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.

• 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?)?

So, each of those is an example of how the modern world might like to tell us all that we are idempotent [as in, nothing special about you, guy/gal]. That is, most of us [seem to fall in that set]. Somehow, there are classes that seem to rise [aerate, even]. In the Aqdas, we see a lot about kings and their role. We'll go into the history of kings [at some point]. It is easy for that class to begin to think of their 'Divine right' to their order [as in, their loftiness, note the small 'l']. Charles I was thinking that prior to his beheading.

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

Christopher Hitchens

Month, Day: 168, Sovereignty, Beauty (Glory)

[note: 11/2/2019 - haven't looked at this, for a while; however, reading today, I see that some links are stale, or downright missing, will be editing -- when done this will disappear]

Prior to passing of Christopher Hitchens (CH), I mainly was distant from those types of discussions that he loved and at which he was so good. It was at that time [12/16 onward] that I started to read some of his material and to watch some of the videos in which he was the focal point (no matter the forum, CH seemed to come to the fore).

My first reaction was that he was funny. As well, he was right on a lot of matters (who would not agree with his railing against clerics - the bane of the common man, in a sense -- oops, that was a CH-ism, state a challenge such that it cannot be answered without due thought). Hence, I was motivated, from time to time, to comment (richarddawkins.net "saying Merry Christmas worse than killing someone" by M-eme-tic, but see below) and intend to do more (Ian Kluge had an interesting response to the book (and modern philosophy) -- I've just become familiar with the Common Ground site -- I put a comment here -- symmetry tames polarity, in short).

CH was known for developing quotable remarks, in the contexts of his challenges. Such as, "what can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof" (see Daily Hitchens). Well, "are not axioms stated thusly?" would be one of my retorts if I could think of it in time. 

---

In this blog, I have referenced the group who likes to include CH in their mix as "brights" and indirectly mentioned Richard (who I have read - I've been watching the evolution (if you would) of his argument). But, I was repelled by CH's manner (see the Four Horsemen) and stayed away. Shame on me, as CH would say (see below).

CH said that he didn't know, in lots of situations. Good for him. Of course, he would then follow up with something that seemed to be mockingly clever [actually, inspired, in some cases]. But, now I just attribute that to his being Brit (will explain in time) [heritage, and more -- for the past two year, I've been doing an in-depth reading of what got the U.S. started -- including those things across the pond that were motivational enough to cause the mass migrations].

---

So, as said above, I did not know Christopher. I did not pay much attention to his career and to the fact of the growing interest in his performances. Now, he succumbed to health issues related to life style, one might say. We all have this battle to carry on, as we attempt to do it right (given our one chance). In looking at all of the remarks about him, I noticed one familiar name. It was a journalist [whom I do not know except by reading] who interviewed CH and who had worked with my roommate from college (my roommate died in 2011, to boot, from conditions similar to CH's - same origins (in more ways than one)). So, in the phenomenal world, there was a thread that connected, albeit somewhat tenuously.

I'm only mentioning that connection to set the stage for writing about two dreams that I have had about Christopher. Now, again as a foreword, think of the Valley of Wonderment's remark about dreams. Of late, I've run across more material that I'll use. In short, though, I'm an old guy and have been dreaming since I was in my twenties. And, I've learned lots from these departed. Being autodidact, I don't know how all this will unfold, but dreams can be an operational assist. How? Is it okay? All sorts of questions.

---

In the first dream, CH was scrunched down, while life flowed around him (of course, people & things are in the scene -- I'm being brief here to get to the gist). He looked at some notes that I was carrying (aside: one of my regular dreams involves a high school classmate who died [in the] early [60s] - Naval plane crash -- I characterize the whole matter as some type of coordinated affair in which they (those there) help us here (in this case, a lot had to do with technology) -- in fact, the parallels were uncanny). I wondered why CH was so withdrawn.

In the second dream, CH comes into my work area with my [college] roommate [who passed away in July, 2011 and] who introduces us. Of course, the workplace I mention has been the scene of encounters with several souls [think foundational work, including AE - how many want to come back with what they learn at the moments following the dropping of the bodily limitations?]. In this case, though, there was the notion (and a work crew to effect the thing) that things were being updated. It seemed as if the building of a school was the emphasis [all sorts of possible topics come to mind]. Now, CH was in his prime (as in, healthy, full of energy, ..., not so ornery) [as in, full maturity -- some claim that a 30-year old's (or thereabouts) visage is taken up]. 

---

[Note, in the following, reference to time is ours; the spiritual world is beyond space-time] The second dream was remarkable to me because I had a recurrent interaction with a departed Catholic who first went into some form of swaddling clothes, then to young person, and lately upward to a mature adult (over a period of several years). CH, on the other hand, seems to have originally cringed at the reality about which he scoffed. Yet, he did not retire. Then, in a matter of a couple of weeks, he is full of purpose. And, he does not seem the least nonplussed about the whole thing (as I've noticed, he, on many occasions, said that he did not know - before the devilish grin came and he started to ding the questioner).

---

Have I taken meaning from these two dreams? Of course. I've written much more about these in my notes. The whole thought of a school is intriguing in that the focus of the school could be many things. One thing that CH did do was cut to the chase; given his genetic background, the way things unfolded in [h]is life was almost a given (people talk memes, our ancestral selves are much large factor than has been allowed, anyone want to be audacious here? -- of course, I have already). [yes, do they help us via memes? - we ought to thank Richard for this concept that may be seen as pseudo-metaphysical, yet more or less]

---

Of course, I may have my interpretations of meaning (after all, folks, I have for decades been an autodidact in the study of the mind, its evolution, and such -- with the necessary ventures into computational mathematics and cybernetics, bioengineering, and related --- what is an autodidact? Well, look at what might be behind Independent Investigation of the Truth, essentially without mentor [this I agree with Christopher on, there is no embodied person on this planet that ought to tell me how to think, act, or otherwise (except the spouse) - we, now, have the bounty of being post-Guardian (as in, no inspired characters to whom to listen to without scrutiny, except those things that are under the scope of the UHJ)] is how I see it) of the dreams that I have. That they have included all of the Principals of the Faith after I declared was, of course, confirmation enough. Are there other interpretations? I would hope so, as despite notions of what we can know, please remember that all Valleys above that of Contentment and the 3rd mention limitations on knowledge (4th blackest night, fathomless sea).

Without these constraints, how can there be limits? Besides, the issues raised by Godel, et al, are very much on the table, Certitude notwithstanding. 

The crux of the matter is whether someone gets operational effectiveness from their dreams. That, I think, is something inherently measurable.

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Final note, as this is only the beginning. My sole focus is on proving that Science and Religion need each other in the same sense that symmetry has proven to be so useful. Of course, it was only after listening to CH and his buddies that I had more insight into what I've been trying to put together all of these years (by the way, one lesson that I learned from my Naval friend was that our work carries on -- why all the angst at proving to be the best here -- oh, I know, the Master counseled such -- but, to the extreme that I see leading to ego boosting extremes?) from quiet study.

---

A new way to think of CH: angel in disguise?

Remarks:

04/03/2015 -- He was off to something that excited him. Corrections for a stale pointer.

09/30/2013 -- More of a technical nature.

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).

05/30/2012 -- Hitch will be a regular topic.

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence.

03/11/2012 -- Passing of a brother emboldens the imagination.

01/26/2012 -- See Remarks, this day, reference to AE. Thanks, Christopher.

01/25/2012 -- Margaret Kimberley's take (quoted several places: example).

01/23/2012 -- We need to work about (around) the middle.

01/21/2012 -- Another comment.
 
Modified: 11/02/2019

Apple of the eye

Month, Day: 168, Knowledge, Names (Perfection)

The Bab wrote that a Christian who believed in the coming Manifestation would be an apple of His eye. So, that's a nice thought.

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The apple is a beloved fruit having many meanings, not the least is that from Eden. In the northern climes, the apple blooms in the spring and matures in late summer or early fall. So, in most places, we're awash with apples, delicious every one. Some can be stored for sustenance over the winter and into the next harvest. Others require an early process.

In the spring, the apple, and related plants, provide a dazzling display. For about two weeks. Then there is the long maturing cycle, assuming that frost or some other bad thing hasn't interfered with the fruits getting a start. Then, after that long wait of anticipation, there are the fruits to enjoy.

---

As an aside, the unfolding of things in the northern climes of the western hemisphere somewhat paralleled the dawning of the time of Revelation. Many look to the political arena as the main focus, in error. The details of the many lives are more important.

Take Johnny Appleseed who seems to be myth. Actually, he was a real itinerant preacher (John Chapman) who was born in Massachusetts around the time of the Revolution. He roamed, talked about God, and planted apple seedlings throughout a few states that were considered the western expansion at the time.

He would have been a cohort of those who were anticipating the new Revelation, early 1800s. John died in 1845, so his soul was here, embodied, for that 1844 event. We can say a lot more about this.

---

Talking of apples and seasons brings up the seasons of the cycle of a Revelation. There is the spring of the Presence. Then, we have the changes that go on for 1000 years or so, we're told. If it were a uniform thing, we would expect 250 years per season (and, we can use the four that we all know of -- albeit, some loci seem to be in one perpetual state). However, 'uniform' may not be the case. When will we see the Summer of this Era? Have we already?

What apples will we see?

Aside: a nod to Steve Jobs who picked the Apple as a theme. The story goes that he had just visited an orchard.

Remarks:

10/10/2019 -- We have the 200th of the Birth of the Bab this year (10/20/2019). As well, we do remember our ancestors, in the west.

10/17/2012 -- There is a lot to reflect on, about the trip, especially the western loop.

10/11/2012 --A visit to the grave site of Thornton Chase on October 19, 1912.

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

10/24/2011 -- Disclosure: born on the Bab's birthday. After I had declared, I had this dream, in short, (categorized under dreams of the Principals): the Bab, or His companion, picked me up by the knap (nape) of my neck and ported me (tumbling) over to the Holy Land where I witnessed the Light of the Revelation.

Not much later (very new to the Faith), I met one of the Hands in the hallway at a meeting in a large hotel (as in, he was coming toward me, or I was going toward him -- we were both moving, okay?). He circled the few people with him into a little group, watched me pass by, and then relaxed the group (ah, politeness?). Why? It wasn't a prayer meeting, that I could see.

There may be other reasons, however I don't dwell on the ones that might be related to egomania (hey, how many Stars/CEOs are wandering the planet, now, engrossed in their selves? On Jobs? He knew to live as if each day were to be his last.).

Me, I exhibited the 'Johnny Appleseed' way, as a youth, without really knowing his story.

One lesson? Who, of the currently embodied, is perfect? Hence, my iconoclastic role (climbing high in the Administration ought not be thought of as 'career' in scope -- nor is it necessary -- in other words, 'few are chosen' has many other connotations.).

Modified: 10/10/2019

Construction II

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Sovereignty (Majesty)

This carries on the theme, with a little step, due to reflecting on the transition from here to there due to a recent passing of an in-law. 'here' is what we think we know now, with science taking more credit for itself than is warranted when one considers underdetermination. 'there' is the mystery, which today is becoming more of a myth in peoples' minds. So, Peter can motivate several ways.

For this step, let's just follow a little progression.

• -- Some, using formal approaches, seem to think that we only need one (as in, 1) ontological premise. That, of course, leads to the binary situation. Believe or not.
• -- Why the 'not' believe? A good question since it brings up, What? Yes, almost as underdetermined as is materialism. So, choosing to not believe may appear to be easier. Is it really the easier choice? Of course, consider that would mean some understanding of the work required to hold a rational position against all of the types of onslaught that are possible. Hence, the brights are right to re-enforce each others' efforts to be the essence of reason. So, the choice-action pair becomes, believe-and-search or not-believe-and-cope. Ah, next bullet expands the former. On the latter, we can look to all sorts of discussion in the SAQ. How to know? Limits? ... Finally, sources for progressive notions and for not backsliding (anarchy from all of the john galts conflicting - egotistically) need to be developed and maintained. In short, a whole lot of work to be done.
• -- Now, the belief side takes work, to boot. First, there is to know. Then, there is to follow what is known. And, all the while, there needs to be independence. Talk about a juggling act. Now, where does one find out what to know? The answer to that question would involve accepting that something might be behind the belief. That is, in the prior bullet, those choosing not to believe imply by their action that they do not think that there is any reason to believe. Some who choose to believe may not know but are only taking that option, by chance or whatever motivation. Hence, resolving that issue is prime. Now, though, if it is true that one ought to believe, would it seem fair that the 'what' ought to be settled (if it were not, we would be back into the situation of the second bullet)? How could there not be means to this end of knowing? Are those means easy to obtain? Well, comparative effort might suggest that it is a whole lot easier than the work cut out for the non-believer. Why? They only have nature, need to explain the why, must firm up their ignoring the whence, and then have to build (without even knowing the future -- yes, brights, you all have some limit to your time here). So, the means are there as a reward for the search. But, once the means are found, there is then a continuation of the need for effort; it's not some falling into the void of nirvana. But, again, there is an offer of assistance. From what we know, there is no limit to this help (albeit some by humans acting as angels). In fact, such reinforcements that are found really do work. Why else the attraction? Yet, humans have feet that stray off of the path of the middle way. So, believers cannot really lord it over the non-believers. In other words, who can cast the first stone (paraphrasing Christ)? That, by the way, is one grunge about the in-your-face materialism that has become the vogue. No amount of proof can remove the choice; on the other hand, experiential and existential rewards do build up, perhaps not to an unshakable level (after all, even Christ was tempted) but sufficiently to sustain the know/follow-ness.

Now, earlier, a motivation was offered. Would it not be nice if those who pass over could come back and tell us what things are like? Well, they can. In fact, dreams are one method. We mentioned that before but will push that off to another time.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

06/25/2011 -- We'll name these two, as follows: second bullet ('Tisn't), third bullet ('Tis)

06/10/2011 -- Life after life.

06/08/2011 -- A little on motivation.

06/03/2011 -- We'll do this, again, a few times, looking at the nuances. The chief role of autodidact remains, for either choice.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Enlightenment, again

Month, Day: 167, Loftiness, Mercy (Perfection)

This year, there was an Enlightenment theme (which will continue).

One topic? The Cave (Sufficiency, by necessity)

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

03/10/2011 -- Names are to be understood.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Words and more

Month, Day: Words, Splendour (Perfection)
Month, Day: Words, Beauty (Justice)

Gosh, Mercy is gone, but we're not abandoned. The Teleological continues.

And, now that we can look at Words from a new angle, let's see what comes up. Yes, audacity!

Let's start a list of topics related to the theme.

• Manifestation, LOGOS, ..., see SAQ #38.
• Nature
• Science, mathematics
• Law and order
• Culture
• Communication, such as the blog and more, though YouTube brings in the visual.
• Dan Seals as one of those can put together a string of words with a melody and then demonstrate what we really need to understand better in our quest for knowledge

Additions to list.

• Prayer
• Dreams
• Names
• ...

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

08/05/2009 -- We're still looking at Words, in Perfection, as a continuation toward the Operational.

07/16/2009 -- The list is mostly a set of todo topics.

Words are, have purpose, cause effects (yes), and much more. They are essential to science, yet we know that an abundance of words is not condoned and that deeds ought to outnumber words (the italics mark a paraphrase). Well, that Words is in the Teleological grouping is very significant. Next up? The Operational where then activity is implicit.

From a model theoretic sense, think structure versus behavior (or function). SAQ talks about the long times involved in the development of the states that are necessary for emergence (using the modern vernacular here). Yes, probably longer than the materialistic view computes (easily stated since its in the Tablets that time is endless, being are beyond our counting, and essentially we need a mechanism to handle that (it's a topological matter, again covered in SAQ #37).

Modified: 01/25/2012

7 Valleys: Contentment, Wonderment

Month, Day: Speech, Grandeur (Justice)

Continuing with the series on the 7 Valleys that has these four entries.

• Search, Love
• Knowledge, Unity
• Contentment, Wonderment
• True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness

The original is a meditation from about 12 years ago. Comments are found in italics.

---

Contentment --Contentment says "only heart to heart."

• What does this say about the markings that we use to converse about our findings?

What a short Valley. But, following the theme of ENT, words are handled physically on this side. Yet, we see too that they fall "short."

• Hence, do we have to let the message be between the lines?

The E part of ENT is related to the power of music and words. The Writings mention both of these. Too much misuse of music has wrecked havoc in certain areas. But, that experience can be used as an example of how science and experiment go hand in hand. One way that some one can serve is to be a guinea pig.

• Too many "inner significances" there for any elucidation, even though some views adamantly deny these.

Ah, and the N(ose) knows.
Wonderment --
This is another BIG Valley. Dreams! Along with the model alluded to in these posts is a new way to look at these experiences that can make sense in daily life. We can, many of us, cite interpretation and experience mappings to our own dreams that can occur just on waking, or a few minutes later, or even a few hours to days, all the way to a few years.

• Audacity says to be so bold as to propose the model due to reinforcement via this sign (one of the "signs in men, to the end that philosophers may not deny the mysteries of the life beyond nor belittle that which hath been promised them.")

But, there is always the chance of being the "spider" who cannot snare. How much like water flowing through the fingers are these waves on the ether. However, "reckon thyself only a puny form when within thee the universe is folded?"

• Yes. we must, and can, believe.

Do not the Eyes have it? As a reminder, we cannot propound; how can we when we get "flung into confusion" and "lost in awe at the works" and ...?

• What is there, in terms of attitude, that could be called more scientific?

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

06/05/2009 -- Light very much is something to study in this context.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Real Light

Month, Day: Power, Speech (Perfection)
For awhile, we'll let the Brights topics unfold as they may but with sufficient side-trips to be interesting and audacious. That is, there are many things that a Baha'i can ponder without any need for apologetics.

Each month has a day related to the Attribute of Light. So, we can expect to have periodic reflection on the topic so as to consider the myriad of possible aspects that are involved.

One audacious act is to know that the Light is a central theme in so many ways. Let's just name a couple. For one, the web/computer framework that is behind this blog's presentation is very much evidence of the operational effectiveness of our understanding of the physical phenomena of Light. Could we know more? Or, ought we know more? Certainly. We are exploiting, in the case of the WWW, electro-magnetics in both the large and in the small. But, potential deleterious properties may very well require some spiritual insight.

Which brings up the second subject, namely the dream as characterized in the Valley of Wonderment of the Seven Valleys. Consider that science actually extends beyond the grave. That is, the quest to know God and Creation has no limit. Since time and space are limits, then from whence would come any restrictions on scope. So, that would mean that tools would be common, too boot, say, like the computer.

What would we know more of Light if we did not have the limitations imposed by our natural selves? Gleanings LXXXII "Such a soul provideth, at the bidding of the Ideal King and Divine Educator, the pure leaven that leaveneth the world of being, and furnisheth the power through which the arts and wonders of the world are made manifest."
Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

11/16/2010 -- What can science know?

07/26/2009 -- The Operational times will be fun.

06/05/2009 -- Light very much is something to study in this context.

05/29/2009 -- The Transcendent baffles.

Modified: 01/25/2012

A few musings

Month, Day: Light, Light (Perfection)

As will be explained in the Mission and Method post (when it's updated), posts to this blog are not considered complete in one pass. No, it is a cyclic affair, from the first pass of notions noted thru subsequent passes of editing and linking to later passes of inter-post coordination. The goal is to have coherence not unlike one would expect for an on-line book.

Having said that, there is a lot that we don't know about Light (the Attribute and more) or about our success in manipulating its phenomenal aspects and the possible consequences thereof.

There is much to consider, including the dream (Valley of Wonderment) and ether (which some apologists seem to spend a lot of time trying to explain - none needed - any view that is axiomatic and scientism-ic cannot understand the whole picture).

Now, an earlier set of posts looked at how we know and what we can know. The Manifestation's intuitive grasp was/is infallible we are told. Too, we can expect some glimmer, actually need this.

So, along that line, one type of learning/knowing is axiomatic and bottom up as we've seen the focus of mathematics and science take. This is great as our engineering and technological prowesses have illustrated. Essentially, science is public, repeatable, and work.

Yet, there is another way to know, which is available to any of us. The trouble is that this way of knowing is more private than not (you see, we need to learn more about 'mirror' neurons and their role -- psychether [to be described further], for one). We get into trouble when those whose power base might be more than others (via Grace [Tuesday, every week] of God) seem to want to overlord others with their private notions.

Well, this is partly okay since we know that hierarchy is part of the plan - yet, our race will be mature when NOONE (The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Notes #194) wants to be king - not even for a day.

All of this has Light as a large part of the BASIS.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

02/24/2010 -- Ascendant to Transcendent.

10/11/2009 -- Will, an operational imperative for science.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Existence or not

Month, Day: Intercalary, 4 of 5 (Independence)

One source for stumbling on the issues related to an improved framework for science and knowledge deals with the limits associated with one within a system trying to study the system; the fact is that we have no facility for removing ourselves from the system, even with our best tools obtained via advanced mathematics.

That Creation is, and there for us (in many ways), has somehow to be integrated into our working mindset.

So, to begin and to not go very far, let's look at the SAQ of `Abdu'l-Bahá. As a reminder, the main thrust will be that the Writings do provide a basis that can be operational in more than just a spiritual, or an administrative or a behavioral, sense.

We know God through the Manifestations and Attributes (SAQ #37); we ought to consider that the Attributes are one with the Essence (SAQ #59); finally, "The names and attributes of God require the existence of beings" (SAQ #80). God's creation is then what we know through experience and experiment which is, essentially, science.

Now, various means, through time, limited what was necessary for science, with Occam playing one of the key roles. One impetus for these limits has been insufficient grounds for introducing additional factors; the application of reason, and educated guessing, have emerged as a couple of, though not the only, practices (see SAQ #83).

But, what if there were a means to offer insights that are supported by a firmer method?

Of course, that someone could do this, make progress, and then reveal the method might just be the modus operandi. How many times have we heard about dreams offering some notion for solution to problems? We can point to comments about dreams, such as 7V4V, The Valley Of Wonderment, yet damper the enthusiasm with some needed caution (see SAQ #71).

Of course, there are other practices that can be discussed. These, and related ideas, will be explored during the coming months, hopefully, without hubris.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

10/11/2009 -- Will, an operational imperative for science.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Mission and method

Month, Day: Honour, Grandeur (Majesty)

This blog will look at the interplay of a religious (Baha'i) viewpoint with modern views, such as those related to the meaning of life, science and religion, technology and art, and similar topics that are always of interest.

The Yahyay19 material has been on the web, in various forms, since early 1996 and will be updated to the modern variants (example). The links to Wikipedia (below referred to as wiki) are meant to show respect for the media of which wiki is a good example and to take out from there some of the discussions so as to have fewer constraints. For instance, the wiki connotation of 'fact' is a great one from several views. Yet, if one has a belief like Baha'i, what the 'Manifestation says' (taken as true, though given to us via written word) is a type of 'fact' (there are cases where a sort of comparability can come into play - this will be discussed further, under the topic of continuing revelation).

So, on wiki, something less than a fact needs qualification (thereby never approaching the fact state). In this blog, it's a basic assumption that the reader knows that the underlying world-view is influenced by Revelation (the Baha'i Teachings [as interpreted by blogger - meaning, of, by, and for the blogger - no claim to personal Revelation] which are considered, like the Bible and the Koran, as the Word of God, for the moment ignoring questions concerning to what extent something can be considered God's Word).

Of course, throughout all this, there will be links provided to the Writings that are apropos to the subject of a particular post; the idea is that we have 'independent investigation of the truth' (from y19) (which is a basic Principle) as a gift of God; so, anyone can form any opinion as they wish; because we know by science and meditation, hopefully, any world-view (with its associated set of actions) would evolve through time.

Other examples would be Angels and more, quasi-necessity, moments and more, ...

So much more to look at. We have briefly touched only a few of a boat-load (and not a small boat by any means) of issues that this blog will comment on and perhaps provide some orderly progression through time (time always tells, for the most part).

Posts will be done in 3 stages: initial draft, then links to on-line supporting material, finally editing to remove any troublesomeness. All edits, after the initial date, will be marked by a datestamp.

Posts are intentionally non-linear (and serendipitous). Later edits will provide bi-directional links that will tie together posts through time to allow expansions on a theme. A list of links will be used to represent successive discussions (linearity) on a subject.

As an extension to the method, remarks will be added to posts when necessary to provide additional information, and these will be collected by index for easy review. As well, the remarks will be marked with a date stamp.

Comments are encouraged and will not be moderated, however they may be cleaned up via summary if necessary. Comments can be signed or not.

Let's take a moment to consider matters of conduct with regard to comments.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

03/21/2011 -- One goal: list of topics to be included (a few years ago, there were only three - now there are several more -- to wit: nuclear power, transmutation of elements, Medicine, ...).

01/26/2010 -- Of note: Twin duties, Free will, Return, Operational time.

09/13/2009 -- (...) The ellipsis denotes work in progress.

08/29/2008 -- Names starts analysis, ontological and otherwise.

06/14/2008 -- The split (Angels and more, Quasi-necessity, Moments and more) has started. There will be a little more work here.

05/18/08 -- The split effort is imminent. Markers have been put above to separate out the new post contents.

02/24/08 -- Expect this post to split into multiple. Then, we'll have only the mission and method here.

One thing about death is that the afterlife is as different from here as here is from our time in the womb, for humans. Too, dreams are spiritual (or can be, some are neural firings) and are lessons that are far beyond what current types of analysis go for (Jung was more full-bodied in his view than many others).

Actually, no human viewpoint subsumes truth entirely. That's great. Nor is truth a collection of all. The provisional nature, as we see with science, is not a bad way to go; as long as one does those things necessary (know the laws and follow them is the main command - but not in a rote or a pious way).

Modified: 01/25/2012