I put my winter clothes and jackets in the topmost portion of my built-in cabinet. While doing so, I accidentally got some dust in my eyes, which was quite bothersome. So, in order to induce tears and wash away the dust, I blew hape into my left and right nostrils. Suddenly, I felt inspired to write an article about this experience and the thoughts that came to mind.
Let me first explain what hape, or rapé, is. It is a sacred tobacco preparation from the Amazon rainforest, traditionally prepared by shamans. For thousands of years, it has been regarded by some Indigenous communities as a healing medicine used for various purposes. Because it is considered sacred, it is traditionally treated with respect.
When someone feels that their energy is heavy, experiences mental fog, confusion, anxiety, or emotional distress, or simply needs to feel more grounded and calm, some people use this medicine as a tool to help shift their state of mind. The effects can feel immediate. A person may feel more grounded within seconds. However, it can also induce tears, vomiting, burping, bowel movements, or salivation, depending on the individual. Within certain traditions, these reactions may be interpreted as the release of “panema,” or negative energy and blockages trapped in the body.
After releasing these sensations, a person may feel relieved or relaxed, or may experience a sudden realization that becomes consciously apparent. That is what happened to me today.
However, I am not entirely sure what prompted me to use it this time—not for any particular “sacred” reason, but perhaps because a thought wanted to emerge into my conscious mind. Or perhaps that is simply what I want to believe.
Back to my thought.
“The World Is So Neutral”
We all have inherited beliefs that are sustained by society and shaped by external influences. Later in life, especially as our prefrontal cortex fully develops, we become more capable of choosing what we want to believe.
During a meditation retreat I attended last year, I reached what was called the “Banga” state. It was a state in which I felt as though I had no body, no mind, no self at all—only consciousness. It was considered an important state because, in the deepest calmness of the mind, one can experience firsthand what feels like nothingness.
In nothingness, there is no right or wrong.
In nothingness, there is only peace.
In nothingness, the world is a blank canvas.
In nothingness, you are simply existing, and somehow, that feels enough.
In nothingness, nothing really matters except your breathing—except your existence.
You are not measured by your productivity, your money, your performance, your status, or who you are before someone decides whether you deserve respect.
In nothingness, you are simply you, and that is more than enough.
In this modern world, you can be anything. You can aspire to become the most successful businessperson. You can aspire to travel the world. You can acquire wealth and properties. Many people have chosen these paths, and many have succeeded.
These goals give meaning to their lives. They give them a reason to wake up every day and something to look forward to.
However, in a broader sense, these things do not necessarily mean anything beyond the meaning we personally give them. Their significance is deeply personal and may not provide the same satisfaction to the person sitting right beside us.
Perhaps because these things are material and tangible, they can certainly help others. But the satisfaction and meaning behind those efforts remain deeply personal.
The same is true of perception.
If you believe in something, then that belief becomes your reality. You can create your own.
The world is a blank canvas. If you believe something that somebody tells you, then that thing can become true in your mind, regardless of whether it is objectively true.
The value of everything depends on one’s perception. But in the grand scheme of things, perhaps none of it has inherent meaning. Perhaps it is all an illusion.
This world is built on illusions.
The illusion of success.
The illusion of love.
The illusion of beauty.
The illusion of greatness.
The illusion of power.
And people work hard for these illusions.
However, on a larger scale of life, perhaps those things mean nothing.
When enough people agree upon the same illusions, they become what we call “reality.”
I have often heard the word “normalize” over the past few years.
People say that certain habits or perceptions that seem “good” should become normal within society.
But who can truly judge whether something is “good” or “bad”?
Perhaps something is considered good in the present, yet it may create two or more problems in the future. We can already see this pattern throughout human history.
So, who can really determine what is good or bad?
Perhaps these concepts are all illusions.
So, what is really my point?
Perhaps it is this:
You create your own illusion.
Because this world is a blank canvas, perhaps you should simply focus on your own canvas. It is neither right nor wrong.
If I may confuse you further, chasing these illusions can build the ego, while enlightenment is found in nothingness. But who cares about enlightenment?
According to Buddhist teachings, the Buddha said that only once you reach the first stage of awakening—becoming free from the view of a permanent self-identity, doubt about the effectiveness of the path, and attachment to rites and rituals—you are no longer destined for rebirth in the lower realms. You are also said to be at most seven lifetimes away from enlightenment.
That path is so narrow.
It is very difficult to let go of the self when the world has been telling us, from birth, to build something out of ourselves.
So, well, see you all in the next lifetime.
Of course, that is a Buddhist belief. I am simply sharing it. Believe what you choose. 🙂
I will end this article with this statement:
Whatever you choose to paint on your canvas, make sure it makes you happy.
-G.A.