Month, Day: 169, Grandeur, Grace (Justice)
Hitch got things boiling a lot. A recent tribute is worth listening to, for several reasons (which we'll get to, eventually). As said before, Hitch was of interest, many ways.
Krauss' tribute says a lot of things that we ought to know. Hitch loved 'knowledge' and seemed to obtain it from outside (reading, discussing, etc.). One wonders if he spent much time in a contemplative mode; he seems to argue that the joys of the bohemian life had a greater influence (arguing from the imbibe, if you would).
From listening to Krauss (who obviously is hero-worshipping - yes, don't we all want to be able to be so erudite, at will?), it seems to me that Hitch had a large gift of comprehension.
Aside: Look at what the Master said of the mental faculties (thought, comprehension, imagination, memory, and the common one -- SAQ #56). I know that this simple model doesn't seem to gel with the modern views (complicated mess that does not explain consciousness). But, it does (we'll get back to that).
Aside: Comprehension (somewhat like intuition) is suspect from many modern views. Paraphrasing von Neumann: you don't understand mathematics, you get used to it.
---
As a reminder, there are several motivations for this series being inspired by Hitch. Part of that involves the dreams that I had. In the first encounter, he knew of the after life (after all, he was there), yet he was trying his best to ignore (almost catatonic -- by the way, listen to certain lifestyle-influenced arguments, they want to go toward that state -- yes, brights, too). In this encounter, he looked at some notes that I was carrying around (me, of course, a bit abashed to have the lofty Hitch looking at my stuff). In the next encounter, he visited my work area (to be explained fully, in time) with my college roommate (of similar lifestyle and purpose). Now, there, Hitch did an assessment of me (sizing up, if you would). And, there were lessons learned on both sides (these will be described, in time, to boot). And, the saga continues.
---
Anyone barfing at me punting to the future? Oh yes! We have hundreds of years until the next Manifestation. Too, each can stand on their own feet (in this regard). So, don't look for guidance here (unless some glimpse at truth might come from reading anything here -- it's not planned). What we're up to here is trying to lay down a framework that would allow a more full science to emerge (which seems to be diametrically opposed to where science seems to be going, why?). See Science as highest attainment (how we know God) and Spiritual susceptibilities (which will influence, and broaden, science).
---
First order observations are suspect everywhere (we are very much imperfect in that manner). Too, models are shaky at their core. Krauss likes to talk grand scale; perhaps, he would deem to let me discuss some issues with him as he claims Hitch did for him (Krauss saying that he was chagrined at the thought that the mighty Hitch would befriend him -- look, Krauss, Hitch knew his limitations and appreciated truth from whatever source, as you said -- yet, he missed several important conclusions -- as have a whole bunch of others). So, on what do we have to rely? Well, the goodness of those who we have to trust (you see, no one knows all, has to cast over the wall to other disciplines -- Richard does this quite well), our abilities to overcome our limits (somewhat), ..., and, that the 'design' did include the ability to question and to search (among other things).
---
I might add that those who believe need to remember the Tablet of the True Seeker (Iqana #213). Any sinner can be a saint, at death. What is worse? The saintly (ah, how can such forget the glass house?) can become lower than low at the time of their meeting.
---
What meeting? Ah, as Hitch knows, where he met the Mockee (to which end we all move)!
Remarks:
06/13/2012 -- On second thought, I hope that my little dabbling was instrumental to the guy's grasp. As said, he was of comprehension (more ways than one).
Modified: 06/13/2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
We are not idempotent?
Month, Day: 169, Beauty, Knowledge (Justice)
There are many ways to discuss this, however let's just consider a few thoughts, for now.
Ever observe how some of the upper classes (to be described, but of many ilks and origins) seem to favor this idea [of specialness]. Abilities are not all the same. We know this, and we know there is good reason [see the Master on economic justice, for instance]. But, too, God especially loves the poor man who doesn't bewail (again, Aqdas, Middle way) [there are many ways to serve; gigantic remuneration is not a necessary attribute of the contributive value].
---
In essence, all work is worship. Those who are in the upper crusts ought to respect those who serve them. Those whose lot is to [be a] server ought to do so graciously (perhaps, pondering about kings) [where are the devotional attitudes about work - at its lowest -- written by one who has worked at ALL levels].
---
So, where does idempotent come in? As we've learned to abstract better (one of the gifts of the Revelation), we've built up modeling prowess. Of course, that involves definitions and more. We know that stability can be observed in many parts of nature, though it is puzzling just how quickly things can go awry given the right conditions (ever been under a tornado?). Irreversible processes abound. [So, we've discovered several forces that limit:: central tendencies, fixed points, ...]
In human affairs, if the lower ones keep their peace about being exploited, things can go smoothly [ah, think of the afterlife was one counsel by the priestly class]. Those did [keep their peace], for a long while (all sorts of things kept the truth from arising [-- the growing ball and chain of indebtedness camouflaged by supposedly the never-ending ATM of the house]). This last downturn was an example of a house of cards falling down. Those who were most hurt were the ones least responsible for the idiocy (tell it like it is -- and, lessons to be learned were ignored, setting us up for other go-rounds). Those who were responsible, many times, were bailed out [the rogues' mischievous ways continue]. And, they seem to be ready for another bit of games. Again, O Lord, where is the relief from the idiots?
---
But, being reflective, we're all individuals, created in the Image (in fact, we're to exhibit the conditions of maturity -- one of which is neither a follower nor leader be). So, things like Independent Investigation of the Truth need attention; how are we to be autodidact, for instance?
In the grand scheme (or, perhaps, from a certain view), we are all 'idempotent' (yet, I suspect not - mind you, we're not talking being non-humble, rather trying to be audacious in opening doors that have been left too long closed) in a sense. Within Their Realm, we're told that They are Idempotent (is not it counseled to consider each [of the Manifestations] as the same Sun[, different place on the horizon of rise]?).
---
From another view, we ought to be talking 'residue' (as in, by what degree not idempotent?) which raises the question, against what? Now, that is a Key issue (one role of the Manifestation).
Remarks:
07/20/2015 -- See post Susan Gamage's blog (... Elders find a place ...?). Old or young (makes me think of Cat Stevens - oh sorry - Yusuf)? It was 50 years ago, in May, that I first heard of the Faith (declared 48 years ago, SF). At that time, I was a "youth" (still am, at heart - cannot think that I'm over 18 until I look in a mirror - we're all Children of God, no matter the age). Too, I was iconoclastic; still am (whether that is fortunate or not is an open issue). What I have seen in the past few decades is, up close, that generational dynamics continually swirl (there is the bit (in the Writing) about the sword that makes a cut - one of the later Tablets). Yet, this must be (otherwise, we would have been given means to remove the elders); so, the Faith needs to get with it (actually, the Catholics are ahead of us in that sense -- BTW, my heritage with priests, nuns, what have you -- apple of the Bab's eye). ... This is cursory, mainly meant to leave a pointer to future discussion.
04/03/2015 -- This is a popular post. See NDEers for a bit of audacity.
09/30/2013 -- More of a technical nature.
05/11/2012 -- We can use abstractions; they are never close to the Writings, though, from which we can pull lessons for ourselves and our practices, including science.
Modified: 07/20/2015
There are many ways to discuss this, however let's just consider a few thoughts, for now.
- Masses? Indistinguishable faces in a large crowd? One could go on about humanity in a non-flattering way. History does this [sort of thing]. We have the few who leave some record, are written about, seem to make a splash, and more. Then, we have the innumerable others [6B, more or less]. Well, Christ did talk about several juxtapositions, such as first will be last, and so forth. When we look at bifurcations, though, such as the 1% (or less) and the 99% (or more), this type of thing is evident [measurable deltas and their epsilons]. Yet, put your hand into a crowd, pull one [person] out, and apply a proper measure (we'll get to this later). Everyone [from such sampling] the same? No [many differences, as we all know]. Yet, we can argue that the differences are insignificant [close enough]. So much to pursue in this vein.
- Workers, following the above [bullet]. Are these not mere resources for the exploitation by those with the 'bread' whose collective being is just a bunch of mass? Yes, are these not replaceable entities whose source seems to never dry up, especially when national borders can be breached in order to enlarge the availability (ala the colonization of capitalism)? Put your hand in a bucket of workers? See any difference? [though, we all consider ourselves irreplaceable, in some way]
- Hours, days. Don't they seem to roll into one another? For many, they're the same from day to day, at least during the work week. That is, given the prior bullet, many are in a form of servitude that seems to be interminable [worse than slavehood, in a sense]. Too, somehow, the game as defined (again, by those who have the wherewithal to do so) works toward increasing the bonds [bindings], in other words, the ball and chain of indebtedness. But, we know that each moment is different if only we could see. But, 'exigencies' demand the attentions and the energies, seemingly ad infinitum. Where, O Lord, is the deliverance (or, how to show Valley Four's importance?)?
Ever observe how some of the upper classes (to be described, but of many ilks and origins) seem to favor this idea [of specialness]. Abilities are not all the same. We know this, and we know there is good reason [see the Master on economic justice, for instance]. But, too, God especially loves the poor man who doesn't bewail (again, Aqdas, Middle way) [there are many ways to serve; gigantic remuneration is not a necessary attribute of the contributive value].
---
In essence, all work is worship. Those who are in the upper crusts ought to respect those who serve them. Those whose lot is to [be a] server ought to do so graciously (perhaps, pondering about kings) [where are the devotional attitudes about work - at its lowest -- written by one who has worked at ALL levels].
---
So, where does idempotent come in? As we've learned to abstract better (one of the gifts of the Revelation), we've built up modeling prowess. Of course, that involves definitions and more. We know that stability can be observed in many parts of nature, though it is puzzling just how quickly things can go awry given the right conditions (ever been under a tornado?). Irreversible processes abound. [So, we've discovered several forces that limit:: central tendencies, fixed points, ...]
In human affairs, if the lower ones keep their peace about being exploited, things can go smoothly [ah, think of the afterlife was one counsel by the priestly class]. Those did [keep their peace], for a long while (all sorts of things kept the truth from arising [-- the growing ball and chain of indebtedness camouflaged by supposedly the never-ending ATM of the house]). This last downturn was an example of a house of cards falling down. Those who were most hurt were the ones least responsible for the idiocy (tell it like it is -- and, lessons to be learned were ignored, setting us up for other go-rounds). Those who were responsible, many times, were bailed out [the rogues' mischievous ways continue]. And, they seem to be ready for another bit of games. Again, O Lord, where is the relief from the idiots?
---
But, being reflective, we're all individuals, created in the Image (in fact, we're to exhibit the conditions of maturity -- one of which is neither a follower nor leader be). So, things like Independent Investigation of the Truth need attention; how are we to be autodidact, for instance?
In the grand scheme (or, perhaps, from a certain view), we are all 'idempotent' (yet, I suspect not - mind you, we're not talking being non-humble, rather trying to be audacious in opening doors that have been left too long closed) in a sense. Within Their Realm, we're told that They are Idempotent (is not it counseled to consider each [of the Manifestations] as the same Sun[, different place on the horizon of rise]?).
---
From another view, we ought to be talking 'residue' (as in, by what degree not idempotent?) which raises the question, against what? Now, that is a Key issue (one role of the Manifestation).
Remarks:
07/20/2015 -- See post Susan Gamage's blog (... Elders find a place ...?). Old or young (makes me think of Cat Stevens - oh sorry - Yusuf)? It was 50 years ago, in May, that I first heard of the Faith (declared 48 years ago, SF). At that time, I was a "youth" (still am, at heart - cannot think that I'm over 18 until I look in a mirror - we're all Children of God, no matter the age). Too, I was iconoclastic; still am (whether that is fortunate or not is an open issue). What I have seen in the past few decades is, up close, that generational dynamics continually swirl (there is the bit (in the Writing) about the sword that makes a cut - one of the later Tablets). Yet, this must be (otherwise, we would have been given means to remove the elders); so, the Faith needs to get with it (actually, the Catholics are ahead of us in that sense -- BTW, my heritage with priests, nuns, what have you -- apple of the Bab's eye). ... This is cursory, mainly meant to leave a pointer to future discussion.
04/03/2015 -- This is a popular post. See NDEers for a bit of audacity.
09/30/2013 -- More of a technical nature.
05/11/2012 -- We can use abstractions; they are never close to the Writings, though, from which we can pull lessons for ourselves and our practices, including science.
Modified: 07/20/2015
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cities visited
Month, Day: 169, Beauty, Light (Justice)
This year, Ridvan started with Glory, Power (Glory). Then, the 9th day was Beauty, Glory (Beauty). Then, we have the 12th which is today. Reflections of Paradise, the whole time.
In many climes, post this, the heat of summer, leading to the dog days. Makes one think of how it'll be when we get to the Summer of this Cycle.
---
Earlier, the 100th anniversary celebrations related to the visit started. This page at a supporting site is interesting. It shows a map of the travels and provides a list of cities that were visited.
The diary entries are interesting, too, for many reasons, such as, Agnes Parsons mentioning that the Master would walk when He could.
Remarks:
05/02/2012 --
Modified: 05/02/2012
This year, Ridvan started with Glory, Power (Glory). Then, the 9th day was Beauty, Glory (Beauty). Then, we have the 12th which is today. Reflections of Paradise, the whole time.
In many climes, post this, the heat of summer, leading to the dog days. Makes one think of how it'll be when we get to the Summer of this Cycle.
---
Earlier, the 100th anniversary celebrations related to the visit started. This page at a supporting site is interesting. It shows a map of the travels and provides a list of cities that were visited.
The diary entries are interesting, too, for many reasons, such as, Agnes Parsons mentioning that the Master would walk when He could.
Remarks:
05/02/2012 --
Modified: 05/02/2012
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