dwai

The conditioning is different between western and traditional eastern societies. It’s often difficult to tell the difference in modern times, with rampant urbanization and cultural assimilation (predominantly from west to east) - colonialism has a big role to play in that process. But there is also a resurgence of traditional eastern views as the trauma of colonialism begins to recede from generational memory. Ancient civilizations like India (dharma) and china (a more nuanced understanding is needed - how Chinese communism actually reclaimed confucian perspective) are reclaiming their roots , and will in the next 30-50 years become the predominant worldviews (given that 2/3s of the world population is in that region of Asia).

I've been noticing two types of different flows that occur above the crown - i.e. from top of the crown to about 18-20" above it. One is a spiraling (a double helical pattern) which turns slowly (frequency about 3-6 cycles per second). The other is a little sphere of energy in that area (usually notice it when I'm chanting a mantra) - which is like a double torus (donut) whose surface is flowing continuously. Any thoughts?

Meditating I try to do raging it turns into maybe there're hidden things lurking deep within the one who sees the rage within and all the sobbing that come unbidden is always ever free is the real “real me”

Found this nice guided set for Yi Jin Jing practice from Shaolin Europe. Any one has experience practicing this. I've not done this set before, but have done baduanjin. I must say I find the YiJinJing practice pretty energizing at a different (more physical level) than my Taiji practice (which is more qi and shen level nowadays).

There some very interesting theories about it, right here on daobums. 😆

It’s a hunch of bs that I’ve seen some people spout off. There’s no validity to it in my experience.

I would categorize practices in two broad groups, predicated on the objective. For me, spiritual practices are for liberation or Self-realization. So, towards that objective the groups are - Direct Path Gradual Path The direct path takes us to the goal directly. Right here, Right now! But not many can handle it. For those there are preparatory practices like stabilizing the body (physical and energetic), stilling the mind, and so on. The indirect path is an evolutionary one, spanning multiple lifetimes. It involves proper rituals, right conduct, and so on.

Read the Bhagavad Gita - ie read a commentary on it. look for swami chinmayananda’s commentary

Think about it this way - energetic flow is unlike anything else. One can’t directly access it with their normal sensory apparatuses. So when it is experienced, the mind interprets it to be something it is familiar with.

It depends on the blockages one may or may not have. If there are blockages, there is friction - which causes heat like sensation. In real terms, energetic flows aren’t hot or cold, electric or magnetic, etc . The mind interprets them that way. For me, it always feels cool. Like a mentholated sensation flowing through my channels, even rising in the spinal column.

Maybe, can you elaborate on your theory of how language is acquired? Life force is that which animates the living being. At its core it is awareness/consciousness. At different frequencies of vibration is it known differently as Jing, qi, shen in the context of a biological entity. BTW i think the lowest common denominator is the best place to start a discussion. And how is a discussion of dantien complete without dicussing qi?

That seems like a false equivalence to me Language is an acquired skill. Lifeforce is not. We either have it, or we are dead I disagree. It doesn't exist merely as a potential - it exists simply by being alive (qi, if I may call it that). What might happen, IMHO, is that one's exposure and practices refine it/enhance it.

I was thinking more along the lines of “what is the heart for” or “liver for” and so on. Dantiens are NOT created, they already exist.

Happy New Year!!

There are practical self-defense applications, too, but getting there takes a long time. Those applications are a side effect of the cultivation - not the goal.

My friends and I made a video going over how we approach sticking power (na Jin). Thought I’d share in case people are interested in it. Also will be happy to discuss details if there is interest on the topic. In our system we approach it differently from other schools.

Happy New Year!!! I will continue with Tai Chi, and meditation. I am also actively composing music again, so will keep up with that. And finish writing my second novel. And workout more regularly, and lose weight

I appreciate all that contribute in the spirit of growing together, be it in collaboration or in opposition (of perspectives). I also echo Steve’s thoughts, and hope that we can become a truly multi-tradition, diverse group of seekers who want to keep growing, support each other, and be genuinely kind to each other.

This is a Hindu teaching. I have verified empirically

To understand karma one has to understand the layers of existence in the transactional reality. The physical body (called the sthula sharira) is just a tiny part of the whole. There is a subtle body (called linga sharira) which is rooted in a causal body (karana sharira). All karmic effects come from this karana sharira. Think of it as a seed state which stores all the consequences of our karma (actions). When we come into the transactional realm, a part of those karma phala (consequences of our past actions) are brought with us. It is easily understood in the form of certain traits or predilections we might have from a very young age. Some are activated at other key points in our lives (eg when we turn 23-25). These affect how we live and act/react in the world.

Mostly I’ve noticed that those who react in such a manner are the ones in need of introspection. The way I see it, it boils down to one of two options - 1. Is their conviction about some other contrary point of view so weak that a post (or even several) will provoke them to react ? 2. Is it possible that the words that provoke them are causing some kind of cognitive dissonance that they have to protest against? “A case of, me doth think that thou dost protesteth too much…”

A feeling deep within you that makes you question your beliefs and your ego reacts?

Why this line of combativeness? What is it that rankles you about stirling’s posts?

Real emptiness is simply awareness empty of “things” Then it becomes aware background whether there are things or not.