ralis

I think the whole attached, detached argument is emphasized too much. If you are experiencing pain, pleasure, then you are attached. You have this idea of a continuum or various degrees of attachment. In your opinion, does the dogma of dependent origination, no abiding self, no inherent existence infer a nihilistic world view? Does that not make existence meaningless? If you respond no, then how do you reconcile morality and ethics as being permanent. I am referring to the Buddhas teaching on morality and ethical conduct. ralis

For anyone who believes that objective physical reality only exists in the mind, check this out. http://www.theflatearthsociety.org/cms/ ralis

Sometimes I disagree with you. However in this case i.e, transmissions from teachers, I am in complete agreement. I always had trouble with the Tibetan protocol in regards to transmissions. Lama's have set themselves up as kings. ralis

I read Irina Tweedie's book years ago and I felt he was exceptionally cruel to her. Does that make him a realized master? Not necessarily. She did comment in an interview that she accepted his harsh treatment. I still have trouble with this sort of behavior from teachers. In general, teachers that are abusive have unresolved psychological issues and may have been abused as children. Something similar happened to me with a group of healers here in Santa Fe that nearly cost me my life! Although, I resent (putting it mildly) their harsh techniques, I did become stronger because of it. I don't recommend that path. ralis

What makes you think I haven't? ralis Unexcelled implies, there is an absolute upper limit that can't be surpassed. ralis

More circular logic based on provisional faith. ralis

One of my favorite authors (Robert Anton Wilson) talked extensively about the local tunnel reality. This is nothing more than a primitive tribal reality, that meets the needs and sets limits on each participant. Examples are: Buddhism, Dalia Lama says so, political parties, Jungian analysis, all religions, all belief systems (BS) and any other ism that limits one's perspective of reality. ralis

In terms of your last sentence, would you expound further? Examples? Are you saying that the internal (true nature) always matches the external actions? ralis

I would say, do your practice, have a direct experience with Qi and stop analyzing. Just do. ralis

Right on Marblehead! Buddhist cosmological dogma is a human primate point of view! It seems to me that Buddhists are still using reductionist techniques to posit absolutes. ralis

How do you know it isn't? ralis

You base your arguments on info. that is 2500 yrs. old. First the Buddha's sayings were transmitted orally, then written down hundreds of yrs. later in the form of the Pali Canon. How can you ascertain the Pali Canon is completely accurate as to what the Buddha actually said? To say there is no revisionism in these texts would be a fallacious argument at best. Have you met this historical Buddha and had conversations with him? Unexcelled according to who? Buddhists? A cosmic committee? Obviously Buddhists have a vested interest in keeping their system intact. Why? Human primates love power and create social structures to preserve maintain and increase power. Your use of unexcelled (superlative) to describe the Buddha's achievements, is anthropocentric at best. ralis

Some very good info. in spite of all the soul mate BS. ralis

Just watching it now. ralis

ralis

How about shoving a half spoonful. ralis

I have never sought any sort of mental state from meditation i.e, peace etc. I just want to see what is out there.

Just be aware that meditation can be painful at times. I think it has to do with breaking down the barriers to the unconsciousness. The body-mind has all manner of self preservation filters i.e, conditioning. ralis

After I started doing Vipassana, everything was fine for 2 years. Then my mind became unhinged and all hell broke looose!! ralis

I guess one does nothing except sit around and do nothing! My Mexican friends have a word for that (punetas). ralis

We have three places here in Santa Fe where we can buy it. If I am desperate, I will go to Whole Foods. ralis

My aura is chocolate now! ralis

I just had Coconut Bliss. Damn good!!! My favorite is chocolate hazelnut. http://www.coconutbliss.com/ ralis

I was right! Everyone has a different concept of enlightenment. ralis

I guess I have to heat the frozen blueberries and have a hot protein shake? Yuk! ralis