[MD] Just coincidence?

[Peter Corteen]

Hi Joseph,

my mention of spontaneous chrystallisation and monkeys washing potatoes was
because I was reminded of them by your examples - I didn't mean to suggest
that  when two people say the same thing at the same time that is caused by
chemical chrystallisations!  I have shared  that communication experience
many times too; it is a happy sensation and is a great example of the power
of all four of Pirsig's static levels of quality forming a foundation strong
and flexible enough for such a dynamic new event. That Lyall Watson book was
called 'Supernature' - I don't know whether you will still be able to find
it, I read it  about 35 years ago; I don't  recommend it, though I was very
impressed (gullible) at the time.  I don't know whether the spontaneous
chrystallisation phenomenon is real - it was just something I read about a
long time ago, perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned them but I wasn't sure
about the focus of your email and was being provocative I suppose.

You said 'What is mind if not a collection of values?' - I like that. I
don't think the mind is limited to the brain - we are psycho-physical
organisms and have sensation throughout the body - indeed even beyond the
body through sight, hearing and touch; to a certain extend I can partially
relocate my self or mind from it's usual home (the brain) to say my hand
merely by focusing my attention there.

I don't think that when animals sense an impending earthquake or volcano
they are displaying supernatural abilities - I watched a docu-drama about
Krakatoa recently and it seems that the scientists in that area 'sensed' the
volcano months before the local animals did through their scientific
devices. What I mean by supernatural is, as the word suggests, something
above or outside nature and I am not trying to be flippant.  You mention
Chi: I have read somethings about Chi development  suggesting that the real
masters can do astral flying - perhaps I best sign up to their schools! I
practiced Tai Chi Chuan for many years and very beneficial it was too.

Perhaps, Joseph, it is time now for you to explain just what you mean by
'collective mind'.

Regards

Peter