The early task of the alchemist begins with a profound realization: what we call ‘objective’ reality is merely a construct, built upon individual experience. This recognition often emerges not through intellectual understanding, but through an initial distrust or paranoia about the nature of reality itself.
Through dedicated exploration, practitioners gradually replace the consensual view of objective reality with a more nuanced understanding that embraces subjectivity. This marks the mystical path, where direct sensory experience becomes recognized as closer to truth than conceptual frameworks about reality.
The Buddhist Model of Conditional Reality
In the model brought to us by Gautama Buddha, reality exists as a conditioned phenomenon, with one notable exception: nirvāna, which represents our ultimate destination. This model comprises three fundamental components:
- Consciousness (viññāṇa)
- Matter (rūpa)
- Mental factors supporting consciousness (cetasika)
The Forces of Conditionality
We now enter the realm of Advanced Buddhism, specifically the Abhidhamma – the higher philosophical teachings of Buddhism. Within this framework, twenty-four different types of conditions shape the interactions between mind and matter. These conditions describe the intricate relationships between elements in our model, determining how one phenomenon gives rise to another.
Understanding Karma: A Fundamental Force
Karma, just one of these twenty-four conditions, requires precise definition beyond common misconceptions. In Abhidhamma terms, karma functions as the force causing subsequent moments of awareness to arise from the current one.
The Structure of Consciousness
The Atomic Nature of Awareness
At its most fundamental level, consciousness manifests as a point-instance of awareness called the citta. Like a strobe light, these moments of consciousness arise and perish in rapid succession throughout our lives.
Two Phases of Awareness
- Active Cognition
- Consists of exactly 17 citta in sequence
- Triggered by sensory input or mental objects
- Forms the basis of what we consider thought
- Multiple processes combine to create our experience
- Background Awareness
- The unconscious foundation of experience
- Present during deep, dreamless sleep
- Known as the life continuum (bhavanga)
- Functions as the mind-door for mental objects
The Mechanism of Karma
Choice and Consequence
Karma manifests most strongly during moments of decision. These choices fall into two categories:
- Unskilled (unwholesome): Predominantly selfish choices leading to future dissatisfaction
- Skilled (wholesome): Selfless choices leading to satisfactory states
The Role of Self
The concept of self, while useful for physical survival, creates complications in consciousness. It introduces an automatic “what’s in it for me?” filter to every decision, leading to patterns of greed and aversion.
Practical Application: The Money Bag Example
Consider finding a bag of cash. This scenario illustrates how karma operates:
- The selfish choice (keeping the money) conditions future states of anxiety and unease
- The selfless choice (returning the money) conditions future states of peace and wellbeing
The Alchemical Connection
Why Karma Matters to the Alchemist
- Practical Requirements
- Solitude and peace are essential for the Work
- Harmonious relationships support practice
- Freedom from external disturbances
- Spiritual Prerequisites
- Development of samatha (tranquility)
- Achievement of jhana (meditative absorption)
- Transformation of subjective experience
The Path Forward
The transmutation of being begins with nigredo (the black phase) and progresses through albedo (whitening). This process requires both technical understanding and practical application of karmic principles.
Looking Ahead
In our next exploration, we will examine how karmic forces condition rebirth and their role in the grand cycle of samsara.
Glossary of Terms
- Abhidhamma: Advanced Buddhist philosophical teachings
- Citta: Moment of consciousness
- Bhavanga: Life-continuum consciousness
- Samatha: Meditative tranquility
- Jhana: Meditative absorption
- Nigredo: The black phase in alchemy
- Albedo: The whitening phase in alchemy
Further Reading
- “What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula (ISBN: 978-0802130310)
- “The Abhidhamma in Practice” by N.K.G. Mendis (Access to Insight)
- “Psychology and Alchemy” by C.G. Jung (ISBN: 978-0691018317)
- “The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy for Personal Transformation” by Dennis William Hauck (ISBN: 978-0140195712)
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