Your Body Is Only in Your Mind

Summary

In this philosophical discussion, Anne explores the relationship between the finite mind and the infinite consciousness. She delves into the concept that the body is an extension of the mind, with William Blake's quote emphasizing that the body and soul are not distinct but one entity. The conversation suggests that matter and mind are two phases of the same thing, with the body being the external manifestation of the internal mind. This perspective challenges the traditional dualistic view, proposing a unified model where the body is the physical expression of consciousness.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The finite mind is a localized form of infinite awareness, suggesting that our individual consciousness is a specific expression of a broader, limitless consciousness.
• 🌐 Matter in the world is considered an activity of consciousness, implying that physical reality is a manifestation of conscious processes.
• 🏃‍♂️ The body is also an activity of consciousness, indicating that our physical form is not separate from our mental processes but is an extension of them.
• 🔄 There is a two-way interaction between the finite mind and the body, with the senses informing awareness and the body acting based on conscious content.
• 🤔 The relationship between the mind and the body is not fully understood, but it is suggested to be more than just communication; they are fundamentally interconnected.
• 📚 William Blake's perspective is introduced, stating that the body is not distinct from the soul (or mind), but is a part of it perceived through the senses.
• 💡 Blake's idea is translated into modern terms, emphasizing that the body is the portion of the mind that is discernible by the five senses.
• 🌟 The universe, as we know it, is a localized view of infinite consciousness, which means our reality is shaped by how our localized minds perceive the infinite.
• 👤 The localized mind perceives itself as a bundle of thoughts, sensations, and perceptions, rather than as a physical body when not focused on external appearances.
• 🌌 When we close our eyes, we don't experience ourselves as physical bodies but as conscious beings, highlighting the intrinsic nature of mind over physical form.
• 🔗 The body is the external appearance of the mind, and there is no actual separation between them; they are two aspects of the same underlying consciousness.

Q & A

What is the relationship between the finite mind and infinite awareness?

The finite mind is a localized aspect of infinite awareness. It represents the part of the infinite consciousness that is experienced in a limited, individualized form.

How does the script define 'stuff' in the world in relation to consciousness?

The script suggests that 'stuff' in the world is the activity of consciousness or being, implying that all physical matter is an expression of consciousness.

What is the role of the body in this perspective of consciousness?

In this perspective, the body is also considered as 'stuff' and an activity of consciousness. It is the localized experience of consciousness from a finite mind's point of view.

How does the script describe the interaction between the senses of the body and awareness?

The script posits that the senses of the body are what awareness is aware of, and the body can act based on the contents of awareness, suggesting a two-way interaction.

What does the script imply about the one-to-one relationship between a finite mind and a body?

The script implies that there is a one-to-one relationship where a particular finite mind corresponds to a particular body, with the body being the external manifestation of the internal mind.

How does the script interpret William Blake's statement about the body and soul?

The script interprets William Blake's statement to mean that the body is not distinct from the soul or mind. Instead, the body is a part of the mind that is perceived through the five senses.

What does the script suggest about the nature of reality in relation to consciousness?

The script suggests that the reality of the universe is infinite consciousness, and what we perceive as the universe is a localized perspective of this infinite consciousness.

How does the script explain the experience of the self when one's eyes are closed?

When one's eyes are closed, the script suggests that one does not experience themselves as a body but as a bundle of thoughts, sensations, feelings, and perceptions, which is the internal experience of the mind.

What is the significance of William Blake being referred to as a tantric master in the script?

Referring to William Blake as a tantric master highlights his understanding of the non-dualistic nature of body and mind, which aligns with the tantric philosophy that sees the body and mind as one.

How does the script differentiate between the intrinsic and extrinsic appearances of consciousness?

The script differentiates by stating that internally, we experience the mind, while externally, this experience of mind appears as a body to another localized consciousness, indicating two phases of the same thing.

What is the final conclusion the script draws about the relationship between body and mind?

The script concludes that there is no real distinction or relationship between body and mind because they are two aspects of the same thing, with the body being the external appearance of the internal mind.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 The Finite Mind and Infinite Awareness

The first paragraph delves into the concept of the finite mind as a localized aspect of infinite awareness. It discusses the idea that the physical world, including the body, is an expression of consciousness. The dialogue explores the nature of the relationship between the finite mind and the body, questioning how they interact and communicate with each other. The speaker seeks clarification on this relationship and references William Blake's perspective that the body is not separate from the soul, but rather a part of it discernible through the five senses. This insight is used to further the discussion on how the localized mind perceives the universe and itself.

05:01

🌐 The Unity of Body and Mind

The second paragraph continues the exploration of the unity between the body and the mind, emphasizing that there is no distinct separation between them. It suggests that the body is the external manifestation of the mind's internal experiences, as perceived by the five senses. The paragraph clarifies that the body is not a separate entity but an intrinsic part of the mind, and thus, there is no need for a relationship to exist between them as they are essentially the same. The discussion concludes with the assertion that matter and mind are two phases of the same underlying reality, with one being the external appearance and the other the internal experience.

Keywords

💡Finite Mind

The 'finite mind' refers to the localized aspect of infinite awareness, which perceives and interacts with the world through the lens of individual consciousness. In the video, the finite mind is discussed as a specific instance of consciousness that experiences the world through the senses. It is contrasted with infinite awareness, suggesting that each person's mind is a unique expression of the broader consciousness.

💡Infinite Awareness

Infinite awareness is the concept of a boundless, all-encompassing consciousness that underlies all existence. The video suggests that the finite mind is a localized manifestation of this infinite awareness, and that the entirety of the universe is an expression of this infinite consciousness in action.

💡Matter

Matter, in the context of the video, is not distinct from consciousness. It is described as the 'stuff' of the world, which is an expression of consciousness. This challenges the traditional dualistic view that separates matter and mind, suggesting instead that matter is a form that consciousness takes.

💡Consciousness

Consciousness is central to the video's theme, presented as the underlying reality of the universe. It is the active, aware being that both constitutes the finite mind and permeates all of existence. The video discusses how consciousness is not just an abstract concept but the very substance of reality, including the body and the world.

💡Localization

Localization, as used in the video, refers to the process by which infinite consciousness becomes manifest as a finite mind within a specific body. This concept is crucial for understanding the relationship between the individual and the universe, suggesting that each person's experience is a localized instance of the broader consciousness.

💡Body

The body is discussed in the video as an extension of the mind, perceived through the five senses. It is not seen as a separate entity from the mind but rather as the physical manifestation of the mind's activity. This perspective challenges the traditional mind-body dualism and aligns with the idea that the body is the external expression of the mind.

💡Senses

Senses are the gateways through which the finite mind perceives the world. They are described as the 'chief inlets of soul,' suggesting that our sensory experiences are the means by which consciousness engages with the external world. The video implies that our senses shape our perception and interaction with reality.

💡Relationship

The relationship between the mind and the body is a central theme of the video. It is suggested that there is no separate relationship between the two, as they are not distinct entities but different aspects of the same consciousness. This perspective dissolves the traditional dualistic view of mind and body as separate entities.

💡William Blake

William Blake is referenced in the video as a figure who articulated the non-dualistic view of body and soul. His quote, 'Man has no body distinct from his soul,' is used to support the idea that the body is an integral part of the mind, and not a separate entity. Blake's perspective is presented as a precursor to modern discussions on consciousness and the nature of reality.

💡Tantric Masters

Tantric masters are mentioned in the context of understanding the non-dualistic nature of reality. The video suggests that figures like William Blake can be considered Western tantric masters for their insights into the unity of body and mind. Tantra often refers to spiritual traditions that emphasize the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence.

💡Extrinsic and Intrinsic

These terms are used to describe the external and internal appearances of consciousness. Extrinsic refers to how the mind appears as a body to others, while intrinsic refers to the internal experience of consciousness. The video uses these concepts to explain that the body and mind are not separate but are different perspectives of the same consciousness.

Highlights

The finite mind is a localization of infinite awareness.

Matter in the world is the activity of Consciousness or being.

The body is also stuff and an activity of Consciousness or being.

There is a one-to-one relationship between a particular finite mind and a particular activity of consciousness.

The senses of the body are what awareness is aware of, and the body can act based on the contents of awareness.

The relationship between mind and body is not clear, and how they interact is a question.

William Blake's quote suggests that man has no body distinct from his soul.

The body is a portion of the Mind perceived by the five senses.

The reality of the universe is infinite consciousness.

Infinite consciousness localizes itself as the finite mind.

The body is what the localized activity of Consciousness looks like from another perspective.

Internally, we experience mind, and externally, that mind appears as a body.

There is no relationship between the body and the mind because they are the same thing.

Matter and mind are two phases of the same thing, one extrinsic and one intrinsic.

William Blake was a tantric master of the western tradition.

The body is the extrinsic appearance of the finite mind.

There is no distinction between body and mind, matter and mind.

Transcripts

hi Roper Rupert my name is Anne I'm in

Albuquerque

uh

so there have been a lot of session in

the last few days about

uh you know what the the finite mind and

uh matter and choice and I I'd like to

see where my understanding is at and

clarifies

where is he

so

so the

the finite mind is a localization of

infinite awareness right

yes and

Duff

not matter but stuff in the world

is

the activity of Consciousness or aware

being

right

again

so the body is

also stuff and

activity of Consciousness or being

yes

and so there seems to be a one-to-one

relationship between

a particular finite mind and a

particular

activity of consciousness

yeah uh and it seems to be two-way that

is the senses of the body

are what awareness is aware of and

then the body can act based on the

contents of awareness

but but I'm not clear on what what that

relationship is exactly like what like

how does it work or and what the

relationship between

you're not sure but a mind and a body a

particular finite mind and a particular

body

that that is how like how do they talk

to each other or

or like why do they talk to each other

but nothing else talks to each other

how are they connected

first

let me in

let me read you something from William

Blake

can't remember

Francesca always makes me turn my phone

off so it takes so long to

yes with this William Blake said this he

said um

man has no body

distinct from his soul

for that cold body

is a portion of the Soul

discerned by the five senses

the chief inlets of soul in this age

so man let me translate that into Modern

English

man has no body distinct from his soul

the person does not have a body that is

distinct from their mind

that which we call body

is that portion of the Mind

that is perceived by the five senses

that's an amazing thing to say William

Blake said that in in the late 18th

century

incredible

inside

the person so does not have a body

that is distinct from their mind

what we call the body is just the

portion of the Mind

that is discernible to the five senses

that's the Consciousness only model what

what he's what he said then let's put

that in the context of our our

discussion

the reality of the universe is infinite

consciousness

the universe is the act is the universe

as we know it

is what the activity of infinite

Consciousness looks like from our

localized perspectives

what is our local so infinite

consciousness

localizes itself as the finite mind

and it views the unlocalized portion of

itself as the universe

now what does the localized portion of

itself look like

the body

that's why when you close your eyes and

you don't experience yourself as a body

you experience yourself as a bundle of

thinking sensing feeling and perceiving

but we don't experience you as a bundle

of thinking sensing feeling and

perceiving we experience you as a body

you are what the localized activity of

Consciousness looks like

from the point of view of another

localization

a person does not have a body distinct

from their mind what we call the body is

just that portion of the mind that is

discernible to the five senses

William Blake was one of the great

tantric masters of the western tradition

so that's the relation in other words

there is no relationship between the

body and the mind because there can only

be a relationship between two things

the body

uh appearance of the internal experience

of mind

internally we experience

mind

from the outside that experience of Mind

appears to another mind as a body

the body is the extrinsic appearance of

the finite mind there's not a

relationship between the two things

because they're the same thing

there is no distinction between body and

mind there is no distinction between

matter and mind they are two two phases

of the same thing one is the extrinsic

appearance one is the intrinsic

appearance