The Ultimate Function of Philosophy




  Stop thinking and end your problems - to a mind that is still the whole universe surrenders - Lao Tzu



The Ultimate Function of Philosophy: Liberation from Attachment to Phenomena 

Philosophy’s ultimate function is to liberate the mind from its attachments to transient phenomena, thereby revealing the unfiltered nature of reality. This liberation is unburdened by the endless web of concepts that typically cloud perceptionIn essence, philosophy serves as a tool for deconstructing the illusions imposed by habitual thought, enabling a direct encounter with what truly is. 

Attachment, Detachment, and Ultimate Reality 

Attachment to phenomena - whether material objects, ideas, or sensory experiences - creates a barrier between us and the essence of existence. Eastern philosophical traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism, assert that such attachments are the root cause of suffering, as they bind the mind to ephemeral appearances. By freeing oneself from these attachments, one can realize that the ultimate state of consciousness is characterized by emptiness or satva, a state where the mind is not cluttered by concepts and dualities. 

Western Philosophy and Its Conceptual Proliferation 

In contrast to many Eastern approaches, Western philosophy frequently engages in an endless process of conceptual elaboration. This process, often manifesting as an ever-expanding web of ideas and theories, can inadvertently lead to a kind of intellectual attachment. Instead of freeing the mind, the proliferation of concepts in Western thought may reinforce the very attachments that philosophy aims to dissolve. While this method has undoubtedly contributed to significant advancements in science and ethics, it sometimes creates a cycle of thought that prevents the individual from experiencing the profound simplicity of pure, unmediated consciousness. 

Holistic Health as a Reflection of Philosophical Liberation 

The conclusive understanding of holistic health, as presented in the book Sacred Holistic Health, is unique in world philosophy presenting exactly what satvic food is and its ultimate function. The book demonstrates that the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being are interconnected. A holistic approach to health mirrors the philosophical quest for detachment: by fostering balanced nutrition and lifestyle habits, one can purge the mind of unnecessary attachments. This cleansing, in turn, supports the evolution of consciousness, allowing individuals to experience the world directly rather than through a haze of concepts and preconceptions. 

However, the essence of success lies not in abstract philosophy but in the direct physical experience of generating balance through satvic foods. The true path requires one to feel the harmony coursing through the digestion, letting the satva flow in a field of tranquility throughout the body without attempting to direct the movement with the mind. Satva knows its direction and needs no guidance; everything is already perfect, and there is no need to take any action. Whatever satva produces in that moment is the best possible outcome - do not expect anything or unexpect anything. All will come that will come by the grace of satva. 

Satva is the only absolute reality which has no beginning and no end. When this state of harmony strikes, satva is realized and reveals its absolute nature, which is silence. There is nothing beyond silence; no universe, no duality, no philosophy. Silence is the final liberation of human evolution; the task of life is completed. 

This final solution has troubled Western philosophy for absolute ages without ever realizing the Buddha mind as the underlying strata of philosophy. The French philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, said, "liberation is found on the far side of despair," yet he presented no mechanics on how to achieve this freedom. Buddha Sakyamuni, on the other hand, said something similar - "the path to liberation is through suffering" - but he clearly laid down the mechanics: generating the middle path through satvic food. Liberation is achieved not by doing something or undoing something, but by doing the natural things the natural way, without desire or expectation for the outcome. 

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the purpose of philosophy is not merely to generate knowledge but to free the mind from the constraints of attachment. It aims to dissolve the bonds of conceptual proliferation so that one can encounter the world in its pure, unadulterated form - a state of pure awareness that transcends all dualities. By achieving this state, philosophy helps us recognize that the true nature of reality is not found in the accumulation of ideas, but in the liberation of consciousness itself. This timeless insight bridges the insights of Eastern and Western traditions, urging us to let go of the ephemeral and embrace the eternal. 

 

 

You can read more in the book Sacred Holistic Health. 

 


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Sacred Holistic Health

Tamas Food - energy of maximum attachment