As we conclude our exploration of the Wayist concept of self, we find ourselves at the threshold of a deeper understanding. The multiple minds we’ve discussed — soul-minds, spirit-minds, and brain-mind — are not merely abstract concepts, but dynamic centers of consciousness that shape our experience and growth. Intriguingly, modern scientific research has identified key qualities associated with wholesomeness and happiness that align remarkably well with these different aspects of our being.
In the following section, we’ll delve into a more detailed examination of these minds and their corresponding characteristics. This framework will serve as a valuable reference point as we progress through the rest of this book, illuminating how Wayist practices and principles nurture specific aspects of our multifaceted selves. By understanding how scientifically recognized traits of well-being correlate with our various minds, we can more effectively cultivate true wholesomeness and happiness.
In the Wayist understanding of self, we recognize that our being is composed of multiple ‘minds’ or centers of consciousness, each operating in its own unique energy spectrum. Each of these minds plays a crucial role in our overall functioning and contributes uniquely to our self-awareness and personal growth. Interestingly, many of the qualities that modern science has identified as contributing to wholesomeness and happiness align with the domains of these different minds in Wayist philosophy.
Let’s explore how these scientifically recognized qualities correspond to each of our minds. It’s important to note that the areas of expertise we associate with each mind are not an exhaustive list of their functions, but rather a focused view supporting the thesis of this book — the correlation between scientifically recognized qualities and where those qualities are developed in our minds.
Remember that Butterfly Path is about evolving the soul. This involves “upgrading” soul-mind qualities to spirit-mind characteristics. For this reason, you’ll notice some qualities named in both soul-minds and spirit-minds. We must subject soul-minds to spirit-minds to evolve the soul to its highest spiritual potential.
Spirituality and Connection with the Divine: Evolving from Religion and Soul-Deities to Mystical Associations and Spirit-Deities
In the journey of spiritual evolution, we observe a profound shift from the worship of soul-deities to a deeper connection with spirit-deities. This transformation represents a significant upgrade in our spiritual understanding and practice.
Soul-deities, often associated with traditional religions, are anthropomorphized beings that reflect human qualities, both virtuous and flawed. These deities are often imagined in human form, complete with human-like emotions and behaviors. They may be depicted as engaging in conflicts with other deities, inciting followers to aggression against non-believers, and promoting tribal or exclusivist ideologies. The worship of soul-deities can sometimes lead to us-versus-them mentalities, potentially fueling division and conflict.
In contrast, spirit-deities represent a more evolved concept of the divine. These beings are characterized by their inherent beneficence and mastery over energy. They possess immense power, yet this power is never used for violence or harm. Spirit-deities respect the law of karma and do not interfere with an individual’s karmic journey. Instead, they serve as guides and companions on our spiritual path.
As we progress in our spiritual evolution, we begin to form mystical associations with these spirit-deities. This involves a shift from external worship to internal connection. We learn to walk with our spirit guides on the Butterfly Path, evolving our souls towards a spiritual state. The ultimate goal of this journey is to become one with these beneficent immortals, embodying their qualities of wisdom, helpful loving-kindness, energy work skills, and non-violent beneficence.
This spiritual upgrade represents a move towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and enlightened understanding of the divine. It encourages personal growth, harmony with others, and a deeper connection with the universal consciousness. By aligning ourselves with spirit-deities, we cultivate a spirituality that is both deeply personal and universally connected, fostering wholeness and true happiness.
The scientifically understood qualities of “happy people” are now listed, alongside the mind that specialize in that skill.
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Energy ecology – sensitive to social intelligence, living in harmony with others and beings in nature, knowing otherwise unobserved realities of others
Sense of spiritual purpose of life (reprogramming the lower two chakras, upgrading from religion)
Ajna (Third Eye Chakra, spirit-mind)
Spirituality and direct connection with the Divine and the spirit realm
Awe
Energy hygiene
Empathy
Prayer and connection with a Divine Tara
Higher-self energy work at a high level
Vishuddhi (Throat Chakra, spirit-mind)
Converts knowledge to Wisdom
Clarity and direction
Resilience
Sense of meaning
Critical thinking and discernment
Open-mindedness and perspective
Fairness
Humility
Prudence
Intimacy
Mystic meditation
Self-Knowledge, self-craft, personal growth (upgrade from Manipura)
Anahata (Heart Chakra, bridge between soul and spirit, higher-self)
Courage – we learn self-sacrificing altruism, a quality only the kindest and most evolved of animals display
Humanity – we learn to transcend tribe, ethnicity, and type
Love – we learn of different kinds of love beyond what soul-people and other animals naturally have
Social Intelligence – starting with loving-kindness and acceptance, we become more intelligent
Beauty – we are free to admire the beauties in nature, people, and life
Gratitude – this is the higher-self version of gratitude that is prevalent in Muladhara
Self-Acceptance – we actually do like ourselves
Benign humor
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra, soul-mind, lower-self):
Love of knowledge, inquisitiveness, and curiosity
Persistence
Appreciation of beauty and excellence
Leadership
Self-regulation
Udbhu-kanti (contentment with simplicity)
Meditation
Lower-self energy work
Ego comes into full potential
Self-respect and self-worth
Self-reflection and personal growth (upgrade to spiritual one day, via Vishuddhi)
Sense of meaning and clarity of direction (upgrade to spiritual one day, via Vishuddhi)
Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra, soul-mind, lower-self)
Zest for Life
Playfulness (not video games or watching sport, those are anti-playfulness)
Emotional liberation (severing energy bonds; also known as forgiveness in the West)
Joy is essential – soul-like joy upgrades to higher-self values
Sense of purpose (self-sense, spiritual upgrade via Sahasrara)
Open-mindedness and perspective (spiritual upgrade via Vishuddhi)
When religious, soul-people identify through this ego-mind. When spiritual, spirit-people develop a spiritual identity and sense of purpose and belonging through this spirit-ego.
Muladhara (Root Chakra, soul-mind, lower-self)
Bravery
Hope
Sense of purpose, foundation
Resilience
Belonging: Race, tribe, nationality, ethnicity and organized religion with tribalistic soul-type deities. Or for spirit-people, understanding oneself as becoming a family member of a higher class of being, and all humans are on that Path in this school (some will graduate, others will choose to not graduate)
Brain-mind (body-mind)
When empowered by other minds, this mind computes probabilities and is therefore a crucial partner in critical thinking, and self-awareness, and crunching data from sensory observations in every-day life.
The human complex can usually remain alive with this brain incapacitated (coma, sleep, dementia, etc.) but for our soul-spirit self, the conditions of living the human experience are less than ideal. Often, we just go along to Paradise to await a new incarnation.
Organs-mind (body-mind, group-mind of organs)
Organs react to different higher-self stressors. For example, lovesickness and melancholy can, in fact, be lethal for the organic body.
Dharmic dissonance happens when a person goes against its own principles. It is a Vishuddhi-mind stressor. It affects several organs and the cycle of sickness starts from there. It shows on the skin, scalp, and postural framework. If chronic, it can lead to depleted immune system and chronic ailments.
Microbiome-mind (body-mind, group mind of external and internal microbiome)
Triggers and precursors of several “happiness hormones”. Hypersensitive and responsive to spirit-minds stressors.
Digestive mind, and nutrient conversion. Hypersensitive to soul-minds and organ-minds stressors.
Consider what happens when toxic food intake (hangover, bad fish tacos, other toxins) trigger the microbiome-mind. The brain, lower-self and higher-self, all become incapacitated. Consider for example, what happens when eczema or neuropathy covers just one organ, the skin. The entire human complex, including intelligence of the brain, must take a back seat or shut down. While philosophers and psychologists talk lofty ideals about wholesomeness and brain-mind superiority and happiness, truth is, when the microbiome-mind is unhappy, nobody shall be happy. It can bring about insanity as easy as it can bring happiness and contentment.
This framework provides a comprehensive map of our inner landscape, illustrating how different aspects of our being contribute to our overall wholesomeness and happiness. It’s important to note that while each mind has its primary functions, they all work in harmony, supporting and influencing each other.
By cultivating awareness of these different minds and their characteristics, we can
Identify areas of strength and potential growth in our personal development.
Understand the source of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors more clearly.
Develop a more balanced approach to self-improvement, ensuring we’re not neglecting any crucial aspects of our being.
Appreciate the complexity of our inner world and the interconnectedness of our various aspects.
Tailor our spiritual practices to address specific areas we wish to develop or balance.
As we progress on our Wayist journey, this understanding of our multiple minds serves as a valuable tool for deepening our self-awareness and guiding our personal growth.
It reminds us that we are multifaceted beings, capable of great depth and complexity, and that true wholesomeness comes from nurturing and harmonizing all aspects of our self.