Metaphysics

Plato and Aristotle by Raphael

METAPHYSICS, NEW AGE OR WHAT?

Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that investigates the principles of reality which transcend those of any particular science. This has traditionally been seen as: cosmology and ontology. Cosmology is defined as “A branch of study concerned with the origins and nature of the Universe,” and ontology as, “…the investigation into what types of things there are in the world, and what relations these things bear to one another.”

In recent times, the term metaphysics has also been used by non-philosophers to refer to subjects that go beyond our physical realm, such as the so-called metaphysical bookstore, which may not sell books on ontology, but books on astral projection, psychic development and/or awareness, crystals, numerology, et cetera, and other topics, which the philosophic pursuit of metaphysics does not usually include.

Parmenides of Elea, was one of the first metaphysicians who postulated the multiplicity of existing things, their changing motion, and the appearance of a single eternal reality, or being, which gave rise to the concept of “all is one;” this is also known as the Parmenidean principle.

Metaphysics is also regarded as the first philosophy, and the term was first found in the writings of Aristotle. His Metaphysics were divided into basically three parts:

• Ontology: the study of Being and existence.
• Natural Theology: the Study of God, which involves many topics.

• Universal science: which is the study of first principles.

In regards to New Age, there is as yet no formal definition of the term. This is because there are so many diverse teachings and practices that range from both mainstream and fringe traditions, which are based upon beliefs and practices that may be considered New Age.

Some of the New Age movement’s beginnings can be traced to nineteenth century metaphysical movements, such as: Spiritualism, Theosophy, and New Thought, as well as the alternative medicine movements which created the chiropractic and naturopathy fields of health and well-being.

These developments, in turn, have their foundations in Transcendentalism, Mesmerism, Swedenborgeanism, and several earlier Western esoteric and/or occult traditions, such as, the Hermetic arts of Alchemy, Astrology, Kabbalah, Magick, Numerology, et cetera. These concepts we popularized by such authors as D. H. Lawrence, W. B. Yeats, and others.

In the early to mid-1900s, Edgar Cayce known as The Sleeping Prophet, founded the Association of Research and Enlightenment and was a very significant influence in what has today become known as the New Age Movement. Other prominent figures in the establishment of this movement are neo-Theosophical Alice Bailey, Walter Russell, Nicholas and Helena Roerich, and Rudolph Steiner with his anthroposophical movement.

The term New Age came into common usage in the 1970s and 1980s with the monthly periodical, entitled, the New Age Journal and as the American media began popularizing it to describe the alternative spiritual subculture, which was then began to include such subjects/studies as: Astrology, Bio-feedback, Bio-field energy work, Channeling, Crystals, Earth Mysteries, Environmentalism, Mantras, Meditation, Numerology, Out-of-Body Experiences (OBE), UFOlogy, WICCA, et cetera.

During the last 40 years or so, it may be seen, that what was traditionally seen as metaphysics has expanded to encompass the aforementioned studies, as well as a more modern definition of metaphysics which has emerged, which is “…relating to the transcendent, or to a reality beyond; transcending; more comprehensive, to what is perceptible to the five senses, or supernatural.”

Therefore, from research into this subject, we may see there is an overlap between what is now referred to as metaphysics and New Age. Perhaps when a more formal definition of New Age arrives there may be a more clear-cut definition, but, for the present moment I am inclined to lean to the more updated definition of metaphysics and include the several “metaphysical” subjects, as well as the traditional definition.

So, perhaps a 2014 definition of Metaphysics might be, the incorporation of the following:

• Ontology: the study of Being and existence
• Natural Theology: the Study of God, which involves many topics
• Universal science: the study of first principles
• The Hermetic arts of Alchemy, Astrology, Kabbalah, et cetera
• As well as, Channeling, Meditation, OBE (Out of Body Experiences), UFOlogy, et cetera

This would seem to make sense, because these are all areas that are in some way involved with transcending beyond the physical realm in which we live, and is involved in some way with our “Being, and existence.”

Metaphysics, or New Age, or what? Well, it seems to be a “what” that is defining itself as we move from each moment to the next, or is it?

©Roger Allen Baut

THOUGHT IS ENERGY

"Ki is the basic unit of the universe. It is the infinite gathering of infinitely small particles. Everything is ultimately composed of Ki. If you pursue this concept to the depth of human consciousness, you will understand the universal mind which governs all creation, loving and protecting life. Understanding the universal mind is fundamental to grasping the spirit of peace and union with nature," Koichi Tohei.

It has been often said that we are spirit beings having an experience in the physical realm. Through my various experiences this would seem to be correct. Tony Talmage says, "The real you is the spirit entity that exists within your physical body. This spirit entity is a collective body of energy connected to the greater sea of similar energy -- the Life Force. The Life Force is that energy that governs the galaxies and all universes and dimensions. To make any worthwhile progress you need to sink your spiritual energy into that sea and take guidance from it."

The concept of the “Life Force” has been around for some time, and may be seen alluded to in ancient writings, as well as that which emerged in the 20th century from Mikao Usui-sensei and his development of his Ki based, Usui Reiki Ryoho.

  

"Thought is energy, and energy is thought. Belief (confidence) + desire + strong visualization + emotion + repetition = effect," Tony Talmage.

Considering this premise, then, it would seem that the old adage to "be careful of what one thinks and says," should really be taken seriously, especially in the challenging times and world we live in today; should it not? Of course, one needs to be conscious of what one is saying and thinking, to be able to successfully monitor one's thoughts and words is a bit of a job. So, it is important to develop one's awareness and consciousness, and staying focused in the now moment.

So, if we accept that, "Thought is energy, and energy is thought. Belief (confidence) + desire + strong visualization + emotion + repetition = effect," then there are things that we can do to influence oneself, surroundings, community, and the country we live in. What can we do? Tony Talmage offers-up the following to us:

"Emphasize the positive. Begin each day with a positive affirmation, which draws towards you positive vibrations. Create a higher vision of yourself that you would aspire to, and hold to this vision day by day. Think, act and speak as if you were that higher self (because you are). Walk in awareness of this hourly struggle."

Our thoughts should be of positive things -- not hate, not anger, but of love and giving, and not receiving; positive not negative.

Beware (which really means "be aware") of negative forces that will resist change. These are thoughts as well as people. Fight back. The forces of resistance will create the illusion that you are deluding yourself. It will appear that your positive thinking is producing negative results. This is the way negative thoughts, entities, and people conduct their fight -- by undermining your confidence. Once they get a foothold you'll start to slip. So, ignore the apparent paradoxes they're creating and stick to your beliefs. You will win in the end if you stick with it.

The Cosmogenic Field of energies comprise the whole spectrum of resonances, from horror, fear, anguish, hate, lust to love, happiness, confidence, unselfishness, caring, et cetera. Our minds are bombarded continually. When tempted to lower your standards, do the opposite. Don't forget your tools are thoughts, words, and deeds, which are always creating. Where your mind goes, the energy follows...thought creates fields of intention, which can influence people, animals, and random events.

It has been proved in numerous scientific experiments that “intention” can affect bacteria, yeast, plants, ants, chicks, mice and rats, cats and dogs, cells and even the brain rhythms in people. So, make you intention positive and of the light!

You can make a difference in yourself and the world in which you live in, this very moment, in each and every NOW moment, simply by generating positive and constructive thoughts. It is realitively easy, yet, sometimes difficult because we have been programmed and bombarded over time with negativity.

"After years of thought, study and contemplation I have come to the conclusion that there is only one thing in the universe and that is energy -- beyond that there is a supreme intelligence," Albert Einstein.

Think about it!

© Roger Allen Baut

RAISING ONE'S VIBRATION 

"Modern science has concluded that everything that exists in the universe is made of vibration," Hiroshi Doi-sensei.

Raising one's vibration is an effective way to live a more balanced and happy life, and also a way to send positive energy out into the world and universe. While a person is emitting a lower vibration or frequency, one will never really come into harmony and balance, and experience a more peaceful and happy life. It is the life of discord, and/or dissonance that facilitates lower vibrational energy, and this can be sensed manifesting in the world today. It does take work, however, to raise one’s vibrations, so a consistent effort is required to raise and maintain a positive personal vibration.

• Meditation, Tai Chi, Aikido, and Japanese Reiki are also wonderful ways for one to raise his/her vibrational levels. Here are some thoughts that you might like to consider to help raise your vibration:

Be mindful of your thoughts: It is imperative to keep a close eye on the habitual thoughts that enter your head.

• It may be difficult, at first, to be aware of the many thoughts that constantly move through your mind all day long, but by beginning to notice unwelcome or negative thoughts, you can start to replace them with more harmonious ones

• Each of us have been "programmed," in some way or another, since childhood, by others thoughts and views, as well as interactions with others, so by monitoring what we think, or by substituting positive thoughts for negative ones, we can change our perspectives on many things.

Think before you speak:  Thoughts, words and actions create vibrations. It is like the old “ripple effect” where one tosses a pebble into a pond, and waves emanate from the place the stone hits.

• Sound can be measured and seen on an oscilloscope; therefore, it is only sensible to make sure we are aware of what vibrations each of us are putting-out into the universe.• Change the words we speak, the thoughts we think, as well as our actions, and things will positively change not only in our life, but others as well.

Be aware when interacting with irrational/ungrounded and/or severely negative types of individuals: These types of individuals are running on a very low vibrational level, and their low vibration may have an adverse impact on your vibrational level as well.

• Remember, a person's bio-energy field can extend out several feet around one's physical body.

• Surround yourself in white light, especially if you feel that another person's energy maybe having a negative effect on you.

Spend time in meditation: Take a walk through the woods, on a beach, or a nature center, and get away from the city, noise and negativity that is vibrating there.

• Go to a place in the country when you can, and take a long walk, concentrate on your surroundings, keep your mind off your usual thoughts.

• This is a great way to clear your head and also help raise your vibration. If you can't get away, try listening to some soothing music by concentrating on the sounds.

Join with other sensible, grounded, and like-minded people. Spend time with those who are interested in the same things, and foster learning at the same time.

• It has been found that the commonalities between people bring them closer together and facilitate greater harmony.

• Mankind can only succeed if it works together for the benefit of everyone, and as we uplift others, so too are we uplifted.

Volunteer you spare time to helping others: Give away some time on the benefit of others: children, senior citizens, et cetera.

• Practice random acts of kindness.

• What you give is what you get in life, so by giving you will receive in one way or another. Help others and you, in turn, will be helped.

• Each of us has a profound effect on raising our vibration when we help others.

Be aware of your thoughts, words and actions: Everything you do comes back to you in some way so always be wary of how you treat others and how you act in all situations.

• How you treat others is how you will be treated, by doing the right thing by everyone you come into contact with will help to raise your vibration as others continue to do the right thing by you.

• Treating everyone compassionately will attract positive people and opportunities into your life.

But, remember, treating others compassionately does not mean that a person allows another to walk all over them.

Avoid the television, radio and media in general:  It is especially important to avoid all news programs as they do much more harm to our vibrational levels than they do good.

• By watching Television we end up taking in so much negative energy it becomes confusing to your subconscious mind, and some of that negative imagery and energy gets absorbed by our subconscious and elevates a feeling of fear from within.

• Most of the media works by fear mongering, they want to shock you into a state of fear so you keep on watching, and the more you watch the more addicted you become.

• This has a disastrous impact on our vibration level.

Stay as optimistic and as rational as possible: This can be difficult to do, especially when one is in a crisis mode, but when you are in a crisis situation, this is when it's most important to stay positive.

• By remaining positive and rational, we keep our vibrational level high, and when we are vibrating at a higher rate your challenges dissipate much faster, or we may find it was not really a problem at all.

• Positive things and events are attracted to positive people. Surrounding oneself with positive, sensible and rational people is a great way to remain in a healthy state of mind.

Keep in touch with feelings and emotions: This is an important factor in keeping one’s vibration level high Feelings and emotions are a cosmic connection in regards to one’s entire life and the well-being of the planet.

• The universe understands the language of feelings and emotions that one expresses. When one is feeling good about one’s self, only other things that are residing on the same level of frequency, will be attracted into your life.

• The level of vibration runs parallel with one’s feelings, meaning that, a person, needs to be in control of his/her life, and the events that come into their life at any given moment. If there was one “most important point” in relation to raising one’s vibration, it would be to stay on top of one’s feelings. Know that what we speak, think, and feel, is a vibration that goes out into the universe and effect everything around us.

In the words of Usui-sensei:

"For today only...

• Do not be angry

• Do not be anxious

• Be grateful

• Work hard
• and be kind to others..."

© Roger Allen Baut

NOTHING IS RANDOM

"Nothing is random, nor will anything ever be, whether a long string of perfectly blue days that begin and end in golden dimness, the most seemingly chaotic political acts, the rise of a great city, the crystalline structure of a gem that has never seen the light, the distribution of fortune, when the milkman gets up, the position of the electron, or the occurrence of one astonishingly frigid winter after another. Even electrons, supposedly the paragons of unpredictability, are tame and ubsequious little creatures that rush around at the speed of light, going precisely where they are supposed to go. They make faint whistling sounds that when apprehended in varying combination are as pleasant as the wind flying through a forest, and they do exactly as they are told. Of this, one can be certain.

And yet there is a wonderful anarchy, in that the milkman chooses when to arise, the rat picks the tunnel into which he will dive when the subway comes rushing down the track from Borough Hall, and the snowflake will fall as it will.

How can this be? If nothing is random, and everything is predetermined, how can there be free will? The answer to that is simple. Nothing is predetermined; it is determined, or was determined. No matter, it all happened at once, in less than an instant, and time was invented because we cannot comprehend in one glance the enormous and detailed canvas that we have been given--so we track it linear fashon, piece by piece.

Time, however, can be easily overcome; not by chasing the light, but by standing back far enough to see it all at once. The universe is still and complete. Everything that ever was is; everything that ever will be, is--and so on, in all possible combinations. Though in perceiving it we imagine that it is in motion, and unfinished, it is quite finished and astonishingly beautiful.

Mark Helprin, Winter's Tale