Hi All,
From the forum AI:
Q: Why is there so much darkness in this so-called enlightened age?
A: The sources indicate that we are indeed living in a “new age” of enlightenment, a period marked by a significant rise in spiritual sensitivities and knowledge. This era is characterized by an accelerating human evolution, with millions more people worldwide engaging in spiritual practices and experiencing inner purification and energy flow.
However, despite this progressive spiritual awakening, “darkness” persists. The sources explain this apparent paradox through several key concepts:
- Purification and Obstructions (Karma): The spiritual path, especially with advanced practices, involves purifying and dissolving obstructions (karma/samskaras) embedded in our nervous system. This process can bring to the surface what might be perceived as “darkness” or discomfort. It’s like “cleaning the windshield” before one can clearly see the love and beauty in the world. Some individuals may experience this as “suffering” or feeling “abandoned by the divine power,” which is understood as part of the purification process. The “friction” caused by spiritual energy moving through unpurified nerves can also lead to intense, sometimes uncomfortable, experiences.
- Ongoing Journey, Not a Fixed Destination: Enlightenment is not a fixed, absolute end state, but an unending journey of continuous purification and opening. Therefore, even as light increases, there will always be more to unfold, and challenges (perceived as darkness) will continue to arise as deeper layers are purified. The “darkness” can be seen as a necessary part of this continuous transformation.
- The Illusion of Duality and Suffering: What is perceived as darkness or suffering is often an “illusion” or a “misperception” arising from the mind’s identification with pain and external experiences. The cultivation of inner silence (the witness) allows one to observe thoughts, feelings, and the external world with dispassion, thereby moving beyond suffering, even when pain is present.
- Human Tendencies and Pitfalls: Despite the rising consciousness, human tendencies like egoic desires, narcissism, and fixed ideological views can create internal “darkness” or obstacles.
- Collective Consciousness: The sources suggest that individual enlightenment is connected to the enlightenment of the whole of humanity. Just as individuals undergo purification, the entire globe is in a state of rapid purification, which can manifest as challenges in the world.
In the Advanced Yoga Practices (AYP) approach, the goal is to navigate this process smoothly and safely, transforming the “darkness” into light. This involves cultivating both inner silence and ecstatic conductivity, which then merge into outpouring divine love and unity—a state of “stillness in action” that actively works for the benefit of all, illuminating the world.
Think of it like a spring cleaning for a house that has accumulated dust and clutter for years. The “enlightened age” is like finally having access to powerful cleaning tools and realizing the possibility of a sparkling home. However, the act of cleaning itself will inevitably stir up a lot of dust and reveal hidden messes. This temporary “darkness” isn’t a sign that the cleaning isn’t working, but rather an indicator that the deeper purification is taking place, leading towards a truly brighter and clearer living space for everyone.