does t.v lower conciousness?

Hi Jahfonde,

Answering your question, I feel that most TV programs are very materialistic and pretty shallow. However, I like watching shows about nature and science. Ultimately, I think it is up to you; if you believe that seeing a particular TV program may enrich you in some way or make you ponder about things/issues, then it is probably good.

I also believe that watching TV for many hours a day will definitely contribute to feeding the subconscious (and egos) thus making spiritual progress virtually impossible. It is so much better to go for a walk instead!

May the Force be with you!

Swavy

Difficult to remain in awareness when feeding your egos with certain TV programs.

Can agree with Swavy.
I liked to watch thriller and SF movies. It can make subconscious active easily. Further I noticed that afterwards I often felt lazy and hypnotised, especially when watching a lot.
To just finish watching TV without knowing why can give problems later, the "addiction" can strike back hard.
I changed my TV habits gradual over a year or so.

Peter

Hi Jahfonde,

"does t.v lower conciousness? "

It depends on what kind of a program a person does watch and how.
I watched "Magic Flute" yesterday, it was fantastic!

If while watching a certain program and later, it's hard to be aware, or you don't even remember about that, then it is obviously not beneficial for the spiritual work, if it is taken seriously.

Self-Discovery course explains psychological effects of tv in the same topic where it explains effects of videogames, gambling, food addictions, drugs and alcohol.

Best wishes,

Hey Jahfonde,
As everyone else has said, you need to find out what works,
Ultimately, its not about what you have heard from other people you need to find out these things for yourself. If you where to go and change your life purely based upon what other people have told you, it would become a belief system.
You need to sit down and watch a few programs and see how they affect your psyche, see what egos are fed, and see if you actually do lose your awareness while watching tv.
Everyone can only relay their experiences, not what you will experience.
Good luck with your search Jahfonde.

just to add, when i go to the movies with mates, there eyes are locked on to the movie, and there jaws have dropped from there mouths, wheres im looking around the cinema, observing people, film techniques *dont ask*, and dont generally get sucked in, does that meen im out of focus, or in focus?

as one person said above, im like them, i like watching nature shows, documentarys and that.

Hi Jahfonde,

It can be very useful, and it can also be used to raise our inner state or lower our inner state.

For example when I am feeling low or miserable, a feeling can arise pushing me to go and turn on the tv and find something that will entertain me and help me stop feeling miserable. But if I do, it doesn't work; what happens is that I still feel low and it actually makes it harder to get out of those feelings. In those times its best to do something more active instead, like apply the techniques from the Self Discovery course, try an astral practice, perhaps reading some of the course material, maybe jump on these forums or go for a walk.

But it can also be used to raise our inner state; for a little while at the Melbourne centre we were getting together to watch inspiring films. I think a list of recommended films is still here on the forums.

I'm not sure what you mean by out or in focus, but if by not getting sucked into the film, you mean you stay aware of where you are and of the thoughts, emotions or feelings it might be bringing up in you, then that's good.

It just depends on what you are using it for. If you are watching something to learn film techniques as you mentioned, you could stay aware of yourself as you observed that; that is different to the seeking of pleasure from say watching violence.

Hi Jahfonde,

I think this is something you need to investigate yourself. Take notice of your internal state before, during and after certain programs/movies etc and see for yourself the effects. From this you can make your decision based upon experience, not what other people say about it.

Personally these days I rarely watch TV or movies, I don't like the egos that most programs stir up in me – in fact I find them quite jarring and unpleasant. I used to love TV so I wasn't always like this, it is something that has happened over time. But it is something you need to investigate for yourself.

Strength to everyone!

Amy

Too much TV or Movies can make us passive, the information is spoon fed and it requires no activity from the viewer. The spiritual work is something active, and for consciousness to grow it needs effort and activity.

Ruben

timc, your from melbourne! oh wow, mabe i might see you around one day, iff ever i attend.

dyou have to be a certain age to participate?

Hey,
Yeah come down to the center! you dont have to be a certain age, check out the page with the times,
The group practices build great strength especially when first starting out.
would be great to see you there :-)