Internal and external focus

In physics, or science, it's easy to understand that going inward, towards greater subtlety, is going towards unity. Differences reduce. E.g., going from ores to molecules to subatomic particles like protons and electrons. At the level of subatomic particles or energy fields, an electron can skip from a hydrogen atom to an iron atom and be completely undistinguishable from any of its other electrons.

 

In spirituality too, the mind that looks outward notices differences and separation. Looking inward makes it realise the commonality and universality at subtler levels.

 

Here's another way of thinking about it. The idea of a house is subtler than a physical house. Two physical houses are different in many ways, not the least of which is their different location in space. Yet, one who understands the idea of houses knows what to expect inside different houses.

 

Understanding commonality and universality makes understanding differences and individuality much easier.

 

The human mind is geared to look for patterns and use those patterns to predict future events. A simple example - noticing the layout of furniture in daytime and expecting the same layout at night. A more complex one - learning pious statements like "Be honest" as a child, and expecting everyone to be honest. Finding commonality, or acceptable commonality, in situations where everyone does not speak honestly according to the child is considered emotional maturity or growing up. Yet, as the mind reaches subtler states, understanding of words or understanding the various meanings of words in different contexts increases. Hence the meaning of truth - as, e.g., the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth - can be used to condemn or to accept. Negatively or positively.

 

Turning the mind inward is one description of meditation. Being able to go inward and outward equally easily is one measure of progress.