UnbornTao

@Javfly33 Standing on many assumptions isn't true questioning. Where are you coming from? We could start by asking what is life or what is a body, for example.

This is a mere intellectual question that is worthless. What will extrapolation get us? Sensible questions.

@UpperMaster I know it is appealing to think that an outside force is responsible for your purpose, as it takes you off the hook. It is comfortable. But is it true? If believing in this helps you in some way, that's fine too. Just don't conflate that wish with finding out what's true in the matter. How is purpose inherent? Where does it show up? Rumors and opinions aside, including your own, what is purpose, for real? Purpose is the reason why you take an action or course of action. For example, consider the different purposes that one might have for going to the gym. Regarding mission, again, where does it show up? Any form of meaning may arise in or as the relationship you establish between you and events and conditions. Does mission depend on something external that is to be "uncovered" by you or, to be simplistic, is it found in your mind? Getting ontological for a minute: What is, say, an object? Could Being (what is) be prior to value and meaning, hence prior to purpose and mission, too? Is purpose somehow inherent in the nature of that thing, or is it instead "projected after the fact"? Is purpose set in stone? What about the possibility of stuff being meaningless and without purpose?

What affords for happiness to start with?

That is how it occurs--as an activity generated by you--though we have yet to become conscious of that. What is purpose and how is it created independent of what others say? Better to delve into it.

Still better than Trump.

True yogis.

What about Michelle Obama?

I'd wish.

Take a look for yourself: What is purpose? Is it found? Where? What makes something valuable and meaningful? We use chairs when we want to sit. When we want to dance, chairs get in the way and are discarded Prior to purpose and function, what is an object? What's the purpose of a toaster? Is it about how things relate to you? Perceive a small object such as a pencil, book or notebook, as distinguished from thinking or feeling about it. Let an object be as it is, not as it relates to you. That purpose is created doesn't undermine its value and contribution, which people seem to conclude when first hearing this take on purpose.

It was sarcasm.

Thank God mods get it for free.

You can start by looking at an object and observe what is there when you strip away any form of value, significance, and meaning it has for you. Differentiate between thoughts and feelings about the object, and the raw perception of it. What does a pencil mean? We say the object is meaningful to you. This suggests that the object relates to you. But what is it for itself? Some questions to ponder.

@AtmanIsBrahman Definitely be skeptical and question stuff. It is possible to "awaken to absolute infinity" but leave that as an open thing to discover rather than an ideal. The potential for deception is huge, though. This is because enlightenment is rare to come by and people easily confuse experiences or states with the real thing. When it is genuine, it is clearly you, your nature beyond a doubt. It is true but paradoxically not complete, which is to say there's more to become conscious of as you are still likely ignorant of other stuff such as the nature of life, another, or objective reality. Even though a direct consciousness is absolute and there are no levels, the case for "deepening" enlightenment can be made. Go figure.

I AM the wall. Or paradoxically, there might not be any wall.

Let me try. update: still can't do it, but close enough. Going through a door is key but I guess this would be cheating. Seriously though, I've heard direct consciousness is true and self-validating. It isn't a conventional knowing but direct, prior to perception and mind. Look up Satori and Kensho. It is a rare occurrence, and not to be confused with becoming convinced of some piece of knowledge that you hold, or with an experience/state that you go through. In short, it is your nature.

When you take away the presumed or imagined "demon", what's left in your experience? Sensation? Thought? Delve into the experience to discover that you may, in fact, be adding a bunch of stuff to the event that may not be actually occurring. I once perceived a curtain as a kind of monster when on sleep paralysis. Nothing agains curtains, or monsters. You may notice that, in the end, these are subjective, and usually self-imposed, states. Given that you're going to make it up, why not imagine angels or spirit animals? Sounds more fun.

Is there a question in there somewhere?

@Sincerity You can always set new goals and focus your attention into achieving them while being happy. Try looking at your situation from a different perspective; this can help in not taking oneself too seriously. Also, let go of unhelpful patterns. Enjoy! Maybe read some Rumi.

A look into the principle of willingness, by ChatGPT:

Made this chocolate cake recipe!

@bambi Fair. Also, you might have misinterpreted my use of the word "embrace." Enjoy.

@A Fellow Lighter Contemplate it and have insight into it, if you want.

Take it lightly as a physiological need. It's an example. You don't suppress your hunger. I suspect OP is coming from an ideal.