Messages

Anyone ever experimented with polyphasic sleep? I've heard that there is an increase in lucid dreaming. Anyone know of any problems that came from this kind of sleep cycle? If you have done it do you recommend it or would it be better just to stay with the normal cycle?

Thanks,

Brandon

I looked through the guest book and I think some messages are a little stupid. Should they be deleted?

What is the definition of the philosopher's stone and what is its purpose? Its talked about alot in alchemy but I could never find a definition.

I read awhile back on the old forums that Energy Dynamics would soon be released. What is the estimated date?

Thanks,

Brandon

How does everyone explain to their family members their interest in the occult? I'm 18, senior year in highschool, from Dallas, Texas, bought Astral Dynamics back in June 2001, and just recently bought Initiation into Hermetics. My dad has noticed my interest in it a few months back and thinks 'I am having my head messed with' . My family comes from a protestant background, and about nine or ten years ago we stopped going to church. Since my interest in OBE's, he recently told me that he sees it as his fault that I missed out on church and the lessons it teaches. The truth is, is that I never really belived in the whole Bible (I've even told him this and he gets a little upset and excited). How do I  explain things so that they understand that I need to find out truth for my own?


Also, great show on Art Bell, Robert! By the way do you see any holes in Initiation to Hermetics, or anyting of Franz Bardon's work? I remember Romero talked good about it, as well as others in that it begins with a good 'foundation'. Could you ask Romero to come back and explain more of the 'Fraternitas Hermeticas'? As soon as I get my college education, and career settled, I'd be interested in the exterior congregation group or whatever its called.

Just started again this past Monday. [] Major is aerospace engineering.

[all]

Hello Adrian!

quote:Originally posted by Adrian

Greetings BDHugh,

I have to say that I have never seen dairy cows sleeping on water beds before [] But notwithsanding that, we are still talking about life here, even if animals live in an environment that has been artificially created by humans. Ultimately, these creatures are going to have their lives terminated for no other reason than to satsify human appetites.

Lol, yes that just might be only in Texas too []. Though, to say that an animal's life is going to be terminated to satisfy human appetites is a judgement.

quote:
How would you feel as a human if you were provided with a penthouse and other luxuries, but on the condition that someone could shoot you through the head and eat you at some time in the near future?

Following this logic, the same can be said of a tomato garden.

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The fact is - all life is sacred - just as much so as humans regard their own lives.

Agreed. It's called the instinct of self-preservation.

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I would agree that plants are also life, but I personally believe, that humans were always intended to eat plants as part of our evolution. Our digestive systems completely agree with that.

You are just trying to justify your choice for the vegetarian lifestyle versus eating meat. If I remember correctly, 'Homo Sapien' means 'thinking man'. Thinking man began to develop tools to hunt. This is when I believed the 'thinking man' evolved into eating meat. Therefore we are not the same as the earlier human beings who very well possibly were to be eating only plants.

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The ultimate problem is, because man sees itself as seperate from the environment instead of a part of it, mankind deems it perfectly right and proper to cause wanton destruction against wildlife, forests, and the environment generally where mining and industry are concerned for example.

I will agree halfway to this, because at the same time man is responsible for conservation and for both agricultural and wildlife management.

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I have to say, with respect, that rather than admit these things, mankind finds it easier and more convenient to justify eating animals, destroying the environment and in many cases even treating fellow human beings badly.

No, if this is true then there is no difference than eating from a garden or the cultivation of fungus. Both are unnatural and there sole purpose is to be consumed by human beings.

Some of these are very thought provoking. It's quite interesting.

All the best,

Brandon

Hi Adrian.

quote:Originally posted by Adrian


Greetings BDHugh,

With respect, I think you have missed the point somewhat [] It is not how these unfortunate creatures meet their physical end, regardless of whether they suffer or not, but rather how they suffer before that time arrives as well, and their lack of freedom. Battery Hens are an example of lifelong cruelty, and the way animals are often transported is cruelty which falls into the same category.

With mutual respect, I'm not really sure how a *domesticated* animal perceives freedom. What is your take on this? For my definition I see them as being not a part of the wild, therefore freedom is irrelavant. If you mean the condition they are in then like a said before it is going to be the profit which is the determining factor in how they will treat animals. For example, I have seen dairy cows sleep on water beds! These animals get better treatment than humans around the world.

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At the final analysis, we have to transcend the view that the beings humans like to eat are mere "animals". That is like calling a person a "mere human". They are rather equal aspects of "The All", Universal spirit, who have every bit as much right to be here, and live a normal physical life as part of their own path, as so called humans, and without any unnatural interference.

The thing is, is that it is natural for interference from humans. Just it is natural for some animals to interfere with plant life which is also an equal aspect of "The All". Are you trying to say plant life is below animal life, but animal is equal with human life? How can this be when "The All" are all equal aspects of each other.?

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The absolute fact is this - whenever a human kills any creature, or destroys a part of the environment - they are in fact killing or destroying a part of themselves - and everyone else. We are ultimately equal - Spirit - part of the Great Spirit, and there is only one law. These are the less well known reasons why eating meat will affect Spiritual progression, not to mention the organic factors.

In a way, it is fact, but it does not mean it is negative by any stretch of reasoning. Yes, I've read the Kybalion and know all about the universal laws and how "The All" is mind. Spiritual development is not achieved through alternative eating habits and lifestyles, but through balance.

Take care,

Brandon

Hi Arian.

quote:Originally posted by Adrian




Notwithstanding that, we must respect all life as our equal, and the way in which meat is farmed and processed is largely disgraceful.

I disagree. Here in the States, the way domesticated animals are slaughtered are arranged with absolute minimal suffering. For example, cattle will have a metal knob that is shot through the skull. Poultry will have their necks sliced or heads cut off. I believe it to be pretty difficult for any animal to realize whats happening to them before they are killed much less any suffering. As far as living conditions go, the condition of the animals for ranchers is all about the $, so the worser the condition the less amount of profit the rancher will receive because all slaughtered animals are inspected for commerical uses.

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I realise of course that plant life is also Spirit,and that arguments can and will be made that is wrong to eat plants, but plants do not suffer in the same way as animals, and I believe that we are intended to be vegetarian anyway.

I agree that everything is Spirit, however humans first started out as hunter / gatherers. Meat was a fundamental part of the diet. Also, we ourselves are part of the food chain. Microscopic organisms can cause human suffering even while we are alive.

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Also for those aspiring to project and pursue other spiritual activities - meat, alcohol and caffeine are very negative indeed, and take months of detoxification to remove them from the system.

I agree with the alcohol and caffeine part if only taken in small quantities. However for meat, some active individuals need meat. For example athletes, bodybuilders, or people who just want to stay and relatively good physical health. And we all know that a healthy body is a healthy mind.

Take care,

Brandon

I saw Matrix Reloaded today! Oh man, is it ever awesome! There is definetly enough actions scenes. The story line is okay but they leave you hanging at the very end.

quote:Originally posted by EnderWiggin

Yeah, I've been contemplating that problem for quite sometime now. I have yet to find a solution. I think anarchy would be good for all of us. We should be responsible for ourselves and be kind to each other and help each other however we can. I know that's probably not realistic, but it all has to start with a vision.

I don't think anarchy is the best solution. I believe we should return to individualism. We depend way too much on goverment and big corporations to take care of our needs. What we need is major reform and restructuring of American society as well as isolation in the affairs of international politics. I think it was George Washington who said to stay out of the affairs of other nations and make no alliances temporary or permanent. Thomas Jefferson also said a few similar lines. I don't think it will be long though because when nanotechnology comes to maturity things will look quite different.

Yes, to me it is very infuriating. However, I seriously doubt that this will ever pass. Unions around the country would be in uproar.

MJ-12, you beat me to it! []

Sublime, the points the Michael Moore is talking about are unfounded and he is a liar. I believe our society is violent because of high amounts of stress and great expectations on the fast pace day to day life. The issue about guns is just a symptom of the problem, not the actual problem.

Take care all.

I say screw foreign oil. Right now we can turn any carbon based waste into oil, gas, minerals, solid carbon fuels, and sterilized water. I wish they would build on in every major city. We need more of these plants:
http://www.changingworldtech.com

Hi AS, are you going to post this on the AR forums when it comes back online too? Oh and, I'm curious about the energy theory you stated. Do you know who came up with it?

Hi Timeless.

quote:Originally posted by timeless

Well, when a dictatorship feels threatened it often is more likely to lash out quickly than wait.  It is more likely to take matters into its own hands as fast as possible before revolution is even a consideration.  

Okay, I understand what you meant now. I think though that when Iraq makes a complete transformation, other Arab countries will follow and their governments will most likely try to exercise what you are saying.

Hi Frank.

quote:Originally posted by Frank
Likewise with Mr Hussein. 20 years or so ago, he was the golden-boy of the US who was installed as puppet-president and armed to the teeth with your tax-dollars to fight Iran.

Saddam put himself into power. When we went to him, he was already a dictator. Do you know why we armed Saddam?

Hi Timeless,

Right now, a majority (I believe 2/3) of Iranians are under 30 and do not represent the current leadership in that country. They are in fact mainly pro-American which I believe is because of our culture. They have tried very hard to communicate with the American government. I have seen documentaries in which for most of those people it is popular to watch MTV, popular films, and shop for designer clothing over the internet. This does not sound very much like a strong fundamentalist Muslim population.

The smoking gun...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/gunning/interviews/khodada.html

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/cold/photos_prove_connection_between_iraq_and_al_qaeda_terrorists.guest.html

Hi EnderWiggin.

quote:Originally posted by EnderWiggin

We must ask ourselves: What is the disease that affects our country? How do we go about curing it? What can "kill" this disease? What is it immuned to? How can we prevent this disease from infecting the country again?

I believe the 'disease' is caused by our current education system. Our education system is based off the Prussian educational system where it is arranged that you follow orders instead of having people thinking on their own.

Here is a little background info which explains how it came about in our country: http://www.feltd.com/domo3.html

Here is a website which addresses a solution to the problem called "Project Renaissance". http://www.winwenger.com Check it out there is alot of interesting info on the website.

Take care.

Hi Adrian

quote:Originally posted by Adrian

Greetings BDHugh,
I agree with you that the USA should bring their troops home, but it should not mean sending no more humanitarian aid to those countries that genuinely need it. Food cannot be linked to cruise missiles in that way, and the UN is united in the need to assist underpriveledged countries.

Many countries slap us in the face when we feed them. I believe that the U.S. government should no longer send humanitarian aid. However, I do encourage U.S. companies that operate internationally to do so, as this increases business and keeps a positive perspective on them. Or, just as well private charity organizations.

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Regarding China - they are becoming a super-power faster than people think, and they can and will buy food, oil and everything else they need, including of course the means to grow and make their own food.

It matters not wether they can buy food, it matters if they can supply themselves with food. Throughout history any powerful nation that has existed owes their success of being able to feed their own.

Take care.

Hi everyone.

Inguma, I know who Bush is. After all, he was governor of my state. I do agree with you with the subscribing of a particular view point. I myself am a fence sitter and have been a very long time.

If the UN does indeed vote against the a possible war, then fine by me. If this happens then what Bush should do is bring the troops back home, not just the ones in the Gulf, but everywhere. Then say no more free food or supplies, cut it all off. I've always felt that when George Washington said to stay out of the affairs of other nations and the world in general it was one of the best advice ever given by a president. If the world finds themselves in another silly world war, it should not matter to Americans as we were originally isolationists.

Adrian, you are partially right about China, however they need food. I have my doubts as to wether they can feed themselves. I do agree with you that the Iraqis should try to have an insurrection against Saddam, that way they have there own victory and decide where they will go from there.

Take care all.

Hi Inguma,

quote:Originally posted by Inguma


Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the reason that these places have not been drilled already, because the oil isn't as easy to get to as it is in, say, Iraq? The oil-men who direct your government will be thinking in terms of *profit*.

Yes, I agree, however this war is not about oil. I do think that a brief rise in the economy will happen if Iraq is transformed with a new government and has newly arranged infrastructure. I do not doubt at all that this factors in.

quote:
Although, of course, the other reason you are going to war with Iraq, is to divert home attention away from your failing economy, caused by Dubya. A classic tactic, used by countless polical leaders. Ironic, since it eats up even more government spending.

No, the economy started going down when slick Willy was in office and all of the dishonesty in the big corporate companies. However, Bush is certainly not making the economy any better.

Hi Frank,

quote:Originally posted by Frank


Joking aside, pray tell, why *are* you then about to attack Iraq?

For one, he has promoted suicide bombings by paying the families of the suicide bombers who will attack any Israeli or American. Secondly, is their past and what the public may not know about. For example, back before the first war started Saddam had counterfeited I forget how many billions of dollars. This money was one day off before entering into the black market. Thankfully we bombed them the night before (It was actually one of the first bombs drooped where they were printing it.). Because of an example like this how do you we not know they are doing anything similar or just as candid? Especially when you have a dictator armed by France who has demonstrated his want for conquest of the region. When do you cut off the inspections when they have gone on for twelve years?

quote:
Also, I know it has proved to be a catchy phrase, especially amongst people in the USA (if the opinion-polls are to be believed) but don't you think, "war against terror" is rather a glaring contradiction in terms?

Why would you assume that the opinion polls are fraudulent? How is it a contradiction in terms?

quote:
And no sane person in the world is calling upon the US government to accept the authority of people you call, "radical muslims." But what millions of people are currently demonstrating against, is your country acting outside the auspices of the United Nations assembly.

Ahh yes, the UN, what a joke. First, we went against the UN when we went over to the Balkan Islands, where were all of the protestors then? Second, these protestors should be looking a closer eye at Russia and their little coup with Chechnya, France with western Africa, and China with their horrible human rights record and their policy on Taiwan. It is also interesting that Chirac and Saddam go back to the disco days. There are two different conflicts of interest in the security council with France and Russia therefore many Americans see the UN as a joke.

quote:
Originally posted by Frank

The reason why these people are *so* glad when they see American lives suffering a horrid death, is because their societies have to live with such horror often on a daily basis... and they blame you for that.

Yes, victimization is common in the world and even here in the States.

quote:
And the reason why your so-called tax-dollars never get to the people in question is because normally the Dictator that "squirrels it away" is a puppet of the United States' government. And those poor people in question are rapidly beginning to realise that. Hence the reason why a significant portion of them think the only good American, is a dead American.

I halfway agree here. At the same time most of these people absolutely love the American culture, such as movies and music.

quote:
But you cannot, because your economic superiority relies on a plentiful flow of cheap oil.

Yes, but there is plentiful oil still in the U.S. Right now many oil companines want to begin drilling in Alaska, and the natives in Alaska do want them to for economoical development. They estimate the reserves in one area to be good for 12-20 years. There is also untapped oil still in Texas, New Mexico, and I believe also Colorado and Wyoming. You are assuming alot here to say that we are only after the oil.

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But clearly, a war is coming.  It is, however, the aftermath of it that I fear.  It will be even more open season on any American anywhere than it is now.

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Nowadays, they have the power to bomb buildings in New York. Who knows what capability they will develop in the future?

Hence, the war on terrorism.

quote:  
Your policy has been "wrong" from the start. Fact is, millions of ordinary people are demonstrating against this up and coming attack. I pray I'm wrong but it seems you won't get it into your heads unless a big bomb goes off somewhere on your shores.

Hold on, you want us to accept and respect the authority of a few radical Muslims who want to destroy the 'western devil'?

quote:
You know, the twin-towers incident was a warning as to what is to come IF you don't listen. And you're not. You are *still* playing that same old game. The time to eat humble pie has long-since past.

Listen to what? We ourselves are about to make our wakeup call to the rest of the world.