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GROUP MEDITATION

 
Group meditation transcends the mere concept of individuals meditating together; it functions as an advanced interface for fostering hyper-tribalization enhancing social connections. This dynamic approach allows participants, often strangers, to swiftly cultivate profound intimacy within a distinct yet impersonal setting. Deep engagement in this shared activity leads to the shedding of surface-level identities, allowing a simultaneous exchange of a unique essence of presence. This experience, unique to group meditation, nurtures a sense of unity and personal connection that is both deep and singularly individual.

A Shared Field of Consciousess
Initially, group meditation mirrors the process of solo meditation, intensifying our empathetic self-connection. When we close our eyes during meditation, our body awareness is immediately amplified, grounding us in a realm of "I am Me" consciousness, centered around our physical being. This heightened awareness then extends beyond ourselves, allowing us to become more aware of our surroundings, even with our eyes closed. In this introspective state, we become attuned to the presence of others nearby. This progression into "You are part of Me" consciousness deepens our connection with those around us, fostering a profound, intimate bond that transcends language, where words, while helpful, are not necessary for this shared experience fo precense.
  
Group meditation swiftly and powerfully activates bonding processes typically associated with family and friends, frequently exceeding the depth of traditional familial connections. This powerful dynamic has the potential to transform ingrained behavioral patterns. During group meditation sessions, intense bonds are formed quickly, achieving in a brief period what would normally require years. Remarkably, these connections often arise even between strangers, shedding light on why individuals participating in more secterian meditation groups might favor these newfound relationships over long-standing family bonds.
 
As a general rule, group meditation unfolds as a linear expansion of the collective consciousness. A notable indicator of this linear extension in the consciousness circle is the emergence of an 'us versus them' mentality, which manifests as a 'we are holier than you' attitude. As explored in the previous chapter, "Fields of Consciousness," our tribal legacy of forming bonds typically evolves from smaller units to increasingly larger collectives, such as nations. This progression often creates a metaphorical protective barrier, delineating a sense of order (cosmos) in contrast to disorder (chaos), reflecting our innate tribal instinct to define and protect our group identity.

Let us now look at the mysterious glue that connects us in such a state of collective consciousness.

The river that flows in me also flows in you
Kabir

THE UNCOVERING OF THE HEART & THE AVATAR INTERFACE

"A human being has so many skins inside, covering the depths of the heart.
We know so many things, but we don't know ourselves!
Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, as thick and hard as an ox's or bear's,
cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there."
Meister Eckhart

Meister Eckhart's profound insight reveals that within each human being lie multiple layers, akin to skins or hides, that shroud the true depths of the heart. He emphasizes our extensive knowledge of the world, yet a startling lack of self-understanding. These layers, as numerous and tough as the hides of oxen or bears, serve as barriers to our soul, urging us to delve into our inner selves for true self-awareness.

This metaphor extends to the concept of group consciousness and the necessity of open vulnerability for its realization. Our emotional wounds, manifested as weaknesses, insecurities, shame, and guilt, often remain concealed as we, as social beings, are conditioned to mask our vulnerabilities. This protective mechanism is the role of the ego, designed to shield us from both external judgment and internal scrutiny, ensuring our survival in a social hierarchy where showing weakness can be perceived as a liability.

These 'thick skins' that The Meister refers to are the facades we present to the world, preventing us from achieving a deeper connection with the fragmented parts of our being, and, by extension, inhibiting the potential for true symbiosis within a group. Only by shedding these layers and embracing vulnerability can we hope to achieve a more profound, collective consciousness and self-realization.

Authenticity is rooted in vulnerability.
When the setting of a meditative space feels safe, individuals begin to trust and acknowledge their vulnerabilities to themselves. This is the first step towards authenticity, moving away from the need to impress or adopt false personas. In such a space, people engage in collective, impersonal vulnerability, which is the essence of authenticity.
 
The Avatar plug
The concept of the Avatar plug in the movie 'Avatar' metaphorically illustrates this principle. The hero's connection with his dragon through a physical cable symbolizes the union of human and ancient kundalini power, achievable only through nobility, honesty, and vulnerability. This connection represents a 'stargate' or a pivotal point, opening the pathway to profound self-awareness and power.

In an ideal group meditation, participants relinquish their defensive mechanisms, embracing openness and vulnerability. This state allows for a genuine connection with one's true power. Openness to vulnerability heightens sensitivity, facilitating a deeper introspective journey.
 
In this sensitivity, we all plug into each other in a collective state of oneness. However, it is crucial here to distinguish between narcissistic vulnerability and the type of sensitive openness in a meditative field. The meditative openness is impersonal and not disturbed by storytelling made by the mind. In impersonal openness, we 'aware' all 'aware' all inner sensations without naming them.

However, this field is only as powerful as its weakest link. Just one  person's unconscious unwillingness to be vulnerable affects the intensity of the whole field. If everybody in a meditative circle could let the wound be open, the intensity of the field would grow exponentially with the number of participants. However, a larger number of individuals in the circle as a general rule make people feel less safe, and hence the field gets weaker.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES AND OTHERS
The stories we weave for ourselves and share with others hold significant power, shaping our perspectives and emotional states. Achieving a state of openness hinges largely on the narrative we construct internally. The right story can foster a sense of open vulnerability, leading to growth and understanding, while an unhelpful narrative can trap us in a cycle of despair.
 
A compelling example is the journey of Olympic meditation master Mingyur Rinpoche, who suffered from intense anxiety and panic attacks in his youth. He transformed his experience by altering the narrative he lived by. Instead of viewing his anxiety as a debilitating force, he reframed it as a beneficial ally, a potent source of energy for his meditation practice. This shift in perspective profoundly changed his relationship with his anxiety and more importantly, it improved his meditation practize.

Viewing oneself as a victim is the problem child of our time. It can be likened to a spiritual malaise, limiting personal growth and inner peace. Conversely, reshaping one's narrative to see oneself as an overcomer, facing and surmounting challenges on the path to triumph, can drastically alter one's life trajectory. This approach empowers individuals, turning obstacles into stepping stones towards personal fulfillment and achievement.

However, in the context of group meditation, it's crucial to establish a connection with the unspoken aspects of our internal wounds. These wounds can effectively serve as an 'avatar plug' only when acknowledged as forms of 'energy' within our conscious and aware selves. While a well-crafted story can create the environment for a shared consciousness field, it should not intrude into the core of this experience. It should never enter the octagon itself. In this communion with oneself, words have no place; the interaction is beyond verbal expression, emphasizing a wordless connection between your inner self and the collective consciousness.

AUTHORITARIAN FIELDS AND THE ROLE OF THE GURU

I am a finger pointing to the moon.
Don't look at me; look at the moon.
Buddha

Throughout my extensive observation of various meditation practices, I've realized that these spaces are often deeply rooted in ancient storytelling, particularly in the way they establish their meditative framework. This leads to a natural inclination towards a leadership-centric model. Despite our idealized notions of egalitarian hunter-gatherer societies, democracy, in my view, is a relatively recent and more fragile social structure in the span of human history. Historically, we have predominantly lived under leadership systems, and this tendency becomes even more pronounced in times of crisis or upheaval, a common catalyst for individuals embarking on spiritual journeys. Consequently, it's common for new age meditation groups to revolve around a central leader. However, in our modern era, these hierarchical systems are increasingly misaligned with contemporary societal needs. In fact, the overly top-down social systems often observed demonstrates a regression, a fall back into archaic systemic interfaces used in previous historical periods.

In meditation, particularly within a group setting, the biggest hurdle is often the ego's well-intentioned but obstructive efforts to protect us. In hierarchical structures with an authoritative leader, participants might relinquish their egos to this leader, resolving the issue of self-protection, albeit at a significant cost. Such authoritarian environments can amplify the group's collective energy but may also suppress meta-consciousness and independent thinking. This is evident from historical and contemporary examples where sects under strong authoritarian influence have led to destructive outcomes.
 
Acknowledging the inherent risk of power corrupting leaders, from gurus to politicians, a horizontal structure in meditative groups is favored. In such a setting, mentors and teachers understand that their knowledge doesn't equate to control over the group. Instead, they lead by example, fostering individual freedom and inspiring participants to tailor spiritual teachings to their personal journeys. This model nurtures a community of shared learning and growth, where positive storytelling thrives, unimpeded by the pitfalls of authoritarian leadership.
 
This perspective does not negate the value of spiritually advanced leaders and teachers who lead by example rather than command. The principle is straightforward: while I may possess extensive knowledge about the moon, and thus can inspire others by sharing this knowledge, it doesn't imply ownership of the moon. My role is to enlighten and motivate through my own experiences and understanding, recognizing that wisdom is a shared resource, not a possession.

"A man chooses the religion and path of his friend."
Sufi quote

In this regard, the Sufi tradition is especially commendable. They often employ the term 'companion' to describe the relationship between the wise ones and their followers. This choice of wording highlights a sense of camaraderie and mutual journeying on the spiritual path, rather than a hierarchical teacher-student dynamic. It underscores a shared experience of discovery and enlightenment, emphasizing the value of collective wisdom and mutual respect in the spiritual journey.

One of the most extraordinary spiritual inspirators I met was Papaji from Lucknow. His sense of humour was second to none, but there was always stern advices embedded in his words. He said:

"If a teacher tells you to do this or that
he should not be called a teacher.
He should be called a butcher!

Don't listen to anyone!
Don't even listen to me!
Listen to your own Soul

A true Masters message can only be:
There is no teaching
There is no teacher
There is no student"


This guy will not tell you what to do. I guarante that.
Because I created him - with the kind help of Dall-e.
Fundamentally we always create our own gurus.

EVERSIVE GROUP MEDITATION
Let's now contemplate the potential of a qualitatively distinct field. Imagine if a group were to gather, each person potentially embodying what I previously have described as cosmic eversive ouroboric consciousness. As for my personal experience, have I encountered this eversive ouroboric unity consciousness? Perhaps only in fleeting moments, but these glimpses are enough to convince me of its tangible possibility. However, it's important to acknowledge that the meditation group I currently facilitate is more linear in its capability, and has not yet embraced the eversive aspect I now am going to elaborate upon.
 
Eversive Circles of Holy Ghost
In the utopian realm of group meditation, I've occasionally glimpsed a profound phenomenon. Unable to empirically prove, yet compelled to share this story-telling, I recount experiences of transcending my own physicality when deeply secure among others in a similar state of surrender. In such moments, I occasionally experience a sudden shift, finding myself within another participant's body in the circle. In this state, I can sense and perceive the emotions and visions of both individuals and the group collectively. Concurrently, there's an awareness that others in this shared field also possess access to this communal knowledge, creating a profound sense of interconnectedness and shared understanding.

This collective experience, reminiscent of the Christian notion of the Holy Ghost, resonates with Jesus' words about his presence among those united in his name. Here, the communal consciousness manifests as the Holy Ghost itself. In this state, I become part of this collective spirit, expanding into the totality of existence. This transcendent experience defies linear group consciousness, evolving instead into an eversive, oroboric implosion encompassing all.
 
Cosmic Unity Consciousness is the denial of denials
In eversive ouroboros meditation, 'tribality' is nullified. I'll make sure to repeat the Meister to clarify things. Meditation is, in its ideal essence, the denial of denials.

All creatures contain one reflection:
one, that is the denial of its being the other;
the highest of the angels denies he is the lowest. 
God is the denial of denials.
Meister Eckhart

In the Buddhist compassion traditions, the monks are not praying for the well-being of their football team. They pray for all living beings. Such is the essential nature of cosmic consciousness: It expands in eversiveness until it has conquered all duality. The final conclusion is reached with this statement:

Tat twam asi - You are that

Therefore Meister Eckhart says that you must be free from naught. (not)

To be undivided you must be free from not.

In this state, the 'I am you' realizes that it is everything, not even sentient beings but all collapsed waveforms. This is why I kiss my fridge door when I come home after a long journey. Then I say hello to the walls and my sofa, and they all seem to respond in a glow. This happens when the omnipresent eversive pan-consciousness merges with the stronger light coming from the torch of the human brain.

The mysterious glue of love
All strife, every disagreement, every cancellation is based on a deep down notion. It says:

I am not you.

In states of expanded Consciousnss, the first fundamental realization is:

I am You.

In expanded states of consciousness we become empaths
Cosmic consciousness serves as a unifying force, enabling us to not only see but also become the viewpoint of 'the other.' In Christianity, followers are taught to love their neighbors as themselves. However, when filtered through the thinking mind, this becomes a commandment to be obeyed like a traffic rule. It turns into an action we believe must be done, and when we forget, we feel guilty and revert to our collectively created morality to correct our behavior. As consciousness expands in quality and quantity, the astonishing revelation emerges that our neighbor is, in fact, ourselves. Loving sentient beings then becomes a natural and spontaneous consequence of cosmic consciousness.
 
The group meditation field is using the drivers from our ancient tribal interfaces. However, when it grows not only in expansive intensity but also in eversive meta-aware quality, it holds the possibility to transcend the limitations of its own archaic programming that for thousand of years have set us in duality in opposition to others.
 
In this blessed space we pray for all sentient beings. We merge with everyone and everything while bridging the gap between duality and non-duality with the help cosmic glue of love.
   
In the Pantheon of beautiful meditative phenomenons this is the most beautiful.