A
BLACK FOREST GRMNY
A
a
The concepts of id, ego, and superego come from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, while transactional analysis (TA) is a psychological framework developed by Eric Berne. Let’s break down both and understand how they relate to each other.
Id (The Instinctual Drive – "I want it now!")
Ego (The Rational Self – "Let’s find a compromise.")
Superego (The Moral Compass – "Is it the right thing to do?")
Berne expanded on Freud’s ideas but framed them as "ego states" to describe how people interact. TA focuses on three key states:
Parent (Taught State)
Adult (Thought State)
Child (Felt State)
Freud’s Model | Transactional Analysis |
---|---|
Id (instinctual) | Child Ego State (impulsive, emotional) |
Ego (rational) | Adult Ego State (logical, practical) |
Superego (moral) | Parent Ego State (rule-driven, moralistic) |
Imagine you want to eat a cake but are on a diet:
Would you like to dive deeper into how TA is used in communication or how these models apply to everyday relationships? 😊
a
A
aThe misinformation effect refers to the phenomenon where a person’s memory of an event can be altered or distorted by post-event information. This effect demonstrates how memories are malleable and can be influenced by external factors, leading to inaccurate recollections.
Elizabeth Loftus and John Palmer conducted a famous study where participants watched a video of a car crash. They were later asked questions with varying wording:
✅ Findings: Participants given the word “smashed” estimated higher speeds and were more likely to recall seeing broken glass (which wasn’t there). This demonstrated how language influences memory recall.
Would you like to dive deeper into how to prevent misinformation or explore more studies on memory?
A
A
“If landscape reveals one certainty, it is that the extravagant gesture is the very stuff of creation. After the one extravagant gesture of creation in the first place, the universe has continued to deal exclusively in extravagances, flinging intricacies and colossi down aeons of emptiness, heaping profusions on profligacies with ever-fresh vigor. The whole show has been on fire from the word go.” |
-Annie Dillard A |
A
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."
– Emphasizing the lifelong process of self-discovery and individuation.
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."
– Highlighting the power of the unconscious mind in shaping our experiences.
"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
– The journey of self-awareness comes from introspection rather than external validation.
"Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is."
– Acknowledging the hidden, darker aspects of the psyche that need to be integrated.
"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become."
– Stressing personal responsibility and the ability to shape one’s future.
"The psyche is not of today. Its ancestry goes back many millions of years."
– Referring to the collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of archetypes across humanity.
"Man cannot stand a meaningless life."
– Expressing the deep human need to find purpose and meaning.
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."
– Relationships have the power to change and shape us.
"Loneliness does not come from having no people around, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you."
– True connection comes from meaningful communication, not just presence.
A
"Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness."
– Letting go of desires leads to natural contentment.
"A frog in a well cannot conceive of the ocean."
– Limited perspectives prevent us from seeing the bigger picture.
"Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate."
– Emphasizing spontaneity and harmony with the natural world.
A
The term Daoism was coined in the French language in the 1830s, in the context of the French colonization of Indo-China, so present day Vietnam and southern China.
A
Daojia or Daojiao which is this philosophical and religious movement that began in the Axial Age. It’s often traced back in its own mytho-history to this figure, Laozi, who is believed to have lived around the same time as the Buddha—we’re talking sixth century BC or so.
A
The Axial Age refers to a period in human history (approximately 800 BCE to 200 BCE) when many of the world's major philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions emerged independently across different regions. The term was coined by the German philosopher Karl Jaspers in his book "The Origin and Goal of History" (1949).
A
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
– Emphasizing the importance of starting small to achieve great things.
"When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."
– Contentment and inner peace come from appreciating what you already have.
"Be like water."
– Adaptability and softness can overcome the hardest obstacles.
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
– Reflecting the Daoist value of wu wei (effortless action).
"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."
– True wisdom comes from self-understanding.
"Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness."
– Letting go of desires leads to natural contentment.
"A frog in a well cannot conceive of the ocean."
– Limited perspectives prevent us from seeing the bigger picture.
"Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate."
– Emphasizing spontaneity and harmony with the natural world.
A
Alone, elegantly, a wolf on a rock, old pale and dry, dry bones rattling in the leather bag, eyes alight, high, dry, cool, far off, dim distance alone, free as a dying wolf on a pale dry rock gurgling quietly alone between the agony-spasms of beauty and delight; when the first flash of hatred comes to crawl, ease off casually forward into space the old useless body, falling, turning, glimpsing for one more time the blue evening sky and the far distant lonesome rocks below — before the crash, before…
With none to say no, none.
Way off yonder in the evening blue, in the gloaming.
When he did die a lifetime later, alone in his desert home, Abbey left a winking note for anyone seeking his final words: “No Comment.” He requested that his useless body be used “to help fertilize the growth of a cactus or cliff rose or sagebrush or tree.
a
rs
Consciousness is the central focus of Vedānta since God is defined as as Consciousness-Without-an-Object.
The core of our Being is Consciousness and the goal of spiritual practice is the realisation of this fact. Our journey through samsāra is propelled by false self identifications (asmita) arising from external factors such as body and social relationships and possessions as well as by internal factors arising from Ego (ahankāra) such as ideas and feelings.
The human self-model is just a virtual model projected by the constrained consciousness - a consciousness which has been conditioned by countless past incarnations and the accumulated mass of subliminal activators (saṁskāras) and habitual pattern formations (vāsanas).
The goal of Vedānta is Self-realisation (ātma-bodha) - the clarification of consciousness and the divesting of all false notions of “self”, and relinquishing of the self-models we have generated and through which we project ourselves into the world.
I would like to quote Arthur Stanley Eddington
The stuff of the world is mind-stuff. The mind-stuff is not spread in space and time. Recognizing the entire world is abstract and without ‘actuality’ apart from its linkage to consciousness. We restore consciousness to a fundamental position.
The mind-stuff of the world is, of course, something more general than our individual conscious minds ... The mind-stuff is not spread in space and time; these are part of the cyclic scheme ultimately derived out of it ... It is necessary to keep reminding ourselves that all knowledge of our environment from which the world of physics is constructed, has entered in the form of messages transmitted along the nerves to the seat of consciousness ... Consciousness is not sharply defined, but fades into subconsciousness; and beyond that we must postulate something indefinite but yet continuous with our mental nature ... It is difficult for the matter-of-fact physicist to accept the view that the substratum of everything is of mental character. But no one can deny that mind is the first and most direct thing in our experience, and all else is remote inference.
— Eddington, The Nature of the Physical World, 276–81.
a
Ramanujacharya stated that even after the great dissolution (MahApralaya), jivAs will not fully merge with the universal consciousness (brahman), but will remain attached to it, until the new expansion starts.
A
Maha Pralaya is not moksha. Jivas will remain attached to their kaarana Sareera and wait for the time for manifestation.
Only when the kaarana sareera is completely cleared (of the three gunas), a person can achieve Moksha (also called atyantika pralaya). That person need not take birth again.
A
Here are some profound quotes about facing mortality:
Would you like these quotes in a particular format or for a specific purpose?
a
"Atmadarshini" is a comprehensive four-volume treatise authored by Brahmavadini Karra Suryakantam, aiming to make ancient spiritual scriptures accessible and practical for contemporary seekers. The work integrates material life with spiritual practice, allowing individuals to pursue self-realization without renouncing their daily routines. citeturn0search0
Below is a summary of the volumes:
Volume | Key Topics Covered |
---|---|
1 | - Introduction to various paths of spiritual practice- Discussion on the necessity of integrating material and spiritual lives- Overview of traditional scriptures and their relevance to modern life |
2 | - Detailed exposition of the eightfold steps of Kriya Yoga- Benefits and applicability of Kriya Yoga in the current age- Exploration of Taraka Yoga: methods, benefits, and relevance- Analysis of Samkhya Yoga- Qualities of spiritual preceptors and disciples- In-depth discussion on the Yoga of Action, including: - Modes and principles of action - Good deeds, worship, and religious vows - Concepts of action-related bondage and results (Agami, Samchita, Prarabdha) - Significance of renouncing the fruits of actions - Importance of performing one's own duty- Examination of the Yoga of Devotion, covering: - Significance and necessity of devotion - Stages of devotion: common, ideal, and eminent - Characteristics of a perfect devotee - Personal and impersonal devotion - Tamasic, Rajasic, and Sattvic devotion |
3 | - Continuation of the Yoga of Devotion- Exploration of the Yoga of Knowledge- Discussion on the Yoga of Un-mindedness- Insights into Raja Yoga and its practices |
4 | - Synthesis of various yogic practices- Guidance on integrating spiritual practices into daily life- Practical advice for aspirants on the path to self-realization |
This structured approach provides readers with a holistic understanding of spiritual disciplines, tailored to align with the demands of modern life.
a
This is all speculation since one cannot even begin to conceptualise what the situation of the jīva will be in Moksha. Neither is a future state of any interest or benefit when one is trying to get through the current cycle.
Aṇḍāl says - “let me take seven birth times seven - here on earth so that I can continue to serve you O Lord!”
a
Logic and evidence only operate in the sphere of human epistemology, and that requires certain markers such as jāti, guṇa, kriya, sambandha. Brahman does not have any of them because IT is the ground-of-being.
The thing being investigated must have:-
A
Meditation is the practice of visualising God within yourself.
a
A
Concept | Explanation |
---|---|
Photograph Analogy | Similar to viewing a color photo and its black-and-white negative—although they appear different, both represent the same image. Non-duality suggests focusing on their shared structure rather than the superficial differences. |
Perception vs. Reality | Our minds are conditioned to perceive contrast and opposites, but this dualistic view obscures the underlying unity that exists beneath surface-level distinctions. |
Biblical Dictionary Insight | Definitions of "conservative" and "liberal" in the biblical dictionary reflected each other, revealing that seemingly opposing concepts can share the same essence when viewed from a broader perspective. |
Non-Dualistic Universe | The world is not inherently dualistic—our minds impose labels and categories on experiences. Letting go of these mental divisions allows us to perceive reality as unified and interconnected. |
Choice to Refrain from Judgment | By choosing not to label experiences as "good" or "bad" and instead observing them from multiple perspectives, we can move beyond reactivity and see events as neutral occurrences. |
Freedom from Mental Conditioning | Non-duality invites us to transcend habitual patterns of judgment and separation, recognizing that all experiences are interconnected and part of a singular reality. |
Existing in a permenate or prolonged state of non-duality…can we find a suitable explanation for you? I think, most certainly, that we can.
Picture that you are staring at a color photograph, side by side to its black and white negative. Its the exact same picture. Yet we identify them as different because our mind is programmed to notice variation. We then say that the photo being presented in two oppossing visual filters must be considered different.
But what if we chose to ignore the superficial differences and just acknowledged the identical structure of both photos? It is not color vs black and white. Rather, its two identical photos. Their superficial color doesnt change the fact that its still the exact same picture.
My grandfather gave me a biblical dictionary eight years ago. I was compelled to look up the defenitions for conservative and liberal. I was shocked then enlightened to find that they shared the same defenition. They referred to the other as words that mean the same thing.
This is not a duelistic universe. We are just programmed to labrl and seperate everything into oppossing categories. What if you chose to stop labelling everything? What if you refused to make a judgement and instead, just looked at the situation from the eqaul opposite perspective. Events are neither good or bad. Theyre just events. We can choose not to react to them.
A
A
Here are some notable quotes by Annie Dillard, known for her profound reflections on nature, spirituality, and the human experience:
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
(The Writing Life)
"You can't test courage cautiously."
(The Writing Life)
"We are here to abet creation and to witness it, to notice each thing so each thing gets noticed."
(The Writing Life)
"The mind wants to live forever, or to learn a very good reason why not."
(Pilgrim at Tinker Creek)
"Nature is, above all, profligate. Don't believe them when they tell you how economical and thrifty nature is, whose leaves return to the soil. Wouldn't it be cheaper to leave them on the tree in the first place?"
(Pilgrim at Tinker Creek)
"One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time."
(The Writing Life)
"Write as if you were dying. At the same time, assume you write for an audience consisting solely of terminal patients. That is, after all, the case."
(The Writing Life)
"I cannot cause light; the most I can do is try to put myself in the path of its beam."
(Pilgrim at Tinker Creek)
"The way we live our days is the way we live our lives."
(The Writing Life)
A
All pains are not equally felt. There is no pain when you are asleep. It is only when the mind is connected with the body that pain arises. It is the identification with the mind and body, Abhimana owing to Avidya, that causes pain.
A
We all get a little sad sometimes. It feels like the universe is a twisted gameshow called “How Can We Torture This Poor Soul Today?” — and you’re the contestant.
A
The lifetime risk of depression is actually pretty high: roughly 20 percent for women and 10 percent for men.
A
But how much positivity do we need? Here’s where it gets interesting: it’s not an amount; it’s a ratio. 3 to 1. Three positive feelings for every negative one. (This ratio issue seems to be a pattern in human flourishing. Research shows the best work teams have six positive experiences for every negative and happy marriages have a 5 to 1 ratio.)
A
Mindfulness. Yeah, that Swiss Army knife of inner peace. No, you don’t have to pay $2,000 to spend a week with strangers in the woods, meditating for 18 hours a day. (That’s not spiritual growth, my friends; that’s a hostage situation.)
A
BIG RIP TRAVEL
A
The Mastery of Life in Toltec wisdom is about living with awareness, authenticity, and intentionality. Rooted in ancient Mesoamerican spiritual traditions and popularized by teachers like Don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements), Toltec philosophy teaches that life is an art—and you are the artist.
Awareness (The Mastery of Awareness)
Transformation (The Mastery of Transformation)
Intent (The Mastery of Intent)
To live as a spiritual warrior—someone who masters their inner world, finds personal freedom, and expresses their authentic self with love, wisdom, and creativity.
A
A
Destiny beliefs refer to the idea that certain events, relationships, or life paths are predetermined or meant to be. These beliefs often suggest that life follows a specific plan or purpose, whether guided by fate, a higher power, or cosmic forces.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets:
Romantic Destiny Beliefs:
Cultural and Spiritual Roots:
Psychological Impact:
Sometimes God’s angel can be a big, burly man with tattooed arms." — Mary Potter Kenyon
"Be an angel to someone else whenever you can, as a way of thanking God for the help your angel has given you." — Eileen Elias Freeman
"Insight is better than eyesight when it comes to seeing an angel." — Eileen Elias Freeman
There is no experience without duality. There is no self without the other. It is two sides of the same coin. You cannot experience both sides at once. When you finally see the young woman and the old hag in that famed illusion drawing, you become aware of them both, but you cannot see them simultaneously.
A
A
how to stay in the state of watcher even after meditation ends. The ego and the watcher tussle with each other.
A
A
Optimistic nihilism is a philosophical perspective that blends nihilism (the belief that life has no inherent meaning) with an optimistic outlook. It suggests that, since life has no predetermined purpose, we are free to create our own meaning.
Here’s the core idea:
It’s like standing in an empty canvas gallery and realizing: If nothing is pre-painted, I can paint whatever I want.
A
VASANAS
A
Nagual (sometimes spelled nahual) comes from the indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, particularly the Toltec and Nahua cultures. It has a few related meanings:
Shapeshifter/Spirit Guide: In traditional beliefs, a nagual is a person (often a shaman or spiritual guide) who can transform into an animal or has a deep, spiritual connection with a specific animal spirit (like a jaguar, eagle, or coyote). This animal is considered their tonal, representing aspects of their soul or life energy.
Concept in Toltec Wisdom: In the spiritual teachings popularized by authors like Carlos Castaneda, nagual represents the unknown, the unseen, or the infinite potential beyond ordinary perception. It contrasts with the tonal, which is the known, material world. The nagual is the realm of mystery, creativity, and spiritual insight.
Toltec refers to a civilization, culture, and philosophical tradition from ancient Mesoamerica, particularly in central Mexico, flourishing around 900–1150 CE. The Toltecs were known for their advanced knowledge in architecture, art, astronomy, and spirituality. The ruins of Tula (their capital) showcase impressive pyramids, warrior statues, and intricate carvings.
Beyond the historical context, the term Toltec has also gained spiritual significance, especially through the modern interpretations of Toltec wisdom popularized by authors like Don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements). In this context, being a "Toltec" means being an artist of life—someone who creates their reality with awareness, integrity, and love.
A
A
Why can’t we just be happy all the time?
From a neuroscience perspective, the best answer is probably “because of habituation.”
A
"See all women as mothers, serve them as your mother. When you see the entire world as the mother, the ego falls away." - Neem Karoli Baba
a
The one who perceives all beings as his own Self and experiences his own Self in all beings harbors neither hatred nor discrimination.
For such a realized soul, the entire creation becomes an extension of the Self, dissolving all attachments and sorrows. Established in divine oneness, he attains the ultimate truth of non-duality.
When we truly experience the unity of the Self in this cosmos, all dualities and limitations vanish. Distinctions fade away, leaving only love, compassion, and unbroken peace. This is the supreme truth of Advaita—the gateway to liberation.
💫 Jagadguru Swami Sandeepani
a