Author’s Note: Plotinus is generally considered fairly grounded in his views – even those which discuss “psyche” and its relation to the living individual. Plotinus, for instance, was opposed to the Gnostics – a movement which existed during the 3rd century CE. The Gnostics were the early Christians whose theology demonised the material world. Plotinus was “indifferent” to the material world and certainly had no attachment to it – but he could not be bothered to “hate” the exterior world he had only a nodding acquaintance with. Perhaps it is odd that he opposed the Gnostics – whilst sharing their rejection of the physical world – albeit disagreeing as to “why” this rejection occurs.
Furthermore, there is a recorded story that Plotinus once “saw” in his mind (when quietly meditating in isolation) that his key disciple “Porphyry” retained a deeply hidden thought in his mind – of committing “suicide”! As Plotinus disagreed with artificially shortening one’s allotted lifespan (despite being indifferent to material existence) – he deliberately sought-out Porphyry and asked him if his intuited understanding was correct? Porphyry was astonished – and confirmed that this deep-seated thought was indeed inside his mind! Plotinus explained that the suffering associated with being alive (decreed by “fate”) – was exactly the process an individual required to grow and develop! As a cure, Plotinus instructed Porphyry to travel widely, experience new situations and mix with many different people! Porphyry did as Plotinus advised and was soon cured of his suicidal thought.
Many so-called “experts” who make a living out of explaining the life of Plotinus to other (fee-paying) individuals – almost always omit the factors that seem to defy the strictly “materialist” elements. I am NOT opposed to materialist (scientific) ideology (whilst firmly rejecting greed) – but I do acknowledge that there is a reality “out there” that is not yet understood by conventional understanding. Below, at least in-part, I discuss the “lightness” that many meditators (regardless of tradition) report they experience during the advanced stages of their training. In the ancient texts it is reported that this “lightness” leads to “levitation” (and transvection, etc). Is this true? I have experienced “lightness” – but have not yet experienced my physical body effortlessly leaving the ground – but I will report it should such an experience occur! ACW (13.7.2024)
As I proceed through the Chinese (Ch’an) meditative process – I see all the barriers dissolving between cultures, methods and belief systems. This expansion of understanding applies first and foremost to the Confucian and Daoist methods I remembered as a child – as I mastered these later in life (as a disciple of good and effective teachers) – with all merging into the same and identical (inner) realised experience. My earliest memories – despite being born in a progressive (secular) family in the UK – seem to involve an understanding of (Buddhist) Pali and Sanskrit. This involves a dream or memory (possibly imagined – possibly not) of myself living as a Theravada Buddhist Bhikkhu (ordained monk) living on the island of Sumatra – prior to that populations conversion to Islam. The ruins of Sumatra’s Buddhist civilisation are still visible today.
One of my hobbies involves the study of Greek philosophy – stemming from Plato (and his Master – Socrates) but focusing on the thought and example of Plotinus. Plotinus is my karmic-connection to ancient Greece. When I am not engaged in my academic work involving China – I sneak away and read Greek texts. Although different in surface presentation – the essence seems identical to me. The problem is that (modern) human beings become entrapped in surface identifications. Fighting over (changeable) surface identifications is the height of stupidity. Humanity should be learning to appreciate surface difference – whilst developing the insight to see “deeply” into the underlying structures that unite humanity. Wisdom allows for decisive action – whilst compassion permits forgiveness and loving kindness enables healing.
The lightness of conscious awareness permeates the (heavy) material body. The (heavy) material body is then as “light” as the conscious awareness that permeates it. The objective, then, is to “break” the habit of gravity which anchors the body firmly to the ground. When this can be achieved, the body will “float” up from the ground to a height preferred by the meditator. This is the logic achieved through disciplining the body and refining the mind. The problem is that gravity is considered natural and unbreakable through the agency of human will. An individual can, if they so wish, step off a cliff entirely detached from a belief in the efficacy of gravity – and yet will still plunge to their death. These are the concerns that spiritual fliers must confront and overcome. The tyranny of matter is a shackle that spiritual seekers must firmly grasp and shatter!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 