stirling

Nagarjuna is pointing at emptiness - "non-dual 2". Not entirely sure what you mean here, but a realization of "emptiness" changes our understanding of literally everything. I like to use the simplified axis of time/space/self. What does it mean if there are no dualities in these aspects? What if there is no: self/other, here/there, now/then? Yes, you can only understand this through experience. It is not an intellectual understanding... no book, talk, or picture will ever express it or impart its knowledge. Yes, compassion without beings... love without an object. All of this and much more. Ask more specific questions and you might get more specific answers. What do you really want to know?

I honestly don't WANT to ban you, and it isn't up to me anyway... we cycle these things through the admin group. Whether you are banned or not isn't about what I want or think, it is ultimately up to you.

I am awake and aware in this moment. That is the closest to reality you are going to get. Beyond that, I read the news every morning. How do you know "what is happening"?

Bob, I've hidden your post because it violates board policy. You know why. We limited this type of conversation partially because of your comments and complaints about it, now it is YOU who are actively working to create anger and dissension. Stop creating work for the admins. Please recognize and honor the fact that we have acted on your complaints. If you can't help yourself, take a break. Or, perhaps post where it is appropriate... there are countless places to comment on this topic and read about it if you need an outlet. This is the last friendly warning. I just looked - you have zero warning points. Let's keep it that way. The next step will be a temporary ban. Please, let's not do that.

I know what is happening, and have friends that I discuss it with, mostly in broad terms. Having people to constructively talk to is a real luxury. Listening to Canadian radio (CBC 1) and BBC World Service instead of our media has been helpful. I make a difference where the local and temporal conditions make it possible, focusing on individuals primarily. I don’t worry about what I can’t respond to - that way lies madness, in my opinion.

Janneke was definitely a thoughtful, calm, and reasoned influence on so many threads. Seeing Blue Eyed Snake on a thread posting was always a welcome sight. Deep Deep Bows, Janneke. _/\_

I hope you know that the admins here are not your enemies. We don't all have huge amounts of free time to read, evaluate, and respond to EVERY post. Our hope is for a thoughtful, frictionless exchange of ideas in a peaceable, kindly spoken environment. Most of the threads and posts that get looked into are reported. If you see one that needs attention, please report it. If you feel you need to create one that needs attention, please don't. - Are you OK, Bob? Do you have anyone you can talk to about your feelings around what is going on in the world? You seem to be really struggling. Feel free to PM me if you need to check in with someone. _/\_

Hello Student Z, and welcome to the forum!