Tools For Health, Peace and Liberation
What happened to ancient wisdom?
"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going." —Rita Mae Brown
Why?
Because.
A good salesperson will keep their pitches as brief as possible. Expounding upon the many reasons one might want something or to do something requires effort and thought. If a salesperson makes you think too much, she’ll lose the sale.
Manipulation is easy.
Who am I? What do I want? Why do I want it? How will I get it? What influences me? These are challenging questions.
There are many ways to categorize questions!
We can ask questions based on the answer we seek:
Factual Questions: Seek straightforward information or facts.
Example: "What is the capital of France?"
Conceptual Questions: Explore deeper meanings, theories, or ideas.
Example: "What are the main causes of poverty?"
Open-ended Questions: Allow for a wide range of answers and encourage detailed responses.
Example: "How has technology impacted your life?"
Closed-ended Questions: Limit the answer options to "yes" or "no" or a specific choice.
Example: "Do you prefer coffee or tea?"
Based on their purpose:
Leading Questions: Suggest a particular answer or point of view.
Example: "Wouldn't you agree that this is the best solution?"
Probing Questions: Follow up on a previous answer to gain further insights.
Example: "Can you tell me more about that?"
Rhetorical Questions: Asked for effect, not expecting a direct answer.
Example: "Is the sky blue?"
Hypothetical Questions: Pose a scenario or situation to explore possibilities.
Example: "What would you do if you won the lottery?"
Based on their structure:
Direct Questions: Straightforward inquiries using a typical question format.
Example: "Where did you go to school?"
Indirect Questions: A more polite or subtle way of asking for information.
Example: "I was wondering where you went to school."
Multiple Choice Questions: Offer a set of answers to choose from.
Example: "Which of these is a primary color: a) green, b) red, c) purple?"
This is not an exhaustive list; many questions can fall into multiple categories. The type of question used depends on the context, the desired information, and the relationship between the asker and the respondent.
The fact that we ask questions makes us unique. We may be the only species in the Universe that asks questions.
Our ingenuity, adaptability, and toolmaking are aspects of our species that have made us unique and successful in all environments, including outer space.
Language: The First Tool
Before the advent of physical tools, early humans wielded a far more powerful and transformative tool: language. Language, a complex communication system, is a miracle of evolution that allowed our ancestors to share ideas, coordinate actions, and pass on knowledge across generations. Language facilitated strategizing for hunts, fostered social bonds, accelerated the development of ingenious, tangible tools, and allowed us to pass on our knowledge and techniques for making tools from generation to generation. Language is the bedrock upon which the edifice of human ingenuity was built.
Our brains, particularly in regions like Broca's and Wernicke's, specialize in language processing. This complex neural circuitry allows us to understand and produce speech, a capability not found in other primates to the same degree.
The descent of the larynx and the intricate structure of our vocal tract enable us to produce a wide range of sounds necessary for complex speech. These anatomical adaptations distinguish us from our primate relatives and are crucial for developing spoken language. The complex myriad of causes for selecting these anatomical adaptations is fascinating and worth investigating. Evolution is an exciting and illuminating domain of science that everyone should understand and be able to explain to a ten-year-old child.
Some theories propose that language evolved from gestures. The intricate hand movements and facial expressions used by primates for communication laid the groundwork for developing more complex language systems.
When our ancestors transitioned to bipedalism, the skull underwent changes to balance atop the spine. This led to a downward shift of the larynx (voice box), creating a longer, more spacious vocal tract. Our expanded cavity of the vocal tract allowed for greater resonance and a wider range of sound production.
Walking upright freed our hands, increasing dexterity and fine motor control. Fine motor control is linked to the intricate neural networks that control both hand movements and the muscles involved in speech production. The enhanced dexterity may have facilitated the development of complex vocalizations.
Bipedalism also altered our breathing patterns, allowing for greater control over respiration. This finer airflow control is crucial for producing the sustained and nuanced sounds necessary for speech.
The open savanna environment favored long-distance communication. Visual signals were less effective in tall grasses, putting a premium on vocal communication. This environmental pressure favored individuals with anatomical adaptations, allowing for more precise and complex vocalizations.
Think of it this way: as our ancestors ventured into the savanna, walking upright, their hands-free, they needed to communicate across greater distances. The anatomical changes brought about by bipedalism, particularly the repositioning of the larynx, provided the physical foundation for more complex vocalizations. Complex vocalizations, coupled with the environmental pressures of the savanna and the increasing complexity of social interactions, created some of the conditions for the evolution of language.
The evolution of language in humans is a complex process with multiple contributing factors. While walking upright was a crucial step, other factors, such as brain development, social interaction, and cultural evolution, played significant roles.
Our understanding will grow if scientists remain interested in how human language evolved.
Whenever I contemplate language, I think of C++, mathematics, music, dance, math, seduction, food, and more. I love language and communication.
"He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Cultural Perspective
As inherently social creatures, humans have always relied on language to facilitate cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the formation of complex social structures. Language's enhanced communication has been a significant survival advantage, allowing for better hunting, gathering, and defense coordination. Its contribution to human survival and advancement is something we should all appreciate.
As humans developed increasingly complex tools, precise instruction, and knowledge transfer became crucial. Language provided the means to communicate intricate techniques and pass down accumulated knowledge across generations, accelerating technological advancement.
Language allows humans to do more than communicate. It enables us to express abstract ideas, share stories, and create symbolic representations of the things and experiences in our world. Language empowers this capacity for symbolic thought, which has been instrumental in inspiring creativity, cultural development, and the transmission of complex information. It's astounding to think about the role of language in these aspects of human life.
The Interplay
These anatomical and cultural factors likely co-evolved, with each influencing the other. As our brains and vocal tracts adapted for language, the benefits of enhanced communication drove further cultural development. Cultural, artistic, and practical crafts created positive feedback loops, accelerating language evolution and human societies' complexity.
Language, as a powerful tool, has not only shaped our culture but has also been shaped by it. This unique evolutionary trajectory of language allows us to communicate, cooperate, and create in ways no other species can. It is a testament to the profound influence of language on human societies, enlightening us about its role in shaping our culture.
Why the meaning of sin changed radically during the first centuries of Christianity
Language and The Problem of Evil
Language constructs a human-centric reality. Language is a way of seeing things that can never represent the totality of reality. Without complex languages, our emotional reactions and ways of understanding things could not have become so robust, creative, and full of emotion and abstraction.
We are social creatures who depend on each other to survive and thrive. Our language differentiates, explains, and justifies.
The concepts of evil and "sin" are deeply intertwined with language and culture. Evil and sin are human constructs that vary significantly across cultures, traditions, and belief systems.
Abrahamic Religions
In Judaism, sin is often seen as a transgression against God's commandments, a violation of the covenant. It implies a separation from God and requires repentance and atonement to restore the relationship.
In Christianity, sin is understood as falling short of God's ideal, a rebellion against divine will. It's often associated with the concept of original sin inherited from Adam and Eve. An emphasis is placed on forgiveness and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.
In Islam, sin is defined as disobedience to Allah's commands. It's an act of rebellion against the divine will and carries consequences in the afterlife. Repentance, seeking forgiveness, and good deeds are essential for atonement.
"Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)
The above is far from a comprehensive discussion of the meaning of sin in Abrahamic religions. Scholars, theologians, and mystics across millennia have explored its depths from multiple perspectives and in many contexts.
A groundbreaking account of how religion made society possible
Buddhism takes a unique approach to "sin," diverging significantly from the Western notion of transgression against divine authority, the Abrahamic "Big Gods."
Focus on Actions and Consequences (Karma)
Instead of "sin," Buddhism focuses on karma. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where every action—mental, verbal, or physical—has consequences. Actions motivated by greed, hatred, and delusion are considered "unskillful" (akusala) and lead to suffering for oneself and others. Conversely, actions motivated by generosity, lovingkindness, and wisdom are "skillful" (kusala) and lead to positive outcomes.
No Inherent Sinfulness
Buddhism doesn't believe in the concept of original sin or that humans are inherently sinful. Every individual has the potential for Enlightenment, regardless of their past actions. The focus is on recognizing and understanding the causes of unskillful actions and cultivating skillful ones.
Money, as our prime motivator, has made us unskillful in the most harmful ways. Malicious incentives blind us to the crucial importance of Great Nature, energy, and stocks and flows of various kinds.
Emphasis on Intention
Intention plays a crucial role in determining an action's karmic impact. An action performed maliciously carries a heavier karmic weight than one done out of ignorance or misunderstanding.
Think of manslaughter vs. premeditated murder in our legal system.
No Divine Judgment
There's no concept of a God judging and punishing individuals for their sins. Suffering arises naturally from unskillful actions, and liberation comes from purifying the mind and cultivating wisdom.
We are responsible for our thoughts and actions. I won't touch the third rail of free will vs. determinism here.
Path to Liberation
The path to liberation involves understanding the nature of karma, cultivating ethical conduct, and practicing mindfulness and meditation. Through these practices, individuals can purify their minds, overcome negative tendencies, and ultimately achieve Enlightenment.
In Buddhism, Enlightenment, often called Bodhi or Awakening, is the ultimate goal of those who practice its precepts and way of life. It represents a profound and transformative shift in consciousness, freeing an individual from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
Sometimes, I think of rebirth as making the same mistakes repeatedly without learning from my mistakes.
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
There's no evidence Albert Einstein said this. Its true origin remains uncertain, with various sources suggesting it may have emerged from Narcotics Anonymous or other 12-step programs. That makes perfect sense to me, having had my share of hangovers.
Nature of Enlightenment
Enlightenment is the cessation of Dukkha, the Buddhist term encompassing all forms of suffering, dissatisfaction, and unease. These disorders of the mind include physical and mental pain, as well as the existential angst associated with impermanence and attachment.
"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." —Old proverb
Insight into reality involves a direct and experiential understanding of its true nature. It involves seeing through the illusions of the self and the permanence of phenomena, leading to the realization of Anatta (no self) and Anicca (impermanence).
Liberation from the Cycle of Rebirth breaks the cycle of Samsara, the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma.
"There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path."
Samsara is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and other Indian religions. It's a Sanskrit word that means "wandering" or "world," but in a spiritual context, it refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
Samsara is often depicted as a wheel, symbolizing the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. This cycle is driven by karma, where actions in one life have consequences that influence future rebirths.
We can easily see that our actions affect posterity. That is, if we value future generations like we value our own.
Realms of Existence
A mixture of pleasure and suffering characterizes the human realm. The Animal realm is driven by instinct and experiences limited awareness. The Godly realms (Devas) are Characterized by pleasure and long life but are still subject to impermanence and eventual rebirth. Hell realms (Narakas) involve intense suffering and torment.
Causes of Samsara
Ignorance (Avidya) or a lack of understanding of the true nature of reality, or what I call Great Nature. Attachment (Trishna) is clinging to desires, possessions, and the illusion of a permanent self (egocentrism). Karma is the accumulation of actions and consequences that shape future rebirths.
Goal: Liberation (Moksha or Nirvana)
In many Indian religions, the ultimate goal is liberation from Samsara. We must break free from the rebirth cycle and attain lasting peace and freedom from suffering.
Stop making insane choices and mistakes and live well and healthily within Great Nature. Our social norms may be pathological.
Would modern psychology be needed if we sincerely and diligently practiced Buddhism or any profound wisdom tradition?
How to Escape Samsara
Following ethical principles of living a virtuous life, avoiding harmful actions, and cultivating positive karma. Engage in spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, and other activities to purify the mind and gain insight into reality. Practice devotion, surrendering to a higher power while seeking divine grace. Recognize the true nature of the self and reality (Great Nature), transcending the illusion of separateness.
The goal is to break free from malicious cycles and attain liberation, lasting peace, and freedom.
Characteristics of an Enlightened Being
Wisdom (Prajna) is the deep understanding of reality free from delusion and ignorance. Compassion (Karuna) is the boundless empathy and love for all beings arising from the realization of interconnectedness. Ethical Conduct (Sila) involves living by moral principles, naturally arising from wisdom and compassion. Peace and Equanimity are the states of inner peace and tranquility undisturbed by external circumstances.
The Path to Enlightenment
The Noble Eightfold Path provides a practical framework for cultivating the qualities necessary for Enlightenment. It includes proper understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Meditation is central to Buddhist practice; meditation cultivates mindfulness, concentration, and insight into the nature of the mind and reality (Great Nature). Moral conduct involves living ethically, creating a foundation for spiritual growth, and reducing negative karma.
There are levels of Enlightenment: stream-enterer (Soptapanna), once-returner (Sakadagami), non-returner (Anagami), and Arahant, a fully Enlightened person having eradicated all attachments and attained complete liberation from suffering.
As you can see, Buddhism is an ancient, highly developed, and profound system of practices and concepts worth exploring.
The answers to our daily worries and anxieties – big or small – lie at the heart of Stoic philosophy.
Beyond Concepts and Language
Ultimately, Enlightenment is beyond intellectual understanding and cannot be fully grasped through language. It's an experiential realization that transcends words and concepts.
Enlightenment in Buddhism is a profound state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. It's achieved through cultivating wisdom, compassion, and ethical conduct, culminating in a direct realization of the true nature of reality. While the path may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable, offering lasting peace, freedom, and fulfillment.
I also recommend looking into Stoicism as a powerful and profound path toward understanding Great Nature, oneself, and society and as a method of attaining peace, equanimity, and wisdom. As with Buddhism, we have many great sources and teachers of Stoic wisdom, both contemporary and ancient.
I'm a big fan of Massimo Pigliucci's work.
The Rule of St. Benedict
Consider contrasting the above precepts and practices with The Rule of St. Benedict, written around 530 CE, emphasizing a balanced and ordered existence centered on prayer and work.
I. Prologue:
Call to seek God and submit to the Rule.
Emphasis on obedience, humility, and stability.
II. The Instruments of Good Works (Chapters 3-7):
Obedience: Prompt and joyful obedience to God and superiors.
Silence: Cultivating inner and outer silence for contemplation.
Humility: Recognizing one's dependence on God and practicing selflessness.
Discipline: Accepting correction and penance for growth.
III. The Abbot (Chapters 2 & 64):
Role of the Abbot: The spiritual father and leader of the monastery, responsible for guiding and caring for the community.
Qualities of an Abbot: Wise, compassionate, and just.
IV. The Daily Life of the Monk (Chapters 8-20):
The Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours): Regular communal prayer throughout the day and night.
Work: Manual labor and other tasks to support the community and cultivate humility.
Reading and Study: Spiritual reading and study for intellectual and spiritual growth.
Meals: Simple and moderate meals taken in silence.
Sleep: Sufficient rest for physical and spiritual renewal.
V. Reception of New Members (Chapter 58):
Discernment: A careful process for admitting new members to ensure their commitment.
Novitiate: Period of training and formation before full membership.
VI. Discipline and Penance (Chapters 23-30):
Correction: Fraternal correction for minor faults.
Penance: More severe penalties for serious offenses, focused on restoration and reconciliation.
VII. Community Life (Chapters 31-57):
Rank and Order: Respect for seniority and authority within the community.
Common Goods: Sharing of possessions and resources.
Hospitality: Welcoming guests and strangers with kindness.
VIII. Organization and Administration (Chapters 65-73):
Officials: Appointment of monks to specific roles and responsibilities.
Property: Management of the monastery's resources and finances.
Key Principles:
Ora et Labora ("Pray and Work"): The central motto of Benedictine life, emphasizing the balance between prayer and manual labor.
Stability: Commitment to remaining in the same community for life.
Community: Living in a supportive and harmonious community.
Moderation: Avoiding extremes in all things.
Conversion of Life: Continual striving for spiritual growth and transformation.
The Rule of St. Benedict has provided a framework for monastic life for over 15 centuries.
Understanding Christianity provides a powerful context for understanding the development of Modernity.
Stages of Modernity
The Middle Ages (c. 5th - 15th centuries)
Dominant Features:
Feudalism: A hierarchical social system with land ownership and loyalty as central tenets.
The Church: Powerful religious institution influencing all aspects of life.
Limited Social Mobility: Rigid social structure with little opportunity for advancement.
Agrarian Economy: A primarily agricultural society with limited trade and technology.
Seeds of Change:
Rise of Towns and Trade: Gradual emergence of urban centers and merchant class.
Universities: Centers of learning and scholarship begin to challenge traditional authority.
The Black Death: Demographic upheaval that disrupts the feudal system.
The Age of Discovery (c. 15th - 17th centuries)
Key Developments:
Exploration and Expansion: European voyages lead to the discovery of new lands and trade routes.
Rise of Mercantilism: The economic system focused on accumulating wealth through trade and colonization.
Scientific Revolution: New discoveries and methods challenge traditional views of the Universe.
Humanism: Emphasis on human reason and potential, inspired by classical learning.
Impact:
Global interconnectedness: Increased contact between different cultures and continents.
Challenges to Authority: Questioning of traditional knowledge and religious dogma.
Growing Individualism: Emphasis on human agency and potential.
The Enlightenment (c. 18th century)
Core Ideas:
Reason and Rationality: Emphasis on logic, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry.
Individual Rights and Liberties: Belief in natural rights and the social contract.
Progress and Reform: Optimism about human potential and the possibility of social improvement.
Key Figures:
John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, Voltaire
Impact:
Political Revolutions: American and French revolutions inspired by Enlightenment ideals.
Rise of Democracy: Challenges to absolute monarchy and the growth of representative government.
Scientific Advancements: Further progress in science and technology.
The Age of Wonder (c. late 18th - early 19th centuries)
Characteristics:
Romanticism: Emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the sublime in nature and art.
Industrialization: The early stages of the Industrial Revolution saw new sources of energy give rise to new technologies, industries, and factories (a new kind of labor).
Social Change: Urbanization, growth of the working class, and new social problems.
Impact:
Technological Innovation: Development of new machines and manufacturing processes.
Social Disruption: Challenges to traditional ways of life and the rise of social inequality.
Artistic Expression: Romantic movement in literature, art, and music.
The Industrial Revolution (c. 18th - 19th centuries)
Key Features:
Mass Production: Factories and machines produce goods on a large scale.
Technological Advancements: Steam engines, railroads, and other innovations transform transportation and communication.
Urbanization: Mass migration from rural areas to cities for factory jobs.
Impact:
Economic Growth: Increased production and wealth, but also economic inequality.
Social Transformation: Rise of capitalism, new class structures, and social movements.
Environmental Impact: Pollution and resource depletion become growing concerns.
Age of Wonder
Scientists and Inventors:
James Watt (1736-1819): Scottish inventor whose improvements to the steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution.
Alessandro Volta (1745-1827): Italian physicist who invented the first electric battery.
Joseph Priestley (1733-1804): English chemist who discovered oxygen.
Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794): French chemist considered the "father of modern chemistry."
Edward Jenner (1749-1823): English physician who pioneered the smallpox vaccine.
Writers and Artists:
William Blake (1757-1827): English poet and artist whose visionary works explored mystical themes.
Mary Shelley (1797-1851): Author of Frankenstein, a Gothic novel that explored the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.
Lord Byron (1788-1824): Romantic poet known for his passionate and rebellious spirit.
J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851): English Romantic painter known for his dramatic landscapes and seascapes.
Industrial Revolution
Inventors and Engineers:
Richard Arkwright (1732-1792): English inventor of the water frame, a key development in the textile industry.
Eli Whitney (1765-1825): American inventor of the cotton gin, which revolutionized cotton production.
George Stephenson (1781-1848): English engineer who built the first public inter-city railway line using steam locomotives.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859): English engineer who designed bridges, tunnels, and ships, including the Great Western Railway and the SS Great Britain.
Henry Bessemer (1813-1898): English inventor of the Bessemer process for mass-producing steel.
Social Reformers and Thinkers:
Robert Owen (1771-1858): Welsh social reformer who advocated for utopian socialism and improved working conditions.
Karl Marx (1818-1883): German philosopher and economist who developed the theory of Marxism, critiquing capitalism and advocating for communism.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870): English novelist whose works depicted the social injustices of the Industrial Revolution.
From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Greg Grandin comes the stunning, never before told story of the quixotic attempt to recreate small-town America in the heart of the Amazon
The list of impactful individuals during this time is long, and much has been written about them. Their innovations, ideas, and creative works shaped history and continue influencing today’s world.
These stages represent a broad overview of the transition from the medieval to the modern era. Each period builds upon the previous one, with new ideas and developments shaping our world. These stages are not always clearly defined and often overlap. However, they provide a valuable framework for understanding Modernity’s complex and fascinating journey.
Understanding abstract concepts like evil and sin is crucial if “the polycrisis” can be metaphorically linked to sinfulness.
Differences from the Western Concept of Sin
Buddhism has no Absolute Moral Code, fixed commandments, or rules defining sin. The emphasis is on understanding the consequences of one’s actions and cultivating wisdom and compassion. The focus is on Self-Responsibility. Individuals are responsible for their actions and the resulting karma. There’s no reliance on divine forgiveness or intervention. There is a strong emphasis on transformation. The goal is not to avoid punishment but to transform the mind and achieve liberation from suffering.
The same could be said of Stoicism.
"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” —Marcus Aurelius
In essence, Buddhism offers a nuanced perspective on actions and their consequences. It encourages individuals to cultivate skillful actions, purify their minds, and ultimately transcend the cycle of suffering.
Homo sapiens find great utility in creating myths and religious doctrines.
"There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which any created thing cannot fill, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus." —Blaise Pascal
More Perspectives
In Baháʼí Faith, sin is seen as “missing the mark,” a failure to live up to one’s potential. It’s a deviation from the path of spiritual growth and development. Emphasis is placed on striving for moral excellence and contributing to the betterment of humanity.
Many indigenous traditions view “sin” as actions that disrupt the harmony and balance of the natural world and the community. Respect for nature, ancestors, and the interconnectedness of all beings is essential.
"Should anyone be afflicted by a sin, it behooveth him to repent thereof and return unto his Lord. He, verily, granteth forgiveness unto whomsoever He willeth, and no one may question that which it pleaseth Him to ordain. He is, in truth, the Ever-Forgiving." —Baháʼu'lláh, 2 The Kitáb-i-Aqdas
Ten Years In Japan
I spent ten years in Japan and truly felt and loved Wabi-sabi (侘び寂び). Wabi-sabi sounds like a Japanese delicacy. I also loved Nabe, Sake, Okonomiyaki, Soba and Wasabi. My veterinarian in Portugal mistook the name of one of our cats, Wawaji, for Wasabi. I love Wasabi, too. I miss Asian food. Once, long ago in my youth, I was at a picnic with Japanese friends in Ueno Park in Tokyo. After several beers, one of the guys there asked me to try something, gave me a big wad of Wasabi, and said, “Just eat it; it’s like candy. Do you like spicey”? I knew what it was and wanted to impress him, so I feigned ignorance and gobbled the whole wad down. I pretended to chew and swallowed a wad of Wasabi—my stomach exploded. I kept a straight face, said it was delicious, and asked for more. While everyone at the party expressed their surprise, I slipped off behind a tree and suffered for a while before returning to the group, drinking a few cups of sake with some Mochi 餅 (sticky rice cake) and Osembe せんべい (rice crackers).
Wabi-sabi (侘び寂び) is a deeply ingrained aesthetic philosophy in Japanese culture that finds beauty and serenity in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. It’s a worldview that embraces the natural cycle of growth and decay, finding profound meaning in the authentic and the unpretentious.
Core Principles of Wabi-sabi (侘び寂び)
Wabi-sabi values the flawed, the asymmetrical, and the irregular. It sees beauty in cracks, blemishes, and age’s natural wear and tear. It acknowledges the transient nature of all things. Nothing lasts forever, and this impermanence is seen as a source of beauty rather than something to be feared. Wabi-sabi appreciates simplicity and the understated. It finds elegance in the unfinished and the unadorned. It values natural materials and processes, embracing the inherent qualities of things rather than striving for artificial perfection. Wabi-sabi finds beauty in the humble and the essential, stripping away excess and focusing on the essence of things.
Kintsugi (Japanese: 金継ぎ, lit. 'golden joinery')
Wabi-sabi is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhist principles, particularly the acceptance of impermanence and the appreciation of simplicity. The Japanese tea ceremony (Chado) was crucial in developing wabi-sabi aesthetics, emphasizing rustic simplicity and natural materials.
Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, highlighting the cracks and imperfections rather than hiding them. Japanese Gardens are often designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, with asymmetrical arrangements, weathered stones, and moss-covered paths. Traditional Japanese architecture frequently features natural materials like wood and paper, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Wabi-sabi pottery embraces imperfections with irregular shapes, uneven glazes, and visible marks of the maker's hand.
Wabi-sabi encourages us to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and objects, finding meaning in the simple and the imperfect. It's a philosophy that can bring peace and acceptance to our lives, reminding us to embrace the natural flow of life and find joy in the present moment.
You are probably familiar with some of the above examples of wisdom traditions. Do you practice any of them?
Let's return to sin, this time as a cultural construction.
Cultural values, beliefs, and social norms shape the concept of sin. What constitutes sin in one culture may not be considered sinful in another.
In many traditions, sin is framed as an offense against a higher power or a violation of divine law. Sin often serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals towards ethical behavior and discouraging actions that harm themselves or others. Most traditions offer pathways to overcome sin through repentance, atonement, or spiritual practices.
Ultimately, sin reflects the human quest for meaning, morality, and connection with something greater than ourselves. It's a complex and evolving concept that shapes our understanding of right and wrong.
Has anything leading up to this moment been sinful? We created sin, so we own it. We used the tool of language and then storytelling to give it power and meaning.
The Ascent of Humanity: Tools and Transformation
Atlatl
With the spark of language ignited and evolving rapidly, the Paleolithic period witnessed an explosion of toolmaking. Crude stone implements gave way to refined hand axes, spearheads, and scrapers. These tools, coupled with the mastery of fire, revolutionized hunting, food processing, and protection from the elements. Tools weren't merely extensions of human hands but extensions of the human mind, enabling our ancestors to reshape their environment and destiny.
The transition to the Neolithic era brought forth agriculture and animal and human domestication through the evolution of toolmaking and storytelling. Tools for farming, pottery, and weaving emerged, further transforming human societies. The rise of more extensive, settled communities led to new social structures, trade networks, and the beginnings of civilization. Tools were no longer just for survival; they shaped culture, fostered innovation, and drove expansion and the scale and impact of human endeavors. Most of all, it drove competition for control of resources and conquest of territory and other species and groups of people.
The Paradox of Progress: From Smart Phones to Extinction
Fast-forward millennia and the pace of tool development has accelerated exponentially. From the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age, humans became masters of their domain, wielding tools of incredible power and complexity. Thanks to the work done by fossil-fueled machines developed across the Industrial Revolution, our species proliferated and went to the moon. Nuclear energy, space travel, and the internet are all testaments to human ingenuity. Yet, this technological prowess came at a cost.
Earthrise is a photograph of Earth and part of the Moon's surface that was taken from lunar orbit by astronaut William Anders on December 24, 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission. Nature photographer Galen Rowell described it as "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken."
Brainless slime named ‘the Blob’ flying to space to study weightlessness.
Aliens Visit
Our Alien explorers, sifting through the remnants of our civilization, uncover a stark truth. Beneath dirt and dust accumulated over hundreds of thousands of years lies a ubiquitous layer of e-waste telling the story of a species that mastered its environment but failed to master itself. The tools that propelled humanity to its "greatest" achievements ultimately contributed to its downfall. Overexploitation of resources, environmental degradation, and the specter of conflict—all consequences of unchecked technological advancement—led to another advanced civilization's demise.
Alien machines with advanced intelligence, set in motion by something out there in the Universe, with sophisticated technology that homo sapiens at their peak of progress would have been incapable of comprehending, instantly recognized the familiar and tragic paradox of our existence.
The creatures responsible for their civilization failed to grasp the importance of stewardship, sustainability, and peace. Whoever they were, they misunderstood the power and grace of Great Nature, and their tools became instruments of their destruction, leaving behind a silent testament to the fragility of even the most intelligent organic beings.
The shift to agriculture, with its hoards of commodities and rapidly evolving technologies, marked a turning point in human history in terms of sustenance and also in the dynamics of power. As humans settled into larger communities and cultivated the land, the ability to produce surplus food emerged. However, this surplus, including a surplus of the materials required to produce it, was not evenly distributed. Organized groups, often with a penchant for violence, seized control of these valuable resources, hoarding grain and other commodities. This control over essential resources translated into power—the power to command labor, to wage war, and to further expand their dominion.
This accumulation of power was reinforced and legitimized through cultural tools. Stories, myths, and religions were crafted, justifying the social hierarchy and the right of the powerful to rule. War, glorified in tales of heroism and conquest, became a tool for expanding and acquiring more resources and enslaved people. These narratives, woven into the fabric of society, masked the underlying exploitation and perpetuated the cycle of domination.
The rise of leaders with dark tetrad traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—further exacerbated this destructive trajectory. These individuals, skilled in manipulation and ruthlessness, were adept at exploiting the systems of power for their selfish gain. They excelled at waging war, consolidating control, and justifying their actions through carefully constructed narratives.
The insatiable hunger for resources and power drives relentless expansion and exploitation. Robust social systems ravage ecosystems, poison people and animals, drive megafauna to extinction, and enslave entire populations. The tools that had initially allowed humans to thrive—agriculture, language, and social organization—became and continue to be instruments of destruction in the hands of the powerful.
The tragic irony is that these individuals, driven by their dark tetrad traits, often believed themselves to be visionaries, builders, and even saviors. They were blinded by their ambition, unable to recognize the devastating consequences of their actions. Their relentless pursuit of power and control ultimately led their civilization down a path of self-destruction, leaving behind a desolate planet as a testament to their hubris.
If you think the above paragraphs are alarmist or overstated, wait for circumstances to reveal their judgment of our sins.
During the long, painful, and violent process of human evolution, we continued to experience a wonderous ability to express beauty, love, compassion, empathy, and a profound, ineffable spiritual, transcendent connection to Great Nature.
Today, love and connection could yet blossom and overwhelm sin and ignorance. Feeling this potential encapsulates the beauty of being human, living in this place and time, and our profound, inexpressible miracle of consciousness, creativity, and bliss.
