Aetherous

5 hours ago, steve said:

My practice goes in the opposite direction - question my own position

Honestly, it's primarily my hope that we all do this much better than we currently are. Might as well leave it at that.

4 minutes ago, cheya said:

A friend who was diagnosed with macular degeneration to the point of having the shots in his eye .... says he did a set of qigong exercises for the eyes for two months and his eye doc now says he can't tell my friend ever had AMD! That is just so cool!

 

(It wasn't a Spring Forest or Mantak Chia method. If I find a vid, I'll post it  )

Supremely interested to learn more.

14 minutes ago, sean said:

Curious, do you consider the bans of racist and violent speech censorship? Because it sounds like we agree that there should be a line in the sand somewhere, just maybe not on precisely where.

 

Sean

In terms of the type of censorship that I personally find unsettling, the banning of racist or violent speech is definitely not it. (Any time we "censor", it's technically censorship...but I don't call banning racist or violent speech, censorship). I don't think racism or violence should be allowed here...there's no reason for it, it ruins the place, and it could even lead to legal issues, or potentially worse for anyone directly involved.

Regarding the line in the sand: I'm used to seeing those on the right being strongly mischaracterized by those on the left. For instance, very often falsely labeled as racist, despite not being so whatsoever.

A good example is seeing ralis' post here, where an accusation of racism-etc appeared to come out of nowhere, and seemed to implicate everyone who he disagreed with politically ("there has been enough of such talk here"...sure maybe any time it actually happens is "enough", but the forum really hasn't been some sort of breeding grounds for racists by ANY means, and I'm not sure what rideforever said to elicit that response about racism):
 

So then the banning of actual racism, which was once perfectly clear and acceptable to basically all, can become questionable in its implementation. If the people deciding what happens, owner/admin/mods, believe that those on one side of the political spectrum are all inherently "racist" simply because they have a different perspective of the world (despite not actually doing or saying anything remotely racist), then I think it does quickly shift into actual censorship.

But anyway, it's not my place to make judgment calls on things...just responding with my personal view.

31 minutes ago, ralis said:

Actually there is plenty of proof regarding racist remarks on this site. One member used the “n” word within the last week and was allowed to revise without any mod reprimand after his post. 

That's not something I was aware of, but if that did happen, of course it was racist. I would think saying that word would be ban worthy at this point in our culture.
 

30 minutes ago, thelerner said:

I've seen posts here talking about 'how much they want to kill the other side.  How hard it is to restrain themselves' (and I reported it).  That was repeated by another person a thread or two down.

Another thing I wasn't aware of...I thought violent talk (especially about "killing") like that was against the forum rules already and was an automatic ban.

39 minutes ago, Pilgrim said:

I for one am genuinely interested in hearing more of what he says, anyone who sees through Obama and Clinton and so direclt and clearly describes not only them but the Regan era  the way he does clearly has some valuable insights. 

It is certainly interesting, for instance how he said the mainstream media isn't leftist. I don't even know what is leftist if that's the case.

45 minutes ago, ilumairen said:

Hello my dear Aetherous, I seem to recall you making a statement regarding toxicity as well, only in your case it related to feminism.

 

We forget things sometimes.. 

 

Edit with apologies, the phrase was "entirely destructive" - which isn't exactly the same as toxic I suppose.

The issue I take here is the gleefulness when censorship of one side is touted as being correct. What if the opposite happened, and a forum owner came here one day saying that leftist views are all socially toxic rhetoric, that those on the left are racist bigots, and we shouldn't even give those idiots the time of day who think that way (insinuating that they'll soon be gone, and the forum made "better" without them)? I very much believe all of the leftists here wouldn't be breathing so freely if that had happened. They'd probably think fascists had taken over...

Regarding calling things toxic, that's fine to do in debate. I only take issue with it being done in the context of the forum owner talking about not having certain opinions (which I interpret to mean literally everyone on the right, judging from how he's worded his posts in this thread).

I do think feminism (clearly, not the kind that's for equality, but the second or third wave kinds) is entirely destructive, and is toxic.

Also, I'm a bit confused by your post, since I thought we were on good terms and actually friends on this forum. I guess friends sometimes call each other out, but usually it's not quite like this.

...

Edited to add: I'm going to try my best to go silent now and stick to spiritual/healing etc topics. Sorry if I mess up and speak again here...I could work on my will power a bit more! I think Sean's made it clear enough how he wants it at the forum, which is fine with me (although a bit of a shock when "the winds of change" bring such sudden implementation). I'm honestly used to being in leftist dominated environments, and can manage just fine (although it certainly doesn't stop me from thinking freely). I just found it a bit strange for people to be relieved at the notion of getting rid of those who think a certain way...especially when it's said in nearly the same breath as this: 
 

Quote

"If you feel more open to others, especially those that once generated feelings of aversion, what a blessing! If you look for and find fault in your own positions and actions preferentially, rather than looking to reinforce your beliefs and cut down those of others, you are making progress. Congratulations and keep up the good work."

48 minutes ago, steve said:

Ahhh, I feel like a cool, fresh breeze is blowing through the board and I can breathe.

It's the polar opposite for me.

Steve, you should honestly ask yourself why you'd feel like you can suddenly breathe, when there's essentially talk of banning (or otherwise disallowing) those whose opinions you disagree with, and only allowing those of a certain opinion to express their thoughts. Falsely labeling the other side as "socially toxic", etc...or "racist" as ralis did, without a smidgen of proof of such.

These are not things that should cause a person to breathe more easily.

2 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

Hmm let me get this straight Sean is the site owner is he not?  So his site his rules does not seem to bright to fight with the site owner.

If the forum moves toward stopping those who tend toward the right wing from expressing their views, I'll follow suit and stay silent, since my primary purpose here is spiritual discussion. Obviously, the forum owner can decide anything.

It's been nice in the past couple of years (in my perspective) to see that numerous other long term spiritual seekers and practitioners share similar views on the world. In that time, the forum has been a place for expression of diversity of thought, within the bounds of the forum rules. A number of those who sway to the left who are complaining about how it's been in this thread, have been totally free to express their opinions...which makes me think it's been a great place.

While there are other spiritual practitioners who tend toward the left, such as Steve for instance...as for myself, my current views which are center-right are definitely a result of my particular spiritual development (even if my development is mediocre). Perhaps different spiritual paths cultivate different ways of seeing the world.

1 hour ago, windwalker said:

It is weird the dims, keep talkin about obstruction when the doj, made it clear there was none.

They've been absolutely bonkers for years now.

19 hours ago, Dynasty said:

while cultivating

That's vague as well. 

4 hours ago, silent thunder said:

the role of The Shaitan... "The Adversary, The Opposer, or one who terrifies and opposes you to shy you away from a dark and destructive path

When was that ever the purpose of Satan/the Adversary? I can't think of any story in which his motive or purpose is ultimately good, like as described in the bold. It was always to tempt you toward a dark and destructive path.

2 hours ago, silent thunder said:

The one set free in the action of forgiveness is not the perpetrator, but The Forgiver.

While I think that's true... this is the occult section, and perhaps for some people their punishments go into effect in the objective world, and impact the guilty parties in some way.

...but really, come back upon their own heads.

It's good to forgive and be open.

But I think, it's also even more important to be honest...KNOW THYSELF. No one is perfect, especially with forgiveness. Feel free to admit it here.

24 minutes ago, rideforever said:

Watching people hurt each other whilst sitting on a bench mulling over how self-righteous you will be today and forgive them from your seat ?
Is it of value ? 

That's definitely not of value.

10 minutes ago, Fa Xin said:

Another thing that comes to mind: when I condemn or blame someone for something... it usually weighs heavy on my heart afterwards - even if they were “in the wrong.” I carry it with me. Perhaps this is one small example of the measure coming back to me. 

Brilliant point. The condemnation we hold does hurt us, whereas the guilty party probably doesn't even notice a thing, and is just on their merry way.

I just had a thought...

There may be a difference between being appointed as a judge over others (literally a job as a judge...or perhaps spiritually that position exists, as well), versus simply being offended at things. A judge has a duty to make or oversee a decision, and is generally dispassionate and not personally affected. They consider the entire community's wellbeing, while at the same time being fair and not overly punishing a person for disliking who they are or what they did.

Whereas being offended at things, it's not really our place to decide whether a person is innocent or guilty and what their punishment should be (that's up to God, or karma, or whatever happens to them). We are passionate and took something personally, and are personally affected in some way, and so unable to see the big picture. We're considering our own standards of conduct, which someone neglected and offended us by, rather than primarily thinking of the wellbeing of others whom we're responsible for. And we often wish the worst on people for the slightest wrongs (such as cutting us off in traffic, stopping suddenly when walking in front of us down a street without being aware of who's behind them, being rude or inconsiderate, etc).

While I often consider the state of our world and society, and think of the community, when it comes to people committing wrongs...to be honest I'm often just personally offended, and not in an actual position of being a judge.

12 minutes ago, Fa Xin said:

one the highest teachings of Jesus... the forgiveness of everyone for everything. I’ve found not an easy thing to practice

Not easy is right! LOL. I'm super bad at even attempting to forgive most people I come across, much less everyone.

Who can be perfect?

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23

"Who is like God?" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quis_ut_Deus%3F

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” - John 8:7

But I don't think being an imperfect human is a good excuse for not attempting. Perhaps I should try harder, by setting aside time to practice. I really have had great results sometimes with the Tibetan Buddhist teachings of loving-kindness and compassion.

It's often just easier to hate and condemn someone for an obvious wrong they did, than it is to practice and improve the situation, and forgive and forget the wrong.

I just liked putting these two verses (in blue) from the New Testament side by side:

"If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” - John 20:23

It's interesting to consider that we might have an actual effect on liberating a person, versus charging them with what they've done wrong...perhaps especially if we've reached a certain level of spiritual development, or grace.

These days, it seems for me, the number of people doing things which are hard to forgive has increased. Or maybe I just need to practice more loving-kindness and compassion every day.

"For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:2

When we charge them with their wrongdoings, with the real effect it has on them receiving punishment from heaven...we are liable to be held to our same standard.

No hypocrites!

13 hours ago, Toni said:

what do you think is better in the long run for developing health and energy, qigong or taichi? 

Are you also getting real exercise? If so, then it doesn't really matter because both are usually really similar. If not, then exercise is better.

1 hour ago, joeblast said:

Trump lifting a faceless (Idontknow)-style sun print off of a tattered American Flag

Any more info on that?

14 minutes ago, ralis said:

...quote about subjects of totalitarian rule...

That's so true about MSNBC viewers.

2 minutes ago, Pilgrim said:

Was not my intention to double down on you but when the shoe fits well wearing it can be hard and if calling me stuped repeatedly makes you feel better then go ahead.

 

I paid for my ex-wifes student loans so honestly this pisses me off quite a bit and has little to do with you at all.

I'm getting pretty used to wearing these shoes lately, not only with this situation.

No hard feelings, I just didn't appreciate the response, and was hoping for a more rational discussion on the issues I brought up.

13 minutes ago, Pilgrim said:

And you reveal yourself as someone who can't stand the truth of his own irresponsibility and call others stupid?

I admitted my own stupidity in the first place. I just thought you were highly rude to double down on it after my own admitting of it.

Pretty stupid to behave that way, bud.

30 minutes ago, Pilgrim said:

It can also be eliminated by working for a living and going to school at night instead of taking out loans whose terms are clearly spelled out that you will never be able to afford.

 

You work and you get the best education you can afford and you become proficient in your career.

 

No one was ever forced to sign a loan agreement for school or anything else, choices have repercussions.

 

If you can’t afford it then you have no right to take out huge loans and not repay them.

 

If the interest rate is bad you don’t take the loan.

 

Why is common sense so uncommon?

 

For instance I am in the process of buying a house right now.

 

I have done my due diligence and broken all the lenders down and found the best deal.

 

I qualify for much more house than I am buying but am not stupid to take on more than I can support and pay the loan down swiftly so interest is not as great as it would be by lingering over the full term.

You're stupid enough to complain about other people pointlessly instead of thinking about solutions to a problem that affects everyone. But good job being financially responsible.

https://babylonbee.com/news/trump-loses-baptist-support-after-video-emerges-of-him-dancing?fbclid=IwAR07X5znFoxrbsgCHR50y0nTejZi2lRx9FkI3-S80drzBSB0ifGw8poe7gQ

4 minutes ago, Pilgrim said:

All I have to say to this is pay for your own fucking education just like I did no one gave me handouts and to do so is a mistake.

I think there might be a looming economic crisis around this issue, so it becomes a bigger deal than simply being about handouts.

I like the principle of paying what one owes (and I owe a LOT - 215k and rising).

I think debt forgiveness only helps some people. Didn't Elizabeth Warren say that everyone would get 10k in student loan forgiveness? That doesn't solve anyone's real problems. People close to being done paying their small loans down would be happy...but that's it.

With income based repayment, which most people in the higher numbers are on, the total owed keeps rising despite making the monthly payments agreed upon. That's a major problem, which I personally became aware of after having graduated! ...I'm not too good with math, okay?

Anyway, if there's actually an economic crisis looming because of this issue, and if the real problem is exorbitant amounts owed...then perhaps we can have it both ways. People pay what they borrowed, and student loans no longer being an economic issue.

This could be done by eliminating the interest rates.

9 minutes ago, C T said:

And I take that to mean that your quality of life has improved, meaning you feel confident in this style of leadership, and would like to see a second term? It should be quite obvious, but I just need to ask. 

Pretty sure we're all hoping to see a 6th term from this President.

25 minutes ago, C T said:

No leader worth his salt wilfully seeks to divide a country the way this current one is doing

I think it is true that he's doing this.

But the opposing side is absolutely bonkers, so I'm with him.

All of the various versions of the 18 lohan today aren't close to the original one, imo. We can get a sense of this by reading the Shaolin Encyclopedia.

There may have been a connection to the 18 lohar of kalari from India...but maybe not.

11 hours ago, Hag said:

If you really want to kill yourself, like it is your biggest dream, do it.

I wonder if it's against forum rules to encourage suicidal people to commit suicide? @dawei

A young woman was convicted for doing this very thing in the US.