Stephen is a web developer, Bahá'í, and interfaith activist in St. Paul, Minnesota. He likes to write about religion, social justice, sustainability, science, programming, &c.

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poetry, prose, and other strings of words · 1993 - 2003

Some Musings on Existence

1995? 1996?

Existing is not a process.... to exist, one must declare with body and mind that one exists. The transition is the hardest part, for things flow well from there. Becoming leads to Being, in some ways. The threshold point is like the Zen satori: enlightenment (of sorts).

How strong a will does it take to Exist? Impossible to know. Many, very many, think that existence is too hard to grasp. Many think that it is not worth it.

Actually, it is a process... the seven valleys. I believe that the threshold point is very important for many people though (not necessarily all...).

To become self-actualized, it is necessary to Exist. It all comes down to a matter of how much you want it. If, like Faustus, one's pleas of redemption are empty and false, devoid of the true and necessary detachment and oneness with the universe, that is, one does not have Right Purpose, then, like the Doctor, one will not be saved. However, with purity of motive (whatever that may mean), one can accomplish existence.

The hardest part is deciding that one wants existence. However, this only requires a little detachment from the Self, and bingo, it hits you like lightning and you realize what it all is, and you are on your way.... on the way to a cautious optimism (realism), achieving the good, discovering and fulfilling the seven valleys, etc. It is the end to Pain! End to the anguish & despair!

That is a battle which, I believe, is a very important part of this life. This is how we, as individual human beings, develop spiritually and how we, as societies, can grow as well....