UnbornTao

Not interested although it sounds like solid info.

Contemplate. Be open to the possibility that others are an assumption. Grasp the source of that assumption. Consider that grasping this requieres a deeper consciousness than merely understanding some words. After all, once again, Ramona was deeply enlightened and said there are no others. I'm coming at this discussion from intellect, to be clear.

At some point in our childhood we assume that being who we are isn't enough. Hence the need we feel to be and act inauthentic. This can snowball in adulthood and turn you into a completely false, phony persona.

@integral

Is that wordplay or something haha

Manipulation, depending on how it's held, can be thought of as existential. It can be defined as the following: Moving (influencing) an object, another or oneself physically, emotionally and/or psychologically for fulfilling one's self-agenda. It doesn't seem to be negative by itself but results in certain consequences for oneself. Which ones? So what do I do? Make another distinction -- communication. Choose to increase communication and decrease manipulation. Extrapolating, this results in integrity and a sense of wholeness as a person.

Memory might not be your priority; it certainly isn't for me either if it means avoiding writing long-form content. Some things are better written down rather than memorized. Writing for long periods can be turned into a meditation. Writing clarifies your thinking, forces you to communicate concisely, and might stimulate the brain differently compared to rote memorization. If you somehow discard or dismiss writing, notice the consequences of that decision. Certain possibilities won't arise, like writing a book. For example, reading could be thought of as detrimental to independent thinking. Even if true, reading can also expand your thinking ability. The main point is: why be afraid of writing? Memory can be improved in multiple ways.

I recommend first questioning What is suffering? Is it the same as pain? I haven't done this contemplation yet.

Take this with a grain of salt (sorry, mod privileges): that sounds like way too much added salt. My stance is that adding a bit of sea salt to food is great for flavor, but generally not needed. From what I've heard, the western diet contains too much sodium already. You could ask @Michael569. Besides, there's a book on salt by the same name if you want to delve deeper.

The point is that there isn't a through because it's a matter of direct consciousness. It doesn't involve a process. On the other hand, why did the Buddha, after his ascetic years, concluded that asceticism wasn't it? A certain amount of discipline (self-denial), as in keeping focus on your contemplation, not letting temporary desires and impulses dictate your practice, is pretty much a must. But it shouldn't be extrapolated to an extreme, unhealthy balance.

OK, you may also want to check out that segment of the video, they discuss salt too.

mid-14c., autentik, "authoritative, duly authorized" (a sense now obsolete), from Old French autentique "authentic; canonical" (13c., Modern French authentique) and directly from Medieval Latin authenticus, from Greek authentikos "original, genuine, principal," from authentes "one acting on one's own authority," from autos "self" (see auto-) + hentes "doer, being" (from PIE root *sene- (2) "to accomplish, achieve"). The sense of "real, entitled to acceptance as factual." Authentic derives from the Latin word authenticus which means "original" or "that responds to itself." The Latin word authenticus in turn derives from the Greek authentikós which referred to something primordial associated with absolute power. Man, the ancient greeks were onto something.

I'd also research possible heavy metal contamination on certain big fish types like tuna. Sardines are incredibly nutritious and uncontaminated. If you want, enjoy those.

Unlocked per user request. Different frame on the matter.

Solo retreat. 3 days of intense contemplation. Wonder about your nature. Intent to grasp who and what you are now. Want to know.

@StormLight fair enough. Let's see where the discussion leads to for some time.

Enlightenment work requires seriousness. I've been going through times of disinterest even though I kept going. At times, it may appear as though seriousness is lacking. Once again, I've began to cultivate this desire, which is there but had been ignored for a time. I suspect this may be an occasional trap. Find the seriousness in your experience. It's already there.

The video is nice, I like your idea of combining relaxing music with a Shrek theme. Unfortunately, self-promotion isn't allowed. What you can do is putting a link to your channel or website in your account's signature.

Do you guys have anything more of use to contribute? I feel like this thread can be locked.

haha

I'm not sure if you're being serious. But no thanks

@EugeneTheSage https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-processed-meat-is-bad https://www.healthline.com/health-news/red-meat-processed-meat-is-still-bad-for-your-health#Do-you-need-to-give-up-meat?

I think that the more acutely aware you become of the possibility of death, the more intense the intent to pursue truth becomes.

Ever heard of Zen masters slapping students with a stick? That's somewhat the online equivalent. Not justifying unconscious behavior though. The "slapping" could perhaps have been made more strategically and less insulting.

I think that didn't "cause" it. Also the it I'm not clear on, sounds like a shift in state to a more freeing one. It just happened to be what you did before it. Sounds like it produced beneficial effects, so enjoy those. Now let me ask you what did you became conscious of that you weren't of before? I remember having a no-self experience while walking my dog. I wouldn't say now that walking dogs is the path to enlightenment or something.