Nicholas Gonzalez8 said:Look, psychology is an interesting field, and a truly great psychologist can definitely help someone make personal strides, but there are specific spiritual dimensions that psychology—and psychologists—just don't grasp and tend to ignore entirely.
I believe true strength actually comes from that very tolerance, wisdom, and knowledge mentioned earlier. So, it’s definitely not a waste of time.
It’s hard to view the world in strictly black and white. There are plenty of shades of gray in between—just like there are people who are deeply tied to material stuff and worldly habits, and then there are those who aren't attached to any of it at all.
And honestly, I think physical evolution mostly starts with a spiritual one... a shift in how we think and live our lives.
From everyone I've met, just living a comfortable life isn't enough for most. And really, considering how many questions we ask throughout our lives, it’s hard to argue that we aren't searching for truth. It’s just that sometimes we lose our way on that path and end up putting way too much importance on things that don't matter. I respect your perspective, but I firmly believe we are much more than just the sum of our influences and circumstances. Some individuals prove that every single day.
People have massive potential, in every sense of the word. But by obsessing over control, we actually end up losing it.
And what exactly does "personal growth" entail here? Does it simply mean becoming more adept at conforming to every social sphere?
Real power comes down to whoever has the bigger stick.
>>32>>Changing your mindset won't do you much good when your primal instincts take over.
Daniel Castillo11 said:When one contemplates the nature of "other worlds," I find myself drifting between two distinct interpretations, much like a sailor navigating between a fog-covered coastline and the clear, open sea. On one hand, there is the compelling argument that such concepts serve as profound metaphors for the creative process itself—those internal landscapes where an idea begins to take shape, swirling in the mind like a storm brewing over the Atlantic before finally breaking into reality. In this sense, an "other world" is simply the vast, uncharted territory of human imagination, a place where we build structures out of nothing but thought and intuition. On the other hand, I have often found myself pondering whether these realms might exist in a more literal, physical sense, perhaps occupying dimensions that our current scientific understanding hasn't quite managed to map out yet. It’s a bit like wondering if there are undiscovered islands in the middle of the Pacific; just because we haven't charted them doesn't mean they aren't sitting there, waiting to be found. So, I suppose my view is a bit of a blend of both—an appreciation for the psychological depth of the metaphor, paired with a quiet, lingering curiosity about whether the universe holds more secrets than we can currently perceive.
Quincy:
As for everything else, I suppose I have become a somewhat diminished version of my former self; I find myself possessing much less faith in the human race, feeling significantly less tolerant, and lacking that soft, easygoing nature I once held. Even that certain spiritual, philosophical inclination I used to carry has largely evaporated. It seems to me now that nothing exists in its ideal state by default; rather, things are simply shaped by our own hands and intentions. I’ve grown quite skeptical regarding most spiritual practices and various belief systems, as I am increasingly convinced that the majority of them function merely through a placebo effect, simple wishful thinking, or perhaps some other psychological mechanism hardwired into the American psyche.
I have been suggesting for quite some time now that beneath the surface of those self-proclaimed spiritualists and starry-eyed idealists, there actually lurks a deep-seated misanthropy; it is just that the illusion of being socially useful and self-sustaining is far more seductive than any raw impulse to seek out the truth or confront hard facts. Of course, this isn't just an indictment of one specific clique or social circle, but rather a fundamental observation regarding the entire human race. It seems we simply aren't biologically wired to be hunters of objective truth, but are instead designed to simply... exist and live our lives. Most of what we consider to be our decisions, our deepest hopes, or even our most burning motivations aren't really products of free will at all; instead, they are the result of instinctive, unconscious processing within the brain and body, heavily layered with the conditioning imposed upon us by society. Ultimately, everything that has been pressed into us, or resides within us, is exactly what constitutes who we are.
When you step back and look at the actual techniques being used and the tangible results they yield, it all really boils down to a very specific kind of individual psychotherapy. It’s not just about clinical methods, though; it’s this deeply layered process that weaves in substantial doses of philosophy alongside concepts like finding one's purpose, navigating morality, leaning on social support systems, and shaping one's entire worldview. It’s much more holistic than that—almost like trying to tune a complex instrument by adjusting both the strings and the very air in the room.
I often find myself suggesting that most clergy ought to consider trading their pulpits for a therapist's couch, if only because it would save everyone an immense amount of both time and money. In my estimation, the psychological breakthroughs one achieves through clinical counseling are virtually indistinguishable from those sought through various paths of "spiritual development." It’s much like how someone might spend years studying ancient philosophy to find inner peace when a simple session with a counselor in downtown Chicago could yield the exact same clarity in a fraction of the time.
I find myself nodding along with that recommendation. I’m speaking from my own lived experience here, really. It becomes particularly vital when you're dealing with someone who has drifted quite far into a state of deep mental fog—someone struggling just to navigate the basic requirements of a normal day. At that stage, it starts to look less like simple stress and more like a profound neurosis, or perhaps something even more complex and heavy.
Quincy:
It seems rather futile to go around offering up tolerance, wisdom, or even a shred of genuine knowledge when, at the end of the day, the world continues to be governed by the law of the jungle—where the strongest hand always holds the deck.
Virtues have always been somewhat abstract concepts to me. In a textbook or some lofty theoretical debate, they seem absolutely wonderful and perfectly clear, but when you actually step out into the real world, those ideals rarely seem to show up on the radar. Not that I’m trying to make sweeping generalizations here—that would be a mistake, as everything truly depends on an endless variety of shifting factors. It can be incredibly difficult to untangle what is actually reality from what is merely fiction, or to distinguish what is genuinely useful from what is just plain useless. Distinguishing between the two requires a great deal of intellect, a significant amount of time, and, most importantly, a wealth of lived experience.
Quincy:
The only genuine path toward any kind of meaningful change lies in the physical evolution of the human species into an entirely different kind of being—one that has finally shed the primal shackles of greed, the drive to reproduce, and that endless, exhausting pursuit of hedonism. It’s almost like trying to outrun our own shadows. I often think about those people who claim they have already ascended past these basic instincts; in my estimation, it’s usually just a convenient bit of self-delusion or perhaps a touch of self-hypnosis used to cope with the fact that they lack the financial means or the social standing to actually command their reality. It serves them well, really, acting as a psychological buffer to help them feel superior to a world they can't quite grasp. And when all is said and done, we inevitably fall back on the concept of reincarnation, don't we? It’s the ultimate cosmic safety net, providing a tidy little explanation for all the injustices we face, allowing us to believe that everything will eventually balance out in some future life.
The core issue lies in how almost every religion, philosophy, and branch of metaphysics has spent centuries idealizing the human condition, essentially worshipping our own potential. They push this narrative of human supremacy—this idea that we possess the inherent power to bend reality to our will. It’s quite obvious, then, that both society at large and the individual consumer are effectively being built upon a foundation of pure illusion.
Then there is the psychological hurdle, which I find just as troubling: the human tendency to hunt for the path of least resistance. On one hand, you have people who adopt an extreme, nihilistic outlook, painting everything in the darkest possible shades just to dodge any semblance of actual responsibility or hard work. On the other hand, you see this overly romanticized, hippie-style idealism used as a way to pacify opponents or opposing ideologies, which is really just another clever way to sidestep accountability. In both scenarios, the underlying motivation is rooted in escapism, denial, or self-deception, even when it’s dressed up to look like profound wisdom.
Baphomet, it certainly doesn't look like we're seeing much in the way of biological evolution anytime soon, at least not for another few million years. 🙂
Unless, of course, you're pinning all your hopes on transhumanism or some burgeoning new cyber-religion. 🙂
Literally. It is akin to the possibility of making contact with natural processes that remain hidden from the human eye.
Regarding techniques and their practical outcomes, everything essentially boils down to a form of individualized psychotherapy infused with doses of philosophy—incorporating concepts like purpose, morality, social support, worldviews, and so on...
That is ultimately how it plays out. People simply want to be better versions of themselves; they want to integrate into society and feel they belong to their specific community of spiritualists. But why should wisdom and tranquility be considered virtues? What is the utility in that? Why shouldn't aggression and terrorism be viewed as superior virtues? Overthrowing social orders that stifle the individual isn't achieved through calm contemplation; it requires aggression. Why on earth should I remain composed when the state is "legally" threatening my very existence?
Well, if I keep going down this path, someone might actually come knocking on my door. 😁
Ryan Wilson2, it looks like nothing is changing regarding biological evolution, at least not for another few million years. 🙂
Unless, of course, you are placing your hopes in transhumanism or some kind of new cyber-religion. 🙂
We could potentially reshape ourselves. If we want change, there is no other way but to establish a new cyber-religion. 🙂
P.S. As it happens, the day after I wrote that post, I started watching True Detective, and there is a character who describes my exact sentiment far more eloquently:
I suspect I might possess some sort of prophetic ability concerning television series 🤣 because I have experienced similar coincidences several times before. It is a pity I don't dream about winning the Powerball. 😁
I occasionally feel as though I am brushing against another dimension entirely. If only I could trigger those encounters more intensely, precisely when I choose to.
As for everything else, I find myself becoming a harder, colder person. My faith in humanity has eroded; I’ve become less tolerant, less soft, and far less inclined toward spiritual philosophizing. Nothing in this life is inherently "meant to be"—it is simply what we force it to become. I have grown deeply skeptical of most spiritual practices and movements, as I am convinced most of them operate solely through the placebo effect, mere delusion, or fear—some sort of hardwired psychological mechanism within the brain.
To most self-proclaimed spiritualists, I would simply suggest seeing a licensed psychologist instead. It would save them both time and money, given that the results are functionally identical to anything promised by "spiritual growth."
Wisdom, tolerance, and knowledge are ultimately futile when the world is governed by the law of the jungle.
The only real path to change lies in the physical evolution of the human race into something else entirely—a being liberated from the primal urges of greed, reproduction, and mindless hedonism. Those who claim to have transcended these instincts likely just lack the resources to indulge them, relying on self-delusion or autohypnosis to elevate themselves above the harsh realities of this world. And when all is said and done, people always fall back on the concept of reincarnation just to justify the injustices they've faced.
nimblemarlin6 said:Things aren't always what they seem... Conan 82 is a radical departure from the core philosophy found in Howard’s work. Look, he nailed the aesthetic—the style, the visual vibe, even certain individual segments capture the spirit perfectly—but as a cohesive whole? He completely missed the philosophical mark. I really ought to sit down and write a proper long-form essay to break this all down properly... maybe when I actually find the time.
Even if we agree that the 2011 Conan flick was absolute bottom-of-the-barrel trash, Momoa actually delivered! Honestly, Momoa is a better Conan than Arnie ever was. Anyone who has actually sat down with Howard’s books or the classic comics knows exactly what I'm talking about.
I thought Jason Momoa was fantastic in Stargate and Game of Thrones, but he just didn't work for me as Conan.
I was completely unaware that souls could actually secrete hormones that create such an intense emotional tether to a specific location.
How can you truly discern if you are encountering your own ancestors? Powerful entities wander this world constantly, often masking their true nature through various disguises....
Is it not the case that emotions are merely a byproduct of our attachment to this earthly existence? Once we reach the realization that we are souls—that we are, in essence, beyond the physical—shouldn't all such attachments simply vanish?
Honestly, you spiritualists are impossible to pin down; no matter how I approach the argument, you always find a way to slip through the cracks.😁
On one hand, you have these hollow voids of unresolved emotions that serve as nothing more than feeding grounds for the various entities lurking in the lower astral planes; on the other, there is the soul, which relentlessly strives toward even greater heights...🧐
rustymaker5 said:But yeah, it’s true—all souls were created simultaneously, just like everything else happens in one singular, eternal "now." It's just incredibly difficult for us to wrap our heads around that because we're trapped in these rigid categories of space and time, which is why this is the only way we can even attempt to talk about it... I mean, how am I supposed to fully grasp or accept the idea that there are several versions of rustymaker5 existing across different worlds and different planes of reality, all while being "me"... and not just that I am that one soul, but that I am simultaneously—along with all of you, everyone else here—a single soul that is, in essence, one with what we call absolute energy, or the creator, or God? 🤷
And as for why getting attached to the material world is seen as a problem? That’s just another category we use to navigate life at this level, since nothing is inherently good or bad; things just *are*, based entirely on how we perceive and experience them... How we see things depends on how much we identify with our physical selves—how much we've forgotten that we are actually a soul inhabiting a body just to gather the specific experiences we're looking for. It’s like an actor getting so lost in a role that they completely forget they aren't the character, but are just playing them...
As for this whole concept of "young" versus "old" souls, I think we’ve just adapted that language to fit the relativity of the world we inhabit, because the fact remains that babies seem to have a much closer connection to their spiritual nature (though they eventually lose it), so you could argue they represent those "younger" souls. But honestly, I think we categorize them that way mostly based on how much awareness they have regarding their own spiritual essence...🤷
But why would we ever need to forget that we are souls in the first place?
Perhaps this amnesia is intentional, a necessary step to allow us to fully immerse ourselves in this world.
Jacob Sanchez7 said:Old souls at the end of a career. It’s almost like watching how stars burn out.
No.
I’ll lean on an Alan Watts parable here: Life is like falling off a cliff. You’re born at the summit, only for the doctor to toss you straight into the abyss. And while you're plummeting, you spot a rock. You grab onto it with everything you've got. Suddenly, that rock becomes your entire universe. You lose sight of the horizon, the sky, everything else—because you're too busy clutching that damn rock. You’re going to fall regardless. Whether you're clinging to the rock or not is beside the point. But let’s be clear: the quality of that experience changes entirely if you’re white-knuckling it. If you aren't tethered to the stone, you gain the freedom to actually experience the rock, without being trapped by everything else happening around you.
I have no idea where you're getting this "one soul" concept from. (Though, let's be honest—we’ve already moved past the whole attachment phase.)
Non-attachment isn't about being incapable of experiencing things. It’s actually the opposite. It’s about having more freedom to choose those experiences because you finally have a clear perspective once you stop clinging to them.
The water in the glass is clear. But once you drop some instant coffee in there, you’ve effectively fused the water to the coffee; at that point, the water isn't just clear anymore—it *is* the coffee.
Anything else?
😁
If they are being born, does that imply that souls must die?
I will employ a parable by Alan Watts: Life is akin to falling off a cliff. You are born at the summit, and then the doctor throws you down. As you descend, you spot a rock and grab onto it with everything you've got; suddenly, that rock becomes your entire universe, and you lose sight of everything else because you are so preoccupied with the stone. However, you are going to hit the ground whether you cling to that rock or not; the only difference is that the quality of your experience will be vastly different depending on whether you are tethered to that stone. If you aren't clinging to the rock, you still have the freedom to experience the stone, but you aren't necessarily trapped by it.
A murky parable.
If you grab the rock, you will experience the rock, regardless of whether you intended to be tethered to it or not.
Non-attachment doesn't preclude the possibility of experiencing something; it simply offers greater freedom in choosing that very experience, because you maintain a much clearer perspective when you aren't bound to an object.
Water in a glass is clear. Once you stir Nescafe into it, you have tied the water to the coffee; at that point, the water is no longer clear—it has become the coffee.
Therein lies the distinction. In my view, if one does not attach oneself, one cannot truly live through the experience. Since we are physical beings, attachment is the only thing that can actually influence our experience.
The water isn't just "coffee-flavored" water; it is simply coffee. 😁
Robert Diaz2 said:This part is totally spot on. Yeah, we're here for the experience, and we should definitely make use of everything this level of existence has to offer, but I guess you have to look at it as using a tool—something useful and constructive to help you reach a goal—rather than getting stuck to it. 🙂
As for why attachment is bad? Honestly, it seems like pure logic to me. If you're white-knuckling your way through life and clinging onto things so tightly, how are you supposed to actually move forward? You just end up hoarding and hoarding stuff that you've already outgrown, and then there's just no room left for anything new to come in. Minimalism is the key, I think.
My own logic is that whether you attach yourself or not is irrelevant, because in the end, we all die, which serves as the ultimate "detachment."
If we accept the premise that there are such things as old and young souls, then who exactly is responsible for manufacturing these "young" ones? Is it not more logical to assume that all souls were brought into existence simultaneously? Furthermore, I fail to see the inherent flaw in attaching oneself to material possessions; why is being unattached considered the only virtuous path? If this entire world was designed as a playground for a single soul to gain experience, wouldn't it be far more efficient for that soul to embed itself deeply within the material realm to truly exhaust every possible experience? By what twisted logic is a young soul deemed "better off" unattached to the physical world? Is it simply because they lack the capacity to grasp how to attach themselves and actually undergo the necessary experiences?
Larry Wilson5 said:Perhaps the only energy we truly possess is sexual energy, and it's creative far beyond just where life begins. Everything depends on where we focus our attention; that's where the energy flows, and that's where creativity finds its opening. In sex, whether one likes it or not, everything is geared toward conception and parental bonding, and all that creativity starts within the realm of energy. Sex in the context of kundalini only matters if there's a specific technique involved—redirecting attention via tantra or something similar. I suspect these techniques aren't for everyone. Preparation and clearing chakras (removing energy blocks) are vital; the goal and intention behind the practice are non-negotiable. Kundalini movement might be a byproduct, and one probably needs to be somewhat "mature" or just completely unprepared for it.
Frankly, I have no idea what you are talking about. You sound as though you are merely reciting lines from some textbooks you've memorized by heart.
When you are actually gripped by a sexual urge, the last thing on your mind is the "creative aspect." You won't come anywhere near Kundalini if you're busy indulging in pornographic videos.
But then again, I suppose it isn't surprising; the biological drive to reproduce is often justified in the human brain through various "spiritual" delusions.
Kundalini energy has absolutely nothing to do with sexual fantasies.
When you're feeling turned on, forget all about Kundalini and just take matters into your own hands.🤣
The idea of channeling sexual arousal into "creative pursuits" is pure nonsense. If you're horny, deal with it and release the tension; if you actually want to work with Kundalini, then sit down, meditate, chant, and stop thinking about sex.