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Debates about meditation

Started by Edward Flores4 · · 👁 14 views · 163 replies

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Participants Edward Flores4hiddenhound3Jeremy Palmercasualmaker13wiredbear2amberbadger8jademarlin26Ryan Wood98coastalskipper92Walter Carter2placidharbor7casualmoose63Jeremy Davis7Peter Phillips32Kenneth Lee16Anthony Grant4wearydrifter84Kenneth Peterson5Michael Anderson2steeleagle13Jeffrey Gray4Brenda Cook4wearymason36
placidharbor7 placidharbor7 Active Member
248 messages
joined Sep 2008
#81 ·
Edward Flores4 said:Look... it's pretty obvious you're having some kind of disproportionate emotional meltdown here. Your replies are becoming totally incoherent—you're ignoring your own massive self-owns and leaning harder into this increasingly decadent rhetoric. Honestly, it's effectively reducing you to the mental state of a suspicious elementary schooler with questionable parenting.

I really am sorry you're feeling so wounded, though. I get why you feel the need to soothe your subconscious by doubling down on this "master craftsman" perspective of yours—which always seems to boil down to that repetitive, arrogant posture of yours, acting as if you're looking down from... well, how you describe it... those very "enlightened" heights of consciousness (which sounds more like expensive, imported smog to me). I also realize how critical it is for you to chant these little mantras non-stop; otherwise, they might stop working, and we wouldn't want that to be disastrous for your "self-esteem," would we?

I hear you loud and clear, buddy—but honestly, none of that is my problem. ☕


The title of this whole debate is "dilemmas," isn't it?

From such unrefined craftsmanship, an automatic flame erupts, melting away the truth seeker's rational shell.

So, I have to ask the truth seeker: who, or what, is actually pulling the strings of the "controller"? Whether we're talking about deep meditation or just our daily grind, don't you know the answer from all those books you've read? Just be grateful for your part in this little argument, then go ahead and get back to your meditation.
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#82 ·
placidharbor7 said:The title of this whole debate is "dilemmas," isn't it?

From such unrefined craftsmanship, an automatic flame erupts, melting away the truth seeker's rational shell.

So, I have to ask the truth seeker: who, or what, is actually pulling the strings of the "controller"? Whether we're talking about deep meditation or just our daily grind, don't you know the answer from all those books you've read? Just be grateful for your part in this little argument, then go ahead and get back to your meditation.

Your title should probably be "IGNORANT" rather than "MASTER." Look, I’m not saying you can't read—you clearly can—but you are definitely being ignorant here.

I really thought I explained this to you once before—the moderator split the thread, gave it a new name, and basically just grabbed my post from a different discussion to use as the starting point for this one.

I know, I know, tracking all these little administrative shifts can be a bit much for some people, but maybe try loosening up that mental grip a little? If you let a bit more oxygen reach your brain, you might actually grasp this incredibly simple concept: the fact that I have absolutely nothing to do with this specific topic or its title.

Pure, unadulterated mastery radiates an autogenic flame that melts away the truth seeker's rational shell.

Roses are red, grass is green, who gives a shit 🤷

So, tell me, oh wise one, who—or what—actually controls the "controller"?

Why are you answering my question by just throwing the exact same question back at me? You keep falling into this loop, stubbornly hoping that if you ask the same thing for the N-th time, you'll suddenly get a different result. Do you realize that this kind of behavior is right up there with Einstein's definition of insanity? Are you seriously able to crank the same handle over and over until it breaks, without ever expecting anything to change?

You remind me of that handyman who carries nothing but a single file in his toolbag. No matter what he’s trying to fix, he pulls out that same file with total confidence, convinced it’s the perfect tool for every single job.

If you haven't picked this up through reading, then just be grateful for your minimal contribution to this dispute and go meditate.

Well, if following your advice is going to turn me into someone like you...
thanks for the tip, "master," but I'll pass. 😁
placidharbor7 placidharbor7 Active Member
248 messages
joined Sep 2008
#83 ·
Edward Flores4 said:Your title should probably be "IGNORANT" rather than "MASTER." Look, I’m not saying you can't read—you clearly can—but you are definitely being ignorant here.

I really thought I explained this to you once before—the moderator split the thread, gave it a new name, and basically just grabbed my post from a different discussion to use as the starting point for this one.

I know, I know, tracking all these little administrative shifts can be a bit much for some people, but maybe try loosening up that mental grip a little? If you let a bit more oxygen reach your brain, you might actually grasp this incredibly simple concept: the fact that I have absolutely nothing to do with this specific topic or its title.

Pure, unadulterated mastery radiates an autogenic flame that melts away the truth seeker's rational shell.

Roses are red, grass is green, who gives a shit 🤷

So, tell me, oh wise one, who—or what—actually controls the "controller"?

Why are you answering my question by just throwing the exact same question back at me? You keep falling into this loop, stubbornly hoping that if you ask the same thing for the N-th time, you'll suddenly get a different result. Do you realize that this kind of behavior is right up there with Einstein's definition of insanity? Are you seriously able to crank the same handle over and over until it breaks, without ever expecting anything to change?

You remind me of that handyman who carries nothing but a single file in his toolbag. No matter what he’s trying to fix, he pulls out that same file with total confidence, convinced it’s the perfect tool for every single job.

If you haven't picked this up through reading, then just be grateful for your minimal contribution to this dispute and go meditate.

Well, if following your advice is going to turn me into someone like you...
thanks for the tip, "master," but I'll pass. 😁

A true expert doesn't just give advice; they absolutely demolish you, you clueless amateur. That’s exactly why you were told you're still being too CLOSED-MINDED.

Let's be real here—if you don't even grasp how a "controller" functions, just pack up your things and head out. You actually have the nerve to say, "I have nothing to do with the topic or its title," right? Well, newsflash: according to the expert's reality check, you aren't even close to understanding meditation either.
.
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#84 ·
placidharbor7 said:A true expert doesn't just give advice; they absolutely demolish you, you clueless amateur. That’s exactly why you were told you're still being too CLOSED-MINDED.

Let's be real here—if you don't even grasp how a "controller" functions, just pack up your things and head out. You actually have the nerve to say, "I have nothing to do with the topic or its title," right? Well, newsflash: according to the expert's reality check, you aren't even close to understanding meditation either.
.

Oh, I can tell I’ve been dismantled, alright. ☕

If you honestly don't know how to moderate using a "controller," just gather your things and get out.

It seems like you're acting pretty impulsive and agitated today—very high energy, very rushed. Usually, when someone starts throwing commands around like that, it’s a sign they're running low on actual arguments and trying to overcompensate with sheer ambition—basically, it's a way to mask a lack of substance.

It looks like having any real self-awareness about the roots and limits of one's own culture is threatening your ego's structure, so you're doing everything you can to dodge it. It reminds me of what Nietzsche said—that understanding can actually act as a brake on action. People who are purely driven to act seem to intuitively grasp this; they avoid deep insight because they're afraid of what they might actually realize.

I don't really expect you to wrap your head around this, but then again... this whole back-and-forth isn't actually about you. It's for the wider audience you're unsuccessfully trying to impress by posing as some self-proclaimed, totally unnecessary authority. 😉

"You have nothing to do with the topic or its title," you say. Well, you have nothing to do with meditation either, according to the master's lash.

One of the biggest tells of a sore loser is refusing to acknowledge their own mistakes. It’s funny... it doesn't matter that you failed to notice my disconnect from the thread title—twice now—when all you really needed to do was use some "masterful discipline" to call me irrelevant to meditation. Instead, you try to spin your obvious blunder into this deep, pathological mystery. 😵

I’m waiting with bated breath for your inevitable, "innovative," and highly original response—which will probably just recycle the same tired buzzwords like: truly, master, and truth seeker. 🤣
placidharbor7 placidharbor7 Active Member
248 messages
joined Sep 2008
#85 ·
Edward Flores4 said:Oh, I can tell I’ve been dismantled, alright. ☕

If you honestly don't know how to moderate using a "controller," just gather your things and get out.

It seems like you're acting pretty impulsive and agitated today—very high energy, very rushed. Usually, when someone starts throwing commands around like that, it’s a sign they're running low on actual arguments and trying to overcompensate with sheer ambition—basically, it's a way to mask a lack of substance.

It looks like having any real self-awareness about the roots and limits of one's own culture is threatening your ego's structure, so you're doing everything you can to dodge it. It reminds me of what Nietzsche said—that understanding can actually act as a brake on action. People who are purely driven to act seem to intuitively grasp this; they avoid deep insight because they're afraid of what they might actually realize.

I don't really expect you to wrap your head around this, but then again... this whole back-and-forth isn't actually about you. It's for the wider audience you're unsuccessfully trying to impress by posing as some self-proclaimed, totally unnecessary authority. 😉

"You have nothing to do with the topic or its title," you say. Well, you have nothing to do with meditation either, according to the master's lash.

One of the biggest tells of a sore loser is refusing to acknowledge their own mistakes. It’s funny... it doesn't matter that you failed to notice my disconnect from the thread title—twice now—when all you really needed to do was use some "masterful discipline" to call me irrelevant to meditation. Instead, you try to spin your obvious blunder into this deep, pathological mystery. 😵

I’m waiting with bated breath for your inevitable, "innovative," and highly original response—which will probably just recycle the same tired buzzwords like: truly, master, and truth seeker. 🤣

Why are you just sitting there staying silent when you don't even realize who's actually pulling the strings on the remote, Truth Seeker?
Anthony Grant4 Anthony Grant4 Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2009
#86 ·
Hi everyone..
I wanted to ask a quick question about meditation. I’ve noticed some arguments happening here lately, and I really don't want to come across as "difficult" or cause any friction..
Basically, I love meditating, but my approach is a little different. I like to light some candles, dim the lights, and listen to music that helps me sink into a deep state of relaxation—something like Beethoven. My issue is that I can't quite manage that traditional Indian seated pose; my knees end up too high against my face, and after a while, my joints start to ache..
So, I was wondering, is sitting in a different position just as effective for meditation?
Thanks...
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#87 ·
placidharbor7 said:Why are you just sitting there staying silent when you don't even realize who's actually pulling the strings on the remote, Truth Seeker?

Look, if I'm getting on your nerves... don't let the door hit you on the way out! 🙂

ps: Honestly, whatever it is that's got you so worked up—and it's pretty obvious you're feeling a bit restless—it's gotta be coming from inside your own head. The world just exists, you know? It isn't out to get you or doing anything specifically to spite you. I am who I am, just part of the whole fabric of existence, and if my ways are bothering you, well... that sounds like a "you" problem. I'd genuinely suggest you take a look in the mirror and deal with that before things get too messy 👋
placidharbor7 placidharbor7 Active Member
248 messages
joined Sep 2008
#88 ·
Edward Flores4 said:Look, if I'm getting on your nerves... don't let the door hit you on the way out! 🙂

ps: Honestly, whatever it is that's got you so worked up—and it's pretty obvious you're feeling a bit restless—it's gotta be coming from inside your own head. The world just exists, you know? It isn't out to get you or doing anything specifically to spite you. I am who I am, just part of the whole fabric of existence, and if my ways are bothering you, well... that sounds like a "you" problem. I'd genuinely suggest you take a look in the mirror and deal with that before things get too messy 👋

So, who—or what—is actually doing the organizing inside our heads?
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#89 ·
And who’s asking? It’s not like you’re trying to fix everything all by yourself, right? ☕

ps: To be honest... I’m feeling a little let down here. If you had taken all the guidance I’ve poured into you, you could have reached enlightenment, burned it all down, and found it again three times over by now. I say this with love—and maybe a tiny bit of embarrassment—but it’s absolutely vital that you don't throw in the towel now... I can sense you're incredibly close to that breakthrough. Just hang in there a little longer. 😉
placidharbor7 placidharbor7 Active Member
248 messages
joined Sep 2008
#90 ·
placidharbor7 said:Why are you just sitting there staying silent when you don't even realize who's actually pulling the strings on the remote, Truth Seeker?

It’s the student asking Edward Flores4, of course! The one who hasn't even realized they don't know who—or what—is acting as the "controller."
The master poses the question to the student, because let's face it: the student is completely unaware of their own ignorance.
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#91 ·
So, if we follow the logic that a student asking a teacher a question is basically just "a student unaware of their own ignorance," then...😁

Wait, what exactly are they even asking, if they don't even realize there's a gap in their knowledge to begin with?😍 😂

Honestly... I think you might have just dug your own grave here. You were so busy trying to wiggle out of a corner and justify yourself that you started spouting some truly nonsensical gibberish.

Why don't you go ahead and ask your mentor—your dear old teacher—to explain the whole concept of manifesting subconscious ignorance by asking questions about things you don't even know you don't know? And once they actually lay it out for you, and if it finally clicks... maybe call 911.😉

ps: I have a feeling it’s going to take you at least a couple of days to sleep off this trauma and come up with some kind of masterly spin control.😁
wearydrifter84 wearydrifter84 Newcomer
1 message
joined Feb 2009
#92 ·
Gosh, Edward Flores4... I have to say, your eloquence and that certain self-assurance of yours really sweep me off my feet!!! 🙂 And seeing how much you seem to enjoy engaging with everyone else... I feel like we’re actually quite kindred spirits in some ways already... right here... though, I must admit, you left me feeling a bit disappointed when I realized you aren't quite as well-versed in literature as I’d hoped... which, I suppose, is pretty essential if one wants to actually uncover the truth.... Logic and rationality are undoubtedly our sharpest tools when reading—especially when it comes to spiritual texts...

"It's perfectly obvious that this concept is just a direct parallel to Catholic prayer. It's an act meant to heal and soothe the conscience... almost like a way to compensate for otherwise irresponsible behavior. Just a mere formality."

Heals and soothes the conscience?! A formality? Ugh... "irresponsible behavior" doesn't even make sense unless there's some kind of responsibility toward someone else, don't you think? And conscience is a very real thing... why does a human being even have a conscience in the first place? What do you think? What is that thing that constantly nudges you and brings you back to the wrongs you've done? Conscience is what has kept humanity together since the very beginning; it isn't unscrupulous villains who save the world, but conscientious people, wouldn't you agree?... Someone with actual knowledge couldn't possibly say something like that..... I guess you haven't quite grasped the essence of the Catholic faith.... I'm not sure why.... you really ought to read more about the Catholic faith and Catholic meditation (of which the peak is found in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola) before trying to comment on it with that firm foundation and the kind of confidence that I find so captivating (there is nothing worse than a lukewarm, indecisive, aimless person, or if we want to put it this way—I'd much rather deal with a gritty atheist who denies everything than a believer who stands before the altar with a lukewarm soul and a chaotic mind they don't even understand themselves, stubbornly repeating others' phrases like a robot without questioning a single syllable, becoming a slave to someone else, losing their individuality and freedom.... honestly, it's just uninspired, like lazy sheep!)... it might sound confusing, but it's the truth.... It's interesting how some people arrive at their own versions of truth in so many different ways, with all these modified religions and various branches that don't seem particularly vibrant or ethereal to me... if not a bit old-fashioned... just lost souls... right, Edward Flores4? As for the others, they don't even seem to know what they're talking about... yet they're so eager to talk... please, people, learn; read everything that possesses insight and aligns with the logic of the human essence... that which stems from within you, that which makes you part of nature, what you truly are..... and just a little P.S.—you aren't gods... and you never will be, no matter how hard you try to scream your chaotic thoughts and wave around from one noisy little marble in a universe of silence.... but you are something beautiful, something unique in this entire reality and beyond.... unfortunately, very few people in the world actually know or understand that... and there are so many of us.... perhaps our hearts are just in the wrong place..... oh, there is so much work to do..... let's keep reading.... I'm only just getting started (and I measure that in years).... anyway.... Kisses to everyone! Take careeee! 😉
Kenneth Peterson5 Kenneth Peterson5 Active Member
124 messages
joined Nov 2007
#93 ·
That whole bit about how they don't even have a clue what they're talking about, yet they still act like experts—man, that hit home. That’s basically my entire life story right there. I’m constantly out here spilling everything, being all "selfless" and open, while secretly being incredibly selfish underneath it all. It’s my own little version of perfect balance. And honestly? No fancy meditation or zen nonsense required. Just good old-fashioned, straight-up common sense. 😍
placidharbor7 placidharbor7 Active Member
248 messages
joined Sep 2008
#94 ·
Edward Flores4 said:So, if we follow the logic that a student asking a teacher a question is basically just "a student unaware of their own ignorance," then...😁

Wait, what exactly are they even asking, if they don't even realize there's a gap in their knowledge to begin with?😍 😂

Honestly... I think you might have just dug your own grave here. You were so busy trying to wiggle out of a corner and justify yourself that you started spouting some truly nonsensical gibberish.

Why don't you go ahead and ask your mentor—your dear old teacher—to explain the whole concept of manifesting subconscious ignorance by asking questions about things you don't even know you don't know? And once they actually lay it out for you, and if it finally clicks... maybe call 911.😉

ps: I have a feeling it’s going to take you at least a couple of days to sleep off this trauma and come up with some kind of masterly spin control.😁

You're just shamaning yourself, my dear little truth seeker! Isn't it true that the "master dictates the question to the student"? It’s because a student like Edward Flores4 doesn't even know where they came from or where they're headed. That’s why they're just flailing around blindly! Of course, being "unaware of one's own ignorance" is the starting point, and by simply following the MASTER'S inquiry, they can easily trigger a total transformation. S(h)>>manting a student takes about three years before they finally catch on to the trick.
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#95 ·
Hey master, when's your birthday? I want to get this printed on a bumper sticker for you.

A student asks Edward Flores4—and really, that’s just because the student hasn't realized how much they don't know yet.
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#96 ·
wearydrifter84 said:Gosh, Edward Flores4... I have to say, your eloquence and that certain self-assurance of yours really sweep me off my feet!!! 🙂 And seeing how much you seem to enjoy engaging with everyone else... I feel like we’re actually quite kindred spirits in some ways already... right here... though, I must admit, you left me feeling a bit disappointed when I realized you aren't quite as well-versed in literature as I’d hoped... which, I suppose, is pretty essential if one wants to actually uncover the truth.... Logic and rationality are undoubtedly our sharpest tools when reading—especially when it comes to spiritual texts...

"It's perfectly obvious that this concept is just a direct parallel to Catholic prayer. It's an act meant to heal and soothe the conscience... almost like a way to compensate for otherwise irresponsible behavior. Just a mere formality."

Heals and soothes the conscience?! A formality? Ugh... "irresponsible behavior" doesn't even make sense unless there's some kind of responsibility toward someone else, don't you think? And conscience is a very real thing... why does a human being even have a conscience in the first place? What do you think? What is that thing that constantly nudges you and brings you back to the wrongs you've done? Conscience is what has kept humanity together since the very beginning; it isn't unscrupulous villains who save the world, but conscientious people, wouldn't you agree?... Someone with actual knowledge couldn't possibly say something like that..... I guess you haven't quite grasped the essence of the Catholic faith.... I'm not sure why.... you really ought to read more about the Catholic faith and Catholic meditation (of which the peak is found in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola) before trying to comment on it with that firm foundation and the kind of confidence that I find so captivating (there is nothing worse than a lukewarm, indecisive, aimless person, or if we want to put it this way—I'd much rather deal with a gritty atheist who denies everything than a believer who stands before the altar with a lukewarm soul and a chaotic mind they don't even understand themselves, stubbornly repeating others' phrases like a robot without questioning a single syllable, becoming a slave to someone else, losing their individuality and freedom.... honestly, it's just uninspired, like lazy sheep!)... it might sound confusing, but it's the truth.... It's interesting how some people arrive at their own versions of truth in so many different ways, with all these modified religions and various branches that don't seem particularly vibrant or ethereal to me... if not a bit old-fashioned... just lost souls... right, Edward Flores4? As for the others, they don't even seem to know what they're talking about... yet they're so eager to talk... please, people, learn; read everything that possesses insight and aligns with the logic of the human essence... that which stems from within you, that which makes you part of nature, what you truly are..... and just a little P.S.—you aren't gods... and you never will be, no matter how hard you try to scream your chaotic thoughts and wave around from one noisy little marble in a universe of silence.... but you are something beautiful, something unique in this entire reality and beyond.... unfortunately, very few people in the world actually know or understand that... and there are so many of us.... perhaps our hearts are just in the wrong place..... oh, there is so much work to do..... let's keep reading.... I'm only just getting started (and I measure that in years).... anyway.... Kisses to everyone! Take careeee! 😉

I'd thank you for the support, but since you aren't actually supporting me, there isn't really anything to be thankful for. As for your fascination with my writing style coupled with the fact that you're missing my entire point... well, it's a classic case of being too close to the forest to see the trees.

Regarding that whole "death cult" dogma you're calling Christianity—don't go assuming I'm unfamiliar with their literature. Far from it... it's just that it lacks any real substance, so I see no reason to go back and read it all over again.

Best,

PS: Oh, and one thing... if (and when) you decide to come back, please try hitting the enter key once in a while while you type, because this in continuo wall of text is almost impossible to read.
Michael Anderson2 Michael Anderson2 Active Member
77 messages
joined Jul 2013
#97 ·
This debate is more intense than a playoff game! 😂

I was actually thinking about getting into meditation, but after seeing this, I don't think it's even necessary. Thanks, master! 🙂
Jeremy Palmer Jeremy Palmer Member
40 messages
joined Jan 2008
#98 ·
Michael Anderson2 said:This debate is more intense than a playoff game! 😂

I was actually thinking about getting into meditation, but after seeing this, I don't think it's even necessary. Thanks, master! 🙂

🙂🎉🙂🎉
Hey everyone, if you haven't been following along...

In this incredibly engaging showdown,
after the master's initial lead,
where he took aim at those clearly high
Shamans' intellectual capabilities,

the Shaman deployed two specific tactics:
setting up a defensive front
and wielding his strongest weapon—logic—
which ultimately resulted in a tie.

Coming up next, we'll see if the master has any
hidden aces up his sleeve... or if he'll switch things up. 😁

Just a reminder, this is the kind of game where the first person
to lose their cool and walk away loses everything.
Edward Flores4 Edward Flores4 RegularOP
428 messages
joined Mar 2008
#99 ·
Jeremy Palmer said:🙂🎉🙂🎉
Hey everyone, if you haven't been following along...

In this incredibly engaging showdown,
after the master's initial lead,
where he took aim at those clearly high
Shamans' intellectual capabilities,

the Shaman deployed two specific tactics:
setting up a defensive front
and wielding his strongest weapon—logic—
which ultimately resulted in a tie.

Coming up next, we'll see if the master has any
hidden aces up his sleeve... or if he'll switch things up. 😁

Just a reminder, this is the kind of game where the first person
to lose their cool and walk away loses everything.

Fair enough. 😍
hiddenhound3 hiddenhound3 Regular
309 messages
joined Feb 2018
#100 ·
Will either one of you two finally decide to take a rest? 😬

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