Changes

28.1.1 The Idea of an Elixir Vitae

28.1.1 The Idea of an Elixir Vitae

28.1.2 Examples of “long-lived” peoples 28.1.3 Examples of possibilities for “long” life 28.1.4 A Correct Perspective on Longevity

28.1.2 Examples of “long-lived” peoples  

 

28.1.3 Examples of possibilities for “long” life  

 

28.1.4 A Correct Perspective on Longevity

To set the correct perspective for this lesson it is wise, at the outset, to point out there really is no elixir of life except by comparing normality with the low standards of life prevailing. There is no such thing as long life—that is, no one can outlive the human po- tential. There is the human potential and anything short of that potential must properly be called shortened life. This potential is better called the natural or normal human life span and anything less than the realization of the normal human life span is premature death. Mature death is a natural death, a death resulting from the simultaneous cessation of life activities by the body’s major organs. It is painless and free of suffering.

To set the correct perspective for this lesson it is wise, at the outset, to point out there really is no elixir of life except by comparing normality with the low standards of life prevailing. There is no such thing as long life—that is, no one can outlive the human po- tential. There is the human potential and anything short of that potential must properly be called shortened life. This potential is better called the natural or normal human life span and anything less than the realization of the normal human life span is premature death. Mature death is a natural death, a death resulting from the simultaneous cessation of life activities by the body’s major organs. It is painless and free of suffering.

This lesson concerns itself with the touchstones that assure health, the necessary con- ditions of a normal life span. The lesson also examines the abuses heaped upon the hu- man body that cause loss of health and thus shorten life.

This lesson concerns itself with the touchstones that assure health, the necessary con- ditions of a normal life span. The lesson also examines the abuses heaped upon the hu- man body that cause loss of health and thus shorten life.

28.1.1 The Idea of an Elixir Vitae

=== The Idea of an Elixir Vitae ===

 

Legends of elixirs come down to us from prehistoric times. Undoubtedly the idea of elixirs was spawned by shamanism. Shamanism was a generalized practice of minis- tering unto human aspiration and credulity. Shamen were medicine men and theologists rolled into one. Their craft and livelihood depended upon exploiting the human propen- sity to believe and trust. They thrived by foisting upon those they “served” magic heal- ing potions which find their counterparts today in Pharmaceuticals (magic weeds) and herbalism. They allayed inquiries into human origins and destinies by fabricating new belief systems based upon legends and rituals that commanded homage of the times. This arm of shamanism evolved into the priesthood while the other arm evolved into what is called medicine.

Legends of elixirs come down to us from prehistoric times. Undoubtedly the idea of elixirs was spawned by shamanism. Shamanism was a generalized practice of minis- tering unto human aspiration and credulity. Shamen were medicine men and theologists rolled into one. Their craft and livelihood depended upon exploiting the human propen- sity to believe and trust. They thrived by foisting upon those they “served” magic heal- ing potions which find their counterparts today in Pharmaceuticals (magic weeds) and herbalism. They allayed inquiries into human origins and destinies by fabricating new belief systems based upon legends and rituals that commanded homage of the times. This arm of shamanism evolved into the priesthood while the other arm evolved into what is called medicine.

Simply stated the idea of an elixir of life springs from hopes for long life. The wish is father of the belief.

Simply stated the idea of an elixir of life springs from hopes for long life. The wish is father of the belief.

28.1.2 Examples of “long-lived” peoples

=== Examples of “long-lived” peoples ===

 

For the past two thousand years the Bible has spoken of very long-lived people, in- cluding Adam and Eve. Methuselah is said to have lived 969 years. But these ages be- come immediately suspect when we learn that women were said to have had their first- born at ages ranging from 120 to 200 years. In those times, as today, many centenarians lived quiet, frugal lives in certain areas of Eastern Europe and in Western Asia. Travelers brought news of these people and many legends arose about their existence. Just as we have one-track minds today, then, answers were sought for this remarkable longevity in Some food, substance, ritual or other single practice.

For the past two thousand years the Bible has spoken of very long-lived people, in- cluding Adam and Eve. Methuselah is said to have lived 969 years. But these ages be- come immediately suspect when we learn that women were said to have had their first- born at ages ranging from 120 to 200 years. In those times, as today, many centenarians lived quiet, frugal lives in certain areas of Eastern Europe and in Western Asia. Travelers brought news of these people and many legends arose about their existence. Just as we have one-track minds today, then, answers were sought for this remarkable longevity in Some food, substance, ritual or other single practice.

28.1.3 Examples of possibilities for “long” life

=== Examples of possibilities for “long” life ===

 

In most countries of the world there are those who have surpassed a hundred years of age. Their longevity has excited much curiosity and inquiry as to their “secret.” Even to this day an outstanding practice of a centenarian is searched for to account for extraor- dinary longevity. If the oldster is a wine drinker, the wine is likely to be characterized as

In most countries of the world there are those who have surpassed a hundred years of age. Their longevity has excited much curiosity and inquiry as to their “secret.” Even to this day an outstanding practice of a centenarian is searched for to account for extraor- dinary longevity. If the oldster is a wine drinker, the wine is likely to be characterized as

responsible for the longer life. The fact the oldster breathes, sleeps, is active, eats frugal- ly, etc. is likely to be ignored. Why shouldn’t geriatric personnel emphasize as elements of longevity those life factors that everyone possesses? There must be some “secret” fac- tor.

responsible for the longer life. The fact the oldster breathes, sleeps, is active, eats frugal- ly, etc. is likely to be ignored. Why shouldn’t geriatric personnel emphasize as elements of longevity those life factors that everyone possesses? There must be some “secret” fac- tor.

28.1.4 A Correct Perspective on Longevity

=== A Correct Perspective on Longevity ===

 

That humans have a natural life span potential of 140 years to 160 years is rarely tak- en into consideration. The yearnings of most for long life are becalmed by the promise of eternal life—not here but in the hereafter. Long life does not become important here if it is but the prelude to eternal bliss in another paradise.

That humans have a natural life span potential of 140 years to 160 years is rarely tak- en into consideration. The yearnings of most for long life are becalmed by the promise of eternal life—not here but in the hereafter. Long life does not become important here if it is but the prelude to eternal bliss in another paradise.

Thus it becomes apparent that those who live their life potential are not long-lived but that, on the contrary, those who do not achieve their life potential are short-lived! The inquiry thus takes on a new perspective. The search then comes to embrace not only those factors that assure achievement of life potential but those factors that are destruc- tive and, as a result, shorten life.

Thus it becomes apparent that those who live their life potential are not long-lived but that, on the contrary, those who do not achieve their life potential are short-lived! The inquiry thus takes on a new perspective. The search then comes to embrace not only those factors that assure achievement of life potential but those factors that are destruc- tive and, as a result, shorten life.

28.2. Achieving Natural Life Potential

== Achieving Natural Life Potential ==

 

28.2.1 Causes of Shortened Life

28.2.1 Causes of Shortened Life