What is an Idea? (part eight)

Using the meaning of the word “idea” as “concept” might invite us to inappropriately objectify it as something to be worshipped. In another way, we might invite others to see an idea as a whole to be considered as a model of what a thing ought to be. Concept could also relate to the strategy of retelling of a higher principle developed by others but acknowledged to be a true or valid method of expression of reality, even thought we might not fully understand. This is the either good or bad method of ordinary outer religion using scriptural authority as real rather than internalizing it and gaining realizations oneself (if transmitted poorly).

The preservation of transcendent concepts and successful techniques by awakened beings that were recorded is the responsibility of religion. This is done carefully, regardless of their own personal understanding, for the benefit of those who will come in the future, who are capable and needing the cues and clues of scripture. These are the seeds of dharma, left by the Buddha for us. This aspect of religion should be highly respected but not worshipped mindlessly, and has become a source of confusion to spiritual seekers who believe that they need to worship the religion, but are overlooking the invitation to understand the treasure of cues and clues it offers, and receiving it respectfully.

If we are incorrect and looking at it in the form of an object, this causes us to feel that it does not have to be personally reasoned out, but only accepted in its totality. This is unexamined dogma, to be worshiped or viewed as real. Eventually you will have to examine these things, so, it is better to start sooner rather than later. This is a more correct understanding of the often trivialized (and dogmatic) way of seeing the quotation by the Buddha exhorting us to not listen to him but only to your own reasoning—phhttt! So much confusion here. That could absurdly lead to the result that whatever anyone thinks, is more valid than the advice of Awakened Buddha and even more absurdly, the unenlightened state is superior!

However, that aside, in our discovery of the various meanings of “idea” as “concept” we find that it is possible to carry a concept without possessing the original elements that were part of its process in either a negative form such as dogma or a positive way as a student learning. Let us take for example, the concept of karma. You do not need to have, nor is it intended that you have, full knowledge of karma in order to be able to understand whatever you presently understand with the emerging original elements of your correct reasoning. We practice gathering elements, adding to our understanding or concept, but it is quite okay to have a partial understanding. That is what learning is about; growing and gathering more elements so that our concepts become more vivified. To be continued…