The Theory Of Mind (TOM) and The Theory Of Art-2

What utter bullshit!!!!
Yes, 'what utter bullshit', an honest down-to-earth and beautiful comment that I got in response to my last post on the theory of mind and the theory of art. Now the author of this post is someone by the name of 'Manisha'. Now a quick google for the word 'Manisha' gives about1,400,000 possible hits. Now assuming that the owner of this name is amongst these 1,400,000 hits, it might take me a little less than a lifetime to find who may be the one who did it and why. So I will just assume that it was written in a fit of anger by one of the at least two Manishas' that I have known well in my life time so far.
So far and so good, yet. But to come to the 'what utter bullshit' question in the light of the Theory of mind and art post, it does throw up several....well maybe less than several intersting possibilities. Lets examine these:
1. Manisha is 'normal' in the TOM sense of the word. That is, she thinks that this post was uteer bullshit, and is aware that it is only Manisha who thinks that it is. It is possible that others think so too, but Manisha cant be sure of that. Therefore, Manisha's tirade/anger outburst is probably done in a fit of self righteous zealousness to save the world of such drivel as is normally found on this blog, or, it was because Manisha has another axe to grind that may eventually reach the back of my neck at a great speed sometime in the near or distant future.
2. Manisha is autistic in the TOM sense. Now that is difficult to confirm because its difficult to actually empathize or mind-read (Hey, TOM again!!!) unless I can observe Manisha in action and find out whether Manisha's tirade is in response to some ritual that was interrupted by this post or that it was simply a psychotic process.
I hope the author of that remark will come back and respond.
Meanwhile, I better get that comment moderation thingie in order.

The Theory Of Mind and The Theory Of Art

The theory of mind states very simply that a normal individual can appreciate that other people have a perception (of events) that is different from theirs. Now, thats all great if we leave people with autism and others with certain neurological lesions aside. The problems starts when ever I see some artistic work. There are times when I feel extremely drawn in, communicated to, and feel some emotion. More often than not, I feel like this is all crap impersonating as profoundness. Now the theory of mind says that I am within my rights to think that way and there is nothing wrong about it. The problem starts when I start thinking as to how could anyone think that way, and that is when I think that I may be autistic. I mean here are all those fine critics that wax eloquent on all that stuff, and I just dont appreciate it and whats more, I dont even understand how anyone could like it!!! I am sure Tataastha will have an answer to this.

A Beautiful Post

A very dear Tibetan friend, Phurbu wrote to me describing her experience at the recent ceremony held in the United States honoring HH Dalai Lama Of Tibet with the Congressional model, and I thought that this is so beautiful that I could not resist sharing it with all of you.

It was absolutely wonderful. For a moment we thought we might be able to see Tibet..may be for once we can point Tibet on the world map and say thats Tibet is. From the president to the speaker of the house, they spoke valiantly about China's treacherous occupation of Tibet and that Chinese premier should meet with His Holiness. They lavished in their praise of His Holiness and the tibetan people. Not another moment could equal that of seeing colorful tibetan flags flying high on the grounds of Capitol and have everyone in the Senate bow their head to His Holiness, as Nancy Pelosoki, the speaker of the house said'No one deserves to be living in this earth as much as His Holiness." This is the first time the West Lawn of the capitol hill was allowed to use for cultural activities. We felt comforted by the love and support of US. Well it was truly a historical day..and for once my heart was at peace and innately happy.:)

As for myself, I consider myself really fortunate to have had the oppurtunity to have seen him on more than one occasion.

Rain

It rained today..it is still drizzling, and it rained today like I have not seen it rain in a long time. It started off with a few lazy drops when I got into the ward and when I got out, I almost could not believe the fury of the rain. It was pouring down, abd straight down, big heavy drops that were not moved from their path by the wind. And for people like me, who never run, there was no escape. And the choice was to get wet and thoroughly at that or to find shelter. And Sikhs hate to get their turbans wet. So I walked briskly through the rain and eventually found shelter in the verandah of the hospital mortuary. There in the gloom and the din raised by the rain, I sat down on a bench, sharing it with a few sad faces waiting to take their loved ones away. Some were sitting quitely, trying to keep warm, some discussing the rain, one talking on the phone with someone and asking that someone to eat and drink well. I sat down, wait for the ambulance that blocked the path of my car to move. I passed time sitting there looking at the interesting patterns the drops of water made on the indentations in the modified trolleys for corpses. SUddenly I could stand it no longer. The rain too eased a bit, I looked for the driver and asked him to move his ambulance, a request to which his acceptance was more eager than I expected. Maybe he could wait no longer as well. I tiptoed through the water and got into the car. I am in this comfortable, warm room now, maybe I will have a coffee sometime soon. It was an interesting evening.

Lost in Translation?

How does one elicit psychopathology from a patient who needs 2 interpreters to get a question and to send back a reply to the interviewer?

Obviously, a lot gets lost in translation!!!!

Waiting

Waiting
Originally uploaded by Shubh M Singh

The other day, I was at the railway station. I reached there quite by default. But there I was, sitting on a bench and I saw this family, obviously poor, a man, his wife and a kid sitting there in the midst of some jumbled up bags maybe containing all manners of household objects. And I thought that I wanted to get into that train that was pulling out and go wherever it was going to and see what happens then. But there I was sitting on the bench, much like that family waiting for the right train top pull in. Quite significantly though, I got out of the station before the train came in. And I drove home thinking again of that family and where they were and where they would want to be. The days of reckless courage, it seems are finally over. And now its all about living routinely and getting out of trouble as best as I can rather than into it. strangely enough, it seems to be more counterproductive than anything else.

deep voice

Some Crazy stuff here........have a look



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3j2Lj0-dGU

Pilgrim

Pilgrim
Originally uploaded by Shubh M Singh

Closed eyes, but as expressive as any!!!!

Kid

Kid
Originally uploaded by Shubh M Singh

one eye of a terribly Badmash bachaa!!!

Ancient Eyes

Ancient Eyes
Originally uploaded by Shubh M Singh

Eyes that need help.......but look on.

The Look

The Look
Originally uploaded by Shubh M Singh

Another shot of eyes, this time a look of wariness and suspicion!!!

Eyes!!

Behind Bars
Originally uploaded by Shubh M Singh

Eyes are supposed to be beautiful, supposed to be windows to the soul and all that. But i have often wondered whether they actually do communicate as much as they are said to be. I think its the allied areas, that is the eyebrows, the forehead and the cheeks that are so much more expressive. but yes, eyes are the repository of tears, and in good female hands, are irresistible weapons.
Anyways, Nisha wanted eyes, and she gets em!!!