ego

[c0de]

Originally Posted by Nick_A

Since I know that chocolate not only inspires love making but is also a laxative, lord knows what the result of all this will be.

man .... u just completely ruined the image of chocolate in my head...

thanks nick... thanks a lot

[greymare]

LOL, I could add soooooooo many innuendos, but I shall remain silent. ROFLMAO

[China Cat Sunflower]

"I" is a term which exists within a communally owned store of commonly used signifiers. To use the term "I" is to subscribe to a system of signification which allows language to have common currency encompassing a wide variety of applications. Because we build our sense of self (the legend of "I") from the contents of that commonly held store of signs and signifiers in order to integrate, network, and establish common sense of values with all the "others", it always seems that "I" is synonymous, or very nearly so, with the real person of ourself, but it isn't.

Chris

[Paladin]

The irony here is that without developing a healthy sense of self, one can not reach the point where that is really understood Chris.

[China Cat Sunflower]

"Glory in self like a new monster," wrote Jim Morrison.

We need a new language. The protoplasm of the current control structure resides in our language. We can't escape the programming because it's reinforced, re-enmeshed, and rebroadcast every time we communicate. Language creates, perpetuates, and ultimately controls us.

Chris

[China Cat Sunflower]

Originally Posted by Paladin

The irony here is that without developing a healthy sense of self, one can not reach the point where that is really understood Chris.

I wouldn't know, Mark. I don't think my sense of self is very healthy. I'm not even sure who I am, what I know, or what I want.

Chris

[Paladin]

You know Chris, I have always wondered why fools seem so sure of themselves, and people I have come to admire are in a constant state of wonderment.

[Nick_A]

Originally Posted by Paladin

The irony here is that without developing a healthy sense of self, one can not reach the point where that is really understood Chris.

I agree. If we understood why a healthy sense of self is based on faith it would answer many questions but just the word "faith," since it has been understood wrongly, carries such a negative connotation I believe that unfortunately for many they must remain stuck in defense mechanisms.

[China Cat Sunflower]

Originally Posted by Paladin

You know Chris, I have always wondered why fools seem so sure of themselves, and people I have come to admire are in a constant state of wonderment.

"Wonderment" sounds so pleasant!

I heard on NPR recently a short segment about a study which purported to demonstrate a direct and inversely proportional correlation between a person's self perceived lack of control and their perception of apparent patterns in randomly generated visual and aural stimuli. Which means that people who feel that they are not in control of their situation tend to hear voices in white noise and see faces in wood grain and the drapes at night. I think that as one withdraws from the figurehead self, or what I called the "legendary I" toward the real self there are successive levels of allowing that have to take place. It feels like losing control, so in compensation a mirage of apparent order, a metaphysical "system" will emerge from the randomness to lessen the existential sting. Most times we'll seize this latest apparition of order like a disenchanted Protestant embraces Buddhism only to, after some extended period, come around full circle to another point of allowing, accompanied of course by yet another, albeit new and improved, gossamer illusion of control. It's this cycle that's so darn hard to break out of.

Chris

[Paladin]

Perhaps it is only a process rather than a cycle? If the importance of "I" eventually fades and there is this sense that a role is being played.

[Nick_A]

Don't feed the animals.

Nick

[Paladin]

I like the idea of "allowing" Chris, the connotations are enormous.

[China Cat Sunflower]

Originally Posted by Nick_A

Don't feed the animals.

Nick

Squid pro quid.

Chris

[Paladin]

Ever since I read this line:

That which is not present in deep dreamless sleep is not real." -Ramana Maharshi

I have meditated on there not being an "I" as commonly accepted. There is no conclusion to these contemplations as yet, but an understanding of what Tathagata really means is happening.

[China Cat Sunflower]

Yes. The realization of "things as they are" seems to suggest that beyond, or underlying (whichever way makes sense) the fishbowl reality within which "I" emerges as sign and signer there is, well, nothing.

Chris