Forestgreen

And it is entirely possible to have the same realization with energy work, why so one-sided?. And it is possible to do a lot of work and not having a realization about reality, but having other experiences that a tradition values and call spiritual. It is even possible that, lets say a theravada buddhist, doesn't call it energywork but still practice it, because nomenclature differs between traditions and there is more to it than breathing methods and pushing energy into the head. Just imagine the possibilities😁 I feel that you are playing with words. If you do not think that practice causes realization, why did you spend so much time practicing? Why do you mention that people with a few months of practice might get short spiritual experiences, instead of saying "I watched football with the gang last saturday, and darn if we all didn't have a glimpse of reality"?

That is, of course, not true. A more precise statement would be that no amount of post heaven energetic work, in it self, will result in realization. But used as a bridge towards pre heaven energetics, it is as good as any other bridge. But since you have stated that you weren't taught about red and white bindu, this is outside of your experience. Which is fine, much of that you write about is outside of my experience, and some of it I have doubts about.

His variety if that mudra differs from (insert style here). It differs from how I do it, and most likely he has another goal with it.

And therefore useful. We all get attached to name and form, and any method that aids in releasing that bond is useful (until it is not). Isn't that one of the reasons that energetic practices can be useful? We dissolve the attchment to the obvious and material, and gradually learn to sense (and identify with) something more sublte. And then (rinse, repeat).

It is difficult, mixing terms. Some cross over better than others.

I would disagree with that. The golden elixir is pre heaven, so exist before manifestation.

Because this section is more interesting.

A phenomenon called wind.

I would disagree with this. The aquired mind is the basis for most peoples experiences. Reality is always there, experiencing the world through it is quite uncommon without quite a bit of practice.

I recently saw a podcast from Nathan Brine, where he basically stated that there are many practices out there that are called neidan. They leads to very different results, and could as well be called qigong, neigong, or meditation. The past 30 years, I have tried a handful of different systems, and at the time they were probably useful. At least they got me to where I am now. These days, I practice a pre heaven method. So, no ldt, no microcosmic orbit, no experiences of light. It's all about zooming in on pre heaven reality. What I do is what is described in the WuZhenPian (the 16 regulated verses), which differs from the methods described in for example the zhong-lu chuandao ji and the lingbao bifa.

What is the difference between trying to get enlightened and being enlightened and trying to realize that enlightenment?

This differentiation is most likely done by non- theravadins. I base my practice mostly on theravada texts, and no- self relates to reality, not to me as an isolated practitioner, since the idea of an isolated practitioner is conventional truth, not absolute truth. If the practice doesn't reflect that, it is inheritantly flawed. I still feel that mahayana rethoric is based on an hair-splitting attempt to prove spiritual superiority, while causing a split in the sangha. And intending to save all beings before one has realized reality and cleared the storehouse mind, isn't that just a bit arrogant?

This is why I avoid zen/ chan texts. Too cognitive.

Holding their breath, the crowd surrounding him awaits a quotation that supports his statement.

So, basically: Getting a treatment one does not need, or getting a treatment not focused on ones needs, might be bad for you? Sounds like something relevant for any treatment, really.