THOUGHT PROCESSING ( T P )
By Dr. Shridhar Mehendale
This essay is broadly divided into THREE parts (1) Theoretical aspects , (2)Computer model
for TP ( analogy ) and finally (3)Practical Suggestions arranged with
computer model in mind . Each part is subdivided and indicated briefly by a
Key-word subtitle for easy understanding.
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1.0
THEORETICAL ASPECTS :
1.1
Mentalese: If language
expresses thought, then examination of language structure should reveal
process of TP. This led to the concept of ‘MENTALESE’, a
hypothetical language of TP. This is not
a language like English but an innate universal grammar with ‘S V O’ structure ( Subject, Verb, Object
). However , myself and many others are not favoring
this hypothesis and consider that MOTHER
TONGUE is the prime language of TP.
1.2
Imaging and Mother Tongue : Visual, Audio,
Taste, Feel, Smell are universal images related to TP. These are all natural
qualities present by default. Added senses are Linear Time Scale and Mother Tongue
( MT ) which are acquired by learning. All these are
responsible for receiving, processing and storing information and also for
reacting. The last factor MT perhaps distinguishes humans from animals / plants. If we consider us
not exposed to training of MT, like other living entities, EVERY BODY does seem
to have an ‘INNATE SENSE’ for
understanding, TP and reacting which yet remains
unexplained. This way, MT is just a
useful add on prop.
1.3
Language as TP Tool : With a better and versatile tool, one can work things better.
English has 26 letters, Sanskrit based Marathi has 444 entities ( 12x37 ), Tamil has 247 entities ( 13x19 ). Thus Sanskrit
based languages are better tools and TP using them will be superior and will
reflect on mental activities to an extent.
1.4
Left and Right Hemispheres of Brain: The well known Left hemisphere qualities can be summarized as :
Sequential, Logical, Routine, Facts-verification, Linear thinking, Governing
rules, Acquired information, Verbal skills, Pattern recognition, Slow thinking
and Rational. Right hemisphere qualities can be summarized as: At once,
Simultaneous, Complex, Analogistic, Qualitative,
Feelings / Emotion, CREATIVE, Complex images, Color, New patterns, Instant knowing and Intuition.
1.5
‘Left’ Usage and Need for Training: It depends on individuals, as to which side
L / R is used
more. Repetitive behavior is common. Left to its unconscious mode, mind chooses
its habits indifferent of
availability of new methods which could provide better
functionality. Hence TRAINING is required for cognitive development, increasing
ability to receive, process, store and act effectively and more creatively. Hence we have to train
to use WHOLE BRAIN and not one side selectively. Various types of training
gimmicks are available and you can device most suitable for your type.
1.6
Ambidextrous Physical Activity: Do aerobics,
dancing, and other exercises incorporating usage of left and right limbs at
will. This sets on various connectivities in brain
which so far have remained locked. This activity elevates usage of whole brain . I have experienced this significantly within two
months of aerobic/ ambidextrous exercises .
1.7
No Limit to Increasing Mental Capacity at Any Age: Training methods can expand brain activity and connectivity at any
age to unimaginable extent. In fact, most of the brain capacity remains unused.
Hence exercise and usage will make you feel difference in your outlook and
realize that raw material to develop intellect is almost same in everybody. It
remains to be seen how circumstances, guidance explore it. Hence training is of
paramount importance. The more you use your brain, its efficiency multiplies.
Training programs must
be customized to suit individuals /
groups.
1.8
Intuition: Intuition and intellect has
following components: (1)Knowledge (acquired), (2)
Anticipation, (3) Fast analysis , (4) Fast processing and expression. We will
see in this essay, that all these factors can be greatly improved in any
individual.
1.9
Sound Mind in Sound Body: This is a
well established principle. ( Although there are exceptions like Stephen Hawking ,the
disabled scientist). Sports, adventure- sports, dancing, aerobics, yoga,
everything phenomenally increases confidence, wipes out unnecessary fears,
improves mental attitude, breathing pattern and coolness of mind. Sport builds
element of trust and
team efforts and last but not the least, tremendously increases connectivity in
brain.
1.10
Cross Training : You should do something which usually you do
not do. Accountant should do painting, singing, adventure sports. Foot ball
player should do knitting, ballet dance, preaching. The activity in other field
improves behavioral pattern and professional performance, giving it an
altogether new dimension. Do try and see the sea change in functionality.
1.11
Change of Environment: Any TP while
exposed to changed and
likable surroundings, will generate quite unexpected and
brilliant results. This is also an extension of cross training. I have
personally experienced this while taking a morning walk in
1.12
Perception of Events: Stephen D. Eiffert advises to take an objective view of any event ( not subjective view) . People usually experience their
emotions / feelings regarding an event rather than the event by itself. This
distorts and biases the picture. This way we close our eyes to the
opportunities hidden in the event. We must train to turn adversity to
advantage.
Emotional anticipation is futile and attracts negative effects. When events are outside your control, take a mindful view of them, prepare your mind to face them and build your strategy coolly. Coolness is required to examine various possibilities / solutions avoiding jumping to a hasty act. Hence a relaxed person can take an appropriate decision. Remember that coolness is not idling or complacency.
1.13 Focussing: Focus on present. Time becomes endless when you are
centered on present moment. When you discount worries of past or anxieties of future, you get more efficient as a result of better focussing. Professionals like surgeons or police inspectors need to practice this as their mind should be focussed on the current case. Focussing is learnt by relaxation.
1.14 Relaxation: Deep breathing, breathing by belly, are spot tools for
relaxation when grappled in a situation. Meditation will help relaxation. You have to start car in first gear and not directly in third gear. After slow start, you pick up speed later.
Keeping open and
aware requires that we practice state of being mindful. Becoming aware of the
moment in which you are participating is a mindful
act. This is nothing but meditation as practiced in various stages: Vaikhari, Madhyama, Pashyanti and Para.(See next item
‘Patanjal’). While meditating, slowdown your pace, do
rhythmic breathing and
concentrate on something. For an engineer ,
exercise in painting, singing or dancing with full involvement is also an act
of meditation.
1.14.1 Patanjal: Ancient rishis, fully conscious of TP,
identified four specific
levels of TP
development, parallel to levels of meditation.
i ) Vaikhari: Gross level of speech, audible, known as Japa.
ii ) Madhyama: The middle level of speech on
which we usually experience TP with no
clear pronunciation.
iii) Pashyanti: Subtle and holistic level of TP by illuminated people.(is this predominant in imaging and hence termed as Pashyanti ?)
iv)
Patanjal defined this level of meditation as “continuous flow of same
knowledge” which we
cannot have at grosser levels of speech . Hence Para is an expression for
abstract experience in TP.
1.15 Finally: One should realize that logic is the same over ages and it
is perception that changes(De Bono).
Perception is affected by values of the age. Values are product of existing
concepts, concepts in demand by futuristic requirements ,
when subjected to the process of logic. This thought is essentially the extract
of various religious scriptures. One should not sit idle by accepting what he
does not understand as an act of God or Devil. The underlying reasons, if understood, could
help tremendously for progress of mankind by mindful execution of God’s act and
elimination of Devil’s act. This aspect needs measurement and quantification of TP and thought
transmissions by sensitive physical instruments, measuring miniature energy
transfers. ( read the essay , “Vaisarth”
by myself).
2.0
‘COMPUTER’ : MODEL FOR TP :
For practical purpose, computer- model is suitable to schematically
explain TP . Everybody is conversant with related
terminology and hence easy to understand. Input unit key board (eyes, ears,
senses), Central Processing Unit CPU ( Brain) , Display
unit : monitor / printer ( actions, speech ,etc.) are analogous terms.
2.1
Inputs: Basically input types can be
categorized as per initiation as Chance receipts, Interactive receipts and
those Obtained by you on your own.
General categorization of inputs: Visuals, Audio, Taste, Smell, Feel( physical actions ), Sense of time and other
dimensions, Materials, etc. Some of the inputs will get to trash bin by
preliminary filters.
2.2
Central Processing Unit CPU : Inputs are further filtered based on emotions and biases . Some
inputs not needing immediate processing are stored in hard disc for processing
in leisure time.
In-process inputs, related processing programs and related files from hard disc are flashed in RAM ( random access memory ) for processing. If necessary, get some information from external discs.
Start processing and after initial analysis , if necessary, get in touch with additional graphic programs ( right brain), main-frame help using networking ( consultations ), use different operating system if necessary ( creative thinking).
Prepare various solutions, filter them through routine
checks, select the solution for display and store others for later use. Use
various tool bars to format it, see page layout, decide importance of various
factors , anticipate reactions and choose suitable font and presentation
style.
Pass on solution to display unit
for audio / visual / physical expression . Store the solution and collect feed
back after display .
2.3
Display Unit : Display is done using same senses
as in input i.e. audio, visual, taste, smell, physical actions, materials, etc.
In case of slow or delayed display , temporarily store in memory . Always
activate input sensors as display starts for feed back collection.
3.0 PRACTICAL SUGESTIONS :
These are structured and sequenced on the lines of the Computer-model for easy understanding. They are grouped as Input related, CPU related and Display related. However there cannot be a rigorous partition and some overflow cannot be avoided.
3.1
Input
Related Suggestions:
3.1.1
List out your needs: List out
exactly what you need, whether possible or not. When you know your
requirements, you generate ideas to get it or improvise for it. I want a shirt
which is dark blue but will turn white in hot sun and become waterproof as I walk into rains. I want to have a
personal air cooler as I walk in open air. Talk these to friends and ideas will
start snowballing and you may be able to succeed at least partly. That is
great!
3.1.2
Participate in various Groups /
Bodies.: This enhances your communication style
and enriches your experience. Help comes to you easily. In complex situations
your outlook sharpens and professionalism increases. Observe various models for
mimicking and get knack of assessing people at first meet. You develop
strategies for tackling variety of people and situations.
3.1.3
Daily meets, observations and
checks.: For keeping hold on your work, ask questions, sample-check and check
in-process work at random. Formulate a personal system for such checks ,for
good control, meeting dead lines. Make an estimate for time requirements for
various delegated tasks, anticipate problems & solutions.
3.1.4
Reading between lines : This is good
for guess work. However, many times this makes you doubting Thomas and
irritating to others. Hence this can be dropped for trusted persons.
3.1.5
I Know That : Saying this stops other person giving you vital feed- backs. Use
this sparingly.
3.1.6
Check yourself: Do not consider yourself fault-free.
Objectively diagnose , change attitudes, reset yourself.
3.1.7
Information is power : Develop your own surveillance and information collecting system:
regular exposure to TV, radio, news papers, magazines, etc. Always ask for
correctness , do not have hunches alone. Ask specific questions and get answers
to the point with remarks like: estimated / hunch / accurate / etc.
3.1.8
Study Models: Study superiors, peers, assistants, roll models , failure models,
analyze their behavior. Shake hands with new people, study
signatures, handwritings, voices, laughing styles, eye contacts, and looks.
Your database will come handy assessing new contacts.
3.1.9
Input selectivity: Develop habit of reading just necessary. Use filters to avoid junk
inputs. Some good quality inputs and difficult to digest inputs may be kept for
leisure time reading.
3.1.10
Alert listening / reading : Read and listen factually
and not what you want to, unknowingly.
Reading ‘commuting’ for ‘comminuting’ causes havoc. Absorb what you read
or listen otherwise it is waste of time. One must be mindful of the action.
Meditation cross trains your mind for coolness, alertness and application.
3.1.11
Three checks: Carry out Routine preventive checks, Diagnostic checks to
remedy mishaps and Postmortem checks to provide preventive
measures.
3.1.12
Scanning through various trails : Quick scanning through any of the following relevant search engines
may give good clues in problem solving.: Your life, Earth’s life, History,
Geography, Seasons, Animal behavior, Market behaviors, Nature’s lessons, Trees,
Mountains, etc.
3.1.13
Strengths and weaknesses : Assess and overcome weaknesses by remedying them or taking props.
When you are unable, do not doodle, consult a professional. Study others’
weaknesses and you will be master.
3.2 ‘CPU’ Related Suggestions :
3.2.1
I will do it later: This attitude is the greatest enemy of all. Do buy time when
cornered.
3.2.2
Demerge to emerge happier : If one dos not
improve after repeated
attempts, demerge him partially / fully .
Replace him and do not break your head
on stone. Neglecting is another style of demerging.
3.2.3
Say NO clearly.: Do not be ambiguous unless situation demands.
3.2.4
Go second: When you have to do something without escape, observe the first one
do it. Note mistakes and hints and GO SECOND . If you delay, fear may slowly
envelope you. Then enjoy others do it!
3.2.5
Have New Versions.: Discard redundant techniques and follow latest and suitable ones.
It is always joyful to work with a better tool.
3.2.6
Screen Saver: Do not put on screen saver! Do not idle when awake. Vague mind is
dangerous. Do some activity while awake,
or make fun, go for outing, dance, sing , paint, eat, drink meditate or sleep. Idling mind while awake is
opposite of meditation and one tends to lose focussing while working . Hence when not enjoying, use
leisure time to rearrange mental tools, discard junk, prepare strategies for
possible events, do self inspection. One may also analyze various situations,
find your answers for others in their shoes, prepare plans for escape while in
train/ car accidents, holdups. Think of unusual methods to tackle unusual
people. Develop auto-reactions for dealing with people/situations. This way one
can develop own tools and armory for
future. This is software
development.
3.2.7
Be professional and objective.: As outlined in theoretical aspects, under ‘perception of events, focussing and relaxation’, practice these principles to be
objective, mindful and professional.
3.2.8
Fast/delayed reactions.: Anticipate immediate and delayed reactions and prepare to face them.
Have good foot work and timing, be a base line player but do not miss placing
and some easy shots near the net. Hold your cards to your heart, guess other’s
cards and if possible, view them. Identify sacrificing gambits of chess .
3.2.9
Know the master cards: Identify your and other’s master cards. Indispensability and Nuisance
Value are prominent. Use these JUDICIOUSLY.
3.2.10
Simplify Difficult Things : Make moles from a mountain. Study
intricacy and volume. Break into
smaller modules, develop formats and templates, delegate, train and check. In
short, frame a system, slave it, do not become its slave. Thus, save your time
for creative work. People will appreciate your horse power; actually it is your
‘Chip’ power.
3.2.11
Gajanan Episode : This is rather demanding action plan and if
misfired, you are branded , ‘Jack of all trades and master of none.’ Gajanan is my friend
whom I observe with awe as he
goes to Bangalore for his son’s admission and visits our employer’s
work-station at Goa on his way back. He is supporting
a relation in hospital and is back to
it after Goa
visit. Seriously he is working on a
tiring project at his present job. In
morning he attends an interview for a job in Singapore and for dinner he has to
meet an NRI for a possible job in
Maryland. On Thursday he will be driving to Satara
for nephew’s marriage and Friday night he has a ticket to fly to Toranto to keep alive his migratory status there. Couple of
days after , he plans to visit Maryland for taking up the promised job.
Do this if possible! Any way, dream, dream, dream and take calculated
risks to create your opportunities.
3.3 Display Unit Based Suggestions:
This group covers actions and expressions.
3.3.1 Proportionate Importance: View your output as Print Preview.
Choose formatting tools and font and style as the importance guides. Do not
over stress or under stress.
3.3.2 Expressions: Visual, audio and physical. : Appear an elegant
salesman to sell your ideas effectively. Appear confident, receptive ,
no-nonsense. Use shake hands, hugs, pats, thank u notes. Guess customer’s
expectations, know your merchandise
well, accordingly design your approach.
3.3.3 Cucumber: Be cool as a
cucumber. When people start taking you for granted, once in a while be a bitter
cucumber!
TO SUM UP, DO NOT FORGET : Training,
Cross-training, Ambidextrous exercises, Physical fitness, Objective outlook,
Mindful actions, Focussing and Relaxation.
WRITE your own experiences,
and design your own training gimmicks. This is just a starter!
Designer Babies &Families
Scientific Revolution :
Transistors & hybrid sets replaced valve sets. Then came black and colour TVs. All types of household gadgets are in place.
Hybrid seeds were developed giving better food produce. Alphonso
was developed from ordinary mango tree. Tissue culture, cloning and other
revolutionary biological procedures developed improved plants,flowers,
cows, dogs, & copies of animals and plants.
Revolution of Human Race:
Tube babies helped tide over difficulties in reproduction in some cases. Sperm
banks, egg banks and services of surrogate mothers became available. All these
are used to avoid possible reproductive difficulties or to take a corrective
measure to avoid congenital defects. However, these procedures have been rarely
used or unused for reproduction by healthy couples/individuals with a view to
have good quality offsprings. Humans ought to use
these procedures to benefit human race.
Many countries, armies,
groups will very soon produce top quality Scientists, Engineers, Soldiers &
Workers using latest biological techniques. Then common man , engrossed in
growing his clan will start getting second thoughts about his age old methods.
This is the time to take a firm next step towards progress of mankind !
Designer Babies (DB) & Designer Families (DF):
Commonly used
constituents for baby’s birth are (1) :Egg (2):Sperm & (3): Mother (or
Surrogate mother). Either of 1 & 2 can be selected after studying
compatibility including genome study . 1 /2 as required if not available
with spouse, can be searched on www and
acquired. If natural 3 is not available or
not usable due to medical constraints, Surrogate 3 can be used . Thus ,
depending on medico-scientific guidance proper use of 1,2,3 can lead to DBs of excellent quality. Other techniques like genetic
engineering, tissue culture & cloning if safety is ensured, can also be
used in due course of time.That will involve lot of critical study. Any way, DB’s
will be essentially based on laboratory support and will not have “fun based
origin”.
Hence, following two thumb rules will guide this concept:
1.
Babies by
design only and not for the sake of fun !
2.
Fun for the
sake of fun and not for baby producing.
Marriages will not be
necessary for DB’s. Rather marriage institution will need to undergo
restructuring. Institution of marriage and family was born with a view of
social security. With changing times and
changing social needs the relevant thinking will need to change.
The concepts, ‘my spouse,
my children, my family name & family tree’ etc. speak for the sense of possessiveness
and also give
rise to false concepts of fidelity . Instead , we should support individuality and drop
possessiveness. Hence , families ought to liberate everybody from
possessiveness and favour individuality development.
This will automatically weed out many social evils. Social values for any era
are generated by processing various inputs like : existing values/concepts,
need of the day and future and finally the ‘logic’ which remains essentially unchanged
. This process will eradicate unhealthy systems and generate logical
alternatives.
(see next page)
Social evils like uncompatible marriages, behaviourial
problems of spouses, defective children, etc. can be remedied by Designer
Families (DF). Partners in DF should
frame their own mutually agreed clauses and abide by them. DF’s should
basically follow the concept of
DB’s. It is ideal to have a DF contract
for a mutually agreed limited period of 10 to 15 years. It can be reviewed and
renewed after that if thought fit, mutually. It is well observed that temporary
workers work with greater involvement and sense of responsibility than
permanent workers. Effectively, the
time limit will make marriages more durable and majority will renew the
contracts.
Thus, DF & DB will
make meaningful and healthy marriages. Next generations will be excellent in
health and intellect. Many social evils : race, sect, unhealthy marriages,
defective children could be minimised. DB’s will
automatically control population growth
as better offsprings will limit need of its number.
Introducing DB’s and DF’s will
will cause revolution. Revolutions are generally
resented by masses. However needs of the times will certainly bring about these
changes at slow pace and there is bound to be a slow evolution, any way !
History provides lot of examples of DB & DF : Pandavas & Draupadi , births of Arjun( from Indra), Bhima ( from Vayu) , Karna (from Surya), etc.
P E R C E P T I O N
This term has been widely discussed by various thinkers, saints, scientists. The following is how I understand the wise men, in a nut shell.:
One should take an objective or realistic
view of each object and event. This needs to
have an unbiased view. The observer also should have good enough
knowledge. He should look, feel, smell, taste, and hear from all viewpoints. If
necessary, he should use instruments for recording. His mind should be free of
any abstract concepts and beliefs. Thus , in brief, he should take an objective
( not subjective) outlook. Normally what we see is what we want to see. This
is like looking through a spectacle of
fixed focal length, a particular color and a thick rim, limiting the view. A
good state of the art knowledge, will also overcome many of these shortcomings.
Love, hate, and such feelings are manifestation of possessiveness.
Possessiveness of any type needs to be totally dropped to take a realistic
view.
While analyzing root causes of
happenings, one should not be satisfied by ascribing it to hypothetical
concepts and solutions. With factual analysis, good things can be repeated and
bad things can be stalled at will. Openness of mind and attitude to adapt to
appropriate changes is essential for correct perception.
Social Values: These are determined at
a given time by equilibrating state of the art knowledge, existing and
presently accepted values and needs of the current times and very near future.
It takes long time to evolve social values as everybody evolves his own code.
It takes time to evolve commonly acceptable code. After all, this is evolution and it develops by use, successes
and failures. Abruptly, some values (right or wrong) may at times be thrust
upon masses by revolution caused by kings, leaders, religious heads and
thinkers. Slowly these also get tested and evolve further. As the knowledge
improves and social needs go on changing, values also change. What does not
usually change is the basic logic. Naturally parameters related to it will also
not change.
Spot Actions: These are decided by
need of the hour (or moment) for the individual or a group. The underlying
principle being : “Survival of the Fittest” . For the sake of survival,
action is taken without any logical thought processing . Thinkers may fit in
some logical sequence and behavioral pattern and root causes afterwards. However an interview of the subject will
confirm that it was merely an act of survival. Hence survival is prime
mover than logic.
G L O R I F I C A T I O N
Glorification is essential to an extent.
It should not be out of proportion with the degree of deservation
. Just enough glorification means recognition of good work. This also sets a
role model for others. Thus it does help progress and competition.
Glorification out of proportion leads the subject to build false pride and
infuse over confidence, which is a hindrance to progress and competition. Over
glorification is favoritism which is largely despised. Over glorification leads
to idolization. This phenomenally increases expectations of others from the
subject, which eventually remain unfulfilled.
Broadly subjects of glorification could
be:
1
Self
2
Other
Person
3
Objects
4
Events
and Happenings
5
Abstract(hypothetical)
concepts
1 Self Glorification: One has to blow
his own trumpet. Others should know your achievements. This true for shy
persons who otherwise go unnoticed. This is also like advertisement. Thus
others will be able to avail of your expertise.
2 Glorification of others ( kins , friends, favorites ): Within limits this is
essential to make the deserving person know that he is recognized.
Unfortunately most of such cases amount to favoritism. Glorification of non
existent qualities by powerful persons blow up the subject like a balloon,
liable to burst any time. This happens due to lack of objective outlook and
sycophancy. Subjective or biased outlook
amounts to possessiveness. This must be avoided. Antidote for this is realistic
perception . Glorification of human race by us is also phenomenal. We
consider ourselves supreme to flora and fauna, which imbalances nature and
brings us to doom!
3
Glorification
of Objects: This may never go out of proportions. Since objects do not do
not perceive this and remain unmoved. Glorification of objects is like
advertisement of goods. This is essential for commercial activity.
4
Glorification
of events and happenings: This lies in between glorification of persons and
objects as events also involve persons. Events are due to persons and
indirectly it is their appreciation . Healthy cultural , social, scientific and sports events must be
glorified. This is after all, an advertisement. Bad and unhealthy events must
never be glorified. They must be condemned.
5
Glorification
of abstract and hypothetical concepts.: Many times,
when good or bad things happen, we thank God or curse Devil. We do not go into
details of it and do not search root causes. In fact, this root cause analysis
will enable us to REPEAT good happenings and STALL bad happenings. Instead we tend
to abstract these to some SYMBOLIC , idolize it and
pray it. This way we are shunning responsibility to put in sustained efforts
and sometimes solely depend on the idolized ‘abstract’ to shower happiness on
us without any efforts on our part! This leads to lethargy and backwardness.
To conclude, :Glorification
in limits is always helpful . But remember, a gas balloon will burst by a mere
pin!