The Aggregate Self and the Cap Peddler 08/21/2016 Someone posted a link online to a video of the old children’s story about the cap peddler called “Caps for Sale”. I watched it and thought about it as an allegory for the Buddha’s teaching that what we consider our “self” is an aggregate—a collection of many phenomena without a center, focal point, or legitimate basis. First I will present his basic theory in my own words and explanation, then I will explain it through the video. The proposition is fairly simple, only difficult to see given
Someone posted a link online to a video of the old children’s story about the cap peddler called “Caps for Sale”. I watched it and thought about it as an allegory for the Buddha’s teaching that what we consider our “self” is an aggregate—a collection of many phenomena without a center, focal point, or legitimate basis. First I will present his basic theory in my own words and explanation, then I will explain it through the video. The proposition is fairly simple, only difficult to see given
On Channeling 08/11/2016 For those of you who do not know what channeling is, it is a practice of communication with another consciousness. Channels (the persons doing the channeling) relax into a state of receptivity and intent (on bringing wisdom or help or answers to a specific question) where their mind is open to more subtle realms. Now channeling, as it is conceived, goes farther than mere “telepathy” (See post 'On “Mind Reading”'); the channel is not merely accessing the contents of a mental entity of a clearer
For those of you who do not know what channeling is, it is a practice of communication with another consciousness. Channels (the persons doing the channeling) relax into a state of receptivity and intent (on bringing wisdom or help or answers to a specific question) where their mind is open to more subtle realms. Now channeling, as it is conceived, goes farther than mere “telepathy” (See post 'On “Mind Reading”'); the channel is not merely accessing the contents of a mental entity of a clearer
There is Nothing in Form 07/11/2016 Form refers to creation, to duality. But form is inherently illusive—you can’t have form without the formless, solid without space, wave (crest) without trough, sound without silence. So form isn’t really there, it is only there in so far as we focus unduly on half the equation. Our lives are an attachment to, an obsession with form. We center ourselves around these particular forms (bodies and minds—which we think of as singular forms but are really aggregates of many ever changing aspects of
Form refers to creation, to duality. But form is inherently illusive—you can’t have form without the formless, solid without space, wave (crest) without trough, sound without silence. So form isn’t really there, it is only there in so far as we focus unduly on half the equation. Our lives are an attachment to, an obsession with form. We center ourselves around these particular forms (bodies and minds—which we think of as singular forms but are really aggregates of many ever changing aspects of
The First Yoga Sutra 07/11/2016 The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a fantastic work in the science of self-realization. I highly recommend reading the entire work. I highly recommend Sri Swami Satchidananda’s translation, for he gives an exquisite exposition and commentary. Satchidananda, in his commentary on the second sutra of the first book (Portion on Contemplation) states that, “for a keen student, this sutra one sutra would be enough”. However, one doesn’t even need the second sutra. All that one really needs is the first.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a fantastic work in the science of self-realization. I highly recommend reading the entire work. I highly recommend Sri Swami Satchidananda’s translation, for he gives an exquisite exposition and commentary. Satchidananda, in his commentary on the second sutra of the first book (Portion on Contemplation) states that, “for a keen student, this sutra one sutra would be enough”. However, one doesn’t even need the second sutra. All that one really needs is the first.
The Best Thing You Can Do for the World 07/11/2016 “Many feel the need to create a new world and a better world. Rather than let your thoughts dwell on such matters, you should concentrate on That by the contemplation of which there is hope for perfect peace. It is man’s duty to become a seeker after God or Truth.” Ananda Moy Ma, as quoted by Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi. But what about all the problems all around the world? What does prayer or meditation actually do for the world? The world you perceive does not exist. “If
“Many feel the need to create a new world and a better world. Rather than let your thoughts dwell on such matters, you should concentrate on That by the contemplation of which there is hope for perfect peace. It is man’s duty to become a seeker after God or Truth.” Ananda Moy Ma, as quoted by Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi. But what about all the problems all around the world? What does prayer or meditation actually do for the world? The world you perceive does not exist. “If
On Drugs 07/11/2016 I will address this topic since it has played a role in my life. It is a tricky topic for anyone to undertake with any envisioned advice or outcome. Vested interests, attachments, fears, and prejudices swirl all discussion into confusion. So I will not attempt to do more than I can—as most end up doing, especially with this topic (or at least, I will attempt to not attempt more). I believe it is fair to begin by saying of drugs, as one can of anything, that they are neither inherently bad or
I will address this topic since it has played a role in my life. It is a tricky topic for anyone to undertake with any envisioned advice or outcome. Vested interests, attachments, fears, and prejudices swirl all discussion into confusion. So I will not attempt to do more than I can—as most end up doing, especially with this topic (or at least, I will attempt to not attempt more). I believe it is fair to begin by saying of drugs, as one can of anything, that they are neither inherently bad or
