[MD] Object-Object Metaphysics and Quality

[118]

In this short essay I describe the term Object-Object Metaphysics or OOM
(not to be confused with a Buddhist chant).  This essay is provided for
those who are interested in becoming more acquainted with Quality, and can
serve as a sign post for some who are traveling along such path.  If a
reader does not recognize it as a useful sign, then such reader can pass it
by and carry on along their own trail.  Hopefully such a trail is in the
realm of Quality.

Prior to describing OOM, it is useful to provide some description of a
subject-object metaphysics or SOM.  The premise for such a metaphysics is
founded on the distinction of a subject interacting with something outside
such subject.  By way of example, everyone knows that looking at a tree
implies that there is something looking (subjective) and something which is
being looked at (objective).  Since we all understand what objects are, I
will briefly dwell on the subjective.  In this binary system, the
subjective is everything that is not objective, or, the subjective cannot
be defined as an object.

Humans can intuit the subjective by realizing that everyone can look at
things from a different angle.  By mirroring oneself in another person, and
knowing that such person has a different point of view, one can extrapolate
to oneself and realize that one is imbued with a unique view of the world.
 This can be called reflective awareness.  However, for such a thing to
remain subjective, such awareness cannot be ascribed the properties of an
object.  In other words, once one labels one's awareness as Self or Soul or
"I", or whatever, this presentation of the subjective becomes an objective
and is no longer part of the subjective.  This can be analogized to DQ (the
"I") throwing off terminal objects (SQ).  It is clear that many
misinterpret the Cartesian Duality since their claims make it one of
Object-Object duality.  That is, that the Self exists on one side, and the
Other on the other side.  This results when one interprets such duality
viewed through the prism of OOM.  For this reason, many have argument with
Cartesian duality by misplacing it in an object-object reality.

In short, modern man is moving towards an Object-Object point of view,
which we can label a metaphysics since within the realm of philosophy it is
used to describe "what is", thus creating OOM.  The enchanting complexity
of man's identification with his environment has only increased with the
historical trend of labels and concepts.  Science itself is predicated on
the study of objects, and the names and concepts provided by science are
ever increasing.  Each time some new subdivision is created, or a new
synthesis is made from a scientific endeavor, a new name is given.  The
dictionary of science will only increase with the propensity for creative
inquiry.  It would appear that the world which is being described
objectively is increasing, but such an idea is simply an illusion of man's
creativeness.  The universe is continually painted in new ways through
creative thought, and the number of paintings possible are without end.

The rise of psychology has resulted in the objectification of the very
nature of man's thoughts.  As such, it has intruded into the personal
nature of one's existence.  Our very awareness is being modeled using
objective tools.  The brain is treated like an intricate machine, which in
itself is not wrong.  However, if one has the mistaken notion that one is
one's brain, then the very Self is becoming objectively labeled.  As a
result, this Self no longer exists in the subjective realm, but has become
an object of study.  If one studies the discipline of Buddhism or other
related modes of thought, it is well known, that the "Self" cannot exist in
an objective sense.  In other words it can never be found as SomeThing
(some object).  Such an idea has been instructive in helping students reach
a state of "enlightenment" through the Buddhist training.  In the West,
however, the concept of the "non-existent Self" is basically unknown,
except perhaps in some New Age sort of way.

The concept of Self, as presented by psychology, is, as SomeThing which can
be identified.  Through the progress of such psychology, the subject-object
awareness that was once intuitive to man has become replaced with an
Object-Object Awareness.  The resulting OOM is indeed the final chapter of
a human spirit turned objective.  OOM can be reflected in philosophies such
as existentialism, where a meaningless (albeit benign) universe is what is
presented us.  Such philosophy glorifies in the objective world, and has
little time for the more personal nature of existence.  As a result of our
"terminal objectification" there has been an excursion away from the
"spiritual" nature of man", to a purely objective view of reality.  This is
but a brief excursion since it denies the existence of the subjective,
which we all know exists.

OOM is therefore a result of an extreme objectification of existence.  It
is through OOM, that Quality is lost.  Existence has become a manipulation
of objects, without any sense as to that which performs such manipulation.
 One of the teachings of MoQ is to deny such objectification (Kill all
intellectual patterns!).  This is no different from some methods in Zen.
 Such teachings are to counterbalance the current trend of objectification,
and bring about an "A-ha!.  However, MoQ also teaches that the subjective
and the objective, termed herein as DQ and SQ, must exist in balance.  For
this reason, DQ should not be considered in a objective sense.  It is that
which remains once all objects are discounted.  What MoQ seeks to do is
rebalance such subjective with the objective.  Again, this effort in
rebalancing is no different from many other philosophies which teach
Quality.

Finding one's path in the realm of Quality can be done by learning to
distinguish the objective world from that which cannot be objectified.  It
can be done by finding within oneself that "for which there is no object".
 By discovering that which is present but never in an objective manner;
thoughts are considered as objects.  Such a finding cannot be described or
understood, but is very present. It is that which mystics are at pains to
relate.  Such a thing is DQ.  Once both DQ and SQ become better balanced,
everything changes while EveryThing stays the same.  A simple meditation
can assist in this discovery.  In a quiet place, one can meditate on
objects brought forth by thoughts.  One then begins to identify all such
objects and look for things that cannot be objectified in any way.  This I
call "stripping the mind".  That which remains after this exercise is DQ.
 While it cannot be labeled, you will find it there.  Once you find it you
will not lose it, and will be able to bring it forth whenever you want.
 Soon it will become part of your awareness.

Best wishes on your journey.

Warm regards,
Mark