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Quarryman
Stranger
Registered: 07/29/07
Posts: 806
Loc: Tennessee
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Starting On the Path
#8248396 - 04/06/08 09:12 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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After reading The Power of Now and Be Here Now in the last week or so, I have realized that I want to begin on my spiritual journey. I not sure why I want to follow this route, other than a strong curiosity to find out "what its all about." True happiness seems impossible through any other route, but I don't think thats quite why I'm doing it. Anyways, I was wondering what some of your favorite spirtual books are, something to set me on the right track. I was thinking about reading the Bhagavad-Gita, but I don't know much about it.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8248420 - 04/06/08 09:17 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Check out Castaneda, especially Journey to Xtlan and Tales of Power. All the other books written after those are most worthwhile also.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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blewmeanie
Registered: 10/01/06
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Icelander]
#8248481 - 04/06/08 09:29 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quarryman
Stranger
Registered: 07/29/07
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Loc: Tennessee
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Icelander]
#8248537 - 04/06/08 09:41 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Icelander said: Check out Castaneda, especially Journey to Xtlan and Tales of Power. All the other books written after those are most worthwhile also.
Didn't he make up everything in his books?
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appleorange
Rainbow Technician
Registered: 12/30/07
Posts: 4,868
Loc: Reykjavík
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: blewmeanie]
#8248545 - 04/06/08 09:42 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I think this is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to get a better idea as to what Buddhism in particular is all about.
Other than that, my only other advice is to not take the advice of our poster Chronic777.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8248565 - 04/06/08 09:46 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Quarryman said:
Quote:
Icelander said: Check out Castaneda, especially Journey to Xtlan and Tales of Power. All the other books written after those are most worthwhile also.
Didn't he make up everything in his books?
That is an unknown. But it really doesn't matter because you can validate much of what he says with personal experience. The books are much like a long parable. I have never found better ideas and advice for living anywhere.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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Quarryman
Stranger
Registered: 07/29/07
Posts: 806
Loc: Tennessee
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: appleorange]
#8248571 - 04/06/08 09:47 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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From what I've seen, he espouses many of the ideas presented in the Now books I've been reading. I'll listen to everyone, but with skepticism.
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Righteous_King
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8249576 - 04/07/08 06:11 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I would recommend the Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley, it paints a general picture of the spiritual way through the sayings of mystics and scriptures from the east and west, organized and related through Huxley's words.
Another of my favorites is The Way of the Bodhisattva, a classic of Mahayana Buddhism. I read this one over and over on a regular basis, I find it so rich and well written. It provides the basic guidelines on how to live a pure humble existence and how one should behave towards others.
Reading the words of those wise ones who've transcended reality is essential. We do not all have the chance to meet a good spiritual guide, therefore we must take in the wisdom directly from the text and rely on ourselves for understanding. So when you find a valuable text, I would suggest reading it several times to let all the words sink in.
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blewmeanie
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fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: blewmeanie]
#8249659 - 04/07/08 07:41 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I would recommend this book, although I have not finished reading it. It doesn't deal with the topic of "spirituality" itself, but contains a very ably expressed, accessible view on the rise of civilization and the specific factors responsible. Understanding how and why human beings have evolved and progressed over time definitely contributes foundation and perspective on who we are and where we are headed, and its an intriguing subject nonetheless. Of course, my concept of spirituality leans more towards understanding the nature of reality and empowering oneself in practical application of that perspective than some understandings of the word.
I can't wait to read more, and I have been reflecting on ideas that have been inspired by my reading of this that I'd like to post about some day, but I have more pressing studies right now to involve myself with. I'm also beginning to read a book Icelander suggested to help learn a new language, Călătorie La Ixtlan.
-------------------- If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
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LunarEclipse
Enlil's Official Story
Registered: 10/31/04
Posts: 21,407
Loc: Building 7
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Re: Starting On the Path *DELETED* [Re: Quarryman]
#8249791 - 04/07/08 08:53 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Post deleted by LunarEclipseReason for deletion: usbd
-------------------- Anxiety is what you make it.
Edited by LunarEclipse (04/07/08 08:53 AM)
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WhiskeyClone
Not here
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Posts: 16,509
Loc: Longitudinal Center of Canada ...
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8250316 - 04/07/08 11:33 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Read everything else Tolle has written. I have not found anyone else who is so effective at removing all the extraneous, dogmatic fluff that comes with most spiritual teachings.
Also, Jon Kabat-Zinn's Wherever You Go, There You Are is an excellent introduction to mindfulness.
-------------------- Welcome evermore to gods and men is the self-helping man. For him all doors are flung wide: him all tongues greet, all honors crown, all eyes follow with desire. Our love goes out to him and embraces him, because he did not need it. ~ R.W. Emerson, "Self-Reliance"
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blewmeanie
Registered: 10/01/06
Posts: 28,984
Loc:
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Quote:
LunarEclipse said: My advice is to burn all spiritual books out in the garden on the night of a full moon. The ashes grow excellent vegetables.
Yes burning books...thats the answer. WTF?
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fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: blewmeanie]
#8250577 - 04/07/08 12:59 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
blewmeanie said: Yes burning books...thats the answer. WTF?
The possibility that he was being humorous never occurred to you?
-------------------- If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
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publicenemy1
Dr. Funkenstein
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I'd read anything by Eckhart Tolle such as Stillness Speaks, Practicing the Now, and A new Earth since you are l ready familiar with him and he knows what's up for sure. I read Power of Now and Be Here Now and loved them both. I would also read Bhagavad-Gita and Sri Isopanisad.
Three books I'm picking up this weekend are Awakening into Oneness, The Art of Living, and Desert Solitaire. I read a good amount of philosophy as well because it helps keep in mind the different layers of reality.
-------------------- BE HERE NOW
Edited by publicenemy1 (04/07/08 02:12 PM)
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appleorange
Rainbow Technician
Registered: 12/30/07
Posts: 4,868
Loc: Reykjavík
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Quote:
fireworks_god said:
Quote:
blewmeanie said: Yes burning books...thats the answer. WTF?
The possibility that he was being humorous never occurred to you?
The possibility that he was being serious never occurred to you?
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fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: appleorange]
#8250909 - 04/07/08 02:10 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Of course it is a possibility, but after years of reading Lunar Eclipse's posts, it wasn't concluded to be likely, and the manners in which he phrased it, even without foreknowledge of the poster themselves, made it pretty clear that he was engaging in something that I believe is known as a sense of humor.
-------------------- If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
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appleorange
Rainbow Technician
Registered: 12/30/07
Posts: 4,868
Loc: Reykjavík
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ZEN KOAN TIME!
Three people were walking on the road, and they saw a man standing on a hill.
"I wonder what that man is doing," one of them said, "perhaps he is waiting for someone."
"I'll bet he's looking for a cow that has strayed," said another.
"Or perhaps he is just enjoying the breeze," said the third.
So the three people went up the hill to the man, to find out.
"We're just curious," they said, "are you waiting for someone? Or are you perhaps looking for a cow that has strayed? Or are you just enjoying the breeze?"
"None of those," said the man. "Actually I was taking a leak in the bushes."
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Amber_Glow
Sat Chit Anand
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: appleorange]
#8251165 - 04/07/08 03:11 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Loved it!
And to WhiskeyClone: I have been wanting to read Wherever You Go, There You Are for a while now just because the title is so great.
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WhiskeyClone
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Amber_Glow]
#8251227 - 04/07/08 03:24 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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He is very down-to-earth and practical. Here's a great video of an intro to meditation workshop he did.
Any of you thinking of exploring meditation should check it out.
-------------------- Welcome evermore to gods and men is the self-helping man. For him all doors are flung wide: him all tongues greet, all honors crown, all eyes follow with desire. Our love goes out to him and embraces him, because he did not need it. ~ R.W. Emerson, "Self-Reliance"
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Orbus
The Liberator
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To get your feet wet I would read everything by Alan Watts. As I have read more and more other books, Watts just keeps getting smarter. He truly knows what he's talking about but still manages to present it an entertaining and easily digestible way.
There are a lot of good books out there, but fewer great ones that cut out all the bullshit and get right to the point. A few of them are: On Having No Head by Douglas Harding, Franklin Merrell Wolf's Experience and Philosophy, I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta, and The Zen Teachings of Huang Po.
You could read all these books in a month and learn as much as I have in six years.
Of course all this could be further condensed into three words. Tat Vam Asi: YOU ARE (ALREADY) THAT!
Entering the path is an exciting time. And as they say, you start chasing God, but soon God starts chasing you. Good Luck!
-------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Really, the fundamental, ultimate mystery -- the only thing you need to know to understand the deepest metaphysical secrets -- is this: that for every outside there is an inside and for every inside there is an outside, and although they are different, they go together. - Alan Watts
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dirtworshipper
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Orbus]
#8251652 - 04/07/08 05:00 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I can't believe no one has said Be Here Now
MarktheGnostic said it best when he likened it to the "Dick and Jane" learn to read" books.
but with that being said, it's still an extremely powerful piece of the Truth
"the deeper you go, the bigger it gets" T. McKenna
Remember, Now, Be Here Now
Om Ham Hanumate Rudratmikaya Ham Phat Svaha
-------------------- “You've got as many lives as you like, and more, even ones you don't want.” - George Harrison
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Quarryman
Stranger
Registered: 07/29/07
Posts: 806
Loc: Tennessee
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Thanks everyone for all your suggestions! I think I'm going to start with the Bhagavad Gita and The Book by Alan Watts, since I already have those two. Dirtworshiper, I have read Be Here Now and its pretty much the reason I am currently so interested in spirituality. The Power of Now was great, but something about the illustrations and the wackiness of Be Here Now is wonderful.
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dirtworshipper
Sitting in the heart cave
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8252004 - 04/07/08 06:41 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I meant to suggest the Bhagavad Gita too! I'm so glad you're already planning on reading it.
In my opinion, Tolle's inspiration may have came from Ram Dass.
Either way, it's all from the same source, anyway.
But it's pretty amazing to see the ways in which the teachings are handed down from guru to student, over and over, and over and over again. Yet another way to see the interconnectedness of Us All.
:edit: Check out Amma Sri Karunamayi when she comes to your state!! Amma in Memphis
Jai Ma!!
-------------------- “You've got as many lives as you like, and more, even ones you don't want.” - George Harrison
Edited by dirtworshipper (04/07/08 06:45 PM)
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redgreenvines
irregular verb
Registered: 04/08/04
Posts: 38,062
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8252010 - 04/07/08 06:43 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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well if you get anywhere tell me
-------------------- _ 🧠 _
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mistadobalina
Stranger
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8253061 - 04/07/08 09:30 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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word, its all about self-fulfillment. One thing you should never do is doubt your thoughts and what your doing. The path to where you wanna go is hard to stay on, but don't give up. It will all be worth it and if you trust your instincts you will be rewarded spiritually. It feels good
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sweetsapocryphal
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Orbus]
#8254088 - 04/08/08 12:53 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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*burps*
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deCypher
Registered: 02/10/08
Posts: 56,232
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Quote:
One thing you should never do is doubt your thoughts and what your doing.
Errr a little self-confidence is always a good thing but this sounds like a sure-fire way to never admit that you were wrong and to never double-check one's ego.
-------------------- We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
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dirtworshipper
Sitting in the heart cave
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: deCypher]
#8254374 - 04/08/08 05:19 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Thoughts are part of the drama. They can't be relied upon.
-------------------- “You've got as many lives as you like, and more, even ones you don't want.” - George Harrison
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WhiskeyClone
Not here
Registered: 06/25/01
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Quote:
dirtworshipper said: Thoughts are part of the drama. They can't be relied upon.
Agreed.
-------------------- Welcome evermore to gods and men is the self-helping man. For him all doors are flung wide: him all tongues greet, all honors crown, all eyes follow with desire. Our love goes out to him and embraces him, because he did not need it. ~ R.W. Emerson, "Self-Reliance"
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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate
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Quote:
But it's pretty amazing to see the ways in which the teachings are handed down from guru to student, over and over, and over and over again. Yet another way to see the interconnectedness of Us All.
Once, watching Fierce Grace, I had the experience of seeing Ram Dass with the eyes of the Guru, Maharaj-ji. It was like seeing him for the first time, and I laughed to think that everyone he is teaching is his guru as much as he is theirs! It's all the same, an endless river of consciousness.
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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LunarEclipse
Enlil's Official Story
Registered: 10/31/04
Posts: 21,407
Loc: Building 7
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Re: Starting On the Path *DELETED* [Re: fireworks_god]
#8254625 - 04/08/08 08:20 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Post deleted by LunarEclipseReason for deletion: fwgisafffgt
-------------------- Anxiety is what you make it.
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fireworks_god
Sexy.Butt.McDanger
Registered: 03/12/02
Posts: 24,855
Loc: Pandurn
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Wow.
-------------------- If I should die this very moment I wouldn't fear For I've never known completeness Like being here Wrapped in the warmth of you Loving every breath of you
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nightkrawler
explorer
Registered: 06/18/04
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Quarryman]
#8254704 - 04/08/08 08:55 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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i'd check out:
zen mind, beginners mind by suzuki peace is every step by thich nhat hanh awakening the buddha within by lama surya das
each of those books have helped me a lot
-------------------- Not all who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien
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Chronic7
Registered: 05/08/04
Posts: 13,679
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: appleorange]
#8255369 - 04/08/08 01:19 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
appleorange said: I think this is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to get a better idea as to what Buddhism in particular is all about.
Other than that, my only other advice is to not take the advice of our poster Chronic777.
LOL thats a bit harsh but i never proclaimed to be a teacher. What you got against words of love appleo?
You should know that my life is devoted to "the path" i would never try to hinder anyone else's, all i talk about is love, which if you dig deep into any spirituality or religion, love is the centre of it, plus i only talk about what i have experienced first hand, not what ive read sumwhere and now "believe in"
I was just gonna say this is the book thats started me on my path years ago, i then forgot all about spirituality but it soon found me again...
I reread this book recently & its really great the best book on buddhism ive ever read, i even preffered it to the dalai lama's intro to tibetan buddhism, maybe cause it was written by a hippie lol.
You'll find that as you continue on your path certain books & people will find you...and even things you read & dont understand will pop up again and you'll suddenly "get them"
ps youve hurt my ego apple i thought we were buddies
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backfromthedead
Activated
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Chronic7]
#8255398 - 04/08/08 01:28 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Come off it then already. All your posts sound the same dawg.
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Chronic7
Registered: 05/08/04
Posts: 13,679
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LOL maybe its cause my life is dedicated to one truth, love so its all i talk about here.
Id be sick of me by now too tbh
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backfromthedead
Activated
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Chronic7]
#8255485 - 04/08/08 01:53 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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YOUR TRUTH!!
Not really sick of anything but the...
Hi, on my path this is how it is. I know this because of this, this, and this. This is how I know this. Believe me I know this. This, this, and this. How?? Because of this. And if you don't believe in this, well, this is it. It. This. Here, here it is.
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publicenemy1
Dr. Funkenstein
Registered: 11/27/07
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CHILL. He's entitled to his beliefs (it's hard not to believe in something you've fully experienced), how could there be more than one truth? Is one truth more true than the other. There must be one universal truth. (not trying to jack the thread just defending my friend chronic77 and his well intentions)
-------------------- BE HERE NOW
Edited by publicenemy1 (04/08/08 02:00 PM)
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backfromthedead
Activated
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Trust me I am the chillest.
Beliefs are fine. I just suspect that some overlook the possibly that others are here because they have out grown similar 'beliefs' and modes of thought.
Preaching to the choir I think its called.
Maybe I'm wrong. I just see a lot of my former self in those 'truthful' posts.
See SyntheticMind's sig.
Perhaps its just me. No judgment. Do your thing Chronic.
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Chronic7
Registered: 05/08/04
Posts: 13,679
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lol i know sometimes i may come off like preachy believer but its just because so much has been happening so fast so its like i want to tell everyone about it all...i guess thats why so many people who have "found god" preach about god so much.
I think it would benefit me & all if i just stopped talking about my experiences and kept on experiencing, in the past when ive got into amazing states meditating the first thing id do is get up and post on sum forum about it which kind of defeats the state id got into...
In the past if id heard someone talking about an ultimate truth id probably be defensive as id be thinking, well why don't we all experience it then?
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publicenemy1
Dr. Funkenstein
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Re: Starting On the Path [Re: Chronic7]
#8255635 - 04/08/08 02:35 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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yeah, IME it's best not to preach because not many want to hear it (has to do with the ego), but no problem with making them aware or more open to the idea. Plus i think the meaning of your experiences are going to effect you more deeply if it's something inside of you and you keep it to yourself. You should keep a journal or something for reflection for yourself. Peace brotha, take it easy.
-------------------- BE HERE NOW
Edited by publicenemy1 (04/08/08 02:38 PM)
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backfromthedead
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'In the past if id heard someone talking about an ultimate truth id probably be defensive as id be thinking, well why don't we all experience it then?'
The ironic thing is: You haven't a clue as to the extent of anyones experience on this forum, have you??
I learned to hold my tongue concerning the matter when I was hauled in still high as fuck from all the psilocybin.
What comes across as ultimate truth to you might only be the sand in the sand box to someone else. Others are already knocking down castles cause they are ready to leave the beach.
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Chronic7
Registered: 05/08/04
Posts: 13,679
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I feel i try and only speak with compassion & love, but obviously over the monotonous written words of internet forum posts it can come across as a "holier than thou" attitude
Ive found journals etc to be helpfull in reflection but if writing while experiencing it just takes away from it, the main thing is what i feel when i reach high states of meditation/consciousness is that i HAVE to somehow pass on this love (bodhichitta like feelings). Maybe i should try doing it silently instead of through meaningless words which are futile attempts to capture it all.
Say whatup to redman for me
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