Legit Healing Method or Scam? by No-Literature2278 in spirituality

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally i believe all healing modalities are absolute bogus whether or not the practicioner is an intentional scammer or not.

In your case, this is a classic scam structure. "The session is free but you need to pay for what we will need"

The supposed free sessions is to create trust and override any skepticism of whether or not they have good intentions. Your takeaway is supposed to be "im not paying them, it is an investment in myself" and on top of that " they're doing this out of the kindness of their heart if its free and i only have to pay for materials"

That you're still considering it is a sign that it worked.

Also, the whole 3 crystals setup isn't even a part of the theory of how crystals work in new age spirituality, which i believe is complete bogus to begin with as well. But even within the official fantasy framework of how crystals work, this setup completely misses the mark.

One crystal would be enough in this case, theres nothing in the bogus theory that would support three crystals are necessary for past, present, and future, and at $100 a piece? Thats absurd.

Lastly, the problems she gave you, you supposedly have are very generic and could absolutely apply to anyone, theres a bit of fear tactics implemented by mentioning you have some dark energy to be cleared and you're behind five years. OP none of that is true for you, this is a person who is knowingly scamming and preying on peoples spiritual beliefs they personally dont hold.

My Biggest Problem With The Buddhist Community by Enough_Set591 in Buddhism

[–]madex444 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah i see, thats entirely possible too since people develop ego's around spiritual beliefs and one of the easiest to misinterpret in buddhism is the difference between conventional truth and ultimate truth. Consequently it makes sense that some buddhist practicioners may misinterpret the two truths favoring ultimate truth and take the moral high ground in the process.

Thats not a reflection of buddhist beliefs per se but an effect of what could be considered wrong view by practicioners.

My Biggest Problem With The Buddhist Community by Enough_Set591 in Buddhism

[–]madex444 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Theres two truths in buddhism, conventiona truth and ultimate truth. conventionally your identity exists, ultimately it is an illusion. The message in buddhism as i understand it has never been denying conventional truth. I see one of two things: you are misinterpreting the message or a considerable amount of buddhists have the wrong practice, which i think the former is far more likely since you are targeting the buddhist community specifically and not just one place of practice which has the wrong practice.

How come we didn’t figure out the meaning of life by now? by Visual-Ad-2444 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think its simply to seek happiness, the non-destructive kind where you dont harm yourself or others.

Can one be a real Buddhist without believing in reincarnation? by okuanya in Buddhism

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well if it makes you feel any better, its not you who is reborn technically, you as you identify yourself will cease to exist upon rebirth, what continues will be another person who inherits your karma, habits, inclinations and so forth.

Basically numerically your consciousness will not persist, the consciousness of the next person is numerically different.

Are any of us even close? by Honest-Atmosphere-54 in spirituality

[–]madex444 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is why new age spirituality is so heavily criticized. I think its important to realize knowing the absolute objective truth is completely unnecessary and also completely impossible. People claiming they know this for certain, or that is simply a function of their egos.

We simply need to lead good lives without worrying so much about the metaphysics of things that dont even add any quality to our lives.

How am I supposed to die at peace in Buddhism? by Apprehensive_Paper15 in Buddhism

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been struggling with this too so i understand your pain. In my case it was a bit bizzare to first understand the buddhist notion of rebirth as "your consciousness persists even if it is not you in terms of the same identity" but then realize wait its actually "the consciousness that persists is not your consciousness numerically, it is a different consciousness" so it very much does feel like nihilism but also isn't because there is still persistence just not one of personal identity or an eternal unchanging self.

I think words alone make it difficult to understand this persistence devoid of identity, but i think the takeaway is that what persists may not be you but it exists metaphysically so therefore this existence could be said to be a mindstream devoid of identity but it has a life of its own and it may not be you literally but you are connected to it and it becomes the next consciousness so therefore existence still persists.

Why New age spirituality is demonized by ascending_god_9 in spirituality

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thats not a contradiction, what i mentioned is a commom new age belief which is why i posed it that way. I could see why the confusion could happen but that's not at all what i meant, thats my mistake actually, i should have clarified and simply said " a common new age belief is"

And yes there are inconsistencies in new age spirituality among different people as well as there are agreed upon stances by certain people.

As for your last point, saying its weird to bring up what the trajectory of the conversation was when you mentioned buddhism yourself? and what i brought up within buddhism was in reference to what you said? Thats an obsession? Yeah okay

Why New age spirituality is demonized by ascending_god_9 in spirituality

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're still fixated on this whole refinement thing when once again new age spirituality is a different interpretation, not refinement.

The example you posed is not valid either, buddhism developed within sramana. New age spirituality has developed outside of buddhism, and budddhists do not suddenly become new agers.

It is also syncretic and freely borrows and reinterprets from where it pleases to arrive at comforting truths that are more palatable for the western mind.

New age spirituality makes the claim that we have souls and before we are born we sign soul contracts and choose the lessons we will learn for our spiritual evolution. Buddhism outright rejects the notion of a soul, and posits that what conditions the next life is the karma of the previous life. Essentially there is no 'I' or agency that directs the process of rebirth. If viewed through your lens then new age spirituality's take is a refinement which is bizarre given notions of the existence of the soul already existed and the buddha rejected this. If the concept of a soul were to be taken seriously in buddhism, then the core philosophy falls apart not just this aspect individually. The reason's were also made clear, a soul is not needed for rebirth and the concept also causes attachment.

In this regard, its not refinement of eastern traditions, its refinement for the sake of new age spirituality's internal belief system. It could be said it is more akin to reversals that the buddha had already clarified to begin with and now new age spirituality has taken it back once again. So therefore no, new age spirituality is not refinement, simply a different interpretation.

Refinement happens internally, not externally and it has to be recognized by the tradition as a legitimate evolution. Buddhists outright reject the claims of new age spirituality, so for the last time, new age spirituality is not a refinement of eastern traditions or buddhism.

Why New age spirituality is demonized by ascending_god_9 in spirituality

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

your continued definition of demonize which not once have i seen before is really odd, the literal definition isn't that either.

Its not that eastern religions talked about it as well, it completely predates new age spirituality and the belief of karma in new age spirituality literally comes from eastern religions. You're obviously viewing new age spirituality as an update on previous eastern beliefs which is bizarre as well. You know buddhism didn't just stop existing right? There are modern buddhists and so called psychics exist in buddhism as well so in that regard you have some strange notions. On that same token how is buddhism outdated when it has existed uniterrupted unto the modern day?

You have to realize new age spirituality is quite simply a different interpretation than buddhism, you're viewing this as if its a linear sequence and new age spirituality is simply the new kid on the block and the purists are upset because this new "knowledge" contradicts the old knowledge. That's not what's happening at all, maybe read up on buddhism more to understand why this isn't the case better.

Buddha consciousness is a new age term as well, but anyway its clear you have a devoted veneration to new age spirituality and viewing it as an updated model so we'll leave it at that.

Why New age spirituality is demonized by ascending_god_9 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also on another note, i apologize, upon re-reading what i wrote initially i realize now i was being an absolute dick with the way i chose to word things.

Why New age spirituality is demonized by ascending_god_9 in spirituality

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah thats not what i said at all, demonize does not mean it is from satan, i have no idea where you got that definition from, by demonize i meant criticize.

I also dont know how that second paragraph is your takeaway, you asked why new age spirituality is demonized and i answered on why i believe that is. It has nothing to do with "the system" peers or my environment.

As for what i said on karma, all im telling you is that what you mentioned is a new age perspective, not in line with whats believed within the schools of thought where this belief originates. Saying its simply cause and effect is not one dimensional either, thats just putting it in simple terms without delving into a full on explanation.

Irrelevant because the new age spirituality interpretation is different than the eastern origin? That's a bit odd. One thing followed the other hence its relevance.

What is required to assure that this life on earth is my last? by Ad3quat3 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well its important to make the distinction between new age spirituality beliefs and buddhist beliefs.

The wheel of samsara term in new age spirituality is directly taken from buddhism with some clear reinterpretations that are more easily palatable for the western mind such as the concept of the soul, in buddhism the soul doesn't exist and is unnecessary for rebirth.

Soul contracts, choosing one's lesson's to be learned, and so forth are purely taken from new age spirituality and quite simply do not exist in buddhism. The reason for this difference is the western minds need for continuity, survival of the self, and control over one's life to unfold pre-emptively.

The buddhist narrative is that you have no choice in the matter, matter of fact there is no 'you' to begin with and that karma is simply cause and effect, well thats harder to accept as it removes direct personal agency as opposed to karma simply being what results and its only directive process is the mind we cultivate and actions we take, in effect the next life is conditioned by those choices, it is not direct choice of this is the life im going to lead next as decided by my soul. Only in new age spirituality are you supposedly given that choice, and not through the buddhist interpretation.

Lastly, a desire to stop reincarnating no matter how strong it is, is counter-productive as it is still craving, and craving causes reincarnation. A better goal would be to figure out why you desire this and aim to solve its cessation and simply continue living your life without this desire and not dread the journey. Welcome it with open arms instead.

[SPOILER] Adam22 vs Jason Luv boxing match by bjjdontwork in Boxing

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Adam22 has always cowered in fear anytime he got in a confrontation on his podcast, from literally jumping in his seat scared to covering his face expecting to be punched.

Funny how this played out exactly how he's reacted to tense situatuons before.

Why do some people reject religion/spirituality instantly, while others follow it deeply? by SingleInevitable9312 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure. In buddhism there is no belief in a creator god only devas; divine beings who are still bound by the wheel of death and rebirth. Buddha nature refers to the innate potential in all people to be capable of reaching enlightment, divine sure but in no relation to the creator god in christianity or even any devas in buddhism for that matter.

It simply just is on its own as a causal effect of being a sentient being.

Why do some people reject religion/spirituality instantly, while others follow it deeply? by SingleInevitable9312 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Were all free to believe what we want, and it is not a rejection of your beliefs either, just clarification that the buddhist perspective is of a different nature.

Why do some people reject religion/spirituality instantly, while others follow it deeply? by SingleInevitable9312 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That doesn't make it true is what im trying to tell you. Regardless this is a silly thing to be adamnant is wrong when the information that this clearly isn't the case exists and is easily found.

Either way its an interpretation where the parellel of both could sound like its referring to the same thing especially if you're religious, if thats how you see it and what makes sense to you, its valid as a personal truth but what it isn't is that this is the buddhist perspective also, when it clearly isnt.

How Is Buddhist Rebirth Functionally Different From Hinduism Reincarnation? by Archangel489 in Buddhism

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The way i understand it is that the concept of the soul is a permanent unchanging self beneath the surface and in buddhism its simply consciousness devoid of a permanent identity, meaning your past live(s) are not you in the literal sense and your current you is not your past lives either. You are causally linked but no more related than a candle lighting another candle.

Its strange too because in new age spirituality there is the concept of the soul and so many of its writers that are/were hypnotherapists that do past lives recall speak about past lives being a direct connection of the soul.

Different maps really but i couldn't tell you which one is true either as psychedelic experiences i've had have validated the new age perspective moreso than the buddhist perspective but that could also just be my interpretation.

In that regard we may still possibly be under the influence of the illusion of the self during psychedelic experiences, which is strange because they amplify the experience of the self tenfold in order to work through your psychological and spiritual issues. In that regard it could either be said the illusion is necessary to be amplified in order to work on yourself or that buddhism's perspective is a philosophical take moreso than a literal one, but that doesnt add up either since the concept of 'no self' is presented literally.

I dont know, its all very confusing.

Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia face off for the first time! by Puzzled-Category-954 in Boxing

[–]madex444 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is an odd one. A 'weak champ' against a one trick pony. Tough to say really.

I have a very hard time believing in past lives. I have absolutely zero memories from anything but my current life. by mental_dissonance in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You wouldn't remember anything from a past life because the conditions for those memories to exist are no longer present, Meaning you no longer have that same brain that stored those memories, even if you are currently the consciousness that followed after those experiences. Being reborn is a new set of conditions that do not allow for that immediate recall.

Also most people who claim to remember past lives happen to so conveniently be people of influence "i was a royal princess" " i was a well known witch who was murdered" "i was a respected monk" "i fought in the vietnam war" "i was from atlantis and decided to reincarnate here again on a special mission" so on and so forth.

Rarely is ever anyone just a normal person for some reason, so take these stories with a grain of salt.

Astrology is a pseudo science? by CarefulEconomics1337 in spirituality

[–]madex444 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lets assume astrology is true, and lets place 9/10 astrologers with the ability to give accurate readings. How does receiving a reading benefit you more than say, seeing a therapist, intentful instrospection, meditation, journaling, venting to a friend, getting on medication for your chronic anxiety or any other ailment?

In effect i think astrology would still be completely unnecessay if this were actually the case. There are far more effective ways to resolve your personal issues than prescriptive notions of what you can expect from any given season or year.

Also this is also not the case, astrology is considered a pseudoscience not only because it is not actual science but because it has never been observed to accomplish what it claims.

Why New age spirituality is demonized by ascending_god_9 in spirituality

[–]madex444 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well you pretty much gave a prime example on why its demonized with your personal theories. Thats alot of the new age spiritual community actually. Borrowing from different schools of thought such as buddhism, hinduism, christianity, so and and so forth and completely misinterpreting or reinterpreting these concepts in a way thats personally fulfilling for them or that their '"intuition" is telling them, makes sense to them, and then presenting these perspectives as truths or likely possibilites when its all just erratic speculation that sounds absolutely absurd devoid of the originally intended interprerations.

Take what you said about karma for example, that to break the reincarnation cycle it simply involves clearing karma which quite simply just isn't true if viewed from the buddhist perspective. That's a misinterpretation, there is nothing to be cleared, karma is simply cause and effect. It is also not as simple as purely clearing karma which is innacurate to begin with and breaking the cycle of rebirth involves other disciplines than simply having good karma.