mat black

Intense fires throughout south eastern Australia have killed people and wiped out towns over the past couple of days. If anyone wants to dedicate any prayer of any sort to the alleviation of sufering associated with the fires, that'd be nice. Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian, any tradition. Well intentioned dedcations are what is most important.

If you can learn Daoyin, it's good for indoors/winter etc. Many forms of Daoyin hepl to stretch the tendons open the channels and move the qi, all important especially in winter. For the knees, anytime, you can sit legs flat on the floor and flick your big toe over the one next to it. Flick for 200 times while keeping the leg straight/flat on the floor. This 'twangs' the tendons along the leg and through the knee. A good thing to take is tachyonised blue green algae. Blue green algae is one thing, but the tachyonisation process changes it immensly. https://www.tachyon-partners.com/support/in...kbarticleid=252 I had the stuff a while ago and it is very good for the brain and nervous system, the endocrine system and the rest of the body. Also in regard to winter and the affect of reduced sunlight, the name AMITABHA means limitless light. So regularly reciting Amitabha "Namo Amitabha Buddha" is always beneficial.

>>nods<< Nice Mouse. Thanks

I understand the difference you are pointing at, but I feel both are equally valid. On the energetic/cleansing side, I say one of either: - the great bright six syllable mantra - Medicine Buddha mantra - part/s of the Shurangama Mantra - Buddha name On the side of 'giving thanks' - I feel that it is very important, because even if the food has been energetically cleansed, without gratitiude on our part we are not trully understanding what it's about. So I also say something along the lines of: "May all people in the workd who are hungry soon be relieved of their hunger." "thanks for this food, may this food help to sustain my body so that living in this body I may awaken to wisdom, compassion, virtue and understanding of the Way." I also really respect what Darin said here:

Genuine question: what is it about Brisbane that you guys don't like?

Trunk, been appreciating your sincerity, and respect your valued contributions for years. All the best for your birthday man.

This site has links to free downloads of two versions of a beautiful song that is a dedication of merit and a chant for peace in the world. Two traditions come together for a wonderful purpose. May true peace be found in the hearts and minds of all beings http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma9/merit.html

I haven't read the three steps, one bow ebook yet, but have heard the Reverend talk about some aspects the pilgramige - very inspiring. I forgot to say that on the second version of the song, with the priest, Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, the combination of sittar and kalimba works very well. Thanks for the heads up on the book you're reading Michael, let us know about it when you finish?

Oh, Master Chin Kung is back Oz. I wonder if he will visit Melbourne? Have a good time at a great event in Brizzy Stig

I don't see the word 'Tao' as being different or seperate from virtue. It encompasses it in essence. To practice 'the way' is to accord with virtue and abide with it.............which leads us back to the undifferentiated source. The Book of Plain Words, by the Yellow-Stone Elder Now TAO, Virtue, Benevolence, Rectitude and Decorum,--these five things are all one Principle. As regards the Way of TAO, it is the Way that all men should walk in; making use of all things, they yet know not the source from which they spring. Virtue is what all men should obtain; then everyone will have what he naturally needs. The Benevolent are such as all men love; for where there is a merciful, liberal, sympathetic disposition, there will be a systematic compliance with the mutual wants of others ~~~ Venerable Master Hsuan Hua says "Why is it that we say that one should take the two words "Way" and "virtue" and place them beneath one's feet? It is because [the concepts represented by] the two words "Way" and "virtue" constitute the foundation of what it is to be a person. They are just like the roots possessed by a tree. If we possess the Way and virtue, then we are able to succeed in standing upon on our own two feet....." ~~~ My own 2 (australian) cents I understand virtue as a way of being. Continually being aware of perfecting our conduct: To be kind, non-selfish, honest, compassionate, sincere with all that we encounter. To attain wisdom and use it to arrive at and emanate harmony. Virtue transcends time, eras and places. By that I mean tht virtue is not influenced by circumstance, rather virtue will be a catalyst that changes dischord onto peace, arguments into co-operation, fighting into peace in any time and any place. To be self-rightous would be a type of arrogance which only clouds ones wisdom, and would therefore impede virtue. I don't think they can mutually exist - just my guess anyway

Wise words again from Karen. "live in truth"........that is the safest and best way. Drugs use up the jing (accelerate aging) and dis-integrate the shen. Never a good idea. They are a trick, and a deception. They cloud and muddle one's innate intelligence which hinders the arising of inherent wisdom.

Don't be pressured by the orthodox people on this matter - they don;t know what they are actually talking about in terms of the impact the immunisation will have on the babie's etheric body. I had an immunisation when i was 5 and it threw me completely out and affected my health all through my childhood onwards.................. Where in Aust are you? If you're any where near Melbourne I know someone who can administer homeopathic preps. Max linked a great site there too

Oh, great to see Avalokiteshvara being discussed. Kwan Yin wants to 'help us along the way' (as the thread title goes ) Kwan Yin (Avalokiteahvara) is extremelly helpful to us. We just gotta be genuine, have compassionate intentions and sincere motives One of the descriptions of Kwan Yin is the un-restricted one, Kwan Yin is inconcievably amazing, has various transformation bodies which accord with an individuals particular needs/afinities. namo maha karunikaya............spreading it everywhere

Hagar & Cat claps & bows to you. MWight, Sometimes we say more with a nod, smile, or one or two words just at the right time. People might not be interested in phenomena of qi, but basic human kindness and a sincere heart when it is being itself talks to everyone sooner or later. The only time we can actually influence is when we give up any idea of wanting to influence anyone. That eliminates attitudes of us/me and them or 'normals'

Well said. It seems quite common for people to criticize principles that they don't understand. Different people have different stages of understanding, so some people might find it hard to accept what Mak Tin Si writes. To those people, I would say if you don't currently accept it, OK, but just don't be in a hurry to refute it either. It's best no to judge what we don't currently understand. Mak Tin Si, I appreciate the sincerity of your writings. To me, you explain sound principles and I admire your emphasis on the virtuous aspects of the way.

Generally, at the moment, we lack the essential wisdom required to define good and bad deeds. That's one of the best reasons why we need to attain wisdom. At the same time, it is also the reason why we usually need a moral/ethical framework from enlightened sages/masters/Buddhas to guide us. The Buddha Dharama is amazingly wonderful in this regard. Those who feel more affinity with daoist teachings can read the Scripture in 49 chapters http://home.comcast.net/~taoistresource/0018.html In the world, most of us are probably at different levels of sensitivity and conviction as to what is a good act and what constitutes a bad act. The worst part about this is that due to ignorance we may be prone to causing harm to ourselves and others, without realising it and without any sense of the implications. Then, in this situation........."the more we fall, the more we tend to fall". So, at the least, it's best to start from where one is by applying a general standard which avoids causing any deliberate harm or offense to any sentient being. From there, we can, for our sake and the peace of all the world, gradually improve our standard of conduct to higher and higher levels.

Spot on.

Karen, another understanding and informative contribution. Very insightful and necessary info. Wonderful links too. Always a pleasure to read your posts.

The Shurangama Sutra and Mantra. Master Hsuan Hua's talks & explanations Medicine Buddha/Bhaisajya Guru Vaidurya Prabha Avalokiteshvara/Guan Yin Pusa

I like your explanation Steve. The self reference of I is interesting..........on the one hand it seems so tangible, but all those things which we identitfy it with are just phenomenal perceptions - likes, dislikes, feeling happy etc all change over time. So none of them can constitiute an I. A couple of months ago when I was feeling pretty unwell, I uttered "argh, I hate being sick like this", just then the question arose inside, 'where does this feeling of hating being sick come from'. I did't ask 'who hates being sick, rather where does this 'hate' come from, though in essence, it's sort of the same question. As I looked inside as to where this hate of being sick came from............I couldn't find it.........kept looking.........couldn't find it. The feeling was gone. To re-trace the source all thoughts & feelings that arise at any time seems to be the key? ..........seeking the Source of the 'I' with in-turned mind and without uttering the word 'I'.......... Non verbal inquiry, very subtle. re-tracing, re-tracing, re-tracing

Sorry Pietro, I should have included this disclaimer at the begining of my statement: "the following is at best a cautious guess, should any of it be wrong, may any wise advisor offer correction" ....actually, i feel that i should say that as a preface to everything i say. http://itallstarted.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bowing.jpg

I think we need to be careful with the statement as it may be interpreted too simplisticly. Just being free of the body does not result in becomming infinite. I think it's about more than just non identificatin with the body. There needs to be a total elimination of all views, opinions, afflictions etc. One needs to become infinitley compassionate and have complete wisdom etc etc. Yes, seems a typical trap these days, we must be careful not to fool ourselves. Excellent!! Great analogy. Master Xuan Hua said that Buddhahood is our fundamental nature, but, he also warned that to claim to be a Buddha without be free from every affliction is the height of stupidity. Sri Ramana Maharshi was aware of the trap of mere intellectual acceptance of enlightenement and potential for subsequent ego claiming that it did not need to practice. So he said this on the matter: " There is a state beyond effort and effortlessness. Until it is realised, efort is necessary." "Effortlessness and choisless awareness is our real nature. But one cannot reach it withouteffort, the deliberate effort of meditation." http://www.thetaobums.com/index.php?showtopic=5227&hl=

Oh yeah that sounds great. Focused effort without forcing. Mindful intent allowing the posture to come on it's own. I love this analogy, and it seems applicable to just about eveything too. Thanks Hagar