Philosophy is not dead, but rather, it can be seen as a paradoxical concept. When I proclaim that philosophy is dead, I am engaging in a philosophical statement itself. Therefore, the statement becomes self-contradictory. It is more appropriate to view philosophy as a personal journey of comprehension that resides within one's own mind. If you are reading this, I may have already been deceased for a hundred years, and you must interpret this message in a way that makes sense to you.
We often invest significant time in philosophical pursuits, utilizing logic to comprehend the world. We continuously seek better and more refined forms of logic, which can provide a temporary thrill. However, this effect eventually wears off, leading us back to ourselves. If we hold a philosophy that we truly believe to be true, the result would be an unwavering focus on our breath, consciously observing each inhalation and exhalation.
We act in a compassionate manner without distractions, thereby creating equilibrium through breath. Breath work encompasses the philosophy itself, rendering intellectual discussions unnecessary as they only clutter the mind. The body may not necessarily internalize the knowledge or find practical use for it. We must engage in breath work and extend our focus to include body work, which encompasses any activity utilizing our physical bodies.
Whether it's walking, doing household chores, taking care of our children, exercising, practicing yoga, or engaging in manual labor, all these activities constitute body work if we remain present in our bodies, focus on the breath, and concentrate on the present moment.
The next question that may arise is whether we should simply sit by the beach, breathing and waiting for our eventual demise. The answer to that question lies within each individual's personal exploration. It might be a chosen path for some to sit in solitude and focus solely on the breath.
However, there are practical challenges to finding a cave where no one disturbs us, where no other creature poses a threat, and where we can concentrate for extended periods without the distractions of hunger and thirst. If that is the path you choose, to deny bodily sensations and embrace the approach of allowing oneself to die, then that is your path alone.
I will not dissuade you from what you believe to be your path. For me, being in this body makes logical sense as it allows us to treat it well, experience life, cultivate our minds, navigate adversity, display kindness to others, develop our character, find joy, grieve, teach, and share experiences while marveling at the wonders of the divine universe. I refer to the universe as divine because something truly divine initiated its existence.
Everything in nature follows the principle of cause and effect, indicating that everything we know in the material universe has a creator, though we may never fully comprehend what that creator is. By embracing our breath and utilizing the extraordinary tools bestowed upon us by nature, namely our physical body, brilliant mind, and remarkable consciousness, we can connect to a higher level of existence.
To explain consciousness, the body, and the ego, I use a metaphor. My computer is a sophisticated machine with vast amounts of information, yet it remains utterly useless without my fingers activating the keyboard. In this metaphor, the person touching the keys represents the ego, while the computer symbolizes the physical body. The ego touches the keys of the computer, the body, and receives feedback, with both entities feeding off each other.
However, if I momentarily cease pressing the keys and observe my body from an aerial perspective, who is evaluating this situation? Is it my mind, my body, or a projection of myself outside my mind and body? Is there a separate entity that contemplates my thoughts—my consciousness?
Numerous philosophers contemplate this question, and yet, no one truly knows the nature of consciousness or can provide a perfect explanation of the mind. The point I am trying to convey is that the most crucial focus should be on the breath itself, rather than delving into philosophy and intellectual debates that often yield no practical value. Philosophy, consciousness, and pondering life after death may be intriguing subjects, but they do not necessarily contribute to putting food on the table or enhancing our personal practice.
Instead, we should prioritize breath work and relaxation of the mind and body. This is what leads to enlightenment, as when we relax and let go of unnecessary mental chatter, we can begin to contemplate and experience more pleasant aspects of life beyond our everyday problems.
As you continue to practice and connect with your breath, you will notice a powerful transformation. Anxiety gradually subsides, and you feel a sense of calm and centeredness. By maintaining this connection to the breath, you become more present in your body and grounded in the present moment.
Now, you might wonder about practical matters like going to the bathroom or dealing with work deadlines. In such situations, the key is to stay connected to the breath. Even while attending to bodily functions or completing tasks, you can maintain mindfulness and awareness of your breath. By doing so, you can approach these activities with kindness and compassion toward yourself and others.
Remember, the breath is a powerful tool that can guide you towards enlightenment and a state of peace. Philosophy, while interesting, can often distract us from the true essence of being present in our bodies and fully experiencing life. So, keep practicing, stay connected to the breath, and embrace the path that resonates with you.