Test 1: HI PHI & HI SSP

Question 1

Which classical philosophers were meaningful to you?

Answer 1

Thales, a very early advocate of oneness.
Heraclitus, no one steps in the same river twice.
All of them, in their individual quest for how life works.
All of them for pursuing how they saw things and how they defined reality.
Plotinus, nous-soul-material, general/specific pupose, mystical instant knowing, hierarchy, emanation vs Platonic reflection, frame for 3-fold nature.

Question 2

Discuss what Plato’s work meant to you, taught you.

Answer 2

A rigorous pursuit of truth and the endless questioning of things rather than accepting them.
A timeless perspective on the temporary nature of the lives we lead now.
Inqiry.
Response.
Bullshit versus truth.

Question 3

Which concepts from the Classical Philosophy class were particularly meaningful to you?

Answer 3

We humans have been figuring out what life is and how it works for a long time.

We seem to be discovering what we already know, the truth already in us.
The ideas have evolved but revolve around concepts of oneness, intention, cause, and effect.
There are many ways to look at the same things and many of them have truth or elements of truth.

Question 4

How have the concepts from Classical Philosophy changed your thinking about your life and your role as a Spiritual Leader?

Answer 4

I gained a sense of the journey humanity is on through eternity and how similar we have always been despite the profound changes in societies and technologies.
I also gained perspective in the challenge and curiosity that drives people. The subjective perspective we have and how it consistently comes back to oneness.

Question 5

What are the basic ideas of quantum physics in relation to spirituality?

Answer 5

Potentia are collapsed to objects by the choice of consciousness. Quantum collapse is discontinuous, it is either one or the other. A quantum change can be made when universal consciousness is engaged.
Nonlocal communication connects subjects and objects without respect to distance and location.
Downward causation carries the intention of consciousness into manifestation and being. Consciousness governs expression at lower levels of being and becoming. A quantum change can be manifested by engaging at the level of universal consciousness anywhere at any time (nonlocally) to select an intention to be manifested.

Question 6

How are science and spirituality alike?

Answer 6

Both seek the underlying truths of reality by studying and viewing reality through different perspectives, hoping to find common truths in disparate settings. Both seek to explain reality as it is and how life works by identifying cause and effect.

Question 7

What role does quantum physics play in understanding the similarities and differences between science and spirituality.

Answer 7

Similarities
Science: quantum shifts, downward causation, nonlocal connections through universal consciousness
Spirituality: miracles, intention, healing at a distance, oneness
Differences
Science: proabilities, dualism, not measureable in everyday circumstances, nonlocal is not measurable except in effect
Spirituality: random events observed don’t correlate with reality

Question 8

How does quantum theory relate to SoM or spiritual leadership.

Answer 8

At the limit of our science, we are seeing foundations of spiritual concepts like universal consciousness, connections outside of time and space, and intentions that can be realized from intending at the level of universal consciousness. These concepts show possible connections between spirit and reality, as opposed to dualistic separation.

Question 9

What does non-locality mean and why is it important?

Answer 9

Consciousness is universal, the ground of all being.
Nonlocality allows for correlation of different objects through nonlocal connection to universal consciousness.
Consciousness is the nonlocal nonphysical field that connects us.
Nonlocal communication is signal-less instantaneous connection. Independent of distance, energy, physical connection.
When we connect to universal consciousness, we connect to all consciousness. This is the basic idea of prayer.
Nonlocal communication does not happen in time-space reality.
Nonlocal communication is what allows for synchronicity and time space healing and healing at a distance.
Tangled hierarchy is the nonlocal correlation and mutual influence of different objects. Allows for the illusion of the subject/object split, the illusion of separation. Spirit creates us and we create our reality.

Question 10

What is a scientific explanation of the soul?

Question 11

From the scientific point of view, how did the universe come into being?

Answer 11

 Traditional science: Big Bang, then evolution
 QP: In the beginning, there were only possibilities, nothing manifest. If did not come into being until a sentient being (consciousness) observed it and observed itself separate from the universe. Hawking suggests the universe began as a wave function, a superposition of many baby universes of possibility. Transcendent consciousness in an observation event collapses the wave function from outside time and space. Then the Big Bang expanded it.
 It manifested when a measurement instrument, a self-referential sentient being, appeared in one of the possibility waves and through observing itself completed the self-referential loop to collapse the possibilities.
 Sentient being: first living cell, self-organized, self-reproducing, perceives itself separate from universe, S/O split
 Evolution happens as a triad of possibilities: the unchanging themes/archetypes, quantum objects that present creative opportunity (by spreading fast), and the near-classical objects that maintain a reference point (scaffolding, once collapsed). Evolution in one direction occurs as quantum behavior suppressed over time.
 “The purpose of the universe is to manifest creatively the idea of consciousness.” Goswami

Question 12

How would you use the basic principles of neuroscience in your role as a spiritual leader?

Question 13

What are some ways that consciousness can be defined and understood? How do these help you as a spiritual leader.

Answer 13

The universe is made up of things and experiences of things. Consciousness is that which experiences. The philosophical views consciousness as binary, as either present or not. The psycho-spiritual view of consciousness is continuous, like a dimmer switch. Some things have a low degree of consciousness, some have a high degree or transcendent, enlightened degree of consciousness.
Consciousness is not measurable in the physical, thus it has no energy, vibration, or appearance.

Question 14

Who are some of the most significant presocratic philosophers to you, and what did you take away from their writings?

Answer 14

Thales: “All things are full of Gods.” Water is the basis of reality.
Anaximander: the Unlimited. The price. All returns to source.
Anaximenes: air is the basis of being, soul is in everything.
Heraclitus: Fire. Natural cycles, wholeness, flow. Logos, flux, “None step in the same river twice.”
Empedocles: the 4 elements. Opposite poles, love and strife.
Parmenides: opposites. There is only being. sensual is illusion, thinking is unmoving being. No infinite.
Zeno: all is one. Rhetorical defense of Parmenides.
Melissus. All is one. Oneness. Rhetorical advocacy of Parmenides.
Anaxagoras: nothing passes. Nous is consciousness, intention, cosmic mind.

Question 15

What are the basic principles of the Platonics and how do they help you as a spiritual leader?

Answer 15

That which is seen comes from that which does not appear.
Idea prior to matter.
Eternal universe.
Virtue as innate knowledge
True beingness through reason, not senses.
Goal: happiness (eudaimonia).
Rule the soul with cardinal virtues.
Justice, Wisdom, Courage, Moderation.

Question 16

How are science and spirituality different?

Answer 16

The scientific method is based on hypothesizing cause and effect and then confirming or denying hypotheses with measurement.
If it cannot be proven, it does not exist.
Spirituality works with that which cannot be measured in physical reality: consciousness, intention, faith, belief.

Question 17

How does Quantum theory explain the generation of new life

Answer 17

o Creation of the universe occurring due to awareness by first self-referential cell – all possibilities for creation were collapsed (a myriad of God ideas)
o Life requires a self-referential instrument of awareness
o “Life” as the collapse of a possibility wave form in the form of organs, actions, functions (like downloading of “software” onto hardware)
o Non-life cannot collapse possibilities because it’s not capable of S/O split.
Consciousness means not identifying with the objective, but rather with the cell that sees itself as separate & becoming separate from objects in this way.
o Life as God’s identity in form; Knowing itself

Question 18

How does Quantum theory explain death?

Answer 18

o If life is an identity that consciousness takes upon itself with the self-referential measurement, then death is the withdrawal of these identities; when consciousness doesn’t collapse possibility into actuality anymore because it doesn’t identify with body, organ, cell, etc.
o When consciousness withdraws from brain, we are brain dead. When it withdraws from cells, we are cell dead.
o Death is universal cessation of life processes, when soul leaves the body
o Survival after death depends on the postulation of the subtle body, which is non-local and discontinuous, soul (eternal, immortal, continuous)

Question 19

What are the basic ideas of neuroscience.

Answer 19

Placebo effect.
Meditation’s effect on brain.
Using research.
Brain is for self-regulation, then transcendence.

Question 20

Explain the placebo effect and how it is useful in spiritual leadership.

Answer 20

o A placebo is anything that appears to be a real medical intervention which, in fact, has no substance or element to affect health
o It may take the form of a pill, a shot, a procedure or a process
o The placebo response is the positive effect of the placebo on the individual; a perceived or tangible improvement in the condition as a result of the inert treatment
o The more one believes in the efficacy of the treatment, the stronger the placebo effect
o Negative beliefs that cause a patient’s health to become worse are known as the nocebo effect.
o Studies show that positive beliefs have the power to heal and negative beliefs have the power to harm. Newberg & Waldman say, “This framework can be applied to spiritual beliefs as well.”
o How I’d use it: Change your thinking, change your life.

Question 21

How does meditation affect the brain?

Answer 21

o Increases activity in frontal lobe, decreases activity in parietal & orientation (side) lobes
o Studies show that mindfulness meditation significantly reduces anxiety, emotional reactivity and emotional intensity, while enhancing emotion regulation.
o Mindfulness Meditation impacts regions of the brain involved in the regulation of emotions, self-referential though processes and the process of disidentification
o Evidence to support the notion that long-term mindfulness meditation practice may allow greater acceptance of emotional states and the present moment
o These improved psychological states can result in structural changes to the brain.
o Brain scans show the impact of long-term meditation on the brain.

Question 22

How do you understand and use research?

Answer 22

o A key purpose of this class
Scoring site and factors
Scimagojr.com sjr 1 hi 60
o How powerful it is to be able to back up the principles we teach with scientific studies
o Be aware of ling with statistics
o Choose reliable sources: pubmed.gov
o Beware suspicious sources: Friends (most relied upon), personal web sites, television. Non-academic magazines, public speakers, Wikipedia, cherry picked single abstracts
o Statistically significant does not mean proven true, just unlikely to occur by chance
o Acknowledge the counter-arguments and the complicating factors, be balanced
o How I’d use: creating talks, developing and teaching workshops and classes, working individual with clients.

Question 23

How can the brain’s self-regulation function be used for your benefit?

Answer 23

o Practices include:
 Ruminating on our values, positive thoughts or feelings
 Concentration, awareness & mindfulness meditation
 Positive self-talk
 Consciously identifying and rooting out negative beliefs
 Positive mental imagery
 Gratitude journal
 Loving-kindness & forgiveness practices
 compassionate communication
o Positive effects include
 Improving mood
 Reducing stress
 Lowering blood pressure
 Experiencing more harmonious relationships
 Feeling greater connection to all of life
 Becoming more self-accepting
 Applied consistently over time, can lead to self-transcendence (second primary function of brain)
o How to use: Incorporate mindfulness meditation in classes, encourage and facilitate regular mindfulness meditation throughout center; use myself

Question 24

How does yawning help you?

Answer 24

o Regulates brain metabolism & wide range of neurochemicals
o Helps regulate consciousness
o Enhances cognitive alertness, attention and pleasure
o Regulates body/brain circadian rhythms
o Synchronizes behavior is groups of primates, this serving as a primitive form of empathy
o How to use: encourage yawning in classes & meetings to keep people focused & positive

Question 25

What are eight ways to enhance your health?

Answer 25

o Smiling
o Intellectual activity
o Conscious relaxation
o Yawning
o Meditating
o Exercising
o Talking with others
o Having faith

Question 26

What are the 4 major worldviews of consciousness paradigmns

Answer 26

Dualism: mind, matter real and irreducible
Materialism: physical reality determines mind
Idealism: mind generates reality
Panpsychism: integrates the above

Question 27

What are some different hierarchies relevant to paradigms of consciousness

Answer 27

Dysfunctional dominator: downward causation, inhibited creativity and freedom
Actualization: whole serves the parts, parts contribute to whole
Heterarchies: elements on one level, functional heterarchies form differential relationship among parts (networks), dysfunctional make no distinction among parts (chaotic)
Nested systems (upward causation?)

Question 28

What are the major societal paradigms

Answer 28

Shamanic/Indigenous: pre-historical, shamanic, nature spirits, magical causality, participation mystique
Preclassical: to 5th BCE, Olympian gods, fate causality, myth and epic story knowledge, mytho-poetic, heroic gods and myth, gods drive reality
Classical: 5th BCE-5th CE, fundamental essence, Aristotilian causality (formal, material, efficient, final); reason, dualism, greek/roman philosophers replace gods,
Premodern: 5th to 16th, divine creation, Aristotelian causeality, knowledge from authority and faith, as above so below, faith and superstition, medieval religious dualism
Modern: 17th-21st machine, mechanistic causality, objective knowing, Cartesian/Netownian materialism/mechanism, reason, empiricism, science, remote God, natural analysis, reductionism, mechanism, individualism. Dualisms: spirit-matter, mind-body, supernatural-natural, religion-science
Postmodern deconstruction: 20th-21st; text, contextual causality, knowing through linguistic interpretation, knowledge is correspondence between ideas, reality is constructed by language/society/history, meaning is contextual, relative, non-absolute. relativity, uncertainty
Postmodern process: self organizing systems, interdependent self-agency causation, multiple ways of knowing (senses, reason, feeling, intuition), relationships are fundamental (not things),

Question 29

What are the basic stages of consciousness

Answer 29

Archaic (2-3mya) ‘am, therefore, is’ timeless
Magical (750,000ya) ‘as part, therefore, as whole’ time is now
Mythic (40,000-12,000ya) ‘I feel, therefore, I am’ time cycles
Mental (10,000 BCE-now) ‘I think, therefore, I am’ preoccupied with time and space
Integral (emerging) ‘we are, therefore, I am’ freedom in time

Question 30

What are the seven archetypes of consciousness

Answer 30

Shaman (feeling) BODY
Poet (feeling/thinking) SOUL/MIND
Philosopher (thinking) MIND
Artist (feeling/sensing) SOUL/BODY
Scientist (sensing/thinking) BODY/MIND
Warrior (sensing) BODY
Mystic (silence) SPIRIT

Question 31

What’s Koestler’s thesis?

Answer 31

construction of the brain has insufficient coordination between instinctual, emotional, and rational domains