Hair on Fire

Oct. 6/7, Sparkill

I suppose those who read the last post may find it worthwhile asking the question, how can organs be metaphysical?

This idea of metaphysical organs may seem new or original, but it’s nothing of the kind. Swedenborg talked about heaven itself being composed of metaphysical organs; and he explained that the organs in the human body have counterparts in heaven, with various parts of heaven and the angelic host serving as lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, and so on.

We can extend this analogy not just to the kingdom of heaven which lies “above” us, but also to the molecular kingdoms that lie below us. A cell, for example, has an entire functioning body with various parts that also serve these purposes. It breathes in and out; it thinks; it senses, it pumps fluid through itself from central locations, etc. In this way we see that the functional relationships between all the parts of our physical organs are necessary ones that exist on every level. This is why Swedenborg understood that the analogy extends into heaven. Had microbiology been as developed in his day as it is now, he would’ve equally understood connection with the molecular world; and, let’s remember, he was a consummate physiologist who made many groundbreaking discoveries regarding human neurology which were not recognized for more than a century after he lived. So he knew whereof he spoke.

Readers may also remember that my recent review of King Crimson brought this idea of the analogy of metaphysical organs, in that particular case regarding the function of the band and its various pieces. I mention this again in order to call us to the realization that the idea of the body and its different organs with their relationships is an essential one in the standing way that the cosmos is constructed. The material universe itself is a body with many different cells and organs; every constituent part of it mirrors that in a fractal relationship that extends in all directions.

 Our metaphysical organs serve functions identical to our physical ones; and so our conscious contact with them, if we have any, mirrors their relationships and functions. They can develop diseases that affect their relationships with each other and with us just like our physical organs can; may have abilities and disabilities, just like we do. Expecting them to function flawlessly or in some perpetual state of enlightenment is a profoundly erroneous approach. They need to be kept healthy, properly fed, sufficiently oxygenated, and so on just like physical organs do. Now, how one goes about that is a complex matter; and perhaps beyond the scope of our understanding. The idea itself, however, may give us a measure of respect in regard to these organs.

I didn’t intend to write this little piece in that way when I began my contemplations this morning. Yet this is what I ended up with. My mind, as I awoke, was more on the impressions of the night before at dinner, which I ate with my daughter, my son, my wife, and my daughter’s partner. The entire meal consisted not just of taking in the external impressions of food and family, which were compelling and rich; there was also an inner experience of enormous gratitude for every single instance around me. I entered, during the meal, a more harmonious state of vibration in which all of the objects, events, circumstances, and conditions provoked the most profound sense of the sacred, and of gratitude. That sense expanded to include gratitude for all of life and what it is.

We simply don’t see what an enormous gift we have been given. I’m often reminded, these days, of Dogen’s famous comment:  

We have been given these bodies difficult to obtain, and encountered this Dharma difficult to encounter. Therefore let us practice as if our hair were on fire.

 These bodies difficult to obtain represents a recognition of the comprehensive action of God’s will to create the organs of being on every level.

 This Dharma difficult to encounter represents the tremendous additional effort needed for those organs to become aware of Truth, which is God’s eternal and essential nature.

 Therefore let us practice as if our hair were on fire represents the constant and unflagging effort we ought to reciprocally undertake to return thanks and praise unto God and to fulfill our duties to Him. It should be the most urgent action of our lives.

 This re-centers the core of our being around unselfishness, instead of selfishness. The two give completely different results.

May your heart be close to God, 
and God close to your heart.

Lee

Lee van Laer is a Senior Editor at Parabola Magazine.