The Awakening of Spiritual Awareness (16)
The one who is awakening spiritually has just entered this stage. There will be some confusion, as they are being pulled between consciousness and spiritual awareness. One is a familiar feeling, while the other is
an entirely new sensation (a surge of energy and the perception of the existence of the Dharma realm). The newly awakened may feel doubt, sensing as if there is another person residing within their body (an involuntary energy). Meanwhile, their sensory consciousness remains clear. Both sensations coexist simultaneously. At this moment, fear, anxiety, and doubt arise together. Without good conditions or wise guidance, one’s mind becomes bound by fear and confusion. Consciousness begins to become chaotic, amplifying negative experiences in life. Alternatively, information gained from connecting with the Dharma realm may be distorted through imaginative thinking. Situations that seem obvious to you may appear vague and fragmented. Often, these do not align with what you expect; frustration arises again. If willpower is weak and cannot suppress it, one becomes constrained by fear and anxiety. At this time, the mind only becomes more confused.
If one becomes trapped in this situation, they may attach themselves to beings from the Dharma realm for support in their practice but cannot discern what is good or bad. If they are attached by beings from the shadow realm, their awareness can become misled by them. The mind sometimes feels like it has transformed into another person—darkened complexion, fierce expression—argumentative and combative with a strong and aggressive demeanor. At this point, both body and mind are controlled by the shadow realm and cannot act autonomously. Actions lack consistent principles; there may be behaviors that defy common sense or even self-harm. In severe cases, one might harm others or act unpredictably while claiming to cultivate virtue or encourage others to do good deeds; however, their words carry an ominous tone that instills fear in others while they themselves remain greedy despite professing rigorous self-discipline—showing a dissonance between appearance and reality—having lost their true nature as individuals caught in a demonic path.
For those who are awakening during their practice process, overcoming present unease and instability is the greatest task at hand. Finding a method suitable for oneself that can gradually stabilize one’s heart is essential. The quickest way is to take ancient sages as teachers—studying sacred texts (chanting scriptures or reading books) to cultivate righteousness, right knowledge, and positive energy without having to run around seeking famous teachers everywhere. If one can stabilize their heart at home regardless of location, then even if visiting renowned mountains or sacred sites elsewhere does not guarantee peace of mind if one’s heart remains unsettled there as well. Although various texts may use different names for concepts; they do not stray from discussing human nature’s essence—the function of the heart—and help you recognize your true nature while uncovering existence since time immemorial. While it may not be achieved overnight, it can still lead your heart toward gradual stabilization.
If there is a surge of energy flowing through your body, find a quiet flat patch of grass under the sun to relax your mind completely with your feet standing naturally without any other thoughts—just relax into stillness naturally—and feel that surge of energy’s presence flowing along with it without suppressing it; let that energy take charge as you move freely with it: dancing around or rolling about on the ground according to its rhythm—sitting down or lying down also follows its lead—as you clearly observe it; this energy represents an unmanifested force within you—not something external coming in from outside yourself—as you dance along with that flow without creating distinctions or imaginations about it; it’s deep-seated power within your body slowly adapting to its presence while recognizing its harmony (treating it as a form of movement). Do not panic or fear; after some time it will naturally integrate into one entity with you regardless of whether your consciousness moves or remains still. If you suppress it instead—it will run wild causing involuntary tremors throughout your body which could lead to awkward moments when interacting socially causing discomfort when others gaze at you in surprise.
by – Teacher Liu Hongming