We live in a world full of challenges. On the one hand, various social problems, such as poverty, war, and social inequality in various countries, remain and even spread. On the other hand, the environmental crisis has triggered various natural disasters in various places. We need the right way of thinking and method, to face these two challenges.
Science tries to carry out various studies to understand the root of the problem and offers solutions. Various studies were made. Various theories were formulated. However, often these are just piles of paper that don't make a real difference.
Research is currently being carried out to understand the various existing studies. So, "research on research". From a scientific perspective, this activity is necessary and interesting. However, from the point of view of simple common sense, this is a sign that there have been so many studies and theories born of multibillion-dollar research, while the results are still questionable.
Flood Theory
I call this condition the "flood of theory" and "the flood of studies". The study is made for the sake of the study itself. The theory is formulated for the sake of the theory itself. This is a fundamental mistake of thinking in today's academic world.
The conditions also created confusion, both among the scientists themselves, and among the wider community. In this kind of confusion, various problems remain. In fact, in some cases, the existing problems have grown and spread. Billions of dollars just disappear for absurd research.
Many studies take place at the theoretical level. The debate also takes place at the theoretical level. However, this was not enough. Humanity needs a new way of thinking, to face the world's challenges.
The essence of the theory
The theory is a series of words or symbols to explain a situation or phenomenon in the world. The theory is also a form of abstraction of the human mind on conditions or objects in the world. In this sense, it can be said straightforwardly that the theory is not a reality, but an abstraction which at the same time also means a narrowing (reduction) of reality itself. Theorizing means removing elements in reality that are considered important and means ignoring or even throwing away things that are considered unimportant.
Many debates then took place at the theoretical level. Scientists are busy with concepts, words, and symbols. They often forget that what they are talking about and researching is a human life with all its wealth. They then build a theory on theory, and so on, until it no longer has any roots in reality.
Thus, the theory does not help humans to understand reality. What happens is the opposite, that is, theory blurs human knowledge of reality. We can no longer understand reality as it is, but only reality as we theorize in our heads and research. And because there are so many theories, there are so many "realities", and it ends up creating great confusion.
The academic world creates a kind of new world, namely the world of imagination. This imaginary world contains words, symbols, and theories. It contains hopes and fears that are covered with a veil of formulas, formulas, or theories. All this makes people unable to understand reality as it is.
Going Beyond Theory
If we only understand the world through the theories and concepts in our heads, then we will not be able to understand reality as it is. If we can't understand reality for what it is, then we will go astray. We can no longer distinguish between reality and illusions that pop into our heads. As a result, we are confused, and we cannot respond appropriately to the various challenges that exist.
To prevent that, we need to understand reality for what it is. We need to move beyond theory and understand the world for what it is. The word "beyond" can also be replaced by the word "before" theory, namely the world as it is before we formulate the concept of it. German phenomenological philosophers, such as Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger, called it the world of life, namely the preconceptual world (before the concept). Eastern philosophical thinkers, such as Seung Sahn and Lin-Chi, called it the mind-less world.
How can we understand reality as it is? We must break away from concepts and theories. We must release ourselves from the habit of conceptual thinking. With this, then we can perceive reality as it is, namely reality before and at the same time going beyond concepts and theories.
In this sense, we no longer understand reality, but experience reality. We do not imprison reality into words and symbols, but rather allow reality to appear as it is into our consciousness. We move to a pre-thought level and then touch reality as it is. In this sense, there is no longer any difference between me and reality.
In contact and oneness with this reality, we also experience a change of consciousness. Our way of thinking changes. Our way of life changes. The decisions and priorities in our life then change too.
Confusion disappeared. People are confused because their heads are filled with concepts and theories. This situation creates excessive fear and hope that makes people do not see reality. The decisions he took then reflected the confusion in his life.
On the other hand, direct contact with reality makes theories and concepts disappear at once. Everything became clear and clear. People know what to do. The basis is no longer merely rational and logical considerations, but rather "intuition", namely direct experience with reality.
In this state, morality as a set of rules of action is no longer necessary. Doing good is something natural when people touch reality with their intuition. To do evil, in the sense of encouraging suffering, is also naturally avoided. People are not filled with "theory wars" and "concept wars" in their heads about good or wrong but live with a clear mind, to face everything that exists according to real conditions.
With this kind of clarity, we can work together, to face the challenges of our time. We are no longer stuck with theories and concepts. We also are no longer trapped in confusion and fear. However, this state must be practiced continuously, so that it becomes a real part of our life and not just a momentary sensation.
True peace can be formed when we give up our ideas about peace. We no longer insist on creating "our version" of peace. We are no longer trapped in the "concept of peace" or "theory of peace" which we think is true. When we can perceive reality as it is, at that time, we can experience true peace inside, as well as with those around us.
Keep it up.......