Sridhar

Nothing to believe here. The benefits of meditation are scientific, proven and documented.

Sam Harris himself has acknowledged the benefits of meditation, I think.

Would you acknowledge it, or oppose for the sake of it, as meditation is prescribed by many religious folks?

The poor, uneducated and frustrated are easy bait. Money and promises of happy times ahead will easily satisfy them.The educated and the well-to do can pose a problem.

What's your strategy for the rich and contented?

How have you added value to your life?

Though a believer myself, I address a lot of questions to atheists. I ask to hear their point of view.

It is NOT to convert them or put them down in any way.

You can learn more from your adversary, they say. 

'Preaching to the converted' is a usage in English.

It means addressing people who already agree with one's opinions. What is the point? There is not much learning there.

We may have much more to learn from an opposing point of view. Yet, why do we remain so shut mostly? Why so?

Simple, and to the point, without much brain-racking arguments or logic.

Addressed to the modern mind, in present day English.

With practical arguments appealing to the average mind , not form a philosophical point of view.

Additional:

websites will be better than books.

witty quotes are good too, so I won't have to read lengthy texts.Thank you for all your suggestions.

There are many who stick to their dogmas just out of loyalty. In fact, we all do it most of the time.

"I am an atheist so I must oppose religious ideas""I'm a Christian so I ought to believe the Bible in its entirety""I am Muslim, hence Islam must be the final truth"and so on.Why try to defend an idea or practice that is obviously wrong or outdated?

Instead of being bigoted, what is the harm in being open-minded? Collecting good from many sources, instead of being blindly loyal to one.

I'll learn from the Christians, Muslims and the atheists. The Bible, the Koran, the Gita...

Luke 6:46 says - “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

No, I am not blaming you, but you will surely agree that there is much scope of improvement and correction in the practice of Christianity today. What is the change you would recommend?

Nah, the world outside doesn't exactly look like it. In fact, it is violence and hatred that seems to be on the rise.

Yet, can you at least imagine a world where everyone is kindhearted, compassionate and helpful.

PS: Not mere lip-service as we see a lot today, but genuine kindness and care for the other.

I am not a Christian. But how beautiful were the verses Luke 6:27 onward. I read about 20 of them.

I imagined such a world of love and forgiveness.

Then I thought it is unlikely that the entire world becomes like that, but what is preventing me from being so? "Not a harsh word shall I speak, not a harsh act shall I do."What is stopping each one of us who agrees from resolving so?

Where topics of non-duality are discussed.

We see through girl's eyes or guy's eyes, young or old person's eyes, rich or poor person's eyes, educated / uneducated, nationality, profession, race, culture...

Who are we behind these filters?

We see it everywhere be it US, UK or India... Opposition raises its voice for the sake of it. Just for the sake of opposing.

Can't a system evolve for the ruling party and opposition  to work for the betterment of the people, instead of  merely putting the other down?

Did habits come down the lock down?Please share personal experiences or results of studies conducted.

No, stereotypes please. Take a moment to think what you are most thankful for in your lives and tell me.

The 3 minute video below relates one person's experience -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP01pFw4pNQ

I could have searched myself (or gone through the recommendations youtube gives). Asking you for the sake of a different perspective.

Note: I am NOT looking for any specific nationality, race or creed. Just examples of honesty that appealed to you.

Note 2: Just type it down, if you can't find a link to send. Thanks.

Name Smija

Job: Lottery Seller

Yesterday she reached new heights.

She had some tickets left at the end of the day. She called one of her routine customer and requested him to take one ticket. He asked for a ticket ending 42, and she kept it aside. The sale was done and she agreed to collect Rs.200 next day. (around three US dollars)

Later the result was announced. The same ticket ending with 42 won the first prize 6 crore. (a little less than million dollars)

She promptly handed over the ticket to the rightful owner, told him he'd won 6 crore and collected Rs.200.

Makes a great story, isn't it? Except that it isn't a story.

Read below what actually happened -

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/good-news/lot...

Sure, people can take advantage of you. But so what?

I allow myself to be taken undue advantage of.

(Something like 'the rose which grants its fragrance to the hand that crushes it')

It may sound too idealistic or impractical. But what harm can it cause?