Introduction Of New Members

[Thomas Knierim]

New members,

Welcome to thebigview.com!

This thread was especially created for you. Tell us about yourself, let us know what brought you here, and have fun!

Cheers, Thomas

[Moonchild]

hey, don't we have this before? :huh: this one's great it gives oppurtunity to new memebers to formally introduced themselves and be welcomed.... :thumbsup:

[TruthSeeker]

Hi, my name is Nelson Guedes. :)

I'm a 21 year old brasilian student living in Canada. I have a wife and a 4 week old son.
My current website... http://members.shaw.ca/nguedes
Not nearly as good as this one... :lol:

What brought me here was all the wisdom in all this website. I used to read the Taoist pages many years ago. But only now I noticed how big it is.

Anyways.... Some great stuff here...

I'm also curious about Thomas, because we seem to share some thoughts and characteristics. For example, in the past 10 years I have studied many different subjects and I love to link those different subjects together and create something more broad that takes all views into account. :)

[TruthSeeker]

OMG! You just added a whole bunch of features from yesterday!!! :blink:

:lol:

[locomotive]

yeah I noticed just after a couple of months later that there was a forum when I revisited the site to look at something in the buddhist section.:D

howdy.

[TruthSeeker]

Originally posted by @--
we aim to please
That sounds very sexual... :lol:

LOL! :D

[Smurf]

^ :lol:

Welcome Truthseeker

are you?

[Smurf]

I think that it was a good idea to have a seperate thread for this. now each individual member can create their own topic about themselves, a bit more personal I think. And doesn't leave anyone out?

[TruthSeeker]

Welcome Truthseeker

are you?
Am I what? :D

I wonder why tehre isn't a psychology forums... :(

[TruthSeeker]

Hello Thomas,

Since this is an introduction thread, maybe you could give us the same courtesy and introduce yourself as well! ;)

:typing: :thumbsup:

[Thomas Knierim]

Certainly! http://www.thebigview.com/about/editor.html

[scameter]

I personally think the picture at the bottom of this page better describes you, Thomas :) :

http://www.thebigview.com/discussion/index...=2&t=486&st=330 (http://www.thebigview.com/discussion/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=486&st=330)

[Smurf]

Am I what?

lot's of things, what do you interpret it as?

[TruthSeeker]

Certainly! http://www.thebigview.com/about/editor.html
Cool! What's your IT company about?

[TruthSeeker]

I personally think the picture at the bottom of this page better describes you, Thomas :

http://www.thebigview.com/discussion/index...=2&t=486&st=330
Awwwww! Here's the one who rules me! :D
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/709/2075PIC_0450-med.JPG

He's one month old today.

And I'm 22 today! :o

[TruthSeeker]

lot's of things, what do you interpret it as?
AH? You are confusing me! :blink:

[Sojo]

I haven't gotten to know anyone here through reading your postings. That may take some time. I believe I can get to know you best by reading what you post over time. For now my signature tells you that some of my favorite thinkers are: Buckminster Fuller, Eric Hoffer, Robert Pirsig, Peter Drucker, Earl Nightingale, Michael Herrington, Walt Whitman, Graham Hancock, et al.

If there is a common thread between them, besides the fact that most of them are now dead, is that they all seemed to be unique in their perceptions of the world. Each seemed to grasp the essence from the world they looked at.

I look for the nuance, the symmetry, and the symbiotic relationships in life. I feel at ease in the meta and para explorations of science, religion, and cosmology. I hope to get to know all of you better over time.

[Smurf]

yay, congrats Truthseeker, it's good to see younger people having children... there was this couple in Tassie who the lady was blind and 60 years old, she just had another child... :think:

[scameter]

the best love poem ever

:D It's so ironic that most of the love poems Whitman wrote that heterosexual couples idolize and read to each other constantly were actually to other men from him.

[MidnightSun]

Shakespeare was a bi too. Basically everyone was.

[Smurf]

^ heh yeah...

[scameter]

What better times, where being what you are wasn't seen as, of all things to be seen as, unnatural. Seems alot more retarded when it's actually said. :D

[TruthSeeker]

^ eh? :blink:

[scameter]

:D I just mean that the fact that some people who call what is natural unnatural seems even more retarded when said then when just thought about or read. Sorry. :P

[lenin32]

Hello. Some of you may already be familiar with me, if not, hello. I hope that i can use this site as a way to communicate with fellow "Seekers."

[scameter]

Of course you can my friend. Welcome. :)

[Squish]

Well, I suppose I'll jump in and say "Hi" here too even though it feels a little goofy!! :) I'm 32, and also an IT kinda guy like Thomas although not to the same extent!! I'm from a really blue-collar town in northern NY. Lots of nature up there, great for hiking, camping, canoeing, etc, but very little intellect. :)
Which left lots of time to think, contemplate, and be with and search within yourself should you choose to. I always felt like I was one of the few who bothered to do so. It's nice to know I'm not!!! Although a really good student when I wanted to be, I never looked to books for answers. When younger, I found them, and academia in general, boring. I kinda liked my own ideas back then. I stuck with software develpoment because it's all logic (IF, Then, Else, etc.). At least there I could be creative when analyzing and solving problems!!!
I've since strived to move on, and be much more open and encouraging to others' ideas. Though I still find most of the older writings a tad boring. :D Sometimes it's tough to change your ways!! Bring on the new ways of thinking!!!! Or at very least, new twists on the old ones!! I love 'em all B)

[Smurf]

Hello. Some of you may already be familiar with me, if not, hello. I hope that i can use this site as a way to communicate with fellow "Seekers."

g'day!

seeking what?

oh and i'd like this moment to say that, yeah ok we can all talk in this little part of the thread, but I think that the main idea of setting up a new thread was for each individual person to have their own welcome forum? :unsure:

[Smurf]

aww man no ones using the thread :(

[TruthSeeker]

Well, we have some people using it... me for example :D

[Smurf]

yeah well you understand

[TruthSeeker]

What!? I'm irrelevant!!!??? :(
Buuuuuhh!!!!! :cry: -_- :reallysad:

[Smurf]

the principle of assumption is a dangerous thing

[TruthSeeker]

Wooooo!! I'm a Guru now! :D :lol:

[scameter]

The principle of dangerous things is an assumption. :D

[Marko]

Hi, I found this wonderful description of my understanding of "God" in a book by Jean Shinoda Bolen MD called The Tao of Psychology. Since the word "God" conjures up so many meanings to different people this is what it means to me:

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth.
The named is the mother of ten thousand things.
Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.
Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations.
These two spring from the same source but differ in
name; this appears as darkness.
Darkness within darkness.
The gate to all mystery.

Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching
Translated by Gia-Fu Feng
and Jane English

I wanted to know more about the Tao so I Googled the words Tao Te Ching.
One of the sites that came up was this one so I decided after looking it
over to join and see if I could learn something. I hope this is an active
site and that the discussions are interesting. Now I'll have a look at past postings to see what's been going on. Oh, by the way, I'm a Baha'i from Canada. :P

[scameter]

Welcome my friend, I'm very glad to have you along myself. I do hope that you find the discussions riviting, and I have found this site to be quite active, especially if interesting discussions are going on, which they usually are. I have learned very much in my time here, and I think you will too. :) And, may I ask about your faith, Baha'i? I've never really read much about it before, only a little bit, but I have heard of it. :)

[TruthSeeker]

I wanted to know more about the Tao so I Googled the words Tao Te Ching.
One of the sites that came up was this one so I decided after looking it
over to join and see if I could learn something. I hope this is an active
site and that the discussions are interesting. Now I'll have a look at past postings to see what's been going on. Oh, by the way, I'm a Baha'i from Canada.
Welcome :tao:

You may want to take a look at my threadThe Tao Thread (http://www.thebigview.com/discussion/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=742)... ;)

[Smurf]

The principle of dangerous things is an assumption.

no it is an opinion Scam, backed up with evidence and reasoning and plenty of beer to help the flow... :blink:

[scameter]

Ah well then, if you have evidence, it is entirely true and unless evidence suggests otherwise, it can't change, no matter the speculation, imagination, or opposition to it from the mind, which I suppose doesn't exist either beyond what evidence can prove.

[Smurf]

:unsure: Did I mention beer? :D

And, may I ask about your faith, Baha'i? I've never really read much about it before, only a little bit, but I have heard of it.

ahh Baha'i very interesting, actually we have a Baha'i place of learning being constructed in Hobart (the state's capital, not far from home) I think we could all learn from you as you learn from us? :unsure:

[AlexCoppas]

Heh..
Where is here some web gallery about site creators?
I'm need it.

For example, as here - Google (http://www.google.com), I'm really have seen it
here.

Good luck!

[Smurf]

:unsure: I don't quite get you my friend?

[navedub]

hi. found this in another discussion forum, thought i'd check it out. liked the home page and the discussions i viewed so far. :thumbsup: look forward to talking with all of you if you're not already familiar with me. peace.

[Smurf]

How's it going Navedub! :P

[navedub]

great! :P right back atcha :) :lol:

[locomotive]

yo. welkom.

[Smurf]

Ja! Hallo :D

Hoe bent u? :P

[rakesh]

heloo i'm rakesh s from kerala,India..

[TruthSeeker]

Cool! B)

Namaste! :)

[Smurf]

India!

My dad lived in India when he was young, his parents were missionaries :rolleyes:

He went to a boarding school up near Kalimpong I think, sounds like a great country though :thumbsup:

[scameter]

What does the rolling your eyes imply my friend, just out of curiosity?

[Nofear]

Introduction Of New Members
Tell us about yourself, let us know what brought you here, and have fun!

Hi

I'm new here. Translated in english my name is Nofear.
I am, as I assume all you people here, answer seeker.

One other forum totaly different this one, ... -> (Past Life Analysis) brought me here.

I'l talk more about myself later, it is nice to be here,

[Smurf]

G'day welcome mate :thumbsup:

Scam:

dunno, subtlety :D
baptist missionaries, did they achieve their goal? doesn't look like it to me, two people being plonked in India, pop of around a billion.......

[locomotive]

Hi! cool name, pirate no fear.
hope you will be posting something.
:)

[Scythe]

Hey all, I’m sure if many people will read this, but I thought it would be best to introduce myself as I’m new around here. I’m currently studying psychology and sociology. I’ve always been interested in life, religion and philosophy. I am not religious, but I am an avid Power/Black/Death Metal fan. I guess in a way this replaces the religious I don’t have. So hi all, look forward to see what you all have to say about various things.

[locomotive]

:begging: welkom

[Scythe]

Thanks Loco

[Nitty-Gritty]

I was meandering on the internet and found myself at The Big View website. I noticed the discussion board and started to explore it a bit to see what people were sharing. I was impressed with the general tone of respect on this board as people discuss the nitty-gritty of meaningful existence. So I thought I would sign up. The warmer weather is here now, and I have less free time. But I hope to pop in now and again to participate in some of the interesting topics.

I have belonged to the half century club for a while. I went back to school late in life and took a self-designed program of study in Liberal Studies with a focus on Human Behaviour and the Social Environment...a mish-mash of social science, sociology, social work, etc. I don't have much knowledge in any of these areas--just enough to know that I don't know.

I guess I was drawn to this board because it is another expression of living a philosophical life. I think we all live philosophical lives...we are all trying to determine what it means to "live the good life." It is a life's journey full of surprising stops along the way.

:lol:

[locomotive]

Salamun Alaikum nitty-gritty.
I am glad to see all of you social people coming here!
have fun, bzzz.

[Nitty-Gritty]

Aleykhem-sholem locomotive :)

Thanks! I am having fun already by reading and exchanging thoughtful contributions [including yours] to the discussion on "Why is life precious?" in the formal Debate section.

[Poynter]

[FONT=Optima][SIZE=1][COLOR=blue]I'm pleased to be able to join thebigview discussion board from Melbourne, Australia. Now 76 I was born in the UK and spent my adult life teaching. I came to Australia in 1974 and now spend most of my time editing a monthly online journal for seniors. I'm married with three daughters, two grand-daughters and a grandson. I sought refuge in the Buddha around last Christmas 2005. My passion is the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami. :thumbsup:

[Scythe]

Welcome Poynter! Hope you have many a happy discussion here. I’m sure you’ll find the Buddhism Board most interesting. :)

[Smurf]

Hello to both of you, I don't think I have met you Scythe so big g'day from down under :D

[genome]

Hello,
I'm Genome, from the UK, aged 22. I've always been interested in Philosophy but haven't started reading it, directly, until recently so hoping to learn / exchange ideas with others on this board.

[Scythe]

Hi Genome, hope you find lots of interesting things to discuss here :)

g'day to you too smurf ;) and thanks

[Smurf]

so where are you from Scythe? :unsure:

[TheCynic]

Hello folks,
As you can tell, I'm new here. I was just browsing around the net and found this site, and I must say, what a treasure trove you have here! I just moved to Harrison Arkansas (where the Klu Klux Klan headquarters is located :blink: ). And where I came from, people really didn't talk about religion, philosophy, etc. I really don't know how it is here in Harrison, but I can guess! Mountain Home (where I formerly resided) was one of those "I'm Christian, go to Hell" communities. So finding someone to talk to was a hard thing--but hopefully I can find a community here.

[Michael]

Hi There,

Nice site. I'm a newbie. From Ireland. Stumbled across you when I was checking out a Greek philosopher called Empedocles. I'm interested in the sculpture of his head which appears over his name on this site.

The thing is, the sculpture doesn't appear to be classical. Anyone know who did it and when?
Very powerful piece depicting a rough almost peasant character which does not sit with Emedocles aristocratic background or reputed style.

He was the first person to describe the four elements... then he gets really interesting.

Can anyone there provide any illumination on this?

[sonrisa]

Hi & welcome to both of you. My great gramma was from Dublin.
hope to hear more from both of you.

ps.. do they run around in the bed sheets in Harrison? :D

[Thomas Knierim]

AlphaAurigae: Can anyone there provide any illumination on this?

Welcome to thebigview.com.

Unfortunately I don't know much about this sculpture. I have inserted the image recently during the last XHTML update. There are very few images of Empedocles available, and I thought this one fits in nicely with the other sculptures, although -as you already mentioned- it is not a classical sculpture like the others.

If you type "Empedocles" into an image search engine (Google Images for example), you might find out more about it.

...Aurigae...as in Capella?

Cheers, Thomas

[Gesiwuj]

Hi, I am Gesiwuj, a friend of Kether, and my specialities mostly involve computing although I am interested in Philosophy and Buddhism. I have been here for a short while but I just decided to make a post introducing myself.

[Thomas Knierim]

Hello Gesiwij,

Welcome to thebigview.com. My specialties include computing, too. ;)

Cheers, Thomas

[CSwriter1]

Welcome to Kuldeep, he brings us a point of view from India. I look forward to his discussions with Thomas about consciousenss.

[CSwriter1]

Poynter, nice avatar.

[Winfried]

Greetings from the Netherlands!
My name is Winfried Sjoukes, I am at the moment sixteen years old.
I literally stumbled upon this site (using Firefox StumbleUpon :) ).
Having read some articles, I thought "why not join the forum?", and obviously, so I did.

[Michael]

Thank you, Thomas. Yes, as in Capella, but don't let the gender confuse you.

The musical association is happily fortuitous.

Checked google, lots of renditions of Empedocles including the one I'm interested in, but no information on the artist.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Namaste.

[Anarchistic Fascism]

Hello,
my name is Christian. I am a very, very, very, very close friend of Winfried. We're as close as close friends can be.

Some more things about me:
I like things experimental, don't matter if it's music, a tv programme or sex.

I also like things weird too, fartbrazil.com is my favourite site.

Yes.

[Winfried]

Shit, not that stalker guy again! :uhoh:
Why do the bad things always happen to me??? :P

[Anarchistic Fascism]

I'm laying in your bed right now.

[scameter]

:D Welcome anarchist. If you don't mind, may I ask exactly what viewpoint you express and/or believe in with your screename, Anarchistic Fascist? Specifically?

[Nordac]

Hi, I am called Nathan, and am a friend of Kether, and he recomended the forum to me.

P.S. = Im a heavy 360 fan, but I will only post about that if I feel it is relavant.

[sonrisa]

Christian-- fartbrazil.com is my favorite site

-- just don't go posting any linx to it. Thomas would not appreciate that

[scameter]

Welcome Nathan. If you are Kether's friend, it's excellent to meet you; he and I are friends as well, but only online. I hope you enjoy the site. :) May I ask, what do you mean by 360? :)

[Nordac]

The Xbox360 Scameter :)

[Smurf]

how's it going Nordac?

I don't have a 360 myself, stick to the oldie (and the bank account is a bit strained :P) but it is cool!

[Nordac]

I love playing on my xbox 360, just like I loved playing on the first one :D I have the extra bonus of xboxlive on the 360, though so thats great.

Im really looking forward to playing on Halo 3!!

[Winfried]

wow.. All this attention for Nordac, and even Christian (that guy only joined this forum to bug me)... But absolutely no welcome for me? I feel sad and unwelcome :(

[Anarchistic Fascism]

Anarchistic Fascism is just made up by me to confuse the hell out of people, it's also the name of my noise project, but I'm sure you all don't want to hear it.

Though Anarchism is a wonderfull ideology, I don't think humanity will ever be prepared for it. Humans really need some kind of control in their lives.

@ Winfried: the reason why people don't welcome you is because you are a friend of mines. People don't like my friends.

[Smurf]

wow.. All this attention for Nordac, and even Christian (that guy only joined this forum to bug me)... But absolutely no welcome for me? I feel sad and unwelcome

*ignores completely* :P


So hey Anarchistic Fascism, interesting name by the way

I too agree with the ideology behind anarchy, that the proposition of no government is the best form of government, this would suggest that society is at a wonderful stage that it does not need a government. But like you say humanity is not ready to throw down the shackles of human nature and take up the free world that anarchy would provide.

Only joking Winfried, nice name also, better than Simon I think

A big G'day from me and welcome to the Forum, I think you will enjoy it here :thumbsup:

[double_life]

Hi! My name is Jessica, living in Montana right now. I was part of a school forum and I missed the banter terribly so I thought I would join. I hope to have fun with you guys and increase my gray matter a bit. :typing:

[Winfried]

well! Come!
However, increasing grey matter is extremely difficult. What could be increased is its use

[double_life]

Ok maybe not increase, how about giving it a good workout. :sweat:

[Smurf]

Well, I'm sure we cuold try and increase grey matter, if it is difficult then it is possible

[Winfried]

Yes! I've had grey mashed potatoes once. Will that count? :P
Food colouring... How funny.

[double_life]

:lol:
Although, I'm not sure that I would even go near grey potatoes. :tremble:

[Smurf]

^ yeah :lol:

although it is green potatoes you have to watch out for :knockout:

hmm...

green matter :think:

[zachsdad]

Hello All

Glad to be here and looking foward to the next moment.

[Winfried]

Yes hello... Did you bring pie? You're nowhere inhere without pie. I learned that lesson the hard way (I had no pie). So where are the cookies?

Man, making sense is really hard...

[Smurf]

what kind of pie?

apple, or meat
or bicycle?

Welcome zachsdad

are you?

[JLD]

Hey all. I'm Jamie. 27 year old English teacher (in the southeastern U.S.), mostly Christian.

Lurking the forums showed me a place of good honest discussion. I'm looking forward to it!

[Smurf]

gday mate, I think you'll like it here :D

[Sersta]

Hello all. I must say that The Big View is one of the most refreshing, well done, intelligent and insightful web pages I have stumbled across in a very very long time. Well done! I am a lay buddhist an artist and a student of the world. I hope to intelligently contribute to this forum from time to time. Thank you.

[Smurf]

Welcome Sersta, Blessings to you, I think you will like it here!

[weimarowner]

greetings all,

i've just finished taking in this great website, and so now it is time to get caught up with the discussions. i look forward to joining the thoughtful conversation! (assuming i have a meaningful thought to share...)

- john

[sonrisa]

Welcome John & Sersta! Hope y'all like it here. Weimars are those big grey dogs, aren't they? I don't know all the breeds, but I still love dogs. Dog, after all, is god backwards! :D

[Smurf]

:rolleyes:

g'day John

[Encaitar]

Hello, I am a 19 year old student from Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. I stumbled upon this website by accident and I think this site might be one of the most informative ones I've found so far.

[Smurf]

G'day Encaitar

[Alex_Dior]

Hi guys its Alex here! Live and loud from Tasmania Australia.... How are you all? ;) :alcoholic:

[Smurf]

Ahh! Alex Darling!! :D

[TheObjectiveSubjective]

Hi I'm TOS. I think I'll like it here.

[Thomas Knierim]

Hello TOS, welcome to thebigview.com! Where are you from?

Cheers, Thomas

[anica]

hello people B) i come here to discuss life ,liberty & justice for humanity. ...is it possible with all the choas. i enjoy discussions on philosphy, religion, science. i don't know much and have an open mind bigger than space :lol:

[Smurf]

Oh open mind! that's good, I think I have one too :D

[anica]

Smurf: Oh open mind,that's good I think I have one too..

interesting...........i thought i was the only one..hmmm

[Smurf]

well maybe you are the only one, perhaps I need to be more open-minded about it :P
ok let's test the open-mindedness



everything is nothing? :unsure:

[anica]

"everything is nothing"
B)
i agree.

[Smurf]

ahh yay! :D
:dancing:

[Winfried]

Oh open mind! that's good, I think I have one too
Only newborn babies are truly openminded.
With their skull not being in one piece and all..

[Smurf]

:lol:

[marleylinguistics]

hey everyone at bigview, ive enjoyed this website for a while now and decided to become a member so that maybe i too can share in the wealth of knowledge, that you all bring to the table objectively and willingly. thanks errybody

[Smurf]

Greetings Marleylinguisitcs
hmm, marley Monkey Island?

[da Nyo]

Hi. I am 26 years old...living in Augusta, Georgia...and I am a student of Forensic Investigation with a concentration in Criminal Behavior. It's pretty interesting, and I'm enjoying it.

I found this site, funny enough...by taking the "past life" test after clicking on the link for it on another forum. So...I'm glad I clicked on that link. Seems I FINALLY found somewhere intellectual to spend some time at during the day.

[TruthSeeker]

Hi. I am 26 years old...living in Augusta, Georgia...and I am a student of Forensic Investigation with a concentration in Criminal Behavior. It's pretty interesting, and I'm enjoying it.
How many corpses have you seen so far? :D

;)

[da Nyo]

Well, I have went to one real crime scene...with two corpses...and one mock scene with a donated body to the morgue...so...three? lol

[Smurf]

Nice, welcome!

[punyasiapa]

Hi everyone, i've enjoyed this website and decided to become a member. nice to meet you guys...

thanx...

[shouri]

Hi, brand new here, Im 26 reside in GA, stay at home mom to 2 hell raising boys. Im kind of lost in the spiritual section and just really trying to find myself, so I figured this would be a good place to start. :)

[Starry_Canopy]

Hi, I am very thrilled to be part of this great group! Would love to exchange ideas and learn from you all. Hope I could contribute something interesting, too.

To begin with, let me introduce you to the first two sutras of Shiva Sutras:

1. Consciousness is the essence
2. Knowledge is bondage

Shiva Sutras (Aphorisms of Shiva) are believed to have been given to all the beings of the universe by Shiva so that they may understand reality. Shiva is a great Hindu God, believed by some people to be, along with his other (female) half, Parvathi, the first manifestation of the unmanifest reality.

What I think I understood from these sutras is:

1. The basic nature of everything, the essence from which they originated, is consciousness.

2. Intellectual knowledge/ knowledge based on duality or relativity ('good' from 'bad', 'right' from 'wrong', how things work, labels or names by which things are referred to, ideas/ concepts through which they are perceived) is the basis for our bondage to the manifested world from which we can be free only by cutting through the chains of 'knowledge' and experiencing the being of pure consciousness that is our essence.

Would love to hear your views.

Love

Starry Canopy

[Smurf]

Hi guys, nice to have you here - look forward to seriously intense discussions :thumbsup:

[Minneserenity]

Hello everyone:

I've read this forum for a while, then it seemed to disappear, for the web address appeared to have been purchased by a company and I'd assumed it was gone for good. So I 'd forgotten about this forum, but just the other day I ran across it by accident so I thought I'd trying joining it.

Briefly I'm an MLIS graduate student, juggle three (soon to be two) jobs, and I own a country house in the MN wilds where I can indulge my penchant for books, writing, classical guitar, nature, walking my dog and lots of bicyle trips. I've been interested in and practiced classical--empirical--mysticism for most of my life.

I guess at heart I'm a pragmatist even in spiritual matters. While theory is nice, unless something can help me in a tangible practical way in the here and now I'm generally only mildly interested. I'm particularly fascinated by the looming revolutions of M theory and nanotechnology that many say will transform all aspects of human physical existence within a century. I can't wait!

Regards,

M.

[jimbeaux]

Hello everyone. I am in my mid 50's, a buyer for a company that sells parts and does service on restaurant equipment. I am married, father of two sons, one on his own, one still at home. I live in the buckle of the Bible Belt, in Oklahoma. Growing up, I lived all over the United States, which is an education in itself.

I have been interested in and have read quite a bit about Buddhism in the last two or three years.

Anyway, I hope to talk to some of you, and learn something along the way.

[Thomas Knierim]

Greetings jimbeaux,

Welcome to thebigview.com.

Cheers, Thomas

P.S.: This website or domain name wasn't for sale and as long as I am around, it will never be. I have received a few offers during those years, but I prefer to keep TBV strictly non-commercial.

[Gatton]

Hey everyone

I’m a 21-year-old college student (Translating and Interpreting) from Belgium. I stumbled upon this site by sheer luck when I was looking for information about Heraclitus. After having checked out the site a bit more thoroughly and scanning this forum, I decided to join. There seems to be a wealth of accumulated knowledge and wisdom here.

Over the last few months, I’ve been getting interested in... well, I don’t really know exactly what it is I’m interested in. I guess the big questions in life and philosophy in general.

I’m looking forward to showing you my vast ignorance on all matters and being educated properly. :)

[jimbeaux]

Greetings Gatton,

I'm new here myself, and at slightly more than twice your age, I'm here for the same reasons you are. It's a journey that should never end.

[redraven]

Well, I got here by looking up the eightfold path. I've read the user terms and I promise not to be too earthy. I'm sort of lower-class in my attainments of sexual ideal, both spiritually and culturally, so it might be kind of hard. Other than that, I'm ready to discuss Plato and Heidegger and Nagarjuna and whatever else comes up! I'm happy to find such a forum, and I hope I'll learn a lot. I enjoy people, and I've become more thick-skinned, so I think it will be well.

My patron is Lord Jizo, who is Ksitigarbha in Sanskrit. I'm an American, I'm 28, I do art and music and writing, I smoke both a pipe and cigarettes quite frequently, but these don't cause heedlessness. I'm a former hardliner, and I still only put the drugs in my body that the doctor requires or an occasional Ibuprofen or Benadryl. I'm a hardworking sandwich operator, I work at a deli, and I'm studying for an Associate's Degree in Mathematics from a local community college.

I'm reading Heidegger's Being and Time, and have just gotten through the introductory first two sections with reasonable understanding, and look forward to more on the ontology of time when I can.

I generally work from 9 to 5 on everday except Tuesday and Thursday, with an occassional early Friday and Sunday off. I live in a two room apartment, with my computer and my bed in one room, along with "The Red Dress" by Michael Austin. In the other room is an old tan couch, a few red throw pillows, a cobalt blue bolster, an easel and a coffee table, a piano, my dinette table and my kitchen, with a french door off the living room to the smoking garden.

In that room is a Death Valley picture by Ansel Adams over the piano, and one of Claude Monet's water lilies over the couch. The two may get switched, I don't know, something isn't quite right in that room yet.

I like hiking, boxing, wrestling (not studio), biking, smoking, cemetaries, yoga, pilates, and weight training, and I hate the treadmill. And that about covers it. I'm looking forward to meeting people and learning things.

[Zoe]

I'm so excited.

While searching for a little more insight on my philosophy homework, I tumbled across this website. It's amazing.

I'm a 17 year old girl who really just wants to learn as much as possible about perspectives, human kind, myself, nature, and how it all works together.

It's exciting finding so many others in the persuit of knowledge.

I can't wait to become involved.

[Brahmanyan]

I am a Retired Septuagenerian and born" Hindu", living in Southern India. I believe in" Borderless world of Love" among all living beings.
I take interest in all things that happen around me. It is my view that Human beings are all the same in creation, all the so called differences appear due to external conditions and environement in which they grow.
Philosophy as a subject has been my subject of interest for many years. In fact while browsing the internet for reading on the Greek Philosopher Parmenides, I strayed into your valuable website. I am happy to see that you have done a wonderful job in creating such an useful site.
Even though I might have read and listened a number of expositions by eminent people on the subject of Philosophy, I should admit that I know nothing. My thirst for knowledge and wisdom have always grew with me unsatisfied. The questions and doubts that arose in me are yet to get satisfying answer.
I took the Latin motto "Sapere Aude" - meaning "Dare to be Wise" from my College Emblem as my motto to guide my life.
I convey my Salutations to you and other members in Samskrit "Namaskaram".

[______]

Hello all! And a big thanks goes out to Thomas! I appreciate your favor greatly! :D I'm glad to finally be able to take part in these very lucid and meaningful debates/discussions!
Again, thank you, Thomas!

[Raavee]

Hello Everyone ,

I am a writer by profession in the advertising field . I work on creative copies and other ideations for campaigns . I hope to indulge in some soul searching amongst your midst . Looking forward to some great time [COLOR=blue]

[MidnightSun]

Hello zoe, your lust of knowledge is inspiring :)

So hows writing going Raavee?

Brahmanyan, welcome.

Welcome all.

[namtso]

I convey my Salutations to you and other members in Samskrit "Namaskaram"

Namaskaram back at ya



[Had to look it up ~
In Sanskrit "Namas" means, "bow, obeisance, reverential
salutation." It comes from the root Nam, which carries meanings
of bending, bowing, humbly submitting and becoming silent. "Te"
means "to you." Thus "namaste" means "I bow to you." the act of
greeting is called "Namaskaram," "Namaskara" and "Namaskar" in
the varied languages of the subcontinent. ]
(gotta love that Google)

[namtso]

I'm a 17 year old girl who really just wants to learn as much as possible about perspectives, human kind, myself, nature, and how it all works together.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, the same year you were born, pretty cool, eh?
I'm fairly new here too, very interesting dialogue going on. Saw your Xanga site. Wow.

This post has been edited by namtso on Sep 17 2006, 06:00 PM
I had to remove some extra "Wow"s

[Matthew]

Hello,

My name is Matthew, and Im very glad to see a website like this. I love the topics, and I hope I can contribute some useful information n the forums!!! Though must of the topics are way out of my league!!!

Matthew

[ean]

hi ,

I stumbled on this site and thought it looked interesting. So I'll look around for a bit. I am interested in a variety of things : Art, philosophy, religion.......the meaning of it all.


will get back later

Ean

[MidnightSun]

Welcome to thebigview :)

[Ranma]

Dear All,

My name is Ranma, and i am new here. I am 40 now and been searching for emptyness for the past 20 years. Hope that my existance here might exchange some knowledge with each other. T0 Master Thomas, is nice to have such a forum for people like us to roam around. Thanks.

[MidnightSun]

Master Thomas :D

[oboe2damax]

This site rocks.

Never, in all my digital voyages have a ever found a website that is as honestly good natured and peace invoking. Not only the content and articles, but the forum itself. This must be the most kind hearted forum in the entire internet. I would go as far as saying that it is therapeutic.

As for myself, I am a student of the mind at UC Davis. This past year I have been training in Tai Chi Chuan and various non-movement, standing postures. I've been out of commission this summer though, due to knee surgery. I tore a meniscus last winter, in an incident that involved ski-skates, a marching band, and a snow-covered mountain. However, it has been fixed and in a month or two I can continue in the devolopement of my mind/body/soul.

I'm thankful to be able to contribute to this community.

:thumbsup:

[Arctic-Stranger]

Greetings one and all

I am a hospital chaplain who lives in Fairbanks Alaska. My spirituality is eclectic (some would say scattered) so I dip into a little of everything. I am glad to be here. This looks like a very interesting place with some highly knowledgeable people.

[______]

Hello and welcome! :grouphug:

[namtso]

This site rocks.

Never, in all my digital voyages have a ever found a website that is as honestly good natured and peace invoking. Not only the content and articles, but the forum itself. This must be the most kind hearted forum in the entire internet. I would go as far as saying that it is therapeutic.

As for myself, I am a student of the mind at UC Davis. This past year I have been training in Tai Chi Chuan and various non-movement, standing postures. I've been out of commission this summer though, due to knee surgery. I tore a meniscus last winter, in an incident that involved ski-skates, a marching band, and a snow-covered mountain. However, it has been fixed and in a month or two I can continue in the devolopement of my mind/body/soul.

I'm thankful to be able to contribute to this community. - oboe2damax

Snow covered mountain? Santa Monica Mountains? Mountain High or Big Bear? Man I miss home.

Welcome to TBV

[oboe2damax]

It was up near Tahoe, actually....I'm pretty sure it was at Northstar.

I don't recommend ski skates btw....

and thanks, it's good to finally be here

[Smurf]

*in walks the Australian*

So where's Tahoe and Northstar?? :huh: :unsure:

[namtso]

*in walks the Australian*
So where's Tahoe and Northstar?? - Smurf
Tahoe is Lake Tahoe Nevada, U.S.A. The ski resort Heavenly Valley in Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada/California border. At the top there's an amazing view down onto the lake. Really beautiful. And the snow skiing is excellent there. Although I have never been to Northstar, I Googled it. oboe2damax is probably talking about the Northstar ski resort in Tahoe - http://www.onthesnow.com/CN/299/index.html.

Smurf, is there anywhere to snow ski in Aussie Land?

[amadman]

Hello Every one.

I am new here and love the site :thumbsup:

It has got me thinking again in a way that I have not done in years.

[namtso]

Hello Every one.
It has got me thinking again in a way that I have not done in years.
"amadman" Great tag/moniker. I'm pretty new here too. Great place this, yes?


It has got me thinking again in a way that I have not done in years.
Revived a some of my sleepy brain cells too. Good format here thanks to Thomas.

[the lady]

Hi everyone, I am new here and thought I should post here before I start asking questions. I have just started to study Classics and ancient history and looked up some stuff I need for a classics essay on creation and found the site really useful. I thought I'd get some other ideas though, so please bear with me while I ask probable inane questions, I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

[Winfried]

Inane questions are the ones that lead to big solutions.
That's just my blabbering again.

Welcome aboard. ;)

[XRumer_OK]

Hello from XRUMER ;))
Anybody home?

[Joel]

Hello All,

I'm Joel and I found this site by accident really. But I am into philosophy and religion, so I thought these forums might be a good place for me to join.

Yes, i'm a theist.

[Thomas Knierim]

Welcome Joel,

Interesting avatar!

Cheers, Thomas

[______]

Yay! A theist! The Greek's gonna love you!!!! :lol:

[Joel]

Thanks for the warm welcome! :)

Thomas, the avatar is of Janus who was the ancient Roman god of beginnings and endings, doors and gates. One face looked to the future while the other looked to the past.

[scameter]

Good to see that you like mythology. Warm welcomes to thebigview.com. :)

[Elizabeth Isabelle]

I've been popping around some threads for a little while before introducing myself as I didn't really know what to say for an introduction. I have ecclectic tastes, but recognize that everything is related.

I'm an applied behavioral scientist with a master's degree in mental health counseling. My first career was as a registered respiratory therapist, but I felt that I could do more good for more people elsewhere. I have always had a knack for helping people with difficult personal problems, so I started to move in that direction.

My mission in life is to help bring peace into the world. I can't do it alone, and I know that I am not the only one here to work on the mission. I'm glad that I'm not so special as to be the only one with that mission. Overall, this seems like a pretty peaceful board already, but it looks like a nice place to recharge and get a little food for thought.

Thank you for having me.

[scameter]

Since I saw your name, I was intrigued by you for some reason, and even though I only recently started replying to you, I have read your others, and I find you to be quite interesting and intelligent. It's good to see someone here with the goal of world peace, and I think someone with your particular scientific speciality would be an excellent type to further it. I hope to continue reading your interesting posts in the future. :)

[Elizabeth Isabelle]

Thank you for the lovely welcome scameter. :)

[Pemby]

:thumbsup: Found you, happily. What great merit you are earning here, congratulations! I did a google on "The Four Noble Truths" and found your site, much to my happiness. I hope to visit often and will encourage other to do so.

Best, Pemby

[Elizabeth Isabelle]

Welcome Pemby. :) Yes, Thomas put forth a nice, informative background on a numbers of subjects.

[liquidharmony]

Hi!
I'm Jake. I'm 20 years old and I live in Florida. I'm a student at scc studying music and history. I also study tae kwon do. I joined because nobody else well listen to my rambling and because i like to see what others have to say about the same topics. I consider myself a philosopher to a certain degree but have never actually studied philosophy (yet), so a lot of what I have to say may be old news to most of you. but i promise i'll say it anyways ;) .

[Smurf]

excellent another focussed member! welcome aboard

[Sandra_18X]

Hello people!
I'm Sandra, from Singapore, and I'm 18 y.o, it's pleasure to join www.thebigview.com and have a discussion with your community. I am new english learner. so, please apologize my bad english :)

[namtso]

Hi!
I'm Jake. I'm 20 years old and I live in Florida. I'm a student at scc studying music and history. I also study tae kwon do. I joined because nobody else well listen to my rambling and because i like to see what others have to say about the same topics. I consider myself a philosopher to a certain degree but have never actually studied philosophy (yet), so a lot of what I have to say may be old news to most of you. but i promise i'll say it anyways

Hey jake. Ramble on. Where's the best surf in Florida? And the best surf towns?

Hello people!
I'm Sandra, from Singapore, and I'm 18 y.o, it's pleasure to join www.thebigview.com and have a discussion with your community. I am new english learner. so, please apologize my bad english

Hi Sandra, your screen name gave me pause, I wasn't sure if you were for real (I'm still not totally sure). Hope you enjoy the people here. There are a lot of very smart folks posting to this site ... and they are not me! I'm along for the ride, to learn a few things and to cause trouble it would seem. Don't worry the slightest about language, I haven't seen anyone get criticized for language or spelling on The Big View ever. Not once. The ideas and the interaction are what's important from what I've seen in the two months I've been here.

[WanderingTaoist]

Hi! I'm new here, and I found this website after looking up "Śunyata" .
I can't tell you how nice it is to see there are actually other people out there with similiar interests! ^_^

[scameter]

Welcome to the site my friend. It's good to see a Taoist on here. :)

[Sciolist]

I am curious, have not had much formal education but make it a point to understand the world around me. Unfortunatelly, most people are not curious and I ran out of useful individuals in my daily life.

Right now, I am looking for individuals who might be able to discuss a point of interest:

Isn't Romantic Idealism the superordinate concept of Mysticism, Altruism, Socialism, Communism, Egalitarianism etc..

[MidnightSun]

Welcome to the site my friend. It's good to see a Taoist on here

I thought that was a sign of confucianism.

[WanderingTaoist]

Welcome to the site my friend. It's good to see a Taoist on here

Well thank you, scameter! :) It's very good to be here

(*WanderingTaoist feels like he's on a talk show because of his response*) :lol:


I thought that was a sign of confucianism.

The Chinese character is the character for "way" otherwise known as "tao" (or so I have been told!).

Oh, wait, or did you mean the fact that I even refer to myself as a "Taoist"? ;)

Isn't Romantic Idealism the superordinate concept of Mysticism, Altruism, Socialism, Communism, Egalitarianism etc..

Depends by what you mean by "superordinate". Mysticism predates Romantic Idealism by thousands of years and existed in cultures that had never heard of Romantic Idealism; Altruism and Egalitarianism are, to my knowledge, rather vague concepts as opposed to actual movements (or if you're refering to an actual movement, I don't have much experience with them). While Mysticism, Altruism, and Egalitarianism are all Romantic values, they themselves pre-date Romanticism and are hardly confined to Romanticism itself.

Socialism/Communism was definately influenced by Romantic Idealism, notably Rousseau, but I'm hardly an expert on such matters....

...why don't you post this under the philosophy forum? I'm sure you'll get quite a few (more helpful and informative) responses :)

[cosmocentipede]

3?

Hi,

Conventionally speaking I am Eric, and I've forgotten my reason for being here.

Hello,

In reality I am not Eric, and I am not really here.

Good day,

Spiritually, I am called Eric, and I am here because I want to be.

I live in Central Florida. I'm currently a college student and I enjoy this site.

Greetings to everyone!

[DRImperius]

Though I have yet to introduce myself formally in this forum, I welcome you. :)

Dive right in...I've just begun reading a few discussions and topics occasionally replying to a few, and already I find myself fully immersed in the great thoughts of brilliant people all gathered here in this good forum in search of the truth.

[conciousFidelity]

Hello!!

I'm 18 and enjoying my freshman year at Colorado State University. I love to drink coffee, dance and view/create art.

I have recently become interested in Philosophy thanks to my best friend. She is currently in a philosophy class at school and has talked with me about various subjects. I am loving it and am currently thinking of signing up for a philosohpy class as well. I just love it!

I am excited to see what the bigview has to offer!!

[Starry_Canopy]

Hello consciousFidelity, a warm and hearty welcome to you!

Looking forward to benefit from your views while benefiting you with ours,

Our community at The Big View

[Zoe]

Fidelity,

Hey.

[Pike]

Hello

Call me Pike,

I was born and raised in New Orleans, La. USA. I currently living in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Africa. I am educator at the International School of Abidjan. I teach World Cultures, American History, World Geography, and Middle School English.

It was the World Cultures class that brought me to this site. I am currently teaching the five major religions (Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam). I was looking for additional information about Buddhaism to share with my students. This was the best site for Buddhism. World Cultures is probably my favorite class to teach, because I can teach that regardless how many apparent difference we have with other cultures, there are more similarities to celebrate.

On the political front: I am libertarian, and I am more likely to agree with Von Mises, than Keynesian economics. I used to be a regular contributor on Speakout.com, but it has been years since I've contributed anything to that site.

I also enjoy playing the Game of Go. If you do not play, highly recommend it. It "teaches" patience and problem solving. regardless of your best effort, your inner personality will always reflect in your playing style.

I probably won;t be a regular contributor for two reasons; I usually lurk before i post a great deal, and two I currently involved with the success of my of my American Football team, the New Orleans Saints.

au revoir

[Taeguk]

Hi!

I'm new here.

I live in California.

I'm into philosophy and religion East and West, and North and South too, while I'm at it.

Also, I'm a big fan of Asian cuisine, webcomics, & pop culture.

That's about it! B)

[scameter]

Hello and happy greetings to you, Pike and Taeguk. :)

[whitescribe]

Hi all. My name is Brad. I came across this site while surfing for info on Buddhism. After six years of King George, I've been trying to find something to work with that I can believe is worth while. I don't feel good about the future, and that is what the First Noble Truth says, i.e. "Life is suffering." I'm here looking for second opinions. :think:

[sojourner]

hope you find what you're looking for. :)

welcome, brad!

[Ryker]

Well, I'm a little late posting in here because I'm a goon. :lol:

I'm not "new" per se; I've actually been around for a while, but I think I only made a couple posts & then I lost the bookmark I had when my computer decided to kick the bucket. After a little Googling (Don't you love how that's become a verb?) I managed to find this place again. And thus, here we are. :P

I'm an 18-year old caffeinated student living in Georgia. :) I'm interested in so many things that I'd bore you by listing them all out. LOL.

The nearest place to (more or less) commune with people of Eastern (and more often open-minded) thought is about 5 hours away from where I live. ;_; I've come here to be able to converse with people who have similar ideas & principles as me, but at the same time will challenge me to "dig a little deeper". :)

[The Animus]

Hello. I'm interested in Jungian psychology (as you may have gathered from my screen name), and also in buddhism (and other eastern religions).

[enqui]

Greetings! Thomas Knierim!

Am really glad that i found a place on the internet
which has most of the topics that are of interest tome.

Like everyone else here...am just a hitchhiler too...trying to explore

Have a great day

Enqui :)

[blues brother]

Hello all. Just joined 10 minutes ago. Name is Mike, I'm 20 years old. I spend most of my time orbiting the sun. :applause: I like this site already - lots of emoticons.

[Eidelweis]

Hello all, I just joined today. I have been reading the postings on this site with great interest for a few months now. Hadn't the courage to join earlier but finally my love for you all won over my awe of your knowledge and wisdom. Please let me learn from you and give whatever I can.

I am a 23 years working woman, Australian living in Singapore, with an exposure to western and eastern ways of thinking to the extent that I find them both very similar beneath their kernal. But I find many people not sharing this view in day to day life. I think that you might be the people I have been missing.

Hello once again. Happy to have finally joined your group :)

[schrodinger]

Welcome, Eidelweis. I agree that people are basically the same, once you cut through the cultural and religious facade that we all seem to erect for various reasons. I hope you find what you are looking for here, but beware of getting addicted!There was no real need to muster your courage, we don't bite! Well, most of us don't. Enjoy! ;)

[Michael]

Welcome Eidelweis. While you search be aware that there is nothing that you need to know that you do not already know. It's much more fun that way :)

[Eidelweis]

Thank you Schrodinger and AlphaAurigae for your warm welcome. I look forward to exchanging views with you.

[Sheila]

Hello Everyone! I want to introduce myself. My name is Sheila and I am interested in Zen Buddhism, meditation and yoga. I hope to share experiences and ideas with all of you!

[blues brother]

Welcome, fellow newbie. :D Have you ever read any of D T Suzuki? He's the man who got me interested in Zen. Hope you enjoy your stay, I'm finding that I like this place. :thumbsup:

[Taeguk]

Big hello & welcome to Sheila and blues brother! Hope you enjoy your stay! :)

And incidentally, let me second blues brother's reccomendation, Sheila. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is an excellent starting point for people interested in Zen! :)

[Eidelweis]

Welcome Sheila, you've got a nice symbol. Yes, this is a kite flying zone :)

[Noway2Zero]

and the first step is the last -Krishnamurti

[Bebop]

Hello, I found this site through the information regarding Buddhism listed here and I thought, I simply must join. I hope to kind of get different angles on different people's perspectives. I'm pretty much interested in everything and the possibilities of everything - I guess that's a pretty limitless interest, heh. You can find out more about me by looking out how I filled out my About Me block. But to summarize I am a martial artist (and sometimes bellydancer) and I have been practicing Zen Buddhism along with some "druidic" type beliefs in the environment for about four years.

Anyway, cheers and I'm looking forward to some interesting conversation! :D

[Taeguk]

Welcome aboard, Bebop! :thumbsup:

[rajkumar]

Hi Everyone

Today I received one of page link from this sit thru email and subsequent browsing on essays by Aleksander Samarin was good enough to register myself today.

I'm 33 yrs old Engineer working in India in R&D field. My new found interest in spirituality /religion with linking to science has pulled me towards many literatures/beliefs.

However I'm still searching for unanswered queries related to humanity/mankind/suffering etc and hope to come across some good discussion here.

[Michael]

Hi rajkumar, and welcome. I've just recommended The Tao of Physics in another post. In view of your introduction it strikes me that this book would be particularly interesting for you, if you haven't already devoured it - it examines how the discoveries of quantum physics are reflected in the experiences of mystics.

[______]

Welcome...... me!

[rajkumar]

Thanks Alpha

I tried to find y'r all recent posts but could not find y'r reply where you have recommended this book Tao of Physics.

Pls let me know the topic or post link for the same :)

[Michael]

No need to find the post, just read the book. It is by Dr Fritjof Capra and looks at the links between physics and metaphysics and how they both lead to the same truth. It is a book I would recommend to everyone who contributes to this site

[monetmelly]

Hey everyone, my name is Melanie and my screen name is monetmelly. I love philosophy, movies and music. Looking forward to chatting with everyone.

[richrich]

hi all, ive read over so many of you topics ive decided to interact :)

greetings to all

[Taeguk]

Welcome aboard, common man! :)

You wrote:

I am a common man. I work with my hands, pay my bills,buy the groceries, watch the tube from time to time while drinking a cold brew... you get the picture. But I think. I take walks and view the heavens and wonder...

Then you're in very good company! :lol: We're all "common people" here. Most importantly of all you seem to have an open mind and a sense of wonder at the universe. And it seems to me that's all you really need to "do philosophy".

Again, I think I speak for all of us when I say that I'm very glad to have you here. :thumbsup:

[Thomas Knierim]

common man: I know my limitations.

There's a lot of wisdom in realising one's limitations, whatever they might be. Uncommon wisdom.

Welcome at thebigview.com and happy trails. :)

Cheers, Thomas

[daschmelzer]

Hello, my name is David. I am happy to find this place. I was just thinking about how I am to find a group of people who are interested and thinking about the same thoughts as I. I am a Zen Buddhist but out of practice, albeit moving back to my practice. I did a search on Google on Buddhism and found this place. How wonderful and an example of synchronicity and that thoughts can become reality.

I hope to meet and chat with many of you in the upcoming time. I have recently been thru the life circumstances that enable you to realize what delusions we can get into. I was buried very deep and found a tremendous amount of suffering. At my lowest point, Buddha's First Noble Truth came to mind, and my path is heading again, in the right direction - to the inner world and not the outer world, as most of our civilization exists in.

So for now, I am glad that you have put this here, Thomas. Thank you and Namaste.....

David

[Taeguk]

Welcome aboard, David! :thumbsup:

We look forward to hearing from you :)

[Greywolf]

Hi all
Just dropped in to say G'day. Nice place so far. My primary interest is learning a little about Buddhism, but will probably poke my beak into many conversations. Looking forward to meeting you all.

[Taeguk]

Welcome, Greywolf! :)

[The_Wanderer]

Hi all

My name is Stefan and I'm 20 years old. I have been raised a Christian. After graduation I found myself with lots of free time at home. I had loads of video games( I was a really big gamer) but I became extremely bored with them all. And my boredom got me studying lots of eastern philosophies. I stared out reading the Analects of Confucius which I really loved and I drifted into Taoism and Buddhism. I am really keen on learning more about Taoism and Buddhism. I have also listen to to an audio tape from Stuart Wild called Reclaiming your infinite power which I found very interesting. I have visited this forum on many occasions, reading your discussions on various topics. Anyway I figure I've maybe babbled a bit since This is just a place to introduce yourself :unsure: sorry lol

I look forward to participating in future discussions
:)

[Thomas Knierim]

Welcome, Stefan!

We are glad to have you here.

Cheers, Thomas

[Luther the Great]

Hello and how are you all doing today? I thought that since most people here had names of great philosphers or enlightened sounding names, I would take mine out of a fairy tale. Cheers to many fruitful *cough* discussions.

[Taeguk]

Hello and welcome, Luther the Great! :)

I think there can be quite a bit of "enlightenment" to be found in fairy tales. :thumbsup:

Actually, which fairy tale is your name from? <_<

[Korablestroitelej]

Hi everyone. Just joined today and so thanks for the really useful site.

[Korablestroitelej]

Hi everyone. Just joined today and so thanks for the really useful site.

[Korablestroitelej]

Thanks psyche, truly - I don't get much encouragement these days.

[Korablestroitelej]

Thanks psyche, truly - I don't get much encouragement these days.

[dervish]

Hello all. I have really enjoyed this site. I happened upon it a few weeks ago while looking for material to write about in an on-line class. I haven't spent much time surfing until recently, when I finally started college at 45. Until then I had really only used the computer for games and e-mail.
I live in the U.S. in the Northwest. I find it amazing and wonderful that I can sit in my living room and exchange ideas with people around the world. For some I'm sure its old hat but for me its new ground. I was a bit tentative at first but was encouraged after reading some of the new members posts in the welcome section. There seems to be alot of food for thought here and look forward to the exchange.

[dervish]

Hello all. I have really enjoyed this site. I happened upon it a few weeks ago while looking for material to write about in an on-line class. I haven't spent much time surfing until recently, when I finally started college at 45. Until then I had really only used the computer for games and e-mail.
I live in the U.S. in the Northwest. I find it amazing and wonderful that I can sit in my living room and exchange ideas with people around the world. For some I'm sure its old hat but for me its new ground. I was a bit tentative at first but was encouraged after reading some of the new members posts in the welcome section. There seems to be alot of food for thought here and look forward to the exchange.

[somebody1]

Hi everyone , I am from India, i got here when i got an email message from one of my friends about past life. I am curious to know more about such things and hence joined this group. Hope we all have a good time.

Regards,

[Wyobassist]

Hello everyone. I am as impessed with this site as the rest of you have been. I look forward to posting my philosophy and getting feed back, as well as giving some. I hope to start taking some philosophy classes this fall at the university of Wyoming. My wife works there and I get one free class a semester. I'm a 40 year old Buddhist, with what I think is a bigview. Greetings

[Thomas Knierim]

Hello somebody1,

Welcome to thebigview.com. There are quite a few people from India here, I suppose, at least I keep getting a lot of email from India.

Cheers, Thomas

[Thomas Knierim]

Hello Wyobassist and welcome to thebigview.com!

Is it right that you play the bass?

Cheers, Thomas

[wuwei]

Found this site a couple weeks ago and just joined today.

Lots of great information. Keep up the fine work!

[anarchist]

just stumbled upon this during one of those weeks...nice

[Smurf]

lol welcome :D

[paulhaze]

Thanks for the message. Looks liek a very good site. I have recently become a Buddhist

[SattvicMoon]

Namaste from India! Have a great day everyone! Keep smiling! :thumbsup:

[______]

:) :) :) :) :)

[sweety]

Hello my name is saffy

Just thought id pop in and introduce myself

Thankyou
saffy :)

[Nullified Knight]

Hello everyone. My name is Frank, I'm 17, and hail from New York, New York (so nice, they had to name it twice). I am an amateur writer, and enjoy philosophy, technology, and anything I can learn from.

[Taeguk]

Hello everyone. My name is Frank, I'm 17, and hail from New York, New York (so nice, they had to name it twice). I am an amateur writer, and enjoy philosophy, technology, and anything I can learn from.

Welcome aboard, Frank/Nullified Knight! :)

[Nullified Knight]

Thanks. I'm glad to have found this place.

[sonrisa]

welcome to TBV Frank from the Big Apple! Which borough?

[Nullified Knight]

Queens. Middle Village to be exact. It's the most boring, white bread neighborhood ever.

[randomguru]

hello. my name is carlos, and i usually go by the alias 'randomguru'.

i'm from san diego, ca. and just wanted to introduce myself.

best regards,
carlos :)

[Nullified Knight]

Hey Carlos, I'm Frank. Welcome to TBV. Hope you like it here.

[Squirrels Gone Wild]

Hey Carlos, I'm Frank. Welcome to TBV. Hope you like it here.

Hi, I'm new. :rofl:

[Nullified Knight]

Hi, I'm new. :rofl:

Well hello to you too Squirrels Gone Wild. (Squirrels for short?) Where you from buddy?

[Squirrels Gone Wild]

Well hello to you too Squirrels Gone Wild. (Squirrels for short?) Where you from buddy?

Originally from Houston, Texas. Transplanted to the Seattle area, but on a consulting gig in Dallas, Texas at the moment.

[Nullified Knight]

Originally from Houston, Texas. Transplanted to the Seattle area, but on a consulting gig in Dallas, Texas at the moment.

Wow, that's pretty respectable. I've never been West of the Mississippi.