Discussion on Space

TSK friends, if you haven't come across it yet, a nice discussion on space is taking place on the Integral Pod (started by Juliee, a new member of this pod).  Some helpful insights and reflections are being offered, so it's worth checking out.  If you're not a member of the Integral pod and want to discuss some of the comments in the thread, feel free to do so here.

Best wishes,

Bruce

Re: Discussion on Space

Bruce, I loved the images you selected.  They each went so well with your chosen quotes and excerpts.  The image of the mountains and the sky showing warmth, vibrancy and color, helps me remember the excerpt better as it stitches to the related text in my brain :)  Another favorite was the last image and quotation…  Very nice!

From your comment on the thread, the excerpt (Tarthang Tulku, Time, Space, and Knowledge):

“Space and Time are not simply backgrounds or supporting mediums for our ordinary pursuits and experience; they can provide a very special and direct form of nourishment for our 'humanity' or human nature, which is usually fed only indirectly through the pursuit of sensory and emotional gratification.”

I like how Space and Time are described as ”a very special and direct form of nourishment…”   Rather than the ”pursuit of sensory and emotional gratification” I think such ”nourishment” would be a more gratifying, filling experience - like a bottomless cup.

Something else I really enjoyed in the thread was your sharing the Tibetan practice of Sky Gazing and your related Indian countryside walks.  They reminded me of the last quote and image from your earlier comment from that thread:

”Beneath the surface of separate appearances, everything in the universe connects to space, heart to heart. All edges are united by deep lines of space. Imagine the still of night, with everyone asleep; suddenly, through magic, the roof of every house is lifted off - all imagined spaces merge, all the secret thoughts flow into one.” (Tarthang Tulku, Sacred Dimensions of Time and Space)

As I sign off tonight, I will consider the roof of every house… 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment, here.

Enjoying this journey,

Erin

Re: Discussion on Space

Hi, Erin,

Thank you for your comments.  I'm glad the images spoke to you.  In case you haven't come across it yet, I started a TSK Gallery thread awhile back, which features all of those images and quotations, plus several more.  Most of the images I've posted are examples of photomicrography – photographs of different microscopic objects and spaces.  Even the “mountain and warm-colored sky” image you liked is actually a microscopic image of a crystalline structure, I believe.  I have chosen these sorts of images to continue the visual themes of the first TSK book (and a later one, too, called Visions of Knowledge).  Interestingly, Davidu, who also has contributed a few images to the gallery as well, has used mostly images of the sky – a macroscopic space to complement the more other-worldly visuals I've chosen. 

Feel free to add something of your own, if you're so inspired!

Best wishes,

Balder

Re: Discussion on Space

Hi Balder,

Thank you for your reply. 

Have you had the opportunity to use whatever technologies are available to view, or even, take some of the photographs?  I think it would be fascinating to do so.

On not quite the microscopic scale, I wonder if this would be a variation of a Space exercise?  Long, long ago before the digital camera age :) one of our professors asked us to take several rolls of film…different views of one square foot area of meadow or forest.  This created a lot of grumbling; some of us found it a challenge.  Once developed, it was difficult to tell that the images were not of entire landscapes.  A very interesting project.  Just views of one sq. foot!

I will wander through the TSK Gallery; thank you for the suggestion :)

On to wandering…
Erin

Re: Discussion on Space

Hi, Erin,

No, I haven't had a chance to see how these photographs or done, but I'd love to one of these days.  I do not have a very good photographic eye, myself, though I think I have the vestiges of a decent visual aesthetic sense.

Your photography assignment does sound like a “space” exercise – a new way of approaching a space normally regarded as negligible, small, perhaps “empty” of interesting content, and discovering new riches there.  It is also an adjustment of “focal setting” – another TSK metaphor.

Reading your description, I think of Annie Dillard spending all that time on Tinker Creek, growing intimate with that narrow space and opening up its incredible depth and beauty.

Warm wishes,

Bruce

Re: Discussion on Space

Thank you, Bruce,

I appreciate your answer to my question about the assignment and whether or how it might relate to TSK.  I'm still in the beginning of the first book, where he talks about practicing the beginning exercises for a time before progressing.  I'm looking forward to reading about “focal setting” as I continue through the chapters and books.

It would be a nice field trip to visit whatever place makes such photographs.  Have you have seen Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes ?  It contains the section:  Snowflake Photography :)  

Libbrecht describes the world of ice crystals as a ”Lilliputian world of snowflakes.”  (p. 7)  I've pulled it from my shelf for a new look from a TSK perspective…

I'm enjoying each step of the journey into TSK.

Many thanks,
Erin