The AIM of the realizations, so far as it is GOOD, is to know the range of being and to realize the highest immediate and ultimate forms (the idea of the good presumes the ideas of the possible and the feasible). The means are ideas and transformation of being—the individual and civilization. Accordingly, the narrative has two main parts, one on ideas and the second on realization.

The interest in the work

The work will have three kinds of interest, general—interest in the main ideas and ‘everyday’ consequences, academic—interest in the system of ideas and implications for academic disciplines, and ultimate—interest in entering the universal process revealed.

Understanding the work

Valid tradition, ancient to modern, is useful. However, realization will also require initiative and discovery: the work is not a compendium—it goes beyond the standard worldviews of the tradition. The view developed will challenge intuition and understanding; so it is necessary to attend to meanings as defined, to the system of meaning, and to be prepared to reeducate the intuition (here is a readers’ guide). The view is internally consistent and though it may seem to violate cumulative experience and culture, it is in agreement with what is valid in them.

Origins and motives

The aim was suggested by my life, experience, and thought in interaction with aspects of ‘tradition’ (see motive and origins, below).

The general motive is contribution to the present and future of civilization and human being.

A personal motive has been wonder and love of beauty in being—nature, ideas, persons, civilization, the universe. From the wonder, I sought to cultivate these and the result was what is described in the aim and the general motive.

The photographs

The photographs recognize nature as significant ground and inspiration. Some photographs show places of specific inspiration.

A prologue on worldviews

PROLOGUE: WORLDVIEWS

See on worldviews and about the new world view.

The Idea of a Worldview or Cosmology

The Standard Cosmologies

Secular, trans-secular (includes the secular)

Modes of expression

Literal-atomic versus mythic-holist.

The worldview of the narrative

IDEAS

On ideas

The ideas are a symbolic representation of the world. They provide a map for realization.

The ideas are not merely formal; cognition is infused with emotion. Feeling does not prove an idea but marks its significance. Thus ideas are substantial.

Being

Experience

Experience names awareness in all its manners and forms.

Experience is relationship; it marks significance; it is the place of expression of human being.

Meaning

The focus is on referential meaning which requires concept and object (the object may be null). In linguistic (referential) meaning, concept and object are associated with a symbol which makes for effectiveness in thought and communication. Word symbols may be iconic or non iconic. Sentences are iconic which is aided by convention (standard form varies according to language).

Proper attention to meaning is essential to clarity and to avoiding paradoxes that arise from assuming that there is reference.

Apprehension of the real (or the ultimate). This will include psychology (the structure of the apprehension) and epistemology (justification or validation).
Ways to apprehension of the real—activities including ritual and programs such as the eightfold way (its essence), reasons for these activities (why they work and how they are based in psychology), and marks of successful apprehension of the real. Hick’s views on religious pluralism, critical realism, and view of the religious life.

Metaphysics

Include material of book topic A Perfect, Unique, and Ultimate Metaphysics!

Realism, Logic, Fact, Science and Mathematics.

System of human knowledge.

REALIZATION

May combine with path below

Realization

Change to book title Civilization and Realization and include its material?

Being

Transformations in consciousness.

Becoming

Transformations in being.

Ways

Change title to Journey… and include subsections Ways and Path!

Incorporate the ideas of book titles (a) A Way of Realization and (b) Transience and Arrival?

A template for action—see template.

Practice.

PATH

Path

Path design—see template for ways (the eight ways may be edited).

Template

RESOURCE

Retrospect

Alt title: Epilogue, Retrospect and Prospect

Contents—the aim revisited; progress…

Aim

The ideas enable an enhanced discussion of the aim.

Origins and evolution of the aim (this might go to the chapter on the aim).

Realizations so far

Contribution

Other editions have a review (a) critical with a view to improvement and the future and (b) assessment of contribution.

See Journey in Being(resource edition of 2013). Also see the ‘central statements’ above, especially remarks that this is the first cognitive and complete treatment…