Discrimination is the knife edge of intellect, separating true from
false, reality from unreality, using memory in such a way that past con
sequences are factored into our choices and decisions. If we can see
consequences, we are not caught in the trap of apparent pain versus
apparent pleasure. Discrimination is about making meaningful com
parisons such as, "How does my practice compare with that of yes
terday?" or "How does the stretch on my left leg compare with that
on my right?" You may well find the right leg is asleep. Initially, this is
a process of trial and error. Later we can learn to avoid error. In head
stand pose, for example, something that usually goes wrong is that the
upper arm shortens. Memory warns us to be careful before that hap
pens. In this way, we break down bad habits. This is a useful discrim
ination that awakens awareness.
Awareness, working with discrimination and memory, encour
ages a creative mind, not a mechanical one. The mechanical mind
questions only external phenomena, treating the world like a giant
machine and resulting in objective knowledge. By objective knowl
edge I mean knowledge of the world around us. This can be useful or
dangerous, depending on how you use it. Comparing your neighbor's
new car to your old one may lead to jealousy and covetousness, or it
might lead you to appreciate that his is safer or causes less pollution.
But what I call the creative brain calls into question both the outer
and inner, leading us to subjective and spiritual knowledge. By sub
jective knowledge I mean knowledge of oneself from the skin inward.
To take the example of your neighbor's car, if you have understood
that pollution is undesirable, you will not want to pollute the atmos
phere (outer) or pollute yourself (inner). So a creative reaction might
be to change your car.
When awareness is linked to intelligence, we are able to see with
absolute honesty. When brain and body move in harmony, there is in
tegrity. Memory supports this process because when memory functions
perfectly, it bccoml·s one with intelligence. By transferring its allegi<li1Ce
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