UpperMaster

@Leo Gura This is the image I have in mind: https://media.istockphoto.com/vectors/hand-with-the-figure-of-an-executive-as-a-puppet-vector-id494215350?k=20&m=494215350&s=612x612&w=0&h=eMQgQR865mF8889lz17BGp0RxQVSYih8dVSccO3rcPk= Ok, so I concluded that, there must be just one master and no puppet at all. In the sense that it is impossible for the puppet to exist separate from the master. The puppet moves in accordance with the master's wishes, much like how your hand moves when you want it to, so yea I guess, the puppet is nothing but a part of the master. But that's like saying your just a part of nature, that doesn't mean you are nature as a whole. I guess my confusion is how to know that you are really the master, and not just some finite part. Psychedelics? Is this what enlightenment reveals to you? Also a small doubt: why don't other spiritual teachers explain it like this. Ramana Maharshi, Rupert Spira seem to suggest going with the flow, and being a complete victim to gods wish. I hope I'm not misinterpreting this, just trying to understand. Thanks again

@Frosty97 I would say it exists till something proves to you otherwise. If you close your eyes you can still fuckin smell and hear which is evidence to me that it does exist bruv.

Being the best of the best. The most dominant in your field. Is it a goal worth chasing after? Or rather, is there anything wrong with chasing this goal? Most successful athletes, businessman seem to adapt this mindset of always trying to come on top. Eg. David Goggins constantly pushes himself to be not only the best version of himself, but the best person in his field. I think the question has quiet a lot to do with intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and whether we should ignore all extrinsic motivation. I personally feel like I need a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to be at my best. I really enjoy the process of planning and executing, to be better comparative to other people. The whole journey feels so good, and at the end its perfect. I've done this for school work and debate competition and it really pushed me to perform my best. People have told me that choosing to live at a win/lose basis is a guaranteed way to live a harsh and shitty life. I see where this can be problematic, I'm not asking whether or not I should beat myself up every time I lose ( I had a serious problem with this before ), but rather if actually aiming to be the best is a good idea. Is this a trap? What do you guys think...?

@Raze Have you read all of em? How has it changed your life?

@ivankiss Missed opportunity in my eyes. Should've taken the opportunity to learn more about them, their life how they make money. You should practice how to deal with these people, you never know when its useful man. I mean that is what I would've done.

@Devin@Leo Gura @Max_V After deep contemplation and research: I do agree with everyone here, doing something for its own sake is the best route. However, after looking at the replies, I was still unsure of how survival comes into play? I recently saw a post on the forum talking about how AI Art is ruining the jobs for artists. Ideally you would still create art for its own sake, but not being able to make money from your work severely limits your ability to create art, not to mention survive. In efforts to answer this question, I contemplated and researched, ultimately finding an answer in a book by Robert Green : Mastery. Robert emphasizes the value of mastering something for its own sake and advises putting financial gains aside. He says that if you are an expert in your field, you will be compensated inevitably. He does however also go through the essential social skills needed for anyone trying to master a field. He provides real life examples of how poor social skills can rob you of the opportunity to practice your craft, and the importance of handling people + getting your way. This goes against the whole "forget about society and social status". I personally agree completely with Robert on this topic. Example demonstrating my point: Lets assume you are an aspiring scientist and aim to work on a new theory. 1. Firstly once you become a scientist you inevitably need to use your social skills to get yourself in the ideal position where you have the freedom to work on your theory. 2. After gathering substantial evidence for a hypothesis, you should maintain solid connections with the scientific community since your network will help your work get noticed. Good science allows you to do more good science. 3. Also, social skills are absolutely necessary for your ass to not get exploited. What are your thoughts on this? Let me know.

@Max_V Ok. I agree. What do you say about trying to be the best in a profession you love? I am convinced that you should do the work for it's own sake, but I don't understand why you would completely ignore all extrinsic motivation. Also, there are plenty of things you have to do in life that you might not necessarily want to do. For eg School. Why would it be harmful to try to become the best in your class?

@aurum I mean look. It is only a problem when it causes you more harm than good. Most people who operate on a win-lose basis struggle to deal with losing. People like Michael Jordan don't like to lose, but they know how to focus their energies to make a comeback (most people can't do this). So I would argue that it is more good than bad. Alright sure, at the top, it is hard to say whose the best. But you can definitely think of a few people right off the bat who are among the greatest, if not the best, in any field. Eg. Tiger Woods in Golf. I do agree in art its slightly more difficult because the only real track record of success is monetary. I agree only chasing monetary success isn't great but I definitely think it can be good motivation. I don't buy this bs that monetary success is super virtuousness. I would rather be rich than poor.

@LSD-Rumi It took me a while to process what you said here but your right. I am in a slightly better position now.This problem is quite high level, and I personally realized that I am approaching it from fear as you described, thus I don't think I will tackle it right now.

@Ulax Hey man thanks for your reply. I watched this video and honestly it did help a lot. Especially made me realize that what I am going through right now is something that many people will go through. I honestly owe it to this video man for real, it has made it a bit easier.

I have seen your video of free will. I've revisited it again after this comment. What your saying is extremely radical. I somewhat hope your right about how the puppet-master and the puppet is really just one being and not some metaphysical mumbo jumbo. I'll probably watch the video a couple more times so that I can really process this possibility. Ultimately I need to confirm this on my own. Thank you.

@ZzzleepingBear I don't understand what you mean by free will being a "ghost from the past". I can only understand non-duality in an intellectual level, I can't imagine how it would really feel like because I haven't felt it.

I do think that I might need to take a break from metaphysics. Just to calm myself down. But again yea its hard because of the cognitive dissonance I have on the issue (although I suspect if I forced myself to forget about it, it would work). What do you mean by "use the emotional guidance scale"?

@How to be wise Actually no, my social life is alright. But yea when I am around other people, my worries seem to fade away. However when I'm alone, or trying to motivate myself or making any sort of decision, I get instantly reminded of my new found nihilism.

and lobsters

I've been watching videos by the yogi Acharya Shree Yogeesh for a while. I'm curious as to what this forum thinks of his teachings and whether or not they are worthwhile. This is his channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AcharyaShreeYogeesh/videos This is a recent video I watched of him.

I think it would be very helpful

@Tahuti It's both, what is the implications of cherry picking here? Well, I would argue its more appropriate to call it an addiction because it is negatively impacting my life.

I appreciate the responses from everyone. Here, I see two different points of view: those who believe that jerking off is normal, and those who believe that there is something seriously wrong with it in terms of how it affects your life. I can also somewhat imagine how porn can be absolute beautiful from a "high consciousness" standpoint. The issue is that I watch porn out of an addiction rather than out of genuine desire. I feel like I'm going to be screwed if I don't do it. If I didn't have an addiction to it which I do, I would love to jerk off every day.

That's pretty crazy

I'm a complete spiritual newbie. Thanks to Leo, I started meditating more seriously and am currently learning about enlightenment work. The more I study about enlightenment, the more foggy my idea of it becomes. Is it a one time thing or a continuous process? Although enlightenment and awakening are often used interchangeably, according to some people, Awakening implies to a single experience of who we really are. Whereas enlightenment is this final destination, where we eternally merge with our "true nature". Yogis like Sadhguru among others discuss this, presenting the spiritual process as this "ladder" that we climb. Experience after experience, we reach the top. The final step according to him is "true enlightenment". He explains that most people wont be able to handle this, and immediately leave the body as it happens. I'm mad confused right now. Someone, enlighten me.

Right now, Andrew Tate is one of the most well-known figures in the self-help industry. He is very charismatic and attractive to the youth. He is not afraid to voice his controversial principles and life philosophy. Recently he has been silenced by social media as people took offense to his opinions on the treatment of woman. I personally don't agree with all the things he has said. I do, however, applaud his clever and deliberate approach to gaining influence on social media. I greatly admire his "experience is king" approach of living, as well as his positive outlook and mental tenacity. In response to his social media ban, he published a video clarifying himself at https://www.freetopg.com I am curious to what this forum thinks on Andrew Tate? Does he spread a good or corrupted message for society? Let me know

David Goggins and Dan Bilzerian are completely different. Dan Bilzerian plays an alpha male playboy, I don't think he'd be of value to you. On the other hand, David Goggins has a great message for everyone. Jocko Willink is pretty darn neat too. Yes you can benefit. Try to work towards David Goggin's and Jocko's discipline. That's about the best they do for everyone, regardless male or female.

You haven't explained why you think Andrew Tate is a devil. On what ground do you make your claims man?