`Mankind?`

Posted in Response to: Man's Story by Constance, and the Archeology of Inspiration Group Project

 

 

I put the question to 'Red Bear', for his times were simpler - though he reminds me that alcohol played a part in his last incarnation... and yet he smiles, and his smile is wide and embracing; forgiving too - he knows me better than I know myself, for he has trodden the same dusty track.
He invites me to join him and we sit beside a tumbling brook and listen to the soft musical tinkling of the water. I dip my hand into a small pool and am surprised at the energy surge I feel - the water resembles fine powder and my hand is completely dry when I remove it.
'Matter exists entirely by the sustenance of thought` says Red Bear in answer to my thoughts at my encounter with 'dry' water.
And I understand what he says - it feels absorbed on another level of consciousness. A higher level where I can `know` anything just by wanting to.
`There is much confusion between the terms 'man' and 'mankind'. 'Man' has substance whereas 'mankind' does not - there is no one 'point of reference' within 'mankind' - 'mankind', if you wish, does not 'exist'...'

 

I try to reset the dial but 'Red Bear' begins to fade. I know he speaks the truth but the truth is elusive. 'To discover truth..,' he once said to me, 'is to suffer.'
 

Reviews

[Celtic Cat]

WOAH. Red Bear is talking to you! Very profoundly, too, I might add!!! Of course you can guess that I love the whole water experience....
This piece is such a delight!!! I love the wisdom of Red Bear and the way in which you sneak some of it in here for us. That last line is quite the notion.....and a huge resounding YES comes forth from the center of my being on that one. Funny....I hadn't really thought too much about man v mankind. But, now that you mention it...it makes perfect sense. They say that animals do have souls...though they share them. There is rabbit soul and bear soul and otter soul and so forth...but each man has his own soul...so Red Bears explanation looks completely clear in that light. Of course, now he's probably mad at me....perhaps animals DO have their own souls and I've been believing a lie. You'll let me know?? : )
Excellent piece....completely satisfying to me. I think Red Bear may just be smarter than Confucious! lol...sorry...for some reason went looking at Confucious quotes last week....and Red Bears quotes are much more profound!!!

[Larry Dyson]

yes to speak of mankind is like speaking of a can of dug up earth worms...all and not individual enough to be considered sentient.

[Anthony M Smith Jr]

Ha-Ho!
Very nice story! I see "Man-kind" as our little meaningless paths to existence when all along we just have to exist and enjoy Creation while we are here. To be thankful we must heighten our awareness of our surroundings and take our place. Didn't mean to ramble on like some mystic old man its just your words bring many memories and I thank you for that my friend.
TT-TTO-NI-K
Elk

[flippyblue]

This is a deep and mesmerizing piece! I began to read it and I simply couldn't stop.The way that you sum up the truth about 'man' and 'mankind' in several sentences ( it is such a vast and unending topic) is unbelievable. Great job!

[Raef C. Boylan]

Ahh, now I understand your 'red bear' reference from a few weeks ago.
This state of knowledge sounds great; I want to share in it!

[robin]

Wow this is an odd hypnotic piece, one is drawn in in an estranged way, sort of like tripping on insight, or trapping a dragonfly. Wonderful!

[Rain]

This is an impressive piece. You created so many deeply profound images with so few words. That's writing.
The truth seldom explodes, but slowly seeps into our being, and it usually is a painful experience. I was particularly struck by that insight. Loved it. Rain..

[Emily B]

Intriguing on so many levels. I was browsing through your poetry and this title called my name. I'll still be scratching my head and pondering the wisdom of Red Bear long after I leave your page.

[Solst Rapture]

A truly entertaining and profound creation. This is oozing quality. The revelations pose useful questions about context, meaning and comprehension and it fuses all this elusiveness with a solid, Red bear. His name conjures up a satirical figure in my mind and his wisdom is easily apparent:

"Matter exists entirely by the sustenance of thought"

Although a short piece, the substantial impressions made upon my mind by it leave me reticent and mentally contorted. It's not that it is complex, it is just that it is stark and lively...

There is some wonderful imagery in this piece and one cannot dismiss the scene...its kind of frozen...scourged into my memory...

Far more significant the second time around. I feel like a babbling idiot.

[Thomas James Martin]

Enjoyed this, Mick. Are you going to expand it though it's fine the way it is. I had an experience with "dry water" also one time though with an Indian master. Too much to go into here--I should write it up sometime.

Hope you get the link.

Your friend,
Tom