the world i know: FOOLOSOPHER'S FOOLOSOPHY

In an attempt to stimulate my mind, I do little arguments in my head like a mock debate with people. Today, at 4 am I woke up in a fiery mood to argue with myself. Try it sometimes. So here's what it was about.
In College my Philosophy teacher would always insist on "doing" philosophy rather than sitting in class all day and "discussing" philosophy. Understanding the nature of things around us is very nice, as well as understanding the nature of things beyond our present senses, nay beyond our sensuous gaze of inspection. There is a lot out there to learn and one can fill his head to unlimited limits, but in the end the result of words should be action accompanied.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna explains two interesting points, among many. He describes two types of people- the mahatmas, great souls, and the duratmas, or what I call foolosuffers. Men of small knowledge, Krishna explains to Arjuna, are attracted by the flowery words of the Vedas, which talk about so many seemingly "deep" subject matters dealing with the three modes of material nature and its proclivities. (I even woke up with a fiery vocabulary huh). You find people out there, all due respects to them, who sit around all day and night in their heads and analyze things in life, with no aim of really shaping the world through their findings. It is fascinating tho, this creation; Nature runs so expertly, so diligently, so consciously. We could go down many channels trying to find out the ultimate connection of all things. And even when it comes to matters beyond us, such people stretch their materialistic demeanor that far. "In my opinion, I think, perhaps, maybe, theoretically, logically."

But everyone has an opinion, and every man can suppose and propose, but to what avail is it, if the subject matter is that which we have no tangible experience of? Therefore, I propose we come to a practical basis of understanding of our simple reality around us, and take the humble position of knowing very little, no matter how "deep" we may think we're thinking.

Krishna also talks about those with "real" Knowledge: after many many births and deaths, one who is in real knowledge Surrenders unto Me, knowing me to be the cause of all causes. Such a great soul is very rare.
Interesting! So knowledge as mentioned above IS real knowledge, and can be studied for lifetimes upon, but the cycle of birth and death stops with knowledge of Krishna. Krishna means the ultimate goal, the reason for learning. Not a philosopher's opinion written in a book, but tangible revelation after many births and deaths. Finally, the seeking philosopher comes to the engineer behind the engine, the technician in the powerhouse. Many other statements are made in the Bhagavad-gita to back such points and I urge people reading this to study Bhagavad-gita As It Is and get to understand things for themselves.
But then again are we just looking for a clear understanding? Now that we've arrived at "Krishna", what next? Well, just like when a young boy meets a young girl after eying her for weeks on end, or when a mother meets her child after nine months of carrying such a person, a relationship begins. Surrender unto Krishna means accepting the vastness and greatness of Krishna and acting under his guidance. This "action" in a "relationship" can manifest in five primary ways: in neutrality, servitor ship, friendship, paternity and conjugal love. Very high subject matters which requires expert guidance. Furthermore, one begins to dovetail all his actions for the satisfaction of Krishna and through Krishna's reciprocation, we achieve boundless transcendental bliss. Not something to philosophize about, rather something felt deep within and seen by all from without.
And Krishna explains that such a Mahatma, or great soul is very rare. Why rare? I have the knowledge of you, so whats so hard about surrendering? Well one thing I will mention here is that when most people learn about higher subjects, the effect is pride- now I know more than you- and pride is not a prerequisite for spiritual life, rather and stumbling block.
So my urge to true philosophers out there is to go deeper into doing philosophy in a simple and practical manner which may leave a mark in society, like planting a tree rather than talking about the benefits of planting, or loving and sharing with each other rather than talking about how we're all ultimately connected, yet fight like cats and dogs. Doing philosophy is more stimulating than talking philosophy; many people benefit from doing, few benefit from talking and time is wasted. I happen to be a thinker sometimes and usually its all up in my head which leaves lots of time for living as a monk in service to life around me :). We can all give it a try and see what its like.