[Blazingmonga]

I do however believe in ghosts. I've had quite a few experiences with them, that I can't just shrug off. Including one pinning me down and talking to me, which was HIGHLY strange. I realise I may sound crazy.

Sounds like sleep paralysis to me. Do you know what this is?

A bout if it in my late teens changed my view of the universe completely.

I guessed I kinda mistitled the thread, but I thought it would do.

Entropy - Thats an intense post I can totally see where you are coming from for most of it. I realise karma is a little hmm. Subjective? And you can definitely imagine it and put it down to things which just... Make physical sense? Rather than a 'spiritual' balance. Same as I agree that our minds are not a perfect measure of reality. I think if it was, we would have a completely different understanding on everything. Or our race would turn insane. I don't disagree with you on ghosts existing though. I think there is just a little too much 'coincidence' to say that they can't exist. God(s) I'm not so sure on. I don't believe, but I don't disbelieve either.

Man's moral sense is something that intrigues me as well. Like you said, there can't really be a 'good' and a 'evil' as everyone perception on it is different. What may be good to one person, could be condsidered as evil to someone else. More and more frequently I seem to be comparing human behaviour to that of animals. After all, that's what we basically are at the end of the day.

And yes. Earth is extraordinarily insignificant compared to the size of the universe. Although, we are at a interesting point in our development. As far as we know at the moment, we are the only planet with life on. I do not doubt the fact that there are other planets with life on. And I am very interested in what else is out there.

Meopsis - Have you looking into Lucid Dreaming at all? Thats all about being conscious while asleep, taking control of dreams, and things like that. It's really interesting stuff to look into.

Monga - Yep. I've heard of sleep paralysis before. I think I experienced it once before, but it was totally different what what happened on that night. I wouldn't deny the fact that it could of been, but at the point I was in, I guess it seemed... Coincidental? But then, I suppose its just as easily my brain reinforcing what I wanted to hear.
It's quite interesting stuff though.

Good thread.
Essentially everything written here is true I think, as perception creates reality in my view. What you want to believe will eventually become your reality.
But how far does a theory such as that extend? Is our entire reality completely subjective, experiencing only itself? When you think about the predictions of many modern physics theories it seems to confirm the distinct possibilty that there is an infinite number of parallel universes existing simultaneously. Perhaps with proper study and meditation it's possible for each living creature to become their own God. With this 3rd dimensional "reality" simply being a shadow of our own true forms in a higher level of existence.

The problem for me with this kind of thinking is coming to some kind of conclusion. I'm not sure it's possible. Any true understanding of this world would probably result in or be a result of leaving this plane of existence forever. Or dying as it's more commonly known.

The sad thing really is not the fact that I'm failing once again to express exactly what I'm trying to say but that this whole world seems to actively discourage the kind of mental state a person needs to be in to really understand what the Hell it all means to exist at all. If only we could retain the wonder and freedom of mind we had as kids. Before it was introduced to such concepts as govern our existence now.
Now I'm just a guy sitting alone, in a room full of people. Wondering why they're all staring at me funny.

Cool post.

Do you believe in existence of some form after death? (ut wasthe kinda feeling I got from your post) It makes sense. You can't destroy energy, so it's got to go/end up somewhere. It would be interesting to see where the human kind wold be if 'freedom of thinking' was not restricted. I'm sure it would be certainly chaotic. Or would there be some form of universal connected peace?

Robvondoom: No, I'm fairly sure I understand what you mean. And I agree that the mindset lots of people have today as 'adults' or whatnot is actually very detrimental. Even the extremely common idea of lowering your expectations so you aren't disappointed I find kind of amusing and totally backwards.

~Josiah

Also, I don't know if anyone in any other country has a program like this, but in the UK we have this show called 'Most Haunted'. It's the most overblown, ham-acted piece of propaganda drivel I have ever seen. Two overpaid presenters and a camera crew go into the basement of an abandoned, un-insulated house built of stone and say 'oooh it's cold there must be ghosts!!' They enter houses that have been undisturbed for decades and then when the place starts collapsing around them i.e. bits falling from the ceiling, drafts moving small objects across the floor, they get all scared and screamy thinking that dead people are the cause of things that are simply explained by lack looking at the neglect of the building they're in. It's ridiculous! No such thing as ghosts. But there is attention seeking media personalities haunting our quiet villages looking for fame and fortune.

I think I've saw it on youtube, probably mocked by Charlie Brooker. It really is among dumbest shows I can imagine.

As for my ontologic views, I think we're walking machines built of meat, who walk around a bit then rot. Energy doesn't vanish, it's just used to make another meat-robots. Information and matter just cricles around in this meaty, moist environment. Rest of the potential question is obviously answered by 42.

Cool post.

Do you believe in existence of some form after death? (ut wasthe kinda feeling I got from your post) It makes sense. You can't destroy energy, so it's got to go/end up somewhere. It would be interesting to see where the human kind wold be if 'freedom of thinking' was not restricted. I'm sure it would be certainly chaotic. Or would there be some form of universal connected peace?

I certainly hope for it. But in a way that kind of makes sense to me. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart so I'm dreaming of the finale of the Fountain style cosmic release. When all the possible versions of yourself in the infinite realities surrounding us have expired and the whole self collapses back into one. And there are no more questions, no more doubts, no more pain and confusion. Just light and sound and an eternity to know it all. That's on my good days.

On my bad days I feel more like Schrodingers Cat. With the sense that even if I'm right who's to say that the most enlightened state imaginable to us is worth anything in the grand scheme of things.
That's where Dev comes in. Cause for me his music expresses both sides of the coin. Often in the same Song. Color your World for instance is the one I always go to to try and make sense of my mind. That sense of my intelligence being constantly attacked by my own mentality and the mentality of those around me.

So to answer in my usual rambling, ranty way. Some days I think the human race is essentially good and is easily capable of giving birth to it's own collective consciousness and forging a path of quite fuckin' beautiful things in the future, and on others I think we're just mumbling degenerate animals out to grab our piece of the pie and damn the consequences. As long as people allow themselves to be governed, coerced and taught how to behave, believing in whatever bullshit is put in front of them and settling for mediocrity or worse then the human race will never grow in any way other than how our technology allows us.

And then some days I wonder. Is thinking strongly enough about something, enough to make it happen.

Holy shit, I'm starting to sound like Johnny the Homicidal Maniac. That can't be good.
Plus I think I just answered a question with a question.

As for my ontologic views, I think we're walking machines built of meat, who walk around a bit then rot. Energy doesn't vanish, it's just used to make another meat-robots. Information and matter just cricles around in this meaty, moist environment. Rest of the potential question is obviously answered by 42.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

even if I'm right who's to say that the most enlightened state imaginable to us is worth anything in the grand scheme of things

I've always found this a little puzzling personally, because I have no problem with that. I, myself, don't really have a need to be noticed and remembered by the infinite universe for all time, which isn't meant to sound condescending at all, it's just a worry I've noticed a lot in people. Don't you think it might be a little overwhelming to be that popular? I want to make my craft, lead a happy life, make others around me happy, and sure, being remembered would be real nice. But I find it hard to be consumed by cosmic insignificance.

Is thinking strongly enough about something, enough to make it happen.

I would say definitely yes, but that's only a part of it.

~Josiah

We don't know what the grand scheme of things are, though, so I don't see a problem in trying to feel enlightened;Its one of the most powerful feeling there is. I've rarely experienced it without the aid of certain substances, however. The feeling I usually get is a sort of connection to EVERYTHING- like everything is alive and I can relate to it all...The important thing is: We only live OUR lives-no one else's. I don't know if any of you even exist. Therefore, trying to make the best of your situation only seems logical despite what grand schemes may or may not be. I guess I'm a little greedy- I only do things for myself- but I enjoy make others' lives better so I see no problem with it.

Is thinking strongly enough about something, enough to make it happen.

I would say definitely yes, but that's only a part of it.

~Josiah

I think it was Buddha that said, " With our thoughts we make the world."

Is thinking strongly enough about something, enough to make it happen.

I would say definitely yes, but that's only a part of it.

~Josiah

I think it was Buddha that said, " With our thoughts we make the world."

Yep! Exactly

~Josiah

Ah, I think you misunderstood me. But only slightly.
I don't really wish for cosmic significance, Hell I can't attain basic signifigance. My issue stems from the idea that Death may be the ultimate release. Leaving your soul and spirit free. What if it's not? Even taking into consideration such things as Karmaic reincarnation. What if the height of perfection in a human soul results in nothing more than a slight upgrade in your experience of existence. Kinda like going to Heaven and finding out God's a bit of a prick.

I don't want to master the universe, I would just like to have the things that stop me from peacefully knowing and understanding it taken away. And my hope is that death is at least a step in the right direction towards that goal. An improvement of some kind.

However, the idea of simply disappearing and not existing does bother me. Not in the sense that "Oh my God, people might not know I was alive" but from the philosophical stand point of what the Hell happens to my consciousness if we simply rot in the ground. The human mind I think cannot conceive of existence without itself because it's own processes are the only absolutes available to us. And if they stop at death then why are they there in the first place.

The fact we have thought at all seems to predict some kind of special purpose for us as beings in general, and yet it's that fact that's lead us to determine that we are not special in any way. Just lucky. Like the lens flare in the picture of Earth taken by Voyager on the Edge of the Solar system. Making Earth appear to be settled on some great illuminated path. Thinking is overated perhaps.

Hmmm... Your post has just made me think of something I've not thought of before.

I've always thought there must be some kind of existence after Death. And this bothers me a little sometimes. Because its the sense of... Being 'immortal' I guess. I can drive myself insane enough with my thoughts as is, but living for them well... Forever? It seems like an impossible task, and it frightens me a little...

If there is 'nothing' after Death... Then surely, in a sense, is the greatest form? Nothing to think about, nothing to worry about... Just, peace.

Oooh I feel all freaked out now.

Heh heh, it depends what you perceive as being peaceful.

Ah the mind, it toys with us for it's pleasure.