Category Archives: Reflection

Life always throws a challenge to anyone: There are no fixations in that all is set and done whilst the latter is verily in the mode of it-self as Sartre puts it, when the other would try and settle the score where the for-itself may never be. This is a way of perpetual on goings which keeps one active as inertness is never an option, as the subject’s existence is at stake in the mode of consciousness. Whether one is fully alert or not there is always some movement which keeps one active.

With activity comes alertness and the call is always to be there. Or one may not just be a puppet where one simply is at the mercy of others in an arena which always demands activity. Or thoughts without action is just as still and futile as objects, whereas the subject is that little bit more which in many ways may bring about or cause change in the world arena.

Without activity all is dull and stagnant or there is no movement. All a question and not simply seeing and witnessing in the silence of one’s mind but of also reaching out and otherwise engaging with the elements whether animate or inanimate. In my deeper being of reflection arises a strategy of taking note and becoming aware of what is to be done and what is not to be done. At the same time the self is as conscious as to what forbidden actions are and what are those that one may be regarded as natural as per the dialectics of life based on that consciousness of being.

Or one may say that even that knowledge of not choosing may be seen as a wisdom where to a large extent one is not inert as in the latter mode the subject does not see challenges but simply is a prey of  just being there in the reactionary mode where to be sure there is a lack of discrimination, and where one’s actions are just haphazard…. in such a mode of being one may only witness undue problems which would surface all through one’s doings!

The prudent sees a way of the dilemma of challenges: Or it is not simply on the other hand about thoughts, thoughts and mere thoughts. In the world arena one is well alert as the trend is merely being reassured with words without actions. Sympathies are abounding: the lack is about throwing a little lifeline to the other. Thoughts without actions are just as inert as actions without thoughts. Words may be thrown hither and tither and one may be even overwhelmed by it all but without the missing link of converging all these into a praxis of being all seem futile as there is a lack of proactivity based of an engagement combined with wisdom.

Or it is incumbent that one may not be simply static and or promoting a kind of inertia based on comprehension only but which lacks the spirit of engagement…. which again is not simply a senseless way of being without aforethought. The call is to be diligent and never be involved in rash actions which may be similar to aspects of the forbidden type of activities which brings distress onto others. Here, the concern is one of both realisations of how to be whilst a clear knowledge of what needs either be done or inversely what may never be done. It is a prudent approach which appreciates all others …. indeed, any other!

To reiterate further, it is not simply about just doing and doing and doing things without much reflection as here one would have actions without thoughts are carefully implemented words which in practice would translate as no more than haphazard actions! Neither would the latter appreciate nor a form of plain inactivity with or without comprehension.

A praxis of being leads us to an arena of appreciating the what is. It is a natural movement in the dialectics of life where the subject is not a victim of the senses which may be easily dissuaded to take sides in a partial way. It is a kind of a fusion of subjectivity and objectivity which emerges where it is not simply a question of taking an apparent introspective role whilst ignoring what is happening about and around us. Or actions without thought is similarly more if not as creating and causing disturbance. Whilst one form may be abject to everything, the other form maintains hatred, discord, disharmony leading to violence. It may be apparent that negative actions are that which may cause more damage than plain inertia but the latter are equally as inept as there is a mere promotion of being there.

In some ways it seems that whereas thought without actions may be condemned; it is actions without thought which creates more danger echoing the zen idea of ‘those who know does not speak and those who speak do not know.’ Or does it mean that awareness is a natural way to be in that eventually it takes us away from those negatives in actions whilst maintaining a veil against negativism and or being in the world through a lack of competence?

Or should one always try and be as per that mode of fusion of knowledge and action and or what one may refer to as a praxis? To be sure, there is an interdependence of witnessing the what is as it is revealed about us prior to pre-empting an engagement based on comprehension rather than if and when done haphazardly.

A praxis therefore maintains a guarantee of bring there without aforethought and create an atmosphere which directs the subject to be so involved without undue rashness. One may refer to this mode of being as being merely a rational way to be. The inverse is fraught with far too many problems of either solipsism or plain negativism whilst the call is to be there taking note of the both the exterior and the interior of one’s being. Whilst in actions I naturally reach out on to the other; in retrospection, there are realisations and wisdom of what needs doing and or avoiding, thereby maintain a calm and a serene atmosphere and towards an appreciation of every and any other!

This is the spirit of balance where one is dissuaded to be overturned through the reactionary approach in that one modifies positions as and when based on events about us which causes us to take certain and or adopt perspectives as we move along. It reflects a mind not in tune or that which may waver about as one goes along.

More to the point, it is about being proactive and that the subject has a well ordained that is say organised way of doing things where one is not, nay never is entangled in the world haphazardly. It is not a superficial way of doing things. To be sure, it may never be simply confined to the mundane, where ego, lust and hatred operate.

It is of that thoughtful realm which is not inhibited by ghastly desires to impose or seek appraisal for one’s efforts where there is a perpetual aberrant to suit one’s saliencies as may be easily witnessed by parties which seek to put themselves in an exclusive state as if to them are given the virtue of knowledge whilst everyone else is wrong. They would vehemently adopt and ascribe to their way of being after having identified a common so-called enemy which they proclaim as being the cause of all malaise. In common terms one refers to this as ‘throwing mud’ constantly at the other often for no real reason whilst indeed in many respects showing at the same time the qualities of the former who simply exist in the realm of the material where everything goes in that living is all about outdoing or a perpetual struggle to subjugate the other.

To be sure, in this vein there is no comradeship or living warmth which is extended to one’s fellow compatriots let alone other living entities which are always viewed as a level below as these are mostly seen as objects to be used and abused. Carry such a saliency about and no doubt the spirit of togetherness may never be apparent as there is a hidden agenda of being seen to be above and beyond others whilst the rest in servitude due to one’s built in superiority or as Sartre may refer to it as ‘chef’ attitude where they are placed through their own ego self on a pedestal to the exclusion of others as if their ways needs necessarily be adopted by others in spite of apparent contradictions, unless of course the proponents try justifying these as they go along. It is of course a demagogy route where others are always seen as lesser and theirs are the only approach based on a non-transparent reactionary approach.

Whereas to have that equanimity is to be calm and be peaceful where one resides not in the realm of the merely mundane where one gets heated up over the trivial but is always a question of replacing hatred with its opposite where one is never entangled in the arena of the malaise which is so common like an infectious disease where the way to counteract this is to seek a deterrent in the form of mindfulness which keeps one focus and alert towards being and keeping a spirit of always being at peace and maintaining ahimsa state at all times towards one and all.

There may always be a way out of the conundrum of the insane way of being with its contradictions mostly characterised by anger, developed into wrath and converted into violence translated in doing other verbosities or other emulations which causes disturbance due to actions which creates divisions and bring about separatism due to one’s false ego at work. And with ample of divisions one fails to perceive others. Just like the demagogue their followers also feel duty bound to keep placing themselves on a pedestal where they are better, and above others. The question of being equal is a myth as they develop their own ways of justifying their status as being the norm in society based on either on divisions through cultural, religious, wealth or similar barriers. Once so identified, the subjects feel that is the way and so reactionaries and or followers maintain their upbeat malaise effort at perpetual non unity in society.

It is mostly seen that life has given them the licence to be how they want and verily seek to do as they wish to do in a world where they are deemed as those born to look down on others or the subservient class. From a material perspective Marx refers towards adoption of a classless society where the bourgeoisie falls in line in that exploitation is kept at bay due to the working class rising up rather than being in collaboration to perpetuate an unjust system. From another perspective of the non-material one may observe that it is always a question of stopping, pausing and reflecting before moving onwards. How may one seek to bring about unity in a world which is already divided, a world characterised by undue negatives characteristics where no one any longer trust any other even at the basic level of an interpersonal relationship where togetherness is apparently never there but all are based on superficialities. It is all about a question of what is it in it for me. If there is no benefit for the subject then of course one happily moves away from the arena of rationality. The lack of trust which is at the heart of world with its aspect of non-reaching out are other forms which keeps one and another apart and so maintaining divisions.

So how does one create a synergy of being in a world so characterised by plain negativities?  Each and every work place seeks a moral certificate and or one always safeguard against each other. Why? May there ever be a movement towards a positivism which finally destroys all aspects of divisions. If so how to find a cure for this malaise into which we have been thrown in. One is not referring to get back to the good old days as the fear is that even then there all had elements of non-trust and hatred at the base except in the ‘modern’ era one is informed and hence the problems are laid bare and that perversions are resisted.

The question remains why and how may one put and end if at all. Adopt this or that way! Or create further division! Who knows?

Material life is a licence to do as one pleases particularly where there are no restraints at the checking the demands of the senses. A question of fulfilment of the latter at all times since one is always at liberty to move along with full force in that forest of delusion where it is common to think that it is all about pleasures to the exclusion of the pain.

The truth is that it may never be so as one merely momentarily or let’s say for a short while that the effects of enjoyment and or being in fun materialise within one’s life. Sure, there are preparations towards it and even where one is enjoying a non -stop enjoyment also has its reverse in that there is always some other non- pleasure arising. Or that is the nature of life as it is. Ask anyone and the answer would probably be that we are on the move towards seeking and being wholly immersed in activities about how to enjoy or seek happiness unlimited.

Part of the problem is that material life always keeps us in check. One has to make choices and whilst one does so likewise follow consequences: In living ‘freely’ without any constraints, the subject comes across other restraints some legal and others moral which one adheres by without question as is expected to co-exist within a society. The argument is that one should always live freely with little constraints as possible taking account of what was stated in the previous sentence. In this sense life is a choice: a choice to be and to express within the norms of society and being able to do what life of the world has exposed us to. The bodily self that one is makes us takes strides towards fulfilling its obligations and demands made upon it to seek, seek and continually seek that which is most palatable within the obvious constraints. Sure, others pursue also a route beyond the boundaries which often create undue problems. The choices that we have about us are always there. It is all about being wise and prudent!

In this sense, to not choose also is an act of choosing as one may prefer to keep the status quo whilst doing nothing. We are in a way cornered to be. In not choosing, one may be deemed to be in the mode of ignorance as one simply is inert and not being involved.

It is also a question of being proactive and creative and that demands at least one is in involved and being there and participate. Ambiguously, the call is be for the not to be option for one is out of question except when surrendering to bad faith. The problem also is with surrendering of the self in the entanglement of desires and sure with it comes anger, lust, hatred and so with potential negative desires one remains overwhelmed and at the mercy of the modes or a reactionary approach and once takes this as a way forward, a vicious circle emerges where all that happens is that we are checked!

To be ‘in check’ means that one is a victim, indeed a victim of the circumstance nay the mundane of the material form. Attempt to get out of it using its own ways and modes and one would fell flat and back again in the dungeons from where relief is being sought from.

Again, it is towards another form that one needs to turn to where there is no transparency of the negative forms which subjugate us in submission. To be sure will be the cry from the naïve will be is there such a thing as the non-material? ….in an age of reason where seeing is believing or where matters are always put to test for verification!

The gist of the transcendental way from a non-material perspective is to move onto the realm of purity of heart for in so doing one moves away from the fire of material existence. In such a movement one is proactive for a start and thereby one attempts to comprehend such a system rather than trying to justify one’s reactions within this. Or an alertness is called upon at all times! Or one may be also subjected to the modes of the material forms which always circled about.

The mind is usually that usually takes the rein of the self and acts as a guide as what one does but equally associated with the mind is the heart or let’s us say the weakness of the heart or more precisely,  a non-friendly mind is similar to the latter as it also may lead to one’s downfall in making wrong choices, and on choices to be sure depends on how one should be or the question of how to be which is fundamental to one’s being. A weak mind always deters the self from taking a reactionary of being as would a weakness of heart where one may also give in to temptations.

Temptations are bountiful which may easily appeal as it is all short cut towards achieving one’s desires and where one simply follows the dictum of the mind or the heart problems will appear on the horizon as one has not sufficiently tamed the mind to be a friend and instead it keeps taking one on territories where there will be challenges to one’s being at the very base; hence the idea of being diligent and prudent or perpetual alertness needs be there to counteract the efforts the mundane which always seek to ensnare us through its reactionary modes of being.

A strong mind generates an equally similar heart where all is about thoughtful engagements where the mind/heart are not a prey to the material but rather it is about norms which put a stop at the mundane whilst seeking an alternative with a foreseeable goal ahead to be reached. There is a clear strategy … a goal or life mission where the subject is not dented by pleasures, desires and or temptations since there is a comrade mind in operation rather than a reluctant one which succumbs at every junction. Likewise, the heart equally is never at the mercy of the seen but one which works alongside the mind in a synergy of being where the self prospers instead of being a victim.

Amazing what one may learn from other species of life rather than the simple dismissal of others due to our arrogance …….as if to humanoids in spite of being the chosen or being the higher specie in most religious traditions still need to take note of what other species have to offer!

From ants, one may learn the way they organise themselves without having to go through the process of undue constant quarrel which one would notice in even so called modern and advanced societies where trust is lacking where it is always a question of outdoing of the other. Or to do so would imply that one is seemingly better than the other group.

The history of humanoids is a sad one: often anger, distrust and violence is common let alone being of different cultures or foreigners even within a single society and nationalities there is profound disagreement as may be witnessed in politics. A question of always outdoing the other and to become the ‘top gun’. Just observe how political parties’ function in any society and one notices how we are at each other’s throats; a lead unfortunately which is taken often by the general populace who follows their leaders as if they are everything in whom one needs to have trust in.

Humans have created barriers not only in politics from the same land but has imposed other divisions through their own provisions of separatism which is central to their particular way of being whilst excluding a few, some or many others. The sad story of the world is that everyone is a suspect and that there is no trust between people. Even where someone tries to reach out; that too is questioned immediately and one asks whether the other is non-spurious or not.

When one observes ants for instance at work and how they organise their communities, it is all built on a comradeship where there is acknowledgement as they undertake their working life. They would naturally greet each other as they disperse in opposite direction… some taking their bounty and others moving to collect more or when just seeking new pastures. To be sure, a lot that humanoids may learn from as in our conceited forms we choose to and or fail the efforts of others due to our own prejudice where some are seen as better. Not so, in the Ants world!

Others may point out that humans are more elevated than simple meaningless creatures but suffice to observe that these simplest of creatures have a great organisation, a kind of peace and cooperation which is lacking often in our so- called advanced societies which is dominated mostly by ‘ism’ of some form or other.

Looking at the yellow wasp and how they communicate and alert each other particularly when they would discover a suitable residence to save themselves from cold weather. Or when one of their own is hurt, with amazing speed through the air they send vibrations across to their comrades to beware.

How about when looking at communities of birds and how they flock together and or make their timely migration when weather changes in a country and would readily move in teams across thousands and thousands of miles and their adventure spirit only to bring them back to new pastures albeit for a few months.

We have also observed how a mother pigeon may care for its little one by creating a small nest and that no sooner that the little one grows; mother pigeon move along and releases her off springs in the world.

The point is that other species rarely prey on others for their survival unless one is a scavenger. A natural way to be: Survival of the fittest. Using this motto, our friends often attack each other and ignores the lesson of calm and peace from some other species Similarly, it is through self-realisation and or reflection that one realises that one is never in the mode of separatism which encourages all negativities whilst it is through visions that one may endeavour to be positive. Using the strategy of vision and meditation, the fish, the tortoise and the birds maintain their offspring, writes Srila Prabhupada in his commentary to text 26 of the Bhagavad Gita as it is in Chapter 5.

‘The fish brings up its offspring simply by looking at them. The tortoise brings up its offspring simply by meditation. The eggs of the tortoise are laid on the land, and the tortoise meditates on the eggs while in the water.’ (BG 3: 5: 28.)

Again, quite another important lesson to be taken from these creatures! Or the aspect of vision and mediation to be sure has been taken over in so many ways by so many thinkers across the globe where it is via planning and setting of a goal that one may verily reach a goal and again any such goal may be achievable if done creatively rather than reactively. In the latter mode, one is a mere puppet of the mundane and material which a more visionary approach takes us towards a realm of transcendence where negativism such as bickering, anger and hatred are pushed aside for a more positive approach of reaching out, and of envisioning a calm and peace zone ahead away from the warmongers of the separatist views which subjugate the self in surrender to the material zone.

As Humanoids it behoves us to be there not in the mode of paranoia and or dislike/hatred of each other but rather to transcend these categories and rise over and above so that one makes sense of the world we are in in its grandeur not from a particular angle or perspective but importantly perhaps from a no perspective. In taking this on board, one moves in an arena where confusions are replaced by clarity and where hatred transit into love and where conflicts and war gives way to calm and peace.

In essence a lot to be learnt from the smallest of our little brethren as once was referred to by one Archbishop of Canterbury who surely also must have taken heed of The patron saint of the environment St Francis of Assisi who always referred to animals with more respect … adding values rather than mere objects. If one learns to see these ‘brethren’ as being subjects one may indeed take the option to try making sense of verily learning from them!

To lead a simple life is not normally classed as being cool in the material world. There is always running after things and pleasures and that is how one is measured or seen. The more one possesses, the higher one is regarded according to material calculation. The ways of the latter are set: one normally is encouraged to seek more and more. Not to do so would be considered a failure as if one comes from an alien world.  And the whole system is so designed at extracting pleasures to the avoidance of pain. There is a failure to apprehend that pleasures on its own are not a possibility. The accompanying sorrow is part and parcel of being and yet one ventures at making the aspect of deriving more and more as being a motto.

Life is so intentioned in that one may not even contemplate of other ways of being than to merely accept this as being the norm or the way to be. It is a way to be and not the way to be. Modern life approves it and the call is to be desirous always of what may bring pleasure to the false ego as this in a way is seen as promoting happiness. As when one becomes so attached to that form of enjoyment with a firm target of material opulence little does one know that this path brings about its own self destruction as one is constantly bewildered by such things as revealed.

In the search for such a goal of seeking to find solace in the plurality of material desires, one always succumbs to anxiety and with it comes further attachment to the network of more and more and more and further enslavement in the ways of the world with its vicious circle.

As one travels such a route, sooner the subject start making plans of how to develop expertise in the world of business which keeps anchored in the realm of the material and its network of desires and along with it also come a struggle for existence at all times. There is an over indulgence in doing things. In some ways it is a non-authentic way of avoiding what is and always looking unto the future as if the past had no value. The subject is further posed to seek and seek and seek whilst paying no heed to the present which is dismissed for a future, in that process, close ones matters little as the venture is about the future, an unplanned future which may never be or is always on horizon as an escapist. What is about us has no value as one succumbs to that form which is about fun, desires and pleasures which the subject chases.

In this arena there is nothing about reflecting or pausing to recollect. The motto had been set. It is all about running here there and everywhere. There is hardly any time to witness that which is revealed. What is encountered is that mass of reactions of the good and the bad and one happily partakes in it.

The norm of material culture or way of life is different from the transcendental realm which pierces through the material and opens up a venue where the ways of the mundane may not reach. It is of a different nature where one comes face to face with life as it is and not as it should be. In this mode, the call is never to identify and/or play a certain role and/or trying to run after pleasures or seeking of a fun lifestyle based on a network of the sensory, or what is immediately perceived!

It is a pathway which takes us beyond that which is perceived or a form of the miseries of being are left behind. However, the call is to move away from that dense forest of delusion where there is little or no questioning about the nature of existence. The call is for the mind to move away from that which is mixed with pleasures but end up in thorns at the end. Or the ways of running after pleasures unlimited verily takes us towards a network of desires of attachment and seeking of other ways to gratify the senses notably through pursuit of one’s efforts and so remain in the arena of the known or that which one takes to be the be and end of everything.

The task of the prudent is to move onwards and towards that form that no longer seeks solace in the acts of gratification whether through primary or secondary forms and or sought those fun activities which keeps one rooted at the base of the material realm.

Where there are no desires for the petty and the transient that is where one arises above and beyond and seek that which is through finding wealth not in the exterior or the other but in the self or as in some quarters may be termed as the transcendental way forward.

One is no longer disturbed when encountering the miseries or suffering which perpetually inflict us or inversely not thrilled when joviality is in the air. The clue is indeed being free from the pairs of the opposites and not be subjected to attachment or detachment. All a question of being there and mere seeing and being rather than trying to mend ways and or seek benefits as the crude would do to better oneself in so many ways.

It is all about being equipoised at all times whilst leading that simple life, a life not subjected to the ways of the world where one is forced into going along with the crowd. The idea is to set a simple standard and abide and live with it. No need to run after things and or seek to derive non-natural ways of deriving primary and or secondary pleasures. Or being bewildered within the material pool.  Merely a question of being there away from all those forms which may distract the self that one is. Solace, calm and peace may not be found in running hither and tither but in seeing the self that one is within as we hinted earlier. Verily a question of coming to terms with one being rather that searching and searching after the, exterior. Or as Socrates reminds us ‘know thyself is the beginning of wisdom’.

To exist is to suffer in one way or another. There is no escape from it. The Buddha referred to it as ‘Dukkha’.The sooner that one perceives this the better one may become at moving on. There is no need to show anger and or bringing in other negative categories as it may only distraught us further.

One becomes bewildered  by what is radiated around and about us as if the network of desires with its effort at seeking more and more is what one needs to come to terms with. With this approach there may be a hope at negating it and moving on:  suffering is part of life.

It is more of a question about trying to acknowledge it rather than ending it. Without the latter there may never be progress onwards or one may live in illusion than the temporary relief of happiness, and or the momentary pleasure that one begets in the process of living is all that one may beget. All else is subjected to that mode that one wishes to avoid but may not be able to do since it is the nature of life that one is subjected to problems at all times in spite of trying to avoid it.

To be sure, many remain perplexed with this positivist view on how to put an end to the problems…. which may be a way of being set on tract to the idea of the ending of this dukkha or it is not a simpleton of merely attempting to end it for without comprehending it there may never be a way out of it.

Complaints, complaints and complaints about this natural state may arise from one who does not quite see the nature of life as it is. Rather, one is always entangled in how things should be based on a preconception and when this does not tie up with the subject’s views then there is anger, hatred and constant  moaning about as if one is always perfect and the rest not quite so and so needs to be sorted based on one’s own preconceptions of which the subject does not quite see as being so.

Rather, it is all seen as facts and compliance must come from others whereas one is seen to be always fair and right to the detriment of every other. Again all based on a model of how to be rather than witnessing that which is exposed or that what is.

With this being so, one fails to be and so there is an illusory world created about oneself of which the proponent ignores all others and so continues to perpetually chase after unicorns in that there may never be something concrete as it is all fruitless as we fails to apprehend what is. Or that life is verily how it unfolds with its problems, headaches and constant hindrances which brings about suffering. In apprehension, this suffering may be seen as part of life as one witnesses the flickering mode of being in that all is in a fluid state, a kind of impermanence, or the state of being in flux.

In doing so, one may begin to view and realise that life is not a rosy affair or that it is not all about avoidance of pain. Indeed, it is the seeing of the suffering which awaits which makes us a little wiser.  Things need be as one always sees it based on illusory creations, but it is about comprehending that there is always the other aspect to it in that one may not always be correct at all times. Sometimes, others are as equally perceptive than oneself. Rather than be submerged in an arena of ignoring all others often it is best to envision others as a warmth.

However, it is about seeing that which is and not be disdained by a petty or ego self that one is where there is always a pursuit a la hedonism to achieve and run after and constant running after pleasures without limit which essentially brings us to face up to reality.

And the reality is a fact that one may not be alone in the mode of separatism. The existentialist Sartre in his café philosophy oriented days would have observed that a mere lifting of a cup of coffee suffices to acknowledge that one may not be alone or more precisely how one may be interconnected; simply by reflecting as one tastes that drink; the subject realises the effort of others involved in providing one with this luxury.

A simple example and yet in spite of the fact that one may not be independent per se as it is our nature to be with others thus making the idea of separatism or trying to mesmerise others a non goer, as one is already entangled in a network of togetherness.

It is a futile exercise to entertain ways which takes us away from others let alone trying to live in isolation as if one may be able to do so. On a spiritual level perhaps there is a possibility that this may be so where the question may well be to move away from the network of desires coupled with its pairs of opposites but the general trend is that it is impossible to exist as a loner and more so as loner who attempts to either denigrate others or a group through their own petty mindedness which they think is the way or correct way to be whilst being dismissive of others.

Or what we have termed separatism and where this emerges as a concept this invites anger and hatred of some other/s. …as if to such proponents are given the role of life’s adjudicator: By virtue of their being  arrogant, and separatist shows that they may not quite fit this role as they lack since all they may do is bring about ways of negativism which denies the other or others about them or at least some other.

The ways of separatism is about denial of some based on preconceptions or other prejudice on which some thrive whilst adopting a demagogue style which adds credibility to their personal lifestyle. That is verily what one must beware of as one seeks to move on from the kind of so called solidity state whilst acknowledging that life is indeed fluid. Sure, this blog is not about the acceptance or denial of the Buddha but more of perhaps taking lessons from the latter in trying to find a way out of the riddle of suffering.

Exploration of the known and or that which may not be quite apprehended within the world is that which one runs after at all times within the world arena. One does so to such an extent that there is forgetfulness of what is. The latter gives way to a corrupted way of being where one chases shadows for the sake of an idea or to please the crowd.

To be simple is to be appreciate what is revealed without having to resort to a certain norm and fall prey to the conditioned way. In this state one is never quite authentic but running after that which may be. In this state it is a question of adopting and existing as per an expected pattern of conformity. A question of going with the crowd and being that which is has been set as a standard. Existence in this mode is about conformity and no more. There may not be an appreciation of what is there. All and everything are done as a follower of the conditioned. In this state it is all a question of reacting and no more. There is no actual or real contribution. One adopts a particular style, a set way: In this mode, all is about conformity; after being rudely awakened in the world; the subject adheres to and carry on doing the same things all over again what has been done without much thinking as if to be non- reactionary is forbidden. It is very much about going with the crowd and rather than living one simply exists.

In this mode, all life is conforming to the set pattern as already there. One awakes and sees and sees what is immediately seen as the norm. No need to do anything. All is set and so living gives way to existing. One exists side by side. To be there becomes an automaton way of being. No need to delve or ponder. Just revel in the superficial and become a prey of the absurd in to which one has been thrown. That is the sad story of the way of life, a life which is being denied. It is either a question of being immersed in the immediacy. Nay it is not living per se but existence. One merely exists as if as a chore, stagnating; and being unsure of what to do but all is a question of drifting here and there and all is a knee jerk reaction. The idea of living is not there. Just like a couple who simply exists and lead parallel lives in their last moments of being together. It is a motionless way of being where one finds no solace in being there a la authenticity. It is more of shifting about and being at status quo. One is there simply without much aforethought or reflection.

The idea of trying to question is a far cry as the subject is all in a limbo where it is all about conformity. One is not proposing a different set pattern but simply observing on the what is observed in life. In this observation one may perhaps see the deficiency of being and apprehend a form which is not an otherwise perpetually revolving system.

The idea of eat drink and be merry a la fun has always been there. Generations come and move onwards and the ‘modern’ mind’ adopts a similar strategy at maximising a set way but in a more sophisticated way. At the crunch, one still engages in mating and working very hard.  A whole life is spent working and working without a balance. Or the conditions set are that life is about working rather than working to live. To accept such a set norm naturally has consequences in that the mindset is that one develops a conforming attitude and takes that as a set standard.

To be able to question and think outside of the box so to speak is commended because in this mode one may be creative, creative because as one questions the status quo there is room for improvement in what otherwise may become just a perpetually repetition where all there may be is being subservient as a lot for any and  every one to follow. It opens up a realm of not simply existing but more and it is in the latter that we are proposing to explore on life as it reveals rather than plain existence.

To live is more than existing unlike the couple who through force of circumstance are together but sharing little or almost nothing in common in that they lack the courage to take that final step of moving away from each other providing ample of excuses but leading separate existences. In living, a togetherness emerges and the subjects are in tune with one another or one is never at the reactive level but are more proactive where one readily contributes or that one is creative with a plan of how to be. In the opposite form one drifts along as we have already observed, a kind of being always unsure of what may be the next step. It is verily a way of a confused mind whose agenda is that it has a very disturbing agenda which changes at very moment. One moment, I want to do this. Oh no perhaps I should have done its opposite. Then there is stagnation and a complete shut off from life as revealed. One can never makes one’s mind up. Everything is so changeable. Not because there is an appreciation of the fluidity of the world but more because one is so blatantly remains non connected with life in preference to existing a la non authenticity where what matters is that superficial self so entangled and immersed in a mundaneness illimited. In such a modal existence there is no planning but just existing or keeping alive by the actions of others.

To be sure, one always relies on the other/ others about us without much reflection. The preference is to a puppet in the grand game of life or where one is at the mercy of others. The subject wishes not to take any form of responsibility and happily remains aloof yet at the same time seek that which may be beyond oneself. Sure, a confused mind. That is why, it is of paramount importance that one keeps questioning rather than being a victim of life as it unfolds!

Material world always brings with it three main aspects of being and these has been described as the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance as enunciated by Vaishnava tradition. To be governed by these main modes or a mixture of combination of these forms part of the mundaneness of the world we inhabit : When entangled, one is wrapped up with it.

As one looks at what is happening about us; this observation could not be clearer. In ignoramus mode there is not much that one may do as one is flat most of the time leaving and letting things happen and all living in this mode is about the simpleton of existence of the basic level of eat, drink and be merry or enjoyment is the norm that one mostly abide by. When mixed with a passionate mode it is all about survival and or espousal of a form of existing which causes hatred and distrust as mixed with passion and ignorance there is a form of modal operation which relies on being led or rather misled by those in a passionate mode of being or the so called leaders of society. In that mixed mode one follows the dictum as prompted by others and one happily resides with an outlook aimed at keeping a status quo of fixation at a level of the mind where there is little questioning but more of abiding by what has been preordained by others.

In passionate modes, one has the doers or those that set up norms or standard to follow … a standard which focusses mostly on a truncated  way of being as its proponents make that simpleton of eat, drink and be merry into a worthy propaganda  and making this the core of existence and so playing on the desires and fears and desires of the populace, the passionate doers emerges as leaders of society through a figurative climbing on the back of those in both ignoramus/ passionate modes. They give their supporters a reason to be whether it is adopting a norm where they may vent their hopes and desires having a filter of hope be it a level which may create a divisive approach. Or let us observe that it is all about a divisive culture vented through a norm of anger and hatred where the other is seen as the villain, nay in many instances as the enemy. Espoused the same views and you are seen as a friend but deviate even minutely and you are not only brushed aside but also seen as the object to be directed all anger against. In some instances, physical violence sometimes is committed for the sake of some ideology. It is a far cry from Gandhi when he stated that ‘I am prepared to die for a cause but there is no cause for which I am I shall kill’ But then opponents would be dismissive of the latter by stating that he is a non-violent freak! The alternative to it though is clear as one notices abuse and bruteness emanating from some quarters who are caught in this subculture of ‘half educated’ who despise others for what rather than who they are as if to them only are given the right to be. They would say that they own the world rather than belonging to it but it is precisely this that we are describing herewith when caught up in that perilous mode of passion which keeps on ‘misleading not only oneself but others as well.

Moreover if that same mode of passion is mixed with goodness then there may be some hoper within the material world as opportunities are there for people in such mixed modes to be engaged in some altruist works for others whether in the social or other political spectrum where some concern are shown towards others and the subjects may well be seen to work for others. However, it is all a fine line between mixed modes but at least the abrupt hatred coupled with horrible enunciations may be absent. At least the proponents genuinely believe unlike their opponents that they are on a crusade towards helping others or let us say most others whilst in the former mixed modes of ignorance/passion; the subjects worked for a few others!

In the mode of goodness one revels at being an altruist proper where one self is not seen as being of paramount: It is more about living for others whether in personal and other social aspects of life. In this mode, one engages with a genuine concern without any preconception as all and everyone are seen as a comrade. No other is shown hatred for what they are but acknowledged as a living warmth. There is a sharing concern for one another which is lacking in the other modes. Yet even in this mode one is caught up at least within a paradigm as adopted generally by humanoids in that there is a case for to overlook other species. That is where one transit from a mode altogether towards one of pure goodness and refer to beyond-ness and of a form which is above the material conception as caught up in the realm of the known where there is divisiveness and fragmentation of being. It is a transcendental way and requires that the adherents to rise above the merely material and begins to appreciate every other not through merely paying plain lip service where one sees the self on a pedestal and others somehow below in a kind of hierarchy which indeed causes the problem in spite of oneself. Their structures of society are such that there is a divisiveness at work which to be sure are exploited by those mostly in the modes of passion and other mixed similar modes.

In this kind of transcendental mode of pure goodness, there is a reaching towards the other… not merely those of one’s specie where every other is seen as a comrade, a living warmth or others to be appreciated regardless except of course where the other shows oneself to be a bizarre proponent of violence where the call is to be genuinely discriminate rather than of misplaced discrimination in other modes of existence. The call is to just to witness and be, a call which my not happen in other modes which calls for participation based on a sterile moral of which perpetually subjugate the self into surrender mode.

Happiness is a fool’s paradise which the deluded seeks: Trying to seek solidity in a fluid world where all is transient. There is almost a refusal to acknowledge that which is in favour of what one wishes to perceive, all leading to a way of being which forces one to adopt and abide by what is immediately viewed as being the norm. The superficial and the mundane is mistaken for the real and this becomes the norm/guiding principle of how to be. Calling it a fun way to be the subjects readily indulge in that form as if this is the be and end of everything. To a large extent this indeed is so. It is a life where knowledge is a truncated affair minus the understanding where like a pawn, one is no more than the Orwellian epsilons or indeed any similar object-subjects where there is no real comprehension. Work is simply being like the efficient technocrat and as far as living goes the subject airs the view of a truncated knowledge in its debased form in that s/he has the kind of a monopoly with the rest somehow needs to follow. Verily even the emotional aspects are techno-bits!

On this view what one witness and or search for is the transient which is mistaken. That which is revealed is concealed in a veil never to be unfolded but is there always to be apprehended but the subject is so confident of its ways that there may be no other. One is a most contented of the type better to be a pig satisfied and the subject revels in its norm of taking solace in superficiality or a mundaneness which hovers around the realm of the known where one may never question. It is very much a question of eat and drink and be merry and let’s life takes its stride as all that matters is that superficiality that which is most obvious. There is no need to explore and or find out. All is set in stones based on the frailty of the mind which dictate, a way to be nay a certain way to be. That way involves an approach whether it may be condescending or not or a clear acceptance of a set norm as predefined and as imposed by society at a pollical level: Usually, the choices are already pre-set and all one has to do to seek either a motivation or a rationale why one may chose a particular path. And once that choice has been made then the subject may go at any length to either defend its new found ways. It is like adopting a saliency and uses that as a set standard. Others who do not conform are seen as the ‘enemy’ whereas my kind who also stick to the same pattern becomes ‘my’ brethren and sistren: And so, to the latter are invested love, kindness and reaching out. A kind of fragmentation and division is at work because by the same token those in the opposite party are seen with disgust and hatred and compromise is never on the agenda. It is all about outdoing of the other and keep pointing out their deficiencies. The mass of populace either buy into one or other form and so they happily also actively participate in the grand design as already pre-ordained by which geographical culture they are at.

It is always a question of pairs of the opposite. That of acceptance and or denial. To be of one or another. The choice has been made by the few or a ‘leader’ and the rest merely succumbs to the ways as propounded. Mostly those who follow falls in the category of being subjugated by the stronger elements of society. In many ways it is always a question of led or being led. Or is it as it is being argued herewith. The question is how does one break free of that divisive mentality which corrodes all aspect of life and where most of us tend to simply abide by way of conformity whether it be in matters of culture or otherwise. Is there no escape?

Any chance of becoming free from that set pattern as if all is prearranged? Afterall one has awoken or more precisely thrown, in a world where it is pretty much a question of seeking adopt. The better one does, the more successful one becomes. The world of Big Malls/shopping centres with its network of road works and where it is all about seeing the monster of the truly modern life rising… where there is little or no chance or creativity.

Leaders and the led and so we are all submerged in this culture of anonymity where the only personalised aspect to emerge is when we are each other’s throat; attempting to nearly always seek to be a victim of one or another with little to contribute. Contributions are simply a way of passive input whereas activity or let us be more precise proactivity is almost non-existent in that mode as one is for ever a ‘pawn’ with little or nothing to contribute.

Part of being in the world is to be with it that is fully engaged. Engagement may not happen when and where one is subservient and or pretend to speak on behalf of a mass whereas the reality is that one simply speak what one thinks based on how one perceives thingness at a particular juncture or imagine this to be so .The life process demands that one is for ever alert not based via some preconceived ideologies or other viewpoints but be in  way ready to be proactive. That in itself demands that one may not only be a reactionary in the form of the leaders/led viewpoint but of being perpetually not reactive but its opposite where one never allows any other to be a pseudo representative of so many others where factually it is almost a per impossible to be so.

Representatives merely chose on what their conscience tells them based on a broad set of views as delineated by opposing parties. The mere fact there is almost fierce rivalries show that there is something not quite sane about systems in place. Is there an alternative? Or must one carry on and thereby merely moves along the concept of acceptance and rejection?

To be sure, political systems are bound by grand ideas either of cross boundaries or nationalist ideologies. However, within a country are many such divisive forces at work based on some or other ideologies.

The problem of abiding by conditioned living is that one is so entangled that it is almost difficult to shrug free as divisions and fragmentation always nurture their own saliencies of anger, hatred culminating often in negativism and in extreme forms giving rise to violence. The question may well be may one rise above and beyond the norm of plain verbal garbage where all that one sees is indeed just that veil of one’s opinions echoing with John Stuart Mill not a Socrates dissatisfied but of an irrational mind wrapped up in confusions based on a singular verbose!

Imagine a player in a soccer game freaking out or worst still the whole team losing sight of the goal. Just how the supporters would feel at the lack of focus. They may do everything from nice passes, showing good skills yet somehow, they are unaware of the goal or the aim of the game. Fans would not only be disgusted but would understand that their team has lost it! Although, the latter is highly admirable, is not quite of what is required in competitive soccer as all are based on success and these require that one convert skills and diligence of the game into goals as English premier league fans across the globe are likewise aware of.

In some ways, our life is a little like that where we just exist on a moment to moment when engaged in life without a life goal. It is kind of failing to have a life compass and we exist in a state of bewilderment as if unsure of what to do. There may precisely be no aim and all one does is drift along and some may remark it is a healthy way to be as one lives in the present. Therefore, no need to have a life goal or let’s drift along and about. A sad story indeed…. sad as there is no vision but to be carried over here, there and everywhere and nowhere. A clear vision means that one has set aside a clear mission ahead and explores and or is willing to see how to do so in order to achieve that desired peak…. which of course may be dynamic since one may always have ongoing life missions’ projects ahead!

Elsewhere, we have also remarked that not to have a vision of what one wants to be or to achieve is to for ever exist in the mode of impulsiveness. … just like a pilot without a compass is imperative for one’s personal sanity to both have and keep working towards a goal. The idea of having an aim or a mission for oneself is that one then knows where one is heading. Without such a life compass one is at a lost and there would be nothing to work towards. No motivation, no guideline and all is done impulsively as and whenever. Try living such a day at one’s work and see what may happen: if not quite chaos, certainly it sure would be a ‘bad’ day guaranteed. Now to use a similar strategy in one’s life that of not having a clear focus of what to do is also asking for trouble, as those excellent soccer skilful players mentioned above who may well do everything correct but fail at scoring or closing their skills towards goals!

Be sure one is not trying to ask the other to conform to what is being written here but simply to beware for oneself what it may be like to lead a haphazard life. Life is definitely more than living a haphazard way of being. Without that vision, the essence, that focus, makes one just a pawn of being there and or just showing one’s life skills aimlessly.

To have an aim or a mission statement is indeed that goal. Personal development coaches would always advise their clients not only to have a goal but to have that in written form and easily perceived so that one looks at it every day, assimilates and adopts this and this in their forefront so that the client may be able to move along and maintain clear focus. By doing so, it all becomes a part of reality as to how to reach there. With that vision, all else that do not have an impact of that grand vison needs be seen as a distraction if one is serious about the idea of proactivity.

With a goal being in focus, one looks at the self and the surrounding reality about and consider all that may be hindrances which one discards……towards reaching that goal and instead adopt those routes which leads one there. In diligence this is possible but if one chose the haphazard way sure all may not have the desired result and or being with what one should be doing. Rather the way of even the forbidden may be adopted whilst taking a ‘break’ from the way one should live. In the game we have referred to the cost of not maintaining a clarity of vision throughout is perilous in which one is not allowed to and yet in the real world, one permits the self to take a ‘holiday’ from the norm for relaxation.

The point we are making here is that all is done topsy-turvy because that break is not part of a wholistic rationale but something apart from one’s daily engagement and this is what precisely causes the charade! It is verily up to oneself to make this too as every aspect of one’s engagement part of that clear vision…..

A clear focus helps one keeping and doing what is always expected. The other exploratory route is one which causes one to follow ways which are always moving away from one goal. However, if one does not have a mission statement, verily one is in a wilderness at the mercy of the modes where we are led…. more precisely misleading and surrendering to whimsical ways or acting as per impulsiveness…. again, this shows a lack of focus which may add sanity rather than despair to one’s life. Keeping to our soccer analogy, this would be a plain suicidal!

In many ways, one may take control with being proactive rather than reactive as in the latter we at the mercy of the exterior whereas in accepting that one chooses, one has the option of moving along without surrender to the aspects of material nature in whatever form it reveals itself. The diligent takes note of what needs to be done and inversely avoids what needs not to be done and is for ever cautious, always avoiding a trap as laid by others, representing the modes but keep to those which one sees as being the options not to be entangled and, or cornered in the ghetto of culture of the mundane where one becomes a prey rather than its opposite, when one may successfully devise and keep to those ways through ongoing pro-activity.