Mirroring the qualm of national consciousness

So far I haven’t seen a better frame that mirrors the actual qualm of the Hungarian national consciousness. The kuvasz, all together with the other nine Hungarian dog breeds, is by law declared National Treasure in Hungary. Still, right now is in trouble, some say close to extinction. The immense dichotomies that have always marked the characteristics of the Hungarian soul are very much present even now in the daily lives of Hungarians. As a natural consequence, this is clearly mirrored in so many aspects, the whole being reflected in its parts. One part of the whole being the fate of the kuvasz breed.

The fanciers and breeders suffer from getting biased in the great duality present even in political influences. The dichotomy is present in many forms, ex. in the form of nationalism vs internationalism. Some say that it is time to bring into the foreground our traditions, thus emphasizing the kuvasz from the perspective of its historical inheritance, being a living treasure. Others say that it is more important to emphasize its utility, usefulness and get in sync with modern times, “get real”. Both perspectives are serious arguments to preserve the breed. The kuvasz itself carries both perspectives, carries the dichotomy, like a true symbol of the Hungarian soul.

Benefits of frustration?!

The tension created by the almost paradoxically different views is seen right now as unhealthy by most of those involved. Understandable to some degree as it generates many frustrations. But a tension can be also seen as tonic, it gives tonicity to the invisible muscles of a group, it keeps the whole thing in shape.

What I have also found to be captivating, is the nature of reactions generated by both poles. The realists are acting in obviously pragmatic terms, returning as often as possible to the ways in improving the kuvasz in its physical qualities (height of whiters, form of head, coat, healthy nervous system etc.). Also acting neutral and often prudish when it comes to more symbolic expressions related to the Hungarian nationalism. Unfortunately the very term nationalism got a pejorative connotation, patriotism being preferred instead. Patriotism being more international, more widely used and accepted. I suspect here some conformism too. The other pole seems romantic and idealist. Mostly acting with intense emotions. And also in unexpected moments, provoking unexpected reactions. There are sometimes some offences taken here, which leads to isolationism.

By all means, this source of tension I sense to be the greatest in this milieu. I personally consider it to be a good influence at its core. It brings in energy to keep the work alive. It pours oil on fire, but just imagine how boring it all would be if everyone would agree on everything.

It is time to get yourself a real dog.

Now that you are reading this – for what I am thankful, – consider a final advice. If you don’t have a dog now – although I know that you have always wanted to have one – I sincerely recommend you to get yourself a kuvasz. The kuvasz is not a lapdog. The kuvasz is a real dog. It has all the ideal characteristics that one should look for in a dog: majestic and impressive in outward appearance, well-shaped, but all the more very intelligent, protective and courageous, strong and harsh if needed, but gentle, loving unconditionally, always ready to even give his life for the beloved ones.

On the photo: Kardosparti Dorisz

… the need for a strong ego …

I often hear that it is a requirement for spiritual development that you have ‘a strong ego’. Sometimes it is even aggravated by making it a necessity of such great importance that it is useless to start any spiritual practice without it. Why is this considered so important? Is it so that there should be no spiritual development unless having a ’strong ego’?

Giving it a second thought, the idea is not completely wrong. You must have seen people involved so much in some “spiritual” practice that they truly needed some grounding. On the other hand, I would not consider that – whatever they were doing – spiritual practice. Rather some form of escaping from their life. Nevertheless, the ’strong ego’ advocacy I tend to see as the other side of the coin. Usually it is propagated by disillusioned former “spiritual practicers”.

Comparative reality vs. existential reality

If spiritual development starts where personal development ends, which I like to call the moment/space of the soul, then this is where the ’strong ego’ theory is no longer valid. Spiritual development is all about neutralizing the influence of what previously you’ve built. So far, you’ve been searching your place in the world, coming up to expectations, building your identity. Your whole existence was marked by a comparative reality. All built up in time with great effort and a lot of energy invested. Now you will hardly let it go. But spiritual development requires you to turn towards an other form of reality, the existential reality.

Worse than the fear of death

Your identity is your own comparative reality. It is your money, your status, your charm etc. that you can hardly let go. Your identity is your biggest obsession. You do not want to live without it even for a second. Loosing your identity seems far worse than death itself. If there is the slightest chance to see your identity saved in some form after death, then you can deal with the fear of dying. But loosing your identity seems far worse. It is the biggest of all fears.

Spiritual development turns you towards existential reality. ‘Existential Reality’ is the label that is attached to the way reality really is. It is a positive existence. The spirit is always expressed or symbolized by light. Light has a positive existence. Darkness is defined in comparison to light. Darkness exists in a comparative reality, doesn’t have a positive existence.

So, just like that, your identity – that you hold on to even more than to life itself,- doesn’t have a positive existence. It must be strange from the point of view of existential reality how obsessed we are with it, how desperately we hang on to it. To something which is not.