> >Rick writes:
> > RP writes: "Many have thought my title was derived
> >from the Sanskrit "lila" which means "divine play" but that isn't right
> >either. I was just looking for a name that sounded to me to be
> >somewhat lowbrow and sensual".
> >
> >I think the "moral" here is that we should be careful about attributing
our
> >own interpretations of the text and names and imagery (like Orion and
> >Capella and Troy) to RMP himself.
> >
> >So much for he Hindus
>
MIV:
> I think the moral of this is that our minds work in wonderous ways. Even
if
> RP did not consciously INTEND it, he DID it nonetheless. His lack of
> conscious intention is no reason to asume a lack of meaning in the name.
> Perhaps it will be wise asking: "how does this happen? how did those
> meanings get trhough him, without his intention?"
RICK:
Well, yeah... we can all attach almost any meaning to anything
But we have irrefutable evidence in this case. Pirsig has told us why he
chose LILA... for its sound (being lowbrow and sensual) those who
proposed the Hindu origin were simply WRONG (sorry if this hurts the
feelings--- but we've heard from the man himself now and I am prepared to
take his word about his intentions over anyone here).
So why does it sound "lowbrow and sensual" to him??? I have no idea, but I
would suggest that we have plenty to discuss here if we stick to RMP's
conscious intentions without worrying or specutlating about his UNCONSCIOUS
INTENTIONS (is that an oxymoron?).
Besides, if we are prepared to bill our own opinions of the meaning as RMP's
"unconscious intentions" (even in the light of hard evidence to the
contrary--- like this testimony) then I can't see any point in doing this
reading together. I thought the object was to find out what's REALLY THERE
(what's really in the book)... not just continuously plug our opinions
Besides, this is the same RMP who mistranslated the Greek word "Phaedrus" as
"the Wolf"... when it actually means "the Light". even his conscious
intentions elusive and occasionally erroneous
Rick
[MODERATOR's note: I've been letting this thread on the origin of the title
character's name go on because I think it is foundational to the book and
relevant to our first chapter discussion. However, I'm sensing that we're
nearing the end of fruitful discussion on it. I'd like to see us move on soon.
Thanks, Keith]
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