Modern civilization is characterized by a great paradox. On one hand, technological development has enabled us unprecedented freedom. Freedom to roam around the earth faster. Freedom to communicate more efficiently via information technology (internet, advanced telecommunications). Freedom to explore deeper into the macro and micro worlds via scientific innovation (high-tech observation devices, digital media, sub-atomic theories, etc.).
However, these new freedoms come at a cost. The new benefits that modernization affords also create constricting factors which can subtly - yet devastatingly- impede our personal and collective growth. The power and corruption of the mass media produces a demoralizing effect on humanity. Materialism alienates people from each other, from themselves, and from nature. The economic growth which technology creates also brings social factors which can be detrimental to the people they are intended to aid. For the decreasing number of enlightened people who have managed to maintain an objective perpective it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain centered.
This is a guide to surviving and growing in the modern age. The goal is to teach skills and knowledge which are necessary to explore the modern world - while maintaining physical and mental centerdness in the process. Although the modern world is becoming increasingly more complex and overwhelming, with proper development of the mind and body we can now evolve to levels which were unimaginable in the past. With time this potential will only continue to grow.
All exploration - both internal and external - is ultimately the quest towards higher awareness. It is the process of evolution which brings us continuously closer to truth and beauty - the eternal essense of existence.
Our journey exists on two levels simultaneously. On one level, it is the physical exploration of the external world. The search for insight through encounters with different places, people, cultures, and philosophies. On another level, it is the exploration of the internal world (consciousness) - the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom (insight) through intellectual (reading, learning, theorizing, experimenting, etc.) and artistic pursuit (interpreting your experience of these worlds through a creative medium).
Each moment we are alive we are on a journey. Many of us, unfortunately, do not get to the point of even realizing this truth. With the chaotic, distracting state of the modern world, it seems to be becoming increasingly difficult to stay focused on this path of realization. But it is not hopeless. There are a multitude of techniques and skills that can be developed which will enable us maintain progress on our journey. We must ultimately learn to uncover and listen to the inner voice which guides us towards all the answers we need. The goal of this tutorial is to teach some of these techniques so that we can awaken the inner voice which will naturally guide us towards our goal.