Double binds in zen (koans) supposedly serve to quieten the psychological mind and get in touch with midichlorians.
But it's not magic, or that rare, and it is easily abused.
"You blame yourself for feeling confused, frustrated, and conflicted. You tell yourself you must be doing something wrong. You are not following the “system” correctly enough. You have too much ego (too much selfishness). You redouble your efforts to obey the system. You are suspicious of your own intelligence and distrust yourself (because ego and intellect are to be mistrusted (according to the system). The higher, correct path (you are told) comes from the ancient wisdom tradition of the Eastern enlightenment and spiritual masters.
It’s maddening and cruel. An enclosed circle, a vicious cycle. You are in the double bind."
[skepticmeditations.com]
But it's not magic, or that rare, and it is easily abused.
"You blame yourself for feeling confused, frustrated, and conflicted. You tell yourself you must be doing something wrong. You are not following the “system” correctly enough. You have too much ego (too much selfishness). You redouble your efforts to obey the system. You are suspicious of your own intelligence and distrust yourself (because ego and intellect are to be mistrusted (according to the system). The higher, correct path (you are told) comes from the ancient wisdom tradition of the Eastern enlightenment and spiritual masters.
It’s maddening and cruel. An enclosed circle, a vicious cycle. You are in the double bind."
[skepticmeditations.com]