Attitudes Towards Evidence: Atmosphere
Every journey has unique features, and if we look out for these attention grabbersthe fascination they produce will hold up the interest the whole way. So watch for them—I think there will be enough to keep us from snoozing!
But first, we need to prepare ourselves with two crucial preliminary exercises:
1. Introspection
2. Proper Atmosphere
2. Proper Atmosphere -- Numerous attempts to scale Mt. Everest (at 29,028 ft., the highest mountain peak in the world) had to be abandoned. The swinging, unpredictable atmospheric conditions such as wind, temperature, ice, visibility, etc. would suddenly become mean and menacing, forcing the climbers to turn back and give up in frustration—another attempt aborted, despite all the meticulous and expensive preparations. It might have been different if the surrounding conditions had not become so harsh and hostile.
Fortunately, for our journey, the conditions are not entirely out of our control. We can choose and maintain the atmosphere that will surround us. But to create such an atmosphere, we will need the following:
(1) Humility,
(2) Honesty
(3) Calmness, and
(4) Respect
We must pave our road with them, taking care to see that none is overlooked or discarded, because the absence of even one will severely hamper us.
1) Humility -- This is of utmost importance and is irreplaceable. All other factors are secondary to it. Some tend to think of it negatively, as a groveling, self-depreciating posture; but humility is not concerned about a public image and is not something put on. Rather, it springs up and grows as we contemplate the vastness, beauty, and grandeur of truth. Even without defining it, we know from deep within that truth is unimaginably great and awe-inspiring. All who have reflected on it have been compelled to a sense of sacredness and reverence. How small we feel in its presence! And that forms the true basis of humility.
We can also realize truth on a lesser scale, as we appreciate the wealth of knowledge in those around us. Humility effectively leads away from pride and arrogance to an attitude of learning. The mind is mellowed to become open and accepting.
Nothing can be as important as humility in our search.
2) Honesty -- This is a scarce commodity! I've met with all kinds of cover-ups, pretenses, and "white lies:' People will do anything, just to avoid the appearance of ignorance. I've also come across a peculiar notion which holds that if we are strongly convinced about something, our enthusiasm and passion should be accepted as sufficient evidence of its validity. An impartial inquiry is not required, and honesty can be put aside, so long as we are defending what we feel honor-bound to defend. This has become so much a part of us that it will take
more than an ordinary effort to recognize and reject it. One way is to make a definition of honesty that is sharp, clear, with "teeth" in it—and then rigorously apply it. Here is such a definition: "Honesty is the willingness to accept and acknowledge the value of a point or argument, no matter who brings it to the table, even if that affirmation has the possibility of destroying my own previous stand" I call this the "Wow Factor:' If a point or piece of information is impressive, we should be willing to let it amaze us. We should be willing to say, "Wow!" and mean it, rather than first considering the implications and acknowledging only what is "safe"—only that which will support our positions and beliefs—but that would be unfair We should be prepared to go where the evidence leads.
To inquire seriously is to inquire honestly.
3) Calmness -- Back in 1879 after more than a thousand experiments, Thomas Alva Edison finally succeeded in inventing and producing the electric bulb. The challenge had been to find the right balance between heat and light in the delicate filament inside. In scores of experiments, either the filament would not glow sufficiently, or just when it did, it got too hot and burned off the contact points.
Religious discussions also require a balance. They can get dull and stereotyped and end in complete apathy, or become so vitriolic and bitter that broken relationships, enmity, and even war result.
Calmness is keeping our volatile emotions in check because we recognize it to be in line with humility and honesty. We make this choice so that the matter at hand can be evaluated fairly. If we are not humble and honest, emotions are bound to get out of hand, and once they do, they instantly dominate and sever the contact with reason and judgment. Conclusions will be anything but correct and fair; whereas, if we stay calm and balanced, the contact will be preserved. Light, meaning wisdom and understanding, will have a chance to glow. Calmness ensures that the light stays on.
4) Respect -- Many think that respect automatically implies agreement. It does not. In fact, it shines out best when there is disagreement. We also tend to use it as a synonym for admiration. But this is not necessarily so.
We respect when we allow the other person whatever rights we claim for ourselves. Whatever freedom we use in making our choices, we freely grant to others—even if their choices are totally against our personal values. Mutual respect means that we, ourselves, are granted that same freedom by others.
Respect will never allow us to look down our noses at those who differ from us and call them names, hurl insulting epithets, slip in damaging insinuations, or condescendingly pity them. To be able to respectfully disagree is a virtue and will, in turn, bring respect even from critics and antagonists. Respect will bring credibility to our findings.
Humility, honesty, calmness, and respect form a strong foundation. But how do we make a practical application? The first step is to join the person "on the street"—one who has no loyalty to any particular religion or philosophy.
During the seminars I present, we go through a little ritual to symbolize this. The attendees stand up, draw an imaginary circle around their feet, and then step out of that circle, signifying letting go of those philosophies. Of course, it is only a ritual. Nobody can abandon deep-seated ideas in just a moment. The meaning is not to discard them altogether but to refrain from rising up in passionate defense of them. Our inclination to pride, dishonesty, and emotional outbursts will lose its grip on us, because what we wanted to defend has been laid aside. We now have no bone to pick, no ax to grind. The freedom this brings is vital to a search such as ours.
Let us accept and genuinely desire to implement these virtues, and theywill provide the atmosphere that will take us the distance. No guarantees—just the best chance.
But first, we need to prepare ourselves with two crucial preliminary exercises:
1. Introspection
2. Proper Atmosphere
2. Proper Atmosphere -- Numerous attempts to scale Mt. Everest (at 29,028 ft., the highest mountain peak in the world) had to be abandoned. The swinging, unpredictable atmospheric conditions such as wind, temperature, ice, visibility, etc. would suddenly become mean and menacing, forcing the climbers to turn back and give up in frustration—another attempt aborted, despite all the meticulous and expensive preparations. It might have been different if the surrounding conditions had not become so harsh and hostile.
Fortunately, for our journey, the conditions are not entirely out of our control. We can choose and maintain the atmosphere that will surround us. But to create such an atmosphere, we will need the following:
(1) Humility,
(2) Honesty
(3) Calmness, and
(4) Respect
We must pave our road with them, taking care to see that none is overlooked or discarded, because the absence of even one will severely hamper us.
1) Humility -- This is of utmost importance and is irreplaceable. All other factors are secondary to it. Some tend to think of it negatively, as a groveling, self-depreciating posture; but humility is not concerned about a public image and is not something put on. Rather, it springs up and grows as we contemplate the vastness, beauty, and grandeur of truth. Even without defining it, we know from deep within that truth is unimaginably great and awe-inspiring. All who have reflected on it have been compelled to a sense of sacredness and reverence. How small we feel in its presence! And that forms the true basis of humility.
We can also realize truth on a lesser scale, as we appreciate the wealth of knowledge in those around us. Humility effectively leads away from pride and arrogance to an attitude of learning. The mind is mellowed to become open and accepting.
Nothing can be as important as humility in our search.
2) Honesty -- This is a scarce commodity! I've met with all kinds of cover-ups, pretenses, and "white lies:' People will do anything, just to avoid the appearance of ignorance. I've also come across a peculiar notion which holds that if we are strongly convinced about something, our enthusiasm and passion should be accepted as sufficient evidence of its validity. An impartial inquiry is not required, and honesty can be put aside, so long as we are defending what we feel honor-bound to defend. This has become so much a part of us that it will take
more than an ordinary effort to recognize and reject it. One way is to make a definition of honesty that is sharp, clear, with "teeth" in it—and then rigorously apply it. Here is such a definition: "Honesty is the willingness to accept and acknowledge the value of a point or argument, no matter who brings it to the table, even if that affirmation has the possibility of destroying my own previous stand" I call this the "Wow Factor:' If a point or piece of information is impressive, we should be willing to let it amaze us. We should be willing to say, "Wow!" and mean it, rather than first considering the implications and acknowledging only what is "safe"—only that which will support our positions and beliefs—but that would be unfair We should be prepared to go where the evidence leads.
To inquire seriously is to inquire honestly.
3) Calmness -- Back in 1879 after more than a thousand experiments, Thomas Alva Edison finally succeeded in inventing and producing the electric bulb. The challenge had been to find the right balance between heat and light in the delicate filament inside. In scores of experiments, either the filament would not glow sufficiently, or just when it did, it got too hot and burned off the contact points.
Religious discussions also require a balance. They can get dull and stereotyped and end in complete apathy, or become so vitriolic and bitter that broken relationships, enmity, and even war result.
Calmness is keeping our volatile emotions in check because we recognize it to be in line with humility and honesty. We make this choice so that the matter at hand can be evaluated fairly. If we are not humble and honest, emotions are bound to get out of hand, and once they do, they instantly dominate and sever the contact with reason and judgment. Conclusions will be anything but correct and fair; whereas, if we stay calm and balanced, the contact will be preserved. Light, meaning wisdom and understanding, will have a chance to glow. Calmness ensures that the light stays on.
4) Respect -- Many think that respect automatically implies agreement. It does not. In fact, it shines out best when there is disagreement. We also tend to use it as a synonym for admiration. But this is not necessarily so.
We respect when we allow the other person whatever rights we claim for ourselves. Whatever freedom we use in making our choices, we freely grant to others—even if their choices are totally against our personal values. Mutual respect means that we, ourselves, are granted that same freedom by others.
Respect will never allow us to look down our noses at those who differ from us and call them names, hurl insulting epithets, slip in damaging insinuations, or condescendingly pity them. To be able to respectfully disagree is a virtue and will, in turn, bring respect even from critics and antagonists. Respect will bring credibility to our findings.
Humility, honesty, calmness, and respect form a strong foundation. But how do we make a practical application? The first step is to join the person "on the street"—one who has no loyalty to any particular religion or philosophy.
During the seminars I present, we go through a little ritual to symbolize this. The attendees stand up, draw an imaginary circle around their feet, and then step out of that circle, signifying letting go of those philosophies. Of course, it is only a ritual. Nobody can abandon deep-seated ideas in just a moment. The meaning is not to discard them altogether but to refrain from rising up in passionate defense of them. Our inclination to pride, dishonesty, and emotional outbursts will lose its grip on us, because what we wanted to defend has been laid aside. We now have no bone to pick, no ax to grind. The freedom this brings is vital to a search such as ours.
Let us accept and genuinely desire to implement these virtues, and theywill provide the atmosphere that will take us the distance. No guarantees—just the best chance.
In the meantime you can reach Jon at 423.505.3195 and by fax at 423.847.4059 for further questions. To assure you a place in the Search Group of your choice, fill out the Group Search Application now due to limited space in each group. We are looking forward to hearing from you. You can also contact us at our e-mail address: Info@EvidenceForBelief.org.
©2014 by Subodh K. Pandit, MD