I don't say there there are only 2 forms of existence, Bill...

But it's a start, if one wishes to have a discussion.

You are quite correct that all the various perceivable forms of existence are "merely referred to differently in different contexts for convenience". Right! That is the point behind the spiritual concepts I am studying, so I am in agreement with your physicists. Matter IS energy. All high spiritual teachings that I know of state that all of Reality is a single Unity (which CAN be called "God", but doesn't have to be. The Taoists call it "Tao" which means The Way. It's not personalized in their system. Some call it Pure Being. Some call it by other names. The name doesn't matter.)

You clearly ARE thinking, and with meaning, because you responded to my post. I don't think that was a result of random firing of whatever in your brain...and neither do you. An idiot might think that, in order just to cling loyally to his already established argumentative position. Obviously, your response has meaning, and you will perceive meaning in my response to your response.

It all has meaning, Bill. Everything has meaning. If you can't see it, that doesn't mean it's not there. It just means you aren't seeing it, because your form of awareness doesn't allow you to see it. (and I'm NOT talking about physical eyesight when I say that)

Language is the problem. Jibber-jabber is the problem. The monkey won't stop chattering!

If you and I could just SHUT UP for 24 hours and become completely mentally silent within ourselves and go within, we would never have to talk about this again. I guarantee it.

But I bet you can't do that. I know I haven't been able to yet. Not even close. I have succeeded in becoming mentally silent for maybe...a few minutes...and THAT wasn't easy, either. (I mean...you have to do it WHILE remaining awake and conscious. Try it. I dare you.) I betcha can't! ;-) Most people can't. I've met only a tiny handful who can, and I've met a few million people by now.

That's why enlightenment is so rare, and that's why people don't get it when I talk about this stuff. They can't stop thinking and mentally jabbering at themselves and others, not for a second. That's what holds them in pride, fear, and ignorance...quite regardless of their university degrees and academic standing.

It's virtually unknown. If I ever achieve it, Bill, I will not waste my time debating with you or anyone else on this forum anymore. Why would I? Would it matter? I will have far more worthwhile things to do. How do I know that? I've seen others who have done it. Their lives are totally productive and totally remarkable all the time. They are no longer mentally masturbating for every waking minute of their lives in order to appease the jabbering monkey of their tiny, little, fearful, blathering mortal mind.

I kid you not. I've seen it.