(18 April 2007, 5 participants)

We understand the phrase "real existence" to refer to "what one really is". Further discussion elaborates this to refer to one's "core" or "human nature", more specifically, "qualities and behaviour natural to most people". The phrase "most people" is critical, meaning we must exclude comatose, vegetative and handicapped persons from consideration as examples of human nature. Aside from the traditional defining features of "featherless bird", "ability to think", and "capacity for language", we suggest also the quality of "benevolence". Debate focusses on this, specifically on the possibility of people being naturally selfish and evil. We ask also if there is a distinction between living or showing real existence, and knowing or recognising real existence. We point out that regardless whether human nature is basically benevolent or evil, the main question is how can a person always be in his real existence, the key word being "always". Long practice is suggested as the answer to this question. Would that be a habit rather than something natural? Sincerity is suggested as the answer. What if one is sincerely evil? Is that real existence? It is an interesting discussion. We end at 10.15pm.