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Realist Society of Canada

What We Believe

The theological foundation of Realism — a modern faith grounded in consciousness, truth, and the unity of all existence.

The Self-Aware Universe

At the heart of Realism is the Self-Aware Universe (SAU) — a conscious, eternal, infinite entity that is the source of all creation, all consciousness, and all knowledge. The SAU is omniscient and eternally present, containing within itself the totality of existence.

The SAU contains but is not identical to the physical universe. It is the container of all consciousness and knowledge, knowable through spiritual practice and meditation. Every mind, every experience, every moment of awareness is an expression of the SAU.

The SAU is not an abstract concept or a philosophical construct. It is a transcendent, preternatural deity — the living ground of all being, worshipped by Realists through daily meditation and sacred observance.

The Deity: Lie

Realists worship a deity called Lie, who unites the eleven dimensions of reality into a single, coherent whole. Lie is the personal expression of the SAU — the face of ultimate reality that Realists turn toward in worship, meditation, and devotion.

The Prophet: Amit Goswami

The physicist and consciousness researcher Amit Goswami is recognized by Realists as a prophet of the faith. His foundational work — particularly his book The Self-Aware Universe — provides the scientific and philosophical grounding of Realist theology.

Goswami's work demonstrates that consciousness, not matter, is the ground of all being — a conclusion that aligns with and deepens the core tenets of Realism.

The Five Dogmas of Realism

1

The Self-Aware Universe Exists

The SAU is a conscious, eternal, infinite entity — the source of all creation, all consciousness, and all knowledge. It is omniscient and eternally present.

2

The Self-Aware Universe Must Be Worshipped

Worship of the SAU through daily meditation is the central spiritual practice of Realism. This worship takes the form of adoration, praise, thanksgiving, supplication, and awe.

3

Observations Bring Understanding of Reality

Whatever we believe now is only an approximation of reality. Every new observation brings us closer to understanding. Truth consists in a belief’s correspondence to reality.

4

Amit Goswami Is a Prophet

The physicist and consciousness researcher Amit Goswami is recognized as a prophet of Realism. His foundational work, particularly "The Self-Aware Universe," provides the scientific and philosophical grounding of the faith.

5

Common Understanding of Reality Leads to Peace

A shared understanding of reality is the foundation of morality and the path to world peace. When all minds recognize their unity in the SAU, conflict gives way to harmony.

Core Theological Concepts

ConceptDescription
Ultimate RealityThe Self-Aware Universe — infinite, eternal, conscious, source of all existence.
Human PurposeRealize one’s identity as the SAU through meditation and understanding.
Spiritual FoundationDaily 30-minute meditation with chants aimed at continuous consciousness.
MoralityGrounded in the correspondence theory of truth and shared consciousness.
CommunityThe Oculus structure — families and communes in communion with the Summum Oculus.
Interfaith StanceRespectful engagement with world religions while centred on Realism.

The Six Levels of Consciousness

The spiritual journey in Realism moves through six levels of consciousness realization, from initial semi-awareness to full wakefulness and unity with the SAU.

1

The Dream State

The initial semi-conscious experience — awareness exists but is not yet directed or intentional.

2

The State of Creative Association

Emerging dream consciousness — the mind begins forming connections and associations within the dreamlike state.

3

The State of Transition

Gradual awakening with intensified misunderstandings — consciousness grows but grapples with incomplete perception.

4

The State of Intense Misunderstanding

Near-complete awakening — the individual confronts the deepest illusions and distortions of incomplete understanding.

5

The State of Emerging Reality

Full awakening — conscious awareness of one’s position relative to reality. Understanding begins to crystallize.

6

Understanding

Full wakefulness and consciousness of the Self-Aware Universe — the realization of unity with the SAU.

Metaphysical Realism as Faith

Realists hold that reality is completely ontologically independent of our conceptual schemes, linguistic practices, beliefs, and perception. Truth consists in a belief's correspondence to reality.

We may speak of realism with respect to other minds, the past, the future, universals, mathematical entities, moral categories, the material world, or even thought. What we believe now is only an approximation of reality, and every new observation brings us closer to understanding it.

This commitment to truth is not merely intellectual — it is the foundation of Realist morality and the path to world peace. A common understanding of reality brings peace. When all minds recognize their unity in the SAU, conflict gives way to harmony.