Aaron

Blue symbolizes immortality, at least that's what Wiki says. Aaron

I'm certainly glad you can justify being an ass to others, simply because they say things you don't like. And hooray for demeaning someone else, simply because they called you on what could be perceived as a self-righteous attitude.Think about it, it would seem to be self-righteous if someone believes it's alright to call someone names and demean them simply because they say things they don't agree with, don't you think? Aaron edit- On a side note, I don't agree with hardly anything Fulllotus has actually said, but that doesn't mean that he's an idiot, or that he's crazy, it just means he is different than I am. That's all. I'm not saying I'm innocent or without blame, but I try my hardest to be kind and compassionate to everyone I meet. The fact of the matter is that one's ability to be compassionate to others, even when they do things that you don't like, is a measure of one's spiritual growth. In fact this is a universally accepted principle in every religion and philosophy that I know of.

edit- another double post... happens when I edit for some reason.

Sigh... someone is still a bit grouchy. It's up to you, if you feel like being an ass and demeaning and degrading people, simply because they say things you don't like, then so be it. *dance* *dance* *wave arms in air* *gettin' jiggy wid it* Aaron

Hmm... from what I understand no dog breed is inherently vicious, rather the owners teach them to be. So perhaps when the owners stop wanting dogs to be viscous, we'll stop seeing vicious dogs. You seem to have missed my Tao Teh Ching quote too, which actually answered your question. Are we looking for Buddhist answers only? Aaron

Aww... this was one of the nicest posts I've seen in awhile. I would give you a cyber hug, but I know you have strict boundaries regarding that. Seriously, great post. I think the question is answered in the Tao Teh Ching, when Laotzu speaks of how one village is so close to the other that they can hear the roosters crow, but one has nothing to do with the other, they are only concerned with their own affairs. When we can live like that, then world peace can be attained. It involves giving up our preconceived notions of what is right and wrong, then resisting the urge to enforce those notions on others, and instead focusing on our own lives. Aaron

I must admit, I don't read any Buddhist or Vedanta or Taoist texts anymore, well not often and not unless there is something specifically unique to merit my attention. For me the best way to understand what's happening in this world and our place within it, past and present, is to experience it without having an ideology corrupt our perception of it. In that sense I am of the school that the world would be a better place without religions, but also I believe that religions tend to fill a need within the psyche of man. In regards to the ego and mind, I used to believe that awhile back, but what I've come to understand since I have had my experience with "light" is that there is no ego and no mind, neither are real in an ultimate sense, but rather they are the creations of this world that is very much an illusion. If anything this world is a dream brought about by an ultimate consciousness. We live each day believing we are real, but in fact we are simply the dreams of this being (and I use that term loosely). That's not to say that we should not endeavor to be kind, compassionate, and understanding of one another, in fact the understanding of this fact should prompt one to be more so, for it is only when we have all awakened to this fact that this dream can end, suffering can end, and then it can all begin again. For me this original consciousness is non-duality, the one that beget two and then three, the creator of heaven and earth, whatever you wish to call it. Mankind has been aware of its existence for millenia but we have always struggled to understand it, simply because it does not exist within the five senses, or even sixth sense of awareness. When one does touch on it, and I have, and I could care less whether other people agree or disagree, then it is even more difficult to explain because the experience cannot be interpreted in a physical sense. I tried over and over to do this but found each explanation more lacking the previous, simply because it is a place where self ceases to exist and your sense of self fades with each passing moment, even then that isn't a correct way of saying it, because there is really no sense of anything passing at all, but rather a stillness where nothing happens. You could say it is quiet, placid, and neutral, but that would not be truthful either. In fact for me it was as if I was nothing and everything in one instance that was every instance. The profound effect this had on me caused me to question much of what I believed, in particular regarding the nature of compassion, love, and knowledge, that somehow all of these were pointless, but what I realized was that my understanding of these concepts up until that point, could not be rectified or compared, that true compassion is something that is done out of a sense of selflessness. The highest form of compassion is not inspired by the heart, but by an innate understanding that you are connected to everything, but you are not everything, that we ease the suffering of others, not because of a vow, but because we understand that allowing another to suffer needlessly is the absolute worst thing one can do to another being. It is not empathy that drives this, but rather sympathy. I'm sure if I wanted to I could make a great deal of money writing a book about this experience, but in the end it would be senseless and a waste of time for anyone to read it, simply because the discussion does not explain anything about it, since the only way one can truly know it is to experience it. When I hear people talk about dependent origination, non-duality, and many other topics, the conversations always ring hollow, simply because nothing they talk about seems to correspond with the actual experience I had. The closest explanation I've found regarding it are within Vedanta and Zen texts, perhaps because they are less inclined to define it and rather simply explain that it does exist. With that said, there is nothing inside me that urges me to share this with others in an attempt to ease their suffering or bring them closer to enlightenment, simply because I believe, one way or another, we will all become aware of "it" when it is our time. I once had a being tell me, "you are here to learn a lesson and when you learn that lesson you will stop coming back." I believe that wholeheartedly now, but I also believe that even what I have learned may not be enough, that the one lesson, the singular truth you talk about, is not true at all, because in order for something to be true, it must also be false. So the lesson I need to learn cannot be true, it cannot be the one and only realization, but rather it is a realization of everything that allows me to say, this is neither here nor there, it is neither hot nor cold, ugly nor beautiful, rather it simply exists within this moment and that this moment is neither past nor future, nor does it depend on time or observation to exist, rather it simply is. I'm not sure if that makes sense to you. Anyways, I was wondering if you ever had the chance to read Allan Watts' "The Book – On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are"? I think you might enjoy it. If you ever do get a chance to read it, I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Aaron

Feh, I could care less whether Tilopa was said to be this or that, in reality I just do what I have to. I try not to have many attachments. Also you're assuming that feelings are precious to me, but in reality they aren't. I see them for what they are and I have had the sixth sense experience of light as you call it. I don't think that you have, simply because much of what you said doesn't correspond to it. That isn't meant to put you down, but rather it's my own observation. Ask anyone that knows me personally and I doubt anyone would question whether I am sincere in this matter. I say sincere since it is nothing I can prove to you, other than point you in the direction I took to get there an hope that you can. I eschew most religions simply because I don't see them as explaining truth, but rather opinion. Whether it's Christianity, Buddhism, Short Path Buddhism, Hinduism, Quantum Physics, or even Taoism, in the end each is presenting the world along the lines of sensual experience, and although not harmful, the world can not be so easily defined into quantum and particles or ideas and truths, rather it is very much a mystery. Can I understand some of that mystery? Yes. But the question really isn't whether I understand some, but rather whether or not what I understand is the truth. The truth, in the absolute and non-absolute sense does not exist, rather it is only the present that exists. As you've mentioned we are existing in the past, and those rare moments when we can realize this and become absolutely still, we begin to perceive that the world is not emptiness or fullness, but rather stillness. In other words what exists that brings existence into reality, is continual and neither empty nor full, it is neither a particle, nor is it mass, rather it is something that can not be explained sufficiently using language that is based on the five senses, hence it is best to point the direction and allow others to experience it themselves, rather than try to define it ourselves. Then again, who am I to say whether or not you have experienced all of this? The man who touched God, does not necessarily come away knowing everything, just what he knew of God. Touching God doesn't make him good or pure, it only means he has had that experience, he may very well be just as evil (or good or ignorant or wise) after the experience as he was before. In the end having the experience does not render one all knowing, rather it renders one more aware of the true understanding of the human condition and the real pretext of the universe. Aaron

Hello 9th, I get the feeling you might be having a bad day, because normally I don't see you as being so negative in your comments. Regardless I wanted to point out some things regarding your statements. First everything we say to one another is semantics, because semantics is essentially the practice of expressing ideas between each other based on our use of language. Second when you say, " You have said nothing, revealed nothing, communicated nothing", I think what you are really saying is that he has said nothing, revealed nothing, communicated nothing, that you find meaningful/authentic/etc. The mere fact that he has said something means it is something, what you are doing is placing a value on what he says, relative to your own experience. That's fine, mind you, after all, "if all the world saw beautiful as beautiful, that in itself would be ugly", but you should also keep in mind that varied opinions are essential for the human race to evolve and ascend to a higher knowledge of existence. In order to understand non-duality, for instance, one must first experience duality. As far as new-age buzzwords and cliches go, the fact of the matter is that this is your opinion of new-age as well, but not indicative of what new-age actually is. If someone has gained a deeper insight and meaning of life from new-age philosophy and ideology, then why is that any less important than someone who has gained it from what you view as an authentic practice? There is no complete joke, except that the joke may be that someone has missed the importance that new-age ideas have in regards to their own experience, in other words you have gained a deeper insight of your own practices by comparing them to the new-age movements views. In other words, something good has come from the new-age movement, in particular your ability to view their ideas and deduce for yourself, an idea of what you believe to be true or untrue. Perhaps the greatest joke of all, though, is this belief in truth and untruth, because in the end that is semantic masturbation as well. Aaron

It's nice to know that being an ass hasn't gone out of vogue. Your first paragraph is no doubt a personal insult and your second is just plain rude. Why do you care what he claims or says, if it's not effecting you personally, so just give it a rest and let him be who he wants, so long as it doesn't prevent you from being who you are. Aaron

I think perhaps the problem that arises is that we fail to understand that duality arises from non-duality, simply because non-duality isn't without substance, but rather it is a single substance without form that encompasses everything. In that sense, because when we experience it we are not experiencing it with our five senses, but rather our consciousness or sixth sense, we perceive it to be empty, rather than simply being one absolute thing without any form to perceive it with. It is easier to describe as empty or void, or numerous other phrases, because the concept of a single totality being the force of creation, that in actuality emptiness and void come from something, seems to contradict what the rational man might think. We perceive that the chicken came from nothing and then had the egg, but perhaps the chicken came to being from something? Anyways, that's what I've been thinking about lately. Aaron (I was able to set up a router at the place I'm staying, so I'll be able to get on the forum during my stay here.)

Umm... Jumping down my throat was meant to be a euphemism for aggressive debate, it wasn't meant to indicate you were personally attacking me, second you're just saying what I said, minus the light part and the when do we exist part. You might mix up the words a bit, but it's the same. Also, "when I am" is as impossible to resolve as "who am I". You're stuck on the light thing too, I'd give that a rest. I've experienced the light and I'm here to say, it doesn't answer all your questions. I'm still not omnipotent or all-knowing (dagnabit!) In regards to when it is, that doesn't matter in the least, whether we believe we live in the past or present isn't important, but rather understanding the nature of suffering. Until we can do that, all the rest of this crap is useless (and I'd say mostly useless afterwards too). Anyways, Good luck with your journey. Also, I forgive myself, now are you going to apologize? Aaron edit- I'm actually leaving my apartment for good today around noon and I'm not sure what my internet situation will be where I'll be staying, so please forgive me if I can't reply.

Before you start jumping down my throat, perhaps you should think of what I mean by "real". I'm not saying that something doesn't exist, but rather that it exists in a realm that can't be proven through physical interaction. Just because we can think of something doesn't mean that it can proven to exist through the physical senses. In that sense, non-duality cannot be proven either, since it is without physical form. Now take that into consideration and I'm sure I can expect an apology soon. Aaron

Edited- I originally posted some things I have realized in my life, but I understand the disdain for positive affirmations and also our dislike of guidance from those we perceive as peers, so I have decided to remove them. Anyways, I got my passport in the mail yesterday! Look out world, here I come (rubs hands together deviously) muahahahaha! Aaron

Welcome aboard. I hope that you enjoy your stay, no matter how long you may choose to stay. Aaron

You do realize that this doesn't resolve the issue of why the laptop was broken in the first place. I would say if you're brother is breaking things when he is angry (especially something as expensive as a laptop), then something needs to be addressed here, especially by your father and mother. Of course it's nice that you see the good in this, but don't let that make you blind to the bad, otherwise you may find yourself focused on how comfortable the clothes you've been given are, even as you're led up to the gallows. Aaron

How great is the difference between "eh" and "o"? What is the distinction between "good" and "evil"? Must I fear what others fear? What abysmal nonsense this is! Honestly, I think the idea that we're arguing about non-duality is quite hilarious for anyone that actually understands what's being talked about. I will try to explain this in a way that I think anyone can understand... The non-duality that can only be achieved by forgoing the six senses, isn't a real non-duality, since reality is dependent on the six senses. Non-duality as perceived through the senses is quite easy to understand, except it requires one to look through a microscope and understand that what we perceive as a void, really isn't a void at all, but rather it is filled with tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, (can you see where I'm going with this) particles that connect everything to everything else. The only reason we see ourselves as separate from those other particles is because we have developed a sense of identity that views ourselves as separate. In reality I am connected to the furthest star on the other side of the universe. It's sort of like viewing our bodies as vehicles for our minds, when in fact we are every bit as much a part of our bodies, in other words we are our hair, fingernails, scabs, bruises, eyes and ears. We are the entirety of our being (and in fact every being). The truth is that unless one can begin to see this on an intellectual level, one will never realize this on a deeper experiential level. When one understands non-duality experientially, they believe that senses are forgone, but in fact the mind is a sense itself, the seventh sense you might say, so experiencing this phenomena does not preclude the notion of existence at all, but rather allows one to understand that the six sense can be deceiving, simple as that. The knowledge of non-duality is hinged inexplicably on the knowledge of duality, in fact one could not exist without the other. Non-duality requires existence every bit as much as duality. It is by understanding duality that one can begin to see past duality and see that there is something that duality springs from, which must have no opposites, and thus be non-dual. Anyways, the whole notion of arguing about this stuff, saying, "you are wrong! I am right! Short Path is the best path for non-duality! How can you believe this or that!" Well it's silly, it's like saying that you understand non-duality when you're entrenched in duality. The person that understands non-duality understands that nothing can be said about it to anyone that will actually allow them to experience it. You can preach against preaching, hate those you think prevent people from achieving a knowledge of it, and numerous other things, but it doesn't change what is right now. Understanding non-duality is like becoming the drop of water that hangs in the air, simple as that. Aaron

I'm not sure you need to announce you're giving up Buddhism, because from what you've written, I don't think you're really giving up on it, but rather you choose to view the teaching of Buddha differently than others have, so really you're not giving up, but rather choosing to expand your understanding. I'm not a firm believer in Buddhism either, in fact I tend to follow more along the lines of Vedanta Hinduism than any other tradition, when it comes to a world view, but as you, I can also see the similarity in all religions. Anyways, good luck whichever path you take. I say don't take things too seriously, when you do you tend to be less open to all the possibilities. Or maybe you could choose to take your own path, which is what I think will happen in the end. I see you following Seth Anandanism in the future, which I believe is absolutely the perfect path for you. Aaron

Vmarco is gone now, I'm assuming, so this may be a little late, but I have to agree with him on some points he made, but I also have to say that he seems to have a very deep resentment towards Christianity and seems to use compassion as an excuse to act out this resentment through the denigration of the religion as a whole. For me compassion has nothing to do with causing another person harm, even if that harm is supposedly in their best interests, it's like telling someone who loves basketball and wants nothing more than to grow up and be a basketball player that they suck and need to quit while they're ahead. Yes, it may be true, but how much more harm does that cause than allowing them to figure that out on their own. In fact this seems more like saying you suck at basketball, basketball sucks, just play the sport I want you to play and everything will be fine. In regards to the horizontal and vertical aspects of Christianity, I fail to see how that is so odd for a Buddhist to understand, in fact the two religions are very similar in that regard. Just look at it from the frame of mind that the eight fold path is the horizontal and that it is only through practicing the eight fold path that one can truly come to an understanding of the nature of the vertical, or the deeper teachings of Buddha. I would also say that both religions seek the same thing, liberation from suffering, and that the agenda is the same, that by doing good works in this life, one develops a deeper understanding of the divine and through this understanding they can develop a meaningful understanding of Jesus/Buddha's teachings, not just the idea of right and wrong, but the greater mysteries. It is through this understanding that one can shake free the bonds of mortality (and suffering) and become "saved". For one it's heaven, for the other it's nirvana or escape from the dharma cycle. I for one see just as much wrong with Buddhism as I do Christianity, but I also understand that pointing out the many things that are wrong, doesn't mean that there aren't good things in those religions either. I've been told that many missionaries aren't hardcore evangelists, that they practice the acts of charity first and evangelize second, understanding that words without actions are meaningless. This is one area many Western Buddhists might learn a thing or two from the Christians. In the end the religions are more similar, in fact most religions are more similar, than they are different. Perhaps the real problem isn't defining the differences, but a failure to recognize the similarities. Most religions are based on the concept of love (or compassion), it's just that the underlying message gets bogged down in dogma and inevitably is seen as less important, so the practice of love takes a back seat to the importance of theology or logical understanding of the religion. In the end the logical understanding isn't even the practice of horizontal devotion, rather it's simply a dot on the horizontal line, it's only when one can practice the religion and see the importance of practicing being superior to that of contemplation, that one begins to truly ascend the vertical and touch God or Buddha and then understand that the teachings aren't important at all, but what's important is the change that takes place within a person on their journey. Actions first, words second, study last, or at least that's how I see it. Be well and peace be with you, Aaron edit- I feel it necessary to make a clarification, I know from personal experience that many Western Buddhists are also willing to show compassion to those suffering, so my comments regarding Buddhists in the West learning a thing or two from Christians, is really a commentary on the predisposition towards philosophy many Western Buddhists seem to have, rather than a rule of thumb. I had hoped my closing comments would clarify that, but I wanted to be sure that it was clearly stated.

Hello ATMA, First there's nothing wrong with masturbation. I get sick and tired of hearing all of the religious "authorities" telling the young about the dangers of masturbation. If he had mentioned he was having a problem with it, this wouldn't be so bizarre, but this seems to come out of the blue. I can't believe I have to keep saying this over and over, but here goes... Masturbation is healthy and completely natural. It's been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety, decrease the chance of prostate cancer, and offer numerous other health benefits. I recommend that everyone masturbate as much as they feel like. I also recommend that people be wary of those who preach the perils of masturbation and sex! Oh no I'm doing what my body was intended to do, I must be soooooo evil. Yeah, right. In most instances this aversion to sex is a sign of serious repression of one's own sexuality. Carlos Castanada, the author of Don Juan and the other books in the series, was a cult leader essentially. At the end he was a recluse who kept a number of young women virtual prisoners in his home. One of those women came forth and has admitted to being sexually taken advantage of. He was a seriously imbalanced individual and I would not recommend anyone read his books for spiritual growth. If you need to learn any more, check Wikipedia out, they have much of the story. Anyways, I hope life is treating you well. Aaron

I was thinking today about leaving my home. In a few days someone will come to pick me up and drive me away and I'm not sure when I'll be able to come back. You would think I would be filled with sadness and remorse, but I'm not. Lately what I've realized is that the people I know, the pets I have, everything will still be here when I am somewhere else, the only thing that will change is where I am at. We all think of home as the place where we can find peace, strength, and love, but perhaps that's our first mistake, because so long as we see one place as home, then we will never really find our home. For me my home is not Buddhism, Taoism, scriptures, or texts, but the place within that realizes that this is all transient, that the perceptions that I have about this world, do not change the nature of the world, but only how I choose to perceive it. When you struggle, feel down, lonely, and lost, you say, "how much more must I suffer?" But that isn't what you should say, but rather it should be, "it's good that I am suffering and not you." All the jobs I was passed over for were a blessing, not for me, but for someone else who got a job, so I can look at those occurrences and know that something good came from them. When we see Buddhism as a home, what we are saying is that somehow it is our strength, peace, a place where we can find love, but really Buddhism is just words and thoughts passed on from one to another, it is as transient as the leaf falling to the earth. The place that we call truly call home is in a place very few look, so they never find it. It is a place not within, but all around. It is by meditating and contemplation that one come to this realization, and when they realize this they do not say, "it was all for naught", rather they say, "it was always here, I just didn't know it." Open you eyes and you can see, uncover your ears and you can hear, open your mind and you will know, open your heart and you will feel, but give all this up and you will realize that none of these things matter so much. It is not what you see, hear, think, or feel that is important, but rather what you choose to do to better another's life. Those who give without question, without doubt, without praise, without pretense, are the ones that practice Buddhism. It is the man who runs in the burning building to save the child, knowing that he will be burnt that practices Buddhism. It is the man who stops and buys a sandwich for the hungry man on the corner that practices Buddhism. It is the man who sees another in grief and eases that persons suffering that practices Buddhism. The Buddhist is not here for the dead, but for the living. Aaron

Beautiful. That's all I can say. It really says more than I could. Thanks for this. Aaron

Growing up I suffered extreme abuse and lived below the poverty line for my entire childhood. I remember living for six months in a bread truck because my parent's didn't have enough money to rent a home. Imagine three kids and a man and woman in a truck not any longer than 18 feet. I had to leave school at the age of 15 in order to take a full time job so I could help provide for my family. I ended up suffering from extreme bouts of depression and anxiety. When I was eighteen a woman at the local job center convinced me to enter Job Corp. If you've never been, it's a vocational rehab school for kids, but most end up volunteering because they are court mandated and don't want to be sent to jail. I was the only kid in my hall that didn't have a felony, no kidding. Another came along a couple months later. To give you a bit of perspective, six years later one of my roommates ended up killing his wife, another was sentenced to life in prison for a driving the car in a drive by. Sweet fellas, no doubt about it. There were crips, bloods, BGDs, you name it, lots of gangs and fights. I had to learn how to live there. Sad thing was I felt it was better than living at home, so I stayed til I completed my coursework for Cable TV installation. Anyways life sucked, pretty hard sometimes. I ended up getting my GED in Job Corp and going to a community college. I met the requirements there to enter a university where I finally received my BA in Liberal Arts. Right now I am getting evicted in a few days. I am going to move in with a friend who offered to put me up for awhile. I am waiting for my passport and criminal background check so I can finish my application for a teaching job overseas. While I wait I need to accept the help of others or I'll end up on the street. I'm not saying you don't have any reason to be depressed, what I'm saying is that it's tough all over, you're not the only one who's suffering or been where you are. Last night my neighbor asked to borrow some tin foil. I came out later on and he was out on his porch smoking something out of it. I'm sure it wasn't anything good. He's got a 1 year old son. Think about it, you could be that father or son, things might not be as bad as you think. I'm not a fan of hope, I'm a fan of action. Do what you have to to survive. Complain all you want, but keep in mind it doesn't get anything done, it just irritates everyone around you. The best thing to do is figure out what you need to do to solve your situation and get to it. For you that means figuring out what you WANT to do and what you NEED to do. Try to find something you need to do that you also want to do. if that's going to school, then go to school, but if it's not then don't worry about it. Get out and talk to people. Everyplace on the face of the world is antisocial, don't let that stop you. Go to the pub, join a gym, do something to get out and about and meet others. Find out when your local Buddhist/Taoist Temple has services (or if you're christian your local church) and attend. The trick here is to get out and talk to others, make an attempt, take that action. If you don't make a friend the first time, then keep trying, the odds are in your favor. I've been where you are, just on the other side of the pond, so don't think it's not possible, you just can't let things get you down to the point you can't get back up. If you need to talk, send me a message. If not, that's fine too, but remember no one can change the way you feel, except for you. Aaron edit- Also keep in mind that working for family might suck, but there's always something worse you could be doing and it's not like it's forever.

I stand by my first statements made regarding this guy. I've watched a few more videos and he gives me the chills. He says pretty things, but the thing within him still seems immensely dark. I think he's got a spirit attached to him, even if he might not realize it, and that spirit is there for a reason, most likely seeking energy. So long as it's getting what it wants, then it will continue to act the way it does, but as soon as that stops, I think you'll see a dramatic transformation. Enough said, you guys are adults so you can make the choices for yourself, but I myself would steer clear of this guy and ramtha and all the other channelers out there. A little spirit basics 101, benevolent spirits don't exist, spirits are like wild animals, they come around when you have something to offer them and they don't speak American English, the spirit attached to this guy isn't so much speaking as it causing him to behave in a way that allows him to feed it. I've watched Ramtha by the way and she's just acting in my opinion. This guy is too, but he's acting, probably without knowing it, for the sake of feeding the strange energy he's feeling when he's "channeling". Aaron