Not Two

"Not Two" 153 x 183 cm oil on canvas, 2013

Not Two, not one but the positionless position. Really we are dwelling in the one absolute reality and we are that. I can say that this painting was completed during a time of an apparent unveiling of the illusion of separation. I was pointed to this truth rather effortlessly one day in my studio, through some self-inquiry. It became very clear that every object (including my body) had always appeared with "me" at the same time in the same perceived space. Therefore the body/mind is not and has never been the subject of my experience, it is an object that appears and disappears like all the others. All phenomena arise with the light of pure knowing, call this Presence, God, the Source, Consciousness, it doesn't really matter as it's wholly indescribable. That pure Presence is omnipresent and everything is appearing within "that", is permeated by "that" as one boundless, seamless happening. On apparently "seeing" this, there was just a sense of "knowing" on a deep level and then a kind of relaxation. A visit to the local park, sure enough...one thing happening, no separation....no worries just another day. Life is so mysterious.  Pondering the Zen saying..."Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water, after enlightenment, chop wood carry water", there is no big firework display just a recognition that life simply carries on.