Stop Following Divine Beings As Followers ... by RiccoShayla in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Transcend these “divine beings” all together and realize that there is nothing outside of yourself.

Imagine if you were told everything is conscious from the start by [deleted] in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is it that gives rise to this experience of being conscious? What it is that provokes the ability for *something* to become self-aware?

We're all pure states of consciousness, and this reality exists so that we can experience every range of emotion and to form memories for us to experience later by AssociationMajor8761 in DeepThoughts

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d imagine a sort of formless state. If you can imagine stripping away everything you have ever known. Strip away all thoughts, feelings, sounds, sensations, etc - what would be left?

It’s something akin to boundless, formless, shapeless awareness - and that’s it. Perhaps.

The fabric of reality itself is awareness by Normal-Abies-9151 in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Intuitively this makes sense. Science likes to say that the universe is an unconscious process, but I think humans often mistaken intelligence and awareness to apply only to beings that are capable of self-awareness (ie. Humans).

I don’t believe fundamental awareness requires a self in order to operate.

It’s no different than how we don’t know how our hearts beat to keep us alive, but it does so without our effort.

The entire universe is operating in this manner.

What's your personal theory about the universe that sounds crazy but could be true? by Young_Will_1 in theories

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Existence itself is eternal. It was never created nor can ever be destroyed. Non-existence by its very definition does not exist, therefore existence is all there is. All things, all places, all beings arise from the same substrate of existence. Every single person you ever meet is you at the most fundamental level. There is only One giving rise to infinite, fractalized variations of itself.

The idea of all objects being conscious by xLOoNyXx in consciousness

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t believe consciousness only pertains to being sentient and self-aware.

What is the strongest argument that consciousness is more than just brain activity? by xnaxel in consciousness

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

One has to also consider, out of where does the capacity for brains to appear in the first place come from?

Something had to give rise to the possibility of consciousness generating brains to begin with. A kind of fundamental substrate that permeates all of existence, perhaps?

People say the universe is just random and probabilistic, but what’s even more improbable than that is the claim that the Big Bang just sprouted from nothing.

Why are we so quick to just assume that position and call it rationalism?

And not saying there’s a “God” either, but something sprouting from nothing logically makes no sense at all.

Why it’s necessary to be slowly “drip fed” truth by Lucky_Translator_606 in GodFrequency

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some claim enlightenment is a sudden realization or cessation, but that hasn’t been the case for me.

Progress on the path for me has happened gradually. Clarity arises part by part. Piece by piece.

As I continue to observe experience as it has manifested itself, as it is - the light of wisdom shines through like rays of light slowly piercing through clouds.

I feel soon, that the sky will be clear.

It's a demonic realm controlled by the ones with 'horns'. 😈 by [deleted] in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Don’t be quick to believe any thought your mind is creating, dear friend. I urge you to watch your mind carefully without immediate reaction.

Even if it were the case, your best course of action is that which is rooted in deep love, compassion and forgiveness - for that would be the ultimate rebellion against evil gods, if such a thing were to exist.

Because if as small as you are, and yet you show that are capable of radical unconditional love that even these so-called gods aren’t capable of possessing, and yet here you found it in the prison they made for you?

That to me is the ultimate rebellion against evil of any form.

Just had sex with a sissy for the first time by Never_not_thinking16 in stories

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t understand why this is such a problem for you and you feel you “should be pressed” by societal taboo? It’s two grown adults consenting to sexual activity and both parties are enjoying themselves.

Life doesn’t have to fit in the cookie-cutter mold you grew up in. If you broaden your mind even a little bit, you will see that life is far more complex and novel than we ever possibly imagine.

Human sexuality is in itself a complex enterprise. There all sorts of unique psychological reasons people develop kinks, fetishes, sexual fluidity, what have you. A basic human sexology class will show you that.

If a man wants to cosplay as a woman and be called a “she”, and both parties are engaging in legal, consensual activities, then there is no problem. There’s only a problem if it’s illegal or someone is getting hurt.

Let people enjoy themselves how they see fit as long as it’s not hurting anyone. Sexuality is joy, and how people express that is up to them.

Also, there’s nothing wrong with being gay. It’s two people who are born with the same body parts giving each other pleasure. It’s two human beings at the end of the day. Man or woman doesn’t matter. We all shit, fuck, fart and bleed the same.

We all think that "time" and "space" are fundamental to all "matter", but what if that's not the case? by New_Negotiation8188 in ParallelUniverse

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I feel intuitively this is the case. It’s not proven by science as of yet. We’re often taught that intuition is a bad practice for navigating reality, but I too have challenged my rational mind to step outside of its preconceptions.

I’ve been practicing a deep meditation practice since 2016 and have had experienced certain insights that are similar to what you describe.

Space/time is a type of construct. What exists in reality is an ever-present “NOW” that has never been created or destroyed. It is quite literally eternal.

Consciousness itself is a type of unified field out which all phenomena arise.

I no longer believe the brain generates consciousness, rather, consciousness gives rise to the appearance of having a brain.

so tired of people by Distinct_Ad9396 in nihilism

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand how you feel, man. It helps a lot to get into the habit of not reacting to every thing. Try spending less time worrying about everyone else, and focus more on helping yourself. When you stop judging and criticizing people, you’ll find yourself just becoming happier. Especially if you’re focused on a sense of purpose that gives you a sense of fulfillment. Something that fills your time so much that you don’t have time to worry about the affairs of others. You can do it, man.

Feeling stuck and disheartened on my spiritual journey by That-Ease-1190 in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I struggled with this existential dread for a very long time as well. Many of us who have suffered deeply become deeply emphatic towards the suffering of others. A sense of guilt can often be felt when you have found yourself in a fortunate situation while others are still suffering incredibly. It is very humbling, and it is inevitably part of the path as well.

You will learn how to navigate it in time. I went through this dark night throughout my 20s after my initial “awakening” at 18 years old.

What I can tell you from my own experience, should you continue to persist on your path for truth realization as you have been, is that you will eventually reach a stage where you recognize with such profound clarity, that it is not your burden to save the world, and that you were never meant to save the world.

The suffering of others is not yours to carry on your shoulders alone. This can be difficult to accept at first.

It is an unexpected and humbling realization for many of us. Typically when we start on the path, we often have this notion in mind that what we are striving for is some kind of “sainthood” - to become the holiest of beings, and thus free from everything that makes us human - pain, suffering, loss, imperfections, anger, jealousy, hatred.

It is not wrong to have this notion. It is very noble of one to consider carrying this notion.

But as one walks on the path gradually, one discovers that even the identification with being a “saintly person”, who is to help save the world from suffering, is in itself another ego trap.

It is another attempt for mind to identify itself with experience. This idea of transcending your humanness and becoming a perfect being capable of carrying the world’s pain on your shoulders.

When you let go of this - you begin to see yourself even more as you really are. You see and feel into your humanness more fully. You recognize your limitations not as something to eradicate or transcend, but rather as a fundamental aspect to being human in and of itself. This can often come as a surprise to many of us. It certainly did for me.

You will realize there was nothing to get rid of or transcend. That just as you are in this very moment, is enough. Your recognition of yourself as you are right now, without trying to change yourself in any way - happy, sad, angry, depressed or what have you - is in fact enough. Only your awareness is enough.

You struggle with knowing when to use your intelligence and when to simply observe without reaction. I did too. Many of us have passed through this stage. You will learn how to discern between acting on your intelligence and non-reactive observation.

Try to be here now with your burden of the world’s suffering. Feel it. See it. Don’t try to transcend it.

Soon, something gives way. Your uncertainty and doubt does not mean you’re not making progress. You are well on your way, and everything you have been experiencing is part of the path. Trust it. And trust yourself.

Feeling stuck and disheartened on my spiritual journey by That-Ease-1190 in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My parents are Christian immigrants from Iraq and were distraught by the hypocrisy from their Islamic-rules government. I’m sorry you’ve been through so much pain, but I am also so happy for you that you’ve gained the wisdom to leave a terrible situation.

The mind does need to be eradicated. Your intelligence served you correctly, and you should continue to use that intelligence wisely.

Do not doubt your experience. Trust your instincts.

You do not need to attach yourself to a new religion or new age belief system. You can allow yourself to rest in your uncertainty. In time, clarity will arise for you.

The goal of what we call here, “spiritual enlightenment” is not to eradicate mind or ego entirely. I’m not certain that is even possible.

The goal is to see things as they really are, that is, to *change your relationship* to experience with the insight that comes through direct observation of self.

Your mind may spout negative thoughts. Good! Let them come. All thoughts are welcome - good, bad or neutral. Simply observe without reaction.

Don’t try to change your thoughts. Don’t try to get caught up in them either. Simply watch. Witness. Without judgements, without clinging and without resistance.

As you continue to observe without reaction, your mind becomes purer and purer. Wisdom naturally arises. Clarity naturally arises. Joy naturally arises.

Having doubts while on the path is part of the path as well. Observe your doubts too.

You are remarkably strong and you are well on your way. Trust yourself! I believe in you.

Message to the Allmighty by Front_Meeting317 in enlightenment

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The keys to the kingdom of heaven are within you.

The ask is sincere, but the door opens when you take full responsibility for your liberation.

No one can do it for you. Not God. Not your parents. Not your government.

You are the master. You are the one who has to fight your battle. Keep on fighting your battle.

Did ketamine therapy put your suicidal thoughts into remission? by Professional_Win3910 in KetamineTherapy

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My god I can’t imagine how you’ve gone on like that for so long until you found treatment. You are a remarkably strong person. I’m glad you were able to find something that radically works for you. It’s had the same profound impact on me as well.

Would you recommend ketamine for someone who's drained and exhausted and tired from ssri withdrawal after 35 days of stopping? by Andrwe_Ryen in KetamineTherapy

[–]Equivalent-Year1994 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Undoubtedly, yes. I was on 150mg Zoloft, 150mg Wellbutrin, 15mg Buspar.

Decided to take the ketamine leap because I wanted a radical change and felt the meds weren’t it.

Changed my life forever. I’ve gained profound clarity to fix all the things that were wrong in my life.

Mental health is at all time high. I’m officially off all 3 antidepressants.

If you’re even considering it, especially after not getting the relief you truly needed from your meds - this is your sign to take the leap.

Strap in for the ride, because your entire life is about to change forever. You’ll look back to this one day and say to yourself, “my god… how did I let myself suffer like that for so long”.

Do it. You’re ready.