When we think of Philosophy, we usually consider theoretical ideas that range in major areas, such as ontology, epistomology, metaphysics, ethics and logic (among others). It is commonly not realized that this conceptual approach originated throughout time and was not the original meaning of the word, philosophy.The term, philosophy, literally means the love of wisdom. The early Greeks searched for the means to live intelligently and wisely and were not necessarily bent on finding theoretical laws of metaphysics. The searched for the right means for living. This is what philsophy is really about: how to live wisely. Of course, these early pioneers did include metaphysical systems. However, their purpose was to improve the mind as an aspect of a complete moral and personal transformation.
Nowadays, when we study philosophy, it is held at a university or other discussion groups, with little practice or training. In most academic disciplines, such as science, there are “labs” or practical application for theory. There is no modern “lab” for philosophy, for it is entirely theoretical. However, in ancient times, especially in Plato’s Academy, there were trainings in the transformation of mind, heart and body.
In order to true philosophy to emerge, it is encumbent upon the individual to not just study theories of ethics and metaphysics, but to “live” these areas: to live based upon deeper Qualities and to develop the mind to engage something transcendent. This is what philosopy is really about, not just studying or applying concepts. One needs specific trainings to modify the dysfunctional use of the emotions, from reactivity; from the mind which is often utilizing irrational interpretations, and finally the body, which is often conditioned to compulsive patterns of food and sex.
The main skill of this philosophy is to learn the art of what Socrates and other greeks referred to as the art of Examination. To examine the self is to know the self. However, we often do not know how to do this, nor do we have much desire to. We usually let the same patterns go on and on in our hearts, minds, bodies and thus, behavior.
All religious processes begins with this examination, which is often referred to as “introspection”. We all have aspects of our self that are not ideal, that do not “hit the mark” and are basically clouded with conflict, confusion and complication. To end many of these patterns, we need, first of all, to learn the ability to look at these patterns, non-judgementally. Then we slowly apply intelligent trainings in order to slowly loosen the grip of egoism and wrong behavior.
In order to discover this real Philosphy, we need to approproach a particular “school”. This is a training aspect that may be formal (as in a group of students meeting in a particular place) or informal (as in talking with a teacher over the phone or reading and studying his or her books). Regardless, one cannot literally make things up their self, but must mull over the writings and trainings of another person who has travelled some distance in this way of life.
Through practice, training and experience, the student enters the “way”. This is not a literal place, such as a holy site or country, or studies a language or follows precise rules on what to do. It is an invisible way, or what the Buddhist refer as the “dharma” that is perceived through the experience of the budding philosopher, as a way of living. It is as if one “feels out” how to live and act, using the various trainings and teachings to guide one.
This tranforms into an intersection of philosophy and religion. It leads the person to learn how to live wisely and intelligently, and secondly, it helps him or her to reach a deeper, more transcendant place within their minds and hearts. The religious aspect does not need to be acted out in a holy building or does one need to wear a certain type of outfit or even anounce one’s self as religious. One just feels an ongoing, “piety”, or sense of entering the holy. One does not need to believe or address one’s self to a literal external God; only to enter into a transcendent or transpersonal dimension of experience.
Through a transformation of these “faculties”, one can remember the core understanding of Wisdom, and learn to contact deeper areas of the mind, which can bring forth the necessary intelligence of living. When one has a passion for this process, then one is a true “philosopher”, or one who is a true wisdom lover.
This entry was posted on Monday, December 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 am and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.