Michael Sternbach

Monads exist on every plane, from subatomic ones to the levels of consciousness. All these are analogous to each other in the neo-Platonic/Hermetic view. "As above so below." There is nothing illogical about it. And even though physical reality can be seen as a product of consciousness, it is quite real in its own right.

In reply to some earlier posts on this thread, I would emphasize that the "monads" in the centre of the concentric waves flowing from and to everywhere else are entities in their own right - so they are as much senders as they are receivers. Heisenberg's Uncertainty Relation demonstrates the impossibility of determining both the location and movement (rigorously, the impulse) of a point particle. On another, but analogous level, free will can be seen as the action of a monadic centre of consciousness whose movement can't be fully predicted, even if the influences from the external universe on the entity are completely understood.

The concept of Dark Matter was introduced to account for the gravitational interactions observed on very large cosmic scales. Another explanation however could be that the known equations describing the behaviour of gravity are not applicable to extremely large cosmic distances for some reason, but need to be modified on those scales.

If that is true, you should run for president by all means.

There is a lot of debate about the proper understanding of Lao-Tzu even in China. And btw, only specialists are able to even read the DDJ in its original ancient Chinese - everybody else is relying on translations there too. Bear in mind that the DDJ has several layers and is meant to evoke associations much like a work of poetry does (which it actually is). It is inevitable that people interprete such texts based on their own prerequisites and get out of it what makes sense to them. And that's quite alright. Whenever somebody says that they have a full understanding the DDJ, and others don't, I think their understanding is actually quite limited, as Lao-Tzu himself warns in the first chapter that the Dao can't be fully grasped.

Wise leaders make and keep friends, as well as avoid making enemies and reduce them (in peaceful ways!). That's the best defence that one could wish for!

On the other hand, things that are in accordance with Dao manifest more easily than things that are not. And as you struggle uphill, you never know what comes rolling down your way. However, the "laws" that Dao follows are sometimes at odds with human ideas of morals.

Some such quotations may be from the Wen-tzu, most of whose contents are traditionally attributed to Lao-tzu, even though I find some of them at odds with the DDJ. It was translated and published by Thomas Cleary as Further Teachings of Lao-Tzu: Understanding the Mysteries.

LOA just means that you tend to attract what you focus on. It's not about morals.

Hmm... Are we to conclude then that this kind of lurid and incentive "reasoning" is representative of Trump supporters? Fact is, there are squallers and hooligans associated with both camps: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/03/02/a_list_of_violent_incidents_at_donald_trump_rallies_and_events.html Obviously, we'll never know what incidences would have occurred, if Hillary would have won. Interestingly, "The Simpsons" prophesied already in 1999 that Trump would become US president (and bankrupt the country). https://twitter.com/donato_mia/status/796325742929936384

I both read the article and did the test linked in the OP. As a martial artist, I would consider myself a wood type combined with metal (as I'm active in upgrading my style based on certain "theoretical" considerations). However, the test showed dopamine (fire) and acetylcholine (indeed wood) as my dominating neurotransmitters. My gaba (metal) and serotonin (water) levels seem considerably longer. However, I resonate with the "fire athlete" in the article too, the description might actually be more fitting than I was initially aware. Despite all ambiguities, I feel the apparent parallels between these different systems are worthy of further consideration.

Alchemy

A culture in which school girls in uniforms are commonly considered very arousing can hardly be considered any loftier.

Perhaps you could stop your performance everytime you run out of space, and adjust your position. If your form is any like the one I am working on, you can do relatively long segments of it in a small space. Of course, you still want to do the whole form without interruption sometimes, but my suggestion might be helpful when you're short of time or energy to go somewhere else.

Nungali, You might like this guy, based on your martial arts background. He combines Doce Pares Eskrima with Aikido.

Hello Tarot Bums, As some of you already know, among other things, I am a professional Tarot reader. I have been studying and practising Tarot since the late 80s. The cards were one of my most important tools in my work with patients of a psychiatric practice, along with Astrology, Bach Flower Therapy, as well as various forms of visualization and energy work. As I often receive requests from TDB members to do a reading for them, I decided to start this thread, where I will every once in awhile offer free readings for interested Bums. As carefully doing and writing down a reading takes me quite some time, they will of necessity be limited in length. But it goes without saying that you can order a regular reading of any desired thoroughness any time at a really reasonable prize via my blog (see the link on the bottom of my posts), or by simply sending me a PM. Alright, enough intro, let's get started. I will welcome three sitters for now. If you wish to participate, post a request on this thread, and mention the topic or question you would like me to explore, if you have a particular one. 1) Brian (based on his request on another thread) 2) Kar3n 3) Rigdzin Trinley Your feedback will be appreciated. A happy Valentine and best wishes, Michael

Yes, the Okinawan Karate styles with their emphasis on evasive maneuvres and pressure point strikes have much in common with the Chinese internal arts. Unlike Japanese Karate - but that's probably for another thread.

That backwards sword thrust which turns into a 'corkscrew' motion is one sassy technique! BTW, also unarmed Bagua has some really sneaky moves, such as strikes that, if blocked, immediately turn into other strikes; strikes from awkward angles; and getting behind the opponent and attacking from there is a standard maneuver especially in the dragon style.

Some more jokes to cheer you up...

And yes... Things could be worse.

Best wishes for your recovery, Nungers! Michael

Hi BES, can do a reading for you after I'm done with Vajra Fist's request. You're welcome to submit your query.

Hello AcEs, Your query, as presented to me by PM, is how you might deal with those fears of long standing that hinder you so much in your daily life. I laid out a seven-card ellipse for this, using my "default" deck, the Thoth. 1 7 2 6 3 5 4 Where 1 = past or what is about to end = XV (The Devil) 2 = present = Queen of Disks 3 = future or what is about to begin = 2 of Swords (Peace) 4 = recommended course of action = Ace of Wands 5 = environment = 4 of Swords (Truce) 6 = hopes and fears = 6 of Disks (Success) 7 = long term result = Princess of Cups Summary: X (Fortune) Shadow card: 0 (The Fool) What is (luckily!) on the decline is your being bound by your fears (The Devil). The Queen of Disk on the position of the present shows that you are indeed about to reach an "oasis." Just like this Queen on the Thoth card, you will be looking back at the long way you have come through the desert from this frutile spot, where you can relax and enjoy what you achieved. In keeping with this, the Two of Swords indicates a state of mental peace in the near future. Now is the time for taking action! The Ace of Wands urges you to gather all your courage and tackle those things which your fears have kept you away from so far. Don't hesitate to take the challenge of entering new situations. You are presented with the opportunity to go beyond your former limitations now and establish new patterns of behaviour - seize it! Your environment will be supportive of your efforts, as the Four of Swords (Truce) shows. As you reach out, there will be friendly faces welcoming you. Surely, life may bring on more demanding situations again one day, but not in this time. And by then, you will have acquired the ability to handle them with confidence. The Six of Disks as Hopes/Fears shows that you are settling for nothing less than resounding success, and in fact, the Princess of Cups as the long term result indicates your liberation from former emotional inhibitions and your finding a new lightness of life. In keeping with all this, Fortune as the spread's summary speaks to the great change that is immanent and which will lead you to exciting new possibilities. Finally, there is the so-called shadow card, taken from the bottom of the remaining deck, indicating an aspect that is relevant even though it may not be fully recognized. Here we have The Fool, which stands for living in joy and freedom. The Fool doesn't allow fears to limit him. Even if they creep up once in awhile, there is no way that you will allow them control over you any longer wit this card. This is an outstandingly encouraging reading, clearly indicating that this is the time to take a big step forward into a much more fulfilling life! Best wishes on your way, Michael

Hi Vajra Fist, Alright, I will do this reading as well as another one I have promised to somebody as soon as I can get to them. Furthermore, I remind interested persons that professional readings can be ordered anytime via the formular on my blog.