1.2.1. The Realities

“The map is not the territory.”

In this chapter, we explore the fundamental nature of reality and consciousness from both alchemical and Buddhist perspectives. We’ll examine how our perception shapes what we consider real, the different levels of conscious experience, and why understanding these distinctions is crucial for spiritual transformation. Through careful analysis of apparent and conditioned reality, we begin to map the territory that the aspiring alchemist must navigate to transcend ordinary consciousness.

The first myth the alchemist approaches is the myth of objective reality. Reality is a function of realness that arises between a perception and the awareness that perceives it. Reality is always firsthand and subjective, but we all grow up to believe that in truth, there is a more real reality, the one we all agree on and which science venerates, objective reality.

Objective reality is what both the scientist and priest seek, a comprehensive and unifying vision encompassing all things. Now, whilst I think this possible, as being an alchemist I am kind of both scientist and priest, this ultimate vision has to transcend the stuff it governs.

The alchemist must at first contain themselves, for they are not looking necessarily for a unified theory that explains all, they are focused on finding the path that leads out of conditioned reality. As they leave conditioned reality they may look back and see how things work, but there is a certain risk in looking back, especially if one is now furnished with the knowledge to change things.

The Names and Divisions of Reality

First, we must remember what a reality is. A reality is simply the perception and awareness of this perception. Subjective experience can never be wrong or unreal; it can, however, be frightening or unpleasant, or the evaluation of an experience that later leads to concern and further worry. For the psychotic, their hallucinatory experiences are real enough for them to not know if they are real. Yet, their experiences, even if hallucinatory, seem valid experiences; they just don’t make sense.

Normal human experiences occur in what is called Apparent Reality and largely within the sense-sphere plane of consciousness.

Aspects of the Nature of Reality

Components of Conditioned Reality

Four Great Elements

The Buddha gave us a model of conditioned reality for this very purpose. There are close approximations to any other system that materialises as a Mystery Religion, but for myself, Buddhism is the most accessible. I love the synergy between systems, and so I’ll introduce relevant concepts and explain their context.

The Map of conditioned reality is outlined in a very technical set of books called the Abhidhamma, or higher teachings of the Buddha. We will outline the parameters and features of this map in later discussions.

Summary

• The Alchemist learns to manipulate reality through the philosopher’s stone. This stone is the Subjective Reality of the alchemist themselves.
• The Alchemist learns that Apparent Reality is illusory as it is empty of actual objects, just sensory patterns in which the object is inferred.
• To probe reality the Alchemist seeks a grand and unifying theory of existence.
• The traditional system is archaic and difficult to reliably access, so, in reflection of my path, I will use Buddhism as the chassis of the system we need to build to examine and understand conditioned reality.
• We will introduce a model of underlying reality that has the purpose of illuminating a path, a path which leads us, and our experience out of conditionality.

This text is excerpted from the book Nigredo: A Course in Modern Alchemy. The complete book includes additional study guides, resources, and appendices. View the full book here.