Saturday, August 04, 2007

Not A Spiritual Problem

"Asking, 'Why am I here?' is a psychological problem, not a spiritual problem."

- Rob Cooper (a.k.a. Celerman) Source.


Near as I understand it, the solution to the question, "Why am I here?", is ultimately psychological, rather than spiritual. And since the solution is ultimately psychological, the problem itself must be psychological. But that point might not make much sense to us at first, because we have been taught from the cradle that meaning of life questions are spiritual questions. We must first overcome that prejudice to see the question for what it is, and then the solution before us.

8 comments:

B said...

Psychological and spiritual can be considered as representing the same thing. "Spiritual" has become a word representing the metaphysical and supernatural. But rereading mystics who have used the word to have meant the internal psychology and epistemology rather than supernatural metaphysics, a new perspective on mythology and art crystalizes.

Gary said...

So, what is the answer? Did I miss it? :)

Paul Sunstone said...

I agree wholeheartedly, Brendan! When I was writing that post late last night, I thought, "I'm using 'spiritual' here in a way I don't normally use it -- to mean the metaphysical or supernatural."

Gary, that's the million dollar question, isn't it? I think the answer is something each of us has to experience, rather than be told.

Anonymous said...

Knock, knock

Just One of Many said...

It's kinda like what came first the chicken or the egg?!?
It's a circular form of thought based upon life experiences. Good post!!!

Anonymous said...

"Freedom from the desire for an answer is essential to the understanding of a problem."
- Jiddu Krishnamurti

This is a good answer for most spiritual questions. Let go and let them come to you.

celerman said...

The dictionary defines spiritual as: of the Church or religion

Paul Sunstone said...

"Knock. Knock."

Who's there?