THE WAY OF BLISS
The Way Of Bliss is an in-depth training in and of itself. Below is a very brief summary
that serves as an introduction to this comprehensive understanding.
BECOMING LIMITED
AVOIDANCE IS TRAUMA
The bliss, pure consciousness arises in the human being as a conceptual self. This separate self, to varying degrees, develops cravings and aversions to life objects in an attempt to avoid and limit the experience of perceived pain. Over time, this practice of avoiding and limiting pain results in avoiding and limiting life. This behavior is a natural and essential, innocent survival mechanism, evolved perfectly to protect the separate self based on its life path. However, it is only meant to be a stage that we pass through on the way to liberation. Unfortunately, most people get stuck there, caught in an ever-decreasing, self-limiting cycle, as our culture has lost sight of this sacred path. This is SEPARATENESS.
At this point we discover certain conceptual spiritual practices perpetuate the separate self. Yes, there is a realization that there is more beyond the "me," but this openness is limited to conceptual spiritual practices. Individuals identify as "spiritual" but remain subject to the same conditioning that all separate selves experience. This is OPENESS.
The practices of The bliss aim to move us beyond both to experience a full awakening, without having to give up any activites from those two stages that we enjoy.
BECOME LIMITLESS
ALLOWING IS HEALING
While the observed function of the separate self is protection, the true purpose of the suffering it creates through "avoiding" is to encourage liberation by leading us back to our true self. Suffering only ends when we complete the return.
This true home, which lies at the center of our being, is fully available in each moment. By embodying our feelings, allowing everything in our field of experience to be exactly as it is, and inquiring into the nature of our experience, this absolute home is revealed as all there is. This revelation unleashes limitless empowerment, unconditional love, and an unending capacity for creative expression.
This stage begins with Witness, moves through Beingness, and toward Awareness and Knowingness. It is not necessary to travel the entire path. Discovering yourself as Beingness is where suffering diminishes significantly, allowing most people to fully engage in life in a beneficial way. The path beyond that is for those who want to completely liberate themselves and perhaps become Bodhisattvas, Spiritual Adepts, or Teachers themselves.
Sukha Sangha
COMMUNITY IS KEY
The Way Of Bliss is incredible, and we choose to navigate it together. The community offers a sense of belonging and connection, reducing the feeling of isolation that can come from undertaking a spiritual journey. It creates a safe space for expression, sharing, and growth, where the struggles and insights of the path can be openly discussed.
Most importantly, being surrounded by people who understand their true nature and are actively cultivating living from there makes it much easier to maintain awareness when strong emotions or difficult situations occur. The collective presence is never lost, even if it wanes at the individual level.
In essence, the supportive energy of a like-minded community amplifies each other's efforts towards healing and enlightenment, making the journey less daunting and enriched with collective wisdom and encouragement. Plus, it is much more fun. At the Bliss School, we have a deep focus on healthy community relations in a safe and inclusive way.
"YOUR BLISS BLOOMS IN YOUR SHADOWS"
Our shadows exist because we repress certain aspects of ourselves, which is why they are called shadows. However, when we pay conscious attention to them and allow them to be exactly as they are, it illuminates these shadows. Darkness is the absent of light, shadows are the absense of presence. It’s as simple as that.
