The 13th century Sufi mystic and poet, Rumi, penned the following lines:
I searched for God and found only myself
I searched for myself and found only God
His penetrating depth of insight offers much for seekers on a non-dualistic path. Beyond the metaphysical concept of oneness lies the understanding that Self has nothing to do with what we consider as objective reality.
We believe that this body with a name is me. We further contend that thoughts, feelings, sensations, and experiences relate to and affect the self.
But such a perspective is fatally flawed.
All matter in the material world, including bodies, are but dancing shadows projected from a misguided belief in separation. Physicality doesn't witness to reality; it obscures it. As we read in A Course in Miracles:
Nothing so blinding as perception of form. For sight of form means understanding has been obscured.
This is why happiness can never be found in the concrete world, despite relentless searching. As the Course continues, "The world was made as an attack on God." Yet returning awareness from the body back to the formless, timeless realm of mind reveals the spotless source of Self. Rumi's keen discernment.
Peace lies within. Not within the body, though certainly the body may be employed to help advance on the pathless path. Rather, within the mind, the ethereal realm of unconditional peace.
Join me in Thursday's class where we'll explore the nature of mind and how Rumi's acuity can help guide us to the joyous realm of Self. I look forward to seeing you then.