Embracing Our Cosmic Nature

The unfathomable diversity evident in the material universe is due to the creative factors of attraction, organization and complexification.  As expressions of this universe, humans too have creative forces at work that are capable of directing us towards a level of social cohesion far above what is currently manifest among us.  They are displayed on the right side of the illustration below, attraction, social bonds and altruism.

Evolution has actually hardwired our attractive forces into the limbic region of our brain.  In his book, Spiritual Evolution, Dr. George E. Vaillant shares the results of decades of clinical research that demonstrate that the characteristics we associate with spirituality are of a genetic origin.  These include; love, joy, faith, hope, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude and a sense of awe.

If we take time to contemplate the implications of this reality, it becomes evident that the universe has designed us with a natural spiritual nature.  Vaillant points out that just as we differ from one another in stature, these spiritual characteristics also appear in individuals in varying degrees.  Nonetheless, taking time to cultivate these qualities can actually influence the development of certain regions of the brain and increase the prevalence of each of these positive emotions.  This is certainly the role religion, education and the humanities have played in human development over the millennia.

These characteristics lie at the heart of all constructive social relationships.  As we associate with one another, emotional and psychological bonds are formed that contribute to effective cultural development.  Of course, these bonds vary in degree from mere associations such as school and work to lifelong commitments of family and devoted friendships.

The ultimate expression of our social unions is seen in acts of altruism.  Caring for the concerns of others generally takes to forms.  There is an attitude of kindness that manifests in lifelong acts of service to others.  Whether it is a parent tending to the needs of their family, a nurse providing comfort to a patient, a teacher enabling his students to be lifelong learners, or someone holding a door open for an elderly couple, these all demonstrate a concern that reaches beyond our personal interests.

There is also an altruistic response that occurs in the midst of crisis.  Amazingly, it does not require any prior association but frequently takes place among complete strangers.  How often do we hear of people being pulled from burning buildings, mangled cars, or raging flood waters by those they have never met before?  What prompts individuals to leave a place of safety and risk their lives for others? 

I believe that all forms of altruism are attributable to an intuitive awareness that we are an integral part of a greater whole.  The natural spirituality that evolution has programmed into our genes is merely an extension of the ongoing complexification occurring in the universe.  Ideally, we are intended to unify in an interconnection that is mutually supportive.

 If this is true, why are we experiencing such extreme global turmoil?  Evolution is a slow process of trial and error as it blindly sorts through increasingly effectual configurations.  We must keep in mind that humanity is a very new species on our planet.  We are gradually stumbling towards a more unified global relationship and are currently engaged in a transitional period between outdated world views and a more rational understanding of who and what we are.

Arguably religion has been responsible for some of the most horrific human atrocities ever committed.  Nevertheless, the core message of every major religious teaching has expressed our natural spirituality, sought to establish social norms, encourage personal character development and provide a sense of community.  As yet, no comparable social institution has emerged to articulate contemporary universal knowledge, values and solidarity.  Consequently, we are witnessing widespread individualism, materialism, and militant religious factions vying for world domination.

Thankfully, in the midst of this stormy global climate, we see tremendous acts of kindness and courage.  The internet is full of websites promoting peace, positive values, respect and mutual support.  Many within the humanities are generating creative artistic images ideally suited for a collaborative and nurturing future.    Clearly our collective cosmic nature is alive and well working diligently to bring about necessary changes for a favorable human destiny. 

Our individual challenge is to find ways to contribute to this effort.  It is essential that we cultivate our natural spirituality through meditation, contemplation, communing with nature, seeking inspirational reading material, movies and music, or whatever may be personally uplifting. Then, actively seek opportunities to engage in random acts of kindness. Always remember, even the smallest candle can dispel the darkness that surrounds it.

Has the World Gone Crazy?

As we scan both national and global events, we may find ourselves overwhelmed by the apparent insanity that is unfolding all around us.  The tragedy of this situation is compounded by the fact that scientific research indicates that human consciousness appears to be the most extraordinarily complex and sophisticated entity the universe has produced thus far.  Do the current conflicts indicate that we have reached the height of our development and are engineering our species’ extinction?  Or, is it possible that we are witnessing a tumultuous transition from conflicting world views that were conceived in pre-scientific cultures towards a more contemporary understanding of our humanity?

In the previous post, Our Creative Universe, I presented six cosmic factors that serve as categories for every occurrence in the universe, repulsion, attraction, chaos, organization, entropy and complexification.  Inasmuch as we are expressions of the universe, our social interactions can be similarly grouped into six social factors that can be easily identified and understood, alienation, attraction, conflict, social bonds, egocentrism and altruism.

This model provides an effective way to recognize the nature of our own behavior as well as that of others.  Although life’s events may appear perplexing at times, learning to recognize what is going on can aide in developing more objective and rational strategies.  In reality, it’s not as complicated as it may seem.

The last few posts have been rather lengthy, so I am only going to address the items on the left side of the illustration at this point.  They are the destructive factors that prevent and destroy cohesive and harmonious social relationships. I will present the creative factors in subsequent posts.

Without doubt, egocentrism is a greater barrier to our cultural evolution than any other factor.  Its manifestations run the gamut from the temper tantrum of a toddler to the severe brutality of a dictator.  It lies at the heart of every conflict and generates and sustains the full range of alienation.  When people assert that “nothing ever changes”, that sentiment is generally directed towards the destructive behaviors associated with extreme forms of selfishness.

For a young child who lacks the knowledge and ability to provide its own necessities, it is developmentally appropriate to be self-centered.  We expect wild animals to engage in acts of self-preservation.  Yet when we observe similar attitudes and actions in adults, we recognize that it represents a serious character flaw.  The list of divisive attributes of egocentrism are limitless.

Unfortunately, it is easier to recognize egocentricity in others than it is in ourselves.  From our perspective, we are not self-centered, we are merely independent.  Certainly, individuality is highly valued in our culture, but from a holistic view, is that really a virtue?

Should we admire the rich and powerful?  Are those praiseworthy who amass their fortunes through the labors of the middle and lower class by withholding employment benefits and adequate compensation? Should we compliment the giants of corporate America who control energy, healthcare and other essential goods and services, forcing families into voluntary slavery while the executives indulge in unbounded opulence?

No, I would suggest that those who engage in brute capitalism foster the poverty they distain and are actively engaged in crimes against society.  We need to recognize extreme wealth for what it is, pure selfishness.    The frustration and anger of the working class and poor are understandable and probably justified.  We can only hope that an equitable redistribution of resources can eventually occur in a peaceful manner.

The religious conflicts and actions of despotic world leaders are no different.  They are further evidence of egocentrism.  Sadly, as long as people are willing to embrace the exaltation of individuals, candidates will vie for their place on the pedestal.

Albert Einstein offered us the key to a brighter future when he said, “No problem can be solved with the same level of consciousness that created it.”  Indeed, if the insanity is to end, we will need to view our existence from a completely new perspective.

Our Creative Universe

From the instant of the initial burst of energy that propelled our universe into existence, it has been engaged in a path of progressive complexification that has led to unbounded creative expressions.  There are several complimentary and opposing factors that have been instrumental in its development.  As presented in the illustration below, they are repulsion, attraction, chaos, organization, complexification, and entropy.  They manifest in innumerable ways, are ubiquitous and their influence is universal.

The items on the left are generally destructive and contribute to the perception of the cosmos as a rather hostile environment.  Yet, the items on the right are continually at work within those conditions in amazingly creative ways.  Physicists have identified four “attractive forces” that account for the structure of matter; strong and weak forces which maintain the integrity of the nuclei of atoms; electromagnetism which enables atoms to form bonds and maintain molecules; and, gravity, the weakest of these forces, is able to extend over enormous distances and compress gigantic hydrogen  clouds into stars fueled by nuclear fusion, hold billions of stars in a rotating galaxy and draw multiple galaxies into swirling galactic clusters.

As matter is drawn together by these attractive forces, it tends to organize into infinite combinations, patterns and increasingly complex entities.  This is evident in both living and non-living phenomena everywhere on our planet.  Furthermore, the proliferation of stars throughout the cosmos suggests this creative force is at work on a universal scale. 

Our presence in the universe is entirely due to the fact that we are living in a spiral galaxy that has density waves that circulate around our spinning stellar neighborhood.  As they pass through clouds of matter that have been expelled during supernovas, elements are brought into closer contact where the force of attraction can exercise a greater influence.

These gigantic clouds begin circulating in ever tightening spirals.  Eventually a star is born in the center of this swirling stardust.  The matter orbiting around the star comes into contact, begins bonding, and new cosmic structures are formed.  They may be nothing more than a few pebbles at first, but over time they become rocks, asteroids, comets and finally, planets.

These were the events that led to our existence.  Our natural perception of our world is one of a stable planet.  It is difficult to imagine a time when it did not exist.  However, the reality is that about five billion years ago, the atoms that comprise everything around us, our homes, the ground beneath our feet, our loved ones, even our own bodies, were simply floating in space as part of an enormous cloud that had been expelled from a star, or perhaps several stars.  Yes, we and everything we perceive around us are quite literally made of stardust.

The early stages of our solar system were extremely chaotic and violent.  The gravitational force of our planet compressed the core and heated it into a molten mass.  Our thin outer crust was initially quite vulnerable to eruptions from within.  In fact, approximately 250 million years ago a lava flow lasted for a million years in the area that is now Russia. 

The tumult was not limited to events occurring on the planet alone.  Asteroids, meteors, and comets frequently impacted the surface.  At one point the Earth collided with a smaller developing planet that penetrated deep into its core and caused a large portion of the Earth to break off and be propelled into space.  Fortunately, the Earth’s gravitational force caused that mass to settle into an orbit around it, where eventually it was shaped into a sphere of solid rock which we now know as the Moon.

The tendency is to view all of these events as violent episodes of random chaos.  Many consider our universe a hostile environment, but I would argue that that perception is based merely on our geocentric point of view.  Certainly life, as we know it, could not have survived the colossal upheavals presented thus far.  However, if we can maintain a cosmic perspective, the progressive advances of the universe become evident.

Do we see the hand of God in this or is it actually a natural process that expands and attracts, produces order in the midst of chaos, and transforms simple matter into complex structures? Based on Newtonian physics, it is hard to imagine inert atomic particles producing such an amazing cosmos without some deity guiding the events.  However, it now appears that Newton’s understanding of a strictly mechanical universe may have been incomplete.

When science discovered the realm of quantum physics, it became clear that atoms are not as inert as originally thought.  In fact, in 1977 Ilya Prigogine was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work demonstrating the self-organizing properties of matter.  This organizational tendency would certainly explain the gradual progression towards structured complexity that has been unfolding since the initial moment of the Big Bang.

Nowhere is this more evident than what transpired during the formative years of our planet.  In the midst of the primitive environmental instability certain molecules established a mutually supportive relationship that led to a quantum leap in complexity.  Without question, this is the greatest mystery of all.  How did life emerge from this molecular accumulation?  Even in its simplest form, organisms consist of billions of atoms bonded in harmonious relationships that form differentiated substances performing diverse tasks in a fully integrated system.

The cells were extremely simple at first, but the fact that there were cells at all is nothing short of miraculous.  How did molecules establish cell membranes to contain and protect the internal contents?  What prompted ingestion, respiration, excretion, photosynthesis, or reproduction?  Whatever generated this amazing phenomenon, one thing is certain: all living organisms alive today are direct descendants of this first life form.  Although you will never find the documentation on Ancestry.com, the life force that animates you, me, and every other human on the planet has come from a single source that emerged over three billion years ago.

When we consider the progression of complexity on the earth beyond the emergence of life itself, two major events stand out.  First, the transition from single-celled organisms to multi-celled organisms propelled life onto a path of unbounded diversity which is still underway.  For the first 2.7 billion years (a timeframe that exceeds our comprehension) the earth was populated with single-celled organisms.  Considering the volatility of the environment during that period, these were well suited for survival.  Even today these forms of life thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions and can be found in the permafrost of Alaska as well as hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the ocean where temperatures can exceed 500 degrees.

About eight hundred million years ago certain life forms failed to complete the separation during cell division and were apparently benefitted by the union.  Before long, multi-cellular organisms proliferated the environment.  Amazingly this occurred both in the animal kingdom as well as among plants, resulting in extensive divergence of species and innumerable varieties.  Somewhere in the midst of that early collection of microscopic organisms were a few who would eventually evolve into primates, then homoerecttus, homosapians, and finally modern man.  Others would become horses, lions, peaches and spinach.  Without this critical progression, we would still be floating around in some algae bloom with a life expectancy of a few days at best.  As it is, the law of complexity never appears to be content with the latest emergence.  Instead, complex elements are continually drawn together to form new expressions of creativity.

The second incredible occurrence was the appearance of human consciousness.  If this had failed to transpire, we would still be wandering around some African savanna scavenging for fruit and small animals while we tried to avoid becoming dinner for those who were higher on the food chain.  Many scientists debate what factors contributed to the growth of our brains.  But more significant than the reason is the fact that approximately five million years ago Neurons simply began proliferating and integrating in our   neocortex and produced a brain capable of reasoning in ways far superior to the rest of the animal kingdom.

That transformation almost guaranteed our survival and delivered us from an existence in which progress is totally dependent upon physical adaptation.  We have become a life form that is capable of examining the source of its origin, comprehending the laws that govern matter, contemplating the meaning of life, imagining, creating, and influencing the future of our planet.  In our sphere of awareness, human consciousness has become the most complex entity the cosmos has created thus far. 

Of course, we do not merely observe the universe: we are the universe discovering itself.  This realization is held by many scientists including Bill Nye the Science Guy.  Furthermore, the creativity evident throughout the cosmos is also expressed through human consciousness.  Every work of art, every musical composition, all of the books ever written, each new technical development and every poem ever recited are refined manifestations of that universal creativity.

If and when we focus that creativity on our social development, we will be able to transform our planet into the harmonious global community that has thus far existed primarily in our imaginings.  We must simply keep in mind that every, human accomplishment begins as a thought.  Those thoughts then become things.  There is absolutely no reason to doubt our ability to create a brighter future for mankind.  So, dare to dream.

A New Cosmic Story

As presented in a previous blog, The Foundations of Reality, our cosmic story plays a foundational role in the way we perceive and interact with everything that exists in our material world.  At present, those cultural and individual stories are amazingly diverse; however, as long as we are able to respect one another’s right to hold an alternative view, this cornucopia of beliefs poses no hindrance to peaceful coexistence.  Unfortunately, too often we observe the hostility that can result when beliefs are sustained through inflexibility and intolerance.

What shifts in our thinking would need to take place to nurture a more harmonious global culture?  Is there a story that could be embraced by the majority of the citizens of our planet?  If so, the task of promoting an inclusive international identity could become achievable. 

Traditional cosmic stories have had thousands of years to develop and convey their doctrines, mythologies, and icons.  These competing tales were born from speculation, contemplation, personal revelation, or visions and have lacked cross-cultural acceptance.  However, a new scientific understanding is emerging that is based on verifiable observations.  As this new empirical knowledge permeates various societies, it has the potential to influence these traditional stories and bring us to a common understanding of our human destiny.

In light of the numerous conflicts currently underway around the world, this may sound like mere wishful thinking.  However, we need to keep in mind that this new cosmological view is incredibly young and has not had adequate time to exercise significant influence on our global community.  Many of our most profound discoveries have either taken place or been confirmed within the last twenty-five years. The launch of the Hubble telescope opened the window on the universe, and what we are beginning to see is extraordinary.

Of course, what is being revealed is not really a new story at all.  It has been going on since the initial expansion began approximately  14 billion years ago.  What is new is our understanding of the cosmology involved in the production of our universe and the subatomic structure of matter.  Our natural senses are limited and do not accurately reflect the reality of the physical realm.  Consequently, most of our previous beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors have primarily been based upon primitive perceptions that are incredibly incomplete.

Traditionally, our observations and conclusions have been founded on a centrist point of reference; egocentric, kin-centered, clan-centered, ethnocentric, nationalistic, anthropocentric, and geocentric.  This perspective is reflected in our daily lives.  We still refer to the appearance and disappearance of the sun as sunrise and sunset, as though the earth is standing still while the sun courses across the sky.  I’m not suggesting any campaign to alter our language, but the event would be more accurately referred to as the morning and evening rotation.

Consider the term “outer space.”  What does that mean?  Again, it is a geocentric expression that implies that space is something that exists out there somewhere, as though we are not part of it.  Although our presence is rather insignificant, we are in fact an integral part of the universe.  During the lunar landings in the late 60s and early 70s, the truth of that reality became quite evident as we began seeing photographs of our planet silhouetted against the blackness of space.

 

We Are Expressions of the Universe

Both individually and collectively we are expressions of the universe.  It is easy for us to view galaxies, stars, planets and moons as such, but we do not typically think of ourselves in these terms.  Perhaps it is time to do so.  In the documentary Journey of the Universe, Brian Swimme presents the profound observation cited below. It succinctly highlights the reality that we are each an aspect of this universal process.

“Over the course of fourteen billion years, hydrogen gas

transformed itself into mountains, butterflies, the music of Bach, and you and me.”

--Brian Thomas Swimme

This is a relatively new understanding based on rational thought and empirical observations.  However, intuitively we have known this for thousands of years as evidenced by the numerous religious traditions and scriptures alluding to our connection with the heavens.  Until now, our intellect had to be transcended because our natural observations were incapable of affirming this reality. 

In western culture our sense of cosmic connection has been sustained by denying our natural reason and expressing faith in an omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, invisible, and transcendent deity that created heaven and earth.  In all of the Abrahamic religions, we find sacred texts that affirm that God dwells in the heavens along with his angels.  Furthermore, Christians, Muslims, and some Jews anticipate an afterlife in some spiritual heavenly realm.

Eastern philosophy simply declared that our dualistic perceptions are illusions.  Through deep meditation, devotees were able to achieve “enlightenment” and experience a revelatory awareness that “all is one.”  Originating in the Vedic teachings of the Hindu faith around 1,500 BCE, it extended through Buddhism, Taoism, and many of the eastern philosophies.

During the fourth century BCE, atomism emerged as an explanation of the natural world simultaneously in Greece and India.  It was the belief that all matter is comprised of tiny particles that vary in size and shape and form bonds in infinite combinations.   The Greek philosophers, Leucippus and Democritus, coined the term atom, which simply referred to tiny particles that were irreducible.

Atomism played a key role in Epicurean philosophy.  Around 50 BCE, an Epicurean named Lucretius wrote On the Nature of Things, an epic scientific discourse in the form of a poem that presented amazing insights pertaining to the role of atoms in the cosmos.  Some of the assertions are as follows:

-          There is nothing in the universe other than atoms and void.

-          All material objects are comprised of atoms including the heavenly bodies.

-          Stars are neither gods nor mystical.  They are suns just like ours, composed of atoms and orbited by satellites that are inhabited by living creatures in the same way our planet is.  They appear tiny because we are merely observing them from a great distance. 

What is amazing is the fact that all of this intuitive knowledge came through nothing more than natural observation, meditation, contemplation, and logic.  They had no telescope or knowledge of the actual events that formed the material universe.  They were not aware of nuclear physics or the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics.  Yet they sensed a cosmic unity that is completely compatible with our current understanding of field singularity and the emerging concepts of string theory. 

The source of these incredible insights is expressed in the Tao Te Ching, “How do I know this?  I look inside myself.”  As this ancient wisdom is affirmed through the scientific method, our rational and intuitive minds are free to integrate and establish a state of harmonious understanding as we collectively write our new unfolding cosmic story.

Reflections:

As you mindfully contemplate this unfolding cosmic story, what implications arise regarding the following issues?

-          Your sense of meaning and purpose as a unique element within an evolving universe;

-          Your perception of the moon, stars, and other galaxies as traveling companions; and

-          Your theology.

Honoring the Old Stories

I have developed a deep respect for our ancient forbearers.  Often when I thought of homosapiens who lived 200,000 years ago, the tendency was to think of them as separate from myself.  However, we are directly descendant from them.  We may not be able to use Ancestry.com to trace the lineage all the way back, but our DNA is nearly identical. 

It is impossible for us to comprehend the intellectual challenges that faced them.  As language was just emerging, they were trying to make sense of a world void of knowledge and information.  In many ways, it was like trying to put a 50,000-piece jigsaw puzzle together with no idea what it was supposed to look like.

In our age, we are so proud of ourselves because large sections of the puzzle are finally starting to be assembled.  The more we understand, the faster we can locate the missing pieces; however, they had just been given everything in a brown paper bag with no picture and didn’t even know what they were supposed to do with it. 

Perhaps we should treat their errors gently and at least give them credit for the groundwork they laid for us.  With no concept of the age of the universe or an awareness of the creative nature of evolution, it is completely understandable that they would have attributed the material world to the handiwork of a superior being.  The form and function of living organisms, the rhythm of the tides and seasons, the predictable paths of the heavenly bodies all seemed to reflect the design of an omniscient intellect.

Initially, everything that was unknown or mysterious was attributed to God.  Progressively we have discovered the natural explanations for storms, plagues, eclipses, and countless other phenomena that perplexed our ancestors.  In doing so, we have diminished both the relevance of divinity and the validity of ancient scriptures.

For several years, I simply disregarded ancient writings.   To me they were based on superstition and ignorance.  More recently, however, I have recognized that error and truth can coexist within the same source.  Newton and Kepler are prime examples.  Both were outstanding mathematicians, advanced our knowledge of motion and optics, and used the Bible to meticulously calculate the date of creation.  Certainly no one would suggest that we dismiss their contributions to science simply because they still viewed the Bible as a valid historical resource.

When we overlook the myths, and embrace the metaphors and archetypes in those old texts, we discover an incredible wealth of wisdom regarding human interaction and harmony.  For several hundred thousand years, our forefathers lived in hunter-gatherer bands.  There, they recognized their interdependence and need for cooperation.  Much of what was learned in these egalitarian societies has been preserved through oral and then written tradition.

This awareness offers a new appreciation for many of the admonitions contained in sacred texts.  As children, we are subject to the household rules and values set forth and enforced by our parents.  When we reach adulthood, we establish our own homes free from that authority.  Nevertheless, we typically continue to observe many of the precepts from our childhood, not due to fear of punishment, but because we recognize the validity of the guiding principles.

In a similar fashion, a large segment of our modern age has declared its independence from the dictates of religion.  Unfortunately, there is currently no alternative widely accepted contemporary social institution that is focused primarily on personal character development and cultural solidarity.  Consequently, we are like children who have lost their parents.  Some are mature enough to appreciate the traditional values.  However, others seem to exhibit an adolescent preoccupation with their own interests and generally disregard the welfare of the rest of the family.

It is little wonder that the world seems to overflow with conflict and severe inequities.  In light of this reality, can we afford to overlook the wisdom of people who understood how to live together in peace?  Perhaps it is time for some social maturity that allows us to openly embrace the values presented in scriptures without a need to affirm deity or fear the reproach of sceptics.

When we lay aside the issue of the divinity of Jesus, we recognize that he is the personification of our human aspirations.  He is the fulfillment of who we want to be; who we ought to be; who we can become when we place our faith in the possibility of our ultimate potential.  Over the years, many have suggested that the world would be a better place if people simply lived more like Jesus.  When we consider him or other spiritual leaders as role models, it becomes apparent that their formulas for personal salvation are secondary to the redemptive potential these spiritual paths could have for all of humanity.

Is there better advice than what Jesus is credited with saying in the Sermon on the Mount?  “Blessed are the peacemakers … love your enemies … pray for them who spitefully use you … turn the other cheek … go the second mile….”  The message of sacrificing oneself for others is captured in the Gospel of John where Jesus is quoted as saying, “No greater love has any man than this, than he lay down his life for his friends.” 

Is there a better description of love than what is attributed to the apostle Paul in the 13^th chapter of first Corinthians?

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have {the gift of} prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  And if I give all my possessions to feed {the poor,} and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind {and} is not jealous; love does not brag {and} is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong {suffered,} does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails...." (I Corinthians 13:1-8 N.A.S.B.)

Over several centuries following Buddha’s death, the oral traditions preserving his teachings were compiled into a book known as the Dhammapada.  Like the Bible, several versions currently exist.  Nevertheless, they contain similar affirmations that convey the core message of Buddhism; the importance of attaining enlightenment, right thinking, right living, loving kindness towards all creatures, and a commitment to communal harmony.

The Dhammapada is not a narrative intended to be read extensively at a single sitting.  Instead, more than 400 verses convey simple, easily understood precepts for contemplation and meditation.  Many of the affirmations present deep truths using colorful imagery.

Consider the following:

1.      All that we are is the result of what we have thought.  It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts.  If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage.

2.      All that we are is the result of what we have thought.  It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts.  If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.

13. As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break through an unreflecting mind.

14. As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will not break through a well-reflecting mind.

145. Irrigators regulate the waters, fletchers straighten arrow shafts, carpenters shape wood, and the good control themselves.

162. Just as a single creeper strangles the tree on which it grows, even so, a man who is exceedingly depraved harms himself as only an enemy might wish.

While Buddhism was spreading throughout India, Confucianism and Taoism were emerging in China.  I have found philosophical Taoism to be compatible with my personal cosmic views.  Lao Tzu, the father of Taoism, is credited with authoring the Tao Te Ching, a revered text among Taoists.  It is rather short and concise, yet incredibly profound.  Its brevity may be due in part to one of its observations, “Those who know don’t speak.  Those who speak don’t know.”

In a world that is currently embroiled in armed conflict in numerous locations and a nation that experiences more than 30,000 firearm homicides annually, is there a more pertinent view than what was offered by Lau Tzu 2,500 years ago?

31

Weapons are the tools of violence;

all decent men detest them.

Weapons are the tools of fear;

a decent man will avoid them

except in the direst necessity

and, if compelled, will use them

only with the utmost restraint.

Peace is his highest value.

If the peace has been shattered,

how can he be content?

His enemies are not demons,

but human beings like himself.

He doesn't wish them personal harm.

Nor does he rejoice in victory.

How could he rejoice in victory

and delight in the slaughter of men?

He enters a battle gravely,

with sorrow and with great compassion,

as if he were attending a funeral.

There is no direct English translation of the word “Tao.”  Generally, it means “the way,” but a more accurate understanding might be the natural way things occur in the universe.  Consider this definition and the impact it would have on our national politics if applied to the following passage from the Tao Te Ching:

61

When a country obtains great power,

it becomes like the sea:

all streams run downward into it.

The more powerful it grows,

the greater the need for humility.

Humility means trusting the Tao,

thus never needing to be defensive.

A great nation is like a great man:

When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.

Having realized it, he admits it.

Having admitted it, he corrects it.

He considers those who point out his faults

as his most benevolent teachers.

He thinks of his enemy

as the shadow that he himself casts.

If a nation is centered in the Tao,

if it nourishes its own people

and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others,

it will be a light to all nations in the world.

(Translations by Stephen Mitchell)

Most diamonds are mined from deep within the earth.  To the untrained eye, they appear to be nothing more than common rocks.  However, when they have been cut and polished, their true value becomes apparent.  In a similar fashion, reflecting on texts from antiquity may require sorting through outdated concepts of the origin of the cosmos, descriptions of the afterlife, and doctrines regarding the proper way to access the “right” path, but in the midst of this surrounding material lie precious gems of universal wisdom.

When we mindfully consider the spiritual and philosophical writings of previous generations, their music and art, it becomes evident that these are expressions from minds and hearts that spent countless hours in silent contemplation prayer, and meditation.  Undistracted by the din of modern electronic media, they were able to explore the depths of their inner being and bring forth treasures that are still capable of inspiring us today. 

Shifting Foundations

For centuries, many viewing a map of the Atlantic Ocean have observed the manner in which the coastlines of the western and eastern hemispheres appear ideally suited to fit together like puzzle pieces.  Of course this was dismissed as mere coincidence.  After all, everyone knew that land could not move.  So, the idea was seen as insignificant.

That all began to change in the twentieth century as the theory of plate tectonics was developed and later confirmed.  We gradually realized that the solid immovable earth beneath our feet was not as stable as it appears.  Armed with this new understanding of continental drift, scientists  have discovered evidence of this phenomenon all around the world.  In fact, we now know that throughout the ages some, and at times all, of the continents have converged into a super continent and then dispersed.

Most of the time, the movement is so slow that it occurs without notice.  However, when pressures build along convergent lines, the sudden release of tension can result in earthquakes tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.    Entire mountain ranges are attributable to the compression and upheaval of regions of our planet’s surface.

What is true of tectonic plates is equally evident in our cultural development.  We tend to think of our sense of reality as a static perception.  Nonetheless, subtle shifts in our collective perspectives are continually occurring. Frequently these transpire without our conscious awareness.  Yet, there are times when the tension between opposing views generates open turmoil.  

Consider the issue of slavery.  For eons people accepted it as a normal aspect of social structure.  Often the spoils of war included the enslavement of defeated warriors and their families.  Though historical records demonstrate that periodically individuals spoke out against the practice, the concentrated effort to end slavery did not begin in earnest until about 300 years ago.  Now the idea is viewed as absolutely abhorrent and there is an international effort to end all forms of illegal human trafficking

Consider the Significant transformation of social attitudes that have occurred over the past one hundred years.  Public opinion regarding women’s rights, child labor laws, same-sex marriage, drunk driving, and smoking in public places have all undergone significant transformations and established new cultural norms.  Clearly ideas are as subject to quantum shifts as any form of matter.

So much of the hostility we witness around the world is due to fear of the changes that are transpiring.  ISIS is a clear example of the fear fundamentalists of all religions are experiencing as they watch modern scientific information and contemporary culture erode their antiquated conceptions of reality.  The strong conservative political effort demonstrated in the recent presidential election depended heavily on fear about the cultural changes that are taking place in our nation.  Although the fearful may be engaging in valent efforts to stem the tide of modernity, eventually rational knowledge will prevail over ignorance.

What new ideological transformations lie in our future?  How would our world be different if the accumulation of extreme wealth was viewed as a crime against society instead of being admired?  What will happen when the demographics of our nation change over the next fifty years and white privilege is no longer a reality?

Yes, change is inevitable, and numerous   questions face us. How peaceful will those transitions be.  Are we willing to participate in the process?  What will be the consequences of allowing others to direct our global future?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

-Margaret Mead

The Foundations of Reality

If our perception of the natural world is imperfect, the enormous diversity we observe regarding human values, morality, social relationships, sense of meaning, and religion should not be surprising.  Though these perceptions vary widely from one person to another, the process through which they are established and maintained is universal.  The simple truth is that our concepts of the essential aspects of human experience are shaped by the stories we hear, modify, create, internalize, and share with others.

There is no way to overstate the role stories play in this process.  They can inspire us, inform us, frighten us, or fill us with courage. They are such an integral part of our lives that we often fail to recognize their prevalence in our daily experience.  Frequently we think we are merely sharing information, but typically it takes the form of storytelling. 

Stories are so fundamental to our communication because they incorporate key elements of our thought processes.  The very way that we think is referred to as symbolic consciousness.  Thinking is really a matter of stringing symbols together.  Typically, our thoughts consist of words, visual images, auditory memories, feelings and other sensory perceptions.  As we attempt to convey these thoughts to others, the story provides a logical format for presenting all of these symbols in a meaningful way.

Stories come to us in a variety of constructs.  They can be casual exchanges  or, very formal such as books, poems, music, theater, movies, magazines, and so on.  The format may vary, but the result is the same; ideas and feelings are being communicated, not merely information.

Leaders seeking to establish common beliefs and values within groups recognize the important role stories play in social cohesion.  Religion has utilized story-telling for thousands of years to convey their unique cosmology, values, and behavioral expectations for their religious community.  Nations generate stories about their greatness, moral purity, and superiority over other nations.  Political parties tell tall tales that extol their virtues and demonize their opponents.

The stories that we hear from outside sources play a vital role in our interaction with others.  However, the most important tales in our lives are the ones that we are constantly telling ourselves.  Those stories lie just below our conscious awareness and function much like an operating system in a computer.  They influence our perceptions, likes and dislikes, our decisions, attitudes, actions and reactions.

I believe that there are actually three core stories that are continually engaged in unconscious interaction.  The significance we attach to each one determines its influence on the composition of the others.  Together they comprise our understanding of who we are and where we fit into the universe.

1.      The Cosmic Story

Where did we come from?  Was the universe created by an omniscient and omnipotent divine being?  If so, does that being still play an active role in the universe?  If so, is He merciful and compassionate, or demanding and wrathful?  Does life extend beyond the physical death of humans?  Is there a natural unifying force that produces order in the cosmos?  If so, am I able to harmonize with that force in a way that will influence events in my life?  Perhaps it doesn’t matter what I believe about the cosmos.  Maybe all of this is nothing more than a random occurrence, and life is merely an accidental arrangement of inert atoms.

  2.      The Global Story

What kind of world do we live in?  Is it generally peaceful and safe, or is it harsh and dangerous?  Are the people loving and honest or hateful and untrustworthy?  Are all living organisms completely separate and distinct, or is everything somehow interconnected?  Should we all work together for our common good, or should we each just look out for our own wellbeing?  Are there certain universal truths that apply to our interaction with one another or should everyone merely develop their own value system?  Should humans be concerned about preserving the resources of the planet for future generations, or is the planet and everything on it merely resources to be enjoyed and consumed for our own pleasure and entertainment?

3.      The personal story

Who am I?  Am I loveable, or does everyone hate me and treat me wrong?  Am I intelligent, attractive, and talented, or am I a complete loser?  Am I in control of my life, or am I always the victim of other people and circumstances?  Do I enjoy relationships with others, or is human interaction always uncomfortable and frequently painful?  Do I get a great satisfaction out of helping others, or should people take care of themselves and just leave me alone?   Do I enjoy being alive, or is it just one endless drudgery?

Too frequently the evening news reports accounts of religious terrorists who have committed horrible acts of violence.  However, using the model presented here, it is actually possible to understand what could motivate an individual to strap on an explosive device, walk into a crowded market place and detonate it with the full knowledge that they and all those around them will be killed or injured?  Clearly the suicide bomber has embraced cosmic and global stories that have created a harsh perception of reality.  Undoubtedly spiritual leaders and fellow believers have helped to cultivate their personal story that extols the virtues of martyrdom.  In the light of these perceptions, the actions of these “martyrs” are completely logical.

For this individual, God is very demanding and must be obeyed.  Because unbelievers are violating His authority, it becomes the responsibility of each true believer to do whatever they need to in order to bring about changes in the world that will enhance God’s influence.  What we are observing are individuals who are so committed to this view of reality that their own lives are insignificant when compared to the ultimate goal of achieving complete worldwide theocracy.

Though we may never share a particular perspective, taking time to consider the foundations of and individual’s reality can frequently bring perplexing behaviors into focus.  Understanding another’s point of reference can be informative.  Understanding our own can be transformative.

Thankfully, none of our core stories are etched in stone.  In fact, they are extremely dynamic and subject to change.  Exposure to a new experience or new information can produce subtle or even profound alterations in the tales we tell ourselves.  Some changes occur because people are easily persuaded.  Other changes are the result of an individual’s willingness to examine the validity of their current stories and modify them based on new understandings. 

Socrates is credited with having said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  What stories are we telling ourselves?  What is their source?  Are they true, or merely familiar and comfortable? What changes could we bring about in our lives if we updated our internal dialogue?

In a world that frequently seems to be out of control, Einstein’s observation is quite pertinent: “No problem can be fixed from the same level of consciousness that created it.”  Clearly, humanity needs to awaken to a common concept of reality that will nurture a global culture of mutuality.  Although science is continually expanding our understanding of our common origin, no new story has been articulated yet that can inspire this level of unity. 

Laying the groundwork for a shared foundational sense of reality   is our challenge.  Building upon it will be the task of future generations.