About

Common Ground

The project was simple, in theory! To find, see, and express the common basis of all spiritual teachings, wisdom traditions, as well as between science and religion (and what some psychedelic experiences, as well as NDEs –Near Death Experiences –are pointing to) and whatever valid realities or experiences psychology may point to (if any); to explicate and express that.  

It evolved, particularly after doing online meetings, into more of a going-beyond-spirituality journey. What can we do about all our programming as humans, including the spiritual ideas, religious beliefs, and scientism religions, such as neuroscience's consciousness-from brains dogma... and the addictions we pick up?

In practice, of course, it's not so simple. Neither to express, nor always easy to live out. But, great progress and discoveries have been made. Love and enthusiasm (and a longstanding writing habit, love of it) beg me to express. I obey the exhortations of my soul.

If there are meditations or practices or tools that are helpful along the way, we will look at those "weird bugs" too. Whatever works. 

Not just as concepts, but in experience. For if it is not grounded in experience, of what real use is it, to me or anyone? It would be a start only. Or a story. We don’t want merely expound a collection of pointers. Telling stories is fine too, they can be enjoyable, engaging, interesting, and we may do that. But ultimately we want simplicity, peace, happiness that is grounded in reality not fantasy.

That common basis is (our own) Being, or Consciousness (for certain), with its attributes of Truth, Love, Beauty.

The simplest, most elemental, joyous thing, can sometimes (seem) to be the hardest to find, though it is all around in a sense, in a real sense. So, we explore the reasons for that, too. 

Why? Why do this?

Because otherwise there is endless seeking, or trying to reconcile apparently competing or conflicting views, or self-delusion.

It started in my own seeking (for happiness and peace), and the conflict from my own scientific, naturalistic, material worldview growing up, and the intuitions and experiences of consciousness and reality I had, which I could not reconcile,  as well as intense curiosity. 

Hopefully along the way we will explore some practical ways of living (such as how to not be overwhelmed, stressed, be more focused, at peace…) – and after all, what could be more “practical” than being “grounded” in truth love and beauty – enjoying Being? 

 

Why "On Beyond Zen"?

At the time I came up with the name I had a vague intuitive sense of what it meant (as well as the play on words from the book I learned to read from as a child: On Beyond Zebra). As time went on, the meaning deepened, and then I saw that one of the functions to be played is to both honor teachings, and to go beyond them – and in fact, it’s an important service that one can point to not being trapped in the outer form of teachings – and even the greatest teachings – the most pure, the most direct – are still just a teaching, and just form.

We can keep returning to them and using them, but they are ultimately just to kind of scaffolding or stepping stone – a tool, measured by how useful they are (as well as beautiful, which is also a "use").

There isn’t really any destination, except where we are. This is a paradox – the path that's no path – but only as long as there’s time and space! Yes, here we are reading words seemingly in time in space...