Zak Safra
Forum Replies Created
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Hi Lucy,
I think Iain’s writing in general, and with many examples in particular, have made me feel that way — seeing the world in a new way. Iain speaks so much about the attention we bring to the world, how we attend to the world, that in itself is probably the most powerful lesson I have learned. That a meaningful, connected outlook — It’s all there, waiting for us, we just have to find it in ourselves, and we have agency in the matter, we can try for it. If anything, we must say learn to say no to what we know isn’t the right path, and allow our other mode of attention to come flooding in. Hope that makes sense in a not to weird way!
The Zen gardens of Kyoto, specifically, really did open my eyes in a new way. I felt humbled and inspired by their beauty and profundity.
Thank you for your reply 🙂
Zak
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Hi Peter,
this is very interesting. I wholeheartedly concur with your comment on preserving the environment which enables the reciprocity. It’s a very productive way of thinking of situations in general, to move away from direct, (reductionist?) causality and see how critical context is. I think its also connected to how Iain speaks of relationships as Primary, and maybe this is what he means when he speaks of a Hindu(?) myth where the universe is visualized as net of interconnectedness. (If I got that wrong, please do correct me).
The second type, which you called rational, and parallels mind and world sounds quite Platonic. I understand why you call it closed. In Chapter 22 on Time, Iain speaks of the Platonic forms as being an attempt to escape temporality. (I may have grossly misquoted here, I will try and check it later). And I suppose it does make sense to associate it with a left hemisphere kind of thinking because in a sense it wants everything categorized, and seeks some kind of fixity, the way I understood you describe it. It reminds me of how ancient Egyptian and other societies justified slavery and social hierarchies arguing for some kind of metaphysical structure which meant it could be no other way.
On the other hand, there are some Kabalistic ideas I am aware of where positive actions below (in the lower realms) can incur an Awakening above (in the higher realms). And I’m not sure that’s a left-hemisphere notion. Just a thought 🙂
I didn’t quite understand the last two types you described, (and I don’t understand Dutch). but I found your post fascinating, thank you.
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Hi there Matt
It’s great to discover a thinker as profound as Iain. Highly recommend getting his most recent books but since you seem to be into the videos I’ll just say I also find them very useful. There are great podcasts online to check out too.
Best
Zak
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hi @DanSlife !
I’m so sorry for the late reply. it’s been a manic few months, but I’m really delighted to find someone who was at this talk! I’ve been meaning to take some quotes and just jot them down. Here’s a humorous one :
“The Left Hemisphere’s language and thought do not cut the mustard. And they can’t be expected to, cos its still looking for the mustard and wondering how to cut it”
😅
of course, humor is part of the lecture, but by no means does this reflect some of the other insights. The whole thing is marvelous.
Cheers!
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Hi James,
I’ve experienced the same slowness issue. I reported it to the team so I trust it will be looked at. I hope people will feel it’s worth the effort to get the new website going well despite the teething pains.
Best
Zak
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Hi Peter
It might be a browser issue. I’ve opened up the group as you suggested. If you could report it there and also mention your browser maybe someone can help.
I’m using an iPhone and I seem to have a reply option.
Best
Zak
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Hi Peter,
I think the website gives you an option to reply to a specific comment, as I am doing now to yours.
I’m not quite sure how to go about setting up a technical forum, if I get my head around it I’ll do. Perhaps you would like to before me?
I think any support from members in these early stages is welcome.
Zak