Where did the phrase, “mind over matter,” come from? Likely we’ve all heard that phrase at one point or another in our lives. Typically it is when we are engaged in some sort of struggle. Perhaps we are engaged in a strenuous physical activity, or feverishly working towards a future goal. Why would such a saying exist? The phrase exists because it is rooted in truth. In the Kybalion, the Hermetic Principle of Mentalism states, “THE ALL is MIND; the universe is mental.”

In my previous post, I drew upon the history of the Kybalion and the mystic traditions that surround it. This post dives into the first of seven Principles, The Hermetic Principle of Mentalism.

THE ALL or “Universal Field“

The Kybalion explains “THE ALL” as follows:

• The Material Universe
• The Phenomena of Life
• Matter
• Energy

Essentially, THE ALL, is Spirit. In itself, THE ALL is unknowable and undefinable. The best way perhaps that it can be thought of is as a universal, infinite, living Mind. Because it consists of all matter and energy within the universe, we as humans having the same particles within our bodies are a part of and connected to this Universal Field.

Correlations between the Kybalion and the Bible

The suggestion is that the universe was generated by the mind of the creator and that all things experienced within our known universe exist within “this mind.” This certainly ties into the teachings of the Bible as well, that, “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth.” Could that famous phrase from the Bible really mean – the physical of which we see (Earth and universe), and the non-physical in which we don’t see, but does exist (Heaven)? For those reading, please understand that one of my passions is looking for ALL knowledge and truth. I love taking on the responsibility of looking to ALL resources that help me frame up “life,” as we know it – or don’t know it for that matter. By seeking as much knowledge from as many sources of truth, we are able to form the most vast and well-rounded point of views.

The Kybalion attempts to explain the true nature of Energy, Power, and Matter. It attempts to explain how all these are subordinate to the Mastery of Mind.

The Principle of Mentalism and its Impact in Life

The Law of Mentalism,” may very well be why it is so important to work to practice “mindfulness,” or becoming mindful of our thoughts. Seeking to become aware that what we think, on every level, is a manifestation – a potentiality that can be brought into our physical exitance. Thought exists on the mental plane (heavenly plan if you wish to see it that way) and we manifest our thoughts into the physical plane.

What happens when we again become “one” and go back into “thought form” or pure consciousness? Our entire physical existence living on this planet we call Earth, could very well simply be our training grounds for when we are without body – and are only of thought energy, consciousness, or Spirit.

Whatever belief of an afterlife one may have, or if one has no belief is certainly up to that individual to decide upon. However, I certainly hope that we as a human species can gain mindfulness of our thoughts over the course of our lives. It is very likely, in my humble opinion, that we are thinking our thoughts into existence here in the physical. And when we are no longer of this physical earth, those impulses became instantaneous in what comes after physical death. Hence one of the possibilities for learning while here on earth is to work to stay mindful and present.

How we perform here with our physical bodies may pale in comparison to what comes after.