ORGANIZING FOR AN ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY MADE UP OF ENLIGHTENED PERSONS Arthur M. Jackson
Copyright 2001, 2003, 2006
.
A. ORGANIZING FOR AN ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY: IT ALL STARTS WITH A SINGLE PERSON!
1. THE WISDOM GROUP AND CENTER FOR THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF WISDOM
What will it take to put into practice the ideas of this book? What are the actual components of an Enlightened Community and the Enlightened Person? How can an empirical element be introduced into this discussion so we can rise above subjective evaluations about specific behavior and use of resources? I believe, this aspect must come from actual study of individuals and societies. The accuracy of conclusions about which beliefs are most likely to produce an Enlightened Person and an Enlightened Community depends on data. Any conclusion is no better than the evidence that supports it. Clearly, this is a complex enough issue that it will be easy to go astray particularly considering that in our upbringing we have all been surrounded by ideas so far off the mark.
Another question is, What must be done to actually develop an Enlightened Community made up of Enlightened Persons? Obviously, even with perfect theories and data one could not change an existing society into an Enlightened Community overnight. A skeptic might say it can't be done over any period of time. But if it can be done it can only be done by establishing organizations to promote such change. These organizations must have a triple focus. First, they must do whatever is possible to ensure that Science of Ethics is properly grounded; improve the ideas presented in this book and correct errors, provide missing components, and expand ideas so they can actually be used. Second, they need to do as much as they can to move themselves and as many persons as possible toward becoming Enlightened Persons. Third, they must help their society move toward becoming an Enlightened Community.
How can one start the process? At this time we don't have a fully developed Science of Ethics to provide the necessary framework for Wisdom Grooups capable of growing into Centers for the Practical Application of Wisdom that can aid in defining concepts and focusing the gathering and analyzing of data. Our situation is comparable to the time of the metamorphosis of chemistry out of alchemy and astronomy out of astrology. Since alchemists and astrologers had mystical goals these studies had to pass through a transformation from a supernatural to naturalistic focus. There might be experiences here that could provide guidance. However, whatever help the foregoing provides a great deal of caution as well as tremendous optimism will be needed in starting this effort. So, with faith and hope we must slowly construct both the mechanisms for producing Enlightened Persons and Enlightened Communities while at the same time working to clarify all relevant ideas to develop a Science of Ethics and to assemble Wisdom Groups capable of producing Centers for the Practical Application of Wisdom.
[p. 2]
Somehow we need to establish groups to develop Enlightened Persons, and at the same time encourage efforts to improve theories and goals. However, it is not obvious how to do this. We are trying to develop Enlightened Persons, but we're not sure what that means. There are no such persons to start the group or serve as models, yet there are thousands if not millions of persons who think they are Enlightened. In addition it is not totally clear how to build an Enlightened Community and exactly how it would function. We must rely on experimental, bootstrap procedures in which we utilize our best impulses and strengths to collectively help each other move in the right direction. See below Ten Levels of Human Development and VOLUME II, Chapter 1, "Levels of Membership in a Wisdom Group."")[1]
I believe the first step in establishing an Enlightened Community made up of Enlightened Persons is to set up small, experimental groups to explore the possibilities. I call such organizations Wisdom Groups. I would anticipate that Wisdom Groups would usually be set up by persons who had studied this book and were in general agreement with its goals. They might meet in all the ways that people who share common interests meet and when two or more connect in the right way would decide to establish such a Group. However, another way that Wisdom Groups might be established would be through existing organizations. Every organization resists change and is almost impossible to refocus. This is why it is usually easier to establish new organizations to do a job than try to restructure an existing one. However, there may be times when an existing church/ synagogue/ mosque, fraternal group, educational organization, etc. would have a leadership core that sees the merit in the goals of this book. They might with the cooperation of membership decide to restructure the organization as a Wisdom Group, or at least spin off a Wisdom Group. This might lead to the establishment of a Wisdom network.
It is possible that the best way to start a Wisdom Group would be to get a group of at least four-five persons together to study and master Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. (See: "A GUIDE TO RATIONAL LIVING," or perhaps better Michael Edelstein's THREE MINUTE THERAPY)[2]. The ideas that Dr. Ellis presents in the foregoing book, and that Edelstein simplifies are an essential first step for any who would accept Science of Ethics. Until they master this understanding there is little chance they can move further in their growth toward a Science of Ethics.
A Wisdom Group would bring interested people together to share their ideas, their dreams, their hopes, their joy and enthusiasm. It would function in whatever way the participants agreed upon. The core of its efforts and activities would be to explore and actualize the vision of a Science of Ethics. I would expect that they would explore the ideas presented in this book and at some point examine how to actualize these ideas or the improved ones that came out of the group process. It would work to help each participant achieve good mental health.
Wisdom Groups would provide the energy to organize a larger, more outer focused group I call a Center for the Practical Application of Wisdom. These Centers would be the custodian of the vision of a Science of Ethics. The effort to establish a Center for the Practical Application of Wisdom would begin once the Wisdom Group reached a sufficient size and level of wisdom. One goal of a Center for the Practical Application of Wisdom might be to expand the range of activities and experiences available to help members work toward achieving a Sustainable Belief that their Life Has Meaning. In so far as possible a Wisdom Group would bring together the wise people of the community who accept as a working hypothesis the idea that Human Beings Are the Ultimate Reference System, i.e., those who have a high level of good mental health and contact with reality.
It seems to me the best structure for a Wisdom Group would be to have levels of membership. Persons would then be able to utilize a self-correcting structure that incorporates the knowledge and wisdom of humanity to achieve total congruency, and become their best self. Levels of membership would help each person master whatever knowledge, skills, experiences are necessary in order to move toward their life goal. Each level reached would represent a real achievement. Their goals would truly be for their own benefit. However, the better person they become the better it is for everyone else, also. In order to ensure that the foregoing is the case it must be recognized that in the area of value and meaning each person must be the final interpreter of "Truth." [3] No organization, community, group, etc. can say what "Truth" is. However, it can say what is required of members of this particular Group. A good organization can help one in the search, and encourage study, discovery, and synthesis. It can help an individual develop their humanity and live a full life. However, a group attempting to develop an Enlightened Community cannot adopt conclusions and require that the individual agree with these answers as a condition of being accepted into the group.
[p. 3]
It is too easy for such conclusions and requirements to become rigid, simplistic, and weed out just those persons with the greatest potential. Also, organizations that think they can provide "Truth" (except as a moving target, provisional and approximate) in fact promote hypocrisy, one of the worst evils of which human beings are capable. Any society that exploits its members, begins by encouraging them to be hypocrites. After that all else becomes possible. Levels of membership might help develop a flexible way to deal with the foregoing issues.
.
B. THE ENLIGHTENED PERSON
How to become an Enlightened Person cannot be taught in one course, or measured simply. It needs to be measured in progressive increments the way growth takes place. As indicated elsewhere humanity is in the process of creating itself out of its genetic heritage using its "wisdom" potential based on symbolic language. As a result of this re-invention process of what we are, our vision of the nature of Modern Humans needs to remain open to change and reinterpretation. This requires that the individual be educated and socialized so that they are flexible enough to deal with these new insights. In addition to this an individual under any circumstances is always a becoming. They are constantly changing -- growing, maturing, and sometimes backsliding. Persons would normally come to a Wisdom Group in the early stages of their development. Their habits of thought may be poorly developed. They may be (probably are) loaded with erroneous information, ideas, and patterns of thinking. They very likely still utilize immature behaviors and possess irrational values. They may be only starting to integrate new ideas into their life. They may not yet understand the implications of their new ideas and how these ideas relate to the concepts they were raised with. They may not have mastered both the scientific and philosophical ways of understanding "Truth." For science this is to see "Truths" as provisional and approximate -- to be questioned with an open mind so they can be changed when necessary -- and for philosophy to see "Truths" as concepts defined pragmatically.
Some candidates for membership might not have integrated their new values into their life in terms of how they use their time or in their interpersonal relationships. Others, may be developed philosophically, and understand the goals and need for a Wisdom Group based on Science of Ethics, but have no experience with or understanding of organizations and how to be effective in them. Some may not have developed their left-brain sufficiently to refocus their raw "tribal" propensities.
The foregoing problems take time and effort to overcome. One class meeting, or one therapy session will not produce the necessary changes. People need other people to serve as models in order to get a clear vision of what it takes to become and live as an Enlightened Person. They need honest feedback given with love. They need guidance and encouragement. They need education, therapeutic assistance, and experience. But equally important they need to be able to put their insights and criticisms where they will be heard and produce any changes necessary in the ideas and functioning of the Wisdom Group.
Very likely there must be different paths for different kinds of people. If the Myers Briggs Type Indicator [4] has any reality behind it at all, and I believe it does, then people may differ in important ways. As a result the behaviors, knowledge, experience, etc. I suggest below as criteria of evaluation for levels of membership may also differ significantly among people.
[p. 4]
Therefore, if the idea of levels of growth/maturity/commitment holds up under careful scrutiny then it may need to be broadened, or alternative paths developed to accommodate different types of individuals. (See analysis of TYPE TALK, [4] in VOLUME II, Chapter 26, "TYPE TALK -- Personality Types and the Enlightened Person.") Also, left brain people vs. right brain people seems to be an important issue that may require additional thought and study.
For the working draft of ideas on levels of membership see VOLUME II, Chapter 1, "Levels of Membership in a Wisdom Group." [1] Currently it is recommended that there be an initial affiliative step followed by ten levels of membership with the core value of each level briefly described below:
THE TEN LEVELS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 0.a. Initial: Indicates a sincere interest in being associated with the group.
0.b. Novice: Participates in an activity comparable to one studying Albert Ellis' "A GUIDE TO RATIONAL LIVING [2] in order to master Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy in order to integrate this positive, effective process into their life.
1. Alpha Value: Exhibits compassion and concern for all other human beings. Understands the ideas of Science of Ethics including: a Sustainable Belief that one's Life Has Meaning, Human Beings Are the Ultimate Reference System, Ways of Wisdom, as well as their own personal philosophy. Also, has a general understanding of the major philosophical and religious systems including the strengths and weaknesses of each system. Accepts core ideas of a Science of Ethics as a working hypothesis, or demonstrates why any should not be so accepted. Able to achieve intimacy at least with their spouse, or lover.
2. Beta Value: Understands importance of physical affection and able to experience it at least in structured environments (such as massage, with close friends, etc.) (See "Body Pleasure and the Origins of Violence," by Dr. James W. Prescott[5].)Attends Level One program of the Human Awareness Institute.[6]
Committed to becoming an Enlightened Person. Involved in the Group in such a way as to experience full communion with the group, and a deep sense that all other human beings are comrades, and worthy of whatever one can offer.
3. Gamma Value: Have taken and mastered the core ideas and experiences of a course such as the "Fire Walk" experience given by Anthony Robbins [7]: Importance of focus, How to change one's state, Taking charge of one's life, Achieving personal power, etc. Have mastered first area of self-knowledge: (Confronting the traumas of their childhood and dealing with them sufficiently to be able to determine current motivations and obsessions. Have worked through these to the degree that self-defeating, negative behavior is not routinely followed, and/or does not unduly impair one's over-all functioning.)
Experiences total openness and honesty with the group -- total trust and a feeling of freedom to be themselves.
[p. 5]
4. Delta Value: Has a consistent and rationally based worldview that is not grossly inconsistent with the best knowledge currently available. Able to replace any of their beliefs when it becomes clear they interfere with achieving a sustainable belief that their life has meaning.
5. Epsilon Value: Has achieved a sense of transcendence through identification with the goals of the Group and the efforts of those involved in building a new foundation for civilization in order to work for the survival of the human species in such a way that each person is able to achieve a Sustainable Belief that their Life Has Meaning.
6. Zeta Value: Lives consistent with their value system that in turn is consistent with the ideas and concepts of the Epsilon Level. Have mastered second area of self-knowledge. (Integrating all body functions and maintaining a positive, effective state so that their physical and mental functions are congruent.)
7. Eta Value: Demonstrates understanding of organizations, their value, and how they work; and, how to be effective in them.
8. Theta Value: Focuses on development of their personal "Bible," a collection of ideas and writings that express their own worldview. This project would vary tremendously from person to person depending on interest, ability, time available, etc. Have a clearly stated inspiring life goal that motivates and directs their life, and are able to pursue this goal possibly within an Organization to Enhance the Quality of Human Life.
9. Iota Value: Possesses a healthy amount of humility. Ability to laugh particularly at oneself. Insight into their own motivations. Ability to see themself objectively. Have incorporated nurturing touch into every aspect of their life. Have mastered third area of self-knowledge. (Through biofeedback mechanisms, or other means are able to control body functions to anesthetize any part of the body, control heartbeat, body temperature, and mental state.)
10. Kappa Value: Exhibits the highest human attributes of friendship, physical affection, honesty, truthfulness, open-mindedness, and rational thinking.
As a Wisdom Group grows in knowledge and effectiveness, it needs to expand activities and develop a Center for the Practical Application of Wisdom. Membership also should be expanded as conditions allow. Special efforts must be made to attract the truly decent persons of the community. Except in the case of special people it would be of questionable value to make vigorous attempts to recruit members before the structures exist to provide the support and guidance they need.
.
.
GO ON TO OTHER SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS .
1. VOLUME II, Chapter 1, "Levels of Membership in a Wisdom Group."
2 "A GUIDE TO RATIONAL LIVING," Albert Ellis and Robert A. Harper, Wilshire Book Co., No. Hollywood, 1997. Also, "THREE MINUTE THERAPY: Change Your Thinking Change Your Life," Michael R. Edelstein with David Ramsay Steele, Glenbridge Publishing, Aurora, CO, 1997.
3. "Truth" is the individual person's subjective conceptualization of how the Universe works, what is most important, how one should live their life, one's life goals, etc. The foregoing is differentiated from TRUTH: A concept based on the presupposition that human beings can directly experience God, or understand reality (achieve Objective/Certain Knowledge), rather than only interpret perceptions.
4. Otto Kroeger and Janet M. Thuesen, Bantam Doubleday Dell, New York, 1988.
5. THE BULLETIN OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTISTS, "Body Pleasure and the Origins of Violence," James W. Prescott, pp. 10-20, Nov. 1975.
6. HUMAN AWARENESS INSTITUTE: Started by Stan Dale. Office: 700 Widgeon St., Foster City, CA 94404; 650-571-5524; www.hai.org.
7. See, UNLIMITED POWER, Anthony Robbins, Fawcett Columbine, New York, 1986.
.
.
.
.