[Don Salmon]

Hi Mark and Mark!

To Mark Delepine, there’s probably not much more that I could add but to say, practice of contemplation makes these kinds of discussions into something quite radically different. Here’s one framework from Tibetan Buddhist Alan Wallace

1. Very gently almost effortlessly attend to the spontaneous flow of breath. When you can do this – on a regular basis – for at least one hour without being carried away by thought, go on to step 2

2. Very gently almost effortlessly attend to the spontaneous flow of thoughts emotions, and any other phenomena arising in the mind. When you can do this – on a regular basis – for at least one hour without being carried away by thought, go on to step 3

3. Very gently almost effortlessly rest in the experience of simply being aware. When you can do this – on a regular basis – for at least one hour without being carried away by thought, turn your attention “around” and silently inquire: What is it that is aware of this awareness?

This is said to lead to perfect complete enlightenment. You’ll notice gradually that all of what you thought was your effort was being done for you. Then all discussion of God will become superfluous, just as in the Bhagavad Gita, it is said the wise person has as much need of sacred scripture as do inhabitants of a town need a well when the whole town is surrounded by a vast lake.

To Mark Harigan, everything I just wrote could be summed up by the word “unGod.” let go of all concepts (which is essentially what the Buddhist practice helps you do) and then we’ll talk!:>)))