Indian philosophical systems – as diverse as they are – are obsessed with deconditioning. We’re conditioned (karma) therefore you need to find a way to decondition ourselves. What they propose is pretty tough, so if you find an easy way, please let me know. I enjoyed your posting!
You make a good point about deconditioning. I hadn’t thought about it like that, but I can see how following one’s conditioning would lead one to expected, causal and karmic results. I don’t have an easy way. Even trying to be more rational doesn’t seem like it would help: we rationalize our conditioning rather than reason a way out of it. Thank you for the comment! It got me thinking differently about karma.
Frank, I can’t take credit for the duo conditioning/deconditioning. The explanation belongs to one of the greatest historians of religions: Mircea Eliade. Karma is defined as man’s actions (thoughts, desires, etc). However, you make a great point too. According to Eliade, in the Indian thought, rationality does not help. Suffering comes from one’s actions, and escaping karma means renunciation to one’s desires. Desires always lead to suffering. Deconditioning has nothing to do with rationality. Deconditioning is renunciation to everything that the material world has to offer. Anyway, I enjoyed the discussion here. And, since very few among us are ready for deconditioning (ha!) your post is perfect: There’s plenty of karma to go around!
I’m glad you liked the phrase. Rationality is looked on skeptically by some scientists today as well. I got the idea of excluding rationality from Jonathan Haidt (The Righteous Mind) and he (I think) from Anthony Damasio (Descartes’ Error). I have read some Mircea Eliade, but I should read it again since it was long ago. Deconditioning makes more sense as “renunciation”, maybe even “surrender” if the religion is theistic and there is someone personal to surrender to.
Good! I’m glad to know that. I guess it’s just a matter of time.
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I’m kind of wondering what’s going to happen when I get mine–or maybe I’m already getting it and don’t realize it. Thanks, JoAnna!
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Hmmm. Already getting it is entirely possible!
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Indian philosophical systems – as diverse as they are – are obsessed with deconditioning. We’re conditioned (karma) therefore you need to find a way to decondition ourselves. What they propose is pretty tough, so if you find an easy way, please let me know. I enjoyed your posting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make a good point about deconditioning. I hadn’t thought about it like that, but I can see how following one’s conditioning would lead one to expected, causal and karmic results. I don’t have an easy way. Even trying to be more rational doesn’t seem like it would help: we rationalize our conditioning rather than reason a way out of it. Thank you for the comment! It got me thinking differently about karma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Frank, I can’t take credit for the duo conditioning/deconditioning. The explanation belongs to one of the greatest historians of religions: Mircea Eliade. Karma is defined as man’s actions (thoughts, desires, etc). However, you make a great point too. According to Eliade, in the Indian thought, rationality does not help. Suffering comes from one’s actions, and escaping karma means renunciation to one’s desires. Desires always lead to suffering. Deconditioning has nothing to do with rationality. Deconditioning is renunciation to everything that the material world has to offer. Anyway, I enjoyed the discussion here. And, since very few among us are ready for deconditioning (ha!) your post is perfect: There’s plenty of karma to go around!
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I’m glad you liked the phrase. Rationality is looked on skeptically by some scientists today as well. I got the idea of excluding rationality from Jonathan Haidt (The Righteous Mind) and he (I think) from Anthony Damasio (Descartes’ Error). I have read some Mircea Eliade, but I should read it again since it was long ago. Deconditioning makes more sense as “renunciation”, maybe even “surrender” if the religion is theistic and there is someone personal to surrender to.
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Wonder if our share will comes with interest?
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I hadn’t thought of the interest. I hope the rate is no more than what we get at the bank today. Thank you!
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I suppose that karma includes both the good and the bad, Frank.
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I usually think of karma as bad, but I don’t really know what it is. I hope there is some good with it as well. Thanks, Robbie!
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So true and I agree. Karma reflects itself in the mirror of good vs bad.
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Whatever karma there is, there’s plenty of it for all of us. Thank you, Charlie!
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That really was a One-Liner, but the comments more than made up for the short post.
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It wasn’t even a very long line, and you’re right about the comments. Thank you!
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Dear Karma: I have a list of people you missed. 🙂
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🙂 I have a list in the back of my mind as well. Thanks!
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good and bad…(K)
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I prefer the good karma. Thank you!
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Don’t we all!
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Speaking of karma, tag–you’re it. I’ve nominated you for the coveted Mystery Blogger Award!
https://rhymeintimeblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/05/mystery-blogger-award/
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Thank you! I am honored.
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sMiLeS KaRMa
reSides
iNside
CoVeRs oF BookS..:)
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That does sound like a place to find karma especially as it influences our thoughts. Thanks, Fred!
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Swim
With
Karma..:)
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