Everything is mind or on its way to become mind, but sometimes it is difficult to see this.
For some children, the presence of mind is noticeable as sudden outbursts of energy or physical activity, rather than as writing poetry or playing the piano. But there is a development going on, and it leads from body to mind, eventually.
Pure material objects are pure mind. It is most obvious in diamonds.
Organic material objects, like human bodies, are not that well ordered. Of course they are well ordered in being alive. But there are two principles active, and they might be in conflict. Life or structure are the principles.
The two principles can also be called being and forms of being. Being is pure mind, forms of being are body and life.
Do we have a body in order to have a body, or is there any other meaning? If we have a body we are in a position to seek pure mind. It is not easy, as the existence of the body makes the search for pure mind difficult or indeed impossible.
A state of pure mind can be achieved for a short time in deep meditation, when the awareness of bodily functions is suspended.
As we have a body it is essential to take care of it. But it is not all of life. The period of bodily development is maybe 20 years. If we continue to pamper the body in the same way after this, we get sick.
Mind is always active. Mind can be used for developing mind. It can also be used for stopping mind development. There are many distractions and disturbances, and we can arrange for meaningless events.
The reality we live in is very big compared to normal brain capacity. We have many opportunities for living a nice life with mind progress, but there are more opportunities for living a sad life with no mind development.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Understanding 2
According to Buddhist philosophy, there are two ways to see reality. One is the spontaneous way, the other is the enlightened way.
If we use our sense organs and modern technology we see a world that is good and bad. Much is nice and fine, but much is bad and destructive. We try to improve, but our means are limited and new bad things are always introduced.
From the perspective of enlightenment the world is only good. This is true.
So if we want truth, we should not seek it in the ordinary way but by seeking enlightenment. It is the first step.
The ordinary way is not altogether a failure, but the bits and pieces we get that way are bits and pieces which can be used in different ways.
What do we know about the enlightened perspective?
We know about compassion. It seems to be essential. Compassion is to have a positive attitude to others.
If we have the spontaneous attitude, compassion is conditioned. We feel there are enemies out there. There are people who want to rob us if they can.
And this activity is a reality and it can cause disturbances and delays.
But the solution is not to improve security but to remove walls.
In a world dominated by the spontaneous attitude, the balance between compassion and walls is a central issue.
The argument for compassion should be strongest.
The more people who understand the power of compassion, the less is the need for walls. But most people experience a phase in their life when security, walls and fight seems to be the only and natural attitude.
This is caused by an unstructured instinct and habit from long ago.
If we use our sense organs and modern technology we see a world that is good and bad. Much is nice and fine, but much is bad and destructive. We try to improve, but our means are limited and new bad things are always introduced.
From the perspective of enlightenment the world is only good. This is true.
So if we want truth, we should not seek it in the ordinary way but by seeking enlightenment. It is the first step.
The ordinary way is not altogether a failure, but the bits and pieces we get that way are bits and pieces which can be used in different ways.
What do we know about the enlightened perspective?
We know about compassion. It seems to be essential. Compassion is to have a positive attitude to others.
If we have the spontaneous attitude, compassion is conditioned. We feel there are enemies out there. There are people who want to rob us if they can.
And this activity is a reality and it can cause disturbances and delays.
But the solution is not to improve security but to remove walls.
In a world dominated by the spontaneous attitude, the balance between compassion and walls is a central issue.
The argument for compassion should be strongest.
The more people who understand the power of compassion, the less is the need for walls. But most people experience a phase in their life when security, walls and fight seems to be the only and natural attitude.
This is caused by an unstructured instinct and habit from long ago.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Long term effects 2
We move in circles...we are like electrons circling around a nucleus, returning to and leaving, returning to and leaving the different places along the circuit, always on the go, but not going very far. And even if we travel far, we are likely to meet our long time neighbours on the most remote places...
Sometimes we feel we leave a place or situation for good - but it is difficult. We might succeed for some time, but then the memories return and the people, and the places, and the feelings, and everything we left...
Even the criminal returns to the place of the crime, it is said.
The longer we live, the more obvious it gets that we move in circles and that we return to events that happened to us or that we initiated. When we return something is waiting for us for good or bad.
The first time we visit a place we are quite free. When we return it is to a cage, made from our own actions there. There are nice cages and bad ones.
Our own actions decide. We can do good things in bad circumstances, and we can do bad things in good circumstances. There are more variations.
It is difficult to know the power of ones own actions. Two people in very similar situations might form very different cages.
We have free will and we can have any ambition any time, but we can not always realize our ambitions. Blocks and possibilities created by earlier actions might look incomprehensible for others.
Sometimes we feel we leave a place or situation for good - but it is difficult. We might succeed for some time, but then the memories return and the people, and the places, and the feelings, and everything we left...
Even the criminal returns to the place of the crime, it is said.
The longer we live, the more obvious it gets that we move in circles and that we return to events that happened to us or that we initiated. When we return something is waiting for us for good or bad.
The first time we visit a place we are quite free. When we return it is to a cage, made from our own actions there. There are nice cages and bad ones.
Our own actions decide. We can do good things in bad circumstances, and we can do bad things in good circumstances. There are more variations.
It is difficult to know the power of ones own actions. Two people in very similar situations might form very different cages.
We have free will and we can have any ambition any time, but we can not always realize our ambitions. Blocks and possibilities created by earlier actions might look incomprehensible for others.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The concrete and the real 2
To express reality in concrete objects is very difficult. It is like building a musical instrument. These days we can express ourselves in writing, pictures and music in different combinations and even reach an audience world wide. It is new and quite great.
Here we can see the difference between the concrete and the real. The real is in the expression, and the concrete is the medium we use. The modern medium, the electrons, have almost no value in themselves, but they can be given value when used for forming symbols.
As human beings we are anchored in material reality. We can not let go of materiality all together. But we can have a more or less light connection to it.
We connect to the real through mind. As more and more people can use mind for reality and not just for survival, we face a new era. The potential for peace, freedom and love is bigger than ever before.
Here we can see the difference between the concrete and the real. The real is in the expression, and the concrete is the medium we use. The modern medium, the electrons, have almost no value in themselves, but they can be given value when used for forming symbols.
As human beings we are anchored in material reality. We can not let go of materiality all together. But we can have a more or less light connection to it.
We connect to the real through mind. As more and more people can use mind for reality and not just for survival, we face a new era. The potential for peace, freedom and love is bigger than ever before.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Everything we desire 2
Most of us have had dreams and wishes that did not come true. We were disappointed.
So if someone - me - claims that mind gives us everything we desire, it seems to be just false. But it is true.
The creative process of mind works over time. Mind can not change the situation now, but over time. I am here now, but next year I can be anywhere in this world.
The creative process of mind works always and with all available material. If I have a specific goal I will probably reach it. But if my mind is filled with semi-interesting stuff, mind will arrange for that.
For the creative process in mind, frequency is the most decisive factor. High frequency dissolves problems, while low frequency gives problems. Sadly enough, problems tend to lower the frequency and thus aggravate problems.
My mind is mine, but I am very dependent upon other people. From them I get everything on the practical level and they are also my teachers. Everything we get from others is not immediately positive.
The energy level in other minds can be low, and there can be ill will or bias.
Another difficulty is history. Bad events in the past will give a bad shadow now.
So our wish can meet a lot of resistance. Nevertheless, it is mind that gives us everything we desire.
So if someone - me - claims that mind gives us everything we desire, it seems to be just false. But it is true.
The creative process of mind works over time. Mind can not change the situation now, but over time. I am here now, but next year I can be anywhere in this world.
The creative process of mind works always and with all available material. If I have a specific goal I will probably reach it. But if my mind is filled with semi-interesting stuff, mind will arrange for that.
For the creative process in mind, frequency is the most decisive factor. High frequency dissolves problems, while low frequency gives problems. Sadly enough, problems tend to lower the frequency and thus aggravate problems.
My mind is mine, but I am very dependent upon other people. From them I get everything on the practical level and they are also my teachers. Everything we get from others is not immediately positive.
The energy level in other minds can be low, and there can be ill will or bias.
Another difficulty is history. Bad events in the past will give a bad shadow now.
So our wish can meet a lot of resistance. Nevertheless, it is mind that gives us everything we desire.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Longchenpa knew 2
The losses of the global financial crisis are some 4 trillion dollars, according to IMF, the International Monetary Fund.
If we would exchange this sum into dollar coins it would probably be a huge pile. Would this pile prove that the sum in question represented a real, tangible value?
Probably not. According to Longchenpa the 4 trillion was nothing but the brightness of the mirror's surface.
So, should we try to restore the losses? Or is there something more valuable? Dismiss any speculations and fears, Longchenpa recommended.
Comfort is not in the specific, neither in intellectual description, nor in subjective demands, Longchenpa said.
If we would exchange this sum into dollar coins it would probably be a huge pile. Would this pile prove that the sum in question represented a real, tangible value?
Probably not. According to Longchenpa the 4 trillion was nothing but the brightness of the mirror's surface.
So, should we try to restore the losses? Or is there something more valuable? Dismiss any speculations and fears, Longchenpa recommended.
Comfort is not in the specific, neither in intellectual description, nor in subjective demands, Longchenpa said.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Dirty water 2
Living in dirty water, how can we ever be clean?
The energy we have in mind we can use for dealing with heavy resistance - thoughts and negative emotions - or for increasing frequency.
If we concentrate on dealing with the heavy resistance, we make things difficult. If we increase frequency, we leave the heavy behind.
It is two processes, one short term and the other long term.
Short term might be about being blind and against nature. The world we see is dirty and unfair, and we have to force ourselves to think positive thoughts. If we follow our nature we think negative thoughts.
In the long term, habit will make it easier. Sometimes it is called karma. The more we get used to high frequencies, the easier it will be to remain there.
The energy we have in mind we can use for dealing with heavy resistance - thoughts and negative emotions - or for increasing frequency.
If we concentrate on dealing with the heavy resistance, we make things difficult. If we increase frequency, we leave the heavy behind.
It is two processes, one short term and the other long term.
Short term might be about being blind and against nature. The world we see is dirty and unfair, and we have to force ourselves to think positive thoughts. If we follow our nature we think negative thoughts.
In the long term, habit will make it easier. Sometimes it is called karma. The more we get used to high frequencies, the easier it will be to remain there.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sheer lucency 2
Meaning can be found on many levels of mind. Which is the deepest, most profound? In the Tibetan tradition we find a discussion about experience as experience, as different from a particular experience of something.
These ideas from the Tibetan master Longchenpa were introduced into English by
Herbert V. Guenther in his book "Kindly Bent to Ease Us".
So we have these levels:
1) actually do things out there
2) act as if you do things out there
3) talk as if you do things out there
4) turn to the mind within yourself
The levels show the tension between the socially accepted and meaningfulness.
Meaningfulness does not mean that we can not actually do things out there. Meaningfulness is the understanding of whatever we do.
Whatever we do has a meaningfulness of its own - an inner logic - and this meaningfulness is something different from the existential meaningsfulness.
These ideas from the Tibetan master Longchenpa were introduced into English by
Herbert V. Guenther in his book "Kindly Bent to Ease Us".
So we have these levels:
1) actually do things out there
2) act as if you do things out there
3) talk as if you do things out there
4) turn to the mind within yourself
The levels show the tension between the socially accepted and meaningfulness.
Meaningfulness does not mean that we can not actually do things out there. Meaningfulness is the understanding of whatever we do.
Whatever we do has a meaningfulness of its own - an inner logic - and this meaningfulness is something different from the existential meaningsfulness.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Relativity 2
Contaminated feelings is a big issue when we focus on mind.
Contaminated - the word itself says this is not good. We do not eat contaminated food, we do not want our home to be contaminated - why should we tolerate our feelings to be contaminated?
The difference between contaminated feelings and pure feelings is that contamination affects the feeling mechanism so the result is strange. We like bad things and dislike good things, for example. Another fault is to believe feelings to be eternal, strong and trustworthy in themselves.
We can never avoid feelings. We have to accept that our experience of reality is sorted into the three categories of good, neutral and bad.
The best we can do is to purify our feelings so they reflect our ideals. A pure feeling is to feel joy over the success of others. A contaminated feelings is to feel joy over the misfortune of others.
If we try to answer the question: "What is best in this reality, what should I be perfectly happy for?" we are on the right way. But we should watch out for simplified idealism.
Contaminated - the word itself says this is not good. We do not eat contaminated food, we do not want our home to be contaminated - why should we tolerate our feelings to be contaminated?
The difference between contaminated feelings and pure feelings is that contamination affects the feeling mechanism so the result is strange. We like bad things and dislike good things, for example. Another fault is to believe feelings to be eternal, strong and trustworthy in themselves.
We can never avoid feelings. We have to accept that our experience of reality is sorted into the three categories of good, neutral and bad.
The best we can do is to purify our feelings so they reflect our ideals. A pure feeling is to feel joy over the success of others. A contaminated feelings is to feel joy over the misfortune of others.
If we try to answer the question: "What is best in this reality, what should I be perfectly happy for?" we are on the right way. But we should watch out for simplified idealism.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rooms in mind 2
What about interior decoration in mind? Mind is like a big house with many rooms - from childhood, teenage, student corridor and so on... and sometimes they are very messy.
A messy mind room can have extreme effects. Hitler started a few wars and a lot of concentrations camps. Most criminal activity, abuse and suffering depend upon messy mind rooms.
Difficult experiences makes it sometimes very painful even to open the door to some of these rooms. Sometimes it is the other way around, we return helplessly to some of our old nice rooms when everything was nice and full of hope.
The sexual urge is powerful, and rooms associated with sex has a special attraction. It should be no problem, if it does not lead to uncontrolled behaviour.
It is a matter of knowing mind...the principle is simple, it should be known by all
A messy mind room can have extreme effects. Hitler started a few wars and a lot of concentrations camps. Most criminal activity, abuse and suffering depend upon messy mind rooms.
Difficult experiences makes it sometimes very painful even to open the door to some of these rooms. Sometimes it is the other way around, we return helplessly to some of our old nice rooms when everything was nice and full of hope.
The sexual urge is powerful, and rooms associated with sex has a special attraction. It should be no problem, if it does not lead to uncontrolled behaviour.
It is a matter of knowing mind...the principle is simple, it should be known by all
Monday, April 20, 2009
Holograms in space 2
"Kill your darlings" is an expression referring to the fact that we should stop our favorite sayings and mental routines.
It is better to express ourselves in new ways rather then to repeat ourselves. Sometimes it is difficult to find new expressions. When we talk to our dogs and cats we can repeat ourselves, year after year. That is one reason why we like pets more than people sometimes.
The expression "kill your darlings" implies it is difficult to stop mental habits. And it certainly is.
But to kill is to overdo. We can adjust our mental world in a more subtle and efficient way.
The method is to let in space in mind and in particular into those ideas and holograms which cause problems and difficulties.
Space can dissolve knots and open up energy channels and actually dissolve problems - if we want to. Sometimes our problems - us being a victim, unfairly treated and so on - is our most precious darling.
It is better to express ourselves in new ways rather then to repeat ourselves. Sometimes it is difficult to find new expressions. When we talk to our dogs and cats we can repeat ourselves, year after year. That is one reason why we like pets more than people sometimes.
The expression "kill your darlings" implies it is difficult to stop mental habits. And it certainly is.
But to kill is to overdo. We can adjust our mental world in a more subtle and efficient way.
The method is to let in space in mind and in particular into those ideas and holograms which cause problems and difficulties.
Space can dissolve knots and open up energy channels and actually dissolve problems - if we want to. Sometimes our problems - us being a victim, unfairly treated and so on - is our most precious darling.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The two truths 2
As human beings we have a surface and an inner level. We often show off on the surface but not only hide but protect our inner level with strong means.
We in the role of observers have a normal tendency to seek for the hidden and feel that the real truth is in the hidden rather than in the surface. This can be somewhat true, but it must not be particularly true.
The paradox is that we hide our own inner level while we try to see into the inner level of others.
The psychological urge to see into the hidden is a reality. But the factual value of this kind of intrusion is not always worth the cost.
In media, the surface is all important. The actor might seem happy in the show, but be very sad because of illness or broken relations. It is professional to still look happy.
A person might look very tidy and smart at work, after having prepared for this on the expense of cleaning the home. It might be in a state of perfect mess.
So what s true: the tidiness at work or the mess at home? None of them has any other truth than being what it is in this particular moment. The next day it might be the other way around: the person looks sloppy while cleaning up the home.
The message is clear: the inner level is not particularly true.
We in the role of observers have a normal tendency to seek for the hidden and feel that the real truth is in the hidden rather than in the surface. This can be somewhat true, but it must not be particularly true.
The paradox is that we hide our own inner level while we try to see into the inner level of others.
The psychological urge to see into the hidden is a reality. But the factual value of this kind of intrusion is not always worth the cost.
In media, the surface is all important. The actor might seem happy in the show, but be very sad because of illness or broken relations. It is professional to still look happy.
A person might look very tidy and smart at work, after having prepared for this on the expense of cleaning the home. It might be in a state of perfect mess.
So what s true: the tidiness at work or the mess at home? None of them has any other truth than being what it is in this particular moment. The next day it might be the other way around: the person looks sloppy while cleaning up the home.
The message is clear: the inner level is not particularly true.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Evil 2
Evil as the intense will to create problems in combination with an intense and disgusting feeling, is not a nice thing to handle when we meet it.
But evil is a comparatively natural reaction. It is not erased by progress. On the contrary, even in the most advanced and glorious situations, new sneaky opportunities for evil to emerge are created.
The first priority is to avoid evil. This is sometimes seen as anti-social behaviour. We should fight for our rights! Or should we? We should respect the rights of others, and thus have our own rights respected.
Instead of accepting any evil routine, we should try to scale down the use of evil in any situation.
It is natural but wrong to fight the symptoms of evil. We should dissolve the cause. The cause is on mind level.
If you ever have tried evil you know that the cause is on mind level - it is the fierce planning of being nasty.
This is the root of the problem.
But evil is a comparatively natural reaction. It is not erased by progress. On the contrary, even in the most advanced and glorious situations, new sneaky opportunities for evil to emerge are created.
The first priority is to avoid evil. This is sometimes seen as anti-social behaviour. We should fight for our rights! Or should we? We should respect the rights of others, and thus have our own rights respected.
Instead of accepting any evil routine, we should try to scale down the use of evil in any situation.
It is natural but wrong to fight the symptoms of evil. We should dissolve the cause. The cause is on mind level.
If you ever have tried evil you know that the cause is on mind level - it is the fierce planning of being nasty.
This is the root of the problem.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The second level 2
Is mind a threat to civilization? It could be, as the spontaneous mind is more inclined for destruction than construction.
In schools were there is no discipline, the destructive processes are quite obvious.
In society, there is no room for this kind of destructivity, but if large groups of the population are left outside the orderly society, there will be social unrest eventually.
This is not a social problem but a mind problem.
For most people, it is possible to get control over mind and then find a comparatively positive role in society.
The paradox is that what seems to be external problems with antisocial behavior, unrest, violence and so on really is a mind problem.
What to do?
Many mind processes are decided long ago. They can not be changed easily. We have to accept that. Mind is a victim of earlier learning. This have to wear out before the new appears.
Every individual must mind his or her own mind, but in order to get good results, there should be an public analysis concerning the real issues.
A pseudo analysis about impotent social responsibility and real lack of opportunities will only increase alienation. A real debate should be about mind, ideals and practical implementations.
In schools were there is no discipline, the destructive processes are quite obvious.
In society, there is no room for this kind of destructivity, but if large groups of the population are left outside the orderly society, there will be social unrest eventually.
This is not a social problem but a mind problem.
For most people, it is possible to get control over mind and then find a comparatively positive role in society.
The paradox is that what seems to be external problems with antisocial behavior, unrest, violence and so on really is a mind problem.
What to do?
Many mind processes are decided long ago. They can not be changed easily. We have to accept that. Mind is a victim of earlier learning. This have to wear out before the new appears.
Every individual must mind his or her own mind, but in order to get good results, there should be an public analysis concerning the real issues.
A pseudo analysis about impotent social responsibility and real lack of opportunities will only increase alienation. A real debate should be about mind, ideals and practical implementations.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Creative intentions 2
True power is not to be able to do things out there but in here, to develop the best of intentions. Then the rest will follow.
Many individuals know this and profit from this. Very good. But those who need it most does not know the trick.
So far, society has thrived from having a reserve of labour force and people willing to do low paid work. But that has changed. Now we all should carry our own bags.
So there is no excuse any more, for keeping people in unawareness.
The best help to self help is to learn about intentions.
The first step in learning about intentions is ... to have intentions, rather than expectations and hopes. Reality is created from my mind, not given me from others.
Everything is interconnected, and everything we get, we get from others, but the force is in my intentions.
Many individuals know this and profit from this. Very good. But those who need it most does not know the trick.
So far, society has thrived from having a reserve of labour force and people willing to do low paid work. But that has changed. Now we all should carry our own bags.
So there is no excuse any more, for keeping people in unawareness.
The best help to self help is to learn about intentions.
The first step in learning about intentions is ... to have intentions, rather than expectations and hopes. Reality is created from my mind, not given me from others.
Everything is interconnected, and everything we get, we get from others, but the force is in my intentions.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Creation 3
Our observations of the external world are reflected in our experiences. And if our experiences are negative, the reflected image is negative independently of what it reflects.
If a person has had many difficult experiences, and then suddenly encounters a positive one, it is likely that this experience will be classified as negative, as it is reflected in the many preceding negative experiences.
There is a radical solution to this difficulty, and that is changing reflection point. Instead of reflecting in our experiences we can reflect in our intention of general compassion.
This idea, to change reflection point, is difficult to find out for any individual.
With negative experiences, we easily develop a negative routine. Negative experiences gives negative reflections, which gives negative projections, which are reflected negatively and gives new negative projections.
If our situation is not that difficult we have a possibility to change projection and thus approach a better situation. We do that by actively seeking out the place / situation we want to reach.
In this seeking we do not need any "realism" - if we are realistic we will only reach realistic places. If our visions are greater than this, we might reach greater goals when the time is ripe.
To choose place /situation is not easy. We have to decide what we really want in relations, activity, economy and so on.
If a person has had many difficult experiences, and then suddenly encounters a positive one, it is likely that this experience will be classified as negative, as it is reflected in the many preceding negative experiences.
There is a radical solution to this difficulty, and that is changing reflection point. Instead of reflecting in our experiences we can reflect in our intention of general compassion.
This idea, to change reflection point, is difficult to find out for any individual.
With negative experiences, we easily develop a negative routine. Negative experiences gives negative reflections, which gives negative projections, which are reflected negatively and gives new negative projections.
If our situation is not that difficult we have a possibility to change projection and thus approach a better situation. We do that by actively seeking out the place / situation we want to reach.
In this seeking we do not need any "realism" - if we are realistic we will only reach realistic places. If our visions are greater than this, we might reach greater goals when the time is ripe.
To choose place /situation is not easy. We have to decide what we really want in relations, activity, economy and so on.
Creation 2
The things we experience as real and important - in relations, at work, in health, in economy and so on - make us think and dream, and these thoughts give seeds which are projected as the things we experience as real and important - in relations, at work, in health, in economy and so on - make us think and dream, and these thoughts give seeds which are projected as the things we experience as real and important - in relations, at work, in health, in economy and so on...
so it is...our projections give rise to new projections which support the impression that the projections we had yesterday were not projections but had some solid reality of their own...
To break this circle we should know the power of our own contribution to these projections. We see what we want to see. Often we want to see the most horrible, the most disgusting. Why do we want that? Well, there are dark undercurrents in many minds.
But we can leave these undercurrents. There is an alternative. It is called bodhicitta or active compassion.
so it is...our projections give rise to new projections which support the impression that the projections we had yesterday were not projections but had some solid reality of their own...
To break this circle we should know the power of our own contribution to these projections. We see what we want to see. Often we want to see the most horrible, the most disgusting. Why do we want that? Well, there are dark undercurrents in many minds.
But we can leave these undercurrents. There is an alternative. It is called bodhicitta or active compassion.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Interference 2
Children are individuals from birth. Even in the same family, there can be great differences between the children. Why so, if we are born as blank, new and unwritten?
The life of a person is not decided from the beginning. What will happen depends on the individual and the environment, for good or worse. Statistically and historically seen, many have met difficult circumstances.
In the modern world, circumstances are decided by other people, not by some raw nature.
So we can arrange for good circumstances.
What is that?
It seems to be a secret. We have a lot of opinions about how others should behave and do, but do we really know enough to interfere in the lives of others?
The life of a person is not decided from the beginning. What will happen depends on the individual and the environment, for good or worse. Statistically and historically seen, many have met difficult circumstances.
In the modern world, circumstances are decided by other people, not by some raw nature.
So we can arrange for good circumstances.
What is that?
It seems to be a secret. We have a lot of opinions about how others should behave and do, but do we really know enough to interfere in the lives of others?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Under the surface 2
The atom is the structure for everything created on this earth. Not only atoms are atoms, people, organisations, mountains, music, depression - everything is organised as atom.
An atom has three parts: nucleus, electron and the relation between them.
The electron makes the surface and the nucleus is the inner truth.
The relation between them can be honest, as when we look what we are. It can also be deceptive. We can look in a way that does not reflect our inner personality.
In many social contexts we accept the electron, the surface, as social identity. We do not always see if there are any secrets hidden underneath.
The true identity of the atom is not in the electron or in the nucleus, but in their relation. This relation is a combination of the electron and nucleus, like a child born from the two parents.
If we use modern technology we can read the inner reality of people more precise than ever before. When we (the security) does so, will it find abysses of hatred and ill will?
It depends on the society. The human individual can have a negative or a benevolent attitude to life. Which it is depends on society.
An atom has three parts: nucleus, electron and the relation between them.
The electron makes the surface and the nucleus is the inner truth.
The relation between them can be honest, as when we look what we are. It can also be deceptive. We can look in a way that does not reflect our inner personality.
In many social contexts we accept the electron, the surface, as social identity. We do not always see if there are any secrets hidden underneath.
The true identity of the atom is not in the electron or in the nucleus, but in their relation. This relation is a combination of the electron and nucleus, like a child born from the two parents.
If we use modern technology we can read the inner reality of people more precise than ever before. When we (the security) does so, will it find abysses of hatred and ill will?
It depends on the society. The human individual can have a negative or a benevolent attitude to life. Which it is depends on society.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Sea of consciousness 2
In ordinary social situations, the line between mine and yours responsibility is not always clear.
Some people take advantage of this and do anything till they are stopped by violence.
In a mind analysis on the contrary, the line between mine and yours responsibility is very clear.
There it is obvious that even having negative thoughts about others is bad, and much more so to act from this and kill, steal or lie.
This is bad even if no one is stopping the person. Hitler was wrong, even if no one could stop him.
For some the idea of being a successful criminal seems attractive. But is it good?
We are living in a sea of consciousness. Nothing is secret to this consciousness. So even if the criminal can hide his deed from society, he can never hide it from consciousness.
Consciousness is not amused by criminal acts. They are a kind of poison or pollution. To live in poison is not nice.
Some people take advantage of this and do anything till they are stopped by violence.
In a mind analysis on the contrary, the line between mine and yours responsibility is very clear.
There it is obvious that even having negative thoughts about others is bad, and much more so to act from this and kill, steal or lie.
This is bad even if no one is stopping the person. Hitler was wrong, even if no one could stop him.
For some the idea of being a successful criminal seems attractive. But is it good?
We are living in a sea of consciousness. Nothing is secret to this consciousness. So even if the criminal can hide his deed from society, he can never hide it from consciousness.
Consciousness is not amused by criminal acts. They are a kind of poison or pollution. To live in poison is not nice.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Trust not the unanalyzed 2
If a person can nothing else, he can always use violence and abuse. This is a basic human problem.
Why all these wars, why conflict, why violence, why abuse, why oppression, why criminality?
It is because of this: If we know not how to deal with a situation, we "feel it right" to use violence and abuse.
This is very sad, as the rational solution is so close. It is about analyze. It is about understanding principles.
Everything we d0 must be justified. If we can not analyze, we trust the unanalyzed, and thus feel justified in doing anything including the most horrible.
If we can do a legal analysis, we see there is no justification for private violence.
If we can do a mind analysis, we see the illusion of spontaneous observation, and we see the solution to the problem.
Why all these wars, why conflict, why violence, why abuse, why oppression, why criminality?
It is because of this: If we know not how to deal with a situation, we "feel it right" to use violence and abuse.
This is very sad, as the rational solution is so close. It is about analyze. It is about understanding principles.
Everything we d0 must be justified. If we can not analyze, we trust the unanalyzed, and thus feel justified in doing anything including the most horrible.
If we can do a legal analysis, we see there is no justification for private violence.
If we can do a mind analysis, we see the illusion of spontaneous observation, and we see the solution to the problem.
Friday, April 10, 2009
So it seems 2
In a materially based world view it seems we can accept one-sided truths.
It seems quite correct to say, when we see a house: It is a house.
But this is an one-sided truth. The other side of the truth is: "This building is in decay".
The house might stand for decades, so if we look at the material facts it is acceptable to see it as a house.
On the mind level, however, the decay of the building is going on all the time. If the house still stands there 30 years from now it is probably practically a new house, with new roof, new walls, new paint, new heating system and so on.
On mind level, the stability of material reality is not present so we see reality as a process in constant change.
If we know about this change, we can not accept temporary and adventitious observations as basis for our decisions. We want the full picture, including all ups and all downs.
It seems quite correct to say, when we see a house: It is a house.
But this is an one-sided truth. The other side of the truth is: "This building is in decay".
The house might stand for decades, so if we look at the material facts it is acceptable to see it as a house.
On the mind level, however, the decay of the building is going on all the time. If the house still stands there 30 years from now it is probably practically a new house, with new roof, new walls, new paint, new heating system and so on.
On mind level, the stability of material reality is not present so we see reality as a process in constant change.
If we know about this change, we can not accept temporary and adventitious observations as basis for our decisions. We want the full picture, including all ups and all downs.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Implementation 2
How to deal with the resistance of mind?
When we want mind to do new things, it usually does not bother to respond. It is like talking to a wall. No one is home.
Maybe we could use the brain as a symbol for mind.
In the brain, activity is activity between cells. If we start a new project, there are no cells for this function. It feels like talking to a wall. No one is home.
If we try again the next day, the response might be a bit better. Connections between cells are beginning to open up.
The more we try and the more we ask for this new function to work, the more cells and connections will open up.
Eventually - after half a year at least - we might have broken new land in the brain for this subject. Then we easily can assimilate new knowledge. If it was a new language we were learning, the first words were difficult but now we understand new words immediately ... and we understand the spelling ... and the grammar... and we can talk!
When we want mind to do new things, it usually does not bother to respond. It is like talking to a wall. No one is home.
Maybe we could use the brain as a symbol for mind.
In the brain, activity is activity between cells. If we start a new project, there are no cells for this function. It feels like talking to a wall. No one is home.
If we try again the next day, the response might be a bit better. Connections between cells are beginning to open up.
The more we try and the more we ask for this new function to work, the more cells and connections will open up.
Eventually - after half a year at least - we might have broken new land in the brain for this subject. Then we easily can assimilate new knowledge. If it was a new language we were learning, the first words were difficult but now we understand new words immediately ... and we understand the spelling ... and the grammar... and we can talk!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The new Marx 2
Post-industrial society is an old concept. But it is negatively stated. It tells about what we have left - the industrial society - but not about what we have arrived at. So, what have we arrived at? The answer is: the mind based society.
The industrial society was the last era when human beings had their main value as physical production entities. Now the main value is in mind. Mind is creator and consumer in one.
The classical problem is how to distribute wealth and work. Karl Marx answered it for the industrial society. Or rather, he started a struggle that went on for 150 years and sometimes violently.
The problem now is: What is wealth and what is your role, among the seven billion other human beings living now?
The answer is that wealth is not in money, but in the use of our resources. This "use of resources" means living in harmony, love and creativity, from the support of all others and of nature.
The industrial society was the last era when human beings had their main value as physical production entities. Now the main value is in mind. Mind is creator and consumer in one.
The classical problem is how to distribute wealth and work. Karl Marx answered it for the industrial society. Or rather, he started a struggle that went on for 150 years and sometimes violently.
The problem now is: What is wealth and what is your role, among the seven billion other human beings living now?
The answer is that wealth is not in money, but in the use of our resources. This "use of resources" means living in harmony, love and creativity, from the support of all others and of nature.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
All aspects considered 2
To favor freedom before oppression is not a matter of political conviction but of scope of knowledge. The more we know the more we accept freedom.
Oppression can be based on raw violence. That is a very primitive situation.
Oppression can also be based on the idea of discipline - there must be some structure to avoid anarchy.
This situation is intermediary, between the most primitive oppression and the evolved stage of full knowledge and thus full freedom.
Freedom is complicated idea as it involves all citizens in a nation. Any minority which advocates violence is a problem.
Traditionally this was a problem that could not be solved. It was impossible to reach all citizens with a serious analysis and exchange of experiences and knowledge.
But it is not impossible any more. Thanks to better education, better media and Internet knowledge increases fast.
It is very good. It means that the politicians of tomorrow will rest on knowledge and ideals among their voters, and not on bias and promises of subsidies, tax reductions and the like.
Oppression can be based on raw violence. That is a very primitive situation.
Oppression can also be based on the idea of discipline - there must be some structure to avoid anarchy.
This situation is intermediary, between the most primitive oppression and the evolved stage of full knowledge and thus full freedom.
Freedom is complicated idea as it involves all citizens in a nation. Any minority which advocates violence is a problem.
Traditionally this was a problem that could not be solved. It was impossible to reach all citizens with a serious analysis and exchange of experiences and knowledge.
But it is not impossible any more. Thanks to better education, better media and Internet knowledge increases fast.
It is very good. It means that the politicians of tomorrow will rest on knowledge and ideals among their voters, and not on bias and promises of subsidies, tax reductions and the like.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Rational relativity 2
One reason for the suffering of being young is the difficulty to relate to reality.
The mental well being is bad among many teenage girls who feel an enormous pressure from family, friends, school and society in general. The image of the perfect young woman is shown on signposts, in magazines, in movies and television and almost everywhere else.
At the same time, there is a systematic discrimination of women in many societies.
For the individual the difficulty is to relate to all these diverse and strong impulses.
If there is a hang-up in any of these aspects the suffering can be great.
To avoid this, the general principle for rational relativity is not to relate to "me" but to the "good for all". If the individual can ask: "What is good for all in this particular situation?" the pressure is transferred from "me".
The answer to the question is normally that the individual has a role that is quite acceptable in every situation. All situations are certainly not acceptable, but also the way out of a difficult dilemma can be acceptable.
The mental well being is bad among many teenage girls who feel an enormous pressure from family, friends, school and society in general. The image of the perfect young woman is shown on signposts, in magazines, in movies and television and almost everywhere else.
At the same time, there is a systematic discrimination of women in many societies.
For the individual the difficulty is to relate to all these diverse and strong impulses.
If there is a hang-up in any of these aspects the suffering can be great.
To avoid this, the general principle for rational relativity is not to relate to "me" but to the "good for all". If the individual can ask: "What is good for all in this particular situation?" the pressure is transferred from "me".
The answer to the question is normally that the individual has a role that is quite acceptable in every situation. All situations are certainly not acceptable, but also the way out of a difficult dilemma can be acceptable.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Side by side
Can the process that has taken place between nations also take place between individuals?
Between nations, there is more peace than it used to be. NATO used to be a military organisation challenging its opposite, the Warsaw pact. Now NATO internally is an organization for military cooperation, including many of the former enemies. Even EU is a peace organisation, the basis for a longer period of peace between the European countries than ever before in history.
So the question is: can this happen within countries also? Can we scale down police in the same way that the military defense has been scaled down?
Most activities in the nations are peaceful, but not all. The primary question is however: What is internal peace?
In the modern world we have to define again - to make clear - what should the individual do, what should society do, what should police do. These roles are changing because of circumstances, and misunderstandings can occur.
The second biggest problem is integrating new individuals into society - new generations and migrants. Integration is really a mind level activity, but the best practical way is to open up schools and the labour market. Theoretical integration without practical implementation is not good.
Between nations, there is more peace than it used to be. NATO used to be a military organisation challenging its opposite, the Warsaw pact. Now NATO internally is an organization for military cooperation, including many of the former enemies. Even EU is a peace organisation, the basis for a longer period of peace between the European countries than ever before in history.
So the question is: can this happen within countries also? Can we scale down police in the same way that the military defense has been scaled down?
Most activities in the nations are peaceful, but not all. The primary question is however: What is internal peace?
In the modern world we have to define again - to make clear - what should the individual do, what should society do, what should police do. These roles are changing because of circumstances, and misunderstandings can occur.
The second biggest problem is integrating new individuals into society - new generations and migrants. Integration is really a mind level activity, but the best practical way is to open up schools and the labour market. Theoretical integration without practical implementation is not good.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Afghanistan
What is the difference between Afghanistan and most other nations in the world? Why this war in Afghanistan?
It has taken longer time to create peace in Afghanistan than in Iraq.
One reason is that focus has been elsewhere, not on Afghanistan. That would have been acceptable if the solution for Afghanistan had been obvious. But the situation is the opposite, Afghanistan remains an unresolved enigma.
So what is needed is more of analysis, not more of guns and bombs.
The basic need for Afghanistan is respect. That is what we have in all peaceful nations. To impose an alien tradition with weapons is the opposite of respect.
But without NATO soldiers in Afghanistan, the militant Islamists will use their weapons to get power.
In order to overshadow this, more of respect is needed.
It has taken longer time to create peace in Afghanistan than in Iraq.
One reason is that focus has been elsewhere, not on Afghanistan. That would have been acceptable if the solution for Afghanistan had been obvious. But the situation is the opposite, Afghanistan remains an unresolved enigma.
So what is needed is more of analysis, not more of guns and bombs.
The basic need for Afghanistan is respect. That is what we have in all peaceful nations. To impose an alien tradition with weapons is the opposite of respect.
But without NATO soldiers in Afghanistan, the militant Islamists will use their weapons to get power.
In order to overshadow this, more of respect is needed.
Friday, April 3, 2009
No mistake
The difference between a mistake and a sin is that a mistake should be corrected but a sin should be punished. Punishment means to inflict suffering.
So sin is a mistake leading to more mistakes. This is bad. It is obvious.
Sin is a very popular idea. Few so old ideas are so popular.
Sin is founded on the idea of weak mind. As mind is weak, it needs the support of threat of punishment in order to do the right.
If mind was strong it would do the right by itself.
Traditionally, mind was weak for most people. Education was bad, access to knowledge was bad and temporary distraction was abundant and unavoidable.
Now the situation is different, and it is changing rapidly. The problem is not lack of information but too much information.
So the idea of sin and punishment is getting outdated. Instead we need communication and respect for knowledge.
So sin is a mistake leading to more mistakes. This is bad. It is obvious.
Sin is a very popular idea. Few so old ideas are so popular.
Sin is founded on the idea of weak mind. As mind is weak, it needs the support of threat of punishment in order to do the right.
If mind was strong it would do the right by itself.
Traditionally, mind was weak for most people. Education was bad, access to knowledge was bad and temporary distraction was abundant and unavoidable.
Now the situation is different, and it is changing rapidly. The problem is not lack of information but too much information.
So the idea of sin and punishment is getting outdated. Instead we need communication and respect for knowledge.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Heart and head
The global financial crisis can activate popular emotion. Fear and hopelessness for the private situation and envy against those "up there" who live a life in leisure and abundance can spark unrest.
So what will happen, what should happen?
The last months we have looked for a head solution - a rational way to act. Very good. The financial unrest is diminishing, even if the recovery of trust is slower than the destruction of trust.
But a new situation is established. We can not just return to business as before.
Hopefully we see the start of a new era of slower material growth and increased cultural growth - instead of using up limited natural resources we can use them in a smarter way.
So we need heart solutions - improvement where it is needed, and relaxation in the overheated sectors.
The possibilities are great. The old times (up to September 2008, if you can remember that long back) when human beings were production factors firstly were not that nice and good. More time for human creativity and development is not a bad prospect.
So what will happen, what should happen?
The last months we have looked for a head solution - a rational way to act. Very good. The financial unrest is diminishing, even if the recovery of trust is slower than the destruction of trust.
But a new situation is established. We can not just return to business as before.
Hopefully we see the start of a new era of slower material growth and increased cultural growth - instead of using up limited natural resources we can use them in a smarter way.
So we need heart solutions - improvement where it is needed, and relaxation in the overheated sectors.
The possibilities are great. The old times (up to September 2008, if you can remember that long back) when human beings were production factors firstly were not that nice and good. More time for human creativity and development is not a bad prospect.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
First and second aid
Mind can get us anything but not immediately. If we want some kind of pastry (with cream, decorated with fruit, sprinkled with chocolate) but do not have it, we can get it later.
In mind we can get "things" (experiences) faster. For example, if we want to have the nice feeling of eating pastry now, we can have that experience now. We do not need a pastry to get the experience of it.
But this immediate experience is short lived. And if we are tired or lack concentration, our wanted experience might slip away and be replaced by another experience.
If the matter is more serious than a pastry, we can use the contrast method. If we feel hatred we can apply love. If we are over excited, we can apply peacefulness.
Can we really? Yes, it works and it is possible to do, but it is difficult to apply love on hate.
In the long run we can prepare mind to avoid bad experiences altogether. We can get rid of aging, sickness and death, eventually. We do it by doing good deeds.
So there is no direct connection between what we do and what we are protected against.
In mind we can get "things" (experiences) faster. For example, if we want to have the nice feeling of eating pastry now, we can have that experience now. We do not need a pastry to get the experience of it.
But this immediate experience is short lived. And if we are tired or lack concentration, our wanted experience might slip away and be replaced by another experience.
If the matter is more serious than a pastry, we can use the contrast method. If we feel hatred we can apply love. If we are over excited, we can apply peacefulness.
Can we really? Yes, it works and it is possible to do, but it is difficult to apply love on hate.
In the long run we can prepare mind to avoid bad experiences altogether. We can get rid of aging, sickness and death, eventually. We do it by doing good deeds.
So there is no direct connection between what we do and what we are protected against.
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