“Since the soul, according to mystic principles, can only perceive Reality in proportion as she is real, know God by becoming Godlike, it is clear that this [spiritual] birth is the initial necessity. … We have already considered the New Birth in it purely psychological aspect, as the emergence of the transcendental sense. Here its more profound and mystical side is exhibited. By a process which may indifferently be described as the birth of something new or the coming forth of something which has slept—since both these phrases are but metaphors for another and more secret operation—the eye is opened on Eternity, the self, abruptly made aware of Reality. … Then she feels in her innermost part a new presence, a new consciousness. … This change, this upsetting, is called rebirth.” ~Evelyn Underhill
True Reality and the Soul
Materialists would undoubtedly consider this nonsense. “How can only the soul, even if it exists, be the only thing that can perceive Reality?” they would reply. “I see reality every day,” the would insist. “I see my house, my car, my street, myself in the mirror. I see my wife, my kids, my dogs, I see reality just fine.” Yes, they may see reality just fine, but they don’t see true Reality at all. The difference is that what they call reality is actually illusion, while true Reality, spiritual Reality, remains hidden to them, and will always remain hidden to the senses of the physical body. Which is why Underwood, reflecting the opinions of many great spiritual teachers, says the only way to know this true and permanent Reality is through the soul. Continue reading “True Reality and the Soul”