Nonduality: Don’t forget… You ARE The Light!✨✨✨- Jeff Foster

Jeff Foster Official

14 Jun 202317:31

Summary

TLDRIn this reflective discourse, Jeff Foster delves into the concept of presence, challenging the common spiritual pursuit of a 'perfect' meditative state. He illustrates the misunderstanding that presence should eradicate the 'mess' of human emotions and thoughts, using the ocean and its waves as a metaphor for the unity of consciousness and human experience. Foster encourages embracing the paradox of non-duality and duality, suggesting that true meditation is about being fully present without the need to chase or change the natural flow of life's experiences.

Takeaways

🕒 The present moment is the only time we truly experience, as the past is a memory and the future is a dream or hope.
🌊 The metaphor of the ocean and its waves is used to illustrate that all aspects of our humanity, including thoughts, feelings, and sensations, are expressions of our presence.
🧘‍♂️ The realization that presence does not mean the absence of thoughts or discomfort, but rather the acceptance of all experiences as part of the whole.
🔍 A deep misunderstanding of meditation is the belief that it should lead to a silent mind or the cessation of all human experiences, which is not the case.
🌟 The insight that the goal of meditation is not to achieve a state of perfection or enlightenment, but to recognize the inherent perfection in the present moment.
🌱 The importance of embracing the existential paradox of being both the ocean (presence) and its waves (human experiences) without trying to change or escape them.
🌈 The understanding that all emotions, from joy to sorrow, are welcome and are part of the rich tapestry of life, not signs of failure or lack of spiritual progress.
💡 The concept that true meditation begins when we let go of seeking and simply be present, without the filters of thought or the desire for a particular outcome.
🌌 The invitation to view each moment with fresh eyes, like a child, and to experience life without preconceived notions or expectations.
🔄 The reassurance that we can always begin again, no matter our past experiences or current state, and that each moment offers a new opportunity for presence and awareness.

Q & A

What is the main message Jeff Foster is conveying about the present moment?
-Jeff Foster emphasizes that the present moment is the only moment we truly experience and that it's where we can truly touch and be touched by life. He suggests that we are not separate from life itself and encourages us to be fully present and aware.
What is the misconception about meditation that Jeff Foster's friend realized?
-Jeff Foster's friend realized that he had been meditating with the misconception that if he meditated perfectly, his mind would become silent, his body would feel more relaxed, and his thoughts and feelings would be more positive. He believed that the goal of meditation was to achieve a state of peace and stillness, which is not the true essence of presence.
How does Jeff Foster describe the relationship between the ocean and its waves as a metaphor for presence and human experiences?
-Jeff Foster uses the metaphor of the ocean and its waves to illustrate that all human experiences, including thoughts, sensations, feelings, and emotions, are expressions of presence, just as waves are expressions of the ocean. He explains that there is no wave that opposes the ocean, and similarly, there is no human experience that is separate from our true nature.
What does Jeff Foster mean when he says that presence allows all of its waves?
-When Jeff Foster says that presence allows all of its waves, he means that all aspects of human experience, including negative emotions and thoughts, are part of our existence and are embraced within the state of presence, just as waves are part of the ocean.
Why did Jeff Foster's friend feel a sense of relief after his realization about meditation?
-Jeff Foster's friend felt a sense of relief because he realized that he didn't have to strive for a state of perfection or silence in meditation. Instead, he understood that the goal is to be present with whatever arises, including the 'mess' of human experiences, which are all part of the ocean of presence.
What is the existential paradox that Jeff Foster talks about?
-The existential paradox Jeff Foster refers to is the understanding that non-duality and duality, emptiness and form, are not separate but are expressions of each other. He suggests that this paradox is not something to be fixed or understood intellectually but is something to be embraced as a description of reality.
How does Jeff Foster define the 'ocean of you'?
-Jeff Foster defines the 'ocean of you' as the essence of your being, which is presence or consciousness. It is the unchanging principle that allows for all experiences, both positive and negative, to arise and be part of your existence.
What does Jeff Foster suggest about the nature of thoughts and feelings during meditation?
-Jeff Foster suggests that during meditation, thoughts and feelings are not something to be eliminated or avoided. Instead, they are to be acknowledged as part of the present moment and embraced as expressions of the ocean of presence.
What is the role of the 'I know' mind in meditation according to Jeff Foster?
-Jeff Foster implies that the 'I know' mind, or the mind that is seeking and trying to achieve something, cannot meditate. True meditation begins when one lets go of seeking and knowing, and instead, approaches the present moment with the openness and curiosity of a child.
How does Jeff Foster encourage us to approach the practice of meditation?
-Jeff Foster encourages us to approach meditation by letting go of preconceived notions, seeking, and trying to achieve a certain state. Instead, he suggests that we should be open to the present moment as it is, without judgment or expectation, and embrace the full spectrum of our human experiences.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 The Illusion of Presence and the Search for Truth

Jeff Foster introduces the concept of presence, contrasting it with the illusory nature of past and future. He emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the current moment, which is the only time we can truly experience life with our senses. Foster shares a personal anecdote about a friend's realization that his approach to meditation was flawed due to an underlying belief that perfect meditation would lead to a silent mind and a relaxed body. This misconception led to a sense of failure and disappointment, highlighting a common misunderstanding of what it means to be present.

05:01

🌊 The Ocean Metaphor: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Experience

Foster uses the metaphor of the ocean and its waves to illustrate the nature of presence. He explains that presence, like the ocean, allows for all waves—thoughts, sensations, emotions—to exist without judgment. Each wave, regardless of its nature, is an expression of the ocean, and thus, an expression of our true selves. The speaker clarifies that the pursuit of a 'perfect' meditative state that eradicates all human experiences is a fundamental misunderstanding of our nature. Instead, he suggests embracing the full spectrum of experiences as part of our existence.

10:03

🧘‍♂️ The Paradox of Spiritual Seeking and the Oceanic Nature

Continuing with the ocean metaphor, Foster discusses the spiritual seeker's journey, often characterized by a desire to chase after a state of being or enlightenment. He points out that this chase is rooted in a misunderstanding of our inherent nature as the ocean, which is already whole and complete. The speaker encourages embracing the paradox of being both the ocean and its waves, the presence and the experiences. He suggests that true spiritual practice is not about chasing experiences but about recognizing and resting in our inherent nature.

15:03

🌅 The Portal of Meditation and the Fresh Perspective of a Child

In the final paragraph, Foster talks about the nature of meditation as a portal to the present moment. He argues that true meditation is not for the expert or the seeker but for those who can let go of all knowledge and expectations. The speaker invites us to approach life with the innocence and curiosity of a child, free from the need to understand or fix the existential paradox. He concludes by reminding us that we can always begin again, no matter our past experiences, and that the present moment is always an opportunity for a fresh start.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Presence

Presence in the script refers to the state of being fully engaged and aware in the current moment. It is the core of the video's message, emphasizing that true presence is not about achieving a state of mental silence or physical relaxation, but rather acknowledging and embracing all experiences, including thoughts, feelings, and sensations, as they arise. The speaker uses the metaphor of the ocean to illustrate that presence is like the ocean, allowing all waves (experiences) to be part of it without judgment.

💡Meditation

Meditation, as discussed in the script, is not just a practice of quieting the mind but a broader experience of being present and accepting the full spectrum of human emotions and thoughts. The speaker points out a common misconception that meditation should lead to a noiseless mind or a state of bliss, which is challenged by the realization that meditation is about being with whatever arises, including the 'messiness' of being human.

💡Ocean of Presence

The 'Ocean of Presence' is a metaphor used to describe the expansive, all-encompassing nature of being fully present. It suggests that just as an ocean contains all its waves, our presence contains all our experiences without judgment. This concept is central to the video's theme, illustrating that the true essence of meditation and presence is not about exclusion or perfection but about inclusion and acceptance.

💡Thoughts

In the context of the video, 'thoughts' are considered as waves in the ocean of presence. They are not something to be eliminated or controlled but are instead accepted as part of the natural flow of consciousness. The speaker challenges the idea that meditation should result in a thought-free state, suggesting instead that thoughts are an integral part of the human experience and should be embraced within the practice of presence.

💡Humanity

Humanity, as used in the script, encompasses the full range of human emotions, sensations, and experiences, including the so-called 'messy' aspects like doubt, fear, and sorrow. The speaker argues that these are not signs of failure in meditation or presence but are, in fact, expressions of being alive and fully human. They are to be welcomed and embraced as part of the rich tapestry of our existence.

💡Non-duality

Non-duality is a philosophical concept that suggests a unity or oneness underlying the apparent diversity of experience. In the video, non-duality is presented as the understanding that the observer (the self) and the observed (experiences) are not separate but are aspects of a single reality. The speaker uses this concept to explain that the perceived 'mess' of thoughts and feelings is not something to be transcended but is, in fact, an expression of the wholeness of our being.

💡Paradox

Paradox, in the script, refers to the seemingly contradictory nature of reality where two opposing truths can coexist. The speaker discusses the paradox of non-duality and duality, where the individual waves of experience are both distinct and part of the whole ocean of presence. Embracing this paradox is presented as a key to understanding and accepting the full range of human experience within the practice of meditation and presence.

💡Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing one's attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. In the video, mindfulness is described as more than just a technique; it is a way of life that involves acknowledging and experiencing all aspects of reality, including the 'messy' ones. The speaker suggests that true mindfulness is not about achieving a certain state but about being fully present with whatever arises.

💡Enlightenment

Enlightenment, as discussed in the script, is often sought as a goal or a state of being, but the speaker challenges this notion. Instead, enlightenment is redefined as a recognition of the inherent wholeness and completeness of the present moment, including all experiences. It is not about achieving a state of perfection but about realizing that the ocean of presence already contains everything.

💡Awareness

Awareness, in the context of the video, is the quality or state of being conscious or noticing something. It is presented as the foundation of presence, where one is not just passively experiencing but is actively noticing and accepting all experiences as they are. The speaker emphasizes that awareness is not about achieving a state of mental clarity but about being fully present with the totality of one's experience.

Highlights

The present moment is the only moment we can truly experience with our senses.

The past is a memory and the future is a dream or fantasy.

Meditation is not about silencing the mind but about being present with all thoughts and sensations.

Every wave of emotion and thought is an expression of the ocean of presence.

The belief that presence should be peaceful is a misunderstanding of what presence truly is.

The ocean of presence allows all waves, including those of doubt, fear, and sorrow.

The pursuit of spiritual enlightenment often stems from a misunderstanding of our true nature.

Embracing the paradox of non-duality and duality is essential for true understanding.

The heart Sutra's teaching of 'emptiness is form, form is emptiness' illustrates the non-dual nature of existence.

The true nature of meditation is to be present with the 'mess' of humanity without judgment.

The realization that we are the ocean, not just the waves, brings a deep sense of relief.

The spiritual journey is not about chasing a state of being but about remembering our true nature.

The concept of 'more light required' metaphorically suggests the need for deeper understanding and awareness.

The existential paradox is not something to be fixed but something to be embraced.

Meditation begins when we let go of seeking and become like a child, experiencing the present moment.

The invitation to drop everything we think we know and to experience the present moment anew.

The reminder that we can always begin again, no matter our past experiences or future aspirations.