.broken.

All the different schools of thought on the matter come from people with different perspectives... Lol, just read that back and realised how silly that sounds. Let me explain. Yes, time is illusory from the point of view of the universal consciousness. I have entered the timeless realm - arguably never left it - and it does seem that 'God' has every single thing planned out. From this perspective, there is no free will and all lies within the hands of fate. But then, from our every day experiences we know that our bodies operate differently. This material realm is subject to time. As such there is a perpetual unfolding of events... constant change. Change creates opportunities for the individual observer within this reality. Situations appear where we have a choice of action. In fact, these appear all the time, in each moment. The problem with experiencing this 'now' is thanks to our upbringing - and if one is a believer in such, our past lives too. Habitual thinking, karmic conditioning, ignorance; call it what you will. Our past experiences clearly influence our current experience. This is where free will comes into play. We can choose our experiences. We can mould ourselves. We can literally shape our destiny. What we choose, however, is very much dependant on our habits and our level of awareness... the automatic decisions and the conscious decisions. Be mindful, be conscious at any given moment and you shall see for your self. This is the very reason behind spiritual development. To unlearn our past. To answer your main question... All is relative. That is simply how the universe works. Which path you choose is yours and yours alone. Yours, out of perspective, James

Spells, chanting, mantras and rituals are things I have direct experience with - and from my experience they do work. It's all about intention and vibration... Whirling dervishes Sufis are amazing beings. Spinning is also found in Tibet and certain forms of shamanism, of which witchcraft is a daughter of. Spinning has many uses including the strengthening of the spine for better conductivity. Chanting has it's origin in the divine. In fact, it is as much of a law of the material universe as gravity. Chanting can be found in pretty much every single tradition. All matter is vibrating energy. One can raise one's energy by a whole host of different spiritual practices from all the corners of the world... hell, even intellectual investigation works... arguably a spiritual practice in itself. Mantras create certain vibrations/energies that work both internally and externally. The reason certain mantras are used is because they are associated with an enlightened being of old, or perhaps a spiritual guide of some sort. They allow for the practitioner to 'tune in' or 'tap into' a certain frequency, or set of frequencies, which is of particular benefit. For those with open minds, this is akin to asking for help and guidance of a spiritually advanced being. Now, the real crux is that it's not just mantras that create vibrations. In fact there is no separation whatsoever. All our thoughts, actions and words have an impact, no matter how small, on our vibrational state - our energy levels. Cursing, among other forms of abuse, has a notable affect on one's energy. As does giving praise or even something seemingly mundane, such as watering a plant. Nothing is exempt. Vibrations do not need to be created in the sounds of Sanskrit for them to have repercussions. Watch your words and watch them closely. With awareness comes insight, With insight comes restraint, With restraint there is virtue. Yours humbly, James

When everything flows unhindered... absolutely every thing.

All religions understand loving-kindness, compassion and virtue. Your father doesn't need to know what you believe, but your father will see how you act. Act according to your beliefs, my friend. Become congruent. Selflessness is, arguably, the highest path. Joy, Peace, Give, Forgive, Love. Holding those beliefs will perpetuate that state. Detach; unlearn; cleanse. Yours in companionship, James

Well said Lin. Nothingness has been experienced a few times by 'my' self, and it usually ends with my mind shouting, "Hey?! What was that?". Entertaining. I regularly experience energy shifts whilst I am on the way to sleep. I get surges like that occasionally during the day as well as when I'm falling asleep. Usually it happens when my spine is in good alignment, and the body relaxed... These conditions simply allow for greater conductivity of energy. If you were freaked out by it, there is not need to be - just notice the mind's response and carry on. Yours humbly, James

"Sin is a good man's brother, and he's alright." I thought of you a few times while you were on "err, holiday" Glad to see you are still alive and well. May happiness follow you, James

Truly incredible. Particularly the smashes to the face as well as the guy getting pummelled at 8:02. Good find!

I read a verse today from the Dhammapada which I thought was apt to this thread: "Should a traveler fail to find a companion Equal or better, Rather than suffer the company of a fool, He should resolutely walk alone." Yours, in loneliness, James

Yes and no. I have never really had a problem with my sense of direction, and haven't been lost since regularly losing my mother at the supermarket when I was very young. However, I have noticed a change in how I get to places. Instead of mentally planning a route and following it as I used to, I now just walk out my door and end up in the right place. Legs on autopilot, my mind is free to contemplate or sit in silence. Yours humbly, James

One goal at a time... 1 - Raise my Kundalini

A shame you do not tend to sensual pleasures, as that is one pimping hat!! Great to see that your return to NY has been constructive and fruitful, although I don't think anyone expected less. If I can ever afford the flight, visiting you will be up there on my list of things to do. And if you ever find yourself in the UK, please know that my door is always open and that I cook some mean vegetarian dishes A thousand blessings, James

Perhaps because deep down they know that they create their own suffering. You see, to acknowledge that would mean that they would have to acknowledge their own responsibility. Procrastination is a form of rejecting responsibility in favour of following one's desires, or running away from one's fears. Being pushed and pulled by fears and desires implies that one is not truly aware, and as such, development of awareness could perhaps lead to an end of procrastination. I shall leave you with a favourite teaching of my grandfather, "Procrastination is the thief of time." It's just as bad as wishing one's life away. Yours, in nostaligia, James [edited for grammar]

Every moment, every thought, every breath, every heartbeat and every being present an opportunity for cultivation. Life becomes a reflection of the divine through one's actions, speech and presence if the opportunities are grasped. Do not think of it as cultivating merit. To cultivate it would suggest that there is ownership... Just like money is never truly ours, yet we can determine its flow for our benefit, so merit is never truly ours yet we can determine its flow for our benefit. You see, just like one can owe money, one can owe merit. It's the world of karma. Make up for your creations of suffering, or find yourself in suffering. Ease those in suffering, and find yourself easing your own. No one ever said anything about doing good deeds sparringly. Such would be selfish and an ego driven desire simply for one's own benefit. Act with the intention of good deeds at all times. Live, think and breathe compassion. It is neither prerequisite, nor the outcome. It is both. Do good deeds and you will further your inner cultivation practices; further your inner cultivation and you will do good deeds. A constructive path of mutual, interdependent practices. Karma yoga, as hagar rightfully said. Also meditations focussing on the heart centre and those on compassion. Metaphysically speaking, much of this revolves around the development of the heart chakra. Why seek to complicate what is by far one of the most simple of things? To 'be' is arguably the highest teaching of all, yet in it's simplicity we have created much as a means to reach it. Once realised, enlightenment is so simple - perhaps similarly once the nature of karma is realised, it is equally simple. I would agree with you, that such is a state of a healthy human being. Have you opened your eyes and seen how many unhealthy ones there are? People shrouded in fear, prejudices, hate, anger, worry, anxiety, greed, lust... Ignorance abounds. Some practices that are said to be full of merit revolve around the reading of sutras. In my humble opinion, there is nothing that brings more merit than the unstoppable search for Truth. For if you truly seek, you will find. Yours in humble admiration, James

Energy cultivation gives rise to courage, and to sensitivity. Sensitivity allows us to determine the subtle and its effects. The subtle influences everything and connects everything. Alcohol has its effect on the subtle, as much as alcohol is a form of the subtle. The same applies to drugs and socialising... and well, everything else too. Courage gives us the strength to be ourselves, to leave friends of old built on superficiality and continue our own path. There is no universal approach that'll work for everybody, yet conversely balance is key in all aspects. Listen, feel and choose. Your life, after all, is in your hands. Yours, sensing equilibrium, James

As it has been mentioned a number of times - what a great thread this is and there are some exceptional truths that have been imparted. I laughed when I first saw this thread because it was created on the same day I was having indepth discussions about the nature of love with a colleague... Much of what came up in our conversation has been covered here. I thought I'd reply to a number of things that have been posted, but first I would like to talk a little about the word itself. 'Love' is a term that is used widely in the English language. Ranging from, "I love chocolate", to, "I love." The term 'in love' is rather destructive in the sense that it automatically implies that one can fall out of love too. This 'love' creates feelings of wellbeing which gives birth to good deeds toward the object of one's affection - usually in the form of romantic gestures. The general result is a softening of the recipient's feelings toward the perpetrator of the good deeds allowing for the opportunity of physical closeness and the sensual pleasures that are likely to follow. Essentially speaking, there is always an object of desire. Love without an object would imply that there would be no one to acknowledge and return that love. As such, everything is equal and the self is ultimately reflected in everything. Good deeds perpetuate from the selfless as love and compassion go hand-in-hand. Steve... I couldn't have put it better myself The spiritual path is all about losing our conditioning through awareness and patience. Along the way are the many realisations that the individual must attain, of which love is arguably the greatest of all lessons. A very valid opinion indeed, as it is wisely based on experience. It is, however, not my experience. I have never seriously practiced stillness meditation, yet I have come to the same realisation. I concur. All paths seem to lead to similar realisations. It is perseverence that is of utmost importance. This is the only time where I will disagree with what has been written. You can love their actions, even if they harm you. Love is without bounds. Love is without differentiation. Through true compassion one can bare witness to the experience of another's conditioning and as such gain true insight into their understanding and interpretation of the world. This creates the underlying notion that you and him are the same - actions and all. A wish to leave you with a few words... Do one thing and do it well. Yours humbly, James

How much space would be needed? Certainly feel I'd be getting my money's worth, and that's without the long distance course!! Amazingly generous of you, Santi What'll the cost be? Yours, James

http://www.helpothers.org/story.php?sid=10040 You get what you give

Take good care of yourself Li Jiong I'll miss your honesty, integrity and compassion. Wishing you all the best, James

Love is selfless. Love requires no appreciation, acknowledgement nor reciprocation. Love is a river in which we swim. Love simply is. Open your heart, and you will flow with the river. Yours, in love, James

No guidelines, although the 10 commandments and the 8 fold path do act as such. Simply be aware and follow your heart. Yes, it is very much a part of my practice in some sense. To be more precise, it is born from my practice. I work for a children's charity, I give money and food to the homeless, I give money to about 5 causes every month, I hold open doors for people, I help people carry things, I stick to my word as much as possible, I smile, I laugh, I spread happiness and joy, I listen intently to the woes of others... It's not about random acts of kindness, it's about mindful acts of compassion. Yours humbly, James

I have a few guides who contact me. Amazingly compassionate, and very patient. They know my relatively low level of cultivation and still accept me. Bhakti, imo, is the key to making a connection to these. Ask your teachers and your guides to help, and generally speaking, they will come to your aid. Obviously, nothing selfish will wash with them... has to be something selfless. Yours humbly, James

He has. Be friendly and you may receive some yourself P.S. Sorry for the off-topic banter, Yoda. I tried the practice once, but my visualisation skills ain't up to much - perhaps a sign that I should practice more, but I'm happy where I am

I regularly find myself in such situations. Mike hit the nail on the head when he asked, "Are they willing to be helped?" Do they ask you for your advice or input? Or is it merely a case of, "Poor me! Look what is happening!"? Needless to say, the path you take will depend on the history you have with this person. If it's a close friend you have had for years then I am sure you would act differently than if your relationship has always been somewhat superficial. Something else that would determine your actions would be a measure of how demanding this person is of your time and energy. Clearly, none of us here can make the decision for you, nor can we live your life for you. However, you have come looking for advice, and rather than going into the theory, depth and intellectual masturbation that I would gladly do, I would like to offer you a practical solution. Pray for them. Think of them at least once a day and send them your love, understanding and courage. Holding a mental image will suffice while you do this. Then, think of the third entity in the relationship... the relationship itself. The essence and energy that sits between you two. A colour, shape, person, animal, emotion may come to you as you think of this entity- whatever it is, it is simply a manifestation of the relationship itself. Send the same love, understanding and courage to this being. If you're willing to give it a whirl, you will begin to notice changes. If it's time for the relationship to end, the opportunities to do so will present themselves. In the meantime, you shall be in my prayers Cat. Yours in understanding, James

Mat, you are truly blessed with gracious friends. Smile upon your own fortune, and like your friend said, move on I wish I had something similar to share, but I have been very fortunate in this incarnation. I have messed up many relationships, hurt many people, abused positions of power and responsibility, lied, stolen, cheated, abused my body, killed animals/insects/plants, vandalised property of others... You know what though? I have learnt from many of my errors. Karma, it seems, favours those who correct their ways and are willing to pay for the wrongs that they have done. The trick lies in realising your own errors and removing them. Yours in humble servitude, James

No, no. Not caution. Simply no more need for intellectual masturbation, my intellect glimpsed it's own demise and, as such, I just focus on practice. It's just my current situation - in time, I may return to theorising, or I may not... Yours, in great appreciation, James