UnbornTao

Amen! Praise the Lord.

It's certainly not an intellectual process. Be brutally honest with yourself. That's the first step, and essentially the only one. Don't pretend one thing is another, or that something is happening when it isn't. Don't misrepresent. Pay attention, listen to feedback, stay open. Ask yourself: is this a belief - something that requires a mental leap? Do I just want this to be true? Take Adi Da as an example. We grant that he actually knew what he was talking about. The word actually matters - it's what earns him our respect. So when he asserts that psychedelics don't increase consciousness or lead to enlightenment, what do we make of that? After genuine consideration: even if we think we understand what he's saying, we're probably wrong. So we take him at his word - not blindly, but in a specific sense: we acknowledge there's something we're not currently getting. That we don't truly know what he means by enlightenment or realization. That our own awakenings may be something else entirely, if we believed the substances lead there. In short: realize what he realized. Which, to be clear, no one does. If you think you do, you may be deceiving yourself in a fairly significant way - and the fundamental difference in stance on this topic is itself the evidence of that.

I'd avoid confusing consciousness with a breakdown; the latter is a function of the mind, not of the truth. So drop that insanity nonsense, too. You might find Ramana Maharshi's teachings useful, even if just for intellectual stimulation and inspiration. Besides, the guy was sane as fuck.

Breathe, and look into it. Start with your own experience. You could even begin by asking yourself what questioning is. But hey, go get some sleep first. You'll feel better afterward.

I just read it. Just toss it and go after what's true, not believed.

Empty your cup and find out for yourself. And make sure you do both. It's okay either way.

Your state doesn't change what's true; otherwise, it wasn't true in the first place. You can be drunk, angry, afraid, feeling one with the universe, curious, or jealous - and, at the same time, the truth wouldn't care about that, so to speak. Think of it as a state of mind. Consciousness may not be a state, after all.

How long have you been working on the exercise?

@Breakingthewall It wasn't personal, to be clear. First, I was pointing out the stupidity in thinking you understand what's being conveyed. Second, confusing musings and intellectualization with what’s being discussed. But I've realized that exercises are far more useful than… well, just jerking off. And don't worry, you haven't been blocked.

An explanation is just that. What's true precedes state. I was attempting to destroy your belief, probably picked up from here.

I think I understand what you mean, but I'd consider that worry unwarranted here. Listening is not about you! It's about the other person's experience.

As a side note, before uploading them, you might want to consider optimizing any images or GIFs using an online tool or software. This can help reduce storage usage over time. I had to clear out and optimize some files from my account because the storage was already full.

@Terell Kirby @Breakingthewall It's okay, it was a bit harsh but I stand by it. It's stupid. I know we're expected to play the social game of infinite charity, but not today.

@Breakingthewall Can you learn to listen? Your foolishness smells from a mile away. Pay some attention first.

Moralizing ain't true, nor is it about what's true. It's based on a subjective system of values and is invented. Regarding being wrong, there's also the very real possibility of not recognizing that one is wrong, and being unwilling to consider anything beyond that. (Psychedelics, anyone?). Wink wink

I don't see it as a skill, but simply as consciousness of what's true. Contemplation is a skill. Questioning is a skill. We might even say that being honest requires practice, but what you're talking about is really different in nature from a skill. And why do you mention 'state'? The rest sounds like excuses. How many assumptions underlie your question?

This goes to show that anyone who claims truth - or any other value - as important can, and often is, full of shit. Talk is cheap. People tend to take another's words at face value, even their own. Notice that the assertiveness tends to be there, whether what is said is truly meant or not - much like in here.

I meant Half-Life 3.

From what I've read, there's a real possibility that the game will be released alongside the Steam Machine.

There's a good video by Brendan on the topic of listening. Should definitely watch that.

So far so good. Forum's flying.