a friend one told me: “all models are false; some are useful.”
from that i extrapolated: “truth is a model that works.”
there are infinite truths depending on what we are looking at and trying to grok.
truth is a model that works.
apply it where we will.
there are truths within truths, models of models.
i would argue that the human mind does not perceive or experience anything directly, only through the models/interfaces/it has developed for things.
if a model works well enough for us, we will come to take it for granted, cease testing it, and start to build on it, use it as a foundation, forgetting that it’s only a model. this can work for years or generations until the model cracks under the strain of what we’re doing on top of it.
dare i say this is “true” of human mind at all zoom levels?
In today's insane world, if one had the temerity to claim to be sane, everyone would agree that this kind of statement proves insanity, possibly narcissism or egotism. It is the same with if someone actually lives by principles and sees the value in living virtuously, they will be accused of "virtue signalling". For this reason, I will not claim either of the aforementioned. But I have lived a long life and have been on my own spiritual path since my hippy daze experimenting with LSD in 1966.
To be "sane", one might assume one must be rational, logical, and open minded. But that is not enough. Because you could still have traits that might be considered "insane". A zen master is supposed to have reached a state of equanimity for all circumstances. This might be considered sane, but in reality, it is very difficult to find anyone with this ability, though there are people who are very calm and tranquil and difficult to perturb. But there is more to it than that. I would like to suggest that how deeply one actually is capable of caring for others and oneself is necessary, an open heart. The quality of relationships seems key. To feel compassion effortlessly and to have the capacity to empathize would be qualifications.
In our community (chambalabamba.org) we try to deepen these characteristics always, but that is easy to say, and hard to measure, and varies with each individual. I don't believe that we are ready to exemplify this yet. We do discourage the habit of judging and gossiping. But this is hardly spoken, we all just know this. I hope that we can make consideration for others elevated to an art.
We would like to have retreats to help people become "the best version of themselves", but honestly, it is still not clear to me how to authentically achieve this. One idea is to have someone be in a totally dark room for maybe 9 days or so, with nothing to do. We would supply food and they would have a bed and bathroom which they could find in the dark. They would be forced to live inside their heads with their emotions. It could be quite revelatory for some. They might get a clearer comprehension of who they really are. I like to believe that each of us is the embodiment of love once we remove all blocks and achieve "sanity". But this is just my belief and I don't believe that it is wise to ever attach to beliefs.
While everything is not perfect, there are always more challenges, I am living my dream. I began following and manifesting my dreams in 2000, when I retired. Looking back, I wish that I had started earlier, but clearly it is better late than never. The older I get, the bigger the dreams, and I have grown much more calm during the period of trying to realize one's dreams which can be frustrating and even agonizing, and sometimes I may be unable to realize and achieve success. Just like in a love relationship which if not lasting, can be heart-breaking, failure to manifest one's dreams can be tough.
We are life in the form of humans, nothing is static about us, so is it possible to always be "sane"? Probably not. If a dish has one speck of dirt on it, it really isn't clean. If we are not constantly "sane", can we be considered sane? So, in a way, it seems like an unfair question. Maybe what would be better is can we always be caring? It seems possible. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aopmklhT88&t=2s).
a friend one told me: “all models are false; some are useful.”
from that i extrapolated: “truth is a model that works.”
there are infinite truths depending on what we are looking at and trying to grok.
truth is a model that works.
apply it where we will.
there are truths within truths, models of models.
i would argue that the human mind does not perceive or experience anything directly, only through the models/interfaces/it has developed for things.
if a model works well enough for us, we will come to take it for granted, cease testing it, and start to build on it, use it as a foundation, forgetting that it’s only a model. this can work for years or generations until the model cracks under the strain of what we’re doing on top of it.
dare i say this is “true” of human mind at all zoom levels?
🔥🔥🔥
In today's insane world, if one had the temerity to claim to be sane, everyone would agree that this kind of statement proves insanity, possibly narcissism or egotism. It is the same with if someone actually lives by principles and sees the value in living virtuously, they will be accused of "virtue signalling". For this reason, I will not claim either of the aforementioned. But I have lived a long life and have been on my own spiritual path since my hippy daze experimenting with LSD in 1966.
To be "sane", one might assume one must be rational, logical, and open minded. But that is not enough. Because you could still have traits that might be considered "insane". A zen master is supposed to have reached a state of equanimity for all circumstances. This might be considered sane, but in reality, it is very difficult to find anyone with this ability, though there are people who are very calm and tranquil and difficult to perturb. But there is more to it than that. I would like to suggest that how deeply one actually is capable of caring for others and oneself is necessary, an open heart. The quality of relationships seems key. To feel compassion effortlessly and to have the capacity to empathize would be qualifications.
In our community (chambalabamba.org) we try to deepen these characteristics always, but that is easy to say, and hard to measure, and varies with each individual. I don't believe that we are ready to exemplify this yet. We do discourage the habit of judging and gossiping. But this is hardly spoken, we all just know this. I hope that we can make consideration for others elevated to an art.
We would like to have retreats to help people become "the best version of themselves", but honestly, it is still not clear to me how to authentically achieve this. One idea is to have someone be in a totally dark room for maybe 9 days or so, with nothing to do. We would supply food and they would have a bed and bathroom which they could find in the dark. They would be forced to live inside their heads with their emotions. It could be quite revelatory for some. They might get a clearer comprehension of who they really are. I like to believe that each of us is the embodiment of love once we remove all blocks and achieve "sanity". But this is just my belief and I don't believe that it is wise to ever attach to beliefs.
While everything is not perfect, there are always more challenges, I am living my dream. I began following and manifesting my dreams in 2000, when I retired. Looking back, I wish that I had started earlier, but clearly it is better late than never. The older I get, the bigger the dreams, and I have grown much more calm during the period of trying to realize one's dreams which can be frustrating and even agonizing, and sometimes I may be unable to realize and achieve success. Just like in a love relationship which if not lasting, can be heart-breaking, failure to manifest one's dreams can be tough.
We are life in the form of humans, nothing is static about us, so is it possible to always be "sane"? Probably not. If a dish has one speck of dirt on it, it really isn't clean. If we are not constantly "sane", can we be considered sane? So, in a way, it seems like an unfair question. Maybe what would be better is can we always be caring? It seems possible. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aopmklhT88&t=2s).
Great post! Indra’s Net is the best way to illustrate this “zoom level” take on reality. I so agree with your statement about Indra's net.
wonderful articulation!
Thanks!