leonardcohenforum.com

Rachel wrote:Alright Makera, I'll reformulate my confusing words relating to my decision, or not, of calling myself agnostic:
After making some forays into questions relating to the nature of theism, what I read (mostly Kant, Descartes and Leibniz I admit) I reached the conclusion that, whilst arguments for theism are coherent, they are not convincing. Therefore, I decided the term 'agnostic' was applicable to me. This was all preceded by some study of Hinduism and Buddhism, both of which I also found to be fully coherent as systems of belief. For me, this undermined the notion of 'one truth'. So I both decided and didn't decide.
And don't be such an Erbsenzaehler! (pea-counter in German)

Thank you, Rachel, . That's why I query and prod - for clarity . Now I understand you perfectly. Ooh, I love the new word too, "Erbsenzaehler", a 'pea-counter' eh? Is that just German for pedant? That's , I'm happy if I can learn at least one new thing a day, that's a good one.

~Makera

Perhaps, we should all stay away from exploring the deep and profound meanings of life and instead concentrate all of our energies on whether or not Leonard should have a face-lift. what say?

Mark B. ~

Hi Ves,

"nauseating peace"? Good grief, that's a very colourful,even sinister interpetation. I thought it was a more colloquial meaning - just being "sick of" or fed up with a rambling discussion which had maybe run its course.

I hope there will not now be a dissection of my use of "fed" and its association with eating.

I prefer to keep out of these lengthy discussions for this very reason; so often words and their meanings are taken a different way than was intended by a writer. I've been guilty of this myself, sometimes and been jumped on.

As another without the benefit of higher education, and the economic need to work, I don't have much time to spare to research lengthy sources on the internet or elsewhere to back up my opinion so I now prefer to take a back seat.

Dear Helven/Tanya ~

I very much appreciated your bringing all the information you did here. I didn't find it at all boring, but rather informative, and instructive as to just how complex the study of Buddhism really is. JM asked a question and you gave him a substantive and entirely appropriate response. If such a situation occurs again, where you are able to do so, I hope you won't hesitate. As Margaret noted, many of us don't have time [or are not inclined] to do the research, but when someone brings it to me in such cogent form, I appreciate it. I suspect JM did, too.

Love,
Elizabeth

If I respond to 'someone,' I'll be damned.
If I don't respond I'll be damned.
So I won't do either.

I think people that face lift definetely lose an important part of their personality.
tha marks age has left on our face are marks that give a map of our past and the way we have lived...well that is my opinion...

I respond to Helven. However, in the way she did it, without arrogance, or presumption of others' ignorance, it came across totally differently to me. I respond to Helven affirmatively, and to let her know that I appreciate her bringing merely information to the discussion, in response to a direct question, without any implied value judgements of knowing more than others....simply helpful information for the taking. Thank you.
(you know who you are )

Ciao Margaret,

I agree. pax nauseum/neauseating peace does have a sinister meaning. We must ask Byron for illumenation!

Byron, What did you mean?

Vesuvius

There is no spoon
There is no posting
There is no peace

Dear Elizabeth, dear Byron,

Thank you! I just thought I really overdid a bit – question was put by one person but everyone had to encounter that terrible list (little hair-raiser ).

Yours,
TH

I gained some real insight into Buddhism through your list, Helven. Thank you.

Many intricacies revealed through it, that emerge into view via the list itself.

Love,
Elizabeth

Lizzy~
Absolutely! I personally find Helven/Tat'jana a wonderfully balanced person, and gain inspiration and confidence from her lovely example. She does not prejudge another's motives, or presume intent - without real knowledge or evidence.

Love,
Makera

Thank you, Makera/Gennelle! It’s good that I still have some negative features of character – otherwise, I’d become too proud.

Yours,
TH

Kush,

Thanks for the links. This weekend I'm going to try my public library for Kaku's Hyperspace. I would love to see "Brilliant Minds: Secrets of the Cosmos" but I can't get Discovery's Science Channel from my cable company. I of the Vortex looks a little intimidating to me. Maybe later. I have Hawking's A Brief History of Time, but am ashamed to admit it's been gathering dust. It is now on my list for December. Thanks.