I like the way Zen Buddhism gets to the direct point. Much like the story of the westerner going to Japan to learn about Zen. He goes to the master’s house to interview him. Rings the door bell. The master answers and invites the westerner in. They sit down. The master then offers tea. The gentleman kindly accepts. The master starts tot pour the tea. It goes to the brim and he keeps pouring. The man stands up to avoid getting the tea on his pants. He says, the cup is full. No more can go in. The master says that the cup is like the westerner’s mind. It is full of ideas about Zen that there is no room for more.

So, what is the point? Why tell you this story? There is so much going on in your life. You just do not see the whole picture. Buddha said that life is Dukkha. Some translate that to suffering. It is more of s dis-satisfaction with life. Buddha was a prince whose father protected him from the ills of life. Gave him women to serve him. Food to fill his belly. All the pleasures of life. And, still he was not satisfied. You are going thru similar feelings. You live this life but are not satisfied by it. Is it friends you want? Is it a good education? A career that excites you? You find, once you have that something new, you begin to long for the next big thing. If you think you do not belong in this group, that you are special, that there is something more to life, that you deserve more or better. Then, I am sorry I posted here.

There really is not much more to say. I wish you a great life. Be happy.

Seems that it has been a couple of years since the OP has been here. Please let it be that he has found peace. Calling it , .. His horror with Kundalini, … whether it is or is not , … that is not the point. I neither believe in his story nor do I disbelieve. It was something he posted in his time of pain. Pain can make men do strange things.

For me, pain is quite a personal thing which I tend to not share unless I think I can find relief such as going to see the doctor. However, there are people who come to forums to talk about their pain in relationships. Seeking friendly words and may be some helpful advice. He did not seem to want advice nor did he reach out for relief of his pain. He only seemed to want to share his pain. And in that way, I hope he found relief.

What is there to take away from such a person? He was a sight one sees along one’s journey when one stops to see the sights. Now time to move on.

Buddha and the truth, …

In the times of the Buddha, a man came up to the Buddha and asked if God exist? Is there a God? After talking to this man for a little while, he answered that there is no God. Buddha’s disciples noted this. At another time, another man came to the Buddha and asked does God Exist? Buddha talked with this man and finally answered that God does exist? Buddha’s disciples were now very confused. The disciples asked why Buddha answered that there is not God and there is a God. What is the truth? Buddha replied that the first man did believe in God. And if he was told there is a God then his spiritual journey would end with that answer there is a God. So, he was told there is no God. The second man did not believe in God and his spiritual journey would end if he was told there is no God. The truth was that neither person was ready to end their journey. They needed to continue.

So, is there a God or is there no God? Does it matter? What is the truth? What matters is to lead those people to find the truth. To continue their journey and find their truth. Where does this compassion and wisdom come from? The deepest part of love.

This is such a simple story and so full of traps to fall into. Believe in the Matrix? Believe that it does not matter to learn to have an honest living? That one’s life is a program to do as society says to do? That seems to me to be a very narrow view of life.

Sorry, I am not a woman so I do not see it from a woman’s point of view. You seems to be more invested into this relationship than just platonic. There has been no meeting and no face time? If you want to meet so badly as to cut him off unless he is on a plane to meet you then it must mean you want something more than friends?

From the man’s point of view, he does not want to commit to a relationship that he is unsure of. Yes, platonic. Then as friends, the only demand should be to talk every so often as to keep in touch and up to date about life. But, if you are a woman then he might have feelings that he can not control. It makes him want to meet you. He may want to see if there is a possibility of more than friendship but he is not willing to be rejected. Putting pressure on him to be on a plane to go meet you, that is in a sense rejection. He will feel this. And depending upon how deeply he wants to meet you, he will make his decision.

That song by Nicollete Larson, “Lotta Love”. It comes to my mind when I read your post. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

[quote quote=427339]Dear Tommy, Thank you for writing about karma, however, I am not understanding some things. When you say harm returns to others do you mean harm returns from me? Also, how is one meant to manage one’s emotions then? Sorry if these seem silly questions. Is there a book or video you can recommend? With thanks and best wishes, Rebecca[/quote]

There are no silly questions. However there may not be an answer. When harms returns to those who cause harm, it comes from their environment. It may be you. It may not be. I do not know.

How is one meant to manage one’s emotions? IDK. I feel emotions but I do not act only upon those emotions. They do make me think. Sometimes I wonder what caused it and other times I am trying to resolve those feelings. As a child, I felt many emotions. Some good and some bad. When the emotions alone made me act, the results were not good. As I grew older, I learned not to act only from emotions. I can not say how anyone else should deal with their emotions. I do know that if one holds onto anger or hate then the emotion possess a large part of one’s mind. Some call it baggage. Others call it a weight.

I am guessing that I am not a good influence on you. Causing confusion. Please let me withdraw from more confusing answers. I wish you well.

<p style=”text-align: right;”>You are in the grips of depression. Friends and family could help if they know how you feel and they care about you. I hope you find someone who can help. The person who can light the spark in your heart so you can live a happy life. No, no one person can give you that. You have to find it in yourself to be happy. But, it sure does help to have someone on you side cheering you on.</p>

When a loving relationship has gone, it become like dying. What are the stages? There is denial. Cannot believe this is happening. Then one gets angry. She hurt me. She was cruel. I hate her. No. Then, bargaining. One bargains for return to the relationship. What could have been done to avoid this. Next is the depression. Feelings of sadness. And thinking how good thing were and how bad they are now. Finally, after much time has passed, comes acceptance (sort of).

It is a tough road ahead. As time passes, you will spend less and less time thinking about her. Less time having feelings for her. Eventually, you will be more focused upon the present.

Buddhist meditate. Release anger, hate, revenge, desires, wants. Feelings are let go. We do not forget the past. We live in the present. To know where we are now, we must understand the past. To move forward into the future then we must live in the now and plan for the future. I know it is not an easy thing to do when the wound is fresh. Just try not to think about the past so much and focus upon the present. As you practice, it will become easier.