SgtPepper

The earth appears flat from the naked eye, but is not actually flat when we analyze components of reality.

The way I understand it is that everything is sourced from you. all 'others' are sourced from you. experientially speaking you should see all stimulus around as a product of you and this is the case for everybody. It's non-duality. I still need to watch the blog video though, will check it out later today

How did you conclude that? Jesus did not become a king because he chose not to - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptation_of_Christ Read the mountain section. Jesus chooses to turn the other cheek: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Jesus says to put down the sword: :Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11“Put yoursword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter.“Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” 12Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him.… “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. My conclusion is that moment like these in the story of Jesus differentiates his character from Muhammad and is why I see them as different individuals.

Mehdi Hasan didn't say anything convincing at all lol. @LSD-Rumi Can you link for someone who is interested could get a non-bias source of Muhammad? From what I have read, Jesus was without a doubt a more peaceful figure than Muhammad. Historically speaking, both religions were violent though.

@Etherial Cat I believe you.

nah I don't think its right for a government to take your money. its kind of nutso, even though it probably won't be anything serious, its the principle of it.

I think its okay to distract when you are not thinking clearly and need to step away from rumination/overthinking. When anxious, recognize that you are anxious, and because you are, you are likely not thinking clearly. Just like how someone can be depressed and not think clearly about their lives. Sometimes you have to ride it out and wait until you are in clear mood. or you can write it out in a journal. can also practice something else that slows you down and gives you clarity. Anxiety is driven by fear, and it can get out of control, so you gotta find that line and know when to let go because the thinking process is not valuable in providing a solution or truth.

It's pretty much impossible to predict what will happen, but history is full of different religions, so its possible for new ones to form, or for new sects to be formed and take on popularity. I don't think a connection to God will ever change though or that any valuable religion will change that core aspects of God since it is a common theme, for example, that God is Love, in all major religions regardless of geography. I don't really see New Age taking off because its not grounded in any tradition or person. A lot of the practices like tarot reading or seeing numbers are awful too in terms of providing practical Truth or value. Edit: @PurpleTree I do wonder how psychedelics will move forward in the future given their being discussed in a scientific way in the present time!

The thing is, vape cartridges are super potent. I would never give that to a first time smoker, it's too much honestly. Even for someone like me who has smoked almost daily for years, I won't take more than two hits off a vape cartridges, and if I do I will be ripped. Instead vape herb, or take a couple hits off a J. Depersonalization can sometimes happen, but it might stem from overthinking. and there is different kinds of bud. I've had clear thoughts and highly creative periods where I get into a flow state on weed. I've performed very well during online FPS while high on weed as well. Secondly, no to me, mushrooms and DMT are completely different. Weed is too hazy of an experience where mushrooms and DMT are more clear in headspace.

Definitely weight lifting. However, if you want to get tough and tolerate physical encounters, join a martial arts. I did BJJ and Muay Thai back to back for just 1 year, 3-4x a week. And it made me extremely comfortable being on the ground, grappling with bigger guys, practice movements, and stay strong in challenging situations. Very worth your time and great way to practice socialization too.

I also enjoyed the interview! Thanks for sharing Leo!

You can care about them, but stop putting them on a pedestal.

you can communicate your ideas and feelings, what could help is becoming conscious of how to communicate it. If you are genuinely wanting to know why someone believes what they believe, there is a way to ask without criticism. Think about something you like or believe in, but someone didn't understand why you liked it, how would you prefer to be spoken to about it? Sometimes though, it is best to not talk about it. I had a similar situation with a muslim friend in graduate school and he got really annoyed when I started suggesting that Moses smoked DMT and that the Virgin Mary was likely not a virgin. I was looking for a philosophical discussion on religion and he was looking to not have his beliefs challenged. It pretty much ended the relationship. Probably best to focus on hobbies unrelated to religion or politics if the person is not open to discussing their beliefs.

I don't make it about my self and I employ compassion and understanding to empathize with their perspective.

I honestly don't think one path is better than the other. There are spiritual masters who remained single and who got married. Relationships can improve your spiritual path because it can make you into a better person, practice forgiveness, giving, self-conscious, practice sacrifice, and grow your own relationship with yourself because you will learn about yourself by learning and being with the Other. Choose the path that suites your preference more. I feel that marriage allows me to have my physical and emotional need met, while being able to pursue my path. It is also wonderful to be able to share the experiences of that path with someone. I experience more love and fulfillment through this channel. I say try to find a life partner, if you want one, and when you do, you'll be able to focus on your path, whilst practicing love. If you are able to be abstinent, then focus on the path, and perhaps devote your time to meeting the needs of the Others in life, as if they are your own, and you will feel love through that channel.

if y'all want 'advance' stuff, then why don't you go and take some psychedelics or meditate for long periods?

First recognize there's no religious people, there are only human beings, and then boom. Talk to the human being in front of you.

I agree and I know what you mean. God is all that there is, so we can't point to anything he is not; therefore pantheism. It's a paradox because we can certainly know God by pointing to what he isn't such as the Neti Neti method, or Apophatic theology in Christian tradition. I guess, I am learning it is all a matter of preference of how we prefer to speak about it.

Just to clarify, panentheism doesn't say that God is separate from reality, but rather that reality is within God and God can transcend the reality too.

I think you need to ask yourself what you really want. And to think with your whole body.

This is a good example of an overreaching government. A father losing custody because he wants to be cautious about a transition process is insane.

thanks for sharing that was a fun read!

What Dogma don't you like? Dogma helps create organization and structure which is necessary for an identity and a strong standard to exist. I don't have a problem with it. Most Christians follow the dogma loosely anyways, it's essentially voluntary.

If you are able to see therapy, then I would try that. I have seen therapy for years for GAD, and it has helped. I also face what you face, like confusion, hazy consciousness, anxieties and doubts. and I face it by trying become conscious of it: and there is no right way to do this. I could become more conscious by taking a walk and thinking, listening to music, writing poetry, speaking to a friend, meditating, journaling, or reading a book. Simply speaking, the point is to take action on what you already know is best or what you think is best, and continue to reflect every once in a while.

The problem is assuming these new agers are stage green. I am actually an example of what you are pointing out; although I've never really been a new ager in a common sense, like utilizing crystals or incense. I came back to Christianity because I grew up with it, and then by exploring spirituality, I was able to understand Christianity in a deeper way. I now pray to Jesus, read the Bible, but I still do yoga and take psychedelics. Although I think mainstream christianity like evangelical is kind of lame and surface level, but it really depends. I think Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox have stronger mystical traditions/practices. The whole concept of born-again makes a lot of sense. I felt born-again after doing mushrooms plenty of times. Like peeling back an onion. From what I read here, some people here have biased and ignorant views on Christianity, but it is what it is.