What is This?

There are as many ways to see this reality as there are people on this planet. Such varied descriptions of this reality have led to the rise of religions, spiritual approaches, and methodologies. Each claiming to be the most accurate way of seeing reality. This has on occasion led to a reinforcing of duality, of separation, as the various proponents of their approaches have argued that theirs is, not only the most accurate way of seeing reality, but the only way.

I have always argued that this shows more about the follower of the approach as opposed to the approach. Normally, a lack of confidence makes us shout even louder that only our way is right. In this, we commit an injustice to ourselves and those around us. Closing ourselves off to any other approach and, in many cases, blindly following a path which leads us further and further away from who we truly are.

The simple answer to the question posed is simply, I do not know, and I think we can never know, and yet this exploration and enquiry continue. Although, it may appear futile as words can never adequately capture what this truly is. There is a purpose, firstly, to serve as a guidepost almost pointing ourselves and others in the way towards realisation and, secondly, to allow us to see the vastness and yet intimacy of this reality. To naturally bring up a humility and gratitude, and watch as that fuels further exploration and enquiry. It may be argued that this creates further seeking, but, if we consider that we are not separate from this reality, then we go from seeking to seeing. To become aware that what is being pointed to and explored is our true nature. Who we really are.

I have found from this perspective, this seeing creates an effortlessness and a natural curiosity. An impersonal desire emanating from this consciousness wanting to know itself. Echoing the Quranic verse

“I was a treasure I wished to be known.”

I have always pondered why the Quran would state this and I can only offer forth the following observation: that reality wishes to know itself and, as such, sets up the whole play of life to explore more of what it is. In that sense, it doesn’t have parameters or is limited. It is vast, beyond comprehension and able to hold all positions, and yet none. All and nothing occur in it and, yet, there is nothing definitive about it. In that lies its wonder, that, however much we enquire or explore, we will never plumb the depths of the ocean that is life.

Life then truly is the gift that keeps on giving.