Perennial philosophy
“The Perennial Philosophy is not a particular doctrine or ideology, but rather a view of the basic structure of all spiritual paths...The great wisdom traditions of humanity, East and West, ancient and modern, all agree that the highest reality is one unchanging Spirit or Consciousness that underlies the universe and our very being. All agree that this ultimate reality can be directly experienced by the individual, and that this experience leads to a profound liberation from suffering.”
- Ken Wilber
Perennial philosophy refers to a universal and unchanging truth that underlies all spiritual teachings and traditions. When you search with an open mind and heart for the truth underlying this existence, you will inevitably find perennial philosophy as did many before you.
It emphasizes the idea that there is unity and interconnectedness between all things, and that the ultimate goal of life is to realize this unity and attain a state of spiritual enlightenment in the process. The teachings of the perennial philosophy have been embraced by many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sufism, and Christianity. Or rather we could say that all of these traditions are constructed upon the perennial philosophy.
The concept of perennial philosophy was popularized by the British author and philosopher Aldous Huxley, who believed that there was a basic unanimity of outlook among the great mystical traditions of the world. Huxley argued that while the specific beliefs and practices of these traditions may vary, they all emphasize the nature of ultimate reality, the means of liberation from suffering and ignorance, and the practices leading to the direct experience of the divine.
His book eponymous “Perennial Philosophy” is one that explores the topic very deeply, I really like it and I can only recommend it if you want a deeper perspective.
“Throughout the centuries, in spite of differences of detail, there has been a basic unanimity of outlook among the great mystical traditions of the world. All have been concerned with the same things: the nature of ultimate reality, the means of liberation from suffering and ignorance, the practices leading to the direct experience of the divine.“
- Aldous Huxley
The teachings of the perennial philosophy emphasize the idea that there is a fundamental truth and wisdom that exists at the core of all spiritual traditions. This truth is often described as a “transcendent reality” that stands above - or underneath - cultural and historical boundaries and provides a path to spiritual realization and liberation. The perennial philosophy teaches that this truth can be experienced directly by individuals through practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and ethical behavior.
One of the key principles of the perennial philosophy is the belief in non-duality, which holds that there is no separation between the individual self and the ultimate reality. This belief is often expressed through the idea that material reality is an illusion that must be transcended to experience reality’s true nature. Players need to realize that they are playing a very sophisticated game, but a game nonetheless.
Regarding specific practices and beliefs, the teachings of the perennial philosophy can vary significantly between different spiritual traditions. For example, Hinduism places a great emphasis on the practice of yoga and the realization of the self as identical to the ultimate reality, while Buddhism emphasizes the practice of mindfulness and the attainment of enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
No matter the approach, it always comes dome to three things - leading a virtuous life, acquiring knowledge, and practicing persistently.
Despite these differences, the underlying goal and core principles of the perennial philosophy remain the same. The perennial philosophy teaches that there is timeless wisdom that transcends cultural and historical boundaries and that this wisdom provides a path to spiritual realization and truth. By recognizing the unity and interconnectedness of all things and working to attain a state of spiritual enlightenment, individuals can move beyond the cycle of suffering and experience the true nature of reality.
That is what we call awakening.