The “Spiritual Depths” of Human Existence: A Journey from Sleep to Awakening

The Garment of the Body and the Forgotten Truth

Humanity is the greatest enigma of the universe. We are the only beings furthest from our own true reality, yet carrying the potential to find that reality within our deepest core. As emphasized by Master Dr. Bedri Ruhselman—a pioneer of spiritual research in Turkey—in his masterpiece Spirit and the Universe, the physical body we see in the mirror is merely a temporary stop on an infinite journey.

In truth, we are not a body with a soul, but a soul with a body. The spirit is the primary and permanent reality. Earthly life and all the forms we inhabit are merely tools serving our spiritual maturation. Recognizing the physical body as just a garment worn by the soul is the first fundamental step toward the magnificent reality of existence. In this context, the Spiritual Depths of human existence must be explored, as they reveal profound truths about our nature and purpose.

The State of Deep Sleep and the Chaos of Multiple “I”s

A journey into the Spiritual Depths requires us to confront our inner selves and the barriers we have created.

Understanding the Spiritual Depths within us gives rise to a new level of awareness, guiding us through the chaos of life.

By delving into the Spiritual Depths, we uncover the multi-dimensional aspects of our being.

This exploration of the Spiritual Depths is vital for personal evolution.

As we engage in self-observation, we tap into the Spiritual Depths that reside within.

Facing our personal truths leads us to the Spiritual Depths where real change occurs.

The most striking truth underlying this deep delusion is the psychological state of modern man. As Maurice Nicoll—who compiled the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff and P.D. Ouspensky—frequently warns in his series Psychological Commentaries on the Teaching of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky; most of us live in a literal state of deep “sleep.” Humanity, in the rush of daily life, imagines it acts of its own independent will. Yet in reality, man is like a machine, tossed by the winds of external influences. The primary reason for this sleep, as highlighted in Ouspensky’s The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution, is the illusion of the “multiple ‘I’s” we carry within.

The quest for understanding the Spiritual Depths of existence enriches the human experience.

Through reincarnation, we gain insights into the Spiritual Depths that shape our journey.

Each life presents opportunities to explore the Spiritual Depths and grow.

There is no single, unshakable, or consistent “I” within us; rather, a chaos of thousands of different “I”s reigns, constantly changing, contradicting, and seizing control. Over time, our artificial “personality,” formed by education and imitation, grows so strong that our pure “essence” is imprisoned beneath its thick veil.

By aligning with our conscience, we navigate towards the Spiritual Depths of our being. (Also read: Spiritual Freedom)

Purification of emotions allows us to access the Spiritual Depths necessary for true liberation.

In moments of self-remembering, we uncover the Spiritual Depths beyond our daily distractions.

The Key to Awakening: Self-Observation

Understanding the afterlife reinforces the significance of the Spiritual Depths in our consciousness.

Through love and service, we elevate ourselves into the Spiritual Depths of existence.

Exploring the Spiritual Depths allows us to embrace the unity of our existence.

The only way out of this mechanicalness and mental chaos is the act of “knowing oneself,” which is the foundation of ancient wisdom. Master Ergün Arıkdal, in his profound work To Know Oneself, states that recognizing one’s true reality is only possible through the practice of ruthless and objective “self-observation.” This inner work is an arduous process requiring intent and supreme effort.

When a person begins to observe themselves like an impartial witness, without criticism, they start to notice their falsehoods, weaknesses, lies, and the “dark side” they refuse to accept. Although feeling one’s own insignificance and helplessness is a source of great pain for our false pride, one must dare to “die” to this false self to escape the inner prison. Our positive actions are the energies that contribute most to gaining Spiritual Depths.

The journey into the Spiritual Depths is a sacred undertaking that leads to profound transformation.

The Earth as an Evolutionary Laboratory

Doubtless, earthly life is not a place of random coincidences. As extensively detailed in Master Ergün Arıkdal’s Evolution and the Sadıklar Planı (Plan of the Loyal Ones) communications, Earth is a vast experimental school meticulously designed for souls to gain experience and consciousness. Evolution is the cosmic law through which a being gains consciousness by trial and error within material universes, attaining Spiritual Depths and perceiving the infinite power of its Creator.

However, it must be appreciated that a single, brief earthly life cannot satisfy all the evolutionary needs of the soul. This is why “reincarnation” is a universal necessity, allowing the soul to gain merit through different bodies, genders, and trials. Those who listen to the call of their own Spiritual Depths will find true fulfillment (peace).

But the lessons of this school of evolution are often harsh. As Dr. Bedri Ruhselman explored in Destiny and Requirement (Mukadderat ve İcabat), nothing in the universe is without cause; everything is strictly bound to the principle of “causality” (Karma). The suffering man endures is not a result of being a victim of blind chance, but rather necessary stimuli provided by divine law to help him see his shortcomings. Suffering is a powerful teacher that wakes the being from sleep. “Destiny” is not a pre-written fate that leaves us helpless; rather, it is the spiritual requirement of the seeds we chose to sow in the past. To grow, we must realize the importance of exploring Spiritual Depths.

Our Divine Compass: Conscience and Duty

Spiritual Depths guide us toward a deeper connection with the universe. In this challenging journey of evolution, the most magnificent spiritual compass is undoubtedly “conscience.” Conscience is not just a moral norm, but a mechanical force that ensures spiritual growth. It operates between two opposite poles: on one side is “egoism” (selfishness), seeking material satisfaction; on the other is “duty,” representing sacrifice and higher ideals. Spiritual maturation is the leap to a higher level of consciousness by choosing “duty” on the scales of conscience, thereby gaining Spiritual Depths.

From the Prison of Identification to “Self-Remembering”

Before reaching this high consciousness of duty, one must be purified of toxic emotions. Maurice Nicoll states that “identifying” with daily events and negative emotions is what drains human energy most. The moment we say “I” to an emerging jealousy or anger, we become its slave. The antidote is to live moments of sacred “Self-Remembering,” where we observe ourselves and our reactions as a calm witness.

The Afterlife (Spatyom) and Unity of Being

This evolutionary journey does not end with physical death. On the contrary, it continues in another dimension called the “Spatyom” (afterworld). Death is merely the shedding of a worn-out shell; the soul remains awake with all its memories and consciousness.

Albert Pauchard’s visions in The Other World prove that the afterlife is a subjective yet highly realistic realm where our thoughts and feelings manifest instantly. Those who were enslaved by hatred and material obsession live their own psychological hells in dark regions of confusion. In contrast, those who filled their hearts with love and service reach the radiant realms—their true home.

This reality was discovered centuries ago by the masters of Sufism. The concept of “Wahdat al-Wujud” (Unity of Being), extensively explained by the great Sufi Seyyid Muhammed Nûru’l-Arabî, is the pinnacle of spiritual unity. According to this, the only true existence in the universe belongs to the Truth (Allah); the rest of the universe is merely a manifestation of His names and attributes. Spiritual Depths are essential to understanding our journey through this life.

Conclusion: A Call to the Eternal

All these cosmic laws meet in an extraordinary synthesis in The Divine Order and the Universe (İlâhî Nizam ve Kâinat). Through this light, we understand that no being or process in the universe is haphazard. The universe is a magnificent system evolving toward the “absolute” under the supervision of the Spiritual Management Mechanism (RİM).

Ultimately, descending into the Spiritual Depths of existence is a sacred act that brings true freedom. It means slowly removing the false masks of personality we wear every day. The body is but a shadow; what is eternal is the immortal Spirit. Life is a magnificent opportunity to exalt the conscience and weave that divine pattern within us, stitch by stitch.

Happy are those who open their hearts to the call of the eternal when the sound of awakening is heard!

Join the Discussion: I invite you to share your reflections and engage with a global community of seekers on my [Medium page]. Let’s explore together

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Bibliography

Selected works used to enrich the narrative and establish the theoretical framework:

• Arıkdal, Ergün. To Know Oneself (Kendini Bilmek). Istanbul: Enstitü Publications.
• Arıkdal, Ergün. Positive Living (Pozitif Yaşam). Istanbul: Enstitü Publications.
• Arıkdal, Ergün. Essays on Spirituality (Ruhsallık Üzerine Denemeler). Istanbul: Enstitü Publications.
• Arıkdal, Ergün. Evolution (Tekâmül). Istanbul: Enstitü Publications.
• Al-Jurjani, Sayyid Sharif / Nuri al-Arabi, Sayyid Muhammad. Al-Anwar al-Muhammadiyya: Commentary on the Treatise of Existence (Wahdat al-Wujud). (Academic Translation Texts).
• Enstitü Publications (Compilation). The Communications of the Plan of the Loyal Ones (Sadıklar Planı Tebliğleri). Istanbul: Enstitü Publications.
• Nicoll, Maurice. Psychological Commentaries on the Teaching of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky (Volumes 1-5). Istanbul: Ruh ve Madde Publications.
• Ouspensky, P. D. The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution / To Know Oneself. Istanbul: Ruh ve Madde Publications.
• Ruhselman, Dr. Bedri. The Divine Order and the Universe (İlâhî Nizam ve Kâinat). Istanbul: MTİAD1950 Publishing House.
• Ruhselman, Dr. Bedri. Destiny and Requirement (Mukadderat ve İcabat). Istanbul: Ruh ve Madde Publications.
• Ruhselman, Dr. Bedri. Spirit and the Universe (Ruh ve Kâinat). Istanbul: Gayret Bookshop / Ruh ve Madde Publications.
• Ruhselman, Dr. Bedri. Among the Spirits / Spatyom (The Afterlife Realm). Istanbul: Ruh ve Madde Publications.