In this piece I want to attempt to convey the idea of separation and connection using analogy and metaphor. I am doing this because sometimes what we speak of here is beyond explaining. My hope is that this may be a more creative way of conveying that which can be difficult and actually impossible to truly convey. We shall see how this goes… So, let’s embark on a way to unravel the illusion of separation that shapes our perception.
I have traveled the world and I have visited many historical castles and museums from France to Scotland and even Singapore and one thing that stands out for me over and over again are the incredible tapestries I have had the honor of experiencing in these places. Many of them are as big as the huge walls they hang from, and others are intimately small and delicate. They intrigue me for many reasons, one of course for the amazingly detailed work that it took to create these masterpieces, but especially how they are representative of the time in which they were created. They are like our photographs and have so much to say about who they were and who we are. And just like photographs they can only convey so much on the surface. If we are to really understand these we need to go deeper.
Just like a beautiful tapestry stretching across a grand hall, Life itself is intricately interwoven. However, we often feel disconnected from the profound oneness of Existence itself. It's as if we have lost touch with the threads that bind us together with each other and Life itself.
Imagine if you will, entering an ancient castle in the misty, moody highlands of Scotland, a massive monolith from the 1100’s that stood as a place of refuge from war and also of status for royalty. You are not sure why you are here, but something deep within you is pulling you to enter. You cross the drawbridge. It is eerily absent of other people. You begin moving deep into the center of the castle. You walk the halls, climb huge stone staircases, pass many heavy wooden doors until at the end of one of the corridors there lay an enormous archway through which rays of candlelight are streaming out. You still have no idea why, but you are drawn to enter.
As you enter, you notice it’s one of the most cavernous rooms you’ve ever entered. Immediately you see a massive tapestry filling one full wall. The whole space is lit with the biggest wall torches you have ever seen, and candles of every size are strewn everywhere. You are drawn to this beautiful piece of work on the old stone wall. The tapestry is filled with thousands upon thousands of threads of all colours and varying girth. As it is with all huge tapestries, it is impossible to know what the whole picture is until you step back to the other side of the hall and begin to take it all in.
Standing near the opposite wall, you start your observation of the bigger picture. You begin to make out various shapes and patterns.
You stare.
You process.
You contemplate.
It is truly like nothing you have ever seen. The shapes seem familiar, but not quite. The patterns start to ring a bell of recognition, but it’s not all coming together… What is this…?
As you keep observing, as if within a flash, you know. You have discovered the essence of Life. What you are looking at tells the whole story of Existence itself. Every thread and color miraculously come together, forming an exquisite masterpiece. Every individual, every animal, mineral and even every experience that ever was or ever will be for everyone who ever was or is ever to come is being reflected right in front of your eyes. It is some sort of multi-dimensional map that is reflecting All That Is…
This realization literally takes your breath away for more than a few seconds. You realize you are breathing irregularly. You control your breath to take in a few lungsful of air. In. Out. In. Out… You begin regaining your composure and start to take it all in. Conclusions begin forming in your mind. It all starts to piece itself together one realization upon another until the message of the tapestry becomes crystal clear.
Just like this vast tapestry, the fabric of Life is an entire symphony, where everything and everyone throughout history and beyond a future is intimately intertwined. What we understand as back and forth, up and down, good and bad have no meaning. It is ALL Life. It is a massive adventure of pure potentiality. Once that is clear, the next conclusion falls into place like a puzzle piece.
Our limited perspectives have led us to believe in the illusion of separation—a belief that we are isolated threads on this infinite textile, distinct from the interconnected web of Life.
This illusion of separation begins to take root during our childhood. As we grow, we start defining ourselves in relation to others, drawing lines between "me" and "you." Just like children are taught in the dream-state, we begin to identify with labels and roles, losing touch with the seamless tapestry of Existence. We become absorbed in the pursuit of accomplishments and possessions, thinking they will bring us fulfillment and completeness. Little do we realize that these pursuits reinforce the illusion of separateness and pull us deeper into states of solitude and individuality. This state of being is so close within the tapestry that you can never have an objective perspective of the whole. The phrase “Not seeing the forest for the trees comes to mind.”
This process of separation takes place without us even being aware. At the same time deep within us, there develops a seeker—a part of us that longs to rediscover the sense of Oneness. The seeker is caught up within the tapestry, seeking answers and meaning in external achievements, relationships, or spiritual pursuits. The seeker keeps searching and searching… This continual search and pursuit is what many in the separated state believe is what Life is really all about; reaching for what always seems to be just out of grasp. The truth is, the more the seeking, the more knots form and continue to bind us to the tapestry. We think what we are DOING will help us escape the illusion, but we are really re-confirming a mass hallucination. Outside this illusion lay the boundless interconnectedness of Existence that has always been present, patiently awaiting our recognition.
Sometimes, amidst the chaos, we catch glimpses of Unity. It may be the moment we witness a breathtaking sunset, losing ourselves in the beauty of the colors blending effortlessly. Or perhaps it's when we connect deeply with another person, transcending the boundaries of individuality, a quiet moment with an animal or even raucous laughter. These moments remind us of the harmony and oneness that underlies our everyday experiences. It is in these fleeting moments that we catch a glimpse of the dance of true connection and of Life itself.
Imagine Existence as a symphony, where each instrument represents a unique aspect of the whole. In this symphony, there are no separate notes, but rather a continuous flow of harmonious melodies. Similarly, the concept of non-duality invites us to embrace the melody of oneness beyond the limitations of language and pesky meanings. It is an invitation to tune in to the interconnected symphony of Existence.
Deep within, we carry an unsettled heart—a gentle ache that reminds us of something missing. This yearning propels us on various paths, seeking answers and fulfillment. We may chase success, love, or spiritual awakening, hoping they will soothe the ache within. However, it is important to recognize that this yearning is not a flaw; it is a catalyst for true discovery and an invitation to take part beyond ourselves and dance with the interconnectedness of All That Is.
This yearning has been reflected in many forms throughout time, including the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare. In his works and many others, we find echoes of the interconnected nature of Existence. His words, like poetic threads, unravel the illusions that veil our understanding. In “All the world's a stage," he reminds us, pointing to the fluidity of roles we choose to play or that we are thrown into unconsciously. And when he says, "There is nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so," he highlights the power of perception in shaping our reality. Think about what that is REALLY saying…
"There is nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,"
As we release the grip of separation, a profound transformation can take place. It is not about adding more to ourselves, but rather letting go of what we believe we are, which in turn starts to expand our perspective to embrace the interconnected dance of Life. One simple way to start this is by practicing the awareness of Life’s presence. When we start doing that, we can open ourselves to what is RIGHT HERE, realizing that every step, every breath, is an intricate movement in the tapestry of Existence. In this flow of connection, we recognize that the tapestry of Life is not a mere illusion, but a profound truth waiting to be acknowledged.
It is always here.
Suddenly, a noise startles you back!
You are again standing across from the tapestry. What was that noise and why am in a massive castle in 1117?!! The noise begins to get louder. What is that? You have heard it before. Was it in a film? Was it in real life? What is the difference...? Then you pinpoint the sound. It is of clanking armor and it it’s getting louder. They are running down the corridor that you took to get here. They are running straight toward the huge archway. Yelling is happening. They are looking for you. This can’t end well…
They are getting closer. Crap!
You look around for a place to escape, but the archway that leads to where they are coming from is the only way out. There are no other doorways in this hall. They are almost to the door. You do not know what to do or where to run. Everything begins to move as if in slow motion. You are frozen.
Then the only option for your safety becomes clear; you must run straight into Life itself, Life that takes you beyond fear, beyond love, beyond all meaning, beyond time and beyond you.
You know that the only way out is through; you must run directly into the mystery of the tapestry in order to move beyond it to the other side…or not.
They are at the archway now.
My latest video is out now.
In this talk we cover the "big split" of how the the separated self always wants to change one state for another that it thinks it better. This is something that once we realize this, then the rat race begins to change....
Thanks for all your support. Take care of yourself 💫
Nice metaphor, such eloquence !! <3
~ Yup, (to me) the first step in handling anything, is the ability to first face it . . . . for better or for worse. Surely, running from "life" just make one the effect of it, as opposed to taking an active hand in creating a (hopefully) better one.
Max, I really enjoyed this piece. Also, that picture of the castle is awesome! I really enjoy castles and one day to visit Scotland.