A nineteenth century man who sees the twentieth as decadent and all other cultures as inferior can neither learn nor compete.
Anderson acknowledges:
"There are modern ways to get a new language into a mind fast. There are ancient ways, which the West has neglected, for developing body and senses."
-Poul Anderson, There Will Be Time (New York, 1973), XIV, p. 155.
This plus the contemplative Phase Three civilization (see Reconnoitering The Future) help to counteract Anderson's putdown of Asian mysticism. See Mysticism And Science. The Havig group's training seems to rival that of the Time Patrol.
Possible Recruits
A shaman, witch or monk who performs helpful miracles.
A peasant whose crops are never hit by bad weather.
A merchant with always lucky investments.
A never caught spy or scout.
A boy who advises his father.
Havig and Leonce spend ten years of lifespan building their group.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Truth to say, I'm skeptical of the VALUE of "Asian mysticism." It seems so open ended and unfocused. Christian mysticism focuses on God, which makes more sense to me.
Sean
Sean,
Asian mystics include theists.
Zen is focused on attention to what arises in the present moment.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
The closest I can think of there being non-Christian theist mystics in the Far East might be the Taoists.
Thanks! If I understand you aright, "Zen is focused on attention to what arises in the present moment," to what the person happens to have in mind?
Sean
Sean,
Attention to what comes into the mind, letting it arise and pass instead of adding to it/thinking about it.
Paul.
Sean,
I meant the Hindu devotional theists. Some of them are influenced by Christianity.
Paul.
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