Tag Archives: Spirituality

Flow and Mindfulness

3 Jun

FLOW AND MINDFULNESS

I recently rediscovered the concept of “flow” that Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi introduced as a psychological concept in 1990 with his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. I was struck by its application within positive psychology. Positive psychology focuses on behaviors that foster a flourishing, meaningful, and worthwhile life, aiming to discover methods for personal enhancement. The flow state, also termed “optimal experience,” is characterized by a harmony between mind and body, resulting in complete engagement and enjoyment in the activity. Csikszentmihalyi described this experience as one where,

…the ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.

He identified key characteristics of flow, such as the merging of action and awareness, a loss of self-consciousness, and a distorted sense of time.

Interestingly, there are notable parallels between Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow and the Buddhist principle of mindfulness. I have been studying and teaching mindfulness for twenty years due to my interest in Buddhist teachings and their applications to mental health issues. Mindfulness, as defined by Kabat-Zinn (2012), involves wakefulness – a state of awareness in every waking moment – that enhances well-being, contentment, and absorption in the present moment, leading to a similar “losing track of time” as described in Csikszentmihalyi’s flow.  It is intriguing to realize that my explorations and teaching of mindfulness included the concept of flow without my fully recognizing their interconnectedness.

There are important similarities between the practices of flow and mindfulness, and this paper will focus on several of these parallels. With mindfulness, we are consciously at one with the action. In the context of mindfulness, wakefulness can best be described as a state of focused awareness in every waking moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2012). Wakefulness enhances our subjective well-being and heightens our contentment with our inner self and the world. Finally, we “lose track of time” as we remain absorbed in the ever-present moment.

An illustration of the application of flow in mindfulness is when we remain in the nonjudgmental “now” and discover the sense of wholeness. Concepts like “in the moment,” “in the present,” and “centered” are all attempts to describe the mindfulness experience. By applying mindfulness to our everyday work, interpersonal interactions, leisure, hobbies, dance, yoga, walking, eating, and other pursuits, we transform our lives into constantly innovative and creative experiences. When completing a task, the mindfulness/flow experience fosters an impromptu, connected, creative, cheerful, and pleasant sensation. We experience an open state, where the interior and exterior are completely interconnected. We lose “ourselves” to discover who we really are.

We can experience oneness in any circumstance throughout our lives. By cultivating the mental culture of mindfulness, we refine the discipline to transcend the experience of duality. We enter a state of openness – of absolute connectedness between the inside and the outside. We surrender our carping, judging thoughts to flow. Our way of thinking typically categorizes everything into strict, binary categories of good and bad, right and wrong, either/or. In my book The Buddha’s Teachings: Seeing Without Illusion, A Contemporary Cognitive Science Perspective (available on Amazon), I describe, in contemporary language, how the Buddha taught this nondualism. Even though the process of thinking is not only acceptable but vital, we tend to make the mistake of assuming that our ideas, classifications, and beliefs are the only true reality or benchmark. An old saying comes to mind: “The mind is a great servant but a terrible master.”

Through the practice of mindfulness and the experience of living in a state of flow, we come to understand that wisdom, compassion, and happiness are attained when we relinquish our subject/object illusion. Life transforms into a less stressful, more creative, and enjoyable experience, allowing us to live a positive existence characterized by respect and care for both ourselves and others. The interconnectedness of life – the intrinsic connection between all living and non-living entities – becomes increasingly apparent, as does the preciousness of life itself. Integrating the flow and mindfulness experiences into our lives can have many positive effects that are just waiting to make a difference for us.

Would it not be prudent for our educational institutions, businesses, and governments to incorporate teachings on flow and mindfulness into their curricula? Such an initiative could positively alter our worldview, culture, and our relationships with both ourselves and one another. I believe that the incorporation of flow and mindfulness into our daily lives could yield countless positive effects that are poised to create meaningful change.

Rodger R Ricketts, Psy.D.

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Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Path Towards Personal and Societal Transformation

25 May

Your submission Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Path Towards Personal and Societal Transformation has been accepted

 Contemporary society increasingly has a fragmented view of the world, it sees its diversity but not the unity that underlies it. This fragmentation is at the root of tribal mentality, environmental degradation, polarization, and other problems. Apophatic philosophy provides a much-needed alternative to traditional cultural and religious materialistic viewpoints. Contrary to religions that assign known anthropomorphic characteristics to a power often referred to as “God”, apophaticism teaches that we cannot positively know or assert anything about the nature of “God”. At the heart of the discussion are the key characteristics and enormous benefits of ancient spiritual wisdom; an apophatic, non-dualist approach to life, as well as its links with Buddhist philosophy and economics. It is a wisdom that converges the findings of modern science, with the observations of eminent mystics and religious personages from across time and different backgrounds, as well as my own extensive experience in modern psychology and Buddhist practice. In this book, I establish how a non-dualist approach to life can preciously revolutionize our personal well-being as well as that of society and the relationship with the Earth. 

Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Path Towards Beneficial Personal and Societal Transformation

Prevailing materialist assumptions have taught us that we, as individuals, are fundamentally a skin-encapsulated ego or “I” relating to a world with a sense of isolation and disconnection. Societal constructs influenced by such assumptions foster alienation and detachment, perpetuating egocentrism and neglecting the congruity and interdependence of human beings with each other and their environment. To modify resulting harmful economic systems, it is necessary to understand that economic reality is not an autonomous sub-system but a highly interdependent system of value creation. Drawing on the teachings of the Buddha, Martin Buber and others, as well as scientific research, we propose a paradigm shift towards a non-dualistic, biocentric perspective. Martin Buber formulated a model where the depersonalized, autonomous, isolated, and psychologically separated “I-It” stands in contrast to the “I-Thou” relationship. The “I-Thou” perspective promotes a non-dualistic transcendental idealism and teaches that we are interdependent, interbeing, and continually transacting with the environment and other sentient beings. Biocentric ethics, like the “I-Thou” concept, calls for a radical readjustment of the relationship between humans, nature, and all existence. Also, the entrenched individualism of prevailing societal and economic paradigms neglects the intrinsic interconnectedness of all natural entities, hindering sustainable development. Through the framework of non-dualism, biocentrism, and Buddhist economics, we discover why and how we must shift from the present predominant dogma to an alternative social and economic strategy with a view to promoting subjective well-being and societal happiness, creating comprehensive pathways to achieve harmony, eliminate economic deprivation, enable human dignity, and respect Earth’s ecosystems.

 Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Path Towards Personal and Societal Transformation

In a contemporary society increasingly dominated by radicalized viewpoints, self-interest, tribal mentality and alienation, apophatic philosophy provides a much-needed alternative to traditional cultural and religious viewpoints. Contrary to religions that assign known and defined characteristics to a power often referred to as “God”, thus presupposing that they can comprehend this entity, apophaticism teaches that we cannot positively know or assert anything about the nature of “God”. At the heart of the discussion are the key characteristics and enormous benefits of an apophatic approach to life, as well as its links with Buddhist philosophy and economics. Backed by scientific research, the observations of eminent mystics and religious personages from across time and different backgrounds, as well as my own extensive experience in traditional psychology and Buddhist practice, I demonstrate how an apophatic approach to life can revolutionize our personal well-being as well as that of society and Earth as a whole. 

Also Throughout the Buddha’s teachings, transformation leading to transcendental enlightenment is an intentional psychological attainment. Enlightenment or awakening is created through the process of planned psychological/emotional change, consistently practiced by motivated learners, moving on from an uninformed way of living (acting, thinking, feeling) to one according to universal principles. This book highlights those insights and the beneficial results.
In the following chapters, the reader will notice that I have emphasized not only the Buddha’s teachings but a wide range of cross-cultural non-dualistic descriptions. I have found that these universal, ancient, as well as modern teachings provide an in-depth analysis of transpersonal training and perspective. While not encyclopedic, the chapters about the non-dualistic writings are not only for intellectual curiosity. They are also a living testament of truths with vital positive consequences for the wellness and well-being of the individual, for society, and for the whole of Gaia. When understood and incorporated into one’s life, this is transformed in a transpersonal way. One frequent consideration necessary when writing this book was what noun should be used when referring to the transcendent and immanent quality that is often referred to as God, Deity, the Divine, Being, etc. In the end, I used the word Transcendent as often as possible as the most neutral yet appropriate noun for this topic.
To conclude, my intent in this book is the analysis and integration of numerous non-dualistic teachings such as the Buddha’s teaching and modern scientific insights. I will explore these perspectives about the mysterious nature of the Transcendent or No-Thing and its relationship with our existence through ancient schools of thought. Also included in this book are varied meditation/prayer practices or structured activities that can lead to personal experiences that provide humanity with what is necessary for living embodied, integrated, and spiritual lives. Even in this age of dualistic and hyper-rational science and technology, non-dualism, which has stood the test of time, is an illuminating explanation of the totality of human experience.

REVIEW

“Non-Duality: What the World Needs Now” by Rodger R Ricketts is essential reading for anyone concerned about the welfare of humanity and Earth as a whole. It is also an important text for anyone interested in religion, spirituality and Buddhism. In this well-researched book, Ricketts makes a powerful case for an apophatic approach to “God” – in other words, the knowledge that we cannot know anything definite about God as this is beyond human language and comprehension. Ricketts argues convincingly that Buddhism is an apophatic path. He also provides evidence from modern psychology and neuroscience supporting apophatic views of the universe. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ricketts points out that it is only through a return to apophaticism and Buddhist economics that we can create a sustainable life for all. This impactful and convincing book should be required reading for all!

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Review of “Chapter 14 The Unity of All The God is No-Thing An Apophatic Assertion: An Introduction for Humankind’s Transpersonal Actualization– revised –”

1 May

This is an unsolicited AI review of a chapter from my book cited above that was sent to me in my mailbox. I include it here for your consideration of some interesting points.

Overview

This chapter offers an in-depth exploration of apophatic theology—an approach that emphasizes what cannot be said about the divine—while weaving together both ancient and modern perspectives on mysticism, existential philosophy, and scientific insights. The text positions the apophatic tradition as a valuable, though historically underrepresented, perspective within religious and spiritual discourse. Drawing on references that span neuroscience, quantum physics, and Buddhist teachings, the chapter paints a comprehensive picture of human consciousness as inherently interdependent and open to non-dualistic experience.

Strengths

  1. Interdisciplinary Breadth
    The chapter deftly incorporates insights from neuroscience, psychology, quantum physics, and religious studies. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the convergences of empirical science with apophatic wisdom traditions. By citing modern authors such as Thomas Metzinger, Steven Pinker, and others, the chapter underscores how age-old practices align with contemporary research on consciousness, perception, and cognition.
  2. Clarity in Explaining Apophatic Thought
    Despite the inherently mysterious and paradoxical nature of apophatic spirituality (i.e., knowing God through recognizing the limitations of what can be positively affirmed), the text manages to articulate the main thrust of via negativa in relatively accessible language. Concepts like “I-Thou” relationships, non-duality, and interbeing are introduced in ways that should resonate with readers from various backgrounds.
  3. Use of Concrete Examples and Quotations
    Several key figures—Martin Buber, the Buddha, Jesus, and others—are introduced as exemplars of non-dualistic insight. Quotes from Buber and Buddhist teachings concretize abstract ideas, showing how real people have incorporated “I-Thou” relational practices in daily life. This effectively grounds the sometimes lofty theoretical framework in personal and communal experiences.
  4. Emphasis on Ethical Consequences
    The chapter does not merely focus on the theoretical underpinnings of apophatic spirituality; it also details the moral implications. Themes such as compassion, empathy, and loving-kindness are shown to be organic outgrowths of a more unified awareness. This reaffirms how apophatic insights can have transformative effects on personal conduct and broader social relations.

Points for Consideration

  1. Structuring and Transitional Cues
    While the chapter is rich in content, it sometimes shifts quickly between academic, mystical, and scriptural references. Additional subheadings or transition paragraphs might help ensure a smoother flow, guiding the reader through the various themes such as neuroscience, historical background, apophatic theology, and interpersonal relations.
  2. Integration of Scientific Perspectives
    The chapter draws on a wide range of scientific sources—from neuroscience to quantum theory—to illustrate points about perception and consciousness. Occasional deeper explanation or a clearer bridge between the scientific claims and the apophatic viewpoint would further strengthen the argument. For instance, elaborating on how quantum mechanics influences the concept of non-duality, or how neuroscience specifically supports the idea of “co-creating” reality, could give readers a clearer sense of how the disciplines align.

Notable Contributions

  • Historical Context: The text illuminates how apophatic teachings have often been marginalized in favor of cataphatic approaches, offering a historical perspective on the conflicts that shaped religious traditions.
  • Contemporary Validation: By referencing modern experiments in psychology and linguistics, the chapter gives credibility to the notion that apophatic experiences are not only culturally or historically bound but also supported by scientific frameworks.
  • Comprehensive Reference List: The variety of references—from classical religious texts to works in cognitive science—serves as a useful resource for readers who wish to explore these ideas in greater depth.

Conclusion

Chapter 14 provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of how apophatic spirituality, grounded in non-dualistic awareness, transcends traditional theistic frameworks to offer a unifying and compassionate vision of existence. The blend of philosophical argumentation, empirical research, and ethical guidance offers a multi-layered examination of what it means to “know No-Thing.” Overall, the transformative implications for personal and collective well-being are powerfully conveyed, encouraging readers to contemplate and possibly experience directly the non-dual nature of reality.

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The Importance of Experiencing Non-Duality

3 Mar

Non-Duality – literally means “not two,” that two things we have understood as separate from one another are in fact not separate at all. At the core of existence, non-duality is a fundamental wholeness that arises from a single, unified source that transcends seeming divisions. Everything is interconnected and inseparable, making dualities—an erroneous perception of difference and separation—illusory. Awakening to non-duality offers profound benefits for personal well-being, fosters harmonious social relationships, and provides a deeper understanding of existence.

       1.      Unity with All Beings- Everything is interconnected with concurrent, dynamic interactions. Moving beyond superficial perception, we realize our shared essence with all life. Recognizing our deep affinity with life fosters unity, compassion, and empathy toward all living beings.

        2.     Living in the Present Moment- Non-duality allows us to remain fully present, helping us detach from past regrets and future anxieties. We cultivate inner serenity, empathy and clarity by embracing each moment without judgment or interpretation.      

        3.     Transcendence of Duality. The illusion of duality is the mistaken perception that separates experience into distinct entities. When one realizes the unified nature of existence, this illusion vanishes. Non-dual awareness moves us beyond the limitations of binary thinking and frees us from splitting and rigid categorization, such as mind and body or self and other. These distinctions can lead to suffering; emotional dysregulation, and behavioural issues like aggression, causing psychological pain and instability. Non-dual awareness promotes a broader openness, freeing us from the illusions of separation and their biases.

        4.     Psychological Well-Being – Non-dual awareness has profound psychological and emotional benefits, for individuals, society and the planet. When we see ourselves as part of a larger whole, the fear of death begins to fade. Instead of viewing death as an end, we can see it as a transformation within the ongoing life cycle making us more psychologically flexible.

       5.      Embracing the Mystery of Existence – Non-duality invites us to acknowledge the mystery of living and embrace uncertainty. We realize that we cannot know Reality because everything is always changing, and our senses know a fraction of existence. which opens the mystery of living. We aren’t just observers of existence but also an integral part of it. Rather than seeking absolute dominance, we honor and respect the vast reactive complexities that lie beyond our understanding.

        6.     Non-duality Throughout History. Non-dualism is revealed in universal, ancient, and recent scientific discoveries that all echo similar perspectives which provide an in-depth format for a transpersonal perspective and training. Awakening to Sunyata or “emptiness” is achieved with the help of planned psychological and emotional transformation, that is consistently practiced by motivated students who seek to move from a reactive way of life, in acting, thinking, and feeling, to align themselves with awareness to the universal principles of interconnectedness and impermanence. “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” – Carl Sagan

            Rodger R Ricketts

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Preface and Chapter 1 Introduction, Of the Book, God is No-thing. The Apophatic Assertion, TheSalvation for Humankind – revised 2022

10 Feb

Preface and Chapter 1 Introduction, Of the Book, God is No-thing. The Apophatic Assertion, The
Salvation for Humankind – revised -. Copyright Rodger Ricketts Psy.D.,2022. All rights reserved.
Protected by international copyright conventions. No part of this chapter may be reproduced in any
manner whatsoever, or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, without express permission of the
Author publisher, except in case of brief quotations with due acknowledgement. Publisher
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Preface
After 40 years of active study and practice on the Buddha’s teachings and
having written four books on what I call ‘Buddha-inspired psychology,’ I
recently found a very insightful perspective that expanded what I had
learned before. The perspective is that the Buddha’s teachings are a form of
Apophatic Theology, thereby; they inherently undercut any easy attempts at
codification. The revelation of Emptiness or Sunyata with the Divine is
experienced rather than defined and categorized through limited language
descriptions. With such an emphasis on first-hand, personal experience, the
insight of intrinsic nature through Awakening runs contrary to the abstract,
‘positive’ Cataphatic theology. This book is a unique and cogent perspective
that investigates and promotes the Buddha’s teachings as a ‘negative’,
Apophatic theology.
While there are scholarly books and research articles on the topic of
Apophatic theology, very few incorporate the Buddha’s teachings and
scientific thought. In this book, I aspire to show that indeed the Buddha’s
and science’s teachings and insights can be succinctly integrated into the
Apophatic spiritual tradition that spans cultures and time. Within the larger
scope of the canons of ‘via negativa’, the Buddha’s teachings of
Nothingness or Emptiness or Sunyata and recent scientific insights are
clearly a part of the Apophatic spiritual tradition.
This revised book goes beyond what was in the first edition and instructs the
reader even more deeply about the topic. From a broad, modern perspective,
my aim is to make accessible for those who are on their own spiritual path
of personal discovery the universal teachings of the Buddha.
I have always appreciated that the Buddha taught universal truths that are
applicable everywhere and throughout time. The integration of these truths
with other teachers of Apophatic theology has affirmed my belief in this
universality. Even with my forty years of research studies, attendance of
temple retreats with monks and lay lectures and meditation practice, I have
only now found this instructive link between the Buddha’s teachings with
other teachers of the Apophatic tradition. I want to share these insights with
my fellow spiritual path voyagers. I believe they too will find it as
interesting and illuminating as I have.
Chapter One
Introduction
In the past 40 years as a clinical psychologist and student of the Buddha, I
became aware of the many similarities between the two studies. This
awareness led me to successfully integrate both in my own life and clinical
practice the benefits of combining the perspectives. As a result, I have
written four books explaining my perspective on the Buddha’s psychological
benefits for wellness and happiness.
In the past year, I learned Apophatic theology or Apophaticism. This
research introduced me to Western and other Apophatic writers resulting in
my defining the Buddha’s teachings as an example of a mystical or
Apophatic perspective.
There are clear similarities between the Buddha’s writing and Angelus
Silesius and other Apophatic theology writers. While there is some
scholarship about this similarity, unfortunately, it is rarely discussed in
either mainstream Buddhist or Christian literature. This lack of discussion
prompted me to integrate relevant aspects of my previous writings on the
Buddha’s teachings with the Apophatic perspectives and highlight what I
believe are important correspondences.
In the past, I had read some works of Christian Mystics like Meister Eckhart
and the book of the Cloud of Unknowing, but I never was specifically
introduced to the Apophatic tradition. This past year as I began to read the
Apophatic works of Angelus Silesius and Anicius Manlius Severinus
Boethius, I realized that the Buddha’s teachings could be rightly considered
Apophatic. This realization opened a new dimension of comprehension and
relevance for me about what I had written in my previous books and essays
on the Buddha’s teachings.
Apophaticism wonders how to speak about the indescribable or immanent
Existence or Absolute, instead of the common use of the pronoun or noun,
like ‘God’ or an equivalent – with its language/meaning associations or
exaggerations attached to it. The Apophatic writers prefer to use the
reference of Mysterious or No-thing. Philosopher Mulla Rajab affirmed
“…an unqualifiable and attribute-less nature of ‘God’.”
Also, philosopher Maimonides explained that ‘God’ must be free of
properties and is thus unlike anything else and indescribable. At times in my
chapters, I have used the designation of (X) instead of ‘God,’ etc., to avoid
this quandary. As the reader goes through the chapters in this book, they will
soon understand further this dilemma of designation, which is a useful
lesson in Apophatic theology.
In the following chapters, the reader will notice that I have placed emphasis
on the Buddha’s teachings throughout because I have found his ancient
teachings have the most in-depth and complete analysis of an Apophatic
training and perspective. These chapters about the Buddha’s teachings and
Apophatic writings, while not encyclopedic, are not only for intellectual
curiosity but as a living testament of truth with positive consequences not
only for the wellness and well-being of the individual but for society and the
whole Gaia. When understood and incorporated into one’s life, this is
enlightening. Clearly, in this book I inform and advocate.
To conclude, with this book’s analysis of the Apophatic, the Buddha’s
teaching and modern scientific insights, one develops a cogent scientific and
modern understanding of the inherent restrictions to fully comprehend the
mysterious nature of existence or Being. The middle way is an alternative
term for the Eightfold Path, and we do not hold extreme positions in any
way. When all words collapse into silence, we resist labeling that Wonder
with another name; therefore, we realize that we can only say ‘it is what it
is.’
Everything is impermanent and interacting with all. It is all like a flame
feeding from the original source but soon to extinguish. All form is brief and
a manifestation of the great mysterious source. Rodger R Ricketts
The student asked the teacher, ‘What is the meaning of life?’ The teacher
replied, ‘Life is the meaning. Nurture the gift of life in yourself and other
sentient beings. Support the inherent will to survive and thrive within the
natural residence of the ecosystems of existence. Be kind and wise.’ Rodger
R Ricketts

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Spirituality

25 Jan

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Spiritual Life

30 May

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Transcendental Being 

4 Jun

Karlfreid Durkheim wrote, ‘When we speak of Transcendental Being and the transforming and liberating unity of the Ground, the question inevitably arises; is it not presumptuous to inquire into that which so obviously touches the deepest mystery of life and of man, and which is beyond all rational comprehension? Indeed, such inquiry is permissible only if approached with the utmost delicacy. Even so, we should not be diffident before this great mystery that our diffidence makes us blind and deaf to essential being…. Even so, we have happily, the right to remind ourselves that the mystery of the Ground of Greater Life constantly penetrates our little personal life, with its continuous summons and its power of renewal. …Divine Being stirs in our darkness, bestowing on us, when at last the depths begin to stir and the veil of conceptualization falls, its illuminating experiences. …The Great Experience – which leads to Metanoia, to a reversal of the old life, and to a new birth- contains two elements; the experience of oneness, in the stillness of which all things are rendered down, and the encounter with the special way in which we as individual beings participate in Being as Greater Life, which drives forward with dynamic force into the ‘light of the world’. Daily Life as Spiritual Exercise

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Life is a Gift and blessing

8 Sep

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