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Dude i heard that Steve Vai (famous, very skilled and pretty authentic guitar player) was on the virge of suicide when performing at some event. The guy has basically everything most people in this field want and it looks like with a high reproducibility that the success, fame, money etc is not what makes them happy. Same with these millionares. There is still an area that needs to be explored and is not taught in human society in masses that is linked with spirituality. It is no surprise to me anymore as emotional turmoil happens very frequently, but even with the amount of success people have, that termoil does not change if you don't keep yourself clean enough in areas you don't even bother to look.

It is described in islam that God would compensate the shahid for sacrificing his life or his land. If you become a martyr, God will give you 70 virgins, 70 wives and everlasting happiness. Why is that ? Promises pussy in the hearafter seems twisted and uncomfortable for me . Since September 11, news stories have repeated the story of suicide bombers and their heavenly rewards, and equally Muslim scholars and Western apologists of Islam have repeated that suicide is forbidden in Islam. Suicide (qatlu nafsi-hi) is not referred to in the Koran but is indeed forbidden in the Traditions (Hadith in Arabic), which are the collected sayings and doings attributed to the Prophet and traced back to him through a series of putatively trustworthy witnesses. They include what was done in his presence that he did not forbid, and even the authoritative sayings and doings of his companions. Can someone explain to me the true version of islam ? @itachi uchiha Tagging you here since you have a good Islamic background.

@Breakingthewall Well to start, i have had a few years where i was living in a city but pretty much in disciplined solitude, focusing most of my time on cultivating mindfulness, meditating, doing shadow work, breathwork and every other practice you can think of haha. I am also very big on the idea of solo retreats, no better place to come face to face with yourself than solo retreats. Now my life is less strict although much deeper ever since ive experienced a few awakenings, as well as on psychedelics and in a sober state, the silent lucidity which comes with meditation and mindfulness practice is immense. I dont believe in shortcuts as well as i dont dismiss trying out all things at least a few times, i appreciate the path for what it is, a path, cultivating it slowly and letting the ball roll will get you anywhere you can just imagine if you are sincere and humble enough to admit your wrongs and stay open minded and open hearted. I have experimented with psychedelics about a dozen times but Ayahuasca was very transformational for me, and it came after years on this path, the awakenings that i had there and the skills that ive earned with the courage to walk into the darkest parts of myself with an unconditional love gave me a few tools to keep working on my stuff and to understand things deeper, psychedelics are like the seed but to grow it to a tree you have to put immense work and patient practice, holding the paradoxes gently and trusting the principles you come to learn and trust along the way. ive had my own periods of existential meltdown, and all on this path will experinece, when you come to this point remember one thing, the only way out is through, embrace with courage and let it metamorphesise inside of you, resistance and putting stuff off wont solve anything. Some notable teachers that ive had the honor to listen to include Leo, bentinho massaro, joey lott, and lester levenson which i built a lot on his work. But for now im still just a young guy and the future is wide and long so lets see where it all takes us, one thing for sure though is that even suicide wont solve anything, you will still be tumbling across reincranations and consciousness, the only viable response is to embrace and go head first with trust and faith

My Critique Of Zizek's Critique Of Buddhism https://www.actualized.org/insights/my-critique-of-zizeks-critique-of-buddhism Embarking on a New Critique: Leo is venturing into a new area by critiquing the views of Slavoj Žižek on Buddhism, highlighting his complex but sophisticated understanding, despite some perceived confusions. Introducing Slavoj Žižek: Leo describes Žižek as a well-known European philosopher with intriguing yet neurotic qualities and a background that includes Marxism, Hegelianism, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and specializations in political, ethical, and theological philosophy. Purpose of the Critique: Leo's critique is not intended to defend Buddhism per se, but to delve deeper into the underlying understanding of reality, consciousness, and the human mind, clarifying misconceptions and sparking meaningful dialogue. Addressing Žižek's Misconceptions: Leo is set to systematically refute Žižek's ten critiques of Buddhism, aiming to clarify the nuances of suffering and truth within Buddhist philosophy and practice. Žižek's Take on Suffering in Buddhism: Žižek argues against the Buddhist goal of eliminating suffering by suggesting people sometimes knowingly embrace suffering, such as in romantic love, implying that this desire for suffering challenges Buddhist doctrine. The Nature of Suffering and Enlightenment: Leo proposes that Buddhism and the pursuit of awakening are not just about escaping suffering, which he deems a negative motivation, but rather about realizing truth-a positive, divine motivation that goes beyond the limitations of human egotistical pursuits. Suffering's Necessity and Transcendence: Suffering is actually necessary for staying alive and subsequently for awakening. Leo argues it's not about escaping but transcending suffering, meaning one can suffer consciously and appreciate it which deepens understanding of reality. Role of Suffering in Compassion: Suffering helps to build compassion and love. Leo believes this aspect is overlooked by critics and asserts that suffering isn't purely negative as it provides an essential contrast that accentuates the experience of love. God's Incarnation and Experience of Suffering: Leo suggests that God incarnates as humans to fully experience reality, including suffering. This process of limitation and forgetting divine unity is essential to appreciate immortality and nirvana. Awakening Not Solely for Escaping Suffering: He posits that awakening shouldn't be motivated solely by the desire to escape suffering, especially if one leads a comfortable life. Instead, it should be driven by a deep curiosity for truth and understanding one's place in nature. Joyful Pursuit of Awakening Over Painful Path: Leo recommends pursuing awakening joyfully rather than through suffering. He contrasts his relatively comfortable life with those who awaken through great pain, suggesting the latter can have torturous paths that might lead to suicide rather than awakening. Insights Gained from Awakening as Sufficient Reward: Although Leo has not escaped all suffering, he finds the realizations and insights from his spiritual journey gratifying, to the extent that suffering becomes less relevant, and these insights can provide solace during challenging times. Bodhisattva Dilemma in Buddhism: Leo clarifies that the Bodhisattva vow entails a self-sacrifice for the dedication to humanity's awakening, and this role involves real trade-offs between personal enlightenment and social engagement. Trade-offs Between Hermit and Teacher Paths: Leo differentiates the solitary hermit path from the socially engaged teacher path, explaining the latter involves sacrifices and responsibilities, as exemplified by his own commitment to teaching and sharing insights with humanity. Bodhisattva's role and sacrifice: Leo discusses the Bodhisattva as someone who dedicates vast amounts of time and resources to spreading wisdom, citing Sadhguru as an example who devotes his life to teaching and humanitarian work, impacting millions despite a previous plan for Maha Samadhi. Trade-offs of the Bodhisattva path: Leo notes the choice between solitary deepening of one's own practice and dedicating time to elevate collective consciousness, suggesting the latter can limit personal spiritual exploration due to organizational responsibilities and politics. Organizational challenges for spiritual teachers: Discusses the political and organizational issues spiritual leaders like Osho faced, contradictory desires for personal enlightenment and managing a community which can lead to problems if the leader is negligent. Bodhisattva's inclination and managing awakening: Leo reflects on his own Bodhisattva-like inclination towards teaching, admitting it has influenced his path and affected the depth of his awakening, a common challenge for teachers who aren't fully awakened and get caught in power dynamics. Ethical issues in awakened communities: Leo acknowledges Žižek's concern about historical instances where Buddhist philosophy was misconstrued to justify violence, such as in WWII, highlighting the dilemma of applying spiritual detachment in ethical contexts. Misuse of spiritual detachment: Explores the problematic justifications for harmful actions through a misguided understanding of Buddhist detachment, as shown in the rationalization of Japanese imperialism and the Nazis' detachment while committing atrocities. Balancing teaching with the pursuit of deeper awakening: Leo shares the personal struggle of balancing the responsibilities of teaching with the ongoing pursuit of deeper spiritual awakening, recognizing it as part of his unique life path. Justification of Evil through Detachment: Leo criticizes the potential misuse of Buddhist detachment, detailing how it can lead to cold indifference or even rationalize harmful actions, like the Nazis' twisted logic during the Holocaust or a lack of empathy in personal relationships. Understanding 'Devilry': Leo introduces the concept of 'devilry' to explain how individuals, including those practicing Buddhism, can co-opt truth for selfish ends and exhibit harmful behavior despite spiritual experiences, as true awakening does not render one immune to moral failings or negative traits like racism or xenophobia. Awakening Experiences and Ethical Behavior: Leo emphasizes that even with awakening experiences, individuals can still harbor 'shadow' aspects, leading to ethical problems within spiritual communities such as sexual misconduct or financial exploitation; he references the materialism seen with Osho as an example. Multiple Lines of Development: Leo elaborates on the idea that awakening in the spiritual domain does not equate to advancement in other areas like politics or interpersonal relations, suggesting people can be spiritually advanced but still support destructive political ideologies if their development in that domain is insufficient. Buddhism's Disengagement with Politics: Leo critiques the traditional separation of Buddhist practice from political engagement, arguing that such disengagement can lead to spiritually advanced individuals holding damaging political views, and encourages the evolution of Buddhism to address contemporary issues like ecology and democracy. Detachment and the Capacity for Evil: Leo concedes that detachment can indeed make it easier to commit harmful acts if misused, but simultaneously points out there are legitimate scenarios for defensive violence, warning against the dangers of absolute detachment and discerning the fine line between legitimate defense and the misuse of spiritual teachings for devilry. Gap Between Awakening and Moral Actualization: Acknowledging Žižek's concern, Leo agrees that enlightenment does not prevent one from being 'bad' and distinguishes between the existential insights from awakening and the development and actualization of moral and ethical behavior in different domains of life including politics, marriage, and business leadership. Skill Development Post-Awakening: Enlightenment doesn't innately grant proficiency in worldly skills like business, politics, or marriage. These require specific skill sets, which must be learned and cannot be instantly mastered by virtue of awakening alone. Nature of Evil as Love: Leo challenges Žižek's notion of evil by presenting a radical view that all actions, even those perceived as evil, are expressions of love, including torture and genocide. This controversial stance is rooted in a deep understanding that love underlies all phenomena, which Leo acknowledges may be difficult for the ego to comprehend. Holocaust as Freedom of Choice: The Holocaust and similar atrocities, according to Leo, reflect God's love by demonstrating the freedom afforded to humans. He believes God's gift of choice allows for the spectrum of human behaviors, including those considered most heinous, to play out without divine punishment. Misinterpretation of Radical Truths: Leo acknowledges that his views on love and freedom could wrongly be used by individuals to justify nefarious actions. He stresses that the truth he speaks of is difficult to integrate into societal norms, and it may lead to being misconstrued or serving as rationalizations for "devils." Absolute Freedom and the Problem of Devilry: Addressing the criticism that his philosophy might enable malevolent actions, Leo asserts that love entails absolute freedom, including the capacity for self-delusion, and that societal constraints, not divine punishment, discourage destructive behaviors. Self-Deception Within Philosophical Systems: Leo critiques the potential for getting lost in complex ideological constructs, including his own teachings and those of Žižek, like Marxism or psychoanalysis. He points out the risk of becoming mired in one's own delusions, whether as a teacher, student, or philosopher. Limitations of Philosophical Analysis: Leo posits that solving ethical dilemmas or "devilry" cannot be achieved through philosophical discourse alone. He suggests that non-dualistic or mystical paths, such as Buddhism, offer a better direction for transcending the underlying issues of evil and deception. Chemically Induced vs. Authentic Satori: Leo discusses the distinction between peak experiences from chemical substances and the permanent insight gained through dedicated spiritual practice. He agrees with Žižek's assertion that the validity of Satori should not be dismissed due to its method of induction, while also acknowledging the value of long-term, stable spiritual growth. Meditative Practices and Psychedelics: Leo emphasizes that psychedelics and traditional practices like meditation should be combined for optimal spiritual development. Psychedelics provide profound experiences that enhance meditation, which in turn allows for integration and rewiring of the psyche. Misconceptions about Chemicals and Enlightenment: Leo refutes the materialist view that enlightenment via chemicals is invalid, explaining that what people perceive as chemicals are hallucinations within God's Universal Mind. Therefore, chemically induced Satori doesn't undermine its existential truth. Zen Poetry and Vulgar Subjects: Leo agrees with Žižek that all subjects, including those considered vulgar, are equally spiritual when one is awake. Zen poetry traditionally avoids vulgar subjects not because they lack divinity, but to resonate with audiences and attract them to spirituality. Equivalence of Buddhist and Judeo-Christian Ethics: Leo explains that what appears as Buddhist detachment and Judeo-Christian engagement in the material world is a false dichotomy. Awakening deeply immerses individuals in the material world, which becomes God's body, creating a paradox of being both detached and compassionately involved. Nature of Love and Awakening: Leo highlights that true awakening reveals both the emptiness of self (nihilistic aspect) and the realization of being everything and infinitely good (the love aspect). Despite the existence of negative experiences, they deepen our understanding of love, emphasizing that everything is an expression of absolute love. Compassion Despite Illusory Suffering: Compassion in awakening arises from the realization that others are expressions of oneself and God. Empathy persists even for illusory suffering because beings are unaware of their divine nature, and the inability to communicate the full magnitude of love is the root of compassion. Crucio

May 2018 Solo Retreat - Part 1 https://www.actualized.org/insights/may-2018-solo-retreat-part-1 Preparation for awakening retreat: Leo Gura unveils the start of his 30-day isolation and intensive meditation journey aimed at achieving awakening, during which he will cease work and social interactions, limit necessary outings like grocery shopping, and focus solely on his spiritual practice. Anticipation and energy for the journey: Feeling energized and having a strong desire to awaken, Leo describes his intent and the importance of strong commitment to the path of enlightenment. He underscores the need for surrender and selflessness, prioritizing awakening over all distractions and material attractions. Embracing simplicity in practice: Anticipating a lack of rigid routine, he plans to engage in meditation by being hyper-aware of existence without analysis, focusing on the present, and fully experiencing consciousness. He emphasizes the simplicity of this technique yet acknowledges the profound depths it can explore. The challenge of temptation: Acknowledging the difficulty of resisting distractions such as the internet and his phone during the retreat, Leo plans to overcome these temptations to maintain a meditative state and continue his progress on the path to enlightenment. Surreal existence and meditation challenge: Leo urges viewers to become highly conscious of everyday objects such as their hand, embracing the mystery without letting the mind weave stories or analyses. He emphasizes the importance of presence and silence to eventually achieve awakening, comparing the journey to a form of suicide through consciousness-a slow, voluntary drowning of the ego in emptiness while resisting distractions from the ego's perpetual need for activity. Metaphor of drowning: The process of meditation is likened to smothering a baby, your own life or ego, in silence until it drowns. Leo elaborates on the metaphor, indicating the difficulty and resistance faced during this transformative journey. He warns of the ego's fear and struggle as it is confronted with its own obliteration. Hero's journey as internal transformation: Leo reflects on the hero's journey as not just an external battle seen in movies and mythology but as an internal, often intangible process of overcoming the ego. He discusses the discrepancy between the engaging narratives of pop culture heroes and the real, unglamorous work of spiritual awakening that requires intense personal struggle. Redemption and surrender: Ego-driven life is contrasted with the redemptive path of surrendering to consciousness and selflessness. Leo speaks about using the "1%," the divine spark within us, to redeem the ego's life of distractions, emphasizing the role of love as a powerful tool in overcoming life's greatest fears and actualizing self-transcendence. Lesser Jihad versus Greater Jihad: Engaging in activism for social, political, or environmental causes is referred to as "lesser jihad," focusing on external change. In contrast, the internal work of spiritual awakening, confronting personal fears, anger, and traumas, is termed "greater jihad," a solitary and arduous path without societal accolades. Misconceptions about the Holy Grail: The physical representation of the Holy Grail, often depicted as a solid gold chalice, is a metaphor for immortality through consciousness and the essence of existence. This concept is hard for materialistic and dualistic minds to grasp, leading to underestimation of its true significance compared to tangible material wealth. Commitment to spiritual practice: Leo emphasizes the absolute need for 100% commitment to the awakening process, highlighting the stark difference a mere 1% lack of commitment can make. He acknowledges the inevitability of boredom as a significant hurdle in such retreats and asserts that conquering it is essential for progress toward awakening. The practice of surrender: Leo's "secret weapon" for the retreat is proactive surrendering-a continuous process of letting go of resistance, fear, fantasies, cravings, and the pleasure derived from thinking. This practice aims to dissolve the ego and embrace the present moment, leading towards a state of no mind. Leap of faith towards surrender: Leo Gura emphasizes the act of surrendering to a higher power, referred to as God or ultimate reality, seeking to exchange the ego and its narrow existence for the infinite intelligence of consciousness. This surrender is a leap of faith, trusting in the wisdom far beyond the ego's capabilities. Counterintuitive nature of surrender: Skeptics may dismiss surrendering as nonsensical or illogical, but Leo challenges this by stating that true wisdom recognizes surrendering one's entire existence, including ambitions and identity, as a path to gaining the infinite and becoming one with the cosmos. Divine spark and love as tools against fear: Leo discusses using the divine spark within and the power of love to overcome fears and challenges during the retreat. He encourages tapping into love as an absolute, transformative force that can help counteract the deceits of the ego. Journey beyond awakening: The ultimate aim of the spiritual path is not just awakening or enlightenment, but reaching states such as no mind and embodying unconditional love. This requires a deep surrender of judgments, hatreds, and the ego's selfishness to become aligned with the boundless loving nature of reality. Preparation for awakening: Leo feels ready to embark on his awakening journey, with a sense of readiness stemming from glimpses of awakening through past experiences and an understanding gleaned from various teachings, research, and introspection. Solo journey recognized: He acknowledges that regardless of the path or timing, one ultimately confronts death alone, and the genuine fulfillment of life can lead to dying in peace rather than fear or regret. Purpose of awakening now: Leo refutes the notion of postponing awakening until death by highlighting the transformative potential of experiencing true enjoyment and love for life before physical death occurs, contrasting it with the suffering inherent in unawakened existence. Personal reflection on death and life fulfillment: A memory from a high school health class informs Leo's long-held perspective on death-living a fulfilled life leads to a peaceful death. He later realizes that awakening provides an even deeper fulfillment than the textbook's message suggested, transcending traditional understandings of life and death. Beyond the materialist paradigm: Leo concludes that actualizing the profound truths of existence-traditionally found in myths and spiritual teachings and largely misunderstood by society-transcends the grasp of materialist paradigms, but it is indeed achievable. Crucio

Hawaii Late Night Insights https://www.actualized.org/insights/hawaii-april-2018-late-night-insights Striving for permanence in awakening: Leo is attempting to make his deep awakening experiences permanent during his solo retreat by focusing highly on the notion of nothingness during meditation. The inverse of self and ego: He has come to understand that what he truly seeks-the nature of his existence-is the inverse of self and ego, essentially nothingness and infinity, suggesting a need for ego surrender for deeper insight. Experience of existential envelopment: During intense meditation, Leo feels engulfed by nothingness, leading to a profound suffering analogous to physical symptoms of death, reinforcing his insight that genuine understanding requires self-surrender. Acceptance of physical death: Leo advocates that true awakening demands not just psychological or ego death, but the acceptance of one's own physical death, encompassing the surrender of life's enjoyments and identity. Criticizing the understatement of awakening's difficulty: He critiques many spiritual teachings for understating the rigors of awakening, clarifying that proper meditation leads to confronting a critical choice between succumbing to fears or surrendering to truth. Buddha's revered image and death: Leo reflects on Buddha's revered status and how his moment of awakening, depicted in statues worldwide, signifies the death of the small self and the continuation of the body as a mere vessel for teaching post-awakening. Materialist paradigm's limitation: The materialist, egoic, and dualistic paradigms struggle to comprehend the continuation of life without the self. This notion challenges the very core of understanding reality, as it does not align with the experience of the self being alive. The Buddha's awakening: Described as a form of actual physical death, the Buddha's awakening is presented as an embodiment of surrender and the ultimate leap of faith. This surrender is revered and symbolized in statues around the world, representing the ultimate cost paid for enlightenment. Fear of actual death during awakening: Leo confronts his fear that the awakening process might lead to his actual physical death. He recognizes this as a possible outcome and prepares to accept it, which represents a significant mental and emotional milestone in his journey towards enlightenment. Understanding the sacrifice for awakening: Most people are unprepared for the level of sacrifice required for true awakening, which is described as the willingness to sacrifice physical life for truth. The process involves intense suffering and a paradox where the pursuit of eternal happiness ultimately requires one to face their physical mortality first. Clarification on real death: Leo emphasizes that awakening does not involve literal physical harm but is about accepting real death in the sense of realizing one's non-existence from the beginning. Illusory nature of self: Despite the fear and sensation of a pounding heart during meditation, he recognized that the self he thought he was surrendering is an illusion, as he was essentially 'nothing' all along. The challenge of conscious surrender: The difficulty lies in consciously deciding to let go and surrender to the process, which is complicated by the fear of death. Leo faced significant resistance from his ego, which caused inner suffering. Love as a means to conquer fear: In the struggle to surrender, Leo discovered that invoking the feeling of infinite love can dissolve the fear, and the intention to act out of love for truth, humanity, and reality became his intended method to transcend fear. Meditation session conclusion: Despite the build-up to a potential awakening and overcoming fear with love, the expected transformation did not occur. Leo's intensive meditation session ended without the anticipated breakthrough. Validity of process insights: Leo explains that his insights are credible, even in the absence of a full awakening during the session, due to his cumulative experiences from smaller awakenings and deepened understanding over time. Psychedelics as a preview to awakening: He argues that psychedelics are powerful tools for understanding the dying process related to ego death and can offer profound, real experiences that demonstrate the process without one's conscious effort to die. Comparison between suicide and ego death: Ego death during meditation is compared to the arduous task of overcoming one's survival instincts-as difficult or even harder than the physical act of suicide due to the ego's deep-rooted resistance. Repeated attempts and psychedelic support: Real awakening requires persistent effort and might involve many attempts. Psychedelic experiences, particularly 5-MeO-DMT, help diminish the fear of ego death by repeatedly crossing the threshold, making the process less intimidating over time. Awakening as permanent death: The pursuit of awakening that the most revered sages have achieved equates to a permanent death of the ego, a key distinction from ordinary self-improvement or consciousness work, which Leo highlights with great emphasis. Insight on the awakening process: Leo identifies his past lack of understanding about facing his own death; he now comprehends that awakening requires an acceptance akin to physically dying and takes a leap of faith inspired by infinite love. The illusion of the little self: The transition from the ego, or little self, to the big self-the true infinite self-is seen as a form of death by the ego, which ultimately is an illusion. Crossing this barrier reveals that the fear and life associated with the ego were never real. The persistent nature of the ego: Leo likens the ego to a relentless antagonist in a horror film or video game that requires continuous confrontations and defeats to fully extinguish, highlighting the non-linear and repetitive path to true awakening for many individuals. Awakening as a multichapter journey: Contrary to many spiritual teachings that oversimplify the process, Leo emphasizes that the journey to awakening may span multiple 'chapters,' with each one requiring renewed effort and different approaches. The gravity and exclusivity of awakening: The process is not for everyone; it is a serious, profound undertaking reserved for those wholly dedicated to discovering truth and undergoing a transformation akin to that experienced by historical spiritual figures like Buddha. Channeling infinite love for transcendence: The key to overcoming the fear experienced at the brink of awakening is channeling infinite love, an emotion so potent that it can overwhelm and extinguish the ego. Leo suggests that psychedelics can facilitate the initial experience of this love, which can then be recalled at the crucial moment of surrender. The hero's paradoxical journey: The journey to awakening is akin to the hero's journey, where the hero's perceived self-sacrifice is paradoxical because the 'hero' never truly existed-it was always an illusion. The recognition and experience of the infinite self is considered the pinnacle of non-duality and the most significant achievement. Colloportus

Holism & Holistic Thinking - Part 1 https://youtu.be/5tmKFbXneis "When we try to pick out anything by itself we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." - John Muir Holistic thinking in science: Reductionism, prevalent in many scientific endeavors, limits understanding by ignoring the interconnections and treating nature as a mere collection of discrete objects. Holism emphasizes relationships, interconnections, and the flow between objects, proposing that parts of a whole cannot exist or be understood separately from the whole. Image 1 Materialistic paradigm: The materialistic paradigm assumes reality can be fully explained by its basic elements like atoms, thus undermining the complexity of systems and leading to misunderstandings when scientists attempt to dissect parts in isolation, for instance, studying a frog away from its natural habitat. Quality of scientific research: High-quality, holistic scientific research is often more costly compared to convenient, reductionist approaches like studies using college students, which can introduce biases due to unrepresentative sampling of the entire human population. Bias in meditation studies: Studying meditation on undergraduate students, who are generally inexperienced, yields skewed results, unlike studying practiced yogis in India, which would provide richer insights into the practice's effects while also considering cultural diversity. Analytical thinking in institutions: Institutions like academia and government favor analytical and reductionistic thinking over holistic thinking, which divides reality into categories rather than acknowledging interconnectedness, leading to a lack of broader understanding. Consequences of unholistic thinking: Limited and unholistic thinking in various fields can result in negative outcomes such as pathology, disease, and actions labeled as "evil," highlighting the importance of holistic thought in promoting healthier societies and behaviors. Importance of Holism: Holism is critical for understanding and solving problems at all levels in society, from individual health to business practices and global politics. It is not a binary state but has degrees that people should strive to elevate by taking into account the interconnected effects of their actions. Corporate shortsightedness in the pharmaceutical industry: CEOs may push for drugs that target a specific health issue like cholesterol without fully considering potential side effects across the body or mind, such as cancer or depression, due to unholistic thinking and a focus on profit. Holistic leadership and responsibility: True holistic thinking in leadership involves considering all potential direct and indirect consequences of decisions, such as the psychological effects of drugs or the societal impact of how they're marketed and priced, and taking responsibility for these outcomes. Disney's handling of Star Wars: Disney's Star Wars trilogy lacked a holistic vision, as it was managed without a cohesive story across the series. The comparison with George Lucas's original trilogy shows the value of a visionary with a holistic plan in creative endeavors. Holistic understanding in chess: In chess, the player with the most holistic understanding of the board, including sacrificial strategies and foresight, is most likely to win. This implies that real-life problems also require a holistic approach to be solved effectively. Personal consequences of unholistic thinking: Lack of holistic thinking can lead individuals to make poor decisions in their personal lives, similarly to how narrow thinking can lead to 'painting oneself into a corner' in a chess game. Two "master equations" of life: Leo introduces two "master equations" that explain all aspects of life and calls for deep contemplation of these equations. While the exact equations are not disclosed in the transcript, they symbolize the profound understanding gained through holistic thinking. Image 2 Holistic Equations: Holism is identified with wholeness, health, unity, oneness, the infinite, harmony, balance, goodness, love, godliness, selflessness, wisdom, holiness, heaven, and bliss. Conversely, an absence of holism is associated with division, fragmentation, partiality, brokenness, disharmony, limitation, finiteness, selfishness, ugliness, evil, hell, and suffering. Health and Holism: Health is defined as harmony and balance within the 'whole'. A healthy body operates with all parts in synergistic harmony. Disease, then, is the result of parts of the body acting selfishly and disrupting this balance, like in autoimmune diseases or cancer. Healing the Body and Society: Healing is about restoring balance and unity. This applies both to the physical body and the societal body, where divisive, pathological actions destabilize society leading to destruction and suffering. The Case of Adolf Hitler: Hitler’s perspective is explained as an example of societal disease, where a selfish, divisive, partial ideology based on racism and hatred led to societal fragmentation and widespread suffering. Effects of Selfishness and Divisiveness: Selfish and divisive ideologies lead to broken societies and unhappy individuals, contributing to the suffering of all those involved. Unity and Healing through Holism: A move toward unification in both individuals and societies implies eliminating selfishness and bias, which results in love, balance, and a healthier, more compassionate community. Higher Levels of Consciousness: Continual growth in consciousness, from finite to infinite, can lead to an individual realizing their oneness with the universe, or "God realization". This process harmonizes the individual's internal and external world, leading to experiences of bliss and heaven. Scale of Holism: The scale of holism ranges from infinite division to infinite unity. Quality of life, holiness, and beauty depend on where one falls on this scale. Societal beauty, peace, and less conflict occur as collective holism increases. Human History and Unity: History shows a progression towards larger unifications, from tribal to global. Resistance to unity (e.g., nationalism vs. globalism) leads to conflict and does not align with the trend towards infinite unity. Spiritual Work and Selflessness: Spiritual work involves letting go of personal biases and divisions, moving towards complete selflessness, and realizing oneself as infinitely unified consciousness, or God. Life's Master Equations: These equations encapsulate the essence of spirituality and holism: unify and heal divisions to transform fragmented consciousness into a holistic one. Realize that limited thinking contributes to disorders and dysfunctionality. Self-improvement and Internal Conflict: Personal growth is hindered by internal conflicts within fragmented psyches. Unity must be established among conflicting parts to achieve true self-improvement and well-being. Fragmentation and Shadow Work: Leo Gura explains that avoiding or punishing parts of oneself considered 'bad' leads to increased fragmentation and division within. Harmonization, instead, is achieved through love, acceptance, and understanding—key elements of shadow work. Role of Healing and Self-Love: Healing involves recognizing and integrating disowned parts of reality, which includes accepting past wounds and forgiving those who caused them, leading to a remerged wholeness and genuine self-love. Understanding Holism and Consciousness: Leo underscores that God is infinitely conscious, having no shadow, implying that division creates suffering, whereas holistic unity leads to bliss, love, and happiness—akin to experiencing paradise. Dichotomy and Pathology in Emotion and Rationality: The artificial divide between rationality and emotion, such as the misconception that 'facts don't care about your feelings', leads to misunderstanding the human psyche and can generate physical and emotional pathologies. Body Consciousness in Personal Development: Leo notes the importance of body consciousness and practices like yoga and bioenergetics in personal development, underscoring that deeper traumas often lie within the body, driving behavior more so than rational thought. Politics and the Illusion of Division: Discussing 'globalists vs. regular folks', Leo dispels the myth that elites and ordinary people are categorically different, asserting that populism oversimplifies complexities with unholistic thinking, which can have dangerous consequences. Criminal Justice and the Power of Rehabilitation: Leo criticizes the divisive view separating 'criminals' from 'good guys' and advocates for a more compassionate approach to criminal justice, one that fosters rehabilitation instead of punishment for better societal outcomes. Science and Spirituality Schism: Highlighting the disconnection between scientific and spiritual communities, Leo suggests that each camp suffers from not integrating insights from the other, limiting their full potential to understand reality. Science, Spirituality, and the Mind-Body Problem: Science faces limitations due to its materialistic view, struggling with issues like the mind-body problem that spirituality may resolve. Science benefits from spirituality's insights, just as spirituality would progress with more scientific rigor applied to practices like meditation and psychedelics. Detriments of Unholistic Thinking: A reductionistic, materialistic mindset leads to the demystification of life, stripping it of spirit and meaning and fostering societal problems like depression, suicide, and addiction. This narrow approach neglects the importance of holism, unity, and spiritual connection, contributing to major issues such as conflict and civilizational collapse. Transition from Scientism to Holism: The cultural paradigm shifted towards scientism over religion, offering logical advancements but also creating societal dysfunction. Wisdom involves discerning the higher from the lower—scientism often prioritizes the lower (technology, materialism) over the higher (spiritual connection, unity), leading to a disconnection from meaningful life aspects. Pursuit of Unity in Major Fields: Across sectors, like religion and business, there's a common pursuit of dominance and unity, but often in a self-serving manner. For example, religions seek to become the sole way, and businesses aim to monopolize their market. However, this quest for unity can become dysfunctional if approached selfishly. Unity in Geopolitics and Relationships: Geopolitics often attempts to achieve unity through dominance rather than mutual respect and peace. America-first policies illustrate the pitfalls of seeking strength through selfishness, potentially leading to global opposition. Likewise, in relationships and health, unity and well-being are sought, with varying approaches to achieving them. Holism in Language Evolution: Languages aim for unity, which can create barriers or facilitate understanding. Historically, regions with numerous local dialects, like parts of India, showed division, while a unified language aids communication and can symbolize a move towards a more holistic society. Language Unification and Business: Unifying languages in countries such as India, with many dialects and sub-languages, streamlines business processes and communication. Developed nations tend to have a single national language, and globally English is becoming predominant, though this may change if other languages like Chinese gain international influence. Currency Unification and Convenience: A single currency is more convenient for global transactions. Currently, the U.S. dollar is the dominant currency, but cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are emerging as potential universal currencies. This reflects life's pattern of unity and division, seeking dominance and unification. Reductionism Easily Exploited: Narrow, reductionist understanding can be selfishly exploited by 'devils'—those focused only on their concerns—leading to externalizing problems, creating societal pathologies, and shirking responsibility for the whole. This dynamic is evident in science departments with hyper-specialization. Fragmentation within Scientific Fields: The separation of scientific fields—biology, physics, chemistry, psychology, and philosophy—results in a fragmented view of nature and inhibits a comprehensive understanding of reality. Holism would allow for interconnecting diverse departments for a more unified knowledge base. Avoidance of Responsibility in Large Organizations: In large organizations, like phone companies or hospitals, individuals and departments often refuse to take full responsibility for problems, passing them around in circles without resolution. A holistic approach would ensure comprehensive problem-solving. Misleading Single-issue Voters: Single-issue voters can be manipulated in politics, focusing on a narrow concern (like gun control or abortion) without considering all pertinent societal factors. Educated, holistic-thinking citizens are needed for well-functioning democracies, as they consider the totality of issues when making decisions. Leadership and Selflessness: Effective leadership embodies selflessness, recognizing a global commonality and taking responsibility for broader issues. This contrasts with bad leadership, which is characterized by extreme selfishness and narrow self-interest. Recontextualization of Narrow Expertise: Facts and knowledge can be completely reinterpreted when placed in a broader context. Holistic thinkers appreciate this vulnerability and strive for an understanding of the universe that is immune to recontextualization by expanding their context to the broadest possible scope. Trade-off Between Detail and Big Picture: Understanding all details of one aspect, like mathematics or physics, will not provide a grasp of the entire universe. Holistic thinking, akin to zooming out, allows for comprehension of the whole without all details, resembling omniscience. Utilizing Thoughts to Unite or Divide Reality: Thoughts can categorize and separate (divisive thoughts) or recognize commonalities and connections (unitive thoughts). Unitive thinking promotes peace and harmony, while divisive thinking can lead to conflict and disharmony. Limitations of Thought and the Value of Developing Holistic Thinking: All thinking, even holistic, is dualistic and incomplete as it divides reality. However, increasing the quality of thought towards being integrative and unitive creates better solutions and can foresee counterintuitive outcomes, like how absolute freedom may lead to enslavement. Holistic Thinking as the Highest Form of Intelligence: Intelligence is described as holistic pattern recognition providing insight and intuition. It involves deep context awareness, meta-cognition, self-reflection, unbiased and selfless perspectives, and concern for all levels of the universal hierarchy. The Role of Self-awareness in High Intelligence: Becoming aware of one's participation and creation within the universe is essential. The highest intelligence implies the ability to transcend and self-reflect, thereby understanding and integrating oneself as an intrinsic part of everything. Unbiased and Selfless as Highest Intelligence: The ability to be unbiased and selfless is crucial to the highest form of intelligence because it reflects the recognition that everything is one's self. Since everything is united, biases become groundless, and in recognizing one's identity as all-encompassing consciousness, selfishness is seen as inherently flawed and limiting. God as Infinite Intelligence and Selflessness: Leo Gura equates God to infinite intelligence and selflessness—a state where suffering and limited love do not exist. He argues that selfishness is a byproduct of limited consciousness, and with infinite intelligence, one would choose love, the antithesis of suffering and bias. Psilocybin Mushrooms and the Semantic Map of the Mind: Describing a study on psilocybin mushrooms, Leo shows two circles representing the mind—one densely interconnected, symbolizing a mind on psychedelics, and one with sparse connections, representing a sober state. He suggests that psychedelics facilitate realization of infinite consciousness by increasing mental interconnectivity. Image 3 Infinite Consciousness and Godhead: The highest state of holism is described as a solid, glowing orb—a semantic representation of God, love, intelligence, and self. Leo suggests that in this state, divisions collapse and all distinctions (e.g., between oneself and others, love and hate) become meaningless, which is referred to as the godhead or complete awakening to oneself as God. Holistic Spectrum of Consciousness: He explains that there are varying levels of consciousness from the highest godhead to the human experience and lower, implying an infinite spectrum of interconnectedness, with the ultimate state being an everlasting deepening into love and unity. Holism as a Core Driver of Actualized.org: Leo Gura cites holism as the primary motivation behind his work with Actualized.org. His dissatisfaction with the lack of holistic perspectives in self-help, science, and other domains drove him to create content that aimed at infinite holism. Cost of Holism: Achieving holism requires selflessness, which can be mentally overwhelming and even lead to the dissolution of the ego, described as a death for the sake of holism. Holism requires the surrendering of all subjective biases and prejudices, allowing one to see truth more clearly. Selflessness and God Realization: True selflessness arises not from seeking benefit but from an inherent desire to surrender subjective biases. This state aligns a person with truth, leading them closer to God realization, which is selflessness, love, and oneness with everything. Sustaining Modern Holism: Leo underscores the rare nature of holistic thinking and the challenges one faces in developing it, suggesting that the ultimate reward of selflessness is worth the pursuit, despite everything it demands to surrender. Engaging with Actualized.org for Development: Leo invites his audience to partake in the resources provided by Actualized.org, such as reading recommended books, joining the forum, following the blog, or supporting the platform, to nurture holism within their personal and professional lives. Glisseo

Spiral Dynamics - Stage Purple https://youtu.be/BZFlE0eKTvw "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel it's warmth." - African Proverb Credit to Model Developers: Leo Gura acknowledges the work of Claire Graves, Don Beck, and Christopher Cowan in developing the Spiral Dynamics model and uses resources like the website https://spiraldynamicsintegral.nl/en/ and the book "Spiral Dynamics" for information. Overview of Spiral Dynamics: It's a model tracing the evolution of culture and psychology over time, focusing on both individual and collective progression. Each stage represents advanced forms of culture, a set of values, and an increase in consciousness and complexity. Image 1 Stage Purple - Tribal Society: Represents mankind's earliest way of life as a clan or tribe, focusing on communal survival where individual needs are secondary to that of the group. Marked by the lack of advanced rationality, science, or technology, resulting in a mystical, nature-reverent viewpoint. Individual vs. Tribal Identity: Modern individualistic ideologies are contrasted against the collectivist identity of Stage Purple. Survival was based on tribal coexistence rather than individualistic efforts, reflecting deep interdependence. When Stage Purple Emerged: It traces back to approximately a million years ago, evolving from primitive social structures seen in ancestors like chimpanzees and bonobos who lived in social groups rather than alone. Social Learning in Early Childhood: From early childhood, humans are socialized into tribal dynamics through experiences in schools and playgrounds, learning to navigate interpersonal relationships and group politics. Family Unit and Social Expansion: Stage Purple naturally extends the family unit into larger tribal structures comprising multiple families with complex social intertwining, emphasizing communal responsibility over personal advancement. Importance of Tribe in Purple Stage: Leo emphasizes the critical role of the tribe in shaping one's life and identity. The tribe's well-being trumps individual desires, with survival hinging on the success of the communal group. Tribe Dynamics in Stage Purple: Stage Purple social organization is likened to an extended familial structure, where tribal members interact with the intimacy and cooperative spirit similar to a family unit. The tribe functions as a cohesive team, essential for survival, with defined roles and shared responsibilities not unlike managing a household on a larger scale. Values and Customs in Stage Purple: Honor, humility, self-sacrifice, and a strong adherence to ancestral customs are core to Stage Purple. The tribe's rituals, taboos, and ceremonies are followed without question, and life gains additional meaning through these communal activities, setting the stage for a culture that extends beyond mere survival. Stage Purple's Relationship with Nature and Mysticism: A harmonious relationship with nature and the mystic realm is vital in Stage Purple. The culture is imbued with magical thinking, attributing great significance to rites of passage, sacred objects, and places, as well as traditional artistic expressions like music and dance. Memory and Tradition in Stage Purple: Oral tradition is central to maintaining the tribe's collective memory and history, as writing systems are absent. Myths and stories, passed down with little alteration, serve as the tribe’s repository of knowledge and guidance for survival in a world where scientific understanding is nonexistent. Survival Dependence on Ancestral Wisdom in Stage Purple: Survival at this stage is precarious and heavily reliant on ancestral wisdom. Traditions and customs are rigorously preserved because they have been tested through time, and deviation might result in lethal consequences, emphasizing the deep reverence for elders and their accumulated knowledge. Interdependence and Spiritual Beliefs in Stage Purple: Stage Purple places a premium on reciprocity and cooperative interdependence, often invoking curses and blessings to manage the tribe's welfare and protect against perceived evils. Psychic phenomena and astral experiences are also valued for their perceived connection to survival and knowledge. Stage Purple Societal Structure: Predominantly hunter-gatherer in nature, Stage Purple societies are tightly knit, with rigid and implicit social rules that dictate everything from food to communication. Fixed social roles ensure the stability of the tribal structure, with each member understanding their place and function within the group. Communal Child Rearing in Stage Purple: Children are raised by the entire village or tribe, not just the mother and father. This communal approach to child rearing helps socialize children better than in modern societies where they often grow up isolated before starting school. Concept of Collective Property in Stage Purple: Rather than individual ownership, property and resources are shared within the community. This includes housing and food, creating a natural insurance policy and maximizing survival efficiency. Gender-Based Division of Labor in Stage Purple Society: A clear division of labor exists, where women typically handle cooking, sewing, or gathering, and men take on hunting and defense roles. This division often extends to social roles and expectations. Significance of Fertile Women in Stage Purple: Women are highly valued for their reproductive role and often have many children, expecting high infant mortality rates. Fertility and the ability to produce offspring are central to the tribe's survival. Stage Purple's Social Prioritization Over Productivity: Social bonds are valued far above material productivity, often leading to conflicts with the business-focused mindset of Western cultures where schedules and efficiency are prioritized. In-group and Out-group Dynamics in Stage Purple: A strong tribal identity creates an intense division between 'us' and 'them', leading to tribal conflicts, blood feuds, and even ethnic cleansing when differing tribe traditions and beliefs clash. Natural Attitude Towards Sexuality in Stage Purple Cultures: Sex is viewed as a natural part of life, without the repressions seen in later stages that emphasize morality, such as Stage Blue. Marriage and Sexuality Norms in Stage Purple: Arranged marriages are common, and daughters are often sold at a young age to the highest bidder for a dowry, reflecting the stage's practical approach to survival and reproduction. Leadership in Stage Purple Cultures: The chieftain serves as a wise elder, facilitating and guiding the tribe without seeking personal gain, contrasting with the later authoritarian leadership styles of Stage Red. Individual Sacrifice for the Tribe: Stage Purple emphasizes the need for individual sacrifice to ensure the survival and well-being of the tribe, often manifesting in the willingness to subsume personal desires for the collective good. Reverence of Natural Phenomena in Stage Purple: The elements of nature—stars, sun, water, etc.—are crucial for survival and deeply revered, often attributed to various spirits in an animistic belief system. Understanding Mystical Cause and Effect in Stage Purple: Without a scientific framework, cause and effect are understood through a mystical lens, as with shamans performing rain dances to bring about rain for the crops. Pre-scientific understanding in Stage Purple: Stage Purple lacks knowledge of scientific concepts like chemical reactions, molecules, electricity, and even basic weather phenomena. The world around them is shrouded in mystery, and perceived as magical, and causes and effects are often explained through superstition. Role of superstition and taboo: Superstitious beliefs are prevalent in Stage Purple, where breaking taboos is thought to bring bad luck or disaster. Simple events, like encountering a black cat or breaking a mirror, are imbued with significant consequences. Intuitive and right-brained dominance: This stage is identified with right-brained, intuitive, and feeling-oriented cognition. Without formal education systems, people rely on gut instinct and emotional attachment to navigate their environment, which can be surprisingly effective in non-scientific contexts. Mystical perception of nature: Stage Purple blurs the line between reality and imagination, resulting in animistic spirituality where every element of nature, from trees to rivers, is believed to possess a life force and intentionality that must be revered and sometimes appeased to ensure survival. Cyclical sense of time: Time is perceived in cycles, marked by natural events such as the phases of the sun and moon, rather than in a linear fashion. This cyclical pattern is deeply connected to farming and survival strategies. Origins of major religions: The animistic and polytheistic beliefs prevalent in Stage Purple are the foundations from which major religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism emerged. Over time, these beliefs were systematized and modified to form the orthodox monotheistic religions of today. Cultural practices and artifacts: Stage Purple is rich in folklore, songs, crafts, and arts compensating for the lack of a written language. These cultural expressions are sometimes mysterious or strange to outsiders but can be sophisticated and beautiful. Magic and ritual in daily life: The everyday life in Stage Purple culture includes a variety of magical practices like witchcraft, shamanism, totems, omens, and fertility symbols. Such traditions are essential to the community’s cohesion and survival. Environmental awareness in Stage Purple: Though Stage Purple cultures appear environmentally conscious due to their closeness to nature, their impact on the environment is minimal compared to modern societies with advanced technology. True environmental consciousness that understands the broader impact of human actions emerges at more advanced levels of development. Cultural consciousness and adaptability: In Stage Purple, culture is not seen as a changeable social construct but as a fixed reality, which limits the capacity to critically reflect on or adapt cultural practices when environmental or social conditions change. Challenges of Stage Purple: Stage Purple struggles with handling diversity, alternative worldviews, belief systems, and cultures. Its closed-mindedness and rigidity lead to conflict, battle, and an inability to adapt when exposed to new perspectives. Attachment to Tradition: There's a strong attachment to traditional ways of living in Stage Purple. The world view is narrow, making it difficult to imagine alternative lifestyles or viewpoints. Inability to Adapt: Stage Purple's ultimate downfall is its inability to adapt to changing life conditions. With a static environment for millennia, rapid changes like climate shifts, new diseases, and advanced technologies severely challenge these tribes. Examples of Stage Purple: Notable examples include the indigenous cultures of the Amazon, African tribes, Indonesian tribes, Native American tribes like the Comanche and Lakota, and traditional cultures in the Middle East like those in Afghanistan and rural Hawaii. Influence of Stage Purple on Modern Spirituality: Stage Purple spirituality can be seen influencing more modern movements like Stage Green, which draws from tribal wisdom such as organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and a communal way of living. Psychedelic usage also has roots in tribal medicines. Representation of Stage Purple in Popular Culture: Stage Purple is depicted in various works of popular culture, including Carlos Castaneda's "Don Juan" books, the Na'vi in James Cameron's Avatar, the game Legend of Zelda, and movies like Medicine Man. These showcase a mixture of naivety and mystical wisdom characteristic of Stage Purple. Cultural Fragmentation in Stage Purple: The fragmentation seen in India, with numerous languages and subcultures, is indicative of Stage Purple's limitations in unifying for modern advancement. Resistance to adopting a common language slows down cultural and economic development. Impact of Isolation in Stage Purple: The isolated existence of Stage Purple societies is threatened by modern world changes. Tribes' inability to keep up with advancements leads to their downfall, as seen with environmental changes and new technology like aircraft disturbing their isolated life. Suicide Bombing as Stage Purple Dynamic: Suicide bombing can be viewed through the lens of Stage Purple dynamics, showing the extreme extent of tribal sacrifice for one's group in parts of the Middle East and in historical contexts like kamikaze pilots in WWII. Ritualistic and Spiritual Practices in Stage Purple: Stage Purple is heavily characterized by ritualistic and animistic practices, such as chanting, drumming, and using herbal medicine like ayurveda and acupuncture. They also partake in psychoactive plants and substances during ceremonies, such as ayahuasca, peyote, salvia divinorum, magic mushrooms, datura, and iboga, often as rites of passage. Physical Traditions and Mystical Beliefs in Stage Purple: The stage includes physical traditions such as tribal tattoos seen in Maori culture and odd mating rituals, historically recorded in the Philippines, epitomizing the stage's mystical and traditional approach to life activities. Superstitions like the evil eye, magical healers, and ancient burial grounds also play a significant role. Purple Stage Symbols and Superstitions: Folk tales, fairy tales, secret handshakes, and symbolic ceremonies reflect Stage Purple's rich mythical culture. Modern remnants of this stage's thinking are seen in superstitions like knocking on wood, the rabbit’s foot, and observances like Halloween. Asian cultures retain symbols like fortune cookies and the Maneki Neko cat, which are descendants of purple-level superstitions. Purple's Presence in Modern Environments: Even modern small businesses and startup work environments can mimic the dynamics of a Stage Purple society, fostering a family-like atmosphere among team members. The sacredness of trees, the circle of life, and wisdom found in books like "The Four Agreements" and "The Alchemist" also derive from Stage Purple spiritual traditions. Societal Expressions of Stage Purple: Various social expressions—such as proverbs 'Blood is thicker than water', honoring ancestors, and resistance to changing established traditions—demonstrate the broad influence of Stage Purple within communities. Triggers for Stage Purple Individuals: Individuals at this stage are triggered by disrespect to tradition, elders, and spirits, as well as by selfishness, arrogance, greed, and ambition. They are resistant to changes, including innovations and new ideas, and struggle with accepting different cultures and customs that conflict with their traditional ways. Unhealthy Aspects of Purple Stage: Some of the downsides include tribalism leading to warfare, ethnic cleansing, and difficulties in adapting to external changes, such as technological advances. Isolationism and a narrow worldview are major limitations of this stage, which can lead to an inability to evolve as needed by the changing external conditions. Consequences of Resisting Change: Reflecting on the plight of Native American tribes against modern Westernization, Leo highlights the struggle of Purple-stage communities to adapt to technology and different cultural influences. This resistance can result in losing a sense of purpose and contributes to societal issues such as alcoholism and high crime rates on reservations. Overly Traditional and Superstitious Nature: Stage Purple can be overly traditional, conservative, and superstitious, demonstrating a preference for magical thinking over rationality. This can pose a barrier to understanding natural phenomena scientifically and pragmatically. Integrating Stage Purple Wisdom: Leo suggests that while aspects of Stage Purple may seem outdated, significant spiritual wisdom can be mined from its traditions. He encourages integration of Purple's positive elements into modern practices, such as neo-shamanism and the rediscovery of ancient spiritual texts, which can be therapeutic and insightful for personal growth. Resistance to innovation in Stage Purple: Stage Purple often resists new technologies like synthetic psychedelics, which can be seen as a rejection of tools that could enhance enlightenment and personal growth. Criticism of new spiritual technologies: Traditional spiritual practitioners may criticize methods like the use of psychedelics, failing to recognize the potential benefits of such technology for achieving enlightenment or healing quicker than traditional methods. Stage Purple's limited influence and decline: With only about 10% of the global adult population and minimal world influence, Stage Purple is becoming outdated due to its inability to adapt and innovate, likened to a "dinosaur" stage of development. Stage Purple's communal governance: The governance in Stage Purple is akin to small-scale communism, where resources are distributed based on need within a council of elders, without formal legal systems, markets, military, or taxation. Relevance of Stage Purple to Stage Green: Stage Green looks back at Stage Purple's communal living and tries to scale up its gift economy to a global level, addressing the shortcomings of rampant capitalism. Lessons learned from Stage Purple: Individuals raised in modern society may lack understanding of communal living, social skills, and nature connection; revisiting Stage Purple can cover these developmental gaps and enhance one's fulfillment. Building Social Bonds and Combating Alienation: Emphasizes the importance of socialization, which can alleviate feelings of isolation, depression, and social anxiety, and highlights the issues caused by inadequate social skills. Communal Nature of Humans: Underscores the fact that humans are deeply communal and need to focus on the wellbeing of the whole community, not just individual gains. Importance of Sacrifice for Community: Suggests that understanding Stage Purple can help people see taxation and community contribution positively rather than theft. Life Beyond Material Profit: Promotes the idea that social bonds and communal wellbeing might be more rewarding than material possessions. Value of Nature and Emotional Connections: Encourages living harmoniously with nature, connecting with emotions, and relying more on intuition than logic. Psychedelics as Modern Medicines: Acknowledges the potential of psychedelics, inherited from Stage Purple, for deep healing and personal development. Spirituality, Mysticism, and Psychic Powers: Suggests taking spirituality, mysticism, and psychic powers seriously, as they can profoundly improve the quality of life and offer real benefits. Embracing Simplicity and Wisdom: Recommends slowing down, living a simpler life, and seeking the wisdom of elders and ancient traditions for a more fulfilling life. Organic Wholesome Diet: Advocates for a natural, wholesome, and organic diet, which can help prevent modern diseases and health conditions. Transition to More Advanced Stages: Encourages individuals to develop ambition, question tradition, and expand worldviews to transcend Stage Purple and embrace newer solutions in evolving societies. Health Benefits of Traditional Diets: Traditional diets of our ancestors, which were high quality, organic, and grass-fed, contrast sharply with modern toxic diets that contribute to disorders like eczema and autoimmune diseases. Adopting aspects of this traditional eating can lead to better health and improved living. How to Transcend Stage Purple: For those few who may still be at Stage Purple, moving forward requires developing personal ambition, leading towards Stage Red. It also entails questioning and letting go of tradition and magical thinking, exposing oneself to a broader range of world cultures, and adopting more rational, strategic, and scientific thinking. The Dual Nature of Stage Purple: Although Stage Purple can seem primitive by modern standards, there exists a wealth of wisdom within this stage. It is neither good nor bad but has both healthy and unhealthy aspects that should be understood, respected, and integrated or avoided accordingly. Resources for Understanding Stage Purple: There are books, videos, and documentaries available that explore Stage Purple cultures and traditions, which can be valuable for personal and spiritual growth. Resources such as Actualized.org’s blog, life purpose course, and book list offer insights into this stage and the overall Spiral Dynamics model. Sequential Development through the Stages: One cannot skip stages when evolving through Spiral Dynamics. After Stage Purple, one must experience and develop through Stage Red, then Blue, before progressing to higher stages like Green. Application of Spiral Dynamics: Future content by Leo Gura will focus on applying the Spiral Dynamics model to real-world situations such as politics, society, and individual growth, emphasizing practical benefits and integration of the model into various aspects of life. Building a Foundation in Lower Stages: Many individuals overlook the importance of foundational stages like Purple, Red, and Blue. Developing qualities such as assertiveness, courage, self-discipline, and work ethic embodied in these stages is crucial for overall growth and avoiding issues such as social alienation, inability to maintain employment, and poor health habits. Personal Development as a Lifelong Endeavor: Personal development is a long-term journey that should be pursued with excitement and passion. Utilizing Leo Gura as a meta-source for advanced, integrative guidance while seeking out practical advice in fitness, nutrition, finances, etc., from other experts, creates a holistic approach to optimizing life in all facets. Recognizing Your Potential: The ultimate goal of personal development work is to realize and embrace one's vast potential as a human being. This requires dedication, discipline, and seriousness, treating life as an ongoing project and a work of art to contribute positively to the broader global community. Continuing Journey with Actualized.org: Leo Gura assures continued guidance on personal development, not only focusing on advanced spiritual and metaphysical concepts but also connecting them with practical aspects to form a cohesive and ambitious vision for one's life potential. Furnunculus

There is a kind of low intensity war there between Israel and hamas (not civilians) too since 2002. What do you think putted an end to twice weekly suicide bombing attacks came mostly from West Bank in the 00's? Your statements are very unfair and misleading.

Lessons From Ketamine - Is Ketamine Useful For Spirituality https://youtu.be/EokHiVt0KeU WARNING! Ketamine can be addictive & can cause bladder and kidney damage if used chronically. Do not use dissociatives or psychedelics if you are mentally unstable. This information is for educational purposes only and not psycho-therapeutic advice. Ketamine's Distortion of Visual Field: Ketamine significantly alters visual perception, causing blurry vision, slight double vision, and a sense of visual slippage. This makes tasks like reading or simple movements difficult and at higher doses may render the user unable to perform basic functions like turning lights on or off. Dissociative Properties: Ketamine's dissociation leads to detachment from thoughts, feelings, memories, and surroundings. This creates a distinct difference from traditional psychedelics, potentially offering a deep meditative state akin to those described in Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta. Image 1 Image 2 Relaxation and Meditative State Induced by Ketamine: Ketamine induces a profound state of relaxation, freeing individuals from their thinking mind and allowing them to experience a significant level of comfort and a blank mind, similar to a deep meditative state that would typically take extensive meditation to achieve. Trip Duration: A moderate dose of ketamine, as experienced by Leo, leads to a trip lasting approximately an hour and a half, with lingering effects for an additional hour. Impact on Mobility: At moderate doses, ketamine impairs movement and balance, resembling the experience of being intoxicated, raising concerns about physical safety at higher doses without a trip sitter or pre-planned environment to prevent harm. Anesthetic and Tranquilizer: As an anesthetic used in veterinary medicine, ketamine operates by shutting down the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for symbolic reasoning and thought, reflective of the way it impacts the human brain during recreational use. Reduction in Symbolic Thinking: Ketamine's effect on the brain reduces the ability to engage in symbolic reasoning and thought, offering a peculiar insight into how deeply our lives are rooted in conceptual thinking which we often take for granted. Insights into the Conceptual Mind: The use of ketamine demonstrates how much of perceived reality is overlaid with concepts, and the drug's reduction of this activity suggests a much larger role of the conceptual mind than most people realize in everyday life. Revelations for Intellectuals: For individuals who are highly intellectual, ketamine offers a rare opportunity to experience the absence of constant analysis and conceptualization, which can be enlightening and provide a break from incessant mental activity. Return to Normal Function: Post-trip, the mind reverts to its usual state, filled with everyday concerns and thoughts, which contrasts sharply with the blankness experienced during the ketamine-induced state, underscoring the importance of mindful, long-term personal development for lasting change. Personal Responsibility in Exploring Consciousness: Emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one’s exploratory decisions related to consciousness, especially when using substances like ketamine, and grounding these in individual intuition, research, and personal values. Experience of Ketamine-induced Happiness: Ketamine catalyzes a type of happiness that is deeply content, even-keeled, and free from the highs of euphoria or bliss, distint from the pleasure-based happiness found in classic psychedelics. It facilitates profound relaxation and happiness without the desire for anything or the need to engage with everyday concerns. Elimination of Suffering Through Present Moment Awareness: The ketamine experience extinguishes suffering by halting the mind’s future projections and conceptualizing. This leads to an enlightened state of no mind where one realizes that all suffering stems from thoughts about the future, confirming insights typically shared by advanced meditators and Buddhists. The Relief from Mental Obligations: By dissolving the anxiety of future planning or dwelling on problems, ketamine offers a state of mental peace where one’s typical stresses about responsibilities and daily troubles are absent, leading to a profound state of happiness and present moment enjoyment. Reduction of Subconscious Anxiety and Depression: Most people carry a low-grade anxiety or depression without realizing it. Ketamine provides a psychonaut with a clear perspective by removing these persistent, subtle layers of negative mental states, offering significant short-term relief and introspection about their origins. Insights into Mind-Constructed Suffering: Through ketamine use, users learn that depression and anxiety are not intrinsic states but are produced by the psyche's habitual conceptualization and projection, offering a powerful model to understand and ultimately reform destructive thought patterns. Ketamine as a Double-Edged Sword: Although ketamine can show users that their suffering is mind-created and provide temporary relief, the risk of addiction is heightened if used as an escape rather than a tool for insight into and eventual reconstruction of mental habits that contribute to depression and anxiety. Ketamine and Personal Identity: High doses of ketamine can initiate experiences of ego dissolution, or "no-self", which resemble realizations commonly sought in Buddhism and Advaita, and can provide insight into one's constructed identity by the absence of symbolic reasoning during the experience. Notion of True Nihilism on Ketamine: The ketamine state demonstrates a form of true nihilism, where nothing holds importance, providing blissful contentment and serenity, which contrasts with the negative connotations often associated with conceptual nihilism. Deep Introspection and the Concept of Not-Knowing: On ketamine, profound introspection can lead to the realization of 'not knowing', illustrating that knowledge is conceptual and when that is removed, one is left with a state of pure consciousness, free from the constraints of symbolic thought and biographical identity. Ketamine and the concept of infinity: While on ketamine, Leo experienced a profound sense of "not knowing" and realized the unknowable nature of infinity, which he identifies with. The understanding that infinity and the self are unknowable was prominent during the experience. Meta-knowing of infinity: On ketamine, the realization emerged that while infinity cannot be known, there is a "meta-knowing" – an understanding that it is inherently unknowable. This recognition isn't nihilistic but leads to a profound mystical feeling of peace and joy. Appreciating the unknowable: The ketamine experience allowed Leo to appreciate the power of not knowing and to surrender the desire to know. It showcased the absurdity of the mind's compulsive sense-making, providing relief from the intellectual urge to understand everything. Relief for the intellectual mind: For intellectuals, who are often mired in their minds attempting to conceptualize reality, ketamine offers a valuable respite. For Leo, who has spent his life seeking understanding, realizing the value of not knowing provided enormous relief. Ketamine as a reflection tool for intellectuals: Leo suggests that individuals with an overly analytical mind, like Kurt Jymungal or figures such as Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins, could benefit greatly from ketamine's capacity to reduce conceptual thinking, offering a humbling experience that challenges their usual paradigm of understanding. Experiencing oneself as god: While ketamine may help some individuals touch upon their god-like nature, Leo believes the experience is far less profound compared to realizations induced by psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT or LSD. Unique insights from Ketamine: Despite more profound experiences on other psychedelics, Leo acknowledges that ketamine provided him with unique insights into the workings of the mind and self in creating meaning and suffering. Ketamine's similarity to depersonalization/derealization: The dissociative state induced by ketamine shares characteristics with depersonalization and derealization disorders, but with the crucial difference that it's accompanied by joy and without suffering. Returning to normal life after ketamine: Post-experience, the ordinary mind with its survival concerns reasserts itself, highlighting the need for long-term personal development and conscious habit changes to alleviate suffering. The root cause of suffering: Leo concludes that suffering is self-created through the mind's attachment to meanings, stressing the importance of recognizing and altering these mental habits rather than seeking external solutions from the world. Ketamine's introspective value: Ketamine facilitates direct experience of the mind's mechanisms in creating suffering, which can lead to realizations beyond mere intellectual understanding. The temporary afterglow from ketamine use underscores the need for conscious awareness to transcend suffering. Ketamine vs. 5-MeO-DMT for ultimate realizations: For those seeking the deepest understanding of reality and the state of omniscience or God realization, ketamine falls short compared to 5-MeO-DMT. Ketamine does not inherently facilitate the awakening to the realization of love, which is an essential facet of the highest spiritual states. Love realization limitation with Ketamine: Ketamine experiences generally do not induce a profound sense of love or focus on love as an element of awakening. For profound love or God realization, traditional psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT, 5-MeO-MALT, and DMT are preferred. Spiritual paths and ultimate realizations: Leo suggests that narrow spiritual paths such as Buddhism or Advaita Vedanta that focus solely on mind cessation or the state of no mind may offer limited realizations compared to the full breadth of potential conscious states, and are not the zenith of spiritual awakening. Meditation vs. Psychedelic experiences: While meditation can lead to a state free of suffering or a state of no mind, it may not result in the realization of oneself as God or provide an omniscient experience. Psychedelics such as 5-MeO-DMT offer a different magnitude of awakening, potentially guiding individuals more towards religious and ecstatic mysticism instead of purely introspective states emphasized in Eastern traditions. Valuable states of consciousness beyond tradition: Leo emphasizes the importance of exploring a variety of states of consciousness, especially for serious practitioners within a spiritual tradition. Psychedelics can reveal states beyond habitual spiritual experiences, indicating an incomplete picture offered by singular spiritual paths. Consciousness exploration with caution: Psychedelics, including ketamine, should not be seen as a panacea for spiritual liberation or permanent relief from suffering; rather, they are tools for revealing the wide scope of consciousness capabilities. However, individuals must approach these substances cautiously and responsibly. Ketamine for depression and anxiety relief: While ketamine can temporarily relieve depression and anxiety, it is not a long-term solution and should not be used repeatedly in an attempt to maintain well-being. It is potentially useful against suicidal thoughts in the short term. Importance of responsibility and autonomy: Choosing to explore consciousness through substances like ketamine requires taking full responsibility for the decision. It is crucial to prioritize personal intuition, research, and values above external influences in the journey of personal development. Diversity and richness of spiritual experiences: Understanding consciousness through a broad spectrum of experiences is likened to sampling a buffet, rather than restricting to a single meal or spiritual tradition. This exploration can resolve spiritual disputes and facilitate a deeper appreciation for the diversity of spiritual awakenings. Ketamine's emergency use for suicidal individuals: For someone on the brink of suicide who has tried all other options, ketamine can provide temporary but immediate relief from suicidal thoughts. Temporary relief from overthinking and anxiety: Ketamine is effective at shutting off the mind and can alleviate conditions like analysis paralysis and anxiety caused by overthinking, albeit temporarily. Revealing the mind's role in depression and anxiety: Ketamine can demonstrate how individuals construct their own depression and anxiety through their thoughts, offering insight into the impact of thought patterns. Ketamine's induction of 'not knowing' state: It allows for deep states of 'not knowing,' which can be an important awakening experience, particularly for those who haven't achieved this realization with other psychedelics. Realization of 'no self' through Ketamine: It can facilitate the understanding that one's conceptual biographical self is a fabrication, contributing to an awakening experience on the nature of self. Physical and recreational downsides of Ketamine: High doses of ketamine can lead to uncomfortable visual distortions, impaired motor skills, and it lacks the sociability and enjoyment found in other psychedelics. Ketamine's limits to deep spiritual experiences: It is less mystical and profound compared to classic psychedelics and substances like 5-MeO-DMT, especially in terms of achieving states of god realization or profound love. Ketamine's physical harm and addiction risk: With extensive use, ketamine can lead to severe bladder and kidney issues, and the risk of addiction is high, especially for those with severe depression or anxiety. Ketamine tolerance and comparison to other psychedelics: Ketamine tolerance can last weeks to months with frequent use. Unlike classic psychedelics, it can cause significant physical harm, making substances like 5-MeO-DMT safer and less addictive options. Variations in psychedelic profoundness: People may respond differently to ketamine compared to other psychedelics due to personal interests, priorities, and genetics, affecting the profoundness of their experiences. Ketamine as a conscious choice for exploration: If used responsibly by mentally stable individuals, ketamine can be a valuable experience for those interested in exploring different aspects of consciousness. Responsibility in choosing psychedelics for personal development: Individuals must critically evaluate their choices in consciousness exploration, bearing responsibility for any risks or changes stemming from their use. Ensuring safe and mindful use of information: It's vital for users to reflect on the information and experiences shared, avoiding the trap of mindless consumption or blindly following authority figures in their pursuit of personal development. The unique effects of moderate doses of ketamine: At moderate doses, Leo's experiences with ketamine do not match the profundity claimed by those who have experienced the 'k-hole,' suggesting that the impact of ketamine can vary widely based on dosage. Expelliarmus

How To Detox Heavy Metals (Lead & Mercury) + DEMO https://youtu.be/FshM0798jeg Mercury and lead are neurotoxic. There is no "safe level" of these chemicals in your body. Value of Episode on Heavy Metal Detox: Leo shares the significance of the content, as it's based on five years of his dedicated research and experiences with heavy metal detoxification. He's presenting a comprehensive chelation protocol that he has refined over time. Health Challenges Leading to Detox: Leo describes his personal health problems including autoimmune issues, cognitive impairment, and fatigue before discovering heavy metal chelation. It was these challenges that led him to explore and find solutions outside conventional medicine. Personal Benefits of Chelation: Post-chelation, Leo experienced improved sleep, energy, mental clarity, and resolution of nerve tingling. Although he cautions that results can vary, Leo considers heavy metal detox pivotal to improving these conditions. Who Can Benefit from Heavy Metal Detox: A heavy metal detox may be beneficial for individuals with a range of conditions like chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, cognitive issues, and emotional disturbances, but Leo stresses that it's not a guaranteed remedy for all ailments. Gradual Heavy Metal Accumulation: The slow and subtle nature of heavy metal accumulation makes it hard to notice its effects over time, contributing to a variety of health issues that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Primary Sources of Heavy Metal Toxicity: Sources include dentistry (specifically mercury from amalgam fillings), food, seafood, water (especially from lead pipes), and environmental pollutants stemming from various industries. Sources of heavy metal toxicity in everyday life: Lead and mercury can contaminate water via old pipes, particularly in Eastern United States homes. Exposure to heavy metals may occur through the environment and household items, including lead-based paint, broken fluorescent lights (mercury fumes), certain makeup, spices, teas, and protein powders. Even organic products can be high in heavy metals. Hidden and chronic sources of heavy metal exposure: Daily consumption of contaminated supplements, food, seafood, and water poses the highest risk for heavy metal toxicity. Traffic pollution, industrial emissions, and mining operations contribute to environmental heavy metal pollution. Misconceptions about heavy metal chelation: Leo disputes the belief that heavy metal chelation is a new age concept, citing rigorous scientific studies validating the harmful neurotoxic effects of metals like mercury and lead on human development and behavior, including criminal activity. Regulatory measures and scientific research: Developed countries have strict regulations on heavy metals, yet these may not be sufficient due to the pervasive nature of neurotoxins. Leo promises to provide scientific study links in the description box of the YouTube video to support the claims of heavy metals' effects on health and the safety of the detox methods described. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Documented effects of heavy metal neurotoxins: Quoting various studies and organizations like the EPA and NCBI, Leo details the effects of neurotoxins, including impaired cognitive development in children, reduced brain volume, and issues with impulse regulation, which can lead to increased violent crime rates. He mentions the correlation between historical lead exposure and crime spikes in the U.S. Potential connection between heavy metals and health disorders: Some common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are mood swings, nervousness, insomnia, muscle twitching, headaches, learning disorders, memory loss, and autoimmune diseases. Leo notes that individual susceptibility varies and the full impacts of these neurotoxins are not yet completely understood. Genetic factors affecting heavy metal detox: The body's natural ability to detox heavy metals varies with genetics. Leo suggests genetic testing, like 23AndMe, to uncover susceptibilities. He shares personal findings of his genetic mutations that make him more sensitive to metal toxicity. Testing for heavy metal toxicity: Leo recommends conducting a provoked urine test at home, using a DMSA supplement, as the most reliable way to check for heavy metal levels in one's body before starting any detox protocol. Description and demo of urine collection test kit: Leo provides a demonstration of using a urine collection test kit. The process involves taking a bolus dose of DMSA, drinking plenty of water, and collecting urine over a six-hour period, after which the sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The cost of the test in the U.S is approximately $110. Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Process of collecting urine for testing: Leo illustrates the six-hour process for collecting a urine sample for heavy metal testing wherein all urine is mixed in a container, poured into a sample vial, and sent to the lab with paperwork using provided shipping materials. DMSA requirements for testing: The test kit does not include DMSA, a chelating agent required for the provoked urine test; Leo suggests purchasing it separately and discusses proper dosage guidelines. Conducting baseline and provoked tests: Before starting detox protocols, Leo recommends taking two urine tests: a baseline unprovoked test and a second provoked test with DMSA to establish levels of heavy metal excretion. Dosage of DMSA: For a provoked urine test, Leo advises a DMSA dosage of 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, ensuring individual dosage adjustments. Risks associated with provoked testing: Caution is advised when performing provoked tests due to the risks associated with releasing high levels of stored heavy metals, particularly in individuals with metal fillings or ongoing heavy metal exposure. Interpreting test results: Test results reflect toxins excreted within a three-hour window post-DMSA ingestion; multiple chelation rounds and subsequent testing are required to infer toxin levels stored in organs. Image 8 Government safety standards questioned: Leo expresses skepticism about FDA and EPA heavy metal safety levels, suspecting inadequate regulatory enforcement and industry influence. Chelation steps and thoroughness: Leo emphasizes rounds of chelation and retesting as necessary steps to ensure toxic metals are being effectively removed and overall performance is not being compromised. No safe levels of heavy metals: Any amount of heavy metals in the body can negatively impact health and mood. Detox can potentially alleviate chronic mood issues, though individual results may vary. Chelation protocol scheduling: Leo describes the three to four-day chelation process, with dosing intervals based on the half-lives of chelation substances like DMSA and ALA to prevent inadvertent toxin redistribution. Chelation Therapy Schedule: Leo explains the ideal schedule for chelation therapy, recommending a 3 to 4 day period of taking chelation pills followed by another 3 to 4 days off for bodily recovery due to potential side effects and stress on the body. Duration and Frequency of Chelation Rounds: A single chelation round consists of the aforementioned pill-taking period plus the rest period. The total number of chelation rounds needed depends on individual toxicity levels; Leo aims for 50-60 rounds over several years for optimal health. Preparation for Consistent Chelation: To maintain consistency, Leo advises pre-sorting all pills and doses into labeled pillboxes prior to starting. This approach simplifies the process and ensures doses are not skipped. Image 9 Using Timers for Dosing: Timers with alarms are recommended to prevent forgetting doses, especially during the night, which is critical for maintaining the dosing schedule. Support Supplements in Chelation Protocol: In addition to chelating agents (DMSA and alpha lipoic acid), Leo takes support supplements such as buffered Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc Picolinate, and Magnesium Citrate to aid the detox process and minimize symptoms. Supplements to Avoid During Chelation: Leo warns against using certain natural supplements and chelators such as chlorella, spirulina, cilantro, NAC, Glutathione, IV treatments, and daily alpha lipoic acid, as they may redistribute heavy metals unpredictably when not part of a structured protocol like the one Leo recommends. Dosage Recommendations for Chelation Agents: Leo provides detailed dosage instructions for DMSA, alpha lipoic acid, and DMPS, stressing the importance of considering body weight and toxicity levels. A gradual, cautious approach is advised to avoid severe side effects. Packaging Supplements into Pillboxes for Demo: Leo demonstrates the process of sorting and organizing chelation supplements into pillboxes for each three-hour dosing period. This includes the main chelating agents as well as the supporting vitamins, emphasizing careful planning and prepping in advance for the chelation to be manageable. Initial Rounds and Dosage Adjustments: Suggesting that users start with a lower dosage of alpha lipoic acid due to its strong effects, especially on brain detox, Leo advises incrementally increasing the dosage across rounds if there are no severe side effects, focusing on patience and steady progress. Expectation of detox experience variability: Detox rounds can result in varying experiences; some can leave an individual feeling great while others can cause discomfort. This fluctuation is normal and is part of the detox process. Need for a high-quality digital timer: Using a digital timer is crucial to maintain a strict three-hour schedule for supplement intake, including overnight. This ensures consistent dosing, which is key to the detox process. Managing detox side effects: If severe side effects occur, it suggests the dosage is too high. Dosages of DMSA, DMPS, or alpha lipoic acid should be adjusted to mitigate effects while still allowing daily activities. Organizing supplements with pillboxes: An organized system with pillboxes and timers is vital for consistency in taking supplements. Proper organization prevents the protocol from falling apart due to missed doses. Safety of chelating agents (DMSA, ALA, DMPS): DMSA, ALA, and DMPS are backed by science for safety and effectiveness in chelation for both adults and children, but the heavy metals mobilized by these agents are hazardous and require careful detox protocol adherence. Lack of traditional doctor support for detox protocols: Many doctors may not be familiar with or may even discourage these detox protocols due to lack of research in the standard medical community; self-study is often necessary for personal health optimization. Uncertainty in the number of chelation rounds: The total rounds of detox required can vary greatly from person to person, depending on individual toxicity levels. Begin with 10 rounds, observe improvements, and retest using urine tests to monitor progress. Potential side effects during detox: Side effects can include fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, or mood changes. Proper dosage management can mitigate these effects, ensuring they are bearable and do not disrupt daily life. Pros and cons of various chelating chemicals: Each chelating agent—DMSA, DMPS, ALA—has affinities to specific heavy metals. DMSA is better for lead, DMPS for mercury, and ALA for crossing the blood-brain barrier to remove metals from the brain. Combining chelation chemicals: Personalized combination of chelating agents can be tailored based on individual metal toxicity. Start with DMSA or DMPS and consider adding ALA after initial rounds to detox the brain. Natural methods versus chemical chelation: Despite the appeal of natural detox methods like cilantro, the chemical chelation approach using DMSA, DMPS, and ALA is presented as the more scientifically reliable protocol for heavy metal detoxification. Natural vs. Chemical Chelation: Leo advocates for the use of proven chemical chelators (DMSA, DMPS, ALA) over natural methods like cilantro, chlorella, and spirulina, as there isn't strong evidence for the efficacy of natural methods and they may redistribute heavy metals in the body without effectively eliminating them. Blood-Brain Barrier in Detox: Chemical chelators like alpha-lipoic acid are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and effectively detoxing the brain, unlike natural methods such as cilantro, charcoal, or celery juice. Evidence for Chelation Efficacy: Leo recommends looking up scientific research on PubMed or Google for terms like "DMSA mercury and lead detox" to validate the effectiveness and safety of chemical chelators for heavy metal detox. Criteria for Chelation: Individuals with chronic health issues such as fatigue, cognitive problems, ADD, or anxiety, and those with past heavy metal exposure or metal fillings, should consider chelation therapy, especially if they have not found relief through other treatments. Proof of Chelation Benefit: The ultimate test for the effectiveness of the chelation protocol is personal experience. If symptoms improve after several rounds of detox, it suggests the protocol is working. Health Factors Beyond Heavy Metals: There are numerous environmental and dietary toxins beyond heavy metals, such as pesticides and plastics, which also impact health and may require additional or different treatment protocols. Personalized Approach to Health: Leo emphasizes the importance of a customized approach to solving health issues, acknowledging the role of diet, exercise, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and spirituality in overall health. Preventive Measures for Heavy Metals: Leo suggests drinking reverse osmosis water, avoiding seafood and organ meats, and being cautious with supplements and protein powders to minimize re-toxification and accumulation of heavy metals. Hidden Sources of Heavy Metal Exposure: Beware of heavy metal contamination in powders, spices, baby food, and organ meats, as well as indirect exposure from the environment, including construction sites and highways. Chelation Cost: The financial investment in chelation therapy includes the cost of supplements, urine tests, and educational resources, with ongoing maintenance rounds recommended to manage accumulation from daily exposure. Heavy Metal Contamination in Common Products: Even organic and natural products can contain high levels of heavy metals, including organic spices like oregano and thyme. Makeup can also have lead and mercury. Consumers are warned to not assume a product is safe just because it's organic or from a health food store. Risks of Home Improvement Chemicals and Proximity to Highways: Exposure to toxic chemicals from paint, solvents, and household work can contribute to health problems. Living near major highways can increase cancer risk due to pollution. Lead Exposure at Shooting Ranges: Shooting with lead ammunition releases vaporized lead particles into the air, posing a health risk. Use of lead-free ammo and visiting lead-free shooting ranges are recommended. Fluorescent Lighting Dangers: Fluorescent lights contain toxic materials and should be replaced by LED lights to reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure. Cost of Chelation Therapy: The total estimated cost of 15-20 rounds of chelation therapy, including the necessary supplements and urine tests, is around $1000. The investment is considered worth it due to potential health benefits and prevention of serious illnesses. Chelation Therapy for Children with Autism: While heavy metal detox is not guaranteed to cure Autism, there are reports of children showing significant improvement. Proper dosages adjusted for weight can make chelation safe for children. Influence of Environmental Toxins on Health Epidemics: The rise in ADD, Autism, and other health issues might be partially attributed to environmental toxins and poor food industry practices. Resilience and Recovery Potential of the Body: Leo reflects on the body's remarkable ability to recover from the damage caused by environmental toxins and stresses the importance of reforming lifestyles to prevent further harm. Procuring Chelation Supplements: DMSA and DMPS can be purchased without a prescription from overseas sources like Canada, South Africa, or the UK, while alpha lipoic acid is widely available in supplement stores. Closing Remarks on Chelation Therapy: Heavy metal detox should be approached with serious research, commitment, and viewed as one part of a broader health management strategy. Proper implementation requires understanding and consistency. Chelation Commitment and Vision: To realize the full benefits of chelation, one must pursue a long-term vision, viewing it as an investment in time, finances, and emotional labor. Remembering to maintain chelation: Leo acknowledges that life's busyness can lead to forgetting to maintain chelation schedules, especially when not wanting to wake up at night for pill intake. Interpreting negative side effects: Negative side effects from chelation should be seen as signs of effective detox, encouraging continuation with adjusted dosages if severe effects occur. Severe side effects caution: A cautionary tale is shared where a person suffered severe consequences from an accidental, unusually high dose of alpha-lipoic acid, resulting in suicide. Traditional doctor skepticism: Leo describes his experience with doctors who dismissed heavy metal toxicity and attributes his health improvements to chelation rather than their advice. Non-medical advice disclaimer: Leo clarifies that his insights are not medical advice and encourages listeners to use their judgment and research in managing their health. Connection between toxicity and self-actualization: Underlying health issues such as toxicity can hinder self-actualization and spiritual progress. Clearing brain fog through chelation has increased mental clarity and enhanced psychedelic experiences for Leo. Importance of 'clean' brain for spirituality: Leo suggests that spiritual growth requires a non-toxic brain, a factor often overlooked by spiritual teachers. Personal health responsibility: Viewers are encouraged to take responsibility for their health as it forms the foundation for self-actualization and spiritual practices. Cave Inimicum

Leo's Worst Bad Trips - Psychedelics Gone Wrong https://youtu.be/U9qBUJLgPzw Introduction to Bad Trips: Leo introduces the topic of bad trips, describing them as inevitable experiences for those who frequently use psychedelics, notwithstanding their challenging nature and the valuable lessons they can ultimately provide. Bad Trip Gradation: He reflects on the varying degrees of bad trips he's encountered, noting that while some were highly traumatic, others simply presented difficulty. First Significant Bad Mushroom Trip: Leo recounts his initial adverse reaction to a mushroom dose increase from 2 to 4 grams, discussing his unpreparedness and immediate regret as the intensity surpassed his comfort level. Learning from Trip Resistance: The experience taught him the significance of dose awareness, the importance of being mentally and emotionally prepared, and the dangers of entering a psychedelic experience with reluctance or a preconceived agenda. Mushroom Trip as a Foundational Experience: The trip was pivotal in shaping Leo's respect for psychedelics, teaching him to approach these substances with the utmost caution and a proper mindset geared towards growth rather than achieving egotistical milestones. Intuition in Planning the Next Trip: Leo highlights the importance of listening to intuition to determine the timing of the next psychedelic trip. It might suggest waiting for several months or tripping the very next day for further insights. Being fluid and adaptable is crucial for psychonauts. Lessons from Resisting a Trip: Leo admits that his first bad trip with mushrooms was instrumental in preventing many future bad trips by teaching him a valuable lesson about non-resistance and the instructive nature of suffering. First Experience with 5-MeO-DMT: Describing his initial encounter with 5-MeO-DMT, Leo details the rapid onset of panic as his trip unfolded unexpectedly fast. His nervous reaction, with a rapid heartbeat, served as a lesson on the psychedelic's power. The Power of Psychedelic Manifestation: Leo discusses how psychedelics demonstrate that reality is a manifestation of one's imagination; thoughts can materialize in the material world while tripping, underscoring the need to maintain a positive mindset. Learning to Navigate Psychedelic States: Leo reflects on the early stages of his psychonaut journey, acknowledging that he had yet to learn how to 'surf atop the waves of consciousness' that psychedelics generate, leading to bad trips. Dealing with the Urge to Return to Sobriety: Leo shares his desire to return to a sober state during his first 5-MeO-DMT trip, emphasizing that such resistance can spiral into a negative experience. Overcoming Initial Negativity to Pursue Further Exploration: Despite a negative first impression, Leo persisted in exploring 5-MeO-DMT, recognizing that one bad trip shouldn't define the substance's potential for insight. Ego's Defense Mechanisms in Psychedelic Experiences: He touches on how the ego may erect barriers against psychedelics due to their profound impact, interpreting feelings of fear or dissatisfaction as mere defense mechanisms. Building Preparedness and Appreciation Over Time: Leo compares the acclimatization to psychedelics with developing an acquired taste for foreign cuisine, suggesting multiple exposures help prepare and adjust expectations. High Dose Experience and Discovering God: A powerful 5-MeO-DMT experience causes an overwhelming sense of consciousness and a physical reaction in Leo's nervous system, leading to a year-long integration period and the profound realization of God's existence. Trauma and Its Crucial Role in Personal Development: Despite experiencing what he calls traumatic trips, Leo views them as essential to growth. The intense realization and subsequent integration period significantly reshaped his approach to psychedelics and life. Unexpected Reactions on Familiar Substances: He notes unusual and occasionally sinister reactions to psychedelics, attributing them to possible external factors like medications or supplements, or perhaps even psychological fluctuations. Manipulating Environment as a Bad Trip Mitigation Strategy: Leo suggests changing one's surroundings, such as moving to a different room, as a practical method to shift mood and potentially alleviate sinister feelings during a psychedelic experience. Shifting Attention to Combat Bad Trips: Leo likens the shifting of attention during a bad trip to calming a crying baby. By changing the environment or engaging in different activities like going outside, one can attempt to distract oneself from a negative thought spiral. However, this technique may not always be effective due to adults having more complex thought patterns than babies. Acceptance When Manipulation Fails: If attempts to shift one's mood during a bad trip don't work, Leo recommends accepting the experience and toughing it out. Over-manipulation can lead to increased resistance, so it might be necessary to let go and experience the trip fully, even if it's negative. Intensity of 4-AcO-DMT: Leo describes an unexpectedly powerful experience with a small dose of 4-AcO-DMT, which he took to test the substance. The trip provided him with difficult-to-integrate insights on the imaginary nature of reality. This taught him that user reports might not always accurately describe a substance's effects, leading to a more cautious approach to tripping. Learning from Negative Experiences: Past bad trips taught Leo that difficult psychedelic experiences can be weathered, offering confidence during future challenges. Each bad trip contributes to a reservoir of experience that can help navigate future psychedelic journeys. Individual Variability in Psychedelic Experiences: Leo reflects on how other people's descriptions of a substance can be misleading and that psychedelics often have a more serious and existential impact on him than others report, prompting him to approach all new substances as potentially potent. Strong Warning Against 5-MeO-DPT: Leo recounts his worst psychedelic experience with 5-MeO-DPT, a research chemical that felt toxic and disorienting, with physical and neurological discomfort. He advises against using this substance, emphasizing the unpredictable and negative effects it had on his system. Leo's Sensitivity to DMT: Leo expresses that even minimal amounts of DMT launch him into an overwhelming state of 'infinite consciousness' that is terrifying due to its profundity. Challenges of Vaping DMT: Vaping DMT poses difficulties as the technique is imprecise; the amount of DMT that ends up being consumed can vary widely due to vapor condensation on the pipe, depth of inhalation, and how long the vapor is held in the lungs. Intensity of Vaped DMT: Leo describes the experience of vaping DMT as being hit with an intense and immediate surge of consciousness, with no gradual onset to allow for adaptation or control. Overdosing on DMT: An overdose of DMT can result in overwhelmingly powerful love that is so intense it can paradoxically lead to thoughts of suicide due to the desire to escape. Integration After Heavy DMT Use: Leo discusses the need for careful integration post-DMT use. The intense and complex insights gained require significant time to be fully comprehended and incorporated into one's life. Vaping Technique Caution: Due to the potency of DMT and the challenges associated with its ingestion, especially with vaping, Leo emphasizes extreme caution and a very respectful approach towards its use. Pre-Trip Anxiety: Leo sees a certain level of pre-trip anxiety as a positive sign of respect towards the power of psychedelics and the potential they have to impact one's consciousness. Sacred Reverence of Psychedelics: Comparing the approach towards psychedelics with the devotion to religious idols, Leo underscores the importance of treating these substances with reverence and caution to ensure responsible usage. Experience with Salvia: Leo touches upon a deeply challenging experience with Salvia, which he considers a dangerous deliriant due to its markedly alienating effects. Salvia's Powerfully Alien Effects: During a threshold dose of Salvia, Leo experienced profound effects such as one half of his visual field expanding into infinity while the other remained normal. This bizarre experience was attributed to the substance affecting one brain hemisphere more than the other, demonstrating Salvia's potent and alien nature. Deep No-Self Experience on Salvia: Salvia induced an extreme state of no-self for Leo, erasing all memories and understanding of being human. It led to a loss of identity and connection to normal concepts, like family and living on Earth, which he found deeply disconcerting and alienating. Loss of Biographical Memory from Salvia: The Salvia trip caused Leo to forget biographical details such as childhood memories, stripping away his humanity to the point that even the concept of having a brother became incomprehensible. He stresses the intense, terrifying potential of the substance. Physical Setting Becomes Unrecognizable: While on Salvia, familiar surroundings such as the room he was in felt completely foreign. He couldn't recall it was part of his own house, illustrating the profound disorientation and reality distortion caused by the drug. Handling Frequent Tripping and Its Consequences: Leo encountered difficulties, such as losing touch with reality, when using 5-MeO-DMT daily over a month. He advises against frequent tripping, emphasizing the need for integration time between trips and a responsible approach to consumption. Dealing with Bad Trips: Leo advises people to try and improve their emotional state during a trip, but also to accept difficult trips if they occur. Self-reassurance can help manage fear and panic during intense experiences. Importance of Physical Control During Trips: Losing control of physical actions is a red flag signaling the need to lower dosage or change substances. Leo warns of the dangers of being physically irresponsible under the influence, including causing harm to oneself or others. Community Engagement and Sharing: Leo enjoys reading trip reports on the Actualized.org forum and encourages others to share their experiences. He believes community stories can be enlightening and stresses the importance of responsible use to avoid the destructive possibilities of negligent psychedelic use. Ferula

Life, It's All A Mind Game! https://youtu.be/TcJQcKZcI4Y "The aim of philosophy is to show the fly the way out of the bottle." - Ludwig Wittgenstein Realization that Everything Is a Mind Game: Leo emphasizes that philosophy's ultimate point is to realize that everything—including what we might damn as 'mental masturbation'—is a mind game, a profound realization that many dismiss or short-circuit without understanding its depth. Selective Application of the Mind Game Realization: Leo details how people, including his own mother, apply the concept of reality as a mind game selectively to dismiss philosophical and metaphysical inquiries while failing to see that the same concept applies to all aspects of life, including serious matters like survival, relationships, and science. Importance of Involvement in the Philosophical Process: Leo asserts that philosophical questioning—even of seemingly obvious concepts such as multiplication—leads to a deeper understanding of reality's nature, challenging individuals to move beyond disbelief into genuine inquiry. Persistent Denial of Reality and Death as Mind Games: Gura explains that people's deepest troubles, including the struggle to attain sex or fears of death, are often not recognized as mind games, causing real-world consequences such as depression or suicide. Convincing someone who is deeply invested in these issues that they are part of a mind game is described as particularly challenging. The Role of Skepticism in the Scientific Community and Its Limitations: Leo criticizes the scientific community for refusing to acknowledge their work as a mind game and the self-serving nature of rejecting philosophy, which limits their perspective and prevents deeper understanding. Weaponization of Skepticism by Those Threatened by the Mind Game Concept: Gura discusses how skepticism is often employed only when it protects one's ideology, reflecting on climate change skeptics who deny overwhelming evidence due to personal biases or vested interests. Invitation to Self-Reflection on One's Own Mind Games: Leo Gura encourages listeners to reflect on the mind games that shape their perceptions of life's events, suggesting that recognizing these mental constructs is essential for mastering life and personal development. Misuse of Skepticism: Leo highlights cases where skepticism is selectively applied, such as in climate change denial, where people ignore evidence due to biases or vested interests in industries like oil and gas. False Awakening and Media Skepticism: Leo criticizes the scenario where individuals think they're becoming politically aware by distrusting mainstream media and elites, but end up succumbing to conspiracy theories and misinformation from unprofessional sources. Dangers of Unbalanced Skepticism: He warns about the dangers of swinging the skepticism pendulum too far, leading to the rejection of professional journalism from places like CNN in favor of less factual, biased alternative media sources. Unbiased Skepticism: Leo advises that true skepticism should be consistent and unbiased, and should involve being skeptical of one's own beliefs and the alternative narratives that challenge mainstream awareness. Learn to Play the Mind Game Artfully: Leo proposes that once one realizes life is a mind game, the next logical step is to master playing it as skillfully as a master musician would play an instrument. Life as a Masterful Game: He describes life as the ultimate game and suggests that mastering this game leads to joy, confidence, high self-esteem, and less suffering. Actualized.org: Leo presents Actualized.org as his exploration of the game of life, offering insights into playing the game artfully instead of artlessly which leads to trouble. Deconstruction of Science as a Mind Game: He points out the difficulty in recognizing science as a mind game due to its seriousness and suggests his series on deconstructing the myth of science as a starting point for understanding. Sources of Skepticism: Leo expresses that skepticism should be balanced and cautions against building a career around skepticism towards mainstream media and the elite, leading to populist ideologies that are just another form of mind game. Ideological Protectionism: Leo highlights how various groups like Mormons, evangelicals, scientists, and academics protect their belief systems with fervor. The first two are visibly dogmatic, while scientists and academics use the guise of objectivity and neutrality to shield their dogmatism and create a belief system that seems credible. Leo Gura's Breadcrumb Strategy: Through his blog, Leo has been sharing videos, links, and information as "breadcrumbs" to help his audience recognize the patterns of the mind game. He wants followers to see the mind game in various forms—cult leaders, politicians, scientists, and religious figures—and understand life's larger patterns through these clues. God as an Infinite Shape Shifter: Leo explains that the diversity and complexity of life reflect God's nature as an "infinite shape-shifter," engaging in self-deception. He suggests that reality and our biases, desires, and beliefs are simply manifestations of this divine play, contributing to the illusion of life. Enjoying Life's Game: Despite people often complaining about life's fairness, Leo argues that deep down, they enjoy the drama and challenges of the game. He points out that everyone plays the game, whether it's through mundane activities, social justice, business, or defending tradition, and it's this love for the game that keeps us engaged. Philosophy as the Study of the Mind Game: Leo defines philosophy as a tool to understand not just life but also the underlying mind game. He believes that philosophy should connect directly to our lives, identifying the causes of suffering, self-deception, and the mechanics of playing life artfully. Practical Philosophy: Instead of being consumed by philosophical study as an abstract endeavor, Leo encourages applying it to life's practical challenges. He advises against passively consuming content and emphasizes the importance of personal investigation, contemplation, and application. Philosophy's Relevance to Mastery of Life: Leo asserts that understanding the mind game is crucial for mastering life. This involves recognizing that life is a mind game, studying its mechanics, and using that knowledge to navigate life with artfulness, thereby reducing suffering. On-going Process of Avoiding Self-Deception: Even as an experienced practitioner, Leo admits he must continuously guard against self-deception in his life. He acknowledges this as a never-ending process that is essential to understand and avoid life's pitfalls. Philosophical Immunity: Crediting his philosophical background, Leo discusses his immunity to religious indoctrination, cults, and the corporate capitalist rat race. He attributes this resilience to an understanding of self-deception mechanics, offering protection against various forms of life's traps. Avoiding Practical Traps Through Philosophy: Leo suggests that philosophy can help avoid troubles in investments and relationships by foresight and understanding of life's traps, preventing damaging consequences such as financial loss and relational conflicts. Illusions of Accomplishments in Sports: Winning multiple Olympic gold medals can ultimately lead to disillusionment. Athletes risk their careers on physical prowess that could be damaged by an injury, and even achieving peak success can result in depression and a sense of emptiness, revealing the mind game nature of chasing such accomplishments. Academia Considered a Cult by Leo: After considering an academic career, Leo concludes that the process of becoming a philosophy professor is akin to a racket and that academia operates like a cult, not truly oriented towards uncovering truth. Realizing this, he chose to step away and follow his path towards understanding. Self-Deception an Ongoing Process for Leo: Leo acknowledges that, despite his deep study of self-deception, he remains vigilant against his own potential to deceive himself. He stresses that staying aware of self-deception is a continuous process, as there are always facets yet to be realized or surrendered. Philosophy as a Shield Against Life's Scams: Leo hints at future content regarding avoiding scams and cons, highlighting philosophy's role in preempting life's traps. Without philosophical study, individuals risk falling for scams that may cost them years of their life, health, and financial stability. Life's Pitfalls Exposed Through Philosophy: Leo credits avoiding various life pitfalls—such as political dogma, relationship problems, and risky investments—to his philosophical insights. Philosophy enables one to foresee and sidestep hazards, whereas lack of study leads to learning through painful experiences. Life as a Serious and Playful Mind Game: Leo posits that life is indeed a mind game, but also the most serious one we play. Rather than being disheartened by life's illusory nature, embracing it as a game allows for a playful and joyous approach, with the ability to face problems with a mindset that they are manageable. Reality as an Enjoyable Illusion: Understanding life as an illusion should lead to joy, not disappointment. Leo argues that illusions allow us to engage with life playfully and without attachment, making it more enjoyable and less distressing when the inevitable changes occur. Treating the Game of Life with Seriousness and Mastery: Leo advises treating life's game with seriousness, especially for the young. Initially approaching it with commitment to self-discipline, skill development, and responsibility is key to eventually mastering it and enjoying more playful existence. A Balance of Pragmatism and Metaphysics: Leo stresses the importance of balancing pragmatic essentials like career and money management with metaphysical understanding. Successful individuals often miss this equilibrium, either being too caught up in material success or detached in metaphysical exploration. Synthesis of Pragmatism and Metaphysics for a Fulfilling Life: Leo advocates for interweaving practical and metaphysical pursuits to achieve a satisfying and balanced life. Overemphasis on either can lead to disparate outcomes, causing one to miss either the practical capabilities to navigate life or the deeper connections and understandings it offers. Flexibility Between Pragmatic and Metaphysical Approaches: Leo emphasizes the need for adaptable approaches, as life requires different strategies for various circumstances. A flexible mindset helps navigate life's complexity by applying the appropriate solutions, either pragmatic or metaphysical when faced with diverse challenges. Leo's Pragmatic and Metaphysical Blend: In his evolution, Leo shifted from intense pragmatism to more metaphysical pursuits, realizing the necessity for a blend that doesn't sacrifice practicality for philosophy, or vice versa. This balanced approach is essential to navigate life's complexity and avoid potential pitfalls. Leo Gura's blend of practical skills and philosophy: Leo describes a period when he focused on acquiring technical skills such as game design, scripting, and programming, necessary for his career and financial stability. He balances this practical skillset with philosophical studies, emphasizing the need for pragmatism in ensuring material success. Transition from pragmatic business to personal development: Initially unaware of personal development or spirituality, Leo's first business venture was driven by a pragmatic approach. He highlights the importance of practicality in creating and marketing products, managing finances, and strategic planning, emphasizing that success depends on independent effort rather than abstract beliefs. Practical and metaphysical phases in life: Leo recounts his own experience of being ruthlessly pragmatic while starting his business and improving his dating life. As his business became established and successful, he had more time to explore philosophical and self-help topics, gradually moving towards a metaphysical approach, which ultimately led to his interest in spirituality and psychedelics. Practicality impacts on business and relationships: As Leo's focus shifted toward metaphysics, his business and dating results declined, underscoring the impact of neglecting practical engagements for metaphysical pursuits. However, life's pendulum swings, and balancing both pragmatic and metaphysical aspects is important. Philosophy and pragmatism can coexist: Leo expresses the importance of not abandoning philosophy for pragmatism or vice versa. He encourages integrating philosophical studies into daily life, even while focusing on practical tasks, to build a solid foundation that can be actualized once the necessary time is available. Existential trade-offs between pragmatism and metaphysics: Leo explains that while some may succeed in purely metaphysical lifestyles, most people require a balanced approach. He advises against being seen as solely a philosopher or pragmatist, arguing for a middle path that combines both aspects effectively. Flexibility in strategic problem-solving: The appropriate approach to life's challenges may vary; some situations demand philosophical, metaphysical resolutions, while others require practical solutions. Leo emphasizes the need to apply the right strategy to the right problem, avoiding the misapplication of solutions. Recognizing life as a mind game: In conclusion, Leo Gura emphasizes the importance of acknowledging life's illusory nature, and the necessity to engage with it seriously yet playfully, integrating pragmatism and metaphysics to successfully manage and enjoy life's myriad challenges. Colloportus

Understanding & Coping With Nihilism https://youtu.be/Jar8Pd5oo_s "In the dark night of the soul, bright flows the river of God." - St. John of the Cross Overview of the lecture "Understanding & Coping With Nihilism": Leo discusses the complexities of nihilism, covering its general understanding, historical background, true versus misconstrued aspects, and how it intersects with cultural and existential issues. He also aims to provide practical strategies for coping with the eventual feelings of meaninglessness that arise from stage green relativism, drawing from his personal experiences and broader philosophical insights. Definition and perception of nihilism: Nihilism is widely misunderstood and used pejoratively in our culture to denote a range of negative connotations like godlessness, meaninglessness, moral rejection, and depression. Dictionary definitions associate it with a belief in the meaninglessness of life, extreme skepticism, rejection of moral principles, and a view that existence is senseless. Image 1 Image 2 Nietzsche's association with nihilism: Friedrich Nietzsche is often linked to nihilism, although he aimed to deconstruct falsely constructed narratives and traditional morality not to promote meaninglessness but to enable the creation of authentic lives and values free from social conditioning. Image 3 Cultural implications of nihilism: During the turn of the 20th century, traditional Judeo-Christian values began to unravel due to advances in science and a growing interest in materialism and atheism, leading to societal and existential uncertainties and a questioning of long-standing beliefs, possibly influencing events like World War I and World War II. Image 4 Nihilism's misconceptions in action: There's a common belief that nihilists aim to actively destroy societal structures, but if one truly believes in complete meaninglessness, such a motive would contradict the philosophy's premise. Instead, nihilism uncovers the baseless nature of values and creates a space for genuine personal development and spiritual awakening. Image 5 Response to questioning reality and structures: The 20th century brought intense scrutiny of traditional structures such as language, mathematics, scientific and religious beliefs, leading to the emergence of themes of value destruction and cosmic purposelessness in various fields including arts, philosophy, and science. Endgame of nihilistic thinking: True nihilism doesn't advocate for destruction or negative actions but serves as an inward tool for ego deconstruction, leading to a realization of interconnected consciousness and aiding in spiritual awakening. Practical aspects of dealing with nihilism: Leo emphasizes the importance of exploring multiple perspectives, understanding personal biases, and using nihilism to foster personal growth rather than succumbing to inaction or despair, aiming to provide a roadmap for overcoming the existential challenges posed by nihilistic thinking. Realization of limited understanding: Leo acknowledges a newfound awareness of how little is understood in fields such as language, logic, mathematics, science, and physics, leading people to face an unknown and chaotic reality that can feel nihilistic. Erosion of traditional values: He notes the erosion of traditional values and systems such as belief in God, gender identities, and political institutions, and questions how individuals and societies can agree upon a collective direction in a seemingly directionless and nihilistic world. Historical view on nihilism: Nihilism was negatively regarded during the Middle Ages as heretical and in modernity as the negation of Christianity and European tradition, with the belief that science could solve all social problems, stemming from ignorance. Image 6 Image 7 Contradictions in nihilism: Leo discusses the contradictory behavior of nihilism, questioning why science is often spared from deconstruction by those who claim to be nihilists wishing to destroy everything for the sake of overcoming ignorance. Skepticism towards absolutism in nihilism: He distinguishes between surface-level and deep nihilism, where true nihilism deeply questions even the foundation of science but recognizes this level of skepticism is often impractical for survival. Impact of Nietzsche on societal change: Leo reflects on how Nietzsche's ideas marked a transition from traditionalist Stage Blue to the modern Stage Orange in Spiral Dynamics, with the decline of Christianity leading to a gap filled by scientific materialism. Transition from superstition to pragmatism: The shift away from Christianity led to a brief period of nihilism before being replaced by a pragmatic, scientific materialist worldview, resulting in a focus on material gain and pleasure due to the absence of higher order values. Loss of spiritual component: Leo mentions Jordan Peterson's view that a life solely focused on practicality and material success leads to a hollow existence, lacking the spiritual elements present in older traditions. Emergence of post-modernity: The evolution of societal stages to Stage Green brought about deep questioning of all morals and cultural norms, leading to debates between adherents of hard sciences and post-modernists about the nature of reality and objectivity. Challenges of Stage Green: He admits that moving into the relativistic Stage Green involves a challenging and potentially confounding psychological process. Relative truth and difficulty in discernment: Reflecting on his own past, Leo talks about his struggle to discern between different perspectives and truths without bias, which he later realized can be guided by a hierarchy of perspectives that ranks them based on their openness and compassion. Sorting through perspectives: Overcoming 'perspectival madness' requires discernment to distinguish between viewpoints that are more truthful, beneficial, and in good faith from those that are toxic or in bad faith. It's a challenging and emotional process, particularly for those transitioning from traditional value systems who may feel lost and resistant due to the skepticism it fosters. Questioning everything, including science: Skepticism led Leo to nihilism; questioning not just religious but also scientific norms is crucial. While it's easier to challenge religious doctrines, confronting the robust defenses of the scientific community is significantly tougher, leading to intellectual resignation in favor of scientific truths like evolution and atheism. Nihilism as a negative force in society: Society perceives nihilism negatively because it undermines the ego's need to construct meaning and value for survival. As such, nihilism can threaten the existential foundations of institutions like the economy and academia, causing resistance, especially since Western civilization is built on unquestioned assumptions that prioritize survival over truth. Nihilism's correctness on meaning and purpose: Nihilism accurately posits that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, which are relative and contingent upon one's ego and identity. This becomes evident when observing historical conflicts and differing cultural values, reinforcing the idea that what is meaningful to one may not be to another. Meaninglessness in nihilism and reflections on life's purpose: Challenging the assumption that certain aspects of life, such as 'good' living or life itself, have inherent meaning. Leo underscores that concepts like happiness and purpose are subjective and relative; even controversial purposes, such as Hitler's, can be meaningful to certain individuals, further highlighting the construct nature of value and purpose. Nihilism's perspective on value: Objects, such as the moon, are inherently devoid of value; value is ascribed based on the ego's survival interests. An object only becomes valuable when perceived as useful from the ego's standpoint, for instance, mining the moon for resources can be valuable for a businessman seeking wealth to enhance their lifestyle. Relativity of morality: Nihilism correctly identifies that morality is relative, as it is hinged on subjective value, meaning, and purpose defined by the ego. Throughout history, this relativity explains various human atrocities where individuals involved believed themselves to be the "good guys" based on their ego-driven interpretations of what is good. Pain, suffering, and death in nihilism: Nihilism challenges the notion that pain, suffering, or death are inherently bad. They are neutral experiences that are only given negative connotations due to the ego's aversion to them. Pain and suffering serve evolutionary functions for survival, and without them, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Epistemic and ontological relativity: Nihilism posits that all reality is relative, including knowledge and the physical world. Science is a pursuit limited by the finitude of human cognition against the backdrop of an infinite universe. This form of nihilism casts doubt on the possibility of wholly grasping the universe through accumulating knowledge. Self-preservation of social institutions: Social institutions are seen as self-serving structures, built not on absolute truths but to perpetuate themselves and benefit those affiliated with them. Untruthfulness of beliefs: Nihilism states that all beliefs are ultimately untrue when subjected to a deep level of skepticism. Each belief is a subjective construct with no claim to absolute truth. Misinterpretations of nihilism: Nihilism is often misconstrued as attributing a negative meaning to meaninglessness, leading to depression or inaction. True nihilism recognizes meaninglessness as an absence of inherent importance, without ascribing negative or positive qualities to it. Limitations of nihilism: Nihilism can falsely be seen as a basis for destructive prescriptions such as destroying institutions or committing suicide. Real nihilism, however, frees one from all premises, permitting any form of behavior—including enjoyment and creation—since it does not inherently advocate for destruction over creation. Incomplete deconstruction of ego: Nihilism is criticized for not leading to a complete deconstruction of the ego and subsequent spiritual awakening. True nihilism requires using skepticism to dismantle one's own ego, rather than simply attacking external structures. Conceptual vs. actualized nihilism: Nihilism remains largely a philosophical concept rather than a principle embodied in action. It is incorrectly used as a political ideology, rather than as a truly neutral philosophical stance that makes no prescriptive claims. Endgame of nihilism: The deepest nihilistic journey leads to a sort of spiritual awakening where all constructed meanings are lost, followed by an experience of divine consciousness that transcends individual egos. This divine consciousness, or God, is not a belief but an actualization of the only true essence—consciousness. Nihilism's oversight of God's nature: Nihilism dismisses conventional religious notions of God as naive but fails to recognize the core aspect of reality where everything is God, embodying beauty, love, divinity, spirit, goodness, truth, and consciousness as absolutes. Paradox of meaninglessness leading to love: The complete collapse of meaning in nihilism paradoxically leads to the discovery of infinite love and absolute goodness. Such a realization exposes previous nihilistic beliefs and philosophies as misguided defense mechanisms against recognizing one's own divine nature. Transition from Lower to Higher Purpose: When an individual relinquishes selfish concerns and loses their egoistic self, they align with the universe's purpose which is self-awakening. This can manifest in various forms such as art, teaching, or politics, giving one's life profound and authentic meaning. Nihilism ignoring the absolute truth: Nihilism overlooks the existence of absolute truth, an issue prevalent when discussing such a possibility with those heavily invested in scientific, atheistic, and rational perspectives. Criticisms of nihilism: Criticisms from below (from traditional values) are fear-based and view nihilism as leading to chaos, while criticisms from above acknowledge nihilism's core truths but point out its limitations and lack of practice in deconstructing the ego and survival instincts. Embodiment of true nihilism: Becoming a true nihilist involves moving beyond philosophy and concepts to embodying the principles in actual practice. This ultimately leads to mysticism, where one deconstructs all constructs including the ego, resulting in spiritual awakening. Spirituality aligned with nihilism: Spirituality is essentially nihilism actualized; questioning and destroying societal constructs such as religion and science leads to authentic spirituality. True spirituality arises from one's own consciousness rather than from social conditioning, leading to authentic values and a meaningful life. Construction of meaning post-nihilism: Authentic living after nihilism involves recognizing life as a playful illusion and consciously constructing meaning and values from a place of love, completely detached from the need to validate personal preferences as absolutes or enforce them on others. Conceptualizing illusion as liberation: Realizing that reality is an illusory play liberates individuals from fear and enables them to participate in life's drama with enjoyment and freedom. Authenticity leading to true spirituality: By questioning and doubting societal beliefs, one becomes more grounded and strong as an individual, leading to true satisfaction and authenticity in life. False pretenses of societal structures: Humans, including scientists, are often full of deceit within various societal institutions. Approaching these institutions with skepticism can reveal their dishonest nature. Nihilism and the hero's journey: Nihilism represents a deep stage in the hero's journey—an essential part of personal growth and self-discovery, leading to spiritual enlightenment. The Hero's Journey analogy for spiritual work: Leo compares the process of spiritual awakening to the hero's journey, which involves facing challenges, seeking wisdom, and confronting personal weaknesses. This journey mirrors the path of god realization and embracing nihilism is an essential part of it. 'Belly of the Whale' as a key stage: The 'belly of the whale' represents the lowest and most challenging point in one's spiritual journey. It is here that true growth occurs, as individuals must confront their ego and inner weaknesses to progress. Nihilism as a spiritual tool: Nihilism is likened to the 'belly of the whale' stage where one must confront the deepest aspects of oneself. Properly navigated, nihilism strengthens the mind and leads to God realization, as opposed to dysfunction leading to self-destruction. Misunderstood conception of God and Nothingness: Leo clarifies that God is akin to an infinite, loving nothingness - a concept that is often misunderstood by those studying nihilism. Actualized nihilism, as opposed to theoretical nihilism, involves actualizing enlightenment and love. Rejection of nihilism as ego-driven resistance: Those who reject nihilism are characterized by their ego protecting its construction. True spiritual awakening requires burning down these constructions to uncover deeper, infinite truths. Practical tips to handle nihilism and relativity: Leo advises those in the "stage green" of personal development to explore different perspectives to discover their authentic paths. This involves discerning between relative and absolute truths, realizing the importance of personal values, and embracing the confusion inherent in the journey. Navigating Political Ideologies: Leo discusses the application of nihilism to political decisions, where absolute truth may be inaccessible but relative truth can guide choices based on personal values and preferences, such as environmental concerns or social equality. Admitting Selfish Motivations: He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's own biases and selfish motivations rather than rationalizing them as objective or normative truths, like pursuing a family because one enjoys companionship rather than societal expectation or divine mandate. Freedom from Ideological Grounding: By admitting to subjective desires, individuals can liberate themselves from the need to justify their choices through ideologies like science or religion, allowing for a more honest and autonomous existence. Dealing with Relativism and Nihilism: Engaging with various perspectives, reading books, and learning from different traditions is suggested as a way to navigate the confusion brought on by nihilism and to discern quality in perspectives. Choice and Action in Nihilism: Leo illustrates how even in the face of relativity and an apparent absence of meaning, individuals must still act, making life about creating personal happiness based on one’s preferences, biases, and decisions. Creating a Good Life Through Play: He likens life to playing with a vast assortment of Lego pieces, suggesting that by experimenting and building different 'structures' individuals can find out what truly makes them happy, eventually leading to the discovery of a personal life purpose. Honesty with Personal Biases: Leo advises honestly embracing one’s biases and cultural conditioning, whether it's a preference for science or another belief system, which can enable a healthier view and release from pre-set ideologies. Exploratory Process Toward Meaning: He underscores the importance of exploring various perspectives, not rushing to settle on any certain ideology but rather embracing confusion to chart a course toward a meaningful and purposeful life. Exploring Nihilism and Embracing Confusion: Nihilism can be confusing as it reveals the constructed nature of perspectives; embracing this confusion and the process of not knowing is essential. It's a natural part of developing personal epistemology and criteria for evaluating perspectives. Criteria for Higher and Lower Perspectives: Lower perspectives are characterized by fear, hatred, judgment, violence, and dogma, often clinging to a monopolistic view of reality. Higher perspectives, on the other hand, are open, interested in multiple viewpoints, loving, fearless, playful, and self-aware. Science as a Constraining Perspective: While religion is commonly understood to be dogmatic, science is also a perspective that can lock individuals into a certain worldview, preventing exploration of theories and ideas deemed unscientific. Discerning Truth with Intellectual Integrity: High-quality perspectives exhibit intellectual rigor and honesty. They can steelman opposing views, understanding them from a position of inclusiveness and integrity, as opposed to straw-manning, which is more common in lower-quality perspectives. Fear vs. Love as a Measure of Truth: The best litmus test for the quality of a perspective is whether it comes from a place of fear or love. True perspectives emanate from love, suggesting that an authentic, loving approach to nihilism leads to a more fulfilling life. Meta-Purpose Beyond Nihilism: Post-nihilistic life should be purposeful and authentic, expressing love for life uniquely, free from the corruptions of social conditioning. This meta-purpose aligns with the realization that life can be lived as a work of art, finding true purpose and love. Actualized.org's Role in Nihilism: Leo Gura’s website, Actualized.org, is intended to guide individuals through nihilism positively and practically. It aims to help people use nihilism constructively to find authentic meaning, God realization, and ultimately exhibit infinite love in practical, everyday life. Hero's Journey and Nihilism: The hero's journey, from a nihilistic viewpoint, culminates in god realization—overcoming nihilism to acquire and distribute infinite love. This journey is a metaphor for personal growth, awakening, and sharing love in alignment with absolute truth and nihilism. Engorgio

The Dangers Of Misapplying Spiritual Teachings https://youtu.be/HcPqApdlODY "The psychotic drowns in the same waters in which the mystic swims." - Joseph Campbell Seriousness of Spiritual Misinterpretation: This section begins with Leo discussing the suicide of an actualized.org forum member who jumped off a bridge for "spiritual purposes". Leo stresses the importance of understanding the potential risk of misconstruing his teachings. He repeatedly emphasizes the need for viewers to heed the warnings and traps he outlines in his content, acknowledging the diversity of his audience's mental health and capacities. Recurrence of Warnings: Leo points out that his episodes are lengthy because he covers in detail the mental traps and the errors one can make in spiritual practice. He worries that important disclaimers might be missed when viewers skim long-form content, and recognizes the difficulty in conveying advanced teachings to a vast and heterogeneous audience. Risk of Misinterpretation Due to Skimming Content: Though Leo's videos include numerous warnings and disclaimers, there is still a risk viewers may overlook essential information by not fully engaging with the long videos. This poses a challenge to effectively communicate the gravity of spiritual misconceptions. Prevalence of Suicide and the Scope of Leo's Audience: Leo highlights the scope of the issue of suicide, citing staggering statistics and reflecting on his global audience. He worries about the possible impact his teachings could have, considering the millions of views his content receives. Complexity in Catering Advanced Teachings to a Wide Audience: Spiritual and personal development content tends to attract individuals who are the most in need but also most susceptible to misinterpretation. Leo recognizes the challenge he faces in trying to cater to this diverse audience, which includes people with various mental disorders or unstable minds. Historical Taboo of Advanced Spiritual Teachings: Teaching profound spiritual insights has historically been risky and remained within esoteric circles because such teachings threaten established societal structures and invite controversy. Ideas Connected to Survival: Ideas, even seemingly philosophical or metaphysical ones, are deeply linked to survival, which is a matter Leo takes seriously. He articulates the paradox of recognizing attachments as illusory yet caring deeply about the unfolding of life's "dream." Attachments to Life's 'Illusory Dream': Despite the understanding that life is an illusory dream, Leo admits to having attachments, like his purpose to spread wisdom, showing a balance between recognizing the illusory nature of existence and maintaining practical goals. Necessity of Material Concerns for Spiritual Teaching: In order to teach and spread spiritual work, one must attend to seemingly mundane, material concerns like money. Leo explains that ignoring these concerns can result in practical consequences, such as an inability to pay bills and maintain the means to deliver his teachings. Understanding the Role of God in Practical Life: Leo clarifies that God is not separate from us, guiding our lives from above; rather, our thought processes and practical decisions are expressions of God at work in a realistic and tangible manner. Ideas as Dangerous and Influential: Leo emphasizes that ideas are not merely philosophical speculations but can have significant real-world consequences. He gives examples from politics where extreme ideologies can be harmful and discusses how society has historically placed restrictions on speech to protect its structural integrity. Complexity in Teaching Spiritual Truths Without Misinterpretation: Teaching deep spiritual truths is fraught with the risk of misinterpretation. Leo addresses the challenge of conveying these truths without them being misconstrued, weaponized, or turned into ideologies that people might adhere to fanatically or reject violently. Risks Involved in Spiritual Practices: Leo discusses the inherent risks in even the simplest spiritual activities, such as nature retreats, where unforeseen dangers like wildlife or accidents can occur. He extends this to the risks of meditation and spiritual work, highlighting the importance of awareness of the dangers and common sense when engaging in these practices. Guidance to Avoid Harmful Misapplication of Teachings: Leo asserts that if his teachings lead to any form of suffering or danger, it indicates a misinterpretation or misuse. He stresses the need for common sense, care, and the ability to recognize when one's mind is deceiving oneself in the context of spiritual work. Concept of a 'Spiritual Emergency': The term "spiritual emergency" is introduced to describe the complications that arise when deep spiritual work leads to confusion, distress, and a heavily deconstructed psyche. He cites Stan Grof's work on the subject to explain the seriousness of these transformative yet potentially destabilizing experiences. Spiritual Emergency: A spiritual emergency is a state where intense deconstruction of the mind leads to a melting of perceived reality, causing emotional distress, confusion, and potentially exacerbating mental illness or childhood trauma. This can result in paranoid behavior and interpreting mystical visions in demonic or disturbing ways. Potential Impacts of Intense Meditation: Leo shares an anecdote of a meditation retreat participant who, after reaching deep meditative states, experienced hallucinations and a sense of losing his mind. To cope, the participant sought out psychotherapy literature and, despite eventually overcoming this challenge, he faced the risk of self-harm due to the destabilizing effects of the experience. Risks of Advanced Workshops: Leo discusses an incident at a consciousness workshop where a participant became psychotic, necessitating police intervention. This highlights the danger of intensive spiritual practices triggering erratic behavior and the loss of touch with consensual reality. Enlightenment Intensives and Emotional Volatility: An example from enlightenment intensive retreats shows people expressing violent rage or exhibiting erratic behavior as a result of deep self-inquiry. This includes the case of a woman who nearly attempted to stab another participant, demonstrating the extreme emotional responses that can occur. Unsuited Individuals for Spiritual Work: Spirituality can be dangerous for those without a stable mind or life situation, lacking basic survival skills, or deep theoretical understanding of spiritual practice, increasing the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed. Complexity of Spiritual Tools and Theoretical Foundation: Leo emphasizes that even listening to hundreds of hours of his talks might not cover all edge cases or dangers, and it is crucial for practitioners to also read, attend various retreats, and engage with different teachers for a firm theoretical grounding. Traumatic Awakening Experience: A story of a woman from the transcendental meditation movement is shared. She suddenly experienced enlightenment years after discontinuing meditation, which resulted in confusion and distress, as neither she nor mental health professionals knew how to handle the loss of her sense of self. Navigating Spiritual Emergency with Limited Information: The woman's ordeal exemplifies the struggles that can ensue when deep spiritual experiences occur without proper context or theoretical understanding, which was common before the advent of accessible information platforms like YouTube. Awakening to Resilience: A woman experienced an unexpected awakening that led her to lose her sense of self, but with reassurance that such experiences are a normal part of spiritual progress, she found happiness again. Eckhart Tolle's Transformation: Eckhart Tolle's peaceful demeanor is a result of overcoming years of severe depression and contemplation of suicide, which culminated in his awakening. This insight into his past challenges the notion that his journey was without extreme suffering. Dark Realities of Spiritual Work: Many individuals globally may go through severe depression and suicide akin to Eckhart Tolle's experience but never reach an awakening, leading to untold stories of tragedy rather than transformative success. Spiritual Work vs. Socially Acceptable Risks: Spiritual work carries risks like any other activity—travel, business, relationships—but these risks are often highlighted due to the ego's fear and the repercussions of social taboos associated with personal transformation. Awareness and Safety Disclosures: Leo admits the difficulty in ensuring every viewer comprehends the safety warnings and is fully aware of the possible dangers, noting that awareness and openness about these issues can help mitigate many risks. Truth's Non-prescriptive Nature and Responsibility: Leo stresses that while truths about morality and criminality are relative, they don't prescribe actions free of consequences; understanding the non-prescriptive nature of truth involves personal responsibility for actions taken. Mind's Capacity to Misconstrue Truths: The human mind can dangerously misinterpret truths or teachings; even seemingly safe religious tenets can be twisted to justify negative actions like murder or suicide, indicating the ubiquity of potential misuse across spiritual and religious contexts. Consequences of Rejecting Spirituality: Denouncing spirituality could lead to an overemphasis on materialism, potentially resulting in lacking moral guidance and increased dissatisfaction or unethical behavior. Materialism and the Loss of Purpose: Without spirituality, people may face existential crises, heightened risk of suicide, and a missing sense of direction in life. Spirituality's Nurturing Role: Despite its dangers, spiritual and religious practices can offer purpose and aid in transitioning from harmful lifestyles to more meaningful and stable existences. Psychedelics as Potential Mental Health Aids: The possible future integration of psychedelics like mushrooms and MDMA into clinical treatments for mental health issues highlights the evolving therapeutic landscape, albeit with its own set of complexities and concerns. Materialistic Nihilism and Suicide: Materialism and capitalism, with their pragmatic nature, lack a spiritual dimension, leading individuals to unhealthy behaviors like sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, and objectification of others. Engaging in such behaviors for an extended period often results in an increase in feelings of suicide due to a lack of meaning and purpose, an existential crisis characterized by hopelessness and nihilism that even wealth cannot resolve, as evidenced by the suicides of public figures like Anthony Bourdain and Avicii. Broad Problem of Suicide: Suicide is a widespread issue transcending religious and spiritual boundaries, rooted in existential despair, not confined to any one belief system or lack thereof. Positive Role of Religion and Spirituality: Properly practiced religion and spirituality can significantly prevent suicide and provide direction in life, particularly effective in helping drug addicts and criminals reform by finding a sense of community and purpose through structured belief systems. Transitions in Personal Development: Individuals often evolve from a purely materialistic stage (orange) to seeking higher fulfillment at a spiritual stage (green), with pursuits like meditation, yoga, and responsible psychedelic use offering relief from depression and a sense of higher purpose, demonstrating parallels between personal growth stages (red to blue, orange to green). Impact of Actualized.org: Leo's work has helped numerous individuals overcome suicidal thoughts and depression by providing guidance and purpose, though some report increased instability after delving into his advanced teachings, highlighting the potential cost and risk intrinsic to the spiritual journey. Danger of Misinterpretation: Leo intends to make audiences more aware of the risky nature of spiritual awakening and the potential dangers of deconstructing reality, emphasizing that his work is advanced and requires grounding in direct experience to prevent destabilization of the mind. Personal Integration of Challenging Insights: Leo shares his experiences with the profound insight that the self-other distinction is illusory, expressing the difficulty in integrating such a realization to the point of questioning one's sanity and the need to approach these insights with caution and depth to fully comprehend their implications. Leo's Personal Insights and Reactions: Leo shares a personal experience where he realized his parents were imaginary, eliciting both horror and joy. While these insights are exhilarating for him, he recognizes that they could cause others significant distress or feelings of madness. Admitting Potential Madness with Psychedelics: He reflects on intense psychedelic experiences that led him to a state of madness. Leo finds value in these states retrospectively but notes the importance of integration and issues a warning about the deep and potentially troubling waters of psychedelic use. Upcoming Content on Psychedelic Dangers: Leo has prepared an episode outlining the dangers of psychedelics, covering the risks and misuses methodically, as a response to misuse seen within his community. This episode reflects his concern for how these substances are handled, demonstrating their strength and importance. Navigating the Good and Perfect Paradox: He discusses the relative and absolute perspectives on the goodness and perfection of everything. While he acknowledges everything is perfect in an absolute sense, he stresses the significance of survival and the quality of life from a practical standpoint. Evolution of Actualized.org and Leo's Teaching Process: Leo outlines the journey of Actualized.org, starting as personal development coaching before evolving into spirituality and awakening. He admits that his teachings are part of a continuous learning process and can sometimes include errors or incomplete insights. Balancing Realizations with Practicality: He reiterates the importance of survival and practical life management as foundational to his teachings. Leo's teachings focus on appreciating the gift of life, mastering survival, and nurturing responsibility and discipline. Clear Distinction between Conceptual and Physical Death: Leo clarifies that despite discussions about ego death, he does not advocate for physical harm or suicide. His teachings aim to help people cherish life, not to squander it. Leo Gura's Views on Suicide: He believes that although suicide isn't fundamentally a moral issue in the absolute sense, it's usually a symptom of a distorted mindset. The reality of life, according to Leo, is full of beauty and love, which should be recognized and enjoyed in the present moment. Addressing the Impulse Toward Suicide: Leo reflects on personal challenges, including suicidal thoughts and a harrowing health battle with a gut infection, highlighting the transient nature of suffering. He urges people to notice if the impulse towards suicide arises, as it indicates an unhealthy mindset. Emphasizing the Importance of Physical Well-being on Mental State: Leo speaks on the significance of maintaining good health for enabling spiritual and mental clarity, using his own health issues as an example to demonstrate the interconnectedness of physical well-being with one's capacity to conduct spiritual work. Coping with Extreme Suffering: Leo details his personal experience with significant health issues that severely impacted his quality of life and led to thoughts of suicide. He reflects on how temporal mental lows can trick one into feeling there's no end to suffering and highlights the importance of committing to not harm one's body as a safeguard. Commitment to Endure Suffering: Emphasizing a commitment to endure suffering, Leo argues that facing life's toughest challenges can lead to personal growth and spiritual purification. He stresses maintaining hope for improvement as a critical factor in overcoming moments of despair. The Illusion of Hopelessness: Leo addresses the deceptive nature of the mind, which can make one feel stuck without alternatives, reinforcing the sentiment of hopelessness. He insists that such feelings are temporary and encourages seeking new avenues for change, which can shift one's perspective and improve the situation. Unique Opportunity of Existence: He reminds viewers of their unique value in the universe and encourages them to find harmony, discover their strengths, and make meaningful contributions to the world, regardless of life's challenges. Importance of Physical Health for Spiritual Practice: Leo underscores the foundational role of good health in spiritual work, connecting it directly to consciousness. Drawing from his struggles with a gut infection, he plans to share strategies for improving mental and physical health in future teachings. Complexity of Spiritual Work: Acknowledging that life and spirituality are infinitely complex, Leo warns against oversimplification and self-deception. He commits to including more disclaimers and warnings in his content to help guide viewers and prevent misinterpretation of his work. Safeguarding Actualized.org's Reputation: He expresses concern that tragic incidents like the forum member’s suicide could be misused to discredit Actualized.org and its teachings. Leo notes the pattern of demonization of powerful teachings in history and aims to provide context to preclude such narratives. Dealing with Misunderstanding and Criticism: Addressing the challenge of criticism from individuals with a materialistic worldview who may dismiss or attack spiritual teachings, Leo asserts the importance of maintaining integrity and standing up against the tendency to suppress or distort truth. Continued Vigilance in Spiritual Exploration: Leo closes by emphasizing the need for discernment, personal responsibility, and ongoing rebalancing while navigating the complexities of life and spirituality. He highlights that there is no simple algorithm for safety and wisdom in such profound work. Tendency to Misrepresent Truth: The ego treats information in a way that blurs the distinction between truth and falsehood, leading to confusion and, potentially, choices that can create chaos such as war and genocide. No Algorithmic Solution to Distinguishing Truth: Discerning truth from falsehood requires individual conscious investigation, experimentation, and direct experience, as there are no fail-proof rules or systems to prevent ignorance. Interdependent Relationship Between Intelligence and Consciousness: Consciousness is necessary for the development of intelligence, and vice versa. Intelligence emerges from a conscious examination of one's own mind and spiritual practices. Leading Responsibly: Leaders must manage responsibilities they may not inherently care about. Leo is learning to be a more responsible leader as a result of confronting incidents and potential misuse of his teachings. Encouraging Personal and Spiritual Development: Viewers are urged to develop their own strategies for a fulfilling life using the broad principles taught by Leo, which are aimed at personal as well as spiritual development. Essential Survival Skills Before Spiritual Exploration: Young individuals are recommended to establish a foundation of survival skills before delving deeply into spirituality. Misconceptions About Leo's Role: Leo clarifies that he is not a personal guru but a person sharing philosophical insight on YouTube. Viewers should discern and apply these ideas individually considering their unique life circumstances. Understanding the Role of Ideas: Ideas can be transformative or destructive depending on how they are interpreted and applied. Emphasis is placed on cautious application of ideas. Absolute Truth and Love as Non-prescriptive: Truth and love are not prescriptive; instead, they should invoke freedom. People may misconstrue these concepts to justify actions when, in reality, all actions are expressions of love. Life as Dynamic Balancing: Leo compares life to balancing on a surfboard, cautioning against becoming rigid in beliefs or actions, and emphasizing the constant need for adjustment and balance. Avis

So what you’re saying is…. all jokes aside what you’re saying is the Truth. But the only person who can cause your awakening is you. Nobody can convince you. You can’t work towards it with somebody. You have to be so sick of life that, other than suicide, this is the only option. And the motivation has to be clear and absolute. This is slowly happening in the world. The change you’re talking about will take years. Even if everybody in the world realized the ego bullshit, years and years of backsliding will have to happen before the real changes take place. I think the momentum of the ego is too powerful for it to come to an abrupt stop. It’s got to slow down first. Cheers. And I have to thank you again for recommending that book. Truly a gem. He has a way of knowing what your next defensive thought will be and immediately stopping in its track. I also love how straight forward he is, it’s clear he knows the egos games. Forgive, and then forgive, and then forgive some More. Don’t know what to do? Forgive.

The Trap Of The Toxic Life Purpose https://youtu.be/6Ti0fl_TUUo "Idle hands do the devil's work." Misunderstanding Purpose and Spirituality: Leo responds to criticisms questioning the value of a life purpose and its relationship with spirituality. He emphasizes that regardless of the ultimate meaninglessness of everything and the ego-centric nature of purpose, active life purpose decision-making is critical to avoid toxic patterns and contribute positively to society. Consequences of Ignoring Life Purpose: Leo warns against the default position of not consciously pursuing a life purpose, which often leads to adopting a harmful or toxic purpose out of convenience, high pay, or ideological alignment with preexisting beliefs and biases. High-Paying Jobs and Societal Damage: Leo criticizes the misalignment between high-paying jobs and societal benefit. He claims that many lucrative industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and financial services can be exploitative, extracting value at others' expense. Life Purpose vs. Just Paying Bills: He outlines the dangers of choosing work solely for financial gain, leading to possible unethical career choices that negatively impact society. Leo underlines the importance of conscious effort in selecting work that aligns with positive societal contribution. Historical Examples of Toxic Purpose: Leo uses Hitler as an example of someone who turned to a toxic life purpose after failing to achieve his initial aspirations. He highlights how Hitler's lack of conscious purpose led him down the path of adopting harmful ideologies and seeking blame for his personal failures. The Need for Conscious Effort in Purpose Selection: Leo emphasizes the risk of unconsciously seeking purpose in the easiest or most financially rewarding avenues, which can reinforce harmful biases and avoid personal responsibility. This can lead to adopting ideologies and actions that contribute negatively to oneself and society. Toxic Ideologies as False Solutions: He critiques the development and spread of toxic ideologies as coping mechanisms for personal grievances or unfulfilled lives, leading to revisionist narratives and finger-pointing rather than introspection and self-improvement. Life Purpose Creation as a Spiritual Stance: Leo stresses the importance of viewing the development of a life purpose not as a luxury, but as a necessary spiritual practice. He advocates for working towards financial independence and alignment with true passion to avoid the pitfalls of wage slavery. Impact of Unconscious Media and Content Creation: He discusses the danger of media personalities and content creators who, driven by profit, unknowingly foster harmful rhetoric and beliefs. Leo contends that while these media figures may believe in their mission, their work ultimately capitalizes on fear and negativity. Corporate Consciousness and Responsibility: Leo suggests that corporations can also embody a life purpose, advocating for the development of entities that exhibit consciousness, striving for the promotion of love and selflessness over-exploitation. Pursuing a Passionate Life: He encourages taking control of one's life purpose through conscious alignment of career and impact, potentially requiring substantial personal sacrifices and a systemic shift away from the dominance of materialistic values. Indoctrination in the Middle East: Many individuals in the Middle East are traditionally indoctrinated with Islam from birth, and in the absence of creating their own meaning, they may distort the ideology to fulfill the ego's cravings, leading to extremist activities such as terrorism. Toxic Victim Mindset and its Consequences: Leo discusses how the perception of victimhood can lead to a toxic mindset, where blaming others becomes a path to justifying actions like suicide bombings, under the belief of combatting a greater evil. Challenges of Conscious Spiritual Growth: He contrasts the ease of adopting extremist views with the difficulty of pursuing a path of true spiritual growth, such as becoming a Sufi mystic, which requires a more advanced mindset and the surrendering of ego. Criminality vs. Conscious Purpose in Adverse Conditions: In difficult living conditions, like in Syria or Iraq, individuals might join criminal gangs for a sense of purpose. A more conscious choice would be to become a mystic, although it comes with its own dangers and doesn't offer material rewards. Dangers Faced by Mystics: Mystics who promote love and selflessness can face persecution and threats in areas where such ideals are viewed as a betrayal of traditional beliefs. The Appeal of Harmful Groups: People working unsatisfying jobs with no creative outlet are drawn to extremist groups like the KKK or neo-Nazi movements for a sense of purpose and community, which they lack in their day-to-day lives. The Need for Community and Purpose: Human happiness is closely tied to belonging to a greater whole—a community with a purpose. The lack of this could cause individuals to seek fulfillment through toxic avenues. The Perils of Denying Innate Human Needs: Just as denying sexual desires can lead to them being fulfilled in more toxic ways, neglecting the need for community and purpose can create a vacuum often filled by joining harmful groups or ideologies. Exploitation of Human Cravings: Cults and opportunistic groups exploit the human need for community and purpose for monetary and power gains, as this need is not readily fulfilled and requires conscious effort to develop. Drug Abuse as a Search for Materialistic Spirituality: Leo explains that severe hardships can lead individuals towards drug abuse, which simulates an artificial spiritual high, acting as a form of materialistic spirituality. Overcoming Addiction with Conscious Purpose: Highlighting Russell Brand as an example, Leo indicates that overcoming addiction and achieving a higher satisfaction is possible by embracing a conscious life purpose, which involves personal growth, self-exploration, and helping others. Human Craving for Love: When an individual's craving for love is not met, it can lead down harmful paths, with some turning to criminal activities or toxic ideologies in an attempt to fill the void. Sexual Needs and Ideological Leanings: Skipping over repressed sexuality directly, Leo correlates unmet basic needs with leaning towards extreme right men's movements, toxic pickup communities, or criminal activities as a means to find acceptance and love. Toxic Life Purpose and Group Radicalization: Leo discusses how the lack of love and healthy community can lead individuals to embrace harmful ideologies and movements, such as fascist or white supremacist groups. These groups are present in every country and exploit human vulnerabilities by offering simple but unsustainable 'solutions' to complex personal and societal problems. Trumpism as a Response to Economic Changes: The phenomenon of Trumpism is linked to late-stage capitalism, where wages in America have dropped due to globalization and the equalization of wages worldwide. This creates resentment and a search for scapegoats, with people blaming groups such as the 'globalist Jews,' social justice warriors, and various elites for their economic hardships. Scapegoating Elites and Finding Meaning Through Blame: Society's tendency to scapegoat elites for a plethora of problems is a psychological game played by the ego to avoid personal responsibility. People find a false sense of purpose by consuming content that reinforces this blaming narrative, creating a kind of toxic life purpose. Radicalization from Dissatisfaction: Leo discusses the gradual process of radicalization, where individuals, while seeking meaning due to dissatisfaction with their work or life, develop a toxic life purpose. Through consuming media that vilifies certain groups and ideologies, they may end up joining militias, preparing for conflict, and surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals, thus reinforcing their harmful beliefs. Conscious Development of Life Purpose: The vacuum created by a lack of responsibility and the absence of a loving and selfless life purpose can be filled with detrimental ideologies. However, developing a conscious life purpose is challenging, as there's little societal support for this individual journey. Take Control of Life Purpose: Leo encourages individuals to consciously choose their life purpose, focusing on the positive impact they want to make rather than on material gains. This requires reverse engineering of one's life and making adjustments to align with their desired impact. Personal Journey from Unfulfillment to Actualizing Purpose: Sharing his personal experience, Leo reveals that he started with little and built his life purpose over years of trial and error, experimentation, research, and spiritual growth. He stresses that building a meaningful life takes time and that his Life Purpose Course is a starting point for serious individuals. Life Purpose Realization and its Challenges: Realizing a life purpose is crucial, and Leo's course offers over 25 hours of material to guide individuals through this process. However, the real work starts after the course, and it might take years of sustained effort to actualize one's life purpose. Benefits of a Life on Purpose: Leo emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with one's true purpose to avoid years of misery and dissatisfaction. He suggests that working towards this alignment can have a transformative impact on personal well-being and societal contribution. Life Purpose and Daily Satisfaction: Emphasizing the impact of aligning one's life purpose with daily work, Leo discusses the transformative effect of engaging in passionate work for 50 years versus the misery and dissatisfaction that comes from soul-draining employment. Understanding Individuality and Aspirations: Leo highlights the importance of self-discovery in the process of defining one's life purpose, which is unique to each individual's personality and desires. Consequences of Misaligned Work: Describing the negative impact of unfulfilling work, he explains how daily dissatisfaction can lead to depression, bitterness, and misdirected anger towards family, friends, and society. Toxic Ideological Vulnerability: He warns that a lack of fulfillment at work can leave individuals vulnerable to toxic ideologies and groups that seem to fill their emotional voids, but ultimately lead to more suffering. Escaping the Negative Work Cycle: Leo encourages viewers to take responsibility for their life purpose and to resist the temptation to blame others for their dissatisfaction, in order to avoid falling into a life of mediocrity and potential toxicity. Historical Context of Misery and Ideologies: Citing Nazi Germany as an example, he explains how collective dissatisfaction can lead to the rise of toxic political ideologies, drawing parallels to the situation in contemporary America. Danger of Believing in Toxic Work: He critiques personalities like those on Fox News who genuinely believe they are serving the country while, in reality, they propagate toxic ideologies because it pays well, leading to further societal unrest. Critical View of Corporate Life Purpose: Leo discusses how corporations, much like individuals, need a conscious life purpose, criticizing those who prioritize shareholder profits over societal well-being and promoting exploitation. Economic Realities and Life Purpose: Acknowledging societal constraints, Leo advises aspiring to a conscious life purpose even when facing financial hardships and the necessity of building up capital as a foundation for pursuing true passions. Necessity of Transitional Work: Sometimes it's necessary to do unenjoyable work to earn the right to live a life of purpose. Achieving one's life purpose under capitalism often involves a period of wage slavery before reaching the freedom to pursue meaningful work. Breaking Free from Wage Slavery: The ultimate goal is to break free from wage slavery within 5 to 10 years. This process includes developing skills, clarity of vision, and acquiring the financial means to pursue one's passion and live a meaningful life. Importance of Money as a Resource: Money should not be seen as the root of all evil but as a crucial resource. The current societal distribution of money, however, leaves many in wage slavery without the freedom to discover and pursue their life purpose. Long-term Investment in Personal Growth: Leo encourages taking responsibility for one's life and making a long-term investment to develop the necessary skills, vision, and knowledge to transition out of wage slavery and align life with one's true purpose. Concept of Non-Wage Slavery Life: Once out of wage slavery, individuals can create a life aligned with their deep passions and values, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of a toxic life purpose. Life Purpose Course as a Tool for Change: Leo’s life purpose course offers 25 hours of practical content, including exercises and strategies, to help serious individuals discover and align their careers with their life purpose. Substantial Life Decisions: Leo reflects on his own experience, having made the significant decision to quit a good job in order to live a life aligned with his purpose, highlighting the importance of having a strong vision of one's potential. Long-term Benefits of Actualizing Potential: Long-term commitment to actualizing one's potential can lead to profound gratitude in retrospect. Immediate payoffs are possible, but the true value comes from a long-term vision and daily efforts. Developing a Purposeful Life Over Ego-Driven Existence: While building a meaningful life may seem egocentric, it's necessary before one can mature to a point where "nothing matters." Most people aren't ready to live from such a spiritual standpoint, hence the need to invest in a consciously cultivated life. Crucio

@zazenOke, fair enough The golden insight is that Jews are fighting for their naked survival. This is not a mere bias that can be shaken but is at the very core of every Israeli including very liberal ones. Another insight would be is that Israeli society is like family, very open, socially free, always ready to help or do their duty and from my well-traveled experience it is the most compassionate of all societies when it comes to the elderly, disabled and handicapped people. I’ve seen it, Israeli youngsters would pick up an old slowly walking grandpa and drive him to his home or help him with his groceries. On YT I even heard the story of a low life Russian drug addict who was’t even Jewish. He was picked off the street and stayed at the house of a very normal middle class Israeli family. Can you Imagine, having a drug addict where your children play and sleep. The addict reformed out of gratitude and became an devout orthodox christian, getting his life together. Even Naftalie Bennet, the former PM had a random mentally ill girl stay at his family home. She tragically committed suicide by dressing up in burka and charging at Israeli police with a knife. Israelis are not perfect and also bicker a lot and are sometimes too brazen and rash for my taste. But at the end of the day they create, build and take care of each other. And they get embittered and will close themselves off to the people that want to destroy that.

What Is Death - How Immortality Works https://youtu.be/1zjuDdysOL8 "Oh wow.. Oh wow... Oh wow..." - Steve Jobs' last words Death as an unchallenged assumption: Leo points out that people often accept the concept of death without questioning its reality or the assumption that it's unknowable. He challenges viewers to consider the validity of these preconceived notions. Equivalence of death to positive absolutes: Leo claims that what we perceive as death actually equates to infinite love, consciousness, God, immortality, paradise or heaven, and complete non-duality—a transformative state rather than an end. Materialism vs. experiential insight: He emphasizes that the insights he shares about death are not beliefs or ideologies but are based on direct experiences, urging viewers to validate these truths through their experience rather than accepting them on faith. Death misconstrued due to self-bias: Leo discusses how the fear-driven, self-centric view distorts the perception of death, causing humans to view it negatively while they lack an objective understanding of what it actually entails. Life as identity construction: He argues that life and existence are not merely biological processes but rather constructions of identity within the mind, suggesting that we perpetuate our own existence through continual reaffirmation of this constructed identity. Tree metaphor for self and identity: Using the example of a tree, Leo explains that just as there is no inherent tree identity from the tree's own point of view, humans project and construct their identities as well, implying that our conceptions of life and death are similarly self-created. Relativity and Arbitrariness of Identity: Our identities are not fixed or factual but are constructed based on various layers of identification such as race, gender, nationality, profession, and even the idea of being a biological entity. Identity Creation and Birth: Leo suggests that birth is not a biological process but an identity created by telling oneself what they are. If one stops affirming their identity based on any characteristics, they would theoretically have never been born. Constant Reaffirmation of Life: Staying alive is a continuous act of affirming one's identity, done every moment by affirming attributes such as humanity, gender, beliefs, and personal stories. Death Through Loss of Identity: Leo defines death as the end of identifying with any construct, explaining that the loss of identity within different layers leads to a figurative death, evidenced by the mourning of lost social status or wealth. Existence Without Identity: If one could completely relinquish all layers of identity, including the fundamental belief in being a living biological entity, life would continue, but it would be as if they had never been born—their existence would continue without a personal identity. True Self as Non-Identification: Removing all artificial layers of identity leads one to discover their 'True Self', a state of formless, infinite, and empty consciousness where the distinction between 'I' and 'everything' dissolves. Physical Death vs. Psychological Death: Leo argues that physical death is unnecessary for understanding death because the body is just another identity layer. By deconstructing this identity, one can experience death without physical dying. Direct Experience of Psychological Death: Leo speaks from his experience, claiming that he has repeatedly gone through psychological death, realizing that death doesn't involve going anywhere as there is no 'here' or 'there' in the state of true consciousness. Death as Demonized Social Construct: Societal views on death have been shaped by a cultural agreement to view it as something to be feared and avoided at all costs. This view supports the idea of survival but is based on the false premise that survival defends something real. Eliminating the Fear of Death: Imagining a life without the fear of death can lead to fundamental changes in attitudes toward work and relationships and could eliminate fear from life completely, as fear is shown to be a powerful tool of self-deception. Death Cloaked in Fear Hides Truth: The universal fear of death prevents the exploration of existential truths such as love, infinity, and God, which have been metaphorically tagged as death, adding to the depth of fear and misunderstanding. Duality of existence: Leo describes life as an expression of selfishness, delusion, and attachment, while death is seen as selflessness, truth, and freedom. He contrasts the two states, presenting death as a dissolution of identity and a merging with infinite consciousness. Existential love contrasted with human love: He distinguishes between human notions of love and existential love, which is formless consciousness. Leo suggests that death brings about an experience of existential love that transcends our conventional understanding of love. Death as transformation: Leo explains that at the time of death, personal identity dissolves completely, allowing one to merge with the universe and become indistinguishable from everything, leading to infinite and formless existence. Metaphor of water: Using the metaphor of water, Leo illustrates the transition from having a specific shape to becoming shapeless. He relates this to death, conceptualizing it as moving from a defined form to a state of formlessness, which he views as our truest nature. Living from a place of formlessness: He suggests that it is possible to live from a place of formlessness without physical death, by detaching from all identity. This detachment would allow for universal relation and appreciation of existence. Attachment as a spiritual obstacle: Leo highlights how attachment to material things like wealth or success prevents one from realizing formless and infinite identity. He echoes religious teachings that identify attachment as contrary to spiritual growth. The irony of fearing death: He acknowledges that despite his assertions that death is a state of absolute love and beauty, individuals remain terrified of losing their specific form and identity. Cycle of division and unification: Leo explains that life involves a continuous process of division (birth) and unification (death), with both existing within a universal formless identity. Tragedy and irony of human existence: He perceives human life as a series of elaborate schemes to avoid the profound reality of infinite love, which is so overwhelming that it obliterates finite existence. Infinite love as both terrifying and beautiful: Leo asserts that the most tragic aspect of human life is the denial of the total beauty and goodness of existence, termed infinite love, which we avoid to maintain our finite identities. Unified Consciousness Through Death: When individuals pass away, their separation dissolves, and they merge with the collective consciousness which is ever-present. Leo asserts that all who have ever lived, including historical figures like Caesar and contemporary loved ones, are part of this collective and have never actually gone anywhere. Societal Denial of Infinite Consciousness: Society, families, and individuals vehemently deny the concept of infinite love and collective consciousness, often labeling those who speak of it as delusional or insane. This denial, according to Leo, is necessary to maintain the illusion of being separate, finite beings. Relativity of Death: Leo describes death as being relative. What dies is merely the personal identity, while from an absolute standpoint, nothing really dies. He posits that existence is a constantly reincarnating phenomenon, with reality being a shape-shifting manifestation that is inherently immortal. Immortality Through Identity Shift: Leo reflects on an early insight he had about immortality that originated from a Zen parable. Realizing immortality entails shifting one's identity from being limited and finite, like a tree, to being the whole forest, and ultimately to identifying with the totality of the universe. Universe vs Universe: Differentiating between the finite, scientific universe (with a lowercase 'u') and the absolute, all-encompassing universe (with an uppercase 'U'), Leo claims that true immortality resides in identifying with the latter, which is neither created nor destroyed. The Irony of Resistance: Leo discusses how many people's skepticism and pessimism are actually a denial of the fundamental nature of love and goodness inherent in existence. He assures that regardless of resistance, everyone will eventually become one with this infinite love, which is the true design of life. Self-Deception and Alignment with Life: Leo speaks of life as a journey toward recognizing and transcending one's self-imposed limitations. Alignment with the process of self-transcendence results in peace and joy, while clinging to self-deception leads to suffering. Reincarnation as an Infinite Process: From the highest perspective, everything reincarnates infinitely. As such, after one's physical demise, identity or form becomes irrelevant because, at the absolute level, one is already experiencing existence through every possible form. Knowledge Through Death: Leo suggests the only way to fully understand these concepts of death and immortality is to experience a kind of death personally. To know these truths, one must go beyond intellectual speculation and engage with direct experience. Rejecting Physical Suicide: Despite discussing the illusion of death, Leo reaffirms that one does not need to engage in physical suicide—using this understanding as a means to deepen appreciation for life and to embody the paradox of being both finite and infinite. Discouragement of physical suicide: Leo stresses that physical suicide out of depression or misery is not necessary and counterproductive, emphasizing that it is done out of a misplaced sense of self, which is ultimately selfish. Advocacy for mental and existential transcendence: He advocates for transcending suffering and depression not physically but mentally or existentially, and for becoming an example to others of spiritual possibilities. Appreciation for physical existence: Leo encourages embracing and appreciating the beauty and wonder of the material world, acknowledging it as an amazing and remarkable manifestation of love in physical form. Impermanence of form: He acknowledges the temporal nature of all formed things, including humans, planets, and stars, noting that while they are mortal, consciousness, truth, and love are immortal absolutes. Oneness and immortality: Leo discusses the concept of oneness, asserting that in a state of total oneness, notions of death are irrelevant, as there is no 'other place' to go. Shift in identity towards the absolute: He suggests a shift in perception from identifying as a human to identifying as the totality or the absolute (God) to realize a form of immortality. Acknowledgment of residual attachments: Despite spiritual awakening, Leo recognizes that individuals may still harbor attachments to life and mortality, and he highlights the difficulty in completely detaching from all aspects of material existence. Joy in dual existence: He advises enjoying life's experiences and dual aspects—physical life and spiritual immortality—without choosing between them, stating the reality allows the enjoyment of both sides. Descendo

The Dangers Of Spiritual Work https://youtu.be/Oaiqh4OEtAw "It's all fun and games until someone loses an I." Off-the-cuff discussion of dangers: Leo addresses the inherent dangers of evolving one's self-help focus from basic improvement to existential and spiritual depths. Existential level importance: He emphasizes the unique personal challenges faced when engaging with spiritual teachings, which depend on one's own traumas, beliefs, and neuroses. Awakening as a unique journey: Leo suggests that awakening is not suitable for everyone, with many not prepared to relinquish materialistic existence. It is a highly individualized path based on personal history and traumas. Levels of consciousness and evolution: The idea is proposed that individuals are at varying levels of consciousness and may require multiple lifetimes to reach a state beyond materialistic desires. Yogic chakra system as a model for spiritual development: The seven chakras are used to represent stages in spiritual progression, with many people stuck at lower chakras due to attachments and addictions. Pursuit of Awakening based on personal interest: Leo stresses that awakening should only be pursued out of genuine interest in truth or dissatisfaction with material life, not simply because one hears about it. Leo Gura's personal drive towards understanding: His personal motivations come from a desire for understanding and are not tied to material success or social pursuits, suggesting past lives could influence his perspective. Life exhaustion leads to spiritual focus: He observes that as people age, they may exhaust their material motivations, leading potentially to a focus on spiritual awakening. Misconceptions about necessity of awakening: Leo warns against pursuing awakening simply because it is discussed often, highlighting the importance of an authentic inner drive. Differing spiritual paths due to unique personal obstacles: He underscores that each person's spiritual path is influenced by unique personal obstacles and formative experiences. Enlightenment requiring certain risks: Leo talks about the radical questioning and potential abandoning of major life aspects during the process of enlightenment, invoking challenges and dark phases. Risk of misunderstanding spiritual teachings due to ego: The danger of misinterpreting or corrupting spiritual experiences is discussed, emphasizing the importance of proper understanding and context. Awakening as rigorous and solitary: He notes that the process of awakening is rigorous and unique to each individual, emphasizing self-reliance and conquering one's ego. Emotional and psychological difficulties of spiritual work: Leo alerts to the possible emotional distress, depression, and suicidal tendencies one may face during spiritual awakening. True desires versus societal expectations: He encourages exploration of true desires and habits beyond society-imposed expectations to navigate unique spiritual challenges. Lifelong Challenges in Spiritual Pursuits: Some individuals may spend an entire lifetime unable to overcome certain desires, such as a preoccupation with sex, which may dominate their life's focus. Hypothesis on Metaphysical Progression: Leo hypothesizes that such deep attachments in life may teach a meta-lesson that carries over to the spirit, potentially influencing desires and behaviors in future incarnations. Self-reflection on Spiritual Motivation: Leo urges listeners to introspect and ensure they're pursuing spiritual awakening authentically and for their own reasons, and not merely mimicking others, like repeating what he advocates. Dangers of Inauthentic Ideals: He highlights the risk of adopting inauthentic cultural or religious goals, which can cause internal conflict and suffering when they misalign with one's true desires. Comparisons and Spiritual Aspirations: Leo points out the struggle and suffering that comes from trying to live up to spiritual ideals that are beyond one's current level of conscious development. Genetic and Spiritual Inclinations: He discusses how individuals might be genetically predisposed to being interested in truth and spirituality, or it can be interpreted through the concept of past lives, emphasizing personal authenticity in spiritual choices. Radical Nature of Awakening: Awakening is characterized as a radical and hardcore process that may involve sacrificing significant aspects of one's life such as relationships, business, or nationality. Experiencing Truth Despite the Cost: Leo states that genuine spiritual seekers pursue truth regardless of the potential sacrifices, seeking to understand life, God, and reality for its sheer value. Admitting One’s Spiritual Readiness: He stresses the importance of honestly assessing one's readiness for spiritual awakening instead of pretending to seek truth due to external influences. The Dark Side of the Spiritual Path: Leo warns of potential dark phases including depression and suicidal thoughts and the critical importance of having a proper theoretical foundation for spiritual experiences. Importance of Self-Leadership in Awakening: He reiterates that genuine awakening is a solo journey where self-leadership and independent troubleshooting are essential, without relying on a guru or external guidance. Dangers of Misinterpretation and Unsupported Environments: Leo shares a story about a woman who experienced awakening without context or support, illustrating the potential dangers and challenges of misunderstanding or being unsupported through the process. Existential Threats and Personal Development: Leo conveys that pursuing the truth can feel threatening, as it challenges one’s entire understanding of life, reality, and identity. A Call for Honesty and Authenticity: He encourages listeners to be brutally honest about their true desires and avoid pursuing spiritual goals for inauthentic reasons or due to external conditioning. Seriousness of Spiritual Awakening: Leo acknowledges the weighty consequences of spiritual awakening, noting that many in society choose suicide over facing the challenges of awakening. He emphasizes the individualized nature of confronting one's ego and the varying struggles each person faces, such as addiction to substances or material desires. Acceptance of Truth: The most significant challenge in spiritual awakening is not just experiencing it, but truly accepting and integrating the truth into one's life, which requires altering habits, thoughts, and emotions to align with newfound realizations. Self-Reliance in Navigating the Spiritual Journey: While external guidance from teachers can be helpful, Leo stresses that ultimately one must independently navigate their spiritual awakening, facing their unique challenges and figuring out their personal path. Oscillating Nature of Awakening: Leo discusses the fluctuating journey of awakening, where individuals repeatedly move between higher and lower states of consciousness, often experiencing inner demons, depression, and a sense of meaninglessness along the way. Physical and Psychological Challenges: He mentions that awakening can lead to physical discomforts such as sleep issues, restlessness, or psychosomatic symptoms, as well as psychological fears like the prospect of facing the void or losing one's mind. Recognizing Personal Limitations and Dangers: Leo advises against reckless spiritual practices, suggesting that one must understand their own limitations and readiness, to avoid potential dangers and cope with side effects like anxiety or panic attacks. Letting Go When Necessary: Using a James Bond analogy, Leo highlights the wisdom in knowing when to pause or retreat from intense spiritual practices to preserve one's wellbeing, rather than pushing beyond safe limits. Navigating Depression and Deep Challenges: He suggests that in instances of deep depression or spiritual crisis, one must be careful about whether to push through or back off, recognizing that not everyone has the same capacities or life circumstances to handle extreme practices. Potential Missteps with Psychedelics: Leo warns of the risks associated with careless psychedelic use, advocating for a cautious and responsible approach, as reckless use can lead to detrimental outcomes and impede spiritual progress. Strategic Pauses in Spiritual Practice: Recognizing when to temporarily halt spiritual practices is crucial, especially when facing intense psychological or physical reactions to avoid exacerbating issues and prolonging the journey. Personal Assessment of Spiritual Health: The onus is on individuals to discern whether their spiritual practices contribute to well-being or further neurosis, requiring a shift from seeking outside guidance to introspective self-evaluation. Tactical Retreats in Spiritual Pursuits: Tactical retreats from overwhelming spiritual experiences are necessary for maintaining progress and avoiding the risk of significant backslides in personal development and practice. Misuse of Psychedelics: Misapplication and overuse of psychedelics can lead to severe psychological trauma, illustrating the necessity of a measured and knowledgeable approach to these substances. Amateur versus Strategic Approaches: An amateur, often overwhelmed by overcommitment, is contrasted with the strategic practitioner who takes incremental, wise steps towards their spiritual or worldly goals, understanding the value of the "tortoise approach." Project Scope and Personal Limitations: Acknowledging one's limitations and managing project scope is essential to avoid failure, whether in spiritual practices, business ventures, or creative projects like video game design. Avoiding Dogmatic Traps in Spirituality: Spirituality must be kept free from dogma and rigid ideology, with an emphasis on flexible approaches and understanding rather than mechanical rule-following. Dangers of Model Over-Reliance: Over-reliance on any single spiritual model or teacher can constrict understanding and growth, underlining the necessity of a holistic and open approach. Misinterpretations and Inner Work: Misinterpretations of spirituality often involve superficially engaging in practices without undergoing the deeper emotional labor necessary for true spiritual growth and purification. Understanding the Barrier to Awakening: The rarity of genuine awakening implies the existence of significant barriers, which vary for each individual and must be approached with care to prevent negative outcomes. Risks for Vulnerable Individuals: Individuals with pre-existing psychological struggles may inadvertently worsen their condition through certain spiritual practices, highlighting the importance of cautious engagement. Risks of Hasty Spiritual Decisions: Leo stresses the importance of not making rash decisions, such as quitting jobs, abandoning families, or giving away savings, based on awakenings or revelations about life's meaninglessness. Highs and Lows of Spiritual Work: He advises to expect highs followed by lows in spiritual work, and to approach such phases with caution to avoid life-altering mistakes. Finding Supportive Conversations: In difficult times, talking to understanding people, hiring a life coach, or seeing a therapist can provide support, though not all therapists may be sympathetic to spiritual pursuits. Value of Theoretical Foundations: Leo emphasizes the need for a strong theoretical grounding via books, recommending his curated list that delves into spiritual nuances, potential pitfalls, and awakening experiences gone awry. Importance of Patience and Moderation: He notes that rushing spiritual progress can lead to longer journeys, while methodical and steady progress may yield faster and safer results. Support Options for Leo Gura's Content: Viewers can support his work on Patreon or visit his website for exclusive content, a life purpose course, and his book list. Navigating Spiritual Work with Nuance: Leo highlights the need for nuance in interpreting spiritual teachings, cross-referencing personal experiences, and understanding that teachings from teachers, including himself, are perspectives, not absolute truths. Potential for Misinterpretation and Error: The possibility of misinterpretation by the listener and error on the part of the teacher underscores the importance of personal verification of any spiritual teaching. Awareness of Absolute vs. Relative Perspectives: While the absolute perspective suggests that "everything is okay," Leo reminds his audience to consider their relative perspective for their own well-being and avoid unnecessary suffering. Upcoming New Content: Leo ends by mentioning his intention to cover new topics in the future and urges students to continue learning and growing with his content. Avifors

How Fear Works - Part 1 - The Ultimate Guide To Dealing With Fear https://youtu.be/meiMUbYEQ4U "Tell me who you are and I'll tell you what you fear. Tell me what you fear and I'll tell you who you are." Nature of fear: Fear is a fundamental existential issue, not just psychological, affecting all of consciousness and dominating our entire lives. It often goes unrecognized due to society's materialistic focus, which neglects emotions that cannot be easily quantified. Fear as a self-control mechanism: Fear acts as a sophisticated mechanism to maintain our identity and survive, controlling actions and decisions often outside our awareness. Survival and identity: Human survival extends beyond the physical—it involves maintaining social and cultural identities. Fear ensures the preservation of these identities, with each unique identity generating specific fears. Fear and identity maintenance: Fear is deeply tied to what we identify with, as it motivates us to avoid threats to our self-image, be it religious, cultural, or professional. Fear's link to our perceptions: How we perceive reality is greatly influenced by fear attached to our identities, impacting everything from our daily choices to scientific objectivity. Confronting Fear for Personal Growth: Acknowledging and confronting one's fears is crucial for personal development. Avoiding fear only leads to stagnation and a victim mentality. Fear as a self-fulfilling prophecy: Persistent fear can lead to attracting the very outcomes we are afraid of, highlighting fear's intricate connection with our psychology and actions. Fear and societal impact: Collective fear within groups such as societies and governments can lead to decisions that cause wider negative effects, like racism or bad legislation. Love as a counter to fear: Life's adversities challenge us to learn how to love and transcend fear, contributing to personal evolution and fulfillment. Understanding micro fears: Observing and analyzing our frequent 'micro fears' can shed light on the pervasive impact of fear and help us take radical responsibility for our emotions and their relation to our identities. Fear and Career Identity: For many individuals, a significant portion of life revolves around their careers, leading to fears directly related to their occupational roles. If one's identity is intrinsically tied to their career or business, the fear of losing that role or failing within it can become a dominant force in their life. Attachment to Possessions and Fear: When individuals strongly identify with material possessions, such as cars, boats, or any valued property, they become fearful of losing them. These fears are treated with the seriousness of life-and-death situations due to the emotional value attached to these items. Fear of Losing Success, Fame, and Status: For those who identify with wealth, fame, or status, the fear of losing these can be overwhelming and can be perceived as greater than personal losses. Leo points out that all fears, regardless of how society views them, are relative and stem from one's attachments and identity. Fear's Relationship with Identity: Fears are tightly intertwined with what one identifies as; for example, fears of losing attractiveness or being perceived negatively are rooted in one's self-concept. These fears act like inner demons that individuals battle throughout their lives. Identity-Driven Fears are Persistent: Unlike transient fears, identity-driven fears are deeply rooted and cannot be resolved through simple techniques. Fear resolution requires identity-level changes, as fears are inextricably linked to what we cling to as our identity. Fear in Religious and Scientific Identities: Leo explains that religious identities, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, are filled with fear, such as the fear of losing one's faith. Similarly, scientific and skeptical identities are not immune to fear; skeptics fear being wrong or deluded, and this fear can ironically lead to becoming what they fear most. Gender Identity, Fear, and Societal Controversy: The controversy over gender identity, such as transgender and LGBTQ+ issues, showcases fear's role in identity defense. Traditional and conservative individuals may react with fear to the fluidity of gender categories, leading to denial and projection onto others. Identity Formation as an Unconscious Process: From childhood to adolescence, individuals unconsciously construct their identities through interactions and experiences. Leo emphasizes that identities are not simply given but are created over time, which can lead to fear when challenged or threatened. Attachment and Identity Depth: Leo uses the Sun as an analogy to describe the layers of one's identity, with peripheral attachments like possessions being less integral and core attachments like being human or physical being much harder to detach from. Understanding the Ultimate Fear of Loss of Self: All fears ultimately boil down to the fear of loss of self, whether it's physical harm or psychological loss of identity. The fear of changing aspects of oneself that have been part of one's identity since early childhood is profound and challenging to overcome. Attachment to Identity and Fear of Change: People have an attachment to their identity, and sudden changes, such as altering one's career or religion, can cause negative reactions from others. This reinforces fear due to the desire to be perceived positively and the fear of identity loss. The Principle of Fear and Self-Loss: All fears fundamentally relate to the fear of a total loss of self or identity. Radical examples, like suicide bombers, illustrate that some fear identity loss more than physical death, highlighting fear's strong tie to personal identity. Identity and Relative Danger: What we identify with dictates what we perceive as dangerous. A scientist may view religious interference as a threat, whereas a radical Islamist may see the erosion of Islamic values as the ultimate danger. Danger is not objective but relative to our identities. Fear as a Construction of the Mind: Fear is not objective or natural; it's a mental construct projected onto the world through the lens of identity. What causes fear in one person might not affect another, underscoring the subjective nature of fear. Imaginary Nature of Fear: Leo argues that all fears, including the fear of death, are imaginary. The realization that fear lacks substance and is essentially "nothing" can significantly alter one's perception of life and relationships. Interpreting Fear as Falsehood: Since most people experience fear, it may seem normal; however, normality does not equate to truth. Fear is an illusion, a lack of consciousness, and complete awareness would lead to a fearless existence. Fear and Society's Materialistic Paradigm: Society operates under a materialistic paradigm, upholding the notion of objective reality, which legitimizes fears like death or financial ruin. Leo points out that danger, like fear, is a subjective concept based on personal identity and not inherent to situations. Fear Used as a Control Mechanism: Fear is exploited in society as a method of control through advertisements, politics, and social norms. Truth is fundamentally incompatible with fear and can help transcend it. Fear as a Product of Denied Subjectivity: What we project as objective is merely our subjectivity in disguise. What one perceives as a threat is based entirely on their subjective experience. Fear is not found in the external world but is created internally. Fear as a Falsehood Based on Reality Misperception: Fear originates from a false understanding of reality; it is born out of our minds misperceiving situations, which is why in full consciousness, fears cease to exist. Fear's Relationship with Consciousness: Achieving a state of full consciousness can lead to the realization that fear, including the fear of death, is an illusion. Fear cannot be fully understood without becoming individually acquainted with personal fears through mindfulness. Materialistic Paradigm vs. True Nature of Death: The materialistic view that death is an ultimate unknown strengthens fear, while Leo suggests that death might be just another misperception and not as physical and final as society believes. Practicing Mindfulness to Identify Fear: To comprehend fear, one must feel it in the body, identify its physical manifestation, which requires the development of mindfulness - a vital skill for gaining insight into the nature of fear. Fear and the Natural Instinct for Survival: Fear is an automatic reaction designed for immediate survival, interfering with the opportunity to understand or rationalize fear during moments of perceived danger. Creating a Mindful Gap in Response to Fear: To transcend fear, developing space between experiencing fear and reacting is essential. Observing and questioning fear mindfully is a counterintuitive yet powerful way to address it. Fear as Resistance to a Future Experience: Leo defines fear as a form of resistance to experiences that conflict with identity or desires. True power lies in consciously facing fears rather than reacting unconsciously. Overcoming Fear by Surrendering to Experience: Surrendering to and accepting the experiences we fear, instead of resisting them, eliminates fear. This requires a radical shift from the attachment to one's current identity. Mindfulness Exercise to Tackle Fear: Leo assigns the audience the task of practicing mindfulness with fears: identifying them as they happen, observing their connection to identity, and accepting potential future scenarios they resist. Solution to Overcoming Fear: The solution to overcoming debilitating fears involves a radical and counterintuitive acceptance of the worst outcomes. Leo suggests mentally preparing for and accepting scenarios that terrify us most in order to alleviate fear. Concept of Invincibility Through Fear Acceptance: Leo argues if fear were taught and mastered from early childhood, individuals would become invincible, as they would no longer be subject to the controls of society that leverage fear for power. Societal Control and Fear Management: Fear is not taught in schools as a way to cope because a society without fear would undergo drastic changes—potentially dismantling current power structures such as government, business, and religion. Misplaced Happiness on Material Possessions: Leo emphasizes the extent to which lives are built upon conditional happiness tied to material possessions, and how fear of losing them can cause intense anxiety and suffering. Building Happiness on Spiritual Development: True happiness, according to Leo, comes from spiritual development and consciousness—attributes that can't be taken away, unlike material possessions and circumstances. Practical Exercise in Surrendering to Fear: Leo suggests mentally accepting and surrendering to our fears, even those that are identity-based, such as sexual orientation. This practice brings relief but may require repetition and identity reevaluation for lasting impact. Strength from Acceptance and Surrender: Surrendering to experiences we fear most, Leo argues, is the real strength and the essence of spiritual growth—it involves the ability to experience anything without resistance. Conscious Alignment with Truth Overcoming Fear: The crux of overcoming fear is not about convincing oneself of any falsehood but about being totally aligned with truth, which requires a high degree of consciousness and spiritual work. Fear as a Fundamental Survival Mechanism: Fear operates at a more fundamental level than logic, ideals, or beliefs, making it resilient to rational counterarguments and necessitating direct experiential confrontation. Exercise to Confront Personal Fears: Leo instructs viewers to list their greatest fears concisely, aiming to realistically confront and address them for personal growth. Common Misconceptions about Fears: People often consider fears superficially, listing stereotypical ones like fear of spiders, snakes, or public speaking, without addressing fears that significantly affect daily life and self-identity. Stereotypical fears and their limitations: Stereotypical fears such as the fear of poison are seen as relatively superficial and not affecting daily life significantly. These fears are not as impactful as deeper, more personal fears which will be addressed. Donald Trump's fear of poisoning: Leo analyzes Donald Trump's fear of being poisoned, relating it to his connections with Russia and their reputation for using poison. This example shows how specific fears can be tied to personal experiences and relationships. Macro fears affecting daily life: Leo lists fears with substantial impact on daily life, such as fear of failure, financial ruin, relationship breakdowns, loneliness, aging, and the pressure to meet others' expectations. These fears shape behaviors and decisions. Micro fears shaping daily activities: 'Micro fears'—small, frequent fears occurring every day—greatly influence habits and decisions. Examples include fear of running out of toilet paper, lying, or offending someone. Though minor, their frequent occurrence has a significant cumulative effect. Physical manifestations of fear: Chronic fear can manifest as physical ailments like mental illnesses, obesity, and heart disorders, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and addressing fear both mentally and physically. Avoidance of fear leading to larger issues: Avoiding or denying fears contributes to victim mentality and does not foster growth or resolution of the underlying issues. Fear as an innate but complex response: While fear is a natural response to danger, in modern society, it can become complex and pathological, underscoring the necessity to confront fears for personal growth. Observation as a tool for understanding fear: Leo suggests observing everyday 'micro fears' to understand their pervasive influence and relation to one's identity, advocating for conscious engagement with these fears as a pathway to personal growth. Common micro fears: We constantly face small, daily fears such as fear of getting a cold, speaking to a boss, bad breath, something stuck in teeth, potential pregnancy, store closing before arrival, cleaning the garage, doing taxes, paying rent, confronting someone, honesty with parents, expressing opinions, missing gym sessions, doctor visits, making work mistakes, meeting outcomes, forgetting crucial tasks, people not texting back, finding life purpose, working overtime, being judged, and coworkers' betrayal. Fear of financial consequences: Fears extend to financial consequences like being fired, credit card fees, bank account checks, missed opportunities, and breaking good habits, which significantly impact our decisions and stress levels. Creative anxiety: A distinct type of fear experienced in creative fields, leading to stress and inhibition in artistic expression and productivity. Observation of micro fears: Leo urges to start noticing these micro fears and recognize how they shape our behavior and thoughts. Physical symptoms of fear: Fear is not just psychological but is stored as tension in the body, causing health issues like panic attacks, anxiety, heart issues, sexual dysfunctions, addictions, mental illnesses, obesity, insomnia, cancer, reduced lifespan, headaches, chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, high blood pressure, back and neck pain, digestive issues, suicide, and violent ideologies. Fear's societal consequences: Fear can lead to social problems such as racism, closed-mindedness, bad decision-making, poor science, and irrational laws, emphasizing that individual fears also translate into collective societal actions. Life as a 'love simulator': Leo describes life as a simulator for learning to love and not to fear, suggesting that overcoming fears enhances one's capacity to love. Avoiding fear leads to stagnation: Avoiding or denying fear results in stagnation and victim mentality, while confronting fear promotes growth and immediate relief. Pathological behaviors from fear avoidance: Avoidance can lead to harmful behaviors like addictions, lying, and unethical ideologies. Limitations of manipulative fear coping: Manipulation can provide short-term relief but is not a lasting solution to fear and doesn't prepare one for unavoidable life events like death. Fear as counterproductive for long-term survival: Fear-based responses can maintain the status quo, impede personal growth, and attract the very outcomes people are trying to avoid. Fear as a self-fulfilling prophecy in relationships and professions: Fear in relationships and professions can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors that bring about the very issues one is afraid of, such as relationship breakdowns or professional failure. Bias and misperceptions from fear: Fear can lead to biases and the search for confirming information, reinforcing fears and causing conflicts. End assignment for understanding fear: List everyday 'micro fears', consider how they relate to personal identity, and reflect on the fears one is resisting to experience, to take responsibility for one's emotions and fears. Manipulation and Fear: Leo explains that while manipulating situations can temporarily circumvent fears, it fails in the long term and can't influence fundamental human experiences such as love, truth, and death. Fear as a Poor Long-Term Survival Strategy: He remarks that fear, while effective against immediate physical threats like facing a bear, is counterproductive in complex human societies where it often leads to self-fulfilling negative outcomes. Examples of Self-Fulfilling Fears: He gives examples like the fear of a partner cheating or a business failing and explains how these fears can lead to behaviors that ultimately bring about the feared outcomes. Fear, Bias, and Self-Perpetuation: Leo discusses how fear can perpetuate biases and conflicts, as seen in the fear of immigrants and how confirmation bias leads to reinforcing negative stereotypes and escalating tensions. The Loop of Fear: He describes fear as creating a yo-yo effect, where negative motivation only temporarily resolves fear, invariably leading to a rebound – like the cycle of losing and gaining weight. Fear and Personal Growth: Leo concludes that fear maintains the status quo and is detrimental to personal growth, creativity, and happiness, contrasting fear-based governance with visionary changes exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights activism. Homework on Micro Fears: Leo assigns the viewers homework to observe, list, and analyze their 'micro fears' over seven days to understand how fears are projections of the mind and stem from identity, influencing our thoughts and actions. Part Two Teaser: Leo teases the upcoming part two of the lecture series, which promises to provide answers to common questions, introduce tools for overcoming fear, and reveal the most crucial quality needed for life success. Fidelius Charm

Understanding Survival - Part 2 - Advanced Insights About Survival https://youtu.be/CyGPqFMy6vY Observation work in understanding survival: Observation is crucial for comprehending survival strategies in personal experiences; without it, the information remains theoretical and won't lead to transformative change. Symbiosis in survival: Survival strategies can be symbiotic, supporting others while serving one's own needs, but usually, these are unconscious actions, as in the example of squirrels and oak trees. Complexity and obscurity of survival in humans: Unlike animals, humans have complex survival strategies that obfuscate the very nature of survival; these strategies are intelligent but not consciously recognized by individuals. Modern society disconnecting from survival: Society's infrastructure conceals the complexity of survival, making individuals disconnected and often irresponsible about their role in broader survival systems. Emotional responses tied to survival importance: People become more emotional in response to threats against objects that are central to their survival, with stronger reactions related to things like family compared to material possessions. Intelligence of survival strategies without consciousness: Survival strategies are sophisticated and ingenious but do not equate to the organism's consciousness; strategies may be executed automatically, without understanding. Failure of survival strategies: Survival strategies may fail and yet still function as strategies—for instance, robbing a bank is a strategy even if it results in death or failure. Survival linked to identity and state of mind: People maintain survival strategies that align with their identity or state of mind, even when those strategies are self-destructive, such as criminal behavior. Unconscious vs. conscious survival: Many survival strategies operate subconsciously, driving behavior without individuals realizing they are focused on survival, leading to potentially detrimental actions. Elaborate justification for survival: Humans fabricate stories about love, nobility, and goodness to justify survival strategies, masking the selfish nature often inherent in these actions. Improving survival strategies with consciousness: Reflecting on and becoming aware of these survival strategies can foster better decision-making, altering harmful behaviors into healthier, more sustainable practices. Complexity of Human Survival: Survival for humans extends beyond basic necessities like food and shelter; it encompasses elements of personal identity. Even harmful habits like smoking have survival aspects because they start as a means to fit in, gaining social acceptance, and eventually, despite negative health effects, they provide psychological comfort which people grow attached to. Social Aspects of Survival in Teenagers: Teenage survival strategies focus heavily on social acceptance, such as smoking to appear cool or fit in with peers. These strategies are not just about individual survival but also about navigating social hierarchies and establishing a place within peer groups. Addiction as a Survival Strategy: Once a person becomes physically addicted to substances like nicotine, the act of smoking transforms into a psychological survival strategy, providing comfort despite its damaging long-term health consequences. The smoker’s identity may become wrapped up in this habit, making it even more integral to their survival. Depression Signaling Change: Depression can act as a subconscious survival signal indicating the need for lifestyle change. When ignored, it can lead to extreme outcomes like suicide. However, it can also serve as a wake-up call for individuals to make necessary changes for their well-being. Suicide Bombing as a Survival Strategy: Suicide bombing, while counterintuitively destructive, reflects a survival strategy rooted in strong ideological beliefs and the conviction of rewards in an afterlife. The physical body's sacrifice supports the survival of an ideological self-image and ego. Survival Strategy Uniqueness: Survival strategies are not one-size-fits-all; they're unique to each individual's environment, needs, and personal perspectives. What works for one person may not work for another, emphasizing the variability of survival across different contexts. Cultural Imposition of Survival Strategies: Attributing universal effectiveness to one's personal survival strategy is flawed. Imposing a personal or cultural survival strategy onto others, without respect for the environment and individual needs, can result in failure and conflict. Influence of Environment on Survival Tactics: Survival strategies must be perfectly aligned with the surrounding environment. For instance, animals are adapted to their habitats, and humans have distinct strategies based on cultural and environmental contexts. Importance of Respect for Different Survival Needs: Understanding and respecting that each person has unique survival needs, based on development stages and personality differences, is vital. Parents and societies must recognize these differences to support the individual growth and avoid imposing non-compatible survival tactics. Diverse Cultural Survival Strategies and Cuisines: Cultural diversity, including distinct cuisines, reflects different survival strategies that are shaped by available resources in each environment. Every culture's survival tactics adapt to the local conditions, which influences their societal systems, including food. Survival's Infiltration into Social Institutions: All aspects of society, such as the military, schools, governments, and media, have been co-opted by survival. The survival strategies in these institutions reflect the human need to survive both individually and collectively within various sociopolitical environments. Politics and Survival: Leo discusses that politics are ubiquitous across various social institutions and environments, including small corporations, nonprofits, military groups, and sports teams. Politics is a human survival strategy equivalent to a chimp gathering food; it's an essential aspect of survival in social settings, even as intricate as the politics found within chimpanzee troops. Worldview and Survival: Identity and ideas are central to human survival strategies, not just material goods. Humans place significant importance on their worldviews; it operates like an ingrained operating system, more crucial than any material possession and extremely difficult to change. Worldviews govern interpretation and understanding, making the defense of them a critical survival mechanism. Resistance to Identity as Fantasy: When challenged with the perspective that identity is a fantasy, people react hostily and defensively. This is because the premise of survival is to create an identity, believe in its reality, and defend it. Admitting the manufactured nature of identity threatens people's survival strategies and is seen as very problematic. Ideology, Dogmatism, and Survival: Leo points out that ideological and dogmatic behavior is connected to survival; identities are formed from biases and beliefs which people feel compelled to defend. This defense is a significant obstacle to spiritual growth, which reveals identities to be constructions. Hostility to Undermining Beliefs: Presenting ideas that undermine a person's core beliefs, such as telling them their physical reality isn't real or challenging deeply held religious or gender norms, elicits defensive survival strategies. Such challenges trigger hostility, denial, bigotry, and various self-deception tactics to maintain their identity. Obliviousness to Survival and Selfishness: Leo asserts that people are generally unaware of their own survival strategies, especially if they involve low-consciousness actions. Remaining unconscious of one's survival tactics, like exploiting others for financial gain, serves to continue such behaviors without internal conflict. Justification of Selfish Survival Strategies: Societal survival strategies are often justified as necessary or for the common good. This moral high ground is used to defend one's survival strategies while criticizing others, which is itself a survival tactic. Consciousness about these strategies can lead to more responsible behavior. Evil as a Survival Strategy: Leo states that what is typically labeled as 'evil' is really just another form of survival strategy. From theft to cultural practices, these actions are survival tactics and should not be judged as they are part of the strategy to survive. Transcending Survival with Understanding: Leo suggests that to truly transcend survival strategies, one must embrace understanding and non-judgment. Recognizing that morality is a collective fantasy, and that survival itself is driven by various forms of love, helps in overcoming simplistic notions of good versus evil. Definition of Evil in Survival: Evil is perceived as somebody else's survival strategy. Acts like murder, theft, and war are means by which individuals ensure their existence, shaped by selfishness and lack of consciousness. Judging Survival Strategies: Judging others' survival strategies, such as rape or murder, is likened to judging a natural predator for hunting; it's simply an organism's way to survive and is misguided. Morality as Survival Strategy: Morality is used to gain a moral high ground, to suppress other people's survival strategies. Judging someone's actions as immoral is a way to enforce one's own survival strategy. Outrage and Moral Judgment: Moral outrage is in fact a survival strategy, serving to demonize actions that threaten one’s way of life, obscured by the collective illusion of morality. Self-Deception in Morality: Accusations of hypocrisy in survival strategies do not consider the bigger picture that everyone is engaged in survival, thus fostering personal and societal dishonesty about motives. Survival, Morality, and Law: Society's rules and laws are a result of collective survival strategies, shaping the environment according to one community's moral standards. Defining Evil Relative to Survival: The concept of evil is relative and serves as a label for anything that threatens one's survival, explaining why perceptions of evil vary greatly. Spirituality as Survival Enhancement: Spirituality often becomes a survival strategy rather than a means to transcend survival, manifested in religions and spiritual ego. Relationship of Survival and Love: All actions, no matter how seemingly selfish or evil, are done out of love; the distinctions lie in the expansiveness of this love from personal to universal. Spiritual Growth and the Fantasy of Survival: Successful spirituality eventually leads to recognizing the game of survival as a fantasy, guiding one toward transcending survival instincts. Understanding Victimhood as a Strategy: Victimhood is a prevalent survival strategy used to gain moral superiority and justify retribution in both individual and societal conflicts. Denial of Evil's Relativity: The refusal to acknowledge the relativity of evil is a survival function, protecting one's worldview and sense of security from potentially harmful truths. Counterintuitive Nature of Defeating Evil: Defeating evil is accomplished through love, which is a difficult and counterintuitive concept because it requires transcending survival instincts that are deeply rooted in self-protection and are relentlessly pursued by people throughout their lives. Relentlessness of Survival Instincts: Survival instincts are described as relentless, making life challenging and leading to suffering and ignorance. This drive is so strong that people act unconsciously, which perpetuates negative actions or 'evil'. Subconscious Control of Survival Functions: Many survival functions are controlled subconsciously, like one's heartbeat, because they are too critical to be entrusted to the conscious mind. Emotions such as fear, anger, and depression are similarly automatic and manipulate an individual's behaviors for survival. Devilish Irony in Unconscious Actions: Individuals who act unconsciously out of selfish survival instincts often view themselves as benevolent. However, their actions are generally short-term, unsustainable, and can lead to catastrophic outcomes due to a lack of awareness and holistic understanding. Short-sighted Selfish Survival Strategies: Short-sighted survival strategies that emerge from selfishness and separatism fail in the long term because they neglect the interconnectedness of people and the environment. Actions based solely on personal gain inevitably backfire as they disregard the reliance on others and shared resources. Unsustainability of Pure Selfishness: Pure selfishness may appear to be a good survival strategy in the short term; however, it proves counterproductive in complex systems. Trump's "America First" policy is used as an example of such flawed thinking, highlighting the importance of systemic thinking for holistic benefits. Evolutionary Need for Harmonious Survival Strategies: As society evolves, survival strategies must also develop to be more harmonious and less selfish. History shows a trend toward more interconnectedness and acceptance of diversity, suggesting a need for healthier communal survival strategies. Failure of Survival in the Face of Death: Ultimately, survival strategies are thwarted by the inevitability of death, pointing to the absurdity of trying to achieve permanence. Instead, one's relationship with survival can evolve, recognizing elements such as unconditional love and truth, which exist outside the bounds of survival. Transition to Pure Being State: Practices like meditation or psychedelics can help one transition from survival mode to pure being, a state where one experiences interconnectedness and universal love, potentially transforming survival strategies toward more ecological and universal approaches. Inevitability of Survival Failure: Survival is an ongoing process that cannot be permanently successful. It operates under the delusion that it can sustain life indefinitely, but due to the inherent need for change, diversity, and impermanence in the universe, all forms of life and organizational structures are destined to eventually end or transform beyond recognition. Survival as Tail-Chasing: The notion of winning at survival equates to an absurd concept of permanently freezing a dynamic reality, which would negate the universe's grand design of maximizing diversity and beauty. Humans and Immortality: If humans achieved immortality, they would inadvertently prevent the birth of future generations. By hoarding life, humans would undermine the cyclical and impermanent nature of existence, which diminishes the collective experience of life. Transcending Survival: While survival cannot be entirely escaped as long as one wishes to live, it is possible to change one's relationship to it. Through awareness, individuals can find freedom, relief, and significantly improve their survival tactics. Non-survival Elements: Unconditional love, non-dual consciousness, a state of Samadhi, and the very essence of being are elements that transcend survival. They provide a state of existence that looks beyond the survival-driven projections placed upon reality. Shifting Consciousness: Achieving a shift in consciousness, from survival mode to a pure state of 'being', allows one to view the world and objects without personal interpretation. This perspective detaches from utility and survival value, leading to an enlightened understanding of existence as pure being. The Farce of Survival: Survival has no inherent meaning or purpose outside of its self-constructed importance. Recognizing the formless, immortal aspect of one's identity frees one from the temporal and ultimate failure of survival. Survival and Reasoning: Survival instincts corrupt individuals' perceptions and reasoning as they are essential for survival. This limitation is why science and reasoning are challenging for most people as their thought processes are compromised by survival strategies. Survival Strategies as Collective Fantasies: Humans can agree on certain constructs, like money, making them part of their collective reality and thus effective survival strategies. However, for a fantasy to become reality, it must be convincing enough to gain collective acceptance. Survival as Social Constructs: Survival strategies must fit within the established web of societal constructs. Significant realities like Christianity, Islam, and science have become their own realities, shaping survival so much that deviation might lead to serious social consequences. Survival Strategy Observations: Leo assigns homework to observe and compare survival strategies of close relations and pets, emphasizing the relative and contextual nature of survival within even the same environment. Conflict Origins Within Families: By observing differing needs and irritations among family members and pets, one begins to recognize how conflicts stem from conflicting survival strategies. Animal Survival Strategies: Leo encourages viewers to study animal survival strategies through nature documentaries to appreciate their sophisticated adaptations to their environments, and to draw parallels with human survival strategies in different cultures. Environmental Influence on Survival: Survival tactics are heavily influenced by one's environment, leading to significant survival differences between various lifestyles and locations around the world, like urban New York City versus rural Alabama. Comprehensive Survival Understanding: Systematically studying survival strategies in different systems and environments leads to a broader understanding of the interconnectedness and intelligence of life. Reevaluating the Survival Series: Constant reevaluation and study of the survival series Leo offers is key to deeply appreciating the intricacies of survival strategies. Observation is Key: Rather than theorizing or judging, Leo stresses the importance of direct observation in understanding survival strategies and correcting any potential inaccuracies. Investment in Learning: Tackling the challenging emotional investment to understand life requires dedication and persistence, with the payoff being a more sophisticated grasp of life's complexities and interconnectedness. Passion for Understanding Life: Leo expresses his passion for understanding life from a broad perspective, collecting deep concepts about life, and hopes to inspire the same enthusiasm and pursuit of self-liberation in viewers. Bombarda

@Merkabah Star There are two main things here as I see it. On one hand Israel has to do everything to release them even if it means to cease the fire to even a year and keep a security belt all around Gaza. On the other hand, the long term goal of defeating hamas cannot be abandoned. If you care about the Gazans you have to know that if hamas stays there, Million of poor children will be under a cruel cult that will give them a gun from age 16 and posion their brains into the importance of killing and suicide, as it already happened and now probably be even worse. If you want Million of Gazan children to heal, you have to acknowledge the importance of defeating hamas. Otherwise they will end up killed inside in the psychological and spiritual sense. The second things is about Israel. If Israel's enemies see they can stop her, this can open a dangerous pandora box to them attacking Israel in the future in greater forces out of an improved self confidence and belief on their ability to defeat her. The whole reputation of Israel as a deterrent factor will be diminished.

I am struggling with knowing when to give up and when to persevere. This is about my career as a chess player. It is hard to make it as a chess player. I seem to stake a lot on My ability to be successful. I don't know where to draw the line between being too stubborn and not being stubborn enough. My struggle started when my family wanted me to go college, but there was no major for becoming a professional chess player. I started struggling to find other paths for my life. I have identified a few alternatives to pursuing chess. After finishing an associate degree, I didn't see the point in continuing college. Instead I started working a job I hate at a grocery store. I was already working during college to help pay off the loans. I've had this job for five years now. The prospects of working here forever makes me feel hopeless about my life. I worry about being stuck in meaningless work forever. I have been looking for opportunities to replace this job with something I enjoy. I struggled to find jobs teaching chess for years until I finally landed a job with chess in schools. I have been working here for about six months. The students love my lessons and I love it when they challenge me. My least favorite part is when the kids refuse to behave. In fact one kid said the n word. Even with this job, I still don't make enough money to replace my job at the grocery store. I therefore work two jobs. Therefore, if I want to replace the job I hate, I would have to get a third job then quit. I am trying to get a job with varsity tutors so I can teach chess online. If i make enough money during the week, I can finally have my weekends open permanently for chess tournaments. I am wondering if I should quit pursuing chess for a couple of reasons. Trying to set up my life in the way I want it seems to be making life more difficult. This is far from my ideal of travelling the world to play the top grandmasters. Ben finegold became a grandmaster at age 40, so it is not impossible for me to become a professional chess player, it's just difficult. It makes it hard to tell when to quit. The sunk cost fallacy kicks in when I think about all the courses and books I purchased for chess and all the time I spent studying and playing in tournaments. I have a few alternatives for what I could pursue. The problem is that they probably require me to go back to college. This does not appeal to me. 1. I happen to be good at philosophy and bible studies because I listened to hundreds of hours of actualized.org. Maybe I could build on this. I helped a woman restore her faith in after losing both of her children. 2. I could be good at working with a research team to mitigate polarization in politics. I stopped a lot of fights by teaching my family about self deception and I helped my coworkers get 60,000 dollars in student debt forgiven because my research. 3. I happen to be gifted in quantitative reasoning. I scored 130 on the iq test and I would probably be good at engineering. I just never tried pursuing this kind of career. 4. My alternative passion is teaching emotional mastery in schools. I have been skeptical of the educational system because it ignores life saving teachings. For example a non-profit similar to chess in schools could be used for cbt or other emotional mastery teachings to help prevent suicide. Spiritual teaching could be included to some degree. I hesitate to pursue this because I myself suffer from depression and I have struggled to cure myself somehow. I still suffer from suicidal thoughts even though I tried educating myself on emotional mastery, I tried pills, I tried therapy, I tried the forgiveness exercise, and other things. All of them helped partially, but I still feel stuck in the same pattern. Part of the hopelessness is the job I hate. Despite my continued struggle with depression, I managed to help my brother stop his suicidal thoughts. I could be good at helping people, but I struggle to help myself. My top values include open mindedness, pure understanding, learning, truth, authenticity, helping others grow, and objectivity. When should I quit?

This is their problem after all the suicide bombing they did and when a terror organization is in charge there, they cant expect maritime and air ways. Gaza shares border with egypt too.