by James | Jan 24, 2012 | Exploration I
Rules for meditation: There is a basic technique called Vipassana (Pali, “insight”) which comes from the oldest tradition of Buddhism. The advantage of this method is can be taught in a completely secular way.
The quality of mind cultivated in Vispassana is generally called mindfulness and there is a growing literature on its psychological benefits. Mindfulness is, simply put, a state of open non-judgemental, and non-discursive attention to the contents of conciousness whether pleasant or unpleasant.
Cultivating mindfulness has been shown to modulate pain, mitigate anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function (although exercise is far more effective as method in that regard) and even produce changes in brain matter density in areas of the brain related to learning, memory, emotional regulation and self awareness.
by James | Jan 23, 2012 | Exploration I
There is much in the writings of Buddhist methodology that is worthy of respect and its aim to achieve enlightenment. We can argue about what the meaning of enlightenment might be; but, in the case of this document we shall define it as a moment, whether lasting or transitory, that gives us an insight and understanding, a Eureka! Moment, or lasting awareness of the world and our place or purpose in it. Also notably a realization of compassion or love for our fellow human beings. Various methods to reach enlightenment exist but there are some that don’t offend the intellect while providing tangible health and emotional benefits.
by James | Jan 21, 2012 | Exploration I
If we are to come up with a direction or purpose for the community it is threefold
- To provide a community for people from any background to come together for the purpose of studying science, technology and research while cultivating their creative and expressive techniques.
- To be prepared and prepare for anything in the future, predicted or unexpected, mentally, to physically and emotionally stable and content both as an individual and as a community.
- To create, research and educate for the benefit of both the present and future generations of humankind.
by James | Jan 19, 2012 | Exploration I
Members of the community should when joining have some form of ethical oath much like the Hippocratic Oath of doctors; but, also an oath to progressively improve and benefit mankind as a whole. For example something akin to;
Upon entering the community and committing myself to the rigorous pursuit of reason, creativity, discovering new knowledge and creating new expressive works for the benefit of the present and future generations, I declare the following;
- I will pursue and create knowledge, processes and devices for the greater good, but never to the detriment of people, societies, research subjects the international community or the community of which I am now a member.
- I promise to never allow financial gain, competitiveness or ambition to cloud my judgement in the conduct of research, scholarship, and studies.
- I will not knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled about matters of which I am knowledgeable, I will present and review evidence, theory or interpretation honestly, openly and accurately.
- I will use none of the skills I have learnt, developed, or mastered in the community to intentionally harm or aid in the harm of others.
by James | Jan 18, 2012 | Exploration I
Dialogues and dialectics should begin when matters of serious debate occur and the change of tone intonation and language should clarify a dialogue has emerged from discussion. Usually by clarifying the terms of the dialogue and seeking clarification of the opposing argument. Dialogue falls into numerous categories which will be covered later.
