Let it be known far and wide—starting tonight at midnight and lasting for exactly seven days—that whoever displays the absolute peak of spiritual arrogance shall be declared the victor;
and if I come out on top, I get your soul, neatly gift-wrapped in a tiny perfume bottle with a little bow on it. If you win, you get a buck. 😛
Lately, I’ve been feeling this sudden, intense urge to engage in some deep spiritual sparring. And for reasons entirely my own, you have officially become my favorite little chew toy. 😈 Congratulations.
So, step up to the plate and show me what you've actually got—you master of questionable tactics and purveyor of morally shaky arguments! Pick your weapon:
What a load of nonsense. The phrase "short-term stay" is really the crux of the matter here. I’ve been around for quite a while now, and let me tell you—not only was this place a lifesaver when I needed someone to vent to (which always helps), but I actually met my girlfriend through this forum. Granted, things didn't work out in the end, but that doesn't mean it always ends that way. On a brighter note, I’ve also made two great female friends right here. Now, don't go expecting twenty women to come swarming your way just to cheer you up—it’s not being served on a silver platter. Just be patient; you'll meet people. You might even find someone where there's a genuine spark... but you can't force that kind of thing. And as for flirting? If you think you can "hit the bullseye" without any actual personal charm—anywhere outside of a cheap motel—you are sorely mistaken. Flirting works here too, except nobody is relying on cheesy pickup lines or that whole Axe body spray effect. 😛 This is a domain for intellectuals. Everyone else can go hang out on Reddit. 🙂
I usually carve out about ten minutes a day for meditation. I’d love to dive in deeper, honestly, but when you start balancing daily responsibilities with all the other hobbies I enjoy, things tend to shift—so it just happens whenever it can. That said, every once in a while, when I really feel the pull, I’ll settle in for a full hour of practice.
I’ve been practicing meditation for about six years now—though, if I’m being honest, there have been some pretty significant gaps in my journey. Right now, my main focus is working on making that daily practice a non-negotiable constant. My philosophy is that the real path forward lies in heightened awareness... paying attention to every single step, every breath. The results have been incredibly fascinating, and I’m still just scratching the surface.
Grizzly was asking whether I developed my own techniques. The answer is yes. Regarding that, the reason I rarely quote anyone else is simply because I’m quite self-taught. In my view, intuition is the absolute bedrock of meaningful personal growth—which is why I truly believe it’s best to discover these things entirely on your own terms. That way, we move toward our goals in a way that feels most authentic to who we actually are.
I used to think that line about the teacher arriving when the student is ready was pretty profound... until I applied a little logic and realized it’s actually quite a hollow, half-baked idea. I mean, let's be real—a teacher isn't even a teacher without a student.
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Exactly! See, the issue is that it isn't even the right way to phrase it. 🙂The correct version uses the verb "to appear," rather than "to come." There is a massive distinction there. I have to emphasize again that a teacher doesn't necessarily have to be a human being; they can be any segment of the Totality. The thing is, the teacher exists as a principle, not just an individual. The fundamental difference between a principle and an individual is that a principle teaches simply by existing—it provides an existential example—whereas an individual often comes with their own personal agenda. Consequently, the student simply notices (the principle) the teacher within things, phenomena, and even people that they weren't capable of perceiving in that way before. Because they weren't ready. You get what I mean?
Well then, at least try to give me a rough explanation of that sense of Totality you get when you finally quiet the mind.
Look, my only problem is that this sensation is—as I mentioned earlier—far too vast for conventional words. I can mention certain feelings... the feeling of the planet beneath my feet. The weight of the clouds. The current of consciousness from billions of living beings all around us. The timelessness of the moment... and so on. But those are just words; they can't convey the essence of the thing. For someone else to grasp the essence, they have to experience it themselves. I once tried to explain to a friend what it feels like to let your consciousness flow through a tree. I didn't succeed while standing face-to-face with a particularly magnificent oak, so I highly doubt I'd have more luck doing it over the internet... 🙂
Fair point... I guess my only problem with running marathons is that I can't actually run them.
Nobody is saying meditation is a finished task accomplished in a single afternoon. On the contrary, as a person grows into the technique, their abilities increase—much like physical training. But the principle remains the same. Now, obviously, I am nowhere near the level of concentration or depth achieved by people who have been practicing this much longer than I have. But I *do* know that I can shut out the necessary elements of noise and chaos to reach a meditative state on a bus full of screaming kids. Though, I absolutely cannot stand mosquitoes. That's why a conscientious spiritual leader should always carry a supply of Autan on them. :P
Alexander Parker69:
Are you sure about that? Honestly, I must have been drunk every time I read stories about how certain teachers would literally babble nonsense to their actual students—their "spiritual sons"—who could have had everything they owned, yet refused to take this crowd of greedy people looking for blessings, healings, passing off responsibility, spiritual inflation, and general buffoonery.
The desire to pass on knowledge is as natural to humans as the drive to have children. However, that desire has less to do with spiritual teaching and more with a simple attempt to secure a kind of quasi-immortality—ensuring our work is passed down to younger generations so that our knowledge, which largely constitutes what we call the "self," won't vanish forever when our bodies eventually fail us. In the pursuit of a "true student," there is also the factor of wanting people who will truly understand us. One person who understands us to the core is worth more than legions of people who just flatter us, or simply nod along while simultaneously translating everything we say into whatever they want to hear.
A few times now, people have actually approached me asking if I could mentor them or teach them certain things. But—to be perfectly honest—it’s not just that I don't feel ready to step into a formal teaching role; I've realized that I don't even really want students. What I'm actually looking for are companions—people I can walk alongside, sharing experiences and perspectives as we go. After all, these paths are incredibly solitary by nature. Everyone has their own unique journey to navigate, and I've never been much of a believer in following a pre-packaged caravan.
Also, take another look at that next sentence I wrote—I think you might have accidentally skipped over it: "...the student appears only when the teacher is ready."
I’ve gone through everything here—really, I have. My issue with that specific sentence is that it hinges on the assumption that a teacher actually possesses some sort of active interest in instructing their students. Personally, I’ve always felt that spiritual teachers don't truly "teach" anything at all—but, then again, I’ve already voiced my thoughts on that. Beyond that, the statement itself doesn't hold much water; it feels like one of those clever inversions that sounds deep and profound right up until you turn it over in your head about fifteen times and realize there's nothing actually there. 😛
From what I gather—and please, correct me if I'm wrong here—meditation isn't actually about "emptying" your mind. That’s such a common misconception, isn't it? In my view, true meditation is more about intense, singular concentration—just focusing your entire attention on one specific thought or anchor.
The meditation technique I personally lean into always starts with centering the mind. For me, that means essentially cutting off the stream of consciousness—putting the brain into a sort of "idle" mode. Now, you could probably achieve something similar by hyper-focusing on a single thought, but I’ve always preferred the path of non-thought. It’s more like a sort of mental white noise—sort of like when you’re tuning an old radio and you just get that static from a station that doesn't exist. As I see it, meditation is really about perceiving the Totality. Since the Totality is far too massive to be captured by any single word or concept, it can only truly be grasped through this meditative state. Focusing on one specific thought might allow you to glimpse a tiny fragment of that whole, but personally? I much prefer the approach of walking straight through the wall.
Personally, looking back at everything you’ve posted, I have to say—I don't think you're quite advanced enough to pull off that "mind-emptying" trick in a bus full of kids. I mean, sure, maybe you can daydream—we all do that—but actually clearing your head like that? I just don't see it happening for you.
Why not? Honestly, my only real concern would be if those kids started throwing things at you or constantly bumping into you—that’s where I’d draw the line. As for the noise? That’s the least of it. To me, it’s all just background noise that you can easily tune out. I’ve actually found that I can clear my head almost instantly—in fact, during high-stress situations, I find that being able to just empty my mind like that is exactly what helps a person maintain their composure.
If anyone actually wants to pursue a "spiritual" path, they need to start by testing their own limits first. Personally, I’m not afraid to have a few extra beers, roll up some weed, or lose myself in the arms of beautiful women—mostly because I can actually stay in control of my reactions when things get wild. It’s a far cry from those self-righteous types who run away from everything just because they lack the willpower to handle it.
Look, Grumpel—honestly, take a breath! It was just a joke! 🙂 Wait, you’ve seriously never seen South Park: BL & ? Honestly, I can't believe that—but no, actually, that whole thing is straight out of that cartoon!
Look... I don't entirely agree with that saying—I think it's only half true. Honestly, I feel like finding a student is just as much of a struggle for the teacher, mostly because everyone seems to be lazy, dim-witted, or just looking for shortcuts to get what they want—usually power, sex, or cash.
First off, a teacher isn't out there hunting for students. Those "students" you're describing? They’ll happily settle for any one of those Llewellyn books that has some catchy slogan about "a powerful way to money, love, and power" plastered across the back in bold letters. Secondly—and this is key—a teacher doesn't even have to be a person. And thirdly, a true teacher doesn't actually give "lessons," because, as I've said before, there aren't really lessons here. We aren't memorizing diagrams or meditation schematics; nobody can draw a blueprint of the soul. That’s why a teacher doesn't lecture—they radiate. A teacher leads by the sheer example of their own existence, not through spoken words. And a student can only follow that lead once they are actually ready to notice it.
Oh, and... one more thing... personally, I don't think meditation is easy or simple at all. Telling me it's easy feels like telling someone a marathon is easy... you just have to run 26 miles and you're done.
Well, everyone experiences meditation differently. For me, it's straightforward. I can clear my mind even on a bus packed with screaming kids if I have to. Maybe you just have a different approach, or perhaps you're trying to push further than you're currently capable of. And maybe it is because you get tricked into drugs, alcohol and sex with women, mkay? 😉 😛
#WildCard said:You always need some kind of teacher—someone or something—unless you’re an avatar who descended to Earth personally. And I don't mean a teacher in the sense of someone barking orders or forcing you to follow a rigid technique; I mean a guide who supports your natural path and your inherent attitude. Someone who can simply point the way or offer a bit of perspective.
That actually brings to mind those lines from Enigma...
"There is no teacher Who can teach anything new He can just help us to remember The things we always knew..."
I have to admit, speaking from my own life experiences, I’ve developed a bit of an aversion toward people who label themselves "spiritual teachers." Unfortunately, I’ve seen firsthand how some of them try to exert dominance over their "students." Even if it isn't happening to you directly, watching it happen to someone you truly care about feels just as heavy. But, I shouldn't veer too far off track.
Having a companion on these paths—a "fellow wayfarer" with a bit more mileage under their belt—can certainly be a positive thing. Sadly, though, more often than not, you run into charlatans who are really just looking for a platform to peddle themselves and their own agendas. There are exceptions, of course.
In many ways, it's better to start the journey on your own. Questions will inevitably arise... there's that old saying that a teacher appears only when the student is ready. It’s not that the student seeks out the teacher, but rather that the student has evolved enough to finally notice the teacher who has been standing right beside them all along. And honestly? That teacher doesn't even have to be a person. Sometimes, the sky is the best teacher. Or a rock. Or the stars. Or even a blade of grass. It all depends on where we happen to be on our journey...
Personally, I think the most accurate way to describe meditation would be as a "Consideration of All"—or what we might call an "overview of totality." See, my take is that "emptying the mind"—that intentional break in the constant stream of thought—is really just one step in the process. It’s how we detach ourselves from those tiny, nagging everyday problems and obstacles, essentially prepping ourselves to face the full scope of reality. And this process? It isn't strictly confined to those quiet moments of sitting still. In my own experience, after practicing silent contemplation for a while, you reach a state where the meditation carries over into everything you do, even when life gets incredibly hectic. Your entire perspective shifts; you start seeing the world through a different lens. At that point, *not* contemplating the Totality becomes the challenge, which is funny because it was the exact opposite when I first started. You could almost say a split in consciousness occurs—where one part of you is busy paying the bills, while the other is quietly continuing that contemplation.
As for astral projection, well, it all depends on your personal experience. There are several stages to it, and while everyone talks about those "full projections," I actually find myself leaning toward "partial" ones. To be honest, you don't achieve partial projection through some specific, rigid technique; rather, you simply "grow into" the method. Much like continuous meditation, a partial projection means you're constantly keeping one foot in that realm. On the flip side, the sensation isn't quite as overwhelming. I view partial projection as an inevitable byproduct of continuous meditation. As for full projection, I won't comment much there since my experiences in that specific area have been somewhat limited. But I am certain that every form of perceiving the Totality is striving toward the same ultimate goal...
Why is it impossible to find any actual techniques for transcendental meditation anywhere? And do written techniques even exist at all? I assume a teacher plays a massive role in this process.
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Honestly, you don't need a teacher. The beauty—and the simplicity—of this kind of meditation is that the instructions can really be boiled down to a single sentence: "Find a quiet spot, relax, and let your mind drift." In my view, it’s entirely up to the individual to discover what "letting the mind drift" actually feels like for them. Some people naturally gravitate toward paths that others might not even recognize. It leads me to realize that meditation techniques are a lot like personalities... well, you know how it goes—it depends on the person! In that sense, a teacher acts more like someone you share experiences with rather than someone who holds the key to unlocking your consciousness. No one else can do that for you, and there truly is no such thing as a "one size fits all" technique—especially when we're talking about expanding consciousness.
A quick search on Google for "transcendental meditation" brings up about 45,000 results. If I had to guess, maybe 5,000 to 10,000 of those aren't just fluff pieces or general info, but actual offers for books, programs, and various resources on the subject. So, clearly, written techniques *do* exist. The real question, of course, is whether those techniques are actually worth your time, or if they're just another attempt to commercialize spirituality.
Karen Sanchez19 said:hollowviper72 asks, "So, what kind of meditation do you actually practice? Why don't you share some of your experiences here—maybe some of the interesting ones?"😁
Well, like I mentioned before, I really don't think we need to overthink the whole concept of expanding consciousness. If you're meditating for that purpose, it should be as straightforward as possible. That’s why I don't have these massive, cinematic stories to tell... I could mention the sensation of feeling the Earth spinning beneath you, or those moments where you suddenly realize just who you *are*... but honestly, those things are too vast for words—it's much better to experience them firsthand. People far too often get trapped in these mazes of technicalities, obsessing over overly complex techniques that end up becoming an end in themselves. They forget that the ultimate goal is merely the destination at the end of the path—if we start philosophizing about every single pebble on the road, we'll have a hard time ever reaching our destination... not to mention that we risk losing sight of the goal entirely. The road becomes the point, and the journey turns into nothing more than aimless wandering.
All you really need to do is find a quiet spot and let go of all the tension in the world. It's like if you've ever tried floating in a calm river—just relaxing and watching the sky drift by wherever the current gently carries you. That’s exactly how meditation should feel.
Look, you could spend the next few years chasing after every different method of consciousness expansion out there—I mean, really hunting through them—but if you ask me, what you’re actually searching for is a spark of inspiration.
Because of that, I’d suggest leaning into music. If you can find the right frequency that hits home for you, music can trigger just about any state of consciousness you're looking for, often more effectively than those structured methods. Personally, I use music constantly to kickstart my creativity, and it frequently serves as my direct source of inspiration. You don't need fancy exercises; you just have to figure out what moves you most and let your imagination run wild. Give it a shot—you'll see what I mean. It doesn't matter if it's folk, rock, R&B, jazz, classical, or techno... just find whatever resonates with *your* soul...
As for expanding your consciousness? Honestly, even basic meditation does the trick. Just find a quiet spot, settle in, calm your mind, and start being truly aware of your own existence in that moment. In that instant, you've already expanded your consciousness... from there, just follow wherever it leads you. Overthinking all the technicalities is—IMHO—exactly how people end up heading in the opposite direction...
No, I’m not saying the word God is inherently bad or anything like that. It’s just—well, it feels restrictive, if that makes sense. And look, I know I can be a total semantic nitpicker sometimes. The crux of the matter is that I don't personally attribute any personality traits to the divine; since the word God implies a persona, it just doesn't quite sit right with me, you know? 😛
Sure, you’re right—the biggest stumbling block is definitely how everyone carries their own personal dictionary around in their heads. But it isn't *just* about semantics. When people toss around the word "God," they're implicitly describing an entity—some kind of being that, if you were to strip away all those divine attributes we assign to it, ends up looking remarkably human, if you catch my drift.
What I'm really curious about, though, is why people—if they already have a concept like Apple in mind—still insist on using the term "God"? And look, you aren't the only one doing this; I've run into plenty of folks who say "God" only to reveal they mean something the word doesn't actually encompass. Is it just a leftover habit from how we were raised? Or is it a subconscious need to be understood in a society where "exotic" concepts like Apple are still relatively rare?
I honestly don't think there is such a thing as an absolute truth. You’re spot on regarding your point about God, too. That’s actually why I tend to steer clear of using that specific word—to me, it just carries these heavy, negative connotations that don't quite fit. The Americans really nailed it with this one, though—using the word "divine" captures exactly what I'm trying to get at much more effectively than simply saying "God."
As far as I see it, an atheist is someone who doesn't believe in any deity whatsoever. What you're describing sounds more like what we'd call an agnostic.
Absolute usurpers... hijacking the thread like that. :P
Hold on a second. I’m having a bit of a hard time even wrapping my head around what’s actually happening with all these floaters, gallows, and motor gliders (I’m assuming that’s what the economic zone is going to look like), but from what I can gather, Ryan Wilson2 operates on the philosophy that a solid engine saves your neck, whereas Mr. Pes prefers more of a... "go with the flow" vibe.
Oh, please... there is only one life philosophy worth a damn here...
So, do "material footprints" actually mark spiritual paths?
Not exactly—rather, they mark the consequences those spiritual paths leave on society, and vice versa.
Spirituality evolves. Every founder of the world's major religions explicitly confirms this. It’s evident in the journey of every great spiritual figure... throughout history!
Yet, if we look at two great spiritual leaders who lived ages apart, we see their journeys are strikingly similar—they often end up saying the exact same things. Now, personally, they might have reached unprecedented heights of spirituality, but when you put the concept of spirituality itself under a microscope, it hasn't moved an inch. That’s really the question here: does spirituality, as a global phenomenon, suffer from its own version of *repetitio ad nauseam*?
Furthermore, just because the founders of religions say something doesn't make it automatically true. How should I put this... let's try analyzing actual results for a change, instead of just piles of words. Unfortunately, even theology often devolves into endless debates over who said what and what they supposedly meant to imply...
Daniel Martin72 mentioned something quite fascinating—that the nature of spiritual teachings shifts alongside how humans perceive the world around them. I've been chewing on that thought too. For instance, back in the Stone Age, it was perfectly normal to worship lightning as a direct manifestation of the divine. Today, obviously, that isn't the case. Or is it? If lightning strikes someone standing out in an open field, we all know how an atheist would interpret it: Bad Luck. But how would a spiritual person view it? Karma? A pissed-off divinity? In that scenario, wouldn't it suggest that people are still, in essence, worshipping material manifestations of the divine? In other words, can we truly claim that spiritual people today don't believe there is a "Wizard of Oz" behind the curtain of the material world—some divine will governing everything, including the lightning? If that's the case, then spirituality hasn't changed at all. All that has evolved is the vocabulary and the complexity of the ideas. The core remains identical.
Rebecca Miller2 said:Basically, spirituality GROWS... through practice and discipline—much like how one would approach... 'bodybuilding'!😳
Purely daydreaming just won't cut it...🙂
Now, hold on—I wasn't aware that an entire society could go out and hit the gym to build muscle. But where’s the proof? It’s all well and good to say "spirituality develops," but you have to back that up—otherwise, it’s just one of those baseless claims, similar to when Joe first asked, "Is there a God?" and Hal simply grunted, "Yeah." The point is, we are discussing something here that actually leaves behind tangible, material footprints.