I have only one simple point in this post, but it comes out of several threads that I've read recently - including the evolution of humanity, existential/spiritual pathologies, and marital infidelity threads. The observation I am making is that consciousness does appear to move toward wholeness and union. In one sense it appears there are lots of divisiveness in the world, but on the other hand it is all already connected by cause and effect, mutual interdependence and interaction. On a personal level it can show up as the desire to be part of a community or sexual union. But the basic dynamic is just one that is connected and involved in the world, rather than being no part of it or wanting to get away from it, trascend or be beyond it in some way.
Development of consciousness
by Markfromcali 5 Replies latest jw friends
-
-
Narkissos
As a general response to a general observation, I'd say that separation is an essential moment of the process as well. There is no union where there is no distinction.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace. -
CeriseRose
Okay my comments are seeming (even to me) to be coming from left field (or Mars!) but Narkissos' comments on the "time for" scriptures made me think of it.
My English Lit class pointed out a few things about language and natural human patterns, albeit with regard to speech and rhythm, but I think a point could be made that relates, even tenuously, to this. Simply put, humans gravitate to natural rhythms of duality. Yin/yang, hot/cold, black/white etc. It's how we're "designed" to think (not sure if I still believe in a creator, so let's just use that term loosely, shall we?!) and respond. In language the most common and pleasing rhythm to the ear is the iamb, a meter of 2 syllables, one unstressed followed by one stressed. It's what most nursery rhymes are based on.
So when you're trying to be connected and integrated into the world, these patterns of duality are everywhere. It think as we grow and mature we are able to recognize these as the "natural order" of things. Whether they remain part of our paradigm becomes the development of the conscious self - when we actually choose to accept or negate those rhythms.
So for example (and boy if this is taken wrong, the board will crash down on me!) take male/female duality. This is the "natural" way. However we know for a fact that there are male/male partnerships and female/female ones. NOTE: I'm NOT saying they're unnatural nor am I saying that people make a conscious choice to BE homosexual (hopes that disclaimer was read, and maybe twice before fur starts flying!). I'm saying that when people make a decision to accept or negate that into their paradigm that's when the consciousness is being developed/activated. (I have 3 female friends in a polyamory relationship and I've accepted them as "family" in my paradigm. I'm not sure how that works in duality, but interestingly enough although there's 3 of them, they bond in relationships of two's. I find that fascinating!)
Okay hope that was clear, non-inflamatory, non-judgmental, and not too off-topic! :) -
Markfromcali
I'd say that separation is an essential moment of the process as well. There is no union where there is no distinction.
There is distinction, but why separation? Yeah I understand if you are talking about interpersonal relationships or whatever, but what I'm getting at is any perceived separation is only an appearance. (and yes, this IS a generally speaking thread, I am not talking about any specific situation discussed in other threads - that just got me to thinking about a more general theme) But of course being separate individuals leading different lives separately may be a part of that unity too, in the big picture we can just call that the process of life. So what I'm suggesting is just that in that sense we're not so separate.
-
Markfromcali
btw non-duality is just that being in apparent separation in the relative world and recognizing the underlying unity at the same time, love and freedom in one. So on a personal level it's not love in any sense of attachment, you are together just because you want to be, freely choose to be.
-
Flash
But the basic dynamic is just one that is connected and involved in the world, rather than being no part of it or wanting to get away from it, trascend or be beyond it in some way.
Most everyone makes a contribution to the advancement of the whole (or desires to do so). As for being separatists, even non-conformists like to be around each other.