Arne

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About Arne

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  1. Which three treasures?

    Ok, here is an attempt at a simple explanation according to my limited knowledge of these things... Compassion means extending beyond the ego, thus reducing fear, producing courage. Interestingly, courage comes from the latin word for heart, which traditionally is the seat of compassion/love. Simplicity means that the mind is free from the stress and strain of holding on to too many physical possessions or mental ideas. This releases lots of energy, producing strength. Humility means not trying to force someone or something to obey one's will, but rather follow the natural flow of things. When you're not trying to be someone you're not, all the work that you should do can be done. Is this not being influential? Now, in taoist alchemy (or taoist yoga) we have jing/qi/shen. Jing is connected with the lower dan tien, sacral chakra, which is associated with earthly, material values, desire. Taoism recommends a simple life without too many material posessions. Also, a regulated sexual life is recommended, since jing is also connected to sexuality. In other words, a healthy and simple life in contact with the earth (nature) strengthens your jing (essence), allows you to control your desires and gives you strength. Qi is connected with the middle dan tian, heart chakra, which is associated with personal and interpersonal relations, emotions. Taoism emphasizes the importance of compassion, which really is an expression of love, which traditionally is associated with the heart. In other words, practicing empathy and "random acts of kindness" strengthens your qi (life force) and gives you courage. Shen is connected with the upper dan tian, brow chakra, which is associated with creativity and conscious contact with the source (Tao), thoughts. According to taoism everything emanates from the source and there is a universal movement of return to this source, which is unity, pure consciousness. To achieve a conscious connection with the source, you have to be humble enough to realize that you (your ego) is part of something infinitely larger. Then you will not always put yourself first, rather you will go with the natural flow of things. Then the work that should be done will be done, and you have all the influence you need.
  2. Which three treasures?

    Dogma has never interested me and I really did try to figure it out, but couldn't come up with anything satisfactory. It's not just laziness... So I thought that since there are many people here at Taobums wiser than me, someone could give me something to chew on. And if I don't like the taste I can always spit it out. All of the replies so far has certainly given me food for further contemplation, and I'll be back with my own view when I have something to say. "Never ask the Tao for a straight answer." I ask for, but don't expect one. Thank you.
  3. I know of the three treasures of jing-qi-shen of "internal alchemy". And I know of the three treasures of compassion, frugality and humility from chapter 67 in Daodejing. But I don't understand the connection between these two versions of "three treasures". Are there even any such connection? Anybody care to enlighten me on this? Arne
  4. Hello from Norway

    Greetings from a 43 years old male from Bergen, Norway. My interest in daoism was triggerd by reading Alan Watts' book "The way of Zen" by the age of 28 or so. After reading the chapter on daoism I was sold! Have been practicing taiji, qigong and (daoist) meditation for about 10 years. Lately I've started looking into Western esoteric traditions as well, but remain a daoist at heart...