Chapter 5 Decartes’ Dualism

“I contemplate; therefore I am,” using the word “contemplate” as equivalent to the stage of Samadhi, introduces a profound shift in perspective from Descartes’ original proposition. By focusing on contemplation in this context, we emphasize a state of being that transcends the limitations of analytical thought and touches upon the essence of consciousness in its purest form. This perspective aligns with the core principles of mindfulness, the Practice of the Presence, and the concept of the Antahkarana, offering a holistic view of existence in the Eternal Present.

5.1 Contemplation as Samadhi

In equating contemplation with Samadhi, we suggest that true self-awareness and understanding arise not from the intellectual process of thinking but from a deep, meditative immersion in the present moment. This state of contemplation or Samadhi represents a consciousness fully aligned with the here and now, unfiltered by the ego’s interpretations or the mind’s chatter. It’s a direct experience of one’s true nature, unobstructed by past recollections or future anticipations.

Beyond Thinking to Being

Descartes’ affirmation “I think, therefore I am” places thinking at the center of existence, implying that one’s identity and reality are contingent upon the capacity for thought. While groundbreaking in its time, this view can be seen as limiting the scope of human existence to the realm of mental activity alone. The revised proposition shifts the focus from thinking to being, suggesting that true existence and self-recognition emerge from a state of deep contemplation or connection with the present moment, beyond the confines of thought.

5.2 The Practice of the Presence

The revised “I contemplate; therefore I am” resonates with the Practice of the Presence and mindfulness by emphasizing continuous, conscious awareness of the present moment as the key to understanding and experiencing our true selves. These practices advocate for a lived experience of the Eternal Present, where one is fully engaged with the immediacy of being, free from the distractions of the mind. By entering a state of contemplation or Samadhi, one embodies the essence of these spiritual practices, fostering a profound sense of unity with all existence.

The Antahkarana and the Eternal Present

The Antahkarana, or the bridge of light, symbolizes the connection between the individual and the higher self or divine consciousness. The reinterpretation of Descartes’ dictum through the lens of contemplation and Samadhi reflects the bridging of this gap, facilitating a direct encounter with one’s true self in the Eternal Present. This connection transcends temporal limitations, offering a glimpse into the timeless nature of our existence where the true self resides.

The statement “I contemplate, therefore I am” captures the essence of a spiritual awakening that transcends intellectualization, grounding one’s sense of being in the eternal, undivided state of contemplation or Samadhi. This perspective invites a deeper exploration of existence, encouraging a direct, experiential understanding of the self beyond the confines of thought, in alignment with the principles of mindfulness, the Practice of the Presence, and the spiritual construction of the Antahkarana.