Jacobsrw

It’s become more and more apparent to me a deep hypocrisy that lies within nihilism and to that, any devout endeavour of skepticism. Before I continue, it’s important to disclaimer, I am neither for or against such notions, I see them both useful in part. I have just come to notice underlying issues in them that seem to be often overlooked. Subtle Hypocrisy Nihilism, the urge to disbelieve in any one thing or ascribe it a specific meaning is to do the very thing that was first aimed at being avoided. See, nihilism maintains there is no meaning, however, it is equally assigning a meaning of meaninglessness as it proceeds. Which in doing so, characterises existence and all its parts a purposeless function. In other words, nihilism is the claim that things function and there is no explanation behind this from which to understand. That itself, appears to be the prime hypocrisy. To claim no purpose or meaning is to assign things “purposelesses” - in turn this a description. It’s very subtle but when exploring the terrain of nihilism at its core, it becomes no less delusion than a fundamentalist cult. The problem is not what is being argued in nihilism, but where it is arguing from. Now this by no means, is my railing against nihilism. Just simply putting forth a very undermined factor of skeptical thinking. When one takes skepticism to its epitome they become the very thing they were first being skeptical about. At least, these are my stark observations. What I’ve learnt from this is, no idea belief, notion, ideology, theory or perspective escapes critique. Because concept and language are limited in nature which renders any claim upheld by it essentially redundant. This also includes what I am writing here. What I write can never encapsulate the whole since I write in parts fragmented from a larger system. Thus, any branch of existence is itself limited in explaining it. I can empathise why mystics and sages speak in such confusing sentences and say how existence cannot be described, as any description denies reality of what else it is that is not accounted for in the limits of a description. And I guess this why Being is so fundamental because nothing can describe it. Anywho, these are some of my thoughts of recent. Feel free to critique what I have written as it will inevitably fall under the same trap I have spoken about haha ?

@WHO IS precisely, the irony is, everyone denies themselves of what they really are, their true form beyond a finite self. Eventually, this lack consciousness can not continue and will exterminate those who continue to operate so primitively. If all there is consciousness, it will be the only thing that will prevail.

@WHO IS Personally I’m my view, because they threaten the very structure of predominate society. Most of our human civilisation is operating at such a primitive level of consciousness and as such, a highly conscious being undermines the establishment of this. “God“ like beings are so rare, so when one appears they will seem alien and will likely be attacked as such.

@Malekakisioannis you’re getting caught in the content of what Leo is saying rather than what he is pointing to. What he is sharing is beyond the veil of words he is using. Look beyond the words. What is it in your experience that he is so insistently pointing to? Even the most unconscious moments in ones behaviour has consciousness within it. Be careful not to get so consumed by critique that the critique you give is the very thing that halts your development.

“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?” ― Marcus Aurelius

Haha @andyjohnsonman you are making this a lot more confusing than it needs to be. As @blankisomeonestated, go with your direct experience it is a far better teacher than your rational mind you seem to be using here. I appreciate your inquisitiveness but you could get stuck in and endless tunnel of skepticism if you don’t make some form of footing. Begin doing the practices that have been widely spoken about. Take time away from this forum and find these answers out for yourself. For it is you who will have to experience them in order to understand them.

That’s possible however, unlikely when investigating your experience. From a human perspective (which is ego) we are divided. Someone else can never your experience and you can know never theirs, which is division. So if thats the case what would make you speculate that all seperate egos are one if your experience is the contrary?

@andyjohnsonman you are right we can never know for certain. But from our own experience, we can infer that ego appears as though it is expressed differently among each person and that being seems to be a shared experience. From there would be the best evidence we could operate from. Rupert Spira speaks about similarly in regards to seperate self’s. Probably the best for explaining this topic in my view. watch this video It illuminated a lot for me sometime back.

@andyjohnsonman in my view, it’s A. The ego is a division of seperated fragments from which each human self knows them self. And above that is the one total being in itself. Being is one but it could be said it is understood and expressed in many gradations or levels, which is what we are right now doing as seperate finite egos. Ultimately, all egos will collapse and enter the one source of being from which they all arose. All ego’s are divided but Being can never be divided.

@StripedGiraffe great to hear! Yeah I’ve seen there are some people start doing deep which is great, means more conscious civilians haha. I agree, if not ever it will be for a long time to come.

Before I begin, I by no means neglect the damages this present event is causing to the many people across the globe. My sincerest concerns are sent to those affected. However, It has become extremely apparent, especially in light of this work, the importance of COVID-19. While many I feel are missing the point, there is a core teaching from which I feel is right front of us. To understand the core depths of oneself and all constituting facets. We have been privileged the opportunity for solitary exploration where one can use sufficient time of quietude to unveil the very shadows that were previously blinding them. We could not understand the instability of the self while stuck in the busyness of ordinary life. Since this has been the biggest self deception mechanism to delude one since the beginning of time - “I’m too busy”. None of that can be substantiated now. Time is available, space is available, silence is available. The question is, will people awaken to such an opportunity? Likely not. One thing is for sure, those who see the magnitude of this modern event will be sure to use it to its exponentiality and transform. I feel this is not only a time for self-exploration but one whereby we can learn of the fragility and finality of the human being. The incessancy of fear, what those in the most comfortable locations will do when threatened, the attachments to stability, the fear of change, the reliance on material acquisitions, the pervasiveness of survival, the unequivocal need for a collective even in individualist thinking societies. It will also illuminate the hidden power of the human being; the ability to connect and serve, the capacity for tenacity and resilience when called upon, the core importance of consciousness, the need for creativity and strategic innovation. The very limitation of a human self will be exposed, as we are so far seeing; as too the potentiality of what one could become. This is not something to squirm over or resist but to enter. Explore and learn about it. As this is the place where limitations are afforded the place to then dissolve. A level of global crisis of this degree only comes once in a lifetime. Use it, do not abuse it. Do what others fear to do, turn inward in times when everyone is so incessantly focused outward. Contemplate, reflect, mediate, read, self-inquire, seep into silence, disengage from all activity. Once that glimmer of transformation sparks within lend others around you a helping hand. Just some of my thoughts on the current world climate ?

Hi @Rujan Mehar Bajracha I've been mediating everyday for at least a year plus, with extra sessions through the day now. As you said, this a perfect time to turn inward and do deep work. Mediation is a great technique in the midst of this lockdown. it’s actually disappointing that all these people worryied about what they are going to do, how they are going to bounce back, when things will go back to normal, are missing out on the most powerful opportunity in life - to understand the core of their very being free of surrounding distraction. But instead, people will find any means to fill the void and run around crazy until things go back to how they were. It’s truly disappointing. I hope this pandemic helps to awaken some people and illuminate the importance of self-exploration.

Hey everyone, It’s been a long while since posting on here, better late than never as they say. Any who, I came across this video the other day and found it extremely enlightening. The video is of Rupert Spira (I would assume many of you know) whom I have been listening to now and again for the last few years. Ruperts manner in speaking on these linguistically challenging topics is extremely admirable and sophisticated. He could very well likely be considered one of contemporary pioneers in discussing this work. Upon this, it’s come to my attention that Leo receives a lot of untenable criticism that may just purely be due to miss translation and misinterpretation. However, the more I listen to Rupert the more that i see parallels in Leo’s work. A large degree of how he constructs his explanations is analogous to Ruperts. The variation in explanations may highlight the criticism Leo receives. Yet I see almost mirroring similarities. This video and those alike may assist those struggling with some of Leo’s explanations and provide some further scaffolding so Leo’s work can be further appreciated. ps. Thank you @Leo Gura for all your contributions you’ve provided a lifetime of transformation.

@Bazooka JesusI’ve started watching this and he presents some comprehensive arguments so far, however, it would seem he is undermining the primacy of consciousness. If he so happens to include it later, then please ignore my comment. Nonetheless, I would say undermining consciousness when speaking about reality would be to undermine the very thing in which enables it be at all validated.

First attempt at hyper realism drawing. I completed this Siberian Tiger early last year using Prisma colour pencils on A4 paper.

Dalai Lama pen portrait I recently completed late last year for my business. I drew this using black ballpoint pen and blue colour pencil.

Custom piece I created late last year for my business. Completed on A4 paper using Prisma colour pencils.

Custom hand drawn piece I made last year for my business. Completed on A4 paper using Prisma colour pencils. you can check out my store on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/Eunimity

@Nahm thank you for the valuable information! I’ll keep that in mind for the tea method. I’m actually going to consume in capsule form next time. I’ll grind them up then put them into an empty capsule body and see how that goes. @purerogue Indeed it was! Although I’ve been quite vigorously exploring such questions prior which may have helped with the insights arise omg too. @Leo Gura Yeah that’s what I suspected too. I’ll stay at 2 for now since I’m a beginner and build slowly from there. Thanks for the feedback appreciate it!

Substance: Panaelous Cyanescens (wild) Amount: 2 grams Date Consumed: 29/1/20 Insights: Suffering is just a story created in order to entertain the mind. Its all just a story told to maintain something that never existed. Fear is just a pointless amusement of the mind. Time just becomes whatever you want it to be. What we call human life is fundamentally meaningless, there's a bigger picture to be experienced. What we call life seems to be just a separated sphere of mind. Life is whatever I create to be, quite literally. When the space is allowed, there is this ethereal ever-present light always there for all to experience. This warmth where all things come together and unite ever so seamlessly. There's no reason to fear, its all just a story to occupy the mind. There's something more fundamental going on. There's this smoothness to experience, as though all things are constantly merging with one another. Life is a maze, not a maze in and of itself but a maze purely of mind. Humans are inherently vulnerable and fragile. Vulnerability is okay, in fact, its an empowerment. In-trip Symptoms and Pathologies: Hypersensitivity in sensory experience. Minor visuals (particles in objects moving like sand, objects slightly warping). Hysteria with laughter and utter amazement. Fear, anxiousness and paranoia. Fidgetyness and inability to sit still. Emotional fluctuation from positive to negative, like a radio wave pulsating up and down. Yawning and weird sensation in the neck. Disbelief and nihilism. Catharsis met with sadness and crying (tears of purification). Complete surrender to emotions and vulnerability. Lengthened depth perception (arms appearing exponentially further away than usual, felt taller as a result). Uncontrolled twitching and flinching while laying down (minor convulsions almost like a purging sensation). A need to wave and move the body. Child-like behaviour. Absolute bewilderment and amazement. Psychological fearlessness Post Trip Report: Where do I begin? So to start with, I clearly laid out my intentions, set and setting the day before. Set: explore the mechanics of self and suffering, consume on empty stomach dried with tea, have no commitments for the next two days. Setting: at home in my room, blinds closed, all distracting imagery hidden. In the morning I rewrote my intentions out in texture at a larger font and sat them next to where I would sit. At 7am I made a liquorice tea and then weighed my mushrooms, 2 grams was my target. I added the panaelous cyanescens to my tea and waited for 10-15 mins, then consumed the tea. One regret I have is not bothering to grind the mushrooms into a powder, this made it much harder to consume. I just ripped them up into smaller pieces before putting them in the tea then chewed them as a drank (not nice). So by 7:15am I began consuming the mushrooms in the tea and they were fully consumed by 7:30am. I began meditating and within 10-20 minutes it was on. I began to feel sensory fluctuations and changes to my perceptual acuity. My body started to pulsate and a strong throbbing coursed throughout the centre of my body. I wasn't awfully fond of the feelings to be honest, it made me feel slightly nauseous and trapped; as if I was being compressed by my own experience. I was going in and out of hysteria and paranoia. I would laugh at the pure tactile sensation I was experiencing or I would hear sounds and assume it was something in the house that required attention. At this point anxiousness and regret began to kick in. I starting questioning whether I should have been tripping. Lucky I mentally prepared my self for such thoughts and reminded myself there's a bigger game being played here. Not long after within the hour, I went straight to my intentions and began asking my initial inquiry "why do I continue to suffer?" and "what is suffering?" to which I was met with no response. I persisted and kept asking the question but my body just couldn't sit still and get comfortable. A part of me feared to close my eyes due to the incessant mental noise that would flood my experience when I did. So I was continuously going in and out of asking the question and trying to get comfortable. Each time I opened my eyes I was transfixed by morphing visual stimulus, fascinating as it all was I knew I knew needed to continue exploring my self, that was the purpose of my trip. Even though I wanted to explore myself I remember still finding it increasingly overwhelming to close my eyes between the 1-2 hour period. I couldn't sit still and as much as I wanted to lie down on the quilt I earlier prepared, I was feeling too nauseous to do so. I kept telling myself "not a good idea". So I propped myself up on the bed on a slight angle with a pillow under my head and grabbed a singlet from my wardrobe folding it to place over my eyes. After the fluctuating streams of negativity and positivity along with nausea subsided, I felt comfortable enough to lay down - finally. I went and laid down on top of my quilt. It was 3 hours in and things began to dramatically change. I began to express deep saddened emotion, emotion like never before, quite difficult to articulate. It was almost like purging emotions, followed by tears expressing full acceptance and surrender. It was blissful and cathartic in a way. That's then when the realisation then hit. I continued to precisely ask my question and in fits of interchanging tears, laughter and sadness I came to the response: "suffering is all just a story - a story concocted by the mind in order to entertain itself". I fell into full hysterics and began laughing uncontrollably. I was pointing at myself in the mirror spurting with laughter saying "you idiot, you created, you created it all". Deep bliss and liberation poured throughout my entire being. I began to feel warm and impenetrable. Not in an elitist way but in a psychological way. I kept saying to myself "there's nothing to fear". I noticed fear was just as a pointless amusement of mind and just settled into my experience. From that, a sense of imperturbable fearlessness overcame me. I felt like nothing could destruct me in that moment. Even though this insight was a fully felt embodiment that was truly powerful and liberating, I continued to fall in and out of it. I wanted to see if this realisation had penetrated my experience so I tested that very inquiry by examining my sense of self. I looked at my experience as a self and noticed that all my concerns and attachments still remained. How ignorant of me to think it was going to be that easy haha. So I concluded that the insight was a transient moment of deep realisation opposed to a radically permanent shift in consciousness. After roughly 4-5 hours in I was contemplating a lot more on the idea of "suffering as a story". I wasn't convinced that's all there was to it. I further asked questions such "who am I?" "who is the one that experiences I?". It came to my direct attention that 'experience' just continues on and 'mind' makes up stories in order to fill in the emptiness it struggles to withstand. Not what I was after but powerful nonetheless. It wasn't long after this the effects began to wear off quite significantly. I was finding it easier to write and my visual acuity was beginning to rebalance. I finished up the trip with a Rupert Spira mediation then went downstairs and had some food around the 6-hour mark after indigestion (found that out to maybe not be such a good idea). So overall the experience was fruitful in that it gave me insight into the prevalence of the narratives and commentaries of the mind that it overlays experience with. The main things I feel I've been left with is: An experiential insight into the utter fabrication of the mind. Human experience is just a story and film segment use for pure amusement purposes. Most pain and suffering if not all, is created by stories which we have attached to. We are quite literally puppeteered by the mind. There exists something more fundamental in reality and the clinging to stories keeps us from immersing within it. We are innately more fragile than we initially assume. Its definitely left me with some deep insights to ponder. However, I do feel like I've been left with quite a lot of confusion. Throughout the duration of the trip, I had repetitive moments of confusion. I remember my questioning being met with unresponsiveness, as it seemed as if I was completely just talking to myself. This left me with a sense despondency. When the insights did come they felt as though they were completely derived from my own consciousness. My questioning did not feel accompanied by any other entities. So I was sceptical as to whether the insight was just a mere epiphenomenon assisted by the mushroom or a higher state in consciousness in and of itself. Nonetheless, I do feel shifts in my perspective. I feel the full message of the trip is yet to be understood and its significance will take time to fully comprehend experientially. Downsides, I had a roaring headache afterwards that stayed consistent until about 2-3 in the morning the next day. I vomited and had immense nausea 8 hours after ingestion. That may have had something to do with eating just after the effects wore off (6 hours after ingestion) or that the mushrooms were wild and possibly aged/contaminated. So the comedown was terrible and felt similar to that of an alcoholic one but overall it was an eye-opening experience. Finally, I've spent the day integrating today and reflecting on questions regarding the trip. Apologies if this trip report is too excessive in its words count, I just wanted to ensure I conveyed the experience to the utmost accuracy that it occurred without depreciation. Would love some feedback! If anyone one has any comments or critique open to hearing it

@Leo Gura Thank you! Yeah mine was over in 6 hours thankfully haha. I plan on tripping every so often maybe once every two months or something so there’s adequate time for integration. I feel 2 grams is a good dosage for now but I also feel I had a lot of questioning unmet and was considering 3.5 next time. Not sure though. Will likely do another 2 gram hit then build from there I’d say.

@Kshantivadin primarily because it is suffering that at all allows you to know there is bliss. You would not know the primacy of bliss without it’s opposite, it would be near impossible. So suffering and pain is your opportunity to cultivate within it and transmute it into its counter part, which is bliss. Much like consciousness is made known through becoming separated through the duality of self, bliss is known through being dichotomously contrasted by suffering.

@Rasheed I find it is extremely beneficial and conducive to just sit silently with eyes open allowing awareness to pass over the entirety of direct experience. I do this for several minutes after mediation and find it helps integrate the prior session. Jumping straight into hyper activity afterward can deflect the state being from which you assumed through mediation.

A great one that I just remembered from years ago is “The Secret Window” with Johnny Depp Great movie about self deception, ego and the illusory self. Another one is called “”Unknown” with Liam Neeson.

Below are some words I wrote earlier today after contemplating the field of emotions. I wrote this in third person to explicate it more objectively. Its becoming more and more experientially noticeable to me the magnitude of which thought and emotion are completely self-constructed. Contemplation Excerpt: “If we take for example pain. When a wound is acquired and it’s presence is completely beknown to us, often it is overlooked. Those moments where you’ve significantly injured yourself, only to figure it out after perceiving it’s severity. What appears to then happen is the concept “pain” is projected onto what is perceived as “wound” reaffirming what is seen. We then have an instant surge of feeling in congruence to what has been witnessed. Often, the wound does not hurt until we have glanced it at and conceptually integrated it. The perception of what is painful or comfortable is itself a thought to which supports the following emotion that echoes it. Think about it, if you were unaware of the perception of pain and had no thought to substantiate it, your feeling of pain would drastically change. Without a thought of what is comfortable or painful there is every chance that we would not know the difference between them. Since at their core they are both a vibrational sensation distinctly categorised by the mind. How does this relate to emotion? Simply, in that many of our emotions are following events to the thoughts that have come before them. We think of a thought that best suits a particular perceived experience then overlay experience with that emotion. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy to which our emotions are encased in the very concepts we create about them. If we think something is great, we are reaffirmed to respond that way through our behaviour. If we think it is not, then we are again reaffirmed to respond in that way through our behaviour. In this way, it isn’t very clear if what we experience is appropriately distinguished or just merely assumed. It seem this is an area of human experience that deserves much further exploration.” Something I aim to further contemplate, nonetheless, it appears to be a start. Open to critiques ?