My Philosophy
Paradoxes & Paradigms
TRUTH, BELIEF AND THE NATURE OF REALITY
What is your conception of reality and where does it come from? Do you believe that there is a singular truth or do you believe reality is a multifaceted concept with innumerable interpretations? What may appear to be absolute and unchanging may, in fact, be flexible and influenced by your perceptions. So then what is the truth, and how is it influenced by your beliefs?
Philosophers such as Kant and Nietzsche argued that the truth can only ever be understood through human perception and that it can never be fully known or comprehended. Yet the significance of this question lies in the fact that a person’s conception of reality shapes how they view the world and act in it. It determines their moral code, their sense of right and wrong and creates the compass that guides them in every decision they make.
Our experience of reality can vary significantly based on our context. What may appear to be absolute and unchanging may, in fact, be flexible and influenced by our perceptions. Therefore, it is not merely what exists that creates our values, but what we ‘believe’, whether conscious or unconscious, that creates the nature of our reality. So, what then are the narratives that you believe in and how do they shape your reality?
NONDUALITY AND THE PARADOX OF IDENTITY
Who are you? How far does your identity expand and what are the real and perceived boundaries of your identity? Is your identity solely defined by your persona, your body and your mind? Or is it shaped by your beliefs and actions? These are questions that have been contemplated by mystics and philosophers throughout the ages. At the core of this question is the search for identity – a quest to understand what makes us who we are.
Contrarily, the concept of nonduality is found in many spiritual and philosophical traditions, suggesting that reality is ultimately one, without any division or separation between the self and the world. It is the idea that there is no separation between the observer and the observed, the subject and the object, or the self and other, and one can attain enlightenment when the fundamental unity of all things is realised.
The paradox of identity however arises from the tension between our desire for a fixed and stable sense of self, and the fluid and dynamic nature of identity. On one hand, we want to believe that we have a core identity that remains constant throughout our lives, while on the other hand, our experiences, beliefs, and relationships shape and transform our sense of self over time. These questions are fundamental to the journey of transformation, for it is only by understanding who we truly are that we can become who we want to be.
PURPOSE, FLOW AND THE ILLUSION OF CONTROL
At our core, we all seek ‘meaning’ in our life and that search is ultimately what gives our lives purpose and significance. By connecting with something larger than ourselves and finding our true calling, we can summon the strength and resilience to face even the most difficult of challenges. Ultimately, it is the pursuit of meaning that orients us and brings us the deepest sense of fulfilment and joy.
On the other hand, Wu Wei, a fascinating ancient Taoist concept, involves letting go of our desire to control and manipulate things, and instead allowing events to unfold naturally. It is about living in the present moment and being mindful, so that we can act in response to the needs of the situation without getting in the way of the natural flow of things. In this sense, the universe is seen as an interconnected, dynamic system that is governed by a natural order or rhythm.
So do we find a direction through our purpose, or do we surrender to the flow? Do we direct our actions in order to reach a specific destination or find acceptance and meaning in the circumstances? This is our eternal struggle, staying in tune with the universe while applying our will to move towards our true purpose.
