Why God Is A Verb, Not A Noun – Deepak Chopra | BuzzFresh News

Summary

This video script explores the relationship between consciousness, existence, and the divine. It delves into the philosophical dilemma of whether God is real or a mental construct, drawing on historical spiritual figures and teachings. The text emphasizes the inseparability of awareness and existence, presenting God as a participatory force in the universe, rather than a fixed entity. The analogy of a river is used to explain the different levels of consciousness, culminating in the silent awareness that reveals the source of reality. Ultimately, the video reflects on personal transformation and the ongoing nature of spiritual experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 God is the source and origin of existence, transcending both the age of faith and the age of science.
• 😀 The individual can discover truth by paying attention to the undeniable fact that existence and awareness are intertwined.
• 😀 The idea of God as a real experience is universally valid, as evidenced by historical figures like Zoroaster and Jesus Christ.
• 😀 Thoreau highlights the idea that an individual's religious experience is not unique, but part of a shared human awakening across time.
• 😀 Skeptics argue that the existence of God over time only shows that religion is a primitive relic to be rejected, but this view does not resolve the deeper questions of existence.
• 😀 The source of awareness is inconceivable and cannot be fully captured by language, symbolizing the ineffable nature of the divine and consciousness.
• 😀 The ancient Rishis claim that true knowledge is not something acquired but something one becomes, pointing to a participatory reality.
• 😀 God is a verb, not a noun, signifying that existence and awareness are constantly in motion and transformation.
• 😀 The mind can be compared to a river, with surface agitation representing conscious thoughts, and deeper stillness representing the source of awareness and silence.
• 😀 Higher states of consciousness reveal different realities, and understanding these states requires direct, lived experience, not abstract knowledge.
• 😀 The division between transcendence (God beyond) and imminence (God within everything) is ultimately irrelevant, as both are aspects of a unified existence.

Q & A

What does the author mean by 'God is a verb, not a noun'?

The author is suggesting that God should be viewed not as a static entity but as a dynamic, ongoing process. This means that God is an active force within the universe, constantly in motion and evolving, rather than a fixed object or concept.

How does the analogy of the river relate to the concept of consciousness?

The river analogy is used to describe the different levels of consciousness. On the surface, there is constant activity (thoughts, emotions), but as you go deeper, the current slows down, representing a more still and aware state of consciousness. At the deepest level, there is no current, symbolizing a state of pure, silent awareness where one can encounter the source of existence.

What is the significance of Zoroaster in the context of the script?

Zoroaster is used as an example of someone who experienced a profound spiritual awakening. The author references Zoroaster to illustrate that religious and spiritual experiences are universal and timeless, not confined to any specific culture or age.

Why does the author reject the view that religious experiences are simply primitive holdovers?

The author rejects this view because it fails to address the enduring and transformative nature of spiritual experiences. The continued relevance of these experiences throughout history suggests that they are not just outdated relics but are part of a universal, ongoing process of awakening and realization.

What is the relationship between ontology and epistemology as discussed in the script?

Ontology, the study of being, and epistemology, the study of knowledge, are presented as two intertwined philosophical fields that struggle with understanding the nature of existence and how we come to know it. The author suggests that these fields are complicated, especially in the context of trying to define the source of awareness and consciousness.

What does the author mean by 'knowledge you become'?

The author refers to the idea that true knowledge is not something that can be simply acquired or learned intellectually; instead, it is something you embody or become. This reflects the transformative nature of spiritual awakening, where understanding transcends intellectual concepts and becomes an integral part of one's being.

How does the script address the distinction between transcendence and immanence?

The script challenges the relevance of the distinction between transcendence (God 'above' or 'beyond') and immanence (God 'within' or 'in everything'). The author suggests that such distinctions are ultimately meaningless because God and existence are not separate from us, but part of the same ongoing reality.

What does the phrase 'reality itself is the ultimate guide into the unknown' imply?

This phrase suggests that the most reliable way to understand the nature of existence and the divine is not through theoretical knowledge or external belief systems, but through direct engagement with and experience of reality as it unfolds in every moment.

Why does the author emphasize personal experience in understanding reality?

The author emphasizes personal experience because it is through direct engagement with reality that true transformation and understanding occur. The idea is that subjective experience, rather than abstract theories or second-hand knowledge, is the key to knowing the truth about existence and the self.

How does the script address the idea of 'mutability' in human identity?

The author reflects on the human condition as one of constant change and flux. Unlike fixed identities, human beings are in a state of perpetual transformation, which is inherent to our nature. This mutability means that our sense of self is always evolving and cannot be captured by static labels or concepts.