tony
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Posts: 172 
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Post by tony on Mar 26, 2015 4:40:48 GMT
Hi all
I went back to the various topics and threads we have created so far to get an overall feel for what direction we are heading with in our discussions and exchanges. I thought it'd be useful to identify themes and pointers as they emerge. Here is a summary of what we have covered:
The different paths
- do not all ways point to no way?
- reality beyond the walls- aspects of existence
Practices- How do we make IT a living reality
- 1st step is the world real
- 2nd step attachments
- all experience is consciousness
I see the various threads all connecting a bit like a main river and the branches coming off it. The main river, I believe, is our desire and aspiration to know directly what is True, Constant, Real in the midst of a continuously changing experience of reality. How is the Real connected with my sense of existence, my individual consciousness?
With that aspiration (who has not felt it?) comes the associated question of 'who/what am I', the 'enquirer' (i.e. who wants to know?). As mentioned by the Buddha around 2,600 years ago, 'suffering' pushes us to seek, inquire and eventually find That which we seek.
The different paths and practices are exploring the how to get there, but in that discussion we also touched on (i) our understanding of whether the world that we perceive is 'real' or not; and (ii) how do we know what we know.
As in the river analogy, we can simply follow that desire to know and see where it takes us, and/or explore the branches which come off it and are therefore linked to it. The reminder is to be watchful not to get caught up with the 'finger' which is pointing to the Moon.
_()_
Tony
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bee
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Posts: 117
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Post by bee on Mar 26, 2015 11:34:28 GMT
So true, the tributaries of all rivers flow to the 'One Ocean', not backwards up a dry creek gully.
If an awareness is held within all enquiry that it is pointing towards and moving with the flow it follows we must lead ourselves as the parts to the Whole, to Oneness. (Some may prefer the description of God, but whatever we call the 'Totality' they are all words created by humans).
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Kolomo
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Posts: 182
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Post by Kolomo on Mar 28, 2015 18:18:30 GMT
NICE succinct synopsis. It reminds me of something Tollle often talks about as recognizing the essence as opposed to being caught up in the content. But (perhaps this could be a new thread) is the essence ever anything that could be continually experienced? I would think you are better off with a resounding no else you spend your life chasing a fantasy. In fact, I will make a new thread.
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tony
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Posts: 172
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Post by tony on Mar 29, 2015 1:46:32 GMT
Kolomo, in my understanding, the Essence is I/ME/YOU. Therefore not continually experienced, but Always Lived as Be-ing (as all that happens as it does). What appears to happen is that i/me/you searches for that Essence believing it can be achieved, obtained or gained.
Good to explore this in a new thread.
_()_
Tony
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Post by angelssix on Mar 29, 2015 3:00:19 GMT
A new thread is may be less confusing. CD appreciate your input
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Post by forum22015 on Mar 30, 2015 1:24:18 GMT
Hello Members,
As always moving discussions. I hope soon to be able to participate more in a week or so. If not, I will update when. While I'm completing this final off hours project, I may as well support our group by looking in areas for members. I put out another invitation to a possible member but no response. It might make more sense to announce our group to teachers sites or web sites and let them know we have a free spiritual forum operating. I was thinking of Jerry Katzs' Facebook (he has some unruly characters so they would have to be watched carefully) and Adyashanti. A student of Adya's put up a Facebook page about him maybe I could approach that group as well. I'll design a short add and post it here for others to see and approve.
I spoke to CD via email and what I realized is the deep conversations you are having must be matched emotionally to join in. So, I would encourage visitors to just start a new thread if they are having trouble jumping-in. This has been happening with me and I know you guys. You sort of don't want to be rude and start a new topic when everyone is involved in one. Are you getting what I'm saying?
Tony have you talked to Fred and told him we have this forum?Could you ask him to advertise us on his web page? What do you think?
Love,
Arlene
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tony
Administrator
Posts: 172
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Post by tony on Mar 30, 2015 4:17:29 GMT
Hi Arlene, I haven't talked to Fred for a while and I'm not likely to do that in the near future. My thoughts about membership of this Forum are that the current level, quality and quantity, of discussions is quite satisfying, with plenty of excellent topics and threads. There have been many guests and visitors looking in since it started, and I think they would ask to become members if they felt it was appropriate and of interest. So, I'm more inclined not to advertise widely for the time being, and let the membership grow out of the ongoing interaction on the Forum. Good to hear others' views on this.
Regarding the start of new topics, it feels to me like it's a spontaneous process occurring. New facets and angles arise to be looked at (the branches from the main river). I agree that it can be confusing for someone new to pick up the threads. As I indicated with the last post (Glossary...) we are delving into the ancient and profound territory of body, mind and spirit discourse. A very small proportion of human beings are willing to explore it in some depth. They are the ones who are inclined to join the discussions.
_()_
Tony
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Kolomo
Administrator
Posts: 182
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Post by Kolomo on Mar 31, 2015 3:07:47 GMT
I feel similarly. I rather like the low key pace. It’d be nice to see how and if it grows organically. But I'm certainly open to change it. Pretty amazing that we can communicate all over the world like this. - kevin
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Post by clouddust on Mar 31, 2015 20:51:18 GMT
Hello AZ: Nice to 'see' you!!! I think it's a great idea to have more participants. But I understand that since we're just getting going, at least it seems that way to me, that slow at first might be best. But there's no harm in getting more people with more ideas or questions to join in under a new heading. I miss you on the forum. Jump in anytime. CD |
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Post by forum22015 on Apr 3, 2015 15:21:29 GMT
Hi Kolomo,
Thanks for your offer and encouragement. Yes please move it. I realized after I put my topic in the wrong spot but where to put it. hmmm?
Love,
Arlene
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Post by forum22015 on Apr 3, 2015 15:31:55 GMT
Hi members again,
Would any body mind if I get into altering the look of the forum's "SKIN" experimenting with different looks and colour and hopefully be able to add relevant pictures.
Namaste,
Arlene
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Kolomo
Administrator
Posts: 182
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Post by Kolomo on Apr 4, 2015 0:28:46 GMT
fine by me
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Post by clouddust on Apr 5, 2015 1:04:56 GMT
Fine with me too.
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