Ways of Seeing
- Exploring Modern Metaphysics -

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Metaphysical Perspectives

The All (6/72)

The physical universe is one of many patterns that can be distinguished within the All. Within this particular pattern, the physical universe, is a sub pattern that can be distinguished called "life".

One property of life is that it tends to perpetuate the possibility of its distinction from all other patterns.

My physical body is a particular pattern that can be distinguished within the sub pattern "life".

My mind is one of several tools used by my physical body to perpetuate the distinction of the pattern I call "my physical body" from all else.

It is possible to be conscious of:
Sub patterns in the pattern "life" which are other than the pattern distinguishable as "my physical body";
Sub patterns in the pattern "the physical universe" which are other than the pattern distinguishable as "life";
Sub patterns in the All which are other than the pattern distinguishable as "the physical universe";
The All.

Thus consciousness is seen to be the All, which of course includes any distinctions therein. My state of consciousness is the distinctions I make or don't make within the All. In fact, that IS "I".

To "awaken" is to realize that you have made distinctions, and to realize their utter arbitrariness. It is to be conscious of the All, free of the necessity of forming distinctions. It is to BE the All.

The most binding distinctions we make are the ones which connect us to the physical universe. They are rooted in a major fiber which helps to perpetuate the pattern "life": pain, and its analog, pleasure. To be free of the necessity of making distinctions based upon pain and pleasure is to be well on the path to awakening.


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