Let's go deep...

"Our thoughts only exist because our brain exists; when our brain ceases to function and dies, our awareness ceases to function because it's reliant on a functioning brain." PeskyBoy writes.

How do you know for certain that awareness resides in the brain? It is just as possible awareness or consciousness is an infinite source of everything we perceive as real. Quantum physics suggests that events require an observer; who is the observer?

Why was there 'nothing' before the Big Bang? Stephen Hawking says there was nothing before the Big Bang because matter, anti-matter and space didn't exist. I personally cannot grasp the concept of nothingness prior to the Big Bang; where did the Big Bang occur if there wasn't anywhere?

Quantum physics has discovered subatomic particles that vibrate in and out of existence. These particles are part of the physical make up of matter yet at times they are not present, they spring forth from no where. There is also more empty space in every atom than there is stuff, yet our world seems pretty solid. Buddhist texts describe the universe as a dynamic void, a nothingness from which all we know, manifests. We are included in and experience this magnificent creation.

Only the ancient Vedic texts describe God as self creating, everything there is and everything there isn't, everything that has, hasn't or will happen.

This all leaves me wondering if the place the Big Bang occurred was within consciousness itself and the Observer necessary for it to happen, was God.

Dear Josephus,

<<The only message others have of you is how you have lived as the person impacting our Universe.>>

True, but I don't see the relevance. Surely the "point of it all" isn't to impress others, nor is one's impact on the Universe everlasting - just as the body dies, so will every society and every species, thus the question about the "point of it all" still stands.

<<All those private thoughts have developed your character and is revealed in the sum of who you are.>>

What evolves in this case is my character, not me: no matter how my character develops, hopefully for the better, I always was, am and will be that which I am.

<<Meditation and aspiration to emulate the admired character and actions of the divine will help us to leave a positive footprint on society.>>

Absolutely so and I do not dispute for a moment the greatness and contribution of Jesus Christ, but I can't see the relevance to this topic.

o sung wu,

If I remember rightly we have all been up this path before and with you as the instigator. You had very good advice before - I know because I was impressed by the varied replies and took some advice on hand myself.

To be of any help no matter how slim, I should take you to task on a whole range of things, but maybe just a few to get the pot boiling.

Of course we are beset by all sorts of challenges. Do I need to point out however that a world-wide review of happiness found it and fullness of life to boot, living very well indeed in people scavenging in a dump in India?

The answers to your questions friend are already before you, but you refuse to accept that fact. You have the knowledge and the wit (all do). You don't need us except for idle conversation and putting off what you must do. You need to live in the moment and BE GRATEFUL (look around you!).

Stop comparing. Stop complaining. Live your own life, it is good if you want it to be and make an effort to measure the wonderful things around you. Make the best of each new day and if things go pear-shaped, no hair-shirt, do different next go.

Because you asked, my quest has always been for freedom and being of service to the small world around me. Pass it on.

Life is worth living and that depends on YOU believing that and making the most of it.

If you really want meaning in your life, volunteer. Even if that is reading books to help free books online (recordings) for sight diminished. Someone suggested that.

You will never find the 'meaning of life and everything' while you are selfishly concentrating on yourself and luxuriating in maudlin melancholy. Be grateful for what you have and help others. It is not too late.

Conservative Hippie,

<<How do you know for certain that awareness resides in the brain?>>

No-one knows for certain, but the fact that an individual’s personality, memory, preferences, desires, and ability to form new memories can all be reset as a result of brain injury or illness, strongly suggests this; and makes your alternate suggestion seem highly unlikely.

As for your assertions regarding quantum mechanics, it's as Richard Feynman once said: "If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics." Those subatomic particles that vibrate in and out of existence, for example, only appear to pop in and out of existence; we don't know if that's what they’re actually doing.

You are doing the same thing that theists do in trying to use the weirdness of quantum mechanics to shoehorn God (or your brand of mysticism) into science when none of us even understand it yet.

It's revealing to note that most of us here in this discussion appear to think "the point of it all" revolves around our particular species. This is the type of insular view of existence that ancient superstitions like Islam etc have, the belief that our specific species is at the centre of the meaning of all existence.

We flatter ourselves. It shows our primitive nature. Humanity is not 'special'.

'It's revealing to note that most of us here in this discussion appear to think "the point of it all" revolves around our particular species'

well Pesky Boy we could join with the Hindus starving to death while cows walk around as deity.

just a hint for you. If you see a dog and baby girl drowning I suggest you rescue the baby girl. You would be a fool and hopefully locked up if you rescue thye dog and allow the baby to drown.