The Anchor

I would like to take a moment to explore further the concepts of the Quantum Psychonautics Paradigm as it relates to identity. We know that the human experience is more than just the sum of the physical body's processes. We understand the human experience to be profoundly personal in nature. It is nothing if not individual and specific to certain conditions, which are subject to an innumerable list of factors with varying degrees of influence upon that same experience. When this argument is drawn to its ultimate conclusion, we see that even one's own perspective is not completely within the control of oneself.* What is it that we can call the self, the "I" consciousness of any one individual being? That quality of consciousness we call self awareness is that which seeks to communicate the message that it is 1. aware of its environment, 2. aware of itself as a unique entity, separate of that environment. These two goals need not be accomplished except for the recognition of that quality by another such being. In short, it is only that which is conscious (or self aware) that is able to recognize consciousness in another entity. That sentient being is aware of itself and its environment only after it has chosen an identity as an individual being, it first distinguishes itself from its environment, and then other similar self-aware entities. This perspective acts as an anchor, holding them fast into the reality set of their choosing.* This anchor frames the identity into a functional dynamic system of conscious interaction. As a part of this functionality, the elements of: temporal flow, orientation in both space and time, relations with (memories) and consequences of past actions, as well as the present experience of consciousness (in the moment) are brought into a symphony of personal experience. We believe that because this limited personal experience is functional and relevant to present actions as well as being necessary for social interaction, that this perspective is where our focus must remain. This is a logical argument. Unfortunately it is not a true argument. Many people have no idea what they are? They spend most of there lives thinking that they know. They push and shove, they extend themselves in acts of compassion and wisdom, and yet for all their complexity and beauty they have yet to grasp their one true purpose. The ultimate purpose for any individual is to understand their true nature and to perform that function with minimal resistance internally or externally. It is a dance that dervishes do, it has been called Wu Wei Wu "Doing, Not Doing" by the Tao Te Ching, it is "zazen," it is the Buddha under the Bodhi Tree as he attains enlightenment, it is the Hindu God Shiva dancing through the cosmos and it is Christ walking across the waters of the Galilee. The supreme mandate is that of self-awareness to the point of divinity. Can this anchor be removed? Yes, but there are always consequences.

The Tesla Device

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an earlier idea that occurred to me while watching the film "The Prestige." (If you are interested in Nikola Tesla and have not seen this film, you really should. David Bowie makes for a great Tesla!) The film is based on the book of the same name by Christopher Priest. Priest introduces us to a unique Tesla invention, simply known as "the device" which has strange powers. This device is apparently a fiction of the author, although fits well with Tesla's strange experiments. The device makes a 3D (fully functional) copy or simulation of whatever passes into it. It will copy living beings as well as inanimate objects, however it only copies hats, black cats, rubber balls and people in the film. The device become part of a horrible illusion which I will not spoil. When I think about this device and it's portrayal in the film I am aware that the use of the animal particularly a black cat has great significance. 1.) A cat was used as the subject of Erwin Schrodinger's famous thought experiment of Quantum Mechanics. 2.) A cat represents curiosity. 3.) A cat represents the occult and otherworldly, especially a black one. Priest, I believe is pointing to the QM by using a cat in the initial experiments with the device. What is the hidden meaning of its use? It is likely that if such a device were to exist, it would function by attracting a mirror image version of the presented object from another universe and teleporting it back. This device is a quantum 3D copy machine!

"APPLY WITHIN."

I have mentioned the concept of Simulism on numerous other posts, such as "Simulism and the Science of Holodecks," (please familiarize yourself with the links, if needed.) Dr. Nick Bostrum (a Simulism theorist) does a great job explaining this concept as well as current research and related theories in this field of study. Here is a great article explaining current views of both simulation and simulism. Given the basic premise of Simulism, we can place mankind into the system in one of three ways: 1.) as a generative agent manifesting systems, controlling elements and themes by thought and will power (even if subtle or unconscious, and including himself.) 2.) as a generated element within that complex system with the illusion of sentience (conscious will and awareness,) 3.) as a generated agent with generative qualities capable of many unique functions. So lets take a quick look at these options. The first option views mankind as both the created and the creator, with all the wisdom and power he might ever need, he must simply attain it through cultivation or enlightenment. The second option is the most well-known, it is in fact the current view held by the scientific community today, with few exceptions. The third option combines the second "sour lemon school" with the first option. While the third option appeals to many logical persons it does little to explain the vast (virtually un-tapped) powers of mankind's unconscious mind. It is in fact this limitless generative or creative power of the unconscious mind that lead me to my own understanding of the three minds of man. One only need look within to find the most hidden secrets of the cosmos. Like the humble follower who was rewarded with the attainment of nirvana by the Buddha for recognizing that a single flower contained the information of the entire universe, we too are rewarded with endless wisdom by searching these inner galaxies of knowledge. Ancient seers knew that all they must do is look within, as the sign says "APPLY WITHIN." So it is that the first option holds the true nature of mankind's divinity and nobility. With this knowledge of divinity comes the inevitable responsibility, mankind must accept the humility of his lofty position within the Omniverse if he is to retain his unique nature. After all, entitlement without responsibility leads to grave misuse of power and corruption of the soul. The misuse of this unique power will eventually lead to the decay of that same power, this inescapable fact, is an effect of the intrinsic patterns of the Omniverse itself. Somethings you just can't get around.

Hacking The Universe

It might seem a bit illegal at first glance, but I assure you that its not. To quote an odd source, Hassan-i Sabbāh, "Nothing is true, and everything is permissible." This quote actually reflects the lawful nature of the universe rather than the chaotic. The Universe does not disallow or restrict the actions of its inhabitants, but rather allows them every measure of freedom. No great cosmic hand will sweep down upon you if you commit an error.* You will of course always be subject to certain effects manifest by the intrinsic order of this universe (while you are in this universe.) The laws of this universe act as the intelligent patterns behind our body's DNA. Every action, every event is played out by the use of these laws. One cannot break the laws of the universe, or negate the effects of the universal patterns that form our world, but one can bend them, manipulate them and find loop-holes around them. Another way to view the Universe is as a simulation or a dream of great complexity and oddity. "Nothing is true , and everything is permissible" is another way of saying, "Everything is only as real as it needs to be." (or "This [meaning life/existence] is only as real as it needs to be." - a quote of my own - ZNP.) In either case, there seems to be only one rule at play here, that is the rule of cause and effect. However one chooses to act, there will be effects which are largely caused by the intrinsic order built into this system. Another way to view this is by looking at the universe as one HUGE equation. On one end of the equation is the string of expressions which represents the initial conditions that formed this universe as they interact with the initial energy for that manifestation [xxxxxxx . xxx = 0] [initial cond. multiplied by initial energy to manifest system = manifest system] If one changes the values on one end of the equation, the values on the other end change, even if ever so infinitesimally.*

I will define an error as: any act which produces an effect which is for the purposes intended 'dysfunctional.' It is my belief that if the universe would have any measure of value judgment (a human term and concept) than it would have to center around this idea of functionality. This system is nothing if not functional, with precious few exceptions (except for those instances where we 'humans' misunderstand either the game itself, or the rules under which it is being played out.)

If one wishes to opt out of such changes - it is far, far too late. The very act of living - existing, acts toward changing this system. The question is, how does one wish to change this system? What changes would be beneficial? (I am well aware that this metaphysical question borders on ridiculous, but it bares asking.) What point is there in living a life that is not examined? Only the greatest Zen master or Taoist sage could reach such a state of bare existence - and only after a lifetime of mental training, which needs examination to render it so.