Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Simple Mathematics

The world as we see it, is an uncomfortably perplexing place to be in; the “knowns” are questionable and the “unknowns” undeniable. The sequence of events from the beginning of it all as science observes and proposes, till the creation and evolution of life can in itself be an overwhelming thought. In this world of mysteries and amidst infinite doubts and ambiguities, we do however manage to form our own belief system. This is based on our primary beliefs that we accept without doubting or questioning and our own intelligence or logic that we apply to these primary beliefs. In a way it is similar to deriving an output based on an arithmetic expression or formula and certain input parameters given to us. The entire belief system completely relies on these arithmetic expressions and the input parameters. Of course, each one of us is free to come up with his or her own set of primary beliefs based on their own experiences and observations, and build a larger belief system on top of it. However, digging deeper, one might conclude that the basic axioms that one had considered were flawed or the logic was inappropriate. A slight shift in ones logic/perception or a change in the primary beliefs can bring down the entire belief system and turn ones worlds upside down. So what does one do? Does the universe at all provide a unique formula with defined parameters to us? Is there any way to find out? Should one stop defining any kind of formula or leave the various parameters open without assuming any values for them. Is it at all possible for human mind not to stick to any particular belief system or detach itself from all beliefs whatsoever? If so, is this the best way to be?

5 comments:

Surbhi Goel said...

if you detach yourself from all beliefs, you are certainly seeking freedom from all bonds, restrictions which curb your natural choice to live a happy and carefree life.

it is very difficult to get over one's dependencies. but once it all over, you go on to live valuing life and people for what they are!

but till the time you can reach this almost unattainable stage, it is a journey of self-discovery. for this one needs not get into a cult/knowledge-system like actualism but if the basics are clear, one can push oneself on this path.

Voldi said...

Hahahaha... Jaggi ke funde :P

Darshan Chande said...

Susan, I think, existence has no definite purpose as such. Saying that, no belief system is more close to the Truth than the other. Because the Truth is that there is no Truth. The Truth which all the belief systems aim at is a human construct. Our mind's creation. So, I think that on the peak of spiritual development one just exists. Belief systems and purposes they adhere to are all irrelevant.

Susan said...

Hi Darshan, just to point out - existence having no purpose is also a belief. Atheism is as much a belief as Theism. Do you really see yourself without any belief?

Darshan Chande said...

Omg! I see I have been to this blog long back!

Will reply to the comment. (Sorry for the delay!)

I would not say that lack of belief is also a belief. From your more recent writings I think you are also of the view that the existence has no intrinsic meaning/purpose. When we say that, it means we do not hold on to any belief system. (Will come back to it.)

And maybe you called Atheism also a belief because it means "no God", whereas ideal position (maybe according to you) should be agnostic. I see the point. But do you know about the Russel's Tea Pot argument? I follow the logic that unless and until something is proven to exist there's no need to believe that it does. Otherwise if a child asked me if werewolves exist I will have to say "I don't know. They might exist!" (Because werewolves proposition is also unfalsifiable. And so are millions others!) Moreover, Theism is a belief in "deity God". A-theism is a lack of that belief. So even an agnostic, as long as he does not believe in "deity God" (for doubt also means lack of belief), is technically an Atheist. That's just my view. So my position is best justified as Atheism.

Back to the old point. About whether I see myself without belief... Well, without ANY belief it is not possible to survive in this body-mind-consciousness (human) form. So I have formed my own concept of morality (which is mostly the same as is generally held) and suchlike and I do adhere to it, in order to live with meaning. But all this remains on the surface. Whereas I would say my grounding comes from a deeper level of awareness where I know the reality. The fundamental nihilism. However, though nihilism is a sound philosophy, I wouldn't call myself a nihilist precisely because despite the awareness, I self-assign the meaning to my life and live with goals and purposes and passions just like others. For otherwise the existence becomes absurd. But the awareness in the depth is always present.

Hope I made sense. Thanks. :)