Second Syntax

"Did the universe really begin?";

and, "Is the theory of the Big Bang true?"

These are not really questions, although they sound like they are.

The real question is whether or not

the only syntax that exists

is the syntax that requires,

as statements of fact

"beginnings", "developments", and "ends".

Other syntaxes exist.

There is one which demands

that varieties of intensity be taken as facts.

Within that syntax, "nothing begins" and "nothing ends".

Therefore, birth, for example, is not a clean, clear-cut event;

but rather, birth is a specific type of intensity;

and so is maturation;

and so is death.

A man of that syntax, looking over his equations,

finds that he has calculated enough varieties of intensity

to say with authority

that the universe never began,

and will never end.

He will conclude that the universe has gone through, is now going through, and will forever go through

endless fluctuations of intensity.

A man of that syntax could very well conclude that the universe itself

is the chariot of intensity,

and that a person can board it

to journey through changes without end.

He will conclude all that, and much more,

perhaps without ever realizing

that he is merely confirming

the syntax of his mother tongue.

~ Carlos Castaneda

---

Second Syntax

Incessant internal banter

The Tower of Babel spins

Yarns strewn throughout one's ego

Like play by play commentary

In a vessel that never fills

Do not distress overly much

If broken tape throws for a loop

When perception sullies memories

Everybody finds their mind fumbles

While understating sooth

Yet verbal thought be but a bough

Growing from the trunk of consciousness

There are countless others anyhow

Like silent knowledge (Gnosis)

Dreams, and consensual bliss

Share |