Totality of Life

[china]

What I believe is important is not a philosophy of life, but to observe what is actually taking place in our daily life, inwardly and outwardly. If you observe very closely what is taking place and examine it, you will see that it is based on an intellectual conception, and the intellect is not the whole field of existence; it is a fragment, and a fragment, however cleverly put together, however ancient and traditional, is still a small part of existence whereas we have to deal with the totality of life.

 

[johai]

China----Johai here
With the utmost respect, are you doing a paper for university or conducting a survey? I took philosophy when I was going to university and this is old hat with a twist that in my opinion is yours alone. If it matters to you that's fine, but what is it adding to my quality of life. You are a good and faithful member of this Forum and that is appreciated, but where is this going? Perhaps I should be taking a closer look at Tao Te Ling/Tao Te Ching or Lao-tzu?
Sincerely,
Johai

 

[MikeyDB]

Johai

Reading the Tao de Ching as translated by various scholars is both thought provoking and an interesting study. China (our contributor...not the nation...) has folded concepts from various schools of thought into his particular perspective. Unfortunately I doubt he understands that like (as corollary) an appreciation-of the substance of the Tao de Ching and many ancient writings from all over the world, a preparedness, an appetite if you would for meditation and availability to transcendence must exist before these words are integrated into one's thinking. Like an epiphany... these concepts must be felt first, the words themselves are weak because they're generated by a human mind. Lao Tsu and Chang Tsu have written a great deal that's worthy of inspection, so have Immanuel Kant and many other western writers. I've tried to suggest to China that his efforts fall on ears less than disposed to integrate them and the same difficulty that the ancient scribes have experienced in using concepts analogous to forcing square pegs into round holes through the use of word-symbols delivered to a mind and consciousness unprepared for them is a frustrating and largely futile gesture.

I haven't realized any success in communicating this observation to China so I hesitate to engage him in any dialogue of any kind. He's responded with anger and used demeaning pejorative personal remarks to convince himself that the failure of his efforts is mine and not his....

If you find his contributions entertaining or helpful or thought-provoking, then by all means continue, but be aware that what I've experienced is that there is a fluidity of concept to China's conceptualizations that in many instances appears as oppositional and frequently achieves the entirely opposite intent than the antecedent preamble...

Good luck!

 

[johai]

Johai

Reading the Tao de Ching as translated by various scholars is both thought provoking and an interesting study. China (our contributor...not the nation...) has folded concepts from various schools of thought into his particular perspective. Unfortunately I doubt he understands that like (as corollary) an appreciation-of the substance of the Tao de Ching and many ancient writings from all over the world, a preparedness, an appetite if you would for meditation and availability to transcendence must exist before these words are integrated into one's thinking. Like an epiphany... these concepts must be felt first, the words themselves are weak because they're generated by a human mind. Lao Tsu and Chang Tsu have written a great deal that's worthy of inspection, so have Immanuel Kant and many other western writers. I've tried to suggest to China that his efforts fall on ears less than disposed to integrate them and the same difficulty that the ancient scribes have experienced in using concepts analogous to forcing square pegs into round holes through the use of word-symbols delivered to a mind and consciousness unprepared for them is a frustrating and largely futile gesture.

I haven't realized any success in communicating this observation to China so I hesitate to engage him in any dialogue of any kind. He's responded with anger and used demeaning pejorative personal remarks to convince himself that the failure of his efforts is mine and not his....

If you find his contributions entertaining or helpful or thought-provoking, then by all means continue, but be aware that what I've experienced is that there is a fluidity of concept to China's conceptualizations that in many instances appears as oppositional and frequently achieves the entirely opposite intent than the antecedent preamble...

Good luck!

Thank You, Mikey
I feel not an epiphany but some kind of indoctrination coming my way. Like yourself I am going to steer clear.
Take Care,
Jo

 

[dancing-loon]

Oh my gawd... the university educated are having a field trip!! Bye bye... you've lost me!!:lol::lol:

Johay and Mikey, how come I don't detect a single word or reference to all this high-fluting, mind-boggling philosophical outburst of yours in China's post??

What I believe is important is not a philosophy of life, but to observe what is actually taking place in our daily life, inwardly and outwardly. If you observe very closely what is taking place and examine it, you will see that it is based on an intellectual conception, and the intellect is not the whole field of existence; it is a fragment, and a fragment, however cleverly put together, however ancient and traditional, is still a small part of existence whereas we have to deal with the totality of life.

How very simplistic and easy to understand China's words are!! Even I can understand that!

Hi, China,;-) may I add my 2-cents worth to your observation?
I do agree that a life philosophy has its charm, but it is for the individual far more of value to observe life around him, as well as watching his inner reaction to it without being conditioned by so called philosophies about life.

I do not wholly agree with you on the notion that all observation is based on an intellectual survey, but rather to a great deal by the emotional faculty of the human constitution as well. Could this emotional aspect be more prevalent in a female human being than a male, who sees and experiences things in a more cut-and-dry fashion??

So, we have the intellect, the heart/emotion, the intuitive, the mystical... what else, China?:smile:

 

[MikeyDB]

Dancing_Loon

Philosophy is a way for the addled thinker to justify his existence. Well I'm grossly paraphrasing from something said by Bertrand Russel...but the point is that "philosophy" isn't some nebulous "high-falutin" intelectual exercise.... If it is then it's contributor to the notion that some are better suited to lead by thinking than by feeling.....

You engage in "philosophy" when you choose between "right" and wrong"...when you appreciate that "beauty" is in the mind of the beholder....when you regard your existence as greater than the sum of its parts.....

Simple languge is fine, don't get me wrong, but the simplest construct can pretend to be something it isn't in the final analysis.

The challenge of realizing one's human-ness is to bring ideas like philosohy and beauty and morality into focus so they can be utilized in expanding our awareness and understanding of not only ourselves but everything around us.

Sorry if you're offended.

 

[Curiosity]

Johai

Why is it necessary for China to have a goal when he posts his conundrums for us to ponder on.

I find them as reflective and calming as one would gazing into water where a leaf is floating - watching it take directions from the wind and insects.

There are no answers demanded - that is why I find China's posts a great brain stimulator and never feel pressured to seek answers because those are unique to us alone. It is a wasted errand - for China expects no consensus of opinion, no approval, no answers - just appreciation of his words so we may enjoy them - or leave them be.

China travels with an open purse of offerings and interesting items - we can pick them up, examine them, comment or laugh or feel the stimulation of the tweak - and move on.

Not all posters are in the business of challenge or trying to exceed the brainiac scale - only to offer what they find interesting until themselves hoping to find some companions along the way.

Enjoy China or not Johai.... China will continue.... and we will be perplexed.
Relax and accept.
Curio

 

[Curiosity]

DancingLoon

There many forums where you can be bored to death reading about everyone's daily problems, semi-flirtatious T&A exchanges and occasional flare ups of anger at anyone and any group in charge of our lives - this would be more stimulating to you? I mean they also comprise beauty and moral compass in a different way.

I doubt they provide any more self-awareness than what China offers except the words are smaller.

If so there are hundreds of these clones on the internet.

 

[dancing-loon]

Dancing_Loon

Philosophy is a way for the addled thinker to justify his existence. Well I'm grossly paraphrasing from something said by Bertrand Russel...but the point is that "philosophy" isn't some nebulous "high-falutin" intelectual exercise.... If it is then it's contributor to the notion that some are better suited to lead by thinking than by feeling.....

You engage in "philosophy" when you choose between "right" and wrong"...when you appreciate that "beauty" is in the mind of the beholder....when you regard your existence as greater than the sum of its parts.....

Simple languge is fine, don't get me wrong, but the simplest construct can pretend to be something it isn't in the final analysis.

The challenge of realizing one's human-ness is to bring ideas like philosohy and beauty and morality into focus so they can be utilized in expanding our awareness and understanding of not only ourselves but everything around us.

Sorry if you're offended.

Mikeyyyyyyyyyyyyyy... I'm NOT offended!! I'm full of humor, and a dash of wickedness to boot, lashing out at you and Johay for literally strutting your university level language, but making little impression nor sense to the simple loon!

Thanks, for explaining philosophy to me... I knew as much already. If only you could express yourself in a more simplistic, down-to-earth everyday plain English, so I don't require a degree in linguistics to understand you.

If you are worried, simple language will pretend to construct something that won't hold up in the final analysis then, please, describe your point a little closer or give an example to help me visualize what you mean. Simple as that, mein Schatz!;-) But if you are so used to talking in this high-fluting language style with your family, neighbors and associates, then I can see that it would be a real challenge to talk to a one-grader and that, my dear Mikey, is not what I would ask you to do... I'd rather skip the subject and find another topic by someone else.
The problem is that I like reading you, and also like to respond to your posts occasionally, and so far we have managed beautifully, haven't we?

Our little tête à tête has been a real source of amusement to me... I'm actually peeking out from underneath the table, shaking with laughter!:lol::lol:

addled = a new word for loon, she has never heard it before! She googled....
. To muddle; confuse: "My brain is a bit addled by whiskey"!:roll:
1. To become confused.
2. To become rotten, as an egg. :lol::lol::lol:

Please, Mikey, be still my friend.... I need you to keep me from depression!

 

[MikeyDB]

Dancing_Loon

Friends can disagree and let each other know that misunderstanding is much easier than absolute clarity!

Always friends!

 

[jimmoyer]

Yo, Dancing Loon !!!

Ahoy !!

Look off to starboard, me ship is about to graze your simple barnacled sides !!

Allow for all language, simple or obtuse, arcane and abstruse. Get on with your vocabulary me matey !! Allow the White Whale to be less opaque !! Let MikeyDB be as he is lad, take all boarders as they are and not pawns to your own minature world of illusions. Know what you're dealing with man.

 

[dancing-loon]

DancingLoon

I are many forums where you can be bored to death reading about everyone's daily problems, semi-flirtatious T&A (?) exchanges and occasional flare ups of anger at anyone and any group in charge of our lives - this would be more stimulating to you? I mean they also comprise beauty and moral compass in a different way.

I doubt they provide any more self-awareness than what China offers except the words are smaller.

If so there are hundreds of these clones on the internet.

Ahem.... not sure where exactly you are trying to hit me. I very much dislike your talk... it is sooo typical of a jealous female!!!!!
By the way, you are off-topic!!

 

[dancing-loon]

Dancing_Loon

Friends can disagree and let each other know that misunderstanding is much easier than absolute clarity!

Always friends!

Agreed!!!:cheers:

 

[dancing-loon]

Yo, Dancing Loon !!!

Ahoy !!

Look off to starboard, me ship is about to graze your simple barnacled sides !!

Allow for all language, simple or obtuse, arcane and abstruse. Get on with your vocabulary me matey !! Allow the White Whale to be less opaque !! Let MikeyDB be as he is lad, take all boarders as they are and not pawns to your own minature world of illusions. Know what you're dealing with man.

Aye, Aye, Captain... will follow your orders to the T..T ...Teeth!:lol:

The thing with a forum is that we can not see each other. Had Mikey seen me sitting here in my chair and having such fun, he would be delighted and respond likewise... with humor. I want to play... be happy. What's wrong???

But no, everybody else, people I never have talked to before, have to jump in and give their bit of advice to the little child, or a few drops of straight poison from their handy bottle.
I enjoy a little color splashed here and there, a little flirting fun, too; humor is my life saver!!!

Now, move your damn Paddelboot out of the way, I've raised my sail and I'm "flying" with the wind! Ahoi, Kapitaen!!!

 

[jimmoyer]

LOL, Dancing Loon !!!

Well done !!

I will belay my men from boarding your simple barnacled backsides.

On to your new adventures I say.

 

[Curiosity]

Ahem.... not sure where exactly you are trying to hit me. I very much dislike your talk... it is sooo typical of a jealous female!!!!!
By the way, you are off-topic!!

Dancing Loon

You made an attempt in your post to knock the writers for their liguistic skills - that you complained of not being able to understand what they meant.

I simply asked you if you preferred to be bored by the regular forums around the internet where they used three letter words in much of their exchanges. Because you could not read my intent or did not understand my sarcasm - obviously missed what I was writing - you accused me of 'hitting you' ??? You are joking right? It wasn't really about you at all.
It was about the standard of regular exchange on forums - having nothing to do with you at all. But rarely do I sit quietly and read people getting insulted because they write on a higher plane - such as China, Mikey and Jim do.

Jealous? Of course I am jealous - I wish I could partake at the level of China, Mikey and Jim when they discuss things - they tolerate me because it is politically correct to speak with women on forums.

Whether you like or dislike what you have misinterpreted about me - doesn't really count in my list of things to be concerned about.

I won't waste my time explaining what I wrote further as you seem to be prefer your angst.

 

[china]

johai .

With the utmost respect, are you doing a paper for university or conducting a survey?

None of the above johai .Just writing; whatever .

 

[china]

dancing-loon ,

So, we have the intellect, the heart/emotion, the intuitive, the mystical... what else, China

A total freedom to use whatever we have; in whichever way we want to ,dancing-loon.

 

[china]

MikeyDB

Reading the Tao de Ching as translated by various scholars is both thought provoking and an interesting study. China (our contributor...not the nation...) has folded concepts from various schools of thought into his particular perspective. Unfortunately I doubt he understands that like (as corollary) an appreciation-of the substance of the Tao de Ching and many ancient writings from all over the world, a preparedness, an appetite if you would for meditation and availability to transcendence must exist before these words are integrated into one's thinking. Like an epiphany... these concepts must be felt first, the words themselves are weak because they're generated by a human mind. Lao Tsu and Chang Tsu have written a great deal that's worthy of inspection, so have Immanuel Kant and many other western writers. I've tried to suggest to China that his efforts fall on ears less than disposed to integrate them and the same difficulty that the ancient scribes have experienced in using concepts analogous to forcing square pegs into round holes through the use of word-symbols delivered to a mind and consciousness unprepared for them is a frustrating and largely futile gesture.

I haven't realized any success in communicating this observation to China so I hesitate to engage him in any dialogue of any kind. He's responded with anger and used demeaning pejorative personal remarks to convince himself that the failure of his efforts is mine and not his....

If you find his contributions entertaining or helpful or thought-provoking, then by all means continue, but be aware that what I've experienced is that there is a fluidity of concept to China's conceptualizations that in many instances appears as oppositional and frequently achieves the entirely opposite intent than the antecedent preamble...

Good luck! __________________
I believe in Nothing everything is sacred: I believe in everything nothing is sacred. The Chink.

..



Dear Mikey

I believe that to commune with each other our minds must be at the same level with the same intensity, and we must have the same urgency. We must both have, if we are going to commune with each other, a sharpness, a clarity, an understanding of not only the words but also the significance that lies beyond the words. We must, if we wish to commune with one another, obviously have the capacity to meet each other equally, at the same level (and I'm not implying a usage of 'sophisticated' terms ) and continue to hold that level. Otherwise, our communion, our communication is cut short especially when we are discussing matters that are very difficult,and need a great deal of thought and penetration inside. -The Chink .

 

[thomaska]

What I believe is important is not a philosophy of life, but to observe what is actually taking place in our daily life,

and of course..spamming threads about how the "peeps" republic of china is really a bunch of nice guys....:roll: