The word "blasphemy" came via Middle English blasfemen and Old French blasfemer and Late Latin blasphemare from Greek βλασφημέω, from βλασ, "injure" and φήμη, "utterance, talk, speech" against God. From blasphemare also came Old French blasmer, from which the English word "blame" came.
Blame is a powerful and destructive force that not only shifts interpersonal dynamics but also alters our state of inner peace and connection with the universe. At its core, blame is the assignment of responsibility for the emotional discomfort we feel to a “wrongdoing or mistake” done by someone else. This act of pointing fingers does more than merely identify a culprit; it introduces a fundamental separation between the self and others, creating a dualistic framework that stands in contrast to the concept of oneness.
It is this inner shift from oneness to dualism that sets us against the truth of the Cosmos. And this againstness is why we hurt, and even why we take revenge.
Oneness is an ancient and central theme in many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It suggests an intrinsic connection between all aspects of the universe, emphasizing unity and interdependence. The philosophy of oneness proposes that all distinctions we make between ourselves and the world around us are, in some way, illusions created by our perceptions. By adhering to a belief in oneness, any sense of separate self dissolves, and we acknowledge our role as part of a larger, dynamic whole.
Blame and Dualism fundamentally disrupt this oneness. When we blame others, we are essentially drawing a line between 'self' and 'other.' This act reinforces the ego and strengthens the illusion of separateness, fostering a mindset that views the world in terms of division and opposition. The consequences of blame are more nuanced than the superficial vindication it might provide. By focusing on division, we close ourselves off from understanding the complexities and shared nature of human experiences. We ignore the interconnected factors that contribute to every situation, choosing instead a simplified narrative that pits one side against another.
The resistance to the flow of time emerges as a natural extension of blame's dualistic nature. By holding onto blame, we refuse to accept the present reality, engaging instead in a mental and emotional struggle against it. This resistance manifests as a denial of the fluid and ever-changing nature of life, where the only constant is change itself. In resisting, we attempt to freeze time at a particular moment—typically one that justifies our perspective or absolves us of our own responsibilities.
This act of holding on to blame creates significant inner pain. The origin of this pain lies in the dissonance between our desire for the world to be different (a desire born from blame and resistance) and the reality of the world as it continuously unfolds. The intensity of this pain is proportional to the strength of our resistance. However, instead of recognizing the internal source of this discomfort—the resistance itself—we erroneously project it outward onto 'the other.' The blamed individual or group becomes the supposed cause of our suffering, further entrenching the illusion of separation and diverting us from the true path of healing, which lies within understanding and integration.
To transcend this cycle of blame and the resultant pain, a shift back to oneness is the key. This involves understanding and empathy, replacing judgment with curiosity about the shared human conditions that underlie all actions. It calls for meditation or reflection to dissolve the barriers erected by the ego, recognizing our shared vulnerabilities and imperfections.
In perceiving without blame, we realign ourselves more closely with the universe's ever-changing flow, accepting both its challenges and its gifts with equanimity. This re-alignment not only reduces our inner pain but also fosters a more compassionate and interconnected world.
In summary, blame creates a dualistic perspective that emphasizes separation and resists the fluid nature of the flow of time, leading to inner pain misattributed to external sources. Recognizing our oneness with all elements of the universe enables us to overcome the illusion of separateness, embrace change, and heal the misorientation within us, which is the true cause of our resistance, anger, hate and blame.
Blame, as a concept, occupies a subtle yet pervasive position within human emotion and interaction. More than just a step in the hierarchy of negative emotions, blame is arguably more fundamental than anger itself. While anger expresses an immediate, visceral response to perceived injustice, blame establishes groundwork for deeper, more sustained negative interactions. It forms a narrative thread that can lead to contempt, war, and even acts of revenge and killing.
Understanding Blame's Nature
Blame inherently creates a dualistic perspective that emphasizes separation. It stems from a perception of division, of 'us versus them', resisting the flow of time which demands change and adaptability. This perception makes it easy to attribute our inner pain, which is often caused by personal emotional turmoil, to external sources. The externalization of responsibility inhibits personal growth and understanding, allowing blame to germinate into other destructive emotions and actions.
The dualistic worldview propagated by blame creates a mental barrier against the universe's inherent interconnectedness. Every element in reality is interwoven, influencing and being influenced, culminating in a dynamic balance. By subscribing to the illusion of separateness that blame constructs, we distill our experiences into linear narratives of victimhood and villainy, thus deepening emotional wounds instead of healing them.
The Progression from Blame to Destruction
The fundamentals of blame lie at the heart of such negative interactions as contempt and revenge. When blame takes root, it encourages the perception of injustice, often leading to feelings of anger towards those perceived as responsible. Over time, blame solidifies into contempt, a feeling characterized by disregard and disdain, dehumanizing the other and justifying further negative actions against them.
It is this entrenchment in duality that foments conflict, pushing individuals and communities towards war. Blame, when institutionalized, legitimizes enmity, breeding cycles of retaliation and animosity. It unravels the fabric of trust, making any act of reconciliation or understanding seem challenging, if not impossible. Historical records bear testimony to how attributed blame, unfounded or exaggerated, has fueled numerous conflicts and ongoing cycles of vengeance.
Transcending blame becomes essential not just for moving beyond war but also for addressing global existential threats like global warming. As long as blame obscures our vision, it prevents collective action required to mitigate such dangers. By solely blaming industries, countries, or political ideologies, we stifle cooperation and the innovation crucial for environmental sustainability. Recognizing our shared responsibility for planetary health, we can catalyze comprehensive solutions required for the future of humanity.
Healing Through Recognizing Our Oneness
The journey towards overcoming blame begins with recognizing our oneness with the universe. Embracing this interconnectedness allows us to heal the misorientation within ourselves. Acceptance of the fluidity of time and change necessitates a shift in perspective—from viewing ourselves as isolated beings to understanding our role within a grander tapestry of existence. This shift is critical to repressing the narrative of blame and mitigating its harmful impacts.
In healing the dualism created by blame, we pave the way for trust and reconciliation. This evolution in thought reframes our experiences, not as battles against an otherized foe, but as part of a broader journey towards balance and understanding. The clarity brought by seeing through the illusion of separation fosters innovative and emergent thinking—essential components for personal and collective growth.
Ultimately, the antidote to blame involves embracing the flow of life and seeking unity. By doing so, we do not just address anger or hatred as isolated emotions, but contending with the more foundational elements that allow blame to thrive. Understanding this allows us to build trust, foster healing, and catalyze positive evolution, ensuring that our responses to life's challenges promote growth rather than division.