Although we have not been told any details yet, we do know that, from an early age, Simon Dalgetty has received some kind of intensive psychophysical training that enables him to heighten his sensations and even, apparently, to read thoughts. It also enables him to do this:
"He knew his personal danger would be enormous once he was on the ground. Torture, mutilation, even death.
"Dalgetty closed his eyes again. Almost at once he was asleep." (III, p. 152)
(His enemies are flying him to a secluded island.)
I would be unable to sleep. At most, my Zen practice would enable me to "sit with" apprehension although some circumstances would surely be overwhelming.
Years ago, a Catholic theologian and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi were interviewed together on TV. The theologian said that Christ suffered when crucified whereas the Maharishi thought that Christ would be in a yogic-contemplative state that would mean that he would not suffer. "Supreme enlightenment" (Buddhist terminology) would indeed end psychological causes of suffering and also enable us either to transcend or at least to cope most effectively with physical suffering but most of us are nowhere near that state.
Meanwhile, I have had my fill of fictional villains who try to save the world by torturing someone. The Psychotechnic History has to move on.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
And Christ's freely consented to suffering on the Cross was to show how the Incarnate Logos was willing to show He would deny Himself nothing, including the agonizing death on the Cross, to bring redemption to mankind.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
I don't buy that our redemption required the torture and execution of an innocent individual. That is why I meditate in a non-Christian tradition.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
And I believe that is exactly what God chose to do when He became man.
Ad astra! Sean
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