UnbornTao

@Spiritual Warfare You're welcome.

Wasn't Abraham Lincoln poor and self-taught? And he ended up founding McDonalds. No wait...

And we can take action, whether one has a life purpose or not, too, as useful as it is. I just want to acknowledge that possibility.

I wouldn't know what "complete" means, but that may not apply or be relevant to know at this point. You don't need to intellectually piece these things together for them to fit into a logical system. I would say have a few Kenshos first, that will probably resolve these doubts. For example, recognizing a belief you've been holding, or a dynamic or pattern you're engaged in, is a solid observation; these are relative insights. You can also grasp your nature to varying "degrees," it seems. Just keep moving towards what's real, healthy, and effective at every level.

Jesus...

Miyamoto Musashi

Sure. Relative to the quality and depth of the direct experience, though, you'll be clear as to the nature of what was realized.

No way to verify others' presumed kenshos; you can have them for yourself. A realization like that is real and self-validating, we hear. It is the subject itself, directly grasped. So, move towards that possibility, starting by telling the truth about what's in front of you--your experience. Direct is, get your nature now. Keep focusing on that.

Why would life purpose be a fixed concept? If one accomplishes it, create another. Or better yet: Why do you presume that a life purpose is what should keep you going? You could just do stuff, learn, have insights, create things, follow hobbies and passions, and master something (perhaps your mind included), for their own sake. Might as well enjoy your time.

My bad. Thread unlocked. It is a rather defeatist attitude, don't you think?

There have been many accounts of seemingly sincere individuals having insights, or "enlightenments," into various aspects of existence, including the nature of life. A prime example of such conscious awakening is Gautama's legend. Think about it: if it is impossible, then why engage in any kind of questioning in the first place? What you're basically saying is "I haven't found it" rather than "it is impossible." But what if it is possible? You'd have to make a serious commitment first and then find out.

Jesus, buckle up. Love kiwis.

Not with that attitude.

You can also question what life is and how the way you use your mind influences--and maybe even creates--your experience of it.

What if difference itself is relative (its substance being nothing)? Everything and nothing might be absolute. Perhaps A=A. Although A is a distinction. Just playing around.

Self and survival if i recall correctly, at least it is one interpretation. Could be a reminder to stay grounded and real, too. Or a Koan.

Possibility does not imply ease, simplicity, or probability; it means that it can be achieved, and it is possible. The challenge lies in your commitment to making it happen.

You become what you think.

Nothing like South Carolina's coffee.

Not as distinctions--they are what "everything" may be comprised of. For the sake of speculation: is everything distinct from nothing? What's the substance of difference? What if concept comes after distinction and not the other way around? Say concept needs distinction for it to take place, while distinction stands as something different in nature, perhaps prior to "thought".

Have yet to try American coffee in its proper form--with natural roast coffee instead of torrefacto (dark roasted, I think). And yes, espresso is meant to be served in small portions as it has a higher caffeine content.

An Americano is a brewing method that consists of an espresso shot diluted with water. You could say that, in certain parts of Europe (Italy, Spain), one might feel cheated if served a watered-down espresso.

Sounds good, thank you.