State of Wonder

[Swami Peevananda]

hey you guys I have a sick occupation. I'm the most! there is nothing more sexy than living out of dumpsters. all free time can be devoted to meditating. sometimes you compete with the animals but it's a good way to make friends. lived in a Buddhist monastery for a while but now I have my accommodations in the open sky. foxes have holes and birds have nests but the son of Big Daddy has no place to rest his head accept the cosmos it's your true home! my name is dumpster but a saintly squirrel by the advice of a duck nun named me cosmos.

I'm in a state of wonder because a chipmunk friend of mine had a nervous breakdown breakdown (two of them)  because of the garbage trucks interupting her sleep routine. They get going too early in the morning and she is still sleeping. I had to give her continous munk therapy. but she seems to be in a state of recovery. I  even gave her mouth to mouth perspiration when she was comatised.

                                                           

ha!

[mccoy]

Peevananda, thanks for your executive summary on American truckers. Here in Italy it's more or less the same, although American truckers remain mythical figures.
In your report you probably forgot about Steve's arrangement of the cockpit to clear out a meditation corner. And, I believe Steve is not interested with the lizards and other reptiles, if not to allow'em and share some meditation time, if they are up to it.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Peevananda, thanks for your executive summary on American truckers. Here in Italy it's more or less the same, although American truckers remain mythical figures.
In your report you probably forgot about Steve's arrangement of the cockpit to clear out a meditation corner. And, I believe Steve is not interested with the lizards and other reptiles, if not to allow'em and share some meditation time, if they are up to it.

yes... i put a wool blanket down (it helps keep the earth currents to a minimal)and face the east or north if possible. Have not risen above the physical apparatus but would need something much more interesting spiritually speaking. So when these things arrise it usually is followed by a question about meditation or coming on this site for a visit or if those things don't work... just.. i need to rest now...

I believe that most of us are still working with physical desire depending on the degree of drive involved. Sex often gives us more understanding and appreciation towards others. That is one good side of it. I can't imagine paying for sex like you would appliances. There has to be a mutual attraction. Most people do not even have the capacity to understand the spiritual side of our physical expression. It often falls on deaf ears. So i would not say i am a celibate by personal choice as much as by a lack of compatibility in spiritual and physical attraction. Physical attraction having more than an animal magnetism. There are human beings that have an unearthly attraction. Perhaps most of you here understand. Human beings can have a very attractive power that sets them apart from others. A sensitivity, compassion, spiritual interests and...yes physical attraction as well. But to me just animal magnetism never really interested me.

Attraction is something that puts me in a state of awe and wonder. What is it about that soul that is so attractive? How are they able to shine so brightly?

[Swami Peevananda]

Attraction is something that puts me in a state of awe and wonder. What is it about that soul that is so attractive? How are they able to shine so brightly?

[mccoy]

+1 on the mutual attraction, I would not be able (and in fact I've never been able) to be intimate without some mutual attraction based on common interests and mental backgrounds. And also some aesthetic attraction, I confess it. Not so easy to find all these together, very easy to remain celibate for long periods.

[Swami Peevananda]

And also some aesthetic attraction, I confess it.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

+1 on the mutual attraction, I would not be able (and in fact I've never been able) to be intimate without some mutual attraction based on common interests and mental backgrounds. And also some aesthetic attraction, I confess it. Not so easy to find all these together, very easy to remain celibate for long periods.

I always thought of aesthetics as the appreciation of art, music and dance. Swami tried to make such a commotion about it so I thought I would look it up. I suppose the second meaning and 'C' is more broader. We all see beauty in our own way. Perhaps much of it is because of past conditioning. Yes; I have always enjoyed going to art galleries, listening to good music and watching dancers. It is always nice to see what a person can do to keep in shape. Being in physical shape is aesthetic also. i'm with you on all of the above McCoy. Art and beauty take life to a higher level of appreciation. Maybe not the highest but at least aspiring for something that makes the human condition seem more spiritual in nature. More beautiful. More inspiring. There is something aesthetic about humor as well Swami. Even when it is dramatic as you enjoy presenting it. Swami is the Drama King.   




Full Definition of AESTHETIC


1

a :  of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful <aesthetic theories> 

b :  artistic <a work of aesthetic value> 

c :  pleasing in appearance :  attractive <easy-to-use keyboards, clear graphics, and other ergonomic and aesthetic features — Mark Mehler>

2

:  appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful; also :  responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses

[Swami Peevananda]

People just misunderstand me. Especially so called "spiritual people". This is something that I am used to. When we begin to accept ourself and quit trying to please others we can begin to relate more honestly together.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

People just misunderstand me. Especially so called "spiritual people". This is something that I am used to. When we begin to accept ourself and quit trying to please others we can begin to relate more honestly together.

i am making more of an effort to understand rather than be understood. If you feel you have been misunderstood it may be a time to explain yourself. I find that people striving to be spiritual understand me but those who are not really making an effort to be spiritual beings-whether they are so called 'spiritual people ' or not- they quite often have no clue about my actions. When you find others who are trying to relate honestly sometimes it is best to just inform them if you feel you are misunderstood. Otherwise they may not even know you felt that way... nor will they find reason to believe it is so.

Jitendra

[mccoy]

I agree with Steve, relationships among human beings are often difficult because they are tainted bt the inherent proclivities and limitations of each individual being, so often it's best to speak up and make things clear, each one has his or her own subjective understanding of things..

One example I personally observed, don't know if it is 100% in topic but sure caused me some wonderment.
Women. Sometimes they say they are sensitive, very sensitive. To what people say, to the behaviours of Others, sometimes maybe meaning that if people are rude or do not understand them they feel it to much.
At the same time, they often behave in a very insensitive way toward Others, not even realizing that they are acting in the same unsensitive way  they complain Others are doing towards them.
One striking axample  of this was my ex fiancee.
Another striking example was a woman in the other forum. I was tempted to write her, but I restrained. May be I should have done it. Maybe better avoided. don't know, women can be pretty complicated beings, saying one thing, thinking another and acting still another way. And all that often without malice. Lol.

[Swami Peevananda]

People just misunderstand me. Especially so called "spiritual people". This is something that I am used to. When we begin to accept ourself and quit trying to please others we can begin to relate more honestly together.

i am making more of an effort to understand rather than be understood. If you feel you have been misunderstood it may be a time to explain yourself.

Good for you. I don't really care enough to explain myself. Explaining yourself is often a waste of time. If people don't get you from the beginning long speeches aren't likely to help because they will misunderstand even more. Plus, I don't believe in being attached to the way people react to you. I don't want anything from any of you motherfuckers here.
 I said I am used to it. It was an observation not a complaint.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

I agree with Steve, relationships among human beings are often difficult because they are tainted by the inherent proclivities and limitations of each individual being, so often it's best to speak up and make things clear, each one has his or her own subjective understanding of things..

When others do speak out... i have found that sometimes it is better to remain silent and let them express themselves.. this is what I am beginning to realize. Sometimes it is hard to know the true purpose we as individuals should express. If we are able... it is best to refrain from judging but rather just to witness. If others want your point of view they will ask. We all have something to learn... this leaves me in a state of wonder.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

I agree with Steve, relationships among human beings are often difficult because they are tainted bt the inherent proclivities and limitations of each individual being, so often it's best to speak up and make things clear, each one has his or her own subjective understanding of things..

One example I personally observed, don't know if it is 100% in topic but sure caused me some wonderment.
Women. Sometimes they say they are sensitive, very sensitive. To what people say, to the behaviours of Others, sometimes maybe meaning that if people are rude or do not understand them they feel it to much.
At the same time, they often behave in a very insensitive way toward Others, not even realizing that they are acting in the same unsensitive way  they complain Others are doing towards them.
One striking axample  of this was my ex fiancee.
Another striking example was a woman in the other forum. I was tempted to write her, but I restrained. May be I should have done it. Maybe better avoided. don't know, women can be pretty complicated beings, saying one thing, thinking another and acting still another way. And all that often without malice. Lol.

On a public forum of this nature it is not always possible to go into personal details or it can be tremedously time consuming. Since you are not writing specifics here but rather generalities i can only respond with generalities. When someone reacts angrily or resorts to name calling or vulgarity there is really not much you can do. This is obviously derogatory and not of a spiritual nature which this forum was created for. If someone explodes or huffs off in steam there is very little you can do. These behaviors are obviously not spiritual in nature.

People are often disatisfied with us because we do not act or behave in a way that satisfies their ego or their preconcieved notions of how a relationship 'should go' there is very little you can do for them when this occurs. These type of reactions tell us more about the person they are coming from rather than about us. Just because a person disowns us or has a temper tantrum and leaves does not mean they 'won' a situation. They bring their behavior wherever they go and it will only cause more problems for themselves.

Much insensitivity goes along with a lack of communication. When people assume that we should already know without explanations then they show irritations with us; either verbally or in their behavior there is very little that can be done for them or the situation. What i have found is if communication does not resume, eventually they leave our lives without us raising a finger and new spiritual people enter our lives who represent more spiritual understanding.

I understand some of what you are saying about women. If they are at a distance it may be better to to text them rather than talk on the phone where they can say you are insensitive and they claim they can hear it in your voice. Because if they are making it up you can ask them what you said in the message that was insensitive without resorting to the frequency of your voice and subjective observations on their part.

Sensitivity is a double edge sword. People can be too sensitive because they have too much ego and/or they can be sensitive because of intuition and so many degrees of combinations.

Enjoyed your observations mccoy 

[Swami Peevananda]

Visiting yoga forums over time, I have begun to notice what I consider to be a misconception about the term "ego". In some ways this is an unfortunate term because it is used in different schools of thought as well as in common parlance, and in each instance it has a slightly different usage.

In popular usage it has to do with arrogance or pride or big headedness. Or just anyone who is generally unpleasant. "He's so egotistical." I think this is how yoga people use the term a lot as well.

In psychology the term changes a little bit. In Freudian terms there is the id, the ego, and the superego. People who are heavily involved in a religion are, in Freudian terms "super egotists". The super ego is the part of the psyche that is associated wih conscience, moralism, and general concern for group opinions and authority figures.

From my studies in eastern thought, this is not what is mean by ego at all. Ego is nothing more than the individual sense of "I". As in, I am aware of myself. So I am the greatest man ever is no different from I am the greatest sinner. The latter might look more humble and inspire praise from others, but I fact they are both ego statements. So yoga people often comment on each others egos, as if one could have more ego or less ego. This is, however, only their misuse of the term. They are using the term in the common sense, and not the way it is used in eastern thought.

So, from my understanding, there are not degrees of ego. Either you have an "I" or you don't. To support my statements I will paraphrase from ramana maharshi.

 "There are not two minds. The mind is of one type. When the mind is under the influence of auspicious impressions it is called good, when the mind is under the influence of inauspicious impressions it is called bad."

Ramana then teaches that the Self is beyond all qualities.

[mccoy]

I understand some of what you are saying about women. If they are at a distance it may be better to to text them rather than talk on the phone where they can say you are insensitive and they claim they can hear it in your voice. Because if they are making it up you can ask them what you said in the message that was insensitive without resorting to the frequency of your voice and subjective observations on their part.

That's exactly one fo the aspects of hypersensitivity= wanting to find something in a nuance which actually correlates to no relevant thoughts behind the speech.

Speaking of phone calls, you reminded me of a couple of funny  examples:
1) I had a phone conversation with a mutual friend, while my wife was listening. Then she asked what he told me, and I complied Then, not satisfied with my answer, she asked me in what tone he told me that. I answered that I didn't carry out a Fourier analysis of his speech pattern so I couldn't say exactly. Fourier analysis is one of the most popular ways in engineering to analyse vibratory phenomena, like speech, music, earthquakes and so on.

2)Another example was at the job site, many years ago. I had a phone conversation with a female lawyer who represented a worker asking for some compensation. I was examining his practice. I answered in perfectly neutral terms, like the situation required. The lawyer then complained to my boss that I had been a little cranky at the phone. The boss asked me for clarification later, because he found that weird, so I had the opportunity to get back mentally to the recent phone call. I could really find nothing, I might have said, consciously or absent mindedly, which could have been construed as gruffy, crunky or similar. By me, but not by a female mind!!

There is one more thing personally related to you, but I'm going to tell that later in a private message, if I'm able to forward it.