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Hammer, nail, screwdriver... know them as mere labels. Labels do not have intrinsic reality. A melted substance is still a substance. While it may have altered its form, its potential remains valid and cannot be said to be formless. The -ness aspect is always present, regardless of what it transforms out of or in to. The thusness of things makes allowance for expansive non-dual insights to arise. This insight is a prerequisite to gnow beyond fabrications of subject/object separations. Without it, we are stuck within a paradigm where superficial appearances are regarded as permanent and unchanging, which in effect is a type of delusion because the assumption is that we bums at least acknowledge the truth of change permeating all of existence.

No probs. I didn't find your objections meaningful either. A reiteration: the label 'hammer' is a conventional designate. As are all labels for the myriad things in existence. It's impossible to argue about a thing's existence/non existence and logical positions based on labels alone. A hammer contains numerous non-hammer properties. A conglomeration process needs to happen; various other things needs to come together for a hammer to materialise. No magic involved. So a hammer is a hammer only by convention. On an absolute basis, it can only be said to have a certain 'hammer-ness' about it. Say it were to be melted and returned to its base property. This in no way negates its hammer-ness.

Like something you'd see at an Austin Powers partay "Shyqedelic, babyy"

I believe they are natural, though in today's world, it will come as no surprise that some (most?) commercially sourced fruits, including both the yellow and red melons, may indeed be exposed to some form of tinkering or other. (Unpopular opinion?) Some interesting watermelon trivia https://www.thespruceeats.com/types-of-watermelon-1807870#:~:text=We are most familiar with,%2C and yellow-orange fleshed. Apparently the earliest cultivated melons were of the yellow variety.

Did you enjoy it? Any noticeable difference in taste? Where I am, both red and yellow-fleshed watermelons are readily available, but I think the red is more popular.

Thank you for the question, Daniel. A hammer has conventional designates. Depending on the user, really, a hammer can also 'be' many other things. Is a hammer still a hammer when it's used as a door-stop? What is it when it's lying in the toolbox? One who employs the hammer as a tool to hit nails with and another who uses it as a doorstop could well have an endless debate over nothing because ultimately, there's really only expressions of various applications of this particular object. But human tendencies and habits often gets in the way of validating the nuances and the limitless potential of the essence behind the mere appearance of an object (in this case, the hammer). So it can be said that a hammer is both a hammer (conventional truth) and not a hammer (ultimate truth) simultaneously. To go beyond... means when it's no longer in use, we must know to put it away. This is crucial. We mustn't make the common mistake of assigning more importance to anything than is necessary. Then a tool ends up being a burden or an obstacle. Or worse, we falsely identify with and make assertions over what is basically something that possesses nothing other than a mere label. "My label is more accurately assigned than your label." Ridiculous, isn't it?

That's correct, because I am of the view this bliss spoken of... it transcends the limits of the body-mind, a transpersonal entry into the Christian-equivalent of a "peace beyond (*mundane*) understanding." (Philippians 4:7). **my emphasis

Thanks I guess, for proving my earlier point about having a convoluted understanding around the notion of perpetual bliss from a Buddhist perspective. Your refusal to accept this shortcoming is most telling, but don't worry, you're not the first on TDB, and rest assured won't be the last. I think you're more interested in your own perceived though very much unfounded 'brilliance' at twirling words (see your replies to Daniel and Mark) to dress them up daintily in a vain attempt to hide your ignorance.

Too bad. You could've learnt something useful. Cest la vie.

Whenever the notion of "not self/non-self/no self" arises per discussions within a Buddhist context, it is imperative to support/enhance the convo by including at least a basic understanding of the Two Truths as propounded by Nagarjuna. https://www.learnreligions.com/doctrine-of-the-two-truths-450002 @Daniel

Hogweed-ridden heart the tea lady from Hogwarts Peter Pan's cousin

Quite certain that avoidance and suppression are regarded as obstacles on the Buddhist path. Misunderstandings are rife, even among Buddhists. Especially on the subject of suffering and bliss. People tend to equate bliss as a certain state that one aspires to, or an end point after many months or years of cultivation and practicing various austerities. Sure, doing these things may produce varying degrees of well-being, some of which may indeed produce bliss-like sensations, but the way I see it, the Bliss associated with nirvana is a direct consequence of realising the sweet spot between the extremes of views that lead ultimately to eternalistic or nihilistic conclusions. So resting in the space between Is and Is Not is imperative. Analogous to dwelling constantly in anticipation of reaching a climax without actually succumbing to it... Those who are passionate about something... be it a hobby, art, spiritual practice, a mundane or exalted calling... anything... find inexpressible joy in involvement with their passion, both in activity and out of it. This joy cascades as a proleptic process, not just in a culmination of effort. Take angling as a simplistic example. Any ardent, devoted angler will take great pleasure and anticipation in the whole game of fishing, from chatting and exchanging stories with fellow anglers, organising their kit, scouting for new fishing marks, preparing appropriate transportation, weather and tide reports, ensuring enough supply of bait, making sure the cat has sufficient food and water while he's away for probably an extended period, the arrival, setting up camp, and everything else... down to the finest details. In fact, landing a prized specimen isn't even the sole motivation - what ignites the passion and keeps it burning is the thrill of the potential of landing the catch of a lifetime. In this analogy, its clear there is a type of bliss happening, one where an exact starting and ending point cannot be ascertained since the process that keeps this passion alive doesn't have a beginning, and as long as the angler remains enthused, the fire will keep burning. There's a perpetuity. Spiritual practice that is suffused with bliss is imbued with a similar dynamic. Anyone who's got a passion for something, even meditation, will hopefully find this relatable. (Apologies for the drawn-out, wordy reply... a horrid habit that resurfaces from time to time)

What advice do you have for those who do not ascribe to this notion of grace? What's your personal experience of it?