Aetherous

I've also read that compassion, moderation and humility are the three treasures of the Tao. Edit: just looked it up, apparently the three treasures are in Tao Te Ching 67.

Dude...I was just going to make a topic about this tonight. I will try to make the idea that I have into something sensible to others...lol.

Speaking of which, could you describe yourself and your path, 9th? I have found your ideas and demeanor here interesting.

My experience of shen is best described as 'wakefulness'. I really like Daoist Nei Gong by Damo Mitchell. Open to new ideas and methods, always.

Guiding energy is a function of the upper dantien. You may notice that "you" feel as if you're above the lower dantien. Instead, it can help to relocate your sense of self within the lower dantien. Imagine that your entire head has gone inside of your belly, as if you have no head on your shoulders at all. See outward from there. Listen from the belly. Otherwise, just doing physical methods for a while or taking a break is a good idea. I'm sure others here will have good ideas also.

The true path is more complex (and yet more simple) than upper/middle/lower dantien...and 7 chakras. The body (physical, energetic, etc) functions in the way that it does regardless of contrived labels. For information on lower dantien, look at The Gold Pavilion...there is more to it than we can conceive. That's if you want to get detailed. There are probably other schools that teach even more precisely.

I like how you learn from Life, Hot Nirvana Judo Trend.

True...I like both types of knowledge. The more the merrier. I am sticking with Kunlun, despite not fully understanding it yet lol...and still study other things like rosicrucian, tantra, various forms of bodywork, etc.

Yup, as a beginner it's easy to learn various methods....but understanding the ultimate purpose is something far beyond simply having some knowledge about 'how to'. One interpretation of the Greek word gnosis means, "knowledge gained through experience"...as opposed to knowledge gained from a teacher.

There are five types of immortals. Here is a good description of one of the types... "Spirit immortals are earth immortals who have continued their cultivation in the earthly realm. They have connected all the parts of their body; they have used lead to replenish mercury; they can channel the refined generative energy to the top of the head; and they can transform the jade nectar into the elixir. Their bodily form has been transmuted into vapor; the five vapors have reverted back into the one primordial vapor and the three yang essences have gathered at the top of the head. When their cultivation is complete, the mundane body is transformed into the subtle body. Their yin residues are purged and they are completely filled with pure yang. A body emerges from the subtle body as they shed their mundane substance and ascend to the immortal lands. Entering the realm of the sacred, they return to the three mountains and leave the dust of the world forever." Pretty awesome if you consider the implications of developing a purely energetic body. But then again...forever is a long time.

I am not a martial artist but... Training is training. A good attitude to have is: you get out what you put into it. If you are learning something....anything...and are challenged, then that's awesome. Become the best at it that you can be. A person could take a math class and only learn 1+1=2...but depending on the student they could build off of that on their own, becoming a genius...or they could complain that it's not hard enough and not get anywhere. An idea I like is that mastery involves a continual perfecting of the basics. It sucks to be kept on the outside of the group which you're passionate about, though.

Bouncin' in and out of here: I once read that Sufis believe all things in nature rotate counter-clockwise, on their way back to source. I have been taught elsewhere that clockwise rotation is for creation, downward flow and grounding. Look forward to seeing what other people say. This would be a great separate topic, probably!

The future is sweet. Thanks for sharing that here, Leon!

Like I said, I'm not at all interested in intellectual debate. Especially when it starts with being told I'm ignorant.

You know what, maybe you're right that fasting could actually help the kidneys. I have no idea...like you said, following your guidance and body's signals is important.

Cold water therapy (go under a cold shower or something for a minute or two) assists the kidneys with their detoxification. You may notice that you pee more often for a few hours afterward. I would avoid fasting since this increases detoxification...when really what you probably want is nourishment, so that their function overall improves rather than diminishes. Bone broth and beef soup is good...and things like that. Celery is said to benefit the kidneys. Exercise is always good. It might be beneficial to find a visceral manipulation practitioner, to reposition the kidneys. But your case is unique, so you should be communicating with your actual doctor about how to make yourself better, and what may be harmful. This may take more than a few sessions if the visceral manipulation practitioner finds other issues to work on holistically, if your doctor says it's okay. Craniosacral therapy will probably help your body relax open in general. I am a big fan of BeCalm balls as well, which is something similar that you can do on your own. Don't breathe into the kidneys and try to push it, since this stimulates the adrenal glands and the fight or flight response, making things worse. Just let the body inhale, and let it exhale...guiding instead of controlling. If you let out the breath and wait, the body will want to inhale, so let it...do it like that. In the beginning you may want to extend the exhale, which aids in relaxation. The purpose should be relaxing the body and mind primarily...forget about the body and just be breathed. If the results from breathing feel wrong, then try a different approach to it like this. I suggest finding a practice which utilizes all three dantians. The upper dantian is related to the pituitary gland (among other areas) which balances the hormones of the rest of the endocrine system. So upper dantian meditations can regulate and rebalance the kidney function. If you go get massages, avoid deep tissue massage. It should never be painful, and should always be very relaxing. If not, communicate with that massage therapist and demand what you're paying for. Some ideas.

You are referring to Buddhist enlightenment. What you're saying may or may not be correct regarding it. That is one definition. If you look the word up in a dictionary, you will find a few others...and this is not the extent of it. Different types of enlightenment can be discovered through direct experience, and these are not to be confused with one another (doing so "muddies the waters" as you say)...but in some cases they overlap. I am only interested in people's direct experience, and not at all interested in intellectual debate...so this is probably all that I'll say. Please don't misinterpret or assume things about what I've said...consider that I haven't even touched on the discussion of Buddhist enlightenment in what I said.

C T, no offense but Men of the Infinite are stupid as hell. They confuse Buddhist enlightenment with the enlightenment notions of the 18th century, and disqualify a bunch of legitimate types of enlightenment. One of the most true things I've ever heard is, "there are many types of enlightenment."

This is possible, and happened to me years ago. Funny how you describe it as a 'rushing' because that's exactly what it's like. If you have an intense desire for enlightenment, even at the cost of your own life, make a vow that you won't move a single muscle (except to breathe and swallow your spit) until you're enlightened. It's best to lay down so you can be partially relaxed instead of trying to hold yourself upright and wear yourself out. Stay fully aware of your body every moment so that you don't unconsciously move. When feelings come, let them go and stick to your vow no matter WHAT...for however long it takes until you attain enlightenment. That's it. I call it "death yoga". For sudden awakening through the process of surrendering. It was the most powerful thing I've ever experienced to this day. If you practice it and stop before you attain enlightenment, you didn't even do the practice, and you broke the most important vow you ever made to yourself (so this is only for those who are absolutely ready). Of course.

Sweet! Totally awesome realization.

Hello...congrats on your level of attainment, and welcome to the forum. Would you care to share the practices which helped with this, and what you do currently? I am interested in how you are blending the traditions.

I am liking the book.

Yes, for this practice I was taught to lock the knees at that point.

http://becalm.ca/ I think doing the BeCalm balls might be best for you, if ~20 mins is all you've got. If you combine it with gentle unforced continuous breathing, it can be extra balancing. Simple! I recommend this above all else. I also recommend Kunlun Nei Gung, since it has a general balancing effect on the body in the long term, moreso than other practices. Be cautious with following simplified advice regarding supplements. For instance, a red tongue can be many things besides excess heat, as you can see on this website for instance: http://www.sacredlotus.com/diagnosis/tongue/index.cfm It can be excess heat, deficient heat, stagnant blood, yin deficiency, etc...also thin people tend to have tongues which are more red... In fact I think your condition is probably not excess heat, since what you've been doing isn't taking care of the symptoms. Maybe chrysanthemum tea and other things are making your condition worse! It'd be best to consult (again) with a local acupuncturist, and be sure to get a clear diagnosis.

"Do you think you can clear your mind by sitting constantly in silent meditation? This makes your mind narrow, not clear. Integral awareness is fluid and adaptable, present in all places and at all times. That is true meditation. Who can attain clarity and simplicity by avoiding the world? The Tao is clear and simple, and it doesn't avoid the world. Why not simply honor your parents, love your children, help your brothers and sisters, be faithful to your friends, care for your mate with devotion, complete your work cooperatively and joyfully, assume responsibility for problems, practice virtue without first demanding it of others, understand the highest truths yet retain an ordinary manner? That would be true clarity, true simplicity, true mastery." -Huahujing, 52