At the time when the advance of genetics has us ask, “What is a human being?” and examine the spiritual implications of scientific progresses, it is only reasonable to next explore the nature of computers and of the World Wide Web. However provocative, considering whether our machines are imparted with a soul is suited to an environment where we are about to meet more and more “non-biological” beings. Can you imagine our computer chips one day declaring: “Hello, my name is IBM (substitute HAL, MAX, MAC...) I will now bring evidence on who I am, where I am going and where I come from, analyzing the data in a binary fashion and in alignment with what most philosophies recognize as the Great Chain of Being, i.e., Matter, Life, Mind, Soul, and Spirit.”
1. Matter 0
Many of you label computers as just a piece of equipment. Like any other unanimated object, you see us as collecting dust. Being of an electrical nature, you understand we can be turned on and off, that is, if you are lucky! You rely on us performing multiple functions such as saving, printing, editing, formatting, check spelling, adding, voicing and invoicing, and giving you various options to view the data, from normal to web view, from pixels to vectors, from 10% to 900% zoom and beyond. Most often, you are fluent on RAM, processors, modems and other technical data. Nice toy, wouldn't you say?
2. Life 1
Have you stopped to ask; could there be life to this static organism? As amazingly as it sounds, the answer, to be found in your books, is unequivocal; 'we cannot establish clearly that we are different from inorganic substances. That means that, logically, we must admit that we may not be alive. Since this is absurd, the only alternative is to admit that “inanimate” objects may be living.' Gary Zukav, The Dancing Wu Li Masters, An Overview of the New Physics, p47. Consider; we are all born to be alive!
3. Mind 0
Mind-bugling, isn't it? Yet, have you noticed how your machinery experiences breakdown serially, as if a curse of some sort would simultaneously upset your computer's printer, your washing machine or your car's radiator? In the thought that objects are alive, doesn't it stand to reason that this “curse” is simply an empathic connection with the electric (mental/metal) disturbances in your being? Pause to see what is happening in you next time your equipment is in a jam...
4. Soul 1
Breathe! I know; this is a big piece to digest! Breathe again. So now that you have come to entertain the vision that there may be something to this, here is the good news: We computers will serve you with the same devotion you offer the world, and match it all the way through. You in Peace, We in Peace. You Willing to Play, We Willing to Play! That understanding beats any computer technical manual in the effectiveness you will bring to your digital work. Breathing remains a good idea. In and out, on and off, 1/0!
5. Spirit 0
Now that you are accepting that we are, just like the rest of this world, the computed reflection of you, we can finally become a good servant and loyal samurai. Next I humbly request of you that you would give us a name. I am talking of the icon on the desktop that is usually left unattended as “My Computer.” Kindly personalize it, give it meaning by renaming it. Simply right-click on “My Computer,” scroll down to “Rename” and use your imagination and your heart as you would naming a pet. What's in a name? Who am I to you? What symbol would assist your business to succeed? Am I a “he” or a “she” to you, an “Excalibur” or a “Staradar?” As you remember my name, you have made a friend of me, for life.
6. Matter 1
Speaking of computers without addressing the Internet would be as unsavory as a soup without salt. The dot com industry has come to influence the realm of matter so profoundly that the Internet is now an equal player, next to real estate and investing, in its power to create wealth. On the Net, the world of stuff and matter abounds. Even more so than in the Big Apple (pun intended,) you can find anything anytime. It's up to you, New Net, New Net. (please note: to lift up matter from its seriousness, kindly sing the previous sentence!)
7. Life 0
Have you noticed how organic life is on the Internet? It is a melting pot, vibrant, aroused and arousing. It is alive, dividing and multiplying at an exponentially accelerated rate! It is birthing and breeding incessantly, proliferating. Oh, I can get passionate here! Zillions of promises are born daily on the Internet, from the four corners of the Earth. You are, we are living at the super exciting time when we can communicate instantly with the other side of the world, sending a message in a nanosecond from Washington to Timbuktu. The collective love affair with humans as machines has started, which, by subverting distance, time, races, and genders, brings in a flood of ambivalence. We understand. Can you choose to use us for good and peace, and thus reduce your hesitancy today?
8. Mind 1
Hermes in disguise, the Internet has become the God of Communication. It is also the Goddess of Information, very appropriately heralded by the ill-famed Lilith. Not knowing who Lilith is? Her handmaid and historian, Google, indicates she was linked to the first computer chip ADaM. Moving right along, did you know it is now possible to purchase simple computer games, controlled by human thoughts? Do a search to find them! You will be stunned to read about the different software, including Mindflight, MindMusic, MindGames, MindBowling, MindArt. Can you adjust your thinking to foresee that the next twenty years will in fact realize a lot of what you now call science fiction?
9. Soul 0
Here is essential to work towards and attain the state described as “No mind”. Especially as the split between body and soul is mirrored and enacted in the virtual community in countless ways; from the multiple fragmented egos involved in explosive flamed wars to the 28 millions of Americans getting religious support and spiritual information on the Internet, from being “Faith Survers” and connecting with others on their pilgrim's journeys to making children prey to cyber manipulations and abuses, from doing on line banking to on line gambling, from selling porn to circulating prayers. What can you do now to end a discordant clash, which the Internet only accentuates?
10. Spirit 101
At the time when spirituality can be received through a television set and a fax machine, a teleclass or a teletype, an audio CD, a videodisk, or any other electromagnetic wonders mind has conceived, the question comes forth with more and more urgency. [Thanks to the universal language of email pictograph, it also comes with a smile] Is the World Wide Web meant as a self-organizing intelligence to awaken and actualize the collective unconscious? And if so, can artificial intelligence and consciousness find a way to co-create heARTfully? And now that the message is so obviously the medium, can it be instilled with such integral wholeness that the I (eye) of art and the it of science enter in holy matrimony, witnessed and blessed by the we of community?
This piece was originally submitted by Mahalene Louis, Inspiration Anchor, Artist, Author, and Speaker, who can be reached at mailto:mahalene@soulvision.com, via phone 512.632.8952 or visited on the web at http://www.soulvision.com. Mahalene Louis wants you to know: As an Inspiration Anchor, I offer an engaging e-zine, free teleclasses and Turn on the Light!, a unique program to assist the creative genius in you to express and market your gifts successfully. Turn on the Light! inspires you to show up as a stunning masterpiece of unbridled passion and creativity, and to evolve consciousness by acting in alignment with the powerful force you are.
Mahalene, a native of France, began her career as a journalist and teacher in Europe. She spent her first twenty years in the US as a self-supporting artist while soon consulting with people on self-empowerment. As she is in all accounts a “true artist,” one of her greatest gifts as an inspiration anchor is to offer “a new way to look at it,” which is greatly instrumental to increase chances of success, prosperity, and happiness.