Gunther

I am not convinced, I am inclined. The mystery is a mystery. By definition. Spirit or matter, whatever, just labels

Perfect Zen 😀

What about it? Let's keep it simple. The intention is to be happy. Naturally it follows that this includes all sentient beings

Yes, that experience of breath cessation removes all doubts about your true nature. But it should not be regarded more important than chop wood/carry water so to speak. Torturing body (fakir) and mind(yogi) may succeed in developing will power but not wisdom/compassion

Not unconscious. Action with awareness, moment to moment without expectations/attachment

I am convinced that conciousness cannot mysteriously be a by product of matter. But it makes no difference really. Death is like deep sleep. Nobody home 😀😀

Sure, it can all turn into a rather complicated science. But Zazen is really just karma yoga

Or sleep😀

Like all scriptures it all depends on the level of understanding/spiritual development. So for most the Bible speaks of a personal creator god. For others it is mystical, occult even. And so it must be because the spiritual path is individual and everybody has to find his natural and effortless approach to the absolute. Maybe some rely on blind faith or need to torture themselves(and others😀) so be it for the time being. If you reached the essence there are no differences. Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam,Schamanism, whatever, whatever, it's all the same. Man's eternal quest

Yes, same difference. I AM means what? You say "beyond time", eternal life, and that's correct. All he is saying is that he is enlightened, has entered the kingdom of God. And he is not the only one who got himself killed for saying that

It depends on your preference what concepts you use. For the great majority of Jews and Christians god is an old Jew with a white beard. And so be it if it feels good and helps them

Jesus says: before Abraham was, I AM The mystics speak of a god head, which is the absolute. It is even before I AM Because conciousness/awareness are also not permanent/eternal. But the debate is ongoing about that including Buddhism and Vedanta

you could say that if you dont define zazen in the orthodox way.(siitting down facing a wall) what is sitting meditation?(zazen) to rest with a relaxed mind is called sitting abide in your natural state without confusion is called meditation (check out Hui Neng, platform sutra)

magic mushrooms maybe.takes a lot of hard work to make heroin(from opium)l.o.l.

It's not focusing at all. It's not an activity. You relax, rest in your natural state. It's passive receptivity, openess. In that clarity the old mind patterns are known. To know means to clearly see, be aware, nothing needs/can be done. That's càlled cultivation

Understanding is immediate. The Buddha( nature ) within is awareness. Abiding in your true nature (being aware) is automatic cultivation. (By being aware of old self referencing mind patterns, old habits)

😀And everything is everything That's the really deep stuff

The self nature is non self(nature) Easy

Yes, but why call it cultivation? You just expressing your nature. So if you feel like sitting facing a wall, or whatever, go for it, enjoy😀 But you not going anywhere 😀

You are ready made. Cultivation is not an action/doing. It is pure receptivity. For example: The school teacher says to the child: Pay attention. What you supposed to do? You immediately stop doing anything😀😀

★★ What Is "Three-Bodies Buddha"? _________________________________ ◆ In《The Record of Linji》, Chan Master Linji Yixuan expounded : “If you wish to have no difference from the Buddha and Patriarch, just only not to seek outward. The light of purity in a single thought of your mind—this is the Dharma-body Buddha within your own storehouse. The light of non-discrimination in a single thought of your mind—this is the Reward-body Buddha within your own storehouse. The light of equality in a single thought of your mind—this is the Transformation-body Buddha within your own storehouse. That which is listening to my discourse right now and right here is your Three Bodies. It is precisely because you don't seek outward that you manifest such functions of genuine merits and virtues." ________________________________________ ◆ Commentary Sharing : ▲ The self-nature embodies the Three Bodies. ▲ The Three Bodies have no self-nature. ▲ As to the Three Bodies : The Pure Dharma Body is our self-nature; The Perfect Reward Body is our inherent wisdom; The Myriad Transformation Body is our [compassionate] action. _/|\_ ❤ _/|\_ _____________________________________________

Yes no need to chop down anything. If we try do understand. The Buddha within. Your mind (essence) is the Buddha

For sure. But repeating is not enough. It needs to be understood😀

I know, can't be helped, no getting away from the Tao

Man's evolution Lucifer and Elohim Are myths in the Mind