Another revisited topic:
Are hell, heaven, and purgatory real?
Yes, we can definitely say they are…. if we see them as reflecting states and process of the mind.
Hell reflects a hellish state of mind. The mind experiences something and tells itself it’s hell. It may be caught in beliefs about a situation, state, or emotion. And it gets caught in blind reactivity to it which is experienced as hellish and may look like getting caught in anger, despair, grief, vengefulness, justification, self-pity, and much more.
Heaven can reflect two different things. One is similar to hell. The mind experiences a pleasant state and tells itself it’s good, it’s so good it’s heaven. It’s heavenly. Another is when the mind is able to notice and allow what’s here, whatever it is. It’s a certain equanimity or contentment, independent of the particular content of experience.
Purgatory is any time an unloved or unquestioned part of ourselves is met in a way that allows for healing. It can happen through noticing and allowing it as is. Or, for instance, inquiring into it. It may be uncomfortable. It can feel like torment. It can feel overwhelming. And yet, because of how it’s met – with some noticing, allowing, respect, and patience – it’s ultimately healing. It’s purifying and can bring us to heaven.
So if someone asks me if I believe in heaven, hell, or purgatory, I’ll say yes. But it’s a heaven, hell, and purgatory that’s right here and we can explore for ourselves right now. We don’t need to wait until we die.
…..
…..
…..
Initial notes….
- Hell, purgatory, heaven
- states of mind + processes
- hell
- hellish state of mind
- caught up in reactive anger, grief etc. – created by believing thoughts
- if just the emotions, then not hell
- heaven
- same as hell, states of mind the mind likes
- or, equanimity, more clarity, allowing + noticing (contentment)
- purgatory
- any time meet unloved, unquestioned parts of ourselves in a way that allows for healing
- e.g. noticing + allow, inquiry
- unpleasant but healing
- any time meet unloved, unquestioned parts of ourselves in a way that allows for healing
- ….