The Perennial Philosophy: The Mystic's View

The Mystic's View
The Perennial philosophy is a perspective in the philosophy of religion which views each of the world’s religious traditions as sharing a single, universal truth on which foundation all religious knowledge and doctrine has grown.

The mystical view is that there is only one consciousness, ‘one mind’, one field of truth that is the source of the entire universe. This field is not a thing; it’s a formless, unbounded, undivided consciousness. This is the perennial philosophy of mystics who have directly seen this all expansive Oneness.

Aldous Huxley describes the basic outline of the perennial philosophy found in all the mystic branches of the religions of the world:

That there is a Godhead or Ground, which is the unmanifested principle of all manifestation.

That the Ground is transcendent and immanent.

That it is possible for human beings to love, know and, from virtually, to become actually identified with the Ground.

That to achieve this unitive knowledge, to realize this supreme identity, is the final end and purpose of human existence.

That there is a Law or Dharma, which must be obeyed, a Tao or Way, which must be followed, if men are to achieve their final end.

It is known by many names in different cultures, in Hindu it is called Satchitananda in Buddhism it is called Buddha nature and in Chistianity it is sometimes referred to as Christ Consciousness or even God. All the meditation masters and great contemplatives and mystics of all spiritual traditions have pointed to it being the fundamental ground of being. It is known as the Perennial Philosophy.

To consciously access this ever present source you must transcend thoughts because words divide us from knowing the truth. The mystic's  view is a way of being natural and whole without dividing and separating yourself from the universe through words and labels. A direct experience of your ‘true self’ as a complete, loving, sane and joyful being. This source consciousness is what is looking not what we are looking at. It is a way of seeing without filters or blockages. It is dificult to notice or comprehend because it is not an object in consciousness it is consciousness Itself and you are that.

“I want to make sure you know you are not who you think you are. Who you are, in truth, who everyone is, is whole and perfect and beautiful. And if that can be recognized, then it is possible that self-torture can stop!”

This view initially starts out as a concept, an idea designed to be a pointer, a guide to what is actually possible. A spiritual seeker should not get stuck or be satisfied merely with the conceptual view, but meditate to directly experience it. The direct experience of the source of our being reveals a natural joy, love and wisdom, and is called a view not because it’s a concept or an idea but because it’s a way of seeing from an undivided consciousness. In actuality it’s closer to a way of being than a view. A way of being that enables a person to not be disturbed by the constant stream of thoughts and emotions or the fluctuations of the external world and instead be able to remain within a view of wholeness and unshakable ease.

“We are fragmented into so many different aspects. We don´t know who we really are, or what aspects of ourselves we should identify with or believe in. So many contradictory voices, dictates, and feelings fight for control over our inner lives that we find ourselves scattered everywhere, in all directions, leaving nobody at home. Meditation, then, is bringing the mind home to the spacious sky like nature.”