Under the Waves
The forces of the world periodically converge as a deluge of powerful emotional waves upon the surface of existence. And yet even in the most turbulent storm at sea, there’s a place of stillness under the waves. Similarly, when someone is provoked by the stresses and challenges of modern living, it’s possible to get underneath the surface level of mind and rest easy in the state of peace within the body. But to do this the procedure must be practised, just as the crew of a submarine ensure that the vessel is able to dive to safety at a moment’s notice when threatened by an enemy.
Under the waves is the domain of love, a place where nothing happens to upset the harmony of life. While someone exists as a surface dweller in the world and disregards any inner reality, they will always be vulnerable to the changing conditions of outer circumstances. With no anchor to ground the mind and emotions to something real within, they will be swept out on the current of the world and have no option but to identify with the effects of living.
The original state of being is accessible in the absence of thought and intent; all that’s required is a body and the willingness to surrender to the subtlety of stillness within. There are many opportunities to connect with this state in the everyday life. When making love for example, with the perception attuned to the subtle beauty of being in union in the flesh, it’s possible to observe that, regardless of what’s happening in the passion of the exchange, the state of stillness pervades. Or the respite between each breath as the wonder of life renews itself every moment within the body.
Existence consists of extraordinary forces which are effects in time of the power behind the appearance of the outer world. Under the waves is the timeless place that never changes and is always accessible when the practice of entering the inner realm becomes a conscious way of life. It’s to know that difficult situations must come, but that everything passes in time. The beauty and glory of the creation is made real through the undergoing of the living process all are compelled to make. It’s to embrace life with all of its uncertainties, setbacks, pleasure, joy and moments of transcendence. And most of all, it’s to be grateful for all that’s provided and to acknowledge the mystery within.
Once l experienced being under the water. Only a few seconds possibly but felt like endless
and the calm, serenity was wonderful.
Coming back to this reality is where l went wrong.
Again written absolute.
Amazing photo.
Indeed under the waves, far from the eddies of the surface, it is calm. Being an scuba diver I know the experience. But it is also colder. The deeper you dive, the coole it is.
The image is pretty, but it is not enough. The Silent Witness which is, outside the body, outside the brain, behind the body a little above the shoulders and which corresponds to the “assemblage point of perception” according to Castaneda, is the position of being under -the waves, but much richer than being far from the world. Physical detachment and equanimity, mental and physical stillness are essential prerequisites for any awakening of the mind. I am not speaking of the mind, but of the spirit. And in that sense, making love is part of the animal movement. The spirit of conscience possesses a joy that the sexual love of human coitus cannot match.
But if you allow yourself to be surrendered to mundane life and the waves of the surface, you will eventually be overwhelmed and then swallowed up. The ocean doesn’t give a damn about the wave.
It will be impossible to receive what I say when the mind is cluttered with concepts of other teachers. Be true to the source of your inspiration. The truth is what is lived now and every moment.
I like this very much – thank you.
A beautiful analogy – so easy to understand. To practice that retreat to peace, calm and permanence is to experience Reality. Just like a dream – everything else comes and goes and is only temporary.
So well put thanks Lance. Just great!