Though called many things in different settings and disciplines, the factor of relation is a macrocosmic principle. In this context, that principle is called antahkarana. Simply, relation is the connection between two terminal points. Yet, and importantly so, each point conditions the connection or relation. Relation, then, is a current – an electrical or energy current – running between two people or two points.
If our terminal point of is that of agitation, then we cannot easily connect with peace or connect in a non-agitated way. If our end is open and receptive, then we can connect with more of what is present; more options from us and for us are possible. We can also give more more freely. This is like being a radio wave versus a bolt of lightning. Lightning is not negative. The challenge with relating to lightning is that we, a tree, or a house are not easily able to receive all that it has to give.
Understanding that relation (antahkarana) is used all through the day and in many ways facilitates our effort as we meditatively cultivate antahkarana in order to generate refined and sustained states of meditation and awareness. As we are interacting with anyone or anything (the sky, a traffic light, a dog), we are using the principle of interaction-relation which is antahkarana. Grow awareness of it in common experiences and the principle will be more vibrant in the meditative experience.
Podcast: Relation-Connection: Antahkarana 4
Thank you for this wonderful and potent meditation which struck a deep chord within..I have difficulty verbalising the experience however am left with a general impression that the breath itself contains an innate longing for connection reaching out vertically and horizontally and in so doing the ‘commonplace’ is somehow transformed and imbued with a renewed vibrancy/presence…When I opened my eyes after meditation it seemed the tree outside my window was an extension of that presence..
In appreciation…
Hi Anna,
Thank you for verbalizing the sublime nature of your experience. Yes. One could say that breath is the experience of Presence, the tell-tale sign of its vibrancy, and the genesis of directionality. Breath is the essence of pure Being. That nameless essence is called variously in spiritual and metaphysical traditions but all the meditator needs know that true breathing reveals pure Being. As the truth of Being, one looks out and all is the flawless “extension of that presence.” So glad you experienced the meditation and presence.