Rara

Yup. So I'm pretty sure the OP NEEDS to read this to get that jist

Yep. I thought I was being naughty when I started bringing Buddha into the equation after knowing about the vinegar tasters painting. Then I realised....NAAAAAH, IT'S MY EFFIN' WAY MAN!!

OH GOOD!! *that moment when he realises, then brain get's in the way and says "Nope, because they're called two different things"* So I wasn't going mad, these philosophies DO mirror each other. Thanks for posting this.

Check out Chuang-Tzu's Butterfly Dream. Google that...have fun!

Demons and ghostly figure's I've literally been to hell and back with. I ended up killing a couple in the end...I got so fed up with them! Did the trick though... Cool that you saw a bodhisatvva...Shakyumi Budda and Amitabha both came to me in visions and helped me on my way. I will say now that after all my digging, I have come to terms with everything being created by the mind...and that we actually have very little control over any of this. Yes, maybe you do hold that future...but that would actually be you telling yourself that...NOT that that's any less real at all! Don't get me wrong. It's just understanding that the only thing that we really have is consciousness, and your perception of things is everything you have in this so-called existance. Try not to fall into the trap of thinking there is any separation between these enteties and yourself...all is bound...all is one

Absolutely. I'm never phased anymore when it happens. I lookded so deep into what was happening to me and at the end of it all, I just became so grateful for it all (we all awaken more and more by the day to these sorts of things) Ever tried controlling your dreams? Ok, sounds very Inception-ish but believe me, that is so cool when you find the way to do that!

Dude, you are me!! Haha Don't kick yourself for momentary relapses. Sometimes, giving in and saying "f*** it" is wonderfully refreshing. John C. Parkin wrote that great book that binds spirituality and throwing caution to the wind. Every now and then, it just has to be done. The important thing is that you identify already that you are wanting to be a more conscious person. Great, you will eventually find your discipline using some of the said suggestions on here All I have to say is don't be too hard on yourself. I mean, look at my avatar...computer games are good for the soul imo. They're only not if you're just playing out of habit and aren't enjoying or even focussing on what you're doing. Oh, and I like the odd bit of junk food to. I've only just put a chocolate ban on myself this week! I won't whip myself if I slip up...the intention is there and I'll get there with practice. Keep going...you're already on the road!

I have had a long string of vivid dreams and nightmares. Lucid is the term for me...when I was actually inside the dream...literally things would start happening to my body...to the point where I could no longer tell the difference between being awake of asleep. Are you going through any particularly tough times at the moment? To cut a long story short, mine occurred at a time of great distress...but joining the dots they had great spiritual meaning yes, and led to further visions in meditation and eventually, paved a path to salvation/liberation from what I perceived to be "hitting rock bottom"...

Wow, I can't seem to type UNDER quotes anymore. Must be this new browser or something. Lame. Anyway, woah...this is quite radical. About a year ago, I was ready to quit and put on a robe...but some part of me just couldn't do it. And I'm thankful...I needed exploration, but not to the extreme. And it helped BIG time. If anything, it enhanced my career. But your experience too sounds priceless...for you. And for the sacrifice you made, I applaud you.

Yeah we've just been talking about this guy earlier in the thread. I shall look into it properly as soon as I can!

I've laways thought this too. A fair few do go "Into the wild" style and become self-sustainable. But I'm not convinced that's for me. I'd love to hear more suggestions on this though!

Absolutely. And striving will either lead to exitement and disappointment... As you say, you won't forsake the path. And should anything spernatural or anything of the sort pop up along the way...well, I think that you already know you won't be too phased by it

Woah, too mayny to multi-quote!! Surely then the conclusion here is just act your age and just be? I agree, could be doing without seeing McCartney like this. Then again, he's having fun.... Let people be people...

If nothing does come... that's your way. Are you even aiming for such goals, or are you content as you are?

No idea what happened there. Actually, I said that last bit haha

Ever seen Afro Samurai? This reminds me of The Empty 7 ... monk assasins with mobile phones and hookers haha. Not implying your evil or course, just street.

Wow. We should talk more. I spent two years reading into these and was under the impression that these evil cults linked with governments were possibly still active! (well, going by what a lot of Alex Jones/David Icke followers preach anyway) I don't read much into it these days...I eneded up realising that I began seeing things that weren't even there. More that my brain wanted to see these things.

I've been here and I'm just on my way back out. Make of it what you will, but from what I've learnt, there is no time-frame for achieving Enlightenment and we all still have a duty on this planet! You can use medatative practice in everyday life...you can easliy follow your dream if it is for you and still work towards enlightenment. If you lose yourself, you will withdraw. Withdrawing from community is a misinterpretation of the non-self...it will lead to emptiness (the bad kind) ... lonliness. No one likes that

I discovered this myself the other day. I think I might jump aboard! Ever since going to unviersity, I've learnt that a conventional career isn't for me. But I also see many people without "jobs" making money. Legally. This Youtube channel / community is right up my street. I can't remain a broke musician forever...but I can be a rich musician with time!

This is an interesting thread. I've never seen anything other than propaganda against these groups!

Oh dear! I'll have to read this!

Have you ever seen a 70 year old with vitality and high spirits? Have you ever seen a 70 year old who's given up on the world and looks like s***? Despite ageing, you can stay young inside that will show on the outside! Be happy always and live healthy. All things in moderation my friend...that way, you'll want to stay here forever.

The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ De Marco was a good read for me. Not that I intend on making millions but could be useful for some! I believe the first few chapters are free via the website too.