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I, Brian I appreciate what you're trying to do and there are people who like the knockabout type of debate that happens here. I don't find it particularly useful. I've been an atheist, I've studied the world through the portal of science, I've looked at a lot of new age stuff and buddhism, I've...

Actually there´s a lot in Raksha´s story but because you literally have your hands over your eyes and ears you can´t see it or hear it. I will pursue it but because of the likes and you and Tao the disussion will be private.

It´s a special talent. But then again, I don´t have my hand over my eyes, it makes it easier.

I´m not credulous not by a long way but I can recognise sincerity when I see it. And Tao is a guy who replies only to the points he believes he can knock down. The rest he ignores. He never says he doesn´t know. He´s selective and cynical and he´s sure he´s right. I think zealot is the correct...

Whatever it is/was that stimulated you to your experience I hope that it brings about positive thinking for you and that you can draw strength from it. It maybe you value the experience but at some point, when you are ready, try looking at it as I would. You see this is what I mean as...

I guess patronising is the most polite word that springs to mind. There is a problem here that real discussions about personal experiences are very difficult to maintain because there´s always a materalist-evangelist lying in wait to explain that a scientist hasn´t given the seal of approval...

Whatever the explanation it sounds like you turned around and bumped right into yourself. In general I think we're very attached to the security of our seeming solidity and when this is threatened by unwanted perceptions or realizations we tend to retreat or rationalise things away. So it's...

It's an exceptional person who can be truly kind. It's an equally exceptional person who can accept true kindness. This has nothing to do with the priesthood or religion per se. It's about a person's capacity to give and receive but I do think that to be open to that which is not subjectively...

I haven't read the complete thread and I've never used so-called mind altering drugs but ... There seems to be an assumption behind the thread that there's a matter/spirit duality. I'd say there are just types of consciousness (not levels), one of which makes the dualism seem very real. If...

Raksha, This is very interesting because it's a bit like looking in the mirror and saying, 'that's really me' as opposed to just seeing an image that's kind of unreal. It's as though we are wilfully ignorant or afraid to know who or what we really are. You caught a glimpse of the reality...

I'd go a step further than earl and say also our perception of scientific law is filtered through consciousness and therefore whether it's accurate or not is uncertain. Gravity is an interesting example because as far as I know the explanation of how and why it functions has changed...

Tao, you misunderstand completely. My reason in being involved in debate or discussion is not to win an argument or convince you (or anybody else), it's for my own clarification. I don't see the world as I did 1 year ago and in 1 years time I don't expect to see it as I do now. I don't claim...

Absolutely Earl, the closed mind is closed whatever its starting point. Our greatest enemy is complete certainty.

Okay, you are not a Dawkinite so stop talking about memes - Dawkins' unverifiable theory of how and why religious (and other) ideas spread. By the way my chagrin exists only in your head. I'm not so much talking about your conclusions as how you arrive at them. You are not objective, not even...

Yes, it's an interesting interview illustrating very well a few points relevant in this thread - you don't have to choose between science and spirituality, evidence does not speak for itself rather it is interpreted in line with a particular world view, there is scientific evidence for a...

Yes, but the majority rarely resists the desires of the rulers and usually supports or acquiesces - indifference is the norm and the reason why the majority are so easily dominated.

Tao, You see this is the real lie, the idea that you can somehow escape every process that you attribute to everyone else. You and Dick Dawkins have an objective view but everyone else is emotional, subjective, deluded etc. Dawkin's view of the meme that you quote is a completely speculative...

Also Tao, Could you provide some links or references to show how and when science has 'proven' there is no higher self. Personally I think the 'higher self' idea is pretty dubious but I'm also pretty sure science has never directly addressed this question. The usual argument is that there is...

I think the use of a word like 'uplifting' is very loaded given your overall argument. After all isn't this just some chemical process taking place in your brain? I'm inclined to ask if you feel 'uplifted' (just another emotion) then so what? Also wouldn't it be more precise to say you...

Why are they bothering to do the experiments? Why aren't they out having a good time? They only have a few years, if that, then they, like you, will disappear forever. So why do you waste precious time posting here?