The Noosphere and Cyberspace 4 by Beatrix Murrell It is at this point--in this period of psychological pursuit towards a greater contemplative understanding of the inner Greater Self--that a new virtual world is beginning to unfold. Modern psychology has already developed some tools to explore this modern virtual world: mainly the interpretive tools provided for the analysis of dreams and active imagination, as well as the conceptual tool of the personal myth. It is precisely at this juncture, in the modern period of psychology, that the electronic possibility of virtual reality, of cyberspace, is looming! Rheingold declares that this is historically the time that our electronic simulation capabilities will provide humanity the potential for synergy between the inner world of the human mind and the computer world of virtual reality. He forsees the cyberspace experience as destined to transform us inwardly. Such a virtual world can lead us towards cognitive simulation, towards "model-making par excellence." This virtual model-making ability could eventually permit us to establish a greater, more comprehensive and contemplative understanding of our inner life and resources. What is the merit of these virtual worlds? These virtual worlds, actually virtual models, that we have built over the millennia accomodate that which is within us to our outer realities. In turn, the external world acts upon and molds these virtual models of our mind. Individually, these models help us to pursue our own need for personal happiness and fulfillment. They could also be the inspiration for profession or vocation. Persons are often "called" by the Greater Self, challenged to forge their role in the outer world. Collectively, cultures and civilizations have constantly been changed throughout history by the imaginative virtual worlds of their more contemplative citizens. The lives of the great masters in the arts, in science, in religion and the humanities, attest to this. How can the potential, future reality of cyberspace contribute to a greater contemplative grasp of our inner life, and thus create even more effective virtual models? How can we institute the synergy between the inner worlds of the human mind and the virtual worlds of cyberspace? Virtual reality, cyberspace, could electronically simulate the environment of our personal dreams and fantasies or magical journeying. Following programming, a user could walk through an important dream, or through a composite of dream series, acting upon and interacting with dream characters, who are symbolic to the message of the dream. This kind of "hands on" with these characters, within the dream scenario, should enable us to acquire a more deep, comprehensive understanding of what these inner messages (the dreams) might hold. Following this, a user in cyberspace could then act out this understanding. In a sense, he could practice what needs to be accomplished in the outer world. Conversely, the cyberspace user could program elements of his perceived external reality into his virtual world. Then he could embellish or delete potential, external actions through virtual practice. (One could liken this situation to the architect walking through the computer blueprint of his proposed building.) Cyberspace "dream" practice might not be perfect, but it presupposes the establishment of a much more thorough, effective relationship between our inner and outer worlds. Collective contemplative consciousness, as well, might be expanded through cyberspace scholarship. Professionals, such as mythologists, psychologists, and societal planners of all stripes, could work together on particular issues in consensual, virtual worlds. The virtual worlds of cyberspace could be the locus where personal myths and collective myths converge. Psychologists could literally have a "field day" analyzing the implications of such a convergence. Mythologists and social analysts could trek through the programmed worlds of our collective myths and legends, determining the implications for our present and future socieities and cultures. Overall, the potential of cyberspace could be a grand, virtual tool for the development of the inner noosphere. Cyberspace could help unlock the individual's inner world, enhancing his personal contemplative consciousness. Compounded, personal development at the planetary-level could soar at a monumental rate--thus inwardly empowering the individual elements of the noosphere. Finally, a cyberspace-derived comprehension of the reality of a Collective Mind, of its gradual development, could help futurists to evolve authentic and useful cognitive maps, paradigms, that would steer this planetary inner world towards a more safe, more eloquent expression of thought and action. Cyberspace-derived cognitive maps could conceivably lead to a more conscious and creative planet!   Bibliography Books: *David Bohm and F. David Peat, SCIENCE, ORDER, AND CREATIVITY. *David Bohn and J. Krishnamurti, THE ENDING OF TIME. *Edward F. Edinger, THE CREATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS. *William Gibson, NEUROMANCER. *Jolande Jacobi, THE WAY OF INDIVIDUATION. *Carl Jung, STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF THE PSYCHE. *Brenda Laurel, COMPUTERS AS THEATRE. *Thomas Merton, CONTEMPLATION IN A WORLD OF ACTION. *Howard Rheingold, VIRTUAL REALITY. *Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, THE FUTURE OF MAN. *Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, THE PHENOMENON OF MAN. *Vernor Vinge, TRUE NAMES. *Ken Wilber (ed.), THE HOLOGRAPHIC PARADIGM. Articles: *Bruce Bower, "Consciousness Raising, SCIENCE NEWS,   10 Oct 92. *Washington Post, 16 Aug 92.   --Finis--   --Return to Beginning-- copyright Beatrix Murrell 1998  Spiritech UK Godware Return to Spiritech UK Home