What is Metaphysics?
Have you heard of the term metaphysics? If you have not, it is a branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things which include abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, time, and space. Through learning metaphysics, it helps us to comprehend the world and act accordingly to our circumstances. Read on to learn more about what metaphysics is and how it can help you in life.
“That said, the studies of metaphysics consist of the relationships between the mind and matter, substance and attribute, and between potentiality and actuality.”
Have you ever come across the word ‘metaphysics’? I’m guessing many of you have not heard of such term as metaphysics refer to the studies of what cannot be reached through objective studies of material reality.
And according to the Oxford Dictionary, metaphysics is described as a branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things which include abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, time, and space. The word is derived from the Greek meta ta physika (after the things of nature) that refers to an idea, doctrine, or posited reality outside of human sense of perception.
That said, the studies of metaphysics consist of the relationships between the mind and matter, substance and attribute, and between potentiality and actuality. Hence, metaphysics is to be considered one of the four main branches of philosophy, along with epistemology, logic and ethics.
It is essential for us to study metaphysics as it is the foundation of philosophy, and without an explanation, understanding or interpretation of the world around us, we would not be able to live life to the fullest potentials, nor have the knowledge to eradicate sufferings and live a life of true happiness and abundance . In addition, without the knowledge, we won’t be able to know and realize our life’s true purpose. This is because the degree to which our metaphysical worldview is correct, the degree to which we are able to understand and comprehend the world, and act accordingly.
Without this firm foundation, all knowledge becomes irregular and any flaw in our view of reality will make it more difficult to live. In other words, without the correct understanding and ignorance of the Truth, the meaning of life cannot be fully comprehended and thus, suffering continues to persist and be experienced.
At the same time, through studying metaphysics, it provides the knowledge and the understanding of how the conscious and subconscious mind operates that provide the insight into the understanding of life as Human Being. Our mind governs our life, without the proper and deep understanding of our mind, we will never be able to understand the mysteries of life, enlightenment, and our True Self.
Having that said, in my teachings and guidance, I emphasize the importance of self-realization and seek to understand our true nature.
And in my teachings and workshops through guided meditations, I will often ask my students to question the fundamental nature of our beingness, and to examine one’s thoughts and emotions through mindfulness and concentration.
The questions to ask oneself can be like: WHO AM I? WHAT AM I? WHY AM I HERE? This can stimulate one into thinking and exploring one’s true purpose and potential in this lifetime. The aim of the teaching is to impart the understanding of our true nature, knowledge and wisdom of the Absolute Truth.
Once these seed of knowledge and wisdom are planted in our mind, life of higher potentials can be discovered, life of sufferings can also be tackled too. Meditation, Metaphysics, Philosophy and Knowledge of the Self are tools and means to understand and eliminate sufferings in life, leading one to live a life of higher consciousness, higher potentials and enlightenment.
Do bear in mind, although the Absolute Truth has been discovered through meditation, contemplation and in my own personal journey of self-realization, it is by no means that I have arrived and know it all as I belief that the discovery and actualizing of one’s true potential is about a lifetime of learning, growth and evolvement.
That said, I am continuously learning and pursuing philosophical studies and the ancient scriptures of both the East and West, such as Yoga Sutras, Bible studies, Buddhism philosophy and Tao Te Ching to experience and to understand what other ancient sages have had to say in their realizations.
In my yoga and qigong practices with students, I often embody the realizations with movements and exercises to bring forth a holistic approach and wellness to our body, mind and soul.
However, there are a few major misconceptions regarding metaphysics that I’d like to address. The first would be that it is an analogue to the New Age spirituality, mysticism or religions. Yes, although people often use the metaphysical ‘principles’ to justify certain types of spirituality, the true subjects has no real bearing on such matters. In fact, the philosopher Aristotle and many others considered metaphysics to be a science during their era. The subject of “first causes” or the nature of existence seems to have spiritual connotations, but this does not mean metaphysics is in anyway a magic or mysticism.
The second misconception is that some believe metaphysics is about psychic powers of which is an illogical conclusion due to the fact that many who studied, and researched metaphysics did not embark upon those endeavours using such psychic methods.
The third is that metaphysics is seen to useless in a practical sense but however, I believe this is highly untrue as metaphysics can help enhance our understanding of reality and existence, which brings great comfort, joy and enlightnment to some.
To some, it may never be able to answers the “Big Questions” completely, but it can shed light on possible answers related to them, which is much more than might be done otherwise. Also, it is possible that pondering such big questions can enhance one’s appreciation of life upon realizing how complex, intricate and mysterious it is.
Having that said, there are some metaphysical principles that I have established through my personal experience of inner transformation that I would share with my students through my teachings and workshops. These metaphysical principles have not only transformed my life to the better, received abundance and prosperity, but also managed to find Balance in all aspects of my life, leading to a lifetime of fulfilment and contentment.
So, if you would like to cultivate metaphysics in your daily life, here are some tips for you:
- Have an intrigue mind to question the purpose of your existence by asking yourself: Who Am I? What Am I? What is my purpose of life? Am I happy? Am I fulfilled?
- Have an open heart and an open mind to receive all guidance but not to be indoctrinated into any belief systems that would result in polarization of mind
- Meditate and exercise daily for a healthy state of mind and physical body
- I began reading books that focus on fundamental questions about nature and our existence. Among the many books that I read, these books were my favourite reads: Conversations with GOD by Neale Donald Walsh, Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, Kryon Channeling by Lee Carrol, Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, The Essence of The Ashtavakra Gita and Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu).
Michael Teh, 7th December 2020.
Michael Teh is a meditation coach devoted to a personal mission of awakening more people to higher consciousness. He teaches self-realization through meditation, qigong, yoga and philosophy. Michael Teh Signature Workshop: The Essence of Life Series explores meditation as a powerful tool to realize our true potential. Michael has designed multiple workshops in this series to support his participants’ self-realization journey. Workshop Series 1 is currently running every few months on-ground in Kuala Lumpur, titled “Knowledge of The Self and Fundamentals of Meditation. Be sure to follow Michael’s social media channels and website for more updates: FB: https://www.facebook.com/
