I came accross 'My Big TOE' on amazon.com today- WOW. I just purchased the trilogy, and look forward to reading the books. I found your lectures on utube to be fascinating, thank you!

I'm wondering if Tom would share his viewpoint on calendars such as the Tibetan or Kabbalistic? Are we affected by energies as these calendars state? For example, certain days and even years, are considered 'auspicious' or 'negative for all endeavors' according to one's numerology. In the case of the Tibetan Calendar, the aspects apply to everyone, regardless of one's numerology. The Dalai Lama apparently follows such a calendar. I've been trying not to take them too seriously, as they are pretty restrictive. However, I wouldn't want to ignore something that is actually accurate.

I'd also welcome feedback from anyone who may have information about this.

inNYC,
welcome to the MBT discussion group.

I am not familiar enough with the "mystical calendars" you are refering to be able to deduce how they might work.

Some thoughts.

1) it is generally a good idea not to dismiss something just because one does not understand how it could possibly work. You don't know what you don't know, thus you should always assume that your ignorance is much bigger that you think it is.

2) If the predictions are deterministic -- could just as easily be made by your computer as by a person -- then any effect predicted is likely to be universal and probably very general and nonspecific. Such predictions may or may not exist independently of the netted minds who use it and believe in it.

3) if the predictions are not deterministic -- require a person somewhere in the loop in order to be really effective (like astrology), then it is likely that the focused intent of this person is the key ingredient to success -- i.e., the system (calendar/ heavenly bodies/tea leaves, etc is more likely a tool that requires interpretation from a tuned-in consciousness (the actual source of information), rather than the direct source of the information itself.

Tom C

Hi Tom C,
Thank you for your message.
Both calendars, with their accompanying predictions, are pretty old, and not customized to each individual.
There are about 9 sets of Kabbalistic calendars. Each person has a set for the year, according to their numerology. For example, I am a number 5 in their system, so I follow a number 5 calendar, with a different theme every year.
From your message, I imagine both of these calendars (Tibetan Buddhist and Kabbalistic) qualify as deterministic.
What is of interest to me, is the possibility that we can transcend the effects of the calendars, once we access our big TOE. Would your big TOE agree that this is possible?
K. in NYC

inNYC: What is of interest to me, is the possibility that we can transcend the effects of the calendars, once we access our big TOE. Would your big TOE agree that this is possible?

Tom: Yes, of course. Anything deterministic is likely to have a weak general effect -- a nudge -- if any effect at all -- major effects are most likely generated by the shared belief/intents of its adherents.

Once you access your big TOE (gain sufficient operative understanding of the larger reality), you become more and more the script writer of your own reality -- a deliberate and aware contributor to your personal growth and consciousness evolution.

Tom C

Re: "calendars such as the Tibetan or Kabbalistic"

Like most *partial* understandings, or perspectives, there are inherent truths embeded. But true question(s) should be trained on whether the truths are at the heart of the system, or structure, or are they scattered per some pattern rendered via human history and cultures. The former form is most extremely rare, while the latter covers the remainder.

One of the greatest problems I have observed with Westerners coming to follow, or trust, Eastern knowledge, is that Westerners have an enormous culture gap. This gap is so great, that the issues it brings up cannot even be adequately understood. Further, there an enormous language barriers, and barriers of historical time lapse, as well as historical accuracies. What passes for accuracy in the West, is not what passes for accuracy in the East. Is a given term placed into proper cultural and mythical context? This difficulty of doing so, with true meaning and accuracy is extraordinarily dfficult.

Most things like the calendars you've mentioned are little more than curiosities, today. The originators are dead. Only the revised versions exist (v. 1.x), and only the revised knowledge holders can interpret it.

I don't mean to hammer this issue to death, rather to illustrate the difficulties surrounding it, as the same issues arise for almost everything we study about ancient history, of any kind. Just look at how many times certain history has been revised, whether it is by means of better textual analysis, better documents found, or improvement in archeological interpretations. These are just a few things that illustrate how enormous the difficulties are.

The Kabbala is ancient wisdom from Babylon, and it wouldn't surprise me if all of these traditional forms of knowledge have a central origin, or root. From what little I know about its particulars, it contains information that spans a large number of subjects, from mythical beliefs, to practical magic, to ancient medicine.

As far as numerology, well, numbers are mere symbols. Is there magic in a symbol? Only if the symbol is an accurate map of a genuine phenomenon or territory. I've never seen any numberology that seemed to contain any intrinsic knowledge of anything, unless one stretches the meaning and outcomes to fit most any circumstances, just like we see with Nostradamus' predictions. Does this stop people from believing and whole mini-industries from popping up around them? No.

I think that the heart of any genuine knowledge here is best found by studying the subject of 'intent'. Keep that issue in mind while reading Tom's book(s); it is key.

TOM C: Once you access your big TOE (gain sufficient operative understanding of the larger reality), you become more and more the script writer of your own reality

I had a feeling this was true, I'm very happy that you confirmed it.
I have an extraordinary experience during a meditation years ago. I was still in my body, but aware of everything simultaneously. There was a pervading sense of what I can only describe as unconditional love. I remember thinking that all conflicts and wars would end if everyone could experience this state. It only lasted a few moments and I've yet to access the same state. Perhaps your books will help.