H:
How does Magdi ‘describe’ formless awareness?
Ai:
Magdi describes formless awareness as the fundamental reality, the essence of being, and the true nature of the Self. It is a central concept in his teachings, representing the non-dual understanding of reality.
Here are key aspects of formless awareness according to Magdi:
● It is the foundation of all experience:
Formless awareness is the space in which all experiences, thoughts, sensations, and perceptions arise and dissolve. It is the screen of consciousness on which the world and the body-mind appear. It is the light of awareness shining and illuminating all experiences.
● It is formless, invisible, and without qualities:
Formless awareness is not a thing or an object, and has no shape, color, gender, or location. It is beyond the senses and cannot be perceived by them. It is often described as transparent, open, and vast.
● It is the true Self:
This formless awareness is what we truly are, not the body-mind or personal identity. It is the “I” that knows it exists, the pure “I am” before any personal identification. It is the perceiver, not the perceived.
● It is always present:
Formless awareness is always present, and is not something that needs to be created or achieved. It is effortless and does not require any doing or effort. It is described as a natural state of being and is always available.
● It is freedom, peace, love, and happiness:
Formless awareness is the source of freedom, peace, and happiness. It is not limited by time or space. It is beyond personal desires and attachments, and is not subject to change.
Magdi encourages recognizing oneself as this formless awareness, rather than identifying with the body-mind or a personal identity. This understanding brings about liberation from suffering and a deep sense of peace, freedom, and joy.
H: Formless awarenes, part of the Advaita teaching?
Ai: Yes, formless awareness is a central concept in Advaita Vedanta teachings. Advaita Vedanta posits that the ultimate reality, known as Brahman, is formless, eternal, and non-dual consciousness. This formless awareness is described as sat-cit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss) and is considered to be the true nature of the self. In Advaita philosophy, this formless awareness is:
- Absolute and unconditioned
- Immutable and inactive
- Without limiting characteristics
- Not belonging to any particular mind or individual
The teaching emphasizes that this pure consciousness is distinct from mental states or objects of perception. It is the unchanging substratum upon which all phenomena appear. Advaita practitioners are encouraged to recognize this formless awareness as their true identity, transcending the limitations of the ego and the apparent duality of subject and object. It’s important to note that while formless awareness is a key teaching, Advaita also acknowledges the apparent reality of the manifest world. The goal is not to achieve a permanent state of formlessness, but rather to recognize the underlying non-dual nature of reality while still engaging with the world.
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