Apech

I didn't mean the search engine I was trying to get rid of a duck that was pestering me.

Duckduckgo?

Similarly to others it was reading the Tao Te Ching which first inspired me. I was a teenager at the time (so it was a long time ago) but I can remember the impact of some of the chapters. Back in those days I couldn't find any Taoist teachers at all, they may have existed but I couldn't find them. So I became interested in other things including Buddhism. I am not religious in the normal sense and I still avoid groups and so on as much as I can because I find most people want to be devotional and religious. But now having found a good (great) teacher I practice Tibetan Buddhism. The reason for this is a ) the personal connection and b ) I find I think naturally like a mahayana Buddhist. One thing I really like about the history of these 'ways' in China is that although there was political interference (as there is everywhere) actually Buddhism was enriched by encountering Taoism and that there are schools of Taoism which have accommodated some Buddhism without losing its identity. Of course both are very broad traditions so its hard to generalise. In the end I don't think you chose one or the other because one is 'better' as such ... unless you mean 'better for me' ... the various paths are often not easy and you need to choose one which inspires and uplifts you ... or put it more simply makes you feel good and feels right for you. Don't force the issue by trying to decide which is 'superior' or whatever because in the end these judgements are more or less meaningless. Look in your heart and see what moves you, which path makes you stronger in life and perhaps makes you a better person. In the event of not choosing any one path, then deal with each on its own terms. Each is self consistent within itself. You can read across quite often but sometimes this is just a good way of getting very confused. Its quite possible to be a Taoist and a Buddhist provided you handle each with care and respect. If you are sincere sooner or later the way ahead will open up and you will know which way to go.

I guess that was the start of something. What will really trigger something I think are experiments which show some kind of conscious response in so called dead matter. I know, I know ... quantum mechanics ... but I mean something more conclusive and undeniable where the results of empirical experiments knock those white-coats onto their behinds.

I agree that the problem lies with a wrongly formulated question (in part) but it is interesting that the very mind which in all its ingenuity produces science and technology produces for itself a 'Hard Problem' ... which is essentially itself. I suspect hylozoism is due for a comeback in a big way (especially if linked politically to Gaia and Green Movement) ... I see a new pantheism coming down the track. or possibly its already arrived and I missed it.

Je suis Gatito

I think he is suspended ....

So they should be shot? The issue of the nature of the cartoons and how offensive they might be is not the issue surely. How self righteous were the shooters? (supposing the false flag business is not true ... and although I accept such things happen not all acts of terrorism can be false flags can they?)

Laugh and the world laughs at you.

Maybe the idea of families and brothers is part of the problem?! You know how family members fight! Try spending Christmas with them. So maybe (serious point) there's something in this very proximity which makes of antagonism????

Having the 'ago' in the 'now' is having the past in the present. Since all we perceive is the present moment even the past is coiled up in the now. But wanting to have it thus is not the point. Since wanting denotes the lack of something and if we have the present moment and the past instantly then we lack nothing since the future is only the dream of possible inter-realtions of the things in the now yet to come.

Ten thousand not-things. I keep some in my garden shed. When I clear it out I find all kinds of stuff which I can't remember having, what they are or what they're for.

Happy typing.

Seriously? A hive mind. Leave me out.

I moderated my self out of existence. One day I was concierge the next pffft. Now I am a ghost cat.

Since there is no other place for it on the board and because there is a branch of Hermetics which could be called 'Christian Hermetics' or 'Christian Mysticism' (Pico de Mirandola et al) I am starting this thread to discuss this tradition. I am conscious that because this board is so US centric that we suffer from the the Christian right and the reaction to that which tries to rubbish anything which is Christian. I'm not interested in these arguments and please keep them away from this thread. As Steward of the Hermetic Sub I will be hiding and/or splitting off any attempt to steer discussion towards particular debate which gets a good airing elsewhere. What I want to discuss is not mainstream Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox Christianity but the inner tradition of a mystical path within Christianity as expressed for instance in the Grail legends. The reason I think it is important and interesting is because I think Christ can be seen as heir to an old lineage which I call the 'Lineage of the Wounded or Sacrificed King' and that the life of Christ embodied, not just the Hebraic Messianic theme but also the theme of Osiris and the core teachings of the ancient pagan world. So for those that are interested let us begin.

wow brilliant!

Your dog is called Picasso ... excellent.

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in mind training, Buddhist or non-Buddhist: http://www.amazon.com/Path-Awakening-Buddhisms-Enlightenment-Happiness/dp/1883285593/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420395181&sr=8-1&keywords=path+to+awakening

Thanks for the causes of my greater understanding

The final cause reads rather like a result. But I am sitting expectantly awaiting your next post.

I think that there is a secret plot by conspiracy theorists to take over the world.

If you take into account the levels of infant and child mortality ... which in ancient times would be high ... this drags down the average life expectancy. If however an individual survives into adulthood then they can expect to live into old age.

By psycho-spiritual stress I mean mental/emotional/ energetic disharmony due to unassimilated experiences ... as in disease = dis - ease. the ancestral record contains both positive and negative influences ... which is why all ancient cultures and many modern cultures include for propitiation of both spiritual entities (e.g. gods) and the ancestors - both to gain their wisdom and advice but also to ward off harm.