Post by coreybamboo on Dec 12, 2014 23:31:32 GMT
I believe that the conception of viewing life in dualistic patterns has its purpose, bit when utilized for ideals of morality, equality, and justice, it is rather flawed. I feel that this ideology regarding patterns of phenomena is the root cause for all greed, superiority, inferiority, hate, etc. Duality (division) is an inveigling conception of reality that easily manifests within those subscribing to it. These dualistic norms are readily apparent in western modern culture (through various mediums) and are typically exemplified most adamantly through mass media. Sure, unique traits such as race, gender, eye color, plant, animal, fungi etc. should be celebrated, but not used as means to claim superiority/inferiority. We can't ignore these things, but we must simply not apply a distinct value or judgment to them. In essence, duality only exists because it's conceived within the mind.
For instance, our culture tends to separate food and medicine, the physical realm and the "spiritual" realm, and life and death. In other cultures (indigenous people), food and medicine is a complicit category. Moreover, the Spiritual realm (not religion) is just as apparent as the physical realm-it’s one entity. Furthermore, life and death aren't manifestations that are pondered upon. Sure, the commencement of life as a biological human organism is perceived as ending, but since energy is not created or destroyed and only transferred, the commencement of the energy itself is improbable. Again, this is vague, and I can go into more detail if you wish.
This isn't to say that principles of duality have no beneficial purpose. In fact, I'd argue quite the contrary. Numerous forms of holistic medicine utilize polar opposites to designate health patterns (hot/cold, interior/exterior, damp/dry, excess/deficient, etc.). However, when it comes to the conception of human morality, perhaps modern (domesticated as I like to call it) human beings should learn from those who are content with simply harmonizing (monism) with the earth (and thus all people) instead of treating it as a means to an end.
To put it succinctly, I could have merely said: "All wars are civil wars", and allow you to conjure your own conceptions of thought, but I felt like explaining my perception with further detail.
Respectful, mindful critique of a lifestyle pattern typically described Veganism:
I am going to assume all of you are aware of principles of “Veganism”, though I despise the use of labels (hence the quotation marks). Here is my meditation/discourse regarding “Veganism.” I am not sure if anyone currently practices “Veganism”, but this critique may offer new insights regarding your perception of consciousness and genuine, universal oneness.
The hardest thing for me is justifying my usage of animal products—for ethical and environmental reasons. I have tried not to use them, but I wasn't making any health gains. I can go into further detail. Basically, I was struggling to have energy to walk and support my back, I had no stamina, and I slept like 15 hours a day. I was eating the most building vegetables I could find...mainly root vegetables, but still made minimal improvement.
The human body needs a certain baseline amount of caloric energy to digest, assimilate, and metabolize foods. When a person has extremely deficient and imbalanced organ systems/chakras, he or she may not have this baseline of caloric energy. (This was my case.) I was down to 90 pounds...my stomach (not my belly, the organ) was completely flat like a pancake...my body could not metabolize any calories whatsoever as it was too weak. Right now I must build my physical organs, and based upon principles of traditional healing modalities, I have been guided by my practitioner and own intuition to eat some animal foods; for now at least. It's tough for me to justify, though. Is my sentience/consciousness worth more to the universe than another organisms’? I'd say no. Yet, I still use these organisms in order to heal physically, although it's promoting angst within my emotional and spiritual self. But my case is RARE; most Americans eat way, way too much meat from horrid sources---and most Americans are not deficient...most have cases of excess (excess calories, low nutrients. Moreover the excessive usage results in environmental harm, persecution of animals, and causing poor health for people who eat too much animal products.
I have had meditative experiences leading me to self-justify utilizing animals. However, this could've merely been a manifestation of my subconscious that simply justified my actions. On the other hand, it could've been a genuine mystical connection. In essence, should I trust this sign as coming from the universe or my own selfish inclinations? It felt more spiritual, but since I am still not at peace, I still must resolve some things.
I don't want to get into a sentience/reason debate, but more of a discussion. Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively. Eighteenth-century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think (reason) from the ability to feel (sentience). I think animals and plants are theoretically capable of sentience and reason, but most of us aren't aware of how to perceive this reason (I can touch on this more if you want).
I do think animals have a much different sentience/reasoning capabilities than plants and other organisms without a face or incapable of movement. I think the most connective experience with humans and animals is the emotional relationship humans develop with them. We can perceive their happiness, their inclinations, and their suffering. (Thus, many of us choose to refuse viewing them as means for food and other products.) However, many within the current populous (modern domesticated people) cannot perceive this as readily (because it doesn't correlate with our paradigm) with other objects of matter such as plants, fungi, bacteria, liquids, gases, rocks, and other inanimate states of matter. I perceive Veganism as an outstanding movement--it inspires empathy, awareness, justice, consciousness, and health/wellness. But, I do think it's rather prejudicial towards other states of matter. I came to this realization as I have "awakened." Within this “Vegan” movement, it is implied that animals' consciousness are superior to those of plants, fungi, bacteria and other inanimate states of matter. Plants/fungi/bacteria are actually quite intelligent. Mushrooms communicate through root systems over miles in a forest. Plants use electrical stimuli to enclose when they perceive a threat. Moreover, I have meditated on specific plants for over 12 hours at a time and I can communicate with them (I don't share this with most people as they think I'm lying or crazy). Also, since plants cannot move easily like animals, they can create chemicals (alkaloids) over time to thwart off most animals (not humans though; we have learned that bitter=very healthy or very mind-altering).
What I think our world needs is mindfulness regarding all states of matter. Everything is equal. Plants, animals, rocks, thoughts, emotions, people, bacteria, etc. are all manifestations of the mystical divinity of the universe, but are merely composed in different variations. In essence, all energy in the universe is transferred in some way. Try to view the universe as an organism....the people, plants, animals, and other states of matter are all cells. Furthermore, consciousness, thought, emotions, instincts, can be thought of as neurons akin to the internet or the human nervous system. All these thoughts, emotions, etc., affect the vibration of the states of matter such as humans, animals, plants, etc. The holistic vibration of all these parts results in the overall frequency of the universe (or perhaps multiverse). What I trying to demonstrate here is that we are all ONE and should treat everything with reverence and equality. When you classify (or imply) one state of matter as inferior or superior, you are essentially implying inequity and not "oneness". Obviously, I am against industrial farming and factories. I have seen Earthlings, Food Inc., and other documentaries that literally brought me to tears, anger, and eventually passion. We need to decrease meat consumption; I do know that it effects the environment as well (carbon emissions, amongst others). We simply need smaller, organic, mindful, and respectful farmers/gatherers to provide high quality animal products.
I suppose it comes down to how you subjectively interpret death and suffering. I no longer believe in death. Energy is ultimately transferred, so while the physical human organism (shell for the soul) may "die", the energy within this organism is transferred into some manifestation. This same concept applies to animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and other states of matter. Some may think it's a stretch to perceive these states of matter as equal. We can perceive animals’ suffering rather easily…most have a larynx, they have arms/legs, a torso, and have faces and eyes...inspiring the emotional response within us more readily than other states of matter. But how do we genuinely know that plants, fungi, etc, feel no pain or emit no emotion or thought? Just because they cannot communicate to us with our limited perception (Mark Twain quoted this pertaining to animals, but I aim to apply it to all states of matter), does not mean they are not suffering. Nor does it mean they are. In fact, since we are so disconnected to nature in our modern world, perhaps there are ways to interpret a given plant or fungi/bacteria's suffering? I plan to meditate on this concept.
Moreover, I think we can learn a lot about how to perceive organisms and consciousness from indigenous people. These people are completely immersed in nature--they respect it, use what they need, and don't live a life with artificial needs like many of us modern people---and they do eat meat, albeit much less than what we do (and it's wild caught, not farmed. Moreover, they bless it using various chants and celebrations/prayer). Thus, I think it's safe to assume that these people have a more genuine understanding of what constitutes intelligence regarding all states of matter, phenomena, or any other manifestation within the universe (or multiverse) than those in the modern age. Obviously there are a lot more people now, so we must really make a mindful effort to decrease our meat consumption. Perhaps we should save it for those who genuinely need it for healing, such as those like me and many others I have talked to. Then, once I become more balanced in my health patterns, I can remove meat/animal products from my diet so others who are suffering can utilize its therapeutic power. Eventually, as the masses understand how to live holistically using minimal animal products and plenty of plants (eventually ascending labels and compartmentalization as well), and then a harmonious universe may result (in theory).
Moreover, Veganism promotes duality (aforementioned description). While it promotes oneness between animals and humans, it promotes duality between the collective group of humans/animals and other states of matter. On the other hand, many ascertain that all states of matter are conceived as equal. There is no bias or stigma applied to a given state of matter. A tree is perceived just as intelligent as a human; it's merely a subjective manifestation of intelligence. There is no authority to claim one state of matter is superior compared to another. Humans are the only organism to attempt to claim this authority and thus make rules for the universe...and look how it’s turned out. I do think Veganism is on the right path. It aims to equalize human and animals regarding consciousness and basic rights and liberties. However, we must do this for ALL states of matter. And claiming these things as equal does not mean we cannot utilize them for food. Instead we can respect the animal/plant/fungi/bacteria, thank it for its transference of energy, and pay it forward when we ascend our biological selves. These organisms’ spiritual energies become a part of our spirit when we interact with them, so ingesting any state of matter transfers some vibrational energy into our DNA. This is why we must avoid GMOs...synthetic DNA, amongst other things. I have no problem with another organism utilizing my physical body once I have passed.
Also, there are a few animal products whose vibrational spiritual energy and physical healing constituents remain unmatched by any plant food. Research traditional Ayurvedic Ghee and traditional uses of Manuka Raw Honey—you will be quite amazed I believe. Why confine ourselves from utilizing the therapeutic powers of various manifestations of nature (mindfully and respectfully, of course)? A great book on this topic is Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford. It utilizes principles of TCM and is vegan-based, but also clarifies that in particular situations, animal products can be used by those with extreme health patterns, such as an extreme deficiency (my case).
Additionally, if “veganism” or “raw-foodism” resonates with your soul, then acknowledge it and thrive with it. I have no issues with people choosing a subjective diet or even recommending it passionately. What I have issues with is people making universal claims that eating animals is morally wrong, as well as categorizing/judging all omnivores as vibrating at a lower frequency. This is just as prejudicial as any other conception of duality. It’s rather ironic that many within the “vegan” and “raw-food” community claim to be wholly empathetic whilst simultaneously being overtly dogmatic within their principles. Many cannot empathize that perhaps other states of matter do experience sentience and rationality…and this leaves me quite sad/frustrated because I know these people have their heart in the right place (I do not mean to sound conceited or narcissistic, it's merely my conception of a given phenomenon). In essence, on the vibrational/quantum level, what makes an animal’s consciousness more superior than that of a plant, bacteria, or fungi, etc.? When will the human species ascend conceptions of duality?
For instance, our culture tends to separate food and medicine, the physical realm and the "spiritual" realm, and life and death. In other cultures (indigenous people), food and medicine is a complicit category. Moreover, the Spiritual realm (not religion) is just as apparent as the physical realm-it’s one entity. Furthermore, life and death aren't manifestations that are pondered upon. Sure, the commencement of life as a biological human organism is perceived as ending, but since energy is not created or destroyed and only transferred, the commencement of the energy itself is improbable. Again, this is vague, and I can go into more detail if you wish.
This isn't to say that principles of duality have no beneficial purpose. In fact, I'd argue quite the contrary. Numerous forms of holistic medicine utilize polar opposites to designate health patterns (hot/cold, interior/exterior, damp/dry, excess/deficient, etc.). However, when it comes to the conception of human morality, perhaps modern (domesticated as I like to call it) human beings should learn from those who are content with simply harmonizing (monism) with the earth (and thus all people) instead of treating it as a means to an end.
To put it succinctly, I could have merely said: "All wars are civil wars", and allow you to conjure your own conceptions of thought, but I felt like explaining my perception with further detail.
Respectful, mindful critique of a lifestyle pattern typically described Veganism:
I am going to assume all of you are aware of principles of “Veganism”, though I despise the use of labels (hence the quotation marks). Here is my meditation/discourse regarding “Veganism.” I am not sure if anyone currently practices “Veganism”, but this critique may offer new insights regarding your perception of consciousness and genuine, universal oneness.
The hardest thing for me is justifying my usage of animal products—for ethical and environmental reasons. I have tried not to use them, but I wasn't making any health gains. I can go into further detail. Basically, I was struggling to have energy to walk and support my back, I had no stamina, and I slept like 15 hours a day. I was eating the most building vegetables I could find...mainly root vegetables, but still made minimal improvement.
The human body needs a certain baseline amount of caloric energy to digest, assimilate, and metabolize foods. When a person has extremely deficient and imbalanced organ systems/chakras, he or she may not have this baseline of caloric energy. (This was my case.) I was down to 90 pounds...my stomach (not my belly, the organ) was completely flat like a pancake...my body could not metabolize any calories whatsoever as it was too weak. Right now I must build my physical organs, and based upon principles of traditional healing modalities, I have been guided by my practitioner and own intuition to eat some animal foods; for now at least. It's tough for me to justify, though. Is my sentience/consciousness worth more to the universe than another organisms’? I'd say no. Yet, I still use these organisms in order to heal physically, although it's promoting angst within my emotional and spiritual self. But my case is RARE; most Americans eat way, way too much meat from horrid sources---and most Americans are not deficient...most have cases of excess (excess calories, low nutrients. Moreover the excessive usage results in environmental harm, persecution of animals, and causing poor health for people who eat too much animal products.
I have had meditative experiences leading me to self-justify utilizing animals. However, this could've merely been a manifestation of my subconscious that simply justified my actions. On the other hand, it could've been a genuine mystical connection. In essence, should I trust this sign as coming from the universe or my own selfish inclinations? It felt more spiritual, but since I am still not at peace, I still must resolve some things.
I don't want to get into a sentience/reason debate, but more of a discussion. Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively. Eighteenth-century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think (reason) from the ability to feel (sentience). I think animals and plants are theoretically capable of sentience and reason, but most of us aren't aware of how to perceive this reason (I can touch on this more if you want).
I do think animals have a much different sentience/reasoning capabilities than plants and other organisms without a face or incapable of movement. I think the most connective experience with humans and animals is the emotional relationship humans develop with them. We can perceive their happiness, their inclinations, and their suffering. (Thus, many of us choose to refuse viewing them as means for food and other products.) However, many within the current populous (modern domesticated people) cannot perceive this as readily (because it doesn't correlate with our paradigm) with other objects of matter such as plants, fungi, bacteria, liquids, gases, rocks, and other inanimate states of matter. I perceive Veganism as an outstanding movement--it inspires empathy, awareness, justice, consciousness, and health/wellness. But, I do think it's rather prejudicial towards other states of matter. I came to this realization as I have "awakened." Within this “Vegan” movement, it is implied that animals' consciousness are superior to those of plants, fungi, bacteria and other inanimate states of matter. Plants/fungi/bacteria are actually quite intelligent. Mushrooms communicate through root systems over miles in a forest. Plants use electrical stimuli to enclose when they perceive a threat. Moreover, I have meditated on specific plants for over 12 hours at a time and I can communicate with them (I don't share this with most people as they think I'm lying or crazy). Also, since plants cannot move easily like animals, they can create chemicals (alkaloids) over time to thwart off most animals (not humans though; we have learned that bitter=very healthy or very mind-altering).
What I think our world needs is mindfulness regarding all states of matter. Everything is equal. Plants, animals, rocks, thoughts, emotions, people, bacteria, etc. are all manifestations of the mystical divinity of the universe, but are merely composed in different variations. In essence, all energy in the universe is transferred in some way. Try to view the universe as an organism....the people, plants, animals, and other states of matter are all cells. Furthermore, consciousness, thought, emotions, instincts, can be thought of as neurons akin to the internet or the human nervous system. All these thoughts, emotions, etc., affect the vibration of the states of matter such as humans, animals, plants, etc. The holistic vibration of all these parts results in the overall frequency of the universe (or perhaps multiverse). What I trying to demonstrate here is that we are all ONE and should treat everything with reverence and equality. When you classify (or imply) one state of matter as inferior or superior, you are essentially implying inequity and not "oneness". Obviously, I am against industrial farming and factories. I have seen Earthlings, Food Inc., and other documentaries that literally brought me to tears, anger, and eventually passion. We need to decrease meat consumption; I do know that it effects the environment as well (carbon emissions, amongst others). We simply need smaller, organic, mindful, and respectful farmers/gatherers to provide high quality animal products.
I suppose it comes down to how you subjectively interpret death and suffering. I no longer believe in death. Energy is ultimately transferred, so while the physical human organism (shell for the soul) may "die", the energy within this organism is transferred into some manifestation. This same concept applies to animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and other states of matter. Some may think it's a stretch to perceive these states of matter as equal. We can perceive animals’ suffering rather easily…most have a larynx, they have arms/legs, a torso, and have faces and eyes...inspiring the emotional response within us more readily than other states of matter. But how do we genuinely know that plants, fungi, etc, feel no pain or emit no emotion or thought? Just because they cannot communicate to us with our limited perception (Mark Twain quoted this pertaining to animals, but I aim to apply it to all states of matter), does not mean they are not suffering. Nor does it mean they are. In fact, since we are so disconnected to nature in our modern world, perhaps there are ways to interpret a given plant or fungi/bacteria's suffering? I plan to meditate on this concept.
Moreover, I think we can learn a lot about how to perceive organisms and consciousness from indigenous people. These people are completely immersed in nature--they respect it, use what they need, and don't live a life with artificial needs like many of us modern people---and they do eat meat, albeit much less than what we do (and it's wild caught, not farmed. Moreover, they bless it using various chants and celebrations/prayer). Thus, I think it's safe to assume that these people have a more genuine understanding of what constitutes intelligence regarding all states of matter, phenomena, or any other manifestation within the universe (or multiverse) than those in the modern age. Obviously there are a lot more people now, so we must really make a mindful effort to decrease our meat consumption. Perhaps we should save it for those who genuinely need it for healing, such as those like me and many others I have talked to. Then, once I become more balanced in my health patterns, I can remove meat/animal products from my diet so others who are suffering can utilize its therapeutic power. Eventually, as the masses understand how to live holistically using minimal animal products and plenty of plants (eventually ascending labels and compartmentalization as well), and then a harmonious universe may result (in theory).
Moreover, Veganism promotes duality (aforementioned description). While it promotes oneness between animals and humans, it promotes duality between the collective group of humans/animals and other states of matter. On the other hand, many ascertain that all states of matter are conceived as equal. There is no bias or stigma applied to a given state of matter. A tree is perceived just as intelligent as a human; it's merely a subjective manifestation of intelligence. There is no authority to claim one state of matter is superior compared to another. Humans are the only organism to attempt to claim this authority and thus make rules for the universe...and look how it’s turned out. I do think Veganism is on the right path. It aims to equalize human and animals regarding consciousness and basic rights and liberties. However, we must do this for ALL states of matter. And claiming these things as equal does not mean we cannot utilize them for food. Instead we can respect the animal/plant/fungi/bacteria, thank it for its transference of energy, and pay it forward when we ascend our biological selves. These organisms’ spiritual energies become a part of our spirit when we interact with them, so ingesting any state of matter transfers some vibrational energy into our DNA. This is why we must avoid GMOs...synthetic DNA, amongst other things. I have no problem with another organism utilizing my physical body once I have passed.
Also, there are a few animal products whose vibrational spiritual energy and physical healing constituents remain unmatched by any plant food. Research traditional Ayurvedic Ghee and traditional uses of Manuka Raw Honey—you will be quite amazed I believe. Why confine ourselves from utilizing the therapeutic powers of various manifestations of nature (mindfully and respectfully, of course)? A great book on this topic is Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford. It utilizes principles of TCM and is vegan-based, but also clarifies that in particular situations, animal products can be used by those with extreme health patterns, such as an extreme deficiency (my case).
Additionally, if “veganism” or “raw-foodism” resonates with your soul, then acknowledge it and thrive with it. I have no issues with people choosing a subjective diet or even recommending it passionately. What I have issues with is people making universal claims that eating animals is morally wrong, as well as categorizing/judging all omnivores as vibrating at a lower frequency. This is just as prejudicial as any other conception of duality. It’s rather ironic that many within the “vegan” and “raw-food” community claim to be wholly empathetic whilst simultaneously being overtly dogmatic within their principles. Many cannot empathize that perhaps other states of matter do experience sentience and rationality…and this leaves me quite sad/frustrated because I know these people have their heart in the right place (I do not mean to sound conceited or narcissistic, it's merely my conception of a given phenomenon). In essence, on the vibrational/quantum level, what makes an animal’s consciousness more superior than that of a plant, bacteria, or fungi, etc.? When will the human species ascend conceptions of duality?