Emotion clear-cuts the natural diversity of original, unfiltered perception. Certainly, this is an innate survival adaptation. Any creature aware would require such a way to filter out extraneous sensory data to avoid sensory overload and ensuing chaos. Emotion helps perception focus on that which has an immediate bearing on survival.
Now, consider the added filtering effect that words and names have on perception, further narrowing discernment. For instance, merely thinking that a tree is a tree filters all unique living individual trees down to a preconceived category. This perceptual pigeonholing stifles awareness of what chapter 1 calls, Mystery upon mystery, the gateway of the manifold secrets. Thus, not only can’t we see the forest, we don’t even perceive the trees in their own right.
Then again, we do get treasures to cherish, e.g., beliefs, music, science, literature, education… the list goes on. Words and names, and the knowledge they weave, swaddle us in cognitive security.
Most critical, is how emotion is the underlying wellspring of words and names, and the thoughts these form. Moreover, thoughts feed back subsequently to drive and skew emotions… it’s a vicious circle. Thus, it is wise to be cautious about what you think is real, for that will determine your emotionality and stress level. As chapter 10 hints,When your discernment penetrates the four quarters, Are you capable of not knowing anything?
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