Key Elements

The Little Monk and the Samurai: A Zen Parable A big, tough samurai once went to see a little monk. “Monk!” He barked, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience. “Teach me about heaven and hell!” The monk looked up at the mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, “Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldn’t teach you about anything. You’re dumb. You’re dirty. You’re a disgrace, an embarrassment to the samurai class. Get out of my sight. I can’t stand you.” The samurai got furious. He shook, red in the face, speechless with rage. He pulled out his sword, and prepared to slay the monk. Looking straight into the samurai’s eyes, the monk said softly, “That’s hell.” The samurai froze, realizing the compassion of the monk who had risked his life to show him hell! He put down his sword and fell to his knees, filled with gratitude. The monk said softly, “And that’s heaven.”

@7thLetter I see. I guess in the future, if you open up a bank account in the US that might work. Another thing is, Robert created a successful company and sold the stock in Canada because it's cheaper than doing the same thing in Wall Street. That's called "investing on the inside." You got to check that out sometime--the meaning of it. It's also called "exit."

@7thLetter Wait, I just thought of something. Why can't you do e-trade from Canada? Why would a company like e-trade not want $$$? I read somewhere in one of Robert's book that he flew to Canada to invest in Canadian stocks from the inside because they were cheaper. The point is, it doesn't matter where you invest or what's your decision. Is what you're thinking correct? You got to investigate on that.

@7thLetter yes, I totally agree. Too much info out there. That's why I like that one book. I will move on and read more and research more if I have taken enough action. From my experience, that book had key points, but I had to think about it and translate it into action. It takes trail and error and learning from it to succeed and understand better. Then, the meaning becomes clear. Also, if you can, go to networking events in your area once you have your LP. That book explains briefly. In life, the meaning doesn’t become clear unless you have an actual experience of it. Best of Journey.

@7thLetter Rich Dad Poor Dad is his first book. Remember, I'm referring to his 3rd book: Guide to Investing. I think his first book is a baby step toward changing one's mindset. Like I said, the vast majority of ppl in the world are only looking for jobs; that's it. I read several of his books to change my mindset.

It's online. Check it out. I have a link to a book in this thread. Check it out. It takes time to explain. Best of Journey

@7thLetter On LP, yes, you could go from active to passive income. That's the desired transition. That's what I'm currently working on now, going from self-employment to passive income in my startup LP if I can. The self-employment part is active if you are doing service for your clients. It becomes passive if customers start buying your products by the masses. Most ppl are not familiar with this. That's why I listed four categories. There is also a difference between just having a startup and actually having a LP. A startup could just be for the $. A LP is a startup with profound meaning. It's what you're meant to do in this life. It's up to the individual to discover this for himself / herself. Maybe, perhaps, not all ppl are meant to do this. Maybe they only stop at career or whatever. Maybe they never discover theirs. Are you planning to do e-trade in the future? You do know that a startup can exit when it becomes a corporation, right?

@7thLetter Hey, I noticed something, and would like to say it. Basically, there are four main types of income: -job/career -self-employment -startup -portfolio Currently, you're interested in working on your portfolio. Trading is basically under this category of income. I heard that the most successful ppl in the world will eventually understand how all four types of income work. They don't just focus on one type. That will get you stuck in life. The masses only know how to do a job and save money. They don't go beyond that. The life purpose is mainly under the startup category if you want to earn through your LP. It's called "investing on the inside."

Ok, that's great. I also recommend this book. It's your choice. It gives a different perspective. I would say, on Maslow (Leo's clip), it covers more basic needs, especially becoming financially free with your talents/interests/passions. It's an excellent book. I know it's been translated into more than 100 different languages across the world. It's available free in the library. If not, at a low price on amazon. I discovered my life purpose through this book and through Leo. It was an amazing experience for me.

@7thLetter While you are improving on your career and current situation, have you looked at the life purpose section of the forum? Discovering a life purpose helps. It's the vehicle to self-actualization and beyond. Yes, it will take work on your part to discover it.

Ok...They're still friends. Here is his friend commenting on him and the economy:

Oh ok... I'm wondering about these things because he is our president. Why were you saying it's a conspiracy theory? Joking? Assuming? I've been watching Kiyosaki for a very long time (for a few years), and discovered half of my LP through him. The other half is through Leo. And then, Trump stepped into the picture for long while. Kiyosaki and Trump became friends and hung around high end clubs talking a lot. It only took you less than a minute to say that what I've posted was a conspiracy theory. Btw, conspiracy theories are against forum rules. Get your facts straight before you start accusing someone.

Why can't you research and check it out, instead of assuming? I didn't say that Trump was aware of anything. I'm only saying that Trump and Kiyosaki was spending time together for a while in the past.

You know, Leo, the thing with Trump is, he did a book with this guy: Robert Kiyosaki. They hung out together a lot. I'm sure on a personal level, they got to know each other. Kiyosaki's book, Guide to Investing, helped me discover my LP. (Stepping stones.) I highly recommend that book. I know that Kiyosaki emphasises on becoming a philanthropist after becoming financially free as an entrepreneur. Now, why would Trump not understand that? I wonder. Kiyosaki's sister is also a Buddhist monk who follows Dalai Lama. She was dying from bodily cancer, and Kiyosaki saved her life by using his wealth and power. They even did a book together, Rich Brother Rich Sister. I wonder about these things because Trump must be knowing. Now, how much he is aware of it and capable of applying these things, we don't know. Maybe he's not aware of it as Kiyosaki. Who knows? I also know that Kim did not grow up in purely North Korea. He was also in Switzerland going to school as part of his childhood. If a person is growing up in more than one place (country), it does have an impact. The question is, how much are they applying their awareness?

@Prabhaker There was this maid (servent) who I knew, and she sent her three young children to the free hostel because of the conversion I suppose. They get free room and board, clothes, food, decent education, etc. etc., but there was a catch. She only get to see them once every week, only for a few hours. The poor don't get the best health care even though they get helped by others due to whatever reason. Ppl still have to find their own way. That's how it works. Others can only help so much.

"Could I put a word to that point? The point of where the Ox takes you, and yes, I could put a word to it, and that word is love." -Shinzen Young (@7:25)

This is an awesome topic because no one is perfect. However, it's not so easy to comment on it because both parties have to be very clear on what is being said. This topic reminds me of this saying: "There are hundreds of paths up the mountain, all leading in the same direction, so it doesn’t matter which path you take. The only one wasting time is the one who runs around and around the mountain, telling everyone that his or her path is wrong." Hindu teaching I would really like to hear very good points on this. I'm sure others do too.

To me, more emphasis has to be focused on structuring the life purpose like Maslow. Spirituality/no-self/non-duality/etc goes at the very top, but we, as a group, tend to talk about this too much. The foundation looks like an upside down Maslow. Your niche that you're passionate about should be the foundation. If it's being a doctor, so be it. If it's being a farmer, so be it. Etc. Human beings cannot survive without different professions. Once you have this going, then you can incorporate the self-transendence part. By then, the person would have gained enough self-inquiry and experience. I would structure my life purpose so that more ppl would turn inwards instead of chit chatting about spirituality. It doesn't help. Sometimes it's like the blind leading the blind. If they (the viewers) have to talk, it would be communicating a skill. Talking or emphasising on any "maps" (as I described already) won't change one's karma. Positive things in life must be earned.

You're a strong mom. Keep up the good work. Think about what you're going to do for your next steps, like baby steps toward your LP. Now, here's the catch...you do not have to tell anyone about it (LP). Most ppl don't understand. They are definitely not open-minded enough. You're going to have to approach this carefully. You know, you could call it your "hobby." I dunno...just be careful when approaching this. You have a future with your daughter together.

@zoey101 wait till you have two babies. (j/k)

Interesting song done by her brother...

Leo started a similar topic toward the opening of the forum. Just wanted to add, the forum is a great place to get ideas triggered for your LP, esp if you're doing a LP with your path in it. Some ppl bring up great topics.

Sure, if they're willing to listen to what you have to say. Only then can you share what you have to say. Otherwise, it will sound like a lecture or something "weird" to them. For most ppl who are close, you can't explain because they didn't discover their path yet. So they can't relate to you. All they do is go to the pooja room and pray. They don't go beyond that. They're stuck. However, if you make a product, like write a book and it becomes famous, they may notice. But, even then, they may not relate and they're not interested. By that time, they will notice that your life has changed and who you hang out with and what you do has completely changed. So, they'll probably come to know without you explaining. You're showing not telling. Think of Sai Baba. Look at what he has done. For most, he didn't have to speak about it. We come to know.

Do a LP with your mastery (profession) and your path. You could express your path in a product, such as a book, an app, a download, or whatever. Do it in a creative way so it doesn't sound like it's lecturing. You could tell it in 3rd person or story form. We are very lucky we could do a LP. Before, it was only by word of mouth. Now, we have Internet.