Risen Thoughts

 The human quest to understand consciousness and the soul has spanned millennia, giving rise to a rich tapestry of philosophical, spiritual, and scientific perspectives. From the materialist's focus on the brain to the dualist's separation of mind and body, and the mystic's vision of a soul intertwined with the cosmos, we are left with a puzzle that continues to challenge our understanding of existence. This article explores a fascinating thought experiment, born from a conversation about these very mysteries, that delves into distributed consciousness, the subtle body, and the potential for interstellar transcendence. The conventional scientific view, often rooted in materialism, posits that consciousness is an emergent property of the brain. When the brain dies, consciousness ceases. However, this perspective struggles to fully explain the subjective experience of consciousness – the "hard problem" of how physical processes give rise to feeling and awareness....

I once held a preconceived notion about peace. I believed that societies which are well-traveled and deeply aware of other cultures are inherently the most peaceful. My assumption was rooted in the idea that curiosity drives discovery, discovery fosters awareness, and awareness ultimately leads to peace and understanding. While it is true that curiosity and awareness do promote understanding, the critical question remains: does this understanding genuinely translate into peace? If so, then the most multicultural societies should logically be the most peaceful. However, reality often challenges such assumptions. Statistics have a way of dismantling preconceived ideas. Cities like New York, London, Paris, and Sydney are among the most culturally diverse in the world, yet they are not necessarily the most peaceful. Similarly, one might assume that culturally diverse nations would naturally foster greater understanding and harmony among their populations. Yet, this is far from the truth. T...

Allow me to share the story of a man named Mr. Yuh. At 21 years old, Mr. Yuh lives with his parents in a quiet suburb. He is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Yuh, and today marks a momentous occasion—he has graduated from university and is preparing for his wedding next month. It's a day of celebration for the family. His parents, having finally retired, are also rejoicing, as they have successfully paid off their 30-year mortgage. Senior Yuh dedicated 45 years of his life to working. Of those 45 years, he spent 11 and a half years paying taxes, meaning he essentially worked 33 and a half years. Early in his career, Senior Yuh made a bold decision to purchase a home for his family in a desirable neighborhood, valued at $200,000. The real estate agent hailed it as a "bargain." Now, after 30 years of mortgage payments, Senior Yuh has paid the bank a total of $431,851.53, including both principal and interest. While the value of the home has risen substantially, they do not pl...