.:Piper_2051:.

So, Im creating this to have a sort of congergation of Buddhists to assist others in understanding the Path, and the way to enlightenment...

When? Where? How Long are we going for? I need details... I shall clean the rifle today...

All I can say to help is: Keep close what you cherish, and seek new treasures to add... Freinds may come and go thruogh out your life, you'll keep some, you'll lose many, you'll make tons. Im not saying that friends are expendable, but they are, its good that you've built the bonds required to feel the way you do, but if they truely are frinds you'll stay in touch. I still talk to a few people i went to elementary school with, even some that ive known since almost birth, and then there are those that im still meeting (havent met yet, or have only chatted online with). We must all manifest our destiny, each choice we make could alter the future forever, but who's to say that you wont grow apart 5, 10, 20 years from now?

I hear you man, my mom is kinda like that (not quite that extreme), you have a point, ur 16 yrs old, your going to (if you havent aready) enter the workforce, and basically form your own opinions and beleifs anyway, they should respect your tolerance of other cultures, and openess towards alternative lifestyles as well as the basics (politics, religion, etc). I think that(if you havent already) sit down with them and explain that alot has changed since they were brought up, and that you dont feel comfortable with some of the ways that they feel, although you understand how they could feel that way coming from a more close minded time/religion. This of course would depend on how you present it, look up some facts, How many Muslim's are there in you area? How many are productive members of society? How many other religions are repersented in not only the area, but your neighbourhood?If they take the time to listen to you, and you show them how mature you are about the "cornucopia" of society, Im sure that they will understand where our coming from, and maybe will start to see you not as their little baby anymore. You cant change their minds, that for the most part is set in stone, but you can open their eyes to the fact that its not the same Australia that they grew up in, its not the same world. Alot of things have changed in the last 10 years, and even more in the last 50...I hope what ive said helps you in some way man, parents are tough, they want whats best for you, but they think that they know whats best in the modern day society as it is, when in fact alot of our parents ideals and beleifs are outdated and/or "politically incorrect"...Cheerz man, and best wishes....*EDIT*P.S. Let them know that by "Imposing" their beleifs and lifestyle on you, its only goin to push you away, "Like Seeks Like"

Seriously? Think about this, Violence only begets more violence, Hostility breeds hostility. Although the state of society is such that it is dangerous to go to school in some area's, posting an armed S/O in EVERY school would be a horrid idea. Think about this: The S/O is chatting it up, or is otherwise distracted, and lil Johnny is having the worst day of his life. Lil Johnny decides that he wants to bring a gun to school, but he cant get it past the metal detectors right? He walks up behind the S/O and because lil Johnny is a good boy, noone cares to think that there is a problem, Johnny takes the S/O's weapon and starts to "seek his revenge". Point being, if our ultimate goal is to prevent weapon related violence in schools, Why have a firearm inside? It just seems hypocritical to me, but thats just my opinion. Secondly, how do u think the posh, private schools are gonna feel if they've got an armed officer there at all times? Im sure the parents would just absolutley love it... Dont you?

Meditation can be quite refreshing in my opinion, it can help you recover lost sleep, however can never be considered as a substitute. Buddha came to find during, his self exile, that deprevation was not the answer. One must Eat, Sleep and Exercise properly to be truly happy and enlightened.

May I please Get a Sig with the Following Render? artistic Interpretation is appreciated and encouraged... Pre Req's: Attached Render (Piper Only) - Left Side ".:Piper_2051:." Bottom Right Primary colour-Crimson(prefered) Render Preffered: Piper Render

Zen Meditation is based on Simplicity, and Tranquility(as is all meditation)... there is no "set way" to practice, just guidelines that orthers have found to help...