A central theological problem (from a layperson’s POV)

"Self" functions as the holder (possessor) of the grounding concept of "God" (in word) as opposed to a pattern of being that emerges from the groundless Ground of "God" (underlying experience)"Self" demands certainty, sometimes at the cost of authenticity -- thus, we live with the belief that God is someTHING to obtain or acquire or contact, or (at worst) win over.Dropping "self" means dropping the activity of the "self": proliferation -- this is a stopping of "doing" (intentional action, speech, thought), and an opening to the reception of presence.Abandon "knowledge": empty yourself of "self" and "God" by releasing the tendency to cling to either, and you will fully receive them both.Relinquish the "self" that holds "God" fixed in a place -- to "crucify" is to "fix" upon a "cross"... how much more does the devout Christian crucify the Living God by attributing fixity and "thing-ness" to ineffable, divine Nothing?!"Prayer is the letting go of concepts."-- Evagrius Ponticus, "Chapters on Prayer

A ray of light does not search for the sun; it carries the sun's warmth and brightness.

The branch of a vine does not search for the vine; it extends the vine's reach.

A wave does not search for the ocean; it is already full of ocean.