Omega Point? No, Pi Point!
From Martin LeFevre in California
As Wikipedia defines it, "the Omega point is a term used by Pierre Teilhard de
Chardin to describe the aim towards which consciousness evolves…he held that
evolution was a process converging toward a final unity." But at least where
humankind is concerned, Teilhard got it backwards; we represent the Pi point.
Rather amusingly, pi means, "to throw into disorder." But since nature unfolds
in a dynamic and holistic order, and humans evolved along with all other
creatures on earth, how did man become such a factor of disorder to the planet
and to ourselves? Nearly all explanations for "the riddle of man" suffer from
enslavement to the idea of progress, including Teilhard de Chardin's and his
'Omega Point."
Before going further, I must make an essential proviso. Simply put, an
explanation cannot substitute for the arduous work of transformation. That is
the responsibility of each person alone, without recourse to any authority, be
it religious or scientific. That said, an explanation could point the way, and
help allay the rampant cynicism that is leading many people to believe that
humankind is hopeless.
If evolution has an intrinsic drive toward 'higher consciousness,' it hits a big
bump in the road with the evolution of 'higher thought.' Conscious thought is
both a necessary precondition for cosmic awareness, and a great impediment to
it. Obviously, the brain has to reach a certain level of mass and complexity
before the meditative state is possible. Cats may seem mystical, but no cat can
ever be a mystic.
I say that with tongue firmly planted in cheek, since I don't believe in
mysticism. My philosophical intent is to demystify 'mystical experience.'
The insight that the separative mechanism of 'higher thought' carries with it
the strong tendency to fragment things all to hell solves one aspect of the
riddle, while highlighting another. Given that there is indeed such a thing as
cosmic consciousness, and that there is an intrinsic drive in evolution toward
it, then how did such an impediment arise?
The question is all the more perplexing when one considers that thought is both
an obstacle to and a prerequisite for cosmic consciousness. When one really
touches upon this mystery, one feels a whisper of compassion in the cosmos for
creatures such as us. Of course, one can't be sure that this isn't one's own
projection, but for me at least, the feeling is there.
At any rate, the dilemma seems to resolve (and dissolve) itself in the very
comprehension of it. There is a mathematical elegance to the insight that
'higher thought' is both a prerequisite and an obstacle to awakening. Of course,
this implies that there will be a turning point, when the transformation of
humankind will begin to end the rampant division, conflict, and fragmentation we
are presently experiencing due to the unwise use of thought.
In this view, spiritual progress is illusory, and man does not 'evolve.'
Thought-bearing creatures such as ourselves generate more and more fragmentation
on their planets until they (the planet and the thought-bearing creature) can't
take anymore. Then they radically change, or they perish. Since extinction, from
our point of view, isn't an option, and since understanding the "riddle of man"
is part of resolving it, I feel humankind will make the turn in time.
Without implying teleology (much less "intelligent design"), something is going
on in human consciousness that goes far beyond man-made meanings. Can humankind
really align itself with the universe, and reverse an exponentially growing
trajectory of division and fragmentation? Can the source of ecological
destruction, war, gross economic disparity, and mass depression really change?
When thought is completely quiet, the brain is like a very sensitive antenna,
receiving and reflecting awareness far beyond our imagining. Indeed, if we don't
destroy our capacity for awareness, but develop it as much as we can, we can
awaken the cosmic mind in our own brain.
Pi is also the symbol for the ratio of a circle, what's called a "transcendental
number" (3.14159265). In our evolution on this planet, humankind has come full
circle. Whether we stand at the end of our spiritual development, or its true
beginning, is up to us. Question and find out for yourself. There are no
bystanders.
martinlefevre@sbcglobal.net
The author welcomes comments.
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