Conversation

Replying to

I don't give a fuck what people tell me for practice if it works. I would sing mantras over a sheep's skull if it would do something fun. But it can be a bit rattling to see "practice this way only" stated when it can't possibly be an authoritative claim. Where are the results?

Replying to

and

I think if we limit the idea of meditation as being attentional training, we can say that it’s best to keep that as front and center in the practice, which means ignoring the fireworks at every opportunity. Meditation is more for many, so it’s not a blanket proscription.

Replying to

and

Ignoring the fireworks, AFAIK, is standard to most. It's the approach to everything else that varies. Do you approach the Void, pull away from it, ignore it altogether, serenade it with songs...? Do you call the Void a thing or do you just think about Nibannah or flow? Etc.

Replying to

I mean, my ancestors seem to have been on the "work yourself into a trance and explore the astral plane with your ghost friends" track, so there's also that.

Replying to

and

is that why you're all alcoholics? is booze your Nordic ayahuasca?

Replying to

and

Don't say that to anyone in Northern Norway if you have a dear relationship with your face. It's a good way to get in trouble. History: Norwegians seeded booze as a way to control Sami communities. With no cultural awareness of booze, so half the men became drunkards overnight.