Meditation, Parvati, Unity

See Unity Within Diversity

We all have different ideas about the divine, likely because it is beyond description or full comprehension by our limited understanding. The divine is all that is. When we feel we cannot relate to the divine, we are in some form of delusion and under the tricky spell of our ego. Our choice is simple: be disconnected, or connected, to greater or lesser degrees.

How do we see the divine and how do we experience it? We are often left wondering what and where this elusive, sacred thing is. The idea of “everywhere” is outside of what our egos can grasp and control, past the common reference points that most of us consider real. But everywhere means just that: in all things at all times. That means the divine is in the food we eat, in the air we breathe, in the energy that makes our bodies move, and in the people we meet, including the ones we don’t like. We are constantly within and supported by the whole, whether or not we see it.

For some, the divine is formless, expansive light. Others see the sacred in nature, such as in a tree, a mountain, an animal or a river. Many traditions relate to God as a male figurehead, while others worship the divine mother. However we see the divine, what is essential is that we touch the reality of unity behind the appearance of diversity.

The divine is ultimately pure, unconditional love, and as such, it will express itself to you in the best way for you to evolve. Think of spiritual traditions as being different windows that look onto a single, all-encompassing pure light. A window frame may be Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or any other world tradition. Some people may look at the window dressing and see only their religion. For those who look deeper, the structure of each tradition can help spiritual aspirants find one universal divine truth. They know that what is essential is what shines through the window: the clear, unattached, compassionate natural love-light of the divine that is within all.

Instead of getting stuck on the window dressing, look through the window and welcome the light that we all are. When we focus on the unity that joins us, we create a beautiful human rainbow, varied in colour, all part of the one substratum of pure white light.

As you grow spiritually, you see that we are all expressions of the divine. Your body, your mind, every breath – everything – happens because of divine grace. The idea that you are separate from the divine is an illusion to be remedied by your spiritual practice.

You are a reflection of the supreme, primordial force of creation. At some place within your soul, whether conscious or not, you know this spiritual truth. Your precious and unique life is about becoming more aware of this underlying unity that is temporarily masked by your limited perceptions and ego.

While you move through your busy days, you may forget that the very force of life that sustains you is divine. It is divine grace that you can walk, that you can breathe, and that you exist – at all! By consciously choosing to notice these seemingly small miracles that you may habitually take for granted, you begin to loosen your attachment to being a separate, struggling being. When you let go of the illusion that your ego is in control, you see that you are a part of an exquisite divine play. You begin to see the divine everywhere and always.

MEDITATION PRACTICE: SEE THE DIVINE LIGHT IN ALL

With an open mind, and a bit of time, walk over to a private mirror. Look into it and see yourself reflected back to you. Rather than focusing on things that you find wrong with yourself, look at the luminosity behind your skin, no matter what state it may be in. Look at how it shines. Look at it well. Open to it. Receive it. Allow it to come forward. Allow your body/being to expand and express that light. It is the divine, your true nature, shining back at you.

Now walk out into the street. Be open to that same radiance coming through all things. The tree is not just bark and branches and leaves, but part of the body of the divine. See the luminosity within the tree. The same light exists within all things, even cars and buildings. Open to it and welcome it into your field of experience.

Look at the people on the street. Even in those who are closed, in pain, and look like they are having a bad day, there is light behind their sorry story. That light is carrying them in every moment. They likely do not know it, but you can. In your touching it, you can boost its signal and mirror it back to them as a gift.

That light is love. That light is the divine. That light is their true nature, your true nature, our true nature that sustains and shines through all matter. The more you focus on that eternal luminosity, the more healing and love you bring to yourself and to all beings. You literally are one with the divine, lighting up the world.

Parvati headshotParvati is an award-winning musician (I Am Light, Electro Yog, Yoga In The Nightclub), yogini (YEM: Yoga as Energy Medicine), author (Aonani of Avalon, Confessions) and founder of the not-for-profit Parvati.org. All her work is dedicated to protecting all life on Earth by establishing the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary(MAPS). More info: parvati.tv; parvati.org.