Arman

Meditation and spiritual practices, like any tools, can be misused. When practiced safely and with moderation, barring karmic or physiological predisposition, I would say danger is limited. On any path there is difficult experiences. When practices are misused, moderation is not taken into consideration, the body is not listened to, intuition is ignored, or maybe you're just plain unlucky, there can be moderate to severe side effects, from discomfort all the way to full blown psychosis. These are rare. Moderation and pacing are more important topics particularly when it comes to pranayamas, specifically spinal breathing or kundalini related practices. That is not something to really worry about. Especially with more 'regular' meditation practices or basic mindfulness. Perhaps having some idea of more common pitfalls can be useful, because you may recognize them sooner and have an idea of what to do about them. These pitfalls are less extreme and more common. Things like discomfort, difficulty sleeping, bouts of returning to old unconscious behavior, feeling as though you're backsliding, irritation, emotional flares, changes in physiology, things like that. It might be useful to know about those things. Philosogi made a good recommendation with Leo's negative effects video.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject I'm choosing to call Highest Dynamic Sentient Intelligence. The idea is that there is an intelligence permeating all reality. I'm talking about a kind of highest supreme intelligence that has its own volition, creative ability and responsiveness. This is how I choose to interpret this intelligence, your view may differ: The intelligence would be the summation of at least all the information available aka all creation, and possibly even the summation of all infinite potential. It is the natural spontaneous collective creativity that is the result of its own propensity or whim to exist at all. I am not talking about intelligence in an abstract sense, like we might sometimes vaguely refer to as the wisdom of stillness. I'm talking about real, impacting, dynamic intelligence. If we could use the metaphor of a garden, then we can see that plants have their own sentience and their own kind of intelligence. We could also argue that their intelligence is dynamic as they have their own form of decision space, albeit limited (how to respond to certain stimuli). This intelligence and volition has its effect on how the garden looks. One step higher is the gardener. He is a higher level of dynamic sentient intelligence and really designs the garden. The higher the level of dynamic sentient intelligence, the more creativity and wider decision space, and therefore greatest ability for further creation. So take your mind up many, many levels, to the highest level of intelligence available given your understanding of reality. Those who follow a more empirical mindset may say they have no reason to believe that they have experienced any level of dynamic sentient intelligence higher than that of their own, and that beyond personalized consciousness, the world seems to be a mechanistic runoff biding its time. Others believe that the Highest Dynamic Sentient Intelligence is governing all aspects of creation in a very calculated, precise and effective way, and that this intelligence is accessible, either as a source of power to be petitioned, or as an extension of oneself: ones birthright. So I'd like to hear what perspectives you subscribe to: Do you believe there to be a dynamic intelligence beyond yourself, permeating all of reality, or perhaps at least your physical reality? Why/Why not? Do you believe this dynamic intelligence has an aim, a goal, a volition? Why/Why not? Can this dynamic intelligence be accessed? If so, how can one leverage this dynamic force for their own journey? Thanks for reading. EDIT: In timely fashion, from the thread Hypnotized by Infinity, Leo offers an interesting alternative perspective that I think should be perfectly stimulating for this thread. Leo's proposal here initially creates resistance inside myself, which indicates it's probably a direction I should start to face. Honestly, intuitively it seems to make more sense that this kind of 'indiscriminate - brute-force-of-love' would be its nature, and looking at Highest Dynamic Sentient Intelligence as the 'commander in chief' perspective feels naive. Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between. I just don't know. Here's some music to play while you think.

First step is to call up google to try to recover the account that uploaded the video. If you can access that account you can delete the video, and there are ways to recover accounts even without knowing the address/username or password. Failing that, just be honest with them and tell them your situation, and ask what information they'll need to provide for them to delete the video.

Consciously choosing your family to be one of your primary values is not a problem in and of itself. In fact, I think it is beautiful. I think Leo's comments are concerning circumstances in which you are wanting to pursue your life purpose or primary values, but your family is standing in the way. Are they standing in the way? It is possible for family to be part of life purpose. Even the primary focus. Doesn't sound to me like your children or your family are currently an issue for you? It sounds less like family is an issue, and more that a deeply held belief about family, or your role in relation to them that may be a sticking point.

What would you prefer?

Yeah they are one substance I am always wary of, especially because I have heard a kind of trend among friends who have taken particular use from it or have favored it. Seemingly out of nowhere, without an increase in dose, experiences can suddenly become harrowing beyond comprehension, as if the substance turned on em or something - then from then on that was the particular trend from that substance every time they take em. Kind of like being kicked out of a party or something.

Hmmm sounds to me like energetic openings and release of charges as a result of meditation. I think it is a common experience for people to swing all the way back into unconscious behavior after minor 'awakenings' or energetic shifts. There's kind a pendulum effect. Anyway it sounds to me like you're holding on to something you refuse to let go of. The experience wants to release and integrate but you may be resisting it. Rest more, meditate more, and completely allow the experience to happen. Hit up a doc if you feel too bad.

This is an interesting one, because the implications are kind of potentially nightmarish, at least when you let the mind wander on the subject for a while, lol. Allow me to share the perspective and understanding that I most resonate with: Gonna try not to trip over my own words. I think the infinite aspect of creation is primarily a probabilistic one; meaning there is infinite potential for creation, and that there is no limit to what can be created and what 'Everything' can expand into. However, does that mean creation is going to run on creating everything into infinity, or that it has already all been simultaneously created? Maybe. My perspective is that while I think while all things are equally possible, only what is functional is rendered (created.) Now the term functional is a subjective one. I do suspect however that the universe creates towards some kind of ideal or direction. To my mind that direction is Love, whatever that is. I see it as the path of least resistance that allows for the greatest expansion and further creation so that the universe can further know itself. For example our physical domain seems to be super effective for growth of consciousness, creativity, discovering potentials, knowing onself, etc. However the universe is far less inclined to render a potential universe where everyone is ripping there arms off simply because it's not practical or effective for expansion. This would be governed by the dynamic intelligence of god. Side note: I think even the nature of our physical universe is mostly probabilistic and rendered. Meaning an empty space isn't even really 'real' or rendered until we step into it; purely because it's just more optimal for the universe to render what is most functional at all times. It also allows for greater creation potential: because if the contents of an empty space or empty room are set in stone, there is less creative potential there - however to the degree which we can forget or let go of its contents, that allows for more malleable probability if we were to interact with it. There's just no point to rendering the vast majority of physical reality, or the vast majority of infinite potential reality, because most of it isn't in alignment with the goal of expanding into love. It's like leaving an unused computer running while you leave the house. It's a waste of energy. Therefore when people say that all realities are equally and simultaneously real, I do not believe that means that they are all rendered and happening. I believe they are potentials that are waiting to be actualized if 'necessary' or useful. Therefore, if your personalized point of intelligence decides it is worth accessing, then so be it, you as an aspect of all that is has accessed that potential and rendered it for whatever reason.

Videos of fractals always put me into a state of shaken awe when I watch em. I always think about the first dude who programmed the first visual fractal simulator. Back then I think it was minutes to render even a single frame, but still. 'Understanding' fractals theoretically and experiencing the first visual representation would be two completely different things. Imagine that first dude sitting alone in a darkened room actually trying to comprehend the implications of what is suddenly very real. These things are the very epitome of mind boggling

Book recommendation: The Ultramind Solution. If you don't like the way your brain is operating, then aim to change it by studying what impacts focus and high functioning, and aim to make those changes. The brain is highly adaptable and capable of tremendous recovery.

Well said. My understanding is that as a result of evolutionary imperatives, we are built to receive and translate incredible amounts of information in what seems to be an instant. Historically, we may not have had time to shake someones hand, look them square in the eye and ask them their life story before deciding whether or not they were of sound quality. A moments hesitation could mean you have your head bashed in with a rock. So from the instant you see someone, you have already registered a vast amount of subtle information. How tall are they? How are they standing? Is their chest puffed out or is it receded? What race are they? How dilated are their pupils? Are they nervous? What about eye contact? What is their social status? If I had to fight them, would I win? If I did win, would the tribe turn on me, or embrace me? Then there is the micro-expressions and micro muscular movements on the face that even the adept can't hide. How they are positioned in relation to others, their vocal tonality and from where in their body they speak? Then we get into even deeper levels like pheromones. Of course there is no way we could possibly consciously go through all this information and make a decision in a meaningful span of time. So instead, within an absolute split second, all this information is combined, calculated, processed, translated and refined into the most convenient package creation can muster: a gut feeling. That's just the first encounter. We are always taking in vast amounts of information and translating it out of necessity, because social dynamics are life and death. I think women are even more adept at this kind of receiving and translating, as they have to take in an even deeper realm that deals with family, fertility, protection, and judging every value of a man. Girls have the ultimate bullshit detectors. And these are just one slice of the spectrum of observable empirical values. So what of the vast, vast amount of subtle energies that are also in constant exchange? I believe that every aspect of our being is always on communication with the whole, and certainly in communication with those in which we encounter. So every neurosis, every dysfunction and every deep seated secret is already out in the open. People know your energetic and psychological make up even if they think they don't. We can lie to ourselves but we can never lie to others. At best when someone lies to us, we're not fooled so much as we are willing to lie to ourselves. Some people are adept at reading into their feeling, and therefore intuitively knowing what to do, or how to act in relation to someone, or at any given moment, for the greatest outcome. The rest of us are profoundly talented at the opposite: ignoring our feelings and regarding them as base illusions. Perhaps that is true for much of what we feel in our bodies, but one must be able to discern between fear and other illusions, and between the still voice of intuition that is actually the concentrated deliverance of deep, deep intelligence.

Cool post. Yeah. People either stagnate, spiral up, or spiral down. Given brief encounters you can see where someone is heading. You can also get an idea from their behavior or how they speak as insight into their inner realms. Unless they have the awareness, or the grace, they are going to continue to cultivate the same vibrations and expand on them. To that degree, depending on your sensitivity, you can predict someones direction with decent odds. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

I think purpose depends on the individual. We meditate for different reasons. I suspect that regardless of why we meditate however, you get all the benefits in time, despite what you specifically desire. So explanation of meditation and its benefits depends on their temperament. You should cater to them. Some people will like the idea that meditating will make you happier. For others, that will actually be a turn off because it will remind them of woo-woo nonsense. Maybe it is better to point them in the direction of studies that show its improvements on health or concentration. Concepts like awareness and stillness are so commonplace for us that we forget that many people simply have zero reference of these ideas, and they are not particularly useful to them. Better they come to them experientially. Using these as motivators can be like putting the cart before the horse. For some, you can say it makes praying more deep and enjoyable. Or it helps to sleep. For some, you can say it is a tool for enlightenment. Others will like the idea that it helps move towards extrasensory phenomena, OOBE's and the like. There's no single sales pitch. What I think is more important than what you say, however, is when and why you say it. If you go around being fanatical or evangelical about meditation, you will find it quite ineffective. If you try to tell all your loved ones about meditation out of a great excitement, you may also find your attempts to sway them impotent. I think it comes down to an intuitive knowing of when someone is ripe. When someone is ripe all you need is the most gentle and general nudge and it is effective. You can sense in to yourself and know when you're being ineffective (and possibly doing more harm then good) by asking yourself if you sense any neediness in yourself, and if you would feel any less good if they rejected the idea. If you feel equanimity and gentle joy on the matter then you'll find your sharing very effective.

It is lovely that you empathize in this way. Consider the beauty of plants. Not all plants can be flowers, and not all flowers can be roses, but still they are equally beautiful. Maybe they are not fulfilling their potential to your eyes or your experience, but who is to say they should be anything other than what they are? Maybe they have chosen to be that way? Maybe there's another level at which your potential and their potential are equally fulfilled? do you feel sorry for this plant because it doesn't bloom flowers? would you avoid it because of this? Best to just shine light equally among everything

A large determinant of whether psychedelic experiences are positive or negative, is set and setting. This generally comes down to where you are, how you feel, who is around you, and what is going to be happening. These are the important factors. So simply, make sure you are in an isolated place where your mum or dad isn't going to come barging in... unless they're really cool. The last thing you want is to start coughing while you're blasted into hyperspace and your dad walks in to see if you're OK and thinks you're having an epileptic seizure or something. Make sure you're not having a bad day, that you're not in a scared place or anything like that. Just common sense. Stay hydrated and eat clean. good luck discovering The Truth. write it down on a napkin in case you forget it.

Nice dude. That's exciting. 21+ recommendation is probably for mental health, emotional stability and the fact that the brain is still heavily developing around that age. I used psychedelics at your age. You should be fine, but definitely do not do 5meo or other psychedelics often, and take great spaces inbetween for you to integrate it and let your brain rest and do its thing. My mistake was using them too often, without space inbetween and not taking care of my health and well being. It does come with its costs. For that reason I would never approve of anyone around that age using them. Still, here you are, doing your thing. Have not used 5meo dmt myself, but have tried the other DMT in a few different forms. My guess is that it doesn't compare. I wish you the best of luck brother. Yeah, hold on to your MOTHERFUCKIN horses. That, and make sure you only ever engage with the substance when you're in a great head-space, Don't take substances on a whim, only after having decided ahead of time. Make sure you're feeling physically well and your environment is great and you won't have intruders. I assume since you are well researched on the substance, you are familiar with the idea of set and setting when it comes to psychedelics?

I'll PM it to ya

Hehe, that reminds me of Pete Holmes' cartoon strips. They're not all spiritually related but they're all great imo. pardon the readability on some of them. one or two of them that aren't signed by pete might be someone elses. This is one of my favs:

Ya or Philip K Dick, lol

I love that Rupert personally works with ceramics as, i assume, an art-form. There's something really fitting about it. It's nice to know that he expresses himself as an artist beyond his talks. God, ceramics and pottery have to be one of the most beautiful and 'down to earth' artforms/mediums. You can meditate in a cave for 40 years, you can smoke 5-meo-dmt, or you can watch someone slap together one of these fuckin' badboys

Yeah these things occur. Sometimes also I have noticed during my growth, especially during phases where there is long integration or release of fairly 'deep seated' stuff, there can be periods where emotional connection and the energy to be social dissipate. Kind of like I've just felt severed from people or something. Not in a particularly depressing or negative way, just that I noticed that the heart felt feeling and sense of connection had dimmed. Also periods where I felt like I'd have to abandon all my social connections because I felt as though they were holding me back and that I'd need to start anew. Then the pendulum swings the other way, and I feel like maybe as a result of an energetic shift or something, suddenly I naturally gravitate towards my old friends again and have a great time. Really revitalizing and with newfound appreciation. Then also, some people I decide I just don't want to connect with because I don't want to get into bad habits or as you said, be drawn back into my old self. So there's some of that, too. So I think you really needn't worry. You haven't stopped resonating with people because you've outgrown them. Growing and integration doesn't negate the old, it encompasses it. You'll only be able to resonate with greater compassion in time. Worry not. You'll meet lots of cool new people who you'll appreciate and who will greatly appreciate you.

Yeah, like aurum said, at least you recognize the problem. Most guys don't realize their neediness is even repelling women. At worst they think it's a good thing and just get super bitter when the girls get repulsed. No, at least the way you're expressing it, having something 'better to do' sounds more like covering up a root issue. However not focusing on it so heavily is probably a good idea. You're going in the right direction. Life and its tragedies (like you not doing so well with her) are exposing your blind spots and burning them out of you. That's what girls do. The pain is good and you're understanding its root. Keep taking action as you're doing (and ur doing good son) and allowing your blocks and dysfunctional behaviors to come to the surface of your awareness. As long as you're aware, then they will start to untangle. In order to greatly accelerate this however, use a practice like Callums recommended Sedona method, or Vipassana, shadow work, letting go, or whatever resonates with you to allow the visceral roots of the behavior to integrate. Tip: the emotions that arise, the negative feelings, that's where the money is cos that's the way it is. integration of what holds us back is a long and exhausting process, but it's worth it

LOL damn dude what an absolute pimp. You're overthinking it. Totally normal. What is there to transcend?? Embrace your sexuality dude. If you want to have multiple relationships then just figure out how to do it. It's not impossible, and can be sustainable and you can even seriously grow as a result of it.

My friend has a two year old son who often kind of babbles or speaks gibberish. Upon observing him, it feels clear at least to me that he is communicating, but more in a feeling or energetic way than by connecting words to thought forms. More an imitation of expressions or feeling ideas that exert themselves through sound. A bit like the same way we'd act if we were to comically imitate another language by making sounds and moving our hands, but not necessarily having any particular idea in mind. This is the more natural communication, before we are stifled by words. Consider your need to label as just further energetic phenomena. Your insistence that it is limiting reality could potentially be a denial or reality, because what are your labels if not spontaneous manifestations of the moment? If you want to further surrender, stop looking as thought forms or labels as any different to birds you might see, or a colour or sound.

Posture effects the way energy moves in the body, and so it has impact on awareness and consciousness. Cross legged is a good way to sit, and if you are comfortable with it, do it that way. If you can increase flexibility and have OK knees, once you get more comfortable, try looking up videos on how to sit in half-lotus as an experiment in how a not too intense change can effect your meditation. It's a good idea to look up some basic videos on getting into even the most basic postures, especially when it comes to sitting, because we can unknowingly be putting pressure on our joints which can have accumulative negative effects over time. That being said, what is probably much more important than how you sit, is the sustainability of your practice. Therefore if you're unable to sit cross legged, then sitting on a chair, or sitting, lying, or being in ANY position is fine, and not something you need to give too much thought to. Either way I also suggest back support. As for 60m for 30m, I guess it comes down to your goals. If you're aiming for overall well-being I'd go for 30m twice a day since its effects are kind of spread throughout the day and allows two points for integrating and releasing pressure.