I found myself thinking yesterday about whether or not revelation and
realization are the same and I assert they are not. Revelation is
defined as "a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way." Realization on the
other hand is defined as "the act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact." Revelation may point to a realization, but is not itself it.
Revelation is like the Aha or Eureka moment which many great scientists have experienced, but such revelation whilst giving rise to many new ways of doing things — as natural laws are revealed — hasn't to my knowledge resulted in the realization of the condition that underpins the revelation. Realization produces a state change in consciousness which is permanent and results in Sat, Chit, Ananda (joy, consciousness, bliss) as explained by those who have realized maya. Realization is more of an aah...as if it is familiar in some way.
For sure, there is revelation when Kundalini rises because there is
the direct experience of the energy, which was a complete
revelation, as I had no idea this energy resided within me. But whether this
deepens/transforms to become a realization that permanently alters consciousness depends on many factors. I
assert that the practice of being mindful is critical following a
Kundalini awakening. Continuous mindfulness or pondering on deep spiritual
questions (for example, the Zen system of koans) is mandatory in bringing about a shift of consciousness leading to realization.
Another way that revelation and realization are different is in the experiences each results in. Revelation is often accompanied by an excitement, a seeing of something new and a burning desire to tell everyone what has been revealed. Realization is an altogether more quiet affair, a kind of slipping into a state, a sense of contentment, a coming home.
Revelation is like the Aha or Eureka moment which many great scientists have experienced, but such revelation whilst giving rise to many new ways of doing things — as natural laws are revealed — hasn't to my knowledge resulted in the realization of the condition that underpins the revelation. Realization produces a state change in consciousness which is permanent and results in Sat, Chit, Ananda (joy, consciousness, bliss) as explained by those who have realized maya. Realization is more of an aah...as if it is familiar in some way.
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| Deep Blue |
Another way that revelation and realization are different is in the experiences each results in. Revelation is often accompanied by an excitement, a seeing of something new and a burning desire to tell everyone what has been revealed. Realization is an altogether more quiet affair, a kind of slipping into a state, a sense of contentment, a coming home.
