Michael Singer - Transcending the Cause of Preference

Quick Overview

Michael Singer explains that transcending the cause of preference involves working internally to stop identifying with the body, mind, and emotions, which are the sources of suffering and attachment, ultimately leading to a state of pure, unattached consciousness.

Key Points: The cause of preference is the attachment to the body, mind, and emotions, which creates unnecessary noise and struggle. Spiritual growth requires letting go of the constant need to fight against external events (like weather) or internal states that contradict one's preferences. True spiritual realization involves recognizing that the 'I' is the consciousness that observes the body, thoughts, and feelings, not the things being observed. If you are constantly trying to manipulate external circumstances (like relationships, career success, or weather) to feel okay, you are living from the ego and creating suffering. The goal is to achieve a state where external events do not cause inner turmoil, meaning you are not attached to outcomes, whether they align with preferences or not. The speaker references a quote from an ancient spiritual writer (likely Rumi or similar, though not explicitly named) suggesting that all of life is suffering only when one desires things to be different than they are. The practice involves consciously choosing to stop pushing away negative experiences or chasing positive ones, allowing life to unfold without interference from self-concept or preferences.

Context: Michael Singer delivers a talk on spiritual growth, focusing specifically on how deeply ingrained preferences create internal struggle and suffering. He argues that most people spend their lives trying to manipulate external reality—relationships, careers, or even the weather—to align with their internal desires, a process rooted in the ego's need for security and acceptance. He contrasts this with spiritual maturity, which involves dis-identifying from these preferences and the resulting emotional turmoil, leading to a state of pure, open consciousness.