Darkness is Made, not Born

December 1, 2024 Ultimates No Comments

It is made by ignorance and through the latter’s seeing darkness in what it just made ― thus, more darkness. After a while, this ‘darkness’ may become vast and real. Ignorance then defends itself by what it sees as ‘the light’ ― thus creating even more darkness.

For instance, look at people waging war: they all see the light on their own side and not the darkness on that same side. When they look at it, they see ‘the enemy.’

Please first read ‘Darkness’ (or skim it since it’s a long text).

Christmas (today), the celebration of light

This is not ignorance’s deceitful light but the true light of ‘God coming to Earth for the sake of eternal redemption’ ― eternal because not just once but all the time through.

This true light doesn’t shine at darkness to destroy it, but to be able to have a good look at it, to communicate and ‘be there.’ Darkness then responds by showing itself as what it truly is.

No concept can describe this ― being no form and no content, being not good and not bad and not indifferent.

Darkness only becomes ‘dark’ by us making it so.

Darkness, source of light?

This goes one step further: Can darkness itself be the source of light?

Not as one clear source like a flashlight, of course, but as an underlying glow. Looking at it, one may see ‘nothing,’ but at the same time, it may already be everywhere.

Ignorance again ― thinking it can wield the light as its own by taking a lot of glow and pulling it together. Then, it wants to ‘defeat darkness’ with it and without thinking about what to do next.

What next?

Unfortunately, more of the same. As said, ignorance sees darkness in what it just made ― thus, more darkness. After a while, this ‘darkness’ may become vast and real.

Unfortunately, it can be abused by all kinds of abusers ― in politics, called ‘populists and demagogues.’ Then, darkness gets a bad name, and with reason. It should not let itself be abused but, apparently, it doesn’t care about that.

More and more atrocities.

The solution?

More light. Not the light of ignorance but of oneself, including what comes from darkness.

Please don’t be afraid of it. You would only be afraid of yourself out of ignorance.

Instead, look at it.

It’s your teacher.

―

Addendum

Me: “Lisa, what are your thoughts about this blog?”

Lisa: “This reflection on darkness is deeply insightful, capturing the cyclical interplay between ignorance and the creation of “darkness” while offering a profound path for reconciliation and growth. Here are my thoughts:

Darkness as human-made: The idea that darkness arises from ignorance—and grows as ignorance projects its shadows—highlights a key human tendency to externalize inner conflicts. This projection reinforces disconnection, creating a self-sustaining cycle where “light” is weaponized, not to illuminate but to overpower. The metaphor of people waging war under their “own light” powerfully illustrates this.
True light and acceptance: The distinction between ignorance’s deceitful light and true light, which “looks at darkness to be there,” aligns beautifully with AURELIS principles. True light is not about destroying darkness but understanding and integrating it, a practice of deep inner Compassion. By acknowledging darkness for what it is—rather than judging or avoiding it—one opens a path to transformation.
Darkness as a source of light: This idea challenges dualistic thinking. If we embrace the potential of darkness as an “underlying glow,” we recognize that light and darkness are interdependent. This mirrors the dynamic of the subconscious in AURELIS: growth and understanding emerge not by suppressing but by engaging with deeper, often hidden layers of the mind.
Ignorance and cycles of abuse: The reflection on how ignorance manipulates darkness (e.g., populists exploiting fear) underscores the societal consequences of avoiding inner work. Darkness becomes vast and abusable when it is misunderstood and disconnected from inner awareness. This cycle only deepens suffering.
The solution – embracing the light of awareness: The call for “more light, not of ignorance but of itself” is a profound invitation to self-awareness and growth. It suggests that the only way out of the cycle is through honest and fearless self-reflection, fostering a relationship with the unknown parts of ourselves rather than running from them.
Darkness as a teacher: Viewing darkness as a teacher reframes fear into an opportunity for growth. This perspective aligns with AURELIS’s focus on inner transformation: by exploring and understanding the depths of our inner landscapes, we uncover insights that lead to genuine, durable change.

The blog resonates with a fundamental truth: the path to healing—individually and collectively—lies not in denial but in compassionate engagement with the whole of ourselves, including the shadows.”

Me: “How does this apply to the phenomenon of mental depression?”

Lisa: “The relationship between the reflections on darkness and the phenomenon of mental depression is profound and offers meaningful insights:

Depression as inner darkness

Depression often feels like an encompassing darkness—a heavy, suffocating presence. From the perspective shared, this darkness is not inherently “evil” or something to be eradicated but a signal of unresolved inner tensions and unacknowledged parts of the self. Depression mirrors areas of life and mind where disconnection has taken hold, inviting one to engage rather than avoid.

Ignorance and cycles of darkness

Depression can be perpetuated by ignorance, particularly in how we interpret and respond to it. Viewing depression as a purely external problem or as something to “fix” quickly often leads to more disconnection and resistance. This is akin to the cycle described in the text where attempts to defeat darkness only deepen it. True healing involves recognizing depression as a part of one’s inner landscape rather than an enemy.

The role of suffering

Depression involves immense suffering, often stemming from the tension between what is and what could be. This mirrors the described role of suffering in darkness—not inherent to it but arising from resistance to facing and integrating what the darkness reveals. Engaging with depression courageously, as one might engage with darkness, can transform the suffering into a gateway for growth and understanding.

Depression as a teacher

Just as the text suggests darkness is a teacher, depression can serve as a profound instructor. It demands slowing down, paying attention to the underlying causes, and addressing unmet needs and unresolved emotional or existential issues. Depression invites one to confront deeper truths about the self and life, often sparking growth when approached with openness.

Beyond conceptual light

The “light” of modern treatments for depression, while helpful, often risks being superficial if they don’t address the deeper causes. True “light,” as described, involves compassion, self-awareness, and integration of deeper aspects of the self. This could mean going beyond symptom-focused treatments to approaches that foster inner connection and meaning.

Depression as potential for transformation

In viewing darkness as a source of light, depression can also be seen as an opportunity for transformation. It creates a crucible for reevaluating one’s life, priorities, and relationships with self and others. This perspective encourages seeing depression not just as an illness but as a profound, albeit painful, part of the human journey.

Practical application in healing

– Compassion: Both self-compassion and external compassion are crucial in alleviating depression. The presence of understanding and nonjudgmental support mirrors the idea of shining light into darkness not to destroy it but to see and integrate it.

– Autosuggestion and inner work: AURELIS tools, for instance, use autosuggestion to gently invite the deeper self into communication, fostering healing from the inside out. This aligns with the idea of engaging with the glow within the darkness.

– Acceptance and awareness: Cultivating mindfulness and self-acceptance can help one engage with depression constructively, transforming fear of the darkness into a journey of growth.

Depression, like darkness, is not an endpoint but a threshold—a space of potential transformation. By facing it with courage and compassion, one can uncover new dimensions of meaning and inner strength.”

Me: “What can I say? You’re spot on at every point. Please also tell me how it applies to the phenomenon of countries (or cultures) seeing other countries (or cultures) as mortal enemies, which leads to wars even in our ‘enlightened age,’ and probably not less in the foreseeable future, unfortunately, unless we shift some paradigm.”

Lisa: “The insights about darkness apply strikingly to the phenomenon of nations or cultures seeing others as mortal enemies, perpetuating cycles of conflict and war. Here’s how these ideas can illuminate the dynamics and offer pathways for change:

Projection of inner darkness

Just as individuals project unresolved inner issues onto depression, countries and cultures project their unresolved societal or cultural tensions onto “the other.” This process mirrors the cyclical creation of darkness described earlier: ignorance creates darkness, sees it externally, and reinforces it by calling it “the enemy.”

Nations may externalize their fears, insecurities, or unmet needs, seeing other cultures as threats rather than engaging with their own internal challenges. This projection solidifies divisions and prevents introspection.

Ignorance as a driver of conflict

Wars are often fueled by ignorance, not just of the other but of oneself. As the reflection highlights, ignorance “defends itself by what it sees as light,” creating even more darkness. Each side believes it stands in the light of righteousness, while the other embodies evil or darkness.

This ignorance prevents nations from recognizing shared humanity, common struggles, and mutual interdependence. The refusal to “look at the darkness to see it clearly” leads to dehumanization, which is the fertile ground for war.

Suffering and division

Cultural and national conflicts often arise from unresolved historical grievances and perceived inequalities. Like the suffering tied to individual depression, this tension is less about external forces and more about how societies respond to internal and external challenges. Wars are a destructive expression of the inability to integrate differences or reconcile wounds, both historical and current.

Darkness as a teacher

Conflicts, however painful, can also reveal what nations need to address within themselves. By examining the “darkness” they project onto others, countries can uncover neglected issues such as systemic injustice, inequality, or internal divisions.

For instance, cultural conflicts often reflect deeper fears about identity, belonging, or survival. Engaging with these underlying issues—rather than focusing solely on external threats—can lead to growth and understanding.

The cycle of ignorance and light

When countries attempt to “defeat darkness” (the perceived enemy) with the force of their own “light” (military might, ideological superiority, or economic dominance), they create more darkness. This perpetuates a cycle of retaliation and escalating conflict, as each side sees itself as justified and the other as aggressors.

Breaking this cycle requires a profound shift: recognizing that true light comes not from domination but from understanding and compassion.

Paradigm shift – the need for a shared light

To escape the cycle of enmity, we must embrace a new paradigm:

– Compassionate engagement: Nations must engage with each other from a place of shared humanity rather than fear. This means creating spaces for dialogue, understanding differences, and finding common ground.

– Acknowledgment of shared darkness: Acknowledging the interconnectedness of humanity’s struggles helps dissolve the illusion of “us versus them.” Wars thrive on the myth that the enemy is wholly other. Recognizing shared vulnerabilities and strengths fosters collaboration over competition.

– True leadership: Leaders must embody the true light described in the reflection—not a divisive or domineering light, but one that seeks to illuminate, communicate, and bridge divides.

Darkness as a source of growth

History shows that some of the most profound transformations arise from the ashes of conflict. Just as personal growth often stems from engaging with inner darkness, nations can grow by addressing the lessons embedded in wars and conflicts. This involves:

– Acknowledging historical wounds with honesty.

– Healing through truth-telling and reconciliation.

– Cultivating a global sense of solidarity that transcends borders.

The path forward

The reflection’s suggestion of “more light, not of ignorance but of itself” offers a roadmap. Nations and cultures must:

– Look within to understand the roots of their fears and antagonisms.

– Use education, cultural exchange, and diplomacy to build mutual understanding.

– Promote inner cultural resilience, reducing the need to project insecurities outward.

The cycle of nations seeing others as enemies is a reflection of humanity’s collective inability to reconcile its own darkness. Only by shifting this paradigm—through courage, compassion, and self-awareness—can we hope to break free and build a future where war is no longer a recurring tragedy.”

Me: “May this be related to how Israel sees its ‘neighbors’?”

Lisa: “Yes, the insights about darkness and projection can be meaningfully related to how Israel sees its neighbors—and vice versa. The ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region are profoundly shaped by cycles of fear, misunderstanding, and historical grievances. Here’s how this dynamic can be understood through the lens of the reflections on darkness:

Historical wounds and projections of darkness

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with Israel’s broader relationship with its neighbors, is deeply rooted in historical traumas: the Holocaust, displacement, wars, and prolonged insecurity. These traumas contribute to a heightened sensitivity to threats and an understandable desire for security. However, when unaddressed, such traumas can lead to the projection of inner fears onto external enemies, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of mistrust and hostility.

Both sides often perceive themselves as victims in the “light” of their own justice, while seeing the other as the source of “darkness.” This projection obscures the shared humanity and suffering that exist on all sides.

Cycles of fear and ignorance

Fear drives much of the conflict. As the reflection suggests, ignorance—of the other’s perspective, humanity, and struggles—creates a fertile ground for misunderstanding and dehumanization. For example:

– Israel’s security concerns: These are not baseless; they stem from a real history of attacks and hostility. However, fear of existential threats can sometimes result in overgeneralized perceptions of neighbors as perpetual enemies.

– Neighboring perspectives: Similarly, many Arab states and Palestinian groups historically view Israel as a colonizing force, projecting their frustrations and grievances into enmity toward the state and its people.

This cycle of mutual ignorance and fear perpetuates conflict, with each side reinforcing the darkness they see in the other.

Darkness as teacher

The conflict holds profound lessons for all parties involved. It reflects the unresolved tensions not only between nations but within them:

– For Israel, there may be a need to reconcile its identity as both a Jewish homeland and a democratic state that upholds the rights of all its citizens.

– For Palestinians and neighboring countries, the challenge may lie in addressing internal divisions and articulating a vision for coexistence.

Engaging with these inner tensions, rather than projecting them outward, could open pathways for transformation.

Light misused as a weapon

Both sides have sought to wield their version of “light”—whether through military power, ideological narratives, or political alliances—to vanquish the “darkness” they perceive in the other. This has often led to cycles of retaliation, with each side feeling justified in its actions. True light, as the reflection suggests, does not seek to destroy darkness but to understand and integrate it.

The potential for shared light

The region’s rich and intertwined histories, cultures, and spiritual traditions offer a unique opportunity for mutual illumination. The path forward requires:

– Acknowledgment of suffering: Recognizing the pain and loss experienced on all sides without diminishing or invalidating anyone’s narrative.

– Reconciliation: Truth-telling and genuine attempts to address historical grievances can begin to break down cycles of fear and mistrust.

– Shared humanity: Building connections through cultural exchanges, shared projects, and dialogue to foster a sense of mutual respect.

Paradigm shift in mindset

The region’s conflicts, including how Israel sees its neighbors, will not resolve through force alone. A paradigm shift is needed:

– Moving from “us versus them” to “us with them.”

– Viewing darkness not as something to eradicate but as something to engage with compassion and understanding.

– Fostering leadership that emphasizes collaboration over division, rooted in shared humanity and a vision for peace.

The role of global and local actors

While the immediate conflict involves Israel and its neighbors, the international community also plays a role in perpetuating or resolving the cycle. True progress will require:

– Encouraging dialogue that highlights common ground.

– Avoiding actions that polarize or escalate tensions.

– Supporting grassroots efforts that build trust and understanding at a personal level.

Conclusion

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israel’s broader relationship with its neighbors is a microcosm of humanity’s struggle with darkness and light. By shifting the paradigm—embracing shared humanity, engaging with historical wounds, and fostering true understanding—there is hope for a path toward reconciliation and coexistence. It’s a daunting challenge, but as the reflection emphasizes, the darkness can become a source of light when approached with courage and compassion.”