What is Being?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
That which has existence. In metaphysics, the ground of all that is.
Understanding Being in Mental Science
That which has existence. In metaphysics, the ground of all that is. Troward makes a critical distinction between Being (the truth of the absolute, which controls conditions) and Form (the mode of the relative, the mark of subjection to conditions).
In Mental Science, 'Being' represents the fundamental, unconditioned reality from which all manifest existence emanates. It is not merely existence in a general sense, but the ultimate, causative principle, often equated with the Absolute or Universal Mind. Thomas Troward, a pivotal figure in Mental Science, emphasized that understanding 'Being' as the source of all conditions empowers individuals to consciously align with this creative power, thereby shaping their reality rather than being subject to it. This concept is central to the Mental Science tradition's emphasis on mental causation and the power of thought.
What the Teachers Say
Being vs. Form
Mental Science makes a fundamental distinction between Being and Form that illuminates the relationship between absolute reality and relative manifestation. This comparison reveals how consciousness operates as the bridge between eternal truth and temporal experience.
| Aspect | Being | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Absolute, unchanging reality | Relative, changing appearance |
| Relationship to Conditions | Controls and determines conditions | Subject to and shaped by conditions |
| Temporal Quality | Eternal and timeless | Temporary and time-bound |
| Creative Power | Source of all manifestation | Result of creative activity |
| Consciousness Role | Pure awareness and identity | Objects of perception and experience |
Etymology
The term 'Being' originates from the Old English 'bēon', meaning 'to exist' or 'to become'. Its philosophical usage is deeply rooted in Western metaphysics, tracing back to the Greek 'ousia' (essence, substance) and the Latin 'esse' (to be). In esoteric and spiritual contexts, it evolved to denote not just existence, but the fundamental, self-existent reality, distinct from transient forms or phenomena.
How to Practice This
Practically, understanding 'Being' involves cultivating a deep awareness of one's inherent connection to the Universal Creative Principle. This is often achieved through meditation and contemplative practices aimed at recognizing the 'I AM' within, which is seen as an individualized expression of Universal Being. Practitioners are encouraged to affirm their identity with this unconditioned source, thereby impressing upon the subconscious mind the desired conditions and outcomes, rather than focusing on external limitations. This shift in consciousness is believed to align one's individual creative power with the boundless potential of Universal Being.
Connection to Manifestation
Being serves as the foundational principle for all manifestation in Mental Science because it represents the creative source from which all forms emerge. When consciousness aligns with its essential nature as Being rather than identifying with limited forms, it accesses the absolute creative power that controls conditions. This recognition transforms the practitioner from being subject to circumstances to becoming the conscious director of experience. Understanding Being as our true nature reveals why affirmations, visualization, and mental treatment work: they align our awareness with the absolute reality that shapes all manifestation through the creative power of consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being represents the absolute, unchanging reality that serves as the ground of all existence, while existence refers to the various forms and manifestations that emerge from Being. Being is the source and controller of conditions, whereas existence includes both the conditioned and conditioning aspects of reality.
Recognizing your essential nature as Being rather than identifying with limited forms gives you access to the creative power that controls conditions. This shift in consciousness from form-identification to Being-identification enables you to consciously direct manifestation rather than being subject to circumstances.
Being represents the absolute aspect of divine reality, while God in Mental Science often refers to the personal, creative intelligence that manifests through Being. Being is the unchanging ground, while God is the active principle that creates and sustains all manifestation through consciousness.
Mental Science teaches that Being determines all doing and having through the creative power of consciousness. By establishing your identity in pure Being rather than in activities or possessions, you align with the source of all creative power and can manifest more effectively through changed consciousness rather than mere external action.
Practice recognizing your awareness itself as distinct from the objects of awareness, including thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. This shift from identifying with changing forms to resting in unchanging consciousness reveals your essential nature as Being and connects you with the creative power that shapes your experience.
In the Source Texts (12)
…do any of these things is to mentally class yourself with the poor for the time being, and it will certainly check the movement of things in your direction.…
…gy to immense distances, and also as something continually emanating from human beings. In the present chapter I shall consider it more particularly in this last aspect, which, as included in our own personality, very immedia…
…al reality; the thing in itself," etc. "Substantial" means: "actually existing; being the essential element; being real," etc. "Reality" means: "the state of being real; true, enduring; valid; fixed; permanent; actual," etc.…
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Used by: Troward