bradley

tobaco is nightshade, so that makes sense. there are lots of other chemicals in nightshade too. like solanine, which is poisonous and also keeps insects away. thats why you shouldnt eat green tomatoes, at least in abundace, nor smoke them for that matter...

i think the smoke is bad for you, but there are losenges an patches, for example, where you dont smoke. granted being addicted to anything is not good but just thinking aloud (via my fingers...) i would actually say beans are the key to longevity. maybe avacados. : )

are there health benefits of nicotine? i.e. not the smoke itself? I heard (maybe on this site, actually) that is preventative against alzheimers? They have nicotine lozenges that one can take, for example.

I don't know. I do appreciate your perspectives and views, though. There are so many ways to approach living, and at least from my perspective, it does not really matter which approach one takes, so long as it is done with a kind and open heart. There are so many incredible people from all sorts of different traditions out there. I met the most wonderful fellow from kurdistan at a coffee shop today. He was a christian and would not stop talking about his love of god, and the kindness he sees in everyone he meets wherever he goes. It made my day. I dont think any one tradition can claim a monopoly on the answers to existential questions nor "enlightenment" in general. To me enlightenment is more like a sparkle that you can just see in peoples eyes when you speak with them. Ive come to realize that I don't really need to know the answers to existential or metaphysical questions to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. I just have to be. That's why I liked the video. I do find esoteric approaches and ideas interesting though, and sometimes try them out, hopefully with the same spirit of "just being". That is why I also like reading yours and others perspectives.

What functions and authority are there to unfold other than being? Did you watch the video? I liked it.

Thank you for sharing. Was it or "Dont Know Mind" or "DoNo Mind" ? Seems like "dono mind" is similar to the Wu Wei concept? interested if anyone who watched the video agrees/disagrees. Does it matter what your essence is? If one were to discover and scientifically understand one's true essence, as some sort of magical spiritual object or otherwise, what would be gained? A tofu-stealing cat does not need to know it is a cat to be a cat. I think the point of the video was that by ceasing to seek answers to esoteric questions, one is free to be what one is. PS, I also very much appreciate your posts on this site, Tommy : )