|
We continue to argue over this and that term; whether to ban the use of this or that word denoting and connoting spirituality. This can be a futile engagement. We will be trapped in the prison-house of language and truth is embedded in the particularity of language; in the "Babeli-ism" of the tower human beings are incarcerated in. A REPUBLIC OF VIRTUE Azly Rahman
http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/
Fundamentally religion is a complex topic; understanding "what-where-how-why-and what next" of "God" is even more complex exercise in reasoning and feeling -- a daunting psychological undertaking that can be taxing on the amateur human mind not trained in philosophy. Hence instead of engaging in controversies surrounding this or that term that has evolved from time immemorial (from the time of the earliest civilizations of the Indus Valley and the Fertile crescent',) we ought to look at this idea from a phenomenological perspective. But what does this mean? What is a phenomena and how does one engage in a phenomenological analysis the most sacred of all topics?
How might the "Creator" be looked at from the historical, cultural, ideological, psychological, anthropological, or even scientific perspective before we engage in a "phenomenological" dialogue of this concept.
We continue to argue over this and that term; whether to ban the use of this or that word denoting and connoting spirituality. This can be a futile engagement. We will be trapped in the prison-house of language and truth is embedded in the particularity of language; in the "Babeli-ism" of the tower human beings are incarcerated in.
Language mirrors reality. Language imitates reality. Language defines reality. Language alters reality. Language imprisons reality. Language is reality.
These are the cages humanity build albeit language opens doors. This is the paradox of language; almost as if humanity is cursed for its ability to evolve as a language-producing specie.
Even more complex is the idea of the Creator and the multidimensional aspects of the subconcepts this has produced. We cannot know the Ultimate Truth until our veil is lifted so that we may see Ultimate Reality. But then again, again and again, as in any circular argument we engage in, "reality" is subjective -- as subjective as the reality of the extreme yogis or the sadhus on the streets of Calcutta or the victims of Bernie Madoffs on Wall Street. "Seeing" Ultimate Reality itself is a difficult concept for the human mind to grasp; again, almost paradoxical and absurd a notion -- how can the created define the Creator?
If Ultimate Reality is so bright, permanent, transparent, and boundless, how can the human self so dark, transitional, opaque, and bounded, conceive such a reality? It is like to story of the famous ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes who is famous for carrying a lantern in broad daylight searching for something missing right in front of him -- the ultimate paradox. Diogenes is also said to have counseled Alexander of Macedonia who was found sitting in a river bank, looking solemn. When asked by the philosopher what is happening, the world conqueror said "I do not know what to conquer anymore". Diogenes replied, "Conquer yourself". Recall too Socrates' famous maxim "Know Thyself".
I suppose the statements above are meaningless; as soon as we transform thoughts into language, we create realities that are confined to our own experience with the language we use to define, deconstruct, or even destroy our reality.
I suppose too that we ought to begin reading philosophy to truly appreciate the nature of dialogue on matters such as God, the Universe and everything, and that especially our Malaysian universities become oases of philosophical debates rather than institutions dominated by political forces who are interested in transforming human beings yet into another huge cog in the wheel of Capital. Flourish we must in this world of increasing skepticism. OUR USUAL REMINDER, FOLKS:
While the opinion in the article is mine,
the comments are yours;
present them rationally and ethically.
AND -- SET ALL I.S.A. DETAINEES FREE]
 |
The Blogs 
