What's so special about humans?

[Bloodshot]

Why do so many humans appear to think they're somehow qualitatively different from everything else?

Why do they assume they have the monopoly on sentience, consciousness, souls?

Is it all just from the social constructs and dogma that inevitably grow around any true enlightment? Just to give us permission to be, basically, horrible to everything else?

 

[Dhammañāṇa Bhikkhu]

As for the question itself (assuming that good householder likes to touch the distinguishing between human existence and common animal existence):

It's very, very seldom to gain a human existence, more seldom even to gain birth in an area of right view, and not mental defect. Even more seldom to ever get known the good teachings.

And here's already a big point: the ability to listen to teaching, turntoward virtue, and the ability to change livelihood, eg. live virtuous and make things for good.

Of course such isn't something sure, even if already blessed with a good existence. What ever even more refined types of existence may be gained, all the bases, causes, had been conducted within a human existence, since it's hard to ever do benefical in others (either out of possibility, or out of lack of urgency for such).

It's not a lose, not a fault, not a missery, that there is no such as equality anywhere found. But a opportunity, good householder shouldn't waste by not seeking for more and sublime, having possible ways for such.

So why not start to look upward, and try to gain association toward Devas and Gods, or even Noble Ones?

 

[Faithfulservant]

The bible answers these questions for me.

 

[otherbrother]

So why not start to look upward, and try to gain association toward Devas and Gods, or even Noble Ones?

Or deep within where convergence and interconnectedness reigns along with harmony? I tend to think the upward gaze is a positive projection of a reality deep within us. Astral projection that seems to go on while we are dreaming suggests that it is not simply psychological projection but actual projection of energy. The finer energy from the Deep perhaps actually slips out and up into less dense molecular structures like air, our atmosphere. Like smoke drifting upward?

 

[Bloodshot]

Fair point, yes I agree we are very lucky to be human in some ways, although I do believe much of the culture we've constructed around ourselves cuts us off from nature and the universal, leaving us stranded and lost in the illusion of individuality. More so than most "lesser" creatures.

But many people appear convinced we're inherently superior and are offended by the idea that we're just descendants of the monkeys that were best at exterminating their rivals, for example.

 

[moralorel]

Name a species that is superior to us overall.

As impressive as apes, chimpanzees, dolphins, elephants, etc. truly are, they aren't even close to our level of intelligence and ability.

 

[wil]

Why do so many humans appear to think they're somehow qualitatively different from everything else?

Really? It isn't patently obvious to you?

As you posit this question on this forum on the internet, electronically, in an warrm, dry, conditioned space on a device while sitting in an upholstered chair with a heated or chilled beverage nearby and less than a phone call away you can communicate with someone to bring you food of umpteen ethnicities shipped in from around the world created specifically to meet you gastronomic requests....do you know some other species that set up a.system the past few thousand years to perform similar?

 

[Bloodshot]

So because we're *clever* we have the *right* to treat everything else as inferior? That's your position?

 

[Dhammañāṇa Bhikkhu]

Fair point, yes I agree we are very lucky to be human in some ways, although I do believe much of the culture we've constructed around ourselves cuts us off from nature and the universal, leaving us stranded and lost in the illusion of individuality. More so than most "lesser" creatures.

But many people appear convinced we're inherently superior and are offended by the idea that we're just descendants of the monkeys that were best at exterminating their rivals, for example.

Only very, very less being, after having gained a human existence, gain are reborn as human or Devas, much much more are destinated toward animal womb, hungry ghost, hell realms.

Being clear about the impart of actions and view, knowing the right way, there is all reason of much goodwill and compassion for those acting evil.

No need to become a monkey by oneself, or another existence of steady fear and danger, good householder.

It's of course praiseworthy, if oneself already abstaining from harming all kinds of living beings, when encouraging others to abstain from harming.

Don't forget, or be reminded, that one acting like an animal, often wouldn't be able to be taught either. A mind like an animal means used to harm other, either for a living or out of fear.

There is no way to bring peace, make peace, in the animal realm. Killing and being killed. It would be crazy to believe to be able to really help, sitting in the forest with "crimes" all around.

Beings are heir of their actions. So good to focus on one's own clear resolve toward harmlessness, giving up the intention to kill, harm, deprive, totally and develop a heart of goodwill toward all beings: "mayyou gain the way toward peace by wise actions by yourself with ease". Giving freedom, oneself gains it either. And fearlessness.

My person lives right next hordes of gibbons, marquess... and what ever found in remote forest. No need to assosiate with each other. At least, monkeys have no human like attributes, can be quite harmful.

So again, while not harming those not so blessed, good to seek and sacrifices toward more Sublime.

 

[Dhammañāṇa Bhikkhu]

Name a species that is superior to us overall.

As impressive as apes, chimpanzees, dolphins, elephants, etc. truly are, they aren't even close to our level of intelligence and ability.

It's not inherent a matter of birth. Actually there are many "special animals" actually more "human" that most human. More virtues, knowing goodness better.

It's dangerous to place one's object of pride on birth. One who does more superior, is called superior. A matter of virtue, lesser a matter of ability to hurt and hunt. No doubt that there are many humans who are superior in regard of doing evil and harm.

Or deep within where convergence and interconnectedness reigns along with harmony? I tend to think the upward gaze is a positive projection of a reality deep within us. Astral projection that seems to go on while we are dreaming suggests that it is not simply psychological projection but actual projection of energy. The finer energy from the Deep perhaps actually slips out and up into less dense molecular structures like air, our atmosphere. Like smoke drifting upward?

My person thinks that he is not able to follow the seemingly confused stream of ideas in a way so that it could ensnare toward release. The "reality" within beings is craving and ignorance, not knowing way of deeds for lasting or long release.

 

[Dhammañāṇa Bhikkhu]

The bible answers these questions for me.

And how does good householders conscious answers, having killed and harmed other beings, gained by their lose?

 

[wil]

So because we're *clever* we have the *right* to treat everything else as inferior? That's your position?

No...that is another question how you, how each of us "treat" the planet, and all its parts.

But it isn't just because we are clever...it is because we are clever AND have opposing thumbs.

Now just about all of us choose to eat other beings on this planet. Are you a Jain and wait for the apple to fall from the tree before you eat it? Or is veal parmesan on your list of favorite meals? Some folks eat octopus as sushi...an animal whose abilities we really cant yet fathom.

I dont know the answer....why do you treat everything else as inferior?

 

[moralorel]

It's not inherent a matter of birth. Actually there are many "special animals" actually more "human" that most human. More virtues, knowing goodness better.

It's dangerous to place one's object of pride on birth. One who does more superior, is called superior. A matter of virtue, lesser a matter of ability to hurt and hunt. No doubt that there are many humans who are superior in regard of doing evil and harm.


My person thinks that he is not able to follow the seemingly confused stream of ideas in a way so that it could ensnare toward release. The "reality" within beings is craving and ignorance, not knowing way of deeds for lasting or long release.

I didn't say it was a matter of birth. This didn't really answer my question.

But you could tell me which animals are "more human than most human".

 

[Dhammañāṇa Bhikkhu]

I didn't say it was a matter of birth. This didn't really answer my question.

But you could tell me which animals are "more human than most human".

By animal-like deeds, a human becomes a match for an ox. By knowing goodness and feeling obligated, gratitude, an animal becomes a match for good householder.
Certain many pets, which are of course not common animal, are more human then most human. Don't one think that, for example, pets can live a virtuous life, if guided, while most many human are far from it, even having the ability to understand words.
That human could doesn't mean that they do. Most, in fact, lead an animal-like live.

That what is meant by deeds, not by (kind) of birth.

But it isn't just because we are clever...it is because we are clever AND have opposing thumbs.

Who's "we", and then what's "clever", good householder. A virtuous human wouldn't be happy if being equaled with animal-behaviouring kind. Nor would one, virtues, be happy if compared with the cleverness of a snake. Even an common animal does like to be associated with all kinds of "clever human", doesn't feel well and endangered.

 

[wil]

But you could tell me which animals are "more human than most human".

Who's "we", and then what's "clever", good householder. A virtuous human wouldn't be happy if being equaled with animal-behaviouring kind. Nor would one, virtues, be happy if compared with the cleverness of a snake. Even an common animal does like to be associated with all kinds of "clever human", doesn't feel well and endangered

Be aware I fell the most misdefined word is "humane" as humans in general are not humane per the defintion...we are animals...maybe not even that as most animals live upto their potential.

We still seem to be driven by lust, greed....

It takes laws and religions and threats of violence to keep us in line.

Oh lol, merry happy tidings...for the season of sales....

 

[Dhammañāṇa Bhikkhu]

Be aware I fell the most misdefined word is "humane" as humans in general are not humane per the defintion...we are animals...maybe not even that as most animals live upto their potential.

We still seem to be driven by lust, greed....

It takes laws and religions and threats of violence to keep us in line.

Oh lol, merry happy tidings...for the season of sales....

Still "we". Good to investigate oneself, to what kind one might fit, good householder.

 

[otherbrother]

The "reality" within beings is craving and ignorance, not knowing way of deeds for lasting or long release.

Depok Chopra’s description of God as Pure Potential becomes human potential and allows for a positive self-fulfilling prophecy. To think otherwise is to put Ultimate Reality out of reach and creates a negative self fulfilling prophecy and is governed by a law/principle of deficit such as the “sinful nature of man.” True enough that our actual selves are flawed but our potential for spiritual growth is abundant. Tillich’s Ground of Being is also a useful way to view and approach God, because it lends itself to a gapless fountain flowing deep and wide in each human being.
The test of religion is how well it meets human needs. While arrogance and pride in human actuality is detrimental, it is even more detrimental to eclipse the vast domain of potential that flows from God into and through human beings. The key seems to acknowledge human sin and limitations as a secondary truth referring to the surface realm of unpacked actuality but give more weight to the underlying potential that qualifies us as being offshoots or by “Children” of God and in the image of God,

 

[wil]

Still "we". Good to investigate oneself, to what kind one might fit, good householder.

Agree...I do that between coasting. Life is about enjoying watching it go by. We gotta pay the piper along the way, doing the things...but to miss the scenery and the ride is kudicrous

 

[wil]

give more weight to the underlying potential that qualifies us as being offshoots or by “Children” of God and in the image of God,

I've heard that since elementary school...you could do better, not living upto your potential. .Not everyone likes that high a bar. I was taught to avoid peer pressure...that it is a form of bullying.

 

[Tony Bristow-Stagg]

Why do so many humans appear to think they're somehow qualitatively different from everything else?

Why do they assume they have the monopoly on sentience, consciousness, souls?

Is it all just from the social constructs and dogma that inevitably grow around any true enlightment? Just to give us permission to be, basically, horrible to everything else?

Humans have been given the capacity of a rational soul/mind, the ability to choose the spiritual over the animal, to discover and bring to light the unseen wonders of creation.

We can also consider that we are not the only "Human Species" in creation, that there is many worlds that have "Humans" inhabitants on the planet, in various stages of progress and maturity. Some way advanced and already traversing time and space easily and swiftly.

Our true purpose is found in embracing the Spiritual potential.

Regards Tony