A trend dominating contemporary humanity is the appraisal of all things as only material and the subjugation of the intangible. Explanations for observable phenomena and approaches to any crisis are most often intellectually calculated and rationalized. This skewed approach to analysis and the ensuing solutions are often driven by biased data and questionable motives. It is this narrow mode of processing and insistence on a subjective reality that has resulted in a directionless drumbeat for what is termed progress — with a void of ethics.
The consequent degradation always includes conflict, small and large. This divisiveness is not a symptom, but rather an overt manifestation of perceiving the world around us in divisible elements. This has become the accepted standard of outlook and behavior; its multiple causes and impacts can be traced across centuries. And the cumulative results surround us; hostility and destruction increase proportionately with general repression of the miraculous nature of our existence.
In almost every realm where technology claims dominance over basic human instinctual observation, a lessening of our primal connection to each other and our environs is confirmable — and damage ensues.
All the advantages that man has gained from his ever-deepening understanding of the natural world that surrounds him, his technological, chemical and medical progress, all of which should seem to alleviate human suffering — tends instead to favor humanity's destruction.
Konrad Lorenz, Zoologist and Author
When a culture is aware of the importance of interconnectedness and interdependence, there is instinctive support for human needs. Some ancient civilizations experienced a total eclipse of the sun as a deep and stirring reminder that it is the source of all life and the prime symbol of our indivisibility from all things; including one another. Other cultures recognized divinity in every aspect of their environment.
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.
In our era, this profound and valuable deduction has been deemed simplistic and obsolete.
Explaining the world in physical and technical terms may have some value, although this cold analysis exemplifies how science on its own doesn’t deepen an understanding of our place in the universe. Convinced that microcosmic analysis holds benefits for improving the human condition, we have lost the important inspirations that emerge from understanding wholeness.
So many people today - even professionals - seem to me like someone who has seen thousands of trees but has never seen a forest. A knowledge of the historic and philosophical background gives that kind of independence from prejudices of his generation from which most scientists are suffering. This independence created by philosophical insight is - in my opinion - the mark of distinction between a mere artisan or specialist and a real seeker after truth.
Albert Einstein
Despite the shadows of our dark age, an amazing development is unfolding in the history of science. The central precept of eliminating all bias of the observer turns out to be impossible. This is agreed upon by the most knowledgeable of scientists, though not widely disseminated and poorly understood. Simply put, the beholder and the observed object or process — in every realm of existence — are not only influencing each other — but inseparable.
This relatively recent giant leap in understanding reality as indivisible, confirms that the universe is not quantifiable within our current technical or linguistic parameters. Awareness of this unification principle, whether manifesting from the most complex research and calculations — or experienced through simple observation of the natural world — illuminates the same foundational philosophical insights.
Through experiments over the past few decades physicists have discovered matter to be completely mutable into other particles or energy and vice-versa and on a subatomic level, matter does not exist with certainty in definite places, but rather shows 'tendencies' to exist. Quantum physics is beginning to realize that the Universe appears to be a dynamic web of interconnected and inseparable energy patterns. If the universe is indeed composed of such a web, there is logically no such thing as a part. This implies we are not separated parts of a whole but rather we are the Whole.
Barbara Brennan, Astrophysicist and Healer
While individuals, communities, and countries continue to inter-relate based on a skewed, divisive view of reality, leading physicists have begun to understand the continuous core energy of life, and returned to the humble position of aboriginal cultures. This concept has the potential for revolutionary impact.
Ancient wisdom and quantum physicists make unlikely bedfellows: In quantum mechanics the observer determines (or even brings into being) what is observed, and so, too, for the Tiwis (an indigenous Australian tribe), who dissolve the distinction between themselves and the cosmos. In quantum physics, subatomic particles influence each other from a distance, and this tallies with the aboriginal view, in which people, animals, rocks, and trees all weave together in the same interwoven fabric.
Houston Smith, Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy
Those entrenched in the prevailing materialistic paradigm do their best to marginalize anyone who doubts their worldview and supremacy. Political competition and conflicts between nations are desperate means to reinforce the illusion that boundaries are necessary. Whereas they only keep humanity from its actual wholeness and greater potential.
The unstoppable, incoming tide of deeper knowledge is an existential threat to the status quo of all who currently hold power and wealth.
A world where everyone re-learns to appreciate the potent and miraculous nature of the universe would dramatically change the course of human events. In our daily activities, humble astonishment and appreciation of the miraculous is a more viable demeanor than fearful defensiveness about most everything.
Those with power continue to defy the immutable singularity of the universe, ignoring their failure in solving the perennial and proverbial problems that humanity continues to face. Yet as inadequacies are revealed, their desperation increases.
What we call Man's power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.
C.S. Lewis, Philosopher and Author
For those willing to face the human condition with open eyes and hearts, even with an appreciation of the unity of all things, the challenges remain; What is the source of, and cure for suffering? What do we live and die for? And knowing some answers, how shall we behave towards each other?
Teachers, prophets, and the enlightened among us provide some knowledge leading to righteous behavior. Most agree that experience is the primary means of gaining an understanding of these huge topics. Of absolute necessity is an open-minded attitude about how we see the world.
This supportive view is apparent when the burdens of materialism are abated.
Despite some superficial differences, all religious beliefs have a common core; awareness that spiritual growth is strengthened by the recognition of our continuity with the miraculous and the divine.
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Teacher And Pacifist
An isolated outlook and lack of connectivity to others provide minimal resources for approaching challenges creatively. The dynamics of a supportive interconnected community are foundational elements for harmonious human existence. It is why the greatest philosophical and religious traditions emphasize righteous human behavior as the highest spiritual attainment.
It is spiritual poverty, not material lack, that lies at the core of all human suffering.
Paramahansa Yogananda, Spiritual Instructor And Author
Our current plight is unique. Whether from immediate surroundings or in consideration of world events, people recognize the unstable condition of humanity from a very young age.
The seeds of this deportment begin to grow early in life. Departing the relative sanctity of the womb into an environment of vulnerability evokes concerns about the fragile nature of our existence. Yet emerging into a world that has obscured the forces that would normally calm and sustain us is even more daunting.
This underlying and disconcerting atmosphere is self-reenforcing. We each have unique personal problems that seem to have no solutions. Tolerance of unnecessary suffering and violent behavior is very often the result of the frustration that we are powerless in affecting our fate.
Instinctively, many people feign ignorance or repress the sense that we are disconnected from primal forces. This denial, and the eclipse of our spiritual selves, account for much of the social and political behavior we witness today.
A supportive worldview — based on a nurturing paradigm of the miraculous integration of all things — provides the only lasting balance to any sense of loss or disconnect upon birth.
Life will always have its unexplainable difficulties. Although the rising tide of materialism accounts for many of the problems of our world, human suffering is relentless. It is how we observe suffering that determines our response and the availability and application of viable solutions.
It is only by recognizing we are an inseparable part of a supportive human tribe that we can effectively respond to crises and suffering. Feeling our miraculous interconnection with others and the natural world is a prime directive for those who seek awakening from the influence of materialism.
At their best, parents, leaders, and spiritual institutions encourage perseverance toward the attainment of our deep connection to the rest of humanity. This needs resolve; particularly in the wake of suffering, whether seemingly random or from known sources.
Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:
- I shall not fear anyone on Earth.
- I shall fear only God.
- I shall not bear ill will toward anyone.
- I shall not submit to injustice from anyone.
- I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.
Mahatma Gandhi, Spiritual and Political Leader
The weaknesses of our current technological and political world in facing suffering and the subsequent inability to change the course of humanity become more obvious every day.
The blindness to all things miraculous and the current dependence on the tangible leaves a void in critical realms. This is particularly obvious when we recognize that science has no understanding of love.
A materialistic outlook has no room for this most influential force on the planet. However, love contains an overriding sense of unity with others; a simple appreciation of its pervasive power is a requisite element for any change.
Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.
Rabindranath Tagore, Author, Poet and Philosopher
The resurgence of our higher selves is dependent on cultivating appropriate responses to the challenges we face.
The loving application of understanding, kindness, and compassion are the enduring tools of those who truly seek a harmonious world. As greater humanity recognizes the miracle of existence and our inseparable bonds, we will awaken to a promising, creative outlook for the future.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith.
Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Italy