17 Oct 2002 @ 10:27, by Matthew Webb
Implementing Natural Software
(SFM series #3)
"Logic" is a primary means for the refinement of the mental vehicle in particular. A common view of logic is that it is merely a system of reasoning that is in itself without direction. This view holds that logic is only a framework of parameters through which conclusions may be mathematically drawn, yet not necessarily for any ultimate purpose. This view of logic is not the one presented here. In this context, logic is a system of reasoning that resembles the scientific method, yet for the ultimate purpose of the revelation of Truth and right living. Therefore it may be said that Truth, and that which renders progressive benefit for life and Nature, is implicitly logical. By this definition modern society is almost completely illogical, since it neither recognizes nor embraces the Truth of its own destructive condition. Spiritual practices which uplift the human condition are extremely logical, since they enhance every aspect of life. Logic is therefore progressive by nature since its purpose is to,
define and crystallize the best applications of Truth,
to determine which ways of living are the most beneficial, using the criteria of Truth/demonstrable fact and,
to remove all personal bias from the clear perception of self and existence, so that a matter of fact evaluation of these may be had.
Logic may thus be called "the science of fact and its right application", and thus it is related to that quality known as "matter-of-factness ". To be logical is to be matter of fact, or to simply deal with the facts at hand, in a manner which yields the most progressive results. Logic is a means to objectify, clarify and therefore remedy social and personal obstacles. It is a determiner of Truth through reasoning, in that it applies known facts to a truthful process of thinking, rendering right conclusion. "Right conclusion" in this context is that endpoint of reasoning in the asking of any question, which reveals the "bottom line" of fact, truth and Natural Law. A logical conclusion in a matter of fact review of modern society, is that there is a very real possibility for the extinction of humanity as a species. Another logical conclusion is that to avoid extinction, change must be had on both the personal and world levels.
Logic is a tool with a specific purpose, and in the most progressive sense. That purpose is to determine the best possible course of action to be taken for the welfare of the practitioner and humanity. To use logic effectively, the following steps should be followed;
The facts regarding any question must be known. If no facts are known then they must be obtained. Observation of the inner workings of the self, (especially through meditation) provides the needed information to answer any personal question logically. Simple observation of daily circumstance also yields a wealth of information, as does the careful study of a given subject matter through reading and discussion.
Known facts regarding an inquiry are reviewed, and a theory is created which attempts to satisfy the questions at hand, by providing the best explanation for them. Such a theory should be one which is supported by all the facts known, and if known facts contradict this theory then it should be revised to accommodate them.
When a theory is found which is supported by all known information, it should then be checked to see if it is the best possible explanation for all pertinent facts. The theory made should be a conclusion which leaves no further questions unanswered if possible, as the "bottom line" explanation for what is known and observed.
To theorize or speculate about the answer to a question is an important process of inquiry. The progressive mind should question everything which comes before it, to determine if what is presented is logical. A working knowledge of the principles of physics, human interactions and Consciousness are especially useful in the formation of "bottom line" theories and conclusions. All conclusions made should be left subject to continued validation by newly discovered facts, especially those revealed through inner experiences. If they do not accommodate the new information, first validate that the "facts" are indeed true. If they are, then go through the above process again to find a more comprehensive conclusion.
The practitioner uses logic to determine if any of their long held views are in fact correct. In so doing they are given the opportunity to discover errors or "viruses" in their “mental software", (mind) which may then be corrected. Checking old conclusions held, and changing those which are in error, (not in accord with Truth) is the action of the progressive mind. This process is absolutely necessary in successful spiritual practice. To do so without the intrusion of ego, as an interference with the process of self change, indicates a good amount of personal strength. Such strength is very necessary for the expansion of Consciousness and spiritual activity in general.
"Spiritual Intent", of the nine modes above, is perhaps the most valuable of all. It is the one mode of the mind that is ultimately progressive, providing maximum gains for the practitioner. This mode may be defined as "the will to live according to spiritual principles". This implies that,
the practitioner with this Intent seeks to recognize and embody Truth as a first priority in life, and
to apply the principles of Truth, or the Will of God, in daily affairs.
It is in this mode that the directives and purposes of the soul are carried out. Through this Intent the true purposes of life, self and humanity may be progressively revealed. With this focus the value of love is seen, as are the merits of positivity and service. Each of these contribute to the welfare of humanity and ultimately the practitioner themselves. Through spiritual Intent the teacher of Truth arises, perhaps even the Master, who becomes the very vessel through which the Will of God/Nature is manifest on the physical plane.
To employ the mode of spiritual Intent is to apply the underlying themes of existence. Although the outer eyes may be focused on the physical world, the inner eye of the mind and soul are ever affixed upon the truly important issues of all time. Through spiritual Intent all of the other eight modes of the mind are kept in balance and correct focus, for it guides them all in the direction of right action. The practitioner makes use of this mode in spiritual ministry, finding every opportunity for the expression of good will, the establishment of trust, wisdom, understanding and the promulgation of the principles of Truth for the welfare of the world in general. Inwardly this mode provides the practitioner with true satisfaction, stability, noble purpose, improved personal karma, clarity and greater wisdom. Those who adopt spiritual Intent as a mode of living become "their brother’s keeper", and may be relied upon to support and promote the enlightenment of humanity.
“Simplicity”, the final mode of “software for the mind”, is one which reduces unnecessary complexity in daily living.. Through the simplicity of a natural lifestyle, the practitioner finds ease of living through the elimination of nonessential considerations. Truth is in essence simple, and in most cases so are effective solutions. Simplicity keeps one in tune with the bottom line of life, in the employment of attributes we naturally possess. For instance, the natural intelligence possessed by our own bodies can be relied upon to keep us healthy, providing an alternative to elaborate medical procedures. A knowledge of the universal force of Intent gives the mind a means to bring about any desired personal change, eliminating the need for extensive psychological processing. An identification of the self with consciousness, brings spiritual fulfillment as a direct inner link with God is established. This negates the felt need to seek illumination in philosophical, religious or worldly affairs, outside of the self.
A simplicity of inner focus reflects the state of natural designs upon which we are based. Therefore, living in accord with the laws of nature is inherently more effective than trying to become or create something of oneself that is unnatural. [Social image and status are examples of unnatural considerations which do not contribute to quality living.] In simplicity is found genius, because the 90% of the brain we normally cannot use due to the clutter stored there, is freed up to function naturally. Even a modern computer can only process and store a limited amount of data before its speed and efficiency are compromised. The human mind is no exception to this rule. The modern need is to determine what is truly needed for quality living, and what is merely a distraction from the reality of life. Through a focus on simple living, the mind is cleaned of artificial considerations that act to hinder and destroy natural genius.
When practiced, the above modes of action become personal qualities of great value in all aspects of living. These nine are given as a general guideline for "running the mind" on a day to day basis, in addition to the practice of meditation. Each mode is mutually complimentary in function to all of the others, making their simultaneous practice very desirable. It is recommended that the reader post them in a place where they can be reviewed every day, using the Intent of reconfiguring and upgrading the mind with their essence. These nine qualities enhance each other’s function as follows:
1) In Truth all other modes are universally revealed,
2) In efficiency all other modes are accomplished.
3) In progressiveness all other modes are improved.
4) In practicality all other modes are made manifest.
5) In logic all other modes are determined and made coherently applicable.
6) In honesty all other modes are made possible.
7) In prioritization all other modes are given order and sequence.
8) In spiritual Intent all other modes are given highest value and acted upon.
9) In simplicity all other modes are made accessible and easily employed.
To more rapidly acquire greater benefit and realization from these valuable qualities, the practitioner is encouraged to employ the technique of contemplation. To contemplate any given subject is to engage in an inner exploration of its aspects and qualities with the mind. In many ways this activity resembles meditation, but its objective is not necessarily the establishment of the state of Awareness of Awareness. Its objective is the revelation of the subtleties of any subject matter, to a greater depth than is currently understood.
CONTEMPLATION
To begin the practice of contemplation, like the Mantra meditation, it is recommended that a three step process be used, (initially). These steps are known as; 1) preparation, 2) breathing focus and 3) the meditation itself. To accomplish step one simply find for yourself a quiet place that will not be disturbed. Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, a straight though relaxed spine and eyes closed.
Step two consists of a breathing exercise in which deep relaxed breaths are taken in for a given duration, as follows;
A) Breathe in deeply and slowly for a period of about five seconds, until the lungs are completely filled.
B) Hold this breath for approximately five seconds more.
C) Exhale slowly, taking five seconds to do so, until the lungs are completely emptied,
D) After exhalation, wait another five second period before inhaling once again.
E) Repeat steps A, B and C ten times, or until you feel calmed and refreshed.
After the breathing exercise of step two, let the body breathe as it wants to normally for about a minute. Relax.
Choose a single word or at most, two or three words which represent the subject to be contemplated. For example, the mode of efficiency may be investigated in this way. Repeat the word "efficiency" over and over again in the mind, until thought processes and/or imagery are engaged upon it. Thoughts and images about efficiency will begin to appear. Encourage and explore these. Visualize what the state of efficiency looks like in action, and in various settings. Review how that mode would feel throughout the body when it is fully embodied, and in subtle detail. Picture and consider the personal results of greater efficiency in all areas of life. When thoughts not related to the idea being contemplated appear, simply return to its repetition until the mind resumes its exploration of that subject matter.
As this inner action is performed, new and more in-depth information regarding the subject will likely appear, and in greater and greater detail. Encourage this process and explore new avenues of information as they pass before the mind’s eye, so long as they are related to the subject matter desired. Stay relaxed and quietly focused upon the subject of contemplation. Particularly useful is the visualization of oneself in the performance of the contemplated subject, (such as efficiency) as a mode of living. Let the mind imagine all the ways in which the greater manifestation of efficiency may be lived out day to day. Visualizing this will begin the process of embodying that desired quality. This process will be greatly enhanced if it is also Intended into place by the practitioner, (See GM series #6). There is no suggested time limit for the practice of contemplation, it should simply be done as long as desired. Perform this exercise just before sleep for particularly potent results. As with meditation, longer periods of inner focus tend to produce more profound results, as do repeated contemplations of the same subject matter.
Any subject or group of subjects may be so contemplated. It is recommended that the practitioner contemplate all nine modes of Truth, honesty, practicality, progressiveness, logic, prioritization, efficiency, spiritual Intent, and simplicity, so as to cultivate their qualities within. More than one subject matter may be contemplated simultaneously, but in general, better results will be had if only one subject at a time is so focused upon.
When the practitioner begins to actively embody the above nine qualities, (for instance) their status in the mind changes. At first, any quality is just a subject matter to be studied and explored. As such it remains apart from the mind and from the daily practice of it. But as soon as the mind is actively seeking to embody that quality, such as through the process of contemplation or daily practice, it then becomes an Intent. What this means is that the subject of focus changes in character, from one that is passive and static, to a state of dynamism and action within. An analogy of this is found in language, in the difference between nouns and verbs. Sometimes a given word can be a static constant noun, (person, place or thing) and on other occasions it can be a verb, (a dynamic state of action). The word "plant" for example, can refer to a given vegetable, or it can refer to an action such as in the phrase, "to plant a crop". In one case the word is a static thing, a subject matter only. In another case the same word becomes something that represents action and dynamic change. The same is true in the personal sense when first considering a subject for contemplation, such as efficiency. Initially, efficiency is only for the mind a static subject matter to be reviewed, and as such remains only a "noun". But when an individual determines that they "will now be efficient", the term takes on new meaning. It becomes instead a state of action or "verb" in the mind, having surpassed the stage of mere theoretical consideration, moving to a phase of action. When an inner focus becomes the focal point for inner or outer action, it is then said to be an "Intent". The process of action taken is referred to as "employing" that Intent. Therefore, when the above nine modes for the mind are acted upon, they become "Intents" rather than just subject matters, as follows;
1) The subject Truth, becomes the Intent to realize and live the principles of existence.
2) The subject honesty, becomes the Intent to adopt truthfulness moment to moment.
3) The subject efficiency, becomes the Intent to act with the greatest effectiveness.
4) The subject practicality, becomes the Intent to "do what works".
5) The subject progressiveness, becomes the Intent to improve.
6) The subject logic, becomes the Intent to conclude truthfully, using fact.
7) The subject prioritization, becomes the Intent to determine relative importance.
8) The subject spiritual Intent, becomes right action and spiritual ministry in daily life.
9) The subject simplicity, becomes the Intent of inner effectiveness through essential focus.
Each of these examples of Intent are as "verbs", in that they imply action taken through the embodiment and application of the above qualities in daily life. Other examples of Intents which act to expand personal Consciousness are as follows: The Intents of greater mastery, clarity, love, intelligence, wisdom, physical strength, good will, Earthmind connection, Divine connection, etc. Truly any desirable quality can be "Intended into place", or "made manifest" in the self. By the same token, any quality or mental image may be "made manifest" in the environment, through the use of Intent. A review of the qualities of Intent reveals how this is so.
Matthew Webb Catalyst@harborside.com
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