Giles

It is indeed the crux of the vast majority of the issues that are repeatedly aired on this forum.

My understanding is that Chia was his introduction to qigong but that they parted ways. From Jim's biography: In any case, Jim made his method open-source, so anyone can examine it for themselves (for free) and decide whether or not it's safe and/or worth pursuing.

An absolutely sensible view on it. 👍🏻 Unfortunately, some of those who are peddling their own version of these ancient teachings are making a substantial profit that's considerably in excess of the traditional 2 bowls of food a day.

I'm aware of that and my understanding of it was pretty much what's quoted in the article: So, from that definition, a "gift" would not qualify as dana if something was given either as payment for services rendered or with the intention of purchasing "merit".

That was my intuition about how you operate stirling (that you probably don't solicit). I'm glad to have that intuition confirmed.

Don't stop there, be specific. Give me some proper feedback. What exactly do you consider to be "gross"? According to the Buddhist doctrine, correcting mistakes is extremely important: https://www.dhammatalks.org/books/uncollected/Shame.html

Again, a substantial amount of projection on your part mixed with various straw men. I've not referred to "every Buddhist monastery around the world" nor have I suggested that they should "crumble into the sea". That's all entirely in your own imagination my friend. Furthermore, I've never stated that the Buddhist monastic lifestyle is generally lavish, although some of them certainly qualify for that description. Nor have I advocated that monks in general should get jobs in McDonald's, have I? In fact, I've just pointed out the glaring inconsistency of what a particular individual, Upton, whose services you're advocating, has published on her website regarding "dana" and suggested that this troglodyte should earn her living more honestly. However, it may well be the case that she's entirely incapable of so doing. 🤷🏻‍♂️

There's certainly a plethora of projecting there, my friend. I've never stated that you must practice meditation only under a teacher" or that your teacher [should] be one who does not even allow students to generate merit through donations.

They do indeed and most of them get it by holding down real jobs in the real world instead of repackaging and trying to sell what was given to humanity for free by the Buddha. Well, if you're happy with it you should certainly continue down the path of funding her lifestyle for her. How lucky that she's got people willing to fund her ongoing escape from reality. It might indeed. Alternatively, that might just be your projection.

If Upton could only learn from herself and practice what she's preaching about the Dharma being priceless...

Apologies @stirling! 😬 I've made the mistake of multitasking today and because both their names begin with "P", I've mixed them up... 😳

Ah, "dana"... That term certainly crops up a lot in the realm of the commercial peddling of what was originally given freely by the Buddha. Let's examine this a bit more closely, shall we? On the webpage that's blatantly labelled "support-my-work", Upton states: So far, so good, on the face of it. 👍🏻 Unfortunately, she then proceeds to do a complete volte-face by asking for payment for her "gift" which she then also admits is actually her "work": I'd invite her set an example to her students and lead by example by getting a proper job and volunteering to teach meditation in her spare time instead of leeching a living off desperate seekers. Firstly, you've actually just admitted the truth of the matter here - that she does indeed charge for her time. Secondly, sadly it is indeed commonpractice. However, just because plenty of other meditation teachers also do the same, it certainly doesn't mean that it's an ethically or morally defensible practice.

Did the Buddha levy a charge for his teachings..? 🤔

Indeed. Furthermore, you'd probably be wise to take @stirling up on his very kind offer.

From what I've seen and read, this particular Chinese folk religion seem to have a lot in common with Christianity.

@Rheor, I've just received an email from iRest notifying me about this upcoming course in pranayama with Richard Miller. https://www.yogakula.com/events/pranayama-with-richard-miller and it occurred to me that it might be of some interest and use to you. Best Wishes,

Indeed. The premise is clearly ridiculous.

@admin This poster, @-ꦥꦏ꧀ ꦱꦠꦿꦶꦪꦺꦴ-, appears to be correct and although the subject of the OP could be viewed as including spontaneous qigong, it's roots appear to reside in the Nath tradition. That being the case, please relocate this thread either to the General or to the Hindu subforums. Thanks in anticipation. 🙏🏻

That's pretty worrying. 😟 Does this guy seriously believe that the discarnate entity that he's been encouraged to allow to possess him is Jesus's Christ? 😯 If so, why hasn't anyone put him straight about the fact of the matter?

Thanks Antonio. 🙏🏻 That seems to be an extremely reasonable sum for the outstanding quality of what I've seen on the FB page. Unfortunately, I'll not be joining you in class, as I'm practicing a form of qigong that might be incompatible with what's being taught. Very Best Wishes, Giles

Interesting, thanks. 🙏🏻 How much is the one-off lifetime fee? Would you mind providing a link to the relevant website, please? Thanks again in anticipation. 🙏🏻

Bump for @stirling, who is well-placed to answer your question.