My perspective on the afterlife (response to GTF)

[BeardedBill86]

I appreciate the detail that you went into in this video, but it still isn't clear to me how exactly our conciousness can exist without the physical platform (our brain) from which it stems.

If you consider what current scientific understanding seems to confirm, that we have no free will and our idea of "self" is actually an illusion that can be interrupted and changed simply by changing physical aspects of the brain..where does a non-corporeal conciousness factor in?

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@BeardedBill86

The way I see is that the brain is not the generator of consciousness but rather the gateway that connects consciousness to its physical vehicle. When the brain is damaged, the link is damaged as well, which means that the consciousness outside of the body would still be fully functional but its interaction with the physical world is impaired.

Reports of people born blind who were able to see for the first time when having an out-of-body experience illustrates this.

[BeardedBill86]

@SkallagrimNilsson Interesting, but then ofcourse that begs the question from what does conciousness itself arise? And then how  and why does this seperate conciousness become attached to a naturally selected brain of one particular species of a planet containing countless others?

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@BeardedBill86

That's a good question, and it's tied to the question how did the universe come to be? I tend to look at it like a process of the universe itself becoming conscious in a slow, gradual process. There are even some scientists who have proposed that the universe only exists because it can observe itself (you know, the Schrödinger's cat problem).

Who says consciousness is attached only to humans? It makes sense to think that animals have consciousness, only that they are less aware.

[BeardedBill86]

@SkallagrimNilsson I see, an interesting theory and quantum physics does seem to deepen the mystery further..

So you think perhaps our brains and other sentient animals are more receptive to conciousness that has arisen alongside anthropomorphic life within the universe which tends to "latch on" to these bodies and then express itself through them?

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@BeardedBill86

I'd say that brains and consciousness have developed parallel, influencing one another along the way. As brain functions in early animals became more complex they could accommodate more complex forms of consciousness, which in turn have had an impact on the further development. Also it's possible that sapient beings on different spiritual planes might have watched, possibly even influenced, life on this planet for quite a while.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@BeardedBill86

If you think about dreams, you can be aware to a varying extent. The more conscious you are in the dream, the more vivid and detailed it is and the more you will be able to recall after waking up. So as I understand it, consciousness exists along a spectrum and is not necessarily anthropocentric.

[lakeb0dom]

I don't mean to disrespect your beliefs in any way ofc, but this one particular aspect, that our states of mind or thoughts can somehow change something in the physical world (as of what I understood from your beliefs) can be delusive in one's both everyday life and world view as explored in this /watch?v=u5um8QWWRvo.

What about those weird states of mind like astral projection, lucid dreaming, sleep paralysis e.t.c. have you had any experience in any of these? and what's your opinion?

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@lakeb0dom

Keep in mind that the mind has only a limited ability to change the physical world, whereas the astral plane is much more responsive. But either way, when you listen to successful people, like athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs etc., most (if not all) of them will tell you how important it is to visualize your goals and create them in your mind in order to maximize your chances of achieving them. It's a way of manifesting things in the world.

[lakeb0dom]

@SkallagrimNilsson Be it so, I would like to know cases where the mind has only limited ability to change the physical world,and in these cases you mentioned, is simply visualizing the goals in your mind the only way(or the best)to realise your goals?If that's so,how's it any different from a prayer?You get up each morning and instead of saying a "Hail Mary" you look yourself in the mirror and say "I want to be a millionaire",as a process of materialising desires from the "vibrational state"

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@lakeb0dom

It's certainly not the only way to achieve but from what I've seen it seems to be the most effective. It's different from prayer in that it involved creating what you want to achieve in your mind as if it already existed, and it needs to be done consistently for a longer period of time. Prayer is basically just wishful thinking. To put it another way, wishful thinking is "I want to be...", whereas visualizing is "I am..." or "I'm on my way to becoming...".

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@lakeb0dom

Also, every man-made or human-influenced object (including landscapes) has necessarily been created in the mind first. So even though it's made through physical actions, those action need to be driven by consciousness, which has already formed the result on a different level.

I've had lucid dreams before, and I was working on astral projection (haven't gone past the vibrational state yet). I think they are quite powerful. It's amazing how clear, vivid and detailed lucid dreams are.

[chthonios]

Alot of this is very much like what my beliefs were, and in some sense still are.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@chthonios

Since I adopted these beliefs I've been surprised by how many other people share similar views. Not that it matters but it's interesting, considering that I had not heard about this kind of perspective at all some years ago.

[sonicsoul0]

i dont think u have to, relative is a perfectly perfect sound and logical way to put it!

I couldn't agree with you more about creating our own environment, the process is only perceived fully by the mind conscious and sub conscious, but consciously we are capable or understanding plenty too. got it perfectly :)

[buzzclark]

Great shot of the "Lunatic Assylum" - I sure would be interested in knowing more about that place. No really - I do study things like this as my study was at one time Psychology. Thanks. Sincerely, JAMES.

[CaraDanaellea]

@buzzclark The "Asylum" called Sandviken Sykehus is in fact a more or less closed clinic because this is the section for persons with psychological problems that lead to violence. It is also the branch specialised on criminal, law and drug psychiatry. Patients come from other "lower security wards" or are those that have to be compulsory hospitalised. Non the less, patients often are allowed to go outside as long as their personal nurse accompanies them.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@Menak666

The connection between consciousness and physical body is complex and intriguing. I assume that the brain is the gateway for the consciousness to experience and control its physical vessel. How it works is hard to say... the brain is still much less thoroughly understood than even the universe.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@Menak666

Well, what I mean when I say the physical world is less thought responsive is that you cannot manifest or modify things instantly with just a thought. With continuous, focused thoughts you will certainly exert influence and control, but there are certain limits.

Your physical body does not always obey your conscious commands either. Sometimes a muscle is paralyzed or cramps up or you have involuntary actions and reflexes.

[XxPunkerkittyXx]

you like to play rpg´s dont you? ;D

i dont belive in a afterlife^^ i think, after the death we are food for the worms ans thats it^^ but i dont know, im young! sure i gonna change my mind in a few years.

well, when im death, im gonna see whats true. hope to see you there ;D

nice video

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@XxPunkerkittyXx

Yes, I do. Is that so obvious? =)

I think the most important thing is to keep an open mind and not fall for the dogmatic bullshit that's out there. That way you will find our own path and can be happy with wherever it leads.

[XxPunkerkittyXx]

@SkallagrimNilsson yes, i think we should be open for everything. most of the people (that i know) just adjudge everything they dont know and are defenitely not open to other perspectives. i think this is the worst you can do.

[Marine052191]

Well, I guess this means we are on the same page then. As for perspective on our common view.

[gothatfunk]

my mom used to say similar about heaven and hell. she felt that whatever people believed would create their destiny.

very interesting video, which made the time go by faster than one might have expected.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@gothatfunk

Alright, good to know it was not too boring. =)

[ninjatanuki]

I guess I see myself as a "hopeful agnostic"....if that makes sense

I really want to believe in something, but I just cant seem to get myself to...

My beliefs, rather, what I want to believe, seems to align pretty well with yours...

Life is a search I guess...ill find it eventually

thanks for the inspiration, you've been giving me alot of that lately

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@ninjatanuki

From my point of view only one of two possibilities makes real sense: Either our consciousness exists independent of our physical form and we are indeed creating our own reality, or the atheists are right and spiritual people are just making stuff up. Either way we don't need to worry.

I mean, for some people the complete termination of existence seems to be horrifying but when you think about it... Once your consciousness does not exist anymore there is no "you" to worry anymore.

[PingeMusic]

Liked the video so just have to thank you. Regards and have a skilful life. Pinge

[Alphalug]

so more like a budda at least as my vibe I am getting



[tonymengela]

One of the best books I even read was Thinking and Destiny by Herald Percival You can get it free from the word foundation, it sound like a christian place but IT IS NOT. it is a very long book but You will be amazed of the knowledge and explanations in this text. here is a link.

it even goes into the masonic temple and the true meanings and clears up the bullshit christian propaganda

[tonymengela]

@tonymengela I'm putting the link on my you tube page in order to prevent the spammers peace.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@tonymengela

Alright, thanks for the recommendation.

[27dcx]

this is pretty deep stuff. I think it would be cool if there was some kind of afterlife but i think its more likely non-existance, like when you are asleep and completely unaware of yourself or your surroundings. and if your self created afterlife theory is true well i guess i'm just fucked then. honestly though i should do more research on spirituality, but it is so intertwined with man - made control systems (religion) it's hard to seperate the two.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@27dcx

Well, in your sleep there is actually a variable degree of awareness. You can be partially conscious in your sleep, which results in somewhat hazy, often illogical dreams, or you can also be fully conscious, which results in lucid dreaming.

If I'm right you're not necessarily at a disadvantage. As long as you're open-minded and willing to explore you will be able to utilize your existence after physical death.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@27dcx

It does not have to be hard to separate spirituality and religion. One place you could start with is William Buhlman and his books on out-of-body experiences. He is a very spiritual person but rather opposed to religion.

[CaraDanaellea]

@27dcx You could also start by investigating into the belief system of animism. It is very spiritual, believing that everything in the world has a "higher energy level"/soul in addition to its material matter but is free of the belief of any gods, so it's non-religious.

[27dcx]

@CaraDanaellea thanks to you and skall for the tips! i will look into those things you both mentioned.

[CaraDanaellea]

@27dcx You're welcome :) If you have any questions about animism, spirituality or religion I'll gladly help you with them, since I have already done extensive studies into these fields myself.

I will admit upfront that I am a totemic animist, so you are clear about me not giving you the atheist version. But I am a scientist and promise therefore not to let my world view lead me into influencing you in any way. I would never try to convert any one. But I like to educate :)

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@HoDrakon11

Thanks for the recommendation, I will check that out.

[Schmidt54]

Funny that your view matches many "main points" of the Buddhist view of the "afterlife" (or more specifically how the next life will be shaped, which is based on the actions one took in the last life). Buddhist teachings are extremely clear and very detailed when it comes to dying and what comes after that (pretty exciting stuff actually). Maybe you wanna check the book "Juwelenschmuck der Befreiung". You pretty much got the mindset for that kind of stuff... which is rare actually.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@Schmidt54

Yes, from what I know Buddhism is definitely the only world religion that I mostly agree with (although I don't have problems with Hinduism either).

[Schmidt54]

@SkallagrimNilsson I am no expert on Hinduism, but the idea of rebirth is one of the basic concepts of both religions, but besides the raw concept they differ. When it comes to rebirth, Buddhist teachings are clear and detailed. For example, in Buddhist believe the mind only lets go of the body if the heart stops beating. Comments are too limited in characters to explain even a fraction, if you want to know more I can shoot you a message with some information regarding that topic if you like.

[tetsubo57]

Speaking purely for myself: When I was an atheist, I was a spiritual void. A divine null. It was only when I became aware of that vacancy in my life that I began to pursue an answer. Eventually leading me to become a dirty, filthy Neo-pagan.

*I* am eternal. I might come back for another go-round if I choose. I am rather fond of the flesh.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@tetsubo57

When I was Christian, before I knew Cara, I was actually at the lowest spiritual point, it was worse than being an Atheist, which I have also been to some degree for a while.

I'm not fond of the flesh at all. I pretty much hate my body and the way this physical world works. My body feels like a cage to me, although I'm trying to get away from that rigid body-spirit duality, which I've come to view as inaccurate.

[tetsubo57]

@SkallagrimNilsson The Christians seem to consider that a feature, not a bug.

Well, I should say I am fond of other people's flesh. I like flesh. I tolerate my own.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@tetsubo57

Ah yes, should have thought so... you naughty idol worshiper. =D

[HAGD69]

So immediately you hit this I half to comment. 1st perfect spot nice view. I have a problem with the we are buried. It does not seem to natural to me.Salmon swim up stream spawn die and feed and give nutrients to plants and other living organisms all the way to and in the ocean. So again in my opinion man and his beliefs has screwed up the rest of my being.I hope you are right peace.Whats your opinion.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@HAGD69

Yes, I agree. Humans have isolated themselves from their origins and have disturbed the natural cycle of life. They have barricaded themselves in their artificial worlds of steel, concrete and plastic.

[CitySolitare]

If you believe in the holographic construct of the universe, everything you said kind of makes sense in the way we have to look at it.

[69xarfai96]

hm.....wirklich sehr interessant!!!! ich bin doch immer wieder darüber erstaunt dass es doch individuuen gibt die auf bemerkenswerte weise zu den gleichen oder zumindest sehr ähnlichen schlüssen kommen wie ich und das trotz völlig unterschiedlicher oder voneinander isolierten lebenswegen..........hm sehr interessant. woran mag das wohl liegen, daß personen in solchen dingen unabgesprochen/unkontrolliert die gleiche entwicklung machen? gibt es doch eine art genetisch-spirituelle programmierung???

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@69xarfai96

Gute Frage. Ich denke, dass es auf die Persönlichkeit und Aufgeschlossenheit ankommt, auf welcher Ebene man sich solchen metaphysischen Dingen nähert. Manche Leute pochen darauf, dass eine bestimmte religiöse Ideologie die einzig Wahre ist und drehen sich dadurch in ihrer spirituellen Entwicklung auf der Stelle. Für andere ist Erkenntnis, dass wir Realität erschaffen die beste Lösung für das Problem der 1000 verschiedenen Philosophien und Sichtweisen.

[viscountxero]

You can still upload videos longer than 15 minutes. Interesting.

[SkallagrimNilsson]

@viscountxero

Yes, I don't know why I can still do so while others can't.