ALEX
PODOLINSKY
Copyright © 2002 by Alex Podolinsky All rights reserved.
Editor’s Note:
The following lecture was presented to
the Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association of Australia (BDAAA) 2002 AGM. During its translation to the written word,
it has been enlarged and added to in response to a question posed to the Author
(described in the foreword).
FOREWORD
A leading younger Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association
of Australia (BDAAA) farmer “pointedly” requested more training on how I assess
farms during an initial visit - while seeking the Farm Individuality in the
given circumstance of climate, soil, geographic region and farmer.
The method I use is based on a “Viewing”, which is
described in exact methodicity in my book “Active Perception”, and will here be
enlarged upon to meet the above request.
Such method has been used throughout the ages, to
varying degrees and with varying awareness and accountability, in particular by
Philosophers and Sages. I apply this
method in general, and here in particular, to the practice and understanding of
Agriculture in a wider sense.
We pursue agriculture in a “developed”
“Western” country, which occupies only part of the globe in a kind of splendid
isolation. We must consider the “rest”
of mankind, and the overall conditions of Earth as our sphere of interaction -
which would have to include awareness of a once healthy, indigenous lifestyle
and agriculture in many regions, often affected by colonization (quite apart
from “placing” chemicals banned in exporting countries).
Alex Podolinsky
Powelltown
August 2002
PREAMBLE
Three years ago I lectured in the
Philippines. One man, who had come a 10
hour drive, stood out. A market gardener
with generations of farming background.
For years Greg Kitma had tried to practice Bio-Dynamics, guided along
theoretical ways and using dry preparations.
He had decided to give Bio-Dynamics away, as the effort involved did not
bring any results beyond the organics he and other farmers had long
practised. Greg is a leader and has also
organised marketing schemes for a group at a much fairer percentage than the
30%, plus transport costs and return packaging material charges, which their
wholesaler imposed.
Greg Kitma’s ancestors opposed the colonizing Spaniards
early on, and migrated into the Northern highlands 1200m up. His village is named Upper Kitma
Village.
Greg’s parents had decided to give their children as
much education as possible, and therefore sold off some of the little land the
land reform had left them. One brother
is a veterinarian. Greg has a degree in
agriculture. He has a wide-awake mind
and is surprisingly well informed and conscious in culture and world
events.
The capital of the Philippines has 10 Million
inhabitants - half the Australian continental population. And the rest of the country I visited is full
of people. The population increased
four-fold in the past century. In the
area where I lectured, rice is grown two to three times per year, without green
manures or dry land crops - as was traditional.
The paddy fields are now not drained.
“500” was sprayed (after only 45 minutes “stirring”) onto the
water.
Greg must have taken my lecture seriously. I invited him to visit us and learn proper
Bio-Dynamic practices, inclusive of preparation and 500 making. I offered no financial aid, but left the effort
to the Philippine organisation. It took
three years.
When here, Greg, who is very factual and practical,
said, “under Philippine economic conditions, my life’s income, bearing in mind
my family’s needs, would not enable me to buy two hectares of good market
garden land”. - As you understand, it is difficult to
practice Bio-Dynamics on land not wholly under your own jurisdiction –
anywhere.
If Greg could work under our conditions in Australia, I
am confidant, he would be amongst our best Bio-Dynamic farmers.
May these personal observations serve as introduction to
the following, bearing in mind that the Philippines are not a “poor” Asian
country.
*******
LIVING KNOWLEDGE
There is a summary, which, I
understand, was made by some United
Nations’ committee. I first received it in German, and then
obtained this English version, which some of you may have seen.
Stated is, that if the world population were
concentrated into one hundred people, living in one village, then: 57 of the 100 would be Asian. We have had the Tampa event. Australia once had a “white” policy. We hear how insufferably poor some human
beings – akin to us as such – are in other parts of the globe, and – in a
subdued consciousness – we may have waft up, “we are very well-off here in
Australia”, and we sort of bury the head in the sand. Such is not human, certainly not
Christian. An apparition may arise,
gloatingly, “we do not want it like that here.
We are secure in our lifestyle”.
The 57% Asians of the world population
exist just outside our door.
We all live on one Earth.
And we few inhabitants of the Australian continent
(remember Graham Stephens report in the recent Newsletter on the Nitrate
presence in NSW underground water - a danger to health), how have we affected
and poisoned soils, crops and environment.
Forty years ago the Nitrate problem in underground
water in the USA was well recorded. We
now have it here.
Without doubt most of the NPK problems are induced by
“fertiliser” run off ex biologically defunct soils without humus, unable to
“hold” and utilize this NPK slowly.
Blue-green algae is one result.
Of all the people I know in various parts of Earth, there are very few
with access to pure water deriving from springs, rivers or underground
sources. In some highly populated
countries, drinking water is unavailable for hours per day. There are many people with sparsest access to
water at all.
Australia will never be able to continue a policy of
“US” and may the rest of the globe…….
There are rattles round the globe. Isolationist or ego-centric policies will
eventually fail. This has to be
seriously considered.
We know the situation – even in Australia – with water,
with salt, with pesticides, weedicides.
Australia’s 20 Million (on an area the size of Europe or
the US mainland) contra to Kyoto agreement of 8% eventual pollution reduction –
pollute to 30%. And scant notice is
taken by Government Authorities – even to warnings of the CSIRO.
There is hardly a university professor, or a senior
“public servant”, or almost anybody who “dares” say anything until, perhaps,
after retirement. A system of funding by
Government is in place, which “directs” virtually all “individual” efforts and
enslaves initiative. Recently an
honorable medical researcher is to have pre-empted and falsified results for
the sake of receiving further funding……
The way Australia is proceeding, it will, in 20 to 40
years, not be able to feed the present number of citizens. Certainly not healthily. (And how many are sitting here, who buy
vegetables and fruit from supermarkets?
I do not know, but I put the question.)
We can not just “read” about this. These are facts. I am only presenting facts, not
opinions.
We have obesity in children, never mind about the
adults. In children, second only to the
US. There are diabetes
statistics…..
One group of French vignerons and farmers I lectured to
last year numbered about 160. Not one
person was obese.
All of this results from
Food-Life-Standards. Estimates regarding
“depression” and diseases of – very
likely – “civilization” causes, could truly cause depression.
We “rich” 20 Million, on a continent, are not in a very
good position. And farmers engaged in
all round health providing Bio-Dynamics must consider themselves
fortunate.
So, 57% of the world population are Asians. Can we expect them, for ever, to be short of
land and look across to vast Australia – hard workers with the skills to exist
on small portions of land? Have you
noticed, in proportion to numbers, how many Asian students top the lists at
Australian schools and universities? We
may be put on our toes here, as to how well we can manage our own country.
Only 21 of the 100 are Europeans.
14 from the Western hemisphere, both
North and South.
8 (only!) Africans
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be non-white
30 would be white
70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian
89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the
entire world’s wealth, all 6 would be
from the United States
80 would live in sub-standard
housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death
1 would be near birth
1 (yes, only 1) would have college
education 1 would own a computer
“If you have never experienced the
danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the
pangs of starvation….you are ahead of 500 Million people in the World. If you can attend a church meeting without
fear of harassment, arrests, torture or death … you are more blessed than 3
Million people in the world.”
Note also:
Africa, the second largest continent, has only 8% of Earth’s population
and Asia 57%. Africa - on which so much
is reported as to Governmental problems, cruelties and starvation.
80% would live in substandard
housing.
When I lectured in the Philippines, two hours South of
Manila, amidst rice flats and undulating forest and scrub country, but, by
Western standards, amongst a huge population density and poverty, I could not
sleep the first night, because of penetrating “Western” electronic music throb
throughout the forest – all night.
Succourment of the unemployed with scant hope. Nothing else to do. No football fights to watch. (The masses in declining Rome were held at
peace by cruel arena events).
Account, as to how much time is spent, reading papers or
watching television, on the real news, and how much on “sports” news.
70% would be unable to read. But it is not likely that more than a few of
these – in a modern world – would live in a self sufficient, healthy and
natural environment – like “primitives” around the globe once did. – Hence the
music throb.
50% would suffer
from malnutrition. I have failed in many
ways, but I have been fairly honest. Yet
I have stolen food more than once.
“Subsistence”, physical or even mental, could be an excuse. With “pangs of starvation”, not just
concentration camp skeletons should be considered. Prolonged extreme starvation in such
circumstances can be beyond pain. The
metabolism is lowered to a semi-comatose state.
But children and adults lacking essential vitamins or proteins can
virtually go berserk in ecstasy of pain.
During apartheid times in South Africa, I was
taken to mines and saw the troughs of refined maize porridge fed to black
workers as the staple diet. It fills,
but does not satisfy, due to lack of essentials. It burdens the body and lowers mental activity. Many modern foods, ex shelves, act
similarly.
There is growing awareness of the overall negative
effect on Earth’s total environment caused by man over the past century,
accelerated by fertilisers and chemicals in the last fifty years. Bio-Dynamic farmers know of this. Even natural resources are so unsustainably
depleted as to question man’s eventual survival on Earth.
Agricultural materialism is destroying Living Earth.
But, likewise, powerful other aspects of this
materialism have to be recognised in their effects on mankind. Of:
monetary Economics,
Insurance
dependence, Indemnity
suffocation.
the ever accelerating, clam like, Bureaucracy,
In agricultural
bureaucracy the effort is on how the essential certification is recorded,
less on how it is done.
– Soon
there will be more “inspectors” than workers.
– Every
business, every doctor, now spends hours per day on such recording.
–
Doctor suicides are reported above the average
population rate.
Ancient civilizations have broken
down on account of corruption and bureaucracy.
The Ottoman empire, after failing to conquer Vienna in 1683, would be
the last such example.
Bureaucracy is the cancer of
civilization.
The intelligence of a “creative”, bureaucratic systems
developer – and everyone tries to, and deserves to be, creative – truly
believes that every human
achievement can so be “assessed” and encased in “procedure”, that anyone,
however lacking in originality, when following the procedure, is capable of
acting equivalently. Individual
creativity is “equalised” to procedural progress. Everyone, by following systems, becomes
equally capable. Governments - should
population disturbances occur - were just not yet sufficiently organised in
pre-programming citizens’ behavioural patterns because of insufficiencies with
bureaucracies. “Important”, that all
major “policy” conferences are so pre-programmed that no real initiative can
escape.
Indemnity-insurance: if a man comes onto
my property to steal tools (obviously without my knowledge) and breaks a leg, I
am legally responsible. Doctor’s
insurance has so risen, that for instance, many obstetricians can not afford
birthings.
– Eventually
the tax payer will carry the cost of indemnity hysteria.
To the Economics sphere: It is
called “free” Economy. In Agriculture
“free” elements are made available
to plants, ie. chemically treated or synthesised water soluble elements. These, as has been amply demonstrated, are
the root problem in the breakdown of Nature and Environment.
“The” Economy
(what a word) of “industralised” nations is measured on the annual increase of
production and export, irregardless
of available sustainable consumption.
– hunt
for consumers
– overproduction
pressures
– “efficiency”
drive
– staff
cuts
– transference
“off shore” (cheap labour)
There is the real
and constant production unit value
and the “share market” value thereof.
- open
to manipulation at the mercy of ‘Might’ (might is right), to the point of breaking
the “economy” of a country (all real values remaining!) affecting the well
being of an entire nation.
- import/export race
- transference
and concentration of production skills to benefit of
‘Might’
- lesser
developed nations reduced to temporary gains.
The bio-dynamic/organic market is new and, as yet,
functions independent of above conventional economy. Production is quality not profit based and
associated with a consciously seeking consumer demand. Efforts should be made to so continue.
Further data to the Economics
sphere (I am indebted to W. Neurohr for some of the data. I am no specialist in this area, but may
possess common sense.)
- Since
the advent of credit cards, whether one is used or not, every item purchased
has become 5% dearer.
- On
account of the total “civilization
package” (bureaucracy, insurance, indemnity etc.) all costs have risen by an estimated 30%, and due to corporate and
service companies’ accounting swindles, will rise further.
1.
Gates’ value is put at 52 Billion.
2.
The Waltons’ are put at 103 Billion.
3.
The private fortune of 3 Billionaires is higher
than the gross domestic product of the 48 poorest countries.
4.
The devastating debt (on country and population)
of Argentina totals 150 Billion, ie. equal to the wealth of Gates and the
Waltons.
5.
The private fortune of the 10 wealthiest is 266
Billion, ie five times as much as all “industrial nations” raise as development
aid.
6.
There are 514 dollar Billionaires. 1 Billion of the globe’s population earn 1
Dollar per day.
Interest earned has to be worked for
by somebody else. “Earnings” of
inexplicable billions per year are either a share system illusion or
questionable as to morality.
7.
Who earns interest of National Debts?
8.
One hundred thousand die daily of
starvation; every seven seconds a child
dies due to lack of Vitamin A; 1
billion have no clean drinking water.
9.
In 10 years the world gross domestic product
rose 40%. In the year 2000, it rose 11%
to 7800 Billion Dollars; of this 1/3
circled within Multi-National
Companies, inclusive of “movement” from one “profit center” to another and 1/3
from divers Multi-Nationals to other such.
Only 1/3 arising from free world trade.
10.
Tax evasion; unemployment - caused mainly by
corporations’ “efficiency” drive; Globalisation; World Bank; Tax havens; Drugs;
Gambling; Depression; Suicides.
11.
WTO : Trade Restrictions
: mass uproar.
The systematic (devilishly clever)
effect on the vast majority of mankind is “organised”:
-
hunting for a job,
-
for money,
-
the fear motivation behind insurance, - fear:
-
of sickness (which can induce sickness)
-
of loosing “position”, - of speaking-up.
12.
More and more, any individual effort is based on
Government or corporate “Funding”.
“Research” is directed accordingly.
This “directs”, and, also de-individualises. “Subsidy Hunters” are a new profession.
Overall
an effect of De-Individualisation.
Farmers are affected and many have
become fertiliser and chemical, and genetically modified input operators
according to dictum; employ contractors; and, are subject to “world
economy”.
Throughout the Western World a few
get richer and richer and the masses poorer and poorer. Calamity.
An exception is Malaysia: Dr
Mahatir has – consciously – developed the ex-colonial Malaysia in the opposite
direction. 30 years ago 70% of wealth
was in the hands of a British introduced minority of Chinese and Indian traders
and bureaucrats. The majority indigenous
population’s educational level was greatly raised, and opportunity to newly
created wealth made available. Wealth
was
“redistributed”, not taken away creating
further racial problems. - Mahatir is conscious of the West’s problem of
a few getting richer and the many poorer.
*******
The question arises: How has it come to such mis-management of
Earth’s environment and resources, and why has Earth become an untenable abode
for the vast majority of our fellow man?
Certainly, wonder and respect for the incredibly refined
designs of Nature are at a low point.
To the average acceptance, “Science”
has evolved enormously.
Classic
Natural Science arose as a branch of Philosophy, and as such, provides KNOWLEDGE of Creation. To establish knowledge there had to be a
recognised methodicity of gaining knowledge, based on real observation, which could be put to a process of examination and
understanding via human thinking; finalising with a concept. Theory of Knowledge or Epistemology. Classic science is still used today in areas
such as botany, zoology, archeology etc.
A second type of science has evolved in more recent
times. This has happened gradually,
almost unnoticed, and often mixed with
classical science. Maybe so, because in
the same period Philosophy has lost focus and therewith methodical accountability
was overlooked.
This second type of science would have to be named hypothetical, as it commences with a “working hypothesis”, which is
eventually tested by statistical
“evidence”. In a strict sense knowledge is not required.
For example, Thalidomide, many modern drugs and agricultural chemicals are NOT
“scientifically understood”. Doctors do
not know the drug they prescribe and are requested to report as to side effects. (The power of Drug Corporations(!)) If the after effects of Thalidomide had been
understood, this drug and many others would never have been used. How many wonder
drugs have vanished after two years, or been “updated” with even “better” ones?
Medicine today has no concept of Health comparable to Bio-
Dynamics as “Builder of Health and not
Healer of Sickness”. (The public
demands a quick fix.)
Hypothetic science, again almost unnoticed, overlaps in
many ways with vast modern engineering developments and skills (morally and
amorally utilised). Mankind proceeded a
huge step with the creation of a self propelling motor: a very useful tool as such. In essence, a motor is almost like an
independent, biologically functioning entity.
Man’s capacity to develop such - accompanied at the same time by a
gradual loss of appreciation for Creation’s real, living organisations such as plants, animals and man - and
“science’s” research focus to smaller and smaller parts, brought the need for
“new organisation”. The skill to make
engines (using “parts”) was turned to creating hypothetical “models” using
these parts – now utilized to “understand” the functioning of the real biological entities of Creation,
ie superimposed on these.
The fact that modern engineering skills developed
rockets etc. of enormous power - and the mixture of “science” with this – also
contributed to a general “acceptance” of “science” (a demi-god).
Man’s genome has been laid bare. We all are made of up to 99.9% of identical
genes (a tautology). Yet it is assumed
that a child is “made up” of the genes of the parents. The model mentality does not credit soul or
individuality.
Technical skills have brought new breeding techniques;
gene transplantation even across kingdoms – eventual effects await statistical
evidence. And cloning. Those involved in cloning Dolly warned the
most realistically against human cloning, being aware of the large number of
miscreants to put together one Dolly.
How will the mother feel?
- In fact, no new creature has so been developed – as
was the case with the test tube Homunculus in Goethe’s Faust. -
Dolly looks like a sheep, but there are “unnatural”
traits. For one, the aging process is
too fast. The mechanical gene based
“explanation” refers to the age of the sheep “parent”.
In Bio-Dynamics (see Bio-Dynamic Introductory Lectures
Volume 1, Lecture 3) we understand, have evidence and successfully work with,
differing existence levels of plants, animals and man, quite apart from the
physical base (akin to “genes”). The
life-forces organisation of plant and animal is recognised to have a “time”
effect. Has Dolly a Life Force Organisation?
Recently serious after effects of the long time hormone
replacement therapy used in menopause became apparent – statistically. We are guinea pigs.
Technical skills (cost savings) have been evolved to
synthesise, for instance, hormones.
“Science” has “made” these drugs and therefore can claim to “understand”
them. Yet, as machine-model “thinking”
does not know or credit the existence of life forces, there is no understanding
that hormones are more than a conglomeration of physical substances - namely, are life forces and will act
accordingly. Chromatography tests have
shown that synthetic vitamins are NOT identical with the natural
counterpart. To assume that they are
identical from the physical data approach, which has to state that they are, is deceit.
In classical science man was involved in the process of gaining knowledge. In hypothetical science the participation of
man is strictly banned as “results” would become “subjective”. (In fact, to date, man has been present in
“directing” research. This role may
eventually be taken over by computers.)
Hypothetical science poses to exclude human “subjectivity” in its “methodicity”. Therefore
essential knowledge and overview, accessible only to man, is denied. This is mechanical “intelligence” running
amock and, wide scale Thalidomide type results may succeed further in
devastating Earth.
“Science”, principally without man, denies man even
access to question critically – however uneasy many citizens may “feel”.
This therefore is in
fact: devilishly intelligent, organised
stupidification of man.
Again, de-individualisation.
*******
For once, this first part of a Bio-Dynamic lecture is
negative. We are unable to do much about
the situation discussed in a direct way.
The task is, however, to be consciously aware of the manifold
manifestations and power of this system, and where and how it affects us
all.
With Bio-Dynamics we are fortunate to have a positive
work area in redeeming an ill Nature aface of a terrible onslaught. We do have to suffer the ever increasing
bureaucracy of certification requirements, robbing time for positive advisory
and developmental work – especially, bearing in mind the commitment and
resulting integrity of our producers, processors and marketers. Yet even this effect has been kept to a
minimum by the efficiency of Frances, much aware of the bureaucratic onslaught:
organising, with what is an
effective counter intelligence.
Organisation is necessary, not bureaucracy.
But, our main operation, the fifty year old Bio-Dynamic
Agricultural Association of Australia (BDAAA), the advisory and development
organisation (which “certification businesses” do not have) has remained free
from any bureaucratic imposition, with the exception of the $A100 annual
subscription being subject to a 10% GST tax.
Originally I constituted the Structure and Statutes of the BDAAA, the
Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI) and the Bio-Dynamic Marketing Company
(BDMC), with philosophical clarity, and an old time honourable and capable
lawyer, with enjoyment in these intentions, formulated them into legal
terminology.
Both the BDRI and the BDMC are founded as non-profit
companies. By intent they are of a
service nature, not profiteers.
Provision for fair remuneration exists, but no person can walk away with
undue profits. In consequence, BDRI
certification costs are very low. And
the BDMC can recycle income for Bio-Dynamic developmental purposes.
After decades, last year for the first time, there was
an attempted encroachment by the “system” on the status of both the BDRI and
the BDMC. The “push” for new
“development” areas of the System, be it electronic ear tags in farm animals or
taxation, each time arises with the
“creative” input of one individual, or,
lately, by computer assessment suggestions.
The tax exemption status of the BDRI and BDMC was
challenged. The Tax Commissioner was
approached as to changes in the assessment of genuine non-profit
companies. Both BDRI and BDMC retained
their status. This is very, in fact,
vitally important.
Before commencing the viewing exercise more intently,
some further agricultural observations - as stepping stones.
As you know, modern agricultural science hardly refers
even to the word humus, and certainly has no conceptual understanding of this
most essential content of soil.
Therefore it also has no testing method.
An identical ashing method is used for measuring carbon, organic matter
or
“humus”.
- A dead part’s assessment of man
can give no information on an individual.
The same applies here to the essential life activity typical for
humus. (Refer to “Bio-Dynamics
Agriculture of the Future”.)
Some 40 years ago I therefore introduced the fork method
of demonstrating soil structure and the photographic picture as a comparative
means of clearly defining differences.
This method has since been taken up by Research Institutes in other
countries.
Requirements towards such examination
method were:
- to
have respect and reverence for soil;
- to
recognise philosophically, that no testing method existed, and to recognise the
limitation of laboratory mentality. Even
Chromas can be used with no more than a “result” mentality, where a direct
observation of a living entity would be much more conclusive. (There may be ample microscopic experience of
microbes and yet, so insufficient a sense of reality as to screw the lid of a
jar
containing 500 to airtightness and
explosion.);
- above
all there would have to be so experienced and real a contact with the total
environment of investigation (like the pre-embryonic call in a Beethoven
towards the eventual Symphony) that the search, as yet barely recogniseable, is
guided by a realistic (not hypothetical) instinct – fantasy. (“Law” is not only a legislative fixture;
there is a “sense” for right, often correctly anticipated.)
Instinctive reverence of the vast and so obvious
intelligence in the organisation of Nature, soil, plant, animal has been
acknowldeged by aged biologists, who, in younger days, “automatically” accepted
a mechanical model mentality.
To the earlier discussion on the overall materialistic
onslaught we face has to be added the almost continuous warring and murdering
in so many areas. I have asked myself
since childhood: What has changed since
Christ?
Certainly with some cultures the once paramount Blood Revenge has changed to the ideal
of Forgiveness. The resultant change to objective
administration of law in place of
personal retribution is lagging well behind and Gandhi’s “Might is Right” still
applies widely. High Courts are not
always sufficiently independent from politics (Finance -
Materialism).
I have absolute respect for any religion or spiritual
endeavor which is consequently professed and practised. Yet, differences become
obvious under philosophic and psychological examination. The greatest difference is posed by
Monotheism vs Trinity. One God can
encourage obedience to highest ideals.
In detail, maybe, very demanding and difficult; in essence relatively
easy to comprehend.
The Christian concept of three God-heads, each quite
independent and at the same time One
Trinity, still provided a conceptual struggle in 1200 at the school of Chartres
and is as “illogical”, however true, as is the philosophical foundation of all
Christian religions, namely, the Analogia
Entis (Analogy of Being) – We are
like God, but God is not like us, ie unfathomably more.
In this system man has to not just obey laws (old
testament), but God the Son opens the possibility to independent Paulinic experience.
Paulinic Christianity is open to anyone of any
persuasion. Without any Priest; not
anymore being a follower of any law; having proceeded through doubt and
acquirements, and thus having generated sufficient individual strength to reach
to the immaterial Spiritual Power of the third member of the Trinity.
New developmental possibilities. An incalculable help in obtaining the
necessary power of individuality to exist meaningfully in the oppression of our
times, and, as a Bio-Dynamic farmer.
Again, I am at
the end of this long preamble – the purpose of which may become apparent – and
come to one of our important Bio-Dynamic questions, which in its exercising
nature is to provide training for observation methodicity. To give as wide a chance to everyone present,
I do not expect an immediate answer to my question from some quick mind, but,
initially, only raised arms to indicate those who have an answer.
We shall see how we go.
A “stirring” machine type exists, which does not stir
with arms from the top, like hand stirring or our stirring machines, but stirs
from the bottom. The stirring vessel is pierced by a shaft in the bottom center
and an impeller or propeller is attached to this at the bottom, which whirls
round one way or the other.
All of you are familiar with the stirring action of our
stirring Instruments. Many have such large farms that it has not
been practical for them to experience hand stirring and the observation
potential this provides. But you all
have a good picture of the stirring process of the stirring machines we use,
which is akin to the hand stirring action.
Whoever has hand stirred a lot, will have found out that starting with
relatively loose wrist in the center with a quicker, “energetic” arm action,
and then - as it were, catching into the developing vortex - with slowing
action, timed just beyond the speed of the developing vortex and with very
little exertion, quickly a fine vortex is “drawn forth”. (There is some similarity to a potter’s
drawing forth a vase – see stirring video.)
The arm commences the vortex in the center and finishes
up on the periphery. Importantly,
leaving the center bottom of the vortex unimpeded in its drawing power. Like the vortex in an emptying bath tub or
the natural vortexes occurring in free flowing streams.
The water in the stirring bowl, activated to a vortex,
does not discharge, but rises - in a reverse vortex action – between the
outside of the visible vortex in the vessel and the wall of the vessel, to
swoosh once more into and down the central vortex. Following Theodor Schwenk’s experimental
results, Volume 1 of my Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures, explains
how such vortex is related in its bottom center “drawing point” to the cosmic
suction power of the Sun in our solar system; without which our planets,
including Earth, would disperse into the universe. Kepler’s First Law.
The second of Kepler’s laws pertaining to our solar
system refers to the coursing of the planets round the Sun. Near planets move faster, far planets slower,
round the Sun. This is also repeated in
a vortex. So is Kepler’s third law,
pertaining to the zodiac signs.
Realistic cosmic music drawn into the vortex (see Lecture 4, Bio-Dynamic
Agriculture Introductory Lectures, Volume 1).
Important to our
present consideration is, that in hand stirring or stirring with our stirring
machine design, the center of the vortex is open and free from any impeding
obstruction, which would affect the Sun-Drawing Central Power. Farry
Greenwood’s design change to our original rectangular stirring arm
shape
Original Design
to this:
aids.
The arms, commence to stir more centrally and, as the vortex rises,
moving the main action more to the outer, which is akin to the described hand
stirring.
Farry’s Design
The main hand
operated stirring set up I found in central Europe is a large wooden tub of
some 300 to 400 liters, with a heavy willow type broom attached to the ceiling
above. With such implement stirring
commences slowly, starting around the outside
of the vessel – otherwise splashing will occur;
whereas commencing with central stirring, which I did not see attempted
generally, would take
exhausting physical effort
and be very slow. Once a vortex is established, a bubbling
chaos could not be achieved with
such thick broom. In fact, the
vortex is slowed down, and, in time, stirring commences slowly in the opposite
direction. I was told that, in the one
hour, a vortex is achieved in either direction about 30 times.
(Pfeiffer recommends 18
seconds stirring time per vortex in one example.) European
Broom Stirring
I found that the method to so commence stirring around
the periphery, had accustomed and fixed minds so that even arm stirrers (akin
to our hand stirring) commenced stirring along the outside of the vessel.
Both, in the case of the broom stirring and this type
hand stirring, the stirring actions commenced outside and of needs slowly, ie
not
“energetically” for quite a while.
Then, to develop a deep vortex, stirring had to
accelerate more and more, and with vastly increasing speed and effort. In the center of the vortex, actually
audibly, bashing round the bottom
inerts of the vortex, ie not allowing the center suction Sunlikeness free
expression, and quasi forcing the
vortex up the sides.
It was amazing that truly experienced and practical,
hand stirring peasants continued in this fashion. When shown how effortless and quick a
beautiful vortex “happens” when encouraging the vortex to start inside, with
hand, loose wrist and arm, and then moving more and more to the vortex outer,
whilst drawing the vortex, just ahead of vortex speed to the final suctional
center: Everyone was amazed.
With a little concentration it is easy to intellectually
follow the process just described.
However, to
initially recognise and formulate such stirring conceptually, the entire
process has to be visualised. More than brief intellectual concentration is
required. Namely the kind of artistic
act of holistically seeing the particular stirring motion – which, some might
consider a “subjective” deed. And, at
the same time, step by step and as
one(!), being guided and aware of what only
in the given physical situation
of water fluidity and of vessel shape, could
evolve.
I described the exactness
of such methodicity in my book “Active Perception”. In this book, however, I use the handwriting
exercise as a stepladder to active perception.
In the present situation a further effort is required. Namely, the subjective-objective, exact visualising of how only this
vortex can happen in the given situation.
Each has to, so to say, create the stepladder provided by the writings
in ‘Active Perception’.
Creative farmer-engineers have used this holistic method
in creating necessary, non-existing, mechanical agricultural instruments.
Essential understanding of entire processes can
occur. Such holistic visualising also
provides understanding of where components (like water in stirring) belong in
interaction with others, thus guiding the understanding and purpose and
substantiality of parts.
The prime agricultural example of a fundamental act of
holistic visualising, eventually leading to objective conscious understanding
of how a plant should be fed: namely
through minerals encased in humus colloids, and under direction of the Sun and
not through “soluble” elements in the water of the soil with unguided nutrient
intake, causing disease etc; is described in Volume 1, Lecture 1 of
“Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures”, and in “Bio-Dynamics
Agriculture of the
Future”.
The process, there
detailed, also explains the basic reason for the failings of conventional
agricultural science and practices.
Materialism views plants as a mechanical model dependent on a
“balanced”, constantly available input of all known major and minor elements in
a “useful” ie. water soluble form. The
recommended “quantity” of each having been postulated arbitrarily without
consideration of humus, Sun etc.
etc. Thus plants are filled with
indiscriminate amounts of elements as the natural dictum of Sunlight is circumnavigated. The excess of nitrogen, for instance, causes
methaemoglobanaemia, blue babies, sterility, bloat, and fungal problems. And, as soil humus is discouraged or totally
destroyed – because soil biology has become obsolete, being denied the activity
of freeing elements into humus – such soil can not hold (in humus colloids) the
excess NPK, causing “run off” into streams, with resulting algae blooms and
poisoned water unsuited to humans or animals.
No-one has ever denied the truth of
this Lecture 1 content.
To the methodicity.
As outlined in Active Perception, each holistically viewed and
objectively expressed process, when to be repeated purposefully, has first to become an individualised experience of the Narrator. Only then will he represent this process livingly. Namely, to suit the particular audience,
circumstances etc. He or She will represent
a Living Reality from the basis of an individual human activity, ie. from
the spiritual awareness of an independently “standing” Self.
In Austria a leader of a large group and well
conversant with Steiner terminology, after the second lecture, expressed his
wonder as to from where “my” energy stemmed.
The fact is: where such “Representing” exists it has to
be – content wise – of a Living Reality.
The Living Reality, so represented, provides the Energy. Living Spirit.
Characteristically: if such all encompassing process is
to be just intellectually “repeated” – the repeater will find it difficult not
to forget a part of the totality (!).
Secondly, the content will not “light up” in listeners as it has
flattened out into “information” of parts.
Steiner found it necessary to authorise lecturers to
represent contents originating from himself.
– Farry Greenwood once addressed a smug crowd of 400 conventional
farmers in Bendigo. One grinning
frontbencher initally challenged him to “tell how this Bio-Dynamics
works”. Farry fired back “tell me how
your systems works?” No-one
answered. Farry then represented the Lecture 1 content, and
finally said: “Now I have shown you why
your system does not work”. (It had
never occurred to me to use it in that telling fashion. He was a great man.)
By these examples
we show explicitly the value of holistic viewing and understanding, providing
for healthy Bio-Dynamic agriculture contra a materialistic model and data
“science”, which destroys soils, water, ecology and has to keep “plants”
“alive” with chemicals.
In the understanding of stirring and stirring
procedures, and comparing the effectiveness of different stirring methods, we
consequently do not follow the conventional path of comparative trials of one
method with others, but continue to visualise stirring processes as a first
step.
Comparative evaluation of various stirring procedures
along conventional principles, even if testing methods such as chromatography
or crystalisation are used, is extremely difficult to assess. The same applies in testing individual
compost preparations. The purpose of the
latter is to work together and effect compost or soil development as only wide
acreage long term Bio-Dynamic results can demonstrate.
Stirred 500, (explained in Volume 1) begins to lose
power after completion of stirring and should ideally be sprayed out in an
hour. (For oxygen increase details,
refer to Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures, Volume 1, Lecture
4.) With the Schwenk water test the
control water, once used, can not be used again. It has become kind of tired just from drops
causing circles in a petri dish. To just
“test” 500 water is inconclusive without a great deal of experience in
assessing. We have used chromas of the
500 liquid and monitored the variously stirred 500 on soil and plant effect
over time. Long time effectiveness on
converting soils, causing soil development and typical Bio-Dynamic upper plant
expression, is the real evidence.
So: What happens in the stirring bowl with activation
from the bottom of the bowl, which is pierced by a shaft?
An:
Pause.
Alex:
What sort of vortex will come about?
An:
A vortex in reverse.
Alex:
Will it have a vortex shape?
An: Variable talk.
Alex: Lets give Ron a chance.
Ron:
I am probably wrong…
(Alex:
Stand up so they can hear you.)
Ron: “I’m
thinking that the water is collapsing in on itself instead of being thrown
out.”
Alex: We are
not to “think”, we are to visualise. First of all the impeller is starting at the
bottom of the water filled bowl. Will it
make a vortex as we know it in the action of our stirring machines or not?
An:
Manifold “No”.
Alex:
Does anyone “think” that it will make a vortex? An: Eventually.
Alex: A vortex
which looks the same as ours? I mean
just as far as the shape is concerned.
An: No.
Alex: Yes it does
– eventually. It is a matter of power to
push the water up. If there is enough
power, in the end, there will be something that, if a comparative photograph
(static picture evidence!) were taken, would look like a vortex (!).
Alex:
But what is different?
An:
Time.
Alex:
Time is slower, but that is not yet an answer.
Alex:
What is different?
An:
The movement of water.
Alex:
Ah, but that alone is not enough.
An:
The water is being forced up, not down.
Alex: Right. As stated, important with our vortices is,
similar to vortices in creeks or in a bath, that the water circles down
naturally in and into the vortex. And,
in correct hand or machine stirring, water is not forced, but kind of aided.
Whereas, with hand stirring or broom stirring (from outside in) ending
with bashing in the vortex
bottom-center, it is forcefully pushed up.
With bottom impeller stirring, water is even more
forcefully pushed up against its natural
flow and against gravity. (Creeks do not flow up hill, but water ambles
down.)
The unforced, natural vortex, stirred so that towards
completion of the vortex formation the center bottom is totally free of
obstruction (hand or broom), and the Sun replica drawing action occurs unimpeded, does not happen at all with an
impeller activator. The water is forced
up. It is liquid and not pottery
clay. Its weight – in consideration of
the power push – brings the need for it to lean against something, namely the
walls of the bowl. It is forced into a
kind of stagnancy. The important,
natural downward acting vortex flow, calling in the cosmic music (Sun, planets,
zodiac) does not evolve, neither a reverse vortex.
And, most importantly, what happens right in the bottom
center – where the “draw” flows out – where, there is, not a broom or a hand
impeding, but a “pushing” impeller directly working in opposition? The Sun has been exploded.
Alex: And, what
happens when, eventually, such vortex is formed, and when a chaos should
follow?
An:
A long pause.
Phillip Bartholomew:
It just collapses (indicated
with demonstrative arm movement!)
Alex: Ah!
Perfect. That is seen by Phillip. Visualised,
exactly in accordance with what is the purpose of this exercising. The forcefully cramped up water, collapses
and drops quicker than a naturally flowing vortex - and a proper, meaningful
chaos does not come about.
With our stirring machines – the reverse stirring, in
conjunction with a proper chaos, commences at the top. With the impeller mixer (like a kitchen mixer), the
reverse action starts at the bottom. No
“milky-way like” chaos occurs (viz. stirring machine video), but a bubbling
noise from the bottom, like a washing machine.
And, gradually, gradually the water is pushed up into a vortex
again.
Impeller designs could vary, to push the water up
centrally, or to push it downwards and force it up the sides.
An Italian stirring machine maker (he makes our type
machines), a professional engineer, not a farmer, came up with a
variation.
Stirring with a bottom shaft,
directly coupled to a motor, not with an impeller, but a straight bar, and to
this, were added, stirring arms akin to Farry’s design.
Such design still
has the problem of causing ongoing disturbance in the center bottom, impairing
the vital openness for the Sun-like center
draw point of the vortex and would equally disturb a reverse vortex flow.
At the same time our stirring arms would, to a degree, activate a
natural vortex.
One would
work against the other, making Italian
Design the overall action unsuitable.
In another
stirring design the central shaft reaches the height from where our stirring
arms are suspended. Negative is
only the central shaft, affecting the necessary total open freedom for the
central suction Sun action. This set up
loses, but is easily the best
alternative to our
ideal design, which,
since the original model, has
become more and more encumbered by pulley size, pulley mounting arm, “safety requirements” etc. The openness of
the bowl to cosmic activity becomes impaired.
Due to all
Central Shaft From Base of
this, some effectiveness has been lost.
Correctly made hydraulic machines are more expensive,
but avoid most of the clutter.
On larger properties two to eight 60 gallon stirring
machines are used. Their design requires
only one doubled-up pulley each and is nearest to the original design.
John Wilkes designed the Flow Forms. The pearling action, kind of spiraling down
from dish to dish, upgrades and aerates water, somewhat like the spiraling in
natural flows. (Which purifies and
enlivens denatured water, in a manner similar to that shown in “Bio-Dynamic
Agriculture
Introductory Lectures”, Volume 1, using
pictures taken from “Sensitive Chaos” by Theodor Schwenk.) Several flow form units, operating in line,
can purify a household septic tank discharge successfully.
The flow forms were not designed to stir and activate 500
“energetically”.
However, a 400 litre flow form stirring unit has been
reported on. (John Bradshaw worked out the details on this.) The set up is: A 400 litre tank. Water pumped to the top of the flow
forms. The given volume of water flowing
at any one time from top to bottom of flow forms is rated at 20 seconds
duration and returned into the tank. At
that rate, and with a volume of 400 litres, the total volume would pass down
the flow forms three times per hour, ie.
ONE minute in total. There would
be no total volume stirring or total volume change increasing oxygen content,
changes in sound and splashing and overall activation. The spiraling in the dishes is far removed
from a proper vortex formation (Sun, planets, zodiac effects), and importantly,
no chaos occurs at all. This would
therefore be unacceptable to Australian DEMETER Bio-Dynamic
Standards.
500 is involved in all these stirring methods. Even when not activated by energetic
stirring, some biological effects may exist.
500 thus applied may become an organic soil digester (like the Fladen
preparation or Pfeiffer’s soil spray).
Under Australian DEMETER Bio-Dynamic Standards maximum effectiveness is
sought.
In France a
stirring machine exists, admirably made entirely from wood, even the
pulleys. But the stirring arms, of
needs, are far too heavy and wide, stirring very slowly or the water would
splash out, ie. far from stirring “energetically”. No chaos is possible as the paddles have to stop
the water and to restart slowly in the opposite direction – otherwise half the
water would be
splashed out. French Wooden Machine
Steiner’s insistence of “energetic” stirring was not
followed in central Europe, because – design wise and technically – broom
stirring does not make this possible. In
the after effect such slow stirring established itself in minds generally as
the desirable. So no one took note of
the built in slowness of the above French design.
There was much expression of surprise by really
practical European farmers upon demonstration of our hand stirring technique -
commencing faster, with loose wrist, exerting very little strength and no
“splashing”, and when a small vortex, occupying the central quarter of the
vortex diameter had started, the hand and arm subsequently following the vortex
with slower motion, just ahead of vortex speed and “drawing” to a full vortex
in seconds and with minute “effort”.
“So fast”… “So easy” to do.
Actually the speed is not so great but it certainly is energetic. The
other stirring was just extra slow.
In viewing these varying stirring principles attention
has been drawn to both the “energetic” stirring Steiner demanded and to some
“forced” stirring procedures. Mentioned
also was the surprise to all those
practical and experienced farmers, as to how “easy and effortless” hand stirring can be. What is the background to this ease and
effortlessness?
Anyone who has attended modeling classes and has modeled
the four physical elements and the four etheric counterparts – warmth, light,
liquidity and life ether – as also discussed and shown photographically in
“Active Perception” - gained an experience of the “weightlessness” of
“liquidity” and the architectural forming force of light ether, demonstrated in
the arrowed triangle and the depicted building facade. In this book pictures from the interior of
the first Goetheanum are also used as descriptive examples. Of particular importance is the “flow” and
the “self carrying weightless suspension” and the visible “movement” – without
physical alteration - especially of the central motive, as of other
motives. This was also shown with
pictures in Lecture 10 pages 91 and 92, Volume 2 Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory
Lectures, and pictures are here reproduced, which show this
"weightless" flow of liquidity.
The one very typical picture for weightless flowing is
the “cut through the Alps”, showing
(ie. no “theory”) how Earth was once
more liquid, before firming in the outer crust.
Vertical
section of the Alps in
the region
of the Simplon Pass. Length of
the section about 16 miles, depth about 6 miles (after C.
Schmidt).
Taken from T. Schwenk’s “Sensitive Chaos”
When correctly stirring by hand or with our stirring
machines a vortex arises effortlessly.
We purposefully set our machines to an 85% vortex of the 100%
“achievable”. By pushing the water up
with a much longer stirring action to 100% - a point where this also becomes forced - the
“easy” movement flow is firmed to a kind
of cramp.
Correct stirring is not solely an activity of the water
but also one of liquidity. Liquidity
models only acquire that self-carrying weightlessness and motion when not
forced into fixed form.
All these formations in the first Goetheanum are in
half-relief. They offer to come, and
vanish, into wider Ether and to reappear exactly akin to the happenings in the
Etheric Realm. This could not happen
with independently enclosed separate figures.
With Eurythmy, as performed by Marie Steiner and some
others, the physical body lost its weight and was “carried” by etheric
movement. Quite different from dance,
where soul empowered rhythm impulses.
In physical-etheric stirring; the water acts as carrier
for the liquidity vortex, which takes in the referred to cosmic dictum (Volume
1). But:
It does not “fix” by continuing in the
one direction a second longer than to the correct achievement point. It retains only a fraction of input into the Chaos’ dispersal action, and to then
proceed in the opposite direction.
People “love” watching water movements. Farmers learning to hand stir from inward out
were “surprised” at the “ease”. Careful
observing may have found animation
within that “easy” stirring. This may be
related to the liquidity vortex (certainly not to H2O) and be the
reason why stirring water engages observers more intensly than watching other
water movements.
Maybe the most important Life Implanting action is
the Chaos. See the milky way – a future
planet. Or, see the evolutionary
development and dissolving stages in embryonic evolvement. Here, vitally, we have a new human being
incarnating. In the science
“information” induced common expectation, this new being derives from the
parental genes.
The same genes according to which we are
all 99.9% identical. Such is quite
obviously untenable nonsense.
Even in the observance of six children from the same
parents surprising individual differences can be noticed. A science, directed to smallest particles,
has lost overview of individuality and influenced mankind accordingly. Science has lost the ability to understand
individuality. Whilst there are genes,
it is obvious that there must be quite other real influence factors, which
somehow incarnate and integrate into the physical particles of man.
For the obvious incarnation of the other decisive
realities; ‘Formative Forces
Power’; ‘Soul’ and ‘Individuality’ –
quasi – into the gene base (like into the water during stirring), the fixation of the exactly 99.9% identity
kit has to be made suitable as a receptacle.
This is provided through the Chaos’ dissolving of temporally “fixed”,
already recognisable, human embryonic forming and reforming.
Similar to this is the transubstantiation of cow
manure to the activecreative humus 500.
A transformation taking place in freezing winter temperatures when
bacterial activity is suppressed. – Individuality arises in adversity. – This
substance then undergoes the energising vortex/Chaos process. Finally the soil structuring and plant
forming BioDynamic power arises as detailed and depicted in “Bio-Dynamics
Agriculture of the Future.”
Steiner also referred to a Chaos process in plant
seeds. This has been mentioned in
Lecture 4 of “Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures, Volume 1”, but
essential photographic evidence of chromas is poorly printed. Therefore these pictures are reintroduced
here along with a brief description. The
methodicity of chromatography, showing not “parts” of a plant, but,
holistically, the plant governing formative forces entity, is described in
“Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures”, Volume 1, Lecture 3.
Various techniques of plant propagation are in use. Some have ennobled plants, some have weakened
the vitality of plants. Roses grown
repeatedly from cuttings lose perfume.
Using seed opens old plant formation to the dissolving action of Chaos,
and to the intake of stimulating newness.
Insight into this process is provided by the following chroma series.
Germination of identical seeds commences in Petri
dishes. Samples are identically
processed and subjected to the chromatographic procedure at varying
intervals.
1.
Nil
hours:
the dry, dormant seed potential is
depicted.
2.
12
hours:
the former dormant picture, ie. the
dormant seed power
is dissolving – akin to fixed,
dry pottery clay, requiring wetting and
kneading for sculpturing purposes.
3.
24
hours:
in the dormant picture 1, the well
formed “arrows” are “static”, towards
the “inner” or “outer”. In picture 2, the static strength is
dissolving and
the colour turns into grey
fog. In the 24 hour picture, strong new
arrows power from outside deep into the center.
A new impulse enters.
4.
36
hours:
the strong arrow power of the previous
chroma has become a newly animated, wider, more “settled” central area than in
1, with some petal formation in the outside rim.
Chaos took place
between 24 and 36 hours.
5.
48
hours:
like a newly opened flower. A new plant has started.
6.
60
hours:
further evolvement of previous new
activity.
In viewing such pictures the eye, accustomed to see
static forms, has to become schooled in observing the expression of
movement.
In the exercising pursued in this lecture, we have,
maybe unnoticed, used three differing methods of viewing. For the sake of purpose and use, clear
defining is necessary:
1. The method
of viewing the holistic “total image” of handwritings “in and behind” the
commonly seen “picture” of single letters or words. This total image is “given” and exists within the handwriting, but is
only noticed when the “sight” is activated.
In ‘Active Perception’, this activity is pursued in exact methodicity
and it is shown how the human soul capacity of WILL is engaged. Thinking is
not used.
2. In answer
to the question regarding vortex formation when stirring by propeller from the
bottom of the bowl, an additional effect to activating the sight to become
aware of the image behind the writing picture of number 1, is required. The image part is not “given” but has to be
established to equal objectivity of
the image of number 1.
Given and familiar is the
stirring bowl, the consistency of water and a propelling action of sufficient
power and design to move the water adequately, and, as a kind of given picture,
the outline of a desirable vortex.
To answer the question, one has
to visualise an adequate propeller in motion and then to accurately, yet kind of creatingly
(the “objectivesubjective” of Active Perception!) view, how only the water can move when being pushed from the bottom, with
particular consistency, and, weighing heavily ie needing to lean against, and
being limited by, the stirring bowl walls.
Sufficient propelling power and
design available, the water will be pushed up, from the center upwards, and
will lean against the walls and a vortex form will appear. But, in which direction will the water
flow? It is easy to “see” that it would
be pushed in the opposite direction to the natural vortex flow. Not so easy to “see”, initially, is the
objectivesubjective total happening, of such vortex formation.
The objective part of power
propulsion, water, and bowl walls, is obvious, however unusual the approach to so
view this together, ie as one
process action.
But what about the “subjective” creation of accurately visualising the actual movement of the water to form a
vortex in the, quasi-given objective mechanical circumstances.
What capacity of man is engaged to
objectively “create” that vortex, (which, superficially considered, is shaped
like a natural vortex). - The unequaled beauty of the slow movements of
Mozart’s piano Sonatas or Concerts requires greatest human feeling, and
sensitivity qualities and touch, for a performance near or equal to the most
powerful reality of
Mozart’s creations. When so performed
Mozart inspires. -
The human faculty to
subjective-objectively create the questioned vortex motion is also based - as
“material” - on the sensing refinement of FEELING. This vortex is not fabricated out of
mechanical parts, but visualised –
as one – by the creativity of human feeling engaged in one holistic
action. It is inspiring to the
researcher, and momentarily
“relieves” other questioners, who did
not make it, and who recognise the truth
of what becomes obvious immediately - as a reverse vortex flow.
3. The third method of viewing, by contrast, is
easy to describe as such – open to intellectual information style. But it is all the more demanding to
perform. And, whilst accessible to
intellectuality as a “method”, the solely intellectual capacity - restricted to
successive data and to portrayal of “total overviewing” by précis
“condensation” – is unable to cope with the true overall reality of contents obtained by this viewing method.
The third viewing method is OVERviewing per se, is, for instance, to notice political, economic,
agricultural scientific etc. proceedings, to become aware of their effects,
pressures, oppressions, greed, destructiveness, de-individualisation
tendency. To, equally, see what is
positive and good and to represent it.
Philosophers, creative writers,
artists and scientists contributed with such overviewing, also referred to as INTUITION.
This method does not see the
image in a given picture (1), nor draws up an objective vortex (2). It notices
and draws together totalities of essential factors,
generally overlooked as such, and expresses them with almost poetic simplicity,
bringing essentials to light, which
can become a-wakening (Waclav Havel, Gerhard Kienle, H.U Albonico, M.
Leunig).
In this third viewing method THINKING is used, not as actual
thinking for a result, but as a
means of observing. - Without the “personal” activity of thinking
being occupied and filled. Thinking, suitably EMPTY, visits over a wide area, factor after factor observingly and draws together.
The three methods of viewing, each, have a different basic
purpose.
They can function singularly, in
succession or even somewhat together.
(Clarity of methodicity is essential.)
Method number three, for instance could not answer the propeller stirring
vortex question. The moving vortex can
only be “seen” by being developed with feeling sensitivity. Method number 1 can only see a kind of static
image behind the given writings.
Using the plant nourishment example of Lecture 1, as an
explanatory example: The first contact with this fundamental
agricultural reality was made during an early Bio-Dynamic introductory lecture
to farmers. Beyond dry, unrelated,
scholarship data information of “photosynthesis”, I had, by then, come to “see”
light in plant leaves - no more. I was portraying this Sun influence to the
Bio-Dynamic audience with the emphasis and concentration of an “experience”
content, when (momentarily stunning), exactly between the audience and myself,
a moving see-through picture arose:
Soil; plant with biology and liquids in action and flowing up the roots
and leaves; Sunlight raying down and crystallising into leaves and downwards,
ie a motion picture of total Earth, plant, cosmos happening; and through it, in
the background, the audience still visible.
I stopped, breathlessly looked, but then had to continue the
lecture. I did not seek such motion picture – as I questioned you to concentrate on
the motion of that vortex – but, I was very concentrated and an inspirational
overview of this important functioning Reality was received.
It took a further three years, and, in the final
instance, the “extra” concentration required to counter the aggressive director
of an agricultural college, to achieve the objectivity
portrayed in Lecture 1. This was
undertaken by the holistic overviewing
of all factors – by thinking.
Important contents were all acquired by
such viewing.
In recent lectures attention was drawn to “glow” on
soils, especially a noticeable purple glow.
Originally this was associated with basalt soils, and surprisingly
noticeable on black basalt or the drained Koo-Wee-Rup swamp soil of Benham’s
(in comparison to the black, but “dry”, bland, neighbouring soils).
In the “Soil Conversion” video, the Bio-Dynamic
conversion of Nick Scott’s white-yellow clay soil near Mansfield is depicted in
three stages. After three years of
Bio-Dynamics the white clay had developed the typical dark humus and well
structured appearance. Another part,
with only two years conversion (Picture 1), shows similar, but less developed,
soil. Whereas in the portion of only one
year Bio-Dynamic treatment (Picture 2), the tight yellow clay shows no
Bio-Dynamic structure or darkening as yet, but clearly visible on the soil
profile (being like an artist’s canvas) are wide bands of purple. I say in the
video, “as though I had brushed this purple colour onto the canvas”. This is the earliest symptom of BioDynamic
development, ie. before microbes can
be detected (!), but the purple glow
(see Benham’s example) can also
show up as a final symptom of Bio-Dynamic development. Trevor Hatch:
“Yes, I saw that at Benham’s at my final visit before Graham’s
passing”.
According to a recent report a group of microbiologists
mention the not easy to distinguish border line between life process and
discernible microbial biological activity.
The latter requires clear distinction of creatures by a nucleus.
In this report colouration was mentioned as a typical
symptom for the life process stage.
Picture 1: Two years
Bio-Dynamic conversion on tight yellow clay soil.
Picture
2: One year conversion - one
application of 500.
(This picture is reproduced from a
VHS video with the best modern technology available. On the soil profile, shown in the original
video picture, bands of rainbow purple appear.
In this reproduction the purple somewhat transgressed beyond the
original colour bands.)
Conventional (agricultural) science, being model and
mechanically oriented, does not consider “Life”. For instance, it does not distinguish between
natural decay of Autumn leaves or pastures, which is part of Nature’s process and eventually provides substance
for humus, and, of annihilation of
plants resulting from weedicides. So
treated plants (eg. cape weed) become like tissue paper, and are taken out of
natural recycling. In the Champagne, for
one, where roundup has been used longer and more concentratedly than in
Australia, large areas look salt affected.
Soils in a wet state are slimy, and when dry, compact extremely
hard.
I was fascinated to find the life process stage
targeted by these microbiologists. “LIFE” has been important to me since
childhood and was fundamental to my University thesis. I report on this in the addition to Active
Perception (Chapter 3), but will raise it in the context of this lecture and as
an opportunity of exercising.
If we look at, and into, the
Essence of “LIFE”, the living
movement: Qn: What does life’s essence – as “Life” –
indicate about its future? An: Long silence.
Qn: Life, in
essence, is movement, like I, here, move my arm and hand up and down in a wave
movement. Where does it go to, where
does it end?
An: …by its intrinsic essence as motion it is without end.
Yes. And notice
that you did not “think” this, which would be a personal, possibly subjective
input, but you saw that Life
indicates this of its own. Also: If Life is endless into the future, it
is the same from the
“becoming” side.
On the car radio, recently, a cosmic researcher of the
modelmechanics kind, talking of far distant constellation discoveries, actually
spoke of “the end of the universe”. Even
he had no concept of “endlessness”.
Throughout the middle ages Philosophy, in Ontology, as
in religious foundation searchings, struggled with the “infinite”. This is a philosophically “negative” term,
ie. there is no “positive” concept of endlessness, so, in thought “construction” God was proclaimed as infinite.
To have heard LIFE speak
as to its future or past, widens man’s appreciation of a life process.
