The Transience of the Transcendent: Part Two

But, to broaden our consideration for a moment, many will argue that the transcendent is not simply a product of cultural or historical context, but is a deeper principle that literally transcends such contingencies. For them, this means that while the expression of the transcendent may change over time and in different contexts, the underlying essence of the transcendent remains constant and enduring.  This is closely akin to Plato's Forms such as Beauty, which I have blogged about previously.

When they use the phrase "deeper principle" in reference to the transcendent, like Plato, they are referring to something not simply a product of cultural or historical context. This fundamental reality is revealed as the ground of Being, the ultimate source of all that exists, or the divine essence that permeates all things.

While the expression of the transcendent changes over time and in different cultural contexts, the claim is made that this deeper reality remains constant and enduring. This means that even as the forms and expressions of the transcendent may shift and evolve, the underlying essence of the transcendent remains the same.  Again, Jungian Archetypes and Platonic Forms are examples of this.

From the perspective of many philosophical and religious traditions, the essence of the transcendent is not transient or impermanent in the same way that the expressions of the transcendent are. The underlying reality or essence of the transcendent is timeless, eternal, unchanging, and as such is considered to be a source of stability and constancy in the midst of the changing and impermanent world.

That is the mistake we all seem hardwired to make.  I submit that there is no such essence, the concept of essence is a flawed or misleading way of understanding the nature of reality.  Platonic Forms and Jungian Archetypes are cultural fictions.  The concept of essence implies a fixed or static (though empowered) nature to things, which inaccurately reflects the dynamic and constantly changing nature of the cosmos. Things do not have a fixed or inherent nature, but rather arise in relation to other things and in particular contexts.

The concept of essence is actually more dangerous than non-essence.  All manner of hierarchical or oppressive social structures throughout history have been advanced in the name of some in-group concept of transcending essence. If certain groups or individuals are seen as possessing a fixed or inherent essence that sets them apart from others, this is used to justify their dominance or superiority over others.  This is widespread in the world today.

Adherence to a transcendent essence also fosters an Einstellung Effect that restricts perspectives and solutions. When any principles or values are deemed eternally true and beyond questioning, thinking becomes constrained by fear of contradicting the transcendent doctrine. This cognitive rigidity traps people in fixed mindsets unable to accommodate new complexities arising from impermanence. Clinging to imaginary permanence breeds stagnant thinking as transcendent beliefs are projected onto a fluid world.

In contrast, accepting what I call the ceaseless constant becoming of existence allows more open, adaptive thinking unbound by pre-defined limits on imagining novel approaches attuned to emerging realities. The transcendent is our imagination at work. It is an old tool that no longer applies to the contemporary world.  By releasing attachments to false eternal verities, we gain intellectual freedom to engage each moment with relevance and innovation.

Of course, there are also arguments in favor of the concept of essence, particularly in the realm of metaphysics or ontology. Some philosophers and most religious traditions hold that there is a fundamental reality or essence underlying all of existence, and that this provides a source of stability and meaning in the world in spite of the dangers I just pointed out.

As I mentioned in Part One, the concept of the Tao in Taoism represents the idea of the fundamental, underlying principle of the universe that is constantly changing and evolving. Everything in the universe is impermanent and subject to change, including our highest values and ideals.

We saw that the Tao is a kind of paradox in which something is both transcendent and transient at the same time.  From the perspective of Taoism, however, this paradox is not necessarily problematic, but rather reflects the inherent nature of the universe and our place within it.  It is the interplay of yin and yang.

Understanding the transient nature of the transcendent is a philosophical and spiritual perspective that invites us to welcome change and impermanence, rather than resist it. It encourages us to find meaning and purpose in the present moment, rather than seeking ultimate truths or fixed realities that do not exist.  It challenges us that all our deeply held values, no matter how perfect, will change through time.  

For those of us who choose to rewire our brains (and it is choice available to everyone even if few know it), the idea of embracing the transient nature of the transcendent is an affirmative approach to living. By recognizing that everything is impermanent and subject to change, we are encouraged to find meaning and purpose in our experiences in the present moment.  Rather than clinging to fixed beliefs or ideals, this approach invites us to remain open to new possibilities and to adapt to changing circumstances. This can lead to a greater sense of freedom, creativity, and spontaneity in our lives, especially relevant to the world of constant becoming.

The minority (for now) of us who acknowledge the transience of the divine can cultivate a more open and flexible approach to spirituality, one that allows us to connect with the divine in a way that is meaningful and authentic to us, while also recognizing that our understanding and relationship with the divine evolves over time.  This is the proper perspective to accommodate constant becoming.

As for the idea of an essence, my claim is that humans imagine essences in order to try to make sense of the world around them. It is part of our historically habitual religious need, the stories we love to tell.  Essence implies that there is some fundamental quality or characteristic that defines a particular thing or concept. For example, one might argue that the essence of a human being is their consciousness or their ability to feel emotions. However, this is ultimately a subjective interpretation, and different people may have different ideas about what constitutes the essence of a human being.

Moreover, the idea of an essence is rooted in a fixed, static view of the world. It implies that there is some unchanging quality or aspect of the world that is definitively identified and understood. In contrast, the idea that the transcendent is inherently transient acknowledges the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the world.

It suggests that there are no fixed or permanent qualities that define the world or any particular concept, but rather that everything is subject to change and evolution over time. This view allows for a more fluid and adaptable understanding of the world, one that is better suited to the complex and ever-changing nature of reality.

Indeed, the perspective that the transcendent is always transient and the essence does not exist can offer many advantages to living in contemporary society while avoiding the pitfalls I mentioned earlier. One advantage is that it helps us be more adaptable and flexible in the face of change. If we recognize that everything is impermanent and subject to change, then we can approach life with a sense of openness and curiosity, rather than clinging to fixed ideas and beliefs.

Additionally, this perspective helps us to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of each moment, without getting caught up in nostalgia for the past or anxiety about the future. If we see everything as constantly becoming, then we can learn to savor the present moment and cultivate a sense of gratitude for what we have.

Finally, accepting transience helps us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others. If we recognize that everyone is struggling with the impermanence of life and the challenges of change, then we can approach others with empathy and kindness, rather than judgment and criticism.

In Taoism, the recognition of the transience of the transcendent and the lack of a fixed essence is seen as a way to cultivate a deeper understanding of the Tao. In this way, we can find harmony between the natural and artificial worlds. The Taoist perspective also emphasizes the importance of humility and non-attachment, which helps us navigate the complexities of contemporary society and find meaning and fulfillment in the present moment.

Wu wei accentuates the importance of going with the flow of the natural world and living in harmony with it. This includes accepting the impermanence of all things, including that which seems transcendent. Taoists believe that by embracing the transience of the transcendent, one can more skillfully appreciate the present moment and find peace in the ever-changing nature of life.

Lifespans are best viewed as pathways, with each experience and encounter serving as a lesson to be learned. By understanding that everything is transient and impermanent, Taoists can approach life with a sense of detachment and equanimity, allowing them to fully embrace each moment without becoming attached to it.

All moments are fleeting instances of time, and are transient by their very nature. Something arises, exists for a brief period, and then passes away, never to return again. Unlike Buddhism, Taoism does not believe in reincarnation.  Instead, it stresses the importance of being fully present in the current moment and not getting attached to either the past or the future. The present moment is all that exists, and it is constantly changing and evolving, much like the concept of the Tao itself.

While it is argued that the idea of transcendence is subject to change and impermanence, however, it would be inaccurate to say that it is a complete illusion. Many people throughout history have had experiences that they consider to be transcendent, whether it be through spiritual practices, artistic expression, psychedelics or other means. While these experiences are influenced by cultural and historical contexts, they still hold personal significance and meaning for those who experience them. But, as will be argued in Part Three, this is almost entirely a product of the magnificent and powerful human imagination.

It is possible that some people may use the term "transcendent" to describe their personal tastes or preferences. However, the concept of transcendence has been used across various philosophical and religious traditions throughout history to refer to a state or experience beyond the limits of ordinary perception, understanding, or existence. It is often associated with qualities such as eternity, universality, and divine or spiritual nature.

In the context of the transcendent, some people may argue that their personal experiences of the transcendent are evidence of its existence, but these experiences cannot be empirically verified or tested.  No matter what your "personal experiences" are, all you really possess is “consciousness and its contents,” as Sam Harris would say. Personal experiences are undeniably impermanent and transient.  This is in line with basic Taoism.

The values of transcendence have undeniably changed over time, and it is reasonable to assume that they will continue to do so.  For this reason, it is useful to approach the concept of transcendence with an open mind and to recognize the impermanence and transience that is inherent in all aspects of life, including our most treasured values and beliefs.

(to be continued)