UnbornTao

Freedom is being able to do something and not do it. Freedom requires not being dominated by a self-agenda. Think of anger. Freeing yourself from that emotion implies the choice and the capacity to either be angry or not. Choosing to become angry would depend on what a given moment calls for, whether appropriate or needed.

You're imagining imagination!

Probably more than you think.

And yet when the novelty wears out that doesn't mean we grasp everything there is to grasp about any given subject. I'm talking about the basic stuff, whatever is being taken for granted. What does one know, really? Here's an interesting thought: boredom might be a sign of arrogance. Time to open up and contemplate.

cults in our midst.

The principle of self-survival in action. The mouse perpetually striving after the cheese that can't be reached. It just appears to be attainable. I think you're communicating a universal sense of dissatisfaction. You conflate happiness with getting what you want -- survival. Being happy requires being satisfied with either, whether you get what you want or not. What is happiness?

Stay on topic.

Dale Carnegie and Stewart Emery.

It depends. For example, actually adopt for demonstration's sake the belief that God exists. Not only that, but that he is a benevolent being that gently watches over you. Imagine that such a being emits calming energy over you whenever you're receptive. See how such a belief can alter your experience for the better? And it's only a superficial one. Imagine what it'd be like to actually experience whatever's true. We tend to prefer making stuff up and believing things rather than acknowledging our existential ignorance. Make of that what you will.

Then don't be a follower. Be a contemplator instead. The issue is when you become a follower of any teacher or teaching. Consider that members here continuously disagree with each other, including Leo. You don't have to agree with anyone nor do you need to take Leo's communications on faith in order to participate in this forum. In fact, independent thinking and personal experience are advised as they are a key part of this work. For example, most of the YT videos are still grounded, inspiring and insightful. Take what you like, ignore the rest. I don't think this is such a big deal, to be honest. Leave if you want, of course.

I would bring Mbappé to Real Madrid already for fuck's sake

Ontology and zen.

Commitment makes up your character. Whatever you focus on -- whatever your attention and energy go to -- grows. You become whatever you're committed to. Don't take this for granted. With time, the consequences of your commitment will become obvious, whether positive or disastrous. Don't delay taking empowering actions, no matter how small they may seem. The sooner you do, the better. Contemplate: You become what you think What are you committed to? What do you devote your energy and attention to on a daily basis?

Mine says "Enjoy your meditation, you buddhist. Love"

https://www.facebook.com/100063613455692/posts/pfbid02VPRDKNTmPkgV9qzGHqDAdjML2sBa3UC83CB3QyDAuxfwwohcUwF5HU8LzjQsH4Jul/?d=n Analytic Idealism In a Nutshell.

Contemplation is aimed at experiencing the truth of some matter. It is based on profound questioning. Speculation is imagining what something is or how it will turn out. The latter is easy but it's nothing more than coming up with possible "answers" to an equation without actually going through the process of solving it. A bit like running a marathon vs imagining what running a marathon is like.

Any premium plans for mods? Ad-free for $12 a month?

Competition can take place without the need for jealousy. Politics, business, sports are manipulation-based fields that require competition between the parties involved. Games of all kinds are in fact based on competition. In these fields, you compete with each other in order to meet your self-agenda. Jealousy, on the other hand, is a waste of time, completely unnecessary and self-generated, not imposed upon you by an external factor. A skillful person isn't afraid of competition.

A lot of it is cultural conditioning and blind faith. So you believe in God, so what? I believe in Santa Claus. The key is becoming conscious for yourself of whatever's true.

Being honest isn't necessarily antithetical to dealing with others in a sensible, gentle manner.

First and foremost, telling the truth must be done towards oneself. Contemplate: what is honesty? Honesty isn't about spitting whatever comes to your mind at any moment as that is yet another manipulation serving your self-agenda -- it's obviously motivated by self-interest. Neither is it being reactive and destructive or acting out one's anger. In social interactions, caution is advised. For example, it may be true that you're angry at someone but at the same time it may also be true that you love her, and so don't want to hurt her. Consider how the principle of honesty is dynamic and context-dependent. Honesty isn't antithetical to care, sympathy and sensitivity.

A printer.

Something like becoming a monk.