The Hymalayan Connection.

The Himalayan connection- First off, what are these “-piano” derived terms, and what do they mean? 

I certainly am enjoying, further, the blue print nature of philosophy. This one, is indeed a blue print of the human perspective, consciousness and belief.   I thoroughly enjoyed the accounts of, both, Jean Lyotard who dispels a certain long-held image of those who believe in the paranormal, and that of the seemingly humble Faqir Chand.  Further on, into this work my western mind is exposed for what it inherently is- western. As much, as I am opposed to the western train of thought, and despite physical disdain toward such a mindset I am, in fact, a product. This becomes apparent when Lane describes the aspects of translation. The explanation is fascinating and I am able to grasp the concept, but it took a second look to really make it my own. The notion of reducing transformative events as explained from the Wilber/Smith point of view is fascinating, yet, common sense, but, unfortunately it is sense we in the west don’t posses unless, of course, we seek it; but, as Lane points out, the west is seemingly a culture “psychological reductionism,” and my favorite “persistent materialism” what makes that statement funny is that that was 1994, I wonder what Mr. Lane thinks of western civilization now? Fortunately, I have the opportunity to ask. Mr. Lane, what do think about western civilization now, as opposed to then? And, just to touch base translation is just a shuffling around of ones’ conscious frame of mind such as perception, beliefs and ethics, whereas, transformation would be a complete overhaul. Like, from one extreme to the other? In context to this piece though, we are relating it to an experience. A questionable experience requiring substantial backing. So, I guess we’re speaking wholly of perception from the minute during and after the experience is received. When taking in the message we’re in an initial state of translation where pieces of info are moved about. The patterns of where and  how far, meaning that if we’re using the Wilber/Smith figurative consciousness model (eight story building) where on the floor or on another floor, is how our consciousness is transforming the new info in real time. Lane concludes this portion speaking in terms of a third element “Up form Eden”, also called Transfusion, which goes into pre/trans rational, and an aspect I’ve waiting for since I signed up for this class, fallacy.

The last couple paragraphs in regard to objective and empirical methods of investigation is exactly what I’ve been alluding to in these past few readings. In my opinion, we began with a couple speakers, namely Feynman and Miller, who seem to adhere similar approaches, at least in their attitudes; and, some who, again, in my own opinion are a little more bias in their beliefs. The approach is one that should be utilized today by all, especially, in a time such as this when religion seems to play such a key role in ones’ politics, which for the most part is usually just when it’s convenient. Religion is among that that should be subject to such observation to be fair to both sides. We can learn valuable lessons about one another, our world and universe and our selves. Perhaps, we can become a little more bit more conscious of our thought process and adopt the same state when approaching that process. Rather than, taking all the emotion out of thought and perception, we learn to balance emotion and logic. That is the difference, right there, between a believer and a skeptic, logic vs. emotion. My vantage point suggests that David Lane’s proposal is, in layman’s terms, a balance of the two.




-Mircelous Grimm (J.W.)