Enlightenment By Way Of "You"

By Miguel G.


In regards to the sharing of information(blogs,articles,etc...) through the collective following or individual trails left behind by "belief"

I enjoy reading the "written material" of the "masses". There is always something I can take to thought after reading someone's insightful projections. I am impressed mostly by how much material is shared with the public audience and the many colorful and/or intelligent responses left thereafter. There is so much perspective to enjoy and there is a rich wealth of "life experiences" to be shared by many. Some experiences are harsh and cruel; however they are "testimonies" whether by the hand of "theistic religions or atheistic religions such as Confucianism and Buddhism" they all can be, and should be thought of in relation and respect toward the "common good". It should be noted that the theme of the "common good" is in the ability to act as "an agent of social change" by way of communication through the common channels of: visual art, poetry, writing, acting, I suppose in all respect to the humanities. It's in the method of taking diversity and driving it toward a higher common ground "Enlightenment". If we define "Enlightenment" from a dictionary we are presented with:

"Knowledge in the absence of ignorance / a period in the 18th century when many scientific discoveries were made", but most importantly "free of prejudice".

Unfortunately there are many minds that tend to take the direction of divisiveness. It's sad when bright minds from all "spiritual and secular aspects" find it necessary to prove a point so diligently and pointedly that they become dualistic in their approach; as opposed to an open mind or rather an objective balance. People become absolute, and they don't seem to realize what is happening in the midst of a primitive emotional rise (Remember, we use less than a quarter percent of our brain /still children) I find that being absolute limits potential ideas and ceases the importance of research. Perhaps this is a result of "cultural assumptions" by way of being brought up in the "bubble" of our immediate family and immediate neighborhood / society. We carry a certain, dare I say "prejudice". The greatest challenge is not trying to first understand the perspective of everyone else, but rather understanding your own being. How many people can comfortably trust themselves 100%?

It's important to understand "WHY" we submit our writing/art/thoughts into public view. Is it for selfish purposes? Is it for personal gratification of being "known" throughout the clique? Is it for self-pity? Is it to re-enforce the wall or mask one may hide behind? Or rather, is it simply because we just wish to share our life with strangers/family and friends without expecting "anything back".

To be able to open yourself up to scrutiny and/or praise is the recognition of freedom within your soul and/or being. There is no more fear because there is nothing to lose. Some have a hard time and live behind the mask they manifest through social fears, and in many cases use the public field to re-enforce this "wall".

I agree that the "salad bar" of belief should be challenged for the sake of conversation and enlightenment, but we need to consider before our approach that every word, every thought, every idea that we share through this channel of communication can influence people in a positive or negative way. You may never know it unless they told you, but words carry weight beyond the measure you may assume. People care, even if it's two out of a thousand. The difference you make in those 2 is the difference of being a light in your society that will inspire a dormant mind, or the shadow of ill-conceived thoughts left best to sleep in thorny grass.

I am inspired to write through the inspiration of…………You. And All.


Much Love and Chance

Miguel

Hello Miguel G, I really enjoyed and agree'd with your post. I really agree with you when you said:

"The greatest challenge is not trying to first understand the perspective of everyone else, but rather understanding your own being. "

I find it far to common that most people don't fully understand themselves or their opinions or beliefs. I think that more people should try to really rationalize and understand why they hold certain beliefs to be true before they debate or argue with an opposing view. Great post! Welcome to the Forum and thank you for checking out Pathofreason. Feel free to post anything here and continue to keep in touch. Also if you would like feel free to join our Yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pathofreason to hear more round table discussions.

Derek