I think that we will experience unity consciousness ONLY when we die, but it is hard to achieve when the person is alive. Or in another words I think that once a person experiences Unity Consciousness he / she will die at once…. Period. Am I right?

I have questions The circumstances that effect our lives from day to day in the physical world. All the things outside of the self the good and the bad. Who or what is in control of that? I’ve heard some say it’s Karma. Some say it’s fate or it’s destiny. Some say it’s you and only your dream. I am suffering a tremendous loss in my life. It’s not exactly a death, but for some it could be just as painful. Who should I be angry at? Who is

responsible for the way things are or the way they turn out? Is it all my fault there is this suffering in life. It would appear something put me on journey to connect with someone very deeply, and has decided to put that to an end. These are just words our ego uses to describe it. But why is god, high power, or the divine intelligence, described as the source of light, peace, love and creation is only found within? When clearly something of a high intelligence unfolds before us in the now, and influences the outcomes of everything outside of us? If everything comes from the same source. That would mean all the darkness, hate, fear, and destruction comes from that same place to. They are all one. They can not exist without the opposite. How do you put your faith, and live in bliss, when this divine energy shows no remorse or a care to what your, or anyone’s wants, dreams, or needs are? It all seems so indiscriminate. No rhyme or reason. From the football team that wins the big game, to the death of innocent passenger in a car accident. It’s purpose is too divine for us to understand isn’t it?

You mentioned, “two sensory paths of meditation” in a recent post, as you were addressing sight and sound as forms to reach the silent self. So this made me wonder and question, what about the other senses, such as touch, smell, and taste? Can we also meditate upon them for the same results?, as it would appear so if sight and sound are two ways to meditate. And if so, where do the other three sensory paths fit in as far as effectiveness? And finally, can we meditate beyond the 5 sense? If so, how and what tool is used, i.e., the brain or something else more spiritual and not of our physical world, such as soul or spirit?

There was an article by V. Rt. Rev. Lewis Bostwick titled “Seniority to Spirit,” that describes my dilemma. However, I have recently come to terms with this part, as I have realized that I am an extremely undeveloped creature, so it is to my benefit to have help to reach higher levels and without the help, I am completely lost on my own. I tried it and I am empty, as there is nothing there. So when I listen, I become full or filled up, as it’s hard to explain.

So in short, I’m not sure what my question is, as I am still confused about it all. I am assuming that you would say consciousness is consciousness and that’s all there is, but why does it seem as tho the higher is not me and the lower is me? I cannot seem to be what the higher tells me that I am, as there seems to be the two. I guess that what you were talking about in the two souls Q&A on jiva and Atman. Can the two ever be ONE in our state of being both a physical and spiritual entity? So, is this just the way it is for us and the way it will always be? Can anyone with a material body have the two as ONE? I don’t think we could survive physically, could we? Or maybe my level is just so low, I cannot conceive of this and it might be possible? Is this what is called enlightenment? But don’t the enlightened still have to deal with this dual soul? I don’t know…. just thought I would ask.

I was wondering if you have any thoughts on the benefits of using an image for meditation versus using the sound of a mantra.