Tommy

Sorry no patience. Too long-didn't read. If one needs to refer to a complex paper about the nature of consciousness then maybe the subject is also too complex for simple discussions on a social forum. But, then again, it depends upon the participants. I like meditation cause it doesn't require deep thoughts and complex math. It doesn't need ideas of how one thinks one exists. And that is the attractiveness of meditation even if I can not do it properly. Guess, I will sit in my delusions a while longer.

Not sure what is meant by Quantum?? When physicist thought about the world, there were two things. One was the world at large. The night sky showed that there is a universe with many strange things. Then there is the world of the very small. Molecules, atoms, protons and electrons and then down to quarks. All of it thought of as particles. However, the world of the very small stuff seems to have no accuracy. Only probability seems to be allowed. The two slit experiment is one that seems to defy logic. Light or photons travel thru the two slits and create a wave pattern . This can be done also with electrons which one believes is a particle. The same thing happens. There is a pattern of wave interference. But, when one watches to determine a particle travels thru the slit. The pattern then become two lines. The act of observing the electrons seems to cause the wave form function to collapse. So what are we talking about when it comes to Quantum and Consciousness? Probability and statistics? One doesn't just live in the world of the very small. There is also the very large. Are we talking about forces? Gravity, electro-magnetism, strong force, weak force? The topic is not clear.

Sorry, but you put into question his method of validating his truth. That seemed to me that you denied his beliefs. I am probably wrong that you meant it that way. My apologies. His approach seemed logical? When in doubt to see if others see the same things??

If Truth is the bulwark against delusion then who decides what is the truth? Is it or isn't it someone else who agrees with you or your beliefs?? I just find that when one denies other's beliefs publicly that it creates a dangerous precedent. Personally, I agree that people should not be seeing vertical white light coming out of people. But, I only put it that in question and not deny that is what the person believes.

So, what are you implying?? Are people who have similar ideas and beliefs delusional? Then what is a bulwark against delusion?

Skip it. A lighter shade of pale.

Sounds you live inside a cult of some kind. Everyone can see the same vertical white light. Guess you must have asked quite a few people. It must be nice to get that kind of validation. Skipped the light Fandango. Turn the cartwheel 'cross the floor. I was feeling kinda seasick. The crowd called out for more. The room was humming harder. As the ceiling flew away. When we called out for another drink, the waiter brought a tray. And so it was that later, As the miller told his tale. That her face at first just ghostly, Turned a whiter shade of pale, She said there is no reason, And the truth is plain to see. That I wandered thru my playing cards. And would not let her be. One of sixteen vestal virgins. Who were leaving for the coast. And although my eyes were open, they might have well have been closed.

Sorry, I have never had that experience of seeing a vertical stream of light. Supposedly it produces consciousness in the brain and generates life force and spiritual purpose in the heart. I do not believe it is a phenomenon which is commonly experienced. Sorry, you have lost me.

So, this spiritual relationship, does it have a memory? Does it have eyes? Does it feel? Can it sense whatever you sense? If it can do this then it can watch thoughts. But, to me, I have yet to find this spiritual relationship. Where does it sit? Does it reside in the heart? Or does it reside in the brain? Or is this open hearted and good hearted stuff just an attribute of this ego or personality?

To me, it seems that you have created this life with affliction and demons. You keep fighting because this is all you have known. So much so that this has become your Karma. You wrote this story. So, where do you go from here? It would seem that you really need an experienced teacher to work with you and guide you out of this self-made prison. I am sorry if that sounds harsh. But, I am like the madman in the desert looking for the Oasis. I know it is there. Just haven't found it yet. I wish you well.

There is a very good chance that you have spent a great deal of time and effort learning and building this knowledge of the Dharma. So much so that it has become like a brick house. Each lesson or brick laid in place and cemented to stand the fury of the outside winds and rains. But, as everyone knows, it is the empty space which provides us we a living area. You have mentioned creeping vines which to me were thoughts which creep in while one is trying to just sit. And it has shown me my own creeping vines. These things are the remains of what is left fighting to be ego. A self saying to itself, I am here, sitting quietly. This I is the watcher and the doer of not doing. This I prevents one from dropping this mind and moving forward to cross the stream. It is like another trap the mind has created. I am here. I am aware. The mind created this I which is keeping me separate. So, if one drops the mind then the illusion drops away and the absolute appears? Does one see the truth that this is temporary? That there is no need to cling to pleasure or pain? But, this is life and to drop the mind and feel the heart? There may not be happiness but there should be a lightness? Yes, not a Buddha, nor enlightened, nor even a good student. This I understand from my own experiences. Happiness, yes, but no need to hold it. Sadness, yes, but no need to push it away. Just space for things to arise and go away. I think you know much more than your words show.

I am sorry but I have an issue with that absolute there is no happiness. As everyone knows, change happens. One can not be equanimity all the time because there is change. Meeting an old friend may bring happiness. Losing a loved one may bring sadness. As the saying goes, before enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood carry water. Do you mean to say that in the Absolute there is no change? No flux? No need to chop wood nor carry water?

Are you expecting turbulent times? Do you have the tools and resources to get thru such events? I personally expect to suffer and die. Hopefully the suffering will be short.

Does your heart have awareness? What is the function of the heart? It pushes blood thru out the body so the body can have oxygen to process a living function. Are you aware of the actions the heart makes thru out the day? Can the heart remember the events of the day? I am sorry but I do not understand the question. When you say heart, what are you referring to? The muscle in your chest?

Don't we naturally live with others who become like family? They become familiar and we know where safety lies? We care for those in out lives?