epistemology, fourfolds, Philosophy, religion

Hakuin Ekaku: Four Ways of Knowing

June 23, 2023 Martin K. Jones Leave a comment

Hakuin Ekaku: Four Ways of Knowing:

- Gate of Inspiration
- Gate of Practice
- Gate of Awakening
- Gate of Nirvana

Walter Bowman Russell (1871-1963)

June 12, 2023 Martin K. Jones Leave a comment

Walter Bowman Russell was an American polymath, artist, author, and philosopher who made copious contributions and claims to various fields, including spirituality, art, and metaphysics. While his work encompasses a broad range of ideas, here are four major themes that capture the essence of his philosophy:

Universal Law and Natural Order: One of Russell’s central ideas is the existence of an underlying universal law and natural order that governs all aspects of the universe. He believed that this law operates in perfect harmony, and by understanding and aligning ourselves with it, we can achieve balance and fulfillment in our lives.
Unity and Interconnectedness: Russell emphasized the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. He saw everything as part of a grand, unified whole, where all elements are interdependent and interconnected. According to his philosophy, recognizing this interconnectedness enables us to grasp the fundamental unity of all existence.
Harmonic Vibrations and Rhythmic Balance: Russell believed that the universe is fundamentally vibrational in nature, with everything composed of waves and rhythms. He emphasized the importance of achieving harmony and balance within ourselves and in our interactions with the world around us. By attuning ourselves to the harmonies and rhythms of the universe, we can lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives.
The Power of Mind and Consciousness: Russell regarded the power of the human mind and consciousness as fundamental forces in shaping our reality. He believed that our thoughts and beliefs have the ability to create and influence the world we experience. According to his philosophy, by harnessing the power of our minds and cultivating a positive and constructive consciousness, we can achieve personal and collective transformation.

These four themes offer a glimpse into the multifaceted philosophy of Russell, often presented with his signature illustrations. However, it’s worth noting that Russell’s ideas encompass a vast array of subjects, including a non-standard physics and a spiritual cosmology, all interconnected through his unique perspective and understanding of the universe. Indeed, he was perhaps the first to endorse “new age” thought.

(Thanks, ChatGPT! I didn’t have the strength to read enough to write a quick summary. You were far less skeptical than I would have been, so I made a few small edits.)

Four Positive Attitudes and Their Opposites

June 11, 2023 Martin K. Jones Leave a comment

I generally dislike those type of household decorations with words that encourage positive things to promote in your life or to be thankful for. I’m sure you know the kind that I’m talking about, like motivational or inspirational posters for the home. I guess a good word for such things is schmaltz, or more meanly: “virtue signaling”.

One wonders then why I spend so much time making somewhat similar diagrams for this blog, although I don’t (often) print and pin them up for display. And I can say for the most part that they are not of this nature, but that’s just an excuse. Even so, I kind of like this one, so please forgive.

These four attitudes (calm, care, love, and hope) started with their four opposites (anger, spite, hate, and dread) as the key messages I took away from ads from a certain political party a few years ago. Unlike my post Capitalistic Values, which dealt with actual, social objectivities, messages with these four types of negativity were intended to inculcate base subjective emotions.

But the more I looked at them and considered what to say about them, the more I thought that I was adopting these negative attitudes for myself as well. And so I hope that I can choose the positive ones and not their negative counterparts, as things continue forward.