Samsara

Pending my completion of Island, there has been much consideration on my behalf towards the notions of how one grows. Divided into three primary phases of life, these are distinctly not correlated with the concept of time, but rather with experience. One may not reach phase 2 ever within the confines of their lifeline. On the contrary, a rare individual may reach phase 3 from a very young age. These phases are dynamic and often very layered. The folds of these layers may convince an individual that they've achieved the next level, only to realize that the intricacies of the phases presented the next level in the direct line of sight, only to drop back down into a trough. Oftentimes it is the case that these phases are not defined by age-based experience, but rather the quality of the experience. Some monumental change may trigger a phase shift and push an individual to the next level. The endgame is the liberation of the consciousness. The benefits of achieving a phase 3 mentality is the ability to really focus on community and the human experience. By refocusing the lens that is humanity, individuals within society can rework the norms that act to confine and order into a more natural order of success and growth as a collective.

Phase 1 - Youthful Cartographer

The phase in which all enter the world, this is a phase of great curiosity. Many years are spent in an attempt to map the landscape in which they are existing. Trying to locate the what's what. This is the phase where most are conditioned by the norms of society. It is a very promising and transcendental phase. There exists the possibility for one to grow comfortable enough in this phase to live in a state of enamored servitude. The important take away from this phase is the ability to remain curious, to look for correct explanations, rather than theories of best fit. The Youthful Cartographer draws out the mental map for which the the rest of his life may be shaped by. It is important to, as earnestly as possible, draw forth unbiased conclusions and to think freely and independently. This phase is oftentimes colored by the words of elders, some providing valuable insight and other times subduing the passion which drives this individual. This phase oftentimes, but is not exclusive, to the first decade of life, as the Ego is still undeveloped and allows for unbiased conclusions to be drawn. That said, the Ego is an instrumental part of growth, and like all things, will reach its eventual demise, but not a second before one is ready to let go of that proverbial security blanket. It is at the end of this phase when Western society is so strongly conditioned by the notion that Progress drives all forward. The curious thing about progress is that it is nonlinear. That is to say, one can make progress in the wrong direction if the foundational blocks aren't properly calibrated. Likewise, one can continue to build a house on a faulty foundation, and the house may stand on its own, but eventually, that foundation will lead to the demise of that house. A flawed foundation is temporal in this regard, and when the house starts sinking, it can undermine those invested in that construct.

Phase 2 - You're a Nobody

Phase 2 is arguably the most important phase, and also the most difficult to achieve. Attaining this level requires a total breakdown of self. Ego Death. One must come to the realization that they're not important in order to more visibly see the scope of the iceberg that is the universal conscious. It can occur for a number of reasons. One may reach rock bottom, only to have a moment of true Realization and understand that there is no lower they can sink. Others still may gain this insight through lengthy endeavors of the mind--meditation, meaningful discussion, humbling moments of grandeur in the natural world, and so on. Some may achieve this notion through the use of entheogenic drugs. These drugs provide a shortcut to these notions of unlearning. However, none of these means of achieving nobody status are guaranteed to be pleasant. The Ego is a force to be reckoned with, and is often the case the greatest foe one will meet within their lifetime. Crafty and appealing, the Ego works to keep individuals in their respective place, craving power and wanting nothing more to reach the top. Because of this, some will attempt to reach phase 3 without any concept of what they're truly doing, only to miserably fail. Be forewarned that the Ego can allow for growth only so far. Once liberated from it, the individual is capable of infinitely more growth as a human being. Their respective powers of observation that originated in phase 1 will be again the focus of the individual as they seek to again grow, this time under refined conditions without the hampering spirit of the Ego. Again to the analogy of the house, the sinking or destruction of the house in phase 1 is when progress is made. First it is made in returning to the origin, the foundation. At that point, one can understand the flaws that exist within the foundation and adjust. That is the beauty of the beginning. It is minimal and obvious what needs to be done to adjust. There is less relying on said foundation, which means that the stakes are much lower. Only once the foundation has been properly setup can the structures on which the foundation is built support itself and prosper as an independent and significant institution.

Phase 3 - Moksha

Phase 3 is the final extrication of the soul. To achieve Moksha, one is stepping beyond the bounds of Samsara and experiencing life in the fullest extent of its meaning. Observing the universe for the sake of observing. This phase of life is the most important in terms of making an impact, as one reaches a Full Realization. This realization is pivotal for the individual to best understand the world and universe in which they inhabit. It acts to enable a planetary consciousness whereby humans exist together as humans in the natural world, finding the balance and moderation in seemingly uncertain times. Reaching phase three allows one to fully grasp the notion of a society which can combine intellect, reason and non-conceptual awareness. Combining these three things and embodying these notions, while promoting them simultaneously works to better the world, even in some modicum. Phase 3 is a true awakening from the slumber of a subservient life, one where the individual either conforms or seeks to worship a higher power. It is the trainee becoming the trainer, the student becoming the teacher, or the puppet becoming the puppeteer. One no longer acts as the inanimate object, but rather having a sense of mastery over the concepts of space, time, life and so forth. That is not to say that these people will be prominent scientists and astrophysicists, but rather possess the ability to seek out whichever truths they desire to know more. They are enabled with the renewed passion of their youth to understand, while considering the mysteries that exist behind the formal sciences. This is the true foundational block of a prosperous society. This is progress in the corrected form and the next evolution of humankind. It is about finding the balance and looking at all things from an infinite degree of angles. With the achieving of Moksha, one can absolve their pains and exorcise their proverbial demons. Having this sort of knowledge can be a dangerous thing, as it tends to lead to a life leaning more towards that of mental solitude. The best one can do in phase 3 is make the best of their own corner of the world, their mind. Any who are different from the norm will always find themselves lonely, but with the bolstered strength achieved in phase 2, one can find the reward in living the best life they are capable of, regardless of if they are a game changer in the schema of humanity. If they do end up enabling change, then their hard work has paid off, and the purest form of progress transpires. This is the aspiration of all who are Fully Realized.

These are my initial thoughts since my completion of Huxley's opus. I'm pleased with the takeaways I've gotten from this paramount text. I strongly recommend it to anybody looking to further their own existence and I'm pleased engage any faithful readers or anybody who shares strong passions or opinions about my words or Huxley's in a conversation about it. Finally, I wish you all the best, thanks for taking the time to read. I certainly feel better having put it into words after a few strange days of thinking much on the topic.