Life is really just based on what people choose as their type of "living" in order for themselves to "know" that they're living. We live in a world where we feel and think like we base ourselves to one set of a reality and what's set for that type of society and expect ourselves to hold onto what we feel is common for ourselves to live with (the way we think, desires, all that's said).
In the end, reality is only what the individual makes for themselves for what we see as living. Nice.
omg..and isolation chamber?? ive wanted to build one of those for a long time or at least try one. what brought you to use one?? "dont live life, let life live you" thats brilliant
I'm hearing you Steve, and its all spot on- I read some comments.... for some it doesn't resonate. But for me- holy shit... I need to jump. I'm waaay too serious and frozen with fear. Much appreciation and thanks.
@themusicmatterz ego is always gettin pissed off at other peope, like the saying by jean paul satre goes, "hell is other people". Ego always needs to be somethin in comparison to other people, this is a good way to continue suffering. If you just stopped defining yourself, other people cant be a problem, they are what they are. Even the most unconscious and difficult people, they simply are what they are
there's nothing wrong with identifying with the mind, steve, it's there for a reason as are your thoughts- they're what guide you on your life path. To disidentify with them is to disidentify with self. What's the point of existing then?
Vagabondsteve- Tx for the compliment. I'm not in a position to advise anyone, because the perspective that I offer may only apply to me.I think that there are certain issues which are unresolvable, so it is pointless to try to resolve them. I usually lock them up in a room in the great haunted mansion of my mind, like the madwoman in the attic in "Wuthering Heights." I expect to be awakened by the screams every once in a while as well. I give up, and give up on the notion that I can give up.
Maybe life is attachment. DNA's double helix is a coiled spring, a structure of complexified, evolved tension, which, perhaps, is relaxed in an eternal orgasm with death. But if struggle is what we are, and the fear of death is a large part of the definition of life, then it is unavoidable and ineradicable, so why not accept it and move on?
@Alexisme1001 How would you advise someone to simply 'move on'? I really appreciate all your comments. They add a unique perspective to the discussion and help others. Thank you!
I was just now contemplating my photographic process (I'm a photographer) and it would be this ..."I get in my car, it takes me someplace and I'm continually amazed at what I find and I photograph it...". ;-)
Wow. I really appreciate you making this video. I can definitely relate to the idea of trying to outdo the rest of the world by being present and enlightened. While in truth still playing the same game.
steve do you actually mean that there are 7 billion people in this world and you mean we are nothing because as we see in the news every day people day and no one cares for them... so you mean we just need to live as we are now and stop trying to control the people around us ... you mean that we dont need to think about our problems because if you look we are nothing because we are only 1 person and no one cares for our problems so you mean we dont need to care about our problems?
@lolnicecarlol Don't take yourself or life, too seriously. We're here and gone. We think what we do is sooooo important. Relax, have fun, and stop trying to control everything.
You suggest that when a person dies, there are no more problems for that person as an individual. This frees us from all the troubes.
But this builds up confusion in my head. For I think differently.
I am going to be dead. My physical body is going to be a part of the earth, i cant say much about the soul or life source in me, but lets suppose it bcomes a part of the life/energy of the earth. The life source still suffers with the universe, thought there is no more "me"..right?
I really like your video. I wonder if you have read works of plato or nitzche.
I guess when you talk about the act that human beings should stop trying to control things (i suppose situations) and become passive there is question that comes to my mind. What does control even mean? Does it mean having a control over our desires or expectations? Is not that an attempt to be "in control " as well?
@Hirra20 It is flowing with life instead of resisting it. Attachment, desire, suffering, expectations are all attempts to control life. You don't become passive you become free. You don't control desires and expectations you simply observe them like passing clouds.
Most of our worries and efforts come from the self preservation that the ego believes it needs... but realize that once you realize that you are not this body that you see... and you fully let go of the ego and it's self preservation... that the body that is identified with that ego may pass away as well... but if you are not identified with it...that is okay... everything comes and goes.
wow. yes. love every experience. it's only a problem if we perceive it as one. if not, it's just another life experience.hmm.let it be what it is just as we can be who we really are. let go. cool.
Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life NO ONE can come to the Father except thru me. Jesus is God, we will never be fullfilled without him. Jesus takes away all the burdens, and he is the only way to Salvation. With Him there is no guilt or condemnation. Finding the higest amount of love is our life's goal. Without love we are nothing. <3 Lea
You love the lord our GOD... You love him so much that you spout proverbs to someone that is speaking in a way that goes aginst what you believe... I say that your love is foolish and has crossed the line from love to PRIDE, if i remember correctly PRIDE is one of the 7 deadly sins. Look around you and stop being so narrowminded. Life is amazing, you just got to open your eyes.
steve i love your videos, but the one problem is that our earth and its inhabitants are currently being murdered by industrial civilization. How are we supposed to just "be" when this is happening. If we let industrial civilization kill the planet, then there will be no people to experience anything in this beautiful reality. This is my dilemma. Pleas tell me what you think.
If you believe there are enemies; enemies will manifest. Industrial civilization is not the enemy. The killing of the planet, murder, corruption, etc is a result of ego based living. We accomplish much more when we focus on the roots instead of the fruit. It starts with the man in the mirror. If you want to change the world start with yourself and your actions (not words) will then impact your sphere of influence.
i agree that the murder of the planet is a result of ego based living. I have drastically changed myself for the better, and I constantly help my friends and family change in this way. I also agree with getting to the roots, and I think that the egoic mind manifests from the system we have set up, so it would make sense to change the system. Also I think that affecting change spiritually is possible, but its more powerful when coupled with change in physical reality. i recommend derrick jensen's
@vagabondsteve The only enemeies are the ones you class as enemies. But, that doesn't mean there aren't people scaming/robbing just about everyone else by coercion, & the use force. Ignoring it doesn't help. Issues need to be addressed & considered.
And, I don't think it's "ego" causing people to do bad - whatever "ego" even 'is'. It's human nature to take what you can from where you can to get by; some people just don't know when they've got enough because they've been taught such foolishness.
Dude your words have made me think, and ive realised where ive been going wrong this whole time, i feel better already just after watching a couple of your videos, i really want to thank you for this. So thank you.
Dont you think Ego sometimes is built up by our parents? I mean, since we're born we are being told how smart and cute we are, and based in that information that comes in our brain we try to be the best, we try to beat others, we try to accomplish and change the world because we feel UNIQUE.
Beautifully said! We are prisoners of parental programming, societal programming, educational programming, peer programming, media programming, & work programming. All reinforcing ego, ego, ego. Imagine if we were taught to just BE. Awakening is subtracting these years of programing and returning to our true nature. Thank you for your insightful comment.
Isn't birth/death, sickness/health, good/bad, (all opposites) the illusion? When my cat died, I had an epiphany. "This world has no meaning-doesn't matter-isn't real". If you don't mind it wont matter(ialize)...In Joy
Great epiphany! There is a fine line between acceptance & nihilism. If we believe life doesn't matter it can rob us of the joy of being human. Life is neutral... it is our minds interpretation which labels things good & bad. The silent observer can see the truth beyond thought.
well done. It is great we have the tools to tape and express ourselves. In doing so it helps others along too. I am enjoying Tolle's Stillness Speak at the moment. The reading never stops once you start. A suggestion on listening is Joel S. Goldsmith's recordings too. The life force moldes us and we come to realize it's ideas are better than our own.
Great quote: "The life force molds us and we come to realize it's ideas are better than our own." I'll look into Joel S. Goldsmith. Thank you for the recommendation.
Interesting points, thank you! 1. Enlightenment is just a word; neither curse nor blessing. 2. I have often been blessed by others experiences. I digest it and it becomes my own realization. 3. Professional athletes employ coaches to push them beyond their comfort zone in order to extract their full potential. The right teacher can do the same. Dependence no; inspiration yes.
I had this amazing experience about seven months ago. I walked out on a sat. morning and, for a whole hour, was just completely aware of everything happening around me, the trees moving in the wind, the birds singing, the people talking and walking, etc. I was just stunned for a whole hour. Everything was almost shimmering in its suchness. I remember feeling such warmth, love, and safety in just being so present, aware, awake to everything. I thought, "I never want to leave this!" Amazing!
i think the awakened should just try to keep the rest of us dreaming good dreams rather than nightmares. and let the rest of us dream our dream and laugh at ourselves as our lives pass before our eyes during death. but also, your videos are awesome and a useful tool.
The self is a dog and pony show and(sorry for being blunt)does not exist other than in memories of the past, in fact the mind is an obstruction and can't go there.
I think this is the frustration to most "seekers" these answers to the profound questions are not about the spoken language we are stuck with.
When you are quiet and still without the thought of any concept including the minds need to label, the lover appears.
Hey Steve! It's just been one of those moments. Your posting got me at a point when I was all caught up with STUFF. I actually do know better, but I'd forotten..........thank you very much for reminding me. Back on the ride with a smile on my face! Keep it up.
Great point! One which I have struggled with. The key is to overcome the ego and our own personal drama. Investing in the lives of others is antidote to our suffering. Compassion inspires us to ACT in helping the poor, homeless, handicap, and factory farmed animals. Most spiritual practitioners struggle because they are consumed with self, ego, and their own drama. Volunteerism is the fastest path to awaken.
"Hummmmm I don't know about volunteerism ?" Sit and bask in other people misery ? I don't know.. You have the leisure of sitting in flotation tank and verbiose on You Tube. But what about those people in afganistan ? What about the paraplegics and the andicaps ? I don't think their problems are in their minds alone. Let's face it we are playing a game too.
I think we're all born where we're born for reasons we may not understand. If you disagree so harshly with certain groups' suffering why are you so critical of and against volunteering to go help them? You aren't basking in their misery when you are helping them. Maybe you should leave your penthouse, get in your Lexus and go get your hands dirty helping instead of criticizing those who seek to understand and do no harm.
Great Videos - I've always asked myself big questions and searched for truth and peace,, and it is always inspirational to sense the same curiosity and wonder of life, universe, Everything, in another
Fear of Dead is my minds favorite torture device. Not just fearing the end of my egoic experience or story, but my experience of concioussness too.Nothing seems really scary:(
Nice video, the words you use are simple yet precise. I wish i would have seen this video before I read Eckhart's books. What helped you become so conscience?
Thank you for the question. I've always had a splinter in my mind. Something which told me there is more to life than work, bills, & stuff. I've live a simple life so I can focus upon spiritual growth. The rest of my videos best explain the how. Lasting contentment can only come from within.
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. I just discovered you and I can so relate to your words. It is wonderful to find someone else who is a true seeker.
My pleasure! Truth seekers are a minority and it is encouraging to know there are kindred spirits like yourself. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Steve, your videos are fantastic! You speak from the heart and your own experience. I watched and enjoyed about a dozen of your videos and I found this one on 'Dying Before Your Dead' is especially good - very clear. Thank you. Keep 'em coming!
Greatly appreciate your encouragement. Please feel free to email me if you have any feedback or topic suggestions. Thank you for taking the time to comment & watch.
Hi Steve, i've watched almost all your videos and i would say you really know something. Good explanations. Do you think you can create a video on surrender? Thank you
After "coming down" from the initial astounding revelation that is Awakening, enlightenment is simply this: Dwelling in the second attention as rigorously as possible. Stalking your emotions and reactions. Being the witness to your own existence and allow Mystery to be the ruling concept. Love will flower. Other than that do whatever you want!
If your dead there isn't even the thought that there is no problem. There is no experience what so ever. So basically when your dead there is no you, there is no world, there is no experience. So of course nothing matters.
I live by science and physics and what that teach me is.
There is no me, no you
Birth didn't add anything, death won't take anything away
All there is this, the "reality" "we" call universe.
PS
We don't know about other animals we only know about ourselves.
Death of ego opens the gateway to spirit. But I understand you live by science/physics and this is not meaningful to you. Sounds like you have already found a path which works for you.
Hehe yepp. But that doesn't mean I don't find inspiration from Wei Wu Wei, Ramana Maharshi, Cold Mountain and others.
I have just come in contact with this stuff so many times. And the death thing doesn't work for most people. The headless guy's stuff work wonders for many more.
Spiritual teachers do not touch upon the dilemma when one's suffering is the suffering of others - not their own personal problems. I cannot find help with this.
Agreed, this is a great challenge. Most spiritual teachers focus on relieving personal suffering. It is difficult to be at peace knowing the worldwide suffering which occurs. Ultimately you likely will not find external help with this question; the answer must come from within you.
All we can change is ourselves? and going by the principles in the videos if we help all we can then is that not all we can do? I think we all are where we're meant to be whether it's in Texas in tornado country, or living on a fault line in Haiti or a serene, pristine jungle somewhere. We all do the best we can with what we have. MY best answer. May be wrong but it comforts me. Just thought I'd share.
Thank you for your empathetic comment. It inspired a video, "Suffering of Others." The video explains how "I" have made peace with worldwide suffering.
Your suffering is your suffering no matter what form it takes.
It is all the same suffering really. It is the reaction to the evidence that there is separation in the world. When you witness an animal being murdered it breaks your heart and sorrow arises and anger. Fear for your self is just a different branch off the same tree.
So my spiritual master certainly does speak about this all the time.
If I am dead there is still horrible violence happening on Earth so this doesn't help me. My personal problems are not my greatest suffering but the suffering of others is - particularly the violence perpetuated against animals in factory farms, transport to slaughter, slaughterhouses, fur farms, bear bile farms, the dog and cat meat markets in Asia, animals in laboratories...their suffering is so massive and human concern for it so limited.
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Spiritual truths are clear, direct, and easy to apply. Things become foggy and complicated when the mind/ego get involved.
"First seek the kingdom of heaven and all else shall be added unto you"-That wise man that walked a couple thousand years ago....identify with the matrix of matter WELCOME to hell, abide and identify with the eternal self, atman, unborn buddha nature, nonlocal awareness,pic your label, WELCOME to heaven on earth, the Truth thats shall set you FREE :).....thank you for such a beautiful video.... namaste, the ONE in a different expression
It is difficult even for those who ARE interested in self-improvement when there are such conflicting attitudes to follow.
There is often a zig-zag between trying to get "control over your life" (Tony Robbins style), and "Letting go and letting god" (spiritual/buddhist approach). I guess the golden middle-way is the most practical in modern society....
My many years of "self-improvement" never lead to inner-peace. It only strengthened my ego. Liberation came when I gave up the Tony Robbins approach, self-help books, and trying to improve my life. Letting life live you is the greatest gift you can give your spirit. Then control is no longer needed and things just take care of themself without all the struggling. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin."
Yes Steve, i completely agree. Its about using that reset button :) only messing. I agree it is a game and most of us seem to be addicted to the ride/game. Im grateful for this wisdom. You are using some powerful and beautiful words here. It would be great to hang out with you because we are very like minded :)
Appreciate the comments. It is encouraging to know like spirited people do exist in the world. When we simply choose not to play the game/ride we are free.
It would be cool if we were brothers, I think about all the things you say on your videos everyday!
lizardstyle101 2 months ago
Don't you mean dying before you're dead? :-p
kwg2005 6 months ago
thank you. i think i get it.
DeZignafication 7 months ago
Life is really just based on what people choose as their type of "living" in order for themselves to "know" that they're living. We live in a world where we feel and think like we base ourselves to one set of a reality and what's set for that type of society and expect ourselves to hold onto what we feel is common for ourselves to live with (the way we think, desires, all that's said).
In the end, reality is only what the individual makes for themselves for what we see as living. Nice.
irishgirl993 8 months ago
omg..and isolation chamber?? ive wanted to build one of those for a long time or at least try one. what brought you to use one?? "dont live life, let life live you" thats brilliant
tonyfalca 8 months ago
To the whole world of mancind, why?
dacke93 8 months ago
This helped me out alot. Thanks so much for the upload. God bless you and yours.
PrimeConsciousness 9 months ago
How come you don't make Astral Projection videos or Lucid Dreaming videos?
WilliamMoonNewVegas 11 months ago
I'm hearing you Steve, and its all spot on- I read some comments.... for some it doesn't resonate. But for me- holy shit... I need to jump. I'm waaay too serious and frozen with fear. Much appreciation and thanks.
Hop4Scotch 11 months ago
@themusicmatterz ego is always gettin pissed off at other peope, like the saying by jean paul satre goes, "hell is other people". Ego always needs to be somethin in comparison to other people, this is a good way to continue suffering. If you just stopped defining yourself, other people cant be a problem, they are what they are. Even the most unconscious and difficult people, they simply are what they are
bay751 11 months ago
there's nothing wrong with identifying with the mind, steve, it's there for a reason as are your thoughts- they're what guide you on your life path. To disidentify with them is to disidentify with self. What's the point of existing then?
definatelynotperson6 1 year ago
Wow I just realized my life means nothing.
craigmaster12 1 year ago
Vagabondsteve- Tx for the compliment. I'm not in a position to advise anyone, because the perspective that I offer may only apply to me.I think that there are certain issues which are unresolvable, so it is pointless to try to resolve them. I usually lock them up in a room in the great haunted mansion of my mind, like the madwoman in the attic in "Wuthering Heights." I expect to be awakened by the screams every once in a while as well. I give up, and give up on the notion that I can give up.
Alexisme1001 1 year ago
Maybe life is attachment. DNA's double helix is a coiled spring, a structure of complexified, evolved tension, which, perhaps, is relaxed in an eternal orgasm with death. But if struggle is what we are, and the fear of death is a large part of the definition of life, then it is unavoidable and ineradicable, so why not accept it and move on?
Alexisme1001 1 year ago
@Alexisme1001 How would you advise someone to simply 'move on'? I really appreciate all your comments. They add a unique perspective to the discussion and help others. Thank you!
vagabondsteve 1 year ago
I was just now contemplating my photographic process (I'm a photographer) and it would be this ..."I get in my car, it takes me someplace and I'm continually amazed at what I find and I photograph it...". ;-)
TadRapidly 1 year ago
@TadRapidly Good way to live life!
vagabondsteve 1 year ago
Wow. I really appreciate you making this video. I can definitely relate to the idea of trying to outdo the rest of the world by being present and enlightened. While in truth still playing the same game.
All the best
stri8ted 1 year ago
steve do you actually mean that there are 7 billion people in this world and you mean we are nothing because as we see in the news every day people day and no one cares for them... so you mean we just need to live as we are now and stop trying to control the people around us ... you mean that we dont need to think about our problems because if you look we are nothing because we are only 1 person and no one cares for our problems so you mean we dont need to care about our problems?
lolnicecarlol 1 year ago
@lolnicecarlol Don't take yourself or life, too seriously. We're here and gone. We think what we do is sooooo important. Relax, have fun, and stop trying to control everything.
vagabondsteve 1 year ago
well said vaga, my understanding has grown from your vid, well explained or well directed , i am guessing you have read eckhart tolles books
smurfaroo1 1 year ago
I agree with you to a certain extent, I'm a Christian and I figure
when I die and am in heaven I won't have to worry about it anymore.
Why should I worry about all the problems in this life when it won't
matter millions of years from now.
cathavenfostermom1 1 year ago
@cathavenfostermom1 why wait
smurfaroo1 1 year ago
You suggest that when a person dies, there are no more problems for that person as an individual. This frees us from all the troubes.
But this builds up confusion in my head. For I think differently.
I am going to be dead. My physical body is going to be a part of the earth, i cant say much about the soul or life source in me, but lets suppose it bcomes a part of the life/energy of the earth. The life source still suffers with the universe, thought there is no more "me"..right?
Hirra20 1 year ago
@Hirra20 It's my belief that once your dead your dead.
vagabondsteve 1 year ago
I really like your video. I wonder if you have read works of plato or nitzche.
I guess when you talk about the act that human beings should stop trying to control things (i suppose situations) and become passive there is question that comes to my mind. What does control even mean? Does it mean having a control over our desires or expectations? Is not that an attempt to be "in control " as well?
Hirra20 1 year ago
@Hirra20 It is flowing with life instead of resisting it. Attachment, desire, suffering, expectations are all attempts to control life. You don't become passive you become free. You don't control desires and expectations you simply observe them like passing clouds.
vagabondsteve 1 year ago
Most of our worries and efforts come from the self preservation that the ego believes it needs... but realize that once you realize that you are not this body that you see... and you fully let go of the ego and it's self preservation... that the body that is identified with that ego may pass away as well... but if you are not identified with it...that is okay... everything comes and goes.
moqutpar 1 year ago
this makes death sound awesome.
dopebozoish 1 year ago
8:07 fightclub
TWENTYFO5 1 year ago
Yikes!!!! Going into withdrawal. Needed my Vagabond Steve fix TODAY!
Thanks for another shining example of speaking without notes! Truly, you are an inspiration that I too can preach. Love the location shot, BTW :)
ballethiker 1 year ago
not being a control freak = bliss
great thoughts steve
Diazt3r 1 year ago
wow. yes. love every experience. it's only a problem if we perceive it as one. if not, it's just another life experience.hmm.let it be what it is just as we can be who we really are. let go. cool.
cintheasaulnier 2 years ago
Great.
Videodactyl 2 years ago
You're in your car.... that's interesting.
flurpiee 2 years ago
Awesome! I love your philosophy!
donlapcam 2 years ago
life sucks face it it just does.
JOsu1DEath 2 years ago
The truth will set you free!!!
Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life NO ONE can come to the Father except thru me. Jesus is God, we will never be fullfilled without him. Jesus takes away all the burdens, and he is the only way to Salvation. With Him there is no guilt or condemnation. Finding the higest amount of love is our life's goal. Without love we are nothing. <3 Lea
truthbeknowen 2 years ago
You love the lord our GOD... You love him so much that you spout proverbs to someone that is speaking in a way that goes aginst what you believe... I say that your love is foolish and has crossed the line from love to PRIDE, if i remember correctly PRIDE is one of the 7 deadly sins. Look around you and stop being so narrowminded. Life is amazing, you just got to open your eyes.
staphajj 2 years ago
I see your point Thinkforyourself11 When it rains you simply can't stop the rain from falling.
I think Steve is trying to say: is that soo many people are waiting trying to change their sorroundings. To make themselves feel good inside
---------------------------------------------------
Instead of feeling good inside, and sharing that to the world around us.
thanks for vid
Jnicolajsen 2 years ago
Well said!
vagabondsteve 2 years ago
Living now
Bliss from inside
Pulse energy force
All comes to me in life
Out of thought
Living the music within
wolfmare50 2 years ago
Letting go
Problems of mind
Creations of ego
These games of illusion of life
Un-identified
Un-commanding of days
wolfmare50 2 years ago
Holding on
Taunted by memories
Weighted by sorrow
Playing the pictures of my life
Trudging each way
Blue sky through bars
wolfmare50 2 years ago
book called a language older than words.
Thinkforyourself11 2 years ago
steve i love your videos, but the one problem is that our earth and its inhabitants are currently being murdered by industrial civilization. How are we supposed to just "be" when this is happening. If we let industrial civilization kill the planet, then there will be no people to experience anything in this beautiful reality. This is my dilemma. Pleas tell me what you think.
Thinkforyourself11 2 years ago
If you believe there are enemies; enemies will manifest. Industrial civilization is not the enemy. The killing of the planet, murder, corruption, etc is a result of ego based living. We accomplish much more when we focus on the roots instead of the fruit. It starts with the man in the mirror. If you want to change the world start with yourself and your actions (not words) will then impact your sphere of influence.
vagabondsteve 2 years ago
i agree that the murder of the planet is a result of ego based living. I have drastically changed myself for the better, and I constantly help my friends and family change in this way. I also agree with getting to the roots, and I think that the egoic mind manifests from the system we have set up, so it would make sense to change the system. Also I think that affecting change spiritually is possible, but its more powerful when coupled with change in physical reality. i recommend derrick jensen's
Thinkforyourself11 2 years ago
@vagabondsteve The only enemeies are the ones you class as enemies. But, that doesn't mean there aren't people scaming/robbing just about everyone else by coercion, & the use force. Ignoring it doesn't help. Issues need to be addressed & considered.
And, I don't think it's "ego" causing people to do bad - whatever "ego" even 'is'. It's human nature to take what you can from where you can to get by; some people just don't know when they've got enough because they've been taught such foolishness.
Lsdfunk 1 year ago
deep stuff and yet so true. must take disapline that most can't even image. I respect that
nileofdeath 2 years ago
Well, welcome to Zen Buddhism.
kefsound 2 years ago
the shocker is that there is no you.
The lifeforce that grows the apple is you, not "you".
"liberation is not of a person, it is from a person"
hvncb 2 years ago
Dude your words have made me think, and ive realised where ive been going wrong this whole time, i feel better already just after watching a couple of your videos, i really want to thank you for this. So thank you.
Zilla400 3 years ago
Thank you for the uplifting comment.
vagabondsteve 2 years ago
Enjoyed your passion and excitement...thanks...
lickpots 3 years ago
Thanks!
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Hmm good stuff to think about, thank you sir
Chaoswithin 3 years ago
this reminds of the mindless drones that say "don't hate the player - hate the game".
if it were not for the players, the game would cease to exist....
POLYMORPHFILMS 3 years ago
Dont you think Ego sometimes is built up by our parents? I mean, since we're born we are being told how smart and cute we are, and based in that information that comes in our brain we try to be the best, we try to beat others, we try to accomplish and change the world because we feel UNIQUE.
LeoLovesNature 3 years ago
Beautifully said! We are prisoners of parental programming, societal programming, educational programming, peer programming, media programming, & work programming. All reinforcing ego, ego, ego. Imagine if we were taught to just BE. Awakening is subtracting these years of programing and returning to our true nature. Thank you for your insightful comment.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Isn't birth/death, sickness/health, good/bad, (all opposites) the illusion? When my cat died, I had an epiphany. "This world has no meaning-doesn't matter-isn't real". If you don't mind it wont matter(ialize)...In Joy
NRjrny 3 years ago
Great epiphany! There is a fine line between acceptance & nihilism. If we believe life doesn't matter it can rob us of the joy of being human. Life is neutral... it is our minds interpretation which labels things good & bad. The silent observer can see the truth beyond thought.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
use it any time.
adam12344321 3 years ago
well done. It is great we have the tools to tape and express ourselves. In doing so it helps others along too. I am enjoying Tolle's Stillness Speak at the moment. The reading never stops once you start. A suggestion on listening is Joel S. Goldsmith's recordings too. The life force moldes us and we come to realize it's ideas are better than our own.
adam12344321 3 years ago
Great quote: "The life force molds us and we come to realize it's ideas are better than our own." I'll look into Joel S. Goldsmith. Thank you for the recommendation.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Hi Steve,
I love Eckhart and this teaching, your words are very true and beautiful as well. I would like to share what I discovered in my search.Simply put.
1. The word enlightenment is a curse because it as idea, the one who identifies with the word can never understand it.
2. What someone else feels is useless for me, because unless I question and I realize, there is no realization.
3. A time comes when all gurus and teachers are to be taken leave of, the security they provide is a trap.
xk23 3 years ago
Interesting points, thank you! 1. Enlightenment is just a word; neither curse nor blessing. 2. I have often been blessed by others experiences. I digest it and it becomes my own realization. 3. Professional athletes employ coaches to push them beyond their comfort zone in order to extract their full potential. The right teacher can do the same. Dependence no; inspiration yes.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
I had this amazing experience about seven months ago. I walked out on a sat. morning and, for a whole hour, was just completely aware of everything happening around me, the trees moving in the wind, the birds singing, the people talking and walking, etc. I was just stunned for a whole hour. Everything was almost shimmering in its suchness. I remember feeling such warmth, love, and safety in just being so present, aware, awake to everything. I thought, "I never want to leave this!" Amazing!
kirk7524875248 3 years ago 4
thats very valueable!
Mongodelight 3 years ago
i think the awakened should just try to keep the rest of us dreaming good dreams rather than nightmares. and let the rest of us dream our dream and laugh at ourselves as our lives pass before our eyes during death. but also, your videos are awesome and a useful tool.
DrawbridgeSwitch 3 years ago
The self is a dog and pony show and(sorry for being blunt)does not exist other than in memories of the past, in fact the mind is an obstruction and can't go there.
I think this is the frustration to most "seekers" these answers to the profound questions are not about the spoken language we are stuck with.
When you are quiet and still without the thought of any concept including the minds need to label, the lover appears.
The only teaching-be quiet and listen.
HY34HU 3 years ago 6
Very good! To die to the ego self is to become humbled by the silence. No person. No human thoughts to project "this world". Love In Oneness
NRjrny 3 years ago
Thank you steve. im closer to getting my head around this my friend. 5 stars
DAZZAMAGOO 3 years ago
Thank you for commenting and rating!
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
i have said just about this exact same 10 minutes to my mom on the phone.
kdog80 3 years ago
What was her reaction?
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Hey Steve! It's just been one of those moments. Your posting got me at a point when I was all caught up with STUFF. I actually do know better, but I'd forotten..........thank you very much for reminding me. Back on the ride with a smile on my face! Keep it up.
maryswilde 3 years ago
Thank you. We all need regular reminders. How are you doing with your STUFF?
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Thank you for the most inspiring webcast. If I could only sit still ( Actually I can but..) and not listen to my ego thinking:
"But what about the victim of wars and national disasters ? What about the poor people, the homeless ? Or the people
borned with handicap ? Some French existentiaslist thinkers talked about The Human Condition as a suffering one. Were they full of it ?
LeCanadienerrant 3 years ago
Great point! One which I have struggled with. The key is to overcome the ego and our own personal drama. Investing in the lives of others is antidote to our suffering. Compassion inspires us to ACT in helping the poor, homeless, handicap, and factory farmed animals. Most spiritual practitioners struggle because they are consumed with self, ego, and their own drama. Volunteerism is the fastest path to awaken.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
"Hummmmm I don't know about volunteerism ?" Sit and bask in other people misery ? I don't know.. You have the leisure of sitting in flotation tank and verbiose on You Tube. But what about those people in afganistan ? What about the paraplegics and the andicaps ? I don't think their problems are in their minds alone. Let's face it we are playing a game too.
LeCanadienerrant 3 years ago
I think we're all born where we're born for reasons we may not understand. If you disagree so harshly with certain groups' suffering why are you so critical of and against volunteering to go help them? You aren't basking in their misery when you are helping them. Maybe you should leave your penthouse, get in your Lexus and go get your hands dirty helping instead of criticizing those who seek to understand and do no harm.
signed,
a fellow Canadian
cintheasaulnier 2 years ago
"If you love what you experience, how can you suffer." Well spoken! Thats the real challenge!
Thanks - Nic
MidiwaveProductions 3 years ago
My pleasure. Thank you for the comment.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Great Videos - I've always asked myself big questions and searched for truth and peace,, and it is always inspirational to sense the same curiosity and wonder of life, universe, Everything, in another
jaufiero80 3 years ago
It is nice to have a community of kindred spirits (YouTube) and share our journey together.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
It's a game to play. It's fun. You are not the game, but you can play it just for the heck of it. Love ya!
-Songbottle
Songbottle 3 years ago
STOP! why are you in the back of your car?
Karpens16 3 years ago
Good acoustics & lighting. Why does it bother you?
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Fear of Dead is my minds favorite torture device. Not just fearing the end of my egoic experience or story, but my experience of concioussness too.Nothing seems really scary:(
Fieldofaware 3 years ago
As we grow spiritually the fear of death diminishes. Accepting our fear of death also helps. Thank you for commenting.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
you don't cease to exist as a person... Your an eternal creature & you will continue to exist eternally.
Faith9120 3 years ago
Agreed! T.Y. for commenting.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Nice video, the words you use are simple yet precise. I wish i would have seen this video before I read Eckhart's books. What helped you become so conscience?
Schul317 3 years ago
Thank you for the question. I've always had a splinter in my mind. Something which told me there is more to life than work, bills, & stuff. I've live a simple life so I can focus upon spiritual growth. The rest of my videos best explain the how. Lasting contentment can only come from within.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Steve,
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. I just discovered you and I can so relate to your words. It is wonderful to find someone else who is a true seeker.
pambaknj 3 years ago
My pleasure! Truth seekers are a minority and it is encouraging to know there are kindred spirits like yourself. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
vagabondsteve 3 years ago
Steve, your videos are fantastic! You speak from the heart and your own experience. I watched and enjoyed about a dozen of your videos and I found this one on 'Dying Before Your Dead' is especially good - very clear. Thank you. Keep 'em coming!
Peace!
JustThis11 4 years ago
Greatly appreciate your encouragement. Please feel free to email me if you have any feedback or topic suggestions. Thank you for taking the time to comment & watch.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
Hi Steve, i've watched almost all your videos and i would say you really know something. Good explanations. Do you think you can create a video on surrender? Thank you
mikephua 4 years ago
Yes i agree i would love for a video on letting go. It seems reclaiming your mind can be very scarey thought.
perslover 4 years ago
Thank you for the comment & video suggestion. Look for it soon. Surrender is such a life altering spiritual practice.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
cool stuff man. It really make sense/
mikephua 4 years ago
Thank you for watching!
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
After "coming down" from the initial astounding revelation that is Awakening, enlightenment is simply this: Dwelling in the second attention as rigorously as possible. Stalking your emotions and reactions. Being the witness to your own existence and allow Mystery to be the ruling concept. Love will flower. Other than that do whatever you want!
Love to you, Steve, and to all!
Andrew
kensho3 4 years ago
Thanks for sharing. Be in the present moment, observe the mind & strip away all which is not your true nature.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
It`s great to listen to you Steve.
hipstarchild 4 years ago
Thank you!
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
I like all your videos. Tolle's words in a different, relatable voice.
PCTrang 4 years ago
Thank you. Tolle is the man!
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
If your dead there isn't even the thought that there is no problem. There is no experience what so ever. So basically when your dead there is no you, there is no world, there is no experience. So of course nothing matters.
I live by science and physics and what that teach me is.
There is no me, no you
Birth didn't add anything, death won't take anything away
All there is this, the "reality" "we" call universe.
PS
We don't know about other animals we only know about ourselves.
zasxq123456 4 years ago
Death of ego opens the gateway to spirit. But I understand you live by science/physics and this is not meaningful to you. Sounds like you have already found a path which works for you.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
Hehe yepp. But that doesn't mean I don't find inspiration from Wei Wu Wei, Ramana Maharshi, Cold Mountain and others.
I have just come in contact with this stuff so many times. And the death thing doesn't work for most people. The headless guy's stuff work wonders for many more.
zasxq123456 4 years ago
Spiritual teachers do not touch upon the dilemma when one's suffering is the suffering of others - not their own personal problems. I cannot find help with this.
animalearthhuman 4 years ago
Agreed, this is a great challenge. Most spiritual teachers focus on relieving personal suffering. It is difficult to be at peace knowing the worldwide suffering which occurs. Ultimately you likely will not find external help with this question; the answer must come from within you.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
All we can change is ourselves? and going by the principles in the videos if we help all we can then is that not all we can do? I think we all are where we're meant to be whether it's in Texas in tornado country, or living on a fault line in Haiti or a serene, pristine jungle somewhere. We all do the best we can with what we have. MY best answer. May be wrong but it comforts me. Just thought I'd share.
cintheasaulnier 2 years ago
That is my suffering. Spiritual teachers do not discuss this - but only people's personal problems. I cannot find any help. it's very frustrating.
animalearthhuman 4 years ago
Thank you for your empathetic comment. It inspired a video, "Suffering of Others." The video explains how "I" have made peace with worldwide suffering.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
Your suffering is your suffering no matter what form it takes.
It is all the same suffering really. It is the reaction to the evidence that there is separation in the world. When you witness an animal being murdered it breaks your heart and sorrow arises and anger. Fear for your self is just a different branch off the same tree.
So my spiritual master certainly does speak about this all the time.
You can see Him here.
Adi Da is His name.
stillanego 4 years ago
If I am dead there is still horrible violence happening on Earth so this doesn't help me. My personal problems are not my greatest suffering but the suffering of others is - particularly the violence perpetuated against animals in factory farms, transport to slaughter, slaughterhouses, fur farms, bear bile farms, the dog and cat meat markets in Asia, animals in laboratories...their suffering is so massive and human concern for it so limited.
animalearthhuman 4 years ago
Thanks for sharing Steve.
RupertGriffin1 4 years ago
Your Welcome. Thanks for watching.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
Steve i completely agree what you're saying!
mayasem 4 years ago
T.Y. for taking the time to comment.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
If I imagine my own death, yeah things become clear and what means by letting go.
chatimentz 4 years ago
Yes, death is the ultimate liberator. Thankfully we don't have to wait till we are dead to be free.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
Thanx Steve for this video, your "satsangs" are very powerful and inspiring. I agree with everything you say, you express it so clerly and directly.
aleximo111 4 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Spiritual truths are clear, direct, and easy to apply. Things become foggy and complicated when the mind/ego get involved.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
"First seek the kingdom of heaven and all else shall be added unto you"-That wise man that walked a couple thousand years ago....identify with the matrix of matter WELCOME to hell, abide and identify with the eternal self, atman, unborn buddha nature, nonlocal awareness,pic your label, WELCOME to heaven on earth, the Truth thats shall set you FREE :).....thank you for such a beautiful video.... namaste, the ONE in a different expression
matrix74650 4 years ago
Thank you. Well said!
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
Nice one Steve.
It is difficult even for those who ARE interested in self-improvement when there are such conflicting attitudes to follow.
There is often a zig-zag between trying to get "control over your life" (Tony Robbins style), and "Letting go and letting god" (spiritual/buddhist approach). I guess the golden middle-way is the most practical in modern society....
0effort 4 years ago
My many years of "self-improvement" never lead to inner-peace. It only strengthened my ego. Liberation came when I gave up the Tony Robbins approach, self-help books, and trying to improve my life. Letting life live you is the greatest gift you can give your spirit. Then control is no longer needed and things just take care of themself without all the struggling. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin."
vagabondsteve 4 years ago
YOU'RE SO RIGHT!
mayasem 4 years ago
Yes Steve, i completely agree. Its about using that reset button :) only messing. I agree it is a game and most of us seem to be addicted to the ride/game. Im grateful for this wisdom. You are using some powerful and beautiful words here. It would be great to hang out with you because we are very like minded :)
SOCRATES012 4 years ago
Appreciate the comments. It is encouraging to know like spirited people do exist in the world. When we simply choose not to play the game/ride we are free.
vagabondsteve 4 years ago