Let’s talk about the perfection of paradox.
First, let’s define what a paradox is. par·a·dox noun. A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
The phonetics come from the Ancient Greek words pará ("against" or "contrary to") and doxa (meaning "opinion" or "to think").
The trouble we face is that we live in a world of duality. Yet, our minds think in singular terms. We often believe something is either dark or light, male or female, right or wrong. Because of this perspective the world can seem black and white. Through experience many of us know that it’s actually a million different shades of gray.
One of the most well known paradoxes comes in a question form. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? If we say the chicken, we have to wonder how the chicken was ever born without there being an egg. If we say the egg, we naturally question where did the egg come from without there being a chicken to lay it?
A deeper paradox that we face in the spiritual community is "where is God"? Is he up in heaven or is he deep inside of us. The answer is both, that is the paradox. Many teachers have told us the kingdom of heaven is inside of us. This is true. We also know that many religions teach of a heaven is above us. This is also true.
In my opinion paradox is the poetry of Creation. It's the embodiment of balance. The Yin and Yang existing together.
The hermetic principle of, "as within so without", shows that our entire existence is paradoxical. Our human mind often reaches for a singular answer. This causes division and misunderstandings. We become so concerned with being right, that any other answer must be wrong. This is a limiting misconception. In a world of limitless possibilities, an open mind is the best approach.
One such useful paradox is the knowledge that a plant that can be used as medicine in the right dosage. The same plant will become poison in the wrong dosage.
When the human being can unite the two opposites we find truth and peace. Much like a torus field which would seem to have a top and a bottom, in and out, when you look more closely you see that it is all one eternally moving singular object. Just as we are.
The fact that something in our experience can simultaneously be two opposing things is incredibly freeing. By embracing paradox, we can release the struggle of having to categorize everything.
We live in a paradox of paradise and pain. This allows for infinite experiences and infinite growth. A never ending now!
So, which came first? The chicken or the egg? My favorite answer... Yes.
Comments