Be It Noted

 A living, breathing, walking, talking girl - meant for a man - is a miracle. 

The First Case of Mind Transfer

 Is mind separate from body?  If so, this would be proof of immaterial or spiritual existence.  Transfer of mind from one body and brain to another together with proof of transfer, such as a linguistic cue or an apparent personality change, would bring scientific knowledge close to religious doctrine.  Soul, spirit/ghost, atman, are concepts of  a human being's essence originating in part in philosophical thought, but have received extensive development in world religions.  What we call 'mind,' a pattern of thinking, behaving, talking, a long-standing (over decades) self-understanding, may be considered coequal with Western or Eastern teachings of  'soul.' There are differences, nuances, of course, among various thinkers and interpretations of dogma and traditions, but a broad understanding of mind and soul is invoked here, for preliminary purposes.

In consideration of twenty-first century neuroscience, 'mind' may be same as 'consciousness.'  Consciousness is a mystery to philosophers of mind and neuroscientists alike, its origins and nature discussed and disputed.  Advocating experimentation in mind transfer could be understood as transport of  conscious self between brains.  The receiving brain might experience two selves and become disheveled or ill.  Perhaps the moving consciousness would suppress the receptive self, becoming dominant.  Safety testing would occur before accomplishing such transfer.  

In reality and the history of Homo sapiens, no known case of mind-transfer has taken place.  It is found in modern fiction, particularly science fiction, such as 'Star Trek.'  It may be argued that Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein (1818) provides background for such stories.  Dr. Frankenstein discovers the principle of life through alchemy and creates a new lifeform with conscious self.  The self created by Frankenstein is not transferred, but created anew by a secret alchemy involving reanimation of dead matter. It is a logical step, then, to posit a basic form of consciousness inherent in all life.  Of course, this is imaginary, not empirical.  

The first case of transfer of mind from one living being to another will happen after much continued research into the connection of mind to brain or consciousness to neural network.  How does image and language arise from neural-electric activity?  Dr. McCoy of Star Trek spoke of "hyperencephalogram," an advanced recording of "brain circuitry."  Observing and understanding brain activity in dreaming will probably be crucial to achieving adequate theory of mind and consciousness.  Does an amoeba dream?

The discovery of consciousness in one-celled organisms might yield eventually the technology of mind transfer.  Such science and its application would bring us much closer to God, but we still wouldn't know God, only that God Is (Heb. YHWH).  To know God, one should look at and comprehend religious people, people of faith, like Jesus of Nazareth, Moses, Muhammad, Abraham, Mother Theresa or Mohandas Gandhi.  From Jesus, for example, you'll learn of the "mystery of the kingdom."  What is kingdom?  Another word for kingdom is 'rule.'  A rule is a dominant or governing principle.  In living things, we have found this to be the gene or groups of genes, i.e., chromosomes.  Genes contain diversified instruction. So in a way, the first instance of transfer of mind came with the birth of eukaryotes.  Yet we still don't fully understand that; it's a mystery.  Consciousness in eukaryotes, possible?                       

N.B. Zen Buddhists claim transmission of mind of Buddha from person to person in their religion.  For example:  "From Gautama Buddha down through the whole line of patriarchs to Bodhidharma, none preached aught besides the One Mind, otherwise known as the Sole Vehicle of Liberation.  . . . When Bodhidharma came to China and reached the Kingdoms of Liang and Wei, only the Venerable Master Ko gained a silent insight into our own Mind; as soon as it was explained to him, he understood that Mind is the Buddha, and that individual mind and body are nothing."  John Blofeld, tr., The Zen Teaching of Huang Po On The Transmission of Mind (NY: Grove, 1959), p 70         

In Christianity, St. Paul taught his converts possession of the mind of Christ, viz., "fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus ..." (Phil 2:2-5 NKJV)

[Science attempts to accomplish with technology what religious adherents do through spirit.] 

        

Misty Memory of Mom

 -just finished a crossword puzzle in 'Star Ledger.'  I remember Mom doing such puzzles everyday in her apartment (W.O.) and before that at Highland Ave.  I helped her sometimes coming up w/answers, especially sports clues.  I wrote at bottom of page, beneath puzzle, "I miss you Mom," & felt sad.    

Personal Medical Note - DTaP Vaccine/Shingrix Vaccine

 I received DTaP vaccination today at Dr. Dell'Aquila's office (from Yolanda).  This protects from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.  It's good for 10 years.  (8/4/22)

Addendum

I received Shingrix vaccine 11/9/22 (Walgreen).  In 2-6 months, I must get second dose.    

Update

Today, 2/14/23, I received second dose of Shingrix vaccine at Walgreen.        

N.B. (9/27/23)

I don't remember this, but BHMG (Dr. Dell'Aquila) website states I received pneumonia vaccine on 5/18/21.  It's called "pneumococcal conjugate."  (I do remember doing extensive search online for details of the shot I'd received.)

Additional Note (9/28/23)

Today I received flu shot (fluzone) and updated covid19 inoculation (Moderna/Spikevax) from Walgreens.   

Words about Mom: Endurance of Old-Age Illness

 Copy of reply to Charles Hedrick blog of 5/31/22.  He mentions his hearing problems associated with his old age and looks to Bible for potential aid.

Hello Charles. My Mom recently died at age of 92 (r.i.p.). She suffered hearing loss beginning around the age of 75, shortly after her retirement as a high school science teacher. As she aged, her hearing declined, but fortunately she did not have pain in the ears. Hearing aids or doctors were not able to help my Mom's hearing loss. My Mom was a devout Catholic, but suffered numerous physical maladies in her retirement. For the most part, she was able to be active in community until the age of 91. Her last year was spent confined to bed mostly, but she was still a blessing to family and friends in that her conversations were a positive influence. Even with limited hearing, she could talk on the phone and in person with people. The lesson from this, my Mom's experience, is to refine coping skills. This is hard in the face of pain. My mother had severe pain and discomfort with stomach and bathroom issues because of celiac disease. Yet her faith and prayer life were a comfort to her and fostered peace of mind. I think ritual helps in many bad situations of life, maintaining clear perspective. So I agree with the author of II Sam 19:31ff, which you cite, Charlie, in giving the experience of 80-year-old Barzillai, that health deteriorates in old age and not much improvement is available, even today in year 2022. Barzillai was content with his situation and ready to die. The key to old-age illness is coping, which comes down to mental strength or willpower. [May God have mercy.]

May Mommy rest in peace. Thanks to Mom & Dad and to God.

[ http://blog.charleshedrick.com/2022/05/my-ears-and-bible.html ]

What Once Was

what once was is no more

gone where

thought and memory bear it 

from then

but not big enough for 

to store

these too disappear

so what are we

or where do we go

or things have passed

why, what lasts

just, how fast - how fast

what's past

--a poem

Heaven is Inside You

 My mother died 5 months ago.  I took a nap and in my dream, Mom said, "may I have a cup of coffee?"  Afterward I felt sad.  

My question is, if Mom is now in heaven, does my dream mean heaven is inside me?  

Notes on Interpretation of Matthew 18:3 - Jesus and Childhood

Matthew's Gospel 18:3

Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.

In Context 

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (NKJV)

Parallels

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mk 9:33-37 NIV)

46 An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” (Lk 9:46-48 NRSV)

A Question of Innocence or Meekness

A question arises in understanding Mt 18:3 as to what childlike quality or attribute(s) Jesus is here highlighting.  Is it innocence or meekness (or perhaps both)?  Merriam-Webster supplies several definitions of innocence: a. freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense, b. freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil; etc.  Merriam-Webster defines meekness as "a mild, moderate, humble or submissive quality."  What characteristic of children is called to our attention here by Jesus of Nazareth?  

Since subsequent verse, v. 4, mentions humility [Gk. ταπεινώσει, tapeinōsei, to make or bring low], this is the quality Jesus' saying is pointing to.  All three synoptic gospels have the disciples in dispute or wonder about who is greatest.  Jesus calls a child into their presence, using it (words for "child" and "children" are neuter in gender) as example.  A reader or hearer of this passage may well imagine a child becoming quiet, meek, when called alone into a group of grownups.  To draw out the meaning of Mt 18:3, it could be said that Jesus tells his followers to put away all thought of greatness and pride and reform to a state of stillness, meekness, humility.  As children are submissive in the presence of adults, so adults should be deferential with each other.  

Gospel of Mark, which was written prior to Matthew and Luke and utilized by those authors in their gospels, has the following saying to complement the example of the little child (see above).

Anyone who wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all (9:35; also, Mt 20:26; 23:11; Mk 10:43f; Lk 22:26) 

Gospel of Luke has, 

for the least among all of you is the greatest,  (see above) 

to capture meaning of 'children' for discipleship.

So children are lowly servants in teaching of Jesus, but shall be great in the kingdom of  God.  Jesus likens himself to children and so ought his disciples.

Three Commentators

Here are three substantial (i.e., non-technical) comments on Mt 18:1-5 from books.

1. By the question they have asked, the disciples demonstrate their lack of understanding of the nature of the Kingdom.  W.F. Albright & C.S. Mann, Matthew (Garden City: Doubleday, 1981), p. 216

2. It is now explained that the child is an example of humility, "not of innocence, not of purity, not of moral perfection."  Francis Beare, The Gospel According to Matthew (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1987), p. 375 [quote from P. Bonnard, L 'Evangile selon saint Matthieu (1970)]

3. The disciples ask, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? and Jesus tells them that they will never even enter the kingdom unless they give up all desire for being great, and become like children, without any status or privileges.  Those who do that will be great in the kingdom.  ...  Jesus' taking of a child is an acted parable.  J.C. Fenton, Saint Matthew (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1978), p. 290f    

Additional Sayings of Jesus on Children

Permit the little children to come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Mk 10:14)

Amen I say to you, who would not receive the kingdom of God as a child will not enter it. (Mk 10:15)

Whoever may cause to sin one of these little ones believing in me, is rather better with a large millstone around his neck and to be cast into the sea. (Mk 9:42; Mt 18:6; Lk 17:2) 

These infants who take milk are like unto they who enter the kingdom. (GTh 22)    

See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their heavenly angels constantly behold the face of my Father.in heaven (Mt 18:10) 

The Lost Sheep (Mt 18:12-14)

12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.  (NKJV)

Jesus paid special attention to children, handling, blessing them (Mk 10:13-16), using children as examples of  meekness, innocence in his teaching.  In this parable we read about a man who goes searching for a lost sheep from his flock.  Finding the lost sheep, the owner of the flock rejoices.  Note that finding lost sheep is not a sure thing in this parable.  Instead of  the word, 'when,' or some other construction, such as, 'having found' [Gk. participle εὑρὼν], appearing in verse 13, which would imply guarantee of recovery, we see the particle 'if' [Gk.ἐὰν], if the sheep is found.  Appropriating verse 14 as legitimate interpretation of the parable, we understand that some children of God may be lost permanently, even though this isn't God's will.  This is a strange thing, considering God, in Judaism, is almighty.  What could be preventing our Father's will from accomplishment?  The answer is discovered in book of Genesis, chapter three.       

             

Santiago Ramon y Cajal: Scientist/Artist

 I've just read book review in latest issue of 'Science News' (3/26/22), entitled 'How a scientist-artist transformed our view of the brain,' by Laura Sanders.  The book is a biography of Ramon y Cajal, The Brain in Search of Itself  by Benjamin Erlich (FS&G, 2022).  This man, Santiago Ramon y Cajal [hereafter abbreviated RyC] (1852-1934), was a physician, an anatomist like his father, born and died in Spain.  He married Silveria Fananas Garcia and had many children.  As a youngster, he developed a talent for drawing and sketching, and produced pictures of the world around him.  This artistic ability served him well in the field of anatomy, particularly in brain and nervous system physiology, as he drew fine, elaborate pictures of nerve cells, based on his microscope observation.  With use of reazione nera, the 'black reaction' method of staining cells for better viewing, invented by Italian physician, Camillo Golgi, RyC discovered independence of nerve cells, contrary to current reticular theory of brain/nervous system.  He saw and drew in his pictures, space between nerve cells, showing their independence in function.  This discovery won RyC, Nobel Prize in medicine in 1906, which he shared with Golgi.  This discovery and teaching of RyC became the basis of modern theory of neurons and so RyC is called 'father of modern neuroscience.'  

Though RyC departed from organized religion, he held to doctrines of soul and God, Creator of universe.[1]

Note

1.  On this, see Wikipedia article under heading, 'Political and religious views.'  Especially, see there note 15.          

Love Poem

so much talk of love

so much thought of how

needest but the dove

expose what lies below

in heart is true and false

Limerick

 A limerick based on part humility and part disdain for class concept of society:

I'm not middle class

I'm lower class

That is to say, white trash

With the Devil, in clash

Looking for the best pass

Allman Brothers Personnel Through the Years

 Original Lineup (1969-1971)

Duane Allman: guitars, vocals (d. 10/29/71)

Gregory Allman: keyboards, vocals (d. 5/27/2017)

Berry Oakley: bass guitar, vocals (d. 11/11/1972)

Richard Betts: guitars, vocals (left band in 2000)

Jai Johanny Johanson: drums, percussion

Butch Trucks: drums, percussion (d. 1/24/2017)

 Replacement Musicians

Charles Leavell: piano, keyboards (joined 9/1972)

Lamar Williams: bass guitar (joined 1972)

Daniel Toler: guitar (joined 1978)

David Goldflies: bass guitar (joined 1978)

David (Frankie) Toler: drums (joined c. 1980)

Warren Haynes: guitars (joined 1989)

Johnny Neel: piano (joined 1989)

Douglas Allen Woody: bass guitar (joined 1989)

Marc Quinones: percussion (joined 1990)

Oteil Burbridge: bass guitar (joined 1997)

Jack Pearson: guitar (joined 1997)

Derek Trucks: guitars (joined 1999)

 Comment

Listening to records of their music may inspire.

Film Art

 A basic thing to be apprehended about film is its potential to reach you, mind and heart, grip you and hold you for extended time in state of discovery and wonder.  You might become enrapt, still, at attention, as you anticipate the movement of the visual story.  Film may foster thoughts and emotions as it plays out, that have big meaning for the viewer/observer.  Film may inspire.

The 2016 movie, 'Paterson,' by Jim Jarmusch, inspired above thoughts.  As I watched final scene, the actor at still point on bench, opposite Great Falls of Passaic River, in between loss, sorrow and question/wonder of possible renewal, restart of his poetic vocation, the words 'beauty' and 'beautiful' came to mind.  One, seeing a film, may contemplate beauty in context of film's images and words and find aesthetic experience reborn in self.  

Another Dream of Mom

 I woke this morning crying, with this dream fresh in mind.  

I was walking on sidewalk and found an item, a clear plastic case, about 4 in. h x 2.5 in. w, with hinged lid.  I could see a couple dollar bills and other things inside.  On side of lid, was a paper strip taped in place with name "Etta Marie Rizzuto" and little ink-drawn designs around the name, geometric shapes (like my Mom used to doodle while she was talking on phone).  I looked to left and saw through large plate-glass window, some older women getting their hair done, a beauty salon.  I realized I was at intersection of Central Ave./S. Essex/Jackson, Orange, heading home (375 Highland Ave.).  When I saw the name, I was astonished and thought, I'll bring this home to Mom, she'll be pleased.  As I got closer to home, I realized my Mom was dead, recently passed, and instantly I was in large room with many people.  A nearby man, a stranger, looked at me and I explained to him my surprising find as tears started to come from my eyes.  He didn't seem to understand, but as I finished explaining, he started to cry too.  I immediately gathered myself and started to calm him, motioning with my hands.  Dream ends.

The mind and heart are interconnected and mourning occurs after loss.