Dharma — Part Two of Nigredo
- 1.2.1. The Realities
- 1.2.2. The Matrix of Conditioned Reality
- 1.2.3. The 72 Types of Entities
- 1.2.4. Consciousness
- 1.2.5. The Mental Factors
- 1.2.6. Materiality
- 1.2.7. The Forces that Drive The Matrix
- 1.2.8. Saṃsāra
- 1.2.9. The Four Noble Truths
- 1.2.10. The Cycle of Becoming
- 1.2.11. The Fetters that Bind
- 1.2.12. The Eightfold Noble Path
Part Two — Dharma
In this second part of Nigredo, we delve into the core teachings and concepts that form the theoretical foundation of spiritual alchemy. Dharma, a Pāli word meaning “natural law” or “truth,” represents the systematic understanding of consciousness and reality that makes transformation possible. Here we examine the detailed maps of mind and matter that both Buddhist masters and alchemical adepts have used to navigate the territory of inner transformation.
While the mythological section provided context through story and symbol, Dharma offers precise technical knowledge about the nature of consciousness, reality, and the mechanisms of spiritual development. We’ll explore how different levels of consciousness arise and interact, examine the matrix-like structure of conditioned existence, and investigate the forces that keep us bound to cycles of suffering. This might seem daunting at first, but remember — we’re building a practical framework for understanding your own experience, not just accumulating abstract knowledge.
The chapters in this section systematically unpack the Buddhist Abhidhamma teachings alongside their alchemical correspondences. We’ll examine the 72 types of entities that comprise conscious experience, explore the nature of mind and mental factors, and investigate how materiality interacts with consciousness. While some of this material is necessarily technical, I’ve aimed to present it in accessible language that connects directly to your own experience of being.
Don’t worry if you don’t grasp everything immediately — this section provides reference material. Think of it as gradually building a map that will help you navigate the territory of consciousness transformation. The concepts introduced here lay the groundwork for the practical techniques and experiences described in later sections. As always, maintain both intellectual rigour and experiential curiosity as we explore these deeper waters of understanding.