Unconsciously I've been talking about ideas that I first learned from
E. F. Schumacher back in 1973 back when I read his book "small is
beautiful." He also wrote another book that kind of explained the 3
bodies.
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Is_Beautiful
and:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Guide_For_The_Perplexed#Levels_of_being
Schumacher agrees with the view that there are four kingdoms:
* Mineral
* Plant
* Animal
* Man
Schumacher argues that there are critical differences of kind between
each level of being. Between mineral and plant is the phenomenon of
life, As Schumacher says though scientists say we should not use the
phrase 'life energy', the difference still exists and has not been
explained by science. Schumacher points out that though we can
recognise life and destroy it, we can't create it. Schumacher notes
that the 'life sciences' are 'extraordinary' because they hardly ever
deal with life as such, and instead content themselves with analysing
the "physico-chemical body which is life's carrier." Schumacher goes
on to say there is nothing in physics or chemistry to explain the
phenomenon of life.
For Schumacher, a similar jump in level of being takes place between
plant and animal, which is differentiated by the phenomenon of
consciousness. We can recognise consciousness, not least because we
can knock an animal unconscious, but also because animals exhibit at
minimum primitive thought and intelligence.
The next level, according to Schumacher, is between Animal and Man,
which are differentiated by the phenomenon of self consciousness or
self awareness. Self consciousness is the reflective awareness of
one's consciousness and thoughts.
Schumacher realizes that the terms - life, consciousness and
self-consciousness - are subject to misinterpretation so he suggests
that the differences can best be expressed as an equation which can be
written thus:
* 'Mineral' = m
* 'Plant' = m + x
* 'Animal' = m + x + y
* 'Man' = m + x + y + z
He went on to explain how these really can be thought of as dimensions
of being. Each "containing" the lower ones. Rather like Ichinen sansen.
I don't agree with everything he said, but it is all illuminating to
read and his economic theories are vastly superior to supply side,
objectivist, or "Libertarian/Austrian school" theories.
Chris
Fighting is easier than talking -- until somebody starts to get hurt.
It's easy to be brave, when no one is bleeding in the dirt.
When all are kneeling in ashes and mud on the ground,
It is easy then to talk of world peace.
I see the trees struggling, I hear the naked sound.
The cold winds blowing clouds across the blackened sky.
I warn of naked children, of people gone before their time.
I warn of the dangers of blindess, of cliffs, bombs and crime.
But its not enough.
The peaceful warriors ball their fists and fight for supremacy.
In the name of the Dog God Devil; Dog-ma,
They stare one eyed and cock their faces.
Talk of dialog and peace, and throw glass stones.
It all started as play --
"we'd have world peace one day
We'd all be enlightened and brave,
If only other people would think like We"
It would be a wonderful food fight --
if they weren't so intent on killing...
And what? Over what?
What religion are they superior to?
No warrior of Allah can match their fanaticism.
No Jew wailing at his wall, can outdo this narrative of victimization
No man gambling in a casino can best this devotion to winning
No Christian can more betray his masters,
then these "warriors" of Soka.
Oh take an old wounded man on your shoulders,
parade him in his shame on the streets.
He was an old dog and ill, you were a pack,
and now you see enemies everywhere staring you back.
It was his religion that you defended
for all that you hunted him on the hill.
Where once there was pity and compassion,
the eyes are smoky and black
and there is no going back.
Where once there was hope and the Mystic Sutra,
there is now a movement seeking out enemies to defeat.
Where once you marched forward, now you are in full retreat.
And I am no more angry at you, than at an army of lemmings,
Is this where your master leads you?
To realms of megalomania and fear?
I don't think so.
It is just that nobody can tell you no.
Chris
The elections are coming. I liked Kucinich for his single payer plan. I like Obama but he sounds like Clinton in 1992. I'm probably voting for Hillary.
Religious politics is still causing trouble. Our country is led by people who have no respect for human rights and who are situational liars. And we are in the middle of a collapsing financial bubble. We need progressive leadership -- and I'm not sure we will get it. Fear makes it possible we'll continue this "war" against the world and water-boarding.
But if we control our minds, take right action and don't give in, all these issues can be overcome. We can defeat fear.
Chris