adept

Paul Whitrod Serge Augier Alex Kozma Tim Cartmell

Osho doesn't belong in the Vedanta forum.

You to stop posting as much

After reading the Cleary version it's quite obvious that the 'method', if it can be called that, has nothing whatsoever to do with breathing tecniques, moving energy around the body, visualizations, sitting cross legged etc etc. It can be taken up by anyone, anywhere, in any situation. In fact, it's a good 'practice' to do when otherwise occupied, such as at work or out walking in nature, drinking tea etc etc. I have tried this and I can honestly say it works. There are glaring similarities with Japanese Zen master Bankei and his 'abide in the Unborn' teaching, which also didn't adhere to the usual strict ritualized meditation practices which were prevalent in Japanese temples. Bankei brought his Unborn teaching to the masses. From simple illiterate peasant, through the social classes, up to the most learned Buddhist scholars, from all sects.

The Cleary translation states many times throughout the book that this is NOT a meditation practice per se, but a search for the source. A Taoist/Buddhist inward looking self inquiry method especially written for the layperson, and probably for one without regular contact with a teacher. I'm glad I've re-discovered this book. It's probably going to save me a lot of wasted time on meditation 'methods'.

Please keep this new-age hippie garbage from the Vedanta forum. This is precisely the thing that gives authentic Yoga a bad name.

What about prunes ?

Excellent news ! Way back when I was a hell-raising clubber I consumed copious amounts of E. :D

From 'The Book Of Balance Of Harmony' by Thomas Cleary: 'Ironically, one of the most comprehensive descriptions of Taoism as it is understood in advanced Taoist circles can be found in a Buddhist text, the Avatamsaka Sutra, which is held to contain the totality of all religion'

Avatamsaka ? It's probably the closest from a Mahayana Buddhist perspective. Prepare to give up half your life to read and study it though !

Yes. It's nice to have a bit of his Turkish humour. The place would be dull without some sarcasm and dry wit.

OK. I'm not suggesting for one minute that morality just happens by itself. Of course we need the guidance of our parents and school teachers when we're younger. As I wrote in the Confucian forum, Xunzi said that if we did not receive proper guidance, humanity would run amok, as we have the inborn tendencies to be greedy, selfish, ignorant and downright nasty. Proper guidance and upbringing does not equal outdated holy rulebooks.

Hi Eskrimador. Welcome to the forums. I used to practice Doce Pares many moons ago. Great martial art.

This thread is awesome ! The connection between runes and sacred geometry is not one I had considered. Brilliant.

You will instinctively know if your actions are right or wrong. No holy book, precepts or commandments are needed. Morals come from the heart and from the experiences of life, not from scriptures and top-down authoritarian religious institutions.

I've lately been drawn to Vedantic sources and I'm looking for some legit teachings and teachers. More along the lines of meditative practices and teachings, rather than Advaita self-enquiry methods. There are a number of unscrupulous people out there so I was after a heads-up on decent stuff. Anyway, I came across this website: http://www.dharmacentral.com/index.php and wondered if anyone has any information about them and whether they are the real deal. P.S. I do like the look of Swami Lakshmanjoo and Kashmir Shaivism. I've got good vibes from visiting the English language website of his teachings. As usual, any help would be most appreciated.

Yes. He probably has keyboard rash !

Bump

Hi all. Last night me and mrs. adept were invited by a family member to go along to a reiki healing session. I'm a pretty open-minded so we decided to go along. I've never had this done before so, apart from reading basic stuff on the net, I knew absolutely nothing about it. We turned up at a little spiritual centre in town where about 10 people were gathered. I felt a little anxious and nervous and a little bit shy. I watched on as a couple of people were given the healing and could feel the energy in the room. It all looked a little weird as two ladies went to work on their subjects. Strange symbolic shapes were drawn into the air in front of the subjects by the ladies. Immediately I felt myself relax and couldn't wait till it was my turn. In fact I volunteered to have the next go ! As soon as the lady put her hands on me I felt an intense heat surging through my body. Her hands were slightly cold but the energy flowing from her into me was hot, very hot. A pulsing vibrating warm energy was flowing through me. I was shaking inside although it wasn't visible to anyone. My eyes, which were shut, were flickering all over the place. It took about 15 minutes and I felt fabulous afterwards, although a bit hyper. I had a lovely deep sleep which was peppered with weird dreams and visions, most of which I can't remember. I do, though, vividly remember flying extremely fast from place to place without any destination in mind. Also visions of people practicing the Kunlun posture which I've seen in the book, but have yet to practice. Maybe it's some kind of a sign, I don't know, but reiki and Kunlun seemed to be linked in my dreams. All in all, a very strange interesting experience and an enjoyable one which seems to have given me a pointer to practice Kunlun, which I had been doubting for a while.

Please carry on with the discussion. I don't see it as derailing but more of a progression. It's taken an interesting turn and I'd love to read more.

Thanks 3bob.

Hi Adam, or anyone else who can clarify this point above. The way this is described, does the top hand rest in the lower one, or does it hover above it between 1-4 inches ? I only ask because in the description it seems that the hand doesn't sit in the lower one, but in the diagram on the linked page, it looks as if the hand does sit, also with the thumbs touching. Like the mudra used in zazen. Any thoughts ? P.S. An awesome post that just needed bumping.

Bump !!

Thanks gatito, will do.

Welcome back Drew !