Reality
We are much more than what we appear to be. We base our perception of ourselves on what we see in the mirror. This physical perception is reinforced by society, our schools, and even our religions. We are alone, we think, fending off the wolves who would devour us and clinging to those who offer us support and loving care. Lord Jesus, Mother Mary, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, Mohammed, Zoarastra, etc. are thought of as Prophets or Saviors of Mankind who exist somewhere out there. When we pray to Them, we hope they can hear us out there and will come to our rescue when we need Them to save us from some dire situation. God is typically viewed as a Father figure, often depicted as a very muscular looking old man with a long white beard who is sitting on a throne in Heaven. Many religions reinforce this view of separation. Little, insignificant Us and big, powerful Them. Of course, many religions also teach us that their anointed representatives are necessary middlemen required to represent our interests before God, sort of like metaphysical lawyers. And you know how beneficial and necessary lawyers are, don't you?
I'm being a little facetious, but I'm trying to get across the point that a fundamental misdirection has been taught by many organized religions that was never taught by the Founder of that religion. This misdirection did not come about by accident. It was intentional. It is the work of men who sought to gather power and privilege to themselves using the pretext of being earthly representatives of God. The purpose was to create a hierarchy of controlling elites at the top and the "'followers" down below who were expected to pay the bills. A similar hierarchy evolved in the secular world with the idea of kingship/royalty and their "subjects" who again, were expected to pay (in some manner) for the privilege of being ruled and controlled. The true teachings of Christ and many other great spiritual teachers of antiquity were twisted and distorted by these elites desiring to create a paradigm of control and obedience to them. This is not what Christ taught or wanted. Jesus said that "The Kingdom of God is Within". And so it is.
What did He mean? He meant that God exists within us at all times. We are part of God. We are not separated from God. We don't have to go looking for Him because we already have Him within every molecule and atom of our being. In fact, none of us are truly separate from each other. It only appears that way. It's an illusion, although it's hard to accept that from our limited perspective. We are all part of God and God pervades everything. He is All That Is.
Now once you start to realize that, doors begin to open. You no longer feel so alone and fearful. You aren't battling the Dark Forces of the universe by yourself, you now realize, but rather you have a great deal of help and support at your disposal. You are a part of God and God is a part of you.. You are an integral part of a greater Reality. A Divine Nature dwells within you since you are born of the Father and the Father is Divinity itself. Therefore, you have friends in very high places. The ancient Hindu scriptures wrote of these truths eons ago.
If you study the writings of yoga masters, you will come across the concept of Athman (Atman), or the Godhead figure within. The Soul and Atman are not exactly the same, but the Atman exist within the Soul. The Soul still retains the outer mantle of sense perception and carries the karmic baggage of previous lives. The Atman is completely detached and free of all sense desires or aversions. It is possible to perceive and experience the Atman while in this physical life. When you do, you are free. You can experience total bliss that will exceed anything your imagination can conjure.You will never view the world and its turmoil and triumphs in the same way, ever again.
