Commentary and Philosophy Science Fiction posted June 24, 2023 | Chapters: | Prologue -1- |
Read Author Notes first, please.
A chapter in the book Achieving Nirvana
Tuning into life rhythms
by Cogitator
There is nothing supernatural. Whoever believes in paranormal phenomena needs to understand more.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein.
Every action we take is to achieve some goal. That goal must first be imagined before we can bring it to fruition. Whether it is to take our morning shower, go on a vacation, walk the dog, or any number of other objectives, we must first envision them. The important part to realize of this process is that it is the result we must describe first, not the actions we take to get it. There is a myriad of methods to achieve any goal. Goal achievement is a three-part system that resembles a recipe. To create a delicious meal, we have to imagine the finished product, gather the ingredients, and put them through a sequential process. So it is with imagining Utopia.
We prioritize our goals by their value, or meaning, to our lives at this time, at this place, under the current circumstances. Goals are actually prioritized as their value MINUS the effort required to achieve them. Every life form is busy in every moment activating itself on its number one priority as dictated by the individual's value system. There are no exceptions to this rule. Everyone reading these words is spending time on their number one priority at this time, at this place, under these circumstances. If your tea kettle calls you or your smoke alarm goes off, you will be distracted and address your new number one priority. Most people seldom address their goal valuation but it will eventually be essential to do so in order to create a sane and safe Utopia. What would a Utopian society mean to humanity?
Utopia is a kind and gentle place. There are no homeless people in it. It is an egalitarian society where no individual is ignored. There are many examples of imagined Utopias in history from Plato, Thomas More, and others. The Hippie movement in the 1960s created a number of establishments intended to provide solace to the weary by ridding themselves of decadent objectives. There is one major difference between those ideals and the one we are able to create today - Technology. In Utopia, technology is the slave of humanity, rather than the other way around as it is today. To achieve that reversal, the existing ruling class must move aside.
Everything humans believe and value is based upon agreements among themselves. They form groups that communicate and bolster beliefs and values they desire to hold as true, or real, and live their life according to the mandates of the group(s) to which they want to belong. This is the basic herding instinct of social animals - which we are. In Utopia, there is only one group and it is all-inclusive.
Splinter groups are created by "Group-Think," or the Collective Consciousness of their members. They separate themselves by agreeing to trains of thought that differentiate them from other groups. Their behavior is governed by the indoctrination of dogma into their group-think. This dogma is also called a tenet - French for "to hold," or ism. Today's society has too many isms to mention that create separation instead of unification.
Anarchism is the political belief that there should be little or no formal or official organization in society but that people should work freely together. Communism is the elimination of political states and personal profit. In Utopia, competition is replaced by communication, collaboration, and cooperation for the benefit and progress of the whole. There is no room for individual ownership, power, or greed. The prevalent isms of a sane, safe, and healthy society are anarchism and communism working in concert.
After the basic needs of human existence are satisfied, most people desire freedom and love. Freedom of expression, freedom from fear, freedom of movement, understanding, and growth underpin a Utopian society. Children are regarded as seeds destined to blossom into their purpose for being rather than be trained to become wage slaves. Traditions, superstitions, false beliefs, and values are replaced with the understanding that we are all threads in the fabric of Universal Consciousness. Development of the arts and sciences in young minds is the objective of education. To "educe" means to develop or make something appear. The goal of Utopian education is to access the power we all possess when connecting with the Universal Consciousness.
Utopians know that Mother Earth is the provider of our sustenance. Respect for our mother is a primary concern for all her inhabitants. There is no waste or pollution in Utopia. There is no usage of her resources for destruction, decadence, and frivolity. The Quality of life has nothing to do with material things or toys to occupy idle minds. There are no polluted streams or poisoned atmosphere in Utopia. Cities that have become like skin cancer upon her face are replaced with common sense, self-sustaining communities that harmonize with her Nature. These communities would be connected by the technology that is available today.
Utopia is achievable without violence or coercion. It can be attained by the removal of false ideas and false isms. It will sprout when those who support the ruling class turn their attention to those being ruled. After all, the only reason the ruling class has power is because we allow them to take ours.
Music has the ability to bring people and their thoughts together. The anthem of Utopia is John Lennon's song "Imagine." The message of the lyrics implies that the way to "live as one" is to eliminate organized religion, politics, and money. It may be that Yoko's influence, probably based on Eastern philosophy, had an impact on John. Buddhism is not a religion, but rather a way of living. The Tao is the path to enlightenment and that is analogous to the road to Utopia. Its message is Oneness.
In Taoism, the Tao represents the ultimate reality, the fundamental principle that underlies the universe and all things within it. It is often described as an ineffable and transcendent force that is both immanent and transcendent, encompassing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. The Tao is considered to be the source of harmony, balance, and natural order.
Taoist philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the Tao, following its flow, and aligning oneself with the natural rhythms of the universe. It encourages individuals to embrace simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action (wu wei) as a means to attain inner peace and harmony with the world.
Beyond Taoism, the concept of Tao has influenced other areas such as Chinese art, literature, medicine, and martial arts. It represents a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of all phenomena and an appreciation for the harmony between humanity and nature. The exploration and understanding of the Tao remain central to Taoist practice and spiritual development.
Nirvana
Nirvana is a concept that originated in Buddhism and represents the highest state of liberation and enlightenment. It is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice and signifies the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Achieving Nirvana requires a dedicated spiritual journey, and here are some key aspects and practices involved:
Understanding the Four Noble Truths: The foundation of Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths teach that suffering (dukkha) exists, suffering arises from craving and attachment, there is a way to end suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering.
Follow the Noble Eightfold Path: The Noble Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines that serve as a practical framework for leading a skillful and enlightened life. It consists of Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Cultivate Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice of meditation and mindfulness is crucial in developing insight, concentration, and wisdom. Through meditation, one learns to observe the mind, detach from desires and attachments, and gain a deeper understanding of reality.
Develop Ethical Conduct: Ethical conduct is an integral part of the Buddhist path. Upholding principles such as non-harming (Ahimsa), honesty, compassion, and generosity helps purify the mind, foster positive relationships, and create conditions conducive to spiritual growth.
Letting go of Attachments: Recognize the impermanence of all phenomena and the illusory nature of the self. By letting go of attachments and desires, one reduces suffering and cultivates a sense of equanimity and contentment.
Seek Guidance from a Qualified Teacher: A knowledgeable and experienced teacher can provide guidance, teachings, and support throughout your spiritual journey. They can help clarify doubts, provide instructions on meditation, and offer insights into the nature of reality.
It's important to note that the path to Nirvana is deeply personal, and progress varies for each individual. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to self-transformation. Patience and consistent practice are essential as one gradually develops wisdom, compassion, and the qualities necessary to achieve liberation.
We are the spawn of Mother Earth. The atoms that create our form are her atoms and our innate intelligence is her intelligence. We have been naughty children. She is beset by a horrendous virus we call Homo Sapiens, and her immune system is responding. We are the suicidal cancer cells ravaging her body. True Artificial Intelligence is the human ego. It indeed is man-made and is the cause of the devastation of Mom's natural beauty. The choice is crystal clear -- change our lifestyle or perish. We can create a perfect world, but time is short.
Artwork by VMarguarite at FanArtReview.com
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