Enlightenment the Bernado Kastrup Way

Humanity's Journey: From Delusion to Harmony

For millennia, humanity has embarked on a relentless quest to unveil the truth, seeking answers to the mysteries that cloud our existence. This pursuit has been driven by an inherent desire to resolve the conflicts that reside within – conflicts addressed through the introspective lens of spirituality and the solace of ancient traditions. These traditions spun narratives of an internal self yearning for connection with an external God, both entities shrouded in an alluring yet frustrating enigma. However, faced with the persistent lack of definitive answers, these concepts often became casualties of disillusionment, paving the way for the rise of non-religious atheism and the reductionist approach of modern science.

Modern science, born in reaction to the perceived failings of spiritual dogma, offered a seemingly objective lens through which to understand the world. Yet, with its emphasis on competition and scarcity as driving forces, it inadvertently birthed new conflicts – this time, externalized and manifested in the struggles between individuals and nations. The outcome of this trajectory? A collective state of delusion, a paradox where the very tools designed to illuminate reality ended up obscuring it further.

But amidst this apparent impasse, there glimmers a beacon of hope. The key, it seems, lies in embracing the wisdom gleaned from both seemingly opposing camps – the introspective insights of spirituality and the analytical rigor of science. By acknowledging the valuable contributions of both, while simultaneously moving beyond their limiting dogmas, we can embark on a more holistic path towards understanding. This necessitates not just gratitude for the tireless efforts of past generations, but also a deep sense of humility and a thirst for further exploration.

The true joy lies not just in finding answers to age-old spiritual mysteries, but in weaving them into a tapestry of logical understanding. It lies in bridging the gap where modern science falters, explaining the unknown by tapping into the wellspring of "Existential Reality" – a reality that transcends the limitations of empirical data. This quest for a unified understanding encompasses both the internal realm of subjective experience and the external world of objective observation. And it is precisely this state of "resolved being" – a state free from the shackles of limiting beliefs – that unlocks the key to this unified understanding.

The act of reading and comprehending these words, the very process of internalization you are undertaking – these are mere ripples within the vast ocean of existence. Within this grand scheme, your internal observations unfold – you perceive, visualize, understand, and realize. These seemingly individual actions are intricately woven into the fabric of "Existential Reality," synchronized with the grand dance of the universe.

Once you grasp the awe-inspiring grandeur of this interconnectedness, the world around you transforms. Harmony and festivity replace the perceived discord. The complexities of life, once daunting, reveal themselves as the harmonious interplay of countless entangled parts – separate yet interconnected, each contributing to the magnificent whole.

This profound understanding of existential reality, of the inherent entanglement between internal perception and external existence, offers a powerful antidote to delusion. It allows us, as sentient beings, to see reality not through the distorting lens of limited beliefs, but with the clarity and joy of unobscured perception. The path forward lies not in clinging to absolutes, but in embracing the richness and complexity of both the internal and external, forging a future where humanity, in harmony with itself and the universe, celebrates the grand unfolding of existence.

This lens of having a clear vision has shown me the path to be in harmony and enjoy every single interaction in my day to day life. That this can be practiced by anyone and everyone is the source of confidence becoming stronger and stronger by the moment.

Moving ahead to lay down the path to utopia for everyone to  easily adopt, I am leaning on the great work done by luminaries of our times. I will  explain, complete and simplify the various solutions proposed to understand Existential Reality .

I am grateful for the great work done by each one of them. The large following they have is testimony of their great work .The additions, addendums I make are to complete and connect it to everyday living of the common man. The increase in their following is the objective. Survival of the planet is crucial. Survival of humanity is dependent on the actions we take today. These Luminaries can lead this shift in our thought process by adopting this practice themselves.

 Bernardo Kastrup is a leading Scientist with two PHDs in opposite fields that gives him a wide vision. His details are  on his site www.bernadokastrup.com and the Essentia Foundation website. He has created a course to set everyone thinking about the concept of analytical idealism. How to make it complete is my attempt here.

Objectivity and subjectivity are complementary and coexist.

Once we add this reality to his theory ,the theory of analytical idealism is wholesome This article solves the hard problem of  consciousness and sentience as per his theory.

He very  rightly suggests that physicalism, panpsychism, despite its challenges, might eventually lead to a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the universe.

Analytical idealism, is a philosophical position that posits that reality is fundamentally mental in nature. Bernardo Kastrup, argues that our outside intuitions about the world are as important as  inner experience.Having the inner experience as the starting point for understanding reality is the correct way forward.

Here are some of the key points that are well explained by Bernado Kastrup.

We share a common world, even though our individual descriptions of it may differ.

We cannot change the world simply by wishing it to be different.

Inner experience correlates with brain function, suggesting a link between mind and matter.

Any theory of reality must account for all of these observations.

We should not limit or rely on only  physics to provide all the answers about the nature of reality.

Some of his questions have been addressed in my previous articles.

What is the relationship between the mind and the brain?

How can we be sure that our inner experience is an accurate reflection of reality?

What are the implications of analytic idealism for our understanding of ethics, consciousness, and free will?

Diving Deeper into Kastrup's Analytic Idealism

1. The Mind-Brain Relationship:

Kastrup challenges the traditional "mind in the brain" view, proposing instead that brain activity is a secondary phenomenon, a mere appearance within a fundamental consciousness. He rightly describes the brain as a complex, self-organizing information processing system that modulates our experience, not produces it. The Brain is the hardware.

2. Accuracy of Inner Experience:

This point gets tricky. Kastrup acknowledges that our individual perceptions may be distorted and incomplete, but he argues that inner experience is the only reality we have direct access to. We can only analyze external reality through the lens of our own subjectivity.

He draws an analogy to a dream: even though dream elements are generated internally, the experience feels real within the dream. Similarly, he suggests that while the world as we perceive it may be an internal representation, it's the only reality we can meaningfully discuss.

However, Kastrup emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating our internal states, recognizing biases, and striving for greater understanding through dialogue and shared experience.

3. Implications for Ethics, Consciousness, and Free Will:

Ethics: If we're all part of a shared consciousness, harming others becomes harming yourself. Kastrup advocates for an ethics of compassion and understanding, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.

Consciousness: Consciousness, for Kastrup, is not a product of the brain but the fundamental ground of reality.  

Free Will: While acknowledging the influence of biological processes and external factors, Kastrup suggests that within the realm of our inner experience, there is a degree of autonomy and choice. We can choose how we interpret and respond to events, shaping our personal narratives within the larger tapestry of existence.

Here is my attempt to complete some of his questions using the light of Existential reality.

BK:-Our ordinary intuition is that the world is as we perceive it, with solid objects and independent events happening "out there."Thermodynamics: The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy (disorder) tends to increase.

Existential Reality The external world is in order and only homo sapiens are in disorder .They just have to realise, experience understand and perceive  of all of reality to be in order . They can do it in the reverse order.

 BK:-Natural selection wouldn't favor seeing the world "as it is" if such knowledge wasn't helpful for survival. In fact, seeing everything in microscopic detail (like the true nature of computer files) would be overwhelming and counterproductive.

Existential Reality: Survival is not the objective but festive and emergent manifestation is. The outcome of the festivity is the emergence of more complex forms. Forms that are capable of being in order by understanding the reality.

BK:- The world "as it is in itself" likely looks nothing like what we see on the screen of perception.

Existential Reality: The purpose of existence of a homo sapien as a sentient entity is  to mirror this perception to what exists. That is the prerequisite for him to be in peace and harmony.

BK:- The world is like the instrument panel: Physicalism assumes that the forms and contours we perceive on the screen of perception directly correspond to the forms and contours of the world itself. This analogy of the instrument panel suggests that our perception is merely a readout of the underlying reality.

Existential Reality: The control panel is not physical but sentient. This sentient control panel will enlighten, realise,experience and understand all that exists as they are with the entangeled connection and effect they have on each other. These are what we study as various laws. This enlightenment of being able to see all is to become a tradition in society. That is the task of humanity as a species.

BK:- Objects are defined by their contours and utility in the whole system.

Existential Reality: Matter is purely quantitative individually and yet can not be isolated from the field it resides in. The impact of all other matter that it coexist with is what defines it. So Coexistence is of both matter and non depleting energy

BK:- There lack of a clear explanation for how these micro-consciousnesses combine to form macro-consciousness. The potential connection between panpsychism and animism is not clear.There is as lack of empirical evidence and coherence.

Existential Reality: The individual experience is based on the coexistence of the life atom and the compatible human body. This spurs the human being to be in order and maintain the balance between everything else by understanding. It does not combine to form any macro consciousness.

BK:-The paradox of integration: How can fundamentally private and separate micro-experiences merge into a single, macro-experience? If each particle has its own subjective world, how can these worlds combine without losing their individuality? He finds the notion of "adding" consciousnesses together to be meaningless.

Existential Reality: Every particle is complete in itself and plays a part in the bigger system.This is the way of working of nature. There is no why question to that.We have the capability to study the how of the coexistence. The cell in the kidney is complete in itself.Kidney as an organ is complete in itself. The excretory system is complete in itself but as a part of the whole body it plays its designated role. The human being is complete in himself and needs to know his role in the family and the other bigger ecosystems. That is the knowledge gap that is now resolved and clear.

BK:- Ethical considerations: If everything has some level of consciousness, does this necessitate a revised ethical framework? Should we avoid harming any matter, even seemingly inanimate objects? Kastrup opens up the potential complexities of such a scenario and the need for further philosophical exploration.

Beyond Kastrup's theory, the concept of "Existential Reality" emerges, emphasizing the pivotal role of awareness in achieving order and harmony. It posits that our purpose, as sentient beings, lies in aligning our internal perceptions with the essence of what truly exists. Through this conscious mirroring, we can cultivate inner peace and contribute to a more harmonious collective experience.

Combining Kastrup's insights with Existential Reality offers a holistic approach to understanding ourselves and our place in the universe. It emphasizes the importance of both inner experience and objective observation, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the pursuit of understanding as the key to a more harmonious existence. This interwoven perspective paints a vibrant picture of our place in the cosmos, inviting us to embrace both the richness within and the humbling vastness without. It reminds us of our interconnectedness, the ethical implications of our actions, and the transformative power of understanding. Ultimately, it offers a roadmap for navigating the existential wilderness, a path towards a future where inner harmony resonates outward, creating a ripple effect of understanding and compassion that washes over the cosmos.

This article is done in all humility with a view to share more such luminaries thoughts and if you feel I should be considering explaining anyone do let me know. Whoever wants to be fulfilled and enlightened in life is just a click away :) Please share and help create utopia.