Source Text
CHAPTER ONE PRESENCE AND ESSENCE
N GENERAL, PEOPLE RARELY have, and never recognize as such, the experience of essence. So we will begin by looking at a related quality of experience that is more commonly felt and talked about: the quality of presence. The expression “I am present” is often used in spiritual and psychological circles, with an assumption that its meaning is understood. We ask: what does this expression mean? What does being present actually signify? Most of the time the expression is not used in a very definite or clear way; most people, if asked, are unable to explain what they mean by “present.” But there must be an actual condition that warrants using the expression “I am present.” What is that condition? The expression literally means that there is an “I” that is present at the time. Is this literal meaning accurate?
But sometimes the rose as a rose, as a presence in itself, is felt. If that experience is deep enough, our own presence is enhanced. “I seem to be more here,” the expression goes. But what is this presence? Is there really an “I” that is more present, or what exactly is it?
We want to understand what “more of us” means. More of what? What is the element that gives our experience this taste of presence?
We are also aware that some individuals have greater presence than others. We say, “He has more presence,” or “He’s an imposing presence.” But can we say what is really being referred to here? We are not referring to the quality of presence of mind, which is greater awareness. “Presence” itself is more than that. Presence also can be sensed at times of intense and deep emotion, when a person is fully feeling an emotional state, not controlling or inhibiting it, when he is involved wholeheartedly in the feeling, totally immersed in it in a free and spontaneous way without judgment or holding back. This usually happens only when the person feels totally justified in feeling the emotions.
Presence also can be sensed at times of intense and deep emotion, when a person is fully feeling an emotional state, not controlling or inhibiting it, when he is
involved wholeheartedly in the feeling, totally immersed in it in a free and spontaneous way without judgment or holding back. This usually happens only when the person feels totally justified in feeling the emotions.
Essence is the only thing in us that is directly aware of its own existence. Awareness of its existence is an intrinsic quality of essence.
The experience of essence as existence, the experience of “I am,” is not as if there is a subject that is the actor of existence. The “I” and the “am” are not separate. The “I am” is a unitary experience. The nature of the essence, of the real self, is existence. The “I” itself is existence.
for essence is the source, the power, and the stuff of poetry.
AI Summary
Essence With the Elixir of Enlightenment by A.H. Almaas presents key insights from the Diamond Approach tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
- [To be expanded]
Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.