Thread: The Change I Want To See In The World

XeL, honestly I can see what you've said as wonderful in some ways and terrible in others. The reason is that you haven't seemed to have gotten to the core of the issue, or the greater context. The letdown of this is that I can see this belief set inside Relativism, Nihilism and, on the contrary, Spirituality.

I'll start by saying this: Having seen the image in your signature box (which says 'Against all authority') I can see that your whole belief set seems to be Relativistic. The reason why this is a problem is because Relativism denies authority; it denies not only facts but also it denies Absolute truth, for the sake of some kind of intellectual narcissism or power. Such a premise could be bluntly said to be "Anything means what I mean it to mean" (The Absolute is relative). The major distortion is that it is ignorant of any context, and in the big picture, it even ignores its own. If you ever want to learn or grow positively in any possible way, you need to realize this error. There are reasons why this may not apply to you, which I'll explain in the second half of my post. For now I'll continue on the issue.

Originally Posted by XeL

The thing is. In my belief there is no "I". That makes it impossible for me to believe anything (because anything I choose to believe in is the same thing). My "thoughts" are infinity, just like everything else. What I "do", don't "do" and "think" doesn't matter, because it's the same thing.

While it is true that there is no distinction possible in an infinite reality, you are superimposing the hypothetical by saying "This is my belief" and then saying "In my belief there is no "I". That makes it impossible for me to believe anything." Is this not obviously a contradiction? If it were your belief, you can't say 'beliefs don't matter' because a smart person probably won't listen to you. Generally speaking, Context includes content. Please remember that!

Confusing that your belief is the same as everything else, equates to thinking murder is the same as a hug. They may arise out of the same source (infinity), however they are comparatively not of the same quality or purpose.

Originally Posted by XeL

Since I believe we're all the same thing, there is no such term as "people" in my belief.

I think you mean "Since I believe we're all the same thing, there is no such term as "people" in infinity" If you are going to elaborate more about your belief, you have to explain it from the context in which it exists, and then explain how it is still true in 'infinity'.

Aside from the Relativistic view of your explanation, there is Nihilism. The Nihilistic aspect is typically about denying your own importance or personal belief set because of a contrast to the bigger picture it seems indifferent or pointless. Religions and morality don't have seem have any real value. However, my interpretation of this in your posts isn't quite as convincing, because you admit that you can 'be the change you wish to see the world'; in a meaningless world you can find meaning, or that you do not really need to change the world but only yourself.

Originally Posted by XeL

Be the change you want to see in the world

Personally, I've stopped caring about what others think of my belief. Why should I care? If you are confident enough in your belief, you shouldn't even have to defend yourself.

The first time I read this post XeL, I thought what you were saying meant something different; something that was genuine. In spite of everything I've said above, I have to show how your belief can be interpreted positively. In spiritual devotion, what you are saying is entirely true.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" is a valid saying in a spiritual context, because it holds emphasis in becoming through growth, rather than influencing or "trying to change the world." When this quote is taken into a relativistic context, it has the potential to promote destruction and ignorance. This is a profound contrast to the fundamental spiritual context, which dwells in love, forgiveness and acceptance; affirming that the Absolute is the Absolute, and the relative is the relative.

Originally Posted by Mark75

If your confidence in your beliefs is well placed, you should have no trouble defending them.

To expand on what I said above: While this is true when those beliefs are of worldly and relative importance, defending them is not the purpose in devotion. When there is faith in the Divine or 'infinity', there is no worldly justification or proof required. It reflects the 'infinite' truth and stands in its own integrity. MementoMori touched on this; as the truth remains throughout eternity it needs no defense.

I think Buddha can provide some insight on this whole matter too (On devotion):

When he dwells contemplating the body in the body, earnestly, clearly comprehending, and mindfully, after having overcome desire and sorrow in regard to the world; when he dwells contemplating feelings in feelings, the mind in the mind, and mental objects in mental objects, earnestly, clearly comprehending, and mindfully, after having overcome desire and sorrow in regard to the world, then, truly, he is an island unto himself, a refuge unto himself, seeking no external refuge; having the Dhamma as his island, the Dhamma as his refuge, seeking no other refuge.

I hope you can explain what you mean on a deeper level XeL, and how you can compare it with what I've said above?