Awareness of Self
Read author notes first, please37 total reviews
Comment from rama devi
Fascinating, intelligent, and well articulated essay. Well composed, my friend. It's one of the best essays I've read here, with deep spiritual intelligence and wisdom. Superb! Wish I had a six (in spite of the handful of tiny spag and suggestions noted below).
Alas, no sixes left. So glad to have read this today! Sparkling reminders of the truth...
NOTES
*
An acorn falls to the ground and contains the knowledge of becoming an oak tree;
Not sure, but it strikes me that the word FOR would be more precise here than the word OF:
An acorn falls to the ground and contains the knowledge for becoming an oak tree;
*All babies are born this way, all living things, actually.
Consider using dash:
All babies are born this way--all living things, actually.
* The DNA molecule contains all previous knowledge of the parents(,) and the progeny will gather more knowledge in its existing form to demonstrate evolution.
*
We can compare the knowledge we are born with as a computer's Operating System.
Suggest replacing AS with TO:
We can compare the knowledge we are born with to a computer's Operating System.
BRILLIANT ANALOGY and extended metaphor--lucidly conveyed in this wonderful paragraph:
What the operating system does is give its container the ability to learn by adding programs (apps) to its base knowledge of AWARENESS. In a computer, we must define what it will communicate with. Regardless of the complexity of any system, it all boils down to Input, Process, and Output. If there is a close definition of Evolution, these three steps would be it; whether in living beings or computers. Everything in the universe is in the process of becoming something else, including us. We absorb input, process it through our minds, and become a new output.
Love it! Super!!!
* This is a great further extension and expansion of the metaphor--further brilliance! (note one spag):
Computers have peripherals(,) like readers, keyboards, screens, printers and the like to do their communicating. We have our five physical senses and our Common Sense. What to do with input to create a desirable output is a process, program, or application - an application of knowledge.
Outstanding further expansion--I love this compound, complex metaphor! It's a stroke of genius!--
In a computer, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is where knowledge processing takes place. In us, it is done in the hemispheres of our brain by passing thoughts through the Corpus Callosum from emotion to logic until a decision is reached. In both, it is the ability to identify, evaluate, compare and decide that produces an Action.
I liked your analysis of early family life as being a time of love and no fear. Alas, it is not always like that for all babies...some learn fear and negativity even that young.
Well said:
We develop within our environment until we hit obstacles.
Well said:
Society wants us to absorb "apps" that it has deemed important.
YES! Standing ovation:
Self-education must identify these elements and put them to a truth test in order for our true self to emerge.
*
Complicating the issue are gender roles.
Consider rephrasing:
Gender roles complicate the issue.
We are all born with Yin and Yang tendencies that seek to align with incoming communication. We have both male and female capabilities in our human form, defined by the left and right hemispheres, but what do we do with that ability?
Well portrayed--totally agree:
What is this "self" we have built through interaction? We call it identity, personality, or Ego. It causes all the world's ills. We have at least two minds. Personality comes from the word "persona," which means "mask." The ego protects itself with this mask. It wants to live. Unfortunately for it, it has to die for the real "us" to manifest itself. That is the struggle going on today. "To be or not to be, whether tis nobler..." gnaws at this ego all the time. The underlying truth of what we truly are is what makes this entity suffer.
* Create wage slaves is what this does.
Consider avoiding this voicing by reversing the order to:
All this does is create wage slaves.
or
This creates wage slaves.
* we create the big bang of what we call "the life of a human being."
Period outside the " marks here:
"the life of a human being".
You mention the heart Sutra here:
The Heart Sutra has a great perspective on this.
But not all your readers will know the reference. I think you need to elaborate, explain the basic meaning of the sutra, and then show how it has perspective.
* Many humans are occupied with basic needs(,) like survival and security.
* untrue. That creates what is called Cognitive Dissonance (not sure if this should be capped or not?, or, more simply, D(d)enial.
*Truth can destroy self-worth(,) and ego resists that loss by rejecting truth.
This is true:
In fact, ego is the only thing in nature than can willfully lie and accept lies as truth.
It was mentioned already in a precious paragraph, so you might consider trimming our the first one so this does not sound redundant.
Very well-articulated:
Ego places the desires of its body above the spirit that drives us all and causes imbalance. It is "out of sequence" because it assigns value to stimuli when all things have the same value. When we become aware of this fact, we can create the world we want to occupy. The ego is SELFISH and must be tamed for us to live in peace.
Well voiced:
Our ego's puny observations are not capable of defining or understanding the totality of existence, but it can imagine being more than what it can observe.
* remove comma:
How ludicrous it would be to gain awareness of life and then, lose that awareness.
*Logic could not be served if we "die."
Logic could not be served if we "die".
*
It must be true that we pass our human existence for the purpose of gathering more knowledge of our own divinity(,) and (then) move on in some transformed and transcendent manner.
Yes:
If we are willing to accept that we are all created perfect in a spiritual sense, we can become aware that the desires of the ego are irrelevant.
*Mother Earth provides the material to manufacture our bodies(, or --) and we spit in her face.
or
Mother Earth provides the material to manufacture our bodies yet we spit in her face.
YES YES YES:
We must become more aware of our own actions and begin cleaning our home. We do not need oil to survive. We need water. We do not need atomic bombs to protect ourselves. We need love. We do not need possessions to make our ego boast. We actually own nothing. We need to wake up from the hypnotic state we are under and begin thinking for ourselves.
*
It is not the human body that is eternal. It is LIVING that is eternal. If we start imagining heaven on earth(,) we will be there.
Namaste,
rd
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2014
  |
Fascinating, intelligent, and well articulated essay. Well composed, my friend. It's one of the best essays I've read here, with deep spiritual intelligence and wisdom. Superb! Wish I had a six (in spite of the handful of tiny spag and suggestions noted below).
Alas, no sixes left. So glad to have read this today! Sparkling reminders of the truth...
NOTES
*
An acorn falls to the ground and contains the knowledge of becoming an oak tree;
Not sure, but it strikes me that the word FOR would be more precise here than the word OF:
An acorn falls to the ground and contains the knowledge for becoming an oak tree;
*All babies are born this way, all living things, actually.
Consider using dash:
All babies are born this way--all living things, actually.
* The DNA molecule contains all previous knowledge of the parents(,) and the progeny will gather more knowledge in its existing form to demonstrate evolution.
*
We can compare the knowledge we are born with as a computer's Operating System.
Suggest replacing AS with TO:
We can compare the knowledge we are born with to a computer's Operating System.
BRILLIANT ANALOGY and extended metaphor--lucidly conveyed in this wonderful paragraph:
What the operating system does is give its container the ability to learn by adding programs (apps) to its base knowledge of AWARENESS. In a computer, we must define what it will communicate with. Regardless of the complexity of any system, it all boils down to Input, Process, and Output. If there is a close definition of Evolution, these three steps would be it; whether in living beings or computers. Everything in the universe is in the process of becoming something else, including us. We absorb input, process it through our minds, and become a new output.
Love it! Super!!!
* This is a great further extension and expansion of the metaphor--further brilliance! (note one spag):
Computers have peripherals(,) like readers, keyboards, screens, printers and the like to do their communicating. We have our five physical senses and our Common Sense. What to do with input to create a desirable output is a process, program, or application - an application of knowledge.
Outstanding further expansion--I love this compound, complex metaphor! It's a stroke of genius!--
In a computer, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is where knowledge processing takes place. In us, it is done in the hemispheres of our brain by passing thoughts through the Corpus Callosum from emotion to logic until a decision is reached. In both, it is the ability to identify, evaluate, compare and decide that produces an Action.
I liked your analysis of early family life as being a time of love and no fear. Alas, it is not always like that for all babies...some learn fear and negativity even that young.
Well said:
We develop within our environment until we hit obstacles.
Well said:
Society wants us to absorb "apps" that it has deemed important.
YES! Standing ovation:
Self-education must identify these elements and put them to a truth test in order for our true self to emerge.
*
Complicating the issue are gender roles.
Consider rephrasing:
Gender roles complicate the issue.
We are all born with Yin and Yang tendencies that seek to align with incoming communication. We have both male and female capabilities in our human form, defined by the left and right hemispheres, but what do we do with that ability?
Well portrayed--totally agree:
What is this "self" we have built through interaction? We call it identity, personality, or Ego. It causes all the world's ills. We have at least two minds. Personality comes from the word "persona," which means "mask." The ego protects itself with this mask. It wants to live. Unfortunately for it, it has to die for the real "us" to manifest itself. That is the struggle going on today. "To be or not to be, whether tis nobler..." gnaws at this ego all the time. The underlying truth of what we truly are is what makes this entity suffer.
* Create wage slaves is what this does.
Consider avoiding this voicing by reversing the order to:
All this does is create wage slaves.
or
This creates wage slaves.
* we create the big bang of what we call "the life of a human being."
Period outside the " marks here:
"the life of a human being".
You mention the heart Sutra here:
The Heart Sutra has a great perspective on this.
But not all your readers will know the reference. I think you need to elaborate, explain the basic meaning of the sutra, and then show how it has perspective.
* Many humans are occupied with basic needs(,) like survival and security.
* untrue. That creates what is called Cognitive Dissonance (not sure if this should be capped or not?, or, more simply, D(d)enial.
*Truth can destroy self-worth(,) and ego resists that loss by rejecting truth.
This is true:
In fact, ego is the only thing in nature than can willfully lie and accept lies as truth.
It was mentioned already in a precious paragraph, so you might consider trimming our the first one so this does not sound redundant.
Very well-articulated:
Ego places the desires of its body above the spirit that drives us all and causes imbalance. It is "out of sequence" because it assigns value to stimuli when all things have the same value. When we become aware of this fact, we can create the world we want to occupy. The ego is SELFISH and must be tamed for us to live in peace.
Well voiced:
Our ego's puny observations are not capable of defining or understanding the totality of existence, but it can imagine being more than what it can observe.
* remove comma:
How ludicrous it would be to gain awareness of life and then, lose that awareness.
*Logic could not be served if we "die."
Logic could not be served if we "die".
*
It must be true that we pass our human existence for the purpose of gathering more knowledge of our own divinity(,) and (then) move on in some transformed and transcendent manner.
Yes:
If we are willing to accept that we are all created perfect in a spiritual sense, we can become aware that the desires of the ego are irrelevant.
*Mother Earth provides the material to manufacture our bodies(, or --) and we spit in her face.
or
Mother Earth provides the material to manufacture our bodies yet we spit in her face.
YES YES YES:
We must become more aware of our own actions and begin cleaning our home. We do not need oil to survive. We need water. We do not need atomic bombs to protect ourselves. We need love. We do not need possessions to make our ego boast. We actually own nothing. We need to wake up from the hypnotic state we are under and begin thinking for ourselves.
*
It is not the human body that is eternal. It is LIVING that is eternal. If we start imagining heaven on earth(,) we will be there.
Namaste,
rd
Comment Written 04-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2014
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Thanks for the support. I have applied your expertise to the piece. Your command of the language is awesome...John
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*Thanks* :-) So is yours!
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is very well written, cogitator, you did an excellent job writing this essay about what makes us who we are and why we react differently to the situations that surround us as we grow. from cuddled to befuddled, from comfort to giving pain. as we learn to speak, words can defy the action taken or vice versa
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2014
|
this is very well written, cogitator, you did an excellent job writing this essay about what makes us who we are and why we react differently to the situations that surround us as we grow. from cuddled to befuddled, from comfort to giving pain. as we learn to speak, words can defy the action taken or vice versa
Comment Written 04-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2014
-
Thank you for the review...John
Comment from JB Lynn
Lots to think about with this one. I like that you mixed in short sentences with the longer ones. It gave the mind moments to pause and take a breath before diving back in. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2014
|
Lots to think about with this one. I like that you mixed in short sentences with the longer ones. It gave the mind moments to pause and take a breath before diving back in. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2014
-
You're welcome...John
Comment from Kingsland
This is a well written article. The beginning is not that good, but the last few paragraphs are that good. The beginning for me is nothing new for me, as the ending was nothing new either. Here is where I differentiate the two. The beginning is what most people are aware of in some form of another. The last few paragraphs however, are something that not many people are aware of at all. Maybe bits and pieces of it, but not in its totality. In any event I enjoyed reading and writing this response for your well written article...
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
|
This is a well written article. The beginning is not that good, but the last few paragraphs are that good. The beginning for me is nothing new for me, as the ending was nothing new either. Here is where I differentiate the two. The beginning is what most people are aware of in some form of another. The last few paragraphs however, are something that not many people are aware of at all. Maybe bits and pieces of it, but not in its totality. In any event I enjoyed reading and writing this response for your well written article...
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
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Thanks, John...
Comment from c_lucas
There are belief systems that teaches individuals are on an eternal learning process. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
|
There are belief systems that teaches individuals are on an eternal learning process. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
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Thank you...John
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You're welcome John. Charlie
Comment from Kyero Di Nelma
I don't think I've ever read a more insightful message about our sense of self and how it comes to be and how it is warped, massaged, and molded over time by what we experience. The comparisons to the computer were actually quite entertaining, but at the same time very, very accurate and well constructed. I find myself now questioning my own knowledge about the subjects raised in this post as well as my own understanding of myself. Am I more familiar with my ego or my mask, or more so with my true self? I honestly don't know anymore, and must now reflect.
Overall, I'd say this is definitely a must read for those who seek a bit of wisdom and understanding.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
 |
I don't think I've ever read a more insightful message about our sense of self and how it comes to be and how it is warped, massaged, and molded over time by what we experience. The comparisons to the computer were actually quite entertaining, but at the same time very, very accurate and well constructed. I find myself now questioning my own knowledge about the subjects raised in this post as well as my own understanding of myself. Am I more familiar with my ego or my mask, or more so with my true self? I honestly don't know anymore, and must now reflect.
Overall, I'd say this is definitely a must read for those who seek a bit of wisdom and understanding.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
-
Thank you very much for the kind words and the stellar review. There is much more to come...John
Comment from pat LaPointe
This is quite a thought provoking piece. The comparison of becoming our "self" with the manner in which a computer functions is effective and well presented. I think bringing up greed, power, lust etc. seems like a bit of a stretch and also a bit inconsistent with the previous materiel. However, I did like your last lines "It is LIVING that is eternal. If we start imagining heaven on earth we will be there." It pulled the reader back to the earlier sections.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
|
This is quite a thought provoking piece. The comparison of becoming our "self" with the manner in which a computer functions is effective and well presented. I think bringing up greed, power, lust etc. seems like a bit of a stretch and also a bit inconsistent with the previous materiel. However, I did like your last lines "It is LIVING that is eternal. If we start imagining heaven on earth we will be there." It pulled the reader back to the earlier sections.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
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The greed, power stuff is to highlight the ego desires. Thanks for pointing out my lack of communicating effectively...John
Comment from lappmellott
I think your piece is well written, although I have to say that I don't agree with much of it. Your description of simply getting from birth to death is almost scary. I am sixty-five years old and I have to say I've never experienced most of the things you speak about, at least not in such harsh terms. Life is about living what we've learned from our parents and past generations. Most of us have been taught good morals, values, ethics, faith, love, hope and belief in a God. I for one would be very sad to tell someone that my life has been the way you portray it. Just my thoughts, I certainly don't mean to step on your toes.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
|
I think your piece is well written, although I have to say that I don't agree with much of it. Your description of simply getting from birth to death is almost scary. I am sixty-five years old and I have to say I've never experienced most of the things you speak about, at least not in such harsh terms. Life is about living what we've learned from our parents and past generations. Most of us have been taught good morals, values, ethics, faith, love, hope and belief in a God. I for one would be very sad to tell someone that my life has been the way you portray it. Just my thoughts, I certainly don't mean to step on your toes.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
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My intent is to find words that can explain my understanding. There is no judgment of anything or anyone. Everyone is, and has always been doing the best they can with what they understand. Our differences are our levels of understanding...John
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
I thoroughly enjoyed this article -
something quite different, which I found
very interesting and thought-provoking.
Well thought out and perfectly presented.
Had I a six it would be yours, John.
Margaret
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
|
I thoroughly enjoyed this article -
something quite different, which I found
very interesting and thought-provoking.
Well thought out and perfectly presented.
Had I a six it would be yours, John.
Margaret
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
-
I totally respect your writing Margaret...John
Comment from ravenblack
I have always felt that actions carried out in complete subservience to what may or may not happen in the hereafter has led to us not tamping our ego down, enabling us to let the world go to hell all in the name of casting our egos into the great beyond. We truly could make the here and now, the earth, a paradise. You are right- it is living that is eternal.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
|
I have always felt that actions carried out in complete subservience to what may or may not happen in the hereafter has led to us not tamping our ego down, enabling us to let the world go to hell all in the name of casting our egos into the great beyond. We truly could make the here and now, the earth, a paradise. You are right- it is living that is eternal.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2014
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2014
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Obedience without questioning is what allows the oligarchy to manipulate the masses. Thanks...John