Enlightenment: The Ego, what is it? How to transcend it.

[greybeard]

Thanks Paula--nice music.
Chris

[Wind]

Each time the psychological mind force comes
and you experience a mind attack,
know that you can only be attacked by becoming personal.
If you are watching as and from the awareness itself
it will be like the mind is throwing stones at you
while it’s under water. No power will be there.
Sometimes, a certain word or feeling
may catch the attention and bring the sense
of being back into personhood.
And once you touch the person state,
you will feel you are fighting against the mind.
Your person stands little chance.
You cannot get into a street fight
with your mind and win.
The only way to win
is to remain in the state of conscious presence,
looking as and from conscious presence,
and everything will slow down in that.
Confirming oneself as presence itself
is all that is necessary to restore harmony.

~ Mooji

[greybeard]

David Spangler - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Also see https://batgap.com/david-spangler/

David Spangler has been a teacher of spiritual potentials since 1964. From 1970 to 1973 he was co-director of the Findhorn Foundation Community. He is a Fellow of the Lindisfarne Association. He is a co-founder of the Lorian Association, a spiritual educational foundation, and a director of the Lorian Center for Incarnational Spirituality. His work involves enabling individuals to embody the innate spirituality of their incarnations. He is the author of over 30 books, including Journey Into Fire Apprenticed To Spirit: The Education of a Soul Subtle Worlds: An Explorer's Field Notes Facing the Future

He writes a free monthly email essay called “David’s Desk”. He also writes a quarterly esoteric journal of his work and explorations with the subtle worlds titled Views from the Borderland. In recent years, this work has brought him into contact with the Sidhe, the “Elven” cousins of Humanity. He describes his experiences in a book Conversations with the Sidhe and through a special card deck—Card Deck of the Sidhe, which he created with Jeremy Berg with inspiration and guidance from their Sidhe contacts. Information about his journal, David’s Desk, online courses, books, and workshops can be found at Lorian.org. David is happily married with four adult children.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zCi5fzwk_M

[greybeard]

Interview with Stephen Wolinsky from Science and Nonduality Anthology Vol.2
Published on Oct 5, 2014

This interview is featured in the 3DVD set "Science and Nonduality Anthology Vol.2". http://www.scienceandnonduality.com/p...

For more information about Stephen Wolinksy visit: http://stephenhwolinskyphdlibrary.com/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkIKXgiKvCM

Stephen makes a lot of sense to me.
Is he correct in his assumptions--Who knows!!!

Chris

[greybeard]

Getting rid of the ego is the biggest ego trip of all. Lol
Ch

The eye of the eye from which nothing is hidden Alan Watts

ublished on Sep 6, 2016

Human appearance has taken on a whole new aura. The One Self shines forth through everyone’s eyes. A radiance shines forth from everyone’s face; everyone is equally beautiful. Most difficult to describe is the interaction among people that moves onto a different level of communication. There is obvious love among everyone. Their speech, however, has changed so that all conversation has become loving and peaceful. The meaning of the words that are heard is not the same as others hear. It is as though there are two different levels of consciousness going on, coming out of the same scenario of form and movement; two different scripts are being spoken via the same words. The meanings of words themselves have been transformed onto a different plane by the higher selves of the people involved with each other, and the communication of understanding is on a higher plane. At the same time, it is clear that the lower selves of the people are unaware of the communication simultaneously going on with their higher selves. People are as though hypnotized into believing the reality of the ordinary selves, which is merely the unwitting acting out of scenarios or roles, as in a movie. By ignoring the lesser selves, the higher selves address each other directly, and the persons’ ordinary selves appear to be unaware of this ongoing higher level of conversation. At the same time, people are sensing intuitively that something different from the ordinary is happening. The conscious presence of the Self creates an energy field that people find extremely pleasurable. It is this energy field that performs the miraculous and brings occurrences into harmony, along with a sense of peace to all who experience it. Visitors who had traveled many miles to ask questions suddenly knew in the presence of that aura the answers that came about through an inner understanding that made the original question irrelevant. This occurred because the Presence recontextualized the illusion of a ‘problem’ and thus caused it to disappear.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQHRM4z2-6Y

[greybeard]

Alan Watts -- Meditation is a Competition in Suffering
He sure has a great sense of humor which many can identify with.
Ch


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA2rrZcyRGM

[greybeard]

Alan Watts - Belief In God

His logic is superb.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xolFr3eZ-K8

[greybeard]

Great explanation on Zen and much more

Alan Watts - Why a belief in God Reflects a Lack of Faith (One of my favorite lectures)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af815ksm4RU

[joeecho]

If god is the star in the darkest dark then what is god in the brightest bright? Should the answer be god then why the dark?

Perhaps that deemed light in the dark is but a shade of darkness, a hint though not it.

Heroes are graven images no matter how much they appear to stand out from the crowd (dark).

Graven images are signposts, do not take them for the destination. But as always, that is for you to determine.

Imagine making it to a signpost only to look again, finding none there. Will you then look for another or will you finally realize you were never lost at any point (signpost) to begin with?

Could darkness and signposts be all part of the experience and the time in that experience of being lost?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDw4lsPDEho

As the lyric goes: "So I got me a pen and paper And I made up my own ****ing sign."

It's a temporal sign, thank you for reading it, I always look forward to reading yours. But more importantly, do read what I am not saying on any post I have or will ever write.

Here is to connecting the dots (signposts):

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1KJYJdlJeE/UXm4pp4A3vI/AAAAAAAACEc/sIprfee9bKg/s1600/12_1.JPG

[greybeard]

To be lost there has to be here and there.--Lost and not lost --yet you are here there and everywhere. as in Omni Present.

Up and down are not opposites, just points of reference.
The you that has a perception of up and down must be dead center between the two--Does that make sense?

So all opposite, held at the same time in mind, cancel out each other,
This is why Stephen Wolinksky can say there is no non duality there is no duality.
And the standard expression "You are Form, Formless--both--and Neither"



The truth can not be spoken of.

There is no spirituality as that has its own massive baggage.
The moment there is identification--as in" I am spiritual or anything else" then there is separation --the have got it and the ones who haven't

All is thought dependent

Only one substance--no spiritual, no not spiritual.

Thats where the thinking is of this moment. Smiling

Ch
.

[joeecho]

Existence is the sign ad infinitum and because of that it doesn't stand out as such.

Existence, nothing to separate, this is apparent, if there were it would not be, but there are rumors....

[greybeard]

In the words of Nisargadatta via Stephen Wolinsky, addressed by me, to my posts "That isn't it"

"I am That" That being the one substance--the energy.--The One without a second.

Ch

[joeecho]

In the words of Nisargadatta via Stephen Wolinsky, addressed by me, to my posts "That isn't it"

"I am That" That being the one substance--the energy.--The One without a second.

Ch

I second that, Chris!

Wait.........

If I didn't second that then I said that. Well then, who are you?

Maybe neither of 'us' said that, maybe it was the Wind?

I see Wind shaking his head, maybe it was Guish?

It's a virtual whodunnit, a mystery.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f4/77/66/f4776640c8d701fdb2bc0dc340498cd7.jpg

https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/literature-author-writer-writing-book-manuscripts-mba0579_low.jpg

It was the author, the author did it, the author is guilty, the author is the sinner but then again, least we forget, it's fiction. Whew! I got caught up in the game, I am glad that is cleared up.

Wait!

Who is the author?

Here 'we' go again......

[greybeard]

"I don't mind"

Thanks for the " I thought and it was all over"

Good night Joe

[joeecho]

Thanks for the " I thought and it was all over"

Good night Joe

No, thank you, Chris.

.......

I dreamt and it was all over, who am I to argue?

I am dreaming.

[greybeard]

Ted Zeff (Dayalu) on Amma - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Oct 30, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/ted-zeff-dayalu-amma/

Ted Zeff (Dayalu) met Amma, the "hugging saint" from India, in 1988 and has lived in her ashram in California for 20 years and her ashram in Chicago for one year.
Dayalu has written three books about Amma: "Searching for God Part I" in 1996, "Searching for God Part II" in 2002 and "Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother"
in 2016. Dayalu has a Ph.D. in integral counseling and psychotherapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco and has studied ayurveda and vedic astrology.

Ted Zeff Dayalu has also given talks about the books he has written about Amma throughout the United Sates, Israel, Denmark and Holland.

Amma's website: http://amma.org

Book: Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKGKQoQbmyE

[joeecho]

Staying on the path of enlightenment will keep one there (relatively not a bad place).

There is no vehicle/ path when off road and consequently nothing to describe.

On the path, I am describing, though I am not the path described.

[greybeard]

Live Your Life Like a Prayer

Weekly Contemplation Dr David Hawkins

Integrous morality and ethics, like genuine reason and faith, are firmly grounded in realistic humility by which essence supersedes appearance and socialized perception. Morality as a virtue is represented by the ethics of character traits, such as consideration for others, honesty, integrity, accountability, and responsibility, as well as allegiance to basic spiritual concepts. To be benign, affectionate, supportive, polite, kind, considerate, and helpful does not raise the flag of a cause or of being superior. Morality is thus a humble way of being in the world for its own sake rather than for gain or ego inflation. The consequences are internal but also evidenced by degrees of happiness and realistically based self-esteem.
These character traits are essential to spiritual evolution and progress, which require self-discipline, humility, and fortitude as well as determination. They lead to prayer and the practice of spiritual principles in all of one's affairs, accompanied by the awareness that one is ultimately accountable to God for what has been done with the gift of life. (This calibrates as true at the level of Infinity. "Every hair on one's head will be counted" is a confirmable truth.)
True morality leads not to pride but to humility, gratitude, and benevolence by which eventually the beauty, perfection, and intrinsic holiness of all Creation spring forth as revelation; thus the dictum, "Straight and narrow is the path ... waste no time."
With spiritual maturity, one understands that this lifetime is precious and too valuable to waste on the ideas of being superior or other ego-inflating, vainglorious illusions. – “Reality, Spirituality, and Modern Man”, Chapter 18 – Narcissism: Ego Worship, pp. 334-335

[greybeard]

Introduction to Quantum Psychology Published on Jun 23, 2013

Stephen Wolinsky - Waking from the Trance 01 A 2of2- Introduction to Quantum Psychology


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVKpGd2-oTU


Introduction to Quantum Psychology 2 of 2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1GwblX3lYE&list=RDAVKpGd2-oTU&index=2[/url]

[Ernie Nemeth]

The more I learn of this world, the more I wonder about morality, or at least my version of it.

I can be in a foul mood, be in the middle of an internal rant, and still respond with kindness and empathy to others if called upon. My awareness is always focussed in a circle around me. I am aware of the path of others and I go out of my way to not disturb their passing by, to open a door, direct traffic, calm, sooth or otherwise lend a hand.

But over the years I find myself increasingly intolerant of the blind and ignorant lives of the masses. It is distasteful to me and frustrating. I have sacrificed so much to stay in integrity as I saw it yet those around me have profited while I have not. It was my choice, I admit my culpability, but I am still resentful of those unwilling or unwitting to take up the cause.

I find those around me live a life I can no longer participate in, and I find it increasingly hard to pretend that I can. My family is falling away as my generation has given way to another and a newer version stands ready to take even our childrens' place. I don't know half the people that come to family gatherings any more.

I feel anachronistic and irrelevant - like time has passed me by - like I've woken up only to find I'm still asleep and in a bad comic horror movie I can't seem to wake up from.

I am starting to think maybe morality is over-rated, given what it truly entails in this world. I can never change my moral code now, but if I could, I probably would.

I think I would be a little more heartless and a bit more ruthless, just so I could still play the game and fit in with family and the rest of the plebes.

[greybeard]

Ernine its good to see you here again, I missed you.

Im not going to give a long response prompted by your thoughts.

Stephen Wolinsky is an eye opener.

No such thing as spirituality--enormous baggage in that label --you are supposed to be kind and all the other things.

I have put a video of his below and from that you can see where he is coming from--he makes sense to me--not saying he is right but may well be so.

In your True identity you are perfect--improvement is not possible--not required.

Best wishes
Chris




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkIKXgiKvCM

[greybeard]

Don't Fear Death Or Sickness (Spiritual Growth)
Tom Campbell (NASA Physicist). From a 15+ hour lecture at the University of Calgary.
Published on Dec 21, 2014



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hylwPP1_heA

[greybeard]

What gets posted covers a spectrum so there is seeming contradiction but its all levels and what opens one's door may not open another's.
Basically you cant earn Self-realization--every attempt, the seeking , takes you further away from what you already are.
So trying to act loving kind "spiritual" creates stress and guilt at not being able to match up what you think you should be, when you are already That--even the persona is as You intended it to be.

The other side of it is, the seeming other is under the same "spell" that you are.
Nisargatdatta called it all a mirage--so we are all mirage persons--smiling

Ch

[neutronstar]

Don't Fear Death Or Sickness (Spiritual Growth)
Tom Campbell (NASA Physicist). From a 15+ hour lecture at the University of Calgary.
Published on Dec 21, 2014




Your into Tom as well? I found Tom about 12 years ago. I read Robert Monroe's "Journeys out of the Body" in high school, but never new Tom was a big part of the formation of the Monroe Institute. He can be a little long winded but I like his work.

[joeecho]

I can never change my moral code now, but if I could, I probably would.


Things like 'moral code' are an example of idols set in stone. They are held up by those that hold them up, they do not do it on their own.

[greybeard]

Don't Fear Death Or Sickness (Spiritual Growth)
Tom Campbell (NASA Physicist). From a 15+ hour lecture at the University of Calgary.
Published on Dec 21, 2014




Your into Tom as well? I found Tom about 12 years ago. I read Robert Monroe's "Journeys out of the Body" in high school, but never new Tom was a big part of the formation of the Monroe Institute. He can be a little long winded but I like his work.

Good to see you posting here neuronstar
Yes I like what Tom has to say.
As said the thread has a fairly wide spectrum I suppose you could say Science and Spirituality.

Ch

[neutronstar]

Don't Fear Death Or Sickness (Spiritual Growth)
Tom Campbell (NASA Physicist). From a 15+ hour lecture at the University of Calgary.
Published on Dec 21, 2014




Your into Tom as well? I found Tom about 12 years ago. I read Robert Monroe's "Journeys out of the Body" in high school, but never new Tom was a big part of the formation of the Monroe Institute. He can be a little long winded but I like his work.

Good to see you posting here neuronstar
Yes I like what Tom has to say.
As said the thread has a fairly wide spectrum I suppose you could say Science and Spirituality.

Ch

Once the false paradigm of materialism completely dies. Spirituality will become the highest form of science. They really aren't separate.

[Guish]

I can never change my moral code now, but if I could, I probably would.


Things like 'moral code' are an example of idols set in stone. They are held up by those that hold them up, they do not do it on their own.

Moral codes may regulate a man's impulses. Being a batfan, this is one of my favorite scenes. Batman's code of morality which is not to kill controls his temper.

SoggUkEpBRM

[greybeard]

As awareness increases the need for moral codes--rules and regulations drop away.
Right action just seems to happen.
Any ego thought is noticed, but not necessarily acted out.

Chris

[greybeard]

Ted Zeff on Highly Sensitive People - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Nov 1, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/ted-zeff-highly-se...

Ted Zeff, Ph.D is the author of The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide, The The Highly Sensitive Person's Companion , The Strong, Sensitive Boy, and The Power of Sensitivity. Elaine Aron, Ph.D., author of The Highly Sensitive Person, has written the forwards to his books about sensitive people. Dr. Zeff’s books have sold more than 75,000 copies and have been translated into 8 languages. He has more than 25 years’ experience counseling sensitive children and adults.

Dr. Zeff has also written Raise an Emotionally Healthy Boy: Save Your Son From the Violent Boy Culture, Searching for God Part I and II and Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother.

Dr. Zeff currently teaches workshops and consults internationally on coping strategies for highly sensitive children and adults. He has given presentations in Denmark, Holland, Norway, Israel, and throughout the United States. He has been interviewed about the trait of high sensitivity in the media, such as NBC TV, PBS radio, Psychology Today and the Huffington Post (which received 1.2 million likes).

Ted Zeff Dayalu has also given talks about the books he has written about Amma throughout the United Sates, Israel, Denmark and Holland.

Books: The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide: Essential Skills for Living Well in an Overstimulating World (Step-By-Step Guides) The Highly Sensitive Person's Companion: Daily Exercises for Calming Your Senses in an Overstimulating World by Zeff, Ted (2007) Paperback The Strong, Sensitive Boy The Power of Sensitivity Raise an Emotionally Healthy Boy: Save Your Son From the Violent Boy Culture Amma: Inspiring Experiences with the Divine Mother

Website: drtedzeff.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0q729cJNzg

[joeecho]

Don't Fear Death Or Sickness (Spiritual Growth)
Tom Campbell (NASA Physicist). From a 15+ hour lecture at the University of Calgary.
Published on Dec 21, 2014




Your into Tom as well? I found Tom about 12 years ago. I read Robert Monroe's "Journeys out of the Body" in high school, but never new Tom was a big part of the formation of the Monroe Institute. He can be a little long winded but I like his work.

Good to see you posting here neuronstar
Yes I like what Tom has to say.
As said the thread has a fairly wide spectrum I suppose you could say Science and Spirituality.

Ch

Once the false paradigm of materialism completely dies. Spirituality will become the highest form of science. They really aren't separate.

Spiritualism like Materialism takes many forms of which not all is what we would view as externally apparent.

They both point at but intrinsically are not the point.

It's like if someone were to ask me what the Point is, what I would tell them would not be the Point but words and ideas that are pointing.

[joeecho]

Everything is pointing so there is no Point (even what we know as the Point is pointing).

If someone were to ask me to point out the Point and I could perfectly describe in the finest detail such a Point that too would be pointing.

What is the point to pointing you ask? That is a question for the ages. Could in be but remnants of that which is not of this 'pointing'? A reminder not quite fully formed? A silent whisper?

I hear your whisper in the wind old friend, it's good to hear your voice once again.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/omuYo49_SOQ/hqdefault.jpg

[greybeard]

Krishnamurti, Meditation and the miracle in Listening


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3SbBDQYAw

[greybeard]

Osho describes his 'Enlightenment Experience'
This is an excerpt from an Osho discourse titled "The Discipline of Transcendence" Vol 2, given on 10 Sep 1976, at Pune,India.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do53trya4jg

[shijo]

i wonder what happened to his 50 rolls royces,his harem and all that land in oregon!:bigsmile:i know one shouldnt confuse the message with the messenger,but really.....apart from that youve done a grand job with this thread Chris, thanks,although i dont post much i read avidly.regards Shijo.

[greybeard]

Thanks for your kind comments shijo.
Osho was a comedian --his comment was "Rich people need a guru too"

I dont thing he gave a damn.

Any way as you implied the message was good.

Thanks again
Chris

[greybeard]

Michael A. Rodriguez - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Published on Nov 3, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/michael-rodriguez/

This is just a story. I put it into words reluctantly. Please do not compare yourself to me or anyone else. Rather, live by your own Light. In reality, there is absolutely no separation between you and me in any way.

I share my direct experience of boundless Awareness, which is our common ground, to all beings who feel called to work with me. My spiritual path began 22 years ago with Zen and subsequently included deep engagements with Vedanta, Sufism, and Christian mysticism.

I hold four academic degrees, including a master’s degree in Comparative Religion from Harvard, taught at the university level for many years, and lived for two years in a monastery. Although I began my journeyless journey with Roshi Philip Kapleau and Toni Packer, my three greatest influences are Nisargadatta, Mooji, and Rupert Spira.

Based on my exposure to their teachings, my spiritual path culminated after I left academia and had an Awakening during a five-year period of purification and alchemical transmutation where I experienced a series of direct insights into non-dual Awareness. In addition to this extraordinarily dynamic purificatory process of the body-mind during which my insights became embodied in and as the Natural State, I also saw my Self in the silence of the mind as the unbroken eternal continuity of Pure Awareness, what Nisargadatta calls the Absolute; this Realization has never left and is the unchanging Reality of all my changing experiences. Seeking fell away, the seeker disappeared, and all questions and doubts vanished.

As I work with people one-on-one and in groups, I avoid any fixed position by flowing freely not only between the paths of wisdom and devotion, but also between the radical non-dual approach that points to "sudden Awakening" and the many yogic/therapeutic paths that emphasize evolution. In addition to drawing from the world’s wisdom traditions, I integrate literature, music, and art into my work to address the full range of human potential.

For those who are interested, a more detailed description of my spiritual unfoldment can be found on my website.

Website: http://BoundlessAwareness.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKL-uT8xH_c

[greybeard]

Its good to see Rick doing an interview with Michael Rodriguez in person rather than by skype.
Very personal and interesting conversation, well worth watching

Michael A. Rodriguez - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

[greybeard]

"Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times" - Deepak Chopra in Conversation with Sadhguru


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD6vGUzuJZ4&feature=em-share_video_user

Sadhguru's Chicago Book Tour Talk 13th October 2016


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M49zwyQ9cA&feature=em-share_video_user


Thanks to Heart2hearth for these two videos

Chris

[greybeard]

One of the best recent interviews on Buddha at the gas pump.

Chris


Michael A. Rodriguez - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Published on Nov 3, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/michael-rodriguez/

This is just a story. I put it into words reluctantly. Please do not compare yourself to me or anyone else. Rather, live by your own Light. In reality, there is absolutely no separation between you and me in any way.

I share my direct experience of boundless Awareness, which is our common ground, to all beings who feel called to work with me. My spiritual path began 22 years ago with Zen and subsequently included deep engagements with Vedanta, Sufism, and Christian mysticism.

I hold four academic degrees, including a master’s degree in Comparative Religion from Harvard, taught at the university level for many years, and lived for two years in a monastery. Although I began my journeyless journey with Roshi Philip Kapleau and Toni Packer, my three greatest influences are Nisargadatta, Mooji, and Rupert Spira.

Based on my exposure to their teachings, my spiritual path culminated after I left academia and had an Awakening during a five-year period of purification and alchemical transmutation where I experienced a series of direct insights into non-dual Awareness. In addition to this extraordinarily dynamic purificatory process of the body-mind during which my insights became embodied in and as the Natural State, I also saw my Self in the silence of the mind as the unbroken eternal continuity of Pure Awareness, what Nisargadatta calls the Absolute; this Realization has never left and is the unchanging Reality of all my changing experiences. Seeking fell away, the seeker disappeared, and all questions and doubts vanished.

As I work with people one-on-one and in groups, I avoid any fixed position by flowing freely not only between the paths of wisdom and devotion, but also between the radical non-dual approach that points to "sudden Awakening" and the many yogic/therapeutic paths that emphasize evolution. In addition to drawing from the world’s wisdom traditions, I integrate literature, music, and art into my work to address the full range of human potential.

For those who are interested, a more detailed description of my spiritual unfoldment can be found on my website.

Website: http://BoundlessAwareness.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKL-uT8xH_c

[joeecho]

Duality, zero and one. Zero and one or poetically speaking, to be or not to be. One cannot believe in life if there is no death and vise versa.

Nonduality: Neither is true. Neither exists.

Then what does exist? The question should be, why does neither exist?

[greybeard]

Duality, zero and one. Zero and one or poetically speaking, to be or not to be. One cannot believe in life if there is no death and vise versa.

Nonduality: Neither is true. Neither exists.

Then what does exist? The question should be, why does neither exist?

To my mind Joe neither exists because there has to be a human mind stating that.
Anamorphic---the Absolute not having any characteristics apart from Divine Love and certainly not human love--does not --can not judge absence or lack of absence.
All concepts labels etc are just not relevant.
Nothing exists and when condensed becomes matter.

Thats as near as I can get--not saying Im right on this.

Chris.

[joeecho]

Enlightenment, the undeniable (almost gnawingly so) knowing that everything is just not right.

And the tricky part, wanting to know what/ why that is. The tricky part is like chasing the white rabbit is Alice in Wonderland.

One could spent eternity chasing the tricky part, it's the tricky part for a reason.

The tricky part is, microcosmic-ly speaking, knowing what the tricky part of this post is.

[greybeard]

Thomas Beck, Ph.D. and Janet Colli, Ph.D. - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Published on Nov 7, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/thomas-beck-ph-d-j...

Thomas Beck, Ph.D. has helped people for 25 years to integrate transformational experience—a radical restructuring of the psyche on a higher level of functioning. As a result of his own neurophysiological restructuring, his meditation practice & interactions with an otherworldly being ("Cosmic Mother"), Thomas is now helping people heal from a wide range of physical illnesses. He believes we all have the ability to heal, and to spiritually awaken through the unconditional love of the Almighty Spirit.

Janet Elizabeth Colli, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist in the Pacific Northwest specializing in integrating trauma with spiritual awakening. With expertise in both Clinical and Transpersonal Psychology, she bridges psychology with the extraordinary, and the mystical. She presents at the professional conferences of the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE). Catalyzed by a spiritually transformative experience (STE) during cancer treatment, she now provides psycho-spiritual support for a full range of processes, including for those who have been psychiatrically hospitalized during STEs. She facilitates Spiritual Emergence Seattle—a consultation service integrating psycho-spiritual, physiological & community support. Janet lives on Whidbey Island and swims with wild dolphins in Hawaii.

Website: http://sacredencounters.com

Books: The End of Homo Sapiens: And The Birth of a New Species The Dark Face of Heaven: True Stories of Transcendence Through Trauma Sacred Encounters




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPFURUbkfL8

[greybeard]

Anita Moorjani on election


Anita Moorjani <newsletter@anitamoorjani.com>
Today at 8:06


Let's turn up the LOVE...all around the world


If you are living in the United States, then you are aware that today is Election Day in the US. Even if you don't live in the US, you are probably aware of the current situation here, where we are going through one of the most intense elections in history.
I want to take the opportunity to share an idea with everyone reading this: Regardless of who is elected, let's all make a commitment to do our best to make this world a better place for ourselves, and everyone around us. Let's make a loving effort to embody what we want in this world, and not to buy into the fear and anger that is going around right now.
I interpret fear as an absence of love.
This means that every time you feel fear, it is an opportunity to focus on more love.
Every time you witness acts committed from a place of fear, it's also an opportunity for you to share more love.
For my part, I commit to continue to share messages of love in whatever way I can!
Will you please join me in a commitment to love more?
If the answer is yes, please also consider sharing this message with others, in whichever way calls to you.
Together, let's focus on loving more...and watch what happens around us.

[greybeard]

Dr David Hawkins
Weekly Contemplation


Enlightenment means that the former personal identity and all that had been believed about it have been erased, removed, transcended, dissolved, and displaced.

The particular has been replaced by the universal, qualities have been replaced by essence, the linear has been replaced by the nonlinear, and the discrete has been replaced by the unlimited.
Position in time or space has become Allness and Foreverness. Intention has been replaced by spontaneity, and the limiting perception of duality has been removed as the Radiance of Oneness illuminates the Reality and the Truth of nonduality. The essence of Divinity stands forth in its Self-revelation.

Mentation has ceased, and in the Silence, the Knowingness of Omniscience radiates forth unasked. Emotion has been replaced by Peace.

The exquisite gentleness of Infinite Power is deftly soft and invisible because it is the very Source and substrate of all that appears to exist. By analogy, it is like a shadow that is replaced by a sunbeam.
The shadow does not become the sunbeam.

Seeming ‘cause’ or ‘change’ is replaced by the unfoldment of Creation. All is the perfect expression of the potentiality of essence. Nothing is acting on anything else. Aesthetic harmony and concordance are innate to the perfect safety that is intrinsic to existence.
The stop frame of form is replaced by the continuity of universal essence.

– “I: Reality and Subjectivity” (2003), Chapter 20: Perspectives, p. 346

[Clear Light]

Oh, so at Chris' request I am posting this reply from a thread I was party to yesterday and I can certainly see how it "fits in" with the general thrust of his "Enlightenment and related matters" thread :sun:


Oh, this may or may not be of interest but I feel it is somewhat pertinent to the content / context of the most recent Posts to this thread :

From "Decoding Reality: The Universe as Quantum Information" by Vlaktro Vedral (2010) :


The famous British astronomer Arthur Eddington put it this way: ‘The term “particle” survives in modern physics but very little of its classical meaning remains. A particle can now best be defined as the conceptual carrier of a set of variates ... It might seem desirable to distinguish the “mathematical fictions” from “actual particles”; but it is difficult to find any logical basis for such a distinction. Discovering a particle means observing certain effects which are accepted as proof of its existence’.

Eddington claims here that a particle is just a set of labels that we use to describe outcomes of our measurements. And that’s it. It all boils down to a relation between our measurements and our labels ! The complexity that we see around us in this world (and this complexity we believe to be growing with time, as far as life is concerned at least) is just due to the growing interconnectedness.

In this way, can we now analyse how we encode reality? By doing so, we will never arrive at ‘the thing in itself’ by any kind of means. Everything that exists, exists by convention and labelling and is therefore dependent on other things. So, Buddhists would say that their highest goal – realizing emptiness – simply means that we realize how inter-related things fundamentally are. Exactly the same is true in other Eastern religions. Less well known in the West is Advaita Vedanta – a Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the total oneness of the Universe. In this view our perceptions of separate entities is just an illusion – Maya. Even the Universe as a whole only exists by labelling and not by itself. Our reality is ‘that which is the sum total of all the observations and facts humanity has gathered so far’ !

We have reached a point where any particle of matter (such as an atom) and energy (such as a photon) in the Universe is defined with respect to an intricate procedure that is used to detect it. If the detector makes a click (like a Geiger counter) the particle is detected. The click itself creates one extra bit of information comprising reality. The crucial point is that the particle does not exist independently of the detector.

But what exactly constitutes a click for any detector such as a Geiger counter? A click is the positive result of any experimental procedure capable of detecting the presence of a particle. This is done by generating a specific interaction between the experimental apparatus and the spatial region in which we are searching for the particle. The interaction needs to be carefully engineered – some interactions simply will not be able to serve this purpose, i.e. they will not give us the relevant bit of information. Going back to the photon example, a beam-splitter will not give us any information as to the existence of the photon. Nothing in the beam-splitter retains any record of the presence or absence of the photon that might have gone through. In other words, beam-splitters cannot produce clicks.

If we want a click we have to use something instead of or in addition to beam-splitters, such as photomultipliers. Photomultipliers are designed so that the presence of a photon knocks out one electron, whose motion triggers an electrical current whose presence is amplified to the macroscopic level. This results in a click that we can hear, or any other effect that we can register with our senses.

We can push this a bit further, however. We can ask if the particle is the cause for the detector to click. The answer is no. The reason is that in quantum physics, as we have argued, particles exist and don’t exist at the same time. Here I don’t just mean that they exist in different places, I mean that even in one place a particle can exist and not exist simultaneously. This too is a direct consequence of quantum indeterminacy. What would this mean in the beam-splitter example discussed earlier? It means that a photon simultaneously enters and does not enter it and this implies that the only time it will be detected at the output is when it does exist. Whether the detector clicks or not is a genuinely random event that cannot be predicted by any means, in the same way that we cannot predict the photon’s reflection at the beam-splitter. This implies that we should not say that an existing particle causes the click just like we cannot say that photon’s reflection caused a click (since we know that it also passes through). The click has no cause at all and therefore we have no underlying particles.

And since there are no underlying particles in reality, there are no things in the Universe that are made up of particles existing without the intricate procedures to detect them.


34526

(By the way the book quote above is from Chapter 12 "Destruction ab Toto: Nothing from Something" and can be found from the bottom of page 200 onwards if you're interested)

IMHO "QM" is basically pointing to the fact that, in some way, our "Consciousness" cannot be ignored as being fundamental to the very point from which many modern day scientific Theories develop and without its inclusion the likely ending of such "thought experiments" is the veritable "Dead End" of Materialistic (Subject / Object) Paradigms eh ?

[greybeard]

Quantum Physics and Spirituality are closely related regarding a conscious Universe.
Thanks Clear Light.
Chris

[betoobig]

hello, Chris i thought this is the right place to share with you a Little present for your birthdate, the day you came to earth, makes sense with this.
l8CUJ2cSMmQ
Much love

[greybeard]

Thanks very much my friend I will have this on when I meditate to night.
There is a couple of Bianural beat mp3s that I use --basically whatever works.
Sometimes I just sit in silence other time Mooji as you know.

Good night--may God bless you and yours
Chris

[greybeard]

Alan Watts - Hinduism fully explained

Thank you to the Source of this information, Alan Watts.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRYpIDyXGio

[greybeard]

How Do I Practice Self Enquiry - Rupert Spira
Published on Nov 1, 2016

Let us explore our ' True Self ' and discover
that it is Consciousness and Awareness itself.
~ https://www.facebook.com/Consciousnes... ~


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwGW6ilbG5I

[greybeard]

Hinduism fully explained by Alan Watts brings together a lot about spiritual truth also about human society.
Well worth watching and points to where society is malfunctioned today through schooling--in order to make a living--it separates Dad from family--etc.

Ch

[suzzycowgirl]

Some people live on the surface of life and never go into themselves unless circumstances force them to. Because going inside yourself is a form of insanity and there is never a guarantee you will come back to the surface at the spot you left.
I often find myself in the rabbit hole like in Alice in Wonderland and experience the sensation of falling with no bottom in sight. My ego and intellect scream and conjure up images of death but the real me keeps on falling. Finally at some point God reaches out Her hand to catch me and turn the lie I couldn't live with into truth.

[Clear Light]

Some people live on the surface of life and never go into themselves unless circumstances force them to. Because going inside yourself is a form of insanity and there is never a guarantee you will come back to the surface at the spot you left.
I often find myself in the rabbit hole like in Alice in Wonderland and experience the sensation of falling with no bottom in sight. My ego and intellect scream and conjure up images of death but the real me keeps on falling. Finally at some point God reaches out Her hand to catch me and turn the lie I couldn't live with into truth.

Oh, I have to agree with you (where highlighted) inasmuch as that kind of 'living on the surface' probably limits such a person to a mostly reactionary unconscious form of 'Being' eh ?

Now what came to this Mind (amongst other transient thoughts LOL) is "The unexamined life is not worth living" which is maybe 'fear inducing' to some yet wildly liberating to others who have seen through (pierced) the illusion of the 'separate self' and thus have a how-shall-I-say "deeper" Compassionate Oceanic-like perspective eh ? ;)

[greybeard]

Dolores Cannon. Are you ready for this? - What is "God", and why are we here? (Deep!)

The word that interests me is pulsing.

I don't agree with all of it---but most of it is helpful and may be so.
I think this was how form was created --human form too but we are not that--we are That which is eternal and therefore never created.
She does say we are all God

Worth watching.

Chris



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yMkhRcqqaE

[suzzycowgirl]

Oh, I have to agree with you (where highlighted) inasmuch as that kind of 'living on the surface' probably limits such a person to a mostly reactionary unconscious form of 'Being' eh ?


yet wildly liberating to others who have seen through (pierced) the illusion of the 'separate self' and thus have a how-shall-I-say "deeper" Oceanic-like perspective eh ? ;)

yes, to have pierced the illusion and have a deeper perspective means one reaches a level of conscious awareness which frees her from the trials and tribulations of the world and brings her in harmony with her true spiritual self.

Such an aware reply to this post leads me to believe you are in touch with your true spiritual self.

[greybeard]

Oh, I have to agree with you (where highlighted) inasmuch as that kind of 'living on the surface' probably limits such a person to a mostly reactionary unconscious form of 'Being' eh ?


yet wildly liberating to others who have seen through (pierced) the illusion of the 'separate self' and thus have a how-shall-I-say "deeper" Oceanic-like perspective eh ? ;)

yes, to have pierced the illusion and have a deeper perspective means one reaches a level of conscious awareness which frees her from the trials and tribulations of the world and brings her in harmony with her true spiritual self.

Such an aware reply to this post leads me to believe you are in touch with your true spiritual self.

I suspect he is not "in touch with" but is fully Self and aware.

Im splitting linguistic hairs.

Welcome to the thread suzzycowgirl.

Chris

[greybeard]

WakeUp StandUp with Tim Freke

Published on Nov 3, 2016

Tim preforms his stand up philosophy show before a live audience in Bristol.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8cJgpiLxzs&t=707s

[lake]

Enlightenment, the undeniable (almost gnawingly so) knowing that everything is just not right.

And the tricky part, wanting to know what/ why that is. The tricky part is like chasing the white rabbit is Alice in Wonderland.

One could spent eternity chasing the tricky part, it's the tricky part for a reason.

The tricky part is, microcosmic-ly speaking, knowing what the tricky part of this post is.

I comprehend that I should respond to this, my 'watching self', requires me to type words and publish those typed descriptive symbols....but the material part which I action screams at me not to!
I have looked at this post maybe 15 times!
I do not believe that there is a tricky part.......more that there is only a tricky acceptance?

Edit to add that at some point I will need to compose an answer to this post!

[greybeard]

That was a long 5 minutes--Glad to see you back Lake.

The annoying part is that we talk about that which can not be talked about.
However sign posts are essential on this journey to no where, not a thing.
A map less place that is not a place--non location.

You are "Form,formless, both and neither"
Stephen Walinsky does a great job on this ----opposites held at the same time negate each other so to speak.
You are not left in the middle between the opposites but Nirvana--annihilation of me.

Thats the thought of the moment
Talking to one self again, eh?

Couldn't resist
.
Chris

[lake]

It's a difficult place I am now creating mate....but I am creating it.......or allowing it would be more correct, within my perceived fractal of a singular experience!

You know that I consider 'us' as being no thing whilst also being the potential of ( insert here any adjective you could imagine)

3 times dead in a single concept of considering a limited experience! The chance to perceive limitation via death of the material form always pre....PRE sent!

A concept, a conceptualization, a consideration, a continuance of containment, conceived by certain contaminating, competitive, coercive, considerations, censored by constantly controlled constraints composed by completely compliant commonalty’s condoning conditioning of co-operating commoners , commonly considered as complete c**ts by contemplating, considering, compassionate concepts of creation! This is the Terra....laughable isn't it!

But I do need to address the post by Joe :highfive:
and work out why I typed the above paragraph??? lol

[greybeard]

What ever you think it is, it isnt.
There is no find it, no finding out --yet it can not be escaped There is no time to discover.
There is no space--no location.
Nothing to exist to stand out -- --yet nothing to not exist.

I am, that I am. But not in a conventional sense
No other is needed to confirm or deny this.

Yet I like to play.

Ch

[suzzycowgirl]

Im splitting linguistic hairs.

Welcome to the thread suzzycowgirl.

Chris

Yes we are on the same page here, thanks for the welcome, Chris

[joeecho]

That which types, that which debates on typing is the veil perceived to have both infinitesimal and infinite depth but ultimately has none. Perception is like being born wearing progressive 3D glasses and full enlightenment is like seeing clearly for the first time without them.

Interestingly the Bible alludes to this in


Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

I am in no position to remove the speck from anyone's eye (in reality there is nothing to remove) but that won't stop me from trying to describe the speck/ plank.

The speck/ plank works tirelessly to convince it exists and not only that but that it is the only thing that exists when neither is true.

As a side note, quantum physics/ mechanics is based on this same hypothetical speck/ plank.

.....................................................................

This I know, you are NOT speck/ plank. 'Know thyself' to better understand the later sentence.

[lake]

What is the most important question to consider as one travels a singular conception of caricaturization within a pseudo consideration of thought?

:confused:

[greybeard]

Just when I thought it "safe" to go to bed, it got interesting here in cyber space. (even spell check does not work on cyber)

Good to see you all so, to speak.

Ch

[greybeard]

There is an acceptance that nothing works and that is no longer a big deal.
"
If spending time on meditation is more important than doing the dishes "realize" you are in trouble--you aint got it

Ch

[joeecho]

Who would have thought that doing the dishes (among others) was all part of the grand tour across the universal mind?

[joeecho]

Who would have thought that doing the dishes (among others) was all part of the grand tour across the universal mind?


There is an acceptance that nothing works and that is no longer a big deal.
"
If spending time on meditation is more important than doing the dishes "realize" you are in trouble--you aint got it

Ch

Neither is ultimately important and yet, 'here' we are.

Solved world hunger? Good work!

<erases accomplishment like one erases works on chalk board>

Now do it again for the first time.

but, but, but........

Loss for words? Now we are getting somewhere..... ;)

[lake]

Who would have thought that doing the dishes (among others) was all part of the grand tour across the universal mind?


There is an acceptance that nothing works and that is no longer a big deal.
"
If spending time on meditation is more important than doing the dishes "realize" you are in trouble--you aint got it

Ch

Neither is ultimately important and yet, 'here' we are.

Solved world hunger? Good work!

<erases accomplishment like one erases works on chalk board)

Now do it again for the first time.

but, but, but........

Loss for words? Now we are getting somewhere..... ;)

self consideration defines attitude to another's action but another cannot exist within the self's concept of material limitation!
so why do the feelings of responsibility, for the limitations of nature itself, haunt participation in a singular experience when only one can be?
Why is the nature of this plane?

I am within my view of this world. It is as I conceive it. It becomes as I consider it. It is me.

I cannot change another as there is no other here!
But all else have their home and the fractals, me and you and them and us and all, overlap each other!
You become me and I am you, together we are them and separately they are us!

But there is more to consider but now....sleep calls or more another place calls?
Tomorrow my friends :)

[greybeard]

As I have been saying I like Stephen Wolinsky
Its as though nothing comes into existence prior to a word for it.
That is not exactly true of course--the word is not it.

Science according to Stephen has proved that the action happens or at least started to happen before the notion to do it happens.
Then the me claims authorship==I am the doer.

The ego is devious--I can accept that I am not the doer but I still have a challenge with no free will.
Yet Stephen is very clear that Nasargadatta said to him you have no free will.
Free will needs lots of things to exist--it needs location --this controls that over there.
Subject and object must exist in order for something to be carried out through free will.

One substance rules this out completely
Tolle said "There was never anyone there to do anything to you."

Events happen (spontaneously)
Deeds are done (things carrying out their function)
There is no doer there of. (nothing is making anything happen)
Its all just happening.

The God-realized in India are known to say ."I am the Totality, all of it"
Tolle quote--"The Universe brings everything about"

No free will, none what so ever --intellectually I can almost get.

My life sure did not go according to MY plan.

No one in their right mind would spend the amount of time that "I" seem to do reading, listening to enlightened sages.
"I" do the dishes regularly too--smiling

I am in bed, safe and well --smiling.

There is a light switch some where.

Good night--I hope

Ch


That I can see from my own experience

[Clear Light]

Ah, but what of "Emptiness" I ask of no-one ? In gently holding the question "Who am I" perhaps there is the possibility of opening to the more fundamental question of "What am I" eh ? :wink:


34572

[greybeard]

Ah, but what of "Emptiness" I ask of no-one ? In gently holding the question "Who am I" perhaps there is the possibility of opening to the more fundamental question of "What am I" eh ? :wink:


34572

we are back to Neity neity not this not this.
I am not what my friends think I am I am not my name.

Without using labels memory feelings etc
Am I Male or female both or neither?
Am I right or wrong both or neither?
Am I form or formless both or neither?
these questions can be applied to any concept.

They are In response to Clear light.

Not who--That. or is it This?
Linguistics--words can only point to what it is not.

Ch

[joeecho]

Linguistics--words can only point to what it is not.

Ch

I am speechless. Can you hear me now?

[greybeard]

Linguistics--words can only point to what it is not.

Ch

I am speechless. Can you hear me now?

Pardon!!

Ch

[greybeard]

Nasargadatta when asked what he was responded with "Nothing perceivable or conceivable" or words to that effect--I can remember the exact quote at the moment.
So we are back to process of elimination--Neity neity--not this not this.
Words cant define as language needs subject and object.
The Absolute is beyond this.
But then you know all this Joe.

Ch

[joeecho]

Linguistics--words can only point to what it is not.

Ch

I am speechless. Can you hear me now?

Pardon!!

Ch

Thanks, it was nothing.

When does the pardon go in effect? Before, during or after the story ends?

[greybeard]

Pardon as in " Sorry could you speak up, I did not hear what you said"

Ch

[joeecho]

Nasargadatta when asked what he was responded with "Nothing perceivable or conceivable" or words to that effect--I can remember the exact quote at the moment.
So we are back to process of elimination--Neity neity--not this not this.
Words cant define as language needs subject and object.
The Absolute is beyond this.
But then you know all this Joe.

Ch

When everything is eliminated, what is left?

Exactly.

After all is eliminated, pieces are brought back to form 'the' story.

Rise again Word, you have a story to tell. I mean, who doesn't believe history, particularly their own.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lHbdYEzpQVY/TKleNWhNtiI/AAAAAAAAAFg/bF200z7y4gQ/s1600/bird_is_the_word.gif

http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/The_b3156d_1706059.jpg

(The Word doesn't like competition)

[joeecho]

Pardon as in " Sorry could you speak up, I did not hear what you said"

Ch

When silence speaks up, what does it sound like?

[greybeard]

Pardon as in " Sorry could you speak up, I did not hear what you said"

Ch

When silence speaks up, what does it sound like?

Its sounds exactly like "One hand clapping"

Ch

[joeecho]

Pardon as in " Sorry could you speak up, I did not hear what you said"

Ch

When silence speaks up, what does it sound like?

Its sounds exactly like "One hand clapping"

Ch

Thank you for the applause.

I have to hand it to you, Chris, the sound is deafening.

............................

Knowing nothing is knowing all.

All I have or will ever share is nothing incognito.

[greybeard]

Joe you really test my intellect.
Thats a thorn to remove a thorn.

With love and appreciation.
Chris

[Wind]

It doesn’t matter what the mind says.
It is our attention that gives it power.
Find out: who is the listener?

~ Mooji

[WildOrchid]

Seems appropriate with all the global turmoil we are going through...
u73tWt_FuAo

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread WildOrchid
Thanks for your contribution.

Chris

[Clear Light]

It doesn’t matter what the mind says.
It is our attention that gives it power.
Find out: who is the listener?

~ Mooji

Yes, the one who is "interpreting" perception and as such potentially "distorting" them from their innate (All Good) Perfection eh ? :wink:

[Clear Light]

It doesn’t matter what the mind says.
It is our attention that gives it power.
Find out: who is the listener?

~ Mooji

Yes, the one who is "interpreting" perception and as such potentially "distorting" them from their innate (All Good) Perfection eh ? :wink:

Oh, perhaps "I" should be more explicit : Those who are "in the know" LOL will of course understand that I'm referring to the "Witness" position, that place from which we usually "view all life" ... but instead why not consider your "Perfect Awareness" is appearing AS all those things we usually take ourselves for, such as "thoughts, perceptions, feelings, sensations" because then "it's all perfect just as it is" eh ? :wink:

Phew, what a relief !!! :sun:

P.S. It's only the ego-self that is unhappy with how things appear to be isn't it eh ?

[greybeard]

I suspect that every generation has its spiritual teachers relevant to language and level of consciousness.
Mine had mostly Indian teachers--greatly valued.
Now there is a wealth of Western ones expressing Truth in a simpler but profound way.

Whatever works.

Ch.

[joeecho]

It's only the ego-self that is unhappy with how things appear to be isn't it eh ?

The ego-self is a tricky bastard, it may appear to be unhappy but as long as appearance reigns it cares not that it changes.
In fact, it may depend on appearance changing to keep the focus off appearance in general. If appearance is doubted at a fundamental level the whole thing falls apart.
As ego that is the last thing it wants. Maintaining appearances is a 24/7 job for ego, even when it is supposedly 'alone'.

Ego 'alone' is when it is most vulnerable to full disclosure.

[greybeard]

I AM UNBORN: Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeDtEdD8bWM

[greybeard]

The whole teaching of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

This video has been prepared from an excerpt from I AM THAT.

(The essentials are there---very helpful--ch)




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJLLgjHojP8

[greybeard]

Adyashanti and Susanne Marie on the Falling Away of Self - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Published on Nov 18, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/adyashanti-susanne...

Join Susanne Marie and Adyashanti in an exploration about an often misunderstood subject.
Beyond the traditional landing places that mind creates (commonly discussed in non-dual circles), lies an indescribable landscape of living as pure, direct experiencing.
Prior to this opening, the habitual subjective filter creates a veil of separation of which one is not even aware.
This is true even within expanded, unified states of consciousness.
Once this filter falls away, life is experienced directly, as itself, without any intermediary.

Adyashanti, is an American-born spiritual teacher and author devoted to serving the awakening of all beings.
His teachings are an open invitation to stop, inquire, and recognize what is true and liberating at the core of all existence.
Asked to teach in 1996 by his Zen teacher of 14 years,
Adyashanti offers teachings that are free of any tradition or ideology. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine, but is open to all and found within all.”
He teaches throughout North America and Europe, offering satsangs, weekend intensives, silent retreats, and a live internet radio broadcast.

Website: http://adyashanti.org

A lifelong spiritual explorer, Susanne Marie offers teachings in support of freedom, meeting in sacred mutuality, and celebrating our common essence of Love and Unity with all life.
Her work is transformational and empowering, as she points to the remembering of That which we have always been, allowing truth to become ever more conscious of Itself through a human life.
Susanne, the mother of two teenagers, lives in Northern California and works with individuals and groups, offering spiritual mentoring to those who feel called to work with her.
She is available for Skype and phone sessions as well as open to invitations to share with groups.

Website: http://susannemarie.org



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMYE6yNV4MM

[TargeT]

Seems like this gem belongs here...

Amazing things can be found in strange places.

StrbppmsZJw

[greybeard]

Thanks for the video TargeT
Everything is appreciated---many ways to skin a cat --smiling.

Chris

[greybeard]

Cynthia Bourgeault ‘Seeing With The Eyes Of The Heart’ Interview by Renate McNay

Published on Nov 19, 2016

Cynthia Bourgeault ‘Seeing With The Eyes Of The Heart’ Interview by Renate McNay
The Reverend Cynthia Bourgeault is a modern day mystic, Episcopal priest and writer. She divides her time between solitude and traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Cristian Contemplative and Wisdom Path.
Author of several books including, “Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening”,“Wisdom Jesus”, "The Meaning of Mary Magdalene”, “Love is Stronger than Death”.
In this Interview Cynthia tells us how her Christian Life began encountering the presence of Jesus when she received her first communion and then how she started searching for the missing message in the Church. Very important teachers were Gurdjieff and Ouspensky. She studied the Sacred Dances and Movements which threw her at times into a Rabbit Hole. She also talks about Freedom and the willingness to bare our suffering, GOD’s Love, Solitude and Silence.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J7XUSF2Ql4

[Wind]

There are not so many things you have to learn,
and even less you have to think about.
There is a vibration, a silence, which is already present in you.
Recognise it and keep quiet.
Be one with it.
And it will become your teacher.
It will be everything for you
— it will be your friend, your God, your teacher, your healer.
Stay with Him.
He is the Satguru.
He is already present inside your Heart.
He is the One from whom you can never be separate,
you can never be lost.
Life after life, body after body,
He is with you,
until you recognise Him as your own inseparable Self.

~ Mooji

[Clear Light]

Oh, perhaps this is of interest to some (maybe not who knows lol) ... anyhow ... what with the rise of Oxford Dictionaries 2016 term-of-the-year being "Post-truth" as well as the current media furore concerning "Fake News" and their host websites, here's (https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10103269806149061) what Mark Zuckerberg (of Facebook fame) has to say about it :


A lot of you have asked what we're doing about misinformation, so I wanted to give an update.

The bottom line is: we take misinformation seriously. Our goal is to connect people with the stories they find most meaningful, and we know people want accurate information. We've been working on this problem for a long time and we take this responsibility seriously. We've made significant progress, but there is more work to be done.

Historically, we have relied on our community to help us understand what is fake and what is not. Anyone on Facebook can report any link as false, and we use signals from those reports along with a number of others -- like people sharing links to myth-busting sites such as Snopes -- to understand which stories we can confidently classify as misinformation. Similar to clickbait, spam and scams, we penalize this content in News Feed so it's much less likely to spread.

The problems here are complex, both technically and philosophically. We believe in giving people a voice, which means erring on the side of letting people share what they want whenever possible. We need to be careful not to discourage sharing of opinions or to mistakenly restrict accurate content. We do not want to be arbiters of truth ourselves, but instead rely on our community and trusted third parties.

[SNIP]

Some of these ideas will work well, and some will not. But I want you to know that we have always taken this seriously, we understand how important the issue is for our community and we are committed to getting this right.

Now, I figured I could start a new Avalon thread but it does seem like this thread is probably the best place for such comments as a contribution to the ongoing "theme" of "Enlightenment", "Truth", "Philosophy" and more especially "non-duality" :wink:

Ah, you can't really have "truth" without "philosophy" eh ? :heart:

[WildOrchid]

Welcome to the thread WildOrchid
Thanks for your contribution.

Chris

Thank you for the welcome graybeard.:sun:
Here's an other, I have recently started a youtube channel with the intention to inspire and enlighten. I animate my paintings, with music, poems and words of wisdom. Dream within a Dream by Edgar Allan Poe.
LRx47pkzAms

[joeecho]

Ah, you can't really have "truth" without "philosophy" eh ? :heart:

Having the truth suggests there is a point when one is without the truth when never is that so. Alas, that story doesn't sell. Searching for the truth sells an untold number of copies.

Each one of us owns a copy. Sometimes we read it religiously and other times it gathers dust on the shelf.

P.s. Who just sneezed while blowing dust off their philosophy book? ;)

Gesundheit!

[greybeard]

ClearLight I am happy for you to take this where ever it wants to go.

We are conditioned right from the moment we are given a name to think in terms of a separate me--but is this a fact?
The mystics say no--from their experience of universal consciousness--call it what name you will.
Science has proven that there is no separation in the Universe--everything is interconnected.
I am not conversant with science to the degree that I can remember where I saw statements confirming this.

I am happy for scientific evidence to appear on the thread or anything else relevant.

Chris

[joeecho]

Speaking of philosophy, people get upset when a thread goes off topic but isn't the 'END' of a thread a going off topic even if it had never went off topic before?

How far off topic is 'off topic' is a point of view. Everything goes off topic eventually, if one goes off topic where have they gone? That's for another topic.

http://cdn.stripersonline.com/6/60/60fc3e9b_offtopic.jpeg

Within the context of this post, the Grim Reaper is the ultimate troll.

:focus:

[greybeard]

I have a trouble staying on topic, I see connections where many will not.
Many things are linked together and support each other but not necessarily in an obvious way.
There are only so many ways you can say the same thing.
My conversation stopper is--"Only God is and you are That"

This is all you need to know--everything points to this if you look deeply enough.
Only Love exists.
All the rest is illusion.

Chris

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread WildOrchid
Thanks for your contribution.

Chris

Thank you for the welcome graybeard.:sun:
Here's an other, I have recently started a youtube channel with the intention to inspire and enlighten. I animate my paintings, with music, poems and words of wisdom. Dream within a Dream by Edgar Allan Poe.
LRx47pkzAms

Keep them coming

All that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream. - Edgar Allan Poe

[joeecho]

I have a trouble staying on topic, I see connections where many will not.
Many things are linked together and support each other but not necessarily in an obvious way.
There are only so many ways you can say the same thing.
My conversation stopper is--"Only God is and you are That"

This is all you need to know--everything points to this if you look deeply enough.
Only Love exists.
All the rest is illusion.

Chris



I am the same way Chris. It's like a jigsaw puzzle, one might not see where a piece falls in the puzzle until other piece are placed but you can bet it belongs somewhere.

You could say a thread of posters is like friends sitting around putting the pieces together. Masterpiece!

It's a interesting TOPIC, topic vs. off topic, all it might take is a particular piece placed that causes all of the rest to fall into place for another. What if that piece was kept from the board?

http://www.chrismadden.co.uk/cartoons/moon-cartoons/jigsaw-moon-cartoon.gif

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/pwangdoaemawq9hnemlg.gif

I've seen ships go off their original course only to discover a great treasure that wasn't being looked for or aware of its existence.

One might not see where this post belongs in a enlightenment thread but I suspect some do.

[joeecho]

The limitation of science is that it will look forever and still only find science all the while suspecting something greater without ever knowing what that is.

Science is great at creating more science. As a closed system it is incapable of breaking free though it will claim progress in a desperate attempt to appear relevant. Perpetual complexity its Achilles Heel.

Science is a sign but no matter how long one stares at it, it remains a sign. Staring at a sign too long and imagination will have one believing it's more then a sign.

http://churchofacts.ie/images/2011/03/God-Sign.jpg

[greybeard]

Joe Im not sure that I will 100% agree.
Nassim Haramein has come up with some fascinating "ideas" ie information and feed back to and from our brain is a continuous loop with the Divine.
Accepting that all ideas--notions is not it--but can be helpful.

Chris

[joeecho]

Joe Im not sure that will 100% agree.
Nassim Haramein has come up with some fascinating "ideas" ie information and feed back to and from our brain is a continuous loop with the Divine.
Accepting that all ideas--notions is not it--but can be helpful.

Chris

Signs are helpful but the help is not it.

Saṃsāra, the signs are everywhere.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f3/ba/be/f3babe50f14c69e8287c10ca607aa98d.jpg

[greybeard]

Hi Joe
Where do I sign?
The check is in the " post".

That chris is rolling on the floor laughing.

[joeecho]

Walking the path of existence our limitation is clear.
Memory of God a gift in time.
Though, in time, beware of making God a memory.

[greybeard]

True Stillness - Gangaji
Published on Nov 22, 2016

In this video spiritual teacher Gangaji explains what true stillness really is. It is not dependent on any circumstance and it is not dependent on our state of mind. But true stillness is our very nature, it is always there and we are it!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L85hUKHgaMY

[Whiskey_Mystic]

Gangaji (Toni) used to be local to me, but she now lives in Ashland. I haven't checked in on her in about ten years, but my experience of her is that she is a solid teacher who can speak from the position of having glimpsed the infinite for herself. She has good information and guidance for the novice and useful perspective for the advanced practitioner.

[greybeard]

Thanks for your post Whiskey-Mystic.
She (Gangaji} came and gave a talk at The Findhorn Foundation--which is just twenty eight miles away.
The love just flows out of her--I throughly enjoyed the evening.

Eckhart Tolle also had an intensive there which I attended.

Chris

[Wind]

The wise one uses the voice of the serpent mind
to deepen his contemplation,
to recognise, expose and transcend the seed of every temptation,
to understand the mechanism of the psychological mind,
to verify the impersonal truth.
Thus freeing himself of delusion
he becomes a light unto this world.

~ Mooji

[greybeard]

Here is an idea that came to me as a lucid dream last night.
Try this.

You cant use words to define your experience--feelings without words defining--ok
Let me know how you get on.

I became aware of being on this planet.

I will use some words but it wasn't like this.
I was naked but not aware of that or gender.
I had no name no reference point of any kind.
I saw stones arranged in a small pile--
I saw the beauty all around, with out a word beauty.
No thing had a name --it just was as seen.

I touched things--there was sensation --emotion perhaps but no word defining.
No reference point that would normally be supplied by memory, language, concepts, belief systems--me being male etc
No "usual"anything, though everything was in its normal state (in hindsight) everything was as though seen experienced for the first time.
Though that was not known as there was no memory involved.

Anyway try it for your self.



The dream did not last long--there was no awareness of other.
Perhaps there will be part two tomorrow

Chris

[transiten]

I had a similar experience some 10 years ago; as I woke up in the morning I felt strongly that I would live forever. It was pure feeling without consciousness in the way we usually use it and before I became conscious of what I had been feeling

[Clear Light]

Here is an idea that came to me as a lucid dream last night.
Try this.

You cant use words to define your experience--feelings without words defining--ok
Let me know how you get on.

I became aware of being on this planet.

I will use some words but it wasn't like this.
I was naked but not aware of that or gender.
I had no name no reference point of any kind.
I saw stones arranged in a small pile--
I saw the beauty all around, with out a word beauty.
No thing had a name --it just was as seen.

I touched things--there was sensation --emotion perhaps but no word defining.
No reference point that would normally be supplied by memory, language, concepts, belief systems--me being male etc
No "usual"anything, though everything was in its normal state (in hindsight) everything was as though seen experienced for the first time.
Though that was not known as there was no memory involved.

Anyway try it for your self.



The dream did not last long--there was no awareness of other.
Perhaps there will be part two tomorrow

Chris

Ah, that's fascinating Chris, now I don't know about you, LOL, but do you ever find some of the dream-characters have a resemblance to people who you have known earlier in life perhaps ?

And also, that in the "dream world" TIME does not exist at all eh ?

Apparently, as I understand it, both our waking-consciousness and dream-consciousness are Subconscious PROJECTIONS but that's kind of "hard to prove" eh ? LOL :wink:

[greybeard]

The thought that the dream was short was after the event.
In dreams I dont have an awareness of time.
People in the dream are sometimes of a younger age--I certainly not aware of my age.
Mostly they are people I have never met or composites of people I have known.

Some of the ones I have never met are attractive to me.
Now I think about it --most of the people in dream "no time" are female.

Chris

[Foxie Loxie]

"Only Love exists...all the rest is illusion." WOW! Thanks, Chris, that does pretty well sum up everything, doesn't it?! :inlove:

[greybeard]

Alan Watts - Why you can't live without spirituality


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69jPcKeG2EQ

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Alan Watts - The History of Buddhism


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3q9Ps9HKKk

[greybeard]

Harri Aalto - 3rd Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Nov 25, 2016


Also see https://batgap.com/harri-aalto-3/

Harri’s descriptions soar from the mundane to the sublime and explain the intimate details, understanding and experience of the awakened state in an entirely fresh way. He shows us how this life of ours can be naturally transformed into the delightful liveliness of expanded consciousness even within the activity of daily life.

Harri has worked as a fine artist/designer, a businessman, and a meditation teacher for his whole life.
Throughout these very busy years his experiences of refined states of consciousness and perception have expanded greatly.

He shares his insights in his book, The Landscape of Enlightenment: With Doors and Windows to Our World, which includes his amazing life story from early childhood to the present with very personal, simple stories, works of art and inspired understanding that will uplift your awareness and stir the onset awakening.

Websites: http://harriaalto.com http://aaltodesign.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwyzRh7EfrE

[Heart-2-Heart]

Harri Aalto - 3rd Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Nov 25, 2016


Also see https://batgap.com/harri-aalto-3/

Harri’s descriptions soar from the mundane to the sublime and explain the intimate details, understanding and experience of the awakened state in an entirely fresh way. He shows us how this life of ours can be naturally transformed into the delightful liveliness of expanded consciousness even within the activity of daily life.

Harri has worked as a fine artist/designer, a businessman, and a meditation teacher for his whole life.
Throughout these very busy years his experiences of refined states of consciousness and perception have expanded greatly.

He shares his insights in his book, The Landscape of Enlightenment: With Doors and Windows to Our World, which includes his amazing life story from early childhood to the present with very personal, simple stories, works of art and inspired understanding that will uplift your awareness and stir the onset awakening.

Websites: http://harriaalto.com http://aaltodesign.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwyzRh7EfrE

Very pleasant and beautiful interview...

H2h

[greybeard]

Michael A. Rodriguez ‘The Uncreated Light Of Awareness’ Interview by Renate McNay
Conscious TV

Published on Nov 26, 2016

Michael A. Rodriguez is a spiritual Teacher and Author of the book “The Uncreated Light of Awareness”
In this interview Michael tells us about his spiritual yearning as a child and his voracious thirst for Truth, how he became disenchanted with academia and entering a monastic life. He ate, drank, breathed, lived and slept Non-Duality and went through a 5 year purification and alchemical transformation called “Poverty” by Meister Eckhart. He says: “If you think the Universe came first, you are it’s prisoner, when you know that you came first, you are free”.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-o_9KAScUs

[Guish]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/89/96/35/89963595c190cb1921733da1e9bd6387.jpg

This place complete me.

[greybeard]

Good to see you Guish

Ch

[Guish]

Good to see you Guish

Ch

I missed you old friend. This management job has kept me very busy lately. The conversations with everyone here used to keep me going.

[Enola]

Have you seen this? That looks fun.

https://store.highexistence.com/products/30-challenges

[greybeard]

Thanks Enola you might be right.
I had a look
Fun is good.

Chris

[greybeard]

Adyashanti and Francis Bennett – "The Embrace of Jesus and Buddha" - BatGap Interview

Published on Nov 29, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/adyashanti-and-fra...

Adyashanti and Francis Bennett in a public dialog about the parallels and differences between Jesus and the Buddha, as two complimentary yet very different models of awakening. Where the Buddha emphasized inner peace and the transcendence of samsara, Christ emphasized embodying divine humanity in the midst of samsara, embracing the human condition in order to serve those who are lost in ignorance.

Adya came to a deeper appreciation of Jesus by way of his study of Zen, while Francis ─ a former Trappist monk turned non-dual teacher ─ came to Buddhism by way of immersion in mystical Christianity.

“The Christ comes to disturb, to stir up the pot, to descend to the chaotic earthly realm, and to get people to move out of their limited comfort zones and indifference toward others and life in general: to help us transform and transmute the personal and social dimension of what it means to be a human being in a human society. The Buddha comes to bring inner peace by awakening us up and out of our over-identification with the personal, and help us to realize who we are in transcendence, who we are as “trans-personal” persons. You need both approaches. They are opposite sides of the one “coin” of awakening.” — Francis Bennett

Adyashanti, is an American-born spiritual teacher and author devoted to serving the awakening of all beings. His teachings are an open invitation to stop, inquire, and recognize what is true and liberating at the core of all existence. Asked to teach in 1996 by his Zen teacher of 14 years, Adyashanti offers teachings that are free of any tradition or ideology. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine, but is open to all and found within all.” He teaches throughout North America and Europe, offering satsangs, weekend intensives, silent retreats, and a live internet radio broadcast.

Website: http://adyashanti.org

Francis Bennett entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemane in 1981 and in the 90’s subsequently lived at a “daughter house” of Gethsemane in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Until recently, he was living in a small urban monastery in Montreal Quebec. He has been a “spiritual seeker” during all those years, practicing in the Christian mystical/contemplative Tradition and working deeply with teachers in both the Vipassana and Zen Traditions as well. In 2010 he experienced a profound perceptual “shift” in which he realized the ever-present presence of pure Awareness, which some would call, the Presence of God.

You may contact Francis by email, Skype (francisdale3), his Facebook page, or through his website, http://findinggraceatthecenter.com. Francis’ book: “I Am That I Am: Discovering the Love, Peace, Joy and Stability of the True Self“.

Recorded 10/26/2016 at the Santa Cruz Open Circle.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3CmXbkdxc8

[Guish]

The secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure." ~Tibetan Proverb

https://z-1-scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13417444_1275701885790834_7536489137727568941_n.jpg?oh=99471ec2cf8efd7842b1c7ddcc4e7198&oe=58BEB3C2

[greybeard]

Mary Reed ‘The Journey Of An Unwitting Mystic’ Interview by Iain McNay

Published on Dec 3, 2016

Mary Reed ‘The Journey Of An Unwitting Mystic’ Interview by Iain McNay
Mary is author of the book, ‘Unwitting Mystic – Evolution Of The Message Of Love.’
In the Summer of 2000 she heard a voice deep inside her saying ‘You are supposed to be doing something very important.’ It didn’t leave her alone; the more she tried to ignore it the more persistent it became.
She then started to have visions of Christ, Buddha, the Dalai Lama and others. She had no religious or spiritual background and tried to find help to understand and integrate them.
Everything failed to make sense to her. Her life fell apart and she attempted suicide by taking 97 pills, but woke up 2 days later.
She felt remorse and supreme surrender.
Eventually she found help which led her to India where she is now based in a Nunnery.
She tells her fascinating story and she talks about the realisations she has had.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRm6XWXe5Uo

[Enola]

I just thought I would post a list of my favourite consciousness sites on the web. Some of these are really amazing. I just find it hard to keep up with all these resources I've come accross by now.

http://omtimes.com
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com
http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/
http://www.yogajournal.com
http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/
https://www.gaia.com/transformation/spiritual-growth
http://www.about.com/religion/
http://www.beliefnet.com
http://www.patheos.com
http://www.speakingtree.in/
http://www.healyourlife.com
http://www.thegodlight.co.uk
http://layoga.com
https://tricycle.org
http://www.lionsroar.com
http://www.buddhanet.net/
http://www.yogamagazine.com
http://www.yogatoday.com/
https://mychristiancare.org
http://www.noetic.org
http://light-of-consciousness.org
http://newagejournal.com/articles
http://www.theveritasmagazine.com/
http://www.elephantjournal.com/
http://with-omraam.com
https://www.ananda.org/clarity-magazine/
http://www.creativity-portal.com
http://dailyom.com
http://www.positivelypositive.com
http://www.the-secret-of-manifestation.org

[greybeard]

Jim Tolles - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Jim Tolles is a spiritual teacher who helps people to grow, heal, and embrace their spiritual paths.

Jim had a spiritual awakening in August 2007 and has been through an inner roller coaster ride of healing and spiritual growth, dropping away issues as he has moved more deeply into peace and love.
The greatest of the shifts came in the 4th, 5th, and 6th years after awakening and truly consumed his life during those times.
The intensity of the energy has since subsided into a more relaxed inner flow. Jim continues to grow and be guided by the divine flow while also relaxing into the beautiful oneness and perfection of each moment.

Jim teaches his students that we all have our truth and love within us by pointing students towards their innate divine oneness.
He offers tools to help people cut away their lies and misconceptions so that they can be more firmly rooted in truth and love.
He works with students on an individual basis via Skype, as well as offering free online talks via livestreaming on YouTube.

Book: Everyday Spirituality: Cultivating an Awakening

Website: http://spiritualawakeningprocess.com




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kReQ4OvsKHg

[greybeard]

Short and to the point
Two Basic Teachings of Nisargadatta Maharaj




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqFALuvjhXc

[greybeard]

Truly, There is Only This ~ Mooji



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJc6rVUr51c

[greybeard]

David Godman on Papaji, Ramana & Nisargadatta
~ Namasté ~

Interview conducted by Premananda in Tamil Nadu, India
For a full & more in-depth version, purchase a documentary
from Open Sky Press: http://www.openskypress.com/



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIUeyiOt4C4

[wondering]

Thank you so much for puttting these up, Chris - such an abundance of goodness to choose from! 😍

[greybeard]

Wondering, I just like sharing and I really appreciate your post--makes it worthwhile to know that people enjoy the videos and see the goodness in them.
.
Chris

[greybeard]

David Godman ◦ Interview at Sri Ramanasramam

Interesting information regarding Ramana Maharshi teaching.
Chris



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upf062NL_38

[greybeard]

Shinzen Young - 2nd Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview

Also see https://batgap.com/shinzen-young-2/

Shinzen Young is an American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant.

His systematic approach to categorizing, adapting and teaching meditation has resulted in collaborations with Harvard Medical School, Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Vermont in the bourgeoning field of contemplative neuroscience.

Shinzen’s interest in Asia began at the age of 14 when he decided to attend Japanese ethnic school in his native city of Los Angeles.
After majoring in Asian languages at UCLA, he entered a PhD program in Buddhist Studies at the University of Wisconsin. As a part of his thesis research, he lived as a Shingon (Japanese Vajrayana) monk for three years at Mount Koya, Japan. It was then that he received the name Shinzen (真善).

Also during that time, he became friends with Father William Johnston (author of Christian Zen). Fr. Johnston helped broaden Shinzen’s interests to include comparative world mysticism and the scientific study of meditative states.

Upon returning to the United States, his academic interests shifted to the dialogue between Eastern meditation and Western science.
Shinzen is known for his interactive, algorithmic approach to mindfulness, and often uses mathematical metaphors to illustrate meditative phenomena.

He is the author of The Science of Enlightenment, Natural Pain Relief and numerous audio offerings.

Shinzen leads residential retreats throughout North America. In 2006, he created the Home Practice Program.
These phone-based mini-retreats are designed to make deep meditation practice accessible to anyone in the world regardless of their location, health situation, and time or financial constraints.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfI6q38nLPc

[greybeard]

Vera Helleman - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Dec 12, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/vera-helleman/

Vera Helleman is an inspiring and well-established speaker, popular in The Netherlands and Belgium.

After being a psychotherapist for a while, Vera awoke into oneness and was gifted with the full understanding of the functioning of the human mind, the essence of who we are, and the role which we play in creation.

Seeing from an energetic, non-dual perspective, she lovingly confronts people with their misconceptions about who they truly are and how this reality functions.

Married, a mother of four, and fully engaged in daily life, people find her life an inspiring example.
Though her teaching-style is clear and penetrating, she is playful and humble in her interaction with others. Interactions are thus based on equality and mutuality.

Vera is author of the book ‘Effortlessly being yourSelf’, which is a step-by-step guide from an egoic orientation, based on fear and greed, to spiritual maturity, based on self-expression and growth. In her book, she encourages readers to take full responsibility for the role they play in their lives, and the path they follow. (More titles will follow soon.)

In all of her teachings, Vera strives to provide insight and tools, enabling the shift to a more congruent life, and increasing understanding and enjoyment of what one attracts in one’s life.

Website: http://verahelleman.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymmsc4FAY2A

[joeecho]

In a conscious world, all describing/ form is a feeble attempt at negation of.

Negating me is not a negation of.

Negating begins and ends with itself.

https://after5chronicles.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/ouroboros042.gif

[joeecho]

For 'God' to exist nothing else can. (neti neti). God? Noti Not I

For probably most, existence is their god but what if that was created? Would one then look for another?

Looking creates.

[greybeard]

Gratitude

Thanks to Evelyn for this.
Always appreciative of a lifetime friendship.
Chris


http://www.takeoneaction.org.uk/film/gratitude/

[greybeard]

Regina Dawn Akers - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Regina Dawn Akers has been sharing spiritual teachings, organizing retreats and leading pilgrimages to holy sites in Israel and India since 2005.
She’s published two books: “Holy Spirit's Interpretation of the New Testament: A Course in Understanding and Acceptance” (NTI) and “The Teachings of Inner Ramana”.
Her third book “Thoughts of Awakening: 365 Thoughts for Daily Contemplation” is provided as a free e-book.
Each of these books came to Regina from within through her willingness to be their scribe, student and teacher.

She is a living model of their teachings and a clear channel of the deeper meaning that lies hidden beyond the written word.

Regina shares insightful and consistent clarity using a variety of spiritual teachings as pointers.
She is the founder of Awakening Together, a worldwide online spiritual assembly dedicated to helping people become self-reliant with inner spiritual wisdom.
Awakening Together uses the teachings of many spiritual traditions to point toward one truth, one true Self, which lies peacefully within each of us.

Regina is the author of Awakening Together’s 2-year Minister Preparation Program (MPP), which is a contemplative study of Truth through teachings from Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Kabbalah, the Tao Te Ching, A Course in Miracles, the New Testament, and contemporary masters including Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj.

When she is not traveling, Regina lives a quiet life in Pueblo, Colorado. She enjoys spending time with her family, her dog and few close friends.
Many of Regina’s teachings are available freely online at http://reginadawnakers.com. She also invites everyone to enjoy the inspiration and online spiritual community provided through http://awakening-together.org.

Written Books Holy Spirit's Interpretation of the New Testament: A Course in Understanding and Acceptance” (NTI) L'Interpretation Du Nouveau Testament Par Le Saint-Esprit (French Edition) “The Teachings of Inner Ramana” “Thoughts of Awakening: 365 Thoughts for Daily Contemplation” (free e-book) Les Enseignements de l'Esprit (French Edition)

Audio Books The Teachings of Inner Ramana (Book with set of 3 CDs) by Regina Dawn Akers (2010-11-06) HOLY SPIRIT'S INTERPRETATION OF The NEW TESTAMENT - DVD


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRjHoNT7CN8

[joeecho]

Outside the Box

https://scienceythrowbacks.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/thaumotrope.gif?w=676

If appearances were true we'd all be trapped in our thinking.

[greybeard]

A Final Destination: The Human Universe, Deepak Chopra
https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/

In this session Deepak Chopra discusses the seven universes that human beings have devised to explain existence, leading to the conclusion that the cosmos has evolved to reflect human evolution.
This is not a philosophical observation but a "must be so" when it comes to such baffling dilemmas as the origin of life and the appearance of consciousness.
The seven universes reflect human perceptions about reality itself.

They are; Divine, Classical, Relativistic, Quantum, Uncertain, Conscious and finally, Human.
The Human Universe, which is based on the undeniable fact that any universe is only knowable through the human mind's ability to think about reality. If all knowledge is rooted in human consciousness, perhaps we are viewing not the real universe but a selective one based on the limitations of the brain.
This last proposition leads to the conclusion that the apparent evolution of the cosmos since the Big Bang has been parallel to, and totally dependent upon, human
consciousness.
We are the conscious agents who create reality in our own image.
Although totally contradictory to physicalism, the Human Universe may be completely necessary if we have any
hope of solving the remaining Big Questions concerning the inexplicable emergence of life and conscious beings in a cosmos that has no necessity to produce either.

Deepak Chopra M.D., F.A.C.P., Founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing .
Deepak Chopra, M.D is the author of more than 70 books, including numerous New York Times bestsellers.
His medical training is in internal medicine and endocrinology, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and an adjunct professor of Executive Programs at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University Columbia Business School, adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, Columbia University, and a Senior Scientist at the Gallup organization.
For more than a decade, he has participated as a lecturer at the Update in Internal Medicine, an annual event sponsored by Harvard Medical School’s Department of Continuing Education and the Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgPVhe56hT8

[greybeard]

Wishing all who contribute and all who visit here a wonderful Christmas and a superb 2017.
You keep this thread alive.
No One ----other than You.

This I am- This you are--- there is only This.

Chris.

[joeecho]

Hey Chris, I always appreciate your thread and only wish I had more time in the day to absorb and retain each and every post like it deserves.

Merry Christmas and a spectacular 2017 to all.

Heart-to-Heart --------> HEART

[greybeard]

Lawrence Edwards - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview
Published on Dec 20, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/lawrence-edwards/

Lawrence Edwards, PhD, BCN Senior Fellow, LMHC has practiced and taught meditation for over 40 years.
He is the Founder and Director of The Anam Cara Meditation Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching meditative practices from a variety of traditions. The mission of the Anam Cara Foundation is to make meditation instruction available to everyone. Lawrence has offered thousands of free meditation programs at universities, hospitals, churches, meditation centers, yoga centers, hospice groups, prisons and more.

Dr. Edwards maintains a clinical practice in Armonk, NY, offering Optimal Mind® Training, transpersonal psychotherapy, spiritual mentoring, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hypnosis, peak performance training, and meditation training. He also works with people interested in spiritual growth, dream work and Kundalini processes.
He has served as President of the Kundalini Research Network since 2006 and is recognized around the world for his wisdom and skill in working with Kundalini.

Dr. Edwards has studied and practiced in the Kundalini yoga tradition, Tibetan Buddhist and Huichol Indian shamanic traditions.
These rich reservoirs of wisdom have expanded and deepened the transpersonal and Jungian psychological perspectives of his professional training.
His mystical experiences began as a young child and have continued throughout his life.
They have been the real guiding force behind his studies and training. His profound experience of the Divine present in everyone, at all times, and in all places has lead him to a life of service in teaching and supporting others on their journeys into the Divine.

Websites: The Soul's Journey Anam Cara The Kundalini Research Network

Books: Awakening Kundalini - The Path to Radical Freedom Awakening Kundalini - The Path to Radical Freedom (Audio Book) The Soul's Journey: Guidance from the Divine Within



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7rNmxFkCus

[greybeard]

How To Stop Suffering - Advaita Vedanta Master Mooji

Published on Nov 14, 2016

In this video direct disciple of Papaji and Advaita Vedanta Master Mooji speaks about the root of all suffering: attachment to the I-thought. He advice us to investigate deep into the nature of 'I' and by and by detach from it. But listen yourself! Very recommendable!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueb3tBnstwM

[greybeard]

The Vedic understanding of the Path to Enlightenment
Ayurvedic Expert Dr Suhas Kshirsagar and Deepak Chopra discuss obstacles and means to Enlightenment from the point of view of Vedanta and Ayurveda.

Published on Dec 14, 2016



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68gXC0Z7TU

[Chester]

Tim Freke (again) -

Merry Christmas

trepUU6-GHI

[Foxie Loxie]

Thanks, Sam, for the wonderful Christmas Gift! He gives great insight....the Oneness & yet the Separateness. :idea::star::star:

[Guish]

"Melting our attachment to self is the most powerful medication for bringing mental and emotional imbalances in check."

[Clear Light]

34758

I'm posting this one for all of the Spiritual Practitioners / Peaceful Warriors who frequent these fine Avalon Forums ... who of you has not felt that Blissful "inner glow" at one time or another eh ? :heart:

[onawah]

I Vow Not to Burn Out

I haven't posted much on the Spirituality forum for a long time, but after reading the following just now, it seemed very appropriate to share

http://www.lionsroar.com/i-vow-not-to-burn-out/
BY MUSHIM PATRICIA IKEDA| SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

http://3yf0ko2hcvkp47iaq34he461.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/buddha-sm.png
“Superman Buddha, Force Within” by Elisa Insua.

Mushim Ikeda says it’s not enough to help others. You have to take care of yourself too.

At the end of January, one of my close spiritual friends died. A queer Black man, a Sufi imam “scholartivist” (scholar–artist–activist) and professor of ministry students, Baba Ibrahim Farajajé died of a massive heart attack. He was sixty-three, and I’m guessing he had been carrying too much. It was only six months earlier that Baba and I had sat together on a stage in downtown Oakland, California, under a large hand-painted banner that read #BlackLivesMatter. A brilliant, transgressive bodhisattva, Baba had been targeted for multiple forms of oppression throughout his life and had not been silent about it. When he died, I was sad and angry. I took to staying up all night, chanting and meditating; during my daytime work, I was exhausted.

How many of us who have taken the bodhisattva vow are on a similar path toward burnout? Is it possible for us, as disciples of the Buddha, to engage with systemic change, grow and deepen our spiritual practice, and, if we’re laypeople, also care for our families? How can we do all of this without collapsing? In my world, there always seems to be way too much to do, along with too much suffering and societal corruption and not enough spaces of deep rest and regeneration.

When I get desperate, which is pretty often, I ask myself how to not be overwhelmed by despair or cynicism. For my own sake, for my family, and for my sangha, I need to vow to not burn out. And I ask others to vow similarly so they’ll be around when I need them for support. In fact, I’ve formulated a “Great Vow for Mindful Activists”:

Aware of suffering and injustice, I, _________, am working to create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. I promise, for the benefit of all, to practice self-care, mindfulness, healing, and joy. I vow to not burn out.

It’s the first thing I give to students in my yearlong program of secular mindfulness for social justice activists. I ask them to sign and date it, because each of them, through their work as community leaders and agents of change, is a precious resource.

The cosmic bodhisattvas like Sadaparibhuta and Avalokitesvara and the rest of the gang don’t burn out. Maybe they have big muscles from continuously rowing suffering beings to the farther shore. They are willing to take abuse while demonstrating unfailing respect and love toward sentient beings. When something bad happens, they immediately absorb the blame. They vow to return, lifetime after lifetime, until the great work is fully accomplished, and until that probably distant time they remain upbeat, serene, and self-sacrificing.

I love this section from the poem “Bodhisattva Vows” by Albert Saijo:



… YOU’RE SPENDING ALL

YOUR TIME & ENERGY GETTING OTHER PEOPLE

OFF THE SINKING SHIP INTO LIFEBOATS BOUND

GAILY FOR NIRVANA WHILE THERE YOU ARE

SINKING – & OF COURSE YOU HAD TO GO & GIVE

YOUR LIFEJACKET AWAY – SO NOW LET US BE

CHEERFUL AS WE SINK – OUR SPIRIT EVER

BUOYANT AS WE SINK



This poem never fails to give me a refreshing laugh; the archetype of bodhisattva activity it presents resonates with my early Buddhist training. But I have changed. In the social justice activist circles I travel in, giving your lifejacket away and going down with the sinking ship is now understood as a well-intentioned but mistaken old-school gesture—right now, the sinking ship is our entire planet, and there are no lifeboats. As the people with disabilities in my sangha have said, in order to practice universal access there needs to be a radical shift toward an embodied practice of “All of us or none of us.” In other words, no one can be left behind on the sinking ship, not even those who want to self-martyr. Why? Because self-martyrdom is bad role modeling. Burnout and self-sacrifice, the paradigm of the lone hero who takes nothing for herself and gives everything to others, injure all of us who are trying to bring the dharma into everyday lay life through communities of transformative well-being, where the exchange of self for other is re-envisioned as the care of self in service to the community. The longer we live, the healthier we are; the happier we feel, the more we can gain the experience and wisdom needed to contribute toward a collective reimagining of relationships, education, work, and play.

http://3yf0ko2hcvkp47iaq34he461.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/infographic2.png

Here in Oakland, I don’t think it’s melodramatic or inaccurate to say that we now live in the midst of multiple ongoing crises. Thich Nhat Hanh has said that the future Buddha, Maitreya, may be a community, not an individual. Perhaps your community, like mine, is in need of inventive ways to carve out spaces for what some are now calling “radical rest.”

I advocate for more forgiving and spacious schedules of spiritual practice that value being well-rested and that move toward honoring the body–mind’s need for enough sleep and downtime. Social justice activist Angela Davis, in an interview in YES! Magazine, says:

I think our notions of what counts as radical have changed over time. Self-care and healing and attention to the body and the spiritual dimension—all of this is now a part of radical social justice struggles. That wasn’t the case before. And I think that now we’re thinking deeply about the connection between interior life and what happens in the social world. Even those who are fighting against state violence often incorporate impulses that are based on state violence in their relations with other people.

Healing. Rest. Self-care. Restorative justice. Restorative yoga. Trauma-informed dynamic mindfulness. Compassion. Love. Community healing. These are words I hear every day within spiritual activist forums, from “scholartivists” and from people embodying the bodhisattva vow to save all beings.

We need a path of radical transformation, and there’s no question in my mind that the bodhisattva path is it.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his fellow organizers sometimes planned protests to occur at around eleven in the morning, because then the people who were arrested would get lunch in jail and wouldn’t have to wait many hours to eat. For those of you who may feel that social-change work isn’t your thing, or that it’s too big to take on, it may help you, as it helped me, to know that it often comes down to these little details. Every movement is made of real people, and every action is broken down into separate tasks. This is work we need to do and can do together.

How can you make your life sustainable—physically, emotionally, financially, intellectually, spiritually? Are you helping create communities rooted in values of sustainability, including environmental and cultural sustainability? Do you feel that you have enough time and space to take in thoughts and images and experiences of things that are joyful and nourishing? What are your resources when you feel isolated or powerless?

Samsara is burning down all of our houses. We need a path of radical transformation, and there’s no question in my mind that the bodhisattva path is it. Speaking as a mother and a woman of color, I think we’re all going to need to be braver than some of us have been prepared to be. But brave in a sustainable way—remaining with our children, our families, and our communities. We need to build this new “woke” way of living together—how it functions, handles conflict, makes decisions, eats and loves, grieves and plays. And we can’t do that by burning out.

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread onawah
Thanks for this post
Chris

[Wind]

There must be a direct way to Truth.
Because if Truth is only to be found
at the end of some practice, it cannot be true.
It means Truth is limited. It has a condition.
But Truth must always be Truth.
Any moment, under any circumstances,
wherever you are, whichever place you find yourself,
when you really look within,

It, Truth, is always present and the same,
for Truth is timeless and unchanging awareness.
‘You’ the one checking in will always be different,
for the 'seeker' is himself a manifestation of consciousness
and therefore, not the ultimate.
But that which is sought is not in time.
It is timeless. That is You.

Understand that you are already the awareness-Self,
aware of its imagination as a 'separate self' seeking it.
Reflect deeply upon this.

~ Mooji

[greybeard]

Rick Archer at Berkeley Open Circle Center - Buddha at the Gas Pump

Published on Dec 27, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/rick-archer-at-ber...

I was hesitant to put this up, because there's more than enough of me on this site, but a few wise friends encouraged me to, so here it is. I gave this talk at the Open Circle Center in Berkeley, California on October 24, 2016. Points discussed include: “Can knowledge of nonduality be systematically organized, tested, explained, and predicted? Science has not devised instruments capable of detecting the nondual nature of ultimate reality, but spiritual traditions discuss it extensively, and numerous followers of these traditions (and of no traditions) claim to have experienced it as their essential nature. This experience is commonly termed “awakening” or “enlightenment”. Is there a “scientific” consensus among these people? Are they referring to the same thing? Is there just one awakening, or are there many degrees of it? Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian mystical traditions tend to assert the latter. If there are many degrees or stages of awakening, do they culminate in an ultimate stage we might term “enlightenment”, or is there no ultimate? When one’s essential nature has been clearly and abidingly realized, has one reached a terminus, or do refinement, clarification, and other facets of development continue? If we see spiritual development as never-ending, will we be forever chasing the dangling carrot, or can we rest in our true nature, the seeking energy having dropped off, and yet acknowledge that compared with what might be possible, we are relative beginners? Many spiritual teachers make statements such as “This is it. You are That which you are seeking. Realize this, and you are finished.” Is such advice helpful, or does it short-change spiritual aspirants?” How might spirituality benefit from science, and vice versa? The consequences of science meddling with Laws of Nature without understanding the field in which they reside. The importance of understanding on the spiritual path. The seeming epidemic of spontaneous awakenings.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkI2_SVywWs

[joeecho]

WHAT is behind the mask begs the question again and the game commences.

Both winner and loser, "same-same but different but still same"

Is it your move or mine? I can't tell anymore? Can you?

[joeecho]

The unheard-of is both within and beyond consciousness but we both know I am referring to the same unheard-of.

http://www.quotehd.com/imagequotes/authors76/arthur-erickson-architect-quote-only-when-inspired-to-go-beyond.jpg

[Enola]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW96eZsR710

[Guish]

The unheard-of is both within and beyond consciousness but we both know I am referring to the same unheard-of.

http://www.quotehd.com/imagequotes/authors76/arthur-erickson-architect-quote-only-when-inspired-to-go-beyond.jpg


An interesting quote. We all get the inner call at some point.

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

The wisdom of 14th century theologian/mystic Eckhart von Hochheim, also known as Meister Eckhart:


"Spirituality is not to be learned by flight from the world, or by running away from things, or by turning solitary and going apart from the world. Rather, we must learn an inner solitude wherever or with whomsoever we may be. We must learn to penetrate things and find God there."
― Meister Eckhart

Also, contemplate:


"To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God."


"People should not worry so much about what they do but rather about what they are."

[greybeard]

The wisdom of 14th century theologian/mystic Eckhart von Hochheim, also known as Meister Eckhart:


"Spirituality is not to be learned by flight from the world, or by running away from things, or by turning solitary and going apart from the world. Rather, we must learn an inner solitude wherever or with whomsoever we may be. We must learn to penetrate things and find God there."
― Meister Eckhart

Also, contemplate:


"To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God."


"People should not worry so much about what they do but rather about what they are."

Good to see you here Star Mariner
Yes Rick Archer says much the same in the video above.

Chris

[greybeard]

CTV <info@conscious.tv>
Today at 20:02

To

ConsciousTV home
Conscious TV Winter 2016/17 Newsletter

Dear All

We hope this Newsletter finds you well and with peace in your heart.

It seems that for many Life is becoming more and more challenging. Our Human journey is not always easy to live in a World which seems to be becoming more and more extreme. To help ride the storm we all have to be really committed to do the inner work, to stay calm and connected, and to trust into whatever Life is manifesting for us right now in its challenges and also its beauty. As Cynthia Bourgeault pointed out in a recent interview, "when we are really in our hearts, all is well and we are safe".

For us all, Silence, whatever that means to us, is the key and we have recently recorded some wonderful interviews on that subject. One of them was with John Butler who was recommended by a viewer and because he felt too old to come to London we organised a Film Crew and went to visit him in Derbyshire. The setting was in his local Church where he practices Prayer, Silence and Meditation 4 to 5 hours a day. Many of you were deeply touched and the interview was even translated into Russian and posted onto YouTube.

You probably never ask what goes on in the background to support conscious.tv. There is much work that goes into every interview and also to help maintain the channel. There is basically just the two of us with a few volunteers helping out (a special thank you to Niya, Carole, Heath and Thomas.) If you feel you would like to help and have some time then do get in touch.

We do get many emails and messages with people expressing their appreciation and this all helps to keep us going.

Here is a little story which happened to Renate some time ago:

‘I was leaving the train in the Underground station Green Park in London, hurrying towards a connecting train which is quite a walk through an underground tunnel. I heard loud Music at the end of the tunnel, probably someone playing Guitar to earn his meal for the day. Intuitively I drew out my purse to take a few coins and when I reached the Musician I dropped it in his hat and continued towards my next train. Suddenly I hear someone shouting my name…RENATE and as I turned around I saw the Musician running towards me shouting: ‘Renate, Iain, conscious.tv. As he stopped in front of me bowing down with Gratitude he said: "thank you, thank you, conscious.tv changed my life." I felt so humbled and touched, my Heart wide open as I continued my journey. In this moment I felt so blessed to be part of conscious.tv."

Iain & RenateWe are slowly extending our reach in terms of being broadcast on Satellite and Cable TV and are now being shown on TV channels in the UK, Russia, Austria, Greece, South Africa and India. If you have any contacts who you feel may be open to broadcast conscious.tv then do let us know. We also have several more transcripts available to view; please do let us know if you are interested in helping out with this, or indeed anything else. Those that do help with the transcripts all say that it is an interesting and rewarding process.

Hopefully there will be a new book containing more of our interviews released later in 2017. This follows on from our two previous books, ‘Conversations on Non-Duality and ‘Conversations on The Enneagram which were both well received.

SKY and FREESAT in the UK
Our programmes are currently being shown between 3am and 5am on Information TV which is Channel No 212 on SKY and 161 on FREESAT. We do realise that this is rather late, but you can always record them to watch at a more civilized time!

Newsletters
We have two email newsletters. The first is a general Newsletter that we send out every few months (this one) and the second is our 'New Programme News which means you will be notified every time a new programme is available to watch on the channel. Do email us on info@conscious.tv if you would like to be included on either, or both of these.

Transcripts Of Programmes
Many of our programmes have been transcribed and you can view the transcripts at: www.conscious.tv/text/transcr ipts.php. This is an on-going process and is done on a volunteer basis. We are very grateful to those of you who have helped already with this project. We would like to increase the number of transcripts available. Do you think you may be able to help? If so, then please email: info@conscious.tv

Audio Versions Of Programmes
Many of our programmes have also been converted to audio only downloadable files. You can find them through this link: http://conscious.tv/audio/audio.php

Twitter and Facebook
You can find us on Facebook and Twitter where we post updates for the new programmes:

Conscious TV's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/conscioustv

You can join our Facebook open group where you can share related posts and connect with other viewers: www.facebook.com/conscioustv

Conscious TV on Twitter:@ConsciousTV_UK www.facebook.com/groups/178560532548

Ideas
As always we really do welcome any feedback or ideas you may have and are very interested in suggested topics and guests for future programmes. Contact us at: info@conscious.tv if you have anything or anyone you would like to suggest.

Help Spread The Word!
If you enjoy watching conscious.tv and can think of others who may also appreciate the programmes then do please send them a copy of this newsletter so they too can discover our interviews.

All the very best and may 2017 be a very special year for you all.

Iain and Renate

www.conscious.tv
info@conscious.tv

Programmes
These are the programmes available to view since the last Newsletter.
Mary Reed The Journey Of An Unwitting Mystic Interview by Iain McNay
Michael A. Rodriguez The Uncreated Light Of Awareness Interview by Renate McNay
Cynthia Bourgeault Seeing With The Eyes Of The Heart Interview by Renate McNay
John Butler Discovering Stillness – Part 1 Interview by Iain McNay
Ginger Gilmour Bright Side Of The Moon Interview by Iain McNay
Mick Collins My Crisis And Transformation Interview by Iain McNay
Chloe Goodchild The Voice Of Silence Interview by Renate McNay
Andrew Rawlinson The Hit Interview by Iain McNay
Stephen Fulder Awakening Arrives By Itself Interview by Iain McNay
Gabor Harsanyi The Master Of Silence Interview by Iain McNay
Georgi Y Johnson and Bart Ten Berge Anxiety And Awakening Moderated by Iain and Renate McNay
Martyn Wilson The State Of No Thought Interview by Iain McNay
Nurit Oren The Blonde On The Rocky Road to Freedom Interview by Iain McNay
Georgi Y Johnson I AM HERE Interview by Renate McNay
Russel Williams Looking Through The Horses Eyes Interview by Iain McNay

Transcripts
Latest transcripts all done by volunteers:
Christine Jensen Trauma and Awakening Interview by Renate McNay
Debra Wilkinson Awake and Ready Interview by Iain McNay
Eimear Moran A Feather On The Breath Of God Interview by Renate McNay
Francis Bennett The Key to Happiness Interview by Iain McNay
Francoise Tibika Molecular Consciousness Interview by Iain McNay
Gabor Harsanyi The Master Of Silence Interview by Iain McNay
Georgi Y Johnson I Am Here Interview by Renate McNay
Heath Thompson Returning To The Source Is Stillness Interview by Iain McNay
Heath Thompson, Debra Wilkinson, Rory O'Connor You Have To Want To Be Free Interview by Renate and Iain McNay
Jah Wobble Riding the Sonic Boom to Heaven Interview by Iain McNay
Jenny Boyd Staring Into The Face Of God Interview by Iain McNay
Jo Berry and Pat Magee Building Bridges Interview by Iain McNay
John Rowan The Centaur, Subtle, Causal and Non-Dual Interview by Iain McNay
Karen Johnson The Aliveness of Presence Interview by Iain McNay
Michael A. Rodriguez The Uncreated Light of Awareness Interview by Renate McNay
Mukti The Embodiment of Enlightenment Interview by Renate McNay
Nicholas Hagger +A + -A = The Great Nothing Interview by Iain McNay
Nurit Oren The Blonde on the Rocky Road to Freedom Interview by Iain McNay
Philip Jacobs The Pathless Path Interview by Iain McNay
Rory O'Connor I Can't Do This Anymore Interview by Iain McNay
Russel Williams Looking Through the Horse's Eyes Interview by Iain McNay

[joeecho]

This is not it

I did not necessarily believe this was it but I did trust, at the time, that it would lead me to it.

So little did I know, at the time, that 'it' and 'lead me to' were essentially the same thing.

Though I know the wisdom of these word, I will need to be reminded from time-to-time (funny how time plays a part).

http://thenightshirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/timemarcheson.jpg

(This is a broad spectrum post, not directed at anything in particular)

[Wind]

"The normal man thinks he is body plus mind, with emphasis on the body. But self-questioning and analysis show that, although he certainly has these two things and is certainly associated with them, the "I" is in fact neither of them. It is, by contrast, not changing and quite elusive. It is not in space, as the body is, nor in time, as the mind is. It is, in fact, a mystery. The attempt to find out what it is brings up the questions of existence, life, activity, and consciousness."

~ Paul Brunton

http://www.fromoldbooks.org/Butsch-RenaissanceOrnament/pages/000-i-contents-initial-i/000-i-contents-initial-i-q75-500x500.jpg

[joeecho]

http://www.fromoldbooks.org/Butsch-RenaissanceOrnament/pages/000-i-contents-initial-i/000-i-contents-initial-i-q75-500x500.jpg

https://s3.amazonaws.com/uploads.startups.fm/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/apple-logo-scaling.jpg

And hence....

This is not it.

[Guish]

The mind can't handle reality. Cantor became crazy when he discovered infinity and multiple infinities. That's why analysis has limitations when Spirituality is considered.

[Guish]

Rick Archer at Berkeley Open Circle Center - Buddha at the Gas Pump

Published on Dec 27, 2016

Also see https://batgap.com/rick-archer-at-ber...

I was hesitant to put this up, because there's more than enough of me on this site, but a few wise friends encouraged me to, so here it is. I gave this talk at the Open Circle Center in Berkeley, California on October 24, 2016. Points discussed include: “Can knowledge of nonduality be systematically organized, tested, explained, and predicted? Science has not devised instruments capable of detecting the nondual nature of ultimate reality, but spiritual traditions discuss it extensively, and numerous followers of these traditions (and of no traditions) claim to have experienced it as their essential nature. This experience is commonly termed “awakening” or “enlightenment”. Is there a “scientific” consensus among these people? Are they referring to the same thing? Is there just one awakening, or are there many degrees of it? Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian mystical traditions tend to assert the latter. If there are many degrees or stages of awakening, do they culminate in an ultimate stage we might term “enlightenment”, or is there no ultimate? When one’s essential nature has been clearly and abidingly realized, has one reached a terminus, or do refinement, clarification, and other facets of development continue? If we see spiritual development as never-ending, will we be forever chasing the dangling carrot, or can we rest in our true nature, the seeking energy having dropped off, and yet acknowledge that compared with what might be possible, we are relative beginners? Many spiritual teachers make statements such as “This is it. You are That which you are seeking. Realize this, and you are finished.” Is such advice helpful, or does it short-change spiritual aspirants?” How might spirituality benefit from science, and vice versa? The consequences of science meddling with Laws of Nature without understanding the field in which they reside. The importance of understanding on the spiritual path. The seeming epidemic of spontaneous awakenings.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkI2_SVywWs

Rick always seemed to be someone genuine to me. I didn't watch the full thing yet.

[joeecho]

The mind can't handle reality. Cantor became crazy when he discovered infinity and multiple infinities. That's why analysis has limitations when Spirituality is considered.

Very well said, Guish. Thanks for that. You are spot on from my perspective. From personal experience I needed to butt heads with the limitation of analysis until that aha moment happened. I get moments of complete clarity and my hope is they will come quicker and last longer. But if they don't, I am just happy that I do have these 'genuine moments'. I wouldn't trade them for anything, truly.

[Guish]

xdjmBMYoBg4

[joeecho]

The wool over the eyes is the eyes.

The wool just gives the eyes something to blame.

[Scottoz]

Hi there

I thought I would share this message from Gerald O'Donnell. He produces a new year message every year.

It is a message of hope which is sometimes easy to lose if you look at all the dark things that we see happen around us. It provides a big picture view of what has been happening to our creation. He stresses the importance of connecting with the Oneness and making the spiritual effort to shift to the type of creation that we all really want, rather than the type of creation that darker entities would have us sleep walk into.

Gerald is a successful remote viewer and has a beautiful vision of how we can shift our creation, to one that is based on oneness, sharing and unity.

Cheers

Scott


Message from the One and Only About 2017 and Beyond ...

January 1, 2017

Received by G. O’Donnell on December 30, 2016…

Gerald O’Donnell, 12.30.2016: As I lay down, I felt the familiar presence of the One coming and enveloping me as a cloud of solid Living Light, within and without. I totally lost the perception of having a biology, and the following words came out of my lips…

Please concentrate and give value to the message, and not as you usually have always done, give attention to and judge the messenger, for the messenger is irrelevant. I am you, part of the same Global Consciousness. I am here only to convey Truth and help guide your souls during these very crucial challenging times.

____________________
This is a message addressed to the totality of mankind and to its Creative Higher realities.

You have been offered a period in which you were to express your true choices and desires as a Creation.

Many avenues were opened to your Creative endeavors.

You could have entered paths that would be lined with immense gifts which the Godliness had prepared for Its children.

Many were ready for such a rise in the Consciousness they manifest.

Many were not, and in fact tried desperately to refuse to consider that possibility, and opposed vehemently the interventions and the guidance which the One made available to them.

And therefore, the true chosen children of the IS became the object of cruel and intense opposition and attacks, often from distorted and depraved lower, and in their perceptions powerful, energies who attempted to extinguish their expectations and their trust in the glorious future ahead.

Many, thenceforth, became deeply injured, wounded in their souls and their lives.

A feeling of great abandonment by the One and Only permeated such High and precious parts of Itself.

As this and other connected Creations fell in a downward spiral and entered the levels of the abyss, and as the communications between the core of Oneness and Its points of reference within mankind became evermore arduous and difficult, that very feeling of disconnection caused great pain both to their Source and to their realities.

Many failed to see why this was happening to them and why so much suffering became their lot.

Great masses of very low and inverted vibratory energies infiltrated this and many other abodes causing a great level of panic among their Creators and Caretakers.

A true dark period became instituted and established and so many failed to see the Great Light present at the end of the dark tunnel we were all visiting.

False prophets, masquerading as spiritual masters, teachers, and leaders, abounded and still do.

From times of old to current ones, many of these have ruthlessly misled their flocks in order to control and use them for their own restrictive and distorted purposes.

The world that you know is becoming ruled by pockets of energies who worship only themselves and not Oneness for all.

They shall see and witness their fall from their lofty heights and their great structures brought onto dust, and this will happen soon in the next years by a decree of the One and Only true Creative Mind!

A bridge was prepared assiduously by the One and Only, and the entity who is talking now took part in its establishment. That bridge was supposed to allow this and other universes connected to it to engage safely a passage across the turbulent waters which surround this realm.

Great efforts and great hopes were attached to such a crossing.

Everything was to be made possible for the birth into the Great Light of a new Creation seeded and originating from this one.

Sadly, until now, most of the elements of such a Creation - which we inhabit - have turned away from that birth. They are taking a “breach position” and turning backwards, refusing to face the Eternal Light and Life awaiting them!

Many decisions have had to be made regarding the probable future of this universe.

Although the path is wide and open, most refuse to even engage in it, because their hearts have turned to stone, their eyes are blind to it, and their ears are deaf to the Live inner guidance who is but waiting to bring them out of a land of fear, destruction, oppression, and subjugation onto utter slavery.

They seem to prefer the static pain and oppression they know, to the glorious adventure onto true and real freedom which awaits them.

They are disconnected from any level of their true origins.

They only worship false gods - either embedded in distorted writings which have been produced by mankind , or through other versions of them inlaid in false stories and false structures, that mirror who they really were - and express falsehoods, without remaining accountable for it.

The Godliness is One. The many, in fact, are but One. Nothing is truly disconnected from One and as One.

To think differently, to close one’s eyes, ears, and especially heart, to other facets of One is to deny The One and to refuse the Oneness.

This message has been told and given to mankind from the dawn of what man calls time, and very little of it has been understood, integrated, and carried through its ramifications in Creation.

No matter how much the natural world and its forces show the Oneness of all things; no matter how much most have glimpses of it; no matter how much we realize how deleterious our abandonment of Oneness has been, man has yet to grow into a true Godly Living being with the awareness, at all of its levels and energies of the Oneness of it all.

From now on, an imbalance or distortion happening somewhere, somehow, will reverberate soon everywhere, every way!

No external or internal wall will or may block it, for that is not the truth of the way by which the One operates as Oneness!

From now on, the reverence you have for false gods of gold and silver and centers of power, be they open or hidden, shall be cast aside by the One Himself! He will see their destruction and the reality of who they truly are which is but dust!

The separations you have all instituted and tend to worship with great intensity will be made to crumble as Oneness penetrates ALL!

No one will be allowed anymore to live in a fortress or a tower, disconnected from the rest of humanity!

You will all take to choose within yourselves to carry forward more goodness and Godliness, than distorted dark evil. You ate from the the tree of the knowledge of both from your inception. You will want to increase goodness, Godliness, and the Oneness in your heart, and not to be deceived by the false luster of temporary power and the fear and aggression which often accompanies it!

Soon, you will all rejoice to be called by the name “One:” the Creation of One!

Soon you will all climb joyfully the Mountain of Oneness and give grace and thanks to the Core of your selves. My Mountain shall be seen, my Glory shall be everywhere! My children will only taste joy and peace, and permanent abundance! Sickness and wounds will be non-existent.

Violence, aggression and fear are difficult lessons for all of us, which we would and will overcome as we all connect and sing the Song of Oneness!

You are not alone, no one is! No one exists isolated from one another! Everything affects one another! Time and space, as we know it, are but total illusions and have to do with the coordination of the Dream of Creation and not with the Reality operating it.

Connect to the only Reality and you shall reap incredible fruits!

Do not get misled, as these treacherous waters are all around you, rising and rising, drowning you in falsehoods and misinformation!

Only focus on Love towards everything and everyOne without asking anything in return, for Love is the bridging energy of the Everything and chases away all that is not aligned with it!

Balance yourselves! Heal your environment, for without it, and this can happen very soon, you shall all cease to exist in the Mind of the One, for what happens to it will immediately reverberate and reflect upon your realities no matter where and how you hide from it and God!

You are placed here to take care of each other and of your environment, be it human, animal, vegetable, or the planetary kingdom and even beyond. This is your task: to connect evermore across and to care for all!

If the environment is diseased and great parts of it are destructed, you shall be, and in fact you are, diseased, and great parts in you are malfunctioning! This is so because you do not understand the modus operandi of the Lattice of this Creation and its myriads of interconnected parts. And, for the ones that do, stand straight and proud and shout tenderly, not loudly, truth to the prophets of falsehood, for this truth will engender life and its wonderful propagation and will heal all! Denying it and espousing falsehoods, will bring and shower death and disease, both internally and externally, upon the many who either turned a blind eye to Oneness or refused it!

The Godliness cannot accept the possibility of aborting this Creation, this child, before it even sees the beginning of the true Light and gets the Holy Breath, the Holy Spirit within! It will fight for that possibility and asks of you to see many events and situations that will come your way as attempts to re-institute the only Truth there Is, there ever was, and which will ever be TRUE, which is the TRUTH of Oneness, of One God, One Creation, One child who is but One. The many are but Dreamed within The One!

Please accept and forgive your lack of awareness for now, as it is the only way by which the perceived many could possibly be Created. Understand that it was your best friend on this difficult journey where you will become a true Living soul, finally, as you emerge from the dark and difficult birth canal in which you have all travailed and traveled for so long. We are almost out! And your Father and Mother, as the One, has great joy in holding you and caring for you as you emerge and take your first breath as a Godly Child, the Holy Breath and Spirit of being One in Oneness!

There will be more communications as this year unfolds because there is great concern for the directions many of you have chosen as of late.

Do not turn away from the Light, do not turn away from each other!

No one is superior or inferior to one another, no matter what society will want to project to you!

Each one has a role, an important role; each one counts; each one is holy and precious! See that in each one!

Understand why diversity is the basis for the many and the ability to experience Oneness within and through The One.

Fight for that Oneness in diversity and embrace The One!

Do not separate your Creation and parcel it again!

Do not separate the "City of One" for it is symbolic of Oneness in One!

Soon, this whole planet will be called: "The world of One." This was, is, and will ever be, the ultimate Dream the One had, has, and will ever have, for this world and for all the Creations which surround this one.

Unite, do not divide!

Do not subjugate!

Do not show pride!

Love, and fear shall disappear!

Bridge all, and walls shall fall!

Sing in joy, and cries shall abate!

Embrace nature, and full health shall be restored!

Do not invite death nor truly fear it, and life shall be extended for all, and greatly so!

Embrace the True Light, see It everywhere, and you shall express it to others and make them alive in the process!

Connect to The One within, and this is how you shall be saved! For the only Savior, who was, Is, and can ever be, is the One and Only who connects every point, every fragment, of Its imagination, into a kaleidoscope of perceptions which we call a Creation.

Stand up proudly for Truth! Do not embrace falsehoods!

Understand that Truth can be distinguished by Its desire to Unify all realities, all dimensions; and falsehood can be distinguished and recognized by its desire to isolate and separate realities and dimensions into groupings that ignore each other and mostly then come to oppose each other, often in violent ways.

If you do so, The One and Only shall remove from your realities many oceans and groupings of undesirable, unstable, fear-based, fearsome infiltrating dark entities which have caused you to fall into an abyss of suffering and conflict, for they feed and grow in it. And through your conflicts and anger they exist within it and within each and every one of you.

You decide if you invite their operations in your lives and if you are willing to subject yourselves to their cruel and demented influence!

And if and as you decide to choose and emphasize unity and Oneness, The One will remove them, not only from your abode, but from all the dimensions of Creation that they have infiltrated and their sub-spaces in which they travel.

Be strong; help each other and carry each other!

You are but one family, even though you do not perceive it yet as such: the family of the IS, the children of the IS!

This is the only Truth you should have faith in!

This is the only Reality you should accept to bow down to!

God is ONE; not two, nor three, nor more; and you are ALL parts of IT.

This will be all, for now….



The One and Only

Received by G. O’Donnell on December 30, 2016





Happy New Year 2017!
Gerald O'Donnell



Important:

Kindly spread this message as wide and to as many as you can. This would be a great act of Love and Oneness towards others and appreciated as such. PLEASE share this transforming communication with as many friends, family, and other individuals as you can. Here is the link to this message: http://probablefuture.com/2017.htm

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread Scottoz
Thanks for the post.
"We are all rays of the Absolute" Nasargadatta Maharaj

Chris

[greybeard]

A candid interview with Rick Archer
Published on Sep 30, 2015
Nonduality Vancouver TV

What are his favourite interviews?
What is the nature of Consciousness?
The creator of Buddha at the Gas Pump chats with NDV about all this and about his own experience leading to his own awakening.
For all satsangs in the Vancouver area, visit www.nondualityvancouver.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEKwCybZp6k

[Enola]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK1kbJiisLk :flower:

[greybeard]

Adyashanti and Francis Bennett on “Resurrecting Jesus”

Duality and non-duality discussed


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw47wwOUjuY

[Wind]

http://cdn.quotationof.com/images/paul-bruntons-quotes-2.jpg

[Catsquotl]

Seems like an old problem.

Here's the same worry believed to be written a few hundred years before Christ.

Taken from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine ( the Neijing Suwen ) ~ 240B.C (http://www.five-element.com/graphics/neijing.pdf)


Chapter1:
THE UNIVERSAL TRUTH
In ancient times the Yellow Emperor , Huang Di , was known to have been a child prodigy . As he grew he showed himself to be sincere , wise , honest and compassionate . He became very learned and developed keen powers for observing nature . His people recognized him as a natural leader and chose him as their emperor . During his reign , Huang Di had discussions concerning medicine , health , lifestyle , nutrition , Taoist cosmology with his ministers , including Qi Bo , and others . Their first conversation began with Huang Di asking , “ I ’ ve heard that in the days of old everyone lived one hundred years without showing the usual signs of aging . In our time , however , people age prematurely , living only fifty years . Is this due to a change in the environment , or is it because people have lost the correct way of life? ” Qi Bo replied , “ In the past , people practiced the Tao , the Way of Life . They understood the principle of balance as represented by the transformations of the energies of the universe . They formulated exercises to promote energy flow to harmonize themselves with the universe . They ate a balanced diet at regular times , arose and retired at regular hours , avoided overstressing their bodies and minds , and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds . They maintained well - being of body and mind; thus , it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years .” “ These days , people have changed their way of life . They drink wine as though it were water , indulge excessively in destructive activities , drain their jing - the body ’ s essence that is stored in the Kidneys - and deplete their qi . They do not know the secret of conserving their energy and vitality . Seeking emotional excitement and momentary pleasures , people disregard the natural rhythm of the universe . They fail to regulate their lifestyle and diet , and sleep improperly . So it is not surprising that they look old at fifty and die soon after .” “ The accomplished ones , of ancient times , advised people how to guard themselves against disease - causing factors . On the mental level , one should remain calm and avoid excessive desires and fantasies , recognizing and maintaining the natural purity and clarity of the mind . When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely , and the energy of the mind is not scattered , but is focused and concentrated , illness and disease can be avoided .” “ Previously , people led a calm and honest existence , detached from undue desire and ambition; they lived with an untainted conscience and without fear . They were active , but never depleted themselves . Because they lived simply , they knew contentment , as reflected in their diet of basic but nourishing foods , and clothing that was appropriate to the season but never luxurious . Since they were happy in their position in life , they did not feel jealousy or greed . They had compassion for others and were helpful and honest , free from destructive habits . They remained unshakable and unswayed by temptations , and they were able to stay centered even when adversity arose . They treated others justly , regardless of their level of intelligence or position .” Huang Di asked , “ I ’ ve heard of people in ancient times , spoken of as the immortals , who knew the secrets of the universe and held the world in the palm of their hands . They extracted essence from nature and practiced Qi Gong and various stretching and breathing exercises , and visualizations , to integrate body , mind and spirit . They remained undisturbed and thus attained extraordinary levels of accomplishment . Can you tell me about them? ” Qi Bo responded , “ The immortals kept their mental energies focused and refined , and harmonized their bodies with the environment . So they did not show typical signs of aging and were able to live beyond their biological limitations . “ Not so long ago there were people known as achieved beings who had true virtue , understood the Way of Life , and were able to adapt to and harmonize with the universe and the seasons . They too were able to keep their mental energy through proper concentration . “ These achieved beings did not live like ordinary humans , who tended to be hard on 3 themselves . They were able to travel freely to different times and places since they were not governed by conventional views of time and space . Their sense of perceptions were supernormal , going far beyond the sight and hearing of ordinary humans . They were also able to preserve their life spans and live in full health , just as the immortals did.


With Love
Eelco

[Guish]

Seems like an old problem.

Here's the same worry believed to be written a few hundred years before Christ.

Taken from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine ( the Neijing Suwen ) ~ 240B.C (http://www.five-element.com/graphics/neijing.pdf)


Chapter1:
THE UNIVERSAL TRUTH
In ancient times the Yellow Emperor , Huang Di , was known to have been a child prodigy . As he grew he showed himself to be sincere , wise , honest and compassionate . He became very learned and developed keen powers for observing nature . His people recognized him as a natural leader and chose him as their emperor . During his reign , Huang Di had discussions concerning medicine , health , lifestyle , nutrition , Taoist cosmology with his ministers , including Qi Bo , and others . Their first conversation began with Huang Di asking , “ I ’ ve heard that in the days of old everyone lived one hundred years without showing the usual signs of aging . In our time , however , people age prematurely , living only fifty years . Is this due to a change in the environment , or is it because people have lost the correct way of life? ” Qi Bo replied , “ In the past , people practiced the Tao , the Way of Life . They understood the principle of balance as represented by the transformations of the energies of the universe . They formulated exercises to promote energy flow to harmonize themselves with the universe . They ate a balanced diet at regular times , arose and retired at regular hours , avoided overstressing their bodies and minds , and refrained from overindulgence of all kinds . They maintained well - being of body and mind; thus , it is not surprising that they lived over one hundred years .” “ These days , people have changed their way of life . They drink wine as though it were water , indulge excessively in destructive activities , drain their jing - the body ’ s essence that is stored in the Kidneys - and deplete their qi . They do not know the secret of conserving their energy and vitality . Seeking emotional excitement and momentary pleasures , people disregard the natural rhythm of the universe . They fail to regulate their lifestyle and diet , and sleep improperly . So it is not surprising that they look old at fifty and die soon after .” “ The accomplished ones , of ancient times , advised people how to guard themselves against disease - causing factors . On the mental level , one should remain calm and avoid excessive desires and fantasies , recognizing and maintaining the natural purity and clarity of the mind . When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely , and the energy of the mind is not scattered , but is focused and concentrated , illness and disease can be avoided .” “ Previously , people led a calm and honest existence , detached from undue desire and ambition; they lived with an untainted conscience and without fear . They were active , but never depleted themselves . Because they lived simply , they knew contentment , as reflected in their diet of basic but nourishing foods , and clothing that was appropriate to the season but never luxurious . Since they were happy in their position in life , they did not feel jealousy or greed . They had compassion for others and were helpful and honest , free from destructive habits . They remained unshakable and unswayed by temptations , and they were able to stay centered even when adversity arose . They treated others justly , regardless of their level of intelligence or position .” Huang Di asked , “ I ’ ve heard of people in ancient times , spoken of as the immortals , who knew the secrets of the universe and held the world in the palm of their hands . They extracted essence from nature and practiced Qi Gong and various stretching and breathing exercises , and visualizations , to integrate body , mind and spirit . They remained undisturbed and thus attained extraordinary levels of accomplishment . Can you tell me about them? ” Qi Bo responded , “ The immortals kept their mental energies focused and refined , and harmonized their bodies with the environment . So they did not show typical signs of aging and were able to live beyond their biological limitations . “ Not so long ago there were people known as achieved beings who had true virtue , understood the Way of Life , and were able to adapt to and harmonize with the universe and the seasons . They too were able to keep their mental energy through proper concentration . “ These achieved beings did not live like ordinary humans , who tended to be hard on 3 themselves . They were able to travel freely to different times and places since they were not governed by conventional views of time and space . Their sense of perceptions were supernormal , going far beyond the sight and hearing of ordinary humans . They were also able to preserve their life spans and live in full health , just as the immortals did.


With Love
Eelco

Very nice Eelco. It sums up everything very well.

[greybeard]

What Is Awakening? — An interview with Sri Mooji
Published on Dec 29, 2016

Jannecke Øinæs from Norway interviews Sri Mooji as he speaks about the most important discovery that can be made in the human kingdom and the spontaneous integration of knowledge that comes with falling in love with the Self.

"The ego is actually the fiction of our self. The fact is your inmost being."
~ Mooji

Jannecke Øinæs' website is http://wisdomfromnorth.com

This and many other videos can be viewed on Mooji.TV:
http://bit.ly/moojitv
and
http://bit.ly/sahaja-express

#Mooji #satsang #spirituality #advaita #nonduality #awakening


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otuz_vcyyVc

[Enola]

Sounds True is a great publisher of consciousness-expanding material.

http://www.soundstrue.com/store/

[Guish]

After teaching Dharmma to monk Punna..

Lord Buddha; Dear Punna where you hope to live..?

Monk Punna; There is a city named Sunaparathna, I hope to go there.

Lord Buddha; I heard that people of Sunaparathna are very wicked, and they may insult you, then what you going to do..?

Monk Punna; If they would insult me, I think that even though they insult me, they don’t knock me and they are nice people.

Lord Buddha; If they would knock you down..?

Monk Punna; If they would knock me down, I think that even though they knock me down they don’t hit me with stones and woods, and they are nice people.

Lord Budda;If they would hit you with stones and woods..?

Monk Punna; If they would hit me with stones and woods , I think that even though they hit me with stones and woods, they don’t hit me with weapons, and they are nice people.

Lord Buddha; If they would hit you with weapons..?

Monk Punna; If they would hit me with weapons , I think that even though they hit me with weapons, they don’t kill me with weapons, and they are nice people.

Lord Buddha; If they would kill you..?

Monk Punna; If they would kill me, I think that, having this body is the root to all the sufferings, and they help me to get rid of it,and they are nice people.

Lord Buddha; Sadu, Sadu, Sadu Punna! You have tamed yourself very well and you can live city of Sunaparathna.

[joeecho]

Lord Buddha; Sadu, Sadu, Sadu Punna! You have tamed yourself very well and you can live city of Sunaparathna.

https://comfortandchallengedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/1463691099228.jpg?w=676

[Guish]

A “pagan” asked Buddha, “With words, with silence, will you tell me (the Way)?” Buddha silently kept meditating. The “pagan” bowed and thanked the Buddha, saying, “With the compassion you have cleared away the clouds of my mind and have made me enter into the awakening.” After he left, Ananda asked the Buddha what he had attained. The Buddha said, “A good horse runs even a shadow of the whip.”

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15894305_1491728407521513_666274654384209568_n.jpg?oh=d1b317fd5822a71416892df049171f30&oe=59121824

[joeecho]

http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-the-curtain-of-the-universe-is-moth-eaten-and-through-its-holes-we-see-nothing-now-but-emile-m-cioran-65-77-28.jpg

http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-the-choice-is-the-universe-or-nothing-h-g-wells-90-99-01.jpg

[Guish]

Tao (道) - The Way of Nature ~

“Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts,
you return to the Source of Being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Tao or Dao: 道 is a Chinese word meaning 'way', 'path', 'route'... In Japanese pronounced "Do" - the symbol associated with traditional arts like judo, kendo, kyudo, chado (the way of tea)...

"Tao signifies the primordial essence or fundamental true nature of the Universe (and ourselves). Tao is not a 'name' for a 'thing' but the underlying natural order... It is thus "eternally nameless” and to be distinguished from the countless 'named' things (visible forms and structures) which are considered to be its manifestations."

https://z-1-scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15894397_1491920350835652_1049697580208671663_n.jpg?oh=471272b8ee5d80991dadd6ed0a5b3c14&oe=5918B75C

[Guish]

vzKryaN44ss

[joeecho]

It's the unreflected that gets unnoticed.

http://www.jarofquotes.com/img/quotes/08040e7bf1c4024bf3d8ee67037d4473.jpg

The unnoticed is cloaked in reflection, unseen.

[Clear Light]

vzKryaN44ss

Oh, nice video Guish :heart:

And perhaps, what "I" hope, is that what's realised is that there isn't a thinker thinking thoughts eh ? :wink:

[Guish]

vzKryaN44ss

Oh, nice video Guish :heart:

And perhaps, what "I" hope, is that what's realised is that there isn't a thinker thinking thoughts eh ? :wink:


I think it's for viewers at an earlier stage. Buddha's recognition that Mara was a part of himself led to his enlightenment. He wasn't attracted to temptations like Lust and greed. That's the red wolf. You don't need to fight it as you don't fight thoughts in meditation. We have an ego but there's no need to deny or fight it. Just don't give it importance. We all have the blue wolf- our loving nature which we can grow up by acting the right way selflessly as there's no self.

You have a point. We don't need to think about doing good. Doing good is our nature.

[joeecho]

I think it's for viewers at an earlier stage. Buddha's recognition that Mara was a part of himself led to his enlightenment. He wasn't attracted to temptations like Lust and greed. That's the red wolf. You don't need to fight it as you don't fight thoughts in meditation. We have an ego but there's no need to deny or fight it. Just don't it importance. We all have the blue wolf- our loving nature which we can grow up by acting the right way selflessly as there's no self.



The ego feeds itself.

http://img02.deviantart.net/4990/i/2004/214/3/6/ouroboros.jpg

[Wind]

"It is not so much a matter of destroying the ego as of balancing it with the Overself, for its need of development must be recognized. Such an act will not give it equal power but put it in its proper place, as a child's individuality needs to be balanced with its parents'."

"The highest goal of the quest is not illumination gained by destruction of the ego but rather by perfection of the ego. It is the function of egoism which is to be destroyed, not that which functions. The ego's rulership is to go, not the ego itself."

"The illumined man is still conscious of his individuality but it is a different, a transformed individuality."

~ Paul Brunton

[Guish]

What comes, will go.
What is found, will be lost again.
But what you are is beyond
coming and going and
beyond description.
You are It.

~Rumi~

https://z-1-scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p235x350/15741203_1477372515623769_2975961148811186273_n.jpg?oh=fd740d107aef4c96a6e0c3ba57a12831&oe=58D90AFA

[joeecho]

You are it without being it.

It is all a game of tag. TAG, you're it!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8owomtkQgg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YIUKZcs3rM/VI-uzO9d8PI/AAAAAAAAGns/Pj7w09NvCOc/w506-h379/Catch%2Bme%2Bif%2Byou%2Bcan%2B-%2Bbitch.gif

[Guish]

Mindfulness and self control till the realisation of no self.

w6T02g5hnT4
X9xnR-UhMUQ

[joeecho]

I understand the irony of using I, believe me.

I wrote it so I is using it.

I even takes credit for it's failings. An equal opportunity self creditor. ;)

[Clear Light]

I understand the irony of using I, believe me.

I wrote it so I is using it.

I even takes credit for it's failings. An equal opportunity self creditor. ;)

Oh, "I" love your sense of humour Joeecho :bigsmile:


34800

[joeecho]

If one can't have fun with ego where is the fun in that?

More irony:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/20/52/ac/2052ac7d59c9a8a88356e4bc60aabdad.jpg

Who is asking? ;)

[Clear Light]

If one can't have fun with ego where is the fun in that?

More irony:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/20/52/ac/2052ac7d59c9a8a88356e4bc60aabdad.jpg

Who is asking? ;)

Oh, Joeecho, is this like some sort of a non-dual-ing "game" ... pointing at each other's so-called Ego ... "I" ask ? LOL :wink:


34802

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15589907_1468580809836273_1149376553865487678_n.jpg?oh=b5956379c85abab5c33db847187cf528&oe=5913E441

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15401067_1455846827776338_8825546028406162667_n.jpg?oh=07b5f9d69e92da87e4969a87b5bfd16c&oe=590E8181

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/manual_zen.pdf

[joeecho]

Omniscience knows no secret, that is the secret.

http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-if-you-could-get-rid-of-yourself-just-once-the-secret-of-secrets-would-open-to-you-the-rumi-61-36-83.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/4e/d7/01/4ed70114834db7d3be2850c1607a337c.jpg

The secret of secrets cannot be told, if it could it would not be it.

[joeecho]

If one can't have fun with ego where is the fun in that?

More irony:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/20/52/ac/2052ac7d59c9a8a88356e4bc60aabdad.jpg

Who is asking? ;)

Oh, Joeecho, is this like some sort of a non-dual-ing "game" ... pointing at each other's so-called Ego ... "I" ask ? LOL :wink:


34802

I see we have ourselves here a Mexican standoff.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/freakoutnation/uploads/2015/06/Gun-backwards.jpg

[Guish]

"Be kind to others, so that you may learn the secret art of being kind to yourself." ~Paramahansa Yogananda
https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15327500_1455827944444893_5647960883396442841_n.jpg?oh=b0cea63f7d0efdf0e6c7b4d890300333&oe=58D98B8B

[joeecho]

"Be kind to others, so that you may learn the secret art of being kind to yourself." ~Paramahansa Yogananda
https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15327500_1455827944444893_5647960883396442841_n.jpg?oh=b0cea63f7d0efdf0e6c7b4d890300333&oe=58D98B8B

The equally provocative is it's apparent opposite. Be cruel to others, so that you learn the art of being cruel to yourself.

Mirror mirror on the wall.

You are the fairest of them all.

[Clear Light]

Ah, all this talk of Buddhism, Mind, self and other may perhaps lead some 'people' to assume the Heart plays no central role in the 'game of life' eh ?

But as far as 'I' am concerned the Heart cannot be ignored *if* we desire real Truth :heart:


34805

[joeecho]

Love is always despite that which mimics (or doesn't mimic).

[betoobig]

i i i i
canta y no llores

[boolacalaca]

a sculptor chips away at stone
to reveal the image underneath
so too knowledge of yourself is gained
by removing concepts

finding who you are by relating outside yourself
is like asking which star has the best position
everything is in the middle
of where it needs to be
including you when you realize it

when you finally discover
there's nothing you need do
to achieve the loftiest of spiritual goals,
whatever you do - don't try to do nothing

greater awareness comes from inner balance
inner balance comes from greater awareness
oh where to begin that which is done?

[Clear Light]

whatever you do - don't try to do nothing

Oh, lol, perhaps because even "doing nothing" is a form of "doing" ... for the one "who" is seeking eh ? :wink:

And unfortunately, IMO, the very act of "seeking" apparently obscures that which is being sought !

Now, does this seem like a paradox to "you" ?


34806

[Guish]

whatever you do - don't try to do nothing

Oh, lol, perhaps because even "doing nothing" is a form of "doing" ... for the one "who" is seeking eh ? :wink:

And unfortunately, IMO, the very act of "seeking" apparently obscures that which is being sought !

Now, does this seem like a paradox to "you" ?


34806

As we both know, the way to stop the mind chatter and be peaceful is to do whatever activity with full attention.
When you do zazen, you just do zazen.
When you eat, you just eat.
With practice, each activity becomes a zen moment.

We don't seek because it activates the mind chatter again. Nothingness should just hit you when the mind is stable from the mind chatter.

[Guish]

Ah, all this talk of Buddhism, Mind, self and other may perhaps lead some 'people' to assume the Heart plays no central role in the 'game of life' eh ?

But as far as 'I' am concerned the Heart cannot be ignored *if* we desire real Truth :heart:


34805

You ask for it and you get it.

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p235x350/15741238_1480744848619869_86911822673050867_n.jpg?oh=cb8df93c0cf389cc124409069c2b8d69&oe=5909D292

[boolacalaca]

i i i i
canta y no llores

Muy bueno, aunque podría añadir - cantar y bailar y no llorar!

[boolacalaca]

whatever you do - don't try to do nothing

Oh, lol, perhaps because even "doing nothing" is a form of "doing" ... for the one "who" is seeking eh ? :wink:

And unfortunately, IMO, the very act of "seeking" apparently obscures that which is being sought !

Now, does this seem like a paradox to "you" ?


34806

I feel we are already enlightened spirits if we realize it -- our state of being is celebration, of being in a found state, not seeking. The wait and the listening endure, the answer and the action pass. There are no paradoxes in the found state. The Mind-Body Pandora's Box can be opened but it will never arrive at a final answer or one complete understanding. It turns out there are so many "complete understandings," the next one seemingly more elegant than the one before until you realize all those understandings are only component parts of a greater whole that's ever-emerging upon more. It never stops and that's beautiful. Resolved paradoxes resolve by unfolding as dilemmas to be answered with even richer imagined paradoxes. It can be so incredibly interesting to explore the far reaches of it all. It's so easy to get caught up and not realize that process is applying our infinite energy to a puzzle that exponentially expands with an influx of energy. It's our choice what to make real, where to direct energies. The universe is not judgmental - it'll gladly let one go down any rabbit hole that makes us happy or interested or content. The key question, often overlooked, remains -- how do you know it really makes you happy? Are you being fulfilled or just dazzled into being lost by what you fill yourself up with? How will you ever know? By resolving paradoxes? By taking it to the next level? By securing answers that imply future questions? Flowing with the unfolding found is better than hanging onto anything.

[greybeard]

Welcome to the thread boolacalaca.
usual lap top away being repaired so this is brief thank you.

Chris

[joeecho]

a sculptor chips away at stone
to reveal the image underneath
so too knowledge of yourself is gained
by removing concepts

The story ends with a pile of dust on the ground.

A hero's journey, an least one tried.

http://i.quoteaddicts.com/media/quotes/1/37004-quote-life-is-like-a-ferris-wheel.jpg

Don't see this post contra to the post iyself, just offering a story within a story.

I imagine being off the Farris wheel is a bit like having never been on.

[Guish]

"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can. "

~ The Dalai Lama ~

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15873266_1491920024169018_6797876853377192336_n.jpg?oh=1133fec40ea87a43b6ac21cd2affced8&oe=591EBE26

[joeecho]

It matters not what path one takes though it may start seeming like home the more invested one is in it. One may double down and cover all paths but that just multiplies the story. The book is a long one but that is okay, I have nothing but time.

Déjà vu, I've been this way before.

[Guish]

“The important thing is allowing the whole world to wake up. Part of allowing the whole world to wake up is recognizing that the whole world is free—everybody is free to be as they are. Until the whole world is free to agree with you or disagree with you, until you have given the freedom to everyone to like you or not like you, to love you or hate you, to see things as you see them or to see things differently—until you have given the whole world its freedom—you’ll never have your freedom.”

― Adyashanti

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/16105822_1497843486910005_1551046602772863739_n.jpg?oh=4520dfd9cb89520e9e0ec659f6f7aea0&oe=59183138

[joeecho]

The whole world is awake, it is simply searching for what that means which incidentally powers the wheel of life.

I am/ is awake but that is a misnomer.

http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-while-it-is-always-possible-to-wake-a-person-who-s-sleeping-no-amount-of-noise-will-jonathan-safran-foer-39-62-46.jpg

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/l/t1.0-0/s480x480/16115039_1498486016845752_9078185412011816171_n.jpg?oh=afdbee9600520df304b98c73f2267906&oe=5923BBD7

[Clear Light]

Oh, this I feel is a fantastic video from Paul's "Zen BitchSlap (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_C52GReAWsMggLrvqQdUw/videos)" YouTube channel where he explains how the "grasping of the mental state" is like the barrier or obscuration to the oft-overlooked miracle of plain "seeing" ... I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and perhaps even find yourself laughing out loud at how our "mental gymnastics" continually attempt to "own" any insight or self-realisation that may seem to occur in the "life of a seeker" eh ? :wink:


FF9iXArw_10

[Wind]

"Why is it that sensitive refined souls would rather a hundred times look down on a long mountain valley than on a long city street? Why does the handiwork of Nature rest them but the handiwork of man disturbs? A lovely sunset, with its glowing colours and peaceful landscape, may move them deeply. Whence comes this emotion? It is aesthetic, yes, but it is also mystical at its root. Hence the sunset's gold mauve and grey tints may start feelings which uplift, console, and spiritualize a man."

~ Paul Brunton

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16105822_939230909546808_3763414292675206453_n.jpg?oh=ab13d0090153ee80d94012f7a0c3a638&oe=590A076C

[joeecho]

The world is pretending to not know so as to maintain the mystery.

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16003314_1502920479735639_5694241852347979699_n.jpg?oh=80011eb75e538793b6bbf9578b09a74d&oe=5914F830

[joeecho]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16003314_1502920479735639_5694241852347979699_n.jpg?oh=80011eb75e538793b6bbf9578b09a74d&oe=5914F830

Regarding the two above:


Same-Same but different but still same

http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/laughing-fat-buddha.jpg

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16105798_1503537899673897_5855606935336281516_n.jpg?oh=57b9f324e64f852d039844d5015bf339&oe=591F1D9B

[Clear Light]

The world is pretending to not know so as to maintain the mystery.

Ah, now, let me ask you : This "world" you refer to, is it the "world" you See / Imagine in your Mind (as a Globe within an Infinite Universe, or perhaps as a Planet with billions of people dwelling upon its surface", or ...) or, may I suggest, does "world" merely refer to the Space you infer you see right where you are now at this instant, like immediately in front of your Eyes apparently looking at the screen where these words are appearing ? :wink:


34852

[Clear Light]

"Why is it that sensitive refined souls would rather a hundred times look down on a long mountain valley than on a long city street? Why does the handiwork of Nature rest them but the handiwork of man disturbs? A lovely sunset, with its glowing colours and peaceful landscape, may move them deeply. Whence comes this emotion? It is aesthetic, yes, but it is also mystical at its root. Hence the sunset's gold mauve and grey tints may start feelings which uplift, console, and spiritualize a man."

~ Paul Brunton

Ah, this "I" feel, is because such a Man recognises how he himself and his body is none other than a Microcosm of the Macrocosm, in that the very same "Elements" of which "Nature" is Formed are also of His own Form ... thus "Separation" is *not* possible, OK ? :heart:

[Wind]

In harmony.

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16143873_940265759443323_5461266261901777500_o.jpg?oh=1db4e1780acbe8ce4248715f4edaf762&oe=591DDF2D

[joeecho]

In harmony.

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16143873_940265759443323_5461266261901777500_o.jpg?oh=1db4e1780acbe8ce4248715f4edaf762&oe=591DDF2D

http://a.dilcdn.com/bl/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2013/10/Pocahontas2Lyrics.jpg

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16143173_1504569999570687_2923707245818666466_n.jpg?oh=5be7a9db60e194c254d5c9551a2e112f&oe=5908727B

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15825898_1336489579758627_6059814577753641210_n.png?oh=abb45b57535eaa51ff13cddfe59b9fe4&oe=590CA98D

[Guish]

Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while peeling potatoes.
Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.

[Shadowman]

Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while peeling potatoes.
Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.

Allow me to elaborate Guish, and add a third step,

Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while peeling potatoes.
(ego/person peeling potato - aligned with thoughts/mind - thinking subject, world and actions/doing)


Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.
(Aligned with Awareness - be here now - or be now.here - both the path and the “goal”)
(Turiya/the fourth/witness - 3 become 2 - awareness no longer identified with the thinker)

Potatoes peeled
(No separate doer - Potato, peeler, person and peeling are all real as the absolute, and unreal as separate things/acts - now they are realised as both relative/dependent in appearance, and absolute/independent in reality - Samsara is Nirvana)

...then

(Turiyatita/Nirvana/Brahman/Heaven/Self Realization - 2 become “One” - here words fail to help)


Before I had studied Ch'an for thirty years, I saw mountains as mountains, and rivers as rivers. When I arrived at a more intimate knowledge, I came to the point where I saw that mountains are not mountains, and rivers are not rivers. But now that I have got its very substance I am at rest. For it's just that I see mountains once again as mountains, and rivers once again as rivers. - Qingyuan Weixin, as translated by D T Suzuki

"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and grass grows by itself."

It happened: a Zen Master was chopping wood. A man had come to enquire. He had heard the name of the Zen Master. It had been a long journey to come to the mountains where the Master lived with his disciples. He asked this woodcutter – because he could not think that the Master would be chopping wood – he asked this woodcutter,
”I have heard about a great Zen Master who is enlightened. Where is he?”
And the Master said, ”Look at me! I am that!”
The seeker thought this man to be mad. Still, to be polite with him – and it is better to be polite with a madman.... And he had a great axe in his hand, and who knows? And he looked so ferocious....
And he said, ”I am that! What do you want?”
He said, ”So you are that great Master. What did you do before your enlightenment?”
He said, ”I used to chop wood and carry water from the well.”
”And now what do you do?”
He said, ”I chop wood and carry water from the well.”
And the man said, ”Then what is the difference? Then what is the point of your enlightenment if you still chop wood and carry the water from the well?”
And the Master laughed... and the mountains must have laughed with him, and the trees. It is said that around that monastery, still, after thousands of years, sometimes that laughter is heard. He laughed and said,
”You fool! Before enlightenment I used to chop wood, I used to carry water. Now water is carried, wood is chopped. I am not the doer; that is the difference.”

[joeecho]

http://www.fueldabook.com/repository/truths/0050.jpg

[joeecho]

(No separate doer - Potato, peeler, person and peeling are all real as the absolute, and unreal as separate things/acts - now they are realised as both relative/dependent in appearance, and absolute/independent in reality - Samsara is Nirvana)

...then

(Turiyatita/Nirvana/Brahman/Heaven/Self Realization - 2 become “One” - here words fail to help)
.
.
.
.
.
.
”You fool! Before enlightenment I used to chop wood, I used to carry water. Now water is carried, wood is chopped. I am not the doer; that is the difference.”



Hi Tim, Glad to see you around and thank you for the insight.

Saṃsāra and Ego, same difference.

What does one do without it?

Exactly.

[Clear Light]

"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and grass grows by itself."

It happened: a Zen Master was chopping wood. A man had come to enquire. He had heard the name of the Zen Master. It had been a long journey to come to the mountains where the Master lived with his disciples. He asked this woodcutter – because he could not think that the Master would be chopping wood – he asked this woodcutter,
”I have heard about a great Zen Master who is enlightened. Where is he?”
And the Master said, ”Look at me! I am that!”
The seeker thought this man to be mad. Still, to be polite with him – and it is better to be polite with a madman.... And he had a great axe in his hand, and who knows? And he looked so ferocious....
And he said, ”I am that! What do you want?”
He said, ”So you are that great Master. What did you do before your enlightenment?”
He said, ”I used to chop wood and carry water from the well.”
”And now what do you do?”
He said, ”I chop wood and carry water from the well.”
And the man said, ”Then what is the difference? Then what is the point of your enlightenment if you still chop wood and carry the water from the well?”
And the Master laughed... and the mountains must have laughed with him, and the trees. It is said that around that monastery, still, after thousands of years, sometimes that laughter is heard. He laughed and said, ”You fool! Before enlightenment I used to chop wood, I used to carry water. Now water is carried, wood is chopped. I am not the doer; that is the difference.”


Oh, I feel as if this thread has taken a turn towards what is known as "Emptiness", wherein even the words "Samsara" and "Nirvana" are seen as mere conceptual designations / labels that have no inherent *meaning* to them eh ?

Now perhaps in a Conceptual way, they can act as "pointers" but just as the "Map is never the Territory" so in the same way the "World of Concepts" is never "Genuine Reality" ... seemingly from Conceptual to non-Conceptual what is there "left to do" but "burst out laughing" !!! :bigsmile:


34891

[Guish]

Evaluating reality makes us lose grip of reality
There's no relief if one is tied to any belief


The last few posts have been wonderful. I'm not doing Zazen but posting before going to work today. There are no routines to follow. Just go with the flow.

¤=[Post Update]=¤



"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and grass grows by itself."

It happened: a Zen Master was chopping wood. A man had come to enquire. He had heard the name of the Zen Master. It had been a long journey to come to the mountains where the Master lived with his disciples. He asked this woodcutter – because he could not think that the Master would be chopping wood – he asked this woodcutter,
”I have heard about a great Zen Master who is enlightened. Where is he?”
And the Master said, ”Look at me! I am that!”
The seeker thought this man to be mad. Still, to be polite with him – and it is better to be polite with a madman.... And he had a great axe in his hand, and who knows? And he looked so ferocious....
And he said, ”I am that! What do you want?”
He said, ”So you are that great Master. What did you do before your enlightenment?”
He said, ”I used to chop wood and carry water from the well.”
”And now what do you do?”
He said, ”I chop wood and carry water from the well.”
And the man said, ”Then what is the difference? Then what is the point of your enlightenment if you still chop wood and carry the water from the well?”
And the Master laughed... and the mountains must have laughed with him, and the trees. It is said that around that monastery, still, after thousands of years, sometimes that laughter is heard. He laughed and said, ”You fool! Before enlightenment I used to chop wood, I used to carry water. Now water is carried, wood is chopped. I am not the doer; that is the difference.”


Oh, I feel as if this thread has taken a turn towards what is known as "Emptiness", wherein even the words "Samsara" and "Nirvana" are seen as mere conceptual designations / labels that have no inherent *meaning* to them eh ?

Now perhaps in a Conceptual way, they can act as "pointers" but just as the "Map is never the Territory" so in the same way the "World of Concepts" is never "Genuine Reality" ... seemingly from Conceptual to non-Conceptual what is there "left to do" but "burst out laughing" !!! :bigsmile:


34891


This is so important. Being nothing and not being the doer don't imply that we live in exclusion. Being nothing means to be empty of concepts or beliefs and to embrace each moment when it comes to you.

[betoobig]

Chris i miss you, hope you are doing just great. Big hug brother where ever you are, love you.
Juan
Back to topic

[Clear Light]

Chris i miss you, hope you are doing just great. Big hug brother where ever you are, love you.
Juan
Back to topic

Oh, he's fine, don't worry as he's just taking a back seat and doesn't feel like posting at the moment. Best Wishes Chris :waving:

[joeecho]

Everything hints.

The problem is, what is the hint?

Never mind.

[Guish]

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/16388298_1512703818757305_5414142290184765372_n.jpg?oh=19710b70751641ed5a65fb22e9f19570&oe=59494128

[Guish]

The sage has no mind of his own.
He is aware of the needs of others.
He is good to people who are good.
He is also good to people who are not good.
Because Virtue is goodness.

Has faith in people who are faithful.
And also in people who are not faithful.
Because Virtue is faithfulness.

The sage is shy and humble -
to the world he seems confusing.
Others look to him and listen.
He behaves like a little child.

~ Lao Tzu ~
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 49

https://z-1-scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/16142768_1510474232313597_3007377460982371370_n.jpg?oh=01fecec3f23c461d8c3cc81801f2b96b&oe=5900C553