as the hindu sages state that heaven is a state of consciousness.

better stated that heaven is a state of awareness.

if the world thinks consciousness is the hard problem seek deeply into awareness.

naw dont bother the brain is the center of consciousness. case closed.

but that darn hard problem keeps getting in the way.

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researcher, I find it hard to believe anyone in this day and age would be a Cartesian dualist if that’s what you’re saying.  There’s so much evidence to the contrary that believing it would be as silly as say..believing in heaven.

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Well said. There may be an insight to American’s partiality to the notion of heaven in the American myth of individual achievement and success resulting in winner-take-all victory. Most of us soon learn that we are unlikely to even come close to such a victory, We settle for survival and, usually, considerable material comfort, but there is a loss of self-esteem that comes from not striving to be the mythological hero. Heaven, to Americans, may be the ultimate carrot that will transform a mythologically unfulfilled life to ultimate fulfillment.

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American heaven has a big screen TV, infinite amounts of yummy junk food and powerful medications that completely prevent any unpleasant feelings or sensations.

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“But, in fact, its primary function for centuries was as a tool of control and intimidation.”

Indeed, the very definition of religion!

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@ Acupuncturist - Throw in a lady of the evening and that sounds pretty great to me.

On a serious note, I feel this article aims too low. Much that is said here could reply to religion on a general level and not just those that believe in Heaven.

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The major problem I’ve always had with the legend of Heaven is how long people expect to be there:

http://effingtheineffable.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/how-long-is-life-eternal/

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where is the evidence that heaven exists?

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