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7 - The Emotive and Spiritual Odyssey of Mary
In the year 2350, amidst a world propelled by advanced technology, Mary, a
brilliant scientist, embarked on a journey unlike any other. Equipped with a
revolutionary time-travel device she had meticulously developed, Mary's
mission was to witness the very beginnings of the human species.
With
a mixture of excitement and apprehension, Mary activated the time machine
and was instantly transported back in time to the Pleistocene era,
approximately 2 million years ago. Stepping out of her spacecraft onto the
rugged terrain, Mary found herself surrounded by early hominids, the distant
ancestors of modern humans.
Over the course of several weeks, Mary
observed the primitive lifestyles of these early hominids, witnessing their
struggles for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. She marveled at
their ingenuity in crafting rudimentary tools and shelter, as well as their
communal bonds that fostered cooperation and protection within their tribes.
She also witness the hostility and competition between tribes. The
tribes that survived were loving and enriching within their group, but
ruthless when it came to foreign tribes. Often a tribe consisted of
about 200 members. This allowed several hunting parities to be hunting
at the same time, and thus the supply of food was more consistent.
In the ancient world of primitive man, oral tradition was paramount. Without
the luxury of written language, knowledge was passed down from generation to
generation through the art of storytelling and song. These songs, often
lasting several days, served as the library of knowledge for primitive
societies, encapsulating the entirety of their understanding of the world.
Within these epic songs, every aspect of their environment was
meticulously described and celebrated. Spirits were believed to dwell within
rocks, trees, and animals, each possessing unique powers and significance.
These spirits were revered and honored through rituals and offerings,
ensuring harmony between humans and the natural world.
In addition to
spiritual beliefs, practical knowledge was also encoded within these songs.
Descriptions of what was safe to eat and what could cause illness were woven
into the verses, serving as a crucial guide for survival in the wilderness.
Techniques for manufacturing clothing from animal skins were meticulously
detailed, providing protection against the elements and ensuring warmth
during harsh winters.
Furthermore, these epic songs served as
invaluable guides for practical skills such as building traps and starting
fires. Each verse contained wisdom passed down through generations, offering
insights into the subtle nuances of constructing effective traps and
harnessing the power of fire for warmth, cooking, and protection.
For
primitive man, these songs were more than just entertainment; they were the
repository of their collective wisdom and survival strategies. Through the
power of oral tradition, primitive societies preserved their knowledge,
ensuring the continuity of their way of life for generations to come.
As
time passed, Mary's journey took her through the epochs, spanning the
Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Classical period,
and beyond.
In the Paleolithic era (approximately 2.6 million years
ago to 10,000 BCE), Mary encountered early Homo species such as Homo habilis
and Homo erectus. She observed their use of primitive stone tools and
witnessed their struggles against formidable predators in their quest for
survival. Mary also witnessed the emergence of early spiritual beliefs, as
evidenced by burial rituals and cave paintings depicting scenes of hunting
and fertility.
Transitioning into the Mesolithic era (approximately
10,000 BCE to 5,000 BCE), Mary witnessed the gradual transition from nomadic
hunting and gathering to a more settled way of life. She observed the
development of more sophisticated tools and weapons, as well as the
beginnings of art and symbolic expression. Spiritual beliefs became more
complex during this period, with the emergence of animistic religions that
revered nature and believed in spirits inhabiting natural phenomena.
In the Neolithic era (approximately 5,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE), Mary witnessed
the dawn of agriculture and the rise of the first permanent settlements. She
marveled at the emergence of complex societies, characterized by the
development of pottery, weaving, and the domestication of animals. Spiritual
and religious values played a central role in Neolithic societies, with the
worship of fertility deities and the construction of monumental megalithic
structures like Stonehenge serving as focal points for communal rituals and
ceremonies.
Moving into the Bronze Age (approximately 3,300 BCE to
1,200 BCE), Mary encountered advanced civilizations such as Ancient Egypt
and Mesopotamia. She marveled at the architectural wonders of these ancient
civilizations, from the pyramids of Giza to the ziggurats of Sumer.
Spiritual beliefs were intricately woven into the fabric of society, with
elaborate pantheons of gods and goddesses governing every aspect of life,
from agriculture to warfare.
As Mary journeyed through the epochs,
she witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, and the
evolution of human thought and culture. From the philosophical teachings of
ancient Greece to the spiritual enlightenment of ancient India, Mary gained
a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history.
Finally, as Mary returned to the present day, she carried with her a
newfound understanding of the journey that had led humanity from its humble
beginnings to the heights of technological advancement. She knew that the
story of human evolution was a testament to the enduring spirit of
exploration, innovation, and resilience that had propelled our species
forward through the ages.
She wanted to study in more detail
how religion influenced ancient civilizations. Her time machine was
refurbished so it could complete a second journey back in time. She
adjusted the machine to bring her during the peak of the ancient
civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, circa 3500 BCE.
In Mesopotamia, Mary witnessed the rise of complex polytheistic belief
systems centered around deities such as Enlil, Marduk, and Ishtar. She
observed how these early religions intertwined with daily life, influencing
everything from agricultural practices to social hierarchies.
Transitioning to ancient Egypt, Mary marveled at the grandeur of temples
dedicated to gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis. She learned about the intricate
funerary rituals and beliefs in an afterlife, symbolized by the concept of
the journey through the underworld and the weighing of the heart.
In
the Indus Valley civilization, Mary encountered a rich tapestry of religious
iconography, including seals depicting deities like the horned deity and the
fertility goddess. She learned about the importance of ritual purity and the
belief in cosmic order, as reflected in the layout of cities like
Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
As Mary journeyed through time, she
witnessed the emergence of major world religions such as Hinduism, Judaism,
Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
In ancient India, circa 1500 BCE,
Mary delved into the teachings of the Vedas and the Upanishads, exploring
concepts such as karma, dharma, and moksha. She marveled at the diversity of
Hindu gods and goddesses, from Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to Lakshmi,
Saraswati, and Kali.
In ancient Israel, circa 2000 BCE, Mary learned
about the monotheistic beliefs of the Hebrew people, centered around their
covenant with Yahweh. She studied the Torah, the holy book of Judaism, and
witnessed the importance of rituals such as circumcision, kosher dietary
laws, and Sabbath observance.
Transitioning to ancient China, circa
6th century BCE, Mary explored the teachings of Confucius and Laozi, as well
as the rituals and practices of Daoism and Confucianism. She learned about
the concept of the Mandate of Heaven and the importance of filial piety and
harmony in Confucian thought.
In ancient Greece, circa 5th century
BCE, Mary immersed herself in the myths and legends of the Olympian gods and
goddesses, as well as the philosophical teachings of thinkers like Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle. She witnessed the rituals and festivals honoring gods
like Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Apollo, as well as the mysteries of Eleusis and
Delphi.
As Mary journeyed through the centuries, she witnessed the
spread of religions across continents and the emergence of new religious
movements and sects. She observed how religions evolved and adapted to
changing social, political, and cultural landscapes, yet retained certain
fundamental concepts and beliefs.
Throughout her journey, Mary
encountered various taboos and superstitions, as well as misconceptions such
as the belief in a flat earth. She observed how religious texts and holy
books, such as the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Tripitaka,
shaped the beliefs and practices of followers and served as sources of
authority and guidance.
As Mary returned to the present day, she
carried with her a profound understanding of the diversity and complexity of
religious beliefs and practices around the world. She realized that while
religions may differ in their rituals, doctrines, and interpretations, they
all share a common human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection to the
divine.
As her mind brimming with the wealth of knowledge she had acquired from her
journey through the history of religions, she couldn't help but reflect on
the profound implications of her discoveries.
One striking
realization that emerged from her exploration was the pervasive influence of
human perception on religious beliefs. She pondered how ancient
civilizations, with their limited understanding of the natural world, had
interpreted their surroundings through the lens of their senses and beliefs.
From the concept of a flat earth to the attribution of natural phenomena to
the whims of gods and goddesses, early humans had constructed elaborate
mythologies to make sense of their existence.
However, as Mary delved
deeper into the workings of the human brain, she began to recognize the
intricate interplay between perception, belief, and reality. She considered
how the brain, with its vast network of neurons and synaptic connections,
constructs reality based on sensory input and cognitive processes. Beliefs,
shaped by cultural, social, and religious influences, play a pivotal role in
shaping this perceptual reality.
In her contemplations, Mary mused on
the idea that the big brain of mankind requires a structured framework to
manage the trillions of parts within it. She realized that just as the
physical body requires harmony and balance to maintain health, the mind also
craves a sense of coherence and meaning. Religions, with their rituals,
doctrines, and moral codes, serve as frameworks for organizing and making
sense of the complexities of human existence. Since these structures
are within the brain, there are no constraints on them. They do not
have to be true, but only functional.
Yet, Mary also acknowledged
the duality of religious experience, wherein the outer gods – the divine
beings worshipped in traditional religions – represent external forces that
humans seek to appease and placate. Conversely, the inner gods – the
psychological and emotional aspects of human consciousness – represent
internal forces that guide individuals on their quest for self-discovery and
personal transformation.
In contemplating the outer gods versus the
inner gods, Mary recognized the inherent tension between external authority
and internal autonomy, between religious tradition and personal
spirituality. She understood that while external religious structures
provide a sense of belonging and community, inner exploration and
introspection are equally essential for achieving inner peace and
understanding.
As Mary concluded her reflections, she realized that
the journey through the history of religions had not only deepened her
understanding of human spirituality but also heightened her awareness of the
intricate connections between mind, body, and soul. Armed with this newfound
wisdom, Mary resolved to continue her quest for knowledge and enlightenment,
knowing that the pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey of discovery and
growth.
1. New Truth, New God (new)
4. Meditation and the Proof of the Core Self
5. The History of Consciousness (new)
6. Deepermind and the Catholic Church (new)
7. Mary and the Time Machine (new)
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