Open Your Third Eye : Think Rationally and Master Your Desires
Introduction
Often when one reads mythology and other types of fictional literature from the past, certain things may seem fantastical in many cases physically impossible. Hindus, Greeks, Romans, Aztecs, Mayans, Babylonians and countless many other civilizations have mythologies that often have figures with characteristics that would seem impossible to one who thinks in the literal.
Civilizations had figures with characteristics that seem impossible
For example, Ravan a demon in the ancient Hindu epic the Ramayana, had ten heads, practically this would be impossible as so many heads would require many more biological complexities (definitely a strong heart for one). A more rational explanation would be he suffered from multiple personality disorder and took on ten personalities (a lot more believable aye?) or that he changed his viewpoints multiple times similar to the way politicians do today. He may entice you with all the riches in one second, and throw you in the dungeon the next.
Ravan had ten heads
In Greek mythology, the giant Cyclops had a single eye, to the untrained thinker this might seem quite fantastical. Many people with two eyes, are often blinded by their egos, their ulterior motives and fail to think about anyone other than themselves. These people might be giants in their industry, wealthy, at the forefront of their fields, but their narrow sightedness leads them to forget about the rest of humanity and solely focus on their needs. These people are modern day Cyclops' devouring people financially, psychologically and in a multitude of manners in order for their selfish gains. Despite conquering the world they find themselves needing more and lacking a true sense of happiness.
Modern day Cyclops' are perhaps the rich and the successful but are narrow-sighted, often blinded by their egos and without a care for anyone around them
The third eye is one such mythological example used as a means by ancient civilizations to promote rationality. One can think of desires as a herd of cattle, if left unchecked and ill-cared/ill-disciplined these cattle could run in many directions, become weak, and a small village could be deprived of milk. To keep our desires in check we need a cowherd, a voice in our brain that tells us when enough is enough, that we need to care for our well-being, and also look out for others wherever applicable. That voice of rationality is our third eye.
The third eye is our voice of reason
Neuroscience research has indicated that the frontal lobe is responsible for rational thinking and decision making, but ancient civilizations created the concept of the third eye thousands of years ago. The Hindu god Shiva, who can be seen on a golden seal tablet from the archaeological site at Mohenjo Daro dated to be circa 9000 BC, is widely depicted with a third eye.
The Hindu god Shiva is widely depicted with a third eye
With modern day technology, we may have advanced in that the standard of living has increased and internet has bridged gaps in global communication. Learning about cultures from around the world is definitely a positive externality of technology, but are we doing more harm than good? The damage industrial plants have done to the environment and to the world cannot be taken away. A multitude of scholars often write off ancient civilizations as primitive tribesman with no sense of rationality, but today in the 21st century there are people that have become so reliant on technology to do the thinking for them that they have trouble making rational decisions.
Is hurting the environment for humanity's selfish gain rational?
Furthermore instead of coming together to progress, modern humanity has become divided by many factors such as racism, war, greed etc.
We need deep thinkers in society
We definitely need deep thinkers in society, but we also need those that will take a stand and commit to positive rational actions that are beneficial to the universe and not just humanity. A third eye is discerning and looks at any subject from all angles. One who has opened their third eye is not a rash decision maker.