The Paradox of the Good and the Bad in Downward-Looking Holons


In our journey toward self-understanding and growth, it’s important to recognize a deeply ingrained paradox—the concept of "good" within downward-looking holons. While we often think of good as a virtuous force, it can be just as limiting as bad. The well-meaning intentions of individuals—those committed to what they perceive as good—can often trap them in cycles of dysfunctional behavior. It is their attachment to what they believe is "good" that keeps them bound to a system of self-limiting beliefs and actions.

The Shadow of Good: A Silent But Powerful Prison

One of the most disconcerting revelations in the journey of self-awareness is the discovery of the failure of "the good." This can be deeply unsettling for anyone who has relied on their sense of doing good as the guiding force in their life. When the "good" is stripped away and revealed as part of a flawed system, it becomes an uncomfortable truth that one must confront. This awakening doesn’t simply challenge the bad actions or intentions we may have, but it challenges the very framework we use to justify them—our conceptions of good.

The inability to reconcile the pursuit of good with the negative consequences it brings can feel like a profound betrayal, both of oneself and of the greater society one seeks to serve. For those willing to know more, this confrontation with the failure of good is a pivotal moment, as it opens the door to understanding the underlying limitations of our self-conception.

The Danger of Denialism

Many will react to this realization with denial—the desire to hold on to the idea that striving for good can only yield positive outcomes. This denialism stems from an emotional resistance to the discomfort and sadness that comes with the awareness that even the pursuit of good can cause harm, perpetuate systems of oppression, or simply miss the mark entirely. The emotional toll of seeing this failure is something that must be acknowledged, as it can lead to a deep sense of personal and collective disillusionment.

However, it is in this very confrontation with the failure of good that we encounter the opportunity for true transformation. The Two Truths of Buddhist Teachings—No Arising, No Falling Away—offer the necessary framework to process these disturbing revelations. These teachings provide a grounding that allows us to avoid the trap of despair and denialism. When we understand that all things are contingent and impermanent, we can view the failure of good as just another experience to be embraced with awareness, rather than something to be rejected or fought against.

The Role of the Empty Self Conception

The discovery of the failure of good is made easier when we use EmptiSelf Conception, as it provides the space for zero vantage awareness. From this perspective, we are not attached to the constructs of good or bad but can simply observe them as they arise. By observing them through the lens of the Empty Self, we are able to release ourselves from the burden of judgment and find clarity in what’s important in each moment, free from the emotional bindings of our previous attachments.

The EmptiSelf approach to the failure of good is liberating. It shows us that no moral or ethical system is exempt from the dynamics of self-limiting cycles. By accepting this fact, we open ourselves to a new way of being, one where we can engage with the world more authentically and compassionately—without the need to defend the illusory notion of a perfect, good self.

The Duality of Good and Bad

Ultimately, it is important to recognize that good and bad are not fixed, permanent states but are rather constructs shaped by societal norms, individual beliefs, and group dynamics. Both are part of the downward-looking holons that limit our vision and potential. As long as we cling to these constructs as ultimate truths, we will be bound by them. When we can see beyond this duality, we unlock the potential for true, meaningful change that transcends the confines of traditional moral frameworks.

Conclusion: Embrace the Paradox for True Growth

In conclusion, the discovery of the failure of good can be one of the most transformative experiences for anyone willing to know more. But it requires a willingness to embrace the paradox—to accept that our best intentions can still lead us astray. The path forward involves recognizing these limits and transcending them through the wisdom of the Empty Self. In doing so, we can begin to explore new possibilities for growth and healing—ones that are not bound by the outdated constructs of good and bad, but instead grounded in the lived experience of true presence and awareness.


Suggested Tags:

Downward Looking Holons

Failure of Good

EmptiSelf Conception

Two Truths of Buddhism

Recollective Reasoning

Transformation Through Awareness



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