[MD] MOQ Recursion

[plattholden at gmail.com]

On 3 Aug 2010 at 19:35, Mary wrote:

> [Mary]
> The levels are not 'concepts'.
> 
> [Arlo]
...
> For example, we say the "inorganic level" consists of "inorganic
> patterns of value", but is what we call the "inorganic level" also an
> "inorganic pattern of value"?
> 
> Nearly all of us would say no, right?
> 
> So is the "inorganic level" an "intellectual pattern of value"? If
> not, what IS it?
> 
> If it is not an inorganic or biological or social or intellectual
> pattern of value, what is it?
> 

[Mary replies]

A pattern of values is exactly that - a pattern of values.  That is the
intellectual level way to describe something which really cannot be properly
described at all by the Intellectual Level.  Do you see?  The whole problem
here is that the MoQ cannot be completely understood in terms of the
Intellectual Level.  The Intellectual Level is inadequate to describe that
of which it is but a part.

This is but the first step.

Hi Mary,

Right you are. Pirsig agrees. The MOQ uses SOM intellect "to make itself 
known," but the "central reality of the MOQ is not an object or subject or 
anything else. It is understood by direct experience only and not by reasoning 
of any kind." SOM intellect "doesn't tell us anything about the essence of the 
MOQ." (LS,132)

Thus, quagmires like recursion that spring from the limitations of SOM are 
irrelevant to understanding the MOQ. Rather, the essence of the MOQ is 
apprehended this way:

"Like the empty sky it has no boundaries
Yet it is right here ever serene and clear.
When you seek to attain it, you cannot see it.
You cannot take hold of it.
But neither can  you lose it.

                          -- Yung-chia

Platt