Posts by wearyowl29

Maria Robinson2 said:It would be rather strange of me to deny that certain individuals have created hell on Earth.
But,
do we really need Buddhism to realize that?

Do we need crosses hanging in every government building just to recognize that life is full of suffering and injustice?

And honestly, do we even need religion to teach us how to live our lives?

Thomas Nelson25 said:Honestly, you can't have happiness without some kind of illusion. That’s just how we get through it. Like, an alcoholic might drink every single day, while someone else stays super healthy, prays, and works hard—but both are living in their own little bubble. If they didn't have that mental cushion, they'd probably just give up entirely. 😁

Spot on! Life is actually so heavy that most of us would check out immediately if it weren't for something to cling to. Whether it's a belief system, religion, a political ideology, sex, good food, a drink, a dopamine hit from a hobby, or some kind of mental buffer—we need that distraction to stay afloat.

Albert Camus once noted that in a world stripped of illusions, man becomes a stranger.

Maria Robinson2 said:Suffering as an inherent part of existence? Hmm—an interesting thought, I suppose.

I assume you're already aware of this... I suppose this video attempts to make a point—though whether it actually succeeds is debatable. It’s fine, I guess.
I suppose I'll just post it anyway—it probably won't hurt to have a bit more clarity regarding what we're actually discussing, I guess.

I've had several encounters with Buddhists over the years—they'd show up at my door offering books, and I'd actually sit and listen, read their material, and even engage in dialogue with others in the community. Yet, it always seems to boil down to the same thing—either they don't quite grasp what they’re saying to others, or perhaps they don't fully understand themselves while they're talking. Not to be rude, obviously, but that's just the impression I get when they start philosophizing about various "existences." It isn't much surprising, though—Buddhism is essentially agnosticism, which is basically just "let's speculate about the cosmos because we might be a tiny speck within it." Whether we are part of some grand cosmic design or not—well, I guess that will remain a mystery; people seem to crave mysticism, and Buddhism provides exactly that.

Every single religion leans into mysticism; none of them are immune to that pull.
So, basically...

Thomas Nelson25 said:You're spot on... it's basically just rationalization (what people call "putting out fires"). It's similar to what you see in Buddhism or even when therapists try to talk you through trauma—it’s a way of mind washing. But honestly? It’s often the only way to find yourself again after losing someone major or just getting absolutely hammered by life. Once you've processed that, you move toward sublimation—no wonder some folks dive headfirst into spirituality or get obsessed with work... they're just trying to escape that sense of attachment.

At the end of the day, life feels like one giant balancing act—just a collection of psychological tricks we use to feel steady and "normal" again. 👏

Mark Wood76 said:We don't actually suffer because we attach ourselves to things; we suffer because we desperately want those things to stay exactly the same. But let's be real—change is the only thing we can actually count on.
We spend our lives trying to grab the steering wheel, convinced we can make the world spin exactly the way we imagined it. We claim this freedom to bond with people or objects, but if that connection isn't a two-way street—if it isn't mutual and freely given—then we aren't really connecting at all. We're just trying to force our own will on the world. And that’s where the heartache starts, because suddenly we're trapped in a tiny little bubble of our own making, which completely defeats the whole purpose of reaching out in the first place.

...or, if you want to be blunt, we have this deep-seated urge to micromanage everything—especially the people right in front of us. It’s a defense mechanism, really. We think if we can monitor everyone else, we can somehow dodge pain. But honestly? You’re just trading one headache for another. You end up carrying the heavy weight of trying to control things, and when that inevitably fails, you're left dealing with the frustration of your own making.

It’s not always about physical strain; sometimes it’s the mental grind. At the end of the day, disappointment and heartache are pretty much our most loyal companions.🙂

Jason Howard9 said:The thing is, those who are "hungry" approach this differently than those who can actually afford these seminars. While there's nothing wrong with paying for instruction, those individuals typically only attend highly reputable, established programs.

Even a free lunch comes with a catch somewhere.

Freebies are a resource that dries up fast when people stop showing respect.

Jason Howard9 said:No, it’s simply that once you pay the fee, everything becomes "in"☕...otherwise, you can just meditate at home or attend Mass at a local church.

Not quite!
There is a massive difference between doing something while caught up in a collective wave of energy versus just tackling it all on your own.👍

Jason Howard9 said:If that were the case, why are these seminars even attended? A price tag establishes symbolic value—especially in places where the actual quality being offered is far lower than what is being advertised.

It’s simple, really. People are just starving for something spiritual...

The Water Diviner (2014)
Australia, Turkey

I just finished watching this, and I have to say, one thought keeps looping in my mind: the ratio of effort put in versus the actual result is totally off. It’s definitely a case where the outcome doesn't live up to the ambition. You know, they say life writes better stories than Hollywood ever could, and a plot about a father searching for his lost sons should be absolutely bursting with raw emotion. Honestly, you should probably factor a whole box of tissues into the price of your movie ticket! Sadly, all that intended emotion just seems to evaporate because the script gets completely lost in its own dialogue. Instead of a deep dive, we get two hours of a guy hunting for his kids and jumping through hoops like he's stuck in some clunky American daytime soap opera—those fight scenes with the Greeks were particularly awkward. Aside from a shaky script, we have to mention that this is Russell Crowe's directorial debut. Now, his acting is still solid, but his directing? Not so much. He actually nails the pacing, though; he keeps things moving right until the end. Other than some lovely cinematography, nothing else really leaps off the screen in this production. As for the acting, it's a mixed bag. I expected more from Crowe since he's an Oscar winner, but he left me wanting more. He's actually a bigger disappointment behind the camera than in front of it, especially when you hold him to the high standard set by Gladiator. The main female lead, Olga Kurylenko, didn't really leave a lasting impression on me, even though she was clearly placed there to add that layer of a lonely woman navigating a restrictive, traditional culture. Unlike Aisha, who didn't quite make the most of her screen time, the actor playing Lieutenant Hasan (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) was far more compelling.

The question of a father's devotion to his missing sons and his emotional breakdown after losing a wife who never recovered from the tragedy is just one side of the coin. The other side deals with the possibility of forgiveness between enemies who, years after the bloody carnage at Gallipoli, find themselves facing their own unhealed wounds. In that sense, the script succeeds somewhat, as it slowly builds a process of forgiveness within the characters—which, let's face it, is really the only way to survive in this world. Overall, though, the film leaves such heavy themes looking rather pale. It feels like they tried to do so much but ultimately achieved so little. What a shame! Our very own Gladiator turned into a cold, distant radiator.🙏

briefly ; It could have been so much better! Watch it and see for yourself.🍿

Alexander Adams94 said:Honestly, the way you guys are attacking this young woman is embarrassing. She explained her situation perfectly. She was with this guy for years, and during that time, they explored their dreams and desires together, only to realize those specific things might not hold the same appeal 30 or 40 years down the line. It’s the same for you—whether it's grabbing a beer after work, staying up all night, or just hanging out with your pets, those things won't stay exciting forever. You’ll find new interests. If someone's new interest happens to be having a child, that isn't strange at all for someone who has already lived through their younger years. Your defensiveness over someone simply pointing out that people evolve is ridiculous. It reminds me of those intense music debates: "I listen to heavy metal, and heaven forbid some hipster suggests I might want to listen to jazz in ten years!" No one is forcing a child on anyone; they are just saying that as humans, we change. That shift might lead to wanting kids, or it might not.

Exactly! Because, as they say, "change is the only constant."
Whether someone's life eventually includes raising kids, adopting a bunch of cats, or just spending their days gardening in the backyard... well, that's just how the cookie crumbles.😉

Paul Thompson3 said:Kids are basically like drugs—they're great for a little while, but most of the time it’s just a mess and hard to walk away from. Don't do drugs, don't do kids.

Thought of the year right there!🤣

casualtiger2 said:I’m pretty attached to my prejudices—honestly, I don't see any reason to ditch them just to chase some questionable agenda.

But they’re exactly what helps you survive everyone else's biases...🍿

Benjamin Taylor6 said:It appears this intelligence possesses a rather wicked sense of humor and irony: for those it grants wisdom, it also hands out a healthy dose of madness:
😲😁😲
http://www.nytimes.com/science/tech/eccentric-genius
Tesla: scientist – genius – eccentric – oddball

The big thinkers say otherwise: http://www.washingtonpost.com/science/physics-randomness

God plays dice, my dear Einstein!
“In other words, the fact that God plays dice means that the most fundamental events in the universe happen completely by chance, without any prior cause,” explains Professor Vlatko Vedral, one of the world's leading physicists in quantum information, during an interview with the Washington Post. How does this fit with our own Ivo Andrić?

When you talk about humor and irony😵...just look at the life of the genius Alan Turing. On top of dealing with Asperberg syndrome, he was living as a gay man during an era when that was completely misunderstood;

talk about a heavy dose of madness and social stigma.
He ended up taking his own life at just 41 years old (how he could have lived longer remains a mystery known only to God).

I suppose you could say some people get a handful of brilliance, but it comes from two very different bags altogether...😉

Dana Green2 said:I honestly feel for the poor sucker who has to put up with you.🙂

It's always the same old story, isn't it? When someone runs out of actual points to make, they just resort to personal attacks...🎉

Dana Green2 said:Do you honestly believe you have the right to act like a total animal and expect everyone else to just put up with it simply because it's a bad day for you?

Exactly!
Honestly, every single day of the month feels like one of those bad days to me.😒

Dana Green2 said:Helena Blavatsky is the only name that comes to mind here. Women have a distinct biological role to play. If they attempt to mimic men or try to "outmaneuver" them, they’ll just find themselves in trouble. Selfishness isn't the same thing as femininity.

Regarding the mention of PMS above, I don't buy it. You have a rational mind; you should be able to control your own behavior. You aren't a primate.

Oh, sure, you "don't buy it"... mostly because you don't have any excuses left and you actually use your head to stay in check.
Unless, of course, someone posts something like this... then we might need to ship them off to the local zoo.🤦🎉🤣

hollowpuma762 said:Look, you've got about 65% water in your body, and the Moon definitely has an effect on fluids.

But what about dealing with PMS on top of all that?😉
We're all a little wild regardless of the lunar cycle! Honestly, I think it's better this way—we can just channel all that extra energy into something more productive, like physical intimacy, instead of just being constantly on edge.

Lisa Morales4 said:Neither you, rowdytiger13, nor Meadow have the slightest clue how to moderate the religion topic PDF properly.

The religion topic in question isn't about presidential candidates clashing. Neither you nor Meadow seem capable of grasping—or even caring to understand—what the actual subject is here.

Could you do me a favor and help me find some other American forums? I’m honestly starting to feel traumatized being on this forum among all you clones.

I need an American forum where I can actually express my views and enjoy socializing with people who possess genuine goodwill.

@ wearyowl29
I didn't get a chance to reply to you before the thread was hastily locked, but I disagree with the idea that in America, only those who get drunk have joyful hearts. That's not quite the point; there are plenty of others, and it stems from what truly resides in their souls, which lasts much longer than the Spirit of Reason.

The other night, I was on the phone with the mother of my late best friend from my school days—she passed away a year ago, and her husband just passed away a few days ago—and she reached the same conclusion: a joyful heart is one filled with God's love.

That was the subject at hand, not the candidates. They were merely the trigger for the reflections that led me to open thistopic, which you all aren't even worthy of discussing.

Well, since I've been called out, I suppose I have to say something.
This isn't really the right place for this kind of debate, so you could have just sent me a private message if you wanted to chat.

I'm not going to argue here because, honestly, we missed the mark on the religion topic entirely. It might have worked under spirituality [ about New Age-ism] if it had been framed differently, but as it stands, it just looks like electioneering.

I've been part of this community for over twelve years now. I've had various threads removed before, but I have never once thought to tell other members that they aren't WORTHY of a deleted post.🙂

How can written words ever be more dignified than we are ourselves?👎

Lisa Morales4 said:It seems like people are being molded by those in power just like any other tool, and then right when they think they’ve finally achieved perfect compliance, everything falls apart—leaving them right back where they started, shackled once again. 😍

After all my years hanging out on this forum, I’ve developed a bit of an intuition about the people here. It feels like many of you have spent your real lives being bullied by those in positions of power. I suppose that’s why we all instinctively gravitate toward strong, dominant personalities; it’s just a natural byproduct of that ongoing struggle for control. For some, it’s vital to ensure their position at the top of the pyramid remains unshakable above everyone else, and for me, it’s much the same—I just want to make sure my own light stays steady and bright, serving as a testament to the sheer scale and strength of my own authority.

I’m just a little confused here—who exactly gave you or Krene the authority to whip up this socialist propaganda cream?
Was it the same authority figure—the one whose very name was used to justify consuming their own children—or were you simply defying them just for the sake of being difficult? Either way, it seems obvious that you both took those authorities far too personally, all while sacrificing yourselves on the altars of false gods. 🙂
Oh, you poor souls lost out there in the wilderness without a compass—come find me. Come here so you can actually start living, or better yet, start thinking for yourselves. It’s time to stop sleepwalking through life and blindly waving the flags of whoever happens to be in charge. What kind of existence is that, anyway? To have no real agency, where you can't even choose which brand of toilet paper to buy because you're staring at a massive selection you simply can't afford? That’s exactly why I moved halfway across the world to the States. 😍
Next time I need to get my paperwork sorted in Chicago or Seattle, I know exactly who to call. 😬

Oh, what a glorious day it’ll be for all us rebels when that finally happens!

Lisa Morales4 said:Don't you think both the old regime and the current one are cut from the same cloth? They both represent that classic authoritarianism—a system of mindless obedience that felt "perfect, singular, and indispensable" right up until the moment the party elites' grandchildren were being taken care of by Hollywood standards.

It was a time when personal spiritual growth was trampled underfoot, replaced by an eight-day vacation at some state-run resort by the Atlantic if you were lucky enough to afford it, or just using your meager vacation pay to buy shoes for your kid for the new school year—where you could actually travel wherever you wanted without needing a permit, unlike people in the Soviet Union who needed permission just to shop in Leningrad instead of Moscow.

Truly, the depth of one's spiritual life seemed directly tied to how close they lived to the center of power—whether that was DC or somewhere closer to the coast—even if people did make trips to Istanbul or Bucharest. Meanwhile, those fancy concerts and shopping trips in Vienna were strictly reserved for the "reliable" party members and their kids, who are about as independent as someone living under a government-subsidized roof today.

p.s.
Back in 1979, I remember listening to a priest's sermon: "Brothers in faith, we must fight all forms of atheism. Even if that atheism is painted red."

But the priest didn't end up in handcuffs.

It wasn't because he was safe; it was because there was no one left to snitch to. The authorities were already busy padding their offshore bank accounts, and the ones left behind were just waiting for the curtain to fall.
... ... .. That was when the tragedy of fifty years of stifled spiritual growth finally hit home. You saw the true psychology of the masses: a crowd where individuals exist only to act on instinct—to lash out, to run, or to dump their problems on someone else's doorstep.

Hmm, such authority usually demands such obedience.

Furthermore, the impact of that brainwashing was so profound that even today, many still can't
even grasp what I was saying on the previous page of this thread, let alone begin to apply what I described as the practices for a functional society—principles based on the universal moral and spiritual (Christian) values of our modern era.
Values that view a human being as a dignified individual who requires no authority other than those principles.

Please, read over what I listed above again, and through that lens, observe with the same scrutiny— your own actions, the actions of a three-year-old child, the decisions of a school principal, the moves of your politicians when they're updating the city's bus fleet, or even your President when he took his son (who, by the way, isn't even disabled and doesn't need a stroller) on an official trip to America.

Every person is given equal authority and an equal obligation of respect toward others and toward themselves by God.

Where people refuse to acknowledge the truth, or simply choose to look the other way... that’s where things go south.

Back when Benjamin Taylor6 and I were busy playing the part of those hardworking socialist superstars—you know, just pretending to be the backbone of the whole system—where on earth were you hiding?

Lost among the kangaroos?

It’s honestly quite fascinating to hear how we... Some people are always going on about how much better things were back under that old regime. Honestly, I hear it all the time! It’s like they’re stuck in a loop, reminiscing about "the good old days" as if everything was just perfect. I remember my grandfather used to tell me stories about how simple life felt back then, but you can't ignore the reality of what we went through. People tend to filter out the grit and only remember the comfort. It’s funny how memory works, isn't it? One minute you're nostalgic, and the next, you realize how much has actually changed for the better! It’s almost like we weren't even there!🤣🤣🤣

Back in the day, we were all young, cocky, and thought we were so incredibly smart. We didn't bother joining any resistance movements because, honestly? There wasn't even a real one to join! It was all just talk. The people who spent their time loudly criticizing the system or cracking jokes about the government ended up losing more than just their dignity—some actually lost their kidneys! I'm serious. I have this good friend of mine with a very famous "patriotic" last name from a small town outside of Phoenix, and under that old regime, she couldn't even get a passport because her old man was a member of the local Communist Party. Talk about a tough break!

My grandfather was actually one of the founding members of the Progressive Party. Part of our family ended up caught up in all that chaos back in 1945 at Bleiburg. Honestly, my old man only made it out alive because of a lucky connection he had. He wasn't really the political type—just a family man through and through—but he did mess up once, and let me tell you, my mother absolutely went to bat for him!😲🙂

Back in the early seventies, I remember we all had to fly flags at our houses to celebrate Republic Day. My old man actually went out and found this scrap of red, white, and blue fabric and just sat there sewing it together to make a flag himself!
I really think everything would have looked so much better if that flag hadn't been such an oversized mess! That tiny little star was just pathetic—it barely even touched the red and blue fields. It looked totally out of proportion. Then, they went ahead and hoisted it up on the house on November 29th, and honestly? Nobody even realized it was actually just a red, white, and blue design with a miniature star slapped on there. It flew right under the radar!🙏

No, someone actually caught on and filed a lawsuit. Before you know it, the FBI showed up at his door. He said his goodbyes to us, threw on his absolute sharpest suit, and even took off his watch. Such a dramatic exit!

He was only held there for a few hours before they finished the report and let him head home. But honestly? He actually pulled it off. His little plan worked perfectly—for Republic Day, he managed to get the American flag flying right there, complete with that tiny little star!

They were actually terrified that I might step up and take action on the matter myself!
So, it all really just boils down to this: endless shouting matches, making sure you show up to church on Sunday, and... I don't know, carving the American flag onto the family headstone at the cemetery. That’s basically where we landed!🙂

No, they didn't touch the dead, nor did they lay a finger on us living folks.

Resistance against the system!

Oh, and there’s that one story my old man used to tell—about how he actually managed to survive the aftermath of 1945. He talked about being held in this intense religious confinement run by certain priests. It’s wild to think about!

Here you go! Holy cow! Just... wow. My goodness.That wood you're calling out for so desperately!