Perennial philosophy is a perspective in the philosophy of religion that considers each of the world’s religious traditions to share a single, universal truth upon which all religious knowledge and doctrines have grown.
The mystical view is that there is only one consciousness, ‘one mind’, one field of truth that is the source of the entire universe. This field is nothing; it is a formless, limitless, undivided consciousness. This is the eternal philosophy of mystics who have directly seen this vast Oneness.
Aldous Huxley describes the basic outlines of the eternal philosophy found in all mystical branches of the world’s religions:
That there is a Deity or Ground, which is the unmanifest principle of all manifestation.
That the Ground is transcendent and immanent.
That it is possible for people to love, know and, virtually, actually be identified with the Ground.
That attaining this unifying knowledge, realizing this supreme identity, is the ultimate goal and purpose of human existence.
That there is a law or dharma that must be obeyed, a Tao or a path that must be followed if people are to achieve their ultimate goal.
It is known by many names in different cultures, in Hinduism it is called Satchitananda, in Buddhism it is called Buddha nature and in Christianity it is sometimes called Christ consciousness or even God. All meditation masters and great contemplatives and mystics of all spiritual traditions have pointed out that this is the fundamental ground of existence. It is known as the eternal philosophy.
Contrary to our modern scientific view that the universe is made of matter, energy, time and space, the eternal philosophy holds that the universe is actually made of consciousness which is formless at its source and manifests endless patterns of form as a seamless unity through diversity.
Experience the vision of the mystics
To consciously access this ever-present source you must transcend thoughts, because words keep us from knowing the truth. The mystic’s vision is a way to be natural and whole, without dividing and separating yourself from the universe through words and labels. A direct experience of your ‘true self’ as a complete, loving, healthy and joyful being. This source consciousness is what we look at, not what we look at. It is a way of looking without filters or blockages. It is difficult to notice or understand because it is not an object in consciousness, it is consciousness itself and that is you.
“I want to make sure you know that you are not who you think you are. Who you are, in reality, who everyone is, is whole, perfect and beautiful. And if that can be recognized, it is possible that self-torture can stop!”
This vision initially starts as a concept, an idea that is intended as a guideline, as a guideline for what is actually possible. A spiritual seeker should not get stuck or satisfied with the conceptual view, but should meditate to experience it directly. The direct experience of the source of our being reveals a natural joy, love and wisdom, and is called a vision, not because it is a concept or an idea, but because it is a way of seeing from an undivided consciousness. In reality, it is closer to a way of being than a vision. A way of being that allows one to remain undisturbed by the constant flow of thoughts and emotions or the fluctuations of the outside world, and instead to remain within a vision of wholeness and unwavering ease.
“We are fragmented in so many different aspects. We don’t know who we really are, or what aspects of ourselves we should identify with or believe in. So many conflicting voices, dictates and feelings fight for control over our inner lives that we feel scattered everywhere and in all directions. don’t leave anyone at home. So meditation brings the mind home to the wide heavens like nature.”
Meditate on the mystical vision
This view of unity at the source of our being is important even in the early stages of mindfulness training, as it gives the practitioner the confidence to let go and surrender to the current situation without obsessing over improving it or to be afraid of it. Mindfulness helps discover the natural peace and stillness of the mind, by detaching from thoughts about the past, present and future, allowing the mind to rest and be calmed, which is necessary to clear the innate space and silence that is naturally present within.
Since it is already the ground of existence, there is no path to get there in time. Any effort aimed at a future realization is subtly misleading, because you already are. It is the ignorance of this fact that obscures it and then it is the knowledge of your source that reunites that which has never been divided.
The mystical view of the One Universal Source as a non-objective field of consciousness is gaining validity within the latest scientific research, especially with the unified field theory
and the popularity among scientists with the philosophy of panpsychism. This is the age-old, eternal philosophy that scientists are only beginning to explore. It could become an agreed upon consensus for humanity, bringing together all the different religious traditions in a new era of spiritual and scientific cooperation.
No matter what you call the ‘source’ – Universal Consciousness, Unified Field, God, Non-dual Consciousness or Great Mind, it is clear that through meditation this level of being can be achieved and integrated into our lives.