Seph

I can clearly remember the day! No, the moment. It must have been decades ago. I was sitting in my friends' backyard having a beer on a beautiful summer afternoon. Their backdoor exited into a block concrete "patio". Patio's not really what it was. It was big enough to have a BBQ, but that's it. It had painted black metal railings and concrete steps that led down to their grassy backyard - where I was sitting. Two garden homes shared this concrete stepped exit. As I sat and sipped my beer I watched their neighbour's young son playing and climbing on the patio/steps. He wore only a diaper. He hung his legs over the concrete edge, in an attempt to climb off the ledge rather than use the steps, but his legs weren't long enough to reach the ground. Totally disconnected from the scene - and apparently indifferent - I simply watched. I <i>knew</i> what was coming. The weight of the boy's legs would drag him over the edge, he would painfully scrape his soft belly on the rough concrete edge, and he would cry.<br /> I sat - detached - and watched my prediction play out like a premonition.<br /> I didn't intervene. I simply observed. There was a great sense of calm in me... which was peculiar.<br /> I remember that moment so well because it was that incident that convinced me, all those years ago, that I lacked compassion.<br /> But the part that never made sense to me was my profound sense of calm and being at peace.<br /> It has only been very recently, in this past year, when I 'reconnected' to this memory. I recognized the person in the memory, where I don't think I have <i>ever</i> recognized that person before.<br /> Maybe because I've only recently been introduced to this person through my practice of meditation.<br /> The Watcher.<br /> That aspect of me that is simply aware. That part of me that watches. In meditation he (it?) is that which observers that thoughts. He is always calm and serene.<br /> Although I could never have recognized him all those years ago, I believe that is who he was. On that day, I had a lucid (traditionally non-meditative) moment.<br /> ~<br /> This is important because that same moment was when I had judged and condemned myself as lacking compassion. It had shaped my perspective of myself every since.<br /> It's odd how a condemnation like this can steal your permission to grow, isn't it?<br /> I'm not convinced that I lack compassion. Sure, I can work on my more compassionate, and I have my moment when I can be insensitive and self-serving... but we all have these dark moments.<br /> Had The Watcher not been 'dominant' and 'in control', I've no doubt I would have lunged forward and caught the child.<br /> I suppose the lesson here is that we must be compassionate and forgiving to ourselves at times.<br /> This may seem like an unimportant or petty story, but its ramifications to me are significant.<br /> I believe compassion and solace are intrinsically entangled through dharma. (The Dharma Entanglement)... and if I allow myself to believe I am devoid and hopeless in one of these 'traits'... only serves as a barrier and an obstacle.<br />

I think too often we are 'sold' on the fantasied, romanticized imagery of meditation, and I think this might be harmful. My favourite are the pictures and especially landscapes associated with meditation. (Try googling meditation landscapes). I know I can't sit on a beautiful sunny ocean shore and have any hope in hell to meditate. The sheer beauty of the surroundings are a brutal distraction. (But then again, I could be wrong. Maybe we're supposed to get to a point where we can 'tune-out' the surrounding beauty.... naah). I think the Venerable Henepola Gunaratana agrees: "We have certain images of meditation. Meditation is something done in quiet caves by tranquil people who move slowly. Those are training conditions. They are set up to foster concentration and to learn the sill of mindfulness. Once you have learned that skill, however, you can dispense with the training restrictions, and you should. You don't need to move at a snail's pace to be mindful. You don't even need to be calm. You can be mindful while solving problems in intensive calculus. You can be mindful in the middle of a football scrimmage. You can even be mindful in the midst of a raging fury" Mindfulness in Plain English, pg. 93 My first (chance) encounter with mindfulness (before I even had a name for it) was during my Black Belt Examination. It was quite profound. But wouldn't have described myself or my actions as anything remotely close to quiet, tranquil or slow moving. I wonder sometimes whether there's an unproductive industry out there that - really - only sells the idea of meditation. All the imagery and trappings; but little to no substance. I think this might be the illusion of meditation. I also think we should be careful of this; to be mindful of it.

I have recently joined a local meditation 'group' or session(s). It's held/taught by a E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher). (Yes, yes, I know. Not all meditation(s) are the same. It's just that outside of specific religious based local meditation practices, there's little else available here. And I figure practicing within some sort of group of peers with some sort of instructor is better than functioning totally on one's own. Which is what I've been doing for over the past year+ ). Here's my issue. I normally practice meditation in the early mornings for about 25-30 minute every sitting. I normally use a seiza bench. (Sitting cross-legged, tailor-style, Burmese, half-lotus, full-lotus, or regular sitting on a chair, I usually and eventually slouch or my legs fall asleep or I fall asleep). None of these happen with the seiza bench. It simply works best for me. Now, I'm not a big fan of group meditation, and I believe there's a difference between group meditation and teaching a group to meditation (on their own). The instructor has said I can bring my seiza bench (I have a portable one) if I prefer. This group practices sitting on chairs. Everyone within this group (it's about 14 people) are easily 50+ of age, with meditation experience ranging from having never done it before and up. I really don't want to attract (or distract) attention from this group. (Not to mention using the seiza bench would probably not be good of some of these people's knees. I don't want my personal practice to necessarily set an example). I'm not opposed to simply sitting in a chair, although it's not optimal for me. What should I do?

As I said in the original post, I don't see the purpose (or benefit) of group meditations. (I do see the purpose and/or benefit of teaching a group to meditate). Group meditations strike me as cultish and counter-productive. ...but on the same note, I'm willing to accept the maybe I just don't get it.

Attended last night, with no seiza bench. But more importantly, no conflict. It was very good. Thanks to all.

I think turtle shell is bang on this one. (Not only that, but he gives an actual reason why). I think I will follow his advice. I'm pressed for time right now, but I'd like to comment further. (And hopefully turtle shell can expand on his comment re. 'bad qi'.)

The more I think about this (unless the group "spreads out" or changes its sitting arrangements), the more I'm tending to agree with you. (The 'bad qi' angle is new though. I'm interested. Would you care to expand on that a little please?)

lol Thank you.

Thank you. (I was only joking earlier about looking 'cool'), but to be honest I think, if anything, I would look just the opposite. (Maybe this is something you need to actually see to get, but here goes anyway), the circle of chairs (sitting c. 14 people in total), runs in a circle approximately 12-15 feet round. To sit on a seiza bench within this circle puts your head at about the height of everyone else's abdomen (and especially the people on either side on you. You're only maybe a 1/2 foot away) seems somewhat awkward or silly. --- or maybe it's just me that's feeling awkward or silly... I think I will take your advice and reflect on my discomforts. Seriously? I have two double leather recliner couches (read in "Laz-boy") sitting in front of my 52" plasma TV screen with surround sound, X-box to play my and my son's games on and a Wii to watch my Netflix on. My library has a paisley upholstered loveseat from Pier One Imports (paid WAY too much for) and two individual leather seats with ottomans. Every one of these pieces of furniture to sit on will eventually lull you off to sleep. That LAST thing I need when I sit for meditation is sleep.

...ahhh... neither. Your typical run-of-the-mill kinda furniture. I'm kinda boring.

) ...no, actually, I have lots of furniture!

HEY! I'm cool!!

(...me neither...)

Thanks

The road to Spiritual Solace can be a tricky and hazardous one. The traveler may themselves seek protection from the trials and tribulations of life itself; the futile hope to become insulated from uncontrollable changes. Then there's also the pitfall of those organized religions which are all too happy to offer these empty promises, often with conditions of becoming 'good', or 'good enough' – by defining what 'good' is and must be. It's a bait and switch tactic. Spiritual Solace on the condition of being 'good' will bring you fulfillment and happiness, but, ultimately, what you get is entrapment. “...chasing an illusion of what it means to be a ‘good’ person: by being too humble, self-sacrificing or introverted; by thinking simplicity means denying themselves practical, emotional and spiritual support and abundance; by trusting everyone and everything without reservation or question. Rather than living within their ‘Te’they restrict their integrity and potential by following someone else’s guidance, expectations or demands, of what is ‘appropriate’,‘virtuous’, ‘moral’ or ‘good’. They work hard to be‘correct’ and yet they feel unhappy, unbalanced and unwell, and they don’t understand where they are going wrong.” I know I've encountered these obstacles in my over 25 year spiritual journey. My mother's death triggered it. From the hallow ritualism of Catholicism and its unofficial belief that you don't really deserve spiritual solace, to Atheism's lack of any promises (empty or otherwise) and its absolute lack of any path or hope, to Christianity's close minded spiritually shallow bandage solutions, to Gnosticism's cynical (and hopeless) world. One always ended up falling short of being good enough and solace would only ever be found in ignorance or denial. (And please don't take my comments as insults against these world (or not so worldly) religions. There are only my personal experiences). Freeing oneself from these 'religious' fetters is the step in the right direction. This is the Mu Portal, escape from the Edenic Birdcage. It was the longest time before I could readily identify what I was really searching for and then sometime before I could admit it. I wanted to find happiness (when I only had to unlock it) and I wanted to be protected from the worry and anxiety of uncontrollable change (when I needed only to embrace this apparent chaos). This was the entrapment. It was 5 years ago that I stumbled across Jungshin Sooyang (“Moral Culture”) in the beginning of my journey of attaining my Black Belt in Taekwon-do. And Jungshin Sooyang was my first real and practical encounter with Taoist concepts and tenets. (Through Taekwon-do I learned that one of my biggest challenges and obstacles was Fear itself). I have also experienced startling healings through acupuncture, also based upon Taoist concepts and influences. I think that is why for the past 5 years I've been slowly gravitating towards Taoism and Buddhism.... and that should be a bit surprising, because for what I claim to be looking for, it is the last thing Taoism offers. David James Lee, of Wu Wei Wisdom , might have stated it best (if somewhat bluntly) when he asks: “ Do you seek out the certainty and comfort of life’s smooth and open road, whilst secretly fearing the hidden corners and unknown twists and turns that inevitably lie ahead? All life and energy will move and transform whether you like it or not...the hidden corners and unknown twists and turns will always remain.” My answer to his question would have been “yes”. However, I've also realized that isn't my answer but my Ego's answer, and my Ego, I am not. (That I learned from Buddhism). In Taoism the only thing that never changes is Change itself. What an unsettling thought! And that is where my warfare with the Ego commences. That is where my wu wei nature comes into direct conflict with my illusionary self (Ego). “Understand that your Ego may try to control the direction and speed of your life journey as a misguided form of self-protection. Unlike your... Spirit centred mind, your restricted Ego... doesn't perceive value in the unknown or the unfamiliar. Instead it constructs negative outcomes and certainties where none exist. “Remember, your Ego is your friend yet you should always take firm and loving control of it, almost as if it’s a scared or out of control child. Allowing yourself to be enticed by its illusions of an imagined future will draw your precious energy and attention away from truly living in the present. You begin to assume that change and uncertainly always mean disaster and distrust your authentic ability to be flexible, creative and resourceful in the face of new or unexpected circumstances. “Moving away... like this disconnects you from the abundant and glorious flow of Universal energy. You separate yourself from Oneness. Most importantly, you overlook the many possible lessons.” Wu Wei is trusting as you move into the unknown I think that's where my attraction to Buddhism comes into play. Buddhism has the facilities to educate and give you the tools to engage this illusionary adversary. Having long since moved beyond Christianity, I find myself at the crossroads where Taoism and Buddhism meet... and I think I very much like this place... Am I there yet? No. To be honest, I'm not convinced there is a 'there' anymore. But for the first time in over 25 years I'm on the path. I haven't found a spiritual destination I call home (I'm coming to the conclusion that there isn't one), but I've become at home with this spiritual sojourner I have become. I'm beginning to think I am, at long last, following my Te.

...nothing... Mu... nothing... not. Mu can mean 'nothing'. The absence of anything. “I see nothing.” - Alice “My you have good eyes.” - Cheshire Cat "Do you hear silence?" But even nothing must have great value. It isn't the clay vase that is of importance, but it's center, it's hollow, it's nothingness, that makes it useful. One of mankind's greatest inventions was the wheel, yet the wheel itself, its spokes, and even its hub isn't of most value, but the center hole that drives the wheel. There is no hollow in the vase without making the vase, no center hole without making the spokes and hub that define it. It is to remind us that there is always a passive and empty component that coexists with an active, coercing and shaping component. The two provide the means towards action and purpose. Nurture and acting. Action is often coercion and coercion often manifests as aggression. If we can separate aggression from action we are not left with emptiness but inactive action. Wu wei. ~ ~ ~ I've always loved bonzai trees. They are fantastic examples and manifestations of universal wisdom. Although we can coerce and control and shape them (yang), ultimately they passively remain the same - a tree (yin). We must accept this because we cannot change it. It is it's nature. It lives and grows on its own. Some might argue that if we were to stop watering the tree it would die, but even death is within its nature as all things eventually die (impermanence). It is inactive action. Wu wei. ~ ~ ~ Mu... not.It may be used grammatically as a prefix. Not good. (Bad). Not day (Night). But in Buddhism, Taoism, and Eastern religions, it can stand alone. Simply Not; an answer to a koan; an answer to unanswerable questions. Mu. Unask the question. It indicates the question cannot be answered; that the question itself is at fault. I have found it becomes a good philosophical method or tool, when addressing and struggling with the contradictions within theological conundrums – for I believe is in the contradictions and the paradoxes in which the divine wisdom – Sophia - is most challenging and speaks the loudest. It is not in the religions' commonalities that she speaks and challenged us to change and grow and learn but in their apparent conflicts. And to claim that there simply are not any conflicts or contradictions is nothing more than denial and suffering from an ostrich-syndrome. ~ ~ ~ I can't help but wonder if, in the center, the genesis point of all creation, there exists a Great Nothing. I think to attribute this as God – a Creator – is 'asking' the wrong question. It's looking at the situation from the wrong angle. For Creation itself, and even the act of creating itself, are controlling and coercive actions.Yang energy. This central genesis point must be Yin energy. Non-coercive. Nurturing. Loving. Lacking aggression. From a Theistic perspective, we really cannot have a God that is both omnipotent andomnibenevolent. We can, however, have a God that suffers from necessary, involuntary, and irreversible kenosis. Self-emptying. ... that is, of course, if we are forced to address this issue within a theistic context... ...but, like the banzai tree, what is the nature of this "divine" center; this divine Great Nothing? What is the inactive action of this central nothingness? What is this God's wu wei?

Qi: Evolution & Entropy I believe we are entering a new and uncharted world. A spiritual world some might argue; a world in which answers are needed. And for the first time in modernity, a world in which science cannot provide all the answers. Recently there seems to be a 'theme' occurring with the books that are falling in my lap; that I am reading and reviewing. The Enoch Factor, by Brian McSwain, Evolution's Purpose by Steve McIntosh or, A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle to name a few. In one way or another they all share the similar theme of an evolving universe or our relationship to it. This has led me to revisit and reread Yatri's Unknown Man: The Mysterious Birth of a New Species. In 1988 I read Unknown Man. Much of it I didn't absorb or retain. What little I can remember was that Man was going to evolve and a new human species (homo novus?) was among us. Twenty-five years later I am reading it again. I think I simply wasn't well enough read or versed to take most of it in at the time. I think this marked the solidified beginning of my spiritual sojourney. What these books (including Unknown Man) all have in common is the idea of the universe evolving in a direction. From the Big Bang to cosmic evolution, to elemental evolution, to a geosphere, to a biosphere, to a social-cultural evolution, and - potentially - to the Noosphere. Although it is something I believe, I needed to find some way of rationalizing it (from my own knowledge, experiences, and encounters) without resorting to a supernatural answer - without some sort of belief in 'magic'. I found my answers in Taoism and my personal encounters with acupuncture and my Qi. The ancient sages of China noticed the whole of creation was reflected in each of its parts. An atom is a miniature solar system. A human body is a miniature universe. The inner world they called the micro-cosmos, the outer world they called the macro-cosmos. A basic belief of Taoism (and much of Chinese acupuncture) is that the human being is a microcosm of the universe. The living 'life-force' - this Qi - permeates all things living, and flows and ebbs. What is Qi? "Qi is the energy that underlies everything in the universe. If it is condensed it becomes matter or if refined it becomes spirit... "Qi is variously called ki in Japan, prana in India and rlun in Tibet. It has been translated in various other ways including 'influences', 'life force', 'breath' or 'vital energy'. "If you tried to see particles of Qi through a microscope you would not find it, but the restoration of its balance is vital to restore a patient's health. Everything that is living, moving and vibrating does so because this invisible substance moves through it."Angela Hicks, "The Acupuncture Handbook" Piatkus, 2005, pg. 101-102 Entropy: Everything in the universe seems to move towards this direction. From order to disorder. Things eventually break, wear out, or breakdown. We don't see things fix themselves. However, Life seems to work against entropy, or at least challenges it. Living things evolve. Living creatures - living systems - become increasingly more complex and more organized. Evolution and Entropy are quite literally the universe's Yin and Yang. The symbol of Yin and Yang is a beautifully harmonious representation of this flow and ebb and abundance of Qi in the universe, reaching its fullest potential, then transforming into its opposite - like a bellows opening, creating space and filling with air, then closing and collapsing, expelling the air - continually flowing, flexible, and moving. What is true within a living being is also true within the universe. If this is true on a macro-scale (cosmos) and also reflectively true on a micro-scale (living beings), then there is no reason to believe it cannot true on a intermediate, or meso-scale. Qi is simply various forms of energy that flows and ebbs between the two; what allows them to 'move' and 'become'. (Maybe Qi is negative entropy; negentropic energy?) Qi energy can flow and pass - or a least influence - one another. When or if this occurs and becomes active or 'activated', it will accelerate and amplify. I believe this action is, or can become, this Noosphere. This is the next evolutionary step of mankind. (Or from a Taoist point of view, possibly a devolution to return to the Great Integrity - the Tao). When James Lovelock as asked by NASA in 1964 to figure out a way of detecting life on Mars, he questioned exactly what was life and how would he look for it? His answer? "I'd look for an entropy reduction, since this must be a general characteristic of life" The Noosphere is like a bubble, kind of like a force-field protecting those within from the surrounding entropy; a safe-zone where the local entropy has been reduced to zero, or even a deficit. I know there are a great amount of opinions as to what exactly this Noosphere is or might be. From Vernadsky's to Teilhard's definitions, to the Gaia Hypothesis to a world like that in James Cameron's movie Avatar, even to a planet wide Mind with its synapses being the inter connectivity of the internet. Many cultures would seem to be aware of it by various names. The Abrahamic Faiths hold onto utopian dreams of Heaven and the past Garden of Eden. Hinduism and Buddhism hold onto Moksha and Nirvana (both being utopian states of mind rather than places), and Taoism has Lao Tzu's perfect moral culture. Even Humanism has the idea that "human beings... can build an enduring citadel of peace and beauty upon this earth" (The World Great Religions, Time Incorporated, New York, 1957) I'm not sure it's overly important what it might be. It's not here yet; it's coming. It will be what it will be. It can't (or shouldn't) be forced.

I know! I hear you brother! That was the point I was making. This would be an example of an Anti-theory, or 'bad science', to ignore the results that contrast our basic scientific theory that we hold (and obviously hope to maintain) to be true. That's not science. That's faith. ... and that was my point.

Although I don't and can't condone the actions of terrorists, America (the country, not individual people) is not an innocent in this. There are reasons Islam hates America, or maybe more specifically, their Foreign Policy. America is driven by an all consuming greed for profit. It is purely self-serving. Another example is Osama Bin Laden was trained and put in power in Afghanistan by the Americans to combat Soviet Russia. He was a 'freedom-fighter'. Now, when he is no longer a use to them, and ceases to be their obedient dog, he becomes a terrorist. (I know, I know. It's much more complicated than that, but that's it in a nutshell). From a purely religious point of view, American - or the American Christian - are just as self-justified and Empire orientated as the more radical Islamist are. The American Christian is also an extremist - fundamentalist. Two fundamentalist cultures will not get along well.

@exorist_1699 Thank you.

I have always been interested in the concept of Qi. Nearly 25+ years ago I quit smoking with the help of acupuncture. 2 years ago my asthma was cured (yes, cured was the word used). I haven't used either of my inhalers since. It's pretty hard to argue against the existence of Qi. (Not that I would). It has always intrigued me. Even in Taekwon-do, Qi sometimes referred to. Any thoughts or experiences with Qi from anyone here?

Thank you for attempting to make your point better understood without being too condescending. I've debated on how exactly to address your posts on this issue. I actually have a good handle on how scientific methodology works. I also understand that not everything can successfully be addressed by science. When you talk about the “whole action of the scientific process is to separate good information from hooey”, I agree with what you're saying to a point. It is science's domain to observe and report. I wouldn't describe it's purpose as separating fact from fiction, but rather to build theory (or hypotheses) and to avoid anti-theories. (The difference is basically a theory can always and only ever be potentially proven wrong ('good' science), while an anti-theory can always and only ever potentially be proven correct ('bad' science).) I think it's important to understand this disctinction becasue it avoids confusing – scienctifically – facts with truths. Only Mechanistic Scientism believes these two things are always synonymous (and that is a faith or belief-system of its own). Most good science (and scientists) realize there are areas outside the realms of science. (Hawkings' acknowledgment that attempting to look even a nanosecond before the Big Bang is scientifically futile. It belongs in the realm of theology, or religion, or maybe even philosophy). Modern day science generally (but not exclusively) accepts string-theory, for example. But string-theory better fits the description of an anti-theory. It isn't really science. It's bad science. (and yes, it may one dy be found to be sound, but it's still bad methodology). In our endevour to seek out the truth, science is one of several good an useful tools, but not the only one. Seeking out truth is akin to a three-legged stool. (A stool with 1 or 2 legs falls down). Those three legs are Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality. I find it interesting and odd that you would outright discredit something because (and these are your words) “you don't know what its mechanism is”, especially on a Taoist discussion forum. Clearly and unequivocally – according to your exclusive scientific parameters – the Tao itself is nothing but hooey. (“The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name”). And along with the Tao so would be Yin and Yang. (yet you're willing to accept Entropy as simile for Yin?) I'm confused.... or are you just being argumentative? I'm not here for an argument. So, unless you have something constructive to add here, I'm done.

Just because Western medicine doesn't recognize it doesn't invalidate it. Eastern medicine (acupuncture specifically) has 'mapped out' the body's meridian lines (I think that's what it's called). In fact, Western medicine is beginning to recognize it now. I can speak directly from experience, and I don't buy the psychosomatic angle. I can't say much more on this point because it's simply my experience (both with properly trained and not so properly trained acupuncturists). I'm still not really clear where you're heading with this topic...? What? You don't believe in acupuncture or Qi beyond it being breath? Okay. Really, that's fine. I'm not here to sell it to you. Just don't write it off as a bunch of hooey, please.

Well, as the original post quoted, "Qi is the energy that underlies everything in the universe. If it is condensed it becomes matter or if refined it becomes spirit... "Qi is variously called ki in Japan, prana in India and rlun in Tibet. It has been translated in various other ways including 'influences', 'life force', 'breath' or 'vital energy'. "If you tried to see particles of Qi through a microscope you would not find it, but the restoration of its balance is vital to restore a patient's health. Everything that is living, moving and vibrating does so because this invisible substance moves through it." ...and as I opened saying, "I believe we are entering a new and uncharted world. A spiritual world some might argue; a world in which answers are needed. And for the first time in modernity, a world in which science cannot provide all the answers." If this Qi cannot be seen 'under a microscope' doesn't mean it is nonexistent. Science cannot hold the answer to everything there is. That would simply be mechanistic scientism. Well... I suppose Mechanistic Scientism is a type of belief. I guess one could hold that point of view. I'm willing to speculate what this Qi is or isn't. But I'm not willing to deny its existence. I've seen first hand the successes of acupuncture, and it is wholly based upon the existence of Qi and its flow.

I don't think I follow you... ...sorry.