Transformative Inquiry
Purpose of Transformative Inquiry
Transformative Inquiry is at the heart of Transformative Life Skills Training Project. The basis of “Transformative Inquiry” is the right quality of inquiry. When we can learn to cultivate all forms of inquiry, from academic scientific, philosophical and spiritual, we not only understand ourselves better but also become tolerant of one another. Such a process of inquiring can then become a transformative experience, for both individuals and communities.
METHOD OF INQUIRY
The method of Transformative Inquiry Process begins with cultivating an appreciation for practical and secular spiritual methods such as yoga, mindfulness practices, and meditation. Then the mind and heart is better prepared for "transformative inquiry." The only faith you need in this process is the potential of the pristine quality of our mind. This method of inquiry discerns the intellectual process that is constructive from that which is the destructive. Ultimately, for transformation to be deep and lasting in our lives, the momentum of our inquiry has to rise above thought, feelings, self-centered beliefs, mental conditioning and habitual mental patterns. This is the process of spiritual-scientific inquiry that penetrates beyond the intellect into consciousness, the source and the center of all experiences.
The method of Transformative Inquiry Process begins with cultivating an appreciation for practical and secular spiritual methods such as yoga, mindfulness practices, and meditation. Then the mind and heart is better prepared for "transformative inquiry." The only faith you need in this process is the potential of the pristine quality of our mind. This method of inquiry discerns the intellectual process that is constructive from that which is the destructive. Ultimately, for transformation to be deep and lasting in our lives, the momentum of our inquiry has to rise above thought, feelings, self-centered beliefs, mental conditioning and habitual mental patterns. This is the process of spiritual-scientific inquiry that penetrates beyond the intellect into consciousness, the source and the center of all experiences.
The heart of Science & Spirituality
Every spiritual quest began with an inquiry. Before it became a set of teaching and techniques that was handed out, the founder of almost every religion was on the quest for truth. We are all on our own quest to know and understand life, and perhaps to understand that what is beyond the surface details of thoughts and experiences.
Transformative Inquiry Process is free from any form of spiritual or religious association. Neither does this process condemn or compare any religion and its value to society. The intention is that we begin with an open inquiry mind. Then our understanding of our own spiritual connection will deepen and take us to direct realization of the Truth. This process thus has the potential to connect the mundane with the sacred!
Scientific research too begins with an inquiry. The inquiry is directed outwards, towards understanding the world, the people and the human brain. This is a third person study process. But the intention is purposeful and meaningful. The tools are based on reason. Transformative Inquiry Process is based on reason and the process of inquiry directed towards knowing one's own heart and mind. Our habits, behaviors, interaction with others, has the potential to undergo radical transformation through this process.
Transformative Inquiry Process is free from any form of spiritual or religious association. Neither does this process condemn or compare any religion and its value to society. The intention is that we begin with an open inquiry mind. Then our understanding of our own spiritual connection will deepen and take us to direct realization of the Truth. This process thus has the potential to connect the mundane with the sacred!
Scientific research too begins with an inquiry. The inquiry is directed outwards, towards understanding the world, the people and the human brain. This is a third person study process. But the intention is purposeful and meaningful. The tools are based on reason. Transformative Inquiry Process is based on reason and the process of inquiry directed towards knowing one's own heart and mind. Our habits, behaviors, interaction with others, has the potential to undergo radical transformation through this process.
I wanted to change the world.
But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.
- Aldous Huxley
Modern society has improved our quality of life. But modern society has also brought on a whole new set of maladies. Anxiety, Addiction, Depression and related mental afflictions affect people, especially those living in the cities. According to the National Association of Mental Illness, “Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S., which is nearly 20% of the population, experiences mental illness in a given year.” The rest of the population experiences some kind of stress and conflict on a daily basis. Without intervention, these mental and emotional afflictions can lead to disorder, disease and even death.
Society is constantly pushing us towards survival and seeking success because of this insecurity in our lives. Our 'world of awareness' thus gets confined to our immediate needs and gains. What we fail to see in this mode of self-focussed living is that our hearts are shut off. In our minds, we have become habituated to chasing one excitement after another that we think will bring us happiness. Not only does this cause us to experience the lack of peace and disharmony within ourselves, but it also makes us stuck in the society's current which is taking us downstream.
By focussing on the values of the society in this 21st century, our careers, our relationships and our own spiritual connection has been compromised. "The unexamined life is not worth living," said Socrates. And it is this very unexamined life that is the cause of many of our afflictions.
Our own direct inquiry into the very conditions of our life, and our habituated responses, is the greatest tool we have as a human being. We can either use this tool to pursue our own happiness and disintegrate from the rest of the society or we can use it to transform our afflictions and be a positive force in the society.
Transformative Inquiry seeks to explore how we can question the common trend in the society which moves us towards a destructive pattern of living. Being intelligent human beings, why is it that we are not addressing our state of mind directly.
Why are we not free in our hearts to choose actions that bring happiness for us and others? How can we engage in the right kind of inquiry that can bring about a true and deep transformation in our lives?
HOW CAN WE BE THE AGENT OF CHANGE IN OUR IMMEDIATE COMMUNITIES?
AND CAN WE DO SO WITHOUT HAVING TO PROSELYTIZE OR CONVERT OTHERS, FOR OUR CAUSE?
By asking these kinds of questions, we can hopefully bring greater peace and goodness in our communities, and avoid violence and conflict in the world.
But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.
- Aldous Huxley
Modern society has improved our quality of life. But modern society has also brought on a whole new set of maladies. Anxiety, Addiction, Depression and related mental afflictions affect people, especially those living in the cities. According to the National Association of Mental Illness, “Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S., which is nearly 20% of the population, experiences mental illness in a given year.” The rest of the population experiences some kind of stress and conflict on a daily basis. Without intervention, these mental and emotional afflictions can lead to disorder, disease and even death.
Society is constantly pushing us towards survival and seeking success because of this insecurity in our lives. Our 'world of awareness' thus gets confined to our immediate needs and gains. What we fail to see in this mode of self-focussed living is that our hearts are shut off. In our minds, we have become habituated to chasing one excitement after another that we think will bring us happiness. Not only does this cause us to experience the lack of peace and disharmony within ourselves, but it also makes us stuck in the society's current which is taking us downstream.
By focussing on the values of the society in this 21st century, our careers, our relationships and our own spiritual connection has been compromised. "The unexamined life is not worth living," said Socrates. And it is this very unexamined life that is the cause of many of our afflictions.
Our own direct inquiry into the very conditions of our life, and our habituated responses, is the greatest tool we have as a human being. We can either use this tool to pursue our own happiness and disintegrate from the rest of the society or we can use it to transform our afflictions and be a positive force in the society.
Transformative Inquiry seeks to explore how we can question the common trend in the society which moves us towards a destructive pattern of living. Being intelligent human beings, why is it that we are not addressing our state of mind directly.
Why are we not free in our hearts to choose actions that bring happiness for us and others? How can we engage in the right kind of inquiry that can bring about a true and deep transformation in our lives?
HOW CAN WE BE THE AGENT OF CHANGE IN OUR IMMEDIATE COMMUNITIES?
AND CAN WE DO SO WITHOUT HAVING TO PROSELYTIZE OR CONVERT OTHERS, FOR OUR CAUSE?
By asking these kinds of questions, we can hopefully bring greater peace and goodness in our communities, and avoid violence and conflict in the world.
What Our Workshop Participants Are SayingChris Mayya has been a great partner in our public art work at Medicine Wheel. The guided meditation offered by Chris has played a significant part in our Hand in Hand project. As our meditation facilitator, Chris has been instrumental in setting a beautiful tone, for the youth and the police to feel comfortable at the beginning of the workshop, thereby opening the channels for dialogue. |
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