However, Rene Descartes shifted the meaning of physics toward the
mechanical sciences, framing humans and animals as mere machines………….
Descartes introduced the idea of mind-body dualism, where the human body
was seen as a machine, separate from the divine mind ……………………. Descartes'
belief in the superiority of humans, due to the divine presence in the
pineal gland, overlooked the interconnectedness of all life forms………………….The
human organism, like all other organisms, is part of a vast web of
interconnected life, with no special privilege or distinction. This aligns
with a growing understanding in science that consciousness and intelligence
are not unique to humans…………………………… consciousness as something beyond the
physical body ……………………..The key question is whether it is possible to
develop a technology or method that allows us to retain consciousness while
transcending the physical body, avoiding the limitations of aging, and
traveling vast distances through space without losing our sense of
"self."…………………..
. By focusing solely on the "visible spectrum" (the physical and
measurable), science ignores the more mysterious, intangible aspects of
existence that cannot be quantified…………………………….. Rehabilitating Physics:
Finally, the author calls for a shift in how we approach the study of the
universe. ……………... By studying consciousness as a central focus and not as
a side-line subject, science could begin to reconcile the material and the
spiritual, offering a more holistic and integrated understanding of
existence.
……………………………………..
KR: Consciousness is a state of awareness of the internal and external
world, and it plays a significant role in human life:
Defining consciousness
Consciousness can be described as a mental state, process, or event in the
brain. It can also be defined as a sense of selfhood, or the awareness of
awareness.
Dimensions of consciousness
Consciousness has multiple dimensions, including wakefulness, awareness,
and sensory organization.
Influencing behavior
Consciousness appears to directly influence behaviour.
Consciousness is not a process in the brain but a kind of
behaviours that, of course, is controlled by the brain like any other
behavior. Human consciousness emerges on the interface between three
components of animal behavior: communication, play, and the use of tools.
These three components interact on the basis of anticipatory behavioral
control, which is common for all complex forms of animal life. All three do
not exclusively distinguish our close relatives, i.e., primates, but are
broadly presented among various species of mammals, birds, and even
cephalopods; however, their particular combination in humans is unique. The
interaction between communication and play yields symbolic games, most
importantly language; the interaction between symbols and tools results in
human praxis. Taken together, this gives rise to a mechanism that allows a
creature, instead of performing controlling actions overtly, to play
forward the corresponding behavioral options in a “second reality” of
objectively (by means of tools) grounded symbolic systems. The theory
possesses the following properties: (1) It is anti-reductionist and
anti-eliminativist, and yet, human consciousness is considered as a purely
natural (biological) phenomenon. (2) It avoids epiphenomenalism and
indicates in which conditions human consciousness has evolutionary
advantages, and in which it may even be disadvantageous. (3) It allows to
easily explain the most typical features of consciousness, such as
objectivity, seriality and limited resources, the relationship between
consciousness and explicit memory, the feeling of conscious agency, etc.
A theoretical model of consciousness can be evaluated by the
easiness with which the known properties can be deduced from it (Seth et
al., 2005). These authors proposed a list of “sixteen widely recognized
properties of consciousness” including philosophical (e.g.,
self-attribution), psychological (e.g., facilitated learning), and
physiological (e.g., thalamocortical loops) criteria. Some of these
criteria correspond to our everyday experience (“consciousness is useful
for voluntary decision making”), whereas others (“sensory binding”) are
only valid within the framework of a particular hypothesis which is neither
empirically supported
As our present topic is human consciousness, this list of
properties to test the model should not, on the one hand, include
unspecific properties of any kind of conscious experience. On the other
hand, we should not consider properties related to specific historical and
cultural forms of human consciousness (e.g., satori), and by no way should
we regard those questionable “properties” deduced from particular views on
human nature, e.g., such property of consciousness as “computational
complexity”
On the basis of these considerations, and taking into account space limits,
I do not claim to check an exhaustive list of criterial properties of human
consciousness, but rather, to illustrate the consequences of the hypothesis
using a few representative examples: seriality and limited capacity;
objectivity; the intimate relation between consciousness and memory; and
the sense of conscious agency.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that consciousness is a spiritual
energy that comes from the soul and illuminates the body. The Gita also
explains that consciousness is a condition for any kind of epistemic
agency. Here are some other things the Bhagavad Gita teaches about
consciousness and human life:
The subtle body
The subtle body, which includes the mind, intelligence, and false ego,
carries the soul from one body to another.
The kshetra
The kshetra, or field, contains the conscious principle, which is the
possibility of consciousness.
The nature of attention
The manner in which one engages with the world, with or without attachment,
determines the nature of one's attention.
Salvation
The major barrier to attaining salvation is unawakening of the spiritual
consciousness.
Transcendental consciousness
Reaching a higher stage of life, transcendental consciousness, allows one
to be unaffected by material stimulation.
The soul
The soul is immortal and is reborn in another body after death. For those
who have fully grasped the true teachings, the soul achieves release
(moksha) or extinction (nirvana).
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna very expertly guides a reader,
through Shri Arjuna, to the ultimate consciousness. The ultimate
consciousness in Bhagavad Gita is brahma Consciousness. Krishna clearly
instructs us to become conscious of Him and do our prescribed duty.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, consciousness is not confined to
individual beings but is universal and all-pervading. It is the essence of
existence itself, transcending the limitations of time, space, and
individual identity. The text describes consciousness as the substratum of
reality, the underlying fabric that connects all living beings and the
cosmos. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Vedic
philosophy, offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness.
Here’s a closer look at how the Gita conceptualizes consciousness:
Universal and All-Pervading: According to the Bhagavad Gita,
consciousness is not limited to individual beings but permeates the entire
universe. It is omnipresent, existing in every particle of creation, and
transcends all boundaries of time and space. This universal aspect of
consciousness implies that it is the essence of everything that exists.
Essence of Existence: In the Gita, consciousness is portrayed as
the fundamental essence of existence itself. It is the substratum upon
which the entire cosmos is built, providing the underlying framework for
all manifestations of reality. From the smallest atom to the vast expanse
of the cosmos, everything emerges from and is sustained by consciousness.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna teaches Arjuna about the
concept of the Ātmā, the individual soul, and its relationship to the
Paramātmā, the Supreme Soul or Cosmic Consciousness. The Ātmā is described
as a spark of the divine, eternal and unchanging, while the Paramātmā is
the universal consciousness that sustains and pervades the entire cosmos.
This realization of the relation between the individual soul and the cosmic
consciousness leads to perfection or Moksha. The teachings of Sri Krishna
to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita encompass profound insights into the nature
of the individual soul (Ātmā) and its relationship with the Supreme Soul or
Cosmic Consciousness (Paramātmā). Here’s a short exploration of these
concepts:
The Bhagavad Gita elucidates that the universe is not separate from
consciousness but is a manifestation of it. Just as waves arise from the
ocean and return to it, the cosmos emerges from the cosmic consciousness
and ultimately dissolves back into it. Every aspect of creation, from the
smallest atom to the vast galaxies, is imbued with consciousness and exists
within the cosmic play of the divine.
Cosmic Manifestation from Consciousness: According to the
Bhagavad Gita, the universe arises from the cosmic consciousness, much like
waves emerge from the ocean. The entire cosmos, with its myriad forms and
phenomena, is a manifestation of the divine consciousness. Just as waves
are inseparable from the ocean, the universe is inseparable from
consciousness. This cosmic manifestation is referred to as Lila, the divine
play of the Supreme.
Unity in Diversity: Despite the apparent diversity and
multiplicity in the universe, the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the underlying
unity that binds all of creation together. Just as different waves may
appear distinct on the surface of the ocean, they are ultimately composed
of the same water. Similarly, all beings and phenomena in the cosmos are
expressions of the same divine consciousness.
In essence, the Bhagavad Gita teaches that consciousness is the
substratum of reality, and the universe is a manifestation of this divine
consciousness. By recognizing the inherent unity between consciousness and
creation, individuals can gain deeper insights into the nature of existence
and their place within the cosmic order.
Understanding the significance of consciousness in Vedic science
has practical implications for human life. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the
importance of self-realization and spiritual growth, which involves
transcending the limitations of the ego and realizing one’s true nature as
consciousness. By cultivating awareness and mindfulness, individuals can
align themselves with the cosmic order and experience inner peace and
harmony.
Self-Realization and Spiritual Growth: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the
importance of self-realization, which entails transcending the ego and
recognizing one’s true nature as consciousness or the Ātmā. By
understanding that the essence of the self is divine and eternal,
individuals can embark on a journey of spiritual growth, seeking to realize
their inherent connection to the cosmic consciousness.
Practical Application in Daily Life: The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on
consciousness are not confined to spiritual practices alone but can be
applied in all aspects of daily life. Whether at work, in relationships, or
facing challenges, individuals can draw upon their awareness of
consciousness to navigate life with clarity, compassion, and wisdom. Here
are some ways individuals can apply these teachings in their everyday
experiences:
Work and Career: In the professional realm, individuals can apply
the principles of consciousness to enhance productivity, creativity, and
overall well-being. By cultivating mindfulness and presence in their work,
individuals can increase focus, reduce stress, and make clearer decisions.
Moreover, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, individuals can
approach their work with compassion and integrity, striving to contribute
positively to their colleagues, customers, and society as a whole.
Relationships: Consciousness teachings can deeply enrich
interpersonal relationships by fostering empathy, understanding, and
harmony. By recognizing the inherent divinity in oneself and others,
individuals can cultivate compassion and respect in their interactions.
Moreover, understanding the transient nature of individual identities,
individuals can navigate conflicts with patience and forgiveness,
recognizing the deeper unity that transcends apparent differences.
Facing Challenges: When confronted with challenges and
adversities, individuals can draw upon the teachings of consciousness to
maintain resilience and equanimity. By understanding that external
circumstances are impermanent and ultimately arise from the cosmic play of
consciousness, individuals can develop a sense of detachment and
perspective. This allows them to respond to challenges with grace and
wisdom, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Decision-Making: Consciousness teachings can guide individuals
in making ethical and responsible decisions aligned with their inner values
and principles. By tuning into their inner wisdom and intuition,
individuals can discern the most appropriate course of action that serves
the highest good of all concerned. Moreover, by recognizing the
interconnectedness of all beings, individuals can consider the broader
implications of their decisions on the welfare of others and the
environment.
Daily Practices: Incorporating daily practices such as
meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection can deepen one’s awareness of
consciousness and its transformative power. By dedicating time each day to
quiet the mind, individuals can cultivate inner peace, clarity, and
insight. These practices serve as a foundation for navigating daily life
with presence, authenticity, and spiritual alignment.
In essence, the teachings of consciousness from the Bhagavad Gita offer a
practical framework for living a meaningful, purposeful, and harmonious
life in all aspects of daily existence. By integrating these teachings into
their everyday experiences, individuals can cultivate greater clarity,
compassion, and wisdom, leading to personal fulfillment and collective
well-being.
K Rajaram IRS 271124
On Wed, 27 Nov 2024 at 11:15, Markendeya Yeddanapudi <
[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
> --
> *Mar*
>
>
>
> *Our Universe is gigantic Conscious Entity*
>
>
> *The root word of Physics was Physis, which meant the nature of essential
> reality. The original meaning of Physics was meditation. To experience
> physis, people practised physics. Machines and Mechanics were too lowly not
> worth the time and attention of the wise. It was Rene Descartes who changed
> the meaning of the word Physics into the lowly Mechanics. He got the
> revelation or hallucination that all living organisms were only machines,
> not susceptible to any pain. Even the Human beings were only bodies which
> were mechanical. They are superior because God entered the Humans through
> the pineal gland. A Human being thus consisted of two parts—the divinely
> mind and the mechanical body. How he convinced himself that his body being
> a machine could not feel pain was a mystery but the father of modern
> analytical rationalism spent his life nailing huge animals like cows, bulls
> etc, and opening their entails to study their mechanical structures. The
> father of the modern mechanical outlook started very grisly. This same
> atrocity is continued in every faculty of life sciences. They study life
> forms as mechanical structures and they open up animals to prove Newtonian
> physics. While Renaissance was bringing thought upheaval and putting
> inquisition on the back foot, surreptiously the worst poison was put in the
> emerging thought revolution, the poison--- economics.*
>
> *Lynn Margulis and Dorian Sagan in their books (Microcosmos, What is
> Life), once for all proved that the human organism is not in any way
> superior or more intelligent than other organisms.*
>
> *I have written many times as to what will happen when you can see
> everything. Then you will see, sub atomic waves mixing up, waves changing
> into particles because of the intervention of the waves of conscious
> notice, the particles changing into atoms, into molecules, into
> matter...When you try to locate yourself you may confront an ever changing
> cauldron of consciousness, with no definite shape. Certainly you cannot
> find that ‘you’, you see in the mirror.*
>
> *My point is, as long as you cling to machines to solve the riddles of the
> Universe, you end up promoting the poison economics, the cult of ugly
> greed. You need to travel on a beam of light to get exemption from aging
> and the physical body and still keep that so called ‘you’ to travel light
> years of distances or not lose volume and guard against becoming infinity
> while sitting on a beam of light, so that time stops and there is no aging.
> Do we have any technology that eliminates the body but still keeps an
> organism as a conscious and perceiving entity? As it is in our techno
> trance, we dumped the very subject consciousness. Is it not high time to
> study the subject consciousness, and rehabilitate physics to its original
> meaning which is meditation?*
>
> *WE HAVE TO CONVERSE WITH THE UNIVERSE AS A CONSCIOUS ENTITY.*
>
> *Today in sciences, we are convinced that the Universe is mechanical, in
> fact a gigantic system, amenable to mathematical reduction. Starting with
> that premise, we first erect a definition, to create the feeling of
> definiteness, and then proceed within the parameters of that definition
> refusing to deviate. But the basic abstract reality, simply cannot be
> evaded, unless one clings to the false visible spectrum.*
>
> *YM Sarma*
>
> *Chat GPT*
>
> The passage you've shared offers a profound perspective on the nature of
> the universe, consciousness, and the evolution of scientific thought. It
> critiques the modern mechanical view of life and the universe, suggesting
> that we have lost sight of the deeper, more spiritual understanding of
> existence. Here's an exploration of the key themes:
>
> 1. *The Evolution of Physics*: The original meaning of "physics,"
> derived from the Greek word *physis*, referred to the study of the nature
> of essential reality. Early practitioners of physics viewed it as a form of
> meditation to connect with this deeper understanding. However, Rene
> Descartes shifted the meaning of physics toward the mechanical sciences,
> framing humans and animals as mere machines. This mechanistic worldview,
> which sees living beings as complex but ultimately soulless machines, has
> since shaped much of modern science.
>
> 2. *Descartes and the Body-Mind Dualism*: Descartes introduced the
> idea of mind-body dualism, where the human body was seen as a machine,
> separate from the divine mind. His controversial ideas, such as that
> animals are machines incapable of feeling pain, highlighted the growing
> chasm between science and the more holistic, spiritual views of life.
> Descartes' belief in the superiority of humans, due to the divine presence
> in the pineal gland, overlooked the interconnectedness of all life forms.
> This mechanistic view continues to dominate life sciences, where animals
> and organisms are often studied as objects to be dissected and understood
> in terms of their mechanical parts, with little regard for their
> consciousness or subjective experiences.
>
> 3. *Rejection of the Superiority of Humans*: Lynn Margulis and
> Dorian Sagan, in their works *Microcosmos* and *What is Life*, argued
> that human beings are not inherently superior to other life forms. The
> human organism, like all other organisms, is part of a vast web of
> interconnected life, with no special privilege or distinction. This aligns
> with a growing understanding in science that consciousness and intelligence
> are not unique to humans, but are part of a broader spectrum found across
> the animal kingdom.
>
> 4. *Consciousness and the Universe*: The author then explores the
> idea of consciousness as something beyond the physical body. They suggest
> that if we could perceive everything at a deeper level—seeing subatomic
> waves, particles, and atoms as part of a fluid, ever-changing
> consciousness—we might realize that the "self" we recognize in the mirror
> is an illusion. Consciousness, they argue, is not bound by the physical
> body and transcends the limitations of time and space. The key question is
> whether it is possible to develop a technology or method that allows us to
> retain consciousness while transcending the physical body, avoiding the
> limitations of aging, and traveling vast distances through space without
> losing our sense of "self."
>
> 5. *Critique of the Mechanical Universe*: The author argues that the
> dominant scientific worldview—one that treats the universe as a gigantic
> mechanical system, reducible to mathematical equations—has led to a mindset
> that reduces everything to a series of functions, devoid of meaning or
> consciousness. This reductionist approach, which seeks to define everything
> within fixed parameters, fails to account for the deeper, abstract reality
> of the universe. By focusing solely on the "visible spectrum" (the physical
> and measurable), science ignores the more mysterious, intangible aspects of
> existence that cannot be quantified.
>
> 6. *Rehabilitating Physics*: Finally, the author calls for a shift
> in how we approach the study of the universe. Instead of clinging to the
> mechanistic view of the universe and consciousness, we should return to the
> original meaning of physics—meditation and contemplation of the deeper
> nature of reality. By studying consciousness as a central focus and not as
> a sideline subject, science could begin to reconcile the material and the
> spiritual, offering a more holistic and integrated understanding of
> existence.
>
> In conclusion, the passage argues that our current scientific frameworks,
> rooted in a mechanistic worldview, are limited and fail to account for the
> deeper, more mysterious nature of consciousness and the universe. The
> author advocates for a more spiritual and holistic approach to science, one
> that seeks to engage with the universe as a conscious entity and
> reintroduces the study of consciousness as a core component of scientific
> inquiry. This would, according to the author, lead to a more meaningful
> understanding of reality and our place within it.
>
>
>
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