Let us imagine that long ago, when literacy was for the few and far between, people who could read and write didn’t take it for granted like we do now. It stands to reason that during that time, those who were literate would read differently than we do now. Perhaps back in the day they read for overall content, content in its entirety, rather than focusing too much on context only as it pertains to a single word or sentence. Being grateful to have something to read they would have taken in what they were reading more wholly than we do now. While in the past they may have been more like to take it in bit by bit, nowadays it seems people prefer to take it apart bit by bit. We have our Google and our many videos, documents and groups full of friends we’ve never even met who agree with us. Back then they wouldn’t have had information at their fingertips, they would have had to inquire using something other than Google.
*A quick note about the title as I have come to understand it confuses some folks. First of all, the title is meant to entice a person to read the article, that is the function of a title, it isn't meant to replace the content of the article itself. Secondly, if one reads the article and understands it, it gives insight as to why that title was chosen. In the context of why the article was written, the title makes sense, as does the fact that it is meant as nothing more than a simple twist on one of the most common things said regarding ego annihilation, that ego blocks one's path to the way of God. The ego annihilation referenced is a response to that, which is mentioned within the article itself. It is not the ego death Joseph Campbell brings to light in his concept of ego death and the hero's journey. When one reads the article it becomes clear that God is not the focus of this piece. Please, don't take the title out of context, it is merely a clearly controversial (and apparently confusing) way to draw the attention of a potential reader. The extremely intriguing topic of ego has been coming up in various conversations of late and I have put a great deal of thought into how I see things. I have also spent a great deal of time reading what other people think as well, in internet forums. You know where folks comment and share ideas or attack one another making baseless accusations or assumptive statements so far out of context it's hard to not think that maybe they don't know what forum they are on. One theme that has been repeated ad nauseam in these conversations is ego annihilation. Seems that the concept of killing the ego has spread over many religio-spiritual theologies, it’s very en vogue right now, especially among varied christian ideologies. It seems the "Kill the Ego" thing sort of comes and goes, and it's definitely back. it will likely be followed by the philosophies and theologies that encourage embracing the ego as is wont to happen. What is of even more interest to me though is presentation. The way that people present their point of view about ego is fascinating and most of all, ironic. The irony lies in the fact that the majority of people presenting on the “ego annihilation” front are coming from a place of pure ego, as pure as the driven snow. |
Santosha
I am the egg, man. Archives
March 2021
Categories |