Aloha,It's interesting that sharing a philosophy of economic moderation would draw such venum! I've travelled quite a distance on the subject within my own path. Shortly after my spiritual awakening I gave everything I owned away, absolutely everything, to strangers in the street. Car, stereo, money, all possession save a small backpack with a few supplies and set out into the world with literally no idea where I would end up. At the time I felt poverty was the true path. Over the years I've softened a bit and feel that poverty holds no spiritual benefit, that poverty is a disease. But I realized that part of that perception was accurate in the sense that wealth is an equal disease. So now I allow myself a few toys but I never pay retail, always used/demo. These few toys are in no way a violation of the path of economic moderation and the spiritual ideals held within.
But given the tone of most of the replies in the thread below, I do not feel comfortable with participating in this forum anymore. It is so odd that an opinion of economic moderation would set so many folks off. So be it.
Farewell Audio Asylum and thanks for the audio advice. I wish each and every one of you nothing but the best, blessings to all. I no longer feel welcome and that's usually the best sign that it's time to leave.
FWIW, here is a brief bio about my life. You can reach your own conclusion about whether or not I'm a monk:
"I was quite a normal person in college when a series of events began to unfold which thrusted me in to an all consuming awakening which lasted a year (the intense part lasted a year, the process continues to this day but is MUCH easier). It was extraordinarily difficult, when I came out the other side, I was not who I was before. There had been a deep and fundamental transformation. During that phase of the transformation I was really almost crazy, not quite, but pretty close, I was unable to work or function well in soceity, all my time was spent just being present to this sort of divine eruption. Â Day after day of unending agony. Words cannot describe how difficult it was. It made depression seem like nirvana, it was that hard. I was fortunate to have people around me who understood that it was a spiritual awakening because I thought I was just plain insane.
  There were 3 short breaks during that year, each lasted about a day, and were somewhat transcendent,........ there was a large room with unbelieably powerful transcendent light pouring in the windows, outside the house there was a river, an unbelievably pure river, pure with love, not just water, there was a fountain, a fountain for all to drink from if they were thirsty, thirsty for truth. It flowed never endingly, it was pure truth, a truth beyond thought, beyond anything of the gross plane. There were others at the rivers edge, they understood the essence of that water, yet it was very obvious that the physical world was VERY far away from that reality. The big view would pass and it would be back to the trenches, back to the utterly insanely difficult ground work. There were a couple more similar experiences.
Coming out the other side of that year long period I began to experience a sort of spontaneous meditation and kundalini activity that occurs absolutely everyday without fail. It's not a bother, in fact I'm fortunate that it's all very integrated into my every day life in a balanced way. It is the manifestation of a continuing awakening, in that I do not see myself as being at any particular end, everyday is a discovery. It's sort of a divine discovery channel, where all this will lead remains to be seen. I'm 31 now, have many years to sort that out.
Awakening has continued daily, in the form of spontaneous states of meditation that come on their own, I perform no practice to bring them about. But a year into all the happenings is when it was clear a monk's life was the life for me. I gave away all of my possessions, all but a small backpack with a jacket and a change of clothes, and 10 bucks in my pocket. I set off on a journey to find a suitable monastery, hitch-hiking out of Sandpoint, Idaho. I just went, not knowing where I would end up. I wanted to join a monastery, probably buddhist, but was open to other possibilities. The journey continued for 2 years, each step of the way was made possible by the generosity of strangers. I never once asked for money, when I needed it, it came. The journey carried me across the united states, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Nepal. Searching, searching, searching for a monastic tradition that seemed appropriate. I visited christian monasteries, buddhist monasteries, and many ashrams of various flavors. Spent a month in Dharmsala, India, observing the DL's monastery and was able to meet the Dalai Lama twice. It is an enormously large story, which I'll spare you the details. Yet none of the monasteries nor monastic traditions struck me as very appealing.
I spent hours observing the goings on in these organizations. I saw many genuine monks, and I met many that seemed completely ungenuine. The gurus I observed were largely unimpressive. I observed the enormous political nature of the organizations, I observed the obsessive repeating if not abuse of mantras and chanting. These are generalities, but correct ones according to my experience. In the end I could not in good faith subject myself to the confines of these traditions, to do so would be counter-religious in my eyes. I went to countless "holy" places, but to be honest, I found that a peaceful walk in the woods held more religious signfigance to me than all of the temples invented by man. It became obvious that my monastery was in my heart, right where it was all along, and so it is today. I had found my monsastery, it was within.
I live a "monastic" life, celebate, no intoxicants, and just basic possessions (with a few minor indulgences) that allow one to function in a modern world. I get by on a budget of about $7,000 a year, when you pay rent, that ain't easy (LOL)! Must note that I've taken no vow, as vows seem arrogant to me. My chastity is a product of realization, not discipline. I live this way because it is a fact of realization, I simply have absolutely no desire to live otherwise. A vow creates conflict between what you are and what you want to be, to my eyes vows have no value. If you realize the religious life rather than just adopt it, then you don't need vows.
And so it goes, 10 years and counting, and each day I'm more immersed in the religious life, each day more grateful for the joy & work that has come. I read few books, haven't read a religious text in several years, instead I rely on the realization to blossom on it's own, via the daily spontaneous meditations and kundalini activity that arises (there's nothing wrong with reading, I just don't hanker to it personally). I practice no technique for I have no reason to, it would be a hinderance. Not a single day has past in the past 10 years without the meditation coming. Some days are more intense than others, but the presence is the same.
I have no goal, no direction set, I'm not so arrogant, instead I just allow the realization to unfold in it's own natural way. I never asked for any of this, it just happened. Growing up my main desire was to have lots of money! Ironic." So, that's sort of where I'm coming from, hope all that makes sense. I'm no authority and hope anything I would write on this forum or anywhere else would be examined and questioned thoroughly albeit politely. "
So Audio Asylum, slam me if you will. But I leave knowing that what has been told to you is truth and given with honesty.
Namaste,
John
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Topic - Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - DancingSea 16:31:32 05/07/01 (113)
- God bless you... - Kevin P 18:17:56 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - Murf 14:46:31 05/08/01 (0)
- not appropriate - chiggy 14:34:42 05/08/01 (0)
- WebTV (shrug) -nt - Joe II-V 09:08:52 05/08/01 (0)
- The first cardinal sin of life, John... - gino 08:37:01 05/08/01 (0)
- DS is right, and you're all losers. - The Who 07:43:15 05/08/01 (0)
- John... - carlo 04:42:04 05/08/01 (7)
- Nice post ... - Stephæn 15:32:21 05/08/01 (1)
- Re: Nice post ... - carlo 20:34:59 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: John... - Sean H 10:20:56 05/08/01 (4)
- Re: John... - AndrewH 15:03:51 05/08/01 (0)
- I think there are different ways... - carlo 12:58:23 05/08/01 (2)
- Good points... - Sean H 15:41:19 05/08/01 (1)
- agreed... - carlo 19:20:51 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - grewper 02:43:39 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - Marc Bratton 02:28:57 05/08/01 (0)
- Good Luck, Be well - BillyL 01:43:29 05/08/01 (0)
- Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. . . . - Tyson 01:10:32 05/08/01 (8)
- Re: insanity is the only sane response to an insane world. . . - Pam 02:54:40 05/08/01 (5)
- Then the cure is worse than the disease. . . . - Tyson 11:24:23 05/08/01 (4)
- Re: Then the cure is worse than the disease. . . . - Pam 16:01:05 05/08/01 (3)
- If memory serves. . . . - Tyson 16:24:18 05/08/01 (2)
- Re: If memory serves. . . . - Pam 21:58:17 05/08/01 (0)
- I rather simplified view of the world...isn't it? - Kevin P 18:29:02 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. . . . - grewper 02:12:01 05/08/01 (1)
- Joseph Heller's infamous "Catch 22!"(nt) - darkmoebius 02:31:44 05/08/01 (0)
- If you need an 'agent' let me know....... - Chris Garrett 00:18:14 05/08/01 (0)
- I've been ... - Rich 23:13:17 05/07/01 (2)
- Wasn't that Micheal Caine? - Joe II-V 08:55:08 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - Jeff Day 22:07:41 05/07/01 (0)
- Whats your point? - don_t 21:54:17 05/07/01 (0)
- DancingSea I feel your pain - tunenut 21:44:34 05/07/01 (0)
- exactly where in Maui do you live? - mikel 20:54:08 05/07/01 (0)
- Ditto. My Last post here as well. - RBP 20:29:36 05/07/01 (6)
- Re: Hey RBP... - John-from Seattle 22:48:15 05/07/01 (2)
- Leave me your new addy John. (I have no link) - RBP 23:23:18 05/07/01 (1)
- Re: new email addy... - John-from Seattle 23:43:11 05/07/01 (0)
- Re: Ditto. My Last post here as well. - Mike B. 21:42:35 05/07/01 (0)
- Why? - JoshT 21:16:21 05/07/01 (0)
- RBP going too? - Sean H 21:03:40 05/07/01 (0)
- Anyone think this is a farce? Raise your hands....(nt) - Ubiquitous Skittercat ;,,,~ 20:18:29 05/07/01 (3)
- Both of them, as high as they can go. <nt> - Bruce from DC 09:05:41 05/08/01 (2)
- Let me add another member... n/t - clarkjohnsen 10:44:05 05/08/01 (1)
- LOL-I always knew you were a subversive- you brazenly admit your 5th Column activity!!!(nt) - john dem 14:28:37 05/08/01 (0)
- Sorry John - Sean H 19:39:39 05/07/01 (0)
- I thought part of spirituality was not being judgemental - tunenut 19:38:40 05/07/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - Junior 18:53:53 05/07/01 (0)
- what's the difference? - Adi 18:48:51 05/07/01 (2)
- SS Is Satan? - Luminator 21:16:05 05/07/01 (1)
- Re: SS Is Satan? - surround 11:42:15 05/08/01 (0)
- You should join us in the Sewers - Rob 18:46:38 05/07/01 (2)
- Re: You should join us in the Sewers - Satyr 06:53:56 05/08/01 (1)
- HojotoJO! HojotoJO! Heio! HeiOOOO! - Rob 12:07:43 05/08/01 (0)
- Pride is more destructive than greed. - TAFKA Steve 18:44:09 05/07/01 (4)
- Re: Pride is more destructive than greed. - Pam 02:57:14 05/08/01 (2)
- Cute! n/t - clarkjohnsen 10:46:00 05/08/01 (1)
- Re: IR ejuneer. - Pam 22:06:52 05/08/01 (0)
- Pride & Greed = Same Difference - Sean 21:43:52 05/07/01 (0)
- It's the rich wot' gets the pleasure, it's the poor wot' gets the blame... - Simon Linton 18:42:08 05/07/01 (5)
- Simon, you rock! - darkmoebius 02:14:29 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: It's the rich wot' gets the pleasure, it's the poor wot' gets the blame... - Mick Jones 20:55:22 05/07/01 (3)
- The mystery of Derek and Ken... - Simon Linton 03:34:04 05/08/01 (2)
- Re: The mystery of Derek and Ken... - Mick Jones 16:08:38 05/08/01 (1)
- You're right! mea culpa! - Simon Linton 03:16:47 05/09/01 (0)
- Aloha & Thank You!!! - Bob W 18:14:56 05/07/01 (1)
- Hahaha!!!! Hilarious!!! (nt) - Hantra 18:16:32 05/07/01 (0)
- What Happened?? - Todd Krieger 18:14:30 05/07/01 (1)
- Re: What Happened?? - Todd Krieger 04:27:39 05/08/01 (0)
- A bit extreme for my tastes, but I can almost relate - Azuth 18:11:52 05/07/01 (1)
- After reading the thread you mentioned... - Azuth 18:19:01 05/07/01 (0)
- Kevin Spacey did a MUCH better job in the movie SE7EN!!!! (NT) - Dman 18:11:29 05/07/01 (0)
- Actually, this place is starting to get on my nerves too.. - Graham C 17:50:32 05/07/01 (7)
- the idiots blowing up valuable kit on the Tweakers Asylum - next time read a technical book first. - mark 11:04:14 05/08/01 (0)
- Re: What? - John E 18:51:36 05/07/01 (0)
- The "Rocky Road" site is really... - Ubiquitous Skittercat ;,,,~ 17:58:27 05/07/01 (3)
- What and where is the Rocky Road site? <nt> - shivohum 18:01:42 05/07/01 (2)
- Go to AA home page and tap "Music - Rock"....(nt) - Ubiquitous Skittercat ;,,,~ 18:21:50 05/07/01 (0)
- It's right here!! Link inside. - Bell 18:12:13 05/07/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - rick 17:46:39 05/07/01 (0)
- UNBELIEVABLE!!! - Hantra 17:43:06 05/07/01 (14)
- Re: UNBELIEVABLE!!! - Ubiquitous Skittercat ;,,,~ 18:16:38 05/07/01 (13)
- You're right. . .again. .. but. . - Hantra 18:31:12 05/07/01 (12)
- Re: You're right. . .again. .. but. . - Rich Rodgers 19:26:26 05/07/01 (1)
- You really are right!!!!!! - Hantra 19:41:39 05/07/01 (0)
- No but - Ubik S. is right - Cut-Throat 19:14:12 05/07/01 (9)
- Ohh. now I'M stepping over the line. . hah!!! - Hantra 19:17:44 05/07/01 (8)
- Re: Just Curious? - Jeff Starr 20:59:48 05/07/01 (1)
- K. . . - Hantra 21:21:47 05/07/01 (0)
- "You guys are so gay " Um, being gay is a bad thing? <NT> - Rich S. 20:31:01 05/07/01 (4)
- So now I am a violator of civil rights. . . Please chill people! (nt) - Hantra 20:38:14 05/07/01 (3)
- Hantra, you have violated us all !!!...ROTFLMAO - Ubiquitous Skittercat ;,,,~ 21:04:02 05/07/01 (2)
- Re: Hantra, you have violated us all !!!...ROTFLMAO - Rich S. 23:03:05 05/07/01 (0)
- Hahaha!!! So I am a bit cranky sometimes, - Hantra 21:22:51 05/07/01 (0)
- The guilt - geoff 17:42:42 05/07/01 (0)
- WTF? (nt) - Adhesiv 17:33:25 05/07/01 (0)
- Ohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....nt - Rotorhead 17:27:27 05/07/01 (0)
- Bye Bye Don't let the door........... - SR 17:27:01 05/07/01 (0)
- been there,done that,after you're 30,you better grab a job with benefits - Elizabeth 17:25:22 05/07/01 (0)
- Try the forum at www.I-need-help.com. - Will shade 17:21:51 05/07/01 (0)
- Stop nagging, just go if you feel like it (nt) - Victor Khomenko 17:00:49 05/07/01 (7)
- Molodyetz, Veekhtor ... - samtellig 19:55:36 05/07/01 (6)
- Re: Molodyetz, Veekhtor ... - Victor Khomenko 20:33:26 05/07/01 (5)
- That was perfect! (nt) - Mikenificent1 21:43:01 05/09/01 (0)
- Ha! Wish I though of that one....(nt) - darkmoebius 02:24:14 05/08/01 (0)
- Nice Point Victor - JoshT 21:13:37 05/07/01 (2)
- Re: Nice Point Victor - Victor Khomenko 21:33:20 05/07/01 (1)
- Re: Nice Point Victor - JoshT 22:57:41 05/07/01 (0)
- See you next week. - Tom §. 17:00:31 05/07/01 (2)
- But with a different monicker... (nt) - Ubiquitous Skittercat ;,,,~ 17:50:50 05/07/01 (1)
- Have you anything positive to add? - jj 10:48:18 05/10/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - BillC 16:58:47 05/07/01 (0)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - RAYDOG 16:50:47 05/07/01 (1)
- Re: Aloha & Farewell to the Audio Asylum..... - Gilaman 17:50:25 05/07/01 (0)