thelerner

This site has a fascinating article on Bigu. http://longmenpai.eu/2012/12/taoist-retreat-bi-gu/ from article: There are 3 essential types of Bi Gu. Bi Shen Gu (辟神谷): If one fasts and is sustained with Qi but is not successful in retrieving one’s Shen, then it is not considered a proper retreat. Thus the key objective of this type of retreat is to cause the Shen to return to one’s body at will (收神, 神归己). One of the most accomplished practitioners of this type of retreat is Master Zhang San Feng (张三丰). The Shen is divided into Shi Shen (识神) which is loosely translated as post natal Shen, and Yuan Shen (元神) which refers to pre-natal Shen. More precisely, we want to still or seal off the Shi Shen so that the Yuan Shen is brought out. This is referenced in the Dao De Jing (道德经) as sealing the Gu Shen (谷神), the Gu Shen that “does not die” (谷神不死) . When one speaks of the coming out of the Yang Shen (阳神出壳), it implies that the Shi Shen is completely sealed off and the practitioner is able to inter-change and transform the 3 different energies at will. This is the highest level of attainment in Bi Gu. Qi Gu (辟气谷): If one fasts but is not able to be sustained by Qi, then this is not considered a proper retreat. This Qi is mentioned in the Dao De Jing (道德经) and Master Zhang Zi Yang (张紫阳) is perhaps the best in this type of Qi practice. Sealing off the external Qi means to shut off the Cosmic Energy from the body and sealing off the internal Qi is to turn the body into a receptacle for Cosmic Energy. The next stage is to become independent of the Cosmic Qi and internal Qi. At this stage, you will develop certain abilities to perform real work. In reality, the three types of Qi – the external Qi, the internal body Qi and the Qi that is projected outside from within the body – are continuously being inter-changed and transformed during one’s spiritual development. Each type of Qi is represented by a different Chinese character although they have the same Chinese pronunciation. Bi Jing Gu (辟精谷): This is also referenced in the Dao De Jing (道德经). Master Lv Zhu (吕祖) said that not consuming food in itself is not considered Bi Gu. There is internal Jing and external Jing. External Jing refers to external food that is introduced into the body, e.g., grains, food. And these foods can be categorized according to the 5 elements (5 tastes) that will ultimately nourish the corresponding internal organs. From this insight, we will be able to nourish our Qi (for purposes of Jing Qi, Shen Qi or physical stamina). Internal Jing is further divided into 5 types, so the practitioner is well positioned if he is sensitive enough to know which meridian to work on, which meridian to seal off and which meridian to open up. Actually, these 3 types of Bi Gu are inseparable. If you do not consume any food, then your Shen needs to rule and be in charge. Our Shen regulates the function of our internal organs and the movements of the meridians so that the internal organs produce more internal Qi. If we have sufficient internal Qi, then we will be able to overcome feelings of hunger and greatly reduce the possibility of any potential problem. Therefore it is important for one to be aware of these things and to consciously conserve the internal Qi the day before the Bi Gu starts. The following day, this internal Qi can be released and inter-mingled with the cosmic energy before being retrieved back into the body. In the beginning this is accomplished by the Shi Shen since the Yuan Shen is not yet at our beck and call. So we need to initiate with the Shi Shen to activate and lead the Yuan Shen.

my only tattoo is words. they say No Tattoos. its a reminder not to get anymore.

I don't know about reincarnation but I like to think some of the unlikely friendships between different species is somehow linked to that phenomena.

Apech, you bagged a big one . Very impressed with Damo Mitchells writing. For those who can't commit to a full retreat, are there any actions they can do to get some of the benefits? Guess I've got 4 months to come up with a worthy question. Better re-read his book.

This might muddy the waters, but (I could be wrong) Charles Luk (see http://terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/luk.html) wasn't a Taoist. He was a devoted Ch'an Buddhist. I've found Taoist Yoga to be a fascinating book, but.. it wasn't written by a Taoist.

apologies in advance for derailment. Sometimes I can't help myself. Keep it simple. Pick one method and do it mindfully for 3 decades. Come back here and see if you feel like to post again! That would certainly slow down the volume on This site. April 28th year 2044 I'm really enjoying my practice. Its done wonders for me. 'That's good. How's your diet?' It's okay, pretty standard really.' 'Go vegetarian for 30 years and write back.' April 29th year 2074 That was a good suggestion going vegetarian. Its really helped me. 'Good, now you need to go Vegan. Do it mindfully for 3 decades then write back about it.' April 30th year 2104 Going Vegan was hard for the first 15 year, but I got used to it finally. Easier since the Vorgans came. 'Yes, yes we've all had Vorgan problems. Tell me how are you on on retention?' What? You mean sexual retention? I'm 119 years old! 'I mean Jing retention. How often do you lose it?' Only once a year, and only with Vorgans.

And i was shocked to find out there was gambling going on at the back of Rick's. You have to understand that retention is a controversial subject. Within Taoist classics there is a difference of opinion (see Yellow Emperor and plain woman text). So certainly you'd get people here who disagree. It doesn't help that you have people relating there own real world experience and coming up with different results too. Nothing wrong with some experimentation but don't obsess or think there is only one way.

I've been an admirer of Taomeow for a long time. Her range and depth of knowledge is exceptional, as is her discipline. She walks her talk. A uniquely well rounded practitioner. A treasure trove often unrecognized on the board. If this doesn't impress you; an initiate of the Longmen Pai school of taoism under master Wang LIping (certified to teach some of the material), a thirteenth generation Chen style taiji practitioner (Chen Zhenglei lineage), and a hands-on practitioner of Chinese astrologer (bazi, or Four Pillars of Destiny), I don't think anything will. Here is some of her background. Hopefully this will help frame good questions. Favorite subjects include taoism-as-science and especially its accomplishments in tackling the phenomena of Time (a blank spot on the map of Western sciences, which have traditionally mostly concerned themselves with Space). Subjects of deep contemplation and empirical experimentation encompass taoist fundamentals -- Hetu and Luoshu, yin-yang dynamics, qi, wuxing ("five phases" or "elements"), ganying ("resonance," "synchronicity"), bagua ("eight trigrams"), I Ching. as well as Taijiquan, Chinese astrology, divination and fortune telling, form-compass feng shui, taoist magic, traditional healing practices (in particular, extensive herbal and nutritional explorations of a global cross-cultural nature), proto-taoist shamanic practices of China, Manchuria and Siberia, South American shamanism, and the universal ancient Goddess religion are some of Taomeow's areas of application of cognitive and cultivational focus. Its hard for me to imagine someone being so fluent with such varied aspects of esoterica, but time and time again, Taomeow writes posts that are deep yet practical. Quoting experts in the field as well as her own substantial experience. Questions..?

Many thanks to Taomeow for taking on this task. We've gotten many excellent questions. With her permission, I'm going to lock this Topic and give her time write up her thoughts to our questions.

My relatively uninformed 2 bits. Unless you're a pretty 'high up' practitioner such 'weaknesses' make so little difference that it doesn't matter. I feel similarly with retention. Until you're way up there, just practice some tantra and limit your ejaculation, but don't obsess over it. Ejaculation is healthy and natural, until you're successfully transforming jing into chi (or whatever) you don't need to worry about it too much, certainly not on the householder path. To me, more significant is how well you deal psychologically with sharing your partner. That issue may not be so subtle. If its troubling or causing friction in the relationship, you might want to end it. P.S just imagine in my opinion, written after each line .

I remember one student who went the emergency room because he thought the iron balls were referencing his more personal balls. They were unwound and he was released. Sadly he was back at Emergency the next week with the same problem. 'You know the exercise refers to 'Tai chi Balls', why did you do it again?' He replied 'well, it felt kinda good'. kidding but.. I've seen at least one book of exercises for them. Most commonly circle them around the palm without touching together. Even some exercises using 4! Moving 3 in a circle and one balanced on top. Never tried that one myself.

This is so simple it barely counts as a practice. Yet for dissolving mental issues it works very well. I like to use this meditation by Stin called Evening Inventory Meditation. Its short, just 12 minutes, starts w/ standard relax the body commands then has you review your day for anxieties and fears you've had. Instead of ignoring them you acknowledge them and stay relaxed. I like to follow it up with a 30 minute biaural rain session. Here is a link to the Evening Inventory Meditation http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Self-Development/Prayer-and-Meditation/Meditation-Station-Podcast/18820 (scroll down, its there). Some of the other guided meditations are good too. What I really like is lay with my head and upper back propped up and a pillow under my knees to get me into a 'zero gravity' position, while lying on my spiky 'spoonk' (yoga mat for masochists) with a scented lavender eye pillow on my face and listen to a play list of Evening Inventory then Immersion by Centerpointe. Very relaxing. My kinda practice- easy, relaxing ..

Could have been worse. He could have wished he was Superman then .. ..

http://www.collegehumor.com/post/6293533/a-birthday-wish

oh, i was bad before I drank the water.

Great author, love his short stories and his first novel..Ranger Girl. God's done alright by me. Personally I don't have cause to complain. But if I look at history, then then then I get my hackles up and cry out. & i don't even know what a hackle is.

good / bad empty / full The abstract = is the glass half full or half empty the reality is- if thirsty drink.

From the masters:

You mention the phenomena of time. Like air, its easy to be unaware of it. How should reframe our relationship with time? You talk about ganyiing. Which feels to me a little like luck. How do we increase ganying or synchronicities in our life. Here's a big one. What are ghosts? Do they matter; have any effect on the world? Should we fear becoming one?

Yeeros, making my mouth water.

When I meditate, often early on my nose runs, and my eyes tear up. I chalk it up to a deep relaxation response.

When I meditated with Michael Winn, he seemed to have a near constant gurgle going on. Its might be a good sign.

One suggestion- Book Film Media Club section might be a good place for it. The subforum moves slowly and there are other books and translations there. The bottom post is over 6 months old. Note: I'm not a fan of too many things pinned. They hog out space for new and continued threads.

There is always opening up 2 windows and quick highlight and drag.

As a modern materialist Westerner, the concept of ghosts and spirits is outside my conditioned framework. Is there a simple way of getting a glimpse into their reality or does it take years of study? How would such a belief help a person spiritually and in life? <this might be covered in a book> If a person couldn't study with you, are there other teachers or organizations you'd recommend?