Could be, but the thing I don’t understand is how can a teacher of philosophy even think these ancient traditions and religions are simply “esoteric nonsense”? As a philosopher he should be the first to emphasize the wisdom of these cultures or at least have the understanding there are forms of philosophical wisdom of great value in the world other than the Western ones.
Concerning his confusion with LDs, I tried to explain the phenomenon as simple and as clear as possible. Even my mom, who never really understood it, now understands how it works. He simply could have asked me about it after the lessons if it really was too difficult for him…
Hehe,it suprises me that on one hand we expect to be understood by people and wish they had more understanding towards us being fascinated by it and at the same time there are voices calling those “other” ppl stupid,woodheaded and else.Id think people of this forum would be more tolerant as they expect that tolerancy.
Everyone has its own interests,his own beliefs and his own expectations from life.One wants to make money and thinks dreams are waste of time.So?Its his way ,obviously he likes it like it is.Other might like career,another likes sex over anything else.Again-let it be.
Not everyone has to share dreaming interest.I understand how annoying it can be when you are fascinated by something but others seem just to ignore it.Imagine tho them trying to “sell” you their interests-“making money is thrilling,sleeping with another girl day by day is cool,maths is solution to the universe…”…so on so on…and when you say its not your way and for you making money or getting new girl everynight is a waste of time they`d call you stupid or so.
Everything is relative,theres no absolute good or bad,wise or stupid(at least not here and now).
Just because someones thinks dreaming is crap doesnt really make him even close to stupid:)
Cheer up:)
Thanks for giving a bit of perspective, Jack. I’ve been dumbfounded by other people’s unenthusiastic reactions to lucid dreaming, and have gotten a bit frustrated by it, but you’re right - each to their own. I think it is still important to spread the word about LDing though, as one day someone else is bound to find it interesting. I hope.
I wonder wether people’s sometimes weary reactions have anything to do with the term ‘lucid’, though. It’s not exactly a commonly used word, and people sometimes seem to have a little trouble negotiating it - what are it’s connotations? New-age? Hullucinogenic? I know the first time I came across the ‘Lucidity Institute’ I thought it sounded very quack-science-ey, like it was a front for a cult or something. Of course, I’m perfectly used to the term now, but I do notice odd looks when I use the word ‘lucid’. Does anyone have any ideas for a less conspicuous term to use when describing LDs to people for the first time?
Hmm…how about “conscious dreaming” 
Yeah, I say ‘conscious dreaming’ sometimes, but I wonder wether that is exciting enough - it seems just a bit too dry. Hmm. I’m probably being far too picky, but I do think people’s first impressions are realy important when they decide wether something is ‘for them’ or not.
One girl read my dream journal (one entry) and said “that is really weird”.
I believe people saying “i can control my dreams” isnt that weird. Like i hear people say, “when u have a nightmare, just tell it to go away.” So, i think some poeple have done it but dont think its that big of a deal. I would really hate it if LDing became a fad. People are just so stupid… On the other hand, it’d really be nice to have a friend who LDs. I dont talka bout it. I think its very personal.
I know when i was first introduced into LDs i thought it was a bit strange. I saw the term first used on a site with paranormal stuff like mind reading, psi stuff etc. Now i know better, but i can understand how some people can dispiss it without knowing any better. Its like judging a book by its cover.
And for that teacher, perhaps he is just a strange person, afterall he does teach philosophy. Perhaps he’s doing something profound that we just can’t see or perhaps not. Anyway it’s over now and some people are attracted to LD some aren’t, who are we to put our energy into those who aren’t and who’ll never be.
