefit for most all realms  (earthly,  astral and causal) and that the Beings dwelling therein may progress,  (including earth bound souls who may have little or no knowledge of  more subtle states) .  Anyway with the potential for or an or actual gain there is then also the potential for or an actual loss.   Thus if "Source" were also under that law it would be in a similar boat as all things are that change in time(s) and space(s) and thus never come to, or realizes ultimate rest/peace in unconditioned Beingness - which I'd say is an underlying spiritual motive/essence  built  into all souls to know and attain via us finally putting away internal doubts, conundrums, debates, conflicts,  various types of gains or losses,  separation, etc.. so coming to understanding with what It's all about in ultimate meaning. 

  

Edited September 4 by old3bob

[Bindi]

On 3/9/2025 at 6:23 PM, old3bob said:

 

a short follow up:  I agree with your idea of possible spiritual GAIN or benefit for most all realms  (earthly,  astral and causal) and that the Beings dwelling therein may progress,  (including earth bound souls who may have little or no knowledge of  more subtle states) .  Anyway with the potential for or an or actual gain there is then also the potential for or an actual loss.   Thus if "Source" were also under that law it would be in a similar boat as all things are that change in time(s) and space(s) and thus never come to, or realizes ultimate rest/peace in unconditioned Beingness - which I'd say is an underlying spiritual motive/essence  built  into all souls to know and attain via us finally putting away internal doubts, conundrums, debates, conflicts,  various types of gains or losses,  separation, etc.. so coming to understanding with what It's all about in ultimate meaning. 

  

I just don’t have a problem with the idea that ‘Source’ may also gain or lose. Why must Source, in your philosophy, already have realised some ultimate state? What natural or spiritual law requires it to be a fixed perfection?

 

Why not allow for the possibility that Source itself is engaged in a dynamic process, open to evolution, flux, and learning? Why can’t reality itself be unfolding, rather than a finished perfection? If Source can gain and lose, then divinity is not an external, already complete endpoint but part of the same drama we are living, simply on a vast scale. And to me, that isn’t an intrinsic problem.

 

A sun with a billion atoms added or deleted may look the same, yet it is intrinsically different. Why should Source be exempt from such subtle shifts of being?

[old3bob]

 

Well I'd say again that Source or Self is not a particular this or that thing going through gain or loss,  Prana/Light springs from the Self and then all follows in multiple levels of manifestation...btw such is not my philosophy but to me that alluded to by realized Sages/Masters down through the ages.  Their unbound realization ultimately matches a knowing beyond regular knowing that they are not just a particular this or that thing with

designs of its own (ego) or limited to whatever local form or matrix that has taken shape in comings or goings  in time(s) and space(s).  Why,  well I'd say "why" can not really give or get an answer beyond speculations....while the power of Unconditional Love needs no conditions or a 'why' that  can be nailed down by mental means. 

Good day Bindi.

 

Edited September 9 by old3bob

[Bindi]

13 hours ago, old3bob said:

 

Well I'd say again that Source or Self is not a particular this or that thing going through gain or loss,  Prana/Light springs from the Self and then all follows in multiple levels of manifestation...btw such is not my philosophy but to me that alluded to by realized Sages/Masters down through the ages.  Their unbound realization ultimately matches a knowing beyond regular knowing that they are not just a particular this or that thing with designs of its own (ego) or limited to whatever local form or matrix that has taken shape in comings or goings  in time(s) and space(s).  Why,  well I'd say "why" can not really give or get an answer beyond speculations....while the power of Unconditional Love needs no conditions or a 'why' that  can be nailed down by mental means. 

Good day Bindi.

 

 

Belief in Masters down the ages only holds in so far as you choose which masters to believe. What about the Buddhist masters, the Muslim masters, the Christian Masters.the Daoist adepts and Tantrics who describe things differently? Each lineage presents a different truth, often contradictory. Where there are multiple versions of truth, how can you know you’ve picked the right one? 
 

I agree that ‘truth’ is known only beyond mundane mind, but I’m not throwing my lot in with any handed down truth, until I myself stand beyond mundane mind, only then can I know to my satisfaction who if any have been there, and not just visiting but permanently residing. 
 

From what I know so far Laozi and Jesus seem like the most likely candidates to me. Jesus speaks of the Father’s will being done on earth as in heaven, Laozi talks about the sage acting in accordance with Dao, the “uncarved block” expressing itself here on earth. Both point toward integration rather than negation, not dismissing form, not escaping the world but embodying truth here.
 

Actually nondualists assert the importance of both form and ‘emptiness’, it seems to me whilst disparaging the value of spiritual endeavour within form, but the Advaitans don’t pay any regard to form do they? Form is illusory? Only the transcendent has real value? Is this where you’re coming from? 

[old3bob]

 

I'm not up on a lot of that stuff you've mentioned,  I would say that any fine teaching and or pointers do not expect or encourage  blind faith as a replacement for growing first hand experience that takes one beyond gnawing doubts! 

 

I'd say chapter 21 below of the T.T.C. is more than just handed down rote repetition but a shared witness that we can also appreciate on whatever level we can feel or relate to it  (especially the last line) and or that which are also found in other fine teachings: 

 

"IT lies in the nature of Grand Virtue
To follow the Tao and the Tao alone.
Now what is the Tao?
It is Something elusive and evasive.
Evasive and elusive!
And yet It contains within Itself a Form.
Elusive and evasive!
And yet It contains within Itself a Substance.
Shadowy and dim!
And yet It contains within Itself a Core of Vitality.
The Core of Vitality is very real,
It contains within Itself an unfailing Sincerity.
Throughout the ages Its Name has been preserved
In order to recall the Beginning of all things.
How do I know the ways of all things at the Beginning?
By what is within me."

 

btw I'm not the enemy here to disprove and neither are you,  if something I mention is of use  fine,  if not then we should agree to disagree... 

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 10:53 AM by old3bob