“In the beginning was the word” etc…”word” in Sanskrit, I seem to remember means vibration. “Sound” is vibration interpreted by the brain via the hearing canal, I guess 🤔 the only difference between apparent solidities (hard/soft) is one of speed ie the higher the frequency the more solid something appears to be. I’m no physicist as can be plainly seen. So I would call this “ vibration” or “word” as “infinite potential”
Before there was “any-thing” there had to be “no-thing” what that no-thing is, is beyond all human faculties, as Jesus is supposed to have said (and I’m not saying that there was or wasn’t a “Jesus” or whether he said what is claimed, or if what is claimed is accurate after multiple translations etc) but something on the lines of “no eye has seen, no lips have spoken of, no ear has heard” in other words, just what God is/isn’t is beyond all human understanding. So what I’m getting at is, “No-Thing” is the underlying reality, but our ego/thoughts can’t grasp that. All things appear from no-thing and eventually return to no-thing. Another word I subscribe to in place of “No-thing” is the “Absolute” the “Absolute” is not relative, has no opposite, is and contains all. So whatever “is” is the Absolute being that already . Everything already is, we just notice it. Time is relative, there is only “what is” but the thought stream/ego only (apparently” exists in the “story” of what was or what will be. There are no thoughts required for the immediate. “Heaven” the “Garden of Eden” is the “ thought-less” state, the “ tree of knowledge” knowledge being “thoughts about” as opposed to “one-ness with” is the fall from grace, the fall into the Abyss of the hell of continuous thinking which is the mechanism that takes us away from “God/Heaven/Paradise” or “being fully in the moment”. Think of walking around a corner in the forest and seeing a beautiful sunset over the sea for example. The sudden beauty triggers a gasp of “wow” and for that second the “wow factor” is not the sunset but what the sunset triggered, (very) temporary suspension of thoughts, which, unfortunately, come back in at lightening speed and you drop back out of Heaven without even noticing that that is where you were. The thoughts come in “oh I wish so and so was here” or you take out you phone to take a photo etc, and I’m not saying that anything is wrong with that or that you even have a choice, because “everything” is the Absolute/God/No-Thing” being that, whatever is, is right, wrong-ness is in the mind of the beholder and nowhere else. Someone mentioned paths, how can there be a path to what already is? Looking for the path is what stops you finding it and the cosmic joke “the seeker is the sought” (you can reverse that if you want)😉 It is impossible to talk about that which is beyond all reason but the Absolute wouldn’t be “Absolute” unless even the most useless notion is not manifest, and also there is no choice to do or not to do, so the idea I’ve had for as long as I can recall as an adult, is that whatever is possible has to occur for “Absolute” to mean what it means. People ask “how can God let this happen”? Answer, because God is unlimited, whatever is, is God being that. God empty spacing, God the Murderer and God at the same time being the Victim as well as the violence, the sound, the smell, the weapon, the blood, the witness, ground, sky, rain, heat, cold etc “Nothing Is Happening” apparently. All the problems of the world are thoughts, sure there are unwanted or unpleasant situations happening, problems are the “ l story” the mind/ego try’s to make of the situation, the ego needs drama/story in order to feel as if it’s real, that’s why when you ignore the ego/story such as the “sunset” example, the ego says fuuuuuuuck, because in that moment, for all intentional purposes, it ceasesd to exist to that person. Enlightenment, so I’ve read, is when the thoughts cease to stick to the person because it’s “seen” that there never was a person in the first place, the “ l person” was too only a thought 🤣
. “Heaven” the “Garden of Eden” is the “ thought-less” state, the “ tree of knowledge” knowledge being “thoughts about” as opposed to “one-ness with” is the fall from grace, the fall into the Abyss of the hell of continuous thinking which is the mechanism that takes us away from “God/Heaven/Paradise” or “being fully in the moment”.
Beautiful - exactly how I see it. I wrote an article about it a while ago, but almost nobody could relate to it. People take the Bible stories literally, hence the great confusion and misunderstandings.
I think it is the first time I hear somebody else interpreting the fall as I do.
“All things appear from no-thing and eventually return to no-thing. Another word I subscribe to in place of “No-thing” is the “Absolute” the “Absolute” is not relative, has no opposite, is and contains all.”
You said it.
“Word” in Greek, from which it was translated into English, means “logos,” the concept of divine intelligence or pure awareness.
When awareness touches matter, consciousness is born. In consciousness, the world appears. That’s how I make sense of what can’t be made sense of. Also”
“In the beginning” is another bad translation, imo. This verse is beyond time, which is not only relative, as you point out, but only exists in the mind, which only exists in consciousness.
The way this John verse fills me with awe is: “Prior is pure awareness. Awareness is God. Awareness is aware of itself.”
Which fits what you say that everything is.
Next step: Forget all the pretty words and emotions and awe, and become it, or better, realize it within ourselves, because there is no becoming; we already are it, but we look away.
“Awareness” touching “ matter” sounds like two separate things and it also sounds like “something has to happen” (time) for “something to be” 🤷♂️ and I know and I know that you know, that using words to describe the indescribable is always going to fall short and like you, I enjoy the non duality teachings though these days, like in the last hour or so, most if not all of these “notions” occur when on long walks or cycles, even while motorbiking 🤪 where I especially should be paying attention 🤣 but “life” is in control not an “us” though thoughts arising will dispute that 🙏
“Pure witnessing with judgement”, the old brain can’t do much with that🤣 and a nice way of putting it.
Reading your replies or even this engagement, lands nicely here.
Have you ever had the experience in your “felt sense” a “negative/evil/unpleasant” force when reading a reply to something you wrote? akin to a hand being plunged into your very being and being wildly agitated (like adding washing liquid to water and agitating it to make suds) I’m guessing you have , I’m guessing you have a rare “sensitivity” (I don’t mean that you are “sensitive” in the way it’s usually meant) but “sensitive” to energetic undercurrents, and I’m also guessing that doing what you do has a heavy price, yet doing it… continues to happen.
As I was saying, language probably does more harm than good..so to speak, (especially coming from me)🤪 Apologies, not for a second did I mean to take from or negate your experience, though I see how you might think that, I take full responsibility for that. With regard to the absolute, I or no one can know what that is, simply because the Absolute is not relative, not in relation to anything else, because it IS everything and nothing. We can’t help the contradiction in communication when we have no choice but to use relative terms, I, me, you etc and references to past/future and seeming “free will” it’s ridiculous in the extreme but again “seemingly” that’s the Absolute being relative.
So, as we’re “in Rome” or “rendering unto Caesar” as they say, (a modern parlance might be “when in Disneyland” we “forget” (almost) our true origin (in the world but not of the world) and fit in where we find ourselves. In that respect, all we can do is try to enjoy the trip. Like you, I (there’s that pronoun again)🙄 have a memory of “that “no place” fathomless, peace beyond the absence of sound, void, pure witnessing (to borrow your description because it seems to fit here too) and it happened (apparently) during “night sleep” but unlike any dream before or since. It seems like a distant memory now, the best place for it, and whether real or imagined, it amounts to the same thing, and only has relevance in the “story of me” and it’s a “nice” part of this story, but no better or worse that parts of the same story that might be judged as “not so nice” 😉 I embrace the whole story equally, but I have a particular “preference” for that particular thought, which is all memory is.
There have been other “moments” in the story of me, happenings that I would describe as “before and after” periods of my life, and in the eyes of the world (ego) might be seen as wondrous and amazing) but still a memory/thought nonetheless. I’m not saying ego is bad/wrong, it is what it is, an expression of the Absolute, it’s impossible for it not to be.
Another word for ego would be “Devil” the greatest trick etc but when I say “devil” I don’t mean it in the way we’ve been conditioned to believe it. Being Irish we were fed Catholism along with breast milk but paradoxically, in the breaking away from that belief system (belief equals ignorance) , I didn’t throw out the baby with the bath water. I began to understand the meaning (or at least that’s how it seemed) the message ascribed to Jesus. Jesus didn’t speak in parables, he just wasn’t talking about what most of the listeners “thought” he was talking about, (I guess it resonated but was grabbed by the “mind” which is the wrong tool for understanding it) and in trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, and rather than admit their “not understanding” (again as you say, using the mind to understand “God” only ends up in concepts) they come up with the “face saving” answer (concept) that Jesus was “speaking in parables” (and all you lot, especially those at the back, are too stupid and ignorant to understand it but we (priests) do) 🤣Of course the priests of all religions declare themselves to be the sole interpreters, (and intermediaries) do and interpret for us (the blind leading the blind) and then all the rest follows, hierarchies, control, power, money etc)
The “harder for a rich man to enter heaven” or “when the householder is awake” the thief (thoughts) can’t break in…etc etc everything Jesus was talking about is pointing to what Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and all the enlightened teachers were talking about. Interestingly, in the story of Jesus, though he spoke to “multitudes” and was witnessed to perform wondrous deeds, he have very few followers, and even they were scattered when the shit hit the fan, but the seed had be sown in “fertile” ground and eventually sprouted. Things haven’t changed much have they 😁 anyway mi amigo, rest in the form of walking in the forest with a little dote of a dog that I’m minding for a friend is beckoning. I’m not a good writer, when I write (or talk for that matter) “stuff” just pours out and often I’m thinking, “jasus, where did that come from” so I’m not taking any responsibility for the rubbish written here (even if there might be a pearl of wisdom hidden in it) I blame it all on God , it all “his” 😉fault🤣
If you’re open to it, we can video call sometime 🤷♂️ there might be less “lost in translation” that way. The very kindest of regards, Rob
I like what you say and write, or better, what is said or written through you. I often feel like that. It 's not me that writes.
No, I can't recall having a felt sense of something negative/evil/unpleasant responding to my spiritual writings.
I had someone deliberately smear me in a very wicked way recenlty.
So I interacted a bit with him via the comment section to suss him out, and it was a scary, vile, twisted mind - I could call it evil. I have pretty good boundaries, and I always remember everyone as an innocent newborn, so I believe it's circumstances that shape characters like that, but what do I know? I am no midwife. Maybe people are born with evil, dark characters from past lives.
I think there is evil out there, of course, but I was not exposed to it a lot in my life. It was still unsettling to be with this guy because it reminded me of that evil out there. I have nothing to fear from him, but I can imagine how terrifying it could be to be at the mercy of such a distorted, twisted soul.
Anyway, thank you for this exchange. Stay in touch. Video talk? No way. I don't like them for unknown reasons. I did about five in my life, even during Covid. I hardly ever do them with my family in Europe. I prefer to talk. Or writing. Sorry.
Yes “stuff” (meaning full/less ? words” pour out of me, seemingly (to others) from me but they are not “of” me. I often, such as earlier, write a word, finish a sentence or passage and then, look up the meaning of an unusual (to me) word used😁 and it’s always relevant. It could be argued of course, that I’m not as thick as I think I am, and it’s a memory of previous learning, seemingly forgotten but 🤷♂️ while walking, especially when on my own (sans even little dogs) seeming answers to unasked questions constantly arise, today while cycling, I’d love if the thoughts arising could be automatically recorded via Bluetooth to my phone or computer at home, answers to everything (non duality) seemingly arise unbidden. I’ve forgotten almost all by the time I get home, but honestly, this, like life in general, is just a big playful game to me. I take very little seriously, (perhaps the trick is to take Nothing seriously)😉 least of all me or utterances deemed to be mine. As for your “not doing video calls” my reaction in one word “non” 😁 as you say “it happens or it doesn’t” and I’m equally happy with both. Isn’t it “nice” seeing that “life” is living you as opposed to the opposite. Ciao
Yes, I can relate to all of this. It's nice to have someone who is in this world in a similar way. Most people think we are crazy. I don’t care much. I feel sorry for them being so serious about everything. It is hard, though, seeing them all suffer so much about not much. I wish I could help them more to suffer less. I used to suffer like them and not even realize it at the time. Just immensely grateful existence granted me a break.
My body and mind still sometimes go into old behavioral auto-pilot, saying the same old stupid things, doing the same old stupid things, but my heart is not in it anymore. I watch myself in amused astonishment doing all this shit. It is so relaxing to not get triggered deeply anymore, just as a reflex almost. Life is good however it unfolds. I feel immensly lucky and grateful for my ordinary life. So much tragedy and suffering out there.
🤣🤣🤣I could have written the above almost verbatim, gratitude permeates me, even seeing the “old rob” being an an absolute ass is gratifying on one level because I don’t claim ownership on “what is me”, “ life” has the infinite right to express itself as the biggest Rob/idiot it sees fit, and seeing how far I’ve come/grown/emotionally matured from where I used to respond from, is enjoyable too. In the story of me, I did have the kind of start in life that books are written about (though I’ve no interest in that avenue myself, besides, there’s enough sob stories to fill most of the world’s libraries) but because of it, I have an uncommon appreciation for the ordinary, a cup of coffee, a roof over my head, health, relative or not, always the glass half full. Even or because of my childhood, I had an elevated sense from those around me, I was aware of my processes (adjusted response (for safety, real or imagined) to the immediate situation) etc (though didn’t have the language to fully understand and to give myself a choice of response until a lifetime later). Nowadays I stick my four feet in exactly where they aren’t wanted and usually end up walking on someone’s belief system. I was walking a couple of years ago in a football field with a female friend of new acquaintance, and her son, a delightful chap who was kicking a ball around. Her nibs took off her shoes to go barefoot on the grass and said “I love being in touch with the energy of the ground” granted, in the distance past I would have entertained such notions myself, but being “me” I asked, why would a child do that (walk barefoot) she hesitated, perhaps second guessing herself, because what she said may or may not be true, but she didn’t have scientific measuring equipment with her to “prove” the case, but credit where’s it due, she did eventually say, “because it feels nice” to which big mouth answered “is pleasant not enough”? the “what obviously is” doesn’t have anywhere for the ego to land, because “experiencing” in the moment is sensation not thoughts, like the sunset. Of course, for most, the bould (an Irish way of saying bold) ego with come in with loads of story “about” why this is nice, then the sensation is dulled because the energy/contact with the grass is weakened as it shifts to the mind. She didn’t like my answer🤣 I also noticed later back at her house, she had both the “power of now and “ The Secret”. They are probably displayed in the same section, maybe even on the same bookshelf in the shop, but the former is concerned with “now” or “what is” and the latter about “then” and what “will be” but they are mutually exclusive, she didn’t think so. That’s where I find myself with everyone “at odds” with their beliefs. I’ve a couple of close friends, one since we were not long out of nappies, and I’m heartened to see their emotional growth, and though I take no credit for their development, it seems that “something” appears to be rubbing off and the universe placed us exactly where we are. As for my family of origin, siblings or kids, I more than suspect that at best I’m tolerated, not because I’m bad or dangerous in anyway, they (unknowingly) are terrified of having their well entrenched beliefs challenged. Like you, there’s no blame, annoyance, many are called but few are chosen or “where the seeds land” they are being perfect life being expressed thus. The human side of me just wants everyone to experience what I experience, relaxation, at ease with life and contentment, because I have a good sense of where they are, having spent most of my life in that same place. But even that doesn’t cause sadness or disappointment to arise, I don’t “try” to fix, at least not for long, their ego see to that and I’ve enough sense to pull back these days. It sure is refreshing though to be able to correspond with a like minded (for want of a better expression) individual…language 🙄🙄🙄🤣
Great observation about the barefoot walking and belief systems. I call this confusing the map with the territory. Due to fucking science and intellectuals ruling everything these days, people mistake the map for the territory.
🤣🤣🤣I could have written the above almost verbatim, gratitude permeates me, even seeing the “old rob” being an an absolute ass is gratifying on one level because I don’t claim ownership on “what is me”, “ life” has the infinite right to express itself as the biggest Rob/idiot it sees fit, and seeing how far I’ve come/grown/emotionally matured from where I used to respond from, is enjoyable too.
Yes. Exactly. That is when I feel truly free—not caring much about what the Markus personality puts out there at times, the loss of embarrassment, pride, status, and so on. I can’t stop my ego from acting out and making a fool of itself, and I probably shouldn’t—who cares? That’s just life unfolding. But I can detach from it and enjoy the me-show in its stupidity. As Shakespeare said: Life is a stage, full of sound and fury, signifying fucking nothing.
This is not nihilism, as many claim. It’s the wisdom of fully realizing our true nature of pure witness and remembering it as often as we can.
and I’m not saying that anything is wrong with that or that you even have a choice, because “everything” is the Absolute/God/No-Thing” being that, whatever is, is right,
Exactly. Also, it can’t be any other way. Whatever happens is the result of trillions of cause and effects. The whole universe contributes to the next moment (Nisargdatta Maharaj) - how can this moment be wrong or any other way? If we fully live that we reach eternal peace with what is. Of course we also need to realise that we are not confined to this body/mind
A nice story and a nice experience, I’m not being facetious, but every experience points to an “experiencer” and this “story” is VERY appealing to the ego, which sees “enlightenment” as something special, something to have, an enhancement of some sort and by default, see anyone who achieves that state as being “special” and the ego definitely wants “special” (being a victim of crime will suffice too) the ego want to be enlightened (the seeing through that a person ever existed in the first place as you point out) but the ego wants to be there as the witness of its own absence 🤣 you just gotta love this ego. So whether seemingly enlightened or thought bound, the “person” any person in any state is “life” (substitute life for God, the Absolute, infinite intelligence, George or any word you’re comfortable with, it doesn’t matter, actually, nothing matters, you can never say what lAm is) I also just realised that I’m not really addressing you, these are just the utterances coming out for whomever. Another jump, as a thought popped up🙄 the rolled eyes for this eejit writing😁 I met a few so called teachers of non duality, what I noticed was a distinct lack of ego, I noticed this (and I could be wrong) by the ease in direct eye contact, like looking into a baby’s eyes or those of a very young child or especially, into the eyes of an animal, no thoughts going on, I presume. Which triggers another thought, from Jesus, to enter the kingdom of God one has to become as little children, ie, the “no thought state” or “being fully present in the moment” as he purportedly also said, “the kingdom of heaven is within”
"But the ego wants to be there as the witness of its own absence. 🤣 You just gotta love this ego."
I agree with your ego assessment and that it is the ego that seeks enlightenment and that this is not possible.
However, what I experienced was not an ego-witnessing. There is a universal witness that is egoless. Witnessing with pink glasses on is ego witnessing, and the world is tainted pink, our egoic experience of the world. Taking the glasses off, the witnessing is real, not pink, universal witnessing. I didn't ask for it; there was no ego effort or desire involved in trying to achieve it. It simply happened.
I not once used the word enlightened in my description. To the contrary. I repeated how ordinary everything was. Just raw, unfiltered witnessing of reality, of what is, without looking through the lenses of the ego.
Which brings us back to the Gospel of John, where all this started.
Prior is pure awareness. Awareness is God. God I awareness. Awareness is God and is with God. All of existence, all that is, is God. The chair, the grass, the sun, etc., are made from awareness.
Only in the moment we are getting aware of something does it start to exist. We create the world through becoming aware of the world. But we are also aware of being aware. The word ,awareness, is God and is with God. In the "with God" lies the universal witnessing of all things.
In that experience, the tinted ego glasses were off. There was no ego that wanted anything, let alone enlightenment.
"The “no thought state” or “being fully present in the moment,” as he purportedly also said"
Many years ago I experienced a no-thought moment. It was literally nothingness—nirvana—the absence of all experience, a void.
The garden experience wasn't that. It was the replacement of the egoic mental space, the egoic witnessing, with the universal mental space, the universal mind.
That's how a baby or animal probably experiences the world. Pure witnessing without judgment. That's what I experienced. Pure witnessing without egoic judgment—witnessing the world as it really is.
Thank you for your input. It inspires me to rephrase the experience again and again, but no words will ever do it justice, of course.
“Whatever happens is the result of trillions of cause and effects”
That’s only the case in the “story” (thoughts) there is ever only “what is” everything else is a story, can’t you see this?
Nisargdatta Maharaj) - how can this moment be wrong or any other way? If we fully live that we reach eternal peace with what is. Of course we also need to realise that we are not confined to this body/mind. Obviously I know of Nisargatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi , but I haven’t been drawn as yet to listen to them, (though as far as Indian “gurus” go, I’ve listened to Jiddu Krishnamurti several times), getting back to Nisargatta, about the moment, that’s all we actually have, that’s where life is, life is not yesterday or tomorrow or even the previous second in clock time, perpetually now. Think of an arrow flying through empty space, “life” is the tip of the tip, the shaft/feathered etc is “what was” (story) the “ future” so called, is story about the apparent past projected (by and in the mind, more story) into a conceptual future. There is no time, therefore no cause and effect. More to the point, probably the ultimate point, there is no us, no you, no me, just “life” appearing as an apparent you/me. Even quantum physics now tells us that “nothing exists” I love these double meanings ever since walking by a Japanese restaurant several years ago and seeing this en scribed on a stone inside their door. I thought “yes” nothing is the underlying reality and every thing makes a (seemingly) temporary appearance. As you can see, I tend to go on…and on🤣 and nothing is really joined up, it’s why I tend never reply to anything. On occasions A reply was written, once before to you, sending didn’t happen, or deletion happens.
As you also know, there aren’t too many “people” that can have this conversation, I do find it refreshing to chat with someone who is on the same page or at least that we are reading the same book, you may be much further along in it than I 😁
"There is no time, therefore no cause and effect."
In the absolute—correct. In the relative mental world of experience there is time, space and cause and effect. I am talking about the relative world because that is the only world we can talk about. The Absolute is beyond any thought or words.
"there is no us, no you, no me, just “life” appearing as an apparent you/me."
That is also a concept thought out in the relative mental world about how the Absolute "is". It's pure belief. You talk and imagine from the relative about the absolute. It's as much a conceptual fantasy copied and believed by people that claim to have experienced/not experienced the Absolute, or better, realized it. We will imagine it until we realize it, and then it can't be talked about meaningfully because it beyond the mind, and all talk is within the mind.
All this talk appeals only to our Ego and fans the desire for the practice to calm the mind until it stands still and the Absolute is revealed. And it will be completely different than we ever imagined it simply because it can't be imagined, so all imaginations or words about the Absolute will always be wrong.
That's why Nisargadatta teaches the Neti Neti approach. We can't "know" the real, the Absolute. But we can know the false. Discard all false, and what is left is the real.
?On occasions A reply was written, once before to you, sending didn’t happen, or deletion happens."
Goddamn boys, this has been one hell of a conversation and I thank both of you for showing me that there are others out there who think about these topics, well done to both of you. Rob, you say you're not a good writer but I completely disagree, you have down to earth writing style that comes across as 1000% authentic.
“When the initiation turns into ritual, indoctrination replaces realization.
Concern with the performance of the ritual creates the pious ego. Repetition leads to habit. Habit leads to unaware-ness. Unawareness leads to ignorance and intolerance. Ignorance and intolerance lead to cruelty and inflexibility.
Wonderfully written. For me our world is about Love. Love is the highest of all vibrational frequencies. Jesus knew this. Hermes taught us seven Universal Laws - Mentality (ALL is mind), Correspondence (As above, so below), Vibration (all matter vibrates) Rhythm (ebb & flow of the Universe), Polarity, Cause & Effect and Gender (all things represent male & female energy) - WE are all connected. Love is the frequency of empathy, some humans have empathy and some don't (psychopaths) in todays world the Psychos are driving the bus. WE need to stop the bus and put Empathy back in charge. 😊❤️⚓️🙏🤞
There is plenty wrong with institutional churches today and throughout history. My husband and I no longer attend a traditional/institutional church, but opt to open our own home to fellow believers. So, I agree with your criticism of church.
However, without the sacrifice Jesus willingly made on the cross and his resurrection there is no hope of salvation. You pulled some quotes from the Bible, but I would encourage you to read at least one gospel in its entirety, the Gospel of John. Jesus is God. And he came here to die for our sins. You can't live in the spirit if you are still alive to the flesh. You have to make Jesus Lord of your life and repent, believing on his name. Abide in him and he will abide with you making it possible to live according to his teachings.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This first sentence in the Gospel of John is all anyone ever needs if fully understood and realized. But there are millions of others.
As God is everywhere, it can be found everywhere and in everything. It’s a certain way of looking that reveals it.
Happy you found your spiritual way. But you make the same mistake as almost all spiritual people who haven’t fully realized the Absolute. They think their path applies to others.
There are as many paths to God as there are people.
I know you want to be helpful and share your excitement like everyone that had a glimpse of God wants to do.
Rather than inviting people to follow your path, you will serve them much better by encouraging them to seek, find, and follow “their path”.
A spiritual path can’t be copied.
That’s where all religious systems and teachings get it wrong, and that’s how most seekers are kept from God.
By walking on another man’s path, they miss their own and never get to their destination.
Most Christians are just Normies who go to a certain building every Sunday morning. I don’t see anything Christ-like about any of them. Maybe they give away a little of their pay cheque to charity. I don’t think that’s quite what Jeebus had in mind. Other than that … meh. Also I think they forget what happened to Jeebus. You go around loving everyone the authorities are going to kill you. Try living like Jeebus for a week. I guarantee you’ll be in jail by the weekend.
i wasn't there but I don't think it was love that got him killed. It was when he lost his temper in the temple. The Jewish priest had him killed. Even the Romans offered a criminal instead but the religous Jewish crowd was wound up against him. Thats one story I heard. Who knows what really happened
I went to a new church today and was brought to tears by the energy. Then I left and found my car parked in by some twat in a Land Rover. And there was a cook out happening so could've been stuck there for hours! So yes. Normal jerks go to church and park like entitled morons.
dollyboy, wow, we are the same as you, we are people. Why do non Christians judge Christians? Really? It’s like someone that has an ant farm, are you on the outside looking in? If you are that into religion that you have such a wonderful comment about it, why do you go to church and find out what it truly is like…
and what the heck is the comment, “try living like Jesus for a week. I guarantee you’ll be in jail by the weekend.” This is so immoral. Again, I will repeat myself.
Apparently you do not have a personal relationship with God.
Could you try bashing something you have knowledge about instead of giving us gibberish regarding something you have no knowledge about?!?!
Whatever. I’m sure “Christians” vary in many degrees. My mother liked to call herself Anglican even though she’d barely seen a bible in her life and only ever went to church for a wedding.
You are not the same as me.
I don’t believe in a god.
I’ll bash whatever I like. It’s a free country. Fuck Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Odin and whatever imaginary deity you can think of.
I think the vast majority of “Christians” are just posers, in it for the T-shirt and a place to hang out.
Give away all your possessions and money and dedicate your life to helping others. Then I’ll call you a Christian.
But I’m not invested in this diatribe. Call yourself a Christian - I don’t care. I find the whole organised religious thing rather dumb. Each to their own. Isn’t that right?
“You want to bash whatever you like. It’s a free country.” I will follow suit. Since I can say whatever I would like, you are an empty, hollow, meaningless existence of a person that doesn’t matter to me. At least, this is why I am hearing from you, right? Is it Christian-like to say this? Am I going to be judged for being a bad Christian? Really? This is not 1 sided. (You can say what you want, but I will be judged for saying what I want, right?)
“You are not the same as me.” I am not, and proud to be the individual God made me! 😊
As far as what “Christians look like…🤣🤣🤣🤣 I didn’t know we all wore t-shirts and had a place to hang out…come on, man! You can do better than this 🤣🤣🤣
Questions for men: why is it always and never? All or nothing?
I have a personal relationship with Christ, and all the words in the world will not take that from me. All of your useless, hurtful words actually mean nothing to me. Why? We don’t believe in the same thing, this is the horrible division we all face. It’s like being racist, but I am a Christian so you are allowed to “do what you want-whatever”, walk all over me and think I am not going to defend my God and myself?
NO. GOD WANTS US TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN! I AM AN INDIVIDUAL AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED AS SUCH, LIKE YOURSELF. AS FAR AS MY BELIEFS, THEY ARE MINE THAT I SHARE WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE TRULY INTERESTED. I feel somewhat bad that you are so closed minded. If you read my post, I took philosophy of religion in college. It opened up my eyes, but it did not waiver my faith!
As far as giving my possessions away and helping people, I like doing this. I have since I was a child. This again, is the problem, you put me in with everyone else!
Remember it’s our choice what we do, it’s not the mass, it’s the individual.
You are free to express yourself in any way you like.
TBH this topic is of little interest to me. I don't care what people believe as long as those beliefs don't impact on my atheism. Live and let live.
I was merely remarking how many Christians are that in name only. How many lead exploitative and materialist lives - not practicing the deeds of Jeebus. I am probably closer to Christ-like behaviour than most "Christians." Be kind to one another. Do your best. Don't use people, defraud them etc. Live a simple life. The entirety of my possessions fit into two bags. I live on about $18k Aus a year. I don't say this to brag. I have no desire to elevate myself. I have few desires beyond a good meal and a warm bed. Anyways... this topic is uninteresting to me. Have a lovely day. DB
Dollyboy, you don’t have to explain yourself. I am not going to brag nor put you down. It’s nice to know an atheist holds works in high regard. We choose the way we live. Funny, I live like you. Thanks for your insight. Have a good day as well! ☦️✝️🥰
It shows a person nailed to a cross covered in blood. Infer what you want from this picture but it in no way has anything to do with spirituality of which mankind is not privy to until his hour of passing.
I was Catholic, I am a Christian. I have been to Pentecostal, Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Bible churches, etc. I went to Christian school when I was young.
I studied philosophy of religion in college. One end to the other…It gave me structure and a belief system. When we took God out of everything, our belief system is gone.
This is like telling the hardcore Hindu’s there is not 6,000 gods they have to attend to, or that Allah is just another fictional character to the Muslims, or the gods worshipped in Egypt, Rome and Greece are all fake. They are not fake to the people that believe in them.
Look, I know most of you all, hate religion. That’s fine, it’s your choice. WHAT I do not like is when people bash JESUS. It’s so immoral. Leave God’s Son alone. You are speaking how you hate religion, is it because of Jesus?
Your relationship with God is a personal journey. And I am not here to preach. Religion has torn everyone apart. It’s designed this way. I say this with conviction.
No one understands that “true” structured religion, is that we come together, have faith in each other to defend what we believe. That’s religion. We do it everyday. Again, having a personal relationship with Our Creator is different.
The cruxifixction is real, “idiots” still do it today. Meaning, it’s a common practice now and back then.
Thank you for the picture and thank you for the reminder that God did send His Son to die for us! I am sorry it’s hard for you to wrap your head around.
Religion hurts the masses, your personal relationship with God does not. This is the issue. If we all had a personal relationship with God/Christ, then came together to worship, understand and share that would be a great religion. No one looks at it in this perspective. Try it.
“In the beginning was the word” etc…”word” in Sanskrit, I seem to remember means vibration. “Sound” is vibration interpreted by the brain via the hearing canal, I guess 🤔 the only difference between apparent solidities (hard/soft) is one of speed ie the higher the frequency the more solid something appears to be. I’m no physicist as can be plainly seen. So I would call this “ vibration” or “word” as “infinite potential”
Before there was “any-thing” there had to be “no-thing” what that no-thing is, is beyond all human faculties, as Jesus is supposed to have said (and I’m not saying that there was or wasn’t a “Jesus” or whether he said what is claimed, or if what is claimed is accurate after multiple translations etc) but something on the lines of “no eye has seen, no lips have spoken of, no ear has heard” in other words, just what God is/isn’t is beyond all human understanding. So what I’m getting at is, “No-Thing” is the underlying reality, but our ego/thoughts can’t grasp that. All things appear from no-thing and eventually return to no-thing. Another word I subscribe to in place of “No-thing” is the “Absolute” the “Absolute” is not relative, has no opposite, is and contains all. So whatever “is” is the Absolute being that already . Everything already is, we just notice it. Time is relative, there is only “what is” but the thought stream/ego only (apparently” exists in the “story” of what was or what will be. There are no thoughts required for the immediate. “Heaven” the “Garden of Eden” is the “ thought-less” state, the “ tree of knowledge” knowledge being “thoughts about” as opposed to “one-ness with” is the fall from grace, the fall into the Abyss of the hell of continuous thinking which is the mechanism that takes us away from “God/Heaven/Paradise” or “being fully in the moment”. Think of walking around a corner in the forest and seeing a beautiful sunset over the sea for example. The sudden beauty triggers a gasp of “wow” and for that second the “wow factor” is not the sunset but what the sunset triggered, (very) temporary suspension of thoughts, which, unfortunately, come back in at lightening speed and you drop back out of Heaven without even noticing that that is where you were. The thoughts come in “oh I wish so and so was here” or you take out you phone to take a photo etc, and I’m not saying that anything is wrong with that or that you even have a choice, because “everything” is the Absolute/God/No-Thing” being that, whatever is, is right, wrong-ness is in the mind of the beholder and nowhere else. Someone mentioned paths, how can there be a path to what already is? Looking for the path is what stops you finding it and the cosmic joke “the seeker is the sought” (you can reverse that if you want)😉 It is impossible to talk about that which is beyond all reason but the Absolute wouldn’t be “Absolute” unless even the most useless notion is not manifest, and also there is no choice to do or not to do, so the idea I’ve had for as long as I can recall as an adult, is that whatever is possible has to occur for “Absolute” to mean what it means. People ask “how can God let this happen”? Answer, because God is unlimited, whatever is, is God being that. God empty spacing, God the Murderer and God at the same time being the Victim as well as the violence, the sound, the smell, the weapon, the blood, the witness, ground, sky, rain, heat, cold etc “Nothing Is Happening” apparently. All the problems of the world are thoughts, sure there are unwanted or unpleasant situations happening, problems are the “ l story” the mind/ego try’s to make of the situation, the ego needs drama/story in order to feel as if it’s real, that’s why when you ignore the ego/story such as the “sunset” example, the ego says fuuuuuuuck, because in that moment, for all intentional purposes, it ceasesd to exist to that person. Enlightenment, so I’ve read, is when the thoughts cease to stick to the person because it’s “seen” that there never was a person in the first place, the “ l person” was too only a thought 🤣
. “Heaven” the “Garden of Eden” is the “ thought-less” state, the “ tree of knowledge” knowledge being “thoughts about” as opposed to “one-ness with” is the fall from grace, the fall into the Abyss of the hell of continuous thinking which is the mechanism that takes us away from “God/Heaven/Paradise” or “being fully in the moment”.
Beautiful - exactly how I see it. I wrote an article about it a while ago, but almost nobody could relate to it. People take the Bible stories literally, hence the great confusion and misunderstandings.
I think it is the first time I hear somebody else interpreting the fall as I do.
“All things appear from no-thing and eventually return to no-thing. Another word I subscribe to in place of “No-thing” is the “Absolute” the “Absolute” is not relative, has no opposite, is and contains all.”
You said it.
“Word” in Greek, from which it was translated into English, means “logos,” the concept of divine intelligence or pure awareness.
When awareness touches matter, consciousness is born. In consciousness, the world appears. That’s how I make sense of what can’t be made sense of. Also”
“In the beginning” is another bad translation, imo. This verse is beyond time, which is not only relative, as you point out, but only exists in the mind, which only exists in consciousness.
The way this John verse fills me with awe is: “Prior is pure awareness. Awareness is God. Awareness is aware of itself.”
Which fits what you say that everything is.
Next step: Forget all the pretty words and emotions and awe, and become it, or better, realize it within ourselves, because there is no becoming; we already are it, but we look away.
I love non-duality teachings.
“Awareness” touching “ matter” sounds like two separate things and it also sounds like “something has to happen” (time) for “something to be” 🤷♂️ and I know and I know that you know, that using words to describe the indescribable is always going to fall short and like you, I enjoy the non duality teachings though these days, like in the last hour or so, most if not all of these “notions” occur when on long walks or cycles, even while motorbiking 🤪 where I especially should be paying attention 🤣 but “life” is in control not an “us” though thoughts arising will dispute that 🙏
“Pure witnessing with judgement”, the old brain can’t do much with that🤣 and a nice way of putting it.
Reading your replies or even this engagement, lands nicely here.
Have you ever had the experience in your “felt sense” a “negative/evil/unpleasant” force when reading a reply to something you wrote? akin to a hand being plunged into your very being and being wildly agitated (like adding washing liquid to water and agitating it to make suds) I’m guessing you have , I’m guessing you have a rare “sensitivity” (I don’t mean that you are “sensitive” in the way it’s usually meant) but “sensitive” to energetic undercurrents, and I’m also guessing that doing what you do has a heavy price, yet doing it… continues to happen.
As I was saying, language probably does more harm than good..so to speak, (especially coming from me)🤪 Apologies, not for a second did I mean to take from or negate your experience, though I see how you might think that, I take full responsibility for that. With regard to the absolute, I or no one can know what that is, simply because the Absolute is not relative, not in relation to anything else, because it IS everything and nothing. We can’t help the contradiction in communication when we have no choice but to use relative terms, I, me, you etc and references to past/future and seeming “free will” it’s ridiculous in the extreme but again “seemingly” that’s the Absolute being relative.
So, as we’re “in Rome” or “rendering unto Caesar” as they say, (a modern parlance might be “when in Disneyland” we “forget” (almost) our true origin (in the world but not of the world) and fit in where we find ourselves. In that respect, all we can do is try to enjoy the trip. Like you, I (there’s that pronoun again)🙄 have a memory of “that “no place” fathomless, peace beyond the absence of sound, void, pure witnessing (to borrow your description because it seems to fit here too) and it happened (apparently) during “night sleep” but unlike any dream before or since. It seems like a distant memory now, the best place for it, and whether real or imagined, it amounts to the same thing, and only has relevance in the “story of me” and it’s a “nice” part of this story, but no better or worse that parts of the same story that might be judged as “not so nice” 😉 I embrace the whole story equally, but I have a particular “preference” for that particular thought, which is all memory is.
There have been other “moments” in the story of me, happenings that I would describe as “before and after” periods of my life, and in the eyes of the world (ego) might be seen as wondrous and amazing) but still a memory/thought nonetheless. I’m not saying ego is bad/wrong, it is what it is, an expression of the Absolute, it’s impossible for it not to be.
Another word for ego would be “Devil” the greatest trick etc but when I say “devil” I don’t mean it in the way we’ve been conditioned to believe it. Being Irish we were fed Catholism along with breast milk but paradoxically, in the breaking away from that belief system (belief equals ignorance) , I didn’t throw out the baby with the bath water. I began to understand the meaning (or at least that’s how it seemed) the message ascribed to Jesus. Jesus didn’t speak in parables, he just wasn’t talking about what most of the listeners “thought” he was talking about, (I guess it resonated but was grabbed by the “mind” which is the wrong tool for understanding it) and in trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, and rather than admit their “not understanding” (again as you say, using the mind to understand “God” only ends up in concepts) they come up with the “face saving” answer (concept) that Jesus was “speaking in parables” (and all you lot, especially those at the back, are too stupid and ignorant to understand it but we (priests) do) 🤣Of course the priests of all religions declare themselves to be the sole interpreters, (and intermediaries) do and interpret for us (the blind leading the blind) and then all the rest follows, hierarchies, control, power, money etc)
The “harder for a rich man to enter heaven” or “when the householder is awake” the thief (thoughts) can’t break in…etc etc everything Jesus was talking about is pointing to what Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and all the enlightened teachers were talking about. Interestingly, in the story of Jesus, though he spoke to “multitudes” and was witnessed to perform wondrous deeds, he have very few followers, and even they were scattered when the shit hit the fan, but the seed had be sown in “fertile” ground and eventually sprouted. Things haven’t changed much have they 😁 anyway mi amigo, rest in the form of walking in the forest with a little dote of a dog that I’m minding for a friend is beckoning. I’m not a good writer, when I write (or talk for that matter) “stuff” just pours out and often I’m thinking, “jasus, where did that come from” so I’m not taking any responsibility for the rubbish written here (even if there might be a pearl of wisdom hidden in it) I blame it all on God , it all “his” 😉fault🤣
If you’re open to it, we can video call sometime 🤷♂️ there might be less “lost in translation” that way. The very kindest of regards, Rob
I like what you say and write, or better, what is said or written through you. I often feel like that. It 's not me that writes.
No, I can't recall having a felt sense of something negative/evil/unpleasant responding to my spiritual writings.
I had someone deliberately smear me in a very wicked way recenlty.
So I interacted a bit with him via the comment section to suss him out, and it was a scary, vile, twisted mind - I could call it evil. I have pretty good boundaries, and I always remember everyone as an innocent newborn, so I believe it's circumstances that shape characters like that, but what do I know? I am no midwife. Maybe people are born with evil, dark characters from past lives.
I think there is evil out there, of course, but I was not exposed to it a lot in my life. It was still unsettling to be with this guy because it reminded me of that evil out there. I have nothing to fear from him, but I can imagine how terrifying it could be to be at the mercy of such a distorted, twisted soul.
Anyway, thank you for this exchange. Stay in touch. Video talk? No way. I don't like them for unknown reasons. I did about five in my life, even during Covid. I hardly ever do them with my family in Europe. I prefer to talk. Or writing. Sorry.
Keep in touch.
Yes “stuff” (meaning full/less ? words” pour out of me, seemingly (to others) from me but they are not “of” me. I often, such as earlier, write a word, finish a sentence or passage and then, look up the meaning of an unusual (to me) word used😁 and it’s always relevant. It could be argued of course, that I’m not as thick as I think I am, and it’s a memory of previous learning, seemingly forgotten but 🤷♂️ while walking, especially when on my own (sans even little dogs) seeming answers to unasked questions constantly arise, today while cycling, I’d love if the thoughts arising could be automatically recorded via Bluetooth to my phone or computer at home, answers to everything (non duality) seemingly arise unbidden. I’ve forgotten almost all by the time I get home, but honestly, this, like life in general, is just a big playful game to me. I take very little seriously, (perhaps the trick is to take Nothing seriously)😉 least of all me or utterances deemed to be mine. As for your “not doing video calls” my reaction in one word “non” 😁 as you say “it happens or it doesn’t” and I’m equally happy with both. Isn’t it “nice” seeing that “life” is living you as opposed to the opposite. Ciao
Yes, I can relate to all of this. It's nice to have someone who is in this world in a similar way. Most people think we are crazy. I don’t care much. I feel sorry for them being so serious about everything. It is hard, though, seeing them all suffer so much about not much. I wish I could help them more to suffer less. I used to suffer like them and not even realize it at the time. Just immensely grateful existence granted me a break.
My body and mind still sometimes go into old behavioral auto-pilot, saying the same old stupid things, doing the same old stupid things, but my heart is not in it anymore. I watch myself in amused astonishment doing all this shit. It is so relaxing to not get triggered deeply anymore, just as a reflex almost. Life is good however it unfolds. I feel immensly lucky and grateful for my ordinary life. So much tragedy and suffering out there.
🤣🤣🤣I could have written the above almost verbatim, gratitude permeates me, even seeing the “old rob” being an an absolute ass is gratifying on one level because I don’t claim ownership on “what is me”, “ life” has the infinite right to express itself as the biggest Rob/idiot it sees fit, and seeing how far I’ve come/grown/emotionally matured from where I used to respond from, is enjoyable too. In the story of me, I did have the kind of start in life that books are written about (though I’ve no interest in that avenue myself, besides, there’s enough sob stories to fill most of the world’s libraries) but because of it, I have an uncommon appreciation for the ordinary, a cup of coffee, a roof over my head, health, relative or not, always the glass half full. Even or because of my childhood, I had an elevated sense from those around me, I was aware of my processes (adjusted response (for safety, real or imagined) to the immediate situation) etc (though didn’t have the language to fully understand and to give myself a choice of response until a lifetime later). Nowadays I stick my four feet in exactly where they aren’t wanted and usually end up walking on someone’s belief system. I was walking a couple of years ago in a football field with a female friend of new acquaintance, and her son, a delightful chap who was kicking a ball around. Her nibs took off her shoes to go barefoot on the grass and said “I love being in touch with the energy of the ground” granted, in the distance past I would have entertained such notions myself, but being “me” I asked, why would a child do that (walk barefoot) she hesitated, perhaps second guessing herself, because what she said may or may not be true, but she didn’t have scientific measuring equipment with her to “prove” the case, but credit where’s it due, she did eventually say, “because it feels nice” to which big mouth answered “is pleasant not enough”? the “what obviously is” doesn’t have anywhere for the ego to land, because “experiencing” in the moment is sensation not thoughts, like the sunset. Of course, for most, the bould (an Irish way of saying bold) ego with come in with loads of story “about” why this is nice, then the sensation is dulled because the energy/contact with the grass is weakened as it shifts to the mind. She didn’t like my answer🤣 I also noticed later back at her house, she had both the “power of now and “ The Secret”. They are probably displayed in the same section, maybe even on the same bookshelf in the shop, but the former is concerned with “now” or “what is” and the latter about “then” and what “will be” but they are mutually exclusive, she didn’t think so. That’s where I find myself with everyone “at odds” with their beliefs. I’ve a couple of close friends, one since we were not long out of nappies, and I’m heartened to see their emotional growth, and though I take no credit for their development, it seems that “something” appears to be rubbing off and the universe placed us exactly where we are. As for my family of origin, siblings or kids, I more than suspect that at best I’m tolerated, not because I’m bad or dangerous in anyway, they (unknowingly) are terrified of having their well entrenched beliefs challenged. Like you, there’s no blame, annoyance, many are called but few are chosen or “where the seeds land” they are being perfect life being expressed thus. The human side of me just wants everyone to experience what I experience, relaxation, at ease with life and contentment, because I have a good sense of where they are, having spent most of my life in that same place. But even that doesn’t cause sadness or disappointment to arise, I don’t “try” to fix, at least not for long, their ego see to that and I’ve enough sense to pull back these days. It sure is refreshing though to be able to correspond with a like minded (for want of a better expression) individual…language 🙄🙄🙄🤣
Great observation about the barefoot walking and belief systems. I call this confusing the map with the territory. Due to fucking science and intellectuals ruling everything these days, people mistake the map for the territory.
🤣🤣🤣I could have written the above almost verbatim, gratitude permeates me, even seeing the “old rob” being an an absolute ass is gratifying on one level because I don’t claim ownership on “what is me”, “ life” has the infinite right to express itself as the biggest Rob/idiot it sees fit, and seeing how far I’ve come/grown/emotionally matured from where I used to respond from, is enjoyable too.
Yes. Exactly. That is when I feel truly free—not caring much about what the Markus personality puts out there at times, the loss of embarrassment, pride, status, and so on. I can’t stop my ego from acting out and making a fool of itself, and I probably shouldn’t—who cares? That’s just life unfolding. But I can detach from it and enjoy the me-show in its stupidity. As Shakespeare said: Life is a stage, full of sound and fury, signifying fucking nothing.
This is not nihilism, as many claim. It’s the wisdom of fully realizing our true nature of pure witness and remembering it as often as we can.
You can probably relate to this: https://markusmutscheller.substack.com/p/an-attempt-to-describe-how-i-just
and I’m not saying that anything is wrong with that or that you even have a choice, because “everything” is the Absolute/God/No-Thing” being that, whatever is, is right,
Exactly. Also, it can’t be any other way. Whatever happens is the result of trillions of cause and effects. The whole universe contributes to the next moment (Nisargdatta Maharaj) - how can this moment be wrong or any other way? If we fully live that we reach eternal peace with what is. Of course we also need to realise that we are not confined to this body/mind
A nice story and a nice experience, I’m not being facetious, but every experience points to an “experiencer” and this “story” is VERY appealing to the ego, which sees “enlightenment” as something special, something to have, an enhancement of some sort and by default, see anyone who achieves that state as being “special” and the ego definitely wants “special” (being a victim of crime will suffice too) the ego want to be enlightened (the seeing through that a person ever existed in the first place as you point out) but the ego wants to be there as the witness of its own absence 🤣 you just gotta love this ego. So whether seemingly enlightened or thought bound, the “person” any person in any state is “life” (substitute life for God, the Absolute, infinite intelligence, George or any word you’re comfortable with, it doesn’t matter, actually, nothing matters, you can never say what lAm is) I also just realised that I’m not really addressing you, these are just the utterances coming out for whomever. Another jump, as a thought popped up🙄 the rolled eyes for this eejit writing😁 I met a few so called teachers of non duality, what I noticed was a distinct lack of ego, I noticed this (and I could be wrong) by the ease in direct eye contact, like looking into a baby’s eyes or those of a very young child or especially, into the eyes of an animal, no thoughts going on, I presume. Which triggers another thought, from Jesus, to enter the kingdom of God one has to become as little children, ie, the “no thought state” or “being fully present in the moment” as he purportedly also said, “the kingdom of heaven is within”
Thank you for your insightful comment again, Rob.
"But the ego wants to be there as the witness of its own absence. 🤣 You just gotta love this ego."
I agree with your ego assessment and that it is the ego that seeks enlightenment and that this is not possible.
However, what I experienced was not an ego-witnessing. There is a universal witness that is egoless. Witnessing with pink glasses on is ego witnessing, and the world is tainted pink, our egoic experience of the world. Taking the glasses off, the witnessing is real, not pink, universal witnessing. I didn't ask for it; there was no ego effort or desire involved in trying to achieve it. It simply happened.
I not once used the word enlightened in my description. To the contrary. I repeated how ordinary everything was. Just raw, unfiltered witnessing of reality, of what is, without looking through the lenses of the ego.
Which brings us back to the Gospel of John, where all this started.
Prior is pure awareness. Awareness is God. God I awareness. Awareness is God and is with God. All of existence, all that is, is God. The chair, the grass, the sun, etc., are made from awareness.
Only in the moment we are getting aware of something does it start to exist. We create the world through becoming aware of the world. But we are also aware of being aware. The word ,awareness, is God and is with God. In the "with God" lies the universal witnessing of all things.
In that experience, the tinted ego glasses were off. There was no ego that wanted anything, let alone enlightenment.
"The “no thought state” or “being fully present in the moment,” as he purportedly also said"
Many years ago I experienced a no-thought moment. It was literally nothingness—nirvana—the absence of all experience, a void.
The garden experience wasn't that. It was the replacement of the egoic mental space, the egoic witnessing, with the universal mental space, the universal mind.
That's how a baby or animal probably experiences the world. Pure witnessing without judgment. That's what I experienced. Pure witnessing without egoic judgment—witnessing the world as it really is.
Thank you for your input. It inspires me to rephrase the experience again and again, but no words will ever do it justice, of course.
“Whatever happens is the result of trillions of cause and effects”
That’s only the case in the “story” (thoughts) there is ever only “what is” everything else is a story, can’t you see this?
Nisargdatta Maharaj) - how can this moment be wrong or any other way? If we fully live that we reach eternal peace with what is. Of course we also need to realise that we are not confined to this body/mind. Obviously I know of Nisargatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi , but I haven’t been drawn as yet to listen to them, (though as far as Indian “gurus” go, I’ve listened to Jiddu Krishnamurti several times), getting back to Nisargatta, about the moment, that’s all we actually have, that’s where life is, life is not yesterday or tomorrow or even the previous second in clock time, perpetually now. Think of an arrow flying through empty space, “life” is the tip of the tip, the shaft/feathered etc is “what was” (story) the “ future” so called, is story about the apparent past projected (by and in the mind, more story) into a conceptual future. There is no time, therefore no cause and effect. More to the point, probably the ultimate point, there is no us, no you, no me, just “life” appearing as an apparent you/me. Even quantum physics now tells us that “nothing exists” I love these double meanings ever since walking by a Japanese restaurant several years ago and seeing this en scribed on a stone inside their door. I thought “yes” nothing is the underlying reality and every thing makes a (seemingly) temporary appearance. As you can see, I tend to go on…and on🤣 and nothing is really joined up, it’s why I tend never reply to anything. On occasions A reply was written, once before to you, sending didn’t happen, or deletion happens.
As you also know, there aren’t too many “people” that can have this conversation, I do find it refreshing to chat with someone who is on the same page or at least that we are reading the same book, you may be much further along in it than I 😁
"There is no time, therefore no cause and effect."
In the absolute—correct. In the relative mental world of experience there is time, space and cause and effect. I am talking about the relative world because that is the only world we can talk about. The Absolute is beyond any thought or words.
"there is no us, no you, no me, just “life” appearing as an apparent you/me."
That is also a concept thought out in the relative mental world about how the Absolute "is". It's pure belief. You talk and imagine from the relative about the absolute. It's as much a conceptual fantasy copied and believed by people that claim to have experienced/not experienced the Absolute, or better, realized it. We will imagine it until we realize it, and then it can't be talked about meaningfully because it beyond the mind, and all talk is within the mind.
All this talk appeals only to our Ego and fans the desire for the practice to calm the mind until it stands still and the Absolute is revealed. And it will be completely different than we ever imagined it simply because it can't be imagined, so all imaginations or words about the Absolute will always be wrong.
That's why Nisargadatta teaches the Neti Neti approach. We can't "know" the real, the Absolute. But we can know the false. Discard all false, and what is left is the real.
?On occasions A reply was written, once before to you, sending didn’t happen, or deletion happens."
Same here.
Goddamn boys, this has been one hell of a conversation and I thank both of you for showing me that there are others out there who think about these topics, well done to both of you. Rob, you say you're not a good writer but I completely disagree, you have down to earth writing style that comes across as 1000% authentic.
“When the initiation turns into ritual, indoctrination replaces realization.
Concern with the performance of the ritual creates the pious ego. Repetition leads to habit. Habit leads to unaware-ness. Unawareness leads to ignorance and intolerance. Ignorance and intolerance lead to cruelty and inflexibility.
Religion is born.”
—Harry Palmer, author of the Avatar® Materials
That sums it up perfectly. Thank you.
Only have time to read the title right now, with which I concur. This is trauma-based mind control.
I wondered and thought - what a speedy reader. :-) Thanks for the like.
I can read fast but that would be crazy fast :)
Wonderfully written. For me our world is about Love. Love is the highest of all vibrational frequencies. Jesus knew this. Hermes taught us seven Universal Laws - Mentality (ALL is mind), Correspondence (As above, so below), Vibration (all matter vibrates) Rhythm (ebb & flow of the Universe), Polarity, Cause & Effect and Gender (all things represent male & female energy) - WE are all connected. Love is the frequency of empathy, some humans have empathy and some don't (psychopaths) in todays world the Psychos are driving the bus. WE need to stop the bus and put Empathy back in charge. 😊❤️⚓️🙏🤞
Beautiful article and profound insights. I really enjoy reading what you write.
There is plenty wrong with institutional churches today and throughout history. My husband and I no longer attend a traditional/institutional church, but opt to open our own home to fellow believers. So, I agree with your criticism of church.
However, without the sacrifice Jesus willingly made on the cross and his resurrection there is no hope of salvation. You pulled some quotes from the Bible, but I would encourage you to read at least one gospel in its entirety, the Gospel of John. Jesus is God. And he came here to die for our sins. You can't live in the spirit if you are still alive to the flesh. You have to make Jesus Lord of your life and repent, believing on his name. Abide in him and he will abide with you making it possible to live according to his teachings.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This first sentence in the Gospel of John is all anyone ever needs if fully understood and realized. But there are millions of others.
As God is everywhere, it can be found everywhere and in everything. It’s a certain way of looking that reveals it.
Happy you found your spiritual way. But you make the same mistake as almost all spiritual people who haven’t fully realized the Absolute. They think their path applies to others.
There are as many paths to God as there are people.
I know you want to be helpful and share your excitement like everyone that had a glimpse of God wants to do.
Rather than inviting people to follow your path, you will serve them much better by encouraging them to seek, find, and follow “their path”.
A spiritual path can’t be copied.
That’s where all religious systems and teachings get it wrong, and that’s how most seekers are kept from God.
By walking on another man’s path, they miss their own and never get to their destination.
Most Christians are just Normies who go to a certain building every Sunday morning. I don’t see anything Christ-like about any of them. Maybe they give away a little of their pay cheque to charity. I don’t think that’s quite what Jeebus had in mind. Other than that … meh. Also I think they forget what happened to Jeebus. You go around loving everyone the authorities are going to kill you. Try living like Jeebus for a week. I guarantee you’ll be in jail by the weekend.
i wasn't there but I don't think it was love that got him killed. It was when he lost his temper in the temple. The Jewish priest had him killed. Even the Romans offered a criminal instead but the religous Jewish crowd was wound up against him. Thats one story I heard. Who knows what really happened
He was killed for us. You believe in the supernatural? This is the same circumstance.
I went to a new church today and was brought to tears by the energy. Then I left and found my car parked in by some twat in a Land Rover. And there was a cook out happening so could've been stuck there for hours! So yes. Normal jerks go to church and park like entitled morons.
Love thy neighbour 😁
dollyboy, wow, we are the same as you, we are people. Why do non Christians judge Christians? Really? It’s like someone that has an ant farm, are you on the outside looking in? If you are that into religion that you have such a wonderful comment about it, why do you go to church and find out what it truly is like…
and what the heck is the comment, “try living like Jesus for a week. I guarantee you’ll be in jail by the weekend.” This is so immoral. Again, I will repeat myself.
Apparently you do not have a personal relationship with God.
Could you try bashing something you have knowledge about instead of giving us gibberish regarding something you have no knowledge about?!?!
Whatever. I’m sure “Christians” vary in many degrees. My mother liked to call herself Anglican even though she’d barely seen a bible in her life and only ever went to church for a wedding.
You are not the same as me.
I don’t believe in a god.
I’ll bash whatever I like. It’s a free country. Fuck Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Odin and whatever imaginary deity you can think of.
I think the vast majority of “Christians” are just posers, in it for the T-shirt and a place to hang out.
Give away all your possessions and money and dedicate your life to helping others. Then I’ll call you a Christian.
But I’m not invested in this diatribe. Call yourself a Christian - I don’t care. I find the whole organised religious thing rather dumb. Each to their own. Isn’t that right?
“You want to bash whatever you like. It’s a free country.” I will follow suit. Since I can say whatever I would like, you are an empty, hollow, meaningless existence of a person that doesn’t matter to me. At least, this is why I am hearing from you, right? Is it Christian-like to say this? Am I going to be judged for being a bad Christian? Really? This is not 1 sided. (You can say what you want, but I will be judged for saying what I want, right?)
“You are not the same as me.” I am not, and proud to be the individual God made me! 😊
As far as what “Christians look like…🤣🤣🤣🤣 I didn’t know we all wore t-shirts and had a place to hang out…come on, man! You can do better than this 🤣🤣🤣
Questions for men: why is it always and never? All or nothing?
I have a personal relationship with Christ, and all the words in the world will not take that from me. All of your useless, hurtful words actually mean nothing to me. Why? We don’t believe in the same thing, this is the horrible division we all face. It’s like being racist, but I am a Christian so you are allowed to “do what you want-whatever”, walk all over me and think I am not going to defend my God and myself?
NO. GOD WANTS US TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN! I AM AN INDIVIDUAL AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED AS SUCH, LIKE YOURSELF. AS FAR AS MY BELIEFS, THEY ARE MINE THAT I SHARE WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE TRULY INTERESTED. I feel somewhat bad that you are so closed minded. If you read my post, I took philosophy of religion in college. It opened up my eyes, but it did not waiver my faith!
As far as giving my possessions away and helping people, I like doing this. I have since I was a child. This again, is the problem, you put me in with everyone else!
Remember it’s our choice what we do, it’s not the mass, it’s the individual.
You are free to express yourself in any way you like.
TBH this topic is of little interest to me. I don't care what people believe as long as those beliefs don't impact on my atheism. Live and let live.
I was merely remarking how many Christians are that in name only. How many lead exploitative and materialist lives - not practicing the deeds of Jeebus. I am probably closer to Christ-like behaviour than most "Christians." Be kind to one another. Do your best. Don't use people, defraud them etc. Live a simple life. The entirety of my possessions fit into two bags. I live on about $18k Aus a year. I don't say this to brag. I have no desire to elevate myself. I have few desires beyond a good meal and a warm bed. Anyways... this topic is uninteresting to me. Have a lovely day. DB
Dollyboy, you don’t have to explain yourself. I am not going to brag nor put you down. It’s nice to know an atheist holds works in high regard. We choose the way we live. Funny, I live like you. Thanks for your insight. Have a good day as well! ☦️✝️🥰
It all makes sense to me. I need to read it carefully again but love thy neighbor is a good start.
It shows a person nailed to a cross covered in blood. Infer what you want from this picture but it in no way has anything to do with spirituality of which mankind is not privy to until his hour of passing.
I was Catholic, I am a Christian. I have been to Pentecostal, Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Bible churches, etc. I went to Christian school when I was young.
I studied philosophy of religion in college. One end to the other…It gave me structure and a belief system. When we took God out of everything, our belief system is gone.
This is like telling the hardcore Hindu’s there is not 6,000 gods they have to attend to, or that Allah is just another fictional character to the Muslims, or the gods worshipped in Egypt, Rome and Greece are all fake. They are not fake to the people that believe in them.
Look, I know most of you all, hate religion. That’s fine, it’s your choice. WHAT I do not like is when people bash JESUS. It’s so immoral. Leave God’s Son alone. You are speaking how you hate religion, is it because of Jesus?
Your relationship with God is a personal journey. And I am not here to preach. Religion has torn everyone apart. It’s designed this way. I say this with conviction.
No one understands that “true” structured religion, is that we come together, have faith in each other to defend what we believe. That’s religion. We do it everyday. Again, having a personal relationship with Our Creator is different.
The cruxifixction is real, “idiots” still do it today. Meaning, it’s a common practice now and back then.
Thank you for the picture and thank you for the reminder that God did send His Son to die for us! I am sorry it’s hard for you to wrap your head around.
Religion hurts the masses, your personal relationship with God does not. This is the issue. If we all had a personal relationship with God/Christ, then came together to worship, understand and share that would be a great religion. No one looks at it in this perspective. Try it.