UnbornTao

Those stupid INTPs, I love them all lol Intp here.

@Leo Gura To play devil's advocate: Why would Buddhism stipulate that "all understanding is illusory"?

In regards to prior discussions in this thread, some of us might be failing to make a distinction between self and you (Being). Take that into account whenever someone claims to be the only one that knows himself. They're not talking about their personal self.

This is precisely how it can turn out in the end -- us falling into the following trap: An average individual, as far as we know, is commonplace even by his own estimation. After becoming deeply conscious then he's considered genetically gifted. Nobody knows what role genetics play into this matter. That's the truth few are willing to admit. What's known is that that is a relative matter while enlightenment isn't. So, we might as well work on honesty which has much more to do with consciousness than environment or talent.

@puporing @Space No. Enlightenment isn't a result. The notion that a drug can produce direct consciousness is ludicrous. That Leo thinks that enlightenment can't be "permanent" clarifies how he holds it: as some grand state –always temporal– with powerful effects on the mind induced primarily by drugs. Either it isn't clear that enlightenment is not any of that, or you're conflating "stuff" with the absolute. How could it be touched by experience? As an analogy: How could drinking coffee within a dream wake you up? Whatever you did within the dream before waking up is irrelevant in this regard. Waking up is on you, not factors and circumstances which are all relative.

Huh?

@Leo Gura is it like saying that everything is occurring as a process?

So you are a state? The absolute isn't a state by nature. State is relative.

Well, first, abstract terms can be used very broadly. What are you referring to by spirituality? States come and go. Are you saying that consciousness is a state, or that existence and states are mutually inclusive? So if one isn't in an altered state, one doesn't exist? What do you even mean by state? You'll now come at it with Leo's narrative of "everything is a state" but thanks, no. No parroting.

Why would a lottery winner pursue anything at all after a period of relaxing and hedonism? Why wouldn't she? Do what you like. Learning and creating are the avenues I recommend. I'm sure there's plenty more than you realize. Explore that.

Don't know why I used that word. It's useful. It simply means: invest the regained energy from healthier habits into something constructive that you like. Refocus your energy on creating whenever you're urged to do something hurtful to your body. That personal challenge was about abstaining from the Internet and phone, not TV. Rarely, when I felt tempted to pick up the phone, I'd watch TV for a bit. Nice. Yes, that'd be more doable then. Cutting out all forms of stimulation at once would be overwhelmingly hard and boring. Don't get stuck in mental masturbation. Either do it or don't.

@Leo Gura Oldest mode of thinking

Why would the truth need to be sugarcoated? Seems to me like you're saying that communication isn't enough, therefore turn the truth into something that it's not so that it makes us feel good and entertained. Got it. But I'm talking about spirituality.

Which categories will you be using? For me it's either OneNote or Obsidian. Right now, I built a fairly simple structure on Obsidian, and I'm happy with that as it is efficient. Local file saving is key. Obsidian uses a text-based format, readable by any computer. To start from scratch, I'd make an Archive page, transferring all the old content into that folder. The book is going to evolve as time passes. You could also change your software at some point, that's a possibility to consider. Start with something good and go from that.

Why? That focus will mislead people. The goal should be facilitating, not hyping the content.

Mu

What is is already the case. What changes is your consciousness in the matter. Ignorant happiness vs conscious perception. In the latter, you see reality as it already is and has always been. So why be afraid? God is Unborn, so can't die.

What is the principle of alignment? What about joining something, such as the experience of another?

Investigate your own arrogance, including its subtle forms.

What allows for someone to "stand on their own two feet"?

Thanks for answering. It still smells weird to me, though. But hey, you know you. Enjoy.

If the person is committed, no matter her genetics, she will get it done. That's the point of commitment. Just more work will likely be required.

Some do it for entire years, so maybe try doing it for longer periods. Also, channel that energy into something constructive/creative like exercise and art. Reading, writing, cooking, exercise, watching TV, meditating, contemplating and doing nothing. Look up dopamine detox.

I'd say that writing on a journal can be more effective overall, since you are putting your experience out there, whereas in your mind you can easily get lost in subjectivity. That said, the method itself is secondary as long as you are engaging in questioning, in my view.

As a teenager, Ramana was a normal kid. He didn't meditate and was clueless about spirituality. Then, in a matter of minutes, he had a complete, abiding awakening out of the blue. Now you attribute that awakening to special powers, providence, predestined karma or some such. It is uncommon. But that doesn't mean he had special genetics. Isn't your nature and mine the same, so to speak? Then what is "special" about you except the the degree to which you're conscious of the truth?