UnbornTao

Yes, turn to the dark side.

Either that, or he finally attained Nirvana.

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.

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.

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

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.

Sorry, I somehow missed the notification for this post. Thanks for letting me know. Rumor has it that the game is already finished and could be released sooner rather than later, hopefully this year and before GTA VI.

If you say so.

Find some drama first, and ask yourself what your role in it is. Where does the drama exist?

Okay, I see.

Why the urge or impulse to believe? What is a belief? Can you envision a future in which the spirit of this work remains alive after your passing? Why do these things almost inevitably turn into a religion? Why do we, as a whole, tend to do that? Something along those lines.

@Davino Just think about this quote:

I'd agree with your brother - learn to do one thing at a time. It trains your mind to focus.