Posts by Introspection

11

What now, withno PURPOSE?

by HomebutHiding in

jw
friends

it's a difficult thing, once having been a member of the elite, the chosen few, hand-picked by the almighty never to die, to wake up, suddenly or otherwise to the realization that all was a lie.

of course, when we were jws, we had a purpose in life, and that purpose, along with life itself was a forever kind of thing.

we were to live forever, and our existance was well-defined for us.

Yes, of course many of us have been there. I would first start by challenging another belief you seem to be holding, that you will not be able to trust or believe in anything anymore. How can you be sure of that? Is this really true, or might it be another belief that will become obsolete along with the rest of the JW inspired stuff you used to hold?

Purpose is overrated, and emptiness is misunderstood, as far as I'm concerned. To me "purpose" is just another word for judgement, the way it is usually used, people tend to measure themselves against a goal or something they set out to do, and in the process they get so caught up that they forget it is just some other thing. (assuming they had that perspective at some point before that) The assumption that you have to have some definite purpose is itself a judgement, that if you have no purpose and goals in your life you're somehow worth less than other people. Sorry, but that's just bullshit.

This gets into emptiness. Most people have this idea that if you are empty you mean nothing, so that you are also worth nothing. Well, I will say that is only half true. The other part of that is that emptiness is pure potentiality, it is full of possibilities, whereas some smart ass who thinks they're hot stuff with their lofty life goals are simply locked into their assumptions about life and success in life. This doesn't mean people who have no goals are better than those who do, either, it just depends on what you think of them and the perspective you have. If someone really has a clue they'll know that it's just another thing in life, and that the most important thing is life itself.

205

Sometimes I Am Ashamed

by Dutchie in

jw
friends

does every issue of morality have to be compared with the thinking and teaching of jehovahs witnesses?

simply because you are no longer jehovahs witnesses does that mean that you flaunt all moral authority and engaged in any perverted pleasure that you have a mind to?

because your morality is no longer legislated by a pseudo religious organization does that give you license to engage in all acts of "immorality" and refer to it "as just having fun.

Introspection

Well, it seems to me the thing is that realistically, this kind of stuff is going to happen, and will probably keep happening. Even though this board has the JW name slapped on it, it's just another part of the internet and as such will reflect the same behaviors and content that is out there. Simon can make the call to stop it, but it will in some form or other come back from time to time. It's just how it is.

Frankly, I think the overall content simply provides a clear picture of what ex-JW's are like. There are all kinds with all different attitudes. If someone is stumbled by one post or thread they find particularly offensive, that is their own perception. To really help a person, I don't think changing their perception is the key, but rather to help them understand that they have perceptions. If you don't go that far, then it's really not helping them anyways.

So Dutchie (since I've only read the first post and a few of the other shorter responses) I have to ask, who says you are associated with this board? Yes you post here, and I do too, but I'm not "associated" with the discussions I'm not involved with. If someone else think so, that's them. I think I've said this before, but nobody said leaving the witnesses makes you a better person right? But at the same time it doesn't mean it's a reason to stay in, where you're just pretending to live life. Frankly, that's all a lot of this is, pretending. This is just a bunch of people typing messages back and forth to each other, it isn't life. That doesn't mean friendships and significant connections can't start this way, but it never fails that we get caught up with expressions of the real thing, be they text messages, nude pics, or even real people acting in... just acting, in person. Since that even happens in person you gotta figure it's a lot more watered down when it's just online stuff. Frankly, I for one just can't take it too seriously.

36

Jesus and Buddha

by Bhagavad in

jw
friends

there's a possibility that jesus went to india and was influenced by hinduism/buddhism during the "lost years" between his ages of 12 and 30. see the site http://www.atributetohinduism.com/hinduisms_influence.htm.

fascinating info to review.

if it's worth considering, then we might ask: .

Introspection

First of all, the following message is a general response to the thread, not to the post immediately before this one.

Look, if you really understand there is no need to get into the history and learn volumes of scriptures. To investigate from the standpoint of "did Jesus/Buddha really say this or that" is an approach without insight in the truest sense of the word. Why does that matter? If a saying makes sense then it does, if it doesn't it doesn't. This stuff reminds me of the Far Side cartoon with the short scientist explaining his "little bang" theory to others taller than himself. I'm not one that's big on history in general, and while I think it can be interesting and revealing, it seems people get lost in it. Whatever your view of ultimate reality, it's clear that these teachings touch on human nature, and that's where it's most relevant to you, you're a human. Of course, this is where people might confuse it with ego nature, but it just points back to just what does it mean to be human. If you don't really care, fine. But if you do it just makes sense to look at what that is, honestly and openly, unless you're content with the egoic version of it.

"There can be only Juan!" -Ramirez gets cocky (The Highlander)

6

Deep Meditation the Easy Way

by D wiltshire in

over the last few weeks i've been using different cds that use sound to induce certain brain wave frequencies, the experience is truly very relaxing, to say the least.. these cd's induce alpha, theta, and delta brain waves.

many years ago i tried to meditate deeply but never got too deeply into a trance state, the cds however are very easy to use and work surprisingly well.. if you want a to buy them click on this http://www.brainsync.com .

one tape i have that very good imo is "deep meditation".. any experiences?.

Introspection

Yep, I've had some interesting experiences with these products in particular in the past, but I haven't used them in a long time. (by the way, there are possible dangers with these products, I have an inside scoop on them but can't post it online due to sensitive legal issues - anyways I was trying to get your attention to email me - or ask me at the BBQ) I wouldn't freak out about it though, just use in moderation and pay attention to how you feel - if you can't pay attention you might be going "too deep too soon". After all, the goal of meditation is to be able to be conscious of what's going on. Since Deep Meditation entrains in the delta range you might also want to work down to it with a theta product as a stepping stone. If you want I'll bring Brain Power for you to try, it goes through all the frequencies if I remember correctly and I've felt the chemicals release while listening to it.

36

Jesus and Buddha

by Bhagavad in

jw
friends

there's a possibility that jesus went to india and was influenced by hinduism/buddhism during the "lost years" between his ages of 12 and 30. see the site http://www.atributetohinduism.com/hinduisms_influence.htm.

fascinating info to review.

if it's worth considering, then we might ask: .

Introspection

However, too many people don't care about knowing the truth/way they just want to be closer to the way/truth than others.

Good point. First of all, it's important to understand that although buddhism is considered a religion, it is very different from how christianity is typically practiced. (even though some sects do look at it that way) But I guess what it comes down to is that even though you have some very simple principles, people tend to take comfort in knowledge or I should say mere data storage in their heads, rather than focusing on living them. It's been said that it's better to be a buddha than a buddhist, and that possibility is available to all, it's only a matter of being awake. The buddha isn't considered a god or anything, and there have been many buddhas according to buddhist teachings. I have to say, though, that what the two traditions have in common is this self imposed limit that people put on themselves. With buddhists, they'll have this attitude like ohhh it won't be many lifetimes until I can awaken, and with Christians it's this whole Jesus was perfect so we can't be like that and so we shouldn't even try for such high standards. (even though officially they would agree that you want to walk in Jesus footsteps) Now what is that kind of thinking good for?

"One MILLION dollars!" -Dr. Evil, holding up pinky finger to corner of mouth

23

What is Faith?

by Mackin in

jw
friends

when i was a 'dub, i beleived that faith was the hebrews 11 thing, but since i have put aside that way of thinking and no longer believe god or believe the bible to be anything more than a collection of human history and philosophy, i tend to think in terms of faith being no more than the dictionary definition: .

1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions.

2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to god (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust.

Introspection

I'd like to offer another way of understanding faith. Of course, as Jan has pointed out you can use the word in different ways, and I will use the word in different ways as well. But I believe that for most people, faith is a clinging to the idea of knowing. I want to point out it is only the idea of knowing, not actual knowing. The opposite of that is aversion toward the idea of knowing. Though this is rare, (or rarer) it does exist. I see no good reason to go to either extreme. As far as I'm concerned, it is fine to not know, you don't need to go so far as to not want to know, and at the same time it does no good to pretend you know when you in fact do not know. It's easy to see if we lean in either direction rather than being completely honest - just see how you feel when any of your ideas or beliefs are challenged, if you start feeling a sense of loss, or that someone is trying to take something away from you. On the other hand, if you really have the attitude of "don't know and don't want to know", you may feel like pushing it away when someone offers something for you to consider.

62

The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived

by comforter in

jw
friends

there have been many sages who walked the face of the earth.

the wisest man who ever lived, however, is jesus christ.

jesus made an impact on history that very few men have matched.

Introspection

And won't you be my neighbor?

61

How many guys here wash the dishes?

by ashitaka in

jw
friends

or do other chores?

any here archaic and expect the woman to do all of the work?

my mother taught me that women don't need our help, but we should give it anyway, to show our love.

Introspection

You people eat with dishes...?

10

I'm a shallow athiest!

by Marilyn in

jw
friends

our cat was hit by a car tonight.

i've been so afraid of this happening.

i saw it happen, and i heard the thud.

Introspection

Glad your cat is recovering nicely. I knew a guy who ran over his cat, and she lived. They really are tough little creatures.

You know, one thought doesn't make you a hypocrite, it doesn't make you an anything really. It's just one thought you had. Of course, I'm not into the game of making ourselves into anything anyways. They're only thoughts.

23

Admit doubts

by Realist in

jw
friends

would a jw ever admit that s/he has doubts about the wt teachings?

do they have the order to pretend they believe everything or could they discuss what bothers them?.

i assume they have to pretend they think everything is dandy and the teachings logical when they speak with elders or other witnesses.

Introspection

Well Matty, I think this is where you might make a distinction between faith in beliefs or ideas and faith in God. One way I reason with people who comes from a biblical background is using the idea of a living God. Hey, God can do anything, all things are possible with God. What God's will is is unknown to you, so faith in God would look like faith in the unknown from your perspective.

I think this might start with doubts, but if a person is honest then it's just a simple "don't know" attitude. Doubt has the connotation of negating some pre-existing belief, but if you just don't know then it's kind of a balanced attitude. Now some people want to talk about theology, and I say go right ahead, knock yourself out. But just don't try to pretend that you're truly selfless and humble when the ideas you like is nothing but an ego projection. To me true selflessness and humility points to this intellectually humble attitude of unknowing, and if you don't know how can you get preachy with people??