Belief System

The difference between a religion and a belief system (way of life) is like Daoism or Buddhism they run horizontally. What that means is that Daoist and Buddhist look around them (nature) for their spiritual well being, there is no one appointed above them. Whereas Christians, Catholics, ect., runs vertically, meaning, that there is a hierarchy (priest, pastors, popes, saints) appointed above them. It seems to me that the original message of a lot of religions are pure and good, but some where along the way a hierarchy was put into place for some sort of gain, be that monetary gain or control. Also in a spiritual system that is a way of life there is no one to pray to. Buddhist do not pray to Buddha for guidance. People of religion look to someone or some thing for salvation. Those who follow just a way of life believe that everything they need is within themselves.

Wanting

It is better to be left wanting more than to have to much. This can be true for many thing in life. Think about your favorite food, If you have too much even the most tasty thing in the world becomes sour in you mouth. This is also true with relationships, if your around someone long enough, even if they are the love of you life or a parent. The relationship starts to go sour. A little time a part can do a world of good. For example, when I lived with my father, one of the greatest persons I know, we would argue all the time. Now that we do not live together, things are great between us. I value our time together, I am sad when we part and I look forward to seeing him again.

Wisdom

How is wisdom gained? How does one become wise? Wisdom is, in my opinion, is the proper application of knowledge and the shedding of ignorance. The first step is acquiring knowledge. Start by looking at your own life. Find out if your living the unexamined life. Then look at your own beliefs and see if you have fallen victim of Pascal's wager. Do you believe what others  around  you believe just because it has always been believed? Look into long held truths and see if they really are truths. In doing so, you will learn to ask the right questions, better questions. Question a multitude of people with different beliefs and backgrounds and learn form there experiences, good and bad. But there is danger here, be careful. Some people will say something profound and appear to be wise, but to say something without understanding the deeper meaning is like not knowing at all. Those who truly desire freedom will not accept any solution, they will do their own research. Find their own truth. They will not follow the orders of others. Once you have gained knowledge you then look within yourself and find the answers to your questions. Then you can help others break the chains of Plato's cave.

Accountability

Should someone be held accountable for their actions that are not socially acceptable to today’s standards, but were acceptable in the time during the time when they were committed? Should the Nazi guard be convicted of crimes today, that were committed during his service to the Nazi party in WWII? Should we still hold in high regard the founding fathers who were slave owners? Should we celebrate Columbus Day who slaughtered thousands of Native Americans for greed and profit? In my opinion the answer is no. Even if the act was socially acceptable back then it was still wrong. For example, if you have been born into a household that owns slaves and treats them harshly. And you are taught by your parents that, this is the way you treat slaves. I feel that this does not excuse you from the act of harshly treating slaves, when you become an adult and capable of making your own decisions and choices. To not use critical thinking skills and just hide behind what is, or is not a crime or what is, or is not lawful is letting the judicial system of the time make the choice for you. And so you become the slave.

Absolute Truth

Is there absolute truth? I cannot say no because by saying that there is no absolute truth is stating a truth. However, I believe that truth is relative to the time we live in. And to the individual. For example, in ancient times they used to think that the world is flat. Through science and understanding we have found out that this is false. And if I believe something strongly enough it becomes truth to me. To many people today belief and truth are the same. In my opinion they are not.

If a tree fell in a forest...

There is that age old philosophical question, "If a tree fell in the forest and no one was there to hear it did it really fall?" This is kind of a rudimentary question. Because what you are really asking is the effect of sound waves on human organs. But if you look a little deeper you will find yourself asking, "Without us does the forest exist? or the universe?" or a little further, "Is intelligence a prerequisite for existence?" Well what is intelligence? In the case for a forest to exist, you need trees and for trees to exits, you need a ecosystem. Animals, is not animals a example of intelligence? But animals and insects survive on instinct. Is instinct the same a intelligence? In my opinion instinct is action without thought. And intelligence in action with thought. In that light, no intelligence is not prerequisite for existence. Then again, if we as human are not there who really cares.

A gift from the Dao

To live your life in accordance with bushido (chivalry, martial virtues) you will receive an intangible gift from the Dao.

A gift that cannot be

 bought with any amount of gold.

A gift that cannot be

 stolen with any amount of stealth.

A gift that cannot be

acquired with any amount of might.

And once received, cannot be taken from you with any amount of force.

But can only be given-up willingly.

How do you live a life in accordance with martial virtues?

What is this gift?

What do you do with it once you receive it?