UnbornTao

Take a look for yourself: What is purpose? Is it found? Where? What makes something valuable and meaningful? We use chairs when we want to sit. When we want to dance, chairs get in the way and are discarded Prior to purpose and function, what is an object? What's the purpose of a toaster? Is it about how things relate to you? Perceive a small object such as a pencil, book or notebook, as distinguished from thinking or feeling about it. Let an object be as it is, not as it relates to you. That purpose is created doesn't undermine its value and contribution, which people seem to conclude when first hearing this take on purpose.

It was sarcasm.

Thank God mods get it for free.

You can start by looking at an object and observe what is there when you strip away any form of value, significance, and meaning it has for you. Differentiate between thoughts and feelings about the object, and the raw perception of it. What does a pencil mean? We say the object is meaningful to you. This suggests that the object relates to you. But what is it for itself? Some questions to ponder.

@AtmanIsBrahman Definitely be skeptical and question stuff. It is possible to "awaken to absolute infinity" but leave that as an open thing to discover rather than an ideal. The potential for deception is huge, though. This is because enlightenment is rare to come by and people easily confuse experiences or states with the real thing. When it is genuine, it is clearly you, your nature beyond a doubt. It is true but paradoxically not complete, which is to say there's more to become conscious of as you are still likely ignorant of other stuff such as the nature of life, another, or objective reality. Even though a direct consciousness is absolute and there are no levels, the case for "deepening" enlightenment can be made. Go figure.

I AM the wall. Or paradoxically, there might not be any wall.

Let me try. update: still can't do it, but close enough. Going through a door is key but I guess this would be cheating. Seriously though, I've heard direct consciousness is true and self-validating. It isn't a conventional knowing but direct, prior to perception and mind. Look up Satori and Kensho. It is a rare occurrence, and not to be confused with becoming convinced of some piece of knowledge that you hold, or with an experience/state that you go through. In short, it is your nature.

When you take away the presumed or imagined "demon", what's left in your experience? Sensation? Thought? Delve into the experience to discover that you may, in fact, be adding a bunch of stuff to the event that may not be actually occurring. I once perceived a curtain as a kind of monster when on sleep paralysis. Nothing agains curtains, or monsters. You may notice that, in the end, these are subjective, and usually self-imposed, states. Given that you're going to make it up, why not imagine angels or spirit animals? Sounds more fun.

Is there a question in there somewhere?

- Rumi

@Sincerity You can always set new goals and focus your attention into achieving them while being happy. Try looking at your situation from a different perspective; this can help in not taking oneself too seriously. Also, let go of unhelpful patterns. Enjoy! Maybe read some Rumi.

A look into the principle of willingness. Explanation by ChatGPT: Me: What is willingness as a principle about? GPT: Willingness, as a principle, refers to an individual's openness, readiness, and acceptance to engage in a particular activity, task, or change. This principle can be applied in various contexts, including personal development, psychological practices, relationships, and professional settings. Here are some key aspects of willingness as a principle: Openness to Experience: Being receptive to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives without immediate judgment or resistance. Readiness for Change: Showing a readiness to adapt or change behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets when necessary. This involves a proactive stance towards growth and improvement. Acceptance: Accepting situations, emotions, and thoughts as they are, rather than fighting against them. This is often highlighted in mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies. Commitment to Action: Demonstrating a commitment to take action towards goals or values, even when faced with challenges or discomfort. Willingness involves moving forward despite fears or uncertainties. Flexibility: Being flexible in one’s approach and not rigidly clinging to preconceived notions or plans. This adaptability allows for better handling of unexpected changes and obstacles. Engagement and Participation: Actively participating in life’s events and processes, rather than passively observing. This means being fully engaged in activities, relationships, and responsibilities. Responsibility: Taking responsibility for one’s own actions and decisions, and understanding the impact they have on oneself and others. In psychological contexts, particularly in therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), willingness is crucial for accepting unpleasant thoughts and feelings and committing to behavior change that aligns with one’s values. Overall, willingness as a principle emphasizes an active, open, and accepting approach to life’s experiences, promoting personal growth, resilience, and effective action.

Made the recipe on the second video:

@bambi Fair. Also, you might have misinterpreted my use of the word "embrace." Enjoy.

@A Fellow Lighter Contemplate it and have insight into it, if you want.

Take it lightly as a physiological need. It's an example. You don't suppress your hunger. I suspect OP is coming from an ideal.

Embrace them. You wouldn't ask the same thing about hunger.

It might be. But notice this assessment doesn’t specify what it is, other than making a generic claim that might not reflect actual experience. Our current experience of sentience doesn’t seem illusory, except perhaps as a conceptual overlay that hinders investigation. I'm inviting contemplation without presuming to know what it is. It's a complex, advanced topic. How does sentience arise, and what is it composed of?

Good speaker.

Hey, no need for an answer, just contemplate it.

Good and tricky subject to contemplate for oneself. What's sentience?

Are you asking something?

Listen, guys. Wisdom. Another thing: people will eat up anything that sounds good and validates their preconceptions.

I'd say this is a function of mind and relates to mind control, which might be facilitated after enlightenment. Don't forget Jesus: