Key Elements

@MarkusSweden I think the answer is in your life purpose. Otherwise, the person can't do anything about it. There is a point where you become a philanthropist in your life purpose. I've mentioned it here. They are very influential, even in politics. There are all kinds of philanthropists. Unless we do this, we won't know how we're going to impact the world in our own ways.

You know what, this brings up a good question. If we do our life purpose, we would have to show our names and faces -- like Leo or Donald Trump or someone famous. They don't hide behind an icon, right? But then, we may not want to do it in a place where it's the wrong target audience. Just wanted to share these thoughts. The target audience in the beginning would have to be strategic.

Mindfulness meditation on a daily basis counts too. Don't forget this. I like how Thich Nhat Hanh explains it here: I already commented on it here.

@Deep Also, I forgot to mention, and I find this to be important other than doing retreats; being in a "meditative state" throughout your day counts. The "meditative state" don't have to be hardcore. In fact, to me, it's better that it's subtle so that you could get the "minor" things done and move on. The "minor" things count too. If you look at 4:25 of this clip, Thich Nhat Hanh comments on doing the dishes being a mindfulness meditation.

I think it's not a "low consciousness" activity if you plan it out and try your best. To me, when we are seekers, we sometimes want to just see the "infinity" and get rid of the ego as best we can. Some ppl call this the "enlightenment trap," or whatever name you want to give it. I think we don't need to be in such a big rush to see "God."

As G.K. Chesterton once said, "One man could understand the cosmos but never the ego; the self is more distant than any stars."

Try fresh beetroot and carrot juice. Blended. Watch the iron and B12. Low levels get you really tired.

Please post relavent topics.

? You could do both. I agree with you that specialization is important. But, you could start exploring your niche now. It will help in the specialization.

There is a guy I know. He's Telugu. His father, being the only breadwinner passed away when he was 18, and mom a homemaker. He has a bro and sis younger than him at the time. With no income, he started becoming a graphic artist to support his family. His friends helped him. You are fortunate enough to have a family supporting you. I agree that education / specialization is important, but there are opportunities in India, lots of it. You could explore your niche now. If you love teaching, become a tutor. Learn and teach someone on the subject you love to make extra bucks. Medical transcription part time, work at home on internet. Only takes 5000 rs / month for rent for decent apartment. You don't even have to work full time there for that. Just have to research. Or, maybe a decent boy's hostel.

Hmm..very good point. If they're fanatic, and even if you are the "same" religion, they will respond with something like, "your beliefs are immature." Even if you say, "Yes, I believe in God," they would want to dig even further. Maybe Leo is right saying, "I am God." But then, watch them try to spread some funny rumor. Then, you'll have to say, "Thou shall not gossip (judge) thy neighbour is the first commandment of the bible."

@Sunchild What I do is, go to YT, click the share button, come here, press the screen with my finger, a paste button will appear, click that, embedded, done.

Just don't get addicted.

Oops! Now that I read what I wrote, it sounds off. Yeah, they are called "strict vegetarians." It's another term I heard.

If they're Jain, they don't eat anything grown from the ground, so no onions.

God is everything and touches everything.

@Dodo

Yes, and just keep going. Keep trying. Once in a while, stop to smell the roses.

When you mentioned the God of all creations, this reminds me of the Brahma Kamal Flower. What an insightful flower for deep ah-ha moments. Don't forget that the maya counts as non-duality because duality also is part of non-duality. Life is a school. It gives us indications that catches our attention. It may not make any sense now, but may later. Just try your best.

I think there are a few things that have not been explained too deeply -- karma, life is a school, and everything is interconnected in this maya. All these things do relate to seeking enlightenment. Meditation is not the center stage. Psychedelics is only "meditation on steroids." Will get you there faster, and perhaps not. I believe Leo said this. However, it gets even more confusing once you try to explain it.

@Saumaya You know, another very challenging thing is with small children. You want them to be in good health too even when they're young. We all know that too much sugar isn't good for them, but when the ice cream man comes outside with his cart and yells, "kwality wall's!" all the nearby neighbourhood children including the children in our homes go to him almost everyday, at least getting a 10 rs orange sticks. Also, the bigger children sneaks out of the homes to those small shops outside to buy 10 attached chip packets, only 5 rs each, 5 rs chota cokes, you know, all the unhealthy stuff. Good way for ice cream man and shops to make extra bucks. I hope you don't have this issue with your younger siblings and/or cousin sisters or brothers.

I cook, or my hubby cooks. But, in the US, everything is so much more expensive. You already know that. That's why no one has cooks or maids. I have heard of NRIs taking their maids along for help. Life purpose is the way to go. It will solve so many things, including our food issues.

So which ice cream do you like? Pista kulfi? Bricks? What flavors? Do you live near an icecream shop or does an icecream man come to your home with his cart? Btw...who does the cooking????? That you are lucky enough to eat thali everyday?

But... What about when it comes to the holidays, like Diwali, and you're offered laddus and you're a guest at someone's house? Are you still going to say no?

Yes. So, now, in your thali, do you skip sweets like gulab jamun?