The Seven Pillars of Life: Bonus Edition
A YouTube Video That Helps With This Analogy
Greetings, dear readers.
I recently stumbled upon a video that provides a profound analysis of the seven pillars of life. This video, which dissects the movie Aladdin, reveals deep philosophical insights that might have eluded us when we first watched the movie.
Before we delve deeper into this article and embark on our journey through the series 'The Seven Pillars of Life,' I strongly recommend watching the first 11 minutes of this 13-minute video. The last two minutes, although interesting, do not tie into the core essence of our discussion here. So, take a moment to watch the video, and we'll pick up right where it leaves off.
Part One: The Journey into Humanity or Materiality
The video brings to light several key points, the first of which is our journey into humanity or materiality. As I've discussed in my previous podcast on Gnosis, numerous cultures and traditions speak of our transition from Spirit to Material.
In the introduction to this analysis, I touched upon the concept of reincarnation. One of my insightful readers, Sean S., offered a superb analysis and comment on this topic. If we consider the body of research available, there is more evidence supporting reincarnation than refuting it. This phenomenon demands our serious attention.
With the idea that reincarnation is indeed a natural facet of life, then our existence here is essentially for learning and growth. We need to view life more as a spiritual journey than anything else because, when we do, we see how these seven pillars uphold spirituality. Our focus should be on these pillars to truly live.
Part Two: Consciousness, Mind, Spirit, and the Journey
The second key point I wanted to highlight from the video is the aspect of consciousness - our mind, the spirit, and the journey. In this reality, the mind reigns supreme, but unfortunately, it often behaves like a monkey, wanting to do everything within the temple, even things we are not supposed to do.
It's easy to get caught up in the trap of materiality. However, if we begin to pay attention and tap into our conscience, we realize that something's not right. We understand that life is more than just its material aspect. So, we don't chase after materiality because our consciousness is there. It's easy to get caught back into the distractions of the temple again. We have a monkey mind, and this is our great challenge.
As gardeners, we can cultivate a garden where the mind thrives or one that has nothing but weeds and distractions growing from it. The choice is ours.
Part Three: The Magic Carpet - The Indivisible Energy and Power
The last piece I want to discuss is the magic carpet, the indivisible energy, and power that moves through us in life. This idea is where the concept of being fortunate and synchronicity comes in. We might think it's on our own, but it's not. As many people have said, faith is a muscle that you use daily. This analogy beautifully depicts the spiritual aspect of our daily life.
As we navigate through this material reality, we strive to keep spirituality at the forefront, yet remain mindful lest we fall for the trap of spirituality (being too spiritually-minded that one is no earthly good). I also loved how this video portrayed how we should be mindful of Apu, and when you do act out, remember it's Apu. Therefore, we should always approach Apu with love.
Part Four: The Interaction Between Apu and the Carpet
The video paints a vivid picture when Apu touches the forbidden jewel. The interaction between Apu and the carpet perfectly symbolizes the interaction between the spirit and the mind. The mind feels angry, and all this emotion, and it's actually the spirit that's telling you, "Okay, the ego feels some kind of way." This emotional tug provides us with more reason to pay attention to the spirit.
Our society is built to feed the monkey mind. There are times when the monkey mind will override both consciousness and the spirit for material lust. This insight into our world shows how our world was built to essentially trap or increase the material perspective while decreasing the spiritual perspective, forgetting all about the lamp and all about the journey that we are here to do.
Part Five: The Reality of Regret and the Power of Delayed Satisfaction
When we give in to temptation, there is an instant of regret. We realize it was never worth it. Delayed satisfaction is always better than instant gratification. Consistency — discipline, day in and day out — is the key. By being aware, we realize that we never should have grabbed the treasure, but we did, and now we've learned. As we go through life, we constantly apply the lessons that we learn. As we go through these seven pillars, we can focus more on those positive experiences that life gives us and focus more on strengthening Apu through meditation so we can limit the opportunities that Apu destroys the temple.
Conclusion
To conclude, the video was a great visual representation of what we're referring to in the Seven Pillars of Life. Another aspect that I found from the video was the fact that this is a straight and narrow road. Along the lines of the seven pillars of life, it's not easy. We live in a world in a society that distracts us from achieving or merging spirituality in these areas.
In the following article, as we talk about distraction, we're going to see why there are things that pull us away. As the good book says, this is the straight and narrow road. You know where you need to go; however, it's narrow because very few are walking it, but also because you're being pulled in all directions when it comes to distractions taking you away from your health, your job, and your family. Everything is pulling away your attention from what matters, thus pulling you away from spirituality towards more of this materiality. This adventure is a straight and narrow path, but this is the journey we must learn as a species, as a collective unconscious spirit. We must all learn this, and wherever we are, whatever our experience is, by continuing to learn and grow, we can make progress.
In our quest to bring awareness into our spirituality, especially in these seven pillars, we are becoming more spiritual as a species and as a society. Ideally, this evolution will manifest into a society where spirit reigns over the material world or our monkey brains; however, if not, one can rest assured, knowing that one lived one's life the best way possible, following the narrow and straight road.
I hope you enjoyed the video and this quick article. Please let me know your thoughts. We will soon continue with part two of the analysis, focusing on the distractions of this reality.
Ashe!
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I have to caution against intense meditation. There are better ways to practice mindfulness and gratitude. There can be negative effects of meditation and one never knows if you will be one to suffer or not, and by that time it is too late to turn back. Writing down daily affirmations of gratitude and blessings or saying daily prayers with intention when you wake up and go to sleep are very affective ways to practice mindfulness.