And the intervals of my writing get wider and wider...

I just finished reading Brave New World. A fascinating book, so much better than I thought that it would be. I had pictures of The Giver in my head when I kept returning BNW to the bookshelf again and again to be waded through later. But it brings up some profound questions. We bleeding hearts, social compassionates, NPO types are always wanting to meet the needs of the people. To give them food, end their wars, keep them warm and safe. We want their happiness, and we struggle to determine what that means. But Aldous Huxley shows us what that means- his book is called a dystopian novel, but I think its really a utopia. A genuine utopia. A happy society is one where needs are met. Contentment comes from community, from purpose. But what if everybody really had those things? Wouldn't it truly mean the end of struggle, the end of excitement, the end of mystery, the end of desire and love. And how much do we really want to abandon those things? Just a bit? Just until people aren't hungry and naked anymore? Just until everyone can read? Just until everyone has a community to which they belong? If God's or the Universe's final purpose is community and sated desires, do we really want to be a part of that purpose? Can the real, modern human really appreciate the wonderful, feely existence of a happy world? Do our present moments of elation really need our world's wars, famines, and rapes? Do your moments of joy need your brother's moments of pain?

I practiced Zazen meditation at a monastery this weekend. I found that I am too western for eastern meditation. The whole point is to exist peaceful and without imposition in the present moment. But if I sit for thirty minutes in a position that causes my hips to start aching at 15 minutes, I want to have come to some important conclusions by the end of my half an hour. I am far too western.

I also went to an art show this weekend, and I found what I think is my new favorite artist. I have never enjoyed a group of paintings more. I will post a couple here, but the artist uses so much texture that this medium doesn't really do his works justice. His name is Tchinai.