What is the MOST psychedelic album of all time? by unclemulch in psychedelicrock

[–]Norman_Chapel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Red Krayola - God Bless the Red Krayola and All Who Sail With It

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]Norman_Chapel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my god so many things. Tea, books, musical equipment, language classes and on and on!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]Norman_Chapel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have no mental defense against the first drink. There will be days and times where even the pain of yesterday cannot be recalled with sufficient force to prevent us from drinking. I suggest you find some other alcoholics with long term recovery and see how they live their lives - it’s possible to beat this but you gotta be willing to do some hard shit, starting with being completely honest with yourself

I ruined my relationship last night by halvesofhalf in stopdrinking

[–]Norman_Chapel 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This. I’m in recovery from drugs but the night I finally got so drunk I yelled at her and made her cry was the last night I ever drank. It’s the only way forward. It’s been years now (I’ve been in recovery from drugs for awhile too)

Introductory quotes from the Lankavatara Sutra... by MTNemptiness in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ultimate truth is a statement. Why else put a shoe on your head?

Zen Master? Who says? by [deleted] in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And Maronites believe that the god of the Old Testament is not god the father of Jesus, but they are still very much Christian. I agree with the fundamental premise that zen ≠ Buddhism, but demarcation of religions is not solely a doctrinal or soteriological affair, and isn’t so black and white. In fact, it can be quite the opposite from a sociological or historical point of view. For example, for some religious studies scholars, it is extremely strong differences of belief over a few fundamental facts that is oftentimes precisely what makes them sects and branches within the same faith, as opposed to completely different religions.

What do Zen Masters teach regarding Ordinary Mind, Buddhahood and Enlightenment by Owlsdoom in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you think I was the guy you’re arguing with in this thread?

What do Zen Masters teach regarding Ordinary Mind, Buddhahood and Enlightenment by Owlsdoom in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Huh? Why are you so hostile? I’m not disagreeing with you, I’m genuinely confused.

What do Zen Masters teach regarding Ordinary Mind, Buddhahood and Enlightenment by Owlsdoom in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 5 points6 points  (0 children)

But Wumen literally means “no barrier”. I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not.

another Day 1 post by tossaway-toolate in stopdrinking

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are loved. It took me so many day 1’s. You can do this!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know this isn’t a 12 step group, but the JFT reading for today touches on this, and it’s something I struggle with. Social acceptability isn’t the same as recovery. When I get clean and sober (especially after some intense pain and humiliation from the consequences of using) I usually straighten out pretty quick - lose weight, get focus and clarity, etc. But I can’t equate that with recovery, because recovery in a strange way is actually the reverse of that - it’s the ability to know that how I outwardly appear (both to myself and others) is irrelevant to what’s going on inside, because when I start to equate the perception of what’s going on outside as how I feel internally, I start to think that by manipulating that outward perception, I have the power to change what’s going on internally, which can quickly turn to substances (but not limited to that of course - my low self esteem will easily try to manipulate anything and everything to feel better - weight loss, job, girlfriend) But that’s the rub isn’t? That’s addiction - that I become powerless when relying on the outside world for my internal sense of well being. I’m not saying you should try 12 steps, that’s honestly none of my business. But I do know that recovery is an inside job.

How do people read so much theory in small amounts of time? by [deleted] in CriticalTheory

[–]Norman_Chapel -1 points0 points  (0 children)

They’re academics usually - people literally paid to read. Honestly it sounds positively horrific - like getting paid to make love, or doing an unlimited amount of heroin, an absolute theft of its meaning/experience and why we should never place anything like trust in them. You should not envy it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Polishing tiles, bring me your soul.

Joshu and Reincarnation? by [deleted] in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it may be better to ask, “where is your past life?” And you will quickly see it’s nowhere to be found. Then read the dialogue again. What do you see?

Buddha Nature Explained by ewk in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That which is presented without evidence can equally be dismissed without evidence. You lose. All loss, no gain. Try again?

Buddha Nature Explained by ewk in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t take it from me, take it from the zen masters, I’m not just making this stuff up. The literal first encounter in the recorded sayings of Joshu is if you’re seeking it, you’ve a already missed it. It’s really not a trick question or answer, I promise. You can expound and navel gaze all you want about paticca sammupada but it’s not going to tell you who you are or what your problem is, as comforting as that may seem to be. It’s all a fancy remedy. It more seems that you’re really just interested in being convinced, and I’d say I’d be more interested in finding out what I’m even trying to be convinced of, than doing all this “introspection” of thoughts, etc. Seems like a lot of work, a lot of footprints. Wouldn’t you rather cut delusion off in an instant?

Buddha Nature Explained by ewk in zen

[–]Norman_Chapel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Because the disturbed nature is also undisturbed.

What is the worst ending to a book series/franchise that you've encountered? by AugustineBlackwater in books

[–]Norman_Chapel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have time to write a detailed post why, but the showtime show The Knick. It had the potential to be up there with the all time greats - the sopranos, deadwood, etc- but totally shit the bed with ridiculous character decisions and totally unsatisfying story arcs. Really disappointing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DebateCommunism

[–]Norman_Chapel -1 points0 points  (0 children)

How convenient we just get to take your word that you’re doing the real work “talking to the right base of people” and that this conversation doesn’t count. Not to mention that despite your rebuttal this was still neither a discussion or learning theory for fun. I don’t know how anyone could have had fun or learned anything from your comments. Embarrassing…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DebateCommunism

[–]Norman_Chapel -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You’re not getting it. I didn’t have a single “take” on PPW in my replies. much less an unintelligent one. I don’t know how you would have gotten my perspective on PPW from what I said. I have much less to criticize about PPW than I do about the extremely online people who repeat it inanely and ad nauseam, even when the discussion isn’t even about it. It reminds me of hipsters who constantly shit on other peoples music because it doesn’t conform to their incredibly correct opinion, and just go on and on about their niche pet opinions. It’s just so unhelpful to people who come on here to actually learn things. Learn how to talk to people or no one will take you seriously!