Yoga, and the many paths to truth

"The blog phenomenon with it's multi centred truths and denial of mainstream knowledge could destroy the whole possibility of truth."

So contends my father in this, his first 'mainstream' online appearance. It's funny and very British, and very Jewish, and very him.

I have two immediate responses to this paradoxically erudite and Luddite (yeah, let's wreck those printing presses) outburst:

I know he doesn't 'approve' of post-modern, relativistic modes of thought and contends that 'one 'must take positions' on 'issues' or ideas. Indeed. Without firm points of reference in life where would we be. The problem is obviously that if one relies on 'authorities in order to give the view we're expressing some validity' then surely it becomes very difficult for anyone to transcend the current hegemonic ideology, for those who cite sources not accepted as authorities see their views denigrated and denied. Seems that Foucault had a point after all. In addition, the very concept of equating 'view' with 'truth' is problematic. Is it a case of 'One truth many paths' or 'One path many truths'? It all gets very circular very quickly.

My other response is that when it comes down to it we all like freedom of speech, and maybe saying things that might not be true is fun. And maybe having fun is the path to real truth anyway, the personal truth that all those who have a regular yoga practice begin to wrestle with whenever a foot is set on a mat.

"One truth, many paths" - nice one dad!