7 Day Workshop - Day 2

So, good evening everyone. What we're looking at then is trying to understand and make sense of the nature of reality. Yesterday, I talked about stories and how we tell stories about ourselves. Our whole identity, our whole sense of self, is formed as a certain story. We make sense of our life and the things that happen in the past in terms of a story. We try to make sense of the future in terms of a story. We're also looking at the biblical story, the Bible as a story of God's creation, and trying to make sense of the nature of reality. We started looking at that yesterday, so I'm going to carry on looking at that today.

Yesterday, we compared the Greek understanding of the nature of reality, particularly Pythagoras's table of opposites. Pythagoras thought everything was in conflict; the relationships were one of conflict. Everything is either in one column or another. Everything in the left-hand column was associated with things that were wrong, evil, or bad, while everything in the right-hand column was associated with things that were good. I want to look at another aspect of the nature of reality from the Greek philosophical tradition, which is the question of what exists and what the nature of reality is. One position is what we call materialism, which posits that everything is just made of matter. By definition, matter is inanimate; it has no life. However, people who believe there's only matter, with no spiritual dimension to life, struggle to explain consciousness because you can't reduce consciousness, thinking, and feeling to matter, electrons, and chemical processes.

There's a difference between the mere bodily movements we have and the way we behave. Two people may have their bodies moving in the same way, but the reason for their movements may be completely different. We have a different sense of what we call intentionality, and you can't reduce intentionality just to physical bodily movement. There's something invisible that is irreducible to matter. Therefore, materialism is unable to explain the nature of reality completely. It also cannot explain development. If something is inanimate, why does it move? Why do things develop? What is the impulse that leads this material body and the material world to greater levels of development? To try to solve that, the Greeks proposed dualism, the idea that the soul and body are different substances. There is an inner reality, which we call the soul, but if they are different substances, the problem is always how to explain how they interact.

Another tendency within Greek philosophy is to say that the spirit or soul is good and the body is bad. This often led to a denigration of material wealth, physical desire, and various aspects of life. These ideas also fed into Christianity, leading to a distorted view of sexuality and wealth. The Christian vision was often one of poverty, chastity, and obedience, trying to dominate the body because physical things were seen as problematic. However, if we look at the biblical view and the Principle view of the nature of reality, we see that God formed a person from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, so he became a living being. This means our physical body, formed from matter, is good. This is different from the Greek tradition; there is nothing wrong with physical desires. All our physical desires are good desires; they just need to be guided in the right direction.

The Principle then states that every entity possesses both an outer form and an inner quality. An outer form and an inner quality are not two different substances, as in the Greek dualist tradition of soul and body. Instead, the visible outer form resembles the invisible inner quality. The inner quality, though invisible, possesses a certain structure, which is manifested visibly in the particular outer form. In that sense, the inner quality is the subject, and this is expressed visibly in a particular outer form. When we talk about algorithms, we refer to a mathematical formula that is abstract and has no physical form, but it gives shape to something and creates a pattern. The internal nature and external form refer to corresponding inner and outer aspects of the same entity. It's incorrect to say that something is internal or external; everything has an inner and outer aspect.

Sometimes, when people read the Principles, they impose Greek categories onto it. For example, when discussing positivity and negativity, people often conflate these with moral values, deriving from the Greek understanding of reality. We need to purify our language and vocabulary to align with the Principle. A human being, like in the Bible, is composed of an outer form, the body made from the dust of the earth, and an inner quality, the mind. You can't have a mind without a body, and you can't have a body without a mind, unless a person has died, in which case the physical form starts to decay because the inner quality that gives it shape is no longer there to sustain it.

When you think about this, it's wrong to say, 'This is an internal person, and that's an external person.' Everything has an inner and outer aspect. The Principle provides a very accurate description of the nature of reality. For example, the outer expresses the inner; different facial expressions reflect what's going on inside a person's heart and mind. You can't see the mind; it's invisible. The only way to perceive a person's mind is through their face, as the outer form expresses the invisible inner quality. A lot of communication is not just about listening to what a person says; it also involves interpreting facial expressions and body language, which convey a lot of information. Sometimes, there's a difference between what a person says and what is expressed through their face, and often, the facial expressions are more accurate.

Plants, too, all created beings regardless of their complexity, possess an intangible internal nature that corresponds to the human mind and a tangible external form that corresponds to the human body. Within each being, the internal nature commands the external form. Some may ask how we can prove the existence of an invisible internal quality or spirit. I can simply wave my hand and say, 'Those are my thoughts; I'm making my hand wave.' Plants maintain their organic functions by virtue of their internal nature, which operates like the human mind in some respects. An Italian professor studying this found that plants are cognitive and intelligent, using techniques normally applied to cognitive animals. The main challenge with plants is that they move much more slowly than animals, requiring patience in observation.

The Principle's explanation of the nature of reality aligns well with scientific understanding. While scientific materialism can explain a lot, there are many things it cannot explain. The Principle's understanding that everything has an inner and outer aspect is able to explain much more comprehensively. Therefore, we assert that everything has its inner nature and an external form, and it's not that one is good and the other is bad. Unlike the Greeks, who viewed the mind as good and the body as bad, the Principle states that every entity has an inner and outer aspect. Particles, too, have an inherent directive nature; scientists refer to this as an algorithm. The nature of a particle is attracted to other particles with an opposite charge to form atoms. Atoms also possess an invisible inner nature, directing them to form relationships with other atoms, leading to the formation of molecules. Molecules have an invisible directive nature, forming more complex structures until we arrive at organic molecules, animals, and humans. This understanding of everything having an internal nature leads to greater levels of complexity.

Understanding the nature of reality is crucial, particularly when it comes to explaining development. Materialism cannot adequately explain how and why things develop and evolve into greater levels of complexity. The Divine Principle provides insight into this, as it posits that everything possesses an invisible or inherent directive nature. This invisible quality accounts for why things naturally progress towards increased complexity. This aligns with the science of biology, which suggests that one cannot have mind without body, or yin without yang. These elements are different aspects of the same entity; one cannot exist without the other.

In contrast to the Greek understanding of dualism, the biblical perspective on good and evil is distinct. Good and evil are not complementary forces that attract each other; rather, they repel one another. Good people tend to avoid associating with malevolent individuals, as the presence of evil can evoke discomfort and guilt. This often leads to conflict when good and evil intersect. Importantly, it is possible to have good without evil, contrary to the Greek belief that they are woven into the fabric of the universe. This assumption has been inherited throughout the European tradition, where it is often taken for granted that good cannot exist without evil.

The biblical view asserts that it is indeed desirable to have good without evil. For instance, one might enjoy a wonderful evening at a concert, only to be robbed on the way home. The evil act does not enhance the appreciation of the good; rather, it destroys it. Similarly, one’s enjoyment of a meal would not be heightened by the presence of distressing images, such as starving children. Evil spoils the good, and it is entirely possible to appreciate goodness without the existence of evil. The biblical perspective challenges the notion that good and evil are intertwined, suggesting that a good society can exist without the presence of murder, rape, and robbery.

If one believes that good and evil are inherent to the universe, it can lead to a sense of hopelessness regarding societal improvement. This belief may foster a withdrawal from the world, as it implies that evil is an unchangeable aspect of existence. However, the idea that dualism is false opens up the possibility for a better understanding of reality. This leads us to the story of creation, where God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. They were given the freedom to eat from any tree except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which illustrates the concept of free will and responsibility.

The creation narrative highlights that God intended for humanity to care for the world. The story also emphasizes the relationship between men and women, presenting a vision of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In this context, evil is portrayed as a mistake rather than a necessity, suggesting that restoration is possible. When God created Adam and Eve, He made them in His likeness, which raises important questions about the purpose of human existence. If God created us, it implies that our lives have meaning and purpose, and fulfilling that purpose can lead to a deeply meaningful relationship with God.

To understand God better, we can turn to religious scriptures, particularly the Bible. The Bible serves as a record of encounters that people have had with God throughout history. These accounts provide insight into God's character and intentions. By reading the Bible, we can learn about the nature of God from those who have experienced Him personally. This allows us to develop our own relationship with God, as we engage with the conversations and experiences documented in the scriptures.

The Bible is not only a record of encounters but also a collection of messages from God to humanity. It reveals how God has been active in history and how He feels about human suffering. Through these narratives, we gain insight into God's heart and His desire to intervene in our lives. The Bible encompasses various genres, including history, poetry, and instruction, serving as a guide for how to live in accordance with God's will. Just as an instruction manual is essential for operating a machine correctly, the Bible provides guidance for fulfilling our purpose as human beings.

We can introduce God's way of thinking and God's ideas through studying the Bible. By elevating our own patterns of thinking, we can start to encounter the Divine. We can begin to think the way God thinks, feel how God feels, and act as God acts. This transformation will change our relationships, our culture, and ultimately, the world. However, it all starts with us; we must take that first step.

What does the Bible tell us about God? One important point is found in the phrase, 'Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.' The term 'hear' in this context means to listen. It is not always easy to hear God's voice because we often have so much going on in our hearts and minds that it drowns out His voice. This is why it is crucial to take time out of our day to meditate and pray, seeking that deep inner stillness where we can actually hear God speaking to us through our conscience.

The Bible teaches us that there is only one God, who is a harmonised being without conflict. Unlike the Greek gods, who are often depicted as fighting among themselves, the God of Israel is at peace with Himself. By coming into a relationship with God, we can also achieve a sense of oneness and peace within ourselves. This is why Islam, which means peace, emphasises submission and unity with God.

Another aspect of God is that He is the Creator. The Bible states, 'Oh Lord God, behold how you make the heavens and the earth by your great power; nothing is too difficult for you.' This highlights that the natural world is good, created by God, and there is nothing inherently wrong or evil in it. Additionally, God is a God of knowledge; He knows everything and is omniscient. Furthermore, God is just—His ways are just, and He rewards the good while punishing those who do evil without repentance. Justice is a fundamental aspect of the world we live in.

God is also described as love. The Bible tells us that the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. If we want God to live within us, we must live in love. When we are angry, resentful, or bitter, it becomes difficult to feel God's presence. The Bible reveals that God is our Father, using human language to describe His nature. Malachi states, 'Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?' This signifies that every human being is a child of God, regardless of their beliefs or awareness of this truth.

The Bible also presents God as a mother. For instance, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, saying, 'Like a woman in childbirth, I cry out; I gasp and pant.' This imagery shows that God embodies both masculine and feminine qualities, being a unified heavenly parent. Recently, I heard the Archbishop of York refer to God as our heavenly parent, which is a refreshing perspective that aligns with biblical teachings. God expresses maternal feelings, stating, 'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you.'

These passages illustrate the heart of God, which is akin to a mother's love for her child. Every human being has a mother who cares deeply for them, and this reflects how God cares for us. Even if we lack faith in God, He has faith in us. God believes in us unconditionally, just as a mother believes in her child. The Bible states, 'As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.' This highlights the deep emotional connection God has with humanity, feeling our pain and wanting to comfort us.

As we learn about God, we can also learn about Him through our parents. The Bible teaches that we are created in God's image, and understanding ourselves helps us understand God. A wise Christian saint, Clement of Alexandria, said, 'He who knows himself will know God; he who knows God will become like God.' Through self-knowledge, we can understand what God is like and strive to become more like Him. The Bible also emphasises the importance of the heart, with over 850 references to it, indicating that the heart is the core of human nature and motivation for living.

We need God's grace and help to be strong and to accomplish what is beyond our natural capabilities. There are certain things we simply cannot do on our own; we require divine assistance. For example, some individuals struggle to achieve mind-body unity. They may face various challenges in their inner lives, leading to deep hurt. In an attempt to dull their pain, some turn to alcohol or drugs, ultimately becoming alcoholics or drug addicts. This struggle often prevents them from attaining mind-body unity, as they may want to stop but find themselves unable to do so until they hit rock bottom. At that point, they often realise they cannot solve their alcoholism alone and may seek help through organisations like Alcoholics Anonymous, which guides them through stages of recovery, starting with the acknowledgment of their need for divine support.

Similarly, people often struggle to maintain good relationships. Many enter into love, marry, and then face conflicts that lead to divorce, resulting in loneliness. Issues such as poor intimacy can arise, making it difficult to love others without God's help. We may find ourselves needing divine assistance to love our spouses, children, or parents. When we turn to God, we may experience an incredible rush of grace that helps us understand our situations better and gives us the strength to resolve relational conflicts. Additionally, some struggle with financial management, spending beyond their means and facing bankruptcy. Others may find it challenging to keep their homes tidy or to find meaning and purpose in life.

From the biblical perspective, we can summarise that the essence of God encompasses heart, intellect, emotion, and will. God is also a being of logos, embodying justice, law, and ethics, which we can relate to the four great realms of heart. Furthermore, God is the creator of the universe and creativity itself. To become like God, we must inherit His heart, nature of logos, and creativity. God bestowed upon humanity three great blessings. The first blessing instructs Adam and Eve to be fruitful, which allows us to inherit God's heart. The second blessing, which involves multiplying and establishing families, enables us to inherit the four great realms of heart and God's nature of love and justice. The third blessing, having dominion over creation, allows us to inherit God's creativity. Through these blessings, we can imitate God and strive to become like Him.

These three great blessings are connected to the three dimensions of human life. Regardless of belief in God, every human being has a mind and body, and part of life's challenge is achieving a harmonious relationship between the two. This balance is crucial to avoid becoming an alcoholic, drug addict, or unhealthy individual. Every person must grapple with this relationship. Additionally, every human has parents; we exist in relationships with others, whether we like it or not. Our parents, siblings, neighbours, and colleagues shape our existence. The reality of life necessitates forming good relationships with those around us, including family, friends, and community members.

Moreover, we exist in a physical world and must maintain a relationship with nature. The laws of gravity, for instance, are not optional. Ignoring them can lead to harm, such as injury from a fall. Thus, we must cultivate a good relationship with the natural world, which includes responsibilities like gardening, maintaining our homes, and running businesses. The three dimensions of life encompass our relationships with our minds and bodies, with other human beings, and with the natural world. When God blessed humanity, He intended to be present in each of these relationships. Some may mistakenly believe that developing a relationship with God requires isolation, but God desires to be involved in all our interactions, whether at home, work, or in nature.

The first blessing, to be fruitful, means becoming a wholesome person. This involves creating and completing our character through our thoughts, words, and deeds. Whether we believe in God or not, our character is shaped by our past actions. However, we have the power to change our character by altering our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This aligns with Buddhist teachings that emphasise the impact of our thoughts on our lives. Our actions leave imprints on our minds, and these imprints eventually manifest in our experiences. We are responsible for our actions and their consequences, and we cannot blame others for who we are. The biblical and Buddhist views differ from the notion of fate, asserting that we have the ability to shape our character through our choices.

Jesus taught that we should strive to be complete, as our heavenly Father is complete. This is often misinterpreted as being perfect, but the original meaning encourages us to become wholesome individuals. Perfection, as understood in Greek philosophy, is unattainable in our imperfect world. Instead, we should aim for integrity and harmony within ourselves, achieving unity between mind and body. As we grow, we should strive to maintain this unity at all stages of life. For instance, growing up involves learning to control our physical functions, such as toilet training, eating appropriately, and establishing healthy sleep habits. These aspects of life should reflect spiritual values, transforming everyday activities into meaningful experiences.

Sleeping can become invested with spiritual values, leading to mind-body unity. Sexual desire should also express spiritual values. However, if our bodies dominate our minds, we risk becoming lazy, greedy, and consumed by lustful desires. This can lead to involvement in terrible acts such as sexual harassment and abuse, as people struggle to control their physical desires. Instead, these desires should reflect our spiritual values, which is essential for fulfilling our potential.

Another important aspect of mind-body unity is learning to keep promises. When we keep our promises, we align our words and actions, creating consistency in our lives. For example, if you say you will meet someone, you follow through, regardless of the weather. Drinking and smoking can hinder this unity; when under the influence, we do not perform better in activities like driving or dancing. In contrast, when we achieve mind-body unity, we can experience incredible joy, such as the energy felt while dancing or the satisfaction from sports.

The concept of mind-body unity can be illustrated through the marshmallow test, developed by educational psychologists. In this test, children are given a choice: eat one marshmallow now or wait and receive three when the adult returns. The children who manage to wait demonstrate the ability to practice delayed gratification, which correlates with better focus in their studies and improved life outcomes. Those who cannot wait often struggle with health and financial issues later in life. Thus, teaching children to practice mind-body unity is crucial for their development.

Mind-body unity is vital for making commitments, particularly in marriage. When people marry, they promise to love their partner through all circumstances, which requires a level of maturity and integrity. If individuals are not ready to make such commitments, it is better for them to wait. Most people desire friendships and romantic relationships, and marriage is a natural progression in life. A wedding ceremony signifies a public commitment to this promise, which is essential for a healthy relationship.

The goal of marriage is to embody the love of God, as traditional Christian teachings suggest. The love between a husband and wife is exclusive, and both partners desire fidelity. This exclusive love is mirrored in the love children have for their parents, who are often seen as a reflection of God. As children grow, they learn about different kinds of love, including sibling love and parental love. These relationships help individuals understand the nature of love and commitment.

As Maximus the Confessor stated, when a husband and wife unite in marriage, they become an image of God. This unity reflects God's nature, and through their love, they can understand God's heart. Parenting offers profound insights into God's love and sacrifice. When parents experience frustration with their children, they can relate this to God's feelings towards humanity. Understanding this connection helps individuals develop a deeper relationship with God, recognising His unconditional love.

Ultimately, love is the greatest joy in life, and a life devoid of love is empty and painful. This absence of love can lead to despair, as seen in those who contemplate suicide. However, even in moments of loneliness, individuals can reflect on how God might feel when abandoned. Love creates life and lineage, and through various roles—such as being a son, daughter, sibling, or parent—individuals discover different aspects of themselves and their relationship with God.

God's command to Adam and Eve to have dominion over creation highlights the importance of stewardship. The first task given to humanity was to care for the garden, which signifies our responsibility to look after the environment. This stewardship is a fundamental aspect of our existence, reminding us of our role in nurturing the world around us.

At the same time, God said to Adam, "Name all these creatures; whatever the man calls every living creature, that is its name." When you give something a name, it signifies that you have dominion over it, meaning you must take responsibility for it. This is the idea that God wanted Adam, Eve, and all human beings to become lords of creation. Through this, they would inherit God's creativity and experience the incredible joy that comes from living a creative life. This joy can be found in planting things, creating a beautiful garden, painting pictures, and engaging in carpentry, among other activities. Our relationship with the natural world can be a source of immense joy.

The Bible is not otherworldly or anti-worldly; it is all about experiencing God's presence in our relationship with the natural world. Most importantly, we must not forget God's presence. When you become wealthy, and your farming or business is doing well, it is essential to praise and thank God. Recognising that all the blessings we receive come from God is crucial. God wants to bless all our activities, share in them, and be acknowledged in every aspect of our lives. Therefore, we should invite God to be present in all these different areas.

This concept is at the core of the priestly blessing. The Lord said to Moses, "This is how to bless the Israelites: say to them, 'The Lord bless you and protect you.'" This blessing encompasses material prosperity—may your crops grow, may you have an abundance of wine and fruit, and may your business thrive. However, it also includes a warning: may the Lord protect you from becoming complacent and thinking that your wealth is solely due to your hard work. Complacency can lead to decadence, and that is how great civilisations decline when they forget God.

Secondly, may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. This means living a life where God resides within you, allowing others to see a visible trace of His being in the way you live. May people encounter and experience God through you. This is the essence of the second blessing, which emphasises human relationships. May His face shine upon you so that others can experience God's graciousness and kindness through you.

Finally, may the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace. This peace begins within our own hearts, leading to unity in our minds. As the true Mother said, "Peace starts with me." To bring peace to others, you must first be at peace within yourself. These are the three great blessings: the first, second, and third blessings. God says that through these blessings, His name will be placed upon the Israelites, and He will bless them. It is through us that people can start to know God.

Conversely, the reason some people reject God is that religious individuals sometimes behave in ungodly ways, exhibiting hypocrisy or other negative traits. When religious people act differently from others, it prompts questions. At that point, they can begin to discover God. Through our actions, we can bring glory to God's name, allowing others to respect and acknowledge Him. The worst thing we can do is lead people away from God and prevent them from acknowledging His name.