Sovereign Essence: Reexamining Our Understanding of Existence and Liberation
Sovereign Essence: Reexamining Our Understanding of Existence and Liberation
View: We Are Already Free
At the heart of every individual lies a sovereign essence—a core of innate freedom, dignity, and self-determination. This view challenges the common perception that freedom is something to be attained, suggesting instead that it is a fundamental aspect of our being. To truly embrace this view, one must recognize that our true nature is inherently unbound, autonomous, and whole.
The journey towards self-liberation begins with the understanding that we are already free. This realization is not just a philosophical stance but a profound shift in perspective. It requires us to look beyond the illusions and constructs imposed by society, culture, and our own minds. The recognition of our sovereign essence is a declaration of our intrinsic power and dignity, untainted by external conditions.
What Are We Ensnared By?
If we are free already then what are we ensnared by? Our journey to self-liberation requires us to confront what holds us captive. These constraints can be both internal and external:
Ego: The sense of a separate, isolated self that seeks validation and power can be a significant barrier to experiencing our true essence.
Self-Deception: Believing in false narratives about ourselves and our worth can keep us trapped in cycles of suffering.
Conditioning: Societal, cultural, and familial conditioning shapes our perceptions and behaviors, often limiting our sense of freedom.
White Hegemony: A pervasive system of dominance and control of social, economic, political, and cultural institutions by white people, perpetuating systemic privileges for whiteness while marginalizing non-white individuals and cultures. It involves the normalization of white cultural norms and values, maintaining racial hierarchies and disparities.
Materialism: The pursuit of material wealth and status can distract us from recognizing our intrinsic worth.
Unreconciled Consequences of Slavery: Historical and ongoing injustices continue to impact the collective psyche, necessitating a process of healing and reclamation of dignity.
These and other experiences mask our ability to see and trust in our basic nature, our sovereign essence.
The Power of Realization
A powerful question arises: does the slave cease to be one once they realize that they aren't one? This moment of realization is a profound shift in consciousness. It suggests that liberation begins with the recognition of our true essence. However, sustaining this view requires continuous practice and reinforcement. Through mindfulness and meditation, we can cultivate a sustained awareness of our inherent freedom, allowing us to navigate life unbound by external or internal constraints.
Declaring Our Humanity: Returning to Our Nature
To declare our humanity is to assert our inherent dignity and worth. It is a reclaiming of our true nature, which is sovereign and free. This declaration is an act of resistance against the forces that seek to dehumanize and oppress. It is also an invitation to engage in human bioremediation, a process of healing and restoring our collective and individual sense of self.
Experiencing Our Sovereign Essence
Experiencing our sovereign essence involves embracing the qualities of autonomy, dignity, and self-determination. Sovereign, as an adjective, describes possessing supreme or ultimate power. As a noun, it refers to a supreme ruler or an entity that is fully independent and self-governing. Essence, in this context, refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality that determines one's character.
To experience our sovereign essence is to recognize the intrinsic qualities that define our true independence and authentic self-expression. It is to acknowledge our inherent dignity and power, and to live from this place of inner strength and clarity.
Practice: Engaging and Trusting the Innate and Inherent Freedom of Every Moment
Practicing the recognition of our sovereign essence involves engaging with and trusting the innate freedom present in every moment. This practice is deeply rooted in mindfulness and awareness, as outlined by the great Indian sage Tilopa’s Six Words of Advice: Don't recall, Don't imagine, Don't think, Don't examine, Don't control, and Rest. These instructions guide us towards a state of pure awareness, free from the distractions of past traumas, future anxieties, and present judgments.
To engage in this practice, one must cultivate a deep sense of presence. This involves:
Letting Go of the Past: By not recalling past narratives that have defined us through lenses of oppression, trauma, or limitation, we release the hold these memories have on our current perception of self.
Avoiding Future Projections: By not imagining future constraints or fears, we free ourselves from the anxiety that these projections create, allowing us to fully inhabit the present moment.
Embracing Non-Thinking: By letting go of analytical thoughts, we access a deeper truth beyond societal constructs and mental chatter.
Ceasing Over-Examination: By not examining or dissecting our experiences excessively, we prevent ourselves from becoming paralyzed by over-analysis.
Relinquishing Control: By not attempting to control how our identity is perceived by ourselves or others, we embrace our natural state of being.
Resting in Awareness: This final step involves resting in the stillness and peace of our true nature, acknowledging our inherent worth and dignity.
Process
Here is an outline of a meditation practice aimed at connecting with this sovereign essence.
Preparation: Find a quiet, comfortable space and settle into a relaxed yet upright posture with your gaze lowered about three feet in front of you, back straight and hands resting on your lap. Begin with deep breaths to center yourself.
Opening Chant: Recite a chant or other words that acknowledges your innate freedom and dignity.
Grounding and Centering: Focus on your breath, releasing tension and grounding yourself in the present moment.
Body Awareness: Move your awareness through your body, affirming your presence and grounding.
Practice of Tilopa’s Six Words of Advice:
1. Don't Recall (Don't Reminisce About the Past)
Whenever thoughts of the past arise, whether they are memories or reflections, gently let them go without engaging or following them.
Focus on the feeling of the present moment, noticing the sensations in your body and the flow of your breath.
2. Don't Imagine (Don't Anticipate the Future)
As you sit in meditation, be aware of any thoughts or fantasies about the future.
When these arise, acknowledge them without judgment, then let them pass without getting involved.
Return your attention to the present moment, grounding yourself in the sensations of now.
3. Don't Think (Don't Conceptualize)
Notice any thoughts that come up, whether they are about analyzing, planning, or judging.
Instead of engaging with these thoughts, observe them as they come and go.
Allow your mind to rest naturally without trying to create or follow any particular train of thought.
4. Don't Examine (Don't Analyze)
Let go of any impulse to examine or scrutinize your experiences, thoughts, or sensations.
Simply observe everything as it is without trying to dissect or understand it intellectually.
Maintain a sense of relaxed awareness, letting things be just as they are.
5. Don't Control (Don't Manipulate)
Allow your mind to be as it is, without trying to control or manipulate your thoughts and feelings.
If you notice an urge to force your mind into a particular state or direction, gently release that urge.
Trust in the natural flow of your mind, maintaining a sense of openness and acceptance.
6. Rest (Let the Mind Rest Naturally)
Let your mind settle into its natural state, resting without effort or strain.
Allow thoughts, emotions, and sensations to come and go without interference.
Cultivate a sense of ease and spaciousness, where the mind is at peace, undistracted, and naturally aware.
Shift focus to pure awareness, recognizing it as your true essence. Rest in that experience free from judgement or desire to change it. If/when your mind wanders bring your attention back to this experience.
Integration: Reflect on the experience, maintaining a sense of connection to your sovereign essence.
Closing Reflection: Journal about your experience if you like. Most importantly integrate this experience of awareness into daily life.
Fruition: Experiencing Self-Liberation
The fruition of this practice is the experience of self-liberation. This state is characterized by a profound sense of autonomy, inner peace, and clarity. It is a return to our natural state, unburdened by the illusions and constructs that have held us captive. Experiencing self-liberation means recognizing and embodying our sovereign essence in every aspect of our lives.
Conclusion
Through regular practice of Tilopa’s Six Words, individuals can develop a deeper connection to their true, unbound nature. This recognition of innate freedom and inherent dignity fosters a sense of empowerment, clarity, and inner peace. By embracing our sovereign essence, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience, ultimately contributing to personal and collective liberation. This path of mindfulness and self-awareness leads us back to our true nature, where we are inherently free, powerful, and dignified.
Justin F. Miles LCPC
~ Freedom is a long walk and liberation just a step away.