CDT194
Replacing Myself
Business; Warriors
(2) CDs: 12.95
This valuable talk on preparing oneself to be in the Work combines the wit, wisdom and spiritual know-how of E.J. Gold, in discussion, with a group of his senior students regarding real concerns of ordinary life. Questions asked: 1. Will I have a better chance of getting into the Work if I do something other than the jobs I'm currently doing? 2. Should I try to replace myself in my jobs and do something else? 3. Once I've replaced myself, what do I do then? E.J. replies that one cannot get into the Work unless one is prepared. He asks if various forms of spiritual gaming have been tried as methods of preparation. In an attempt to answer these questions, he tells his students, "You have to think like an electron." Thereafter ensues a lively, illuminating discussion of Particle Physics, the Heisenberg Principle and plasma clouds with a recommendation to view the movieTampopo for more clarification. This talk gives insights and anecdotes on how the Teacher works with his students to transcend the ordinary.
Synopsis:
The conversation is a free-flowing, sometimes humorous and philosophical discussion about replacing oneself in a role or task within a community. It explores concepts of responsibility, willingness, skill acquisition, and work philosophy. Ideas of work as an evolving, unfinishable process emerge, as well as the tension between practical labor and the deeper commitments of the "work" (possibly a reference to a spiritual or organizational mission). The discussion also digresses into physics, metaphysical concepts, community dynamics, and individual purpose.
Summary:
The conversation begins with an inquiry about how one can replace themselves in the various jobs they perform within an institute or community. The response suggests that work is often replaced when one simply ceases to do it, and naturally, others step in. However, there is also the competing notion that to truly "replace" oneself, one must train someone else in both skill and mindset.
As the discussion unfolds, themes of willingness and ability emerge—doing a job requires not only competence but the willingness to continue doing it. The issue of prioritization is raised—should one focus on the task they are uniquely skilled at, or assist in less specialized work as needed? There's also a humorous yet pointed critique of inefficiency, where some individuals don’t meaningfully contribute, creating the necessity for others to take on their work.
A significant philosophical shift occurs when electrons and quantum mechanics are invoked as conceptual metaphors. The idea that an electron is not in any one place, but its presence is dictated by observation, is likened to human roles within a structured environment. The suggestion is that roles—and possibly even identity—are not fixed but fluid and molded by external expectations and one’s own responses.
The conversation closes with a secondary inquiry: what does someone do when they have fully replaced themselves? The answer is ambiguous, suggesting that there is never truly a “finished” stage in meaningful work. The idea of work being ever-present, much like the ongoing tasks of a shaman, means that even if one task is completed, another awaits. The conversation oscillates between the deeply pragmatic and the profoundly existential, blending everyday concerns with broader metaphysical musings.
Keywords & Key Phrases:
- Zen question
- Work replacement
- Editorial weave
- Task inheritance
- Invisible labor
- Community dynamics
- Higher probability
- Willingness vs. ability
- Quantum metaphor
- Electron probability cloud
- Field anomalies
- Observational reality
- Shamans' work
- Task prioritization
- Energy imposition
- Professional mythology
- Studio ecosystem
- Institutional inertia
- Structural necessity
- Forced attrition
Graphic Prompt:
"An abstract, surrealist composition depicting an ethereal figure dissolving into a cloud of electrons, floating amidst warped architectural structures. Ancient manuscripts, digital screens, and scattered papers swirl around. The environment is a fusion of an esoteric library and a futuristic workspace, with warm golden lighting illuminating floating symbols representing knowledge and duty. The style is a mix of cyberpunk and dreamlike metaphysics, capturing the theme of impermanence, transition, and intellectual labor."