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ibreflections substack

CARE an Antidote…

CARE an Antidote… This essay has been updated to include a link to a video of Carl Sagan’s famous quote included in the Voyager 1

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ibreflections substack

Self Inquiry, Movement, Emptiness and Ahhh

Self Inquiry, Movement, Emptiness and Ahhh useful tools for reducing suffering and transforming consciousness Fundamental characteristics of nature include the arising of needs, wants, wishes

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Suffering and the dissolution of suffering

choosing practices to test through direct experience
There may arise in one’s life journey a gradual or even abrupt shift from suffering into a long and winding growth process for the dissolution of suffering. They who wonder about such matters find answers ranging from religion to metaphysics to contemporary psychology. Inexplicable mystery can often persist when techniques and practices are put to the test of direct experience. Clues to the mystery can arise during the arduous trek from a struggling ego of I/me/mine to glimpses of a deeper understanding into one’s life journey.

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1 day ago

Ready For Better
A sharing by Jackson Peterson in a video on the nature of mind, expressed by a female Buddhist monk. Brilliant clear explanation of awareness, knowing, and moments of non-duality between the observer and the observed.This is known as the direct pass to enlightenment, and what is called self realization. It comes from the Nyingma tradition, which is the first and oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. See MoreSee Less
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4 days ago

Ready For Better
ChatGPT-4 on the debt ceiling:PROMPT: apply three different frameworks to understanding the current debt ceiling crisis: finance, politics and BuddhismChatGPTCertainly, let’s look at the current debt ceiling crisis from the lenses of finance, politics, and Buddhism.Finance Perspective:From a financial perspective, a debt ceiling crisis can be potentially devastating for both the national and global economies. If the debt ceiling is not raised and the country defaults on its debt, it could lead to severe economic repercussions, including a drop in the nation’s credit rating, increase in interest rates, a recession, or even a global financial crisis given the centrality of the U.S. economy.Furthermore, uncertainty about whether the debt will be repaid can lead to volatility in financial markets, which can affect both domestic and international investors. It also makes future borrowing more expensive, as lenders demand higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk.Political Perspective:The debt ceiling crisis can also be understood as a political standoff. In the U.S., for example, Congress has the authority to raise the debt ceiling, and disagreements over this issue often stem from larger debates about government spending, taxation, and fiscal policy.Often, the debt ceiling becomes a political bargaining chip, with different parties or factions using the crisis to push for their preferred policies or concessions from the other side. This can result in a protracted political battle that contributes to uncertainty and instability.Buddhist Perspective:Buddhism might not directly address economic policy or debt ceilings, but its principles can offer a unique perspective. In Buddhism, the concept of Right Livelihood from the Noble Eightfold Path encourages work that does no harm and is ethically sound.From a Buddhist perspective, one might argue that the crisis is a result of not adhering to Right Livelihood, in the sense that it could be perceived as a result of decisions made by leaders who put political gain before the well-being of the people.The principles of mindfulness and interconnectedness could also be applied. Leaders need to be fully aware (mindful) of the potential harm of their decisions and remember that all things (and in this case, economies) are interconnected. A decision made by a few can impact many, and this can have rippling effects across the globe.The concept of impermanence could also be applicable. Economic conditions, including debt, are ever-changing and not fixed. As such, the crisis should be approached with an understanding of the fleeting nature of the situation and the need for adaptability.In essence, Buddhism might guide us to approach the debt ceiling crisis with wisdom, compassion, ethical consideration, and a deep understanding of the interdependence of all aspects of society and the global economy. See MoreSee Less
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