The Multifaceted Nature of the Soul

The soul is an expression of the Divine. But if we have this Divine Source within us, then how is it that we can have such a selfish, ego bound existence here on Earth?

The answer lies in the nature of consciousness. Many believe that consciousness is a linear progression in which “one thought follows another.” This assumes that the mind can hold only one reality at any given moment.

However, consciousness is more like a multifaceted gem then a sequential linear string. Within it, there are many realities going on in the same moment, each one like a facet of that gem. It all depends on which facet we are focusing on – for the one we give the most attention to will determine our consciousness and thus our lives. We can focus on material things, or on growing spiritually – the choice is up to us. Or, as Buddha discovered in his quest, we can create a fine-tuned balance between the two.

Bringing Harmony Between our Spiritual and Daily Lives

Meditation can be used to create a harmony between our spiritual and daily lives. In Buddha’s time it was already an ancient art practiced by many traditions. It endures to this day, as one of the most powerful means of spiritual transformation.

The goal of meditation isn’t to eliminate material consciousness or the ego, for without these things, it would be very difficult to go about our everyday existence.¹ It is rather, to bring our spiritual and our material lives together and create a synergy between the two. This “weaving together” of mundane consciousness with that of the soul is the essence of the balanced path.

As we practice meditation regularly over days and months, we begin to experience the benefits of soul-consciousness. We feel more peace and joy, and we receive guidance that can be incredibly useful in our practical existence. In this way, our spiritual and our material lives are enhanced, and we can experience much more easily the riches of both the spiritual and the material world.

1. Here, I define ego as the limited self which is identified with material consciousness. This is in contrast to the expanded consciousness of the soul. ↩︎