Space and Time

We are hard-wired into understanding spatial dimensions (2D, 3D, etc.) as degrees of freedom. The more dimensions, the more freedom. We have similar reasonings for time. Because of this, we generally consider that the concepts of space and time are such that they allow you to “navigate” within them, and the more you have of it (more spatial dimensions; a temporal continuum), the more freedom you have.

A number of enlightened figures, however, have indicated the exact opposite. For example, in reference to the spiritual world, some explain that “it is freed from space and time”. How can something be “freed” from space and time? Aren’t space and time “freedom-givers” in and of themselves?

Some time ago I had a (rather bizarre) epiphany which revolutionised my understanding of this. I happened to be reading a couple of interesting books an articles which had me put in a specific mindset about reality. One day, over lunch, a co-worker said she had an annoying blister on her tongue. My instantaneous mental reaction was “No you don’t, because I can’t feel the annoyance myself.”

This, of course, is quite strange a thought. However, in that very instant this mystery about space and time started to become unlocked to me: sitting at that table for lunch, I immediately understood that physical reality, by its very nature, impeded me from being one with my co-worker and from perceiving reality in the same way she did. After all, she and I had two distinct and separate bodies, tongues, nerve systems. Distinct; separate.

Spiritual reality does not struggle with such separation. In it, we are enabled to disassociate from such limitations and plug in to universality. Be it of understanding, or of cultures. After all, are cultures not inherently physical? Can any two distinct cultural phenomena or belief systems exist without physical reality to shape them?

Time also is a limitation which tricks us into thinking we are navigating the continuum freely. This continuum is in itself a limitation. The past exists and disappears, the future is not yet here. The present evaporates. What freedom is this?

A side note: we believe that the tomorrow depends on the today, and the today on the yesterday. Is it not our understanding and our expectations of the tomorrow which shape our actions of today? Could it be that we are fooled?

P.S: No, I didn’t share my mental reaction with my friend. I don’t think she’d appreciate my lack of sympathy!