Best Of

@marcitko said:
For some time now, to my mind, you have been far too often critical and harsh, towards several members, but apparently with a special focus on Jeroen. To my mind, Jeroen has been nothing but gracious and kind to you. I would have called you out far sooner than Jeroen, but even his calling you out was gracious and kind. Had he not called you out, I would have done so.

Trying to silence me?

For now, looking to hear what others think, and if they mostly agree that you've meandered into harrasment territory according to our ToS, looking for you to remedy your future postings on these boards a.k.a. limit the ad hominem personal attacks based on this or that perceived fault.

Thank you @marcitko, that more or less covers my feelings on the subject. I haven’t had to deal with this kind of targeted harassment since my days in school, and that from a Buddhist, no less. Back then my preferred method of settling things with a bully was meeting for a bout of fisticuffs, glad we don’t have to go through that kind of nonsense anymore. I’m sure that if @federica or @linc were not busy with their personal lives they would deal with it in their usual zero-tolerance manner.

On the subject of not being a Buddhist, I’m glad the community doesn’t hold to a rigid standard on this, admitting taoists, free thinkers and others. It’s a group of “new Buddhists” after all. I spent nearly a decade devoted to Buddhism, and I still follow many of it’s tenets, but found my heart took me in another direction.

On Right Speech, and especially kind speech, as @person mentioned it, I’ve always admired it and found it one of the most beautiful traits of Buddhists in general. I’ve associated Buddhism with gentleness and grace and eloquence, and long may these traits continue.

The Higher Self...Does it exist at all ?

Thus have I/eye heard/seen on the odd occasion:

The "higher self" and "lower self" are ultimately just mind-made concepts. They are empty of inherent existence.

The concepts of higher and lower self are complex, and fascinating. Tickling the intellect's fancy, intellectual entertainment for the ego. They are just another object for the mind to cling to, and thus, another form of delusion.

Awareness is fundamentally non-conceptual before thinking splits experience into subject and object... AKA The original mind's eye: what is seen before the seer (thoughts) arrives on the scene.

As the second most disagreeable member of the forum, I'll stand up for the importance of challenging people's opinions and stand against pitchfork mobs running people off.

I will, however, point out that part of Buddhism's right speech includes stating things in an agreeable manner and with a good intention. Perfection isn't what's important, or I'd be out on my ass, its the understanding and willingness to try.

Truthful speech: Speaking honestly and truthfully.
Kind speech: Using words that are friendly, benevolent, gentle, and endearing.
Beneficial speech: Speaking in a way that is useful and promotes well-being.
Timely speech: Speaking at the right time, considering whether the words will be helpful and whether it's the appropriate moment to say them.
Speech with goodwill: Speaking with a kind and benevolent intention, hoping for the best for all involved.
Noble silence: If one cannot speak in a way that is truthful, beneficial, and kind, it is better to remain silent.

@IdleChater said:
A real place - not some made-up metaphor. Is it found in the brain, the heart, the liver. Where does the self reside, and how do we find that place?

And I don't care what "Indian gurus" say.

Well...
What is it that does not care - self maybe?
The self resides wherever you place your attention.

Strangely enough that is also where Nirvana and samsara hang out, too.
And if that is unclear. What is unclear? The self maybe?

And now back to the Hire Self... oh wait that might be COD (Cash On Delivery) by No One...

@IdleChater said:
A real place - not some made-up metaphor. Is it found in the brain, the heart, the liver. Where does the self reside, and how do we find that place.

For something that’s less than real to look in a real place seems like a fool’s errand.
Metaphors and fingers pointing to the moon are all that is available in this search.

IdleChaser tell me, how is it that you show so little consideration? For a Buddhist your pattern of speech is decidedly unusual.

@IdleChater said:

@person said:

From what I remember you're in a Tibetan tradition. I have some familiarity, is it a Madhyamika school or a Yogacara?

Karma Kagyu

I mainly studied Gelug which in my understanding is more philosophically negating. From what I gather Kagyu and Nyigma both take a more positivist view regarding the ultimate nature of mind. They don't think of it or call it a self in any way, but I believe its known as Rigpa or primordial awareness.

I ask because this is my understanding, but your answer was a decided no, so maybe there's more to it than my semi outsider view.

A real place - not some made-up metaphor. Is it found in the brain, the heart, the liver. Where does the self reside, and how do we find that place?

And I don't care what "Indian gurus" say.