Discovering Unity Through the Path of Separation
Have you ever noticed how life seems full of divisions? We often talk about good versus bad, right versus wrong, truth versus illusion. While this might seem like a normal way to make sense of things, in spirituality, this approach can feel confusing. Surprisingly, sometimes the best way to truly understand unity—our connection with everything—is by first experiencing separation.
At first glance, this idea might seem strange. How can separation lead to unity? Let’s explore this concept together.
Understanding the Illusion of Separation
From an early age, we are taught to label and categorize everything around us. We see ourselves as separate from nature, from other people, and even separate within ourselves. These labels and beliefs create an illusion of division. We forget that beneath all these differences, there’s a basic unity—a shared reality where everything connects.
The feeling of being separate is a product of our conditioning. Over time, we have absorbed ideas, filters, and concepts from society. These have shaped our perception and convinced us that we’re isolated beings navigating life alone. But this belief is simply an illusion created by our minds.
Using “Not This, Not That” as a Spiritual Practice
One powerful spiritual practice that uses the idea of separation to uncover unity is called “Not this, not that.” In this practice, you separate your true self from everything you experience. For example, you might say, “I am not my thoughts, I am not my emotions, I am not my body.” By clearly defining what you are not, you begin to recognize what you truly are.
This approach might seem like it promotes division, but actually, it’s incredibly effective. As you peel away these layers of identity, something wonderful happens: you experience the spaciousness and freedom of your true nature. You begin to see clearly the unity that exists beneath the surface of all appearances.
The Unchanging Reality of Unity
Unity is the basic, unchanging state of existence. It’s not something we can create or destroy with our practices. Unity is the fundamental reality that underlies everything we see and experience. No matter how deeply we believe in separation, the reality of unity remains untouched.
By practicing separation intentionally, you don’t move further away from unity—you actually move closer. Each time you identify what you’re not, you move deeper into recognizing the formless, infinite space of your true self.
Experiencing Unity Directly
Imagine your true self as vast, open space—free and limitless. Thoughts, emotions, and forms are like clouds passing through this open sky. They don’t define you; they simply appear and disappear within you. Your practice of separating yourself from these temporary forms reveals the unity beneath.
Through dedicated practice, you’ll find that even the strongest sense of separation dissolves. You’ll experience unity not just as an idea but as a direct, personal reality. This clear understanding brings peace, clarity, and genuine freedom.
Embracing the Journey
Remember, it’s perfectly normal if your journey to unity feels like it’s taking a path through separation. Spiritual growth often unfolds in unexpected ways. Trust the process, remain patient, and know that unity is your natural state—it can never truly be lost.
As you continue this path, embrace each moment of clarity that emerges from the practice of “not this, not that.” Unity isn’t something distant or difficult to attain; it’s the very essence of who you are.
Quote:
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi
Spiritual Reference
“In Him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28, Bible
Summary Points:
- Unity is Our Natural State: We are all fundamentally connected, and true unity is the underlying reality of existence, even if we don’t always feel it.
- Separation is an Illusion: Our daily experiences and conditioning create a feeling of being separate, but this feeling isn’t the ultimate truth. It’s like a filter distorting our view.
- “Separation” as a Path: Paradoxically, spiritual practices that involve recognizing what we are not (like “I am not my thoughts”) can help us shed illusions and reveal our true, unified self.
- Beyond Labels and Forms: Our true self is boundless and formless, often hidden by our identification with thoughts, feelings, and the labels we apply to ourselves and the world.
- Direct Experience of Oneness: These practices offer a tangible, practical way to experience deep unity, moving beyond just intellectual understanding.