Posts Tagged ‘Metaphysics’

The Enigma: Reason, Metaphysics and Experience

Friday, July 29th, 2011

If we look into the same object we are immediately faced with reasoning out concerning the object itself. What is this? Where does this come from? And what is it for ( the why question)?

The object itself needs explanation and reason is the vehicle of explanation.. Whether we are objective in our reasoning or subjective the effort purports to the same thing: knowledge. Nevertheless, science, with its all progress remain sterile in unveiling reality and leaves the door open for metaphysics.

Epistemology discussing the nature of the plausibility of a thing does not solve the question of presence, origin and finality, for it reaches sterility of thought at the end of more investigation into these questions.

Metaphysics is dead according to the Cartesian reason, but is it? How does experimental knowledge claim empirical knowledge while the most exact of sciences remain at loss of finding out what reality is.

We all are equipped with a mind that no one, none, what so ever, knows where the hell our mind comes from, what is it doing in this world, and what is its finality targeting knowledge or ignorance.

Aristotelian metaphysics was meant to discuss first principles. But Aristotle attempted the impossible. He attempted to prove the existence of God by ‘necessity’ prompted by movement. His theoretical findings did not even pass the most rudimentary level of utter speculations and conjecture.

He claimed that by observing movement in the universe we need a prime mover and he jumped to the false assumptions that for such a necessity we need a God, who is eternal, like the objects itself, he must be prime principle and prime mover, but unmoved Himself, He ought to be good and His job is to contemplate His own intelligence. But according to Aristotle God did Not create anything. Everything was there and the mere function of God is to move things eternally.

Cartesian knowledge necessitates experience to validate knowledge. In other words empirical knowledge must be subject to proof. Since this is the stand of science today, and for the last four centuries after Laplace and Descartes, refreshed by Kant Kuhn who proclaim the death of metaphysics but metaphysics is still the only other alternative to the sterility of scientific knowledge.

Nevertheless, science with its claims to empirical objective evidence dependant of experimental knowledge does not explain the enigma of things, the enigma of the universe, its presence, its function, its control, its change, its dilution, its behavior, its finality. Science toady with all its progress does not even touch on why life is there.

It does not even explain the origin of life, its presence and its function, its control and, who has put it there. No one explanation for who put the universe in its place. Why should man confront the universe, remains a question enigmatic as mysterious as man himself along side the presence of two million animal species in the world today, not counting the flora, the mineral and other microscopic life manifestations.

The mystery of it all remains as valid, as strong , as ever, Its impact on the layman mind, like everyone else, is impossible to be solves, It remains a mystery, a constant enigma. Reality, as the first target of science and scientific thought, remain unveiled. We live in a world that remains a mystery, in its presence, origin-especially that- and its function and its finality. No science can pretend to knowledge of mater, whether white, black or yellow. No one can pretend to know where our mind came from.

No science can pretend to describe how man came about, how life came about. A stupid Darwin did not unveil anything, but plunged further in metaphysical finalities that darkened reality with conjectural speculation.

For this metaphysics, dealing with questions of reality still as strong as ever, if not more realistic, than science which )believes only in what it sees- denying the plausibility, or the necessity of a creator-designer-architect who could have made everything, that has control over everything.

This is exactly the first principle, responsible for making everything. He is the origin, the maker, the creator, source of all knowledge, the controller and finality of everything. He is Reality. But scientists, with all their knowledge, remain blind to reality and remain arrogantly blind for they need evidential- empirical-experimental proof for the existence of God and God’s role in creation. T

hey rarely look into themselves and wonder how they are forced to confront the universe and that without their minds they are worth nothing. Thanks to their minds that they think, but they miss the most important thing in their thinking namely to acknowledge the power that has given them mind to think and eyes to see.

Metaphysics, with the sterility of science, remain indispensible for man, to uncover what is real, and to unveil what is true.

Secret of Natural Laws and Principles-God, Nature and We: Metaphysics of Moolmantra of Sikhism and Other Religions Revealing Art of Ascendancy-Series

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

We all follow some kind of faith or belief as religions, spirituality and whatever seems soul seeking from within. You see for a Sikh or any learner the Art of Ascendancy is to accept and obey His Will without creating doubt, but creating clarity by listening to the advice of the Gurbani, the teachings of common thread present among all religions metaphysically. When we do not understand the mysticism, the mystic touch in any religion and other philosophies of theism or the faiths, we have many doubts making us suspicious about the other, which we do not follow.

These doubts are created by ignorance, the very force of ego, and can be cleared by those, who are the selfless ones, the saints and the holy ones obeying Gurbani by remembering Him while serving the Creation. Here the holy one means all those, who have learnt the art of transcendentalism and have thus ascended to the level of higher level of living.

The survival is normal cause, but higher is living and the true living is still higher. The true living is one in which one does what one says and says what does. In other words, it is giving the metaphorical and mystical direction to our fantasies making these the imaginations and finally the creativity. This creativity is not manipulation of knowledge, rather; it is self-felt feelings giving the mystic experiences for which knowledge is just a boat.  We have to express few words about the Gurbani:

Firstly, let us consider the Concept of Gurbani-The Gurbani is the collection of the teachings of the metaphysically transcendental souls, the enlightened ones. It does not matter to which religion, cult, sect or ism they belong. The belief in it is that the whole of the Creation is having the governance from One God, called and known by many different names. The word ‘Omni’ as a prefix has ‘Om’ which if we combine with ‘Kar’-the Universal activities and actions, it bears the name ‘Onkar’. For example, He is Omni-present, the name in different languages may differ, however, in India and Indian languages the word Ram or Rama is having the same meaning for it, the Omnipresent.

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In the Gurbani, there are many transcendentally universal (or natural) laws and the principles; however, we may take the main of fifty-two in the series. These are to support us metaphysically, not just going as if the bookish knowledge or the profound words in preaching about what the religions say. In other words, it is the essence of the religions; the religions are having a common thread metaphysically as that present in the rosary and in this book, we will discuss it one at a time, and have our mystic reflection metaphysically as if receiving the fruits, the spiritual gifts-the awakening, transcendental meditation, enlightenment or self-realization from the wisdom tree.

Similarly, He is Merciful and dispeller of all sorrows; the name for it is Hari. He is the owner of the Creation; name for it is Jagdish. There are so many names, but all are to praise Him. The commonly used word is praise the Lord, Thy God. This word is Waheguru. The meaning of Waheguru is to praise God by all possible means, through chanting, singing, reading, praying and other ways that one believes or follows according to one’s religion or faith. Now, there is one factor that God governs the Creation with certain natural laws and the principles. He deals with us according to these laws and principles.

He is not beyond these, simply governs, but does not violate any of these. He is Merciful, Forgiver and bestows His Grace to all. He does not violate it. In the Gurbani, there are many laws and the principles, which are transcendental, mystic and thus metaphysical. These are to support us metaphysically, not just preaching what the religions say. In other words, it is the essence of the religions; the religions are having a common thread metaphysically as that present in the rosary. We will discuss it with mystic reflection metaphysically. We may take it as the fruits from the wisdom tree.

Please note that it is the voice of the conscience, the opening door to the universal mystic conscience, the universal conscience at the pineal gland-the gateway to the universe and thus the cosmos and the cosmic play of life in it.

Giving direction to one’s knowledge in the light of Wisdom of Gurbani brings the clarity of the thought, the mystic touch. Knowledge without direction is mere information, having no metaphorical joy but with direction; it is wisdom. This direction is the ascending one; not the descending. Thus, the series about these topics entitled as: 1. Secret of Natural Laws and Principles-God, Nature and We: Metaphysics of Moolmantra of Sikhism and Other Religions Revealing Art of Ascendancy 2. Secret of Natural Laws and Principles-God, Nature and We: Metaphysics of Moolmantra of Sikhism and Religions Revealing Concept of One God

There are so many points to correalte that it needed a series.

Thus, the series reflects on it for the clarity of it, the Art of Ascendancy-the Chardi Kala at this BLOG. Thanks!

Dr. H. Singh is Media Consultant, Education Counselor and a Writer having sound touch of both East and West. He writes both the prose and the poetry using the level and simplicity of the language for all readers with English as the first, second and third language depending on the different counties and the native languages.

So far, he has written more than 25 books for children and 25 in general for everyone.

He has studied in Australia for two years; and from his early school times have been taking keen interest in ancient and the modern human civilizations with many religions and faiths in various cultures of our nations and continents as now fully aware of making of civilized living in our world. It is a humanly bond getting educational and social interactions from more than 20 years.

He is member of Association of Educators for World Peace, while serving the society with educational, social, humanity and self-awareness missions for all as the founder MD, Life Glowing Path Inc. USA, which is in the process of establishment .

In his opinion the mystic joy of reading the book is for quenching the thirst of reading, grasping and acquiring the creative thinking and the scientific feelings to explore it as what he calls Philselfology, the universalizing of human wisdom for the running new millennium.

Thus, his research-based books are for the individual, family and society of any origin, culture, background and age available at Lulu (http://stores.lulu.com/harmandersingh).

Courses in Metaphysics

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Explore your spiritual and personal boundaries when you participate in any one of the unique courses in metaphysics; and apply your learned skills and knowledge in a variety of alternative healing careers. Whether you already have an established natural healing practice, or would like to begin your own practice as an intuitive practitioner, energy healer, or Reiki master — the diverse and fascinating programs in metaphysics can offer you a world of new philosophies, applications, and history regarding quantum physics and metaphysical theories.

With the role of alternative medicine and healing arts expanding, there are a growing number and a variety of courses in metaphysics for those interested in personal, spiritual, and emotional growth.

Aside from introductory , individuals can pursue more in-depth studies in the field; including education and training in advanced metaphysics, meditation, soul and energy awareness, intuitive healing, energy healing practices (i.e., reiki, quantum touch, etc.), color healing, sound healing, guided imagery, crystal healing, aura imaging, light therapy, and other specialties.

The greatest aspect to courses in is that not only will you be able to earn your professional certificate or diploma of completion (in your selected course of study), but in many cases, you are able to perform your studies at your home office desk at times convenient to you. In addition to on-campus instruction, many courses in metaphysics are offered via home study or through e-learning platforms.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other alternative programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore near you.

Courses in Metaphysics

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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for Courses in Metaphysics, Metaphysical Schools, and other unique training programs.

Science tells you how: Metaphysics tells you why

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

Knowledge of the how is limited to science. Knowledge of why is the domain of metaphysics. To identify an object, science looks at the object, be it an apple, a tree, an animal or a human species (other species of human donkeys and chimpanzees, on two legs, are included) and examines it according to empirical experimental evidence.

Science believes in what it sees, subject to precise verification in the laboratory. When looking at the stars, planets and galaxies, these cannot be reduced to the laboratory size of the scientist, so the scientist has to go into the open universe to examine, analyze and deduce his knowledge.

Whether it is the hypothesis of a big bang or black matter, a DNA genetic structure, or a Max Planck wall, or Einstein’s theory of general relativity, coupled with quantum theory, or nano engineering, science shows its clutches and pokes its nose in everything sensible susceptible to scientific proof and evidence.

If there is neither proof nor evidence then science does not interfere and is not interested. It looks into these things with examining eye that does not miss anything visible and utterly evident. It examines the object under examination with meticulous exactitude and leaves nothing to hazard and chance.

The idea of the object, in the mind of the scientist, must be clear, unambiguous, simple and direct, evident and subject to verification by all other scientists, human or otherwise.

Unfortunately, science stops at the frontiers of knowledge. For looking at one aspect of nature, stars, galaxies, the universe and our being (a string-dimension lesser than a flip of a butterfly’s wing), but boaster, arrogant man as he is, refuses to go further and inquire of the origin, the presence, the nature, the essence, and the finality of a thing.

But, Einstein was more modest than most scientists, he recognized his own insignificant size compared with what the world presents to him. Confessing his incapacity to go beyond in knowledge, he asserts the mystery of it all: ‘We understand very little about the subtlety of the universe with our feeble minds’, he said.

Why should the scientist and his disciples go beyond nature? Is there not enough in nature to wet the appetite of these erudite? These knowledgeable who claim absolute knowledge of their limited science and limited brains? Our world is enough, there is everything in it to keep us preoccupied for thousands of years to come.

After all, man must survive and science is the only tool f survival, before man destroys  nature and the world with it- he is not very far away from that though.

Ultimate knowledge does not interest the scientist for there is neither proof nor evidence for it. If the scientist does not answer your question about where did the universe come from, he twists his mouth and smiles. The Idiot!

If you ask him how come we came about, us and some two million animal species, so admirable so distinct and so fascinating, he would take a deep breath and grudgingly say, I don’t know.

The donkey! But the donkey has more brains in his tail than all the scientific meteorologists, for by shaking his tail stuck to his bottom he indicates the weather forecast for rain. No scientist with his fully developed brain (of 120 billions of active neurons working simultaneously full-time) can predict for such a forecast.

Unless you know a scientist who does, the donkey remains more knowledgeable. More subtle and admirable, when rain approaches, flies are agitated. Does this not mean that the fly has more knowledge and intelligence in her head than the scientist, with 120 billion neurons?

The scientist never asks the why, always the how. In this he is limited to what he sees and can prove. Thus the question of the why escapes the scientist and is left wide open to the metaphysician.

Metaphysics is not short sighted and limited to the sensible or what nature can offer to the naked eye. It is not limited to the rudimentary tools of the laboratory of the blind scientist.

search for . Its domain is the . He we part company with science and its limited methods. Induction or deduction are employed in metaphysics, in its own logic in searching for the real, the true real at that.

While the origin of the universe and life, the essence and presence of these and their finalities are closed to science, metaphysics takes over and includes the knowledge provided by science in goes beyond to look for the real in such knowledge namely, what’s behind physics.

Thus, if science does not care to identify the need for creation behind the presence of the universe and that God as the creator, for example, metaphysics assert such need for a powerful, all mighty, all intelligence, all knowledgeable planning creator and programmer to bring about the universe.

While science rejects the idea of God. Metaphysics asserts such an idea. Science remain empty handed in explaining the universe, its presence, origin, function and structure while metaphysics recognizes these essentials as reference to God.

There is no more perfect knowledge, looking into the real, than metaphysics. While science is limited to the sensible, metaphysics reaches the intelligible and pries into the real nature of everything containing science and all other knowledge.

Our tool in metaphysics is not limited to what we see and can prove but what we can get to know by the intutiion of our mind and soul.

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Careers in Metaphysics

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

What careers in metaphysics are available today? Despite which professional path you decide to take, you will gain personal and spiritual growth through any one of a number of metaphysical schools that offer an assortment of in-depth, academic courses.

Some of the many exciting careers in metaphysics which trained individuals can pursue include metaphysical healing arts practitioner, educator in metaphysics, parapsychologist, esoteric researcher, spiritual counselor, philosopher, theologian, or holistic minister.

The finer aspect of careers in metaphysics is that once you’ve completed your education and training, you can begin to counsel and help in healing individuals who are seeking mental, emotional and spiritual stability and wellness.

Other holistic therapies that are sometimes offered by metaphysical practitioners are mind-body-spirit medicines like aromatherapy, Reiki, energy healing, herbal medicine, and guided imagery. However, these careers in metaphysics do require additional or supplementary training and education.

Those who are interested in paranormal studies find that careers in metaphysics like parapsychology offer individuals the education and training to comprehend unexplained phenomena. Various aspects of parapsychology entail the study and research of ESP (extrasensory perception), occult and the supernatural, psychic phenomena, intuition, mediumship, and spiritual awareness, among other related topics.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other metaphysical occupations, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in metaphysics near you.

Careers in Metaphysics

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

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4 Secrets of Metaphysics – The Eleatics We saw in our previous segment how the Milesian school hit upon the idea that the purpose of the philosopher was to ascertain in rational terms the singular principle of what made up the universe. Thales claimed Water, Anaximander said Fire and Anaximenes; aer. For Heraclitus and Pythagoras, the first principle was Metaphysical; the universal mind as the Logos and number, respectively. They were also concerned with patterns and cycles of change and motion. Using their senses, reason and logic, they came to different conclusions which by today’s standards of knowledge seem fanciful and wrong, but at the same time, established important scientific and mathematical principles that are still being used today. After the rise of the Milesians, Pythagoras and Heraclitus, a second wave of materialists, mathematicians and pre-socratic philosophers appeared on the scene in Greece, this time formed in the small Greek settlement of the Italian town of Elea by Xenophanes sometime in 536 BCE. The metaphysical logic of the Eleatic School sharply opposed Milesian science on many fronts and would continue to influence various philosophical systems from Socrates to postmodernism. “Men create the gods in their own image.” Xenophanes (c. 570-480 BCE) Like the Milesians, Xenophanes was also interested in finding a metaphysical model that would explain the world in sensible terms while dismissing the mythology of the human-like and immoral Olympian gods

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Pessimism and optimism in metaphysics: Schopenhauer versus Leibniz

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

There are a number of the terms playing the descriptive role in philosophical discourse. They aim to present the philosophies and serve as the labels sometimes tightly fixed with the particular philosopher or teaching he left. Such descriptive terms have crossed the borders of their place of origin and entered the domains of other disciplines. Therefore, the discussion of the genesis of the terms “optimism” and “pessimism” is the purpose of this short article.

First off, in the discussion about optimism and pessimism in metaphysics it is pertinent to come to terms with the concept of metaphysics. What to understand by metaphysics? It is in a way easy and troublemaking question. Metaphysical reflections tend to embrace the whole world, the whole reality. They raise questions of God, nature, world. They if to follow Aristotle’s understanding concern the first and the highest principles and causes. The metaphysical reflections – if a philosopher happens to articulate them -thus determine the guiding principle of the entirely philosophical system. This is not in last degree because of its overriding feature.

 

The introduction of the terms “optimism” and “pessimism” into philosophical discourse is linked with the metaphysical constructions of Leibniz and Schopenhauer. Leibniz the first used the term “optimum” together with the terms “maximum” and “minimum” in Theodicee in 1710. The popularity and also usage of the term in English is connected with the international recognition of the Voltaire’s work Candide ou l”Optimisme (Candide or Optimist) in 1759 where the term appeared again in the title. According to the dates it is possible to point out the adaptation of the term from Leibniz. As for the term “pessimism” its appearance and the beginning of the frequent usage dates a little bit later. Georg Cristoph Lichtenberg, the German scientist, aphorist and satirist, firstly used the term “pessimismus” in his satirical works in 1766. The first published appearance of the term is linked with the French satirical play entitled Le pessimiste ou l’homme meconte de tout (The pessimist or man of any dissatisfaction).  The academic legitimacy occurred when French Academy admitted the term “optimisme” in 1762, and “pessimisme” in 1878.

 

In Twilight of the Idols Nietzsche regretfully states the decline of German culture and philosophy in particular. The golden time of great philosophers disappeared without return. Predominantly it was a time of the export the ideas from Germany across Europe: Frenchmen were inspired by the idea of pessimism, “Schopenhauerism” as Nietzsche had labeled it entered the others countries. “Even today much new seriousness, much new passion of the spirit, have migrated to Paris; the question of pessimism”. Here is an evidence of abovementioned appearance of the terms pessimism in Germany – if to count so to speak the place of birth – and its later reaffirmation in the plays and finally the official acknowledgment by the French Academy. If the place of the birth – Germany- is clear, so about authority some doubts come into view. Lichtenberg is worthy to take palm of primacy, since in his plays the term has firstly appeared.

 

In my interpretation, the criterion of the relevant usage of the labels “optimist” or “pessimist” concerns the way philosopher perceives the aim and order of the things. If for the world, the striving to a proper aim is attributed and the aim is viewed as the striving to the something better in the future. In this situation the philosopher is endowed with the label optimist. The opposite case is about the label of pessimism.

 

Leibniz opens the Discourse on Metaphysics with statement that ‘’God is an absolutely perfect being’. God is perfect being and therefore all things created by Him are the best of all possible things. The perfection of God implies the variety attributes in their highest and unlimited forms. That what is created by God is inevitably perfect. In terms of possibility the created things might have been different in accordance to their attributes. The created things are the best of all possible variants potentially open to God as a Creator of them. God is perfect, omnipotent and the greatest being whose power and knowledge are unlimited and directed to the goodness. God created the best of all possible worlds as an evidence of His power and wisdom. In Leibniz’s vision of creation the metaphysical and the moral aspects are interconnected and reflect the perfection of God. This is because what was created by God is perfect and strives for the good.

 

‘’ God’s work was like, it would always have been good in comparison with some possibilities, because there is no limit to how bad things could be. ‘’. Leibniz is regarded as an optimistic thinker in the issue of metaphysics. Leibniz advocates the theses of the perfection and intrinsic good of the world. The crucial ground for argumentation lies on the theses that contemporary to him science (and in some extend one may point out the present day science as well) did not obtain the appropriate tools in order to prove the perfection and uniqueness of God’s laws. Men in Leibniz’s view are poorly equipped in scientific terms in order to provide the stable ground for proving the theses of perfection of the world. ‘’ We are not well enough well acquainted with the general harmony of the universe and of the hidden reason from God’s conduct‘’. The explanation stemming from the imperfection of human’s epistemological (cognitive) faculty is elaborated in the issue of theodicy.

 

The reaction on Leibniz optimistic metaphysical views appeared more than one hundred years later in 1818. Arthur Schopenhauer in World as Will and Representation adopts Leibniz’s line of argumentation. His answer is complete in reverse:

 

“But against the palpably sophistical proofs of Leibniz that this is the best of all possible worlds, we may even oppose seriously and honesty the proof that it is the worst of all possible worlds. For possible means not what we may picture in our imagination, but what can actually exist and last. Now this world is arranged as it had to be if it were capable of continuing to exist. Consequently, since a worse world could not continue to exist, it is absolutely impossible; and so this world itself is the worst of all possible worlds”.

 

The most pessimistic verdict to the world – since the world is the worst of all possible worlds – is derived from the following argumentation: where the fist prerequisite is the fact that world is arranged in such a way to be capable to last, any changes in form of worsening it would make its existence impossible. By fact of existence the world proves that it is the worst of all possible worlds.

 

 

The character of the metaphysical systems by Leibniz and Schopenhauer is determined by the fact what thinkers understand qua the ruling force of the world. Leibniz views the will of God in the order of the Universe whereas for Schopenhauer the volitions of the irrational Will constitute the way world is organized and ruled. Therefore two contrast premises – religious and non-religious – have resulted in the contrast conclusions about the world.

 

If Leibniz is metaphysical optimist, Schopenhauer is a metaphysical pessimist seeking for the ground of pessimism in the out of the world reality. Interestingly Crosby in the article on nihilism ranges Schopenhauer as cosmic nihilist basically adopting the similar argumentation. The world lacks meaning and this is an effect not a cause of the total absence of the meaning in the Universe. Such non-typical label nevertheless can be translated as metaphysical pessimist mentioned above.

 

In one of the letters, Schopenhauer declared “… I as pessimist, am the necessary antithesis to Leibniz, the optimist. This is derived from the circumstance that Leibniz lived in an age that was full of hope, but I, in an age desperate and wretched: ergo, had I lived in 1700, I would have been a spotless, optimistic Leibniz, and he would be I, were he alive today”.

Schopenhauer counterpoises himself as an opponent of Leibniz. Nevertheless, his argumentation is not personally motivated as might be seemed at the first glance. The circumstances philosopher happened to be born in determine his consciousness and as a result the particularity of the philosophizing. So going in line with the argumentation it is hard not to ascribe the adherence of the Marxian thesis on determination of social circumstances on man’s being: “it is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness”. However, Schopenhauer might have pursued another goal by saying in such a way. What he inclined to emphasize might be the idea of the coincidence of personal (mental, psychological) predisposition and the social reality that together have resulted in the negative perception of the world.

 

 

In another passage, the similar vision of the world as the worst one is now tested not on the biological grounds. The necessity of the endless struggle undermines and characterizes all living beings. The very struggle is cruel and destructive in its means alien to pity and justice. Laws of nature make man to subordinate to them:

 

“Thus throughout, for the continuance of the whole as well as for that of every individual being, the conditions are sparingly and scantily given, and nothing beyond these. Therefore the individual life is a ceaseless struggle for existence itself, while at every step it is threatened with destruction. Just because this threat is so often carried out, provision had to be made, by the incredibly great surplus of seed, that the destruction

Why Metaphysics? Part 1

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

What is metaphysics, and why should we bother studying it? What benefits does it have for humanity? What is its purpose? How will its teachings help advance society? How will it assist our civilization and culture to progress? How will our lives be re-created individually and collectively with the application of metaphysical principles? Questions abound concerning metaphysics, for people intuitively feel that it may have something precious to offer in terms of facilitating personal growth and self-empowerment. Among those spiritually inclined, it has become a “prime directive” to understanding their lives in terms of metaphysical principles and concepts such as multi-dimensional realities, the Higher Self, love, karma, reincarnation, etheric energies, psychicism, oneness with all, cosmic beings, the ascension, etc., and some of the causes of this higher thinking and awareness is the thinning of the cosmic veil between dimensions; the increased contact with invisible forces; the influence of intense electromagnetic cosmic energies bombarding upon our planet and solar system at this time; the influx of higher spiritual beings incarnating in the physical realm; the discoveries of many ancient secrets left hidden in monumental structures and time capsules; scientific developments in hyper-space technologies, and shifts in its paradigms, etc.

All of these are occurring on a global scale, in every nation of this planet, and it is affecting every human being. So it would seem that humanity is awakening from its long sleep of forgetfulness and ignorance. The Tree of Life of immortality, enlightenment, and illumination will be found hidden in the seeds of the Tree of metaphysical knowledge–using the word “metaphysics” in its most spiritual, gnostic sense.

For thousands of years we have sought for truth, and most of the time from the wrong persons and in the wrong places–what we received were man-made opinions and beliefs which were forced upon our minds to be accepted as the “word of God,” or the way that Nature had decreed, and that there is nothing that anyone can do to change it. While in our infancy, physically and spiritually speaking, we accepted everything told to us by organized religion, elders, and pedagogues as gospel and truth and we based our philosophy of life on the indoctrination imposed upon us and which subsequently formed our false sense of “conscience,” and a poor understanding of spiritual values. This caused us great soulful sufferings and torment in succeeding years in our everyday life–an intense sense of shame, guilt, fear, and sin whenever we “violated” any so-called law of God formulated by theology; and it never occurred to us to question the systems, the mechanisms, and their origins that brought about our morbid condition. This naturally lowered our self-esteem. Conscience is not similar to the concept of the “still, small voice.” The latter is the silent voice of the Spirit, whereas conscience in part, is simply the engrams or programs imprinted upon the subconscious mind. Conscience is also partially our memory of the negative consequences of our past actions impinging upon our conscious mind whenever we are about to act in a negative way resembling that of the past.

But to return from our digression: in past centuries we were told lies by false prophets and the ministers of religions that mediators between God and men were necessary; that theirs was the only way to God; that their race or sect were the chosen one of God; that everything that God would reveal to humanity lies in a single book; that God punishes us for sinning and perhaps in the afterlife casts us into hell; that illness, old-age, and death were a natural part of life; that one no longer receives any new revelation from God, etc. We were told to fear God, to see everything as separated from us, to believe that we were born in sin, that the sexual act is shameful, that we were simply mortals subjected to the whims of God for the determination of our fate, that we were inherently bad–and even more–that the world was flat! While at the same time heinous crimes against the Holy Human Spirit were being committed by those very same representatives of religions such as the crimes of persecution, torture, and murder of innocent human beings who simply were more spiritually and psychically inclined or conceived the universe from a different viewpoint–and all these atrocious acts were carried-out in the name of Religion, Love and God. The Crusades and the Inquisition are dark chapters in the history of man.

One of the points that we wish to put forth here is that since time began the dark, retrogressive forces have infiltrated or have tried infiltrating every institution that have sought to improve the condition of the soul, and the expression of the human spirit in our mundane lives. They have always opposed and attacked the true representatives of God and steered seekers of truth away from them. Their purpose is to stall human evolution and progression indefinitely, that human beings cringe and cower under their manipulative control, that humans be made into slaves and automatons answering to their every whim. They work openly and subtly, physically and psychically. They make us believe that we need them–their services and wares–and we are psychologically controlled to be dependent upon them and return to them again and again for their assistance–usually for a large fee or with some loss on our part. We will not be too specific here, we simply caution our readers to “be wary, be very, very wary!” Treading the spiritual metaphysical path will assist one to be more discerning as to the understanding of what is True and what is false, what is Real and what is illusory.

Generally speaking, a portion of humanity is now more experienced in the ways of men and the world than in bygone days, and they seek for that which will release them from all their mortal limitations and errors, from that Gorgon we call “the human ego,” from concepts that bind one to personal illusions and glamour, and from that state of human mortality. Many of us are beginning to realize the existence of different dimensions and multifold realities. We seek ways for improving the human condition, for perfecting human expression, and the generation of a new type of Homo sapiens whose intelligence and heart matches those of the immortal gods.

Human beings are basically seekers. Some of us thirst for that which we know not what. The “curiosity instinct” impels every one of us to learn everything we can of our environment, of ourselves, of the universe, of Nature, and of God. What fascinates and intrigues us most are the phenomena caused by forces and powers that transcends the perceptual capacity of the physical senses and the apprehension of the human mind. Humanity is intensely interested in the Intelligence that shapes human destiny–whether this “Intelligence” be considered as a being, a force, a Universal Mind, an omnipresent energy, or a collective consciousness. People are seeking explanations to their “inexplicable” experiences in the field of psychicism and the paranormal. Such occurrences as coincidences or “synchronicity” also baffles the mind as it begs for enlightenment. Those of elderly years wonder what lies for them in the “after-life,” as the youthful ones wonder of their place in this world. A questioning being is a thinking being and it denotes, whether consciously realized or not, as a desire to seek, to know, and to be aware of Truth. The curiosity instinct mentioned above could well be the primitive stirrings of the divine will of the highest aspect of Man seeking to be aware of Its essential nature. The teachings of the Ageless Wisdom as taught in metaphysical, esoteric, occult and arcane schools are filled with principles that would help us understand ourselves and our omniverse.

Humanity as a whole, is jaded and sickened by the constant wars and conflicts; with the materialistic and hedonistic life that do not offer any permanent peace and happiness or solutions to the various problems facing us as we approach a new millenium with its tremendous supernal and mundane challenges. Many seek for a more profound meaning in life, for they see through their mundane activities as a brittle illusory facade presenting itself as reality. We often ask “why am I here?” “why do I exist?” “where will I go from here?” Our present systems of religion, philosophy, and science offer no real solution, consolation, solace or comfort to our hearts and soul-search, instead they tend to mislead, confine, and circumscribe the soul and mind to a certain area of life; to a limited way of living and thinking; to a sense of separatism; to a dualistic judgmental attitude; to a sense of fear and helplessness; and to a state of external dependency–it especially confines man to a mortal sense of existence–and we say this not from a sense of judgment but from an observational standpoint.

Conversely, metaphysics as a repository of “New-Age” concepts, the Ageless Wisdom, divine energies, power-centers, and angelic and cosmic support, seek to liberate us from self-imposed limitations as it offers answers to questions that troubles the human soul. The soul loves freedom for freedom is ingrained in the soul. God gave man the liberty to choose, and this privilege should not be taken away from man by any being for it is a violation of the natural order of things.

Freedom may be considered as an instinct for it is to be found in animals as well. No creature enjoys being confined in a cage. Every creature love to be free and to express the genetic joy programmed in its DNA. Nature has granted all creatures their freedom of expression but some of us would impose our will upon Divine Will by

Advaita Philosophy – The Metaphysics of Oneness or Monism In the direction of Spiritual Awakening

Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

Advaita will be the philosophy of Oneness, or Monism.

Dvaita means dualism, so Advaita signifies Non-dualism, or Oneness. It is certainly one of the 3 schools of Vedanta Philosophy.

Vedanta Philosophy of Hinduism is determined by the Upanishads, or Vedantas. Vedantas are so known as simply because these are identified on the finish of your Vedic guides (anta=end). The Vedanta philosophy is the oldest religious philosophy on earth, being around 5000 years previous, from about 3000 BCE.

You’ll find three schools of Vedanta philosophy:

Dvaita or Dualism.
Vishista-Dvaita or certified monism
Advaita or Monism.

In Advaita, all is mentioned to become One, there isn’t any aside from this Oneness. This Oneness is named Brahman. All that exists, both with out, the Object, and inside, the Subject, is but Brahman. There’s no other existence aside from Brahman.

Taking into consideration the object 1st, in Advaita, it can be deemed the exterior globe has no fact of its very own. Allow us take into account a candle that’s burning and alterations into burnt wax, smoke, ashes and gives off power as heat and light. Now in this shifting of your candle from one kind to one more, we know that it was make a difference from the kind of molecules and power which was frequent. It had been this matter-energy which existed initial since the candle, then as smoke, ashes and dissipated vitality. For your kinds like candle, ashes, etc. it’s the matter-energy that’s the truth behind these different forms. Analyzing more, we know from modern-day science that make any difference and energy are equivalent, from the equation E=MC2. Make any difference and vitality are like two ends of a spectrum, two types of something much more standard. For this reason there should be some thing that’s the absolute for your types of make a difference and power also. In this way, there must be something which is probably the most simple truth behind all this everchanging phenomena of the planet.

Yet again, we understand that time-space is connected to matter-energy, and we also know that time-space has only relative actuality. Hence this one thing which varieties the absolute fact of all phenomena should be something which is past time-space.

This Absolute, which forms the basis of all of the phenomena of this globe, is the only long term truth on the earth.

Now, thinking about the topic, our personal consciousness, Advaita says that if we similarly analyze our consciousness, we’ll discover that we can’t uncover any absolute actuality in the specific consciousness alone. Our individual consciousness is made up of a constant flow of thoughts, sensations, etc. none of which are in on their own permanent. But within this ceaseless flow of person consciousness, there exists the Absolute which holds it jointly. The thoughts and sensations by themselves would not stand together, it really is this Absolute which supports it and close to which our person consciousness wraps itself, so to say.

Then Advaita helps make the final conclusion. There might be only one Absolute over and above this universe, along with the Absolute which lies as the base of our consciousness will be the identical Absolute which lies since the base of the phenomena of your universe.

It is this Absolute that’s known as Brahman.

Brahman may be the assistance of this entire universe, and the help of our consciousness also. All phenomena and our consciousness have only impermanent, relative actuality and it is only Brahman that’s Real.

Therefore this means that our’I’ is the Absolute Brahman alone. It can be a mistake for us to contemplate our identification, our’I’ to be our puny personal consciousness. We are actually this Absolute Brahman all along. We need only to break out of the grip of our thoughts and sensations and then we are going to break out of identifying ourselves as our individual consciousness and understand that actually we’re nothing at all aside from Absolute Brahman. That is our true identity, and this can be what we’ve got constantly been.

It is this spiritual awakening that’s our objective in Advaita Vedanta.

P.J. Mazumdar could be the author with the bestselling guide,” The Circle of Fire – the Metaphysics of Yoga.” To examine some excerpts in the book and associated content articles on Advaita and spiritual awakening, you are able to visit the book’s website: The Circle of Fire.

The Circle of Fire” is often a book on Advaita Vedanta and Yoga which solutions to the get in touch with of modern times in conforming to each science and logic. The prime challenge from the book is always to existing Advaita Vedanta as being a philosophy for the existing occasions, to show how modern day science in reality supports and strengthens Advaita, and in the exact same time to present that much more esoteric ideas like Reincarnation are not essential for that core of Advaita.

As Alan Jacobs, President Ramana Maharshi Foundation UK says in his review,”I am confident that this guide will serve as an indispensable manual for all these earnest readers keen to comply with and realize the vital wisdom with the significant Upanashadic Truths, even now relevant more than ever for your modern-day gentleman and woman.”

Check out more posts at the author’s website: metaphysical store

Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology (Blackwell Philosophy Anthologies)

By combining excerpts from key historical writings with commentary by experts, Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology provides a comprehensive history of the philosophy of science from ancient to modern times.

Provides a comprehensive history of the philosophy of science, from antiquity up to the 20th century
Includes extensive commentary by scholars putting the selected writings in historical context and pointing out their interconnections
Covers areas rarely seen in philos

List Price: $ 59.95 Price: $ 37.25

There was so much commotion caused with two of my videos that I thought I’d dedicate a few to setting the record straight. Sit back, and let’s talk about the Philosophy of Science.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Man, Universe and God: Religion, philosophy, metaphysics and science

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

 

Everyone has his, or her, own convictions about life, the universe, being and God. Religion asserts God’s indispensability for the presence of the universe and life. Philosophy searches for truth, and ultimate truth and it purports to demonstrate the relation ship between three enigmas: the universe, man and God.

It attempts to establish a comprehensive perspective for the three such as that God has created the universe and created man in order to look into the universe and find God. Metaphysics, on the other hand searches for reality and ultimate reality at that. Its subject matter is first principles and first causes for the universe and life manifestations.

Real reality for the metaphysics does not lie in the physical, sensible aspect of the universe but in the intelligible aspect that cannot be reached except through thought and spirit. Man in his totality is engaged to find answers to fundamental questions about the underlying principles of the universe in its presence, origin and finality, It purports to find out the reality behind existence in all its aspects.

Life and death, good and evil, beauty and ugliness, love and hatred, value and morality are the domains of metaphysics, as much as religion and philosophy, but metaphysics looks for the reality in these and behind these phenomena. Religion invites humans to think and consider the universe as the creation of God and invites humans to acknowledge God, love Him, serve Him and worship Him.

God is is the thesis of religion. Philosophy wonders following the urge for fining out truth in man. What represents the truth and is the truth are the domains of philosophy. Thus philosophy is a personal outlook while religion is a general communal outlook. Metaphysics, searching for reality studies religion and consider its premises and presumptions and attempts to disclose the real principles in religion and also in philosophy.

Metaphysics goes beyond religion to examine its premises and conclusions. It purports to uncover the principles of the universe and life in religious thought as well as in philosophical thought.

Thus for example religion prescribes belief in God and His worship, while philosophy attempts to find out the truth in religious thought and whether there is or not a God that has created the universe, life and its manifestations and the relationship between man and the universe, with or without God. Metaphysics attempts to find out the reality of the religious disposition and the reality of philosophical thought.

If God has created the universe then, according to religion, philosophy and metaphysics, He is worthy of worship, love and service. While religion asserts this, philosophy looks into its truth and metaphysics into its reality. While religion asserts God as creator and disposer of the universe and man, philosophy accepts or rejects the idea of God and metaphysics looks into the reality of sensible to search and establish the reality of the intelligible.

God is, in religion. He might be in philosophy and He is to be discovered in metaphysics.

While religion invites to believe or disbelieve in God with all the consequences that stems from this alternative, philosophy aspires to find a rational disposition for God or a rational to deny God. While science concentrates of the sensible-physical and rejects the metaphysical, metaphysics considers the sensible-physical in the light of the intelligible and spires to uncover the reality of the principles in the intelligible. The first principle in metaphysics is God. He is the first cause and the creator of the univrse. He is ultimate good. He alone is worthy of thinking and contemplation. He Is Reality.

The common difficulty shared by religion, philosophy and metaphysics lies in the attempt to resolve the enigmatic problematic of the three principle subjets of meditation namely that of the universe, of man and that of God.

Not to panic, every one of us attempts to think and refelect and concludes his, or her, personal conviction with regard to the universe, man and God. The key in all these aspects is lack of proof but the proclaimations by any perspective are founded on the strong plausibility that there is a need for a God cause and creator, in opposition and comparison to the absence of the universe and man ,which is not the case, and thus man recoils upon his own convictions.

Science does not help, rather the ocontrary it confirms dogmatically a notion limited only to the sensible, neglecting the intelligible, unless our convictions are not blinded and limited only to the physical aspect but transcends to the metaphysical level, fundament of the real.

Related Metaphysics Articles

Schools of Metaphysics

Friday, June 24th, 2011

When you’re ready to be enlightened about the laws of the Universe and beyond, then you may wish to apply to one of a number of schools of metaphysics; where you can learn about and beyond the natural and physical world in which we exist.

Learn how to master you higher consciousness by investing your time in one of the philosophical and unique training programs at schools of metaphysics. Choose from any number of fascinating courses, including studies in energy healing, chakra balancing, theology, metaphysics, Reiki, intuitive counseling, earth healing, and more.

To earn a bachelor’s degree in metaphysics, schools of metaphysics provide 60 semester hour training programs. Typical coursework entails metaphysical studies in ancient history and cultures, theological history and world religion studies, Eastern philosophies and new age thought, spirituality and philosophy, Native American studies, hypnosis, meditation and prayer, and more.

Masters programs at schools of metaphysics encompass much of the aforementioned studies, as well as advanced studies in Buddhism, yoga, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness, among other related philosophies and theories.

Schools of metaphysics commonly extend higher education degree programs as well. Some of the more popular degree options include the Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Metaphysical Theology Degree. Candidates who choose to pursue these degrees must have completed and met all educational requirements of the master and bachelor degree programs. Some of the in-depth training* (Curriculum corresponds to chosen degree.) that students will acquire entail energy healing, holistic healing, holistic life coaching, paranormal studies, metaphysical healing, and more. As an added advantage, students of schools of metaphysics can often participate in home-study programs.

In addition to metaphysical counseling, candidates who complete training at schools of metaphysics may be able to earn entry-level positions as pastoral care workers, ministers, and as metaphysical teachers.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other healing arts schools, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore schools of metaphysics near you.

Schools of Metaphysics

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