Aetherous

Zensunni, I think you bring up good points. The only thing I'll say is don't judge every book by its cover. Sometimes a great cover will turn out to contain a horrible story. Sometimes a horrible cover will turn out to have a great story within. It's good to keep an open mind, because although we've seen a lot, we haven't seen everything. There is always some mystery to this life. Part of being wise is knowing this, and keeping your mouth shut until you've "read through the whole book" or completed the training. And if something's not for you, then it's not for you. PS...I also agree that unless you can consistently cure people of cancer, you shouldn't be claiming it's possible. Because then people with cancer might see it, come to you, and be let down. But then, even results like curing cancer 50% of the time would be good...

Well, Dogen is a little hard to understand sometimes. I was actually interested when I asked for an example of not dumbed down Soto Zen. Does such a thing exist for Westerners, who have to rely on translations in books?

Interesting: I used to think that being able to control qi would make someone serene, as well. However, that seems to not be the case after seeing all of the advanced guys at this forum and how they behave. Now I see that qigong has little effect on a person's character, besides maybe amplifying it. Except for maybe spontaneous qigong practices, which do seem to make a person less likely to banter... I don't know why Vajrasattva defends himself so much (he doesn't need to), but the fact is that he does "have the juice". I once ordered a book from him and he sent some sort of attunement, which made things pretty fun for the day. At one point I was getting hit on by this mom in the mall, while it seemed like streams of energy were flowing through and around me. A little disorienting. I agree with Mokona, that your behavior is trollish, Dorian. I don't know why we're getting so many of your type lately. My advice is just to take it easy, use the search tool, and genuinely be interested in learning from anyone who has something to offer you. At some forums there is an unsaid code of conduct, where a newbie is not really allowed to give their opinion...I kind of like it that way, because the newbie can learn how things work and see who people are without having to "test them" first. Conversations go better that way. So, just shut up for a while and it'll be good for you.

6 - 7 am is best. Edit: whoops, I actually just read your post. Sorry. Then, I agree with Fiveelementtao to just avoid the early afternoon.

Yeah the recording of Blood Mountain was bad. Super compressed. The new one definitely sounds better.

What's an example of a non dumbed down version of Soto Zen?

Mastodon's awesome, but I can't really get into their new album. Just not my style I guess. I really liked Blood Mountain.

So true.

I agree with Rex. This is a complete waste of time! At least post something like this in the off topic section. I like how this place is moderated very lightly, but I would personally ban someone who did this.

Haha, true.

How about we all stop trying to make each other feel like shit? ...whoops, Vajra posted at the same time...not directed toward his post.

So the real (possible) way that a photo "steals someone's soul" is when someone else views the photo and connects to the vibe of the person, rather than the actual photograph taking itself? Interesting!

This is interesting... Previously, I would have thought that a lot of what the documentary says is BS. For instance, when they talk about mantras invoking Gods as if casting a spell to bring about a desired result...this is actually true! I'm only on part 1...will watch more and maybe comment later...

Most yoga certifications are a joke, so I say it's not a problem to take her classes. Just have some common sense...like don't stretch something too far, because yoga injuries are very common. Even certified teachers often don't know the basics of the human body, and will push people too far. Be extremely gentle with yourself in terms of how far you stretch.

Everything must change anyway, so why die?

. . .

Working on morality builds a strong spirit. If you're always honest, you have nothing to worry about and you'll hold yourself in a better way than someone who lies all the time and constantly has to be thinking about how to weave the next lie into their version of the truth. Or if you're always kind, you won't have the negative demeanor of someone who's addicted to being rude. Just a couple of examples. Our emotions and morality definitely tie in directly with our energy and soul. A person who is totally right with themselves will have no weak spots.

Awesome response, Altiora. I definitely agree that it's worth consideration. The proof is in the pudding, and if the pudding tastes bad and is lumpy, something must be wrong. Can you mention who the high level qigong master was who said that it's too risky?

No one has mentioned working on your morality, but that's the most important thing for this I think.

Well, I fell from enlightenment after the little bit of time was up. It's totally not a stable thing for me. The goal is to have it be permanent. I'm still way too imperfect and young to be a teacher. You can think of it like me being someone who has worked out in a gym once...do you want me to train you just based on that? Or would you rather have someone who spends all of their time in the gym and has a bunch of certifications? The person who has only been there once, for about a minute, knows what the gym is like and how to do some things but they're REALLY inexperienced. So I have no right to fall into the trap of teaching yet.

I attained full enlightenment a few years ago, for about a minute, and then lost it. My job's not done, but I was aware of what I had left to do.

You may be right, Gold...it was just a spur of the moment idea when I first saw the diagram. What are the deep differences, to you? The awareness shifts around in the body as well...

Not in my experience. The negative health I experienced with Kunlun was never there in the first place. And I had previously penetrated the absolute depths of who I am, and was in great health. So this is something added to me from doing the practices...something external and uninvited. It could be said that it's a manifestation of deep unconscious karma, or something, and I can see how that makes sense...but I don't personally agree with that theory. It doesn't feel like the right answer to me at all. I never had this much karma. Speaking of that, the energy has hindered my meditation. I have been wondering why it's done that for a while now, while trying to remain positive about my experiences with the practice...and now I don't care: it hasn't helped me progress. I don't view the practice as spiritual anymore. It has nothing to do with actual letting go, and has everything to do with getting stuck. All the talk of letting go by practitioners is just rhetoric. I know because I've actually let go once...it's much deeper than we think, and isn't a choice we can make. The bliss state is something external from our true nature. The "transformation" which comes about as a result, that some have apparently attained, isn't real enlightenment. There are ways to test the quality of someone's attainment, and kunluners always fail the tests. Mostly due to self centered emotional issues. Just my opinion. Everyone is free to do what they want, and believe what they want. I am happy to have shared the experience with many of you, who are great people and who I consider friends. I still like Max...but I'm done with Kunlun now, completely. Moving on...it feels good.

It's interesting that you perceived it to be upset that you were there...why is that?

So I'm not a fan of the book or the methods within. Crystals, muscle testing, light therapy...not impressed. Unscientific while trying to sound scientific. Although the idea of an assemblage point is fun. You can get all of that info in the free preview.