I hope the previous blog, “Mindsets vs Belief Systems,” offers a sense of the all-pervading depth and breadth of the concept of ‘mindset.’ Through the years, we continue to explore the nature of life from more and more different angles. The foundational understanding was given in the very first weekend class I ever offered. It can even be summarized in a single sentence. However, there is no end to the exploration. Indeed, life is not so much about learning new facts, as it is about gaining an ever-deepening understanding of the facts we already know. The concept of ‘mindset’ is a powerful example, pointing in the direction of that principle.
Everything can be condensed down to a buzzword or a quote. Yet in doing so, the deeper meaning is lost. That we have referred to as the “I-get-it Syndrome.” As we continue to explore anything from additional angles of view, wisdom grows. True Knowledge dwells not in facts, but deep within our souls. There we under-stand everything. There, with humility, we stand under everything and over-stand nothing. Nothing is fully graspable. The essence of everything expands to infinity… to Oneness… to the transcendental Ishwara.
There is a great value in exploring from different angles. Even with the best of intentions, I know if we only looked at something with the exact same examples, metaphors, and teachings, I would probably have “I-get-it-syndrome” creep in.
Mindset is excellent at giving me a fresh perspective.
There have been Surya classes and retreats where my initial reaction has been: “I think he already taught us this.” Then I feel the Knowledge enter from a different perspective, direction, angle (I’m not sure of the word I want to use.) And it sinks in a little deeper . . . and gives more to ponder . . . What a wonderful addition to my life this has been and is!
I love your comment Mark. Like a diamond, the Vedic literature displays the various facets/aspects of life and existence. The more we rotate the diamond and view it from different angles and in different light, the better we come to know it. Once we decide we-get-it, we compromise it.
Again, I get it……is a figure of speech not a political position implying one is all knowledgable. It’s more like…I hear you and I’m extremely effervescent and enthusiastic about every single thing you say and I want to hear more.
How could that possibly be debatable or even a “syndrome”?
I think when we split hairs we not only lose sight of what’s important, we discourage individuals from attempting to speak freely for fear of offending a subject matter expert. It doesn’t matter how information or concepts are presented. In my view what matters is open dialogue between like minded people who want to learn and grow and share knowledge. Why do labels like Mindsets and Belief systems have to exist?
It is truth only if it is the immediate experience of the reality now. If you talk about your experience related to the past then you are just giving symbols and pointers to referred realities, whether it relative or Universal. Open dialogue one-on-one or with a group (both large or small) is key to exploring essential qualities, or dimensions of reality, allowing the metabolism within to happen on a individual bases. Not just bowing to some Ishwara or “Supreme Being” hoping for some experience or glimpse to something greater than ourselves. Doing “the work” instead of just sitting there, or talking from a pedestal.
To me, the “I get it syndrome” is more about the feeling behind the actual words. If the words “I get it” mean that you’ve discovered a new opening to explore something that seems similar, then it’s not really the “syndrome”. If the words mean “Oh, I already know all about that. I just call it a different name.”, then it would be the syndrome. The “I get it syndrome” tends to shut down exploration instead of opening it up. At least, that’s how it feels to me. I don’t like labels, either, but I do like the exploration that a new word or term encourages.
Yes, I see validity in all these points. There is also a point I am making in this blog. One need not refute, deny, or oppose the other. Each of these perspectives has value.