Aaron

Umm... you know each time you make a comment like this, you sound more and more bitter. Perhaps you should just let it go? I mean being attached to all that compassion must be very trying on you. I know when I hat... err... feel that sort of compassion about something, it really drains me. Aaron

Here's the next chapter. Keep in mind if you want to discuss a different chapter, just post it, no one will mind. Chapter Seven (Translated by John C. H. Wu) Heaven lasts long, and Earth abides. What is the secret of their durability? Is it not because they do not live for themselves That they can live so long? Therefore, the Sage wants to remain behind, But finds himself at the head of others; Reckons himself out, But finds himself safe and secure. Is it not because he is selfless That his Self is realised? (Translated by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English) Heaven and Earth last forever. Why do heaven and Earth last forever? They are unborn, So ever living. The sage stays behind, thus he is ahead. He is detached, thus at one with all. Through selfless action, he attains fulfillment. (Translated by Robert G. Henricks: Note this translation is translated from an older version of the Tao Teh Ching and may differ from other translations.) 1. Heaven endures; Earth lasts a long time. 2. The reason why Heaven and Earth can endure and last a long time— 3. Is that they do not live for themselves. 4. Therefore they can long endure. 5. Therefore the Sage: 6. Puts himself in the background yet finds himself in the foreground; 7. Puts self-concern out of [his mind], yet finds self-concern in the fore; 8. Puts self-concern out of [his mind], yet finds that his self-concern is preserved. 9. Is it not because he has no self-interest, 10. That he is therefore able to realize his self-interest? -------------- I look forward to the discussion. Aaron

Okay, so I can see that there are a few people interested in starting up a cult or cult following on this forum, so I thought it might be compassionate of me to explain the process, for those who might not be well informed in that regard. Step One- Make sure that you convince people that there is something wrong with them! Step Two- Convince them that you have the only way to make them right! Step Three- Convince them that there is something wrong with being like other people! Step Four- Convince them that by joining you they will become special! Step Five- Never give them a straight answer. Make sure that you only provide half truths! Lots of quotes work well in this regard. This way the potential follower will always be dependent on you for the answers, and you're never really giving them a full answer. Step Six- Find a place where there are a lot of people who feel neglected. Street Kids, Homeless people, lower middle class, anyone that feels disenfranchised, perhaps an online forum, then begin to discredit everyone else, while promoting yourself as the one true authority. Using phrases like "sheeple", "ignorant masses", etc. helps in this regard. Step Seven- Never admit that you are wrong! Remember you are the prophet, messiah, guru, or whatever you want to call yourself, so you are above reproach, and certainly above making mistakes. In fact you should convince them that everyone else is wrong and only your way of thinking is right. i.e. to have any other religious beliefs or ideas, other than your own is wrong, sinful, bad, etc. Step Eight- Make sure that what your offer gives people a false sense of security. Step Nine- Anyone who questions your groups should be immediately marked as unclean and targeted as an enemy! Make sure that you point out that they are one of the above mentioned groups! Step Ten- Distort common definitions to suit your purposes. For instance, if you use the word compassion, make sure that you include violent or hurtful acts in that definition. For instance you could say, "allowing people to live in their delusional states is not compassionate" or "there is nothing compassionate in allowing people to disagree with what I say." You get the picture... distortion is important, otherwise they might actually believe in the actual definition and question your motives. Well I hope that helps anyone out there who is trying to start a cult. I'm sure other people might have other useful suggestions as well. Aaron

I don't disdain pitbulls. They have every bit as much of a right to live as any other creature on this planet. I think you misunderstand my view in regards to VMarco's. We've had this discussion before though, and it only brought about conflict and suffering in the past, so I would prefer to let it die here. Also, who defines what's real? VMarco was defining it, apparently you're defining it now. Perhaps each individual has the right to define what's real for themselves, without others telling them what's not real simply because their own experience doesn't coincide with someone else's? Oh wait, cult leaders, never ever tell your followers what I've just said, they might lynch you. Aaron

Let me say I wont be going to any mountain cave. My life is here and now. Besides the demi-dog has nothing on captain marblehead lord of material Nietzschism. And I'm sure VMarco will be back to lead us to Salvation once everything dies down.

My comments referred to what normally happens when people have these experiences. It doesn't mean your world view doesn't drastically differ, only that the separateness or emotional distress will more often than not fade and you will return to a more "grounded" plane. The Zen monks have a saying, before enlightenment you chop wood and carry water, after enlightenment you chop wood and carry water. Aaron

Here I've taken the time to give those who might want to start a cult some useful advice and you've all turned it into a joke. Tsk. Tsk. I hope this doesn't dissuade the serious cult leaders from pursuing their dream. Aaron

Anyone who has experienced enlightenment understands the virtue of compassion. There is honestly no easier way to reach enlightenment than to practice compassion with every fiber of your being. If you can do that, nothing else is needed. Seems to be the easiest way in my opinion, but for the vast majority of us, giving up our attachments to those people, ideas, and things we hate is too much for us. the enlightened man gives water to not only the thirsty child, but the murderer as well. Unless one experiences enlightenment this will always baffle them on some level. Aaron

Hi Michael, Good to hear. To answer your question, several, but the most common are the schizophrenic disorders, among them schizotypal personality disorder. Autistic people don't view people as objects or robots, but rather have problems connecting on an empathic level, in the sense that they have trouble identifying and conveying emotion. Sociopaths view people as objects, but in the sense of something to control and exert power over. They would have absolutely no desire to control a robot, unless controlling the robot helped them to control people. Anyways, I had a similar experience upon experiencing emptiness, I described it elsewhere as being similar to seeing people as ghosts, haunting their own existence. I described it better then. The fact is, when we have significant spiritual experiences our world view changes, but more often than not, after time passes we become grounded again and realize that the experience wasn't the definition, but the expression of something deeper within us. I hope things work out for you, but seriously, if your condition worsens or begins to effect your daily life, consider seeing a counselor or therapist, or perhaps even a monk at a monastery. It's important to talk about these things, rather than keep them bottled up inside. Aaron

Every answer you receive is a lie. The only truth that exists is the truth you find within yourself. Seeking answers from others without question, is like taking the apple from the friendly old lady who comes to meet you, she might look friendly, but she might also be a witch. It doesn't matter how many times someone tells you to keep the door shut and not talk to strangers, if you open the door just once, then the damage is done. Religion is the poison of spirituality. It is simply legalizing and formalizing something that should not be. Everyone has the potential to find the wisdom they seek within themselves, after all the great prophets were able to do this, yet we have grown up to believe that just because someone is friendly and we are hungry, that we need to accept the food offered us, the more delicious it is, the more apt we are to take a bite, but once we've taken that bite we've allowed the poison inside. The only antidote to this is giving up what we've been told are facts and searching for the facts within ourselves. We must question what we've been told, if we don't then we may very well miss out on the truth, for the sake of a pleasant lie. Must you believe what others believe? Aaron

Off-topic, like that matters now, but I find that it's very hard to explain to people that you don't celebrate Christmas. The first thing they say is, "Oh so you celebrate Hanukkah then?" When you reply, "No." They get this blank look on their face like they can't understand what you're talking about. Sigh... It might just be living in the deep south (of the USA). Aaron

Mike, Some things to be watchful for- are you having thoughts of harming others or yourself? Are you having sexual fantasies that are becoming increasingly disturbing to you? Have you recently had a traumatic event occur in your life? Do you view people as objects, or see them as being robotic in some way? If you find any of these things to be true, I'd recommend seeing a psychiatrist immediately. Certain people experience the onset of psychological disorders without any previous signs. Something to keep in mind, racing thoughts, restlessness, and emotional numbness are often the first signs of this. Also, I'm not a psychiatrist, so this isn't psychiatric advice, rather a list of the clinical criteria. I can only say that if I was experiencing these things I'd go to see a professional and recommend any friend talking about these things to do the same. Aaron

Hi VMarco, Well it seems enough people need to be led by the nose to enlightenment to suit this threads purpose. Good luck on your new world religion, but I would recommend that you stop using the Hua Hu Ching as a source, since you contradict much of what is said in that book as well. What you are professing has little to do with any form of Taoism I know of. Aaron

Not at all, for Buddha actually taught that we need to abandon everything, that includes religious beliefs. And the difference is because I can see the pain and suffering it will cause them in the future, something I would rather have them be free of. Aaron

So, with great trepidation I enter this thread, in the hopes of shining light on the darkness that is spreading from within it. For this thread is one of misinformation, one that seems more invested in proposition and supposition than actual experience. First, I have experienced emptiness and I know what it is, that is why I can tell you, VMarco, that you have absolutely no understanding of what you are talking about. Second, this isn't your fault, you believe that what you have learned is the extent of what you need to know, when that is the furthest thing from the truth. Although the enlightened man (or woman) never stops learning, in fact the Hua Hu Ching tells us this, he (or she) is also content in knowing they cannot know everything. So here is my advice for those interested in enlightenment, in particular the short path, as it can be found within the Taoist tradition. In the Taoist tradition, not necessarily the tradition of Chuang Tzu or Lao Tzu, but the hybridized tradition that arose with the subtle acceptance of certain Buddhist doctrines, among them emptiness, attachments, and the notions of duality and non-duality, one is instructed the following... "The first practice is the practice of undiscriminating virtue: take care of those who are deserving; also, and equally, take care of those who are not. When you extend your virtue in all directions without discriminating, your feet are firmly planted on the path that returns to the Tao." (Hua Hu Ching, tr. Brian Walker) To further clarify the requirements and importance the following two passages are of importance... "To practice virtue is to selflessly offer assistance to others, giving without limitation one's time, abilities, and possessions in service, whenever and wherever needed, without prejudice concerning the identity of those in need. If your willingness to give blessings is limited, so also is your ability to receive them. This is the subtle operation of the Tao." (Hua Hu Ching, tr. Brain Walker) "The teaching of the Integral Way will go on as long as there is a Tao and someone who wishes to embody it; What is painted in these scrolls today will appear in different forms in many generations to come. These things, however, will never change: Those who wish to attain oneness must practice undiscriminating virtue. They must dissolve all ideas of duality: good and bad, beautiful and ugly, high and low. They will be obliged to abandon any mental bias born of cultural or religious belief. Indeed, they should hold their minds free of any thought which interferes with their understanding of the universe as a harmonious oneness. The beginning of these practices is the beginning of liberation." (Hua Hu Ching, tr. Brian Walker) So we see that the first insight that one must achieve is not solely derived from contemplation, but also from action. If one is not able to practice virtue, indiscriminately, then they cannot achieve high virtue, and thus will be trapped within the world of duality. However, one should also be aware that any view that is extreme, that has a either or neither attitude regarding other religions and philosophies, should be questioned, for it is not a view held by the ancient Taoists and will not lead towards enlightenment, but rather towards further attachment and suffering. This is not my view, but that of the author of the Hua Hu Ching, who is said to be Lao Tzu himself. Without first achieving indiscriminate virtue, enlightenment cannot be achieved. Even if one is successful in reaching a state of emptiness, they must also achieve a state of indiscriminate virtue, before they can achieve a state of immortality. This requires much work and most will not succeed in one lifetime, so if you have any questions about devotion to this, then turn back now. Finally, it is within compassion that enlightenment is found, not within the boggled thought of the mind, for compassion does not reside within emptiness, but rather compassion is emptiness. Without being indiscriminately compassionate, one can never hope to achieve enlightenment. This means so long as one holds anger to any person, faction, belief, ideology, or religion, one can never achieve enlightenment. One must be free of anger, hatred, and bias. As the Hua Hu Ching says... "To the ordinary being, others often require tolerance. To the highly evolved being, there is no such thing as tolerance, because there is no such thing as other. She has given up all ideas of individuality and extended her goodwill without prejudice in every direction. Never hating, never resisting, never contesting, she is simply always learning and being. Loving, hating, having expectations: all these are attachments. Attachment prevents the growth of one's true being. Therefore the integral being is attached to nothing and can relate to everyone with an unstructured attitude. Because of this, her very existence benefits all things. You see, that which has form is equal to that which is without form, and that which is alive is equal to that which rests. This is the subtle truth, not a religious invention, but only those who are already highly evolved will understand this." (Hua Hu Ching, tr Brain Walker) This is why I was so adamant about moral relativity and also the practicing of the three jewels, for in Taoism, Compassion, Frugality, and never striving to be first in the world, which requires one to have a tolerant and LOVING and unbiased attitude towards all things, is the only way one can achieve the highest state of virtue that is required to truly reach enlightenment. Those who would speak about compassion but have hatred on their hearts are devoid of this. Those who would demean and belittle others for their beliefs do not understand this. Those who hold their heads up high, while trying to bring others low, do not recognize this. It is only he who is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the world that will be able to achieve true enlightenment. If you read what I've said before, you'll find that nothing I say contradicts what the Hua Hu Ching has said, nor does it contradict the teaching of Buddha, rather I allow others to come to their truth on their own, rather than lead them by the nose like cattle. Be kind to others, love thyself, and the secrets of enlightenment will unravel before you. Aaron edit- P.S. I never read the Hua Hu Ching before last night, yet I've been advocating it's most basic tenants for the last few years, because I was able to uncover them through the Tao Te Ching. As I have said before, anyone who reads the Tao Te Ching can see the path to enlightenment clearly presented. As long as you practice introspection and the tenants of the three jewels, it is waiting for you, for the truth is that enlightenment already exists within each of us, we need only be made aware of it.

I think, as others have pointed out, that the crux is that people are afraid to think for themselves. The notion of religion being necessary has been ingrained upon them from childhood, so they feel that contradicting the notion of "God", ideology, or morality is in itself a mortal sin. Sad really. I saw a family praying at CiCi's pizza Friday night. Three little boys, all somber and serious, then after the amen, smiling away because the ceremony was over and they finally got what they wanted, pizza. I feel sorry for those kids. Aaron

Dawei is right, most of what is being talked about has nothing to do with this chapter. If you want to discuss something different than this chapter, please start a new thread. The rules of this subforum are very specific and it is specific so that the integrity of these chapter studies can be maintained. The only thing that should be discussed in this thread is Chapter 5, any subtopics should be discussed elsewhere. Aaron

Umm... Really? Wang? If ever there was an innacurate translation, you've picked one of the grand daddies to take from. And what translation am I taking from perchance? I was just nterpreting the chapter, don't be so quick to judge. Also using Mao Zedong as an example of the chinese mind is like using Hitler as an example of the German mind, sensational, but not indicative of the truth. Aaron

If we're giving grades for accuracy of interpretating this text, I would have to give everyone involved in this most recent debate a C at best. The problem that most of you are having is that you're not looking at this as Lao Tzu wrote it, but rather as you want to believe it was written. The first thing you're missing is that the Sage Lao Tzu was referring to was the Sage-King or ruler, not the sage as you view him to be. With that in mind he is reminding the rulers of the day that they should make their decisions, not based on sentimentality, but rather what is best for their kingdom as whole. He is not advocating an absence of desires or absolution of attachments, but rather objectively analyzing what is going on. The second thing you are missing is that there is no reference to "Tzu Jan" or spontaniety in this passage, but rather that if we choose to understand the process of Tao, then we need to practice introspection and understand where our own thoughts derive from, for that is how we will understand how those things that are created come to be. Too much of what is taught as "Taoism" today has little to nothing to do with Lao Tzu, but rather it is simply a desire to attribute these practices to Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu did not advocate Qigong, Niegong, or any other martial art, and he made only passing comments regarding the I-Ching. My suggestion, read a bit more of the Tao Te Ching and less of the other texts and your understanding will come from yourself, rather than that of these supposed "masters". In regards to the current debate, Lao Tzu warns against trying to find answers to these kinds of things, simply because they can never be answered to our satisfaction. Worry about what you are doing and to whom, rather than how you should be doing it or even more rediculously, think about doing it. Aaron

So the end of the world is tomorrow, with that in mind I'll tell you a little secret... I was enlightened. It happened about a year ago and I remember it quite clearly because it was not what I expected it to be. It occurred after having a discussion with several people about undivided light and emptiness etc. I had remembered that early in my meditation when I achieved a state of complete silence of the mind, oftentimes it would seem as if the world passed away and there was only light, it only lasted briefly, but it always seemed quite calming. I decided that I would try and achieve that state and maintain it, to see what it was in its entirety. I succeeded, in fact it wasn't hard at all, but the problem was that it caused my perception of the world to change to a point where I felt alien to everything that was around me. Underneath everything I could feel it, the emptiness, the light, whatever you choose to call it and it was always there, almost like a soft humming. After achieving this state I began to look at people differently. I remember being at a soccer match with my family. I didn't want to go, in fact after having the experience I didn't want to be around anyone, it all seemed rather pointless, activities and such, but they pestered me and I went. Anyways, at this soccer match there was a point where I looked around and realized that everyone around me was not real, rather they were like ghosts, being caught up in some trauma they were unaware of they were haunting this place, going through the motions of living, not realizing that what they were doing wasn't real, that in reality they did not exist in this time and space, but rather were just phantasms, doing what they remembered doing. Underneath was that light, humming all around. Perhaps it was that matrix moment, but several days later I understood that we aren't meant to dwell in emptiness, that even though what we perceive isn't real, that suffering causes much of our desires, sorrows, pain, and for lack of a better word, attachments, there is also love there. What I realized in that moment is that there is no difference between love and hate, they are both the same thing, but rather it's how we've been taught to see this that makes it so. I understood that even after understanding the nature of things, that didn't take away the fact that I was a part of both duality and non-duality, and knowing non-duality did not mean I was free from duality, but rather that I could see through it and understand what it was. The world is like a hologram, it is visible, but never tangible to the spirit. If we are ghosts, we are not ghosts of the spirit, but ghosts of the material, and being ghosts of the material we are caught in the material world. Even seeing through it does not allow us to escape it. And if the world is hologram, then what we can be sure of is that underneath that hologram there is only one thing that exists, It is this one thing that doesn't connect us all, but is us all. We are it. In fact there is no we, but only it. The we we perceive is unreal. But it is real, at least it exists. So seeing the illusion, having the chance to be done with it, I thought about it and came up with this... The answer is not without, but within. What is without is the source of all things, but what is within is the source of you. To understand what is without without understanding what is within, that is like emptying a vase and not filling it again. Fill the vase, but leave space within, for there will come a time when you are thirsty, and if there is nothing to drink from you will never be able to quench that thirst. But do not fill the vase full, for that means you have enough to fill your thirst. Can you ever be sure when there is enough? For your thirst today is not your thirst tomorrow. In looking within find the stillness within, for that is the stillness without too. In that stillness there is peace and contentment, but as for the stillness without, there is no peace and contentment, for there is no need for it there. So long as you breathe you can never know the breadth of what is without, so do not look without for the answers, but rather look within. What you find without will bring you no solace, the answer to the beginning is within, for the beginning starts and ends with you. That's all for now. I have to go to bed. Early day tomorrow. Aaron

A few things I'll address about your posts and your rationalizations regarding compassion, enlightenment, etc. First, why do you use the Hua Hu Ching as a source when you obviously don't believe anything it says? You take one quote and use it like it describes the whole teachings of the book. It really brings into question the validity of all your quotes. If you're going to take things out of context, then maybe you should just say, "don't trust anything I quote to be true in the context I use it in." Some things I found amazing about the Hua Hu Ching, first it says the way to enlightenment is through service to others, second it says that enlightenment is within all of us, third it says that we should avoid all extreme religions and ideologies. Now I think the that would include your rather extreme "the short path" religion. You're really a piece of work. Didn't you expect anyone to go out and actually read the Hua Hu Ching? Did you think you would be able to go on and on misquoting the text without anyone calling attention to you or mentioning that using it and acting the way you do is the highest form of hypocrisy. Lastly, almost every scholar on the face of the earth, east and west, agree that the Hua Hu Ching was never written by Lao Tzu, it wasn't even written until nearly 600 c.e. which means nearly a thousand years after the death of Lao Tzu. It was written at the time that Buddhism became popular in China and most likely (in most scholar's opinion) was written to support the Taoist's claim that Lao Tzu went to India to teach Buddha about enlightenment. In fact the book was actually a dialogue between a prince and master (three guesses who the prince was). You really don't do much research on your sources do you? Anyways, I'll repeat this general text every time you quote the Hua Hu Ching on this site as a source for Lao Tzu, pointing out that you're quoting out of context and that the book's a forgery. I would recommend you stop using it, because I can pull out numerous passages that tell people to act in a completely opposite way from what you're advising them. Got to go to work. Bye. Aaron

First, how is making derogatory comments about someone considered compassionate? Sheeple comes to mind. You really don't have the slightest idea what compassion really is, do you? You've come to define it in a way that it allows you to behave any way you wish. Well here's a hint, the highest form of compassion does not arise from morality or humanity, but rather from one's connection to each other. When you understand this connection, then you will understand compassion. Also, Chuang Tzu's comment about being a butterfly has nothing to do with enlightenment, but rather whether or not the world we see is real, in other words, whether or not our senses can be trusted to define everything. If you actually understood the texts you read, you'd understand that. I guess I should feel special that you pick me out of the blue to attack. It's amazing how I can have so much control over you without even trying. I would suggest letting your frustrations regarding me go. I'm sure losing debates to an everyday nobody like me is hard for you, but if you keep obsessing you'll never find any peace of mind. You'll just keep coming back here trying to reclaim what you've lost. Let it go and go back to your normal life. Don't you have kids you could be spending time with, instead of wasting your time irritating people on this forum? Of course if you use the same model of compassion with your kids that you use on the forum, they probably don't want to spend time with you. Aaron

Alright, since you really don't wish to stop yourself, perhaps it's time I address your statements. First you say we should be done with beliefs, but what you are really saying is that no one should think any other way than what you want them to. You behave like a spiritual fascist and you use the same tactics. You repeat the same things over and over like a mantra in the hopes you might draw someone into your inexplicable web of despair. I call it despair because you do not seem like a happy person, but rather a very angry and bitter person. I think that's the vibe most of us pick up on and what this tells me is that you are holding on to far too many attachments. Now here's the crux, you're emotionally attached to this conversation. Hint, it's because you have yet to win an argument with me, the reason is simply because what you have to share is complete and utter bullshit, with no verifiable proof in the real world. What I have to share is something I can prove. The only things anyone needs to reach enlightenment in this world are three, compassion to others, self-control and restraint, and not competing with others. This means a person who practices these three simple principles will see the world as it is, without the need for mind games or nihilistic ego-destruction. I've experienced far more than you have, I can tell because you never describe these experiences using your own words, but rather quote one source or another over and over. You see yourself as a messiah, which makes you no better than any of the other millions of people spouting religions. You have your own short path religion, even if you refuse to admit it. We are not blind, by we I mean everyone who reads your posts. We see your hypocrisy and your inability to express even the smallest bit of civility. Your constant justifications for your anti-social behavior in the name of compassion is perhaps your worst offense to virtue. If anyone bothers to argue with you, it's because they want to compete with you, but I've never seen our interactions as competition, if only because you have nothing to compete with. What you offer people is a void, what I offer them is a deeper insight into reality. I hope that clarifies things. Now feel free to quote the same old sources you've been quoting for over a year now and people will continue to ignore your posts. After all the only people that seem to be drawn into your dialogues are those who seem to think they can win this argument, but I see that as being moot. Sadly, you believe what you spout, but even more so, you believe you are the one that will bring your "enlightened" truth to the world. I don't want to save anyone, if only because they don't need saving. You can't see this, because your past holds you prisoner. I'm sure your problems with Christianity and most other religions stems from your life choices not coinciding with theirs, it's usually the only reason one has such intense animosity. My advice, don't worry so much what other people think about you, but what you think about yourself. After all, it's your own image of yourself that creates the reality that you see, change that and you can change your reality. Aaron edit- Did you notice I didn't quote a single source in my dialogue with you? Well I don't need others to tell me how the world really is, I can see it clearly through my own experiences.

Jeesh... how much free time do you have? It took you that long to respond to me? You might want to think about finding a hobby or something else to do in your spare time. Umm... if we're comparing degrees of enlightenment, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you haven't even gotten past the first degree. You are so ego driven it's maddening at times. You are full of yourself to the point you block out whatever anyone else wants to say and exclusively obsess about what you want to talk about. In the end the difference between you and me is that I never claimed enlightenment, you have. I also never claimed to know anything you do. What I can tell you without question is that you know very little about Taoism, and what you think you know isn't really Taoism. Ironic that you would come to a Taoist website to spout your propaganda yet you don't even know what the Taoists actually believe. I'm not going to discuss anything with you further, because your attitude is selfish and you have no idea how to have a polite conversation. When you stop being so self obsessed maybe I'll start paying attention again, but til then, I think it's just doing you more harm feeding your ego. Aaron edit- Also, if you stopped relying on quotes so much and started to talk about your own ideas (or developed some ideas of your own) I think your books would be much more successful.

No worries. Aaron