Re: LS Dynamic and static quality

From: Jason McKague (jmckague@sunsetdirect.com)
Date: Thu May 06 1999 - 18:40:42 BST


Dear Squad,

I wish I had more time to contribute to this month's discussion, but I write
from work and (like Carmen and her frustrated husband) must keep one eye on
the back of my head....

Actually, I've enjoyed simply reading the various takes on this subject....
I'm especially drawn to John's, Carmen's and Diana's recent posting(s), but
all are interesting and informative.

John:
A good deal of what you've said in your previous (though never made explicit
or outright) postings gives me the impression that you are leaning towards
an 'idealist' position - or reference point. 'Mind', as it develops,
creates categories, "The arrows go in the opposite direction. Matter does
not move towards mind. Mind, as it emerges from undefinable and indivisible
experience, creates intellectual, social, biological, and physical
categories, including the MOQ." With this statement, I wholeheartedly
agree. However, this reminds me of a fundamental problem I have with
Pirsig's MOQ. Pirsig holds that 'all reality' is composed of subjects AND
objects (and not strictly mind or subject). But it sounds like you're
saying that all reality is a construct of 'mind' alone. How is this
compatible with Pirsig's metaphysics? Secondly, do you think that Pirsig's
assertion that the MOQ *unites* the philosophic schools - idealism and
materialism is valid (or logically shown?)

Carmen:
What you wrote about is, for me, the most attractive thing about *Lila*.
This illuminates the Mystic side to Pirsig and his books. Towards the end
of the book, he argues that "dharma is duty". Dharma is getting paid on
Friday, going to sleep at night, getting up in the morning, tuning your car,
etc. It is within this monotony of ritual upon ritual that Dynamic freedom
is found. Sometimes I have to remind myself of this simple (but hard to
employ) fact. That you can't just run from life's responsibilities (or eat
coconuts and bananas, naked, from a tree -- though not a bad idea....
:-)] ). Instead, one should strive to put these rituals/patterns (static
quality) 'to sleep' by mastering them.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............................

Diana:
I loved your post on drawing and the kind of tranquility it produces.
There's nothing better than getting lost in a job (even if it is mundane
like mowing the lawn). Sometimes, its hard to retreat to this sort of
state. The phone rings, a friend comes by, a favorite TV program comes on,
etc........

Hasta la vista folks,

MOQ Online - http://www.moq.org



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