What accounts for the fact that some students are super-devoted and therefore wholesome and some are not?

[Jaded Sage]

That would be the Russell. I'd rather this not devolve into some bullshit. Also, that wasn't an argument so that doesn't apply.

[Jaded Sage]

Recap:

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[Jaded Sage]

Also, philosophy correctly practiced makes us unafraid of death, even cheery in the face of death. Sounds like something good, this philosophy stuff. I swear to Christ it worked for me.

[Walker]

Recap:

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So, what are you up to?

Krishnamurti says that you exist only in relationship.

This has profound implications.

Relationship is two. You, and what you perceive. The perceived can be a thing, a person, a thought, an idea.
(Dogs too, so put all living things into the category of perceived)

This is duality.

Duality is a creation of mind.

Existence is a creation of mind.

No relationship, no existence. No mind.

Duality ends at non-duality. So does mind end when duality ends. So does existence end when duality ends. Literally.

This isn’t philosophy or religion. This is just how body works. Reasoning makes it communicable, but words are not action.

Do you see?

[Jaded Sage]

I do see. Very Buddhist. Or maybe all those indian philosophies/religions are quite similar.

Interesting thing about it. The book says you have to "hate" everyone you love in order to be a disciple. The word hate here actually means to "love less" or to become unattached, which, as that is what Buddhism is all about, means Buddhism is a prerequisite for Christianity.

[Walker]

I do see. Very Buddhist. Or maybe all those indian philosophies/religions are quite similar.

Interesting thing about it. The book says you have to "hate" everyone you love in order to be a disciple. The word hate here actually means to "love less" or to become unattached, which, as that is what Buddhism is all about, means Buddhism is a prerequisite for Christianity.

What book are you referencing? A verse from the book? If so, what is the verse?

[Jaded Sage]

There's only one "The book." Altho to be fair it's a collection of books. I'm referencing Luke 14:26.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”

[Walker]

There's only one "The book." Altho to be fair it's a collection of books. I'm referencing Luke 14:26.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”

That is one wild verse.

I remember reading it and thinking about it in the past.

Very difficult to wrap one's head around that one.

It can also be found in other traditions. Notably, in the practice of guru yoga.

But, it is total devotion, isn't it?

[Jaded Sage]

I wouldn't be suprised if it were elsewhere too. I suppose it must involve an element of devotion. Kinda like we said before. And I hear those who are fully taught become like their teachers. You ever read the gospel of thomas?

[Walker]

I wouldn't be suprised if it were elsewhere too. I suppose it must involve an element of devotion. Kinda like we said before. And I hear those who are fully taught become like their teachers. You ever read the gospel of thomas?

You suppose? There’s no other way to see it in the context of the Good Book.

"Kinda like we said before."
I don't mean to be slow, but I don't know what you're referencing.

I've heard of the gospel of thomas, but never read it.

I included the above link to Professor Berzin to help explain the nature of devoted students, and the nature of a proper teacher. Again, this is within a tradition, but it follows the natural inclinations of people, so it applies to all traditions.

It's highly relevant to your inquiry.

[Jaded Sage]

I like my unattachment interpretation. I was just referring to the subject of this thread. Check out Thomas 13 and 108 then Proverbs 10:11. I see no link, broseph.

[Hobbes' Choice]

Also, philosophy correctly practiced makes us unafraid of death, even cheery in the face of death. Sounds like something good, this philosophy stuff. I swear to Christ it worked for me.

You are scared to shit of death. That's why you believe in the big sky daddy, who will whisk you away to live in a cloud when you die.

[Jaded Sage]

Nope. I've actually practiced accepting dying in the moment several times. Once with a knife to my throat. Once while being strangled. I don't believe in a literal man in the sky. I think the universe is the Father. Your prejudice is blinding.

Also, it was philosophy, espscially Plato, but not him alone, that made me that way.

[Jaded Sage]

I know. It's pretty impressive. Philosophy is like supernatural or some shit.

[Jaded Sage]

So to recap: philosophy, correctly practiced, makes us happy, wholesome, and fearless.