Reclaiming 2012 and The Problem With Saving the World
Getting together with Tim Boucher for wine and other such stuff is like playing a logorrhoeac free-association game where each idea seems more brilliant than the last, if only peripherally related. One of the thoughts that came out of our discussion last night, somewhere between the spaghetti pie and the first twenty hilarious minutes of The Magic Christian, the topic turned to a certain arrogant white jerk who is currently traveling around making lots of money by pimping a book in which he claims that he is the reincarnation of Lord Ashoka, the mythical Buddhist King, and is the harbinger (read: Messiah) of a new era of human enlightenment which will occur when Quetzalcoatl arrives in 2012 and we all get free cotton candy and ice cream. No, really, this is what this Daniel Pinchbeck guy is saying (er, except for the cotton candy part).
Now here’s the thing: I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he’s actually right. Maybe all the 2012-heads who follow Pinchbeck and his ilk are doing us all a huge favor by sounding the end-times klaxon. Who am I to say? If so, I expect that Pinchbeck would be able to do one of a few things, any one of which will convince me that he’s right on.
1. If he’s the reincarnation of the Buddhist King Ashoka, he should be able to produce at least one single Buddhist monk who will verify that claim.
2. If he’s expecting the return of Quetzalcoatl in 2012, he should be able to produce at least one authentic Native Aztec who will confirm that he’s on the right track.
3. If he’s right about being the “Messiah,” or at least a very stoned prophet, he should be able to project a humble and compassionate demeanor in line with his promises of raised consciousness. Indeed, he should be able to demonstrate that his consciousness is already raised.
Any one of these would convince me. Needless to say, my breath is not being held.
That Pinchbeck is full of shit is pretty hard to deny. But, I think he probably actually believes what he’s saying, which is kind of sad. It’s difficult to be a Messiah, because if you are, then you *really have to save the world,* which is incredibly fucking hard! You have to convince people like me, for instance, and you have to back up your claims with, you know, actual stuff. If you can’t, you have no business trying.
You likely know my personal view, which is, in a nutshell, that the 2012 “end-date” is a culturally imperialistic hijacking of an ancient Mayan calendrical concept that was more about crop rotation and human sacrifice than altered conciousness. But okay, so it’s now an accepted trope in the neo-Newage and lots of people think that something “big” is gonna happen that year. The question I have, then, is, how is this different from the literalist apocalypticism found in fundamentalist interpretations of the Book of Revelation, which so many of these modern-day newage prohpets are so quick to decry? There’s even an exclusivist “Rapture” awaiting the initiated:
But according to Pinchbeck, not everyone will be saved in 2012 — only the psychedelic elite and those who have reached a kind of supramental consciousness will make it through the bottleneck at the end of time. Or perhaps they can save the planet before the collapse of our socioeconomic system in about 2008, in which case they will transmit good vibrations to the rest of us, who will be saved too. “There’s a crystallization that takes place within a small elite group, and once that happens you can transmit across the planet with amazing alacrity,” says Pinchbeck. “We might need to do that very, very quickly.”
Look, people, the whole point behind apocalypticism is that these myths are designed to present an ‘unveiling’ to the individual internally, not to describe eventual external and historical events. The Gnostics knew this almost two thousand years ago, when they wrote it up in “The Treatise on the Resurrection“:
But the resurrection does not have this aforesaid character, for it is the truth which stands firm. It is the revelation of what is, and the transformation of things, and a transition into newness. For imperishability descends upon the perishable; the light flows down upon the darkness, swallowing it up; and the Pleroma fills up the deficiency. These are the symbols and the images of the resurrection. He it is who makes the good.
Therefore, do not think in part, O Rheginos, nor live in conformity with this flesh for the sake of unanimity, but flee from the divisions and the fetters, and already you have the resurrection. For if he who will die knows about himself that he will die - even if he spends many years in this life, he is brought to this - why not consider yourself as risen and (already) brought to this? If you have the resurrection but continue as if you are to die - and yet that one knows that he has died - why, then, do I ignore your lack of exercise? It is fitting for each one to practice in a number of ways, and he shall be released from this Element that he may not fall into error but shall himself receive again what at first was.
It’s not something that’s gonna happen in–what, about four or five years? It’s something that is currently happening, and happens every second of every day. Tim’s got an excellent post on the whole 2012 debacle that really nails it:
The point is: Don’t lie. Don’t steal. Don’t do what you hate. Just start creating the reality you know you deserve by unabashedly expressing what you’re really all about instead of hiding behind emotional artifices which you think noone can see but which actually limit your ability to really express yourself. We all secretly suspect we’re actually completely awesome. It’s like that Will Ferrell movie or whatever the fuck it is. He says something like “I don’t know if you know this, but I’m kind of a big deal.” But actually be a big deal though. Be the reason for people’s hearts to get flighty when they get close to you. Be really you and it and stop hiding behind whatever that is you won’t let go of. 2012 is right now. We don’t have to wait. We’re not supposed to suffer. That’s not why we were sent here. We were sent here to experience His Love™ and he doesn’t care what the fuck you call it as long as you just don’t shut yourself down to it anymore. He knows you are seeking it in all things you do but just can’t seem to make it connect somehow or sometimes or both or neither. Just let go of that one terrible thing you’ve always been holding onto that you just can’t or won’t let go of because you’ve forgotten how to forgive.
You can claim you’re the reincarnation of Lord Cagliostro Hunahpu all you want, and that you’re gonna lead the world into a New Era of Enlightenment and Cultural Sensitivity and Entheogenic Paradise, and if Pinchbeck’s claims about 2012 are correct, I’ll be the first person in line to eat my crow pie. But dammit, creating a world in which we all get to have a higher conciousness isn’t now, nor has it ever been, the job of one guy with a ponytail and a penchant for stealing ideas from indigenous cultures (hey here’s a hint: if you wanna be the Messiah, it helps to not be a big asshole). It’s a job for every single one of us, every second of every minute of every day. So yeah, 2012 is right now, and the only Messiah we’re going to get is all of us being kind to one another.
tim boucher said,
Just to be clear, I don’t personally think Pinchbeck is a “jerk”. I get what he is trying to do and I am interested in making peace with him and joining forces because I think we are all placing value in the same things: knowledge of self, the ability to form joyous relationships, and the importance of taking right action! I have had my differences with him in the past but am trying to move on - which, honestly, has meant that I have needed to get over myself, and those things about *me* which he was only reflecting…
tim boucher said,
“His Love™”
Hey, that’s my trademarked phrase! Now you owe me royalties!
JP said,
Just to be clear, I don’t personally think Pinchbeck is a “jerk”.
Hey that’s noble of you. When it comes down to it, I don’t think he *is* a jerk, either. I think he sure as hell acts like one, though. O’ course, I do, too.
Hey, that’s my trademarked phrase! Now you owe me royalties!
Heh, how about I pay you your royalties in preserved asian pears. I’ll bring you a jar before you go.
tim boucher said,
Preserved Asian pears sounds awesome!
Interesting point though you’ve brought up: if you act like a jerk, does that make you a jerk? Alternately, if you *think* someone is a jerk, does your conception of them limit your perception of them? That is, what’s the best way to give yourself and other people the space to change?
Donald Donato said,
You nearly ruined a perfectly clean pair of sweatpants with these hijinks…and leave Cagliostro out of this :) Is “The Magic Christian” worth buying for the library? Never saw it. Sounds splendid.
Borther Prenna said,
There’s a part of me that wonders if Pinchbeck (and the rest of the psychedelic community) will be proved partially right by accident. Maybe on that particular day of that particular year so many people are going to be guzzling ayahuasca, dropping acid, or racing through the 2C series, that some manner of mass awakening will happen.
The psychedelic gurus have to be worried about this awakening letting everyone seen through the illusion of their guru-hood.
Emperor said,
Interesting thoughts.
A while back I looked at 2012 (and our appropriation of a complex Mayan calendar system which I assume was once full of symbolism and metaphor):
www.wunderkabinett.co.uk/damndata/index.php?/archives/178-2012-It-aint-what-it-used-to-be.html
And also looked at Pinchbeck:
www.wunderkabinett.co.uk/damndata/index.php?/archives/316-The-Feathered-Boa-makes-a-comeback.html
And the whole 2012 business was on my mind in relation to the “war” between him and Whiltey Strieber:
www.realitysandwich.com/node/516
www.unknowncountry.com/journal/?id=300
Although I find myself unimpressed by either I think Pinchbeck’s point is an interesting one - Strieber’s book:
www.beyondcommunion.com/2012.html
is a heady brew - this from Publisher Weekly:
–
Strieber’s epic sequel to 2006’s The Grays blends equal parts science fiction thriller, supernatural horror and provocative spiritual speculation. As struggling author Wylie Dale works on his latest novel, which revolves around an upcoming date when the earth crosses both the galactic equator and the solar ecliptic—a time that the Maya predicted would mark the cataclysmic end of this age—he begins to uncover evidence that what he’s writing about is actually happening on a parallel earth. If nothing is done, on December 21, 2012, gateways will open into this world and reptilian invaders will not only enslave humanity but feast on their succulent souls as well. While Strieber’s exploration into the existence and import of the soul isn’t exactly profound, it is wildly entertaining. Fans of apocalyptic page-turners like King’s The Stand and Niven and Pournelle’s Lucifer’s Hammer will enjoy this ambitious—and audacious—tale as it invokes everything from rectal probes and Ann Coulter to the destruction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
–
Distinctly Ickian in tone and thought what Pinchbeck had to say was interesting:
–
Therefore, if we focus our intention on negative outcomes, we may help to bring those outcomes into manifestation. Strieber has no basis to proclaim that a massive die off is imminent, since none of us are given to know the future ahead of us, and conditions change constantly. He is acting as a “prophet of doom” when he proclaims this, not a realist. He is projecting the negative, shadow aspects of his own psyche into the collective consciousness of his audience, on a daily basis. Instead of fear-mongering, he could be utilizing his public platform to spread information on plans that would ameliorate the effects of climate change and peak oil, restore wilderness areas to offset the species extinction crisis, and so on.
–
I think we have to accept that there is already a landgrab taking place for 2012 and this will only accelerate over the next five years leading to something akin to Pre-Millennial Tension across a wide swathe of the alternative field.
Obviously we can ignore them and let them stew in their own juices but there will be a lot of negativity and wild ideas spewing out that a lot of people are going to thinking it isn’t worth addressing the pressing problems and the next five years could be critical in addressing such things.
So you are exactly right with the idea we should “reclaim 2012″ - point out the logical fallacies, make sure we point out bullshit when we see it and highlight the generally defeatist attitudes doing the rounds, while keeping people’s focus on the important issues that need addressing because it is high unlikely the world will end, making will transcend or things will go seriously round the bend.
We don’t want to wake up on December 22nd 2012 to find the world just where we left it - in a mess, because everyone took their eye off the ball.
tim boucher said,
Who creates the calendar system, the people or the empire?
Kuahine said,
If you were trying to use the British spelling, the word is “logorrhoeic.” If you’d prefer to use the American spelling, the word is “logorrheic.”
In any case, Jeremy, there’s no such word as “logorrhoeac.” And really, this adjective should be used only in a negative or critical context. It certainly doesn’t describes somethin “brilliant”; only something pathological, compulsive, tiresome, annoying.
Just FYI.
JP said,
DD: “Is “The Magic Christian” worth buying for the library?”
Oh HECK yes. It’s probably the funniest movie most people have never seen, imho. Some people find it dated and/or too over-the-top, but I personally can’t recommend it highly enough.
Prenna: “There’s a part of me that wonders if Pinchbeck (and the rest of the psychedelic community) will be proved partially right by accident. Maybe on that particular day of that particular year so many people are going to be guzzling ayahuasca, dropping acid, or racing through the 2C series, that some manner of mass awakening will happen.
I’m totally open to a ’self-fulfilling prophecy’ kinda scenario, but I have reservations about that, too. For one, I think it’s easy for those of us in the Echo Chamber to forget that our little alternative universe is just that: little and alternative. For the kind of mass changes these folks are predicting to occur, it’s going to take a huge miracle that includes billions of middle-class non-acid heads, the exact kind of folks who aren’t as likely to try ayahuasca or read Pinchbeck.
Emperor: “And the whole 2012 business was on my mind in relation to the “war” between him and Whiltey Strieber”
Yeah, I noticed that, too. But that’s part of my point. If you walk up to your average individual and say, “hey, which side of the Ultraterrestrial fence do you come down on, the pro-grey Streiberian or pro-reptilian Pinchbeckian?”, they’re likely to look at you and make a twirly motion next to their ear. In the scheme of things, the ‘war’ between Streiber or Pinchbeck is totally moot to the persons who would be most affected by any kind of ‘change.’
Tim: Who creates the calendar system, the people or the empire?
That’s a great question, and something else it’s difficult to say b/c so much of the info concerning the system was destroyed by the conquistadors and their followers. It was almost undoubtedly exclusively studied and interpreted by the priestly caste, but as to how or why it developed, we just don’t have the info. I think it’d be a fair assessment to assign the creation & distribution of the calendar trope to Empire when it became codified, but before that it was likely just like other calendars, and based on observations made by everybody.
JP said,
Kuahine: In any case, Jeremy, there’s no such word as “logorrhoeac.” And really, this adjective should be used only in a negative or critical context. It certainly doesn’t describes somethin “brilliant”; only something pathological, compulsive, tiresome, annoying.
Hey, um, wow, okay….
Emperor said,
If one were going to be cynical you could suggest that this “war” has largely worked to boost the profile of both of their books and shift a few more units. In fact an even more cynical viewpoint could be that they are trying to position themselves as the two sides of the debate (and shift more units in the process) when they are little more than a sideshow.
I’m just grateful I’m not a cynic. But still… ;)
One thing that did strike me is that are actually pretty similar - they have had contact with something strange and potentially been lead astray by what they’ve been told (and done quite nicely out of it - but that would be returning to the cynical interpretation).
cadeveo said,
2012 may really be 2012, just not how people expected. Of course, every day, like Tim’s noted, is 2012, if you’re ready for it. I think it’s like the idea of the eternal recurrence. Maybe in a long-scale cosmological sense, it’s true…but where it most concerns folks who are actually living is in the micro-sense. If you constantly do the same habitual shit, then the same habitual shit keeps happening and it really does feel like it has all happened before and will all happen again…because it has…and it will…until you (and by you and mean me!) change. Then you step out of time and out of the loop like Bill Murray at the end of Groundhog’s Day.
2012, to me, is just like that. Yeah, shits gonna go down and there’s gonna be crazy change and peace and light and rainbows…because everyone dies and so everyone, eventually, has to let go and the process of letting go is the crazy shit and the having done so is the peace and light and rainbows bit. If *you* (the fake you you only think is you) manage to *die* in that way before *you* die physically, then you’ll have worked through the pre-”2012″ horror-show and have the “2012″ love-fest right here and now. And, if one manages to do that, then perhaps it will appear that there’s been a massive “raising of consciousness” “2012 singularity/woo-woo thing” all around you because now you’re seeing everyone and everything around you much, more clearly as they are…
The Necromancer said,
Thoughtful post. I wrote about Pinchbeck a while back too (if you’ll forgive the shameless plug…). He is, I suspect, a victim of his own success. I think from our (my?) perspective he should somehow be more saintly — ascetic. But maybe that’s just what it takes. Or not.
Summer Harvest » Happy Day of Creation! said,
[…] funny thing is, this is the same logic used in certain *ahem* “circles” to calculate an end-date for the cosmos of December 22, 2012. Where’s the equal opportunity […]