A view of my intrapersonal map

So, today I am moved to enter a few words on the topic of planes of awareness and the day-to-day functioning of our (my) mental system. There clearly exists a level/plane of awareness that rides above, is stored below and reframes our ordinary (waking) state(s) of consciousness. The detailed descriptions and running commentary that exudes from the mind most of the time becomes subsumed and is subordinate to this cleaner, higher, steadier state of calm mind. I am absolutely certain that most of the Zaadz community members are able to relate to such a state. To some it is their "religious" experience - on rare occasions yielding an epiphany (ah-ha!!!). For others, it is a state of clarity predicated on a meditative state, or other "nirvana-like" phenomenon. Sometimes a person may say that "God spoke to me" - thus creating this super-conscious state. For now, for me, I would like to frame this plane of awareness in a somewhat less dramatic, though equally enriching state of mind. I base most of my language-based communication on physiological, biological, chemical and psycho-neurological terminology and constructs. That said, I frame this type of experience from the perspective of state-dependent memory, (as well as state-dependent learning), and the architectural neural organization of maps. Now, I cannot separate any experience I have from the states of mind I have cultivated through three decades of practicing Nichiren Buddhism. This includes repeatedly chanting the phrase "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo", and reciting from the 2nd and 16th chapters of the "Lotus Sutra" preached by the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni (Gautama). The version we utilize was translated from the Sanskrit language in which it was recorded years after Shakyamuni's death in the Buddhist Cannon, to Chinese by the exceptional Chinese Buddhist scholar, Kumarajiva. Kumarajiva traveled across the country and through repeated dialogues with the people over a period of years, wrote a living translation of the Lotus Sutra which captured the greater meaning it expressed to the hearts of the people. The practice also includes studying the original writings - letters of Nichiren Daishonin written to his disciples in the 13th century Japan. These letters (referred to as "Gosho") explain the way we can practice this Buddhism amid the realities of daily life. It can be noted that 13th century Japan was a time of horrific events for the people and death and disasters were all too common. The third component of our Buddhist practice involves engaging with society in dialogues and discussions on life and sharing this life-philosophy with others. It is a practice for both self and other, and explains that "faith equals daily life". We each strive to find practical applications within our field of endeavor and sphere of influence, hoping to bring a sound philosophy to the multitude of suffering individuals living with us in this age of confusion. So, all that said; I wish to share that these experiences of mental clarity cause the concerns and issues of my daily life to subside as they become submerged under a greater state of mind that corresponds to the reawakening of my greater Self. This Buddhism posits the existence of two Selves; the lesser Self (Shoga -Jp) and "Taiga" - the greater Self. It is my identity with my greater Self that opens the state of mind I attempt to describe here. In other words, what emerges as consciousness is mutually dependent with the Greater Self, which in essence, is our Essence - One, the same for and within all -Integral. I bring this up today because earlier, during my morning prayers, this state opened again for me, and with the medium of Zaadz, I have found a genuinely receptive gathering of seeking minds, among whom I am proud to be affiliated. I wish nothing more than I wish for each individual to be able to attain the highest state of life, full of joy and value. I invite all interested readers to join my pod, "Attaining Enlightenment in this Life" and share your personal visions, ideas, and experiences on this planet. We are all Buddhas and we were all born to become happy. From the bottom of my heart, I extend my utmost and most sincere thanks for the time you have spent reading this, and I look forward to becoming your friend here at Zaadz - in the land of Gaia. Bows, jabuddha..