An eternity of nothingness would be the epitome of monotony; whence Nature, which is the exhibition of existence.
An undiversified Ĉonsciousness may witness a cosmos of chemical processes and be amused. But a universe filled with fractal adventures is so much richer in its entertainment value. Whence life, where the unified field of Ĉonsciousness radiates, endowing all organic entities with consciousness.
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We need only look within to discern the architecture of existence – for our consciousness and our mind reflect universal principles.
The purpose of existence is the same as why we want to take another breath: perchance for another smile. We live to entertain ourselves.
The architecture of existence is geared toward providing an entertainment platform. Let’s look at the ingredients to maximize that experience.
There would be no show if existence were a singularity. Indeed, Nature loves variety. This is most apparent in biology. Life on Earth has been an unimaginable potpourri: a kaleidoscope of consciousnesses.
If there weren’t so much diversity, so much complexity, Nature would not be nearly so interesting. Nature’s entertainment potential is enlivened by it being a convoluted conglomeration.
The stage for diversity is space, and the props objects in space. These objects appear within a hierarchy, like Russian Matryoshka dolls nestled one within another. Quanta form atoms which make molecules that behave distinctly in various phases – on out to galaxies dancing on vast cosmic planes.
There is a data-laden symbol for every possible perception, in a nested, entangled hierarchy. This symbolic tensor network comprises what would be an objective existence, except that manifestation is always a subjective process. Something manifests by its perception. Phenomena makes themselves so by being perceived. Every consciousness perceives, through individual minds, symbols which are mentally processed. A symbol only actualizes via perception.
What results is a showtivity: an illusion of objectivity via partially shared subjectivities. Showtivity especially seems objectively real by our sharing experiences.
Consistency is cardinal for any mind to function. Otherwise, confusion would reign. Time is the medium of continuity.
Memory is a critical aspect of consistency. To comprehend anything, you have to remember what went on before. Just as consciousness is the platform for being aware of the moment, memory is the means for appreciating continuity.
Memory essentially quantizes on patterns. People with photographic memories have trouble recognizing faces because the same person looks distinctive under different lighting conditions. Only by blurring specifics is memory an apt tool.
Likewise, only because of memory blur can you construe a context. Categorization is a generalization based upon memory blur.
Nisargadatta Maharaj: “Time is in the mind. Space is in the mind. The law of cause and effect is also a way of thinking. In reality all is here and now and all is one. Multiplicity and diversity are in the mind only.”
Nature would be a nonstarter if everything were in its own little bubble, unable to interact with its environment. The processes which delimit existence occur by their interactions. Everything is entangled. English cosmologist Jude Currivan: “Our universe is fundamentally interconnected as a unified entity.”
It is by interaction that desires are fulfilled. Experience is of events: processes that come to fruition, and so form stories from which we may glean skills. The objects involved are instrumental but also incidental.
The opposite side of the coin to satisfaction is frustration. We value what we have achieved more than what came effortlessly. Struggle is necessary for satisfaction to have the esteem that it does.
Curiosity drives learning. We only make the effort if we think something of value may be obtained.
To make a gain is to avoid a loss. To create a captivating entertainment planform, jeopardy is an essential mechanic.
The greatest risk is losing our life. Living is a struggle we inexorably lose. Or so it appears. Ancient Indian guru Vasistha: “It is the nature of appearance to appear to be real, even though it is unreal.”
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We have yet to address why the mind is so insistent on deception, and so lets its occupant suffer in ignorance. The answer is revealed later, in our exploration of psychology.
For now, a short recap of this lesson.
The duality that the mind presents is a mirage, masking the doctrine of energyism which explains reality and the fabrication of existence.
Space and time are the media by which Nature manifests – the mental platform for experience and the acquisition of skill which affords entertainment.
The depth of enjoyment we may experience depends upon our skill. Young children, for instance, only understand physical humor, such as pratfalls. Only later, as we mature, do we appreciate humor involving nuances of language or irony.
The core driver of life is desire. The primal desire is for entertainment – the greatest of which is satisfaction, which is felt strongly only when effort is involved.
Survival is secondary. For without hope that we may have more enjoyment, our will to live ceases.
The modest jeopardies in life are the risks of losses in satisfaction and enjoyment. The ultimate jeopardy is that the game of life ends: death. That is why we fear death: it is the end of entertainment.
But nothing really lives or dies. We approach this in the next lesson with illustrations of mind over matter.