The purpose of this website has been to raise and discuss perennial questions that have been debated by philosophers for many centuries. The positions taken in the various essays represent the views of the author. In each case, a single viewpoint among many that could be offered is presented for the major questions considered. Readers who wish to offer suggestions, feedback, criticism, or present their own alternative points of views to the various questions raised are invited to do so by contacting the author here.
This final section offers a summary of some critical points that outline the complete paradigm inherent in the preceding essays. The following points are some of the essential takeaways that this site as a whole intends to convey:
Nature is conscious and exhibits attributes of consciousness for all of its systems from atoms to galaxies. The Cosmos does not behave like a machine but is a self-organizing, evolving entity. It cannot be directly compared to organisms or plants on earth as we know them, yet it displays certain aspects of consciousness. As a conscious being, it may be regarded as fundamentally sacred.
Reality is larger than the observable, physical universe and contains multiple nonphysical dimensions. What is real is not limited to the physical universe observable through human senses. There are other, subtle domains accessible through insight, intuition, and revelation.
Knowledge based on direct intuition can be just as valid and necessary as empirical knowledge based on the senses. Empirical science reveals the lawful order of nature understood through the senses. The humanities and religion explore the interior aspects of nature that are primarily grasped through intuition and revelation. Both are necessary for a complete understanding of the Cosmos.
Fundamentally all of us are joined as one. Nothing is independent of any other thing. All of us are united in consciousness at the highest (or deepest) level. We are united together not just as the collective consciousness of humanity but literally with all that is conscious throughout the Universe. The religions of the world have attempted to grasp and articulate the underlying reality that there is only one, unitary Source out of which flows everything we perceive to be discrete.
Feminine values of interdependency, cooperation, and respect for the earth are a central to improved harmony and interdependency among human beings throughout the world. Long-dominant masculine, patriarchal values need to give way to an integration with reemerging, traditionally feminine values. Increased value placed on interconnectedness and cooperation are needed to counterbalance the prevailing patriarchal, male-dominant ethos governing politics and government activities in many different parts of the world.
The basis for ethics is not socially constructed rules relative to each culture but is to be found in the natural order of the universe. To act in a loving, compassionate way is merely to live in alignment with the inherent order of nature (Cosmos) and one’s soul as a part of that nature. “Ought” reduces to “is.” What we ought to do is simply to live to the best of our ability in harmony with the Cosmic Order (“logos” in Greek philosophy, “Divine Will” in Christianity, “Dharma” in Buddhism, or the “Tao” in Taoism).