Mithras

Yeah a lot of these figures seem like sages: Jesus, Muhammad, etc and they all either say similar stuff or at least act similarly

I'm unsure, all I know that it looks like I'm lounging more than meditating when I do meditate. Not a big fan of stuff like Lotus pose since I don't see much point in it anymore and would rather just relax and be lazy lol

Well personally I think meditating is a relaxing thing to do/a habit. It doesn’t really have to do be done to gain quietude or anything like that, it can be treated the same as a nap

Here’s one, it’s related to the white skeleton meditation which you can read about here: http://www.meditationexpert.com/ebok/Special Report Skeleton.pdf

Reminds me of one of the songs that was used for the OST of a game I used to play as a kid... Fall from Heaven 2 was the game, though technically it was a mod for a game called Sid meiers civilization 4... Good times Lately I've been developing a web game, stuff like this really hits the spot

I'm not too familiar with practicing humility or the other treasures, but where can there even be inequality? This whole existence is truly no more significant than a dream. Though seeming to be long, that does not change its dreamlike nature. Then who is the oppressor and who is the oppressed? Like the monsters in a nightmare, or the wealth gained in a dream; neither truly are. Even then, what were horrid deeds in the past are soon erased by time. Equally erased are the great boons pledged to even the mightiest emperors. Soon even traces of this understanding shall erase itself, then even the erasure itself will be gone. So let those who cry from injustice cry, and let those who smile with their ill gotten prosperity do the same. When all this is akin to a dream, where can there be good and evil? Suffering and prosperity? Merit and demerit? Let the ignorant illuminate this as false, and let the sages steadily know it. Let the animals and humans rest in their sentience, let plants rest in their idleness, and let rocks rest in endless slumber. Let all these things be, and know there be no difference between animals, plants, and objects. For all of these notions can only be compared in imagination, just as the taste of imaginary fruit can only be compared with the advent of imaginary tastes. Wise men know this fact. They who do not know this, are restless. For even if they attain quietude of the mind by great discipline, they easily lose it to distraction. Believing themselves to be related to gains and loss, they mourn, "Oh I have lost the self!" Lecture aside, it is by my understanding that all three treasures are really just equanimity. For compassion then shines through unconditional love, conservation then exists through all things being, and humility is rooted by the understanding that all things are equal.

Cool idea. I'd look it up more if I wasn't so lazy. Though It reminds me of an idea that everything that is observed isn't real, it is a construct. An example being colors don't really exist, we are just made to see colors, etc

Hehe I probably added a lot on my own. Sorry sorry bad habit Yeah... that's how it tends to be. It's kind of hard to want to see past objects if they're giving you deep satisfaction. On another note though there are some who say liberation/getting to the truth is as easy as picking up a piece of straw and then others who say it is very difficult, extending into heavy effort over multiple lifetimes. I don't remember where I saw this, but I read somewhere that a lot of times one doesn't start looking till they've cultivated dispassion over multiple lifetimes. What's your guy's feel on the dynamic of effort involved?

Haha, I feel a bit the same. I can explain welkin's first post from my POV though. I tend to have a bad habit of lecturing (sorry for the times I've done in the past, I keep it to my ppd now) so I'll try to keep things short to my personal experience. One day I am full of knowledge, and another day I am full of ignorance. Where has knowledge gone and ignorance appeared? One can point to the neuron behavior and so on, how the brain store memory etc, and how physical laws provide a basis for all of this but even physical laws eventually fade away. Science is beginning to touch on this with the heat death of the universe, but personally I didn't arrive at the conclusion through scientific theory. So basically the question remains that where do all these things go? Happiness, sorrow, laws, movement, etc. They all seem to arise and disappear, and even that which does appear seems to be like a heavily colored canvas, which lacks any substantiality. Just like how a fruit painted in a picture, cannot be tasted or grasped. Ex: perception of time is based on past, present and future but all things are observed in the present so how can there be past or future? Yada yada yada and bam. All that can remain is the undifferentiated and unattributed self, in which all things can momentarily arise and disappear as if they have never arisen. Just as how many differently shape bracelets can appear out of the same gold. Yet the gold remains unchanged. For me even knowing this isn't really worth anything, as the sage and the fool are of no difference. The self does not distinguish between the one who knows and the one who doesn't. Similarly, the villain and the hero are of the same merit, for when the truth remains unchanged, what wrong deed or even good deed could have been committed? What is gained from purity that is only obtained momentarily and then lost? What is lost from impurity or sin, that seems to make one lose greatly yet disappears easily. What is even gained from knowing the truth or liberation? Samsara itself is but a play, whether it happens or not do not concern me or anyone, whether they seem to believe it or not. All these things are like dream objects, they do not obtain or lose anything. It is a mirage, without substance though appearing to be solid. Hence all that remains is the truth, which cannot be perceived as an object, but simply is. sidenote/this might be easier to understand: I would feel that getting to the Truth has to do with more of the destruction of knowledge than the obtaining of it. Knowing what the truth is, really isn't more significant from not knowing what the truth is, but it at least allows for one to establish clear vision and sort things out. Seeing clearly means looking past personal emotions/attachments. When someone starts to hear about the world is unreal yada yada it becomes a lot easier to see clearly or enquire. This can be mistake for detachment a lot of times but it isn't really necessary for this process, just indifference or constant enquiry into the personal experience. Even those things aren't necessary, for even worms can attain "liberated". That point aside, at some point knowledge starts to get destroyed faster and faster, regardless of what you do. When all knowledge is finally destroyed, that is liberation/enlightenment. Though enlightenment itself is like a change to an object in a dream.

Very true. The desire I'm more so referring to is craving, thinking of something when its not physically present, etc. Otherwise there's nothing wrong with fulfilling the body's needs like eating when hungry, enjoying yourself, engaging in sexual activity, etc. The ascetic turns away from what is present, The hedonist searches for what is not present, the wise man simply does what is present. The wise man's way is the effortless way. In the right understanding as well I feel, one can do whatever they wish. For when all this is the self, then what taint is acquired when performing any activity? Whether engaging in gluttony, lust, or other such matters. For where is activity or morals? Thus those who know the truth without doubt, are beyond reproach for their activity. I believe there's a story of one of the Zen patriarchs frequenting brothels after enlightenment. Another of Vishnu incarnating as a lust driven man who lived in a crematoriums and wore skulls. I remember also reading a story that dwelled on a similar matter, where a King who knew the truth spoke with one who was in constant samadhi. The King was asked if he had attained Samadhi, and the King replied that all this is the self so how can there be samadhi or distraction? Whether there are thoughts or no thoughts make no difference, similarly for desires.

I’ve heard the phrase that samsara exists solely in desire, with desire for worldly objects and desire for liberation being the same. Perhaps to rightfully conclude upon this path, one must be desire less? A desire less one very easily gains equanimity of perception, and thus self knowledge. It does remind me of some western traditions of wish making where one attempts very little effort to manifest worldly attainments, by believing they already have it. Similarly if one can believe that for the self, then I imagine they are naturally purified, till they reach that state.

I feel that weak will often isn't just about weak will but the means behind it, the wisdom that speaks as to why. You may be denying a strong will because you have solid reasons within not to have one or you just lack momentum towards that attitude. Or it could be energetically related, but i'm not too into energetic related stuff. You can try out this exercise to find out where there is conflict and contemplate it later. This exercise should also help create a lot of momentum; you can imagine it as getting the blueprint, the workers, finding the place and then beginning to build the bridge. After you complete the exercise, over the course of the upcoming days and weeks you'll notice the seeds of thoughts kind of snowballing towards this desire just like how a bridge gets built more and more now that everything for it to be built is ready. There's nothing wrong as well with repeating the exercise, though its advisable to let it be and have nature take its course. 1. Think on the following phrase: "I want to have a strong will" (You can make this something else just change it up accordingly for the later steps). Effectively the key is to feel the emotion behind phrase, you can repeat the thought "I want to have a strong will" in your head a few times to solidify that feeling of wanting. Take 30 or so seconds at least with this step. Once it feels solid enough (there's no standard indicator so just move on when you feel ready) then move onto the next step. Alternatively if you feel bad about even wanting a strong will, then the problem likely lies in why you'd even want a strong will. After all, if you don't even want a strong will, how could you expect yourself to obtain one? Otherwise, the reason could be behind some energetic symptom but I somewhat doubt it. 2. Think on the following phrase: "I can have a strong will" Once again feel the phrase, but also try to feel the shift from wanting something to acknowledging that you can have it. You don't need to even give reason as to why you can have a strong will, just know that it is possible. This time if you feel negative emotion, you don't need to stop and reevaluate; just repeat the phrase and focus on the feeling that you can have a strong will. This feeling can be anywhere from expectation, pride, a mix, etc but it should never be one of lack where you beat yourself up and feel bad. It's expected that you may have some thoughts that berate you about not being capable of having a strong will, you don't need to deal with those. Just feel confident and positive that you can have it and the thoughts will mean nothing. When you feel ready, you can move on but i'd reccomend spending at least 30 seconds here as well. 3. Think on the following phrase: "I will have a strong will" If you're reading this first and then attempting the exercise, this jump might feel a little strange. But its a lot easier to say that you will have something if you can first acknowledge that you want it, and then that you can have it. Otherwise, making such a statement is like preparing a feast without any food; it's just a lot more difficult. Otherwise, repeat the phrase and feel what it means that you now will have a strong will. This feeling can be pride, expectation, excitement, etc; as long as its positive and it feels good then it should be fine. Otherwise if its negative, then work towards correcting it even if you're being berated with thoughts. The negative thoughts mean nothing if the feeling is positive. Move on when you feel ready, but if you're unsure when that is take a minimum of 30 seconds and move on when you're feeling positive. 4. Think on the following phrase: "I have a strong will" The rules are basically the same for this stage. Hopefully it's easy and you can simply rest in satisfaction and completion. Speaking of that, common feelings for this step are satisfaction and completion. Warmth in the chest, relaxed, excited, etc. Once again, negative emotions may come but honestly they don't mean anything as you can feel satisfied regardless of what they say; they're like the barks of a dog. Do you bark back at the dog or let the dog ruin your day? No you just keep walking on your merry way, even if the dog's barks surprised you, you can still just walk away. Rest in this state however long you feel. No minimum or maximum, just stop on a good note though. Once you stop, thank yourself for putting in the mental effort and deciding to have what you wanted. You can thank your subconscious too as well for overseeing the bridge building. Now there should be some kind of seeds planted. You'll notice thoughts that align with each of these steps, like "I wish I had a strong will", "when will I have a strong will?", "I know I can have a strong will". Just leave it be and let your mind do the work and you'll naturally drift towards strong will. You don't need to do anything else to prove it either, just live life as you do and how you would do. The momentum will show itself normally. This exercise has another lesson however, effectively that you can just choose how you feel. We often let our thoughts or physical interactions choose them, but we can just skip that and feel motivated, satisfied, happy, sad, etc without them. So if you want to just do things regardless of how you feel ( have a strong will ) just create the feeling you'd like to feel and do it. Otherwise, the negative feelings in each of the steps give items for you to address and contemplate on. Though I also find myself agreeing with helpfuldemon. Don't beat yourself up, take your time. If you find yourself doing both, chances are you'll demonstrate a strong will from natural passion while completely forgetting about needing it in the first place.

Yeah I found the same when i read that excerpt. It's just a bit rude and random. I imagine if someone actually let it grow as a demon in their mind then it could come to be.

This is really interesting, I've never really encountered people with a presence or aura but it seems like you definitely have. Can you describe more of your encounters and also other auras you see in others?

True wisdom derives from no source A mirror reflects a myriad of images, but remains unchanged

I'd like to request a PPD as well please. I remember requesting one before but it got buried.

What a wonderful excerpt. I wrote two poems on this matter, one which many of you might have already seen. I find what these poems illustrate for me, is that freedom/completion/satisfaction is not to be gained, it is inherent! Then perhaps the journey towards enlightenment is simply letting go of the all the attachments that dispute this fact.

I don’t listen to music much but this is one of my favorites

Huh, I've had a lot of issues with bad habits, depression, and so on. The final nail in the coffin for me was to stop relying so much on the brain/body. They are fickle things that work sometimes and don't at other times. Rest in the awareness of the brain/body and not the brain/body itself; after doing this, for me at least, I found myself a lot more free of all the random stuff it does like breakdowns, fear, etc. Otherwise, best of luck. Everyone has their own methods, I hope that you find one suited to you.

Framework is important... but I’ve never been one good with terms. I prefer realization of concepts rather than names describing them. This is likely also the case for people who extensively self study.

Huh I’m somewhat lost on this topic and the use of long terms. Though I feel like this observation may relate? The objects of the world are ever changing, but the mirror they reflect off of never really does. Whether that mirror/reflection is awareness or also the I, I’m not sure. But It reminds me of a story: A King and Buddha are talking by the Ganges River, and Buddha asks how the king has changed with age. The king explains how he has gotten old, his eyes lack sight, etc. And then Buddha asks, even though your eyesight has diminished, this river Ganges is the same? It has never changed in your memory since you first saw it; it is the same river Ganges. The king agrees. Thats a paraphrase of the story. Dunno how much it relates but I felt that it does. Kind of like finding the unchanging nature within the changing... But it makes me think about how I may experience the taste of ice cream per say, but if I try to imagine a taste of a specific flavor... it has never really changed.

I’d like a personal practice discussion thanks

Oops I tend to write stuff in my head first then write it down; so it reads confusing. The way you explained it was perfect; better than I could put it. But what I was meaning was that if someone did something mentally, and believed in it same way as a physical ritual, would there be any difference? Meaning they emulate the pain of offering flesh, and feel fervor and greatness as if it was entirely real. Some people might call that kind of insane though, but i would think that the results wouldn’t differ so much. You can imagine it being like an imprisoned man just sitting in his cell to the outside world, but in his mind is some vast and ornate ritual that he truly treats as real. Also Ha, I’m just starting to figure out ‘luck’. Fun to hear your stories :), just now getting into creating my own luck so it’ll be exciting times. As for aboriginal ideas; they seem pretty cool. I especially like their idea of sacred time and cyclical time. very cool stuff. Also unsure if you pasted in that Bill Neidje quote the right way but it seems interesting. Huh never really experienced much like this. Though I’m glad to hear your experience. It’s cool to see that it can go both ways, in vedantic faith they’d still call stuff like that self effort, just of past lives, and it’s experienced like actual luck/tendencies. As for deities, never really encountered any. Wonder if I should try to invoke one or other beings at some point. Guidance would be nice in the solo cultivation process. Though, from time to time it feels like I’m being cheered on or guided. Otherwise life feels very silent. Thoughts are mostly left to me and no one else to share them with. Save for internet connections, no one else to talk to about these things or ask, but I suppose solitude is something we have to accept with spiritual practice. Though I am trying to manifest a guardian spirit for that right now, but there’s no rush for it. Feel like it will happen, kind of like ordering something online. Once you’ve ordered it, you wouldn’t say that you don’t have it, just that you’re waiting for it I am somewhat worried about creating projections and so on tho, but I’m sure with enough wisdom and good habits things should end up fine. I imagine once it’s ‘real’ i could approach it in the same way that deity approached you. Would be cool to hear anymore stories you have on this matter, and guidance. I’m no pro just a newbie lol

This idea of "mental rituals" that is mentioned in Vasistha's Yoga, which I'm sure are also mentioned in other scriptures as well. It can be boiled down to: Mental actions leading to physical boons. One of my ideas as to why this works (from a mainly vedantic perspective) is that this world is an illusion created by mental modifications/mind. So our day to day lives vs performing an action in our heads is no different. We just have to believe it. Fun fact: It's scientifically proven that practicing a sport in your head actually makes you better at it; whether that be shooting hoops in your head or archery. I found myself particularly fascinated by this idea as my current meditation is a ritual as well, I just didn't really know about it that way till now. Effectively my practice (dazzling white skeleton) involves offering up ones flesh to demons or other entities(the ritual aspect) and then meditating on whats left: a clean white skeleton. Hence one of the meditation's selling points is that it gets rid of Karma and allows one to detach from the body, along with some other boons. Now if I were to perform a hardcore religious ritual, offering one's flesh up is as metal as it gets, so yeah haha. This is generally a cool topic, what do you guys think? Where else have you guys seen this phenomenon of mental rituals? Have you had any experience of performing rituals mentally? Meditations as well that reflect this concept?