Superconsciousness

Discussion

The concept as used by Pitirim Sorokin, explained by

Barry V. Johnston:

"For Sorokin real altruization must occur at three interrelated levels: the personal, cultural, and social.

Individual change would precede social and cultural change. Sorokin argued that all mindful persons must begin with themselves. Specifically, they must allow their superconsciousness increasing control of their consciousness. Superconsciousness is our capacity to see and become one with the eternal. This capacity can be more fruitfully developed through meditation than education.

Indeed, much of the Center's work was on meditation as means of spiritual growth and altruization.

With the growth of our spirit (Superconsciousness) altruization can be intensified, first by the performance of small tasks that require that awareness be transformed into action. Quietly, the individual begins to feel and express the power of love by following the Buddha or practicing the small acts of altruism suggested by The Sermon on the Mount and Christianity. The Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes forecast religious happiness for those who are largely without wealth or position on earth.

Sorokin saw more than biblical injunctions in these passages; he saw the prescription for a good life and a good society. If one wanted to eliminate social problems and evil, then fashion better people. The Sermon told us how to do this by incorporating these values into our social roles. For example, as a parent one takes care of children in ways that are beneficial to their nature and development. As an artist or politician one stops producing vulgarized trash or unjust legislation. As a scientist or inventor one should work for the common good rather than on a destructive arsenal that pushes us closer to nuclear madness. As a teacher one creates in students a quality of mind that seeks truth and good, rather than producing mindless entities whose expertise is found only in the blind application of a paradigm to problems that may be destructive to mankind. As a businessman, a laborer, mechanic, or a clerk, individuals perform their roles either directed by altruism or egoism and thus contribute to the prosocial or antisocial climate of society. Sorokin viewed the total fabric of culture as the product of millions of trifling acts and individual deeds. If each of us simply avoids the selfish abuse of our functions, then the world is improved. But if we each attempt to altruize our actions, then the world is enriched.

The modification of social and cultural institutions occurs through the concerted efforts of individuals acting in groups organized, integrated, and merged into federations and associations. These groups develop methods for increasing altruism. They also devise plans for the transformation of society. It is their function to convince ever larger segments of society of the urgency and feasibility of the Integral reconstruction of humanity.

Their integrated activities will progressively transform Integral values, norms, and ideas into cultural, social, and personal realities. Through these bodies pressure is put on nation states and international organizations to change in the desired direction. Thus individual behavior, cultural values, and social institutions are modified in an orderly fashion and in compliance with Integral values. Eventually the entire sociocultural system becomes more peaceful and creative (Sorokin 1948,235-36).

This reconstruction of society was based on the pursuit of Integral truth. Humanity sought Integral truth by becoming more altruistic, and through altruism the ultimate Integral value became part of humanity and society. In turn, a new Integral culture evolves, which gives us a better grasp of ourselves and the cosmos. Through this culture we move to perfect our nature and advance toward a world at peace."

(Source: Sorokin's Life and Work. Barry V. Johnston. Chapter 1 of "Sorokin and Civilization")