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Was looking for something else and ended up finding this interesting passage in Sun Lutang's "A Study of Bagua Boxing". Thought it would may be useful to share: “As for the timing, within a year there are the two energies – dark and bright [meaning the six months of shorter days and the six months of longer days] – then the four seasons, eight sections [start of spring, vernal equinox, start of summer, summer solstice, start of autumn, autumnal equinox, start of winter, winter solstice], twenty-four periods [start of spring, first rains, “waking hibernators”, vernal equinox, “fresh and shining”, rain for crops, start of summer, “small fullness” (referring to crop growth), “bearded crop” (i.e. rich yield), summer solstice, small heat, big heat, start of autumn, lingering heat, fresh dew, autumnal equinox, cold dew, frost arrives, start of winter, small snow, big snow, winter solstice, small cold, big cold], and then each period is divided into three, totaling the “seventy-two events” [regular plant and animal phenomena in an approximately five-day rhythm]. When practicing on sunny days, begin with leftward circle walking. When practicing on cloudy days, begin with rightward circle walking. Generally speaking, adjust with each day, though there may be specific circumstances that cause adjustment with each hour. This is attention to the right time. The best environment to practice in is either a lush mountain forest, a solemn temple, or simply a clean room. This is attention to the right place. “With these principles of practice, you receive the divine energy of sky and ground, the illumination of sun and moon, the elegance of the five elements, and can become one with the universe. This training is at the highest level of spiritual transformation. The effects of it will be thus: your spirit will be cleansed, your essence will be sturdied, your appearance will be pure, smooth, and graceful, your body will move with ease, your mind will be quick-witted, and your techniques will be magical. Its theory is as deep as an abyss, deep beyond measuring. Its energy is as vast as the sky, vast beyond measuring. Practicing in this way, this boxing art is a subtle and profound means of spiritual transformation. “If you do not understand how to choose the right environment or work with the weather, you will only be training in terms of physical strength, and no matter how skilled and adaptable you may become after a long time, it will only be a physical achievement. With no awareness of weather or environment, your mind will be unable to grasp the beauty of Nature. All of the beautiful things in Nature are influenced by the sky and ground, nurtured by the sun and moon, and are thus able to be perfected [within their own niche]. This is in all ways true for boxing arts as well. “Compare this to the great sages, who cherished countless ideas in their minds, embraced countless phenomena in their bodies, and were one with the universe. With each thought, let your mind flow through Nature and express to the farthest reaches of existence, and discover that within every thing, there is everything. Then when your mind becomes still, its energy can withdraw so there is the stillness of a quiet and empty room, and you can become one with the universe. for context: https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/the-bagua-manual-of-sun-lutang/

Already know the sitting 8 pieces which are great and exploring all of those technniques and always open to new ideas there's always someone who finds something new and important that others may not notice, and sometimes it's as obvious as tapping. Thanks Wu Ming Jen.

Thanks for this KuroShiro. May not be able to watch all the videos today but will watch them all

It's called a Japanese Theatre Noh Mask...

Well, its my year too but it may not be the most auspicious to us... "dog entering the territory of another dog must be careful and maintain a low profile", etc. The sad thing is that on the net you can find the prediction that suits you. Not that I care much about chinese astrology but since it is my year and I'm hoping to be coming out of a rough couple of years...If there are serious astrologists here, please stand up and make your predictions for this year: Dogs are waiting!

Hi stasia, I think that youre right about being in the kundalini crisis process. You shouldnt boder much however in trying to figure out what iniciated it and instead take your time reflecting about having been chosen to go through a hard process that will turn you into someone much different and better. Your addiction problem should be put at first and worked on as your live depends of your recovery from it. Look for help. Most of all you need to learn to trust the process and ask for Divine Guidance as you conceive it. Try reading the daodejing, much to learn there that will help you. Hope it helped somehow. Oak

W. C. Fields

keeper of sheep

Person

blue blood

Some people however don't "die" and that new awareness of how they've spent their time on earth deeply changes them. All I can say from my experience is that death is one of the greatest ilusions of life, but need to remind me of that often. Fortunately I was able to detached from all of those I've really cared about and left, it took its time, one time anger was part of the process,another time impotence was part of the process too, as I had a very vivid dream that the person was really not doing well "on the other side"... still the work to be done was learning to let go as I had done everything possible when I could and now I couldn't do anything. Just my experience, don't have a clue if it helps you in anyway manitou.

Hi manitou, Don't have the answer for you but let me share this episode of my life. Once I was invited by a friend of mine to attend one of her university psychology classes.The teacher, a woman in her late 20's triggered by some random tought shared her experience of having a motorcycle accident. To my great surprise (as she seemed like a freudian purist) a few unforgettable words that came out of her mouth were: "yes, it is true! Being near death you remember all your life in just a short moment. I remembered everything!" ... wishing you a "new" year

Far less words, far more sensations.

Made my day. Thanks Wells.

Thank you cheya, Yueya and Pavel Karavaev for letting me know of this wonderful creature...

As I told you before, it's your choice... and I don't have the genious to add to that pile of crap. Lucky me.

We'll have to agree in disagreeing than. Peace.

So, lets suppose that you were a pathological liar like Castañeda (I'm not insinuating that you are), and that you had that writing genious... Wouldn't you be able to write amazing books based on your own life experience with dozens of techniques that worked? What that would make of you? Well, a millionaire for sure... and someone dangerous to be around too. Unfortunately the history of planet earth is full of these dark geniouses with enough charisma to manipulate the masses.

peas

No, everyone must make its own choice, being aware of what that choice is...

Carlos Castañeda: a life of lies!... and how is followers messed up this documentary that was posted on youtube... What good can come out of a immense lie?

Welcome

Liza Minnelli