Volitional activities associated with the proliferation or elaboration of perceptions and cognitions..... that's the nature of mental proliferation
In the first part of the article of the same title, I wrote, in the context of social media engagaments, how individuals are caught in a whirlpool of sensual cravings and clinging in anticipation of the responses received on social networks. The role of networks (both social and professional) in the spread and acceptance of innovations, knowledge, rumours, behaviours and what-nots is not new, rather it is much studied in the areas of social sciences, economics, marketing etc.
While my earlier works focused on the tendency of human to mimic the behaviour of their role model exploring the mimetic tendencies in online social networks, understanding the external manifestations on social media is only but one of the facets. It is crucial to look within our ownselves to uncover the underlying motivations that drive individuals to emulate certain patterns of behaviour.
Inherently, human possess sensual desires that arise based on various stimuli. They shape our perceptions and interpretations of the worldly phenomena that we undergo. These then become the drivers of individuals in various pursuits of gratification and goals - including the sense to belong, and to be at the top.
Strengthened desires are a powerful force for individuals to engage in behaviours and activities directed toward the attainment of the specific goal(s). And often, this is the result of obssesive thoughts or mental proliferation and the formation on conceptual "realities" that subsequently increases the dominance of sensual desires.
The Chains of Rumination and its role in Hallucination
This intense desire refers to tanha, often translated as craving or thirst. It is the pivotal force in driving the cycle of rumination. Tanha arises based on various stimuli. Tanha is the craving for pleasure, the craving for existence, the craving for non-existence etc. that propels the mind into the deep and complex web of endless thoughts as we go through life grasping for the things that pleases us, resisting the things or phenomenon that displeases us.
So, tanha is the fuel that drives the incessant mental chatter and the roots of rumination are intertwined with our desires and attachments. Understanding the insidious influence of tanha (cravings) therefore, can help us to loosen the grip of rumination.
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| To break the chains, we should turn to examine our constructed perceptions |
As we ruminate, the mind weaves intricate stories, projecting illusions that lead to hallucination. Those of us who are familiar with generative artificial intelligence (AI), may have heard of the hallucination concept. Plausible yet incorrect, the tendency of hallucination is an unresolved issue with large-language models. While the ability of these models, to deliberate on their responses and correct their understanding is still being studied, it is very similar to how the human minds process the worldly experience through the senses. Much like generative AI, when the human minds engage in rumination, it has the capacity to generate stories and projections that lead to hallucination.
Hallucination thus, is a byproduct of our mental formations (sankhara), the meanings we give to our perceptions of encounters shape our (mis)understanding of our experience due to tanha that traps us in the hallucinationary world. It involves perceiving things that are not present, influenced by our mental constructs and conceptual frameworks.
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| Tanha is the catalyst and amplifier of mental proliferation. As the mind succumbs to tanha, thoughts become more intricate, and the mind becomes absorbed in the creation of mental scenarios (hallucination) |
Sensemaking: The Craving for Belonging and Imposed Constructs in the Present Society
So how do we make sense of all these in the present society? Here's one aspect.
In the present society, desires can be inherent or they can be imitative. Individuals, may unconsciously mimic the desires of others for various reasons such as lack of proper understanding, seeking to belong or conforming due to norms and a sense of identity. So, the mind can easily be influenced by imitated constructs, societal or cutural imitations and may project illusions based on shared beliefs, expectations, or desires.
For example, sense of belonging, aptly highlighted in the idiom "Birds of a feather flock together" refers to a certain lifestyle, the choices individuals make in making them happy, contented and motivates them to achieve fulfilling outcomes.
Here, we clearly see the construct of "we" as opposed to "others".
The search or longing to belong, propels individuals to conform and adopt desires that mirror the perceived values of their chosen social circles. This inherent and imitative desires are often shown in various aspects of our lives, shaping the individual's preferences, aspirations and sense of self. The mind, yearning for acceptance and connection, readily embraces desires that contribute to a sense of belonging, even if these desires are imitative in nature.
In doing so, the individual temporarily satisfies the craving for belonging but may inadvertently wander into the illusory world of hallucination. When desires become communal, they influence the aspirations and choices of each and every member.
And what happens to those who don't belong?
| WE as opposed to OTHERS |
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We live in a materialistic 21st century that places great importance on attributes on such as:
- respected occupation,
- possession of material goods,
- consumption of material goods,
- physical appearance,
- social etiquette, etc
All these have become more important than morality and integrity.
Social stratification by status and aconomic power has become common and ingrained in modern societies.
Instead of relying on superficial parameters, we should look within ourselves to uncover the inherent qualities innate in us.
True success come not from the ability to compete and control others.
Disclaimer
The content shared on MindPsyche reflects my personal thoughts, experiences, and the discoveries I've made along my own path. It is important to note that they are subjective and may not resonate with everyone. What works for me may not necessarily align with everyone's beliefs or experiences.
If at any point you find the need for clarification or wish to share your own insights, I welcome your thoughts. Feel free to reach out to me through any of the provided contact links below.