Temporary vs Permanent

[ChristineM]

Its not a purpose that is put on us, I agree. But then again, I don't think we have a purpose, if we had I think we know it by now. But in my understanding of purpose, it has to solves or benefit something larger, whether that is positive or negative. If its doesn't then I wouldn't say that it was its purpose.

I don't see how anyone could disagree with thriving towards happiness is the ultimate purpose of life, given that we haven't gotten anything else. And if everyone can agree that this should be the purpose, then we ought to thrive towards it. Obviously the important thing becomes to identifying what is required for that and how to achieve it.

Oh a agree but as you say, there is no purpose

 

[ChristineM]

Then i would say today's scientists are also good at fortune telling and speculating on their predictions, like what would happen to earth if its hit by thousands of meteors in the near future.

Wrong. They are good at observating and experimenting. Beats guessing everytime.

As for earth being hit. Observations of asteroid hitting other planets takes away the guesswork. Observation and measurement of the iridium layer shows what can happen if just one fairly large asteroid hit earth.

Earth is hit by smaller meteors all the time, i personally have found one iron metiorite.

 

[Mock Turtle]

We all love to experience things that gives us joy. Things like movies, music, sports, drugs, delicious food, sexual pleasure etc.

Even though the pleasure we derive from these things lasts only a few hours, we are completely hooked onto it. I am no exception either.

But have you ever felt tired of such temporary fleeting pleasures?

Do you think there could be something permanent and everlasting, which awaits us and which lies beyond all worldly pleasures? ... If not, then what do you think we are here for?

When you get old fleeting pleasures are truly this.

No, I don't think there is anything permanent and everlasting. Just as every pleasure tends to get devalued by being repeated so often, it would no doubt be just another boring existence if such was reality.

We are here because we are here because ...

 

[ChristineM]

We are here because we are here because ...

Would you say that was a circular idea?

 

[Mock Turtle]

Would you say that was a circular idea?

I should say so, and usually said by some soldier in battle (Zulu).

 

[ChristineM]

I should say so, and usually said by some soldier in battle (Zulu).

It has been many centuries (so it seems) since i watched Zulu

 

[Shadow11]

Your life is a collection of memories what you choose to remember will determine how you feel. Some people dwell on their worst memories rather than happy ones - some get stuck in the loop of mourning because they feel guilty of letting it go. Some like to feel misrible because believe it or not it has become their comfort zone they have no idea how to be happy and when they experience it they run back to the misery because its what they know. You can be a victim of your past or rise above it. Happy people have happy memories they have lots of bad memories but don't let them fill the mind. There is a name for it "stinking thinking". Forgiveness can play a huge roll in getting past bad memories resentment is like a cancer consuming you. If your stuck in a loop of bad memories you have to break it some can only be helped by professionals or not at all. If your carrying sadness or anger you need to deal with it not carry it around.

 

[Mock Turtle]

It has been many centuries (so it seems) since i watched Zulu

I think the Zulu line was - Why me Sergeant (or why us) - and the reply - only us here lad. Ah - here:

 

[PureX]

Pleasure/not pleasure is a factor resulting from our binary cognitive brain function. It will end when our brains stop functioning.

 

[Nakosis]

If not, then what do you think we are here for?

 

[sun rise]

But have you ever felt tired of such temporary fleeting pleasures?

The Germans call this Weltschmerz

Buddhism is founded on vairāgya (practice of renunciation of fleeting pleasures - an outcome of the Four Noble Truths) and it's an integral part of Hinduism.

I certainly enjoy life but along with that is the constant reminder "this too shall pass" whether I'm experiencing pleasure or pain and that's part of my spiritual path.

 

[Kooky]

I don't think anything is permanent or everlasting.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I don't think anything is permanent or everlasting.

Ahhh...an eternal truth.

(sorry, couldn't resist)

 

[lewisnotmiller]

We all love to experience things that gives us joy. Things like movies, music, sports, drugs, delicious food, sexual pleasure etc.

Even though the pleasure we derive from these things lasts only a few hours, we are completely hooked onto it. I am no exception either.

But have you ever felt tired of such temporary fleeting pleasures?

I certainly try not to be a slave to them. But I think they're pleasureable BECAUSE they are not the norm. Give a person unused to clean drinking water a glass of pure H2O and they'll experience pleasure. Is it the water itself that provides that pleasure?

Do you think there could be something permanent and everlasting, which awaits us and which lies beyond all worldly pleasures?

I can imagine it. I see no reason to think it's true.

... If not, then what do you think we are here for?

I'm not suggesting an objective purpose. You are. So if you think we will live eternally (in some form) why do you think we're here?