The Paradox of Intention
Introduction
The quote
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The quote heading Chapter 8 is an excellent illustration of the paradox of intention. It is not a means of fooling God, nor primarily a means of accomplishing some material goal, although using paradox can be a useful technique in healing some conditions. Instead, it seems to reflect a deeper understanding both of our inner desires and the means to allow them to be fulfilled. According to Shaw, the reversal of effort is a solution to the problem of being a self at all, and as such separate, isolated, and seeking. It is a redefinition of the goal completely. The goal becomes letting go itself, rather than freedom or immortality or perfection. The focus of this paper is on a theory of activity in the world and its bases. Why, when, and how do we act in the world?Within Hinduism, the focus is on non attachment to the outcomes of our efforts. It is not that we are supposed to wait in passivity, in non action, but that we are to let go of the desired results of our actions. Thus, for Gandhi, the point was to act toward the truth that he perceived, without regard to the outcomes of a particular action. Hinduism and Buddhism are both often popularly confused as passive, as Asian expressions of a lack of value in human life, and a disregard for taking action to improve the human condition. This is a misunderstanding, however. There is passivity within all religions. Passivity is not acceptance, howeve
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cision to choose an alternative route.
Toward a Theory of Action
When, and if, individuals make the decision to engage in the ongoing process of letting go, then they free themselves for a new form of activity that is not driven by threat and anxiety. This activity is not activity that is intrinsically superior, or even different from the earlier activity. In one set of pictures also belonging to the Eastern tradition, the ox pictures, the individual who seeks spiritual growth does not remain in the searching stage, but returns to the marketplace and engages in the same sort of activity as before. Nonetheless, everything has changed. What is it that has changed?
At a minimum, the basis of activity has changed. Activity is not designed to serve the goals of denying or avoiding anxiety. It is not designed to ensure that the individual be perfect or reach enlightenment. It is not designed to ward off all threats and attain some form of absolute security.
Nor is it purposeless. It is not simply random or nihilistic activity, motion for its own sake. It is not activity that represents a thrashing about in despair. Instead, this form of activity has its basis in the openness to mystery and the in flow of being itse
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Approximate Word count = 1794
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)
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