Spiritual Practice as a Morning Cup of Conscious Coffee

Conscious Coffee: Brewing Deeper Connections with the Divine

Having studied the Diamond Approach® for over 35 years, I’ve found this methodology has profoundly enhanced my ability to enjoy a cup of “coffee.”. By engaging in open-ended inquiry, I’ve learned to appreciate the richness and diversity of spiritual experience rather than being confined by rigid doctrines or beliefs. This ongoing exploration has allowed me to taste the essence of spiritual practices more deeply, savoring the unique flavors that emerge from personal experience and understanding.

Coffee is the rage
It seems,
Everyone is consuming
As much as they can
A single shot will not suffice
Make it a double
Or better yet, a triple
O! And froth it up
Make it light and happy
We have coffee connoisseurs
In almost every home
Many homes and relationships
Have been wrecked
In coffee fights and disagreements
There seems to be little tolerance
For differing tastes in coffee
And some, having tried it once
Never want to taste coffee again
Still, coffee is one of our
Most popular commodities
It’s used to sell everything from A to Z
Many equate it to sex
Some argue it’s better than sex
Some want it first thing in the morning
Others want it all day long
There are even coffee gurus
With methods to extract
The essence of coffee
It is said
A single drop from the Master’s Cup
Is eternal bliss

John Harper

When I wrote this poem, I used coffee as a metaphor for religion and spiritual beliefs, with the “Master’s Cup” representing the grace of God. The poem explores how something as profound and sacred as divine grace, which should bring peace and unity, can sometimes become a source of conflict and division.

In the poem, coffee is ubiquitous, much like how religion permeates various aspects of life in many cultures. The obsession with brewing the perfect cup of coffee, whether a single, double, or triple shot, symbolizes how people need their path or religion to be “the path” for everyone. However, just as disagreements over coffee preferences can lead to conflict, differing religious beliefs and practices can cause friction, even within close relationships.

The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it. Religious experience has its root and center in mystical states of consciousness. – William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience

The reference to “coffee connoisseurs in almost every home” points to the widespread nature of religious belief and how deeply personal it is. Yet, this personal nature can lead to intense conflicts, as seen in “coffee wars and disagreements” that mirror religious disputes. These conflicts can be so intense that some people, having been hurt or disillusioned, might turn away from religion altogether, much like those who “never want to taste coffee again.”

The “Master’s Cup” is a divine gift transcending interpretation and conceptualization that brings true understanding and eternal bliss – enlightenment. This grace, however, is often sought after through the mediation of religious institutions and leaders who claim to have the methods to extract its essence. The poem subtly critiques how pursuing this grace can sometimes lead to a focus on external rituals and dogmas rather than the authentic, transformative experience of divine grace.

The lamps are different, but the Light is the same. – Rumi

This highlights the importance of “open and open-ended inquiry” in faith and spirituality.

Rather than basing one’s spiritual journey on the “coffee reviews” of others—those pre-packaged beliefs and doctrines handed down through tradition or authority—individuals must engage directly and personally with their spiritual practice. Just as no two people will experience the taste of coffee similarly, no two spiritual journeys are identical. Open and open-ended inquiry encourages individuals to explore their beliefs without the constraints of dogma – no holy cows or stones unturned, allowing them to discover their unique relationship with the divine.

This type of inquiry is not about rejecting the wisdom or insights of others but about integrating them into personal, experiential knowledge. It’s about tasting the coffee yourself, so to speak, rather than relying on someone else’s description. In spiritual terms, it means experiencing God directly rather than accepting what others claim to be true.

Our work is not about finding answers but about finding the questions that open the doors to new perspectives, new ways of being, and deeper understanding. – A. H. Almaas, founder of the Diamond Approach to Self-realization

Fostering an environment of open-ended inquiry allows for a more authentic and profound connection to the divine. This approach respects the diversity of spiritual experiences and recognizes that true understanding comes not from rigid adherence to doctrine but from a dynamic, ongoing relationship with the divine. It’s about engaging with the questions that arise naturally from one’s own experience rather than seeking answers that fit neatly into pre-existing frameworks.

The poem calls for a shift from a passive consumption of spiritual beliefs to an active, personal exploration. It encourages us to move beyond “coffee reviews” to seek out an intimate experience of divine grace—an experience that is deeply personal, transformative, and ultimately more fulfilling.

Ultimately, the poem reflects on the dual nature of religion and spirituality. While they can be paths to experiencing God’s grace, they can also become sources of division when differences are not respected or understood. The poem serves as a reminder that the true essence of faith, like the pure drop from the Master’s Cup, is about connecting with the divine in a way that transcends human conflicts and brings true peace and understanding.