The Journey to Truth in the Oneness Movement (OM)

Division, Testing, and the Challenge of Higher Consciousness

The Oneness Movement (OM) is rooted in the pursuit of truth, higher consciousness, and a collective shift toward spiritual growth. However, the path toward truth is not always smooth. Across various religious and spiritual traditions, the pursuit of truth often comes with division, testing, and the need for inner strength. In this article, we will explore key teachings from Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, showing how they directly apply to the journey of truth-seekers in OM.

1. Truth as a Sword: Division on the Path of Oneness

In Matthew 10:34–36, Jesus says: "Don’t assume that I came to bring peace to the earth. I didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. My message will cause division: A son will be set against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A person’s enemies will be those of their own family."

This passage reflects the discomfort and conflict that can arise when someone commits to a path of truth. In the OM, this division can manifest when individuals commit to higher consciousness, challenging long-held beliefs, societal norms, and even familial expectations. As OM calls for a shift toward service, compassion, and Oneness, it may clash with lower consciousness behaviors rooted in materialism, selfishness, or ego.

Like the "sword" in this passage, OM's message will cut through old habits and attachments, potentially causing division within families, friendships, or communities. Yet, this division is a necessary part of the spiritual journey. As people grow in consciousness, they will inevitably outgrow the patterns and influences of lower consciousness, which may lead to temporary conflict but ultimately personal growth and spiritual harmony.

2. The Incompatibility of Higher and Lower Consciousness

In 2 Corinthians 6:14–16, Paul writes: "What connection is there between right and wrong? Can light and darkness share the same space? How can Christ and Satan agree? What does a believer have in common with a non-believer? How can the temple of God coexist with idols?"

This passage mirrors the OM's emphasis on the difference between higher consciousness (HC) and lower consciousness (LC). Just as Paul speaks of the incompatibility between light and darkness, OM teaches that higher-consciousness behaviors, rooted in empathy, selflessness, and truth, are fundamentally at odds with ego-driven, self-centered behaviors.

For those in OM, this separation is not about judgment, but about discernment. Just as Paul encourages believers to separate themselves from lower influences, OM encourages individuals to cultivate relationships, environments, and behaviors that align with higher consciousness and to recognize when lower-consciousness patterns threaten their growth. It is an acknowledgment that not all values, actions, or associations are equal, and to ascend spiritually, one must consciously choose higher paths.

3. Few Make It to Enlightenment (Dhammapada 85)

The Dhammapada 85 reminds us: "Few people make it to the other shore of enlightenment. Most people just run back and forth along this side, caught up in the world."

This Buddhist passage highlights the rarity and difficulty of the path toward enlightenment, echoing OM's understanding that true spiritual awakening is not common. In OM, not everyone will commit to Oneness or the pursuit of higher consciousness; many will remain caught up in the materialistic and ego-driven pursuits of the world.

This reality can be disheartening for those on the OM path, but it also serves as a call to perseverance. The "other shore" represents Oneness, the ultimate state of harmony and connection with all beings. Those on the OM journey must be aware that the path is challenging, and few may reach this state of enlightenment, but the effort itself is transformative and necessary.

4. Integrity and Self-Control on the Path (Dhammapada 304)

Dhammapada 304 teaches: "Someone who wears the robe of a monk but lacks self-control and honesty is unworthy of that robe."

This passage speaks to the importance of integrity and authenticity on the spiritual path. In OM, the pursuit of higher consciousness requires a deep commitment to inner growth and self-awareness. It is not enough to speak of Oneness or wear the external symbols of spirituality without the inner transformation to back it up.

OM encourages individuals to embody the principles of Oneness—compassion, truth, and service—with integrity. This passage warns against the temptation of hypocrisy, where individuals outwardly profess spiritual values but inwardly cling to ego and self-interest. For truth-seekers in OM, this means a constant practice of self-discipline and honesty on their journey toward spiritual awakening.

5. Being Tested on the Path (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:2)

In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2), the Quran asks: "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: 'We believe,' and will not be tested?"

This verse from Islam resonates deeply with the challenges faced by those in OM. Simply declaring a commitment to higher consciousness is not enough—tests and trials are an essential part of the journey. These trials may take the form of personal hardships, relationship challenges, or internal struggles, all of which are designed to strengthen one's commitment to the truth.

OM recognizes that spiritual growth is not free from difficulties.

As individuals ascend in consciousness, they will face tests of their resolve, forcing them to confront their attachments, weaknesses, and fears. But these tests are a necessary part of the spiritual purification process. They help OM followers build the resilience and clarity needed to fully embody the principles of Oneness.

6. Discomfort as a Path to Growth (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), the Quran states: "Fighting is enjoined on you, though it is disliked by you. But it may be that you dislike a thing and it is good for you; and that you love a thing and it is bad for you. Allah knows, while you do not know."

This passage reminds truth-seekers that discomfort is often a necessary part of spiritual growth. In OM, this can apply to the inner struggle of letting go of attachments, ego, or unhealthy behaviors. The discomfort of breaking old patterns or encountering conflict with others can be deeply challenging, but these experiences often lead to the greatest spiritual growth.

OM acknowledges that the path to higher consciousness is uncomfortable, especially when it involves confronting the illusions and attachments that keep individuals bound to lower consciousness. However, this discomfort serves a greater purpose: it pushes individuals toward truth, even when it is difficult to accept.

Conclusion: Embracing Division, Discomfort, and Tests on the Path of OM

The teachings from Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam all echo the core message of the Oneness Movement: the path to truth and higher consciousness is not easy. It often brings division within relationships, conflict with societal norms, and tests of one's inner strength and integrity. Yet, OM teaches that this journey, while challenging, leads to profound transformation, both for the individual and the collective.

In OM, the pursuit of Oneness requires discernment, self-discipline, and a willingness to embrace the discomfort that comes with shedding old beliefs and attachments. The journey may feel lonely or isolating at times, but it ultimately leads to greater connection, compassion, and alignment with higher truth.

Those who seek the truth in OM must be prepared for the challenges that come, knowing that these experiences are essential for their spiritual growth and for the elevation of humanity toward a state of Oneness.