Mystique of Manifestation: Sculpting Reality
To understand manifestation, we must journey back to ancient philosophies and spiritual teachings. In Eastern philosophies, particularly within Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of ‘Sankalpa’ or intention is paramount. It suggests that focused intention with a clear vision and a pure heart, has the power to shape one’s reality. This aligns closely with the Buddhist teaching of ‘Pratītyasamutpāda’ or dependent origination, which posits that all phenomena arise in interdependence and not in isolation. In Western thought, traces of manifestation can be found in the works of philosophers like Aristotle, who emphasized the power of potentiality and actuality – the transformation of what ‘could be’ into what ‘is’. This idea was further nuanced in the Hermetic traditions, particularly in the principle of ‘As above, so below’, suggesting a mirror-like relationship between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual). In psychology, manifestation finds resonance with the theory of self-fulfilling prophecy and the placebo effect. The former, proposed by sociologist Robert K. Merton, argues that believing in a certain outcome can indeed cause it to occur, primarily through the lens of expectation influencing behavior. The placebo effect, a well-documented phenomenon in medical science, further illustrates how belief can result in tangible changes in the physical body.
Is manifestation empirical or imaginary? The answer is nuanced. While certain aspects, like the placebo effect, have empirical evidence, other elements tread into the subjective and personal realms of belief and faith, which evade empirical scrutiny.
When individuals set an intention, their subconscious mind begins aligning thoughts and actions towards the desired outcome. This alignment can often result in heightened awareness of opportunities and a greater propensity to take actions that lead towards the goal. Manifestation often emphasizes the importance of ‘feeling’ the reality of the desired outcome. This emotional resonance might act as a catalyst for more profound engagement with one’s goals, thereby increasing the likelihood of their realization. Manifestation is not a magic wand. The constraints of physical reality, combined with personal limitations (skills, resources, timing), play a significant role. Moreover, a misunderstanding of manifestation as merely ‘wishing’ without corresponding action leads to its ineffectiveness. The universe is not entirely predictable. Random events and external factors beyond one’s control can influence outcomes, irrespective of one’s intentions or actions.
Manifestation often works more effectively at the level of basic needs because these needs are more deeply connected to our survival instincts and thus, may be more intensely focused upon. Desires, especially those that are more whimsical or less aligned with our core values and needs, might not hold the same power in our psyche, leading to lesser focus and energy directed towards them.
Psychologically, when we set an intention to manifest something, it often creates a state of cognitive dissonance – a psychological tension between our current reality and our desired state. Leon Festinger’s theory suggests that we are intrinsically motivated to reduce this dissonance. This motivation can lead to a change in attitude or behavior, aligning more closely with the desired outcome. When we are focused on manifesting a particular outcome, we tend to notice and give importance to events and information that support our beliefs or desires. This selective attention can sometimes make the process of manifestation seem more effective than it might objectively be. A common misconception is that manifestation is solely about attracting what you desire through thought. This overlooks the necessity of action and the multifaceted nature of human experiences where external factors and chance also play significant roles. While the idea of manifesting one’s destiny is empowering, it can oversimplify the complexities of life’s challenges. Issues like systemic inequality, health problems, and other factors often cannot be resolved merely through positive thinking or intention setting.
The subconscious mind is a powerful aspect of our psyche, operating below the level of conscious awareness. It plays a critical role in manifestation. Our deep-seated beliefs, often formed in childhood and shaped by our experiences, reside here. These beliefs can either propel us towards our goals or hold us back. The process of manifestation often involves reprogramming the subconscious to align with our conscious desires. Visualization, a key technique in manifestation practices, leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity. By repeatedly visualizing a desired outcome, we can potentially rewire our brain to be more attuned to opportunities and actions that can make the visualization a reality. This practice can create mental and emotional readiness, aligning our internal state with our external actions. The power of manifestation comes with responsibility. It raises questions about ethics and intentions. For instance, manifesting at the expense of others or for purely selfish gains goes against many spiritual teachings’ emphasis on compassion and interconnectedness.
Carl Jung’s concept of the Shadow Self is pivotal in understanding manifestation. The Shadow encompasses the parts of ourselves we reject or ignore. When these aspects are unacknowledged, they can sabotage our manifesting efforts. For instance, if someone desires success but subconsciously harbors a fear of failure or unworthiness, these shadow elements can hinder manifestation. The nature of desire itself is complex. Desires are not always straightforward or conscious. They can be influenced by societal expectations, past traumas, or unmet childhood needs. Understanding and untangling these desires is crucial in manifestation, as conflicting or unconscious desires can lead to mixed results or unfulfilled outcomes.
Many spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism, advocate for non-attachment to outcomes. This presents a paradox in manifestation: How does one intensely desire and visualize an outcome while simultaneously practicing detachment from it? Balancing intense desire with a state of inner peace and acceptance is a nuanced aspect of manifestation. At the heart of this complexity is the human psyche itself, an intricate and layered entity. The conscious mind, where intentions and desires are actively formed, is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath this lies the vast expanse of the subconscious, a realm filled with deeply ingrained beliefs, past experiences, and emotional patterns. Often, these subconscious elements are not in complete harmony with our conscious desires. This discord can subtly undermine our efforts at manifestation, creating an internal resistance that might not be immediately apparent. This inner landscape is often a repository of contradictory desires, fears, and conditioning from past experiences. For instance, a person might consciously desire success but subconsciously fear it due to past experiences of failure or a deep-seated belief that they are unworthy of success. These subconscious elements create a complex inner dialogue, often leading to a manifestation process that is less straightforward and more convoluted than initially assumed.
A central paradox in the art of manifestation is the balance between control and surrender. On one hand, manifestation requires a clear vision and proactive effort towards achieving our goals. On the other hand, there is a need for surrender – an acceptance of the unknown and an acknowledgment that not everything is within our control.
This balance is not a static state but a dynamic equilibrium, constantly shifting as we navigate through life. It involves recognizing our co-creative role in the universe while also understanding that the universe has its own wisdom and timing. In many spiritual traditions, this surrender is not seen as a weakness but as a strength – a deep trust in the larger cosmic order.
Manifestation is also intimately tied to the concepts of timing and synchronicity. The universe operates on its own rhythms and cycles, which do not always align with our personal timelines. Sometimes, what we wish for does not manifest not because the intention is flawed, but because the timing is not right. Synchronicity, a term coined by Carl Jung, refers to meaningful coincidences that seem to defy conventional explanations. In the context of manifestation, synchronicity can be seen as the universe’s way of aligning our intentions with the right opportunities and connections. These synchronicities are often markers that we are in harmony with the larger flow of life, guiding us towards our goals in ways that our rational minds may not immediately comprehend.
If we’re not tired of reading, let’s delve deeper into it to understand the finer nuances of “Manifesting in the Now”!
When we manifest in the now, our focus is not on a future goal but on the quality and richness of our present experience. This form of manifestation is about aligning with the current moment, fully engaging with it, and allowing it to unfold naturally. It’s a state of being deeply rooted in the present, where every action and thought is an expression of our intention to be fully alive and aware in the here and now. In this state, the power of manifestation is not directed toward changing or obtaining something in the future, but in transforming the present moment. It’s about bringing a quality of awareness, gratitude, and intentionality to whatever we are experiencing. This approach often involves a heightened sense of awareness and mindfulness, where each action and thought is infused with a conscious presence.
Manifesting in the now aligns closely with the concept of non-attachment found in various spiritual traditions. Non-attachment doesn’t mean not caring about outcomes; rather, it’s about not being controlled by the desire for specific outcomes. This approach allows for a more fluid interaction with life, where one is open to the myriad possibilities that each moment presents, free from the constraints of rigid expectations. The ‘now’ is often viewed as the only true reality. Past and future are seen as constructs of the mind, illusions that distract from the full experience of life. In this context, manifesting in the now becomes a practice of deep spiritual significance. It’s about aligning with the eternal present, where all of life’s potentialities exist in a state of pure possibility.
Here Time is realised as an illusion, a linear construct that confines the boundless nature of consciousness. By focusing on manifesting in the now, one steps out of the confines of chronological time and into a more fluid, timeless state of being. This state is often described as experiencing the eternal ‘now’, where every moment holds infinite potential and is complete in itself. The concept of desire is paradoxical. While desires are seen as natural, there’s an emphasis on non-attachment to them. Manifesting in the now, therefore, involves a balance between honoring one’s desires and simultaneously releasing attachment to their outcomes. It’s about fully engaging with life as it is, without being ensnared by the relentless pursuit of specific goals.
Intention is more than just a goal or a desire. It’s a powerful force that shapes the energy and direction of our lives. By focusing on the present, intentions are set not for future outcomes but for the quality and experience of the present moment. Manifesting in the now is seen as a tool for the transformation of consciousness. It shifts the focus from external achievements to internal growth and understanding, fostering a deeper connection with the self and the universe. This practice aligns with the belief that the universe operates in a state of perfect harmony and balance. By focusing on the now, one aligns with this cosmic rhythm, experiencing life as a seamless flow rather than a series of disjointed events.
Let’s touch little bit on the illusion of separation as well – the false belief that we are distinct and isolated from the rest of existence. This illusion is perpetuated by our adherence to linear time. In the practice of manifesting in the now, this illusion begins to fade. The present moment is understood not as a fleeting point between past and future, but as the eternal ‘now’ – a timeless space where all of existence converges.
Consciousness is not static but fluid and ever-changing. It’s like a river flowing through the landscape of reality, constantly reshaped by its interactions with the external world and internal states. Manifesting in the now becomes an act of navigating this fluidity, understanding the transient nature of thoughts and emotions, and aligning with the deeper currents of consciousness.
The deepest aspect of manifesting in the now is self-realization – the understanding of one’s true nature beyond the ego and individual identity. In this state, manifestation is not about bringing desires into reality but realizing that one’s essential nature is already whole and complete. In this space, manifestation is experienced as an alignment with the cosmic dance of creation, where the distinction between the manifestor and the manifested blurs with the ultimate realisation “Manifestor is manifested”.
Into the Heart of Now: “NOW” Unveiled
We are what we are doing right now” taps into the philosophical and psychological realms of existence, perception, and human behaviour. Going further, we begin to see a confluence of various factors, which draw us away from the present moment, and push us into the embrace of either the past or the future. At the very heart of human existence is our incessant need to find meaning. We seek purpose, direction, and a sense of understanding about our lives. This pursuit often becomes a bridge connecting the past, present, and future. Our past experiences, both triumphant and traumatic, linger in our minds, continuously shaping our present perceptions. They become stories we tell ourselves, lessons we’ve learned, and at times, scars that haven’t fully healed. The future, on the other hand, represents our hopes, fears, dreams, and anxieties. It’s a canvas upon which we project our desires and apprehensions.
The expectation of outcomes is an inherent human trait. It is rooted in our evolutionary drive for predictability and control. For our ancestors, predicting potential dangers and outcomes was a matter of survival. Over millennia, this instinct has got inculcated with our complex cognitive structures, resulting in our modern-day anxieties about the future and ruminations on the past. However, the irony lies in the fact that the more we seek to control outcomes, the more we find ourselves entangled in a web of expectations. These expectations often lead to inner conflicts. When the present doesn’t align with our anticipated future, dissatisfaction ensues. And when the weight of past regrets is heavy, it dims the light of the present. Furthermore, the very act of striving to stay in the ‘now’ can itself become a source of distraction. If one is perpetually conscious about remaining anchored in the present, then this very consciousness becomes a barrier. The effort to stay present can sometimes be as distracting as the past memories or future anxieties that pull us away.
In today’s world, there’s also the influence of societal structures and norms. We live in societies that prize outcomes—success is often defined not by the journey, but by the destination. From a young age, we’re conditioned to focus on results, whether it’s grades in school or milestones in personal and professional lives. This societal molding further deepens our attachment to outcomes and amplifies our detachment from the present.
It is also crucial to understand the role of human consciousness in shaping our experience of time. Our consciousness is not just a passive observer; it actively constructs our sense of reality. Every moment we live is filtered through a myriad of cognitive processes, memories, and emotions. This complexity means that we often don’t experience the world “as it is” but rather “as we are.”
Neurologically speaking, our brain’s default mode network, an intricate web of interconnected brain regions, becomes most active when our attention is not occupied by tasks. This network is linked with thinking about others, thinking about oneself, remembering the past, and planning for the future. Thus, even when we aim to be in the present, our brains often naturally drift towards contemplations of the past and future. The challenges in remaining present can also be attributed to our cognitive structures, which include biases, such as the “negativity bias” – our innate human tendency to give more weight to negative experiences than positive ones. This bias can cause past traumas or failures to overshadow current joys, anchoring us in bygone moments of pain or disappointment. On the other hand, the future holds the allure of the unknown. This uncertainty can be both enticing and anxiety-inducing. Our modern societies, with their rapid changes and technological advancements, amplify this by creating an environment where change is the only constant. The evolving landscapes of our personal and professional lives mean that the future is more unpredictable than ever, making it a potent magnet for our attention and energy. Yet, amidst these complexities, lies a simple truth: the only tangible reality is the present. While memories shape and color our past and aspirations carve out our perceived futures, the ‘now’ is the only temporal space where action occurs, where life is truly lived.
Let’s explore this further!
What if “Now” encapsulates everything – past, present, and future ? This perspective challenges traditional temporal distinctions or divisions we create in and between Past, Present and Future. This viewpoint reframes our understanding of time and our place within its continuum. When we speak of living in the now, it’s often portrayed as a juxtaposition against being lost in memories of the past or anxieties about the future. However, what if everything is indeed a part of the “now” ?
Imagine time as a vast river. In this river, every drop of water represents a moment. While some drops are behind us (the past) and others ahead (the future), they all collectively belong to the river, which is the “now”. In this perspective, the entirety of existence – our memories, current experiences, and anticipations – are interconnected and concurrently present in an expansive “now”. From this viewpoint, distractions aren’t diversions from the present moment; they are simply different facets of the ever-expanding “now”. The reminiscences of a childhood memory or the contemplation about a future event are as much a part of our current experience as the sensation of the chair we’re sitting on. Every thought, emotion, and sensation, regardless of the temporal context it references, emerges and is experienced in the present moment.
The division we often make between the past, present, and future might be a result of our cognitive architecture. The human mind, in its quest for order and understanding, categorizes experiences. This compartmentalization aids in processing complex information. For instance, labeling an experience as a “memory” helps us contextualize it, discern lessons from it, or even prevent future mistakes. Similarly, projecting into the future can be a survival mechanism, allowing us to anticipate potential threats or opportunities.
However, by understanding that everything occurs in the “now”, we can achieve a form of holistic consciousness. This realization offers liberation. It frees us from the confines of linear temporality and allows a more integrated experience of existence. Such a perspective is echoed in various spiritual and philosophical traditions. For instance, in Eastern philosophies, there’s an emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things, where dichotomies are more apparent than real. Yet, while this concept is enlightening, it’s also challenging. Our societal structures, languages, and even our neurobiology are geared towards a linear understanding of time. Overcoming this deeply ingrained perspective requires consistent introspection and possibly even a paradigm shift in our consciousness.
Let’s delve deeper into the expansive Present:
Linear time, where events occur in a sequence from past to present to future, might be more of a cognitive construct than an intrinsic property of the universe. Physics, especially in the realm of relativity and quantum mechanics, has already shown us that time doesn’t always behave in the ways our everyday experiences might suggest. The famous physicist John Wheeler once proposed the idea of a “participatory universe,” suggesting that observers play a role in shaping their own realities, which includes the experience of time. Every thought, emotion, or memory we experience happens in the present moment of consciousness. Even when we recall a past event or anticipate a future one, that activity occurs in the current moment of awareness. This raises the idea that consciousness itself might be beyond time. It’s a continuous stream where “past” and “future” are merely parts of the grander “now.”
If we fully embrace the idea that everything is part of the “now,” it alters how we relate to our experiences. Regret, nostalgia, anxiety, and hope, which are emotions anchored in our traditional understanding of time, undergo a transformation. For example, instead of feeling regretful for a past decision, understanding its occurrence in the vastness of “now” might lead to acceptance and integration of that experience. Memory plays a crucial role in our understanding of time. Our memories, though referencing past events, are dynamic and malleable. They’re reconstructed every time we recall them. In essence, every time we remember something, we’re experiencing it anew in the present moment. This blurs the boundaries between past events and current experiences, reinforcing the idea of an all-encompassing “now.” While the concept is philosophically and spiritually enriching, it poses challenges in our day-to-day lives dominated by schedules, deadlines, and plans. How does one reconcile the linear demands of modern life with a non-linear understanding of time? This balance requires us to function efficiently in the world while internally maintaining an awareness of the deeper, interconnected reality.
Let’s delve further into More finer details: what if we kill “Now”?
When we speak of “killing” the now, we’re essentially talking about transcending our typical awareness of time and moving into a state of pure being, a consciousness unfettered by the confines of temporal experience. The idea that time itself might be an illusion is not new. From the ancient Eastern philosophies to cutting-edge quantum mechanics, there are suggestions that what we experience as the flow of time might be a cognitive and perceptual construct. Our brains organize experiences in a linear fashion, from cause to effect, creating the sense of a flowing river of moments, from the past, through the present, and into the future. But if we could step outside this stream, what would consciousness look like? If we “kill” the now, we’re essentially trying to access a state of pure awareness—a consciousness devoid of content, without thoughts, perceptions, or sensations. Many meditative practices aim to reach this state, often described as “thoughtless awareness” or “contentless consciousness.” In this state, the meditator isn’t focused on any particular thing (like the breath, a mantra, or an image), but instead simply exists. It’s a state of being rather than doing.
Attempting to attain a state of pure awareness can be paradoxical. The very effort to reach this state can prevent one from achieving it, as effort and intention are temporal and future-oriented in nature. It’s like trying to smooth turbulent water with one’s hand—the act of trying only creates more turbulence. It requires a letting go rather than a striving, a surrender rather than a pursuit. To “kill” the now is to step beyond dualities—the past and future, cause and effect, self and other. This is a realm often spoken of in mysticism and spirituality, where one transcends the perceived divisions of existence. It’s a state of unity, of oneness, where the individual self melts away into the all-encompassing whole.
While these states of consciousness can be transformative, they can be challenging to maintain in our everyday, pragmatic world. Our society operates on schedules, plans, and routines. However, even fleeting experiences of this transcendent state can profoundly affect our daily lives. It can offer insights, change perspectives, and create a deep-seated sense of peace. From the perspective of many ancient traditions, the universe is in a constant dance of creation and destruction. The “now” that we experience is just one beat of this cosmic dance. To “kill” the now is not to negate or nullify it, but to merge with the dance itself, to become one with the rhythm of existence.
Abhishek Fanse 