by Christopher Lloyd Clarke
(Australia)
In the definition of metaphysics found in most dictionaries, Metaphysics is referred to as a branch of Philosophy that deals with First Cause and the Nature of Being.
It is taught as a branch of Philosophy in most academic universities today. The word "Metaphysics" originates from the Greek words μετά (metá, meaning "beyond" or "after") and φυσικά (physiká, meaning "physical"). Thus, the combination means "beyond physics".
To me, metaphysics is the place where modern science and spirituality find some common ground. It is an all encompassing philosophy that explores the ultimate nature of consciousness and the principles by which consciousness leads to form, or in very simple terms, how "thoughts" become "things".
In today’s world, however, the word "Metaphysics" has become a description of many fields of interest and for that reason, one person’s definition may differ slightly from another’s. When one expresses an interest in Metaphysics, that interest may be in any one or a combination of the following subjects:
Philosophy, Religion, Parapsychology, Mysticism, Yoga, ESP, Dream Analysis, Jungian Psychology, Astrology, Meditation, Self-Help Studies, Positive Thinking and even Quantum Physics.
The common denominator of these and all similar subjects deals with an exploration of reality, and in the idealistic sense, how such knowledge may benefit human life on this earth, both individually and collectively.
I like to think that Metaphysics deals with the most fundamental questions of life, that is to say, it explores the relationship of man, mind and the universe as a whole.
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