The Great Reality deep down within us

[stone]

We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found.

This is the one part of Chapter 4 that resonated with me, like it was a truth I knew that I was being reminded of, as is often the way with spiritual truths, in my experience.

This idea of God being inside us, that our very soul is (part of) God sounds like Christian Mysticism to me, especially the teachings of Meister Eckhart.
"The eye with which I see God is the same with which God sees me. My eye and God's eye is one eye, and one sight, and one knowledge, and one love."

It also sounds like the Hindu notion of Atman or Brahman.
"This is the truth As from a fire aflame thousands of sparks come forth, even so from the Creator an infinity of beings have life and to him return again. -- Maitri Upanishads"

So this is not the creator and the created, it is "part of", the same.

I have always been put off by what I saw as the Christian overtones of the Big Book so I find it interesting that my favourite phrase in Chapter 4 is not an orthodox Christian view.

Although really I think all religions are pointing at the same thing. That thing is un-knowable which makes it hard to define or talk about.


Another Meister Eckhart quote.

"And thou shouldest know that to be empty of all creature's love is to be full of God, and to be full of creature-love is to be empty of God."

(to be full of ego leaves no room for God? The purpose of the steps?)

BB Quotes, 1st Edition

[Cubile75]

I see many parallels between some of what you mentioned above...

So this is not the creator and the created, it is "part of", the same.

... and the Holy Spirit.... I'm catholic and it is the mysticism that is so evident here.....

"Through Him, With Him and In Him"

That resonates with me.

Hmmm... I think the founders worked with some Jesuits in Akron early on... I don't have any idea if there is a connection... but just something I thought of.

Mark

[barb dwyer]

deep.

[gravity]

Carol always posts from "24 Hours A Day" (thanks Carol) and todays meditation really blew me away:

Meditation for the Day

You should strive for a union between your purposes in life and the purposes of the Divine Principle directing the universe. There is no bond of union on earth to compare with the union between a human soul and God. Priceless beyond all earth's rewards is that union. In merging your heart and mind with the heart and mind of the Higher Power, a oneness of purpose results, which
only those who experience it can even dimly realize. That oneness of purpose puts you in harmony with God and with all others who are trying to do His will.

When it comes to spirituality, I feel that I have been blessed with an open mind. Christianity, Ojibway teachings, contemporary readings (Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra)...it does all point to the same thing.

God is everywhere.

[barb dwyer]

I'm so glad to see you're doing so much work in the Spirituality department, Stone!

Go back and read your early posts on the topic, you've come MILES, hon.

from to in twelve easy steps! LOL!

Well, maybe not *praying* just yet,,,
but the thing I've always loved about you is being open to finding out more.

[Pagekeeper]

Stone,

That quote is also one of my favorites in the BB. Not sure if you've read The Gospel of Thomas--it was discovered in Egypt in the 40's--and is written as a logia, meaning it has no narrative, just aphorisms and sayings. Point is, it says much of the same. A remarkable translation can be found by Marvin Meyer.

Another philosopher who expounds on "The Great Reality" within, is Jiddu Krishnamurti. His writings are beautifully realized and insightful. Krishnamurti was Tolle's main influence. Start with "The First and Last Freedom" if you are interested. I learned so much from that book. It changed the way I looked at myself, and made the last part of that quote come alive: In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found.

[stone]

Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts.


Mark, yes there are similarities there.

Grav, I like that quote too.

Barb, yes I am "deep", lol.


Page, yea I have read some of the Gnostic Gospels...

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

I think I will get that Marvin Meyer book.

Krishnamurti is someone I think I would like but I haven't read his stuff yet.

[digderidoo]

That quote is what made step 3 a spiritual one for me. Up until that point i used the AA group as my higher power, working step 3 that way.

As pagekeeper mentions the Gospel of Thomas says a similar thing,

If those who lead you say "God's Kingdoms in heaven," then the birds will fly there first.
If they say "It's in the sea", the fish will swim there first.

For God's kingdom dwells in your heart and all around you;
when you know your Self you too shall be known!

I've also started to read Krishnamurti, i agree with alot of stuff he says, but tend to disagree on the concepts of breaking from conditioning. I think we are all conditioned no matter how much we try to break from it, but i guess i'm digressing...maybe for another thread.

Paul

[stone]

Hi Paul,



There is a similar quote in Luke 17:21

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Originally Posted by digderidoo

That quote is what made step 3 a spiritual one for me. Up until that point i used the AA group as my higher power, working step 3 that way.

It was crucial to me too.

[Pilgrim]

Hi Stone,

Hope you don't mind me making a comment.

I found the way the steps worked for me was when I was forced to look inside myself. The me I have become is OK I think. When I see others getting better by passing on what was given to me, I find that a strong spiritual experience.

[barb dwyer]

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

my personal fave.

[sugErspun]

A great thread. It is also one of my favorite parts of the book (AA) that the great reality is found deep down inside.

It is such a simple notion, and once it is seen (which I have seen) it is almost like "How did I miss that all along"...and the seeing of how it has been missed, will be missed (obscured is such a great way to describe this) in the future..with the knowledge that "I DID SEE IT!", is very comforting.

I like that pagekeeper referred to Krishnamurti.... in years past and my disdain for 'religion', I found myself listening to a talk between he and Dr David Bohm. It blew me away. I actually understood what they were talking about!! This led to self reflection, or maybe it was release of self..I am not quite sure...but it led to a peaceful acceptance that things are perfect the way they are, whether I label it 'good' 'bad' or otherwise.

Thanks for the post Stone. Enjoy your journey.