Nano Technology, Consciousness and the Divine

Thanks to Elijah Allan-Blitz for making me aware of this TED Talk. Juan Enirquez paints a very succinct history of the universe and moves into the how our species can evolve via nano technology and the understanding of our gene pool.

This brings up many questions. When you realize how small we are in the cosmic scheme of things how do we then define consciousness? And what is the brains relationship to consciousness? Is consciousness everything in the cosmos and our brain just an access point? Also, is the human brain a one of a kind creation, a blip in the matrix, that actually allows us to become aware that we’re aware? If not, then how and where did that ability come from?

We’ve, in fact, become so aware of our precarious unsustainable nature that we are actually creating technologies that could allow us to “upgrade” our bodies and minds. As far as we know, no other current or prior species on planet Earth has been able to actually change the normal cycles of life, death and intelligence to actually become a better version. Think System 7.0 to OSX. Are we in fact changing our evolutionary cycle or is this in fact the natural order of things and we are just figuring it out?

I lean towards the notion that just maybe THIS is the natural order of things! Have we been graced by such grand intelligent instruction from the divine that we can actually change or organic nature and thus change the course of our evolution? As the video shows the roots of our species has actually upgraded over time again and again and again. Surely, the ultimate and most efficient human has yet to exist, yes? This is a physical manifestation of consciousness that I believe the divine is granting us. I believe the Divine or God or the Cosmic One is telling us to figure this stuff out so we can a) live longer and b) be smarter, more loving, compassionate thus stopping this cycle insanity that we currently find ourself in. It’s certainly one solution and we may be able to get there before we blow ourselves up (what a buzz kill that would be.)

While we are doing the inner work it’s also important to embrace our current incarnations and take advantage of the great tools we have at our disposable like nano technology or the mapping of the human genome and the effects that has on our daily life. There are so many methods we’ve been given already so why not add science? Science is indeed a spiritual practice if we just change our thinking. If we now know that there is one gene that created blue eyes is there a gene yet to be mutated that creates world peace and unconditional love? Or is the latter entirely an inside job? Are they mutually exclusive?

This video primarily deals with the rapid acceleration of these technologies and our potential future, but I want to start considering spiritual relationships within these improved conditions. Our brains are continuing to improve beyond ways that we can even imagine. While that’s happening, I think there’s a nice cozy place where science and spirituality can live together.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syi9bqfFIdY]

The Glass in the Center of the Room

The spiritual experience is both personal and subjective. The spiritual experience must be personalized. It must have your stamp of unique interpretation. Even if you follow an ancient tradition it’s important to honor your point of view as it relates to the experience you’re having in that moment. Otherwise you’re just following someone else’s trip and your individuality will dull.

There’s been a wonderful metaphor floating around in my head for awhile. Imagine that you are in someones living room. On the wall are some various photos perhaps and in the corner is a vase with flowers. The room has different things to look at depending on where you’re sitting. Now imagine sitting in the middle of the room with a group of friends sitting in a circle. In the middle of the circle is a glass of water. Clear, transparent and half full. If you ask anyone of your friends to describe the glass in the middle of the circle they would give a similar but slightly differentiated response. For instance, one might say “yes. i see the glass and through it I see Tara’s shimmery red dress on the other side. Someone else might say “Yes. the glass is full and and clear and abundant” while another might say “it’s half empty and just boring cup of water,” forgetting to see the bigger picture. And then maybe a wise highly aware friend could say “the glass is so full of life and prosperity. Behind it I see beautiful souls shimmering and many great vast landscapes beyond the glass.”

This is very much like the spiritual journey. There may be a common goal we are all seeking or looking for but the vantage points are all different. We all see the same glass but in many different contexts coming from many different angles. It’s true that most of us come to the spiritual path through some kind of “issue” or “challenge” that one has faced. For some of us it might be more mundane like being disillusioned and let down by the path of corporate America so the spirit called to provoke one to try a new line of work. And for some of us it might be much more intense – destructive paths like drug addiction or abusive relationships no longer have a hold on us through the little tingle of enlightenment that we’ve found through connecting with God. Whatever the case may be, they are all equally meaningful and valid.

When one strips dogma aside I think any spiritual master would tell you that authenticity and sincerity is all that’s required to embark on your journey. May we all view the glass and drink the water.

More on this soon.