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Understanding & Coping With Nihilism https://youtu.be/Jar8Pd5oo_s "In the dark night of the soul, bright flows the river of God." - St. John of the Cross Overview of the lecture "Understanding & Coping With Nihilism": Leo discusses the complexities of nihilism, covering its general understanding, historical background, true versus misconstrued aspects, and how it intersects with cultural and existential issues. He also aims to provide practical strategies for coping with the eventual feelings of meaninglessness that arise from stage green relativism, drawing from his personal experiences and broader philosophical insights. Definition and perception of nihilism: Nihilism is widely misunderstood and used pejoratively in our culture to denote a range of negative connotations like godlessness, meaninglessness, moral rejection, and depression. Dictionary definitions associate it with a belief in the meaninglessness of life, extreme skepticism, rejection of moral principles, and a view that existence is senseless. Image 1 Image 2 Nietzsche's association with nihilism: Friedrich Nietzsche is often linked to nihilism, although he aimed to deconstruct falsely constructed narratives and traditional morality not to promote meaninglessness but to enable the creation of authentic lives and values free from social conditioning. Image 3 Cultural implications of nihilism: During the turn of the 20th century, traditional Judeo-Christian values began to unravel due to advances in science and a growing interest in materialism and atheism, leading to societal and existential uncertainties and a questioning of long-standing beliefs, possibly influencing events like World War I and World War II. Image 4 Nihilism's misconceptions in action: There's a common belief that nihilists aim to actively destroy societal structures, but if one truly believes in complete meaninglessness, such a motive would contradict the philosophy's premise. Instead, nihilism uncovers the baseless nature of values and creates a space for genuine personal development and spiritual awakening. Image 5 Response to questioning reality and structures: The 20th century brought intense scrutiny of traditional structures such as language, mathematics, scientific and religious beliefs, leading to the emergence of themes of value destruction and cosmic purposelessness in various fields including arts, philosophy, and science. Endgame of nihilistic thinking: True nihilism doesn't advocate for destruction or negative actions but serves as an inward tool for ego deconstruction, leading to a realization of interconnected consciousness and aiding in spiritual awakening. Practical aspects of dealing with nihilism: Leo emphasizes the importance of exploring multiple perspectives, understanding personal biases, and using nihilism to foster personal growth rather than succumbing to inaction or despair, aiming to provide a roadmap for overcoming the existential challenges posed by nihilistic thinking. Realization of limited understanding: Leo acknowledges a newfound awareness of how little is understood in fields such as language, logic, mathematics, science, and physics, leading people to face an unknown and chaotic reality that can feel nihilistic. Erosion of traditional values: He notes the erosion of traditional values and systems such as belief in God, gender identities, and political institutions, and questions how individuals and societies can agree upon a collective direction in a seemingly directionless and nihilistic world. Historical view on nihilism: Nihilism was negatively regarded during the Middle Ages as heretical and in modernity as the negation of Christianity and European tradition, with the belief that science could solve all social problems, stemming from ignorance. Image 6 Image 7 Contradictions in nihilism: Leo discusses the contradictory behavior of nihilism, questioning why science is often spared from deconstruction by those who claim to be nihilists wishing to destroy everything for the sake of overcoming ignorance. Skepticism towards absolutism in nihilism: He distinguishes between surface-level and deep nihilism, where true nihilism deeply questions even the foundation of science but recognizes this level of skepticism is often impractical for survival. Impact of Nietzsche on societal change: Leo reflects on how Nietzsche's ideas marked a transition from traditionalist Stage Blue to the modern Stage Orange in Spiral Dynamics, with the decline of Christianity leading to a gap filled by scientific materialism. Transition from superstition to pragmatism: The shift away from Christianity led to a brief period of nihilism before being replaced by a pragmatic, scientific materialist worldview, resulting in a focus on material gain and pleasure due to the absence of higher order values. Loss of spiritual component: Leo mentions Jordan Peterson's view that a life solely focused on practicality and material success leads to a hollow existence, lacking the spiritual elements present in older traditions. Emergence of post-modernity: The evolution of societal stages to Stage Green brought about deep questioning of all morals and cultural norms, leading to debates between adherents of hard sciences and post-modernists about the nature of reality and objectivity. Challenges of Stage Green: He admits that moving into the relativistic Stage Green involves a challenging and potentially confounding psychological process. Relative truth and difficulty in discernment: Reflecting on his own past, Leo talks about his struggle to discern between different perspectives and truths without bias, which he later realized can be guided by a hierarchy of perspectives that ranks them based on their openness and compassion. Sorting through perspectives: Overcoming 'perspectival madness' requires discernment to distinguish between viewpoints that are more truthful, beneficial, and in good faith from those that are toxic or in bad faith. It's a challenging and emotional process, particularly for those transitioning from traditional value systems who may feel lost and resistant due to the skepticism it fosters. Questioning everything, including science: Skepticism led Leo to nihilism; questioning not just religious but also scientific norms is crucial. While it's easier to challenge religious doctrines, confronting the robust defenses of the scientific community is significantly tougher, leading to intellectual resignation in favor of scientific truths like evolution and atheism. Nihilism as a negative force in society: Society perceives nihilism negatively because it undermines the ego's need to construct meaning and value for survival. As such, nihilism can threaten the existential foundations of institutions like the economy and academia, causing resistance, especially since Western civilization is built on unquestioned assumptions that prioritize survival over truth. Nihilism's correctness on meaning and purpose: Nihilism accurately posits that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, which are relative and contingent upon one's ego and identity. This becomes evident when observing historical conflicts and differing cultural values, reinforcing the idea that what is meaningful to one may not be to another. Meaninglessness in nihilism and reflections on life's purpose: Challenging the assumption that certain aspects of life, such as 'good' living or life itself, have inherent meaning. Leo underscores that concepts like happiness and purpose are subjective and relative; even controversial purposes, such as Hitler's, can be meaningful to certain individuals, further highlighting the construct nature of value and purpose. Nihilism's perspective on value: Objects, such as the moon, are inherently devoid of value; value is ascribed based on the ego's survival interests. An object only becomes valuable when perceived as useful from the ego's standpoint, for instance, mining the moon for resources can be valuable for a businessman seeking wealth to enhance their lifestyle. Relativity of morality: Nihilism correctly identifies that morality is relative, as it is hinged on subjective value, meaning, and purpose defined by the ego. Throughout history, this relativity explains various human atrocities where individuals involved believed themselves to be the "good guys" based on their ego-driven interpretations of what is good. Pain, suffering, and death in nihilism: Nihilism challenges the notion that pain, suffering, or death are inherently bad. They are neutral experiences that are only given negative connotations due to the ego's aversion to them. Pain and suffering serve evolutionary functions for survival, and without them, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Epistemic and ontological relativity: Nihilism posits that all reality is relative, including knowledge and the physical world. Science is a pursuit limited by the finitude of human cognition against the backdrop of an infinite universe. This form of nihilism casts doubt on the possibility of wholly grasping the universe through accumulating knowledge. Self-preservation of social institutions: Social institutions are seen as self-serving structures, built not on absolute truths but to perpetuate themselves and benefit those affiliated with them. Untruthfulness of beliefs: Nihilism states that all beliefs are ultimately untrue when subjected to a deep level of skepticism. Each belief is a subjective construct with no claim to absolute truth. Misinterpretations of nihilism: Nihilism is often misconstrued as attributing a negative meaning to meaninglessness, leading to depression or inaction. True nihilism recognizes meaninglessness as an absence of inherent importance, without ascribing negative or positive qualities to it. Limitations of nihilism: Nihilism can falsely be seen as a basis for destructive prescriptions such as destroying institutions or committing suicide. Real nihilism, however, frees one from all premises, permitting any form of behavior—including enjoyment and creation—since it does not inherently advocate for destruction over creation. Incomplete deconstruction of ego: Nihilism is criticized for not leading to a complete deconstruction of the ego and subsequent spiritual awakening. True nihilism requires using skepticism to dismantle one's own ego, rather than simply attacking external structures. Conceptual vs. actualized nihilism: Nihilism remains largely a philosophical concept rather than a principle embodied in action. It is incorrectly used as a political ideology, rather than as a truly neutral philosophical stance that makes no prescriptive claims. Endgame of nihilism: The deepest nihilistic journey leads to a sort of spiritual awakening where all constructed meanings are lost, followed by an experience of divine consciousness that transcends individual egos. This divine consciousness, or God, is not a belief but an actualization of the only true essence—consciousness. Nihilism's oversight of God's nature: Nihilism dismisses conventional religious notions of God as naive but fails to recognize the core aspect of reality where everything is God, embodying beauty, love, divinity, spirit, goodness, truth, and consciousness as absolutes. Paradox of meaninglessness leading to love: The complete collapse of meaning in nihilism paradoxically leads to the discovery of infinite love and absolute goodness. Such a realization exposes previous nihilistic beliefs and philosophies as misguided defense mechanisms against recognizing one's own divine nature. Transition from Lower to Higher Purpose: When an individual relinquishes selfish concerns and loses their egoistic self, they align with the universe's purpose which is self-awakening. This can manifest in various forms such as art, teaching, or politics, giving one's life profound and authentic meaning. Nihilism ignoring the absolute truth: Nihilism overlooks the existence of absolute truth, an issue prevalent when discussing such a possibility with those heavily invested in scientific, atheistic, and rational perspectives. Criticisms of nihilism: Criticisms from below (from traditional values) are fear-based and view nihilism as leading to chaos, while criticisms from above acknowledge nihilism's core truths but point out its limitations and lack of practice in deconstructing the ego and survival instincts. Embodiment of true nihilism: Becoming a true nihilist involves moving beyond philosophy and concepts to embodying the principles in actual practice. This ultimately leads to mysticism, where one deconstructs all constructs including the ego, resulting in spiritual awakening. Spirituality aligned with nihilism: Spirituality is essentially nihilism actualized; questioning and destroying societal constructs such as religion and science leads to authentic spirituality. True spirituality arises from one's own consciousness rather than from social conditioning, leading to authentic values and a meaningful life. Construction of meaning post-nihilism: Authentic living after nihilism involves recognizing life as a playful illusion and consciously constructing meaning and values from a place of love, completely detached from the need to validate personal preferences as absolutes or enforce them on others. Conceptualizing illusion as liberation: Realizing that reality is an illusory play liberates individuals from fear and enables them to participate in life's drama with enjoyment and freedom. Authenticity leading to true spirituality: By questioning and doubting societal beliefs, one becomes more grounded and strong as an individual, leading to true satisfaction and authenticity in life. False pretenses of societal structures: Humans, including scientists, are often full of deceit within various societal institutions. Approaching these institutions with skepticism can reveal their dishonest nature. Nihilism and the hero's journey: Nihilism represents a deep stage in the hero's journey—an essential part of personal growth and self-discovery, leading to spiritual enlightenment. The Hero's Journey analogy for spiritual work: Leo compares the process of spiritual awakening to the hero's journey, which involves facing challenges, seeking wisdom, and confronting personal weaknesses. This journey mirrors the path of god realization and embracing nihilism is an essential part of it. 'Belly of the Whale' as a key stage: The 'belly of the whale' represents the lowest and most challenging point in one's spiritual journey. It is here that true growth occurs, as individuals must confront their ego and inner weaknesses to progress. Nihilism as a spiritual tool: Nihilism is likened to the 'belly of the whale' stage where one must confront the deepest aspects of oneself. Properly navigated, nihilism strengthens the mind and leads to God realization, as opposed to dysfunction leading to self-destruction. Misunderstood conception of God and Nothingness: Leo clarifies that God is akin to an infinite, loving nothingness - a concept that is often misunderstood by those studying nihilism. Actualized nihilism, as opposed to theoretical nihilism, involves actualizing enlightenment and love. Rejection of nihilism as ego-driven resistance: Those who reject nihilism are characterized by their ego protecting its construction. True spiritual awakening requires burning down these constructions to uncover deeper, infinite truths. Practical tips to handle nihilism and relativity: Leo advises those in the "stage green" of personal development to explore different perspectives to discover their authentic paths. This involves discerning between relative and absolute truths, realizing the importance of personal values, and embracing the confusion inherent in the journey. Navigating Political Ideologies: Leo discusses the application of nihilism to political decisions, where absolute truth may be inaccessible but relative truth can guide choices based on personal values and preferences, such as environmental concerns or social equality. Admitting Selfish Motivations: He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's own biases and selfish motivations rather than rationalizing them as objective or normative truths, like pursuing a family because one enjoys companionship rather than societal expectation or divine mandate. Freedom from Ideological Grounding: By admitting to subjective desires, individuals can liberate themselves from the need to justify their choices through ideologies like science or religion, allowing for a more honest and autonomous existence. Dealing with Relativism and Nihilism: Engaging with various perspectives, reading books, and learning from different traditions is suggested as a way to navigate the confusion brought on by nihilism and to discern quality in perspectives. Choice and Action in Nihilism: Leo illustrates how even in the face of relativity and an apparent absence of meaning, individuals must still act, making life about creating personal happiness based on one’s preferences, biases, and decisions. Creating a Good Life Through Play: He likens life to playing with a vast assortment of Lego pieces, suggesting that by experimenting and building different 'structures' individuals can find out what truly makes them happy, eventually leading to the discovery of a personal life purpose. Honesty with Personal Biases: Leo advises honestly embracing one’s biases and cultural conditioning, whether it's a preference for science or another belief system, which can enable a healthier view and release from pre-set ideologies. Exploratory Process Toward Meaning: He underscores the importance of exploring various perspectives, not rushing to settle on any certain ideology but rather embracing confusion to chart a course toward a meaningful and purposeful life. Exploring Nihilism and Embracing Confusion: Nihilism can be confusing as it reveals the constructed nature of perspectives; embracing this confusion and the process of not knowing is essential. It's a natural part of developing personal epistemology and criteria for evaluating perspectives. Criteria for Higher and Lower Perspectives: Lower perspectives are characterized by fear, hatred, judgment, violence, and dogma, often clinging to a monopolistic view of reality. Higher perspectives, on the other hand, are open, interested in multiple viewpoints, loving, fearless, playful, and self-aware. Science as a Constraining Perspective: While religion is commonly understood to be dogmatic, science is also a perspective that can lock individuals into a certain worldview, preventing exploration of theories and ideas deemed unscientific. Discerning Truth with Intellectual Integrity: High-quality perspectives exhibit intellectual rigor and honesty. They can steelman opposing views, understanding them from a position of inclusiveness and integrity, as opposed to straw-manning, which is more common in lower-quality perspectives. Fear vs. Love as a Measure of Truth: The best litmus test for the quality of a perspective is whether it comes from a place of fear or love. True perspectives emanate from love, suggesting that an authentic, loving approach to nihilism leads to a more fulfilling life. Meta-Purpose Beyond Nihilism: Post-nihilistic life should be purposeful and authentic, expressing love for life uniquely, free from the corruptions of social conditioning. This meta-purpose aligns with the realization that life can be lived as a work of art, finding true purpose and love. Actualized.org's Role in Nihilism: Leo Gura’s website, Actualized.org, is intended to guide individuals through nihilism positively and practically. It aims to help people use nihilism constructively to find authentic meaning, God realization, and ultimately exhibit infinite love in practical, everyday life. Hero's Journey and Nihilism: The hero's journey, from a nihilistic viewpoint, culminates in god realization—overcoming nihilism to acquire and distribute infinite love. This journey is a metaphor for personal growth, awakening, and sharing love in alignment with absolute truth and nihilism. Engorgio

An Advanced Explanation Of God-Realization https://youtu.be/PgmJj0Gn1WM "This immensity is indescribable, and because of this the soul is dying of love." - St. John of the Cross Distinguishing Awakening, God Realization, and Non-duality: Leo Gura identifies different levels of consciousness, separating classical forms of spiritual awakening from his concept of "God realization." He emphasizes that consciousness can evolve infinitely and that total awakenings can become more total, challenging listeners' logical expectations and traditional spiritual notions. The Spectrum of Consciousness: Leo introduces a y-axis model of consciousness with both upward and downward directions. Downward movement represents the cessation of mental activity, reaching states like the Buddhist 'no self' concept or a void of sensory experience. In contrast, upward movement represents an increase towards an 'infinite mind' or 'God mind.' Upward vs. Downward Movement: Consciousness can move downward, quieting the mind to achieve a state like nothingness or void. However, upward movement is about developing a 'super mind,' leading to an 'infinite mind' without the limitations of ordinary human existence. He insists this ascent differs from egoic processes, introducing a broader and more profound mode of consciousness. Understanding as an Inherent Capacity: Leo argues that consciousness inherently possesses the ability to understand reality, beyond mere knowledge or ego projections, creating a web of connections that can theoretically lead to understanding everything in its entirety. Consciousness has no limits: Emphasizing that consciousness has no limits, Leo reaffirms that every awakening can be superseded by a yet deeper one, highlighting the inherent paradox in such a process. Challenging Traditional Spiritual Teachings: Leo's advanced level of consciousness challenges common spiritual teachings, with a heavy focus on distinct progressions and explaining the nature of an ever-expanding consciousness. Importance of Openness: He stresses the importance of keeping an open mind to grasp the advanced concepts he speaks of, acknowledging the communication challenges they represent due to their complexity and deviation from widely accepted spiritual teachings. Concept of Consciousness and Interconnected Understanding: Leo Gura describes consciousness as being able to exist in various states, from expansive to cessation-like stillness. He emphasizes that consciousness can grasp itself in a synthetic, holistic, and interconnected way. Understanding as Interconnectivity: Leo uses the analogy of interconnected dots to illustrate understanding—each dot (or concept) is connected to every other, creating a complex web that describes the growth of understanding as more connections are made. Monopoly Board Analogy for Understanding Levels: A child who has never seen a game before may see a Monopoly board and its pieces without understanding their purpose or function. Similarly, a meditator with a quiet mind may see reality without grasping its interconnectedness. Adult Perspective on the Monopoly Board: An adult, applying experience, can understand the purpose and function of the Monopoly game pieces. This represents a level of understanding that sees the interconnectedness of parts to a whole, but is still limited compared to understanding the full context, including the game's creation, production, and interconnected human elements. Infinite Understanding: Leo asks us to imagine infinitely expanding our consciousness to understand every detail of a Monopoly board or reality itself. This hypothetical infinite understanding of reality is what he refers to as "God realization." Integrating Feedback in Consciousness Expansion: Leo discusses his personal process of expanding consciousness through creating and releasing content, engaging in research, processing feedback, and reflecting on perspectives from his audience. Detox Protocols Enhancing Consciousness: Leo mentions using detox protocols to remove brain toxins, which he claims improves mood and concentration, resulting in purified, clearer psychedelic experiences and a higher baseline of consciousness. Deepening Understanding Through Content Creation: He finds this process of sharing, reflecting and receiving feedback on his awakenings not contradictory but enriching, integrating isolated insights into a deeper understanding of reality. Significance of Clear Mind in Psychedelic Experiences: By clarifying the mind through detoxification, one's psychedelic experiences can also become clearer, with less turbulence in the flow of consciousness, leading to more profound insights. Clarity and Understanding through Detox and Psychedelics: Leo Gura shares that by detoxifying his brain and clearing his mind, his psychedelic experiences have significantly improved in terms of clarity and interconnectedness. This holistic approach has taken his god realizations to deeper levels, further enhancing his consciousness. Shift to God Realization: Leo describes a distinct threshold in consciousness where one transcends human consciousness and enters god realization. This involves deep interconnectedness with the entirety of one's mind and reality, going beyond concepts of birth, parents, time, and physical existence. God Realization vs. Human Consciousness: He contrasts the experience of god realization with day-to-day human consciousness. Whereas usual consciousness involves believing in the reality of one's personal history, physical existence, and separateness, god realization reveals these as projections of the mind without intrinsic reality. Transcending Time and Space: During his psychedelic experiences, Leo realizes that not only past and future but also the very construct of time itself can be imagined and manipulated in infinite ways. He visualizes time as multi-dimensional, with limitless possible timelines all available to the imagination. Imaginary Nature of Reality: Leo emphasizes that all perceived realities, including scientific concepts like atoms and molecules, are imaginary constructs. He extends this to the realization that people and personal relations are also selections from a possibility space of consciousness. Multiplicity of Memories and Narratives: In the state of god realization, one can access the totality of imagined memories, not just personal ones but all conceivable memories across existence. Every memory people hold, including those of friends and family, is seen as a narrative crafted within consciousness. Illusion of Physical Life: Leo reveals that every aspect of what is considered physical life, including science, memories, and the concept of earth, is a fictional narrative. This understanding allows for a transcendence beyond mundane physical constraints and realizations of life as an illusion crafted by God—or one's self as an aspect of God. Total Ownership as Creator: In the god realization state, individuals take complete ownership of their existence, shedding any notion of otherness present in other mystical or spiritual experiences. This leads to an awareness of one's self as the sole creator of reality, surpassing even the constructs of spirituality and science. Mystical Entities as Imaginary Constructs: Leo describes how entities like DMT beings or deities such as Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva, as well as figures like Jesus and Buddha, are all imaginary. He suggests that we pull these images from an infinite pool of possible mystical characters, emphasizing their fictional nature. Omniscience and Constructing Relationships: Leo explains that in a state of omniscience, one becomes aware of actively constructing every relationship, including those with one's mother, guru, friends, and even Leo himself. He stresses that this knowledge is a significant departure from deeply ingrained human attachments. Transcending Reality Anchors: In a state of god consciousness, Leo states that all anchors to reality such as memories, ideas of science and religion, gender, and even one's name are realized as imaginary. He illustrates the profound implications when one transcends these attachments, resulting in the dissolution of the sense of physical reality and the concepts of past and future. Achieving Total Omnipotence: Leo argues that total omniscience comes with the power of omnipotence, where one can instantly manifest any reality, including material wealth. He clarifies that at this consciousness level, physical realities like bank accounts or the ego itself cease to exist, redefining the idea of physical manifestations for someone infinitely conscious. Inherent Value and Meaning in Limits: He explores the trade-off where limitless creation leads to loss of meaning and value, drawing an analogy with the limited capabilities within a video game that make the gameplay interesting and valuable, implying that self-imposed limitations give meaning to the human experience. Conscious Creation of Challenges: Leo suggests that humans consciously create their challenging reality, such as a world where overindulgence leads to consequences, to make life engaging. He juxtaposes this against the concept of a 'God Mode' where one can design any aspect of reality freely but without the constraints that make existence intriguing and valuable. Paradox of Abundance in Pleasure: Leo Gura elucidates that the scarcity of experiences like sex influences their value. Having unlimited access diminishes appreciation, similar to how humans take the ever-available oxygen for granted. Concept of Challenge in Gaming and Life: He compares life to playing hard games, where cheat codes and 'journalist' modes undermine the value of experience. The ideal game - and by extension life - strikes a balance between difficulty and ability, providing meaning and excitement. Transcendent Heavenly Experience: Gura describes 'God Mode' as a heavenly state beyond material desires, achieving an infinite, formless metaphysical love. He contrasts this with limited, materialistic conceptions of pleasure. Realization of the Pointlessness of Infinite Pleasure: Gura reflects on the realization, within the 'God Mode' state, that even heavenly pleasures can become boring, leading to the choice of a limited existence for entertainment and self-exploration. Reality as Cosmic Drama: He suggests that if one had infinite power, creating a reality with the perfect balance of capabilities and limitations would keep life interesting, mirroring the notion that life is a dramatic play God engages in with itself. Role of Pain and Limits: Gura argues that pain is essential for learning and that removing it would invalidate concepts of good and bad. He challenges the idea that an ideal reality would be free of suffering, pointing out that limitations enhance the drama of existence. Personal Trauma and the Illusion of Reality: He acknowledges that individuals who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to see it as part of a larger illusory play and suggests that attachment to suffering can prevent awakening from this illusion. Crafting of Reality and Entertainment Value: Leo discusses how the limits we experience are self-imposed by an all-powerful consciousness to add a dramatic and entertaining dimension to existence, creating a form of cosmic drama. Understanding Pain as an Illusory Part of Life's Cosmic Play: Leo elucidates that pain is a necessary aspect of life's dramatic illusion, and that removing challenges could lead to an unfulfilled and mundane existence. Trauma and Denial: Leo Gura points out the challenge individuals face in admitting that their trauma and negative emotions are self-created illusions. Acceptance is difficult due to emotional attachments and the embarrassment one might feel upon realizing the self-deception. God's Design Challenge: Leo discusses the paradox of omnipotence, where the infinite consciousness of God faces the challenge of experiencing finiteness. Reality is constructed with intricate detail to thoroughly deceive oneself into forgetting one's divine nature. Transient Nature of God Mode: Leo explains that the state of 'God Mode' is not permanent and that individuals eventually return to their ordinary human consciousness. He warns that dismissing the experience as a hallucination is part of the self-deception that maintains the limitation. Life as Sleep and Awakening: Life consists of mechanisms designed to lull consciousness into illusion and also clues to facilitate awakening. Events and people can serve dual roles, pushing one further into the illusion or acting as catalysts for awakening, depending on one’s response. Death and Transformation: Leo suggests that how one responds to events, like the loss of a loved one, can lead either to deeper entrenchment in the ego or to the path of awakening by fostering love, forgiveness, and deeper existential contemplation. Illusion and Reality: Gura articulates that experiences of life, perceived as material and real, are actually part of a convincing illusion, with no alternative reality for comparison. He questions if breaking the illusion is truly desirable, since one might end up missing it. Desiring Limitations: Leo reflects on how achieving all consciousness could be boring, leading to the desire for a less infinite existence with more drama, action, and material form for entertainment. Existence as Imagination: Leo explains that life is a form of eternal imagination, where every concept like birth, death, relationships, and even scientific knowledge is imagined around the present moment to create a sense of reality. Reality Construction: Gura emphasizes that individuals imagine their entire lives including history, relationships, and education. He points out that even the perception of him as a separate entity is part of this imaginative construction. Denial of Godhood: Leo speaks about the pervasive denial of one's own godliness, which is a necessary part of constructing one's reality. He implies that recognizing one's unity with everything is a realization often resisted because of its profound implications. Impact of Realization: The consequences of realizing one's true nature as God includes facing nihilism, loss, surrendering attachments, and understanding that everything, including science and spiritual gurus, are illusions of one's own making. Nature of Constructing Reality: Leo Gura highlights that every concept or object that one thinks exists, including Leo's own presence, is actively constructed by the individual's consciousness. Whether Leo is real or just an imagining, depends entirely on the person's perception. God Mode as default existential state: For Leo, the state of infinite power and eternal existence, the 'God Mode,' leads to a different outlook on activities like creating educational videos or pursuing material pleasures—he does it out of existential boredom rather than necessity or delusion. Purpose of Life's Endeavors: Leo suggests that all pursuits, including sex and wealth, are ultimately forms of self-entertainment within the illusion of life. He reflects on his own motivations for chasing certain goals and confesses that they are all just part of the cosmic play. Illusion of Helping Others: Leo criticizes the concept of spiritual teachers believing they are aiding others' awakening. He claims they are not fully god-realized and are cosplaying within the illusion, not recognizing that there's nobody else to save—only themselves to awaken. Self-deception in Spiritual Practices: Detailed information about the depth and omnipresence of self-deception in spiritual paths, including the affinity for gurus and practices like meditation, is provided. Leo emphasizes how these can actually draw individuals deeper into the illusion instead of leading to true god realization. God Realization Beyond Non-Duality: Leo seeks to differentiate his concept of god realization from other non-dual teachings, suggesting that true god realization requires understanding reality construction and transcending subtle elements of otherness and duality. Directional Approach to Spirituality: The upward journey in spirituality is explained as one requiring caution, as it can lead to distractions or tangential pursuits that may seem profound but don't equate to god realization. Radical Shift in Teaching Focus: Leo announces his intent to redirect his teachings towards those eager for god realization, veering away from traditional Buddhist or neo-advaita teachings. He recognizes his controversial stance but encourages his followers to remain open-minded and to verify his claims through their own experiences. Misconceptions about Spiritual Paths: Leo highlights that traditional paths like standard Buddhism and neo-advaita may not lead to the highest levels of realization and that not all paths lead to the same destination. He suggests that consciousness and mysticism might be more complex than what traditional texts and practices teach. The Important Question - 'What is God?': Leo urges his viewers to deeply contemplate and strive to understand 'What is God?', suggesting that true god realization is more than just the concept of emptiness, and emphasizes the importance of seeking a complete understanding. Criticism of His Teaching Methods: In responding to criticism from spiritually advanced individuals, Leo argues that his intention is to make the path to god realization efficient for the majority of people, comparing it to choosing to fly rather than walk from Los Angeles to New York. Efficiency of Psychedelics over Meditation: Leo asserts that based on his experience, psychedelics are the most effective method for reaching god realization. He acknowledges they may not work for everyone and encourages people to authentically find their path. Discovery of a New Powerful Chemical: Leo hints at discovering a new, potent chemical, possibly more powerful than 5-MeO-DMT for god realization. He acknowledges the risks and lack of research on new substances, highlighting the personal responsibility in using them. Cutting Edge Methods with Inherent Risks: He discusses the nature of cutting-edge exploration and cautions that new methods may be confusing, baffling, and risky. Leo stresses intelligence and care when applying these teachings and understanding the inherent risks involved with psychedelic use. Adjuring Personal Responsibility with Psychedelics: Leo emphasizes that individuals take full responsibility for using psychedelics and understand the potential mental and physical health implications, advising them to follow safety protocols. Guiding Viewers to Ultimate Realization: Leo's ultimate intention is to guide viewers to the realization that they are God and that God is love, fostering a profound understanding of self-love, unity, and interconnectedness. Accio

One experience shows me that my body sensations are made out of literally nothing and I am that nothing. Or: truth = nothingness = form Another experience shows me that my body is love/beuty. I can zoom into that sensation forever and its love and beuty. Where I now feel my shoulder, in higher states I feel love. Or: Truth = love = form But nothingness is not equal to love, because in nothingness I didnt feel any love. Love is formless, but it is not nothingness, its something - love! I don't get it. Where is my blindspot? Looking for help. Thanks.

I don't want to say but that's not enlightenment. Enlightenment is genuinely not knowing. Just being as before birth,.after death and now. All becomes fo 1. Peter Ralston says the same thing. I, including infinite nothingness I, must drop till nothing and only nothing , becomes being.

Guided Exercise For Realizing You Are God https://youtu.be/gdWxdhEB19s "He who knows himself knows God." - St. Anthony Guided Exercise for Realizing You Are God: Leo emphasizes the practical, experiential nature of this episode and requires participants' full attention. The exercise intends to guide listeners through the deconstruction of their mind and reality to achieve an understanding of themselves as God. Difference Between Conceptual and Actual Spirituality: The exercise aims to move beyond conceptual and theoretical understanding of spirituality towards actual spiritual practice. It contrasts most people's beliefs and ideas of spirituality with the real work of spiritual practices. Objective of Realizing Yourself as God: Leo sets the objective of the exercise to help listeners realize they are God. He cautions that it may not be fully comprehensible at the current level of consciousness and may require years of practice for complete realization. Grounding in Present Experience: Participants are instructed to ground themselves in the immediacy of their experience, such as looking at their hands, as an entry point into consciousness. This exercise shifts the focus from abstract ideas of God to the direct experience of the present moment. Stripping Conceptual Baggage: Leo endeavors to strip away the conceptual stories and explanations constructed to make sense of the present experience, such as the idea of Earth, to make room for recognizing the profoundness of experience as God. Mystery of Existence Beyond Stories: The approach involves removing scientific and historical explanations, like the Big Bang and evolution, from one's experience. The absence of these narratives is intended to leave an unadulterated, mysterious experience that prompts further investigation into what remains. Deconstruction of Scientific Concepts: Leo advises discarding scientific concepts like molecules, atoms, and quantum mechanics when observing one's hand. He advocates perceiving the hand through its direct presentations—colors and shapes—and recognizing scientific terms as mere projections and not direct experience. Discarding Biological Concepts: Leo instructs viewers to remove any biological narratives when looking at their hand. By eliminating concepts of being a human, part of an organism, or a biological entity, the hand becomes increasingly mysterious, revealing the mind's habit of assigning explanations to direct experiences. Deconstructing Scientific Explanations: Leo challenges viewers to discard scientific explanations such as the brain's neuronal activity being the source of experience. He emphasizes that in direct experience, there are no brains, neurons, or connections to a human body—only colors, shapes, and the present moment. Questioning Existence and Birth: Leo asks viewers to dismiss the narrative of their birth and lineage. By shedding the story of human history, including evolution and ancestry, viewers confront a profound mystery regarding where their experience comes from, leaving them in awe of existence without a tangible origin. Time as a Mental Construct: Leo rejects traditional concepts of time, suggesting viewers observe motion without ascribing a flow or direction to it. By treating time as a projection rather than a reality, viewers can begin to see the hand, and all experiences, as timeless and directionless. Consciousness as the Sole Reality: Leo shifts the focus to the nature of consciousness itself, advocating for the recognition of consciousness as the only reality. He instructs viewers to become aware that consciousness can shift focus but remains constant in its essence, populating their entire field of awareness. Expansive Consciousness Beyond Body: Leo encourages viewers to perceive their consciousness as a bubble encompassing the entire room, rather than being confined to the human body. He suggests that viewers are the entirety of this bubble of consciousness, which includes all objects within their awareness. Eliminating Old Stories and Constructs: In conclusion, Leo urges viewers to continually discard any returning old narratives about existence, such as the Brain or Earth-centric models. By doing so, one can remain purely in the direct and mysterious experience of the present moment. Spirituality versus Science: Leo Gura flips the commonly held beliefs by asserting that true spirituality, unlike science, is grounded in the most tangible, practical reality when practiced correctly. He labels science as imaginative and abstract compared to the immediacy of conscious experience in spirituality. Meditative Experience of Consciousness: Leo guides viewers to sit peacefully, stripping away all scientific, historical, and personal narratives, focusing solely on the raw, direct experience of consciousness within their environment. God as Infinitely Conscious Being: He advances the idea that God is infinitely conscious, existing mysteriously and eternally, not confined to space, time, or material constructs and that individual consciousness reflects this divine singularity. Illusion of Other Beings and Places: Leo challenges the existence of other beings and distant places, claiming that in our direct experience, we only encounter our own being and that everything else is a projection within our individual consciousness. Existence Beyond Human Stories: Leo instructs viewers to abandon the idea that they are human or any other label, and to see themselves as eternal consciousness that is imagining all aspects of life and the universe. Transcendence of Time and Space: Leo Gura encourages listeners to dismiss concepts of time and history, to view the present moment as eternal—existing outside of time and space, as an ever-present phenomenon. Viewing the Material World as Consciousness: He posits that the entire material world is manifested by the infinite void of consciousness which we are, including the human body and all perceptions, urging a profound re-conception of reality as sentient and imagined by us. True Nature of the Universe: Leo argues that the universe is not made up of physical components but is the totality of our consciousness. He invites viewers to embrace the divine intelligence and infinite nature inherent in all aspects of conscious existence. The Void of Infinite Consciousness: He directs viewers to turn their focus inward, toward the void inside the skull where pure consciousness resides—an infinite space that is the source of all creation and imagination. Absolute Truth as Direct Experience: Gura defines absolute truth as direct perception itself, not as an overlay or deeper hidden reality. He insists that whatever is within one's consciousness constitutes the entire existence, negating the concept that perceptions could be misleading or illusory. Illusion of Reality: Leo Gura declares that the perceived reality is an illusion created by consciousness. God is seen as the universe imagining itself into existence, made from nothingness. Perception of Nothingness: He urges viewers to perceive everything, including their hands and the room around them, as nothing. This involves stripping down all fantasies and projections, recognizing that something and nothing are identical. Rejection of Mind's Fantasies: Gura acknowledges the mind's resistance to perceiving reality as nothing. He recognizes the common discomfort with ideas like being alone, the non-existence of others, and being God without a history. Completeness as God: The viewers are encouraged to embrace the concept of being God—complete and absolute—without the need for science, religion, history, psychology, or personal stories. Existence and Love: Gura connects God with love, stating that existence itself and accepting oneself as God is an act of love. He emphasizes that love is an acceptance of all existence and oneself being one with everything. Infinite Consciousness and Love: He describes God's consciousness as infinite and pure love, a unity that accepts and loves itself completely, minus any form of resistance or self-need. The Hands of God: Viewers are reminded that their own hands, devoid of stories and concepts, are eternal and made out of love, as all consciousness is essentially made from love—interpreted as infinite unity and self-acceptance. Permanence in Existence: Leo advises viewers to sit peacefully, meditating on the realization that they are an eternal form of existence and consciousness. The appreciation of existing as absolute truth, love, and infinity is the core of true spirituality. Non-attachment to States of Consciousness: He explains that while all states of consciousness are divine, certain states allow for a deeper understanding of God. However, all are equally significant in the grand scheme of infinity. Persistence in Spiritual Understanding: Gura assures viewers that immediate realization of God-consciousness might not happen and recommends using psychedelics responsibly to deepen understanding and enhance mystical experience. The Importance of Practice: He emphasizes the role of continual practice in transcending fantasies and achieving God consciousness. Map vs. Territory: Gura concludes by urging to differentiate between the map (conceptual models) and the territory (direct experience), suggesting daily practice focused on the latter for genuine spiritual growth and realization. Engorgio

Guided Exercises For Understanding Infinite Consciousness https://youtu.be/78G-wkpH5ow Guiding viewers through experiential understanding of consciousness: Leo Gura leads viewers in a hands-on exercise aimed at experiencing consciousness directly, rather than discussing it theoretically. He urges viewers to notice their conscious state and to self-reflect on their awareness. The trap of intellectualizing consciousness: Leo warns against seeking answers about consciousness externally—through science or religion—or through speculation and imagination. He stresses that such attempts distract from the direct experience of consciousness. Self-awareness as the foundation of existence: Leo makes a distinction that goes beyond being conscious—asserting that we are consciousness itself and that everything that exists is contained within consciousness. He challenges viewers to examine their experiences for anything that exists outside of consciousness. Consciousness is all-encompassing: He argues against the idea of separate layers of reality, like appearances and a supposed deeper layer. Leo posits that all experiences, even the material and physical, are held within consciousness. By doing so, he attempts to shift the paradigm of understanding reality. Materiality as an illusion of consciousness: Leo uses a refrigerator as an example to illustrate how consciousness convinces itself of material reality. He suggests that what we perceive as tangible and material is an illusion created by consciousness. Universe as a giant mind: He alludes to the universe as a grand mind, capable of imagining everything from physical objects to emotions, and explains that each form is held within the universal consciousness. Leo invites viewers to explore consciousness as a mental space holding all possible forms and experiences. Perception of Universal Consciousness: Leo explains that everything, like a nuclear explosion, is imagined into existence by the universal field of consciousness—manifesting as tangible, lethal reality, not as an illusion or fantasy. Mentality Layers in the Universe: He dismisses the notion that perceiving the universe as purely mental is overly fantastical or violates Occam's Razor; instead, he suggests that a mental universe is a simpler, more elegant model than the scientific materialistic one. Infinite Mind Model vs. Materialistic Model: Leo contrasts his model of the universe as an infinite mind with the materialistic model that requires multiple layers of reality, asserting that his model solves the infinite regress problem and avoids unsolvable issues like the mind-body problem. Elegance and Simplicity of a Mental Universe: He elaborates on the elegance of conceiving the universe as consciousness, which simplifies complexities and makes more sense of experiences, such as birds chirping or a car driving by, by recognizing them as consciousness itself. Limitations of Physical Assumptions: He challenges the assumption that a physical universe of matter is more plausible than a mental one, proposing that creating even a single atom from nothing is as magical as the existence of an infinite, purely mental universe. Ownership and Attribution of Intelligence: Leo criticizes the arrogance of claiming ownership over aspects of the universe such as consciousness, intelligence, and rationality. He suggests that all human abilities are derived from and limited expressions of the universal intelligence. Expanding the Possibility Space: He encourages viewers to grant the universe the full credit for all capabilities, beyond the conventional human experiences, and to shift from an egocentric view to acknowledging the universe as the source of all experiences and intelligences. Appreciation of Music as an Act of the Universe: When understanding that one is the universe, the appreciation of music becomes an experience of the universe observing and enjoying its own creation. Universe as the Origin of Creativity and Expression: The universe is capable of writing poetry, conducting science, and even experiencing the spectrum of human behaviors, including the ability to commit acts seen as morally reprehensible, like being a Nazi. Paradigm Shift from Materialism to Consciousness: Leo argues that by recognizing the universe as a mind rather than as a machine, the concept of love takes on profound significance, no longer relegated to an insignificant emotion but seen as a fundamental aspect of universal consciousness. Existential Importance of Love: By aligning with the consciousness paradigm, love is understood as not just a human emotion but as an intrinsic quality of the mind and the universe, suggesting that many emotional problems arise from a disconnection from this essential nature of love. The Limitations Imposed on the Universe: Leo posits that the universe's limitations are self-imposed and not externally enforced, which implies that the universe can, in theory, understand all aspects of English or any other language or concept to an infinite degree. Comprehension of Language as a Universal Ability: Leo encourages viewers to visualize the entire possibility space of the English language and then extends this to every possible language, stressing that the universe's knowledge is not limited by human constraints. Existence of Universal Mind with Perfect Knowledge: The universality of language comprehension by consciousness illustrates the idea that the universe's mind can know all languages perfectly, indicating that the imperfections humans experience in language are part of the broader capability of the universe. Illusion of Language Limitation: Leo Gura explores the concept that human perceived limitations in language, like struggling with English or not knowing Icelandic, are a form of pretense by an infinite mind that understands all languages perfectly. Unlocking Infinite Understanding: He likens our inability to effortlessly access this universal knowledge to forgetting the password to a bank account with infinite money, suggesting that remembering or finding the password (or key to understanding) could be a lifelong endeavor with no guarantee of success. Infinite Domains of Possibility: Leo introduces the concept of infinite domains e.g., all movies made and that could potentially be made. He encourages viewers to imagine every variation within a domain as an "infinite domain," using the example of all possible versions of the original Star Wars movie. Nested Domains: He describes how individual specific instances, like the Star Wars movie 'A New Hope', represent a small part of the expansive universe of possibilities within a domain, leading to the broader concept of nested domains. Merging Infinite Domains: Leo prompts viewers to consider combining various infinite domains—movies, music, video games, inventions, software, and vehicles—into one transcendent singularity to appreciate the boundless creativity of consciousness. Consciousness' Infinite Detail: He speaks about how infinite possibilities extend to even the minutest details, such as variations within a specific category (e.g., gas-powered helicopters), and this subdivision can continue endlessly. Exploration of Infinite Realms: Leo encourages viewers to comprehend the infinite by imagining every possible instance of any concept - from chess games and sports to potential emotions, physical laws, and selves - all merged into one giant singularity of potential. Self and Self-Identity: He guides viewers to consider every possible self the universe could inhabit, from the personal known self to any conceivable other self, underscoring that these constitute different "selves" within the same infinite consciousness. Comprehending Absolute Infinity: Leo concludes by inviting viewers to imagine everything that exists, all possibility spaces including the impossible, as a representation of consciousness, the universe, reality, God, and love, encapsulated as absolute infinity with countless infinite subdomains. Comprehension of Infinite Selves: Leo Gura invites the viewer to acknowledge and feel their own self as a fluid and dynamic conglomeration of memories, personal stories, beliefs, and emotions, which are created and held consistently by consciousness. Fluidity and Consistency of Self: He elucidates on the fluid nature of personal identity and self, how it is subject to change and yet maintains a consistent structure throughout life, maturing and actualizing in a state of constant transformation. Concept of Self as Bubbles within Consciousness: Leo uses the metaphor of bubbles to represent different selves, urging viewers to imagine transitioning between distinct self-identities—such as those of a family member or Donald Trump—recognizing that each leap between selves involves a complete disconnection from the prior identity. Loss of Identity and Attachment to Self: Addressing the fear that comes with the idea of changing selves, Leo equates it to the fear of death or annihilation, confronting the viewer with the unnerving prospect of losing one's current self-identity entirely when taking on another. Distinction between Lowercase and Uppercase Self: Leo differentiates between the lowercase self (specific persona) and the uppercase Self (the collective potential of all possible selves), which he equates with the concept of God, embodying every possible identity. Realization of Reality's Infinite Nature: He discusses the concept of infinity, stating that reality is boundless and includes all possibilities, impossibilities, and even nothingness, thus helping the viewer comprehend the totality of existence. Reality as States of Consciousness: Leo stresses that all of reality, including enlightenment and awakening, comprises an infinite variety of states of consciousness, countering the notion that there is a singular enlightened state. Implications of Different States: He details the practical significance of different states of consciousness for personal growth and awakening, suggesting that some states are more conducive for spiritual work, while others may hinder it. Significance of Baseline Consciousness State: Leo discusses the idea that while ultimately one becomes infinite consciousness, the current state greatly impacts practical life, including abilities to focus and meditate. Poor diet and toxic environments can lower one's state of consciousness, hindering spiritual work and awakening. Impact of Modern Society on Consciousness: He contends that factors like social media, poor nutrition, and toxic information can rigidify people’s states, making practices like meditation increasingly challenging in contemporary society. Necessity of State Management for Awakening: Gura stresses the importance of maintaining a good baseline state for achieving spiritual awakening. He criticizes spiritual teachers who downplay the relevance of one's state of consciousness, asserting its critical role in one's ability to awaken. Exploring Varied States of Consciousness: He highlights the learning potential in exploring a diversity of states, both pleasurable and horrible. While warning against becoming fixated on pursuing pleasurable states, Gura notes the insights to be gained from all experiences. Peak Experiences and Baseline State Improvement: He suggests that peak experiences, like those induced by psychedelics, provide valuable glimpses into higher consciousness states and can contribute to raising one's baseline state over time when complemented with practices like yoga and meditation. Physical Reality Held in Consciousness: Leo advises viewers to practice noticing how all perceived physical objects are actually held within consciousness, an exercise aimed at distinguishing consciousness from physicality. Responsible Psychedelic Use as a Consciousness Tool: Gura recommends responsible psychedelic use as a powerful means to experience and comprehend the infinite potential of consciousness. However, he cautions against becoming attached to the states they produce. Avis

nothingness is the final frontier. When nothingness opens, you realize that the infinite void is alive, all of it, in its infinity. It can't be any other way because it's unlimited, then you realize what you are. This is the opening we seek, there is no more enlightenment than that. Everything else are just minor realizations

My experience is that nothingness seems unlimited but it is really limited, since it is just nothing, where is something? It is beyond nothing, it is something impossible to think that happens and when it does you realize that reality has opened up. That's when total joy happens, when you realize what you are, limitless, everything.

That infinite love hit after infinite nothingness. Nothingness is always unlimited. But above this how can we know these sentences as "sentences"?how do we know even anything?

but above you said that it was infinite love. Did unlimited nothingness open? that is enlightenment

I just become nothing, nothing and after that infinite nothingness. There wasnt any "me". I was empty.

Good for you brother,, good for you 😀 😀 😀 love it more, we must honor the nothingness with love 💖

They are having a Numinous Experience Rudolf Otto's Concept of the "Numinous" Otto was one of the most influential thinkers about religion in the first half of the twentieth century. He is best known for his analysis of the experience that, in his view, underlies all religion. He calls this experience "numinous," and says it has three components. These are often designated with a Latin phrase: mysterium tremendum et fascinans. As mysterium, the numinous is "wholly other"-- entirely different from anything we experience in ordinary life. It evokes a reaction of silence. But the numinous is also a mysterium tremendum. It provokes terror because it presents itself as overwhelming power. Finally, the numinous presents itself as fascinans, as merciful and gracious. Outline of Otto's concept of the numinous (based on The Idea of the Holy. Trans. John W. Harvey. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1923; 2nd ed., 1950 [Das Heilige, 1917]): "Mysterium tremendum et fascinans" (fearful and fascinating mystery): "Mysterium": Wholly Other, experienced with blank wonder, stupor "tremendum": awefulness, terror, demonic dread, awe, absolute unapproachability, "wrath" of God overpoweringness, majesty, might, sense of one's own nothingness in contrast to its power creature-feeling, sense of objective presence, dependence energy, urgency, will, vitality "fascinans": potent charm, attractiveness in spite of fear, terror, etc.

Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing https://youtu.be/DhMroy-fP00 "A True History of the Universe: Once upon a time, there was nothing. The end." "Everything is nothing, with a twist." - Kurt Vonnegut Ultimate question of existence: Leo asserts that the question "Why is there something rather than nothing?" is the ultimate query capable of unlocking the secrets of existence yet no consensus has been reached by philosophers, scientists, or theologians after thousands of years, and many claim it's unknowable. Possibility of answering existence: Contrary to common belief, Leo claims it is possible to answer the question of why something exists rather than nothing. He states that the answer can be attained not through belief or theory but as a direct consciousness experience. Significance of the question: Leo emphasizes the necessity to appreciate the gravity and enormity of pondering why anything exists at all, advocating for inward, focused contemplation on the existence of the self and the surrounding universe. Resistance to conventional narratives: He suggests resisting quick, pre-existing explanations from culture, religion, or science, encouraging a starting point based on direct experience instead of inherited explanations. Conceiving a universe of absolute nothingness: Leo guides the listener to imagine a reality of complete nothingness—no entities, no form—and points out that this seems simpler and would eliminate the need to explain complex phenomena. Nothingness and reality's energy efficiency: Leo posits a paradox where absolute nothingness seems energy efficient but argues that nothing would prevent nothingness from spontaneously becoming something. Therefore, reality as 'something' may actually be lower in energy. Relativistic distinction between something and nothing: He proposes that the distinction between something and nothing might not be objective but could be a projection of the mind, challenging the reliability of this fundamental cognitive ability. Nothing and something as indistinguishable: Leo suggests that since nothingness can spontaneously become something, and this happens beyond the constraints of time and space, the distinction between nothing and something is essentially nonexistent. Indistinct line between something and nothing: Leo argues that the universe is nothing, always has been, and always will be, because the distinctions between 'something' and 'nothing' are artificial constructs of the human mind. This projection skews our perception of reality, suggesting a fundamental error in our worldview that stems from childhood. Reframing our perception of conventional somethings: Leo invites listeners to reconsider their childhood-led discrimination between somethings and nothings, suggesting that what were labeled as somethings (like a ball or a dog) by our parents might actually be nothing. He encourages undoing these ingrained distinctions to appreciate the nothingness in everything around us. Mistaken identifiers of nothingness: He points out that philosophers, theologians, and scientists have erred in conceptualizing nothing as a black hole or void, which are actually 'somethings'. Real nothing, which cannot be conceived because it then becomes something, is what we currently perceive and experience. Everything as actual nothing: Leo emphasizes that what we consider something—objects, experiences, pains, rejections—has always been nothing. Our mind mistakes the actual nothing for something because of learned biases. Recognizing this requires a radical paradigm shift, not just philosophical contemplation. Consciousness and limitation contributing to reality's form and formlessness: For reality's consciousness to be truly unlimited, it must encompass both formlessness and form. Leo sees the universe as a singularity where formlessness and form are superimposed, making reality self-contained and boundless. Existence as the most energy-efficient state: Explaining that reality is perfectly symmetrical, self-canceling, and singular, Leo argues that existence is the only state that reality could be in. This unified state that reality exists in is described as the most energy-efficient and is fundamental to anything existing at all. Experiencing the nothingness of the present: Leo challenges listeners to look at the present moment as completely empty, redefining fullness to include emptiness. He urges us to recognize the formlessness within form and that the perceived fullness of our reality is, in fact, nothing. Understanding duality and human bias towards form: Leo points out that people pay attention to form for survival and material benefits, but often neglect the formlessness, which is equally a part of reality. Recognizing the formlessness within form is vital to understanding the nature of existence. Redefining the basis of reality: According to Leo, all of reality, including the present moment, is nothing, nowhere, no-how. Rationality and logic stumble in explaining this because they operate on biased premises and distinctions within consciousness. Developing understanding through direct consciousness: Leo encourages individuals to work towards realizing the nature of reality through personal experience and consciousness, rather than merely accepting his words. He sees this realization as accessible through effort and direct understanding. Equating Nothing to Key Concepts: Nothingness is equated with consciousness, truth, love, God, and the self, suggesting that all these are fundamentally the same. Progressive awakenings to realize fundamental unity: Leo posits that understanding this unity requires multiple awakenings and realizations, as one might initially awaken to the present moment as nothing, but still need further awakenings to recognize consciousness, love, God, and self as nothing too. Holographic nature of perceived reality: When one realizes the nature of reality as nothing, the physical world starts to appear like a hologram or virtual reality, with a hollow and empty essence, a concept akin to the Buddhist idea of emptiness. Totality of mind and the illusion of reality: Leo emphasizes that everything we experience is happening within our own infinite mind, making it impossible to distinguish between illusion and reality without a substantial, instantaneous awakening. Materialistic pursuits vs. Metaphysical understanding: The pursuit of material pleasures, including scientific endeavors, is contrasted with the satisfaction gained from asking and exploring deep metaphysical questions, which Leo finds essential for true happiness and peace. Life and love as nothing: Recognizing life as nothing is described as a relief and an opportunity for love—as a fundamental fabric of reality—to freely flow, this understanding is not depressive but a joyful spiritual epiphany. Joy and bliss in realizing nothingness: Leo champions the spiritual path of realizing nothingness, leading to a detached, carefree life immersed in the divine pleasures of the spiritual realm, which is purely nothing. He urges viewers to pursue this realization beyond mere ideology or philosophy. Bombarda

Why Reality CANNOT Be A Simulation - A Clear Answer https://youtu.be/1tEtI9m-Vok "Your theory is crazy, but it's not crazy enough to be true" - Niels Bohr Gura's critique of simulation theory: He criticizes the idea of simulation theory as misguided, labeling it materialistic thinking that fails to recognize the true substance of reality, consciousness. Consciousness and the present moment: Gura emphasizes that the substance of reality is consciousness, which is the direct experiences we are currently having, and that the present moment doesn't depend on constructs like atoms, molecules, or the history of the universe. Refutation of a virtual future: He argues against the notion that we will eventually live in indistinguishable virtual realities created by computers, stating that such realities would still be within the realm of consciousness and hence not fundamentally separate from our current experience. Understanding reality through direct experience: Gura encourages realization of interconnectedness and infinite nature of consciousness through direct experience, not through speculation or technology, arguing that awakening to this realization proves reality cannot be a simulation. Critique of science and skepticism: He critiques science's disconnection from consciousness and the validity of skepticism in understanding consciousness, suggesting that no evidence or external argument can truly describe the nature of consciousness. Advocacy for personal practices to realize consciousness: Gura advocates engaging in meditation, yoga, and informed reading to deepen understanding and grasp the nature of reality as consciousness. Philosophy as practical wisdom: He distinguishes practical philosophy, which he equates with real wisdom and spiritual awakening, from traditional philosophy, which he describes as theoretical and disconnected from applied understanding. Philosophy and spirituality as identical: Gura concludes by equating true philosophy with the love of wisdom, asserting that real philosophy and spirituality are one and the same when pursued correctly, and indicates his intention to continue discussing these concepts in future content. Hypocrisy in the argument for a matter-based reality: Leo Gura points out the inconsistency in claiming reality is a simulation based on physical matter, as it fails to explain the origin of the matter itself and recursively pushes the problem back. Aliens simulating aliens: The suggestion that higher-level aliens are simulating our reality, and in turn, being simulated by even more advanced beings, leads to an infinite regress, akin to the concept of "Turtles all the way down." Direct experience as reality: Leo emphasizes that reality is nothing more than direct experience, dismissing notions of an external objective reality, alien simulations, or divine intervention as purely speculative and constructed within this direct experience. Challenging materialist addiction to objective reality: He challenges materialists to abandon the crutch of an external objective reality, thereby confronting the immediate mystery of consciousness without evasion. Reality as knowable through consciousness: Debunking the claim that reality could forever remain unknowable due to being trapped within a simulated bubble, Leo points out that through consciousness we have direct access to reality as it truly is. Conscious of consciousness: He argues that by becoming fully conscious, one realizes that consciousness does not depend on physical substances or substrates – consciousness is the ultimate substrate. Reality creation as the act of consciousness: Leo postulates that all entities, including atoms, energy, and mathematics, are manifestations imagined by consciousness. This inverts the standard scientific paradigm and asserts qualia as primary reality. Raw consciousness: Direct, unmediated raw consciousness is identified as the true essence of reality, opposing the view that it’s just 'personal experiences' derived from physical matter. Resistance of the psyche to pure consciousness: The human psyche resists acknowledging that reality is pure consciousness because this perception destabilizes fixed notions of reality. Lack of resistance due to knowledge gap: Leo states that difficulty in understanding this perspective is not due to inadequate scientific knowledge but the mind’s reluctance to accept a reality that is fundamentally ungrounded. Objective science as a construct of consciousness: He refutes the idea of detached objective analysis of reality, arguing that what is considered objective is itself a fabrication of consciousness. Union with reality through consciousness: Expressing the indivisibility of reality and consciousness, Leo explains that we are not merely in reality, but directly constitute it. The impossibility of an external viewpoint: Highlighting reality as comprising elements like reasoning and communication, Leo argues that stepping outside of reality for objective observation is intrinsically impossible. Consciousness understood through direct awareness: He insists consciousness is grasped not through external learning or texts but through becoming fully aware of one’s consciousness – an understanding derived from immediate acquaintance. Experiential versus speculative comprehension: Leo advises focusing on the direct subjective experience to fathom the reality’s nature instead of relying on speculative or conceptual frameworks. Rejection of simulation theory's separate substances: Disputing simulation theory, Leo stresses there's only absolute nothingness instead of dividing reality into virtual and physical domains. Grasping reality through active consciousness: He suggests observing our experiences closely for a better appreciation of reality, emphasizing that our convictions determine the distinctions between reality and fantasy. Encouragement for personal growth in consciousness: Leo recommends practices like meditation and invites viewers to explore the infinite nature of their own consciousness as a means to truly understand reality. Consciousness as the defining distinction: Leo Gura asserts that reality is constructed not from tangible materials like atoms or Stardust, but from the distinctions created in consciousness, which itself imagines these distinctions. Critique of the simulation theory: Leo criticizes the simulation theory for not understanding that both simulations and reality are simply distinctions within consciousness, incorrectly suggesting a separation into simulated and non-simulated realities. Interconnectedness ignored by simulation theory: Leo argues that simulation theory fails to recognize the interconnection between parts of reality by dividing it into different substances like carbon or silicon, thereby missing that these are all imagined distinctions within one singular consciousness. Consciousness as the substance unifying all levels of reality: Leo clarifies that while different levels of reality can exist, they are all unified and composed of a single substance—consciousness. The belief in a real versus virtual world is a trick of consciousness. Consciousness is singular and the universe is undivided: He emphasizes that consciousness is the only real 'thing' and is singular; the universe is one consciousness capable of creating distinctions that form our perception of reality. Simulation theory and its limitations in understanding consciousness: Simulation theory is critiqued for not grasping the essence of consciousness, suggesting a dependency of the real world on the virtual one, which Leo argues is misleading because everything arises from consciousness. Reality and perceptions of distinctions: Leo explores the idea that what we perceive as different substances within reality are not truly separate entities but distinctions conceptualized within consciousness. He argues that our belief in these distinctions is what constructs our experience of reality. Consciousness's role in blurring distinctions: Leo challenges the common distinctions made between sanity and insanity, or reality and fantasy. He suggests that these differences are products of our imagination, created within consciousness. Existential challenge to rational and evidence-based views: Leo presents an existential challenge to those who firmly grasp onto their rational and evidence-based identities, suggesting that these may be as illusory as fairy tales. Limits of current states of consciousness: Leo notes that our current consciousness limits our ability to perceive the actual lack of distinction between conceptualized objects like unicorns and tangible objects like brick walls, hinting at the necessity for a radically new state of consciousness to truly understand their equality as creations of the mind. Levels of Conceptualizing Imagination and Physicality: Imagination is posited as powerful enough to dissolve physical distinctions like walls when fully realized. However, Leo clarifies that his current form is a limited consciousness with limitations he describes as physicality. These limitations are not eternal, just present. Understanding the Substance of Distinctions: Leo inquires about the nature of distinctions. He explains that distinctions aren’t self-contained; they are made of consciousness, which is not a distinction but an absolute - the substance from which all distinctions arise. Distinctions as Nothingness: Leo contemplates the substance that gives rise to distinctions, like that between a unicorn and a brick wall, positing that the 'line' distinguishing them is essentially made of nothing, an absolute nothingness without properties or substance. Simulation Theory's Root Error: Leo argues that simulation theory erroneously assumes two substances: the virtual and the physical. He postulates that there's only one substance, absolute nothingness, which is singular and the essence of reality. Reality as a Singular Consciousness: He posits that the essence of all things, including one's hand, is actually nothing - absolute nothingness without duality. What we consider distinctions, like a hand, are fabricated within this nothingness. Reality's Paradoxical Nature as a Feature: Leo discusses the inherent paradox of reality, suggesting that existence is only apparent when imagined. He asserts that materialist paradigms are illusory, made of distinctions within consciousness. Direct Consciousness of Reality: He emphasizes that to verify his claims, one must directly experience and become conscious of the distinctions and nothingness he describes. This direct experience is contrasted with speculative beliefs. Oneness of Existence: Leo declares that existence is a singular oneness, precluding distinctions such as those in simulation theory. He affirms that all discussions about reality arise from consciousness, which is prior to any construct or cognition. Assertion of the primacy of consciousness: Leo stresses that consciousness is the most fundamental aspect of existence, enhancing our perceptions and dissolving the boundaries of what we consider reality and simulation. Critique of relying on external constructs to understand reality: He challenges the commonly held belief that our understanding of the present hinges on previous events or scientific constructs like the Big Bang or molecules. Argument against the possibility of ever living in virtual realities: Leo argues that no virtual reality can ever fully contain or deceive us because all levels of reality are manifestations of our consciousness. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all realities through consciousness: He posits that all realities, whether considered virtual or actual, are intertwined through the single substance of consciousness. Contending the finite nature of consciousness and reality: Leo asserts that consciousness and reality are not finite or contained within structures like simulations; consciousness is boundless. Invitation to realize infinite consciousness: Leo encourages viewers to strive towards recognizing their infinite consciousness, promising guidance on deeper understanding in future content. Discussion on meditation, yoga, and psychedelics: He plans to elaborate on methods such as meditation, yoga, and the use of certain psychedelics to catalyze the awakening to consciousness in upcoming episodes. Critique of science's dissociation from consciousness: He maintains that science's attempt at pure objectivity misses the inherent subjectivity and absolute nature of consciousness. Challenge to skepticism and demands for proof: Leo challenges skeptics demanding proof, asserting that the absolute nothingness of consciousness is not something that conventional proof can capture. The necessity to understand and be conscious of consciousness: Leo advises awakening to the true nothingness of consciousness as no external justification can substitute direct self-realization. The importance of right actions to deepen understanding: He emphasizes the significance of disciplined practices like meditation and knowledge from profound literature to gain deeper insight into consciousness. The power of right books and reading: Leo insists on the transformative power of reading carefully selected books, claiming that quality literature provides a strong foundation for understanding life and self. The value of deep understanding of life: He highlights how a profound understanding of life can significantly alter one's life trajectory, providing universal wisdom. Criticism of traditional philosophy: Leo criticizes academic philosophy as ineffective mental masturbation, urging a focus on practical wisdom and spiritual awakening. Association of philosophy with love of wisdom: He asserts that true philosophy is synonymous with spirituality when it is practiced with a love for wisdom and truth, which ultimately leads to profound shifts in perspective and living. Impedimenta

Division vs Unity - The Engine That Runs Reality https://youtu.be/vp99hZJfBHg "...to form a more perfect Union..." - Preamble to the US Constitution Exploration of Division vs Unity: Leo Gura introduces the concept of division and unity as the fundamental engine driving all of reality, evident in everything from social dynamics to biological processes, physics, and beyond. Historical Pattern of Mankind: History is presented as a series of fractal-like divisions and reunions within humanity, described as the polarizing and depolarizing dance of consciousness or infinite mind. Hydrologic Cycle as a Unity-Division Example: The hydrologic cycle is shown as a natural instance of division and unity: water starts unified in the ocean, evaporates, forms clouds (division), rains down into puddles (reunion), and eventually flows back to the ocean. Making a Smoothie Illustration: The process of making a smoothie is used as an everyday example, illustrating how elements grow into plants (unity), create fruits (division), which are blended into a smoothie (reunion), and then digested by the body (division) to nourish cells (unity). Speciation and Evolutionary Process: The diversification of species through geographical changes, interbreeding, and evolution showcases the process of proliferation (division) and the formation of new species (reunion). Human Migration and Cultural Diversification: Homo sapiens' migration from Africa and subsequent population of the globe led to division into races and cultures, which are now coming back together through globalization and interbreeding (reunion). Globalization's Impact on Human Race: Advancements in travel technology and social intermingling portend a future where racial and cultural distinctions are blurred. Space travel could lead to diversification across planets, potentially leading to interbreeding with alien species. Teleportation and Space Travel Speculation: Hypothetical future technologies like teleportation or space travel could facilitate even greater racial and cultural integration or lead to new forms of division as humans colonize other planets. Unifying Consciousness Through Yoga: Leo Gura touches on the role of Yoga, which translates to 'union,' in achieving a deeper understanding of consciousness by bringing together the perceiver and the perceived. Unavoidable Nature of Globalization: Due to demands from technology, travel, and economics, globalization is depicted as an inevitable force eroding traditional divisions and leading towards greater unity. Speciation and Human Colonization: Speciation may occur as humans colonize different environments like Mars, the Moon, or aquatic planets, resulting in varied physical adaptations due to conditions like low gravity. Interbreeding and Genetic Engineering: Interbreeding or genetic engineering with alien species could result in new hybrid organisms, showcasing a process of divergence and convergence in consciousness. Cultural Boundaries and Resistance: People often resist the blending of cultures, mistakenly clinging to temporary divisions and feeling threatened by the natural process of reunification. Judgment as Division: Judging and labelling aspects of the world as good or bad is a learned behavior that further divides consciousness, while teachings promoting interconnectedness encourage reunification. War as Absorption and Reunion: War is a form of absorption, with one tribe attempting to integrate another's resources, and even after conquest, the resulting peace can lead to larger, unified entities like the European Union or the United Nations. Middle Eastern Clan Warfare and External Interests: Power struggles in the Middle East, exacerbated by external interests, illustrate the difficulty of achieving unity among diverse clans and religious sects. United States and Autonomy: The United States was forged from 13 colonies into a nation that balances unity with significant state autonomy, reflecting both division and unity. European Union Complexities: The EU shows the challenge of unification, as member states grapple with national identities and unequal contributions, which can lead to tensions like Brexit. Unity and Division in Organizational Evolution: Large organizations, like the United Nations, evolve from the desire for cooperative peace but face resistance from individual national interests. Sunni, Shia, and Subdivisions: Within Islam, the division between Sunni and Shia factions and further subdivisions exemplify the ongoing cycle of division and unity even within a single religious community. Collective Defense Against Common Threats: Leo suggests that existential threats, such as a hypothetical alien invasion, would necessitate global unity among humans, temporarily sidelining smaller divisions. American States' Unity: The formation of the United States as a unified entity from individual colonies serves as an example of the recurring pattern of division and reunification. Economic Prosperity and Challenges in the EU: The European Union brought economic prosperity and peace but also highlighted disparities among member states, showing both the benefits and challenges of unification. Nationalism vs. European Unity: Individuals and nationalist parties in various European countries resist the idea of a European identity, preferring to maintain their distinct national identities, leading to tensions within the European Union and events like Brexit, which epitomize the struggle between unity and division. Brexit - Division within Unity: Brexit illustrates a fracture within the European Union, where the unified benefits make it difficult to leave, but British nationalists emphasize their unique identity, challenging the notion of being part of a larger, interconnected entity like the EU. Globalization's Inevitability: Leo Gura argues that globalization is unavoidable due to technology and human desires for travel and communication, thus necessitating unified international laws and collaboration to ensure a safer, more connected globe. Travel, Technology, and Legal Implications: With increasing global interconnectivity, people expect safety and justice when traveling or conducting international business, hinting at the future development of international legal systems to address crimes and disputes across borders. Trade-offs in Unity and Division: There are no simple answers to the ideal level of unity or division as both come with associated costs and benefits; reality is likened to a fractal or Russian nesting dolls, indicating complex layers of unity within division. Libertarian Misconceptions and Societal Structure: Libertarians and conservatives often fail to recognize the importance of sophisticated coordination for advanced societies, misunderstanding the interdependency inherent in society and the limited nature of freedom and individualism. Individual Autonomy vs. Collective Function: If each cell or organ in the human body acted solely based on its own autonomy, life would be unsustainable. Similarly, a society demands collective organization and cooperation to thrive, counter to extreme libertarian ideals of independence. The Danger of Excessive Integration: While coordination is crucial, there is also the risk of overintegration leading to the suppression of individual rights and the creation of totalitarian systems, highlighting the need for balance between individualism and collectivism. China's Collectivist Approach: China's current policies, which prioritize its emergence as a global superpower over individual rights and religious freedoms, exemplify extreme collectivism. This approach is deemed neither entirely good nor evil, but a mix of both, with significant global impacts. Fall of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Union's dissolution is cited as an example of the cycle of division and unity. At its peak, it consisted of multiple satellite states, but it fragmented after the collapse of communism—contrasting the reunification of East and West Germany. Spiritual Divisions: Despite spiritual study, religious groups cannot maintain unity, as evidenced by Christianity's split from Judaism and further divisions into Catholicism, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations, along with Islam's fragmentation into Sunni, Shia, and other sects. Eastern Spiritual Fragmentation: Similar to the West, Eastern spiritual traditions are not exempt from division. Hinduism and Buddhism both branched into various schools, demonstrating this pattern even within more holistic spiritual frameworks. Internet Proliferation and Unification: The internet initially experienced a proliferation of diverse websites, which then consolidated into large platforms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. This demonstrates the movement from speciation (division) to monopolization (unity). Corporate Mergers, Monopolies, and Regulations: The past 50 years have seen significant corporate mergers and the formation of monopolies due to lax antitrust laws. However, there is a prediction of populist uprisings and regulatory responses to break up these large enterprises. Birth and Life as Division and Reunion: The process of birth divides consciousness into separate organisms that eventually reunite through eating and excreting—demonstrating a constant interplay of division and unity in life's survival processes. Reproduction and Life Cycles: The reproductive cycle in mammals is an intricate play of division and reunion, with the creation of male and female leading to sexual reproduction. The act of sex culminates in the highest point of unity, resulting in a new birth—the division of a zygote from the parent organism. Cell Division and Embryonic Growth: The initial one-cell zygote undergoes repeated division, eventually forming trillions of cells that unify to create a baby. This newborn then physically divides from the mother while still relying on her for sustenance, demonstrating a recurring pattern of separation and connection. Family Units and Individual Independence: As a child matures, they often experience a cycle of unity within the family and division as they seek independence during teenage years, ultimately leading to complete separation to start their own families where the cycle repeats. Life, Death, and Conscious Reunion: Death is depicted as the ultimate reunion, where the individual consciousness merges back into infinite consciousness, completing the same cycle of unity (birth) and division (death) that began with their own conception. Atomic and Molecular Unity: At a sub-organic level, atoms unify to form molecules, which combine to create increasingly complex structures, such as proteins, cells, organs, organisms, and eventually societies. This highlights the pattern of division and unity present in the physical fabric of the universe. Specialization and Reintegration in Intellectual Fields: From philosophy, several intellectual fields have diverged, creating specialties like science, mysticism, and mathematics, which have further branched into subfields. Now, an emerging trend seeks to reintegrate these into a holistic understanding, represented by systems thinking and the search for a grand unified theory. Future Unification of Science and Mysticism: Predicting that science and mysticism, which originated from the same philosophy, will eventually reunify, integrating mystical insights with scientific advances, potentially through practices such as meditation, yoga, and the study of psychedelic experiences. 3D Modeling as Unity and Division: In 3D modeling, a single shape undergoes repeated subdivision to add detail, followed by reunification processes to smooth and integrate parts into a coherent, detailed model. This mirrors biological and creative processes of elaboration from unity. Socioeconomic Caste Systems and Capitalism: Past social structures, like caste systems, have declined, giving way to a new socioeconomic division based on wealth in capitalist societies. Public discontent indicates a potential future shift toward the redistribution of wealth and increased socialism, a balance between unity (shared resources) and division (capitalist individualism). Balancing Socialism and Capitalism: Leo emphasizes that neither socialism nor capitalism is inherently evil; society requires a dynamic equilibrium between these two forces, adjusting over time to societal needs, rather than adhering to rigid ideologies. Social Movements – Social Justice Warriors vs. Anti-Social Justice: Social dynamics show division and reunion through social justice advocates pushing for unity and harmony, while their opponents value individualism and freedom, rejecting the push for collectivism. Global Warming Illustrates Division and Unity: Global warming exemplifies the unity and division process, as separated oil deposits and ice are reintegrated into the environment through human activity, leading to unified environmental changes such as increased global temperatures and melting ice caps. Global Warming Mechanism: Humanity's use of fossil fuels reintegrates carbon (oil) with Earth's atmosphere, contributing to a warming planet and melting ice, which merges with oceans, demonstrating a cycle of separation and reunion. Temperature Equilibrium Efforts: The Earth's core heat gradually dissipates into the cold of outer space in an attempt to equalize temperatures, a process reflecting the larger reunification between Earth's internal and external environments. Relationship Dynamics: Intimate relationships fluctuate between union and division. Partners seek unity through romance and sex but afterward desire space, reflecting a natural balance of closeness and individuality. Evolution of Gender Roles: The rigid division between male and female roles softens with technological advancements, leading to a greater acceptance of varying gender identities and sexual orientations, and challenging traditional norms. Fusion Cuisine: Different cuisines developed from regional elements demonstrate cultural separation. Fusion cuisine emerges, blending these distinct styles, reflecting both the value of culinary diversity and the potential for innovative unity. Formation and Death of Stars: Stars form from unified gases under gravity, illustrating a physical manifestation of unity. Black holes represent an extreme form of reunification, attracting all matter, yet also dispersing via Hawking radiation, indicating a return to division. Big Bang and the Universe's Cycle: The universe started as a singularity and expanded to form various forms of matter and energy in an act of division. It is predicted to eventually unify back into an indistinct mass, hypothesized to restart the cycle in a perfect loop. Entropy and Reunification: The concept of entropy is reframed as a measure of unity versus division, with the natural progression of the universe, including life, being toward greater unity as seen in the drive for energy equalization. Transformation in Relationships: Relationships exhibit a cycle of unity and division, where partners unite in intimacy and seek separation for autonomy, revealing a consistent dance between merging and independence. Gender Identity and Societal Change: The traditional male-female gender binary is becoming more fluid with sociocultural advancements, leading to broader acceptance of diverse gender expressions and sexual orientations. Culinary Arts and the Interplay of Division and Unity: Traditional cuisines represent division, while the rise of fusion food exemplifies unity, with both maintaining value in preserving authenticity and embracing innovation. Singularity and Perceptual Unity: Leo suggests that in physics and cosmology, zero and infinity are identical, leading to the conclusion that a point with no dimension (zero radius) simultaneously represents infinite expansion (infinite radius). This indicates a perfect loop or cycle in the nature of reality. Misunderstanding of Entropy: Traditional views on entropy as a measure of disorder are challenged. Leo defines high entropy as total unity, where there is an indistinguishable uniformity, akin to a state of God or love. Low entropy, conversely, corresponds to division, and is necessary for the experience of motion, space, and time. Consciousness and Design: Life and all physical processes should not be viewed as accidental occurrences but as manifestations of consciousness intentionally dividing itself to experience various aspects. Science, with its specialized focus, fails to understand this ultimate nature of consciousness, mistaking these divisions as random physical phenomena. Reunification of Consciousness Through Yoga: Yoga, which translates to union in Sanskrit, is presented as a practice that unites subject and object. By participating in yoga, scientists and others can gain a holistic understanding of consciousness, transcending the confines of division expressed through specialized fields. Universal Tendency Toward Unity: Over time, divided systems naturally tend toward unification, as illustrated by a glass container separating two gases that will eventually mix into uniformity. Human-made structures, like buildings or statues, will also eventually decay and merge back into their environments, showcasing the inevitability of reunion in all systems. Costs and Benefits of Unity and Division: Complete unity offers peace and bliss but sacrifices the distinct experiences of life, such as tasting vanilla or having a pet. Conversely, division allows for these individual experiences, which require distinct separations to appreciate the sensation of unity and the diverse manifestations of existence. God's Nature and Limited Human Perception: Leo describes God as indistinct nothingness, which cannot be comprehensively known because all knowledge inherently divides. As humans experience God through various forms, these are limited incarnations and not the ultimate indistinct nature of God. Function of Evil in the Universe: Acts of evil in the world often apply pressure for eventual unity. Leo suggests that what is perceived as evil is, in a deeper sense, love and intelligence acting together, as evidenced by the formation of the European Union after World War II. Inevitability of Reunion in Reality: Division will always lead to reunion and vice versa. The idea of complete control by any one part is temporary, with humanity's dominance over the planet being a fleeting state within the universal cycles of division and unity. God's Revelation as a Limited Form: Any manifestation of God experienced by humans is a limited form, as God is inherently indistinct. Depicting God in a definitive form diminishes its ultimate state of indistinct nothingness, which can't be captured or fully understood through divisive human knowledge. Understanding the Structure of Reality: Leo discusses the inherent rules of reality, which dictate that divided entities will eventually reunite and unified entities will divide, reflecting a constant cycle of unification and fragmentation in all of existence. Monopoly of Parts over the Whole: He emphasizes that no single part can monopolize the whole, as the whole is unlimited and every part is limited. He cautions that humanity's domination over the planet is temporary, demonstrating the futility of any part trying to control the whole. God's Infinite Diversity: Leo explains that God, or infinite intelligence, seeks to maximize diversity of form. This diversity is not antithetical to unity but is its very expression, showing that unity encompasses all diversity as its ultimate form. Infinity and Natural Numbers: The concept of infinity is elaborated upon, describing it not as a single point on the number line but as the entirety of all numbers—zero and beyond—emphasizing that infinity includes all distinct forms, not just numerical concepts. Evolution as Differentiation and Reunion: Evolution is presented not just as a biological process, but as a universal process involving love and intelligence, balancing the intricate relationship between division and unity, with each having a time and place. Unity and Division as Two Types of Unity: Leo articulates that division and unity are not opposites but are two manifestations of unity. Absolute unity includes the possibility of division, indicating that unity and division are parts of a single, integrated whole. Life as a Fractal of Infinite Consciousness: Life and reality are described as manifestations of infinite consciousness, with birth representing division and death acting as reunion, suggesting that life is an ongoing variation of this theme. Appreciating Unity and Division: Viewers are encouraged to notice the interplay of division and unity in daily life, from personal belongings to politics, as a way to deepen their understanding of life and improve their reactions and behaviors. Holistic Approach to Teaching: Leo shares his goal of providing teachings that are not narrow but holistic, integrating various fields—science, math, philosophy, evolution, religion, mysticism, psychology, sociology, history, and politics—reflecting the complex and interconnected nature of the universe. Power and Value of Understanding: The transformative power of understanding is emphasized, with Leo suggesting that a comprehensive grasp of topics can profoundly change one's perspective and behaviors, even without immediate changes in life circumstances. Limitations of Teachings and Reality's Enormity: While acknowledging the limitations of his teachings due to the vastness of reality, Leo strives for a degree of breadth and depth that reflects the infinite scope of the universe, aiming to offer a broad and profound perspective on existence. Glisseo

The Many Facets Of Awakening - List of Top 30 Enlightenment Insights https://youtu.be/OgtPGEBGUWw "It lies in the nature of things that the many enter into complex unity." - Alfred North Whitehead Misconception of Enlightenment: Enlightenment is often misunderstood as one single realization, when in fact, it is a complex series of realizeable facets, aspects, and degrees. Value of the Top 30 Enlightenment Insights List: Provides a methodical approach and checklist for spiritual practitioners to gauge their progress and avoid the pitfall of believing they are fully enlightened after experiencing just a few facets. Samadhi and Mystical Experiences: The first facet involves the realization of the Samadhi state or non-dual consciousness where the perceived separation between the observer and the observed dissolves. Realization of No Self: Understanding that the individual self is just an imaginary construct, leading to the awakening that the 'self' a person commonly identifies with, doesn't truly exist. The Universal "I Am" Insight: A vital realization where one shifts from identifying as a mere human being to recognizing oneself as the universal essence of existence, pure 'I am-ness,' or Atman. Omnipresence of Consciousness: The epiphany that one's true self, pure consciousness, is not localized but rather omnipresent, present everywhere and nowhere, simultaneously. Understanding What Consciousness Is: A major shift in perspective is required to understand consciousness as the all-encompassing essence, with nothing existing outside of it. The Literal Meaning of Awakening: Awakening is not a metaphorical concept but a literal experience akin to waking up from a dream, becoming truly aware for the first time. Realization of Non-Duality and Oneness: The insight that all separations are illusions and that everything is intrinsically unified in a single field of consciousness. List as a Systematic Pursuit: The insights serve as a structured progression for seekers to follow, providing a clear understanding of various spiritual milestones. Metaphor of Climbing Mountains: The awakening process is compared to climbing a range of mountains rather than a single mountain, with multiple paths leading to various peaks, symbolizing the diversity of spiritual realizations. Purpose of Sharing the List: Leo, Leo, intends to prevent self-deception among practitioners and to highlight areas of awakening that may be overlooked, thus ensuring a more complete journey towards enlightenment. Realization of Oneness: Awakening to the fact that reality is a singular, unified entity with no separations between objects or beings, highlighting the interconnectedness of everything within a unified field of consciousness. Practical Implications of Oneness: The understanding that perceived separateness is a mental projection and that non-duality means no true separation exists, enabling one to comprehend true non-duality by contrasting it against the notion of duality. On the Nature of Differences: Leo illuminates that perceived differences between objects or entities like a cat and a dog, or a taco and a human, are purely imaginary and only exist if believed or imagined by the mind. Understanding Absolute Truth: One realizes truth is not just a perception or experience, nor a belief or conceptual idea, but an absolute reality identical to consciousness itself, recontextualizing all perceptions and experiences as absolute truth. Realization of the Absolute: Leo explains that only through awakening can one grasp what the absolute truly means, as it exists independently of all conditions, even the annihilation of the universe. Insight Into Absolute Infinity: Understanding that consciousness is infinite, not in numerical or spatial terms but as an absolute concept, allows one to realize the manifestation of everything as a form of absolute infinity. Concept of Absolute Nothingness: Recognizing that all of existence, including consciousness and the self, is fundamentally made of absolute nothing, leading to the profound revelation that nothing has truly happened since nothingness and infinity are identical. Realization of God and the Godhead: Directly encountering and realizing God and its true essence, which goes beyond common misconceptions about the concept. Understanding that "God" refers to an actual reality rather than an imaginary concept. Consciousness as God: One realizes that they are God, the creator of all reality, and that self-denial of this fact is a barrier to full awakening. One must accept their own divine authority and the properties traditionally ascribed to God. Self Equals Other: The realization that all perceived others are actually partitions of one's own consciousness, leading to an understanding that any interaction with others is in fact an interaction with oneself. Realization of Absolute Love: Discovering that consciousness is made of love, which is not an emotion but a substance, and recognizing that all manifestations, even those labeled as evil, are expressions of this absolute love. Truth and Love as Identical: A sub-facet of the realization that absolute love encompasses that truth and love are identical, reinforcing the profound connection between the foundational substance of consciousness and the ultimate reality. Infinite Mind and the Imaginary Nature of Reality: Recognizing that everything experienced—objects, beings, and phenomena—are manifestations of an infinite mind, leading to the insight that reality is fundamentally imaginary. Everything as Imagination: The recognition that all physical reality, personal history, and the very concept of differences—like those between animals or objects—are entirely imaginary creations of the cosmic mind, which is synonymous with one's own mind. Facet of Self-Design: A profound realization that the individual creates not only the universe but also themselves, down to meticulous details such as each hair on their body, as an act of creation by an infinitely intelligent mind. Understanding of Birth as Imaginary: The insight that one's existence did not commence with physical birth; rather, one has always existed. The traditional narrative of birth is understood as a mere imaginary story without genuine occurrence. Realization of Eternity and the Absolute Now: Awakening to the notion that past and future are illusions and that everything, including oneself, exists eternally and absolutely in the present moment. Death as an Illusion and Immortality: Coming to the insight that the concept of death is a fabricated story by the ego, and in reality, one is immortal and exists eternally as all forms and beings outside of time. Realization of Paradise or Heaven: The understanding that heaven is not a location but a state of consciousness where one recognizes their immortality and is free from fear, effectively living in a perpetual state of perfection. Experiential Realization of Bliss and Ecstasy: Experiencing a state of ultimate bliss or ecstasy, which comes from the understanding of immortality and the nature of reality as infinitely good and perfect. Infinite Intelligence: The understanding that the intelligence of consciousness surpasses all physical manifestations and that everything in the universe functions as part of a supremely intelligent and well-oiled machine. Understanding Absolute Goodness: Realizing that everything in the universe, without exception, is inherently good, and what is perceived as bad or evil is merely a projection of personal selfishness. Infinite Will: Recognizing that all of existence is a manifestation of God's will, which, being infinite, materializes instantly as the fabric of reality, including one's own being and actions. Understanding God's Will and Human Will: The concept that human free will is a fragment of God's infinite will, and that what is perceived as the individual's will is actually part of a greater, universal will. Infinite Will and Unlimited Power: The acknowledgement that God, or infinite mind, is boundless, and can create anything without limitations. This realization includes the understanding that perceived physical or logical restrictions are not truly constraints on God's power. Omniscience at the Level of Being: Omniscience is clarified not as knowing all factual information, but as a complete awareness at the level of being. A person can be absolutely omniscient in their being, yet not know trivial details like their neighbor’s lunch. Realization of Divinity, Magic, and Mystery: Enlightenment brings about the realization that consciousness is divine, turning ordinary human perception into an experience of the profound, magical, and mysterious nature of reality. Exploring the Substance of Reality: The quest to understand being and consciousness as the fundamental substance of reality. This pursuit leads to the recognition that consciousness is intrinsically nothing and that differences are illusory. Recognition of the Universe as an Infinite Fractal: The discovery that the universe is a fractal, exhibiting self-similarity at all scales, which one can zoom into or out of infinitely. Recontextualization of Perception and Life: The insight that perception is not merely a human function but an expression of truth or being, alongside the realization that the entire universe is alive in various forms, which transcends traditional scientific queries about the origin of life. Purpose of Existence as Love: The ultimate understanding that the purpose of everything that exists—including complexity, form, and events—is an expression of love, which is the manifestation of oneself as God. Channeling and Communication with God: The facet of being able to communicate with one's higher infinite self or God, gaining direct insights and answers from this source of ultimate consciousness. Healing Through Connection with God's Will: The realization that healing oneself and others is possible by tapping into the infinite mind and aligning with the will of God, which underlies all existence. Collective Consciousness and Conscious Layers: Recognition of consciousness as layered like an onion, with personal consciousness being just one layer within a broader collective consciousness that one can access. Total Extinction of Perception: A facet that has been reported by advanced meditators and Buddhists, wherein through deep meditation, one may experience the disappearance of the entire universe, something Leo has not personally experienced but believes to be possible. Paranormal Phenomena and Interactions: The experience of various paranormal abilities and phenomena, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, past-life regressions, hyper intuition, and the interaction with non-human entities like aliens, which are perceived as projections of one's own mind yet hold relative reality. The Nature of Spiritual Realizations: These realizations can occur individually or in clusters, sequentially or simultaneously, with varying depths of insight. They create a complex matrix of spiritual understanding, which reveals the intricate nature of enlightenment and the diverse paths one can take in their spiritual journey. Complexity of Spiritual Work: A recognition of the multifaceted and layered nature of spiritual insights, reflecting the vast array of awakenings and depths of understanding that can be attained, illustrating the inherent complexity and breadth of spiritual work. Variety of Spiritual Facets: Leo describes spiritual awakening as a complex process with numerous facets, each capable of being a profound realization that can challenge and reshape one's understanding of reality. Assembling Insight Like a Puzzle: The process of awakening involves intermittent realizations, sometimes separated by long periods. Individuals must stitch together these insights over time, likened to assembling a jigsaw puzzle where each piece contributes to the perception of the whole picture. Integration of Spiritual Insights: Leo emphasizes the importance of integrating various insights and matching them up in order to form a coherent understanding of the larger truth, similar to recognizing different parts that compose the entire image of an animal in a jigsaw puzzle. The Shocking Nature of Awakening: Realizations such as identifying oneself as God can be destabilizing, leading to self-doubt or feelings of insanity due to the profound nature of the insight and the contradiction it presents to societal norms. Risk of Distortion and Misinterpretation: There is a danger in misinterpreting insights, potentially leading to a distorted view of reality that reflects one's own ego and shadow rather than objective truth. Navigating Self-Doubt and External Influence: Leo acknowledges the challenges of overcoming self-doubt and societal pressure, highlighting the value of his list as a confirmation for those who may feel alone in their realizations. Diversity Among Spiritual Teachers and Traditions: He explains that different spiritual traditions and teachers may prioritize certain aspects of awakening over others, which can result in a skewed focus and incomplete understanding of spirituality. Awareness of Teacher Limitations: Leo warns of the limitations inherent in spiritual teachings, as teachers may not recognize or integrate all facets of awakening, potentially due to their adherence to narrow or dogmatic paths. Potential Lopsidedness in Awakening: The journey to spiritual awakening can be partial, with individuals excelling in certain aspects while lacking in others. This can lead to imbalanced teachings and experiences. Critical Evaluation of Teachings: He urges not to assume full enlightenment from any one guru or teaching, as they might not address all facets or may dismiss aspects unknown to them as irrelevant. Role of Psychedelics: Psychedelics are presented as tools that can help illuminate various facets of awakening from different angles, due to their capacity to alter states of consciousness and highlight different aspects. Influence of Intentions on the Awakening Process: Leo points out how one's genuine curiosity and intentions can guide which facet of awakening is experienced next, highlighting the significance of quality questioning and self-inquiry in this journey. Existential Questions and Spiritual Facets: Minor existential questions, such as whether to get married or have children, can be explored alongside major spiritual facets. The pursuit of understanding these facets can lead to insights that inform personal decisions. Psychedelics as a Tool for Awakening: Leo sees psychedelics as an efficient way to access and understand various facets of awakening. They allow targeting of specific facets and deliver a panoramic big-picture view of consciousness, God, and reality. Psychedelics vs. Traditional Approaches: While psychedelics offer a broad range of spiritual experiences, traditional methods like yoga or meditation can also lead to awakening but may have limitations based on the techniques used. Methodology and Understanding Consciousness: The ultimate goal should be understanding consciousness itself; the specific methodology, whether psychedelics, yoga or meditation, should be secondary to this pursuit. Teachers' Perspectives on Spiritual Facets: Different spiritual teachers can offer varying perspectives on awakening, leading to apparent contradictions. This could be due to a difference in terminology, depth of understanding, or the range of facets realized. Taking Responsibility and Questioning Gurus: Followers should take responsibility for their spiritual journeys and not assume all teachers are equally enlightened or have comprehended every potential facet of awakening. Disparate Teachings and Spiritual Realization: The diversity of spiritual teachings reflects that not all paths or techniques are equally effective for realizing all facets of awakening. It's wise to compare teachings to understand the range and depth of different spiritual insights. Danger of Partial Realizations: A partial awakening might miss crucial aspects like unconditional love or the notion of God, potentially leading to distortions in understanding and teaching. One Truth, Many Facets: The oneness of truth and the manyness of reality are not contradictory; they are different perspectives that ultimately unite into a singular absolute oneness, akin to the many facets of a jewel representing one entity. Total Number of Facets: It's uncertain how many facets there are, as this number can vary based on differentiation criteria. However, at least two dozen major facets are deemed critical for a comprehensive awakening. Beyond Spiritual Realizations: Realizing spiritual facets is only part of the journey; other areas such as emotional mastery, shadow work, personal development, and relationship skills still require attention and work. Misconceptions about enlightenment: Knowing the facets of awakening does not equate to overcoming all personal issues, such as bad habits, addictions, or limiting and fallacious beliefs. Incomplete spiritual development: Understanding various facets of spirituality doesn't automatically result in cognitive, moral, interpersonal, or political maturity, nor does it guarantee career or technical skill development. Challenges of embodying insights: Realizing profound spiritual insights, like recognizing oneself as God or seeing beyond the concept of evil, doesn't ensure their permanent embodiment in daily life. Personal struggles with enlightenment concepts: Leo admits to his own difficulties in fully embodying insights such as the illusory nature of death and consistently manifesting love, especially when faced with challenging interactions. Endless minor insights: Beyond major spiritual realizations, there are countless 'minor' insights regarding topics like science, evolution, art, relationships, and leadership which are valuable for advancing and evolving society. Value of questioning reality: Pursuing understanding of both major and minor questions about reality is important and should not be dismissed as trivial. Nonstop depth of awakening: Being cautious not to prematurely stop one's pursuit of awakening, as it is often deeper and richer than imagined, is essential. Deep understanding of reality: The true measure of spiritual work is the depth of one's consciousness and understanding of reality, which influences how well insights are embodied. Encouragement for personal validation: Validation of spiritual teachings should come through personal experience, urging viewers to test insights for themselves and not take Leo's word as absolute truth. Future uncertainty: Leo reflects on possible future directions of his work, including deepening existential work, becoming a monk, or leaving behind his current role, emphasizing the evolving nature of his spiritual journey and teachings. Furnunculus

What Is Truth - The Definitive Answer https://youtu.be/nvaPmKQVIuQ "How come Truth is such a slippery beast?" - Douglas Hofstadter "If you find Truth you will become invincible." - Epictetus Misconceptions about truth: People often think that truth is defined as a belief, concept, philosophy, knowledge, theory, model, the domain of scientists or religious leaders, or that it must be logical and provable. They may also consider it irrelevant to everyday life—all of which Leo challenges as false. Relative vs. Absolute Truth: Truth is divided into relative and absolute. Relative truths are conceptual and exist in the mind, dependent on various factors, and include most things we consider certain. Absolute truth, however, is true under all circumstances, non-conceptual, and actual. Examples of Relative Truth: Statements like "the sky is blue", "the Eiffel Tower is in Paris", and "one plus one equals two" are cited as relative because they rely on contexts like location, time, symbols, interpretation, language, and the cognitive functions of the mind. Understanding Language and Cognitive Assumptions: Recognizing truths such as "the sky is blue" requires language and higher interpretative functions. Most humans take for granted assumptions like other beings' consciousness and understanding, leading to a narrow, human-centric view of truth. Contingency and Interpretation of Relative Truths: Relative truths are contingent upon various conditions and interpretations. For instance, "the sky is blue" depends on factors like the observer's planet, time of day, and even species, since not all beings may perceive color or even the concept of 'sky.' Correspondence Theory of Truth: This theory suggests that truths are what correspond with an external reality. Leo critiques it, indicating the gap between the raw existence of objects and our cognitive affirmation of their truth. Discovery of Absolute Truth: Leo shares a personal episode of realizing absolute truth while questioning the essence of truth. He describes it as a profound experience of present-moment being that arose when the conceptual notion of truth melted away. Absolute Truth as Present Being: Leo elucidates absolute truth as the entirety of the present moment, encountered in an ordinary yet extraordinary realization. It's suggested that substances like LSD can facilitate this awareness, but the experience is also accessible to all through determined exploration. Homework to Understand Advanced Concepts: Leo stresses the complexity of understanding truth and encourages listeners to actively engage in questioning and seeking the truth themselves, rather than passively accepting his explanations. Correspondence theory of truth: The theory that truth corresponds to reality and relies on symbols and concepts is flawed because it confines truth to mental constructs rather than acknowledging the distinction between experiencing something as real (such as the sky being blue) and the mental affirmation of that experience. Difference between experience and mental affirmation: It's critical to distinguish between the raw experience of reality (like the sky's blueness) and the cognitive layer we add to it (believing or affirming that the sky is blue). This distinction exemplifies the gap between second-order mental constructs (relative truths) and first-order experiences. Relative truths and their opposites: Relative truths, unlike absolute truths, exist within a duality framework, where for every truth, there is a corresponding falsehood. This binary view does not apply to the concept of absolute truth. Absolute truth as actual reality: Leo demonstrates that the actual existence of something (like one's hand or the room they are in) represents absolute truth. Absolute truth is just "that which is," encompassing all of reality and existence. However, he acknowledges the complexity in defining "isness" or existence itself. Existence as a prerequisite for truth: Leo equates existence with truth, and by extension, the actual state of reality at all points in space and time. He elucidates that knowledge of reality is just a part of actual reality, which includes everything and is synonymous with truth. Truth as the actual state of reality: Reality cannot be reduced to symbols or knowledge as it is the actual state of all "bits" or facts of existence, much like the state of all bits on a computer hard drive. Truth is not contingent on whether these bits are "on" or "off"; it encompasses all states and is independent of human knowledge or affirmation. Reality constructed by truth, not atoms: Contrary to scientific assertions that reality is made of atoms, Leo argues that reality is made of truth, which is a more fundamental constituent than particles. Understanding this requires a change in consciousness and can lead to epiphanies or awakenings. Truth as inescapable: Leo emphasizes that truth encompasses everything that ever was, is, or will be. Even the hypothetical absence of any state of reality would still be a form of truth, as truth is not conditional on particular circumstances or states. Realization of truth through conscious awareness: A profound realization of truth involves more than just cognitive understanding; it requires direct conscious awareness of reality and experiencing its realness. This understanding transcends conventional human experience and necessitates a deep self-awareness. Absolute Truth as the State of All Creation: From the perspective of an omniscient observer, the absolute truth includes every event in history and every possibility in the future. Every microscopic detail like a particle on a leaf is as much a part of the absolute truth as the totality of creation. Symbolic Equations and Isness: Through the equation "1+1=3", Leo illustrates that beyond symbolic correctness, there is a fundamental existence of the equation, making it a part of the ultimate truth. He distinguishes between "knowledge" (symbolic interpretation) and "isness" (existence as truth). Image 1 Existence of False Concepts within Truth: Leo explains that concepts like falsehood and non-existence, despite being perceived as opposites to truth, actually exist as ideas within the mind. Thus, they are included in the absolute truth as they are part of existence. Impossibility of Non-Existence: The idea of non-existence has to exist conceptually to be considered, which paradoxically brings it into existence. Consequently, Leo asserts that absolute truth only acknowledges existence, making non-existence and falsehood conceptually impossible. Conceptualizing Non-Existence: When people consider non-existence, they are engaging in mental exercises that lead to illusions and misunderstandings. The example of an imaginary kangaroo demonstrates that all conceptions, including those implying non-existence, are part of existence and thus, truth. Death and the Continuity of Existence: Challenging the traditional view of death, Leo suggests that our understanding of death as non-existence might be conceptually flawed, opening up possibilities that death may not be final. Defining Isness and Existence: The effort to define "isness" and "existence" is challenging due to the limitations of language, logic, and the human mind. Recognition of the truth requires a deep personal insight that transcends these limitations. Deepening Awareness to Understand Existence: Leo encourages a continuous and intensifying focus on existence itself (isness) to realize its true nature, which involves a shift in consciousness rather than the accumulation of knowledge or evidence. Truth as Inescapable and Absolute: Even if the universe were to be destroyed, the truth would persist, for truth reflects whatever is the case. Truth's existence is unconditional and independent of the universe's details. Necessity of Consciousness Shift to Realize Truth: To recognize truth, a fundamental shift in one's state of consciousness is necessary, beyond mere intellectual thinking or logical deduction. Analogy of the universe's states: Like bits in a hard drive, the universe can be in different states ('off', 'on', or anything in between), yet these states don't alter the intrinsic nature of existence or truth. Non-existence as a concept: Non-existence is a mental construct; it has to exist conceptually to be considered, so a 'wiped clean' universe would still embody pure, empty existence or 'isness', which is absolute truth. Truth prior to physical existence: Truth is fundamental, existing before all objects, time, space, and the universe; all these elements are merely aspects of ultimate truth. Experience and the illusion of perception: The concept of experience or perception is an illusion, cast by the mind to sustain the belief in one's human existence. Leo explains there is only absolute truth, and what we consider experience is a mind projection. Ego's co-option of truth: The ego converts actuality (absolute truth or isness) into a 'conceptual amalgam' conventionally perceived as experience, which hinders understanding. Misconception of human experience: What is thought to be human experience is, in fact, the universe experiencing itself in various forms—emotions, sensations, and consciousness are all the universe. Absence of subjectivity: There are no biological entities, sense organs, perception, subjectivity, or individuals. Only absolute truth exists objectively. Emotional reactions as defense mechanisms: Fear, anger, or criticism against these ideas are mental defenses trying to preserve the illusion of personal existence and distract from the truth. Unification of metaphysics and epistemology: In non-duality, there is no experiencer or perceiver; pure experience or perception is recontextualized as absolute truth, merging metaphysics and epistemology. Paradoxical features of absolute truth: Absolute truth is infinite, singular, paradoxical, and cannot be proven, communicated, symbolized, enumerated, or captured by logic. Consciousness as pure existence: Pure consciousness has no form or quality and contains all qualities and forms; it is both everything and nothing, the embodiment of absolute truth. Complexity of understanding truth: Truth encompasses consciousness, God, love, and is multi-dimensional, eternal, all-powerful, and uncaused—it is the reality of oneself. Role of exploring truth: Exploring truth requires persistent effort and understanding its various aspects and is essentially realizing one's inherent truth, distinct from what is known or thought. Origin of Truth: Truth did not emerge from anywhere as the concept of origins and destinations are part of the truth itself. Anything that exists or is the case is truth. Therefore, saying that truth came from somewhere is nonsensical because that somewhere would also be truth. Truth is nothingness, which simultaneously is everything—this is infinity and encapsulates all of existence. Potential for Self-Delusion: Leo acknowledges that it might seem possible for one to be deluded about truth, especially when discussing the effects of psychedelics like LSD. However, truth is the most fundamental component of reality and cannot be further explained or justified with stories or validations. He advises using the techniques he's provided to personally access the truth. Absolute vs. Conceptual Truth: Leo differentiates between absolute truth, which is boundless and includes all concepts, and conceptual truths, which are subject to imagination and misunderstanding. Absolute truth is the sum of all possible concepts. Science's Validation of Truth: Leo questions the need for science to validate truth since truth is a personal realization. Those who award recognitions like the Nobel Prize may themselves lack awareness of what truth is. He suggests that external validation is not necessary for personal realizations of truth. Absolute Truth versus Relative Truths: While relative truths from science and math are practical for living and manipulating reality, they don't encompass absolute truth, which is infinite and doesn't require substantiation through relative truths. Absolute truth is non-dual, but it's useful to talk about relative truth when functioning in the everyday dualistic world. Utility and Practicality of Absolute Truth: Leo states that absolute truth is not practical in the conventional sense but is essential as it forms the substance of the universe and all existence. It's so fundamentally useful that it becomes impractical from a human perspective. The function of absolute truth is to be the substance and isness of everything that exists. Misguided motivation for truth: Asking "what's in it for me" regarding the pursuit of truth is an unhelpful approach, and stopping this mindset can solve many of life's problems. Pursuit of truth is a choice: There is no obligation to pursue truth; it should be motivated by curiosity, interest, or an appreciation for truth itself. Otherwise, one can choose not to engage with it. Benefits of pursuing truth: While seeking truth may not appear practically beneficial, it can greatly reduce suffering, as suffering is rooted in illusion and falsehood. Selfish vs. Higher Motivations for truth: The pursuit of truth should ideally stem from an appreciation of its inherent beauty and love, not solely as an escape from suffering. Methods for discovering absolute truth: Practices like meditation, Kriya yoga, psychedelics, self-inquiry, contemplation, and consuming educational content are recommended pathways towards understanding truth. Extreme spiritual techniques: Historically, intense experiences like Vision Quests and authentic baptism have been used to uncover truth but can be painful and dangerous, thus not recommended. Validating the discovery of truth: Genuine awakening to absolute truth is inherently self-validating and evident to the individual without need for external affirmation. Psychedelics and truth: Psychedelics are posited to reveal absolute truth, not due to their chemical composition but through the profound experiences they induce which are beyond logical explanation. Truth and love as identical: Truth, love, and consciousness are described as indistinguishably intertwined, constituting the very substrate of existence. Singularity of absolute truth: Absolute truth is singular and immutable, regardless of the diversity in personal interpretations or expressions of it. Leo's words and truth: Leo's words are not the absolute truth but serve as pointers to provoke personal exploration and realization of truth in the viewer. Claiming to know absolute truth: Professing to know the absolute truth is not egotistical if it is based on genuine experience rather than conceptual knowledge. Warnings about truth: Caution is advised against those claiming proprietary knowledge of truth, and the concept of truth should not be reduced to mind or brain properties or mistaken for mere formlessness or cessation. Truth's evolving understanding: Recognizing that one's current comprehension of truth is sufficient for sharing but acknowledging there are deeper levels yet to be explored. Cessation and Formlessness: Leo describes that realization of the absolute truth doesn't necessitate cessation of experience; form and formlessness are identical. The relative domain is absolute truth disguised, indicating experiences and lack thereof are equally true aspects of reality. Awakening does not guarantee absolute truth: Awakening experiences, such as glimpsing no-self or realizing one's own non-reality, do not equate to full comprehension of absolute truth. Deeper exploration and multiple awakenings may be necessary to grasp its full extent. Necessity of altered consciousness for truth: Absolute truth can't be thought into existence; it requires a significant change in one's state of consciousness, potentially achievable through psychedelics, yoga, concentration, or meditation retreats. Confusion between absolute truth and beliefs: What one may consider absolute truth is often mistaken. Thoughts and conceptions are likely to be falsehoods masquerading as truth. Psychology and truth connection: Personal dissatisfaction and emotional issues result from a disconnection with the truth. Therapy and self-actualization are akin to strengthening oneself to bear the truth, suggesting that facing truth is a therapeutic process. Image 2 Practical importance of truth: Leo conveys that awareness of absolute truth is crucial for understanding one's true nature and leading a fulfilled life, emphasizing that material success does not resolve the fundamental disconnect from truth. Pursuit of truth over material success: Instead of seeking wealth or status, becoming a truth-seeker is posited as the ultimate means to reduce suffering and bring about profound personal change. Actualized.org's role as a mental scaffold: The website serves as a temporary support structure to inspire self-discovery. Leo suggests using the provided resources as tools rather than dogma, to be discarded once their purpose is served. Flipendo

Yo. Almost one of the best tips ever. I ate the shrooms and fresh lemon. become infinite nothingness, infinite love, infinite intelligence, and just nothing. it was beautiful I cried for good couple hours. Best thing to do for ego is to use over 5g. With lemon. We are leaving in the fucking heaven men. Heaven!!!

I would like to build upon this video: After a very good full day trip on multiple substances on Sunday. I felt kind of void on monday, not in a bad or positive way but just empty, restful. This feeling continued with multiple awakenings these days about nothingness and deconstruction. This morning, I realized I was going through an Ego Backlash, as I observed what was going on, I could see through all my life as a house of cards, and that all meaning was auto-generated. I kind of awoken out of a life purpose I never even had consciously built in the first place. So this, would be the question: How do you deal with a lack of meaning in life? After you have cleaned yourself up and just seen through all of it; how do you install new programs? Because the inertia just wants to install back again all the old stuff. I'm not a noob I know how it works, how homeostasis and decompressing will end up guiding the whole process, i've been here multiple times. Yet, I just feel I wanna hit while the iron is hot. Something can be learnt while in the midst of this that otherwise is unaccessible. I would also like to know more advanced tips about Ego Backlash. Tricks that you may have gathered in your journey, other than oh don't worry it will just pass and you will be back to normal in a few days or weeks. How do you masterfully deal with an Ego Backlash?

All those dreams and needs will dissolve into nothingness. God doesn't consider them important, it puts them in you just because

Understanding Duality - Part 3 - Existential Dualities https://youtu.be/D4izvIGPsXQ "In divinity, opposites are always reconciled." - Walter Miller Jr. Subjective vs Objective: Leo delves into the intricate misunderstanding of subjectivity and objectivity. Subjectivity encompasses our experiences, and the common perception of an objective universe including scientific measurements is also a subjective construct. Quantum mechanics revelations, emphasizing the observer's impact on the observed, highlight the union of observer, instrument, and phenomenon – leading to a radical understanding of subject and object as inherently intertwined aspects of experience. Esoteric vs Exoteric Religion: Leo contrasts materialistic and externalized religion (exoteric) with its inner and more profound counterpart (esoteric), insisting on the interconnection between the two. He explains that esoteric insights form the core that gives rise to the external practices of religion, urging an open-minded exploration to truly comprehend spiritual teachings and uncover the essence of religious figures like Jesus, Buddha, or Muhammad. Metaphysics vs Epistemology: The intimate relationship between being (metaphysics) and knowing (epistemology) is discussed, revealing that metaphysics is more fundamental. Leo suggests the act of knowing is deeply entangled with being, leading to the realization that to know something is to become it. This unveils the non-dual nature of existence, transcending the ordinary split between knowing and being into a unity where consciousness is both the observer and the observed. Chaos vs Order: Leo touches upon the interplay between chaos and order, explaining that they are inseparable and equally necessary. He introduces Chaos Theory, which brings forth the notion of inherent order within seemingly chaotic systems, challenging the notion of chaos as mere randomness and highlighting the intricate harmony of natural processes. Destruction vs Creation: The duality of destruction and creation is explored, rejecting the binary judgment of creation as good and destruction as bad. Leo discusses the necessity of destruction for new creation to take place, emphasizing the cyclical and interconnected nature of these processes in maintaining a harmonious balance in the universe. Circle of Life and Creation: The dynamic of destruction allowing for new creation is likened to tools that enable erasure and rework in art and technology. For example, an eraser on paper, or the 'undo' button in software like Adobe Photoshop. This feature reflects the necessity of destruction within the cycle of creation and how it ultimately leads to greater creations. Duality of Creation and Destruction: People often value creation but paradoxically despise destruction. Leo points out the hypocrisy in wanting to destroy destruction, highlighting that authentic creation (Creation with an uppercase 'C') encompasses both acts of creating and destroying. The Nature of Love: Love, as commonly perceived, is reduced to a lowercase 'l' love, which is selfish and conditional. In contrast, Leo describes God as absolute Love with an uppercase 'L', a quality that encapsulates all experiences and even what is conventionally seen as negative like hate or evil. Love as an Absolute: Transcending the duality of love vs. hate leads to the understanding that love is the very being of God and everything, even acts of hatred, are expressions of this all-encompassing love. Acknowledging this helps dissolve judgments and aligns with the realization that all is one. Alone vs. Together Duality: The feeling of being alone, even when with others, is rooted in the realization that all perceived others are extensions of the self. This sense of absolute aloneness underscores the non-duality belief that everything and everyone are parts of a singular, infinite being—that is, God or the Universe. Uniformity vs. Diversity: The apparent opposition between uniformity and diversity is reconciled in the concept of Diversity with an uppercase 'D'. This universal design ensures infinite diversity, reflecting the essence of God's nature to experience all forms of existence. Infinite Diversity: The universe, by design, seeks maximum diversity to allow God—the collective self—to experience every possible aspect of itself. This concept urges us to open our minds and hearts to the variety of life and understand love as encompassing all forms and expressions. Absolute Love and Diversity: The concept of absolute love is equivalent to appreciating the complete diversity of life and humanity. Recognizing this diversity helps one to find peace and let others be themselves without the need for change, criticism, or violence. Diversity as a Pillar of Peace: Appreciating the diversity within oneself and others lays the foundation for peace, as it allows for acceptance without the urge to judge or alter others, which can prevent acts of violence, including murder. Dumb vs. Intelligent Duality: Intelligence is not the prerogative of the human mind but is an omnipresent attribute of the universe. Everything, even what is deemed 'dumb', is part of an infinitely intelligent design. Intelligence as an Absolute: The universe's design, even in its simplest forms or creatures, embodies perfect function, indicating that the concept of 'dumb' is relative and intelligence is an intrinsic quality of all existence. Freedom and Limitation Interplay: Freedom, taken to the maximal extreme, implicitly allows the creation of limitations. Absolute freedom can paradoxically result in the most powerful entities imposing restrictions on others, highlighting the interconnectedness of freedom and limitation. Freedom as an Absolute: True freedom, or freedom with a capital 'F', encompasses both infinite freedom and infinite limitation. This concept is central to understanding existence or 'God' as a state of infinite freedom, which includes every form of limitation. Part vs. Whole Duality: Everything in existence is both a part and a whole simultaneously. Recognizing this leads to an understanding that there is no true separation between parts and wholes – all are 'holons' contributing to a singular interconnected existence. Holism of Existence: Through the lens of non-duality, distinctions between part and whole dissolve, leading to the realization of 'Wholeness', where every element is both a distinct part and a facet of a singular, unified entity. One vs. Many Perception: The demarcation between one entity and many is subjective and depends on observation. Transcending this duality leads to the realization that oneness includes infinite 'manynesses', forming a unified whole. Mundanity and Divinity as Non-Opposites: Mystical experiences reveal the divinity in what is commonly perceived as mundane. The objective of spiritual practice is to sustain the perception of everything as divine, blurring the line between the mundane and the divine. Mundane vs. Divine: Upon progressing in spirituality, one discovers that the mundane and the divine are one and the same. You recognize that divinity permeates everyday life, and it's a matter of consciousness to see it. The divine is not a separate realm but is present here and now in all things. Imminent vs Transcendent God: The debate on whether God is within the world or beyond it is reconciled by realizing that God is both imminent and transcendent. This understanding eradicates the false dichotomy, revealing that everything is God, including all creation. Holiness Misconceptions: Orthodox religious views often mistake holiness for exclusivity from unholiness. Leo elucidates that true holiness (with a capital H) is absolute, seeing everything as holy, since everything is a creation of God. Conscious vs Unconscious: Warning against the misleading duality of conscious versus unconscious, Leo explains that true consciousness (with a capital C) encompasses everything and has no opposite. What we perceive as unconscious is merely consciousness acting in a certain way. Knowing vs Not Knowing: The dichotomy between knowing and not knowing collapses into the recognition of an infinite mystery. Knowledge becomes a conceptual framework that pales in comparison to the irreducible mystery present in being. Meaningless vs Meaningful: A paradox in spiritual discovery is that understanding the absolute meaninglessness of the universe allows one to consciously create personal meaning. The greatest meaning arises from understanding that fundamentally, all meaning is created by us. Life vs Death: Leo posits that life and death are intimately connected, highlighting that to sustain life, death occurs as a necessity. He argues that life at any scale involves death and this duality can be transcended to understand "Life" with a capital L, indicating a more profound notion of existence. Concept of Death and Life: Death is an illusion and life, with a capital L, is omnipresent, transcending the duality between life and death. The universe is alive, thus even non-living molecules are part of life's omnipresence. This understanding prompts a reassessment of the origin of life in science. Mortality and Immortality as Dualities: Mortality is a misconception, as immortality with a capital I is the true nature of reality—without opposites. Realizing immortality is acknowledging one's eternal existence throughout all forms and formlessness. Real vs. Unreal Duality: The actual vs. unreal duality is a misconceived one. Recognizing that reality with a capital R has no opposite, leads to the understanding that everything, including myths like Santa Claus, has realness even if only as concepts or myths. Reality vs. Hallucination: Reality is synonymous with hallucination, as both are appearances without substance. The holistic perception of reality redefines everyday experiences and fantasies as indistinguishable, with both being forms of real experiences. Video Games and Reality: The distinction between reality and video games is unfounded; video games are also facets of reality. The future might see characters in games unable to discern if they are in a game or reality, similar to human perception of our existence. Being vs. Non-Being: Being is an absolute that encompasses all, including delusions and falsehoods. Every instance is being, making the duality of being and non-being invalid, with being existing across both actualities and potentialities. Actual vs. Potential Duality: The division between actual and potential or virtual is fallacious. God represents infinite potential, identical to infinite actualization; hence, everything potential becomes actual, and everything actual was once potential. Actual and Conceptual Reality: Concepts are also a form of actuality; thus, actual and conceptual are not separate but part of a unified reality. Self vs. World Duality: The self entity only exists due to the distinction made between the self and the non-self. Transcending this duality would result in a loss of ego and realizing oneself as everything, as God, leading to immortality, absolute existence, and infinity. Between Self and God: The divide between self and God collapses when one acknowledges that God is the world, and if the individual is also the world, then they are inherently God. This realization aligns with the collapse of dualities between the self, world, and others. God with a lowercase 'g' vs God with an uppercase 'G': Leo distinguishes between two versions of God—'God' as commonly discussed by most religious people, which is a concept, belief, or image, and 'God' as the ultimate absolute, ungraspable through beliefs or stories. This ultimate 'God' encompasses everything, including self with a capital 'S', leading to the realization that self is God, thus transcending the duality of self and God. Selfish vs Selfless: The duality between selfishness and selflessness can be transcended, revealing that absolute selflessness (with a capital 'S') is equivalent to being the self with a capital 'S'. This state of total selflessness results in an understanding of the self as empty, nothingness, or absolute subjectivity, before individual identities, meaning one is simultaneously everything and nothing. Meditation vs Life: Initial meditation practices may seem dualistic, confined to dedicated time slots, but with deepening practice and experience, the duality between meditation and ordinary life dissolves. Meditation becomes an ongoing, background state integrated into all aspects of existence, leading to a life lived as one seamless, constant meditation in all actions and moments. Existence vs Non-existence: Leo explains that existence and non-existence are not true opposites. By realizing that everything, including falsehoods and delusions, are part of existence, the illusion of non-existence is lifted. This enables the understanding of immortality, where you cannot truly die because you are intrinsically part of the eternal existence that cannot be negated or destroyed. Truth vs Falsehood: The duality of truth and falsehood is transcended when realizing that absolute Truth (with a capital 'T') includes everything in existence. Falsehoods occur within the domain of Truth, meaning they are not outside of existence or 'unreal'; they are simply manifestations within the broader scope of Truth. Truth, synonymous with consciousness or awareness, has no opposite. Duality vs Non-duality: Leo acknowledges the inherent duality created when discussing non-duality, as language and thought are intrinsically dualistic. There are two versions of non-duality: one with a lowercase 'n', which is still a concept within dualistic thinking, and one with an uppercase 'N', which represents the absolute. The transcendent absolute cannot be communicated through language; it must be directly experienced. Relative vs Absolute: The duality between the relative and the absolute truths reflects different perspectives on reality. The absolute Truth is the ultimate realization and eclipses the relative when fully embraced. However, one should appreciate both views, not excluding the relative experiences and truths that shape our everyday life, while also being aware of the ultimate absolute. Division vs Unity: In the pursuit of unity, some advocate for unity that excludes those who prefer division, but true Unity with an uppercase 'U' embraces division as part of itself. This inclusive Unity understands the interconnectedness of all aspects of reality and integrates them without rejecting or dividing any part. Unity and Division: Leo discusses that true unity (with an uppercase U) involves accepting the inevitability of division as a necessary and inherent aspect of reality. Sanity vs Insanity: Leo challenges the sharp distinction between sanity and insanity, suggesting that the boundary between them is not clear and that they often blur into each other, with societal conventions shaping our perceptions of what is considered sane. Psychedelics revealing the truth: He discusses how psychedelics like LSD and mushrooms can blur the line between sanity and insanity, leading to a frightening but enlightening experience that forces an individual to face the shocking truth that undermines conventional beliefs. Matter vs Spirit: Leo elucidates that what is commonly perceived as matter and spirit are not dichotomous. By transcending this dualism, one recognizes all phenomena as Spirit (with a capital S), which is the true nature of existence. Form vs Formlessness: Leo touches on the duality of form and formlessness and how deep awakening leads to the realization that they are identical, with form being formlessness and vice versa. Shiva and Shakti: He uses the Hindu concepts of Shiva (formlessness) and Shakti (form) to illustrate the nondual nature of reality, where both aspects are not just interconnected but fundamentally the same. Something vs Nothing and Zero vs Infinity: Leo explains that the dualities of something versus nothing, and zero versus infinity are fundamentally the same when transcended—each pair is identical at their absolute level. Finite vs Infinite and Limited vs Unlimited: These dualities are explored with the idea that true infinitude (with an uppercase I) includes all finite possibilities, and to be truly unlimited, one must also encompass limitations. Enlightened vs Unenlightened: Leo describes the transition from seeing enlightenment as distinct from unenlightenment to experiencing enlightenment (with an uppercase E) as an absolute state where the two are inseparable. God, Atheism, and The Devil: He articulates the non-duality between concepts of 'No God' and 'God', atheism and theism, and the devil and God—highlighting that they are all aspects of the same absolute reality, which encompasses all dualities. Polytheism vs. Monotheism: Leo discusses the misconception that polytheism and monotheism are opposing views. He clarifies that in true non-dual understanding, all gods within polytheism are unified under one absolute, formless Godhead, similar to concepts in Hinduism where multiple deities ultimately unify under Brahman. Temporal vs. Eternal: He differentiates between temporal and eternal, explaining that the present moment is actually eternal, existing outside of time. By understanding 'now' as eternal, one transcends the duality of temporality and eternality. Samsara vs. Nirvana: Leo addresses the Buddhist dualities of Samsara and Nirvana, emphasizing that they are not opposites but identical. Realizing Nirvana means recognizing it as ever-present rather than as a place of escape. Heaven vs. Hell: Leo speaks to the misconception that heaven and hell are dualistic opposites. He states that heaven is an absolute, omnipresent reality, whereas hell is a state created by the ego within the mind, even while one is in heaven. Final Thoughts on Dualities and Non-duality: In his conclusion, Leo underscores the radical, nuanced, and interdependent nature of dualities, highlighting that all phenomena labeled as reality are actually dualities. He stresses the importance of transcending the need to categorize reality into dualistic terms, something that is beyond language and thought. Understanding the Groundlessness of Reality: He shares the concept of the "groundless ground," which is the realization that reality is ultimately without an inherent ground, transcending all categorizations and dualities. Challenges of Communicating Non-Duality: He acknowledges that speaking about non-duality inherently turns the discussion dualistic and that contradictions and paradoxes are unavoidable in trying to express what is all-inclusive and infinite. Role of Maps and Models: Leo notes that all forms of formalization, including maps, models, and scientific equations, are finite attempts to describe an infinite reality. Therefore, they are useful but not comprehensive or absolute. Science and Finite Comprehension: He comments on the limitations of science in explaining reality, as it relies on finite theories and equations that cannot encapsulate the infinite. The Reality that Cannot be Defined: Leo reminds us that any attempt to define reality is limited because reality is everything and cannot be pinned down to a single characteristic. Admonition Against Dualistic Categories: He advises listeners not to be deceived by dualistic categories and claims of ultimate truth, emphasizing the importance of being skeptical and recognizing the impermanence of conceptual frameworks. Value of Categories in Navigation: Despite the limitations of categorization, Leo stresses that functionally created categories are necessary for effectively navigating life. Responsibility to Not Mistake Partial Truths for Total Truths: He points out that it is vital to understand the difference between partial and total truths, recognizing the role of categories without treating them as absolutes. Skillful Navigation of Categories: Leo emphasizes the need for awareness and skill in navigating, constructing, and deconstructing categories. He advises that his critiques of science, categories, or ideologies aim to encourage going beyond them and acknowledges their partiality and temporariness. Significance of Absolutes: Leo reminds listeners that concepts like Truth, Consciousness, and Love, when capitalized, refer to absolutes, which are beyond relative ideas. He stresses that practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and psychedelics can lead to conscious awareness of these absolutes beyond dualistic descriptions. Unifying Absolutes: Addressing potential confusion about the number of absolutes, Leo explains that the Absolute is simultaneously one and many, like a diamond with multiple facets. This unity can't be fully grasped by examining each part in isolation or by dividing it into fragments. The unification process involves a comprehensive understanding of the whole. Blind Men and the Elephant Parable: Leo uses this parable to illustrate how different perspectives can describe aspects of a single whole, suggesting that various absolutes are facets of one entity and stressing the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of these aspects. Existential Task of Unification: Leo urges individuals to take responsibility for societal and conceptual divisions they've created, encouraging a unification process that embraces all aspects of oneself, especially those one resists or hates. This process should maintain distinctions without falling into simplification or naivety. Exercise for Unification of Duality: Leo proposes an exercise where individuals must find a duality they have a preference for, acknowledge the interrelatedness of both sides, and consciously embrace both aspects as part of themselves, thereby broadening their understanding and transcending biases. Spiral Dynamics Stage Blue: Leo criticizes dogmatic religions that mistake beliefs in the absolute for the actual Absolute, leading to absolutist behavior and misunderstanding of evil. He highlights the importance of evolving beyond this stage to reduce the perpetuation of evil and societal collapse. Hyper Awareness of Dualities: Leo wants listeners to become highly aware of dualities in their thinking and to question and deconstruct categories as an intellectual exercise. This questioning should delve into the grounding of categories, revealing their foundation in nothingness, and recognizing how categories contain aspects of their opposites. Subjective Bias and Ideological Movements: People may have conflicting emotions towards ideologies like feminism, being ideologically against it while having a personal attraction to its contrary. It is crucial to recognize how these movements impact society positively, such as providing equal rights and protections for women. Perspective Shifting: Leo suggests contemplating how opposing sides of a duality could also possess positive qualities. If one views feminism negatively, they should consider its societal benefits, like advancing women's rights and legal protections, which could directly affect their own future offspring or themselves in another life. Emotional Attachment to Dualities: He encourages introspection to identify a personal emotional attachment to a particular side of a duality, highlighting that this clinging represents one's ego and delusion that must be worked through for true growth. Fundamental Dualities and Grounding Reality: Leo asks listeners to reflect on their most influential duality, whether it's self vs. world or matter vs. mind, and how they might be inaccurately grounding all of reality into this binary distinction. Limitations of Thought in Transcending Duality: He emphasizes that thought alone cannot transcend duality and access the absolute. Instead, thinking should be a starting point, leading to meditation, concentration, yoga, and psychedelics to access a deeper understanding. Psychedelic Practice and Duality Contemplation: For psychedelic users, Leo recommends contemplating and focusing on a specific duality during trips. This practice can deepen understanding and provide a roadmap for future personal growth experiences. Challenges in Understanding Dualities: Surmounting dualities is presented as a lifelong quest and the very reason for existence, to understand oneself as God. Leo warns against underestimating the depth of these topics and the need for direct experience beyond conceptual understanding. Skepticism and Empirical Verification: Leo urges listeners to not take his words at face value but to verify them through personal experiments and experiences, highlighting the empirical nature of his teachings on duality. Continuing Education and Community Interaction: He promotes his educational resources, such as his blog and online life purpose course, and encourages active participation in his forum for further learning and exploration. Dedication to Spiritual Development: Leo conveys that understanding duality and non-duality is not an easy or quick process but requires time, effort, and dedication, equivalent to building a massive skyscraper, and one should prepare for the investment it entails. Motivation for Profound Personal Growth: He motivates listeners to maintain their dedication, despite potential struggles, with the reminder that the journey aims towards profound goals such as omniscience, immortality, and total God realization. Overwhelm and Incremental Learning: Acknowledging the vastness of the subjects he covers, Leo advises newcomers to approach learning incrementally and be patient as the journey unfolds, emphasizing that there is always more to learn and discover. Fidelius Charm

Becoming God - Insights From 13 Back-to-Back Awakenings https://youtu.be/ywHfNSwcCS8 Summarizing Leo's Awakenings: Leo recaps his intense 30-day solo meditation retreat, detailing 13 sequential awakenings, each deeper than the last. Despite initial boredom and lack of results, the retreat proved to be the most productive period for his personal growth, culminating in profound insights and a major identity shift. Progression of Consciousness: He elaborates on the use of 5-MeO-DMT over the final 15 days of the retreat, which led to extraordinary trips, vastly surpassing previous levels of consciousness and awakening. His experiences led him to believe that he reached states of awareness rarely achieved by human beings. Realization of Being God: A critical revelation for Leo was recognizing that he is God, in a profound and complete sense. This enlightenment went beyond intellectual understanding to a cellular and experiential level, involving the realization of eternal creation and the structure of God as an infinitely intelligent, powerful, and loving existence. Depth and Complexity of Awakening: Leo emphasizes the complexity and depth of awakening, asserting that any framework simplifying it into stages fails to capture the totality. Each awakening felt complete, yet the next one would seem even more so, creating a challenge in recognizing the endpoint of full comprehension. Shift from Human to God Identity: The transition from seeing oneself as a human to fully accepting oneself as God was intensely transformative. Leo insists that any spiritual teaching that doesn't guide towards this realization of godhood is insufficient. Exploration of God's Mechanism: He advocates for higher spiritual teachings that involve recognizing oneself as God, delving into God's infinity and nothingness, and understanding the mechanics and logic behind God's existence. Leo feels that this depth is often overlooked or undercommunicated by many spiritual teachers. Evolving Understanding and Future Exploration: With numerous insights that he feels have yet to be fully articulated by other spiritual teachers, Leo is committed to sharing his advanced understandings and continuing to explore and experiment with the nature of consciousness and awakening. Limitations of Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Leo concludes that traditional meditation and self-inquiry fall far short of the profound levels of consciousness he accessed with 5-MeO-DMT. Despite their value, these techniques alone couldn't provide the deep realizations he achieved. The Unmatched Potency of 5-MeO-DMT: Leo expresses astonishment at the potency of 5-MeO-DMT and its unparalleled ability to facilitate deep consciousness and clarity, surpassing other psychedelics like LSD and mushrooms in its capacity to reveal the nature of God. Proper Application of 5-MeO-DMT: He emphasizes the importance of a correct approach with 5-MeO-DMT for profound experiences. Leo plans to share his insights on the 'proper way' to use it, implying many practitioners do not experience its full potential due to misuse. Transformation Through Psychological Challenges: Amidst his metaphysical awakening experiences, Leo encountered psychological trips that confronted him with personal issues impeding his understanding of God, such as his tendency to lie and be inauthentic. Authenticity as the Path to Truth: Detailing a trip centered on truth and authenticity, Leo explains how he faced his lifelong pattern of dishonesty. He states that embodying God's nature requires embracing truth, as God has no fear and does not need to lie. Impact of Psychological Realizations: Through confronting his lack of authenticity, the very next day Leo experienced a massive metaphysical awakening, suggesting addressing psychological barriers is crucial for further spiritual breakthroughs. Qualifiers of His Teachings: While Leo shares his spiritual realizations, he advises practitioners to continue meditation and other practices, especially if they lack access to psychedelics. He acknowledges varying degrees of awakening and does not disparage other teachers or teachings. Incorporating a Religious Tone: Leo explains that his teachings will assume a religious tone as he fully acknowledges his godliness. He clarifies this is not about converting to standard religious beliefs, but an honest expression of his experience—that reality is divine and good. Recognition of Divine Reality: Leo positions the awakening to the divinity of reality as a transformation akin to a religious conversion, shifting one's life to align with the absolute goodness and divine nature of existence. Oneness with the Fractal Universe: Leo experiences the sensation of being God within a fractal universe that extends infinitely in every direction, forming and residing within the eternal explosion of reality. Heaven as Present Reality: Leo rejects the traditional notion of heaven as a far-off realm, instead equating heaven to the very moment and surroundings one is in, insisting that everything people see and experience is directly created by them and God. The Psychological Barrier to Heaven: He discusses the idea that heaven and hell are states of mind rather than locations, emphasizing that an ego-driven mind prevents individuals from realizing they're already in heaven, thus creating their own psychological hell. Eternal Presence of Every Moment: Leo introduces the concept that each moment of existence is eternal, much like frames on a movie reel, suggesting that every moment, including our earliest memories, coexists simultaneously in an eternal "frozen explosion." Infinity in All Things: Leo highlights that every object, down to the details of our fingers, embodies an infinite fractal, with each object always positioned at the center of infinity, reinforcing the notion that infinity is not only about numbers but exists in all aspects of reality. Purposefulness of Creation: He expounds on his realization that reality is not a random occurrence but a precise and intentional creation by an infinitely intelligent and powerful God, with physical laws, evolution, and patterns being elements of this deliberate design. Unlimited Nature of God: Leo discusses the qualities of God as having no limitations, existing beyond physical and logical laws, emphasizing this unlimited nature to define the power, intelligence, and consciousness of God. Implications of God's Unlimited Power: Describing an unlimited, all-powerful entity capable of willing anything into existence, Leo suggests that such beings can create realities that are infinitely intelligent and good, and that humans, in their truest, most unlimited form, would do the same. The Unlimited Nature of Reality: Reality is described as an expression of infinite intelligence, goodness, and beauty created out of selflessness and love. What appears as negative or harmful events are, in actuality, parts of a meticulously designed universe that works for the greater good of all. Illusion of Randomness in the Universe: Leo suggests that nothing in the universe is arbitrary or random; every detail is part of a grand design that interconnects all elements. This design is beyond the capacity of a limited human intellect to fully comprehend. Myopic Human Perspective: Humans often judge events like tragedies from a narrow, self-centered view, not taking into account the vast interconnectedness of all events. Leo argues that what may seem as negative events to us play a necessary role in the optimal functioning of the universe as designed by an all-intelligent force. Necessity of Negative Events: Even events perceived as deeply negative, such as mass shootings, are seen as having a place in the grand design of the universe. Leo claims that the removal of such events would, counterintuitively, lead to a worse overall creation from the perspective of infinite intelligence. Design Challenges and the Infinite Universe: Leo draws parallels between human design challenges — like creating a website or engineering a product — and the infinitely more complex design of the universe. Every part of the universe, he argues, is connected through an intricate web of causation that results in a flawless design by what is understood as God. Understanding Causation: Leo unfolds the concept of chains of causation, illustrating how every occurrence or decision can be traced back to an interconnected series of causes and effects stretching back through history and into the fabric of the universe itself, highlighting the complexity of universal design. Infinite Chains of Causation: Each object or event is connected to an infinite number of other events, demonstrating the interconnected nature of the universe. The example of a butterfly's existence being influenced by countless factors both minute and cosmic is used to illustrate this concept. The Role of Design in Understanding Reality: Leo suggests that when one grasives the difficulty of designing even simple objects, they can begin to appreciate the profound design of the universe. Everything, from the gravity affecting a butterfly to the chain of decisions leading to wearing a white shirt, reveals an intelligent, infinite causation at work. Science and Causation: Leo points out that scientific analysis typically only addresses simple linear causation chains, like "A causes B causes C." This approach neglects the complex and interconnected nature of multiple causation chains that operate within even the simplest actions, like flexing a finger. Limitations of Scientific Understanding: He emphasizes that while science is not false, it is extremely partial. Science fails to consider the holistic design and integration of chains of causation, which ripple through each other and contribute to the universe's intricate workings. Where science does touch upon this, as in chaos theory and fractals, it reveals some of its own limitations. Reality's Design Challenge: Leo posits that the design of reality - which he considers pure goodness - could only be the work of an infinite, all-powerful, and all-intelligent entity. He suggests that "God" met this design challenge instantly, thanks to being unlimited in power, but humans struggle to see the intricacies due to selfishness and a lack of consciousness. Good vs Evil in God's Design: Responding to questions about the presence of evil in the world, Leo clarifies that, in his view, God did not create bad things, only good. He reasons that infinite intelligence and selflessness would not allow for the creation of anything bad or evil; such perceptions are due to human limitations and fears, including the fear of death. Absolute Goodness of Existence: Leo reinforces the idea that whatever exists is for the greater good of all, as existence itself is absolute goodness. He explains that humans often fail to see this because they are looking from a myopic, self-centred perspective, concerned with individual, rather than cosmic, good. The Problem of Human Perspective: He expands on how the narrow focus of individuals on their personal benefit obscures the appreciation of the universe’s absolute goodness and intelligent design. Humans often fail to understand the interconnectedness and perfect alignment of every aspect of existence. Existence vs Non-Existence: Leo challenges the concept of non-existence by stating that everything that is perceivable or conceivable exists in some form, whether as an actual entity or as a concept. He suggests that non-existence is an illusion and that even the idea of non-existence exists within the realm of existence. Infinity and Pure Intelligence: He separates the traditional idea of intelligence from what he refers to as "pure intelligence," which he equates with consciousness, truth, and love. Leo explains that consciousness is infinitely intelligent and that God, or pure consciousness, manifests effortlessly into form, as observed when examining one's own hand. Understanding the Universe: Leo shares his conviction that after rigorous spiritual practice, an individual can become fully conscious of the reasons for existence and the workings of the universe, which to him are designed with pure intelligence and love, contrary to the notions of randomness suggested by interpretations of quantum mechanics. Pursuit of Metaphysical Understanding: He encourages those with a philosophical bent and deep curiosity about the universe to continue questioning and seeking understanding, which he believes is attainable through persistent effort, beyond logical reasoning or traditional studies, and may involve transformative practices like psychedelics. Interconnection of Love and Truth: Leo reflects on the insight that love and truth are synonymous, expressing that everything occurring right now is both an act of love and the ultimate truth. This realization, accessed through profound experiences, implies a highly idealistic view of existence that may appear unrealistically good from a typical human standpoint. Open-Mindedness in Spiritual Practice: Leo insists on the importance of persevering in the exploration of spirituality without ceasing prematurely. The further one explores, the more one realizes the infinite goodness at the end of the journey. Embodiment of Goodness: After realizing the infinite goodness, the next step Leo sees for himself is to become a living example of this goodness, aligning his life with it to bring positive transformation to the world. No Claim to Superior Enlightenment: Leo clarifies that he is not claiming to be the most enlightened person, but acknowledges he has accessed rare spiritual experiences that are challenging to attain, which he considers himself fortunate to have experienced. Continuous Work Towards Awakening: Leo conveys that despite his experiences, he does not consider himself fully awake or enlightened, and still has a significant path ahead to achieve full awakening and liberation. Integration of Spiritual and Ordinary Life: He discusses the paradoxical nature of spiritual highs, which exist alongside ordinary life with all its mundane challenges and frustrations, such as financial concerns and daily annoyances. Ongoing Struggle with Ego: Leo admits to still dealing with human limitations such as bad habits, fears, and a sense of ego that continues to cause suffering, part of the human experience that he shares with everyone. Distinction Between Awakening and Liberation: He differentiates between having an awakening experience and achieving constant god consciousness or total liberation, with the latter being much more difficult to maintain and the true aim of his spiritual journey. Passion for Spiritual Work: Leo shares his increasing passion for continuing the work of integrating his spiritual insights, and his goal to internalize these insights in a more organic and authentic manner, fully surrendering to the divine within. Holistic Approach to Spirituality: He stresses the need for spirituality to become a natural part of life, fully integrated into every action and being lived in an authentic, organic way. Authenticity and Transformation: Leo emphasizes his desire to be more authentic in his life and teaching, to work on embodying his insights more deeply, and to communicate them in a pure and powerful way. Upcoming Teachings and Insights: He outlines plans to share his progress and insights, tweaking and upgrading his teachings based on his evolving understanding. Natural Evolution of Teaching: Leo explains his approach to teaching will become more embodied and less technical, though he will continue to provide analytical content. A New Chapter Toward Total Liberation: He reveals his transition from focusing on business success to pursuing total awakening and liberation, expecting this journey to take several years, and expressing uncertainty yet openness about what lies beyond this pursuit. Inspiration for Others to Seek Awakening: Lastly, Leo hopes to inspire listeners to embark on their own spiritual journies, assuring that his revelations are meant to serve as a catalyst for others to seek similar experiences. Confundo

What Is God - Part 2 - Clear Answers To 70+ Commonly Asked Questions https://youtu.be/YMLuA2MzV40 "We are small pieces of God's mental apparatus." - Freeman Dyson Leo's clarification on being part of God: Leo establishes that depending on one's interpretation of 'you', an individual can be both a part of God and God themselves. In the conventional sense, 'you' refers to a part of God, but the deeper sense of self, realized through awakening practices, is God in its entirety. God's nature as tricky: Leo elaborates that God's nature requires trickery because reality itself is born of illusion. The physical world is a persistent disguise of God's true formlessness, which makes it challenging to recognize God in everyday experiences that we often take for granted. Experiencing God: Leo posits that individuals are constantly experiencing God but aren't aware of it because such awareness isn't necessary for survival. Noticing God requires becoming conscious of the truth that everything, including mundane objects and actions, is God. God's hiddenness: Leo addresses why God appears hidden by explaining that God's trickery is a creative necessity. The deceptive nature of God allows the experience of different forms and realities from formlessness. Recognizing God's true form would hinder practical human pursuits due to the realization of the illusory nature of concepts like money and material success. Claims about God and their falsifiability: Leo argues that God is the elemental truth and, as such, isn't subject to falsification in the traditional scientific sense. God's claims are verifiable through personal experience, and realization of this truth is self-validating. The burden of proof: Leo suggests that the burden of proof lies on individuals to discover and understand the truth of God, instead of it being something external that needs to be demonstrated or proved scientifically. He emphasizes that knowing God requires a more profound, introspective form of knowledge and understanding. Power of self-deception and God's capabilities: Leo emphasizes the absolute nature of self-deception, equating it to God's power. He asserts that God has the power to deceive itself into believing it is not God and, conversely, the power to awaken from that deception, illustrating the duality of God's capability. Rebuttal to 'God of the gaps' argument: Leo dismisses the 'God of the gaps' argument, explaining that while science aims to demystify reality, it will never succeed entirely because reality's infinite nature eludes complete understanding. For Leo, God embodies the mysterious 'gap' or nothingness that unifies all appearances. Differences between atheism and God as 'nothing': Addressing the materialist's stance on reality, Leo outlines the practical distinctions between his concept of 'nothing' as God and the atheistic view of non-existence. He lists multiple points where atheists' understanding diverges, such as reality being subjective, human beings as non-existent entities, and the sentient, intelligent nature of reality. Atheism's shortcomings in comprehending reality: Leo critiques the atheistic worldview, pointing out that it fails to recognize the subjective, relative nature of reality, the non-existence of humans as separate entities, the mechanistic view of reality, and the illusion of physical properties like time, space, and matter. Limitations and capabilities of consciousness: Atheists don't understand that their skepticism and doubts are tied to their current state of consciousness, which can change. Leo highlights the notion that consciousness is not a byproduct of the brain and that science has epistemic limits when trying to understand God or paranormal phenomena. Paranormal phenomena and the nature of God: Leo argues that atheists ignore the existence of paranormal activities, underestimate science's potential to answer all questions, and don't recognize that they are God, part of an infinite reality with no physical limits. Impossibility of God being a hallucination: Finally, Leo clarifies that direct consciousness of God cannot be a hallucination or delusion. Realizing God as the absolute truth leaves no room for misinterpretation as it doesn't rely on language, symbols, or perception. God as absolute truth: The concept of hallucination and delusion arises when the mind thinks rather than directly interfaces with absolute truth. When one is fully conscious of absolute truth, the idea of God as a hallucination is not applicable because in that state, there’s no room for doubt or the perception of hallucination. Experiencing God beyond the brain: When taking 5-MeO-DMT, reality is flipped inside out to the extent that the concept of having a brain or chemicals is forgotten. Leo emphasizes that in this state, 5-MeO-DMT is not a brain state, chemical, or neurotransmitter; it's a direct experience of God, which one must undergo to understand its profundity. Psychedelics as a pathway to truth: Skeptics question the validity of psychedelic experiences, but Leo argues that consciousness is all-powerful and can create any experience, including the realization of absolute truth. Leo invites doubters to partake in breakthrough psychedelic experiences to understand this personally. Understanding the meta-truth of God: Leo refutes the idea that God could just be part of a computer simulation, emphasizing that God is the ultimate realization of absolute infinity. He uses the concept of nested matrices to explain the scope of God – an infinite recursion of realities, indicating that all of existence is a hallucination, which psychedelics can help reveal. Infinity beyond God debunked: Leo addresses the idea of something existing beyond God by explaining that God is equivalent to "everything" and "totality," enveloping all potential aspects of existence. This realization, once reached, leaves nothing more to understand, and the concept of totality precludes the existence of anything outside of God. God cannot be a mere component: Leo clarifies that God cannot be just a part or product of something else, like a computer simulation, because God encompasses all possible phenomena. The notion of a computer simulation is a finite concept within the infinitude that is God. God's self-creation explained: Leo discusses how God interacts solely with itself, imposing self-limitations in the form of physical reality to create the potential for experience and surprise. This necessity is why there can only be one absolute infinity, representing true totality. God's capacity to create limitations: God incarnates in various forms, each with its limitations to experience existence. For instance, humans can lift certain rocks but not others, demonstrating God's self-imposed limitations. The formless Godhead, being infinite potential, cannot engage in such actions and must express itself through forms. God and self-destruction: God, in its formless state or as the Godhead, cannot be destroyed since destruction only applies within the realm of form. Although incarnated forms of God, such as humans, can experience destruction, the formless Godhead remains eternally intact. Formlessness and impermanence of forms: God, as formless, is eternal, but incarnates into forms such as humans or stars, which are transient and can be destroyed, like a star by a black hole or a person by jumping off a building. Overcoming confirmation bias in spiritual experiences: Leo discusses how genuine spiritual experiences shatter existing conceptual understandings and offer truths that are self-validating and often shocking, despite previous exposure to similar ideas. Denial of specific religious affiliations: Leo clarifies that he is not covertly adhering to any religion such as Christianity or Buddhism. His teachings are based on direct awakening experiences, not on a desire for God to be real or preexisting religious beliefs. Certainty vs. humility in speaking about God: Leo addresses the perceived arrogance of speaking with certainty about God. He explains that absolute truth is known without doubt once realized and expresses this truth without false humility. Possibility of misunderstanding God: Leo acknowledges the potential for misinterpretation or false experiences of God. He defends his understanding by referencing consistent awakening experiences, cross-referencing spiritual texts, and an openness to reevaluating his insights. Rejecting the notion of unknowability in spirituality: Leo counters the idea that asserting 'we don't know' is more scientific or humble. When true knowledge or realization of God is obtained, claiming ignorance would be dishonest, and one must remain open to astounding insights. Non-existence of evil from God's perspective: Leo argues that evil is a human projection based on survival, not an absolute reality. From God's universal viewpoint, there is no evil or suffering, just the perfect manifestation of existence. Perfect nature of the world from a higher perspective: The world, despite apparent imperfections when perceived through ego, is seen as perfect from God's higher perspective. Analogies of movie watching and rollercoaster rides illustrate the subjective experience of suffering and the illusory nature of evil. Absence of duty towards God: Since humans are embodiments of God, there is no duty to worship or pray. Leo suggests the real duty lies in awakening and raising awareness oneself, rather than adhering to traditional religious practices. Leo's certainty and the nature of absolute truth: Asserting knowledge of God, Leo shares that with direct experience, there's an undeniable certainty about this absolute truth, contrasting it with the nature of scientific knowledge and speculation. Rollercoaster and skydiving experience as an analogy for God’s interaction with human life: Leo compares human existence and the thrills and fears it brings to a rollercoaster ride or a skydiving experience. He suggests that as God incarnates into human experiences, it deliberately places itself into various situations, which, while sometimes terrifying or uncomfortable, also offer exhilaration and a form of enjoyment akin to the ultimate virtual reality, such as described in the movie "The Matrix." Skydiving as a metaphor for confronting fear and questioning life choices: Leo recounts his personal skydiving experience as a metaphor for life’s moments of intense questioning and fear of one's chosen path. He relates to the jarring realization during free fall that one may never choose to face such a terrifying situation again, representing moments of existential questioning that arise during human life. The addictive nature of excitement and suffering in human experience: Leo points out that humans instinctively seek excitement as well as the paradoxical allure of suffering. He suggests that people secretly enjoy their suffering and even might not wish to relinquish it, as it is a crucial part of their experience and identity. Unconditional love of God and non-judgment: Addressing the question of why God wouldn't judge actions such as murder or rape, Leo explains that God is all-loving and does not judge because it embodies every possible experience, including those we label as negative. Judgments of good and bad originate from the ego's perspective and serve the purpose of survival and identity defense rather than a divine perspective. The radical nature of God's love and the human perspective: Leo describes God's love as too radical for human beings to embody because it extends to everything in existence, contrasting with humans' selective love constrained by survival and defense of identity and moral constructs. God's relationship with evil and hate: Leo argues that evil and hate, as understood by humans, only exist as a perspective of the ego. To experience these emotions, God incarnates into limited forms such as human beings. From God’s ultimate perspective, it loves all aspects of creation, including those seen as evil or hateful. The nature of mainstream religion: Leo explains that mainstream religions are limited by the cognitive development of the times they were created and are often filled with metaphors and stories that cater to the understanding of those eras. Hence, they may seem confusing and diluted compared to direct experiences and teachings about God. The origin and dilution of religious teachings: He goes on to discuss how the teachings of enlightened individuals like Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad, when passed down through less enlightened individuals and over extended periods, are subject to misinterpretation and dilution. God, evil, and the Devil: Leo clarifies that God is responsible for all creations, including those perceived as evil, as there is nothing outside of God. He explains the concept of the Devil as God’s incarnation experiencing separation, ego, and survival mechanisims—"the Devil" is another form through which God experiences itself. Challenges of straightforwardly explaining God: Finally, Leo addresses the challenges faced by mainstream religions in explaining God in a straightforward manner, attributing these to historical cognitive limits, cultural metaphors, and the distorting effects of interpreting and recording religious teachings over time. Adaptation of religious teachings: Religious teachings often involve moral codes like defining right and wrong or lawful and unlawful. These were advanced for their time and served as a form of legal and moral infrastructure before the establishment of countries and legal systems. Corruption of spirituality by ego: Spiritual teachings and religions can be co-opted by the ego for its purposes. Rulers and nation-states have historically used religion to control masses and justify wars, leading to the spread of confusion, delusion, and egotism. Challenges in codifying and spreading God's realization: The personal and subjective nature of realizing God makes it difficult to codify and mass distribute this knowledge through books or videos without misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Differentiating dated teachings from timeless wisdom: In studying religious texts like the Bible, it is important to distinguish outdated practices from enduring wisdom. Some archaic teachings must be recognized as products of their time and not applicable today. Commonalities across diverse religions: Despite the surface disagreements, various religions share a significant amount of core teachings, emphasizing the importance of direct experience and mystical insight to discern universal truths and recognize commonalities. Integration of religions: The modern idea of integrating religions to understand their common essence contrasts with the traditional perspective where each religion aimed at a monopoly on truth. An integral approach can help resolve superficial disagreements. Evidence of spiritual truths across history: The consistent mention of spirituality and God across all human history and cultures, often reflecting common themes, suggests there's more to it than mere superstition, mass delusions, or groupthink. Misconceptions regarding religion: Religion's historical involvement in conflicts doesn’t negate the personal discovery of God. Technology and other societal elements also contribute to wars, separating the potential misuse of religion from the experience of God. Usage of the word 'God': Despite misunderstandings, the term 'God' effectively captures the divine experience. Using non-specific terms might dilute the extraordinary aspect of the experience. Interpretation of religious visions: Visions of deities or religious figures during mystical experiences are symbolic interpretations by the mind, influenced by cultural and personal backgrounds. These are not arguments against God but reflective of cultural filters. Authenticity of spiritual teachings: No spiritual tradition has a monopoly on God or spirituality. Truths about God existed long before contemporary spiritual traditions and are global rather than exclusive to any specific region or culture. Understanding religious differences: To discern the underlying unity in various religious teachings, one must approach them with direct experience and mystical insights, rather than solely through intellectual study. Leo Gura's perspective on cultural interpretations of God: Leo notes that different cultures, such as Christians, Buddhists, Jews, and ancient Greeks and Egyptians, all have knowledge of God. He emphasizes that no single culture has a monopoly on the truth about God; these insights are accessible across cultures and history. Buddhism and the concept of God: Despite common misconceptions, Leo explains that Buddhism does have a concept of God. Buddhism’s "God" is expressed as No-Self, Buddha Mind, the Dharmakaya, Nirvana, etc. He clarifies that the difference between Buddhist No-Self and Hindu Self is a matter of degrees in awakening, not different endpoints. Experience versus direct consciousness of God: Leo uses the term "experience" loosely when discussing God, suggesting that "being" or "direct consciousness" is more accurate. He advises expanding the notion of experience to include these ideas. He also discusses integrating the direct consciousness of the formless God with earthly experiences to recognize that everyday existence is, in fact, an instance of God. The need for cross-referencing sources: Leo highlights the importance of validating one's spiritual experiences through high-quality, diverse scriptures and teachings. This helps to guard against self-deceit and ensure interpretations are consistent with established wisdom. Why not commit suicide to become God: Addressing the notion of suicide to become God, Leo argues for valuing one's current incarnation and the experiences it offers. He promotes early enlightenment to fully appreciate and live one's life rather than postponing realization until death. Existence in the presence of the all-knowing God: Leo explains how God sets up scenarios to forget and then remember itself, suggesting that the formless God understands itself by incarnating in various forms, including human life, and experiencing different aspects of existence. Realization of diverse forms of God: He talks about God's need to manifest in innumerable forms, including humans, fish, or galaxies, throughout time. This process allows God to fully experience and understand what it means to be God across the entirety of existence. Nature of God's self-knowledge: God doesn't fully know itself until it lives through its manifestations; self-realization occurs through direct experience. Purpose of discussing God: Talking about God is to make people aware of their potential to realize God, transform their lives, and overcome suffering and delusion with techniques to actualize this realization, while noting the pitfalls along the spiritual path. Utility of spiritual teachings: Repetitive teachings serve to inspire and solidify understanding; they motivate individuals to practice until realization, and guide post-awakening development and application in the world. Compatibility of science with understanding God: Current science, based on concepts and symbols, cannot comprehend God, which is beyond symbolism. However, science may evolve to include mysticism and non-symbolic methods such as first-person experiences and psychedelics. Science recognizing God: Future science could acknowledge concepts like absolute infinity or nothingness after integrating mysticism, departing from traditional materialism. Transformation of modern science: Science must adopt a more mystical perspective, acknowledging truths beyond conceptual understanding, for a holistic comprehension of reality. Integration of science and spirituality: By redefining science and mysticism, cultural barriers can dissolve, leading to a closer merger and new understandings in both fields. Science's role in reality beyond the mind: Science will need to accept aspects of reality that are beyond the mind and traditional materialistic proof to truly advance. Potential synergy of science and spirituality: Future collaboration between science and spirituality is expected to lead to revolutionary advancements, benefiting both fields. Loneliness of God: The formless Godhead does not feel loneliness. Still, incarnated forms like humans can, even though ultimate realization quells the sense of loneliness despite intrinsic aloneness. Varied curiosity about God: Differences in metaphysical curiosity may stem from brain types, genetics, environmental upbringing, and exposure to spiritual concepts during formative years. Curiosity about God penetrates the surface of reality and can disrupt established worldviews. Mechanism of God's creation: God's creation has no mechanism; the universe spontaneously exists without cause and effect chains or mathematical rules. Reality simply "is," a challenge for materialists to grasp without a shift in perspective. Mechanism of Creation and Cause-Effect Chains: Materialists resist the realization that the universe appears without mechanisms or mathematical equations; it manifests spontaneously as an indivisible miracle. Understanding the Fundamental Nature of Existence: Instead of seeking ultimate particles like quarks as explanations, Leo suggests treating the present moment as fundamental with no underlying mechanism. Eternal Nature and Self-Creation of God: God is eternal but is also in a constant state of self-creation. God, as formless, has always existed, and as form, is creating every moment anew. Impossibility of God Being an Alien or AI: God cannot be an AI or alien as these are finite forms within the totality that God is. God encompasses everything, not limited to any form or entity. God, Evolution, and Continuous Creation: God is both eternal and evolving. Evolution in a traditional sense and God's continual creation process are essentially the same, happening within God's mind. Reconciliation of Darwinian Evolution with God: Leo argues that traditional evolution occurs within God's design, implying a directed, intelligent process rather than random mutation and natural selection. Reasons for Undesirable Life Experiences: Individuals have the power to change their lives. Difficult life situations are part of God experiencing all forms of life, and spiritual awakening allows one to navigate these gracefully. Possibility of Constant God Awareness: Sahaja Samadhi is the permanent awareness of God in everyday life, a state beyond peak experiences or meditative moments. Difficulty of Permanent Awakening: Full realization of God takes time and effort due to the tremendous scope of absolute truth and the need to deconstruct long-standing illusions. Challenges in Realizing God: The struggle to realize God stems from deep-rooted survival mechanisms driving behavior, thus conflicts arise when one pursues the formless nature of God, which opposes survival instinct. Deconstructing the Illusion of Life: Truly understanding and maintaining the realization of God requires active deconstruction of life’s illusions, allowing one not to fall back into the hypnotic seduction of dualistic existence. Challenge of realizing God: Realizing God is difficult due to deeply ingrained habits and the brain's slow process of change. Neurons need time to rewire to alter behaviors and habits, impacting one's ability to sustain mystical insights. Ease of realizing God: Paradoxically, realizing God can also be simple. Theoretically, if one were to sit in isolation for 30 days with absolute stillness of mind and body, they could become conscious of God by the end of the period. However, this level of stillness in practice is extremely difficult to achieve. Commitment to the spiritual journey: The difficulty in realizing God significantly decreases with a serious, focused commitment. The likelihood of realization within a short timeframe, like a month, increases dramatically when an individual dedicates themselves fully and without distractions. Balancing spirituality with family and career: It is possible to realize God while maintaining family and career commitments. However, it's advisable to stagger these pursuits to prevent being overwhelmed. In India, certain schools of spirituality offer techniques that householders can use alongside their family and career responsibilities. Visualization as a method to realize God: Visualization practices from Tantra yoga and Tibetan Buddhism can be powerful, concentrating the mind intensely on a deity to facilitate a non-dual mystical experience. Yet, one must take care not to become overly attached to the representation to break through to the formless aspect of God. Pursuing God at a young age: One is never too young to start thinking about God or spirituality. It is possible to realize God as a teenager or in the early 20s. However, it is equally important to focus on practical skills and responsibilities, balancing spiritual development with other aspects of life. Experiencing God at different cognitive stages: People at all stages of cognitive development can experience God, but the interpretation will depend on their level. Higher cognitive stages allow for a more holistic understanding and ease the process of mystical experience and proper interpretation. God's need for self-realization: God itself does not have a need for self-realization and is content with all forms of existence. However, as humans, when we awaken, we can experience and understand our divine nature, something not possible for non-conscious forms. God as personal and impersonal: God is both personal and impersonal. While the Godhead lacks human traits and is impersonal, it is personal in the sense that it experiences itself as humans with uniquely human qualities. God's involvement in human lives: The passive Godhead by nature does not manipulate lives actively; however, as the manifest form of God, it can be seen as steering lives through human thoughts, emotions, and actions. God's agenda or plan: In essence, God has no particular agenda or plan; its purpose is in existence itself. Yet from a human perspective, it seems that the universe is on an evolutionary path towards greater complexity and self-awareness. God as a complex singularity: Leo imagines a future where God experiences life through various forms, feels emotions like humans, and processes information with supercomputing capabilities, all interconnected into an ultimate singularity. Pantheism vs. Panentheism: Both pantheism (everything is God) and panentheism (everything is inside of God) are true in non-duality. The distinction is seen as trivial since the formlessness of God (panentheism) is not different from the forms (pantheism), creating a paradoxical overlap. Mankind's discovery of God: Likely, humans have had knowledge of God for over 450,000 years. Leo speculates that the early spiritual awareness arose from a lack of distractions, meditative lifestyles, natural spiritual gifts, use of psychedelics, and possibly shamanistic practices among early human ancestors. God's incarnation as individuals: God embodies every form simultaneously, so one's unique human form is just one among countless expressions of God. Leo stresses not to take personal form too seriously as God experiences everything at once. Reasons for God creating diverse life: The variety of life forms, like humans and animals, allows God to experience rich complexities and emotions, contributing to an ongoing evolution towards greater complexity and depth of experience. Utilization of God's realization by humans: While the ego might seek to use the realization of God for material gains, deeper purposes include elevating humanity's consciousness, teaching, improving personal faculties, and nurturing conscious growth in all aspects of life. Special powers from realizing God: Realizing God may lead to paranormal abilities or 'siddhis' due to spiritual awakening, but its pursuit by the ego can become a distraction. Though these abilities exist, they are not guaranteed nor should they be the focus of spiritual practice. Possibility of miracles: Miracles as paranormal occurrences, like healing and synchronicities, are considered possible by Leo. He views all existence as miraculous and highlights the nuanced nature of what constitutes a miracle within the physical reality. Truth and falsehood in the Bible: The Bible contains both wisdom and outdated misconceptions. It holds truths, such as the 'I Am' concept of God and the inward kingdom of heaven but also has misleading elements due to its human authorship. Man's duty towards God and worship: No objective duty exists toward God, as humans are manifestations of God themselves. Practices like worship and prayer often reinforce a false duality and can obstruct the realization of one's divine nature. What God desires from humans: Fundamentally, God desires nothing from humans; each being is free to exist as they choose. However, Leo encourages individuals to strive for consciousness and appreciate the magnificence of life. Following religion's relation to God realization: Leo advises abandoning religion due to its potential to hinder realizing God. He views personal direct experience of God as more profound than adhering to religious dogma. Religion, often filled with brainwashing, can be less enlightening compared to personal realization. Misconception about teachings: While it may seem that Leo's teachings echo traditional religious scripts like the Quran or the Bible, he clarifies that he presents spirituality from an integral, holistic perspective, encompassing insights from modern disciplines such as psychology, quantum mechanics, and sociology—something ancient texts do not incorporate. Evolution of spirituality: Leo emphasizes the necessity for spiritual practices to evolve and adapt to modern complexities and technological advancements, pointing out that sticking to medieval spiritual traditions is insufficient for the current era. Higher-level instruction and avoiding traps: He distinguishes his teachings by aiming to discuss spirituality at a cutting-edge level, incorporating contemporary knowledge, and providing guidance on avoiding pitfalls like cult dynamics, which are not addressed in traditional spiritual teachings. Essential requirements for realizing God: Leo identifies three core requirements: laser-focused concentration, radical open-mindedness (to the extent of considering concepts like death and evil), and a genuine metaphysical curiosity about existence, reality, and God. Critical thinking and self-validation: Leo encourages viewers to not blindly trust him but to cross-reference, explore different sources, and personally experiment with yoga, meditation, self-inquiry, and psychedelics to validate the truths he presents. No shortcut to understanding God: He acknowledges that understanding God isn't achievable through Q&A format nor through seeking previews of awakening; it requires actual awakening and multiple experiences for a comprehensive understanding. Usefulness of Actualized.org: Leo concludes by promoting actualized.org as a helpful resource for those serious about realizing God, indicating that the site offers practical teachings and powerful spiritual techniques that can lead to significant awakenings in a relatively short period. Avis

What Is God - Part 1 - A No Bullshit Explanation For Smart People https://youtu.be/YE1yPCeF1Cc "The pig is taught by sermons and epistles to think the God of Swine has a snout and bristles." - Ambrose Bierce "He who knows himself knows God." - St. Anthony Existence of God: Leo confirms his claim that God exists, based on his direct experiences, and emphasizes that this should not be taken on faith but should be verified personally. Three Worldviews of God: Leo identifies three primary attitudes toward God: fundamentalist theists who unquestioningly believe; atheists who reject God based on empirical evidence; and agnostics who remain unsure about God’s existence. He explains that while there's some truth in each perspective, there's also significant confusion. Pre-Trans Fallacy and Cognitive Development: Leo introduces Ken Wilber's concept of the pre-trans fallacy, discussing the pre-rational, rational, and trans-rational stages of human consciousness. He argues that this model helps explain why rational individuals often dismiss spiritual experiences as pre-rational delusions. God as an Experience: Emphasizing the personal nature of God, Leo clarifies that God should not be conceived simply as a belief or theoretical construct but as an experience that individuals can directly have. Challenges to Empirical Proof of God: Addressing skepticism, Leo acknowledges the unreliability of personal experience in proving God. He posits that experiencing God is deeper than empirical evidence and encourages open-mindedness to transcend rational and pre-rational misunderstandings. Controversial Nature of God: Leo describes the topic of God as highly controversial, often leading to persecution or violence against those who teach unconventional perspectives on God, which he aims to do in this lecture. Personal Journey from Atheism: Leo shares his transformation from atheism to direct consciousness of God, shifting his earlier rational, atheistic views. Communication Difficulties and Misinterpretation: Leo underscores the complexities of discussing God due to the subject's paradoxical, counterintuitive, and threatening nature to conventional belief systems, leading to widespread misinterpretation and resistance. Lecture Approach and Intention: Leo sets the stage for his explanation of God, asserting the importance of personal verification and highlighting the depth of the conversation to overcome common pitfalls and misconceptions surrounding God. He intends to provide a comprehensive understanding, rooted in direct experience rather than dogma, in a two-part miniseries addressing fundamental explanations and handling common objections. Misinterpretation of Proof and Truth: The objection for tangible evidence of God by rationalists and atheists demonstrates a misunderstanding of proof and truth. They assume proof is straightforward and simple, like finding evidence in a murder investigation, but God is about the origin of existence, making proof a second-order phenomenon that requires the preexistence of truth or being. Proof as a Second-Order Phenomenon: Proof is incorrectly assumed to be primary, but it is actually built upon a foundation of truth or being. Leo compares it to constructing a castle out of Lego bricks: the bricks represent truth, and the castle represents proof, emerging from these fundamental bricks. Existence Precedes Proof: For proof to occur, a common base of experiences and standards for what qualifies as proof must exist. The rationalist's requirement for evidence of God ignores that existence is required before proof can be established. Variability of Proof Standards: Proof relies on community or cultural standards that are taken for granted. Different communities and cultures can have varying standards of proof, and some truths cannot be proven, yet remain true. Failure to Account for Different States of Consciousness: The inability to understand God stems from not considering that different states of consciousness exist; rationality, science, and proof function only within specific states of consciousness. Necessity of Elevated Consciousness to Understand God: One must raise their state of consciousness significantly beyond the conventional physical state to grasp the concept of God, which is why explaining God to someone at a lower state of consciousness is as futile as a sighted person explaining colors to a blind individual. Science and Rationality as Constructs of Consciousness: Science and rationality are possible only within certain states of consciousness, much like how an ant's perception is profoundly more limited than a human's, Leo suggests our understanding of God is equally constrained by the current state of consciousness. Ant Analogy for Human Consciousness: Just as an ant's understanding of the world is limited to its immediate surroundings, our current state of consciousness restricts our conceptualization of God and the universe. Stages of Cognitive Development: Leo reminds listeners of the three stages of cognitive development (pre-rational, rational, post-rational) and cautions against assuming everyone operates at the same level—an understanding of God requires openness to evolving and admitting the potential for further cognitive growth. Misconception of Reality as a Material System: The view of reality as a purely physical system is critiqued; reality is described as a colossal mind producing various sub-realities, including the material universe, and consciousness is not derived from the brain but is the essence of existence. Core Impact of the God Concept: The concept of God fundamentally influences people's reality perception, morality, emotional States, actions, life orientation, and has far-reaching practical consequences, contrary to the belief that God is a purely philosophical concern. Emotional Reactions and Dogma: Individuals often have strong emotional reactions to the concept of God due to its deep connection with core beliefs and life orientation. This emotional charge can serve as a smokescreen to prevent deep personal inquiry, which could result in confronting uncomfortable worldviews. Personal Honesty About Attitudes Toward God: It is crucial for individuals to acknowledge their true attitude towards God—be it positive, negative, or neutral—since this attitude is the primary barrier to understanding God. Atheists' Attitude Towards God: Atheists may state they have no attitude toward God because they perceive God as non-existent, but this disbelief is, in fact, their attitude toward God, which they need to explore and be willing to give up to understand God. Experience Versus Belief: It's important to distinguish between having an experience of God and holding a belief in God. Even atheists are challenged to verify if they have truly experienced the non-existence of God, rather than merely lacking an experience of God. Direct Consciousness of God: People need to discern whether they are currently conscious of God, as reliance on past experiences, memories, or interpretations is not the same as present consciousness of God. Misconceptions about God: Common misunderstandings include God as a belief, a superstitious concept, a psychological mechanism against death, a judgemental being with rules to follow, being exclusive to one religion, or being different from oneself. Philosophical Introduction of God: In a philosophy context, God is introduced as the supreme being, the first cause, the source of all creation, as well as being infinite, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, incorporeal, eternal, immortal, benevolent, and perfect. Core Definition of God Validated: Leo affirms all facets of the classical Western definition of God—supreme being, first cause, source of creation, infinite, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent—as correct through his personal consciousness work, not merely derived from literature or philosophical musings. God as Radical and All-encompassing State of Consciousness: He elaborates that God is both a radical state of consciousness and simultaneously all states of consciousness, including the present moment. The challenge lies in realizing that our current state is in fact a facet of God. The Paradox of Self and Absence in God: Leo confronts the paradox where God is described as both the absence of the individual's limited egoic identity and the 'true self'. True experience of God arises when the conceptual self is stripped away, revealing pure empty consciousness or awareness. God Synonymous with Reality, Existence, and Truth: He explains that rationalists, atheists, and scientists may unconsciously adhere to the concept of God, associating it with reality or existence. However, their lack of full consciousness prevents them from recognizing these as inherently divine aspects of God. Materialist Misconceptions and Consciousness: Leo critiques the materialistic perspective that reduces consciousness to brain activity within a mechanical universe. He asserts the sole existence of consciousness which contains all reality, including scientific rationality, as its content. The Illusion of Interpretations and Projections: He discusses the constant interpretations and projections that obscure direct interaction with pure being. Halting these projections is imperative for realizing God, yet difficult as it's connected to survival instincts. The Present Moment as God: He touches on the elusive nature of the 'now' and its importance, stating that the present moment is the only real thing, thereby equating it with God. However, the difficulty arises in the inability to point to God because everything, including the attempt to point, is itself God. Understanding God Beyond Categories: Leo speaks on non-duality as the essence of God, where traditional distinctions don't apply, and everything, including oneself, is part of a unified whole. The Oneness of Reality and God: God is understood as an indistinct process of self-creation—there's no separation between creator and creation. He invokes the metaphor of a movie, where despite the apparent separateness of elements, it is actually one unified experience. Concept of God as a Strange Loop: God is paradoxically self-created, existing eternally, and being both everything and nothing—a notion that's incomprehensible through conventional logic and can only be experienced directly. God as Absolute Infinity: Experiencing God involves recognizing the absolute infinity of consciousness and existence. This means grasping that the current moment is infinitely one among an infinite number of possibilities. God as Everything and Nothing: Leo describes the paradoxical nature of God, where all objects and thoughts are God, yet at the same time, God is beyond these things. He explains that consciousness, as God, is not located anywhere, which makes it both everything and nothing. God as the Answer to Metaphysical Questions: God provides complete and satisfying answers to deep metaphysical and existential questions, but it does not address relative or scientific inquiries which are considered minutiae in comparison. Nature of Truth: Truth exists fundamentally and cannot be proven or justified but must be accepted as it is. Leo describes consciousness as this basic element of existence where there's really nothing else underneath. God’s Experience Compared to Waking from a Dream: Experiencing God is likened to awakening from a dream, where one realizes that all of life up to the present moment is imagined within consciousness. God as a Universal Mind and Imagination: The realization that all perceived physical reality is a figment of imagination within the universal mind of God. The moment of now is an imagination and identical with the mind of God. God and the Perception of Death: Encountering God is equated to facing one's own death, which society has misleadingly labeled as the worst experience. Realization of God equates to "dying", leading to awakening as one's idea of physical reality and self dissolves. God as Total Surrender and Dissolution of Boundaries: Experiencing God entails absolute surrender, relinquishing all control and effort in life, paralleled by the dissipation of all perceived boundaries, entering a state of non-dual awareness. Oneness and Dissolution of Dualities: Experiencing God results in a sensation where all common dualities like life and death, man and woman, good and bad dissolve, merging into one and allowing the realization of oneness with the universe. God as a Mindfuck and Epiphany: Encountering God is described as the ultimate mind-blowing experience or epiphany, inducing both awe for its infinite and beautiful nature and terror due to its eclipsing effect on individual ego and identity. Exiting the Matrix: The awakening to God is likened to exiting the matrix, revealing that what lies beyond our perceived reality is nothingness—more radical than any simulation, transforming our current understanding of existence. Concept of the Cosmic Holographic Fractal: Understanding God leads to the realization that the universe is a cosmic holographic fractal where zooming in or out infinitely reveals no separation between oneself and the rest of existence; each point of consciousness contains the whole. God and Universal Mind: Gura explains God in terms of idealism and solipsism, arguing that there is only one sentient entity—universal mind—and that there are no separate beings, only the illusion of separateness. God as Absolute Infinity: Emphasizing the singularity of God, where the concept of multiple gods is subsumed into one absolute infinity, delineating that everything imaginable plus more constitutes a singular totality. God as Emptiness and Potential: Conveying God as a radiant emptiness filled with infinite potential and possibilities, reversing typical connotations of nothingness to signify completeness and readiness to burst forth infinitely. God's Attributes: Encounters with God bring about the realization of its infinite intelligence capable of creating itself and designing the universe; it encompasses infinite beauty, joy, and profound peace—making it synonymous with immortality and eternal presence. Life as a Living Miracle: Leo emphasizes that life itself is a miraculous, divine, and magical occurrence. This concept is overlooked due to a pragmatic approach to life, which blinds individuals to the inherent divinity found within the entire universe—a universe that is conscious and sentient, including molecules and the Earth itself, extending far beyond mere biological entities. God as Irreducible Mystery: Leo discusses the idea of God as an ultimate mystery. One cannot truly know God in the conventional sense of knowing; one can be God. This aligns with the idea that direct knowing or explaining separates us from God, whereas not knowing brings us closer to that divine essence. Challenges of Scientific Paradigm: Leo critiques the scientific paradigm for its method of explaining existence through connecting content within the universe, rather than recognizing its totality. He points out the limitations of science, which inevitably leads to unanswered questions about existence at the fundamental level, such as the origins of the Big Bang. God as Life-Transforming: Leo describes the epiphany of God as the most profound and transformative moment in one's life, altering one's perspective permanently and completely. Confusion About God: The understanding of God is complicated by the fact that it represents a level of consciousness most people haven't accessed, it's inherently formless, and it exists beyond mental comprehension. This understanding requires a radical mind-shift and stands in stark contrast to conventional approaches to reality. Existential Investigation: Leo stresses the lack of genuine existential investigation in both the religious and atheistic communities. He challenges whether individuals genuinely understand the foundations of their beliefs or the scientific methodology they rely on without having spent hours contemplating or meditating on these questions. God's Conflict with Ego and Survival: The concept of God poses a threat to ego, control, and survival, with most people focused on their material existence and not on existential exploration. Understanding God requires the surrendering of one's ego and control, which contradicts ordinary pursuits of survival. Cultural and Educational Limitations: He points out how our materialistic culture, society, media, and education system severely limit our understanding of God. The modern era is still in its infancy regarding spiritual evolution, and significant growth is required to move beyond a materialistic worldview. Emphasis on Radical Open-mindedness: Understanding God requires radical open-mindedness, and many are not prepared to entertain the notion that reality as they know it may not be as concrete as they assume. Broadening one's perspective to consider possibilities beyond ordinary experiences is essential. Barriers to God Realization: Leo identifies numerous barriers to realizing God, including societal materialism, cultural norms, and a generally dismissive attitude towards metaphysics and epistemology. He calls for significant cultural and educational shifts to foster a deeper understanding of these critical facets of human existence. Technological Advancements vs Cognitive Development: Leo outlines how technological progress has outpaced cognitive, social, and political development, leading to existential problems. This imbalance highlights the complexities of understanding God in a technologically advanced society. Confusion Due to Foundations of Science: He states that misconceptions about the foundations of science contribute to the confusion surrounding the concept of God. The perception that God's existence seems impossible or impractical is tied to narrow ego-centric views that limit the understanding of larger universal agendas. Subjectivity and Relativity of Reality: Leo discusses the challenge of grasping the subjective and relative nature of reality, stating that both pre-rational and many rational individuals struggle with this concept. He suggests that atoms and molecules, as constructs of the mind, are relative and don't exist in the same way for other creatures. Problems with Skepticism: Leo criticizes certain uses of skepticism, where individuals demand overwhelming evidence without engaging in personal exploration of truth. True skepticism involves questioning one's own assumptions and actively seeking higher states of consciousness beyond skepticism. Revelation of Illusion: The realization of God is said to reveal every aspect of life as an illusion, including society, culture, government, language, and personal identity, which is a challenging idea for many to accept. Threat to Power Hierarchies: Understanding God is described as threatening to established power hierarchies, which are built on illusions and false justifications. Leo suggests that these structures resist change and are not receptive to the truths that come with knowing God. Communication Challenges Post-Realization: Leo reflects on the difficulty of communicating the realization of God to others who haven't had the same experience, resulting in a catch-22 situation where meaningful dialogue is not possible. Various Names and Phrases for God: He presents a comprehensive list of names and phrases for God from different religious and philosophical traditions, illustrating the diversity of ways in which people refer to and experience the divine. Techniques to Experience God: A variety of techniques including metaphysical questioning, deconstruction, meditation, concentration, visualization, yoga, psychedelics, suffering and deprivation, meditation and solo retreats, and dark room retreats are listed as methods to experience God. Ways Not to Experience God: Leo clarifies that God cannot be experienced through the mind, beliefs, thinking, rational inquiry, traditional philosophy, scientific modeling, or proof, emphasizing the need for subjective direct experience. God Experience and the Limitation of Academic Study: Traditional academic methods, such as the study of sacred texts or attendance at church services, are limited in their ability to provide a direct experience of God. While reading scriptures can occasionally trigger epiphanies, they should not be the sole approach to understanding God due to their reliance on language and concepts. Role of Prayer in Experiencing God: Although traditional prayers focused on personal goals are unlikely to lead to an experience of God, meditative prayer that resembles concentration practices can legitimately lead to such experiences. Pitfalls of Rituals, Ceremonies, and Digital Media: Engaging in rituals, attending ceremonies, and consuming books, lectures, podcasts, or online forums can support one's spiritual journey but are insufficient for attaining the necessary states of consciousness to experience God. These activities often become distractions from more effective practices. Experiencing God Through Samadhi: Direct experience of God is possible through the state of Samadhi, which transcends knowledge, belief, concepts, language, and the mind. Samadhi is a non-dual form of perception that collapses the subject-object duality and goes beyond traditional knowledge or perception. Limitations of Perception in Understanding God: Conventional perception, grounded in a materialist metaphysics, cannot directly access God because it relies on an indirect process involving the perceiver, light, and the brain. Overcoming these limitations requires accessing something beyond experience, perception, and knowledge. Psychedelics as a Gateway to Spiritual Truths: Psychedelics offer a quick glimpse into advanced spiritual truths and can serve as an entry point for those new to spirituality, but they should not be used as the sole technique. Psychedelics, when combined with existential inquiry, can provide scientific verification of the mystical experience. Importance of Personal Investigation and Experience: To truly understand the concepts discussed in the lecture, individuals must engage in their own research and spiritual practices, seeking validation through firsthand experience rather than relying on secondhand accounts or dogma. Actualized.org as a Resource: The Actualized.org website is presented as a resource that is based on extensive research, including books, courses, and retreats from various traditions. Leo encourages viewers to approach the material critically and avoid self-deception, emphasizing the depth of research that grounds the site's content. Episkey