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  1. @Holykael As long as your conditioned mind believes in this illusion, it becomes your reality. Until you get so tired of it that you say enough is enough. You can say you're going to commit suicide - and crap, you still exist. You want to continue to believe in these fantasies - your free will - believe what you want, and it will become your reality. Until you decide you don't want it anymore. You have no idea in the state in which you experience what power you have to create reality. Most human beings here have no idea they can become free at any moment...
  2. Happy late new year! Last week I decided I had enough of feeling sorry for myself for being lonely and meditated an entire day. Kind of like a solo retreat in my own home. I would meditate on the couch, the usual crossed legs position, when I was eating, basically the entire day. I did a combination of Leo's satisfaction meditation and the Letting Go technique as described by David R. Hawkins in his book. I didn't expect this to magically fix all my problems, but it was either this or the dark path towards suicide. What I experienced astonished me, though I am sure it wasn't an awakening or God realization. I had multiple moments of bliss. I would have zero thoughts for a solid period of time every so often on that day. As I let go more, I realized that I am not my emotions or my thoughts. What I AM yet however I have not fully realized, but this still felt like a huge step. I keep identifying with my thoughts and feelings, even though I have realized before that they do not represent me for who I am. I actively choose to identify with them. With this into account, I realize going about day-to-day life without identifying with your thoughts or emotions is remains difficult. When the feelings become too much however, I switch over to a certain awareness and stillness before I unidentify with said feelings. Even in social settings. On New Year's Eve I was at a party. Even though I was quite intoxicated, there were times where I would hear sounds of people talking and music blasting, yet all I could do was realize it was just in my head. Like the meaning of the sounds or the feelings from being drunk, were just that. Sounds and feelings. They were not me. I gave them meaning, but inherently there was none. I hope some of you can help me out here since I am not quite sure what I am experiencing. I still have my moments where I will take a step back and just observe what is happening to me. My thoughts, feelings, noises, sounds, sights etc. I have tried to "push" this by asking "what am I?", yet my current answer feels incomplete. I feel close to an awakening, but since I have never had one before I am afraid it is my spiritual ego talking. I notice the intrusive thoughts sometimes where I will hype myself up or feel superior because I can see from this weird unidentifying perspective while others can't, only to realize that is my spiritual ego making this a power game somehow.
  3. Understanding The Liberal Mind https://youtu.be/0UJbHNhYl0U Understanding the liberal mind is the subject of this two-part series The goal is to give a deeper understanding of the opposite political worldview This episode is for conservatives to understand the liberal worldview The liberal worldview is often misunderstood and misrepresented by conservative media The goal is to present a charitable, unbiased view of the liberal worldview The liberal worldview is emotionally appealing to many people The liberal worldview values fairness and equality The liberal worldview sees society as flawed and in need of improvement The liberal worldview values compassion and empathy The liberal worldview sees government as a tool for positive change The liberal worldview values diversity and inclusion The liberal worldview sees capitalism as flawed and in need of regulation The liberal worldview values education and knowledge The liberal worldview values the environment and sustainability The liberal worldview values social justice and equality for marginalized groups The liberal worldview sees religion as a personal belief and values separation of church and state The liberal worldview values personal freedom and individual rights Liberalism involves expanding one's circle of concern and empathy to include the entire universe This results in a larger capacity for love, empathy, forgiveness, and seeing the good in others However, expanding one's circle of concern can also threaten survival, requiring a balance between unconditional love and protecting one's tribe and self The conservative mind tends to see the world in terms of good and evil and is therefore more judgmental The liberal mind is more lenient and less strict due to its survival conditions (e.g. living in a liberal democracy with a strong safety net) There are pros and cons to both approaches It is important to not judge one approach as better or worse than the other Love is a complex and sophisticated concept that requires further exploration The conservative mind may struggle with understanding evil and the concept of the devil The Constitution is the founding document of the United States and is seen as sacred by some There is a debate over whether or not it is dangerous to change the Constitution One perspective is that it is more dangerous not to change the Constitution, as it is an old document that may not be equipped to deal with modern technological advances In American political climate, it is often seen as liberals who challenge the status quo, while conservatives want to preserve it However, in the case of Trump, he only challenged the status quo in order to attain power, and once he had it, he was not interested in further change True rebellion would involve radical change to the status quo, such as changing the economy from capitalism to socialism or modifying the Constitution The liberal mind is more likely to question and deconstruct culture, while the conservative mind wants to preserve it The Deep state refers to the entrenched bureaucracy and power structures within a government Trump's conflicts with the Deep state are driven by his ego and desire for more power, rather than a desire to dismantle the Deep state and create a more equitable society The Catholic Church denies and suppresses accusations of sexual abuse to protect its reputation and preserve people's attachment to the system The liberal mind is more feminine, open-hearted, and intuitive, while the right-wing mind tends to be more masculine and aggressive Modern times require intelligence, diplomacy, and strategy, rather than brute force and raw power Masculine approaches are not always effective and can be counterproductive in certain situations Both the feminine and masculine approaches have their place, depending on the situation. Liberal mindset is like a shallow coral reef ecosystem with diverse, interdependent organisms Conservative mindset is like living in a deep, dark part of the ocean with few organisms and harsh survival conditions Conservative mindset is defensive, like a cactus with spikes, because it is separated from others and needs to protect itself Liberal mindset is open and accepting, like a coconut that invites others to take from it Maga movement represents a conservative mindset of wanting to put up walls to protect oneself Liberal attitude is against walls and believes they may or may not work depending on the situation Problem with border walls is that they can be easily bypassed or climbed over Walls can work in certain situations, like protecting a garden or house, but not in all situations Need to find a balance between individual rights and the needs of the community Differences in mindset can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, but it is important to try to understand and appreciate different perspectives. The internet and globalization have connected people globally, including through cheap air travel and technology There are valid arguments about harm caused by globalization, particularly in trade policy and outsourcing However, globalism is inevitable and will continue to grow in the future In the future, there will be more communication, travel, interconnection, and mixing of cultures and races It will be easy to access any cuisine, book, language, or religion from anywhere in the world Resisting globalism is futile because it is inevitable The liberal mindset tends to be more open to science, facts, and rationality However, conservatism also evolves and can be more scientific or progressive in different parts of the world and at different times in history The conservative mindset is often associated with religion, particularly in less developed parts of the world It is important to understand the evolution and relative nature of conservatism and liberalism The future will likely involve a blend of both, with more progressive conservatives and more conservative liberals It is important to work towards a future that is inclusive and respectful of different cultures and viewpoints The liberal mind is more optimistic and sees humanity as able to coexist peacefully The conservative mind is more realistic and pessimistic about human nature and values tradition and hierarchy The liberal mind values self-expression and individuality and wants every voice to be heard The conservative mind values suppressing self-expression in order to fit in with tradition The liberal mind values freedom and is willing to accept the costs of freedom The liberal mind is more revolutionary and willing to overthrow established structures in the name of equality The conservative mind values stability and order and is more resistant to change The liberal mind is more open to new ideas and experiences, while the conservative mind is more resistant to change and wants to preserve tradition The liberal mind values education and knowledge, while the conservative mind values practical skills and expertise The liberal mind is more likely to experience mental illness, suicide, and instability due to their willingness to challenge the status quo Technology will improve significantly in the future Need to work together and not be our own enemy Open-mindedness is important for unity and peace Liberal worldview values: progress, innovation, creativity, compassion, empathy, tolerance, open-mindedness, self-expression, artistic expression, respect for individuality, freedom, questioning authority, equality, fairness, peace, kindness, diversity, rationality, secularism, science, technology, free sex, environmentalism, love, defending the weak, secular education, femininity, mercy, exploring diverse perspectives, inclusion, worldliness, empowering minorities, correcting unjust social systems, and education for its own sake Liberal personality traits: eccentric, sensitive, individualistic, artistic, idealistic, utopian, pie-in-the-sky, carefree, free-spirited, open-minded, open to experience, adventurous, tolerant, flexible, accepting of everyone, permissive, lenient, unpredictable, impulsive, spontaneous, loose, creative, imaginative, curious, desiring novel experiences and diversity, complex, nuanced, abstract, worldly, intuitive, emotionally connected, feminine, quirky, transgressive, rebellious, playful, humorous, jester/joker archetype Prioritize eliminating conflict and war, invest in education, healthcare, jobs, and infrastructure rather than military Advanced civilizations do not engage in war and use resources efficiently Need to prioritize love and compassion in society Liberal mindset struggles with practicality and execution Struggles with integrating and understanding perspectives of less developed and hateful people Struggles with understanding global ignorance Struggles with integrating materialism, capitalism, and corporations Struggles with understanding the source of unfairness and inequality Liberal perspective on feminism: gender roles and leadership styles are outdated and women have valuable contributions to make Liberal perspective on religion: religion can be a source of conflict and harm, but also has the potential to bring people together and bring about positive change Liberal perspective on immigration: immigration should be welcomed and celebrated, as it brings diversity and cultural exchange Liberal perspective on environmentalism: environmentalism is important for the survival and well-being of future generations Liberal perspective on gun control: stricter gun control measures are necessary for the safety of society Liberal perspective on healthcare: healthcare is a basic human right and should be accessible to all Liberal perspective on taxation: progressive taxation is necessary to address income inequality and fund necessary public services Liberal perspective on foreign policy: diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts should be prioritized over military intervention Liberal perspective on education: education should be accessible to all and prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The current system of capitalism is not ideal and we should consider alternatives Environmentalism is important and ignoring the issue could have serious consequences Environmental issues contribute to global problems such as war and famine We can track and measure climate change and CO2 levels Addressing environmental issues can lead to new technologies and opportunities Delaying action on environmental issues could result in other countries taking the lead Income inequality is a major issue and needs to be addressed Political polarization is a problem and we need to find ways to bridge the divide Social media algorithms contribute to polarization and we need to be aware of their influence Education is important and we need to invest in it to create a better future Teleporting to the future and exploring New York City Having a year off to do whatever you want Having unlimited money and being able to do and buy whatever you want Society being radically open-minded and not threatened by new ideas and perspectives Wearing a uniform and not being able to express oneself through clothing Authority figures repressing and setting rules Living in a theocracy where government and church are mixed God being an infinitely liberal and open-minded consciousness Homework assignment: considering areas in life where one is liberal, idealistic and utopian, eager for progress and change, open to new experiences, self-expressive and artistic, open to radical new ideas, and optimistic about human nature Shaking head at rigid and closed-minded people Asking for feedback and being open to criticism. Something intelligent is happening, specifically survival, consciousness, and love How these things manifest and play out is worth studying Instead of listening to arguments on YouTube, study various subjects such as politics, history, and different ideologies (capitalism, socialism, Marxism) Separate good ideas from bad ideas in these ideologies Corruption exists in both capitalism and Marxism The speaker has spent the past five years studying history and political science and finds it interesting to apply abstract principles to human social dynamics Suggests reading sociology books and checking out the speaker's book list and blog for more information and resources
  4. Useless advice? All right maybe you should go to war and get killed like some 18 year olds do. Still more beneficial than suicide. Better? ?
  5. How To Fall In Love With Life https://youtu.be/u31Nk3ZAh-o Many people become disillusioned with reality or life It is essential to have a zest for life in order to live a good life There is a lot of negativity and self-pity present in society It is important to discipline oneself to cut through this negativity Personal development and spirituality can increase one's zest for life, but it can also cause one to become caught up in a self-improvement rat race and lose the naive joy of life It is important to recognize when personal development and spirituality are not aligning with one's goals and adjust accordingly The initial stages of personal development and spirituality can be naive and misguided It is important to find what brings joy and fulfillment to one's life and pursue it with enthusiasm Engaging in activities that bring joy can increase one's zest for life It is important to be present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life Practicing gratitude can increase one's zest for life Taking risks and trying new things can increase one's zest for life It is important to have a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can increase one's zest for life Having close relationships and a supportive community can increase one's zest for life Alien life captures the imagination and inspires people to pursue engineering, science, academia, and art Engineering can be approached in a shallow, materialistic way, but it can also be a way to connect with and appreciate consciousness The same goes for academia and art Creative pursuits can be used as a medium to deepen appreciation and connection to consciousness Example of personal experience with video game design and the beauty of motion graphics Alien life and the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations also connects with consciousness Thinking about these things allows us to appreciate and fall in love with reality more The more we are aware of the interconnectedness of consciousness, the more we can appreciate and fall in love with different aspects of it Undertaking a process requires serious work If you do not challenge yourself and honor your consciousness, you may become disillusioned and complacent You may engage in shallow and animalistic behaviors and become addicted to various things If you do not invest in yourself and build a beautiful life, you may waste decades and eventually consider suicide Society does not encourage investing in oneself, so it must be cultivated within oneself Health, growth, learning, execution, and creativity are important pillars to focus on in life Health involves taking care of your body and mind, including exercising and eating well Growth involves personal development and self-improvement Investing in oneself involves investing time, energy, and resources into personal development Learning involves acquiring new knowledge and skills Execution involves taking action and implementing what you have learned Creativity involves using your imagination and being open to new ideas All of these pillars require a lifelong commitment and daily effort to cultivate and maintain. Reading and investing in oneself is fulfilling and meaningful Anything that promotes personal growth should be pursued Socializing and investing in social skills can lead to fulfillment in the future Learning is a crucial aspect of personal growth Developing a growth mindset is important for personal growth Setting and achieving goals helps with personal growth Engaging in activities that challenge and stretch oneself helps with personal growth Taking care of oneself (e.g. health, nutrition, exercise) can enhance personal growth Surrounding oneself with positive and growth-oriented individuals can promote personal growth Reflecting on and analyzing one's experiences and actions can facilitate personal growth The game of life is one that cannot be won, but can be lost if not consistently pursued The pillars of this game include: falling in love with consciousness, honoring it, pursuing health and growth, investing in oneself, learning and execution, and creativity Others will try to distract you with petty human [__] and it is important to set boundaries to avoid being dragged down Petty human [__] is low consciousness and robs life of its beauty Need to develop an attitude of investing in and improving your fundamentals Connect with the joy of saying no to unhealthy habits and engaging in healthy ones Create joy in discipline, productivity, and purposeful work Connect with the joy of meditation, exercise, learning, and self-improvement Remember that true value in life is found in things that require sacrifice and hard work, not in superficial pleasures Begin to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life and the present moment Remember that you are in control of your own life and have the power to create the life you want for yourself External challenges can lead to resentment and avoidance Choosing challenges and setting goals can be fulfilling and meaningful Choose challenges that align with your values and that you accept willingly Fulfilling life involves conscious living and connecting with the present moment Art can be its own reward, regardless of whether it is sold It is better to choose your challenges rather than having them choose you Avoidance of challenges can lead to a meaningless and disconnected life Fulfilling life involves creative expression and meaningful connection with reality Living a fulfilling life involves engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction This can be a long process that takes years to complete As you engage in these activities, you may find that you are less interested in shallow pleasures like unhealthy foods and alcohol At first, you may feel like you are sacrificing pleasure by saying no to these things in favor of healthier choices, but over time, you will find that the deep joys of life are more fulfilling Eventually, you will reach a tipping point where the shallow pleasures no longer hold much appeal Addiction is often a result of a lack of deeper fulfillment in life, rather than the chemical itself Engaging in new experiences and connecting with others can bring joy and fulfillment to your life Avoiding dangerous substances like heroin and instead exploring consciousness through safer means like psychedelics can also contribute to a fulfilling life The importance of sober living Definition of sober living includes saying no to unhealthy or toxic things and building a healthy life based on principles, holistic integrity, and health Cultural idea of sobriety is flawed Sobriety means living in truth and saying no to petty human desires Psychedelics can be used in a sober way, but only if used as a spiritual modality in addition to other practices and executing on life purpose Building a hyper sober life takes time and requires changing one's palate to reject mediocrity and laziness The joy of sober living includes a transcendent consciousness and living according to one's principles Hindus have a concept of three gunas: satwik (sober or truthful), rajas (over excited or overstimulated), and tamas (lazy or depressed) The goal is to aim for the satwik life The benefits of sober living include increased energy, productivity, and fulfillment People who are "born lucky" or have things handed to them (such as good looks, money, etc.) may not appreciate or value those things as much as those who had to work hard for them People who have things handed to them may also not be as deep or tested as those who had to struggle Physical attractiveness in particular can lead to shallowness, as others judge and value a person based on their appearance rather than their character The most fulfilling aspects of life come from the challenges one faces and the personal growth that results from overcoming them Becoming good at sex requires effort and learning, and people who have it easy in this area may not appreciate or understand sex as much as those who had to work for it The most attractive women may not be known for their depth, as they are valued for their appearance rather than their character It is natural to feel jealous of people who seem to have it easy, but it is important to remember that the challenges one faces and the effort put in to overcome them are what make life fulfilling and valuable The author has personally struggled to become extroverted and charismatic, despite appearances to the contrary The speaker is teaching advanced concepts and does not want to waste time covering basics Some people may not have proper education or development and need to address those issues before tackling advanced concepts The speaker has books and other resources available to help with basics The speaker is working on a new course that will be more practical and life-changing than their current course The new course will teach how to implement abstract concepts The speaker will release the new course when it is of high quality and provides value The speaker's goal is to help people achieve a functional and joyful life People should not rely solely on the speaker for all their knowledge and should seek out other sources The speaker is not responsible for teaching people basic life skills, such as tying shoes or crossing t's and dotting i's
  6. The Dangers Of Misapplying Spiritual Teachings https://youtu.be/HcPqApdlODY Introduction to discussion about dangers of spiritual work Mention of a member of the actualized.org forum who killed himself Explanation that the circumstances of the suicide are not entirely clear Emphasis on the seriousness of the topic and the importance of discussing it Recurring theme of discussing the traps and dangers of spiritual work in the speaker's content Length of the speaker's content and the potential for listeners to skim over important warnings and disclaimers The speaker's belief that spiritual teachings should be approached with caution and skepticism The potential for spiritual teachings to be misinterpreted or misunderstood The danger of becoming attached to spiritual ideas or beliefs The importance of self-inquiry and personal responsibility in spiritual work The potential for spiritual teachings to be used as an excuse for negative behavior or to avoid personal responsibility The importance of seeking out qualified and ethical teachers The potential for spiritual teachings to be used as a form of control or manipulation by leaders or organizations The danger of becoming dogmatic or closed-minded in spiritual beliefs The importance of being aware of and avoiding cults and cult-like behavior The importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced perspective in spiritual work True perspective is important in teaching people Survival and a suitable environment are necessary for the propagation of spiritual teachings Petty, mundane concerns are important in enabling the teacher to teach Naive people may believe that they can stop caring about practical concerns and everything will be okay God works in practical ways, not just supernatural ways Ideas can be dangerous and have real-world consequences YouTube can contain armchair philosophy with little real-world consequences Dangerous ideas exist in politics on both the left and the right Social media can spread dangerous ideas quickly It is important to be aware of the impact of one's ideas and to consider the consequences before sharing them Common sense is necessary for spiritual work, but not enough Spiritual emergency is a term coined by Stan Groff, a psychiatrist who has worked with people undergoing deep spiritual purification Spiritual emergency can occur when a person deconstructs their mind so much that their reality becomes uncertain and they may experience confusion, emotional distress, irrational behavior, and mystical visions These visions can be demonic in nature if the person's mind skews in that direction There are many possible permutations of a spiritual emergency and it can be difficult to account for them all Some people may have a mental illness or trauma that exacerbates a spiritual emergency On meditation retreats, people may go so deep into meditation that they have visions or hallucinations and feel like they are losing their mind It is important to have a strong foundation and understanding of what can happen during spiritual work to avoid negative consequences People may seek help from books on psychotherapy or talk to someone who has gone through a similar experience It is important to have a support system and proper guidance during spiritual work to avoid negative outcomes and handle experiences in a healthy way. Someone has an enlightenment experience where they lose their sense of self This was confusing and frightening for the person, who thought they might have a mental disorder They sought help from therapists and shrinks, but no one understood what was happening to them They struggled for years with this loss of self and experienced depression, panic attacks, and stress They eventually found a therapist who understood non-duality and awakening, and were introduced to a spiritual master who explained that this was a normal part of awakening Eckhart Tolle experienced severe depression and was close to committing suicide before having an awakening Many people who have had similar experiences don't have awakenings and end up dead, in prison, or in insane asylums The reason we don't hear about these people is because they don't become famous and sell 50 million books like Eckhart Tolle did Non-dual teachings are often presented in a way that makes them seem easy and simple, but the path to awakening can be difficult and painful People should be aware of the potential challenges and struggles that may come with pursuing spiritual awakening. The narrator begins by recounting a conversation with a priest about the possibility of going to heaven after death The narrator then reflects on how this belief could be twisted by the ego to justify actions such as suicide The narrator then contrasts this with a materialistic, capitalistic worldview, in which there is no moral or ethical code and people may engage in harmful behaviors such as promiscuity, drug use, and objectifying others This materialistic worldview may also lead to depression and suicide The narrator asserts that religion and spirituality, when done properly, can actually prevent suicide and reform people who are struggling with addiction or criminal behavior The narrator discusses the concept of "human nature" and how different worldviews and belief systems can shape how people behave and make sense of the world The narrator concludes by urging the listener to be mindful of the consequences of their beliefs and actions, and to consider how they may impact others. The speaker is talking about how people often misunderstand or do not fully comprehend the radical nature of certain insights These insights may be presented in a more casual, easy-to-accept way by other teachers, but the speaker goes deeper and challenges people to really consider the implications of these insights One example of this is the concept that self and other are just conceptual boundaries within one's own mind This idea can be difficult to fully accept and may lead to feelings of solipsism (the belief that only one's own mind is certain to exist) The speaker had a personal experience of realizing that their parents were imaginary, which was initially confusing and unsettling but ultimately led to joy The speaker warns that these kinds of insights can be challenging to fully integrate and may lead to feelings of madness or disarray The speaker has had similar experiences with psychedelics and advises caution in exploring these kinds of insights The speaker's goal is to provide more warning or preparation for people who may be considering exploring these kinds of insights so that they can be better prepared to handle the challenges that may arise. The present moment is beautiful and should be appreciated and loved Life's purpose is to enjoy and love what is here in the present moment Love is not just something that happens after death, but also something to be practiced and cultivated in the present Suicidal thoughts may be a sign that something is not right in one's mind and that help should be sought Suffering, while a natural part of life, is often temporary and can be managed through self-care and seeking support from others Making a commitment to take care of one's body and seeking help can be important for managing depression and suicidal thoughts It is important to practice self-compassion and to remember that everyone makes mistakes and has weaknesses Finding and cultivating a sense of meaning and purpose in life can be helpful in managing depression and suicidal thoughts The speaker discusses how powerful and truthful teachings are often demonized, discredited, or weaponized by the ego mind or collective mind The speaker provides context for the situation being discussed The speaker talks about how Saad Guru faced criticism after his wife's death, with some accusing him of killing her and spreading false information about him online The speaker believes that some people attack spiritual teachings because they do not understand them and view them as "pure [__]" or a way for cult leaders to make money from gullible people The speaker compares this reaction to spiritual teachings to the story of the Buddha being attacked by an elephant and the story of Jesus being crucified The speaker talks about the ego mind's tendency to muddy the waters and make it difficult for people to understand the truth The speaker discusses how the ego mind will try to protect itself and its worldview by attacking new ideas The speaker talks about the importance of understanding the full context of a situation and the value of nuance and open-mindedness in understanding spiritual teachings. It is better to be true to oneself and love oneself Love and truth set you free and do not limit your options It is important to use intelligence and consciousness to determine the most loving expression of love in any given situation It is possible to be wrong about this and self-deception can occur Even gurus are not immune to self-deception Life is a constant challenge and one must constantly balance and juggle their actions Becoming too rigid and thinking one has everything figured out can lead to mistakes and failure
  7. You got it upside down, the devil does it that way. The Truth is: Death is a dream and Life is waking up. What is Death? Lie Separation Suffering Survival Fear Self Hatred Dream Devil Darkness Ignorance Ugliness Evil Hell Chaos Disharmony Guilt Victimhood Addiction Prison Manipulation Harm Distraction Hatred Greed Fake Conflict Intoxication Sickness Shame Illusion Ignorance Unawareness Boredom Depression Suspicion Destruction Violence Gluttony Atheism Disconnection Numbness Manipulation Self Harm Suicide Madness Craziness Perversion Anger Dysfunction Disability Arrogance Toxicity Distortion Disgust Bizarreness Unconsciousness Cage What is Life? Truth Unity Joy Thriving Love Self Love Awakening God Light Wisdom Beauty Good Paradise Order Harmony Innocent Forgiveness Virtue Freedom Integrity Goodness Presence Kindness Abudance Real Peace Sobriety Health Shameless Reality Understanding Awareness Magic Vitality Trust Creation Kindness Discipline Spirituality Connection Passion Desire Charisma Erotic Happiness Adventure Exploration Elegance Grace Flow Being Ease Pleasure Ecstacy Primal Wild Consciousness Heaven Appreciation Gratitude Home Soul
  8. Spiral Dynamics - Stage Purple https://youtu.be/BZFlE0eKTvw Spiral Dynamics is a developmental model that examines the evolution of culture and human psychology over time, both at an individual level and collectively Each stage in Spiral Dynamics corresponds to a set of values and represents a more advanced form of culture The stages, in order, are Purple, Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow, and Turquoise Purple is the beginning of the spiral and represents the values of being a member of a tribe or clan, with an emphasis on survival and sacrifice for the group Red represents a more selfish, individualistic approach, with an emphasis on power and control Blue represents a focus on tradition, rules, and authority, with an emphasis on order and stability Orange represents a focus on achievement, success, and efficiency, with an emphasis on rational thinking and analysis Green represents a focus on personal growth, equality, and community, with an emphasis on emotional intelligence and social responsibility Yellow represents a holistic, systems-thinking approach, with an emphasis on complexity and integration Turquoise represents a focus on spiritual connectedness and unity, with an emphasis on transcending ego and finding enlightenment The ultimate goal of Spiral Dynamics is to reach the higher stages of consciousness, such as Yellow and Turquoise, and to see reality from a more nuanced and complex perspective. Purple emerges due to the need for social interaction beyond personal survival The tribe is like a large family, with everyone helping each other out and knowing each other well The tribe functions like a team, with different roles and a need for cooperation to survive Purple values the tribe, clan, and community above all else, with strong family and tribal bonds Group activities and celebration are important, and the meaning of life comes from being part of the group In purple, people identify with the tribe and their role in it Power and status are determined by one's role in the tribe Purple is characterized by a lack of privacy and a lot of gossip Purple is marked by a focus on the collective, with a lack of individuality Westerners (including scientists and anthropologists) sometimes study tribes with unique customs and implicit rules that are not written down These rules can vary greatly from tribe to tribe and are often not scientific or rational, but are heuristics for survival in that particular environment Many tribes have fixed social roles, and children are often raised by the entire village or tribe, creating a sense of communal connection There is a sense of communal property in some tribes, where resources and property are shared to maximize efficiency and create a natural insurance policy There is often a gender-based division of labor in tribes, with women taking on certain tasks and men taking on others Some tribes have systems of trade and exchange, while others rely on gifting or sharing resources to meet their needs Westerners studying these tribes may face challenges in understanding and following these customs, but can eventually fit in and function within the tribe by learning through trial and error Stage Purple is a stage of human development characterized by a focus on natural phenomenon and animistic spirituality In Stage Purple, people rely on intuition and gut instinct to navigate their environment, as there is no writing system, mathematics, or science to understand the world There is a belief in magic and cause and effect, and superstition is common The environment and natural elements (stars, sun, water, rain, lightning, seasons, plants, earthquakes, sky, fire, earth, mountains) are seen as important and potentially dangerous Nature spirits are worshipped and revered, including the sun spirit, water spirit, rain spirit, plant spirit, mountain spirit, sky spirit, and fire spirit Reality is not understood in a mechanistic, materialistic framework, and there is a mystical sense of cause and effect There is no formal science at this stage, and understanding of phenomena such as disease, lightning, earthquakes, and fire is limited Stage Purple cultures tend to be more right-brained, intuitive, and feeling-oriented, rather than left-brained and logical Emotional attachment is placed on places, things, and people, and experienced individuals (such as shamans and medicine men) are highly attuned to their surroundings and able to make keen observations Stage purple is characterized by a primitive level of environmental consciousness Stage purple does not have a deep understanding of the impacts of technology on the environment Culture is taken for granted and not seen as something that can be consciously manipulated in stage purple Stage purple does not handle diversity or alternative viewpoints well and this can lead to conflict Stage purple has a narrow, limited world view and difficulty adapting to changing circumstances Stage purple's ultimate downfall may be its inability to adapt to changing circumstances due to its rigid world view. Sean Connery movie set in Amazon rainforest about a white western man searching for a cancer cure Noble savage concept and connections to mythology, voodoo, witchcraft, animal sacrifice, gift economy, paganism, cannibalism, sun worship, animal spirits, and paleolithic cave paintings Ubuntu philosophy of being interconnected as one tribe Suicide bombing and kamikaze pilots as examples of self-sacrifice for one's tribe Human sacrifice and eating one's enemies as examples of stage purple behavior Chanting, drum music, herbal medicine, acupuncture, energy work, shrines, totem poles, and various plant-based rituals and ceremonies as examples of stage purple practices Detura and iboga used by African tribes for rites of passage for young men Amanita muscaria mushrooms used by Siberian shamans Stage purple societies often have a focus on the collective and the tribe rather than the individual, and may have more fluid or non-binary gender roles Magic mushrooms that grow in the forest are better than synthetic versions Some shamanistic people are resistant to new methods, prefer traditional ways Purple (color) can be triggered by: domination, exploitation, profit motive, strict schedules and productivity, materialism, workaholic attitude Downsides/unhealthy aspects of purple include: tribalism, isolation, narrow world view, difficulty adapting Native Americans struggled to adapt to western culture and technology, leading to reservations and negative consequences Native Americans need to integrate with western society, but many do not want to Purple also tends to be traditional, superstitious, and less rational Purple can also be overly dogmatic, authoritarian, and resistant to change Purple can have a victim mentality, and may blame others for problems Purple can also be prone to magical thinking, superstition, and belief in supernatural forces Purple may also have a lack of self-awareness and self-reflection It is important for people to find balance and avoid excesses in purple traits We are all part of the same global community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation It is important to treat others with love and kindness, and to not demonize or blame them Life should be about the quality of social bonds and relationships, rather than material possessions Nature is valuable and has a spiritual quality, and we should spend more time in nature and living harmoniously with it Emotions and intuition are important, and psychedelics can help with personal development and deep healing Spirituality, mysticism, and psychic powers should be taken seriously as a possibility for improving the quality of life Slowing down and living a simpler, more mindful life can be beneficial The importance of community and connection with others, and the value of sharing resources and supporting each other. The speaker believes it is possible to improve various aspects of life, including nutrition, fitness, psychology, emotion, social connections, politics, and spirituality. A big plan and vision is necessary to guide these efforts and provide motivation. The speaker aims to inspire listeners to see the full potential of self-improvement work. The potential of an individual as a human being is enormous and can be realized through self-discipline and taking life seriously. The speaker wants to help listeners create a vision that will fuel their efforts and guide them in improving various aspects of their life. There is still more work to be covered in this project.
  9. @Jehovah increases I’ve never committed suicide so I can’t really say the difference. a strong 5meo trip is like… gives me a sense of what suicide is because of the nature of what THIS is. if final death is anything like a 5meotrip…. ?
  10. How Fear Works - Part 1 - The Ultimate Guide To Dealing With Fear https://youtu.be/meiMUbYEQ4U Introduction to the two-part series on fear Importance of understanding fear and its deep, existential nature Lack of proper education on fear in society Materialistic focus in society hinders understanding of fear Fear is a universal problem of consciousness, not just a psychological issue Fear has both physiological and psychological effects on the body Fight or flight response to fear Fear can be positive in certain situations, such as alerting us to danger Fear can also be negative and lead to avoidance or anxiety Fear can be irrational or irrational The ego and fear Fear can be used to manipulate and control people Fear is linked to the unknown and the future Fear can hold us back from achieving our goals and living our full potential Fear is a key component in doing accurate science Fear can prevent accurate perception of reality Identity is closely tied to fear What you identify with defines what you fear, and vice versa Examples of different identities (mother/father, career, possessions, success/fame/status) and the corresponding fears that come with them All fear is relative to personal identity People will constantly battle the things they fear Deep examination of fear and how to overcome it is necessary Fear ultimately boils down to a loss of self Making oneself up involves lying to oneself that one has made oneself up, because otherwise the "game is up" and one's identity is revealed as arbitrary Identities form at a young age and can be difficult to change due to social reactions and personal attachments The ultimate fear is death, both physical and psychological (death of self-image) Examples of extreme attachments to identity include radical Muslims and suicide bombers Everyone experiences these attachments to identity to some degree The key to overcoming fear is to understand that one's identity is not fixed, but rather it is something that can be changed and that change does not equal a loss of self The key to finding true happiness is to let go of attachments to identity and to embrace change and uncertainty. Widespread fear exists in society Different levels and gradations of fear Materialist paradigm influences belief in the reality of fear Fear is relative to how one defines oneself Danger is also relative Objectivity is a product of subjective perceptions and interpretation Fear can be manipulated and used for control Ways to overcome fear include understanding its nature and seeking a higher perspective Fear can be transformed into something positive through understanding and acceptance Nervousness can dominate you and cause unconscious reactions Real power is being conscious and responding consciously even in danger Most daily fears are minor and can be analyzed and practiced with mindfulness Fear is resistance to a future experience To overcome fear, surrender to the thing being feared Attachment creates fear, so letting go of attachments can eliminate fear Practice overcoming fear with small things before moving on to bigger challenges Surrendering to fear allows you to experience it and learn from it, rather than avoiding it Our minds often exaggerate the negative outcomes of feared experiences It is possible to train the mind to not resist feared experiences Practice surrendering to fear in small ways, gradually increasing the level of challenge It is important to be honest with yourself about what you are afraid of Allow yourself to feel and experience fear, rather than trying to suppress it When facing a feared experience, take deep breaths, focus on the present moment, and accept the uncertainty of the future Remember that fear is just a feeling and cannot harm you physically Recognize that you have the strength and resources to handle difficult situations, even if you feel afraid. Opposite of what you may think: experiencing and surrendering to any experience is a sign of strength, not weakness This type of strength is spiritual, not physical Most people believe it is impossible to fully experience and not resist any experience, but this is because they think it is an ideology or a way to psych oneself up True strength comes from being fully conscious and realizing that no harm is actually done to you, even if something physically harmful happens This requires surrendering the belief that you are a physical body and aligning with truth (capital T) Fear is difficult to work with because it is irrational and attached to survival, but it can be overcome with consciousness and truth This requires a lot of work and may not be possible for most people due to their lack of consciousness about truth Person is talking about different types of fears: macro fears (big, consistent fears that affect behavior and decisions) and micro fears (small, everyday fears that dominate daily life and thoughts) Examples of macro fears: fear of losing money, fear of looking stupid in public, fear of losing attractiveness Examples of micro fears: fear of running out of toilet paper, fear of getting caught in a lie, fear of forgetting something important, fear of driving over a speed bump too fast, fear of spilling something on your clothes Micro fears can seem small and insignificant, but they can dominate daily life and shape habits and survival strategies Importance of developing mindfulness to recognize and address these micro fears Life is a love simulator that presents fear in order to be transcended through love Fear is often overcome through reacting against it or avoiding it, rather than understanding that it is an illusion Real growth and a permanent solution to fear comes from confronting and understanding it as an illusion Avoiding fear leads to stagnation and a victim mentality To truly overcome fear and use it as a tool for growth, it is necessary to confront it directly This may take time and effort, but it is the key to transcending fear and living a more fulfilling life Love and consciousness are key to overcoming fear Fear is a natural response that can be helpful in short-term survival situations Fear can become a negative emotion if it is not resolved and instead creates a cycle of negative motivation Negative motivation (acting on fear) only solves problems in the short term and does not lead to long-term resolution Fear can be unhealthy in the long term and prevent growth and achievement A better approach is to let go of fear and instead focus on vision, love, and higher values Homework assignment: observe micro fears every day for a week and write them down at the end of each day
  11. My two biggest fears: Death and pain/suffering though, death is really what I desire. Not suicide though.
  12. Understanding Survival - Part 1 - The Metaphysics Of Being Human https://youtu.be/i8NNtpzYQx8 The topic of this video is the metaphysics of being human and how it relates to survival Survival is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and is at the root of all personal development and spiritual work Peter Ralston has been instrumental in helping the speaker understand the importance of survival in behavior change Modern science does not fully understand the metaphysical aspects of survival and its importance in human affairs Survival involves defending, manipulating, and seeking change, but also raises questions about the purpose of living and why some things are chosen to survive while others are not The topic of survival is often misunderstood and overlooked in modern society Survival is not just about physical survival, but also psychological and emotional survival Survival is a metaphysical concept that encompasses the whole of human existence The speaker will be giving homework assignments to help the viewer understand their own mechanical tendencies and become more conscious Reality is an infinite field of consciousness Humans create a conceptual distinction between self and other, creating a "virtual partition" within the field of consciousness This virtual partition is the basis for the creation of objects and the concept of "self" The concept of survival is maintaining this virtual partition The distinction between self and other creates a survival drive, but this distinction is also maintained by the drive to survive What is being survived is not a physical object, but a conceptual boundary or fantasy Survival for humans is not just about getting food, shelter, and sex, but about surviving as a conceptual self and maintaining a distinction from the environment The line dividing self and other is unique for each person and can change over time, leading to either growth or death The concept of survival also includes maintaining relationships, social status, and personal identity The concept of death is the elimination of the virtual partition, returning to the oneness of the original field of consciousness To be an object or thing, it cannot be any other thing Being one particular way means excluding an infinite number of other ways it could have been There is a zero-sum game in reality, where there are trade-offs and competition over limited resources Life is only possible through death, as forms must feast on other forms Reality is infinite, but there are still zero-sum dynamics within it Squirrels and humans engage in survival activities and are focused on preserving themselves, but self-improvement requires letting go of the self and transcending it To change a behavior, a part of the self must die The process of self-improvement involves facing and accepting death The death and rebirth process can be scary, but it is necessary for growth and development To transcend the self, one must let go of attachment to the ego and accept death This process requires courage and faith in something beyond the self. The concept of survival and how it affects behavior Examples of how different people prioritize survival differently based on their wealth and circumstances The idea that people engage in devious, sneaky behavior in order to survive, but often delude themselves with false rationalizations about their actions The concept of balancing self-image as a good, honest person with the need to manipulate and scheme for survival The idea that thoughts and emotions are involved in the survival game, and people engage in behaviors like lying, manipulating, and scheming in order to get what they need People can be closed-minded because they don't want to change and are attached to their current way of life These ways of life, or "niches," can be linked to survival strategies that are ingrained in a person's brain and mind Survival strategies are often unconscious and can lead to negative outcomes such as misery, suffering, and even depression and suicide It is important to be aware of and consciously approach survival, specifically the survival of the mind or psyche The psyche has unique needs, attractions, and aversions that can be influenced by past experiences and environments It is important to understand and work on the psyche in order to be truly free and live a fulfilling life. Many people meditate unconsciously and robotically, and feel guilty if they miss a day It's a process of becoming more conscious and cannot be perfected in a single day The process is like "crawling out of a deep hole" and will take decades to complete It's a "bootstrapping process" and cannot be solved all at once Deception and delusion within oneself can only be addressed piece by piece People may rely on external validation, judgment, worry, procrastination, or activities like video games or YouTube to feel happy or survive These actions and habits allow people to maintain their current identities, but can be changed to affect one's identity at a metaphysical level Thoughts and emotions often have ulterior motives related to survival and manipulation in a given environment It's important to become aware of these motives and the role they play in maintaining one's identity
  13. The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures - Zen's Stages Of Enlightenment Explained https://youtu.be/w4ZWNzSliGk The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures is a model for the stages of enlightenment or awakening in Zen Buddhism This model is based on a rare book called "The Lectures on the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures" The book was written by Yamada Mamon and translated by Victor Según Hoary The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures is a map for the different spiritual stages of awakening that a person goes through Other religious traditions also have maps for awakening, such as Christianity, Tibetan Buddhism, and Sufism The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures model has ten stages, but other models may have different numbers of stages This is an advanced teaching and should not be taken lightly The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures model is not a linear process and there is overlap between the stages The ten stages are: The first picture is of the seeker searching for the ox The second picture is of the seeker finding the ox tracks The third picture is of the seeker seeing the ox in the distance The fourth picture is of the seeker catching the ox The fifth picture is of the seeker taming the ox The sixth picture is of the seeker riding the ox home The seventh picture is of the seeker and the ox entering the marketplace together The eighth picture is of the seeker and the ox disappearing from the marketplace The ninth picture is of the seeker sitting under the tree, resting and meditating The tenth picture is of the seeker and the ox merging into one The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures model can be helpful in understanding the stages of awakening and keeping a sense of humility about the journey towards enlightenment The speaker is discussing spiritual practices, such as meditation and yoga, and the pursuit of awakening One's efforts in these practices may not lead to progress, but if pursued consistently and persistently, there will be a moment when one's "eye opens" Some people are at the stage where they have heard about spiritual practices and enlightenment, but have only had brief glimpses or tastes of it This stage is characterized by skepticism and rationalism, and some may get caught up in gathering information and building a philosophy of non-duality rather than actually practicing The speaker warns against this tendency to "concoct an imaginary ox" and advises to actually go out and find the "real wild ox in the wilderness" The speaker also advises to not get caught up in attachments and to continue on the path, even if it seems difficult or one is met with obstacles Finally, the speaker encourages the listener to "just keep on going" and not give up on the pursuit of enlightenment. The text discusses the difficulty of communicating non-duality and the challenge of embodying enlightenment Language and teachings are only a map, the true territory is non-dual awareness or "the Ox" Kensho or awakening requires engagement with the outside world and can be difficult and unsettling The process of catching the Ox involves going beyond initial glimpses and fully embodying enlightenment in daily life This requires surrendering ego, attachments, and delusions and embracing purity The Ox will not be caught or tamed with a mind full of thoughts and attachments The Ox represents fundamental wholeness and detests the world of desires, attachments, and self-delusions Catching the Ox involves letting go of dualistic thinking and embracing non-dual awareness The final stage of catching the Ox is transcending the Ox and achieving unity with the universe The ultimate goal of spiritual practice is to achieve a state of "no-mind," where one can sit effortlessly without thoughts for hours This state, called "taming the Ox," is when one's true nature (or "Buddha nature") is fully awakened and the mind is rewired In this state, one experiences non-duality and sees God and oneness everywhere Post-Satori training (i.e., after achieving enlightenment) involves maintaining this state of consciousness through continuous mindfulness in the present moment The 21st century, with its distractions of social media, technology, and sensory stimuli, makes it difficult to maintain mindfulness After attaining a certain level of embodiment of one's awakening, there is less need to talk about it and it becomes a normal way of life In this stage, one brings the non-duality back into the duality of the everyday world, fusing the absolute and the relative, and the mundane and the mystical To refuse to return to the ordinary world is not genuine enlightenment The goal is to remain in the present moment, without being swayed by desires or attachments, in order to truly experience the world as it is This requires a constant effort to ground oneself in the present moment, even when faced with challenges or difficulties. The idea of awakening involves the "suicide" of the ego or the self This is a significant and powerful realization because it means that the individual is no longer attached to or defending anything (e.g. body, self-image, social status, wealth, etc.) and is therefore free to experience pure positivity and joy This state is achieved through a process of surrendering attachments and ultimately the self, and is achieved through a radical transformation in the psyche that allows for unconditional happiness under all circumstances This may seem counterintuitive or difficult, but is ultimately the key to lasting peace and happiness "Vast emptiness" is a state of non-duality, where all distinctions and boundaries collapse This state is not recognizable by others and should not be sought for attention or recognition It is a state of complete emptiness, where even the self is extinguished and the idea of being born disappears There are still two more stages to achieve after this one, including returning to the source and the ultimate end of all suffering The author has had glimpses of these stages, but does not fully understand them The ten stages described in this text are based on a traditional Buddhist model, but may not account for the experiences of those who have used psychedelics True masters are deeply humble Ego can prevent new seekers from appreciating humility Humility is an honest signal of mastery Ideal is to "melt completely in with ordinary people" and live at the "bottom of the social scale" Jesus is a powerful role model because he did this A true master does not reveal their enlightenment or learning, but rather laughs and lives amongst ordinary people Doing this leads others to awaken to their own Buddhahood True masters do not preach or perform miracles, but rather lead others through laughter, drinking, and singing Once one has reached the highest awakened state, they must throw away Satori and help those in suffering and distress True masters do not discriminate, but rather embrace all beings as equal True masters are not attached to anything, and do not seek fame or fortune True masters do not care about social status or wealth, but rather live simply True masters do not try to control or manipulate others, but rather let go of their own desires and ego True masters do not seek recognition or praise, but rather live in a state of non-attachment and contentment
  14. Thanks Leo!, so this would mean that the result of committing suicide is conditioned to what the person think and feel about it. Even if they try to look for excuses or want to think that it is ok, if deeper in them they know that it is unfair to life or God that they do this then they would pay for the consequences. But if they genuinely think and feel that they have the right to do it then they would have no bad consequences or would not be judged in a hard way. Still it sounds strange to me that the result is conditioned from one to another. Anyway, I'm confused, I guess there is no really way to know if there is a difference between dying intentionally or unintentionally.
  15. People, suicide, judgement, afterlife. Bananas, onions, pink chair, donkey.
  16. Hello, I might have some information on this topic but it goes against much of what is taught on this forum. Most of the people here are young and healthy and have not faced death genuinely as a standalone without the use of drugs, which is... not really the same thing. I've had an autoimmune disease that started in my late twenties and heart issues in my mid-twenties, and have had close calls three times with the autoimmune disease and many moments of sitting through a weak or erratic heartbeat. I used to think that there was no consequence for suicide as well, that all things were taken into account, but that isn't what I found. Feeling frustrated for the condition of my mind/body I decided to let a nasal infection run its course and allowed it to fester for about a month without treatment after trying two times to fix the issue - I thought it could be a way out while still having the time to back out if I needed to. I thought I could get my mental and emotional state ready for this process, that I would have a choice in this matter and God would simply follow suit with what I decided. That wasn't remotely the case. My mind began to pseudo-hallucinate violent and demonic images that rested as an underlay and started to bleed out into the outside world through allegory and metaphor, synchronicity and things like this. It was... my karma. The actions I took on others, that others took on me, and things passed down from generation to generation and I caught it literally red-handed essentially "feeding" on my life, creating rumination, depression and things that went against Life itself. You see, God has a plan in place for each Life, even if it is a hard one, nature is quite brutal in that you need to accomplish what you came here to do regardless of how you feel about it. I would say the only time it would be okay to commit suicide is if you are in severe pain from illness and almost dead, severely disabled to the point of not having any life and are at the end of your rope. But if you have options, or the disease/life is hard, but something where you have many roads instead of just one converging one, then you need to explore those avenues. Life is set up where it wants and expects you to be an ally to its growth. You are here to develop yourself in whatever way you can - if you can't do it through a well set up life, then do it through emotional maturity and spiritual merit, there are many ways that Life will assist in this. If you don't, and you allow Death energy to take the reins, it will, but it won't be how you want it. You won't come to the end of your life knowing and feeling that you did all that you could, you will come to the end of it having let your weakness take control of your life, having desecrated the miracle that is you. Suicide is a desecration of your soul's journey. What I found through this process was that I needed to remove this shadow, this individual and collective darkness from my system. I learned there are three modes - the lower, which is heavy and this is darkness and evil, the middle which is our world, and the higher levels which is enlightenment, heavenly realms and so forth. You are expected to play your part, you can't cut yourself out of the net until destiny decides for you. Each human is a blessing, a jewel in the net and cutting into the net damages and unravels it. What I suggest for suicidal people is to take on Faith and allow a higher power to work through them. Religion can provide comfort in these moments. Religion is not just some words in a book that people have mistaken, these are real, genuine currents of spiritual antiquity that are ready and there for souls who have lost their way, to get them on track, to clean them off, to act as an ally during the hard times. You can do it alone if you are strong, but if you are not you do have the option of working with an entire pantheon of material and holy energy that is designed to elevate you and protect you. Suicide then becomes not necessary. One is then bestowed knowledge and gifts that mean more than Death. When I decided to make the doctor's appointment to get my antibiotics - I got into the car with my family, and saw signs - many churches - a truck that said - "Turning over a new leaf." A car who's license plate - I don't fully remember but had the word hope in it - the music we listened to was a guiding force, one of the songs being called "divine mercy" - I found an old fortune cookie in my purse on the way there, "You have been bestowed with the wisdom of the ages" and when I got to the doctor's office - the heart monitor had a saying on it: "Thank you for your service." Life itself, as you wake up, speaks to you, to guide you towards something more - much more incredible than most people understand, until you take it by the hand as it asks, but can't insist and tell yourself that you will indeed walk with it. Hope that helps! P.S. - I don't expect anyone to take on my Faith, but to find what works for yourselves. If you are in a time of weakness and need support spiritually, this can be a fantastic way to find strength - but by no means would I or could I say that my way is best, ultimately, it's up to you to choose what works, just try not to choose Death - see if there are other solutions available first.
  17. It’s stupid. God even encourages suicide apparently based on the “Conversations with God” books.
  18. Because the absolute is so fragile, as if it hasn't endured for all of human history, and as if it isn't the formless basis of all of reality, and that if a spiritual teacher wants to use it to satisfy their mammalian needs, we would be damned to question that. At least people on this forum aren't using the absolute to justify things like suicide...
  19. Correcting The Stigma Of Psychedelics - Part 2 https://youtu.be/GleAnI_q2Es Introduction to topic of correcting the stigma of psychedelics Recap of Part 1, which discussed the cultural and medical uses of psychedelics Issue of stigmatization of psychedelics being a conscious and deliberate thing Confession from John Ehrlichman, a Watergate co-conspirator, about the true motives behind the drug war and stigmatization of psychedelics Global stigmatization of psychedelics, with laws varying by country Underlying motives for stigmatization, including control and suppression of marginalized groups Personal experiences with the stigma of psychedelics Solutions for correcting the stigma, including education and advocacy Conclusion emphasizing the importance of addressing the stigma of psychedelics. The use of psychedelics, including LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and ibogaine, is being researched for their potential in treating a variety of conditions These substances have been shown to be effective in research for end-of-life care and addiction treatment There is a misconception that there are a lack of accepted safety standards for using psychedelics, but the psychedelic community and various cultures and societies around the world have shown responsible use of these substances Alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and antidepressants are more dangerous drugs and have negative side effects, including addiction and interference with hormones and neurotransmitters Statistics on death rates show that heart disease, smoking, and car accidents are the top causes of death in the United States, while alcohol and opioids rank highly in terms of death rates due to drug use Psychedelics have a low risk of harm and addiction compared to other substances and could potentially provide numerous benefits when used responsibly under appropriate supervision. MDMA is a popular drug often used at raves and music festivals Pills containing MDMA are often not pure and can contain other substances with unknown side effects and health risks Many people, especially teenagers and young adults, consume MDMA at raves, often mixed with alcohol and other drugs Legalizing pure MDMA and implementing education programs on responsible use could potentially prevent deaths and health issues related to impure and/or irresponsible use Deaths related to tobacco and alcohol are much higher compared to MDMA Substance ranking according to harm to society and personal health shows alcohol and tobacco as the most harmful, with mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA ranked as the least harmful Studies have shown that psychedelics can have positive effects on mental health and personal growth when used responsibly in a therapeutic setting Psychedelics are often thought to be a slippery slope leading to harder drugs like heroin However, psychedelics are chemically and functionally different from drugs like alcohol, crack, and heroin and are not inherently addictive Some people believe that psychedelics are just hallucinations and therefore have nothing to teach us In reality, psychedelics can reveal profound spiritual truths and make individuals more responsible and spiritually developed There is a stigma surrounding the use of psychedelics, but serious and accomplished individuals such as inventors, engineers, artists, philosophers, academics, scientists, therapists, and spiritual leaders have used them for thousands of years The shallow and materialistic nature of our culture makes it difficult to have meaningful conversations about psychedelics and the true nature of reality Our culture will eventually evolve to be more open to these conversations. The concept of "bad trips" during psychedelic experiences and how they can be a part of personal growth The idea that some politicians and leaders could benefit from having a few bad trips in order to develop humility and compassion The historical demonization and persecution of non-mainstream spiritual practices and beliefs, such as witchcraft and indigenous mushroom ceremonies The divide between exoteric (materialistic, ideology-based) and esoteric (mystical, spiritual) aspects of religion The negative consequences of exoteric-focused society, including widespread use of drugs and alcohol, high rates of suicide and violence, and disconnection from existential truths The importance of turning inward and accessing esoteric knowledge in order to heal and grow as individuals and society. The author believes that exploring consciousness and setting it as a priority can lead to self-actualization for the entire human race 5-MeO-DMT can show people the truth and spirituality in a methodical and clinical way The author envisions a future where children must take 5-MeO-DMT before graduating elementary school in order to access profound truths and become well-functioning members of society The author compares the potential widespread use of psychedelics to the future widespread use of self-driving cars The author believes that future societies will view the attitudes towards psychedelics in the 20th and 21st centuries as primitive and ignorant The author advises trying 5-MeO-DMT responsibly, with the intention to grow consciousness and an open mind, and to be prepared for a potentially profound or unpleasant experience The author maintains a website and blog with more information on the dangers and risks of psychedelics and recommends caution when using them.
  20. The feeling of separation, and the massively used model of a physical, matter based reality creates a large amount of fear and a Me Against The World mentality/reality. As such most people view life as a battle zone, and home their hospital, their rest and relaxation to recuperate from the battle field. I know for me personally this was my reality for a large portion of my life but for some bizarre reason I sought truth even in the face of extreme pain but I too also sought rest and relaxation as well. Since most people are extremely self-critical of themselves, most people actually need their self-critical thoughts to be below the surface otherwise they would probably commit suicide. When people experience what is called "bad trips" they are only facing their own self-critical thoughts and the more you have the more hellish the experience. I'm sorry to say but that is how this game was designed so I am not blaming you for it, but I am bringing to awareness you can do something about it. The path to pleasure in this dream is to face pain. Its almost like a rule that the path to pleasure always involves pain. Those who get the most pleasure also seem to have experienced the most pain as well. So paradoxical this life is, its almost laughable. Anyway since most people you meet are in hell, you need to give them some heaven for them to ever open up to you at all. Got a friend who is a drunk you want to help get off that addiction? Listing them all the reasons why what they are doing is destroying their life won't work. Patience, openness in communication, receptivity, and lack of judgment is what they need. Its infuriating when someone you love is hurting themselves and you have to be patient. When they hurt you hurt, but just like all things, this too shall pass if you have the patience of a saint!!! What I am loving about life, is it keeps teaching me what love is, and what truth is and it does it so obviously and you can only receive it from a place unsullied by ego. Ego is agenda, ego is resistance, ego is preference, ego is force, ego is desire to control, ego is close-mindedness, ego is accusatory and denial of actions, ego is impatience, ego is annoyance, ego is misunderstanding, all these I have learned from personal experience. Life is a really great teacher if you listen. So I have said before, wisdom is whatever action that is taken that increases self-love. This means whatever action you do that switches the state of consciousness of others to a more loving accepting state. Here is an absolute, your ability to handle the painful, rough aspects of the truth, is equivalent to your current state of love. Since most people are at a low state of love, they need a lot of pleasure to build them up. The problem is, that pleasure is never enough because they are constantly subconsciously building up pain in the form of self-judgment and so need to constantly seek pleasure to ward off that pain and thus are stuck in an infinite loop of pleasure seeking. If you are ever engaged in working with people full of self-judgment understand they are only mean, irritable, and selfish because they are full of self-judgment. The vile behavior they are projecting outward is a result of them suffering their own vile inner talk and they need to release it to get some rest. I'm not saying it is right, but it is a necessity for their survival and sanity. Many people ask why should I be good? Easy, because goodness is peace, peace with yourself and others. Why should I detach from ego? Because Ego is conflict and lack of peace. In fact here is a good barometer for you to know if you are in ego, your peace is disturbed!!! The other barometer is you have a desire to protect or defend something absolutely, instead of relatively. Any hard stance will most likely reek of ego so beware. Egos need pleasure because they are constantly at war, so anytime you are in the process of healing and awakening the egoic, the lure will be pleasure not pain. Self-righteousness, lecturing, moralizing is not going to awaken God from within, only compassion. Critique, and direction can only be taken when the person is in an open state, in a state of receptivity which can only exist when there is security. That security is self-love. So when one has overcome their own self-judgments can they be open to even hear what is being said. People misunderstand you often because they have no desire to understand you. Open-mindedness has its own pace, and I am learning constantly through observation why things are the way they are. Each state of consciousness expresses itself a certain way, and it cannot be any other way as it is currently.
  21. So hello guys, I have experienced this trip on September 8th 2022, so about three monthes ago. Today I just felt the urge to share my experience, so that maybe people can relate to it or can give me an advice, what the hell I experienced there. So anyways here we go: Side note: Im 26 years old, male, living in Germany, currently still a student, have had a relatively normal upbringing and never really struggeled seriously with mental health issues, just some OCD, little depression here and here, but nothing that serious. In my entire life up to this point, except the trip I had three monthes ago, I literally had zero drug experience in my life. I only had a few sips of beer and a bit of coffee (last time I drank coffe is six years ago). So my brain is completely fresh and totally sober. The substance I took/smoked was weed. All the people I know who smoked weed had a fun and chill time and were just enjoying the experience. And weed is officially not a psychedelic and not something dangerous to be afraid of. I waited till 26 because I wanted to be on the safer side so that my brain is almost fully developed. I never ever read anywhere that you can experience hell and insanity on just weed, its really crazy. Anyways, on the trip day I was feeling pretty good, was in a good mood, felt mentally stable and me and two other friends find ourselves a nice spot in nature to have a chill time, listen to some music, eat something and talk a bit. The weed I got from another friend, and he said that it was pretty solid stuff. He said that there are two types of weed mixed with eachother in the bag he sold me. So we found a nice spot and my friend built a nice long joint. We sat on a tree somewhere in the forest, so that nobody could see us. And then the trip started: I was the first one and I dont know why, but I really took many long puffs right from the start, I think it was 3 long puffs. Then the other two friends smoked and it was my turn again. I took two more long puffs. The other friends again and me again with one or two puffs. Then we waited a bit. I started to feel a bit anxious, but nothing serious. My heart started to beat very fast. Then out of nowhere I lost all colour vision and saw a white light. I had a very loud buzzing in my ear and all I could see was gray. I tried to stay calm and thought to myself that this was just the come up and that it would go away in a minute. And after 2-3 minutes the colour vision came back, the tinnitus went away and my heart beat got back to normal. I tried to force nothing and let the experience happen. I waited and tried to enjoy the music. My two other friends were already stoned and talked to eachother. What happend then is very difficult for me to put into words: After a few more minutes I got into a consciousness-state that really felt like insanity. I didnt have any hallucinations, I saw everything for what it was, but I entered another reality, my consciousness shifted and I felt trapped. I felt so trapped and it was the weirdest and most terrifying thing I experienced in my entire life. All the nightmares I had were nothing compared to this state I was in. In this moment I was 100% sure that this is pure insanity, pure nightmare, pure hell. I completely lost the sense of time and I lost all orientation. My ego-consciousness melted into a state of pure imprisonment, chaos and desorientation. Past, Now and future merged into one and I didnt feel myself anymore, it was as if I could watch myself from another perspective, but I was still trapped. I walked around all the time, scratching my head and making movements and speaking things that didnt make any sense. I felt like a crazy person and I was 100% sure that this will never go away. I was sure that I will go straight to the lunatic asylum. I said goodbye to the normal life and prepared to live there my entire life. And during this phase of the trip I thought to myself many times that suicide was the only thing that can bring me out of this hell-state and I never think about suicide in my normal state, never considered it, never. Its really difficult to put into words what kind of state it was. I was in an entire different reality. It felt like infinite imprisonment. My other two friends were enjoying their trip and were talking to eachother the entire time. I tried to hide my experience as good as I could. We started to walk out of the forest and I felt like Im in a labyrinth. I also lost my sense of distance and couldnt tell, if things were 100 m behind me or 500 m. We walked around and slowly this state started to go away. (by the way, the whole time I was praying to God to make this stop and I sweared to myself that if I get out of this I will never ever take any drugs in my entire life again) After 4 hours, I was still 30 percent in that state. We all went to our homes and I immediatly went to bed. The next day, there was about 5% of this state still left. And two days after the trip I was fully back to normal. I was so relieved that it went all away and that I was back to normal. Im also glad that it didnt traumatized me, but it really had the potential to do so. Anyways, for the next time I stay away from any kind of substance, and maybe for the rest of my life because I really dont want to experience this insantiy again and maybe the next time I wont come out of it and be stuck in it permanently. Thanks for reading and wish you all a good day Peace
  22. He was worth 50 millions when he died, doesn't seem to like he attempted multiple suicides because he was out of money. Maybe he had not enough money to do heroin until his 60s without making more, but he had enough to continue for much longer. Why would he have chosen suicide over heroin use if heroin use was really all that fun?
  23. @A_v_E Woaahhhh, calm down. Thats quite an overreaction Look, I get annoyed when I see people talk about how egoless they are because it’s a very egoic thing to do, that’s all. Now you’re talking about committing suicide because someone didn’t believe you don’t have an ego. That’s a sign of an extremely fragile ego, not a dissolved one I think you still have some work to do my friend
  24. Damn thank you guys, now I just want to kill myself and comit real practical suicide again. EVERY FUCKING TIME I SAY PEOPLE I HAVE NO EGO THEY START TO GO ON ME. it's like WTFFFFFFF I M DEAD WHAT DO YOU NEED AS A PROOF THAT I SHAVE MY HEAD ????????? do I need to kill myself in physical reality for you to get how much I don't have a single fuck for my "self" ?????????????????????????????????
  25. The TLDR is how I define seeing 'spiritual' growth, or the reduction in my own experience of suffering from insight practice is essentially how it is I react to unpleasant and pleasant things that are arising and passing away, that's about it, but to the degree you intellectually understand that as to directly experience that is the discerning factor, that this moment, now, this passing, fleeting, moment to moment, ever-changing now, is the only reality there is, that anything we say that does not conform with now is constructed in the discerning mind and is a delusion for ourselves to ultimate reality, this is it baby. Please spend time reading/reflecting on what I say about Sila and Sangha if it isn't already on your mind. Enjoy your cakes. First of all I wanted to say thank you to everyone on this forum and of course @Leo Gura for creating a space for like-minded people to share this trip with, what i've come to realize is that you are all amazing honestly, one of the rather difficult things especially in the west is to just simply talk about spirituality and about the truth and we experience our own journey are and this forum was a great outlet for that and many other reasons, at one point I decided the best thing for me personally was to join a commune (Buddhist community) for a few months for several reasons, I nearly ended up ordaining but backed out during my last few weeks, and I ended up in 2 different ones for around 3 months at a time + travelling quite a bit alone and so on, I also ended up in a holistic center, went on a few 10 days retreats and eventually wanting to see my family for a while which funnily enough has been one of the most difficult things to confront, so here I am with some time to reflect and hopefully inspire you or some shit. Just to outline there's a lot terminology i'm using that is pali/sanskrit because that's what i'm familiar with. Anyways, I'm going to talk a little about that and try to emphasis certain things here to be of benefit to your journey, the thing about this forum is there is quite a lot of proliferation of the psychological content of the mind (and I know how satisfying that is, how fun it is but it generally it's just a hindrance) and the more I practiced an actual spiritual path and listened to Dhamma the more I realized that what I know I know and what I do not know I know I do not know, that the Dhamma is a kind of onion, there are layers and layers or 'awakenings upon awakenings' to the Truth, even though ultimately there is just Truth, there is also a knowing one is approaching things as they are, eg. there are several stages the Buddha outlined as one goes through from a stream enterer to an arahant. I have utterly transformed my experience of reality, you may even look back at my profile and see how much I was really suffering, I mean I was really fucked up emotionally and wasn't able to handle the patterns of my mind, I had attempted suicide, was a drug addict etc etc etc - most of you can relate to a degree, two things we westerners have in common; we are all suffering the material lust of society and being grasped into a spiritually starved society. Our salvation is only found within our own understanding. The four noble truths are not that difficult to get a grasp intellectually and naturally we like to make things super complex for ourselves and to search for 'the higher teaching's and so on' but what i've realized is that the highest teaching's are contained within the four noble truths of reality, that things aren't complicated - to understand a leaf on a tree is to comprehend every leaf in every forest in the existence - the Buddha infact taught just one thing; Dukkha Nirodha (end suffering), he also taught us not to proliferate too much on what reality is or other realms and so on and to focus on dukkha nirodha alone, I hope this is reflected on many times for you reading this, it is dukha nirodha which the Buddha taught, especially for myself who has tripped out 100+ times - I love to really experience the incomprehensible reality we are within and to expound on the crazy possibilities and thought-constructs we can create, figures like T.Mckena are huge inspiritation to me but in my own experience all I seem to see in the grand scheme of things, the long haul, the cream of the crop is ending your own suffering, to eliminate all dissatisfaction from your life and to attain to Nirvana/enlightenment, that we are all capable of penetrating these insights into reality and freeing ourselves, becoming truly happy and no longer dependant on the senses or objects of the mind - despite our unworthy self-concept of ourselves... The most and I mean the most important thing is to absolutely accept yourself as you are moment to moment, put a stop to becoming something better/more/acceptable - that all you are is a product of conditioning and most of the time getting established in sati is understanding that all of the shit arising in your mind, just is and us westerners have quite a mind to tango with. Things just are, they are just unfolding at the pace they are unfolding, does that make sense? Just let go of thinking. Like really, just let go and be here, that is it, this is it lol. There really is no doer here, that is the core issue to actually being able to let go. There is this constant dance between doing and letting go, that one moment we are in some unwholesome object in the mind and suddenly we remembered. This is what we understand as Mindfulness, but also it is something to practice and there's really never not a time not to do it. The greatest insight i've had is understanding Sila - and that includes getting involved and finding the Sangha. (your spiritual companions/family upon the journey), this is absolutely fucking key. This is where your progress will ramp exponentially as opposed to being by yourself. Here is a picture to represent just how important it is to have a foundation of sila, even if you were to incessantly meditate endlessly, you will get fucked by your Sila. Notice your mind ruminates and causes suffering because it is rooted in 3 things, greed, hatred or delusion - the actions we've taken from our ignorance to this causes this noise in our heads that blocks our ability to enter and abide in jhana in our day to day lives and enter into seclusion. What i've come to understand about meditation is, it's not something you do or switch on and off, until it becomes your every breath you still haven't really gotten what it is. It's not that you have to be aware 24/7, because that's a misunderstanding of Sati, but it's through Right effort that we can literally meditate every moment of our life, through gladenning the mind and relaxing into the jhana we can rewire the negative self judgmental and projective critic, take this to heart and learn what gladenning the mind means. Anyways, I spent 3 months in a forest thai monastery and it completey transformed every perspective and cut deeply into my own delusional perception of reality, see personality development is incredibly incredibly important, and I don't mean that in any egoic sense whatsoever but rather the ability to individuate into your own unique character and get out of the shell of conditioning - conditionings keeps us very competitive, lieng to each other, ourselves, manipulating people around us, endlessly judging and projecting onto each other, we are more or less trapped in an echo-chamber that reinforces these habits and we all do actually possess a ton of potential - and when you go to a good quality wat/monastery that has the noble Dhamma, you get to see this screamed in your face, you will not infact be able to see this from contemplating it nor reading this writing, you have to go and see people who have been practicing Sila for decades to see how absolutely stable, consistent, selfless and unconditionally giving they are to those around them, they influence and touch your heart in ways that has to be seen for yourself - they mirror to your own spiritual potential and you will delight in it, they also mirror to you have defiled you are, your mind is deluded as fuck and you are sucked in that lense of the suffering of selfish actions, it conditions you for you, you just ride the wave. Anyways besides I tried quite a few things, I went out to cities alone and tried pickup, I flew back to my family after 5 years, I talked to several teachers online, I went through 8 months of therapy and joined 4 different therapy groups, breathwork, psychedelics, journaling, inner child, shadow work, charity work, whatever. Like, whatever lol, the whole shibang. I was so intense this year man, I really wanted to transform because I knew my potential and what I came to conclude is what I just wrote about, that many of us are missing this Sangha and Sila practice, this is where we are rooted in ignorance for most people, is found within our Shadow, how our unconscious projects, none of us will meditate that out of us, do you understand? - it has to be confronted and let go of, you let go by not reacting and nurturing yourself, practiced every single moment you see these patterns in you, you have to be willing to go through really difficult emotions and give up your habits of avoiding it and try your best to do the right thing, it's all contained within the 4 noble truths and the 4rth noble truth is the 8th fold noble path the Buddha laid out to end suffering. Anyways, these are just my fucking insights, what I found to be the most valuable and basically to adopt some Jesus into your life - generosity, good will, develop your loving kindness, develop your compassion, your empathic joy and your equanimity to pleasant and unpleasant states my friends, please consider how important it is for you to get into the Sangha, do whatever it takes to find those equal or higher to you and make them your company, reach out, put that effort in, be vulnerable to change, it is so important, sympathetic vibrations can carry you miles along the river alone, your environment is conditioning you whether you like it or not, you should pay extreme attention to making it as good as you can for yourself, because you love yourself. Merry Christmas