In this fast developing world, the restraining factor is not money or technology but human beings. We drag our mind behind. It is not altogether wrong. We should know what we do, even if we never do.
Mind creates existence. Existence in mind is an anomaly, like a canal in mud. The canal makes it easier for energy to pass through it, but the borders of the canal gives resistance to the energy.
So existence in mind has these two aspects: facilitating and creating resistance.
We can easily create existence, in particular in archetypal situations as relations and job.
This is very good as long as the situation lasts. But when it changes our learning becomes a hindrance.
But existence in mind is adventitious. It is not stable. It can be changed, if we want it to change.
If we ware as aware of our ability to change existence in mind as we are of the effects of existence in mind, we and the world would be more happy.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Difficulties
How can we distinguish between a positive mind reaction and a problematic one?
The mistakes we make are often felt as very justified when we do them. When we have mixed feelings, which feelings are most relevant?
In our normal life we learn to handle specific issues. We have checklists to avoid mistakes on the job.
The general method for analysing mind and becoming aware of awareness processes is meditation.
If we study mind we normally find many difficulties. It takes time to sort them out.
But eventually all problems can be solved.
The mistakes we make are often felt as very justified when we do them. When we have mixed feelings, which feelings are most relevant?
In our normal life we learn to handle specific issues. We have checklists to avoid mistakes on the job.
The general method for analysing mind and becoming aware of awareness processes is meditation.
If we study mind we normally find many difficulties. It takes time to sort them out.
But eventually all problems can be solved.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dualism
All destruction is self destruction on mind level. We can never attack another person without hurting ourselves.
Dualism is a trap. In dualism we see others as others - as distant from us. As they seem distant, we can try to exploit them. For a time it seems to work. But eventually we are hurt.
Non dualism is having a positive attitude to others. Just this attitude is valuable, much more valuable than a lot of practical activities in dualism.
But the others, are they not others? Is there no difference between me and others?
If we have a clear mind we see the connections between all individuals, and also with nature.
These connections are non dualistic. Non dualism is solidarity.
Dualism is a trap. In dualism we see others as others - as distant from us. As they seem distant, we can try to exploit them. For a time it seems to work. But eventually we are hurt.
Non dualism is having a positive attitude to others. Just this attitude is valuable, much more valuable than a lot of practical activities in dualism.
But the others, are they not others? Is there no difference between me and others?
If we have a clear mind we see the connections between all individuals, and also with nature.
These connections are non dualistic. Non dualism is solidarity.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Decision making
One of the first traditional exercises is to count ten consecutive breaths.
If you become distracted you have to start from one again.
This simple exercise is a way to see who is in charge. Can you focus on the counting, or will the powers of mind take over? Will you suddenly find yourself thinking about that episode on the job?
OK, that is for beginners. This is extremely more sophisticated:
In a peaceful undisturbed situation, meditate on the divine. Only you know what the divine is for you. For some it is the Buddha. Visualize the divine.
The divine is not only surface. The divine has qualities making it divine. Which are these qualities? What is it like to have these qualities?
If you become distracted you have to start from one again.
This simple exercise is a way to see who is in charge. Can you focus on the counting, or will the powers of mind take over? Will you suddenly find yourself thinking about that episode on the job?
OK, that is for beginners. This is extremely more sophisticated:
In a peaceful undisturbed situation, meditate on the divine. Only you know what the divine is for you. For some it is the Buddha. Visualize the divine.
The divine is not only surface. The divine has qualities making it divine. Which are these qualities? What is it like to have these qualities?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Will well
The world of today is not too bad, compared to what it looked 90 years ago, just after the first world war. But the world could be better...
That is really strange. Here we are, almost seven billion people - all willing well - and the result is not better than this?
Who is the villain, who is to blame?
The problem is in mind.
The mind we create as young will harden into a steel cage. If we do negative things as young, these negative things will form our mind cage.
If we do positive things, this will also form a cage, but a nice one allowing us to do nice things on a bigger and bigger scale.
Mind is transformed by itself over time. We do things to others, our own mind gives us the same things later.
That is really strange. Here we are, almost seven billion people - all willing well - and the result is not better than this?
Who is the villain, who is to blame?
The problem is in mind.
The mind we create as young will harden into a steel cage. If we do negative things as young, these negative things will form our mind cage.
If we do positive things, this will also form a cage, but a nice one allowing us to do nice things on a bigger and bigger scale.
Mind is transformed by itself over time. We do things to others, our own mind gives us the same things later.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Well being
Mind knowledge for well being, just one example:
If we have a problem, we think about it, and get a lot of feelings about it. It is quite natural. We can even get obsessed with it and think about it day and night. Sleepless nights are difficult.
The problem might be impossible to solve. It might be about the actions of people we can not reach or factors we can not influence. The more we seek a solution, the more obvious it is there is none.
In the most serious cases, this might lead to suicide or some other extreme action.
But if we know mind, we know mind is vast. It is wide as cosmos. And the problem - any problem - is just a small dot in this immense cosmos. The problem is the interlocking of a few ideas. They can be stuck. The problem is a reality.
But compared to the totality of mind the problems is a small thing.
However, if we thrust our thoughts and feelings against the problem, the thoughts and feelings will make the problem more solid.
We do not have to do so. Mind is vast. We can go around the problem. We can think about other things. Maybe it does not concern us after all. Maybe there are distant factors that can help.
So the problem can be solved if we do not think too much about it.
But our thoughts are important. If we will others well and seek solutions and processes that will be good for others, the problem might get solved also.
If we have a problem, we think about it, and get a lot of feelings about it. It is quite natural. We can even get obsessed with it and think about it day and night. Sleepless nights are difficult.
The problem might be impossible to solve. It might be about the actions of people we can not reach or factors we can not influence. The more we seek a solution, the more obvious it is there is none.
In the most serious cases, this might lead to suicide or some other extreme action.
But if we know mind, we know mind is vast. It is wide as cosmos. And the problem - any problem - is just a small dot in this immense cosmos. The problem is the interlocking of a few ideas. They can be stuck. The problem is a reality.
But compared to the totality of mind the problems is a small thing.
However, if we thrust our thoughts and feelings against the problem, the thoughts and feelings will make the problem more solid.
We do not have to do so. Mind is vast. We can go around the problem. We can think about other things. Maybe it does not concern us after all. Maybe there are distant factors that can help.
So the problem can be solved if we do not think too much about it.
But our thoughts are important. If we will others well and seek solutions and processes that will be good for others, the problem might get solved also.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Get an identity
Subjective, objective, subjectivity...
We are all individuals living among other individuals.
We have a subjective identity. This identity has by itself a surface, which is the objective part of ourselves. The surface can be seen by others. This surface can be elaborated in order to give a certain impression to the others.
The objective identity can be different from the subjective one. It can be a mask that is hiding the "real" person behind.
The objective identity can be changed more or less easily by changing style of clothes, home, car and many other things.
The "real" person behind can also change, and should change as a result of systematic study and effort. That is the existential function of being human.
Can we get to know the real person - the dynamic subjective subject - by using hostile means?
These days there are so many ways to get information about people. Video cameras on many places, with face recognition. Everything done on the computer, cell phone, Internet, in e-mail and so on can be observed.
This is hostile. It is distrust from those who happens to have the task of analysing these extreme amounts of material.
But can it disclose truth? If the means used are very damaging and negative, the picture will be of something damaged and negative. This was not there before the investigation. This is not the original truth. It is an effect of the hostility.
We are all individuals living among other individuals.
We have a subjective identity. This identity has by itself a surface, which is the objective part of ourselves. The surface can be seen by others. This surface can be elaborated in order to give a certain impression to the others.
The objective identity can be different from the subjective one. It can be a mask that is hiding the "real" person behind.
The objective identity can be changed more or less easily by changing style of clothes, home, car and many other things.
The "real" person behind can also change, and should change as a result of systematic study and effort. That is the existential function of being human.
Can we get to know the real person - the dynamic subjective subject - by using hostile means?
These days there are so many ways to get information about people. Video cameras on many places, with face recognition. Everything done on the computer, cell phone, Internet, in e-mail and so on can be observed.
This is hostile. It is distrust from those who happens to have the task of analysing these extreme amounts of material.
But can it disclose truth? If the means used are very damaging and negative, the picture will be of something damaged and negative. This was not there before the investigation. This is not the original truth. It is an effect of the hostility.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Nature of mind
All suffering is caused by ignorance, it is claimed in Buddhist philosophy.
It is three-fold ignorance. Ignorance about the environment, ignorance about me and ignorance in the mechanism of understanding reality.
In order to see reality as it is we need to see more than we usually do. But if we just expand our ability to see, we get overwhelmed by the number of observations.
As our normal observations are faulty, we use thumb rules for interpretation. These rules are often faulty.
The universe in which we live is complex and fast changing. We can not follow this with our awareness in real time. We can not follow even the processes in our own body. We leave the cells to decide about their doings.
Is this ignorance for ever?
Well, there is one escape. It is nature of mind.
Nature of mind is the ability of mind to read and follow the highest frequencies.
We can train ourselves and thus approach higher and higher frequencies.
It is three-fold ignorance. Ignorance about the environment, ignorance about me and ignorance in the mechanism of understanding reality.
In order to see reality as it is we need to see more than we usually do. But if we just expand our ability to see, we get overwhelmed by the number of observations.
As our normal observations are faulty, we use thumb rules for interpretation. These rules are often faulty.
The universe in which we live is complex and fast changing. We can not follow this with our awareness in real time. We can not follow even the processes in our own body. We leave the cells to decide about their doings.
Is this ignorance for ever?
Well, there is one escape. It is nature of mind.
Nature of mind is the ability of mind to read and follow the highest frequencies.
We can train ourselves and thus approach higher and higher frequencies.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The problem
How can we get deeper awareness in these times when superficial information is abundant?
In the old days in Tibet, the monasteries had to be situated on a certain distance from the city, in order to avoid the distractions of city life. And the best students were those who came from very distant places, as they had nothing else to do than to study.
These simple measures for avoiding distraction does not work now. But we still need a lot of stillness to let hearing, contemplation and meditation develop our mind.
Is it antisocial do develop mind? No, the result is very good for society. And to develop mind is like all other kinds of study in needing time.
In the old days in Tibet, the monasteries had to be situated on a certain distance from the city, in order to avoid the distractions of city life. And the best students were those who came from very distant places, as they had nothing else to do than to study.
These simple measures for avoiding distraction does not work now. But we still need a lot of stillness to let hearing, contemplation and meditation develop our mind.
Is it antisocial do develop mind? No, the result is very good for society. And to develop mind is like all other kinds of study in needing time.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Virtue
Whatever we do, we can be virtuous or not virtuous. Even in war, we can be more or less virtuous.
So to be virtuous is not to do something particular, but it concerns how we do whatever we do.
What we do is important, for society and for the individual. If someone interferes in our choice of activity, that might be quite non virtuous. In a world of increasing control, it is popular to interfere in this way.
The rules of virtue are stated negatively: not to kill, not to lie, not to steal.
This implies that there are very many good things we can do. As long as we do not kill, steal or lie, we are virtuous.
In some sects, the idea of virtue is used in an extremely strict sense. Watching television, movies or reading certain books might be considered non virtuous.
It is popular to impose ones own strict rules upon others. The Taliban in Afghanistan have strong opinions about hair style and dress, for example There are more examples.
Is this good? United Nations invaded Afghanistan militarily to drive the Talibans out of power.
So in this case, even UN considered the strict rules to be too strict.
In the sects, virtue is a cause for doing bad. Forcing others to follow strange rules is bad.
Good virtue is to act in a way that is good and nice for others. This should hold for those who advocate virtue as well.,
So to be virtuous is not to do something particular, but it concerns how we do whatever we do.
What we do is important, for society and for the individual. If someone interferes in our choice of activity, that might be quite non virtuous. In a world of increasing control, it is popular to interfere in this way.
The rules of virtue are stated negatively: not to kill, not to lie, not to steal.
This implies that there are very many good things we can do. As long as we do not kill, steal or lie, we are virtuous.
In some sects, the idea of virtue is used in an extremely strict sense. Watching television, movies or reading certain books might be considered non virtuous.
It is popular to impose ones own strict rules upon others. The Taliban in Afghanistan have strong opinions about hair style and dress, for example There are more examples.
Is this good? United Nations invaded Afghanistan militarily to drive the Talibans out of power.
So in this case, even UN considered the strict rules to be too strict.
In the sects, virtue is a cause for doing bad. Forcing others to follow strange rules is bad.
Good virtue is to act in a way that is good and nice for others. This should hold for those who advocate virtue as well.,
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Times of change
All this progress, what is it for?
Cars, airplanes, space shuttles, radio, television, movies, cd-records, mp3, computers, broadband ... it is fun to see the progress but to what will it lead?
It might lead to the best of worlds.
That is, the world will self destruct of course. We are in Kali yuga, the last period of the era that started with the last big bang.
So the idea is not to build some static world, but to get an all knowing mind. What is that?
If we see that everything exists in dependence upon everything else we are on the way towards this mind.
The old world is in a slow motion explosion. You feel that? Yes.
Now we need an emergency kit. So here it is:
When everything is a'changing, the only thing we can trust is interdependency. Everything is connected to everything else, everything is dependent upon everything else.
Yes...but what to do practically?
Well, nice things. Feed your cat. It might be your portal to the next era. Keep your heart warm.
Cars, airplanes, space shuttles, radio, television, movies, cd-records, mp3, computers, broadband ... it is fun to see the progress but to what will it lead?
It might lead to the best of worlds.
That is, the world will self destruct of course. We are in Kali yuga, the last period of the era that started with the last big bang.
So the idea is not to build some static world, but to get an all knowing mind. What is that?
If we see that everything exists in dependence upon everything else we are on the way towards this mind.
The old world is in a slow motion explosion. You feel that? Yes.
Now we need an emergency kit. So here it is:
When everything is a'changing, the only thing we can trust is interdependency. Everything is connected to everything else, everything is dependent upon everything else.
Yes...but what to do practically?
Well, nice things. Feed your cat. It might be your portal to the next era. Keep your heart warm.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Shambhala
The evil tyranny of greed and hatred will be subdued by Shambhala.
Shambhala is a mythical land situated "in the northern direction" in the world or universe...
Google earth has two Shambhala. Both are in England. But none of them is a land.
So the question is still open... where is Shambhala really?
Maybe it is only in the mind?
That would be the best place anyway.
What will subdue the tyranny of greed and hatred? Is it weapons? Is it Matrix?
Greed and hatred are ideas, and they can only be replaced by other ideas. What about tolerance and generosity?
Shambhala is a mythical land situated "in the northern direction" in the world or universe...
Google earth has two Shambhala. Both are in England. But none of them is a land.
So the question is still open... where is Shambhala really?
Maybe it is only in the mind?
That would be the best place anyway.
What will subdue the tyranny of greed and hatred? Is it weapons? Is it Matrix?
Greed and hatred are ideas, and they can only be replaced by other ideas. What about tolerance and generosity?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Free minds
Six years after the start of the war in Iraq...
Saddam Hussein is dead, and so are some 90 000 other Iraqis, and more than 4 000 American soldiers.
For a child, six years is a long time. Those who were ten years old when the war started are 16 now. What kind of schooling have they received? What have they learned about human nature and human brutality outside school?
Militarily, the war was short, but the reconstruction of Iraq takes long time. The reason is obvious: lack of knowledge and experience. There is no lack of weapons.
Economically the war has been expensive.
So next time a dictator is asked to answer for his actions, the best option is to use an international tribunal.
Then we save 100 000 human lives, a generation of young people and a lot of money. And we avoid a lot of material destruction.
Is this realistic? Could be.
Saddam Hussein is dead, and so are some 90 000 other Iraqis, and more than 4 000 American soldiers.
For a child, six years is a long time. Those who were ten years old when the war started are 16 now. What kind of schooling have they received? What have they learned about human nature and human brutality outside school?
Militarily, the war was short, but the reconstruction of Iraq takes long time. The reason is obvious: lack of knowledge and experience. There is no lack of weapons.
Economically the war has been expensive.
So next time a dictator is asked to answer for his actions, the best option is to use an international tribunal.
Then we save 100 000 human lives, a generation of young people and a lot of money. And we avoid a lot of material destruction.
Is this realistic? Could be.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Against
As long as there is rules, there is the charm of speculating against the rules. It is irresistible.
It is not just a bad idea. It is a deep urge to test if the rules are justified.
But some rules are justified.
To live within justified rules must not be bad or boring. It could be like painting new and perfect paintings. It is within the rules, it is new and very good.
OK, we know this when it comes to painting.
But what about money, public truth and violence? Why should these sectors be free from justified rules?
Money is the most important measurement in this world. It is more important than others measures, like the meter, the litre, the second.
When it comes to meter, litre or second we are extremely specific. The length of a meter is decided down to the smallest decimal. Very good.
But the value of money fluctuates, minute for minute. The relative value between currencies change, and inflation change the value within the currencies.
This should not be tolerated, as it is not necessary.
Public truths should be true, and let us all hope it will be so. May the times of stories about "weapons of mass destruction" be over.
When it comes to private use of violence, there are many rules in most countries. Of course, no one cares very much. Abuse, mainly of women, continues day and night all over the world.
The public use of violence is often seen as more justified. But is it? Should not every dictator be tried for every instant of violence as any other suspect?
If the political violence is justified, the leaders have nothing to fear.
But politics is always debated. There seems to be no general truth. But there is such a truth. It is on mind level.
It is not just a bad idea. It is a deep urge to test if the rules are justified.
But some rules are justified.
To live within justified rules must not be bad or boring. It could be like painting new and perfect paintings. It is within the rules, it is new and very good.
OK, we know this when it comes to painting.
But what about money, public truth and violence? Why should these sectors be free from justified rules?
Money is the most important measurement in this world. It is more important than others measures, like the meter, the litre, the second.
When it comes to meter, litre or second we are extremely specific. The length of a meter is decided down to the smallest decimal. Very good.
But the value of money fluctuates, minute for minute. The relative value between currencies change, and inflation change the value within the currencies.
This should not be tolerated, as it is not necessary.
Public truths should be true, and let us all hope it will be so. May the times of stories about "weapons of mass destruction" be over.
When it comes to private use of violence, there are many rules in most countries. Of course, no one cares very much. Abuse, mainly of women, continues day and night all over the world.
The public use of violence is often seen as more justified. But is it? Should not every dictator be tried for every instant of violence as any other suspect?
If the political violence is justified, the leaders have nothing to fear.
But politics is always debated. There seems to be no general truth. But there is such a truth. It is on mind level.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Giving
Spontaneously we often feel we can give criticism and sometimes even interfere with violence without being affected ourselves.
This is the calculation behind criminal activity and many conflicts including war.
But this calculation is wrong. We get what we give. If we give violence, we will get violence.
There might be time lap between the giving an the getting. But the relation is strict.
If this was generally known, the idea of war as some sort of conflict solver would be less popular than it is.
This is the calculation behind criminal activity and many conflicts including war.
But this calculation is wrong. We get what we give. If we give violence, we will get violence.
There might be time lap between the giving an the getting. But the relation is strict.
If this was generally known, the idea of war as some sort of conflict solver would be less popular than it is.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Cognition
We try to understand the external reality. It is called cognition. If we make a correct observation it is called valid cognition.
We organize our knowledge in mind under concepts. It is a natural filing system.
These basic functions can give diverse result. The result we prefer is decided by our attitude and intention.
So truth is not a simple thing. There are many truths as there are many ways to see the world. Many attitudes can be supported by valid cognition.
If we feel for war, that can be supported by valid cognition.
If we feel for peace, that can be supported by valid cognition.
The decisive factor is in our intention. If we want to see other persons and reality as nice, it can be supported by valid cognition.
Reality allows for a wide choice of attitudes. So we have to make up our mind ourselves. What is best, really?
We organize our knowledge in mind under concepts. It is a natural filing system.
These basic functions can give diverse result. The result we prefer is decided by our attitude and intention.
So truth is not a simple thing. There are many truths as there are many ways to see the world. Many attitudes can be supported by valid cognition.
If we feel for war, that can be supported by valid cognition.
If we feel for peace, that can be supported by valid cognition.
The decisive factor is in our intention. If we want to see other persons and reality as nice, it can be supported by valid cognition.
Reality allows for a wide choice of attitudes. So we have to make up our mind ourselves. What is best, really?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Mind mechanisms
"I am here" - never before in human history this existential reality has been so obvious as now. Thanks to blogs, twitters and miniblogs, YouTube and facebook and lots of other sites on Internet, the number of people saying "I am here" is bigger than ever.
This is interesting in the existential analysis as the self should be described as "I am here". The identity is not only a personality but also the situation the person is in. The situation is part of the subject, the identity.
This subject, the "me and my situation" is under constant change. We want that. We want things to get better, in relations, economy, knowledge, health, home and many other aspects. Often things deteriorate instead. Individuals lose their jobs, banks loose a lot of money.
If we ask: How to do to improve the situation, there are probably millions of answers. Get an education, get a job and a nice relation would be common.
But the best answer is: Mind. Mind will get us the identity we want. Nothing else can give us our identity and the things related to it.
The mechanism of mind is that we get (and become) what we do to others. If we are nice to others, our future will be nice. If we help others make money, we will get money ourselves. If we support others in becoming famous, we will be famous ourselves.
The problem is that the mind gives us what we do to others even when we do not want it. If we have done bad things, we will be the victim of badness.
If we know that mind is the important level, we have a reason for not doing meaningless negative things (like bad words and evil impulses) even in secret.
This is interesting in the existential analysis as the self should be described as "I am here". The identity is not only a personality but also the situation the person is in. The situation is part of the subject, the identity.
This subject, the "me and my situation" is under constant change. We want that. We want things to get better, in relations, economy, knowledge, health, home and many other aspects. Often things deteriorate instead. Individuals lose their jobs, banks loose a lot of money.
If we ask: How to do to improve the situation, there are probably millions of answers. Get an education, get a job and a nice relation would be common.
But the best answer is: Mind. Mind will get us the identity we want. Nothing else can give us our identity and the things related to it.
The mechanism of mind is that we get (and become) what we do to others. If we are nice to others, our future will be nice. If we help others make money, we will get money ourselves. If we support others in becoming famous, we will be famous ourselves.
The problem is that the mind gives us what we do to others even when we do not want it. If we have done bad things, we will be the victim of badness.
If we know that mind is the important level, we have a reason for not doing meaningless negative things (like bad words and evil impulses) even in secret.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Mutual trust
The difference between mind logic and body logic is quite obvious in military contexts. The military activity is traditionally body activity and mainly material.
In society in general, it is probably sports and the military who continues to focus on the body most of all. Almost all other activities are turning more and more to mind. Physical work is now done by robots or heavy machinery.
There are so many differences between body and mind.
Body activity is analogue - the more strength the better. Mind is digital - the result is not better if you press the button forcefully instead of mildly. The longer you do a body work, like digging a hole, the deeper it gets. For mind the important aspect is to do the right, which might take just a second.
There are many other differences between body logic and mind logic.
One issue is about security and the experience of security.
Military security is traditionally to have the most of men, guns and ammunition. Existential security is mutual trust. No weapons are needed.
For civilians who are not trained in military security it is difficult enough to trust in mutual trust. For those who are trained in military thinking it could be even more difficult.
So here we are ... the world will be safe when those who are trained not to trust in trust starts to trust trust more than weapons.
So, when will the world be safe?
In society in general, it is probably sports and the military who continues to focus on the body most of all. Almost all other activities are turning more and more to mind. Physical work is now done by robots or heavy machinery.
There are so many differences between body and mind.
Body activity is analogue - the more strength the better. Mind is digital - the result is not better if you press the button forcefully instead of mildly. The longer you do a body work, like digging a hole, the deeper it gets. For mind the important aspect is to do the right, which might take just a second.
There are many other differences between body logic and mind logic.
One issue is about security and the experience of security.
Military security is traditionally to have the most of men, guns and ammunition. Existential security is mutual trust. No weapons are needed.
For civilians who are not trained in military security it is difficult enough to trust in mutual trust. For those who are trained in military thinking it could be even more difficult.
So here we are ... the world will be safe when those who are trained not to trust in trust starts to trust trust more than weapons.
So, when will the world be safe?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Solar energy
Solar energy
Originally uploaded by KurtQ
in Tibet these solar reflectors are common. They heat the water in the big can - often for making tea
Freedom
Freedom or not, we choose ourselves. So basically we are free, to make this choice.
Socially, freedom of others is not always appreciated. But existentially we should at least know the options.
The principle is that we do something, and this something does us. Sounds strange?
It is simple. Like this. We do something, say a child. This child makes us into something, which is parents.
Or if we take a negative example: someone steals something. The theft turns the person into something: a thief.
There is a giant jump. Becoming a parent is a big thing. Becoming a thief also seems to be a big thing.
If we want freedom, we should do things which reflects back to us as freedom.
If we give freedom to others, we get freedom in return.
Can we always give freedom? No not always on the external level. We might have to follow strict rules.
But internally, in our mind, in our intentions, we are free to do whatever we want. Some of us use this freedom to say bad words. That is not good. It does not give freedom.
Socially, freedom of others is not always appreciated. But existentially we should at least know the options.
The principle is that we do something, and this something does us. Sounds strange?
It is simple. Like this. We do something, say a child. This child makes us into something, which is parents.
Or if we take a negative example: someone steals something. The theft turns the person into something: a thief.
There is a giant jump. Becoming a parent is a big thing. Becoming a thief also seems to be a big thing.
If we want freedom, we should do things which reflects back to us as freedom.
If we give freedom to others, we get freedom in return.
Can we always give freedom? No not always on the external level. We might have to follow strict rules.
But internally, in our mind, in our intentions, we are free to do whatever we want. Some of us use this freedom to say bad words. That is not good. It does not give freedom.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
School shooting
Most people does not return to their old school to kill people, but some does. What is the process in mind leading to this result?
One possibility would be a destructive mind loop.
We have many mind loops. Normally they are positive as in the extreme example of being in love. The thoughts return to the same subject all the time.
The world we live in is quite disturbing and distracting, so we often get negative impulses. All of them can start destructive mind loops.
But normally we dismiss these loops. Sometimes we play around with them, "just for fun" trying to figure out the perfect prank or even crime.
These games are quite risky, as we see in the world. A lot of strange actions take place.
The only safe way to get rid of destructive mind loops is compassion. Compassion is the will to help others.
One possibility would be a destructive mind loop.
We have many mind loops. Normally they are positive as in the extreme example of being in love. The thoughts return to the same subject all the time.
The world we live in is quite disturbing and distracting, so we often get negative impulses. All of them can start destructive mind loops.
But normally we dismiss these loops. Sometimes we play around with them, "just for fun" trying to figure out the perfect prank or even crime.
These games are quite risky, as we see in the world. A lot of strange actions take place.
The only safe way to get rid of destructive mind loops is compassion. Compassion is the will to help others.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Satisfaction
If our basic needs of health, food, shelter, sex and social acceptance are not met we might suffer a lot. But in order to be satisfied, we have to fulfill compassionate ideals.
Compassion is important.
We all have to decide about the relations between egoism and compassion in our basic ideals in life. It is an internal conflict. We might try to avoid it by thinking "God will..." or "I am as I am..." or "social custom is..."
Nevertheless, the question can be asked and must be answered. The ideals we have should be decided by ourselves.
In this internal debate, the awareness of the importance of compassion is...good to have
Compassion is important.
We all have to decide about the relations between egoism and compassion in our basic ideals in life. It is an internal conflict. We might try to avoid it by thinking "God will..." or "I am as I am..." or "social custom is..."
Nevertheless, the question can be asked and must be answered. The ideals we have should be decided by ourselves.
In this internal debate, the awareness of the importance of compassion is...good to have
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tibet future
Tibetan culture, sometimes called science of mind, is expanding all over the world but China. That is sad.
Tibetan Buddhism is not missionary. It does not try to convince others to become Buddhists. Instead, the Dalai Lama urges his listeners to remain in their original tradition and never lose respect for their original tradition.
The teachings of the Dalai Lama - easily accessible on the net: www.dalailama.com - focus on the extreme importance of warmheartedness, compassion. Is that so dangerous?
Tibetan Buddhism is not missionary. It does not try to convince others to become Buddhists. Instead, the Dalai Lama urges his listeners to remain in their original tradition and never lose respect for their original tradition.
The teachings of the Dalai Lama - easily accessible on the net: www.dalailama.com - focus on the extreme importance of warmheartedness, compassion. Is that so dangerous?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Self made
As we have no self, we can be self made...
If we had a given self we could not change. As we have no given self we can change. When we have changed we can call this new situation self made - we made it ourselves.
The argument is something like this:
The personality we have now is decided by our body and mind. Mind is most important. It contains our experiences, our knowledge and our hopes for the future.
According to Buddhism there is nothing more. This is different from our spontaneous feeling and from most religions, which claim there is a self or soul which is the supervisor of all we do.
If our personality is nothing more than the effect of our present knowledge we might as well improve our knowledge and thus get a better self.
To change personality is not easy. It is not a superficial thing. But it can be done.
If we had a given self we could not change. As we have no given self we can change. When we have changed we can call this new situation self made - we made it ourselves.
The argument is something like this:
The personality we have now is decided by our body and mind. Mind is most important. It contains our experiences, our knowledge and our hopes for the future.
According to Buddhism there is nothing more. This is different from our spontaneous feeling and from most religions, which claim there is a self or soul which is the supervisor of all we do.
If our personality is nothing more than the effect of our present knowledge we might as well improve our knowledge and thus get a better self.
To change personality is not easy. It is not a superficial thing. But it can be done.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Open mind
Mind is the most sensitive aspect of a human being. From extreme suffering to extreme joy - maybe too much to endure.
For the sake of efficient life we create routines which replace mind processes.
It is better to have good routines than to fritter away life...maybe.
But routines are not the meaning of lie. The content is the meaning.
If we open mind and let it enjoy the meeting of good alternatives, the process of decision making becomes a source of enjoyment ... and the decisions get better
For the sake of efficient life we create routines which replace mind processes.
It is better to have good routines than to fritter away life...maybe.
But routines are not the meaning of lie. The content is the meaning.
If we open mind and let it enjoy the meeting of good alternatives, the process of decision making becomes a source of enjoyment ... and the decisions get better
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Absence
Absence is a more definitive word than emptiness. It is not totally wrong to say that something has emptiness, but it is totally wrong to say that something has absence. The combination "have absence" would be of the same category as "blade-less knife without handle".
The absence of inherent existence means that everything must justify its existence every moment. If not a process of decay starts immediately.
In society we try to create stability. And constant change gives stability. But if we want stability without change, we get problems.
The most important causes are in mind. Thoughts of importance are supported by other thoughts and experiences.
Mind as a construct of thoughts that partly support each other, and partly challenge each other is sophisticated, or should be sophisticated. In the reptile brain, the constructs are simple and gross. Then thoughts about violence and negativity are often supported, even if such ideas are not supported in other parts of the brain.
Mind is a secluded area, and any idea can appear and even get some support there. But the mere presence of an idea does not give it power or reality. The thought must be justified by other thoughts in order to have power and reality.
But in whose mind? This is another level of the analysis.
Are there direct connections between minds?
Anyhow, may you be happy, content and fulfilled.
The absence of inherent existence means that everything must justify its existence every moment. If not a process of decay starts immediately.
In society we try to create stability. And constant change gives stability. But if we want stability without change, we get problems.
The most important causes are in mind. Thoughts of importance are supported by other thoughts and experiences.
Mind as a construct of thoughts that partly support each other, and partly challenge each other is sophisticated, or should be sophisticated. In the reptile brain, the constructs are simple and gross. Then thoughts about violence and negativity are often supported, even if such ideas are not supported in other parts of the brain.
Mind is a secluded area, and any idea can appear and even get some support there. But the mere presence of an idea does not give it power or reality. The thought must be justified by other thoughts in order to have power and reality.
But in whose mind? This is another level of the analysis.
Are there direct connections between minds?
Anyhow, may you be happy, content and fulfilled.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Fragility
What defeated the Soviet empire? Nothing. It collapsed by itself. It was fragile.
In a democratic state the collapse is constant. Every decisions is questioned and often severely critizised. There are frequent changes of power. The whole construct is fragile, but all know that, so new - fragile - structures are erected immediately.
The fragility is a safety measure. If there is no fragility but for example military or economical control, the effects for humans can be very difficult.
The stability - whenever there is stability - is on mind level. Even mountains have "minds" that give stability. This mountain "mind" is technically seen the electromagnetic field that supports the atoms and the molecules in the mountain.
In the human world, the stability is given by human minds. The stabilising factors are agreement and trust.
In the inner world of the mind the difference between compassion and self centeredness is very important. Compassion leads to the good, and self centeredness to the problems. But it seems to be the other way around.
In a democratic state the collapse is constant. Every decisions is questioned and often severely critizised. There are frequent changes of power. The whole construct is fragile, but all know that, so new - fragile - structures are erected immediately.
The fragility is a safety measure. If there is no fragility but for example military or economical control, the effects for humans can be very difficult.
The stability - whenever there is stability - is on mind level. Even mountains have "minds" that give stability. This mountain "mind" is technically seen the electromagnetic field that supports the atoms and the molecules in the mountain.
In the human world, the stability is given by human minds. The stabilising factors are agreement and trust.
In the inner world of the mind the difference between compassion and self centeredness is very important. Compassion leads to the good, and self centeredness to the problems. But it seems to be the other way around.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Change
The atom as model for a combination of change and stability...
Understanding our self by comparing our life with a universal model, an atom.
Nucleus, activity and return - the three aspects of an atom.
Nucleus is the idea our thoughts and actions circulate around. Normally we have several of them, like relations, work, home, cultural interests, sports, knowledge...
How did we choose these? coincidence? no choice? searched for? worked for? dreamed about?
Which is the quality of the nucleus? Altruistic? Pure? Never question myself or my motives?
Activity, is it rational? harsh? legal? healthy?
Outcome or return, good or bad?
Cooperating with other atoms positively or negatively?
Understanding our self by comparing our life with a universal model, an atom.
Nucleus, activity and return - the three aspects of an atom.
Nucleus is the idea our thoughts and actions circulate around. Normally we have several of them, like relations, work, home, cultural interests, sports, knowledge...
How did we choose these? coincidence? no choice? searched for? worked for? dreamed about?
Which is the quality of the nucleus? Altruistic? Pure? Never question myself or my motives?
Activity, is it rational? harsh? legal? healthy?
Outcome or return, good or bad?
Cooperating with other atoms positively or negatively?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
From mind only to only mind
It is quite normal be a mind only-person. When we try to understand an external world we are mind only. Typical mind only is natural science. Researchers figure out how material things work. Thanks to this knowledge we (no, not me personally, but we as culture) know how to build roads, bridges, airplanes and a lot more.
We experience an external world existing there on its own right. This is denied by mind only. The world is a projection, but the projection is done by a real mind. So if two or more minds see a thing in the same way, that is true.
But all of the external reality is not stable as the material reality. Some of the most important factors are very fluctuating and difficult to describe. People are fluctuating. And music.
In music it is popular doing top ten lists. The ten best songs ever ... There are many lists but none of them is really true. According to mind only, these lists are only subjective. Your list might be true for you but not for me.
We know this and top ten lists are not really a matter of life and death. But people might be.
In the old days, police tried to figure out who killed who. It was difficult enough, but it was about material things - knives, poison, shotguns and the like.
But now one task is to prevent terrorism. A terrorist deed is material, but the planning is not material.
If we hunt terrorists with mind only view we will find nothing until it is too late. But we can do a lot of harm while trying to expose something which does not exist.
If mind only gives no result it is a risk that the view changes to Madhyamaka prasangika. Then the investigator creates a world of subject - object and nothing more. Even the most harmless old age pensioner can look like a terrorist if the looker is fearful for terrorists.
So if someone in power glides into Madhyamaka prasangika it might be very dangerous for those around. The objective observation is changed into subject-object.
Normally we see the worst parts of our personality as external. We do not acknowledge bad or weak aspects of ourselves, but see those aspects as belonging to others.
If we know it is a projection, we can deal with the problems in our own mind. If we believe it is objective truth, we start persecuting innocent people.
We experience an external world existing there on its own right. This is denied by mind only. The world is a projection, but the projection is done by a real mind. So if two or more minds see a thing in the same way, that is true.
But all of the external reality is not stable as the material reality. Some of the most important factors are very fluctuating and difficult to describe. People are fluctuating. And music.
In music it is popular doing top ten lists. The ten best songs ever ... There are many lists but none of them is really true. According to mind only, these lists are only subjective. Your list might be true for you but not for me.
We know this and top ten lists are not really a matter of life and death. But people might be.
In the old days, police tried to figure out who killed who. It was difficult enough, but it was about material things - knives, poison, shotguns and the like.
But now one task is to prevent terrorism. A terrorist deed is material, but the planning is not material.
If we hunt terrorists with mind only view we will find nothing until it is too late. But we can do a lot of harm while trying to expose something which does not exist.
If mind only gives no result it is a risk that the view changes to Madhyamaka prasangika. Then the investigator creates a world of subject - object and nothing more. Even the most harmless old age pensioner can look like a terrorist if the looker is fearful for terrorists.
So if someone in power glides into Madhyamaka prasangika it might be very dangerous for those around. The objective observation is changed into subject-object.
Normally we see the worst parts of our personality as external. We do not acknowledge bad or weak aspects of ourselves, but see those aspects as belonging to others.
If we know it is a projection, we can deal with the problems in our own mind. If we believe it is objective truth, we start persecuting innocent people.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Potential for change
This day, March 3, 2009, on the site http://www.mindminding.com/ a story called "Potential for change" is published. Why?
In the newspaper Dagens Nyheter of today, there is an editorial article called "Undvikandefilosofi" (Philosophy of evasiveness) by Hanne Kjöller. It is a commentary based upon a book called Någonting är sjukt (Something is sick) by the medical doctor in Uppsala Per Lytsy.
In the book is reported actual cases of individuals who have been on sick leave for years without being better. The conclusion drawn by Hanne Kjöller is that you can discuss what the solutions are , but we can be pretty sure that sick leave is not among the solutions.
And indeed, I agree very much. The causes for people getting stuck outside work and social life should be discussed.
And as usual for me, I feel that most of the solutions are on mind level.
The solutions are not on the physical, medical level. People might be healthy and still remain drop outs. So sick leave is not the most appropriate classification from that point of view.
The solution is not on the economical level. Economical stimuli or penalties does not work if the real cause is elsewhere.
The solution is not on the administrative level. The poor administrators have only a few alternatives in classifying problems, and these particular problems does not fit to any given alternative.
The solution is not on the political level. The problems are individual and they will survive any political change.
The solution is not in the labour market or in the capitalist system. Private and public work places are for production.
And so on. The usual explanations does not work. They are tried.
The solution is on mind level, but even that does not mean that all problems are solved easily. That is what the story "Potential for change" is about.
In the newspaper Dagens Nyheter of today, there is an editorial article called "Undvikandefilosofi" (Philosophy of evasiveness) by Hanne Kjöller. It is a commentary based upon a book called Någonting är sjukt (Something is sick) by the medical doctor in Uppsala Per Lytsy.
In the book is reported actual cases of individuals who have been on sick leave for years without being better. The conclusion drawn by Hanne Kjöller is that you can discuss what the solutions are , but we can be pretty sure that sick leave is not among the solutions.
And indeed, I agree very much. The causes for people getting stuck outside work and social life should be discussed.
And as usual for me, I feel that most of the solutions are on mind level.
The solutions are not on the physical, medical level. People might be healthy and still remain drop outs. So sick leave is not the most appropriate classification from that point of view.
The solution is not on the economical level. Economical stimuli or penalties does not work if the real cause is elsewhere.
The solution is not on the administrative level. The poor administrators have only a few alternatives in classifying problems, and these particular problems does not fit to any given alternative.
The solution is not on the political level. The problems are individual and they will survive any political change.
The solution is not in the labour market or in the capitalist system. Private and public work places are for production.
And so on. The usual explanations does not work. They are tried.
The solution is on mind level, but even that does not mean that all problems are solved easily. That is what the story "Potential for change" is about.
Welcome
Welcome
to this blog, Awareness of awareness. It started in the end of February 2009.
My name is Kurt and I used to be a journalist for many years. Now I am retired. Since 2005 I have the site http://www.mindminding.com/ .
It is about mind and mind aspects of all kinds of issues.
The knowledge of mind comes mainly from Buddhist traditions, in particular from Tibetan mahayana buddhism.
My intention is to use this blog as a meta site for the mindminding site. That means I want to explain some of the background factors and the reasoning behind the articles on the mindminding site.
The general background is that mind aspects are neglected in the general debate. I feel this to be an objective and obvious truth. Accepted aspects are many: political, economical, historical, social, psychological, cultural, scholastic, scientific, medical, gender, legal...and many more. But not mind.
Mind is the decisive aspects in many issues. Many solutions are on mind level. It is easy to see if we only start looking. In a humble way, I want to use this site for that purpose.
to this blog, Awareness of awareness. It started in the end of February 2009.
My name is Kurt and I used to be a journalist for many years. Now I am retired. Since 2005 I have the site http://www.mindminding.com/ .
It is about mind and mind aspects of all kinds of issues.
The knowledge of mind comes mainly from Buddhist traditions, in particular from Tibetan mahayana buddhism.
My intention is to use this blog as a meta site for the mindminding site. That means I want to explain some of the background factors and the reasoning behind the articles on the mindminding site.
The general background is that mind aspects are neglected in the general debate. I feel this to be an objective and obvious truth. Accepted aspects are many: political, economical, historical, social, psychological, cultural, scholastic, scientific, medical, gender, legal...and many more. But not mind.
Mind is the decisive aspects in many issues. Many solutions are on mind level. It is easy to see if we only start looking. In a humble way, I want to use this site for that purpose.
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