Universal Compassion: 

Compassion is often understood as an action or expression that demonstrates a desire to show love rather than hate. In a spiritual context, we embody compassion to show others that love is the number one guiding principle. We strive to be compassionate toward family, friends, and those around us. Similarly, we try to extend this love to animals. Even though humans and animals are different, we recognize the same life force in them that we see in ourselves. As a result, we aim to treat animals with love and respect, which can lead us to change our behaviors and lifestyles. For example, some people may adopt a vegan diet to avoid contributing to the suffering of animals. We have become conditioned to accept the killing of animals, as if consuming flesh is our only option. Similarly, we may begin to reconsider our participation in events that exploit animals for entertainment—things we often ignore because we perceive animals as different from ourselves. After all, moral individuals would not support events where humans were enslaved and forced into entertainment, confined to cages, and treated as objects of ridicule.

Lesson: The Most Optimal Diet for Spirituality

Compassion can be practiced in countless ways and at many different levels, with each level ideally growing, allowing compassion to shine brighter. So, why do we want to show love and be compassionate? For some, it feels innate—an instinctive desire to love rather than hate, because love is experienced as peaceful and deeply pleasurable. However, not everyone experiences this, and many are unaware of the profound sense of bliss that comes from being in tune and connected with others in a unified way. For those who haven't had this experience, love may not seem like something they can align with in their actions. As a result, they may choose to engage with experiences that are less connected to love, simply because they don't recognize how transformative it can be to live in harmony with others.

To experience universal compassion, we must embody unity in every aspect of our lives—through our actions, and in our mental and spiritual well-being. This unity is the love we feel when we are truly present with ourselves, where only the self is being experienced. As we become more unified with the world around us, we ultimately become unified with ourselves. We realize that everything we once believed to be separate from us was, in fact, an illusion; it was always interconnected with who we truly are. The unity grows so profound that it dissolves the very notion of "you" and "something else." There is only unity, and this has always been the truth.

If this unity is the fundamental truth, then acting in ways that contradict it—by indulging in the illusion of separation—means we are not aligned with this wisdom. When we embrace this illusion, we begin to see and experience a reality that is far removed from the truth that is here, right now. This entanglement keeps us trapped in a dream that leads only to endless suffering, especially when love is not something we actively embody.

One must, therefore, be aligned with universal compassion, as it is an eternal law grounded in the understanding that there is only the self. The fundamental desire we all share is to be happy as our true selves, no matter where we are. When we act without compassion, we are giving in to the egoic mindset, seeking to create a separation between ourselves and others in order to satisfy our own desires, as if we are distinct from everything else. This sense of separation leads many to engage in harmful actions—stealing, violence, and causing suffering for others. Such suffering is perpetuated when we continue to act and believe that we are a limited, special entity, while simultaneously viewing other beings as separate and of lesser value. By fostering this illusion of separateness, we reinforce the very conditions that lead to pain and conflict, both for ourselves and others.

If there is only the self, then to truly experience the depth of what the self can be, one must align with acts of oneness, accompanied by genuineness and humility. In doing so, we gradually come to accept everything as part of ourselves. The truth is that what appears to be separate from us is, in reality, not separate at all—it is simply an expression of the one awareness we all share. What is presented to us as "other" is, in essence, our own self. We must love everything so deeply that we realize we are, in fact, only loving ourselves.

Everything that appears separate is simply a reflection of who we are. How can we not love what is in our own reflection? If all is one, then to act or believe otherwise is to give in to the illusion of separation, which only serves to disconnect us from the truth of our shared existence.

We must strive to be universally compassionate toward everything, regardless of what that "everything" is. We must recognize everything as an extension of ourselves, for it is all merely an image projected from our own awareness. The more we treat everything as part of ourselves, the more we begin to perceive and feel the unity in all that we experience. This unity, in turn, reveals the truth: there is only the self, and pure universal compassion, for we no longer see ourselves as separate from anything else.

When compassion reaches its fullest expression, it transcends description. It becomes so vast, so all-encompassing, that we can no longer define it—it has surpassed any words or concepts we can grasp. Compassion, in its ultimate form, becomes indescribable, for it has merged with the essence of oneness itself.

If compassion is something we should embody, the question then becomes: how can we become more compassionate? The first step is to treat others as you would treat yourself, because, in truth, there is only the self. However, because we often perceive ourselves as separate from others, we must begin by acting as though everyone is inherently worthy of love and respect, recognizing that we are all fundamentally one and non-separate.

We must assign equal value to all people, regardless of who they are or how they behave. It is the illusion of differences—such as the way people look, the things they like, or the preferences they hold—that leads us to assign different values to others. We often give more value to those who share our values and preferences, while undervaluing those who appear different. But how can we truly be compassionate to everyone if we let our preferences dictate who is worthy of our compassion? Preferences create the illusion of individuality, making us feel as though we are distinct from others because we see them as different from ourselves.

Therefore, we must shift our perspective and change the way we interact with the world. To become more compassionate, we need to treat others with the same kindness and respect we would give ourselves—no matter who they are, what they believe, or how they act. In doing so, we begin to dissolve the illusion of separation and embrace the unity that binds us all together.

This means that we should not treat anyone poorly, judge anyone harshly, or see anyone as different from ourselves. The more we align our actions with this understanding, the more we begin to see everyone as an extension of our own self. The ultimate realization of this is self-realization—the experience of understanding that there is only one self. This truth is ever-present and will always be.

If we truly wish to experience the self as our own, how can we act differently or go against this understanding? We must strive to live with compassion at all times, making it an inseparable part of who we are. This means preventing ourselves from ever acting in ways that contradict compassion, for doing so only reinforces the illusion of separation. When we act based on preferences or treat others differently, we uphold the false belief that we are distinct from them. To live with compassion is to live in alignment with the truth of our unity, embracing all as part of ourselves and rejecting the notion of separateness.

Compassion must be practiced consistently until it becomes something you truly embody. Initially, it requires effort, as you may find yourself going against it, but the more you align with it, the more it flows naturally. At first, it may need a "kickstart" to set it on the right path, but over time, as you become less resistant to it, compassion begins to flow with ease.

As you continue to practice seeing everything as an extension of your own self, your actions naturally align more with compassion. This compassion grows stronger and deeper until it transcends itself, merging you and what you love into one. Eventually, compassion reaches such a profound state that it loses its distinct meaning—it becomes all that remains, because there is nothing left to compare it to. At this point, compassion simply is—a boundless force that has dissolved into the oneness of all things, leaving no room for anything separate. It is not something you can measure or define, for there is only absolute compassion, and it is everything.

Try to see that what you perceive as separate from yourself is, in fact, only a reflection of you. The more you treat others and the world around you as part of yourself, the less you give in to the illusion of separation. Universal compassion is an eternal law—it can never be anything but what it is, for it can only exist in this way and no other.

Since the nature of reality is one of universality and oneness, compassion is the force that connects everything, guiding us toward the realization that unity has always been the underlying truth. Compassion, in its purest form, is the embodiment of that unity. It is the pathway to understanding that all things are interconnected, and that there has never been any true separation. As we align with compassion, we move closer to the realization that we have always been one, and compassion itself is the expression of that profound oneness.

We must align not only our actions but also our thoughts with compassion, keeping compassion at the forefront of our minds at all times. The more we do this, the less we experience suffering, as negative or contaminated thoughts only serve to reinforce our pain. When we hold compassion in our hearts and minds, it becomes a shield against the suffering that arises from judgment, hatred, or selfish desires.

To truly see unity in our vision, we must treat everything and everyone equally, assigning them all the same value. Differentiating between others only creates suffering, perpetuating the illusion of separation to the point that we begin to believe it as real. How can we gossip about others if we see them as equals? What hate can we harbor? What judgment can we cast upon them? How can we treat them poorly or assign them less worth when we recognize their inherent value as part of the same whole?

We begin to accept and love others for who they are, recognizing that everything is always one and wholly perfect, just as it is. This doesn’t mean, however, that we should abandon our responsibility to protect ourselves or allow harm to come to us. Compassion also means not causing harm—physically, mentally, or emotionally—to others. It’s important to act in ways that ensure safety and well-being, which may sometimes require distancing ourselves from harmful situations or individuals.

Thus, while there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances, we should always strive to act from a place of compassion, even when facing difficult or challenging scenarios. In these situations, our actions might not appear outwardly compassionate in the traditional sense, but the underlying belief and intention should always be rooted in compassion. Ultimately, we must navigate the world with a balance of wisdom, protecting ourselves and others while upholding compassion as the guiding principle in every aspect of our lives.

Living compassionately is the best way to live because it leaves little room for hate to take root in your heart. Hate disrupts peace, preventing it from shining through, while compassion nurtures harmony and understanding. Why should we succumb to pride, anger, and cruelty, when they only cause more inner suffering? How much more peaceful would we be if we weren’t disturbed by external circumstances? True peace grows the less we allow ourselves to be disturbed, and the more we embody a state of calm.

The less disturbed we are, the greater our peace. The more disturbed we allow ourselves to become, the more our peace diminishes. And who doesn’t desire peace? If we truly want to experience lasting peace, we must change and embrace universal compassion. Without it, we remain the source of our own suffering, and will only contribute to our own downfall.

Here are some ways to practice universal compassion:

1. Active Listening: Take the time to listen to others without interrupting, showing that you value their feelings and experiences. The more ego-driven a person is, the more they focus on voicing their own stories or opinions without considering what others have to share. Always make time to listen and remain silent, as it cultivates humility.

2. Empathy: Strive to understand and share the feelings of others (all sentient beings), putting yourself in their shoes. See the same life you have in others to better understand the world through their eyes. This empathy builds greater compassion. When we recognize that we all share the same heartbeat and breath, we begin to shed the negative thoughts and biases that create distance between ourselves and others. The more empathy we cultivate, the more connected we become.

3. Kindness: Perform small acts of kindness, whether through words or actions, to uplift others. Everyone is on their own journey and sometimes struggles to navigate it, especially with the suffering they experience on a daily basis. To help ease some of that burden, try lending a helping hand or offering kindness. Always be kind to others even if they seem to be rude, as you never know what someone else is going through. There is always someone facing a greater hardship, even if your own situation feels overwhelming. Maintain kindness throughout the day, and also be kind to the animals around you, as they, too, are trying to live their lives in a peaceful and happy way. We all share the same fundamental desire to be happy and safe. Therefore, extend kindness to all humans and animals as much as you can, until it becomes something you naturally exude, effortlessly.

4. Non-judgment: Approach people without preconceived notions or judgments, accepting them as they are. Remember that people are the way they are due to the law of karma, having gone through different experiences in both their current and past lives, which makes them unique in their own way—even if others perceive them as "bad." The wiring of the brain and the genetic makeup that each person embodies are all unique, shaped by the karma that influences how one behaves. By keeping this in mind, we stop falling into the illusion of seeing someone as inherently "bad," as if they are solely responsible for their actions. Always maintain non-judgment, recognizing that everything is truly one and non-different.

5. Mindfulness: Be aware of your own thoughts and emotions, as well as those of others, cultivating a sense of connection. The more you maintain awareness of your own mental and emotional states, the more you can recognize that same awareness in others, allowing you to sympathize with their manifested feelings. This cultivates a deeper connection with everyone and everything.

6. Support: Offer help and support to those in need, whether through emotional or practical assistance. Whether you’re offering emotional support or providing physical necessities like food, the more you give back to the universe, the more you generate good karma. This also helps cleanse your own mind and puts you in a better situation. The more you support others, the more you begin to see them as equals, removing the tendencies that separate them from yourself. Giving others happiness brings greater joy to yourself, as it is always spiritually superior to give than to receive.

7. Respect Differences: Celebrate diversity and respect people’s unique backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. Creation is full of diversity, making it impossible for anyone to be exactly the same as you, whether in body or mind. By accepting our differences, we begin to recognize the underlying unity that connects us all, which remains fundamentally the same despite the appearance of diversity.

8. Forgiveness: Practice letting go of grudges and showing compassion towards those who may have wronged you. Many people harm others because they do not see them as equals, often due to their own egoism. Why should you stoop down to their level and create more harm by seeking revenge or holding onto animosity or grudges? Accept that everyone is facing their own obstacles and inner turmoil. Understand that everyone is worthy of forgiveness because of this. The more we forgive, the more we accept others for who they are and trust that they will eventually be guided in the right direction. See everything as a learning experience and let go of what no longer serves you. Holding onto grudges only creates inner turmoil and obsessive overthinking. By forgiving and letting go, we maintain peace within ourselves and build more stillness, which helps to keep external disturbances at bay.

9. Gratitude: Express gratitude regularly, as it helps build a positive and compassionate mindset. Always be thankful for what you have and for what you receive from others. Even experiences that seem full of suffering should be met with gratitude, as they provide opportunities for growth. Continue to be grateful for everything you experience in life, since each moment is just a gradual unfoldment that inevitably helps you fundamentally understand who you truly are. Without these experiences, you would have no understanding of your true self. How can one not feel gratitude when the illusion of life itself helps us recognize this deeper truth?

10. Education: Learn about different cultures and perspectives to deepen your understanding and compassion for others. Constantly educate yourself on a variety of subjects to expand your capacity for compassion in all the ways mentioned above. The more we learn about other humans, animals, and the world around us, the better equipped we are to act with kindness and be more compassionate toward the universe as a whole.

11. Advocacy: Stand up for those who are marginalized or suffering, amplifying their voices and needs. As you become more compassionate toward all beings—both human and animal—you will find greater motivation to speak up for those whose lives are filled with suffering. One naturally becomes an advocate for marginalized groups, whether it’s for animal rights or human rights. How can we remain silent when we see the needless suffering that continues in the world? Expand your compassion to all beings and act according to that understanding, so that we can improve both ourselves and the world around us.

12. Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, recognizing that compassion starts within and can extend outward. We often try to help or treat others with compassion without first showing it to ourselves. How can we be compassionate toward others if we’re not compassionate toward ourselves? Always maintain kindness toward who you are, and forgive yourself for past mistakes. The actions of each of us are never perfect and always contain flaws, but it’s important to accept that and move forward with a commitment to improve. The more we accept and learn from our mistakes, the more we can grow. The more compassion you offer yourself, the more you can give to others. 

Here are ways to embody universal compassion in various life situations:

1. In Conversations: Approach discussions with an open heart, seeking to understand rather than to win an argument. Often, we want to prove ourselves right, but what does that truly serve, other than boosting our ego? Why not remain silent and allow someone else to have the upper hand if it means making them feel happier or more at ease? The more we humble ourselves, the more we can understand someone else’s perspective, knowing they hold their views based on their own experiences. It’s better to swallow your pride and avoid confrontations, as they typically do more harm than good, leaving both parties uneasy. Approach conversations with compassion, and be more accepting of others. Listening is always more spiritually powerful than speaking.

2. At Work: Build a supportive environment by encouraging colleagues, recognizing their efforts, and offering help when needed. Often, we approach work with the goal of completing tasks, viewing things only from our own perspective. We may focus solely on finishing our own work, sometimes without considering how our communication, tone, or actions might negatively impact others. Instead, we should work collaboratively, supporting one another as we all share the common goal of getting things done. It's also important to share positive feedback and recognize others' contributions, as this helps them feel valued. If someone is struggling, offer a helping hand—wouldn't you want help if you were in their position? The more we see ourselves in others, the more willing we are to lend support.

3. In Relationships: Communicate openly and honestly, showing appreciation and understanding toward loved ones. Embrace relationships with the understanding that you are seeing yourself in others, so it’s important to show love without ulterior motives or manipulation. Always be honest and communicate effectively to minimize harm in your relationships, whether with a significant other, family member, or friend. Continuously show love as if it were your last day alive. The more you express love naturally, the more you will embody it, becoming peaceful at all times and encouraging others to do the same.

4. During Conflicts: Focus on resolving issues collaboratively, prioritizing empathy and understanding over being right. Since the ego is always active, it’s natural for us to believe we are right because we see things from our own perspective. However, we often fail to recognize that the other person may also feel the exact same way, leading to conflict. Instead of trying to prove yourself right, approach conflict resolution with a mindset of understanding. Acknowledge the other person's viewpoint and seek a compromise or, if necessary, go along with their approach to avoid confrontation. It’s far more peaceful to reach an agreement than to engage in a refutation, as the latter is mentally draining and often unproductive.

5. In Community Service: Volunteer your time and skills to support those in need, actively engaging in initiatives that promote happiness and safety. We often focus on achieving our own happiness and meeting our personal needs, while others struggle to meet even the most basic requirements for survival. It’s important to take time out of your day to help those in need. Even if you are not financially able to contribute, there is always something you can do—whether it's volunteering your time, offering a smile, or performing small acts that bring joy to others. Every effort, no matter how simple and small, can make a huge positive impact on someone else's life.

6. While Shopping: Choose to support ethical businesses and fair trade products, considering the impact of your purchases on others. Since it is natural for all beings to seek safety, happiness, and health, it’s important to engage in actions, such as shopping, that align with these values. Supporting compassionate businesses is always better than supporting unethical practices that contribute to the suffering of others, as such choices ultimately lead to suffering for all involved in the long run.

7. In Parenting: Teach children about empathy and compassion through example, encouraging them to consider the feelings of others. Children are constantly learning by mimicking the behaviors and energy of those around them, often without conscious awareness. This is why it's crucial to model compassion, so they grow up to be loving, respectful, and empathetic individuals. If you don’t teach them right from wrong, it can lead to challenges and hurt in the future. By instilling these values early on, you help guide them toward a more compassionate and fulfilling life.

8. While Traveling: Respect local cultures and practices, engaging with communities in a considerate and respectful manner. Traveling broadens your understanding of how others live, offering valuable perspective. It helps you appreciate how culture and societal norms shape behavior, and it can also deepen your gratitude for your own life, especially when you encounter those who have very little. Always respect how others live and recognize the shared humanity that exists within the diversity of the world.

9. On Social Media: Share positive messages, promote kindness, and engage in discussions that builds understanding rather than division. We often focus on content that poisons our minds, consuming entertainment that offers little value to our lives. Instead of mindlessly scrolling or sharing posts that don’t benefit anyone, engage in activities that provide value to both yourself and others. Recognize that you are contributing positively, rather than engaging in purposeless actions. The more you participate in positive interactions on social media, the more it can transform your mindset for the better.

10. In Personal Growth: Reflect on your own biases and work to overcome them, committing to lifelong learning about compassion. Continuously strive to improve your actions and build compassion into everything you do. Whenever you act in ways that go against compassion, take time to reflect on it and learn from the experience, so you can embody more compassion in the future. Always introspect and correct yourself when necessary, so that you can improve each day. It is through this ongoing self-improvement that compassion will naturally evolve within you.

Compassion is not just a way of acting but a way of living. You express compassion outwardly, and you also cultivate it inwardly, as both reinforce each other. To remain in compassion is to realize that there has only ever been compassion. Universal compassion means accepting all beings universally. When you are universally compassionate, you become universally accepting.

Acceptance of All Occurrences: 

When we begin to embody more compassion, we also begin to accept more of life’s occurrences. Since, in truth, all is a dream of God, every single occurrence in life exists in the mind of God's perfect intelligence and unfolds perfectly and non-volitionally. This means that one should accept every occurrence, knowing it is playing out exactly as it should. Whether you are struggling with life, facing obstacles, dealing with mental trauma, or suffering in general, see each event as a natural unfolding with the ultimate aim of granting you higher knowledge. The true purpose is for the dream of life to help uncover the truth of your true self.

This mindset should also be applied to everything that may be perceived as good. The more you accept life’s occurrences, the more neutral you become toward everything that happens, whether it is seen as good or bad in the eyes of others. This allows one to flow through life without expecting anything in return. If we can truly stop expecting things to be different according to our preferences, we begin to dissolve the ego that clings to expectations or believes it is experiencing something good or bad, which in turn leads to feelings of liking or disliking. These emotions only perpetuate duality. Therefore, it becomes essential to see everything unfolding as a natural expression and strive to be at peace with whatever occurs.

The more we accept life’s occurrences, the more compassion we give and feel, as we are no longer building anything in our hearts that would make us feel differently. This resistance, if allowed, creates the illusion that we want things to be different or that we would have preferred things to be another way. Accept all of the dream’s occurrences, knowing that they are simply expressions of unity, all driven by divine will. The more you embrace this, the more content you become, and the more compassion and love you embody. There is no longer a need to fear anything if you are perfectly content with life and all its occurrences. How, then, could you harbor hate or anything contradictory to love?

Here are some practical ways to practice acceptance: 

1. Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and replace them with more balanced perspectives to build acceptance.

2. Gratitude Practice: Regularly list things you’re grateful for. This shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s positive in your life.

3. Embrace Impermanence: Remind yourself that all things are temporary. Change is a natural part of life, and accepting this can reduce resistance.

4. Let Go of Control: Focus on what you can control and let go of the need to control everything. Accepting uncertainty can help reduce anxiety and stress about the known and unknown. 

5. Practice Acceptance in Small Things: Start with minor frustrations. Accepting small annoyances can build resilience for larger challenges.

The more we practice accepting life’s occurrences, the more we flow through life without clinging too much or expecting things to be a certain way. The less we cling to things and the more we remove these expectations, the less we succumb to selfish behavior.

Don’t Succumb to Selfishness:

To cultivate more universal compassion and acceptance, you must not give in to selfishness. In other words, avoid egoic actions driven by selfish desires. The moment you lose compassion, you lose universal compassion; you separate yourself from others and engage in selfishness. For example, you might do something that hurts someone else, such as stealing from them—whether it's a material possession or even their time and effort. You may even gossip about someone and say hurtful things about them, which is always wrong, even if the person never hears about it. This is because you are believing in the illusion of separation and giving in to the delusion that the person is actually separate from you, or that they are someone you don’t like, which is why you’re gossiping about them.

Another form of succumbing to selfishness is continuously gratifying yourself through the senses. Whether it’s indulging in food, seeking pleasure from sex or masturbation, or any other sensory indulgence, it reinforces the idea of a separate self. To embody universal compassion and acceptance, you must not succumb to these attachments.

Any act of possessiveness, whether in relationships, work, or even toward material things, means you are placing value on certain things over others, and therefore not acting in a universal way. This can lead to aggression, which further deepens the delusion, as you have now become someone who is acting completely against compassion. Another form of selfishness is codependency, where individuals often place more value on others while neglecting their own needs. This too is a form of selfishness, as they believe their satisfaction depends solely on the satisfaction of the other person. Such dynamics lead to imbalanced relationships, lack of self-care, low self-esteem, and the enabling of bad behavior. As a result, one becomes overly giving and neglects their own personal needs.

If it’s difficult to break these patterns, here is a list of practices to help diminish these selfish traits:

1. Stealing

   • Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge what you have and cultivate appreciation for it, reducing the desire to take from others.

   • Reflect on Consequences: Consider the impact of stealing on others and the harm it causes. This will also develop empathy which will prevent you from engaging in this type of behavior in the future. 

2. Gossiping

   • Commit to Positive Communication: Set a rule for yourself to speak only positively about others or refrain from speaking if you can’t.

   • Redirect Conversations: When gossip arises, steer discussions toward constructive topics or ask questions that promote understanding rather than judgment.

3. Self-Gratification

   • Set Healthy Boundaries: Identify when self-gratification becomes excessive or harmful. Create limits for activities like screen time or indulgent behaviors.

   • Focus on Shared Experiences: Engage in activities that involve others, building connections instead of solitary self-indulgence.

4. Possessiveness

   • Cultivate Trust: Practice trusting others by allowing them space and autonomy. Remind yourself that relationships thrive on mutual respect.

   • Embrace Independence: Spend time alone or engage in personal hobbies to reinforce your self-worth outside of relationships.

5. Aggression

   • Develop Emotional Awareness: When feeling aggressive, pause and identify the underlying emotions. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to calm down before reacting.

   • Channel Anger Constructively: Engage in physical activity, art, or journaling as outlets for aggressive feelings instead of expressing them toward others.

6. Codependency

   • Practice Saying No: Start with small situations where you can assert your needs without guilt. Gradually build to more significant scenarios.

   • Set Individual Goals: Focus on personal interests and ambitions. Make a list of goals that are just for you to build independence.

The more we begin to act selflessly instead of succumbing to selfishness, the more we become detached from our actions, being less driven by attachment to motivation and outcomes.

Non-Attachment in Actions: 

The way everyone performs actions—whether walking outside, breathing, or eating food—there is an underlying sense that they are the ones doing it and receiving the results of what is happening. This is referred to as attachment to actions. When one is attached to actions, they will inevitably succumb to selfishness, as it is the individual who wants actions and outcomes to unfold in a certain way. As a result, they develop likes and dislikes and continue to act in ways that fulfill selfish desires. These desires obstruct universal compassion and prevent one from fully accepting all occurrences.

If one fully accepts all occurrences, it wouldn’t matter whether the occurrence seems bad or good, as they would be beyond such notions and would not give in to the false belief that they are the entity experiencing "bad" or "good." To loosen the attachment to one’s actions, it becomes necessary to renounce the feeling of being the individual who is acting or receiving the results of those actions. This means one should begin to resolve the tendencies and qualities that cause one to feel as though they are the doer.

Removing doership involves cultivating a sense of detachment from actions and recognizing that activities are influenced by factors beyond your control. Here are some practical approaches for various activities:

1. Eating Food

   • Mindfulness: Focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of the food or fluids you are consuming but without meaning. Flow through the process of eating and drinking without labeling it as "your" action.

   • Savoring: Notice how the food nourishes the body, rather than focusing on the act of eating itself. Observe the action of eating but without attaching to the desire of eating. 

2. Working

   • Intentionality: Approach tasks with the mindset of serving a larger purpose, rather than achieving personal success.

   • Flow State: Engage deeply with your work, allowing yourself to be absorbed in the process rather than focusing on the outcome or why you are doing it.

3. Playing

   • Enjoyment: Immerse yourself in the activity for its own sake. Let go of the need to win or excel; simply enjoy the play as an occurrence unfolding in the present moment. 

   • Connection: Engage with others without the pressure of competition or performance. Don’t view it as a challenge, but rather as a game to be enjoyed in the moment. 

4. Watching TV

   • Observing: Watch with an open mind, absorbing the content without labeling yourself as a "viewer."

   • Reflection: After watching, reflect on what you experienced, rather than focusing on your preferences or judgments about the show or movie.

5. On Your Phone

   • Presence: Use your phone for communication or information without becoming attached to the need for instant responses or validation.

   • Limit Interaction: Allow for breaks between interactions, observing the urge to check your phone without acting on it.

6. Bathroom

   • Awareness: Recognize this as a natural function of the body. Let it happen without thinking of it as an obligation.

   • Breath: Use this time to practice mindful breathing, detaching from the rush to complete the task.

7. Driving

   • Flow: Engage with the experience of driving without fixating on reaching the destination. Notice the road, surroundings, and scenery along the way.

   • Trust: Trust the process of getting from one place to another, allowing yourself to be present rather than anxious about time or outcomes. 

Here are some general tips for the basic routines you partake in throughout the day:

1. Morning Routine

   • Waking Up: Acknowledge the transition from sleep to wakefulness without rushing. Accept the day as it comes, regardless of plans or expectations.

   • Brushing Teeth: Focus on the movement of the toothbrush and the rhythm of the action, detaching from thoughts about the day ahead.

2. Commuting

   • Traveling: Whether by public transport or walking, embrace the journey. Notice your surroundings without impatience about arriving.

   • Listening to Music/Podcasts: Enjoy the content without becoming attached to it. If something doesn’t resonate, allow yourself to switch without frustration.

3. Social Interactions

   • Conversations: Engage with others while letting go of the need to impress or seek validation. Listen actively and appreciate the exchange as it serves a greater purpose.

   • Networking: Participate without the pressure of outcomes, focusing on connection with people rather than outcomes like job opportunities.

4. Exercise

   • Working Out: Focus on the movement of the body without fixating on fitness goals. Enjoy the process rather than the results.

   • Walking: Treat walking as a form of meditation. Notice your breath and surroundings, letting go of the need to rush or achieve a specific distance.

5. Leisure Activities

   • Reading: Dive into a book without the pressure to finish it quickly. Enjoy the narrative and insights without clinging to specific outcomes.

   • Gardening: Engage with plants and soil, appreciating the growth process. Accept nature’s pace, finding joy in nurturing without expectation.

6. Evening Routine

   • Dinner Preparation: Approach cooking as a creative and mindful process. Let go of perfection and enjoy the act of preparing food.

   • Reflection: At the end of the day, take time to reflect without judgment. Accept all experiences, both positive and negative, as part of the journey.

7. Sleep

   • Bedtime: Prepare for sleep with a sense of calm. Let go of the day’s worries and expectations for tomorrow, allowing yourself to drift into rest. 

These are some of the ways to help detach primarily from outcomes, which in turn will help detach from the motivations behind actions. While many of these practices may seem like you're dissociating from the world or trying to escape it, they actually make you more connected with it. By not giving in to expectations or chasing specific results—both of which stem from attachment—you are accepting the world as it is, without resistance or clinging to particular outcomes, which only separate you from life's events. Therefore, you become more intimate with whatever arises, to the point where you begin to feel the unimaginable peace and stillness that emerge when true detachment is practiced. You are not escaping from anything; rather, you are accepting everything as it comes, without rejection or suppression. Detachment is always practiced in the midst of every moment you experience the world.

While you accept the peace and recognize that your previous way of life was rooted in a more ignorant view, you must also avoid giving in to spiritual ego. Separating the worldly—those who are attached—from the spiritual—those who are mostly detached—is itself a form of attachment. You must break down all forms of separation, to the point where you no longer judge or see yourself as more evolved than others, because in truth, there is only one. Spiritual arrogance must also be diminished. The more we detach, the less we entertain behavior that perpetuates a conditioned, dualistic experience.

Don’t Entertain Behavior that Encourages a Conditioned Dualistic Experience:

In Vedanta, dualism refers to the perception of separation between the self and the world, which inevitably causes suffering. This is because when one likes something, they automatically dislike something else. Over time, these likes often turn into dislikes, intensifying suffering, as all things are impermanent by nature. This mindset also exacerbates psychological issues such as insecurity, dishonesty, and emotional instability, as it reinforces a sense of "us versus them" and promotes attachment to transient states, material possessions, and identities. Since this thinking enables the illusion of separation, engaging in behaviors that support a dualistic experience only strengthens and deepens this conditioned perspective.

So why is this not beneficial for those seeking to reveal their true nature? Engaging in behavior that encourages a dualistic experience does the following:

1. Reinforces the Ego: Dualistic thinking strengthens the ego, leading to attachment to self-image and status, a while building insecurities or overconfidence.

2. Emotional Instability: Viewing experiences as inherently good or bad creates an unstable emotional mindset, making individuals susceptible to mood swings based on external conditions.

3. Dishonesty: A dualistic mindset can drive a sense of competition or defensiveness, prompting individuals to be less authentic in their interactions.

4. Dominating Conversations: Seeing oneself as separate can create a need to assert dominance in conversations, often at the expense of genuine connection and active listening.

5. Materialism: Dualism promotes the belief that happiness comes from external possessions, leading to a never-ending pursuit of material wealth or happiness that is always fleeting.

6. Shyness: The fear of judgment in a perceived “us versus them” world can stifle confidence and self-expression.

Here are some practices to help limit these behaviors:

1. Self-Reflection: Regularly engage in introspection by asking yourself about your motivations and thoughts. Are they driven by ego or a deeper sense of unity?

2. Mindfulness and Presence: Practice mindfulness to cultivate awareness of the present moment, reducing the tendency to react based on conditioned patterns.

3. Listening Practices: Make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak in conversations. This builds genuine connection and reduces the need to dominate.

4. Emotional Regulation: Use techniques from psychology, such as cognitive restructuring, to challenge negative thought patterns and reframe experiences more positively.

5. Service and Compassion: Engage in acts of kindness and service, which shift the focus from the self to the interconnectedness with others, reducing materialistic tendencies.

The less you entertain behaviors that paves the way for a dualistic experience, the more you align with the natural flow of life. However, because people often prefer to succumb to pleasures and pains, it becomes nearly impossible to fully remove this deeply ingrained conditioning. Only when one consciously practices not encouraging a dualistic perspective can they naturally cease entertaining the desires of the false self.

Not Entertaining Desires of a False Self: 

For a desire to exist, there must be an agent who perceives themselves as the one holding the desire, believing that they will be fulfilled by the object of that desire. If there is no desire, then how can there be an agent? How can an agent exist if there are no desires to cling to? If there is nothing to hold on to, then the agent ceases to exist. It is only when we continue to hold onto desires that we perpetuate the experience of agentship. Therefore, it becomes essential to let go of desires and, more importantly, to stop entertaining them, as doing so sustains the illusion of a separate and false self.

By not entertaining desires, we begin to let go of the agentship experience, as we no longer find value in this world. The moment we assign value is the moment we see ourselves as separate from the world, while simultaneously seeking something within it to pursue. We must start to cling less to desires in order to realize that what was always valueless was the illusion of the self in relation to the world. The truth of our own nature never needed anything outside itself, for it has always been whole and complete, existing as itself all along.

To begin diminishing desires, we must cultivate an attitude that naturally reduces the sense of agentship. Here are some specific ways to avoid giving in to desires that arise: 

Receiving Something and Letting Go:

• Detachment Practice: When you receive something, acknowledge it, but immediately let go of any attachment to that object. Consider it a temporary gift, without clinging to it. For instance, if you acquire a new item, use it without forming an emotional bond or thinking about it in the future. Simply note its presence and move on without emotional investment.

• Non-Attachment Mindset: Recognize that all possessions are transient. Remind yourself that true fulfillment comes from within, not from external objects. What's the point of being so attached to something that will either 1. vanish or 2. cause you to lose interest?

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Moderation without Indulgence:

• Set Clear Boundaries: If you find yourself drawn to certain activities, establish limits. Instead of indulging, engage in them only as necessary, as indulgence reinforces desires. For example, if you enjoy a particular food, restrict consumption to scheduled meals, not as a treat or reward. Eat as needed, but do not become attached to the pleasures associated with the food.

• Shift Focus: Redirect your energy toward activities that fulfill your responsibilities or serve others, rather than engaging in self pleasure-seeking behaviors.

Avoiding Daydreaming Completely:

• Active Engagement: Replace daydreaming with focused activities. When you notice your mind wandering, consciously redirect your attention to a task that requires full engagement in the present, without thinking about the past or future.

• Structured Routine: Create a daily schedule filled with productive activities, leaving little room for idle thoughts to dwell on. 

Addressing Paranoia and Disconnection:

• Grounding in Action: When feelings of paranoia arise, engage in practical, reality-based actions. Focus on tasks that require concentration and effort, rather than analyzing or dwelling on fears.

• Connection Through Action: Instead of seeking emotional connections, commit to serving others through concrete actions. This reduces feelings of disconnection and helps you stay focused on the present. 

Attract and Repel through Intention:

• Intention without Desire: Cultivate a mindset of intention, focusing on your values and goals without attachment to specific outcomes or desires. This means acting according to your principles, rather than seeking approval or rewards.

• Conscious Disengagement: Actively distance yourself from influences that trigger desires. This might involve limiting exposure to certain social situations or media that fuel cravings or distractions. Over time, this will help loosen desires, allowing you to engage in these activities without attachment, as they become flowing actions done mindlessly.

• Non-Preference Approach: Cultivate a mindset of non-preference, recognizing that all experiences are temporary and do not define your essence. Choose actions based on duty rather than desire. In other words, perform actions that are essential  without thinking about the outcome or any reward. This applies to actions that may be perceived as good or bad depending on one’s likes or dislikes. The more this practice is embraced, the more likes and dislikes become neutral, no longer defined as good or bad. 

The less you entertain the desires of the false self, the purer your mind becomes, naturally allowing you to live with greater clarity and presence in the dream of life.

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Living Purely in the Dream:   

Because there are many tendencies that drive one to live chaotically, with resistance and disharmony, it becomes essential to live purely in the dream and in accordance with the natural laws above. When practiced correctly, this approach leads to embodying cleanliness, organization, routine, and structure. It cultivates pure intentions and encourages a simple, harmonious way of living.

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Here are some ways to life purely in the dream of life: 

1. Cleanliness and Organization

   • Daily Rituals: Establish a morning routine that includes physical cleanliness, such as bathing and tidying your space. A clean environment cultivates clarity of mind.

   • Minimalism: Adopt a minimalist approach to your possessions. Regularly declutter by removing items that no longer serve you, promoting a sense of purity and focus and not relying on things that are no longer needed. 

2. Structured Approach

   • Time Management: Create a daily schedule that prioritizes your responsibilities while allowing time for self-reflection and service to others. Structure helps minimize chaos and enhances focus.

   • Set Boundaries: Clearly define your limits regarding work, personal time, and service to maintain balance without overcommitting to one area. 

3. Pure Intentions

   • Intention Setting: Before engaging in any task, set a clear, selfless intention. Ask yourself how your actions can benefit others, shifting the focus away from personal gain.

   • Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your motivations. Identify and clarify your intentions, ensuring they align with your values.

4. Living Simply

   • Simplicity in Choices: Make simple, intentional choices in your diet, clothing, and activities. Focus on what is necessary and nourishing, rather than what is extravagant or excessive, as excess promotes materialism.

   • Nature Connection: Spend time in nature to reconnect with simplicity and purity. Nature helps build a sense of grounding and reminds you of the interconnectedness of all life.

By integrating these practices, you can cultivate a pure existence within the dream of life, aligning with the principles of karma yoga. This approach minimizes the sense of agency and doership, allowing you to act selflessly and harmoniously, with a focus on serving others and living in accordance with natural laws.

Bhakti and Effort:

When one is living life, it is "normal" to experience the perception of duality by succumbing to desires and feeling volition in one's actions. Because one falls victim to this conditioning without questioning it, how is it possible to correct this perception and realize that, in truth, there is no such thing as duality? One must therefore strive to correct their perception in samsara by acknowledging this mistaken view and working to change it, which can only be done through faith and effort.

Why is faith needed? Because without faith, what would motivate you to continue using effort to correct a perception of something you may not yet know to be truly real? Faith is essential in this process, as it allows you to trust the guidance of realized sages and ancient texts, believing in their wisdom and teachings. By doing so, you can work toward the goal they point to, ultimately embracing it as a direct truth and experience. In this way, faith transforms from mere belief into lived reality, where the perception of duality is no longer a belief but a direct, realized truth.

Effort is also necessary because without it, one will succumb to the false perception and merely perpetuate the experience of duality. In this context, effort means both understanding the truth and actively practicing to purify the mind, so that it becomes transparent enough to perceive the truth in its complete unity. If this transparency is not achieved, duality will persist, and one will continue to believe that they are the body, striving to achieve something external for happiness. This illusion is evident in maya, as most people—except for a rare few who are truly realized—continue to live through selfishness and egoism in an endless cycle. 

Therefore, it is necessary to have both faith (belief in God-realization) and effort (practice for God-realization) in order to attain liberation. Here are some ways in which one can maintain Bhakti(devotion) and effort, which are essential qualities to nurture until the truth of the Self is fully realized. 

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Continuous Study of the Scriptures Accompanied by Self-Reflection: 

• Example: Dedicate time to studying spiritual texts that can uplift and transform you from within. This could involve reading the Bhagavad Gita and other Advaitic texts, which emphasize the importance of selfless action and devotion, helping to deepen your understanding and commitment. However, merely studying these texts to expand knowledge is not enough; without directly applying the teachings to your life and transforming your mind, it serves little purpose. It is crucial to contemplate and engage in self-reflection, allowing the deeper truths behind these messages to be fully understood and integrated into your daily actions  

Satsang (Company of the Wise):

• Example: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your spiritual journey. Regularly attending discussions or gatherings focused on spiritual growth can keep you motivated and inspired, helping you avoid spending time on things that ultimately provide no value. Furthermore, if you have the opportunity to be in the company of a wise sage who teaches from their own direct experience—speaking words that reflect their actual realization, rather than just intellectual knowledge from books—you can gain an accurate understanding of what reality truly is. This kind of guidance allows you to transform on a deeper level, as listening to their teachings can lead to subconscious shifts in perception and understanding.

As you can see, all of the above universal laws are intimately connected with one another. If one is increased or embodied more fully, the others naturally increase as well. Conversely, if one is decreased, the others naturally decrease too. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of improving one’s embodiment of these universal laws, as doing so helps purify the mind and increase its transparency, allowing the truth to reveal itself more clearly. As egoism dissolves, the false perception also decreases proportionately. With the embodiment of these laws, one becomes more advanced, able to take spiritual practices to the next level, where actions transcend the mere motions of virtue and vice and align more directly with the higher truth.