luckieluuke

Haha i´ve actually had that experience so many times playing adventure/puzzle games. I try and try, run around in circles doing crazy stuff that has little to no correlation to the problem and suddenly I find that OOOhh I just needed to do that! ofcourse! how can I be so stupid! it´s one of the best moments in those kind of games...to realize how stupid you are To the question: careerwise I have no idea other than work harder than everyone else to the brink of mental breakdown, but be careful not to go over. Don´t think non duality will help your career thou if money is what you´re after. But try lucid dreaming, you can use it to practice real life issues, if you have a problem talking to a crowd practice it in your dreams. Or, ive done this: if you don´t understand a book, summon the author and ask :-) The way I see it you ask yourself but stuff you normally are unconscious of. Also unconditional love go hand in hand with non duality as I see it cause you need to erase the border between yourself and others in order love unconditionally.

@Jack River Yea pretty sensible. But until we see THE truth it seems inevitable that we will communicate and experience from our dual state. I think that´s why buddhist say no text is sacred, no text is true but it might help pointing you in the right direction and when it has, leave the idea behind. @tsuki Sorry to hear you had a harsh day, hope this one is better From a non dual perspective there is no thing such as self inquiry cause who does the inquiry? but like text to Jack R. above we need the I to realize that the I don´t exist or else we would already be enlightened. Science need a tool to find out what reality is or else it could only ask the question but not find out. Yes and material reality is an illusion. Right now science believe it´s not but it´s come so far: from Newton to quantum physics, answered so many questions science is now looking at answering what really happens when the material world breaks down at the edge of a black hole down into the quantum word. It is looking at distances as small as plank lengths. It is searching for one unifying answer. There are already solid well supported ideas that our world is a 3d projection, among many other theories. Science have in my eyes via quantum physics already started to realize that the material world is not what it thinks it is. There is a spirit in science to curiously and objectively follow the lead wherever it takes you. This might only apply to a few scientists but still, it´s more truthful inquiry than Religion and Myths that only seeks to hold the frightening truth at bay, to hold a light against it´s darkness when we should accept the darkness, the nothingness. Right now science is a myth in the same way I still see myself as a myth. But by inquiring I hope both Science and I shall find THE truth.

I´ve been doing some self inquiry work lately and it seems that what you need to do is to relentlessly ask the question who am I? Or like Jed mckenna did, try to write down a sentance that is true. Just anything. This questioning can go on forever since the deeper you go you still cannot find something true. We start out by thinking "I exists and am seperate from other objects" but when we try to ask where the boundary really is we only realize there is no boundary. It´s like metaphorically splitting an object into infinitly small parts. Like Leo says, self inquiry is like doing science on yourself. Follow your experience. Science doing self inquiry as well! it´s trying to figure out reality, and as perspective it says that reality exists, lets figure it out. But the deeper science inquire the stranger it gets. I´m not as pessimistic about science as Leo seems to be, there is alot of new science that dare to ask questions about what consiousness is and it´s relation to "reality" from a traditional materialistic point of view. At some point science as a collective surely have to realize that thought and intellect cannot grasp reality. That reality must be an illusion because reality keeps slipping out of our hands as soon as we think we understand i. This collective realization should spark a new era of humanity. And dare I say I don´t think its very far away from where we are now. What´s your take on science?

Thanks both, that makes it more clear to me. What do you think of other creation myths? do they not "ring true" in the same way? Or the idea of scientology: "75,000,000 years ago, Xenu headed the Galactic Federation, which was an organization of 76 planets that had already existed for 20,000,000 years. The planets were suffering a tremendous problem with overpopulation. Xenu's draconian solution to the matter was to gather large numbers of people, kill them, freeze their thetans (souls), and transport the frozen thetans to Earth, which they called Teegeeack. The thetans were left in the vicinity of volcanoes, which were, in turn, destroyed in a series of nuclear explosions." What is it that makes the 9th dimiensional lemurian collective true and the xenu overlord not?

@tsuki But from a non dual perspective there is in the end no distinction between the scientist or the object. There is no distinction between science and the area it studies. So it is studying itself by studying it surroundings. What is needed thou is a objective mindset that follows any evidence even thou it might point in a direction that would shatter the basis upon which it was created. In the same way when I do inquiry I find experiences and ideas that have the potential to shatter my understanding of myself. Science as an organism is closely tied into politics and money, so it has a kind of ego. But what differs science from politics or religion is that it does wow to follow the evidence wherever it takes it. Some scientists take this to heart more than others. For example relative theory and quantum mechanics have had the potential to destroy foundations that science was build upon but we explored it anyway in search for truth. And it did destroy scientific foundational understanding but we realized science wasnt destroyed. As long as scientists do this and not fall into the humans concepts created by money and politics surely we would come to realize the non dual state of our reality? Exactly in the same way as long As I persist in following the evidence of my experience without fear or buying into concepts like religion or society I will come to realize the truth.

@pluto Could you describe this "energy of the information provided"? with what eye do you see it? @Arkandeus How do you know this is the truth? Sorry if I sounded demeaning earlier, this is just sooo far out there for me. But I am interested

Wow this is some of the weirdest "thing" i´ve seen. In my ears this is just as crazy as L. ron hubbard version of aliens and stuff in his sci fi religion scientology. Then again to alot of ppl non duality probably sounds as crazy haha We are all truth seekers here right? What is it about this truth that makes you think its actually true and not just some crazy idea?

@RichardY No since that would not be economically sustainable, it would fall victim to speclutation. As we are located quite close to a city the value of the land will rise alot and ppl who need money will sell to ppl with money who don´t care about our community. So the organization owns the land and we rent the land from it

@Girzo On top of my head: We are in the process of buying the land and getting an ok for building, the layout etc. Houses will be constructed with natural resourses mostly from the land, ie wood, clay, hay etc We will grow as much food as possible but will not be able to grow it all. We will have some animals We will provide our own energy and water We will clean our own water in a natural way and our poop etc. We use Permaculture as a core value (google it, its very cool ) hydroponic gardening + alot more projects to come One main problem is that we grow our stuff in one place and the biproducts is flushed out in the ocean or put someplace else. Long term our soil is drained. The energy you take from the land MUST be restored to the same place. But it´s not gonna be a place where everyone has to work like socialism, individality is very important to. We are also not against technology, quite the opposite we need to use it as much as possible.

@Emerald I think the individual can do alot. Corporations are a few people ruling the masses. Why the masses don´t revolt is beyond me. We do live in a democratic world...not in the way of politics but in the way of money. We vote with every single dollar we spend. If we take a loan to get a house we vote for banks. If we buy gas for the car we vote for war on people and the planet. If we buy cheap clothes made in china we vote for slavery, if we buy solar electricity we vote for renewable energy instead of coal etc etc

Im one of a core group of people who are creating a ecological village, a way to live so that we take care of ourselves, the people around us and the nature we live in. It´s part a concept to show the world that it´s possible to live in another way and part because we prefer to live in such a way. But man it´s challanging! It´s also hard to balance the small jihad and the large ie external conflict and internal.

"Beware of unearned wisdom" - Carl Jung Your ego will recreate the experience to suit it self. It might lead you astray even more. Or it might help you if you are ready for it.

@FredFred To get back to your question. Very nice observation! well done When I was at a Vipassana the 2nd day I had a major headache. I asked the teacher if I should take a pill for it. He said no, the reason for my headache is that I try to hard during my meditation. I force my concentration to much. I trid to relax more and voila, my headache was gone! Quality meditation is the middle way, its "effortless concentration" Its the same with your posture when you meditate: you should sit up straight but in the same time be completely relaxed. Instead of concentrate on your breath I would say "rest your attention" on your breath. The two states you mentioned exist but there is no on and off transition. If I were you try to locate the transition that you speak of and be there Take my words lightly thou as I´m not very far on this "enlightenment path" or what you´d call it.

You really should get new friends if you wanna get somewhere in life <3

@Barna There is truth to that. But on the other hand, not liking something is a spark for change. For example I don´t like working in my company cause I don´t really like the kind of work, it takes up to much time in my life, and I don´t really feel the company is creating happiness and wellbeing in the world, rather opposite it´s supporting egoic greed. I could practice acceptance and stay and try to be happy since I create my own happiness and there is no I who feel unhappy. Or I could change, learn some new skills and work at a better company and try to work less hours and spend more time with my family. Which is the path I currently take. Sometimes when I see a person begging for money with a picture of christ I cant help but think that instead of begging christ to help you, help yourself. Don´t accept the situation because its the will of the lord or something along those lines. Like if you´re in a destructive relationship you can stay and accept your situation or leave for a better relationship. Im really torn this way about the "spiritual" path and the egoic path. Isn´t there a reason why we have an ego in the first place? Must it be evil? What´s the point of being able to be untouched by terrible situations? There is such a loss of meaning (says my ego) down the spiritual path it scares it. Just dont know man. Some situation acceptance is the "right" way but others it is not, that´s the only way I can see it now. Maybe it´s like the greater and lesser jihad. Be practical in your lesser jihad and spiritual in the greater.

@DEV I understand why you ask this questions but the answers will only bring you expectation which your ego will value and you will have a more distorted / less "true" experience on the retreat. If you have a history with mental illness or you are currently in a bad place in life, it might be good to come somewhat prepared but if not, go with eyes and mind open @Peanut Thanks for you story! I have some addictions as well (such as starcraft) but the way I dealt with it is to let myself game if I really wanted to, but before gaming I´d become really aware of my situation, I asked myself "is this really what I want to do?" - Consider the long term effects. If then the answer still is yes dammit! I really want to play a few games! then I´d let myself. But more and more often the answer becomes no. Some people can quit addictions just like that. Not me, it takes time. But I let it take time so it´s ok. @Freakyboo If you´ve never had an awakening after 10 Vipassana retreats what makes you go back? I´ve only been to one and I can relate to your text. Nothing special happened but there was alot of small changes in my attitude after. But I am having a hard time going back to a retreat if that is the only effect. I think I´d have the same effect going on a trek in the woods or some other relaxing vacation which is actually fun. Vipassana is hard work! (at least for me)

Thanks for the report! From now on I´ll do some sungazing everytime I can see the sun in those hours

I have no idea but I want in!

@5thPablo Yea me too. The thing is that I think it´s from the perspective of an enlightened person that these things have no value, and from the ego´s perspective they have value. This is why I am afraid of these thoughts. It´s like a transition phase when I still have an ego but want to be enlightened (who is doing the wanting? ;-) ) It´s impossible for me to understand these concepts from my current point of view. All I can say is trust that it will make sense and do not fear it. Like you are a child and trust that you´r parents do what is right for you even thou it doesnt make sense to you know, but will when you´r older. If it´s painful it´s because your ego is taking damage which is a good thing. Personally I´d like to add that maybe don´t rush into it, don´t try to live like you are enlightened when you are not. Maybe I´d like to make the transition into enlightenement slow so it doesnt cause loved ones around me to much harm. But these are just my thoughts.

Everyone you will ever encounter who sticks by your side needs you to satisfy a desire they have (or imagined they have) So in the end they need you and it´s quite a nice feeling to be needed which is why it´s easy to get trapped. It´s not a premise for a long lasting healthy relationship. In a way it´s sad that people stick by your side, that they need you. But you need them as well, we trap eachother in a circle where we feed eachother. Reality is harsh for the ego, this "false love" is an excellent escape. We need to learn to love unconditionally. I´ve really taken that to heart since Leo´s video on love. It does feel we exist to learn to love unconditionally. Great post! thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Dammit all I got was a headache :-( Maybe earplugs arent the best for this...

@seeking_brilliance Nice to see a fellow lucid dreamer here. Althou it´s been a while since I practiced and had those. I have a romantic idea based on nothing but maybe desire: The reason why I get lucid in my dream is because my "waking self" programmed, or hinted at what my dreaming self should do: question reality. The reason my dreaming self is looking at his hands and counting the fingers is because of a hunch, a gut feeling. Sometimes it feels like there is yet another "self" that is hinting my waking self into questioning reality so I can wake up. I can only hear a whisper but I think I can feel when Im on the right track

@CreamCat If it works for you it works, otherwise listen to someone else Actually for me that is part of why Leos teaching works for me, BECAUSE Leo is not enlightened (the way Eckard Tolle) when I listen to him I don´t take his teachings for granted and believe it must be so. Instead I explore if it is true or not by myself. And that is where the work must be done, inquire for yourself. I do however think it´s slightly offputting the way Leo assert himself as a teacher or Guru and talks in a way as if what he says is the absolute truth. It would seem more honest and authentic if represented himself more as a person like everyone who is looking for the truth. But I don´t mind it. Maybe it gets him more views which helpts spread non dualism in which case it´s good. I don´t know and don´t care so much...nor sure even why im typing this....

@Emanyalpsid Why do you assume I cannot create it out of nothing? The egg and my body are part of big bang. Consider the possibility that what happens now can effect the past. The Universe creating itself. The egg is created so I can hold it. My body is created to hold the egg. I experience this. You ask "....figure out if one can make a distinction between it and itself. 'It' being the universe, reality, consciousness, absolute infinity, or whatever you call it and 'itself' being the self of it" If consciousness and absolute infinity is "it" then I´m not sure what you mean by "'itself' being the self of it"" Could you explain more?