Recently I stumbled upon a quote that perfectly fits as a definition for vertical thinking. It is coming from the Chinese philosopher Wang Bi (226-249) whose merit is that the I Ching was properly reconsidered and its true meaning actualized in historically and ideologically troubled times. And still very much valid. So, here is the quote:

“The symbols (the Signs) serve the purpose of expressing the ideas behind them, the wise words of explaining the Signs. When symbols are comprehended, words can be forgotten, and when ideas are comprehended, symbols can be forgotten. However, if hanging onto words, symbols will never be comprehended, and if hanging onto symbols, ideas will never be comprehended.” (in Wolfgang Bauer, Fundamentals of the Book of Changes, Introduction to the I Ching by Richard Wilhelm, p. 13.)

I very much like the simplicity and clarity of it.

Here I will present you two simple, yet powerful techniques that will help your meditation. Both are coming from the complex methodology of Yoga. Also these two techniques are good examples of vertical thinking. The primary goal of all meditation methods is to transform the mind into a perfectly controlled instrument. Into a recipient ready to receive the flow of increased streams of consciousness. If you prefer, of higher levels of awareness. At their core, both techniques can help you stop the discursiveness of the mind.

Continue reading ‘Self-evident Vertical Thinking in Yoga’ »

One of the most important keys in approaching vertical thinking was given to us by the genius of Jung. It is called: synchronicity. What he really managed to create was a terminology suitable for our Western rational minds. Mainly through clarifying explanations, with terms that got into the common knowledge ever since. So many people have heard of and are using the term synchronicity. But do we really know what that means? I think it is worth the effort to learn some more about it, especially if you are a self development addict like me. Let’s dive a little into the details of the concept.

Continue reading ‘A glimpse behind the veil’ »

If we should pick a sole event that radically changed the view on human life in the 20th century then it was the rise of the mushroom cloud of the atomic bomb. Never before was the human kind facing such fierce form of destruction. Whether it was foreseen or not, it was the biggest turning point in the modern history of mankind. It was the moment when for the first time man appealed to a force of unimaginable destructiveness. And guess how the substance of the atomic bomb was called? It was called plutonium. Named after the ancient god Pluto, ruler of the underworld, the most feared one. Let’s learn about him and about the unseen forms of aggression.

Continue reading ‘Great treasures are hidden in the land of shadows’ »

The story of the god of aggression has at its core the lack of understanding. The god of aggression, Ares at Greeks (Mars at Romans) was rejected by his parents from the very beginnings of his life. And he was rejected, avoided and feared by all gods and humans. In the ancient Greece he had very few places of worship. So, through their myths and legends, the ancient Greeks,- who are by the way responsible for most of our basic cultural influences, - clearly expressed the essence of aggression. In spite of all the repulsion, they still considered him one of the Olympian Gods, an essential quality influencing and governing human life. Those times were quite a while ago. But did we change our attitude towards this essential quality? Is aggression more accepted and understood today?

Continue reading ‘Getting closer to aggression through understanding’ »

Both personal development and spiritual development are demanding that you deal with aggression. At one point, you will have to face it and you will have to give your answer. Dealing with it properly on a personal level will give you the strength for your personal success. Or, on the contrary, giving wrong answers will lead you to lack of self confidence and failure. Dealing with it on the spiritual level will give you courage and strength for true transformation. Actually, there is no spiritual transformation without it. But there is nothing more unpleasant to deal with. People have tried and always will try to avoid it. How to overcome this repugnance? How to approach aggression in such a way that you can benefit from it?

Continue reading ‘The Unknown and Unseen Facets of Aggression’ »

It is time for some more pragmatism on Vertegram. After having written a few posts known to the probloggers as pillar articles on vertical thinking, now I am going to introduce you into what I call vertical thinking, with some concrete examples. For some of you these will be new stuff, for some will be common knowledge. I am asking the latter to be patient. For me it is important to present vertical thinking in this way, because as I stated before, it is an essential part of the framework for understanding and self transformation I intend to promote. So here it is, the first post in the series of more concrete presentation of vertical thinking.

Continue reading ‘What Planets and Gods can teach you’ »

Common logic that we use is also known as the step by step logic. This is integrated in what is defined as lateral thinking. When it comes to lateral thinking, I often prefer to say it is a causal thinking. Causal thinking is what we learn from early childhood. It is the essential way to rationalize of our present society and culture. It reaches its climax in scientific reasoning and factual approach in giving answers, solving problems. On the other hand, there is a completely different way of thinking. Less known, or maybe less common. It is the vertical thinking, also known as acausal thinking. For those of you looking for relations and correlations in understanding, vertical thinking is a must learn. Here is why.

Continue reading ‘Better self understanding through vertical thinking’ »

Looking for meaning is a basic human tendency. Also, sometimes this is known as looking for guidance. Some say, that when reaching completeness, the human being will be truly self sufficient, without moral connotations. This could then mean the end of the most deep insecurity. The existential one. But until then, we will be facing the ever reappearing need for guidance. The need for signs. Let’s see if there are ways to do this right.

Continue reading ‘How inner and outer meet naturally sometimes’ »

Whether we realize it or not, our mind is calibrated through causal thinking. From early childhood we are thought that there are consequences. Every action has an effect. We are born into a cultural milieu impregnated to its roots by the cause and effect way of thinking. Then, we grow up and realize that something is missing. The formula is working at its best when we became adults, still we are not happy or not feel complete. Then we start looking for further answers.

Continue reading ‘The sobering effect of realism’ »

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