I want a diploma.

[Nungali]

I for one find Icedude to be an excellent conversationalist, frankly expressing views not tricky at all. We need to be big enough to embrace views different to our own, don't we?

 

Obviously ... I'm still here . But just being 'different' isn't a sole qualifier for embracing IMO ... I want to get to what is behind something before I embrace it .... national socialism is a pretty different view from 'my own' . Should I embrace the view that the TTC is just about an old man going to the toilet very slowly or that Brian is ****** just because it is different ???

 

Actually I am attracted to the exotic and different. It isn't that the views are different that makes me critical, questioning and doubtful. It is other, rather obvious, dynamics.

 

ED: I think we have differnt meanings for 'tricky'.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Nungali

[Icedude]

No ... that makes MORE sense;

 

Except you are suspended against (not from) or amidst a construction of subjective building blocks within the sky. What you are suspended from and how you are suspended is quiet different.

 

[Picture]

 

Dude, it's symbolism. Comparing symbolism is like comparing imaginary friends.

...but no. If I'm even interpreting your symbolism correctly, I think what you are describing is somebody who has reached Nirvana a few times - stream-enterers. I think I'm "on my last reincarnation". Once I die, I simply collapse back into Nirvana. I've sort of lost my self inside Nirvana. I think it's called "arahant". It's something completely different.

 

 

I enjoy what you write ... and I just join in in my own little way ... I find humour jolly and refreshing. Sorry if you don't like it. Not intended to offend in any way.

 

It's just that I wanted this to be a serious and deep topic. I haven't kept up with who made what joke, but if you're going to joke, at least make the jokes meaningful. It seems many have reached a point where their jokes are just "Diploma!" now, like they are choking on laughing gas. Some are joking about how I don't have a brain. There's no depth in it. I think I said that it was somewhat silly in my very first post, didn't I?

 

 

Yeah, stay true to you name. The dude who is ice cool. (Don't get yourself in trouble.)

 

In my introductory post in Lounge, I actually mention how people are suckers for names. Coming up with a name when you have no self, is quite a task. It usually takes a day to come up with something abstract enough that you think you're clear from people forming a name-based opinion of you.

...but no, apparently I'm "the guy who should watch my mouth, or we'll shoot you" now. Luckily there's a simple option to change my name if I come up with something better.

 

 

Jimi Hendrix ? But he could demonstrate his own particular 'natural skill' .... there is more required than being 'tricky in conversation' , although you aren't too good at that either.

 

I hear you haven't studied zen, if you think I'm tricky in conversation.

[Apech]

It's just that I wanted this to be a serious and deep topic. I haven't kept up with who made what joke, but if you're going to joke, at least make the jokes meaningful. It seems many have reached a point where their jokes are just "Diploma!" now, like they are choking on laughing gas. Some are joking about how I don't have a brain. There's no depth in it. I think I said that it was somewhat silly in my very first post, didn't I?

 

To be perfectly honest I can't remember very much about your first post (we are on page 18 after all). You don't like jokes and this is to be a serious and deep topic, that is noted. The problem is that this is an open forum where we are all free to express ourselves within some rules about insults and so on (very light rules but rules all the same) and although you did start this thread, it is not actually your thread, in the same way as when people talk the person who started the conversation doesn't control what other people may say especially some time later. So this is a level playing field where all views hold equal weight. And while I don't actually hold the view that your diploma idea is in itself a joke, if I did, there would be nothing preventing me from saying so. That's just how it is here (which you may or may not already know). I hope you are not offended by me pointing this out.

[Boy]

@Icedude: So you left nirvana to get a diploma? Seems stupid.

[Icedude]

To be perfectly honest I can't remember very much about your first post (we are on page 18 after all). You don't like jokes and this is to be a serious and deep topic, that is noted. The problem is that this is an open forum where we are all free to express ourselves within some rules about insults and so on (very light rules but rules all the same) and although you did start this thread, it is not actually your thread, in the same way as when people talk the person who started the conversation doesn't control what other people may say especially some time later. So this is a level playing field where all views hold equal weight. And while I don't actually hold the view that your diploma idea is in itself a joke, if I did, there would be nothing preventing me from saying so. That's just how it is here (which you may or may not already know). I hope you are not offended by me pointing this out.

 

No, I obviously like jokes, otherwise I wouldn't have joined in at times. It's just that if you find that you can't stop beating a dead horse over and over again, then maybe you could be doing something more meaningful. Some people laugh when they're nervous or scared, and no matter how timid I'd like to be, I am a scary dude if you take me seriously. I feel like I'm intruding everywhere I go. All I can do is apologize for myself.

 

This "freedom of expression" doesn't really go as far as harassment, so some of you guys are breaking the rules by making fun of me. You are only free to do so because I allow you to. Further, this is my thread in the sense that I've set the topic, and made a request, so changing the topic (like making mindless puns) is spam. If you want random topics, there's a chat, and there can probably be a chat thread as well if you make one. I'm tempted to make a "How enlightened is Icedude really?" thread, but I figure one huge thread about me is plenty.

 

 

@Icedude: So you left nirvana to get a diploma? Seems stupid.

 

Well, yes - it is. Everything you choose to do, is stupid. So what? Can't I be stupid? Do I have to be "the clever Buddha guy"? Every adventure begins with doing stupid things. Adventures are cool.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Icedude

[Boy]

I'm not complaining, brother! I've enjoyed large parts of this thread and you speak well.

[Icedude]

I'm not complaining, brother! I've enjoyed large parts of this thread and you speak well.

 

Thank you. I try.

[liminal_luke]

Should I embrace the view that the TTC is just about an old man going to the toilet very slowly or that Brian is ****** just because it is different ???

 

While I disagree with Icedude's (rather crass) take on the TTC, he'll hear no objection from me on that score. It's a book and he's free to think whatever he likes and say so.

 

Call a member stupid, on the other hand--now those are fighting words. (And no he doesn't get a free pass for giving the insult some convoluted syntactic spin. "I'm sorry if it makes you appear stupid"--please.)

Edited March 25, 2014 by liminal_luke

[Icedude]

Call a member stupid, on the other hand--now those are fighting words. (And no he doesn't get a free pass for giving the insult some convoluted syntactic spin. "I'm sorry if it makes you appear stupid"--please.)

 

Bah. I was just called stupid by Boy, and I only considered it constructive.

You guys are weaksauce, and you can put that in your report.

[C T]

Bah. I was just called stupid by Boy, and I only considered it constructive.

You guys are weaksauce, and you can put that in your report.

Thats neat, being able to take a good one square on the jaw. In the same vein, what you deem as those poking fun regarding your need for concrete validation of your enlightened state (if there is such a state, but i digress...) can also be viewed as constructive, no? Not being smart here, just trying to tie my shoelaces properly.

[Nungali]

While I disagree with Icedude's (rather crass) take on the TTC, he'll hear no objection from me on that score. It's a book and he's free to think whatever he likes and say so.

 

Call a member stupid, on the other hand--now those are fighting words. (And no he doesn't get a free pass for giving the insult some convoluted syntactic spin. "I'm sorry if it makes you appear stupid"--please.)

 

Thats why I said just because it is different.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Nungali

[Nungali]

Dude, it's symbolism. Comparing symbolism is like comparing imaginary friends.

 

Isn't hanging upside down from the sky symbolism ? Most 'mystical' , spiritual, or ( insert name here) communications are 'symbolism' .... its a basic precept of mysticism. To be eclectic is to compare those symbols; not the outward form but 'that which generated' the symbolic arrangement in the first place.

 

...but no. If I'm even interpreting your symbolism correctly, I think what you are describing is somebody who has reached Nirvana a few times - stream-enterers. I think I'm "on my last reincarnation".

 

But ... but .... wont you miss us ?

 

I hear you haven't studied zen, if you think I'm tricky in conversation.

 

I wouldnt know what you 'hear' . However , I said you were not very tricky in conversation (although you may think you are) .

[Icedude]

Thats neat, being able to take a good one square on the jaw. In the same vein, what you deem as those poking fun regarding your need for concrete validation of your enlightened state (if there is such a state, but i digress...) can also be viewed as constructive, no? Not being smart here, just trying to tie my shoelaces properly.

 

Well, there's a difference. "Stupid" has a context.

 

These "fun pokers" have been trolling for over ten pages now, and don't really know when to give up. They're hoping that I either cry or get angry enough to say something that warrants a ban, and judging by me getting warned for simply saying "stupid", I'd say that the mods are standing by, eager to ban me as well. That's completely destructive behavior.

However, what the flame-baiting trolls are disguising themselves as, is people who's just having a laugh, and even that disguise is wearing thin when they've been doing it for over ten pages, so even as "plain innocent jokers", they don't contribute to anything - they're not being constructive.

 

Boy, on the other hand, is stating a fact that you at least can build something constructive out of.

[Nungali]

Bah. I was just called stupid by Boy, and I only considered it constructive.

You guys are weaksauce, and you can put that in your report.

 

Then perhaps you could consider my comments constructive about other testing ? That is why I carefully responded to you as I did, so you might take it in a constructive way. I even highlighted the dynamic where people can take it that way , or have an instant affront to it or take offence.

 

Could your apparent skim reading and conclusions of what some posts are saying here reflect on your 'ability' to skim read and come to conclusions in other matters , including books on mysticism and philosophy ?

[Icedude]

Isn't hanging upside down from the sky symbolism ? Most 'mystical' , spiritual, or ( insert name here) communications are 'symbolism' .... its a basic precept of mysticism. To be eclectic is to compare those symbols; not the outward form but 'that which generated' the symbolic arrangement in the first place.

 

When you're comparing symbolism, prepositions are like adjectives: They vary from imagination to imagination. Up and down, against and from, can mean the same thing. That's why you can't make an accurate comparison of symbolisms.

 

 

But ... but .... wont you miss us ?

 

No.

 

 

I wouldnt know what you 'hear' . However , I said you were not very tricky in conversation (although you may think you are) .

 

Bah. I'm trying to speak clearly, and you think I'm being tricky. Be glad I'm not being tricky with you.

[Icedude]

Then perhaps you could consider my comments constructive about other testing ? That is why I carefully responded to you as I did, so you might take it in a constructive way. I even highlighted the dynamic where people can take it that way , or have an instant affront to it or take offence.

 

Could your apparent skim reading and conclusions of what some posts are saying here reflect on your 'ability' to skim read and come to conclusions in other matters , including books on mysticism and philosophy ?

 

Look, I can play your game too, where I very carefully and friendly question your sanity and other talents, and have you drown in a swamp of defenses after I pick apart everything you say, using very kind words. Do you think you're some kind of genius for trying that on me? Come at me straight or not at all.

[Nungali]

Well, there's a difference. "Stupid" has a context.

 

These "fun pokers" have been trolling for over ten pages now, and don't really know when to give up. They're hoping that I either cry or get angry enough to say something that warrants a ban, and judging by me getting warned for simply saying "stupid",

 

Rubbish! That's not why I am still here at all. I like some of the things you have come up with. When you are under pressure you can say sill things, but at times I get a glimmer of something. Plus I like the jokes and you DO have a sense of humour at times. Perhaps under pressure you will lay a diamond instead of an egg?

 

I may be mistaken but I assumed that one on their 'last lap' might not be so worried about the ribbing ?

 

Like: your ideas about the hanged man ... I got what you said (with variation) and then you did the same back to me - with further variation ... yes, I see your point - we started going somewhere on a deeper level (that could have been seen as one of the more bizarre things you said - but I related to it .) But then you said we couldnt compare symbols ... but we did for a moment.

 

And I find the best defence in mystical matters against taking one's self too seriously is a sense of humour.

 

Waiting ......

 

[liminal_luke]

Bah. I was just called stupid by Boy, and I only considered it constructive.

You guys are weaksauce, and you can put that in your report.

 

You're suggesting the insult policy not be enforced because members ought to be tough and take their verbal blows like men? As if that was some kind of mark of character.

 

Well I don't like it. I want to hold to the policy as written, not because I am some sort of wuss, but because holding ourselves to a high standard of civility fosters the kind of productive interchange of ideas that makes this forum worthwhile. Allowing a wild west free-for-all, on the other hand, leads to, well, this.

 

Liminal

[Boy]

Are we allowed to call ideas stupid?

[Icedude]

Rubbish! That's not why I am still here at all. I like some of the things you have come up with. When you are under pressure you can say sill things, but at times I get a glimmer of something. Plus I like the jokes and you DO have a sense of humour at times. Perhaps under pressure you will lay a diamond instead of an egg?

 

I may be mistaken but I assumed that one on their 'last lap' might not be so worried about the ribbing ?

 

Like: your ideas about the hanged man ... I got what you said (with variation) and then you did the same back to me - with further variation ... yes, I see your point - we started going somewhere on a deeper level (that could have been seen as one of the more bizarre things you said - but I related to it .) But then you said we couldnt compare symbols ... but we did for a moment.

 

And I find the best defence in mystical matters against taking one's self too seriously is a sense of humour.

 

Waiting ......

 

Would I be worried about any of you, I wouldn't be humoring you.

 

Yes, we did actually compare symbols, but it's futile to derive anything from such comparisons, as symbols are rooted in individual conceptions. If you ask somebody else, he could describe the same thing in completely different terms.

 

It's not really that "mystical" to me. This isn't the same as symbolism magic. The ultimate truth isn't a trance state. It's the opposite. It's like being sober.

 

 

 

You're suggesting the insult policy not be enforced because members ought to be tough and take their verbal blows like men? As if that was some kind of mark of character.

 

Well I don't like it. I want to hold to the policy as written, not because I am some sort of wuss, but because holding ourselves to a high standard of civility fosters the kind of productive interchange of ideas that makes this forum worthwhile. Allowing a wild west free-for-all, on the other hand, leads to, well, this.

 

Liminal

 

Liminal, you are promoting shutting somebody up for a week, at minimum, for him calling somebody stupid, under any circumstances, seemingly even under circumstances like "You're not stupid.". You are saying that there should be a "high standard of civility" that you want to hold, in a taoist forum, all while ignoring the full onslaught that's going on about diplomas.

I don't even have to call you anything. I think your stance speaks for itself, whether you're just playing innocent, or you fully believe that.

[idiot_stimpy]

A good way to deal with the Ego is to stop feeding it.

[C T]

Well, there's a difference. "Stupid" has a context.

 

These "fun pokers" have been trolling for over ten pages now, and don't really know when to give up. They're hoping that I either cry or get angry enough to say something that warrants a ban, and judging by me getting warned for simply saying "stupid", I'd say that the mods are standing by, eager to ban me as well. That's completely destructive behavior.

However, what the flame-baiting trolls are disguising themselves as, is people who's just having a laugh, and even that disguise is wearing thin when they've been doing it for over ten pages, so even as "plain innocent jokers", they don't contribute to anything - they're not being constructive.

 

Boy, on the other hand, is stating a fact that you at least can build something constructive out of.

im glad you determined that those whom you perceive as poking jibes at your OP and subsequent posts have no context.

 

next question, then, is: Since you affirm that such posts have no context, why do you keep insisting on stacking them up, as if they all have a valid part to play in this topic? If truly they are without context, why would you even bother to respond, sometimes with a fair amount of gusto even?

 

Trying to understand.

Edited March 25, 2014 by C T

[Icedude]

A good way to deal with the Ego is to stop feeding it.

 

You know what, troll? I kind of agree with you at this point. I solved my issue a few pages back, and all I'm doing now, is small talking. I'm considering setting up a discussion thread at my journal instead, so people can go there if they want something. We'll see. I give this thread a few hours more to die down on its own.

 

 

 

im glad you determined that those whom you perceive as poking jibes at your OP and subsequent posts have no context.

 

next question, then, is: Since you affirm that such posts have no context, why do you keep insisting on stacking them up, as if they all have a valid part to play in this topic? If truly they are without context, why would you even bother to respond, sometimes with a fair amount of gusto even?

 

Trying to understand.

 

Because I don't believe in not feeding the trolls. I think that's a very cruel practice. I believe in feeding the trolls a healthy diet of discussion. Usually that turns them into normal people.

[Apech]

No, I obviously like jokes, otherwise I wouldn't have joined in at times. It's just that if you find that you can't stop beating a dead horse over and over again, then maybe you could be doing something more meaningful. Some people laugh when they're nervous or scared, and no matter how timid I'd like to be, I am a scary dude if you take me seriously. I feel like I'm intruding everywhere I go. All I can do is apologize for myself.

 

This "freedom of expression" doesn't really go as far as harassment, so some of you guys are breaking the rules by making fun of me. You are only free to do so because I allow you to. Further, this is my thread in the sense that I've set the topic, and made a request, so changing the topic (like making mindless puns) is spam. If you want random topics, there's a chat, and there can probably be a chat thread as well if you make one. I'm tempted to make a "How enlightened is Icedude really?" thread, but I figure one huge thread about me is plenty.

 

I don't think this thread is about you. I think its about all of us - having a conversation.

 

If you want to start one just about you - well why not - but I don't think it would be as interesting as this one.

[C T]

Because I don't believe in not feeding the trolls. I think that's a very cruel practice. I believe in feeding the trolls a healthy diet of discussion. Usually that turns them into normal people.

Ok, if thats ingrained in your persona, fine, by all means, press on, enjoy feeding the trolls since that seems to tie in with your noble objective (to turn trolls into 'normal' folks).

 

Perhaps now you dont have to moan about how posters are poking fun at your OP.