Intellect

[Ming the Merciful]

Hey Patrick, what is this thing with the "Stars". Do we get stars for attendance or for not creating chaos and revolution? What mystery is this. You have five, and I have three? I am confused? This could bring the downfall of Man.

There are internal discussions to remove those.  I think it just comes with the platform used for these forums.  Other changes as well regarding the displayed stats.  All of it with the intent to remove auto-intimidation in between members.

Well maybe intimidation is too strong a word, but I'm not an English speaker and I can't seem to find a better one at the moment.

The stars just have to with how many posts/length of time you have been a member, I believe. And as Patrick said, it is on our to-do list to remove a hierarchical-seeming symbol such as the stars, but leave the number of posts. It seems somehow informative to see how involved a member has been in these forums.

What do you think Ming the Merciful? (Flash Gordon, right? except Ming was originally "merciless"). 

Hi Diana. Good to meet you. I have been cursed by the God(s). I had started a reply to you, and then it all disappeared. Here we go, (again). Ming the Merciless You are correct, he was in the Flash Gordon movies. He has always been my hero, (anti-hero). What it is, in my family ancestry we have Chinese and Oriental connections, and I have leaned more to Chinese and Japanese philosophy, (as opposed to Western Philosophy). It feels more natural and holistic. The West only observes Spirituality on an Intellectual level which causes a misunderstanding and delusion. If we observe in Intuitive Mind, there is a deeper understanding that cannot be seen in Intellectual Mind.

I had the opportunity to learn Zen through a good Spiritual Master, (for whom I will be eternally grateful). When you understand Zen, (not that you ever comprehend Zen). it changes everything. Or, it teaches you to observe life Intuitively as opposed to Intellectually. Beware of the snake in the grass, (it may have a sting in the tail). I have the belief that Zen and the ONE is the same thing. A wolf in sheep clothing. How we interpret Zen, (or the ONE), is not important. It is the fact of the acknowledgment. Or, it is only those people who are "Awakened" understand. But, more importantly we must not become evangelical and argue over trivial matters of personal interpretation. It is that which causes chaos and discord.
So, that is the basics of me, in the, (proverbial), "Nutshell". Peace.