alchemystical

Been here for a while now and read a few insights and replies from some posters and one thing that I've noticed again and again is that there is a hardcore contingent of folk who are severely deluded. They may choose different areas in which to weave their self illusion in an attempt to pull the wool over the readers eyes so they don't realize the wolf wears no clothing and bears no resemblance to Grandma anyway but the core of the matter is still the same. Lying to themselves. Lying about their insight. Abilities. Spiritual progression. Wisdom. Lack of ego.... That last one especially, ye gads sometimes you can almost feel the false self image dripping from the screen as you read their often verbose posts. Which leads me onto another thing, the waffle waffle waffle mentality - why use one word when 3000 will do and then usually talking in circles as they attempt to emulate a Yoda stuffed with psychedelic truffles and instead come across like R2D2 having a seizure. WTF people? Do the rest of you see this and are too polite to mention it or do you just bung em on the ignore list and keep it moving?

The more I think, look and seek the more obvious this all seems to me. Whichever way you break it down we are consciousness that is intertwined with matter and I mean that not in a woo woo kind of way but simple fact for anyone that has done some bodywork, qigong etc... as you see clearly how the body acts a "brake" on what we call the mind, if left to its own devices and even that is an illusion as you can't really say where one ends and the other begins but anyway: The world is beautiful yet populated by horrible people who do cruel things with a smile. Most are completely unaware of self whilst, paradoxically, being entirely self centered. Virtually everything that should unite becomes a tool to divide and it seems conflict becomes inevitable, no matter which pieces are on the table, nor how they are arranged. Everybody is suffering, rich or poor, in ways both obvious and subtle. Apart from the smug, self satisfied twats that love to pop up on boards like this and spout endless waffle as "evidence" of how self realized they are. Relationships are based on convenience and are mostly thinly disguised business transactions with a thin veneer of emotion thrown on top. Family situations aren't much different really if you get down to brass tacks as people fear success, especially yours, as it means they haven't progressed. I could go on but you get the point. Ages ago I used to think that people who sat around meditating, emptying their mind to grasp nothing were totally wasting their lives when there was so much they could be doing but now as I mature I realize they really were onto something because its all fake anyway, just with a million different guises and (if my limited conception of Buddhism is right) the aim is to remain detached from all the delusion this illusion has to offer in order to avoid being chained to the wheel of time for another life which leads me think: Are we already dead? Is this actually hell?

I've recently started looking into the I Ching and find it quite a fascinating topic. One thing that perturbs however is the translations of the text because as we all know nothing compares to the real deal and each chef puts his own spin on the recipe as he passes it along so I was wondering what you lot have as a "go to" translation.

Greetings travelers, what would you say is the best overall book on Buddhism? Something you'd give to someone who knows naught about the path and wished to get an overview of the ins and outs, precepts and concepts with quite possibly a sprinkling of the controversy as it stands in regards to its nihilism, sexism, potential distortion of the texts/understanding/historical aspects etc.. Generally a balanced perspective on everything related to these Kasaya sporting beatniks and their worldview. Thanks

You can wave your arms around randomly and feel nothing yet if you wave them in a certain way you feel a very definite something. Why is this? How does this work? It feels like there is a specific order you need to do the moves in almost like turning a key in a lock, most keys will fit but not all can open the door. Are there any books, resources or insight you can offer as to why this may be the case? I find this aspect almost as fascinating as the practice and so far I haven't encountered anyone who can answer this question.

Was speaking to a yogini the other day and she was astounded to learn that I eat meat as most following the 8 limbed path abstain from that type of sustenance. Obviously a lot of them are quite frail and don't engage in lightly choreographed violence along with their regular spiritual development but it was a very interesting conversation that got me thinking and now I'm curious as to what you lot make of the topic. Through the years I've tried loads of different eating styles on for size and, amusingly enough, haven't found one that fits. Going the vegan approach literally made me lighter than air as you can tell the body runs a lot "cleaner" in terms of inflammation, waste processing, recovery etc.. as the food digests and excretes so much quicker. It also had the effect of making my meditation so much easier/deeper to focus with but the bad part was that no matter what/how I ate and hit my macros etc.. I just didn't look healthy even though I felt pretty awesome. It also wasn't easy to tap into the darker emotions for use when training as my vibe was elsewhere. Going a full on meat eater approach I found almost the inverse with boatloads of power in the ring but I could tell from the way my body felt it was running on "dirty" fuel as it used it but not as smoothly as the vegan path. A combination of the two is acceptable but satisfies neither end really as I can feel the meat dishes sitting in my gut longer than usual whereas the veg ones excrete exceedingly quickly. Its obvious to me that each type of food has a "charge" in terms of how the body applies it and what states it generates and this in turn depends on your individual makeup and how you engage with life along with the types of activities you partake in so there are quite a few variables at play. Another fascinating factor is this, pure conjecture on my part but very interested in hearing what you make of it, I feel that its easier for me to get in touch with (and thus liberate) the darker emotional states I carry within via my sparring when I'm eating the flesh of dead animals. Now, and here we go so strap in tight, there is a part of me that feels very strongly that this is due in part due to the emotional imprint of said creatures sad life and death being conveyed to their flesh (possibly via endocrine reactions releasing stress hormones?) which I then consume and thus use as the building blocks of generations. Its hard to build a happy home from bricks made of rage, seen? On the flipside the Vegan approach seems to make me very top heavy in the sense that there is very little in the way of grounding and I spend a lot of time being a blissninny as it just feels so good even if it its quite impractical. Obviously I can force a "state" with either eating plan but I prefer to allow myself to ease into my practice and feel what arises when I'm on the mat as that is more naturally aligned as I don't like this mood making approach that many have as its akin to wearing a mask and I'm about the opposite of that. Also the use of spices. Folks, I could go for hours on this topic as its so evident that some create a "hot" temperament whereas others "cool". I say this not physically but almost like a hue instead, akin to a very low level filter placed over your consciousness that the rest of your reality is decoded through, very subtle but noticeable. The most amazing experience has been totally refraining from eating and going on an extended water fast just to see what happens. Now that was very, very interesting in terms of providing an insight into both mind and body as your awareness is literally on a whole different level and after a few days when ketosis has kicked in you actually are very energetic but with a supremely clean type of energy that is far different from the other two previously mentioned as it appears more centered or, to be more accurate, centrally radiating outwards. Obviously this was not at all sustainable as emaciated isn't a good look on the way but I thought I'd give it a spin for the experience and I highly recommend everyone who is healthy try it at least once after making the appropriate presentations. One of the saddest things about modern life is the majority of food you buy is literally dead. There is no energy surrounding it and not in a woo woo kind of sense but once again based on experience of living on a farm for a while where the farmer had what he grew with pills and potions for commercial sale and what he grew to feed his tribe. The difference was literally night and day, its so hard to explain yet you grasp it with the first mouthful as there is more, way more, to the food that its visual/physical aspects as this intangible element makes all of the difference. Whether this is due to accident or design, the commercial processes they do these days to keep food fresh and shiny, how its grown or the combination of all the above the simple fact is food isn't what it used to be, especially if you're engaging in both internal and external methods of development simultaneously as the correct input is essential for your optimal performance. No point quoting old masters, their days and thus tastes were different as they inhabited a vastly different world. This is a very modern situation and one I don't think many notice and if they do fewer speak on as they are either a) too busy trying to fit the paradigm assigned to them by ancient wisdom or b) have never experimented with their options of c) just don't feel the difference. Plus there are so many other factors these days like EM interference, artificial light and its impact on innate rhythms, endocrine disruptors etc.. For me it is very, very evident and in as little as 30 days I can totally flip my frame depending on what I choose to eat and it creates very noticeable effects in not only my physical presentation but also mental processes and thus presence which others easily detect even when I haven't told them I've changed anything as their comments say it all. Just wondering out loud really as one must eat to live it seems and whether your domain is primarily mental or physical when it comes to development there is no getting away from the rather unique situation we all find ourselves in these days as I hope I've illustrated. I welcome your input and hunger for some food for thought! Best

Was just having a quick look online and there are so many Wu Xing style forms that purport to balance the five elements and one thing I noticed is that the "shape" of the movements between most of them bears absolutely no correlation whatsoever. This just seemed quite strange to me as the style I know was grounded in the nature of the merdians and how the movements are designed to invigorate these channels to balance their energies by reducing the blockages and increasing the flow. Found it quite interesting that there are so many different styles because, ultimately, there is but one physical/energetic vessel that does the form for the benefit so you'd expect at least some uniformity. Also of note was how they all tend to start on different organs as one would think that given the lungs are organ of chi it would make sense to start then, in effect turning on the tap, to allow the energy to flow in sequence as its the underlying basis of everything else (at least as far a 5E approach goes in this particular form). Granted there are regional variations to all of this as everyone likes to put their twist on things but I believe a thorough understanding of the why behind the what is essential to ensure you're development as an outstanding practitioner in his field as opposed to just being out, standing in your field and waving your arms around with little to no insight of why... Your perspective on this topic and related facets would be appreciated as there is so much "Master say. Do!" with very little questioning or reasoning in this field due to things like respect, lineage, not talking out of turn etc.. but the differences just made me wonder...

If you had to blame anything for whats wrong with everything why then you'd be pointing at the stage yelling "Its behind you!" to the befuddled actor, draped in robes reciting lines in this masquerade of life as he stumbled around, seemingly unaware of the egos nefarious presence and influence. Its such a strange thing. Everywhere and nowhere. Seeing as one of the great signposts on the path is the meeting, acceptance and dissolution of the ego I'd be interested in hearing from any of you have have wandered along this far or beyond as well as any general tales, insight, wisdom, techniques and whatever else may relate to the topic because I feel this could be a very fruitful discussion. Why do we have an ego in the first place? What is its purpose? Will this be on the test?

Lot of truth in that.

Yes, its very much like dream recall: In state its all very clear and remains so if you etch it in place but when you get into the real world it seems to gradually fade away. I'll try Zen Walking and see how that goes also great point about emotional food, so true. Agreed and even that is simply pointing toward what needs to be healed. Starve the ego, feed the soul.

Yes, the space between the thoughts but I was referring to the maintenance and sustenance the inherent oneness experience that is present in samadhi context, especially when "out of state" and back in the real world.

Not exactly the most practical information I've ever read in my life , but OK. If anyone reading has something a bit more concrete on how to return to the subconscious whilst escaping the clutches of the ego I'd be interested to hear what you've got to say.

How does one do that?

Yes, that is closer to my own viewpoint. Much of what we call society and all of technology stems primarily from the ego with its externalized drive as this reflects its inner nature of I and Them which allows malleability, manipulation and modification of both inner and outer worlds with all that implies. Its an essential part of the puzzle for sure and may just be the key to unlock it all but its rarely faced, comprehended or used in its most beneficial way and as such it runs amok wherever it can these days. Has anyone on here experienced ego death? If so, how was it? Contrast the before and after please. Did it make a resurgence after licking its wounds for a while? How does life differ with your new awareness of its processes?

@Walker thanks for this timely and thoughtful share, very considerate of you. The practice brings great benefits to immunity by facilitating the movement of lymph which has no pump and relies on your movement to get around the body. Like everything in life the more circulation, the more vitality. The TCM aspects you outlined were all news to me as I came to this same understanding but from a totally different approach. All roads lead to.. as they say.

I'm unfamiliar with that movie but that quote was enough to get me to check it out, thanks. OK, now this is very interesting. Do you subscribe to this ideology or did you share this to stimulate discussion? I'm not well versed on the ins and outs of Gnosticism but what you've said is quite intriguing so if you'd like to speak on this in more depth I'd be happy to listen and comment.

This is a surprisingly common thought in regards to the ego as so many people are aware of the parallels between the adversary and the traits of the ego but few take it any further to its logical conclusion nor fully grasp its implications. If anything one must applaud the ego for how slippery and elusive it really is because all the way from the plebeian to the adept and all points in between it holds so many firmly within its grasp and thrall. You've actually inspired my thinking in a phenomenal way with your presence stimpy, thank you.

So many forms, techniques, mantras, asnas, flows, meditations etc... that we can choose in this life. An almost infinite array, yet in the flesh at least we are finite beings who must devote our time and attention wisely as life is barely long enough to get good at one thing. With this in mind I'd like to ask what one practice has brought the most benefit to your life?

This is an excellent perspective, really like the miracle aspect and it does make a lot of sense and leaves me with a renewed sense of appreciation. Thanks Yes, I agree. The reductionism that plagues the world is so myopic in its perspective that its no surprise it never hits the target with its gross over simplification as the subtle aspects are where the detail lies. With so much fakery in the world of internal arts and a lot of the woo woo that goes along with it however, not to mention rampant egos and the rest so you can't really blame them for not wishing to delve deeper in that respect but I do feel that genuine scientific research into the entire field of qigong, its mechanisms, actions etc... would pay such huge dividends for the human race because ultimately the current scientific method is to (attempt to) remove self entirely from the picture and then wonder why they ended up with a distorted image. Veering slightly off topic, consciousness and its primacy is something that once finally grasped will allow so many staid fields of human endeavor to seemingly take quantum leaps overnight because that is the way people thought back in the days and look at what they achieved whereas our drive is external, currently fixated on technology which ultimately is just the extension of our senses via mechanical ends, with most people having very sparse inner worlds and very little in the way of insight into the currents swirling underneath. The larger the net and wider its cast the more fish one can catch, as well as the occasional bits of flotsam and jetsam that swim in the stream but dealing with it all is the job of the fisherman. The question was broad on purpose, to encompass all of this realm so we could collectively shine the light of our individual wisdom across the field and see what we may learn. As I said above, a scientific research approach, with the practitioner as experimenter, would be most interesting but until that occurs one must stir the stagnant waters of places such as these and find the leads to what one seeks. I wonder who gets it. My posts contain a test for the minds optics.

Do you see that folks? Thats how you word a pitch. Do you work in sales? If not, you should. You could be the Starjumper of Wall Street I find this whole fascination with me quite amusing and if you intend to hold the real answer "hostage" then please don't share the public answer either. Keep both of them, sit on them for a while and see if they hatch into something worthwhile that will help fellow travelers along the way and then ask that quiet part of yourself if that insight is worth sharing and do what it says. Why does my lineage matter? Why does my practice matter? Why does any of it beyond what I choose to do? Have you ever considered that I don't want anyones cheerleading about my path nor am I concerned about their naysaying either? What if I'm just an element of you that is here to prod you out of your torpor and break up the miasma that surrounds this once vital community in its current state of disrepair? What then?

Very handy, thanks @steve it really is so mindblowing that you can move your body in a certain way and experience totally different states of consciousness. Things like this really make one wonder about existence, the fabric of reality and what it means to be here, now. Even as little as a few decades ago these teachings were highly kept secrets, passed down through generation from time immemorial and here we are with it all literally at our fingertips. Mindblowing. Of course the average person in the street cares not one jot about cultivation because they can't share it for likes and yet that same type of egoic perversion still manages to permeate this lawless corner of the internet, nonetheless, albeit manifesting in a more subtle form.

Yes, this is very true as I see transcendence and union as the goal of all paths, varied as they are and however they may dress it up as ultimately that is all we yearn for, whether we realize it or not. Also fully agree about the doing and inner aspects because its all about the experience which in many ways is ineffable but once you know, you know. I'd be interested in any books you wish to share on the topic as I haven't read much on the topic but at this point in my journey my curiosity as to the underlying rhythm and rhyme is quite high so feel free to share if you wish.

To act vaginal, as a man, means to be according oneself as a woman with a snarky, passive aggressive commentary instead of being a man and just calling it how it is. Was this post really necessary? Does it add anything of worth, whatsoever, to the thread and topic? And LOL at the spiritual forum, I've addressed that before and you should be well aware of my thoughts about this place and some of the people that inhabit it.

On your advice I've been practicing this approach recently. Its going well

Do you realize how transparent you are? Who are you trying to fool? Us or yourself? That's a false choice by the way, they're one and the same. Like I said I'm not here to spar with you, I'd have to lose some brain cells first to level the playing field first otherwise it would be unfair because saying things like "I’m posting totally nonchalant and without any particular attachment" when you said "he is uninterested in sharing them publicly, I can't make any assumptions about him and his history, so I just gave a "feeler" to see how he'd respond" show that you're being dishonest. Even though I called you a slang word for a fetid female orifice it was honest whereas you try and throw childish retorts from the moral high horse you're attempting to ride by stating "it takes one to know one" which are once again in direct contradiction to your posts in that thread. Ask yourself, do I sound like a bullshitter? If yes then you shouldn't try and bullshit one and if no then you change your approach. Thanks to your carrying an agenda from a previous thread around like luggage you've almost derailed what will be an interesting discussion on the underlying aspects of qigong and in that respect aren't that much different from those you rail against on this forum who do the same thing. So I ask again, who are you trying to fool? Us or yourself? Start another thread if you want to continue discussion in this vein or contribute something of worth to this one. Like silence.