As we may know. Everything ch ch ch Changes. Click on the Vanilla logo at the base of this post. You will find we are now Open Source kindly hosted by @Linc.
You may have noticed upgrades AND you can have your own forum in a hosted Cloud. That will need paying for ...
I am sure there is a lesson in there somewhere ...
Comments
Change is inevitable suffering optional
I do believe in reincarnation. I do, I do. Idol or idle, we all are in the cycle ...
The Bowie as some of you may know, practised Buddhism and nearly became a monk but was talked out of it and became a music Diva instead ...
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14210092.david-bowie-almost-became-monk-scotland/
Dear Friends of Options,
My brain (pah!) partially works in instances of spurts. I honour its capacity by:
oh! look a butterfly/flutterby blog
https://rustyring.blogspot.com/2024/04/gone-gone.html
We've been on open source Vanilla since 2012 or so. 😅 Nothing's changed recently. I haven't even updated Vanilla in 2 years because the company was bought out and they made it harder to get the newer versions. I hope to move us to something new later this year, but I will give plenty of warning when I have a plan.
@Linc
I luvs a plan!
I am creating my own server. Hard!
Every day I have to learn new things. I have a website again (that become partially available yesterday). Am relearning how to use a hosted service, FTP and run a Linux I am unfamiliar with (Gnome on a stable Debian).
Most of the time I barely comprehend what or how I have managed to achieve anything.
Onward and Upward, Sideways and Inward
It's a great learning exercise. When it's time to run a site for others, I recommend a cost-effective managed hosting provider like Digital Ocean (which is what we use). Troubleshooting your own bespoke operating system & webserver configuration can quickly get out of control for a single person. Early on, we had a great many stability issues from that process and it distracts you from the work that matters. I daresay we wouldn't still have a functioning site if it was my own bespoke setup — important to future proof against yourself as well. As you say, everything changes.
I'm also willing to answer web & forum hosting questions to the best of my ability here; my only request is you use General Banter to mention me rather than a private message. (If I'm going to spend time dispensing free technical consulting I'd rather it at least be public for others to benefit from too.)
You bet your prize bot-chicken it gets out of hand. I need a hosted service for the next 400-500 years to prepare for the Maitriya. Believe it or not such a service is already in preparation and I have my claw on it ...
Working on it ...
https://spacehost.one/create
Being a Sangha based crustacean, I value the experience of @Linc and those who have gone before. I am moving towards a hosted servicing. As usual I expect:
I'll be on the shore line, with an umbrella based soft drink … if anyone does anything …
This is the best Buddhist forum I have been on, hosted or not been banned from (once I was a moderator and banned myself) Another forum I tried banning the owner, when made a moderator. They were not amused …
Most forums are the blind leading the blind. Which is fine if you are just here for a better dream. With that in mind what can and will we change?
My responsibility (believe it or not) is to ensure those on the far shore realise it is the near shore. Now the Mahayana NewBuddhist starts swimming …
time for update:
Neh-heh...
As a Mahayana Buddhist, I have learned to swim, sail, and walk on water. Although, walking across a shallow land bridge or pontoon bridge really isn't walking on water, but, hey, there is still the ferry.
Besides, the water is fine and the wind is balmy and fun.
Good swimming! Good sailing!
Peace to all.
Peace to ye olde and young in spirit if not in practice @Lionduck
There ARE NOT many Buddhists on the Fediverse. Though you can, if you wish connect from mastodon to dying places they may be. For example here, Reddit, twitter, facebook etc.
If using a phone you can use mastodon apps for Android phones or Iphones.
I have never met so many smart and kind people. They put up with me! That takes some strong patience. Many of the best are worthwhile-wounded, crazy-smart and elders of the Internet. Diverse, across genders, politics, locations, races etc.
It is like Tantra. Hard. Like Zen, severe. Like the Tao, changeable at a moments notice.
The point is the servers are all sorts, all over the interweb with olde and brand new computers or practically nothing but an old phone. It is chaos and order. Fire and steam. Lonely and friendly. Fascinating. I luvs it.
https://fedi.tips/using-multiple-accounts-on-mastodon-and-the-fediverse/
Always be curious
Never stop seeking
Never stop learning
Never stop trying
Life is a challenge
Life is a great adventure
Do not worry about your seeking, your personal practice, not being pure - perfect.
It is in the seeking, the stumbling,the learning, the trying that we grow.
in this sense, the voyage is the goal. In climbing a mountain, reaching the peak is mearly the sign that marks your advance. After all, once reaching the peak, behold, more mountains. Beautiful!
Peace to all
@Linc
Well that US provider 'Digital Ocean' was a complete waste of time.
After wasting my time with
Not for me
So will try something else, in time
Appreciate advice though
Have been recommended this hosting service
https://masto.host/
Hopefully I can set something up very soon.
Just to update:
Tried this green tech hosting 'service'
Followed all their procedures
and then got locked out as they 'updated their 'services' as I was busy trying to set up payment and following their in web browser support.
Another waste of time and effort. Unbelievable.
Used by all kinds of groups and companies. But me? No!
https://krystal.io/
Back to the Beginners corner for lobster...
I thought Krystal looked really good? Maybe they are worth another try…
Yes @jeroen they look good BUT I went through the involved enrolment procedure twice. They were asking far too much information but I gave it.
Then we went to pay. That went through OK, using a very convoluted route using a phone link, ID number etc.
Then when payment was OK. They shut down their 9-5 helpline at 3.30 PM on a Thursday weekday. Despite having servers in London, Europe and America.
Now pardon me BUT if a company can not even take your money. Maintain a helpline AND when asked what the situation is...
Silence!
No email! No info on their site about service times.
What does that tell you? It sends me an all too clear signal.
Hmm it doesn’t sound too good, you’re right.
Maybe have a look here:
https://www.ukwebhostreview.com/
Just a reminder that, new services, sites (to you) should be researched carefully prior to engaging them. There are too, too many who, it urns out can't or won't provide services as advertised. Be curious, be adventurous, but also be cautious. When you find the gem in the rubble, then you can celebrate a successful hunt.
Peace to all
Update:
Well I am in contact with about half a dozen at Krystal now. They are trying to sort out what happened. They definitely seem to exist. Which is more than some enlightened zenith's claim. 💎
I like Krystal’s client list, which includes the NHS (National Health Service) and may go visit their server facility in London.
I have given them more info to trace my enrolment. I have a feeling their outsourced payment procedure screwed up.
It is not easy being green! ~ Kermit Frog
Bonus Track:
Thanks to everyone. Updates:
Thanks @Jeroen good advice… ❣️
This is the sort of conduct we will use.
Of course the below is overly complicated. Not for example allowing skilful wrathful practice.
It usually comes down to
Be Kind. Be Civil. Be Sane.
====
Inclusivity Statement
Dolgyal Public Statement
Student Code of Conduct
Jamyang London Buddhist Centre
The Old Courthouse
43 Renfrew Road
London, SE11 4NA, UK
welcome@jamyang.co.uk
Latest news:
Pray for us beginners
I'll start.
OM YA HA HUM
I have set up a website @Linc and everyone,
Not quite what I expected or was aiming for
This is the temp test site. May have to be replaced. Bit of a mess.
https://mettaray.com/
Here is the questions section
https://mettaray.com/questions/
I also have a new email address
lobster@mettaray.com
I have it for a couple of years if I survive that long.
OM YA HA HUM
Lol @lobster … why would you not survive?
Loved your questions, especially “how would we help save England and the World?”
@Jeroen
lobsters get barbecued, fished and phished AND are prone to death at any time...
I think you can add your own questions.
Now working on the blog... bit of a mess to start with
You can admin it and change anyway you want if that is of interest?
... or I might be able to make you a co-blogger if that is preferred?
https://mettaray.com/blog/
It is based on WordPress blogs AND I believe WordPress is available to follow from Mastodon social media. So... the future is on its way...
Now to do a blog post, update etc...
OK early days but the blog is a bit better. In fact better than the web page
I feel I am slowly getting somewhere...
@Shoshin1 instead of advocating pre-emptive (aka very wrathful Tantra) might prefer to have a voice on the blog?
I have to watch my wrathful side. If it gets out of hand, throw me on the nearest barbie...
Just to keep everyone up to date:
I'm sorry.... WHAT - ?!
Reality and peoples realities are in flux. There are good people here. Good intentions. I have taken and am taking a long time to create something of 'spiritual' value.
Sense and what emerges is part of the journey. Wot is a good question. As is @how and link aka #Linc. The truth is I do not know what...
I agree with you @lobster, creating something of spiritual value is very worthwhile and beneficial for the world.
I am trying to do the same thing by contributing to Buddhist forums and by writing a series of autobiographical articles for an Osho site.
I thought about creating a website for a long time, but I had difficulty finding reasons for people to visit the site… I’ve tried writing blogs in the past, and had visitor numbers in the order of five or ten people for most pieces, a hundred for one popular piece. So I thought I would experiment first with some attempts to write articles, and see if I can create something worthwhile that way first.
In Buddhist terms, mostly of value for us.
So for example:
I just tried and will need more time to create a free education portal. The software documentation is mostly in Spanish but is free under a GNU licence.
This is where, as with a wiki, forum, blog or Free Education on meditation technique, takes shape. Collaboratively.
Those who have experiences to share can in the process:
1. gain karmic merit (I need all the points available)
2. learn what they know
3. provide an opportunity to progress through The Great Work, as the alchemists call it...
cructacean2@protonmail.com for those with idle thoughts and input
Thus have I heard
Change is inevitable, suffering optional
I start change from and with the individual.
Today I changed my mind. I wasn't using it, so no great loss… 😌🏴☠️✔️
This is going to sound ridiculous BUT it took me an hour to add
this ye old website link
https://cundi.weebly.com/yidam.html
...to my new one:
https://mettaray.com
AN HOUR! [rant, fume and feet stomping]
Could I add a picture? No! (no laughing at the back please)
Could I give a short synopsis (obviously that would be too simplistic)
Learning SIMPLE these days, is too hard!
In techie terms there are three types of security experts
but I am not really even capable of being a redhat (sold for billions) user of Fedora Linux.
Black hat (what most would term a hacker or breaker/tester of security), and other more benevolent types, not my type of TOR browsing...
I prefer to be as open as my software should be BUT can not be these days because of AI, scammers and cyberwars between states and private companies.
I am ranting, complaining and... thanks for listening
Time for a cup of tea and breakfast. Hope I can get the fridge open, without a password or keycode...
Update:
1. Managed a Qi-Ong session
2. Managed to get into the fridge
3. Birds are tweeting, in sweet bay outside my window
4. Window open for fresh air
5. Another day of greys (not aliens incidentally) and unfoldment
Morning @lobster
I think a rant a day keeps the fisherman away! You just enjoy your new website, try out a few templates… my life is also changing a bit, I am writing an autobiographical series of web articles for an Osho blog… yesterday I was walking with my father yesterday on the heather, was very good for my dickie knee. Still looking after my mother, she is resting in the hospital and being looked after by teams of doctors.
My website as foretold by the fairies, imps and flutterbys is slowly emerging from its cacoon. Oh yeah!
mettaray.com
@Jeroen you are welcome to have space to blog about your experiences. It might take me a while to set you up. BUT I will persist...
Today I lost two posts on social media. Not here.
I am unfurious. Because they are gone. Never to be seen again. Probably not the wisest things ever said.
Imagine though if they were triggers to someones awokingness... In which case they were priceless.
I can not remember them, mainly because I am not attached to them but not detached enough to know the fault was not mine. Computers, internet, AI. Stoopid or not?
More stupid than me for sure!