Bodhi123

Is it the goal to have no emotions? Or is it the goal to be aware of and in control of our emotions? If you are enjoying the presence of another person and feel joy then be present to that feeling and embrace it. If in time that person is no longer around and all that is left is pain then be present to that feeling and let it go.

@ValiantSalvatore I did read the full post even though it is a very long post However, the fact that it is a very long post tells me that you cared enough to put some thought and effort into your post. Here is my advice and thoughts: It is clear that you take self-actualization seriously and you have a strong desire to be your best. I think it is great that you had the opportunity to travel because it will give you a perspective that you otherwise would not have had. As far as school, you seem like an intelligent person that has a lot of potential. I would just caution you to make sure that your career choice is one that you are passionate about and brings you some type of fulfillment. As far as girls, my advice is DO NOT spend your time and energy on a manipulative girl. Do not try to change her and do not accept her manipulative behavior. Simply disconnect from her and go your separate ways. Trust me you will avoid a lot of unnecessary suffering. However, if you are fortunate enough to find a girl that is intelligent, kind, good-natured, and honest... then definitely take a chance and pursue a relationship with her. A romantic relationship that is loving and mutually beneficial will bring you a type of happiness that is unique and special. This type of relationship will teach you a lot about yourself and life in general. It is worth the risk. Good luck to you as you go forward with your life

This is the truth. But damn... it is a hard-won truth.

There is nothing wrong with having goals and being ambitious. To be honest it is pretty much necessary to survive in this world. The trick is not to take anything too seriously. Push yourself to be your best and have fun at the same time.

@Alicja_ Just look at it this way... the more you work on yourself now, the more value you'll be able to bring to the world and others in the future

@Nazar I simply expressing my understanding of this topic to the best of my ability. I am in no way claiming to be enlightened or to have all of the answers. But I will say that Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) has resonated with me and has improved my outlook on life. I used to have a materialistic/nihilistic view of life... which didn't do me any good. Honestly man believe any school of thought that empowers you and brings you a certain amount of peace. Take care, sincerely.

1. It is true that all of creation is "real" in a relative sense. It is also true that the "essence" of all of creation is identical with God. It is also true that God is not a human, tree, or animal. 2/3. It would have been more accurate for me to say thoughts and beliefs are relatively real. Real in relation to the human mind. However, not real in an independent existential sense. I think the point of contention is whether objects and thoughts relatively real or Ultimately Real.

@Nazar This video should be helpful. Illusion/Reality

@Nazar Let me do my best to provide you some clarity by making the following points: There is only a single Ultimate Reality (i.e. God, Consciousness). Everything else is a manifestation of Ultimate Reality (i.e. humans, trees, animals, etc.). Therefore everything that we see in the physical world can be considered non-reality because there is something more real underlying it. All thoughts can be considered unreal. Thoughts are only a mental representation of something else. For example, a thought of a tree isn't actually a tree. All beliefs or assumptions that people hold in their minds are unreal. Remember humans are a manifestation of Ultimate Reality. Therefore any belief that we hold in our human mind is even farther removed from Ultimate Reality.

@spicy_pickles You took a very significant first step in recognizing that the alcohol was being used to escape your problems. Now the next thing to do is address the problems you were trying to escape. I realize that some of these problems may be serious and do not have an easy fix. But once you address them to the best of your abilities you will attain a happiness that is more permanent and doesn't fade away so easily. Take care.

It is completely possible for enlightened people to express themselves. For example, Rupert Spira is a great enlightenment teacher and is also a well-known studio potter It is true that as you become more self-aware and have a better understanding of existence the content of your music may change, but this doesn't mean the music should stop. Let your music be an expression of Truth.

This was very well explained. Thank you for sharing your insights

The problem is that you are looking outside of yourself for approval. You enjoy the attention of others because it makes you feel validated. This is problematic because the only opinion that matters when determining your self-worth is YOUR opinion of yourself. Meditation will be beneficial to you because it will help you realize that you are not your body. This realization will make it easier for you to place less emphasis on your looks.