thelerner

Nothing to do with circulation but, I've been listening to some Mark Griffin podcasts. In one he said the heart is connected to the crown chakra. A concept I've never heard before. Maybe I'm highly suggestible but lately I've really been feeling it. Not necessarily pleasant, just a more awareness of the top of my head echoing in my upper heart region.

Ofcourse if a 'sick' society thinks your unbalanced you maybe sane or just as likely so delusional that you're REALLY sick and living in a fantasy land of uno. Hard to tell, my rule of thumb is its not how well you agree with society as how well you can live in it. I was around in 2002, I remember the controversy but a few people out of 300 million going over board over a few words (added in '50s) in the pledge should not be blanket indictment of society. You want to believe everyone who's not You, is crazy. You're amplify controversies out proportion- a few people over react so the nations crazy, some people disagree with your idea of love so they're like rapists. Too much extremism, and setting yourself up to Jesuslike with statements like .. "Absolute love cannot be sent. Oops! I was crucified banished from this forum once for discussing such a taboo subject." We discuss and argue here. When people think you're wrong, you repost your argument in as many threads as you can hoping to gain traction. When many, not all, continue to disagree with you, you pull the old worn out, Krishnamurti quote and say we're guilty of group think cause we disagree with one so brilliant as yourself. Whereas if we agree'd with you, I doubt you'd go pull that particular rabbit out.

I have a hard time believing you were 'banished' due to love absolute or otherwise. It usually takes repetitive nastiness and personal insulting. The mods can be on occasion strict, but I've never known them to be capricious or anti-love.

Damn, hit reply instead of edit. After saying Michael out, I fudged and added a line below. Hmnnnn, is he trolling us, or are we trolling him? He has a somewhat extreme view and we're trying to change it. We are the ones writing in his Thread. His views are certain out of step in mainline society, but less so (somewhat) in our Taoist/Buddhist circle. I'm bowing out of Tulku's threads. I leave with this: As we get older our points of view change. It seems impossible, but often we laugh at old ideas we once clinged to with all our might. Don't do anything rash. Keep an open mind. Look for the good in the world. Good luck. Michael out. I'll add, if Tulku does something stupidly drastic then Scotty will be proved absolutely right, and we've been giving an intrepid audience to someone who needed professional help.

I've always liked the Indian fable of the 2 wolves, but it ignores the power of our shadow. We might not need to feed the 'bad' wolf, but there are times in life we may need to be a dangerous selfish son of a bitch to survive. Or at least need to understand what a selfish son a bitch is going to do, so we can counter it. Our shadows (lust, anger, greed etc.,) are not nice, pretty or civil, but there's power there. We can channel them for good and holding it in reserve for moments when needed.

Reminds me of the movie City of Angels, where angel Nicholas Cage asks each person who's recently died and come into his care 'What did you like best on Earth?' The movie, What Dreams May Come, with Robin Williams makes the claim, only what we've created is of any value in the afterlife. Its not things, but art and love that follow us. Shamanic cultures had power stories to cure and inform, we have movies; that reflect and empower new paradigms. I used to think some luxuries were silly and decadent. These days I see the importance of having a style in life. Things just so, not about money, often simplicity is best, but 'a' plate or cup, you really like, adds to life. If there's a god that created us then creating a world house hold in our image to our liking, as long as we're not stepping on others toes, is not a bad idea.

Jaw boning is about all we can do. Unless we have flashlights and hang out at monasteries. In reality we can't do squat (unless some monk makes a move on us). But I think there is some good to learning monasteries have problems. Not to put other exotic systems on too a high a pedestal. The scandals of the West also happen (quietly) in the East. Cause people is people, especially people in power. We need perspective and some of that comes out in the tit for tat. We reflexively counter attack when our idols are threatened, when we should put away our 'identities' and learn.

A thousand good deeds may not get you into heaven, but may bring a little bit of heaven closer to earth. So its worthwhile beyond any theology, imo. Simple kindness should not be underrated. Good theology, good practices have a moral component. Not a 'Do or else', but lessons and traditions in wisdom and it's aspects. Personally I find such 'Dharma' talks in different religious traditions help keep me from being reflexively selfish and greedy. Without absorbing such morals you could be a high level practitioner and still be a rat.

Amen brother. repeating an argument ad nauseum, doesn't make it anymore convincing.

Hmnnnn, is he trolling us, or are we trolling him? He has a somewhat extreme view and we're trying to change it. We are the ones writing in his Thread. His views are certain out of step in mainline society, but less so (somewhat) in our Taoist/Buddhist circle. I'm bowing out of Tulku's threads. I leave with this: As we get older our points of view change. It seems impossible, but often we laugh at old ideas we once clinged to with all our might. Don't do anything rash. Keep an open mind. Look for the good in the world. Good luck. Michael out.

I think it makes sense to understand the 7 deadly sins, see them in ourselves and work to control them. Which IMO doesn't mean complete cessation, understand our 'shadow' without fear or enticement. Speaking of control, I think such thoughts of hell are used by religion to keep people in line. Also, a deity who creates such hells is much like a young child who enjoys pulling wings off flies. An immature being at best. It's not that Tulku's aims are bad. Most of us applaud those who are writing in 100 Days of Abstinence, its his preachy, emotional (negatively charged), 'You Must follow' voice that gets the condemnation. If he wrote about what he was doing and any benefits he was getting out of it instead of preaching what others Must do, he'd get respect instead of hecklers.

So much rests on our basic assumptions. Some see a large dog owner (pit bull, German shepard etc.,) and can't imagine they're not insane, naive, almost a terrorist in the way they put public safety at risk. And in there defense if you look at some statistics you can find justification for such feelings. Yet most people know in there gut is an over reaction. Yet people who own dogs, feel the opposite. When things go well, normally society and the owners greatly benefit from owning a dog, ie they get love, loyalty, longer life, protection etc.. In our neighborhood the dog owners (all types) are the connectors who know everyone. My nephew was once mauled by a stray dog, when he was young, 8 or 9. He was a dog owner and lover. His family had a string of super intelligent white german shepards. Afterwards he and they remained dog lovers. My sister was bit by her dog, needed stitches. Still has the dog, still loves it. I don't know what my point is here, so here some other point; we're not going to get rid of all large dog breeds, so it behooves us as individuals to learn to get along them, not be terrorized. Understand they're not a threat 999 times out a 1,000. Today I was walking with my sister, a dog person, (despite rant, I am not) we saw 2 large dogs unleashed on a well kept lawn and we moved to the other side of the street. It was no problem, probably we didn't need to, but we did. No need for anger, terror, fear, etc., just following our instinct, no problem. I expect if we knew the dogs and they knew us we wouldn't have (there may have been an invisible fence too). As an individual to believe they're dangerous is to live in fear and that's bad. To believe they're good is to live happier. Maybe both kinds of people will get bit some day (undoubtedly more likely for the fearful person) but the happier individual won't be traumatized. Ramble..ramble..Ultimately as Taoists we must seek Harmony with the world we live in. And that means accepting the things we can't change.

I WISH Agendas were more hidden. Instead they tend to be out in the open and very repetitive. Half the annoying stuff is less agenda driven then the usual clash of ego's, exclaiming my way is best and Look at Me. Traps that are easy to fall into. The line between educating and pontificating is thin. There's enough to insight and good conversation here to make it worthwhile.

I've often thought Aliens are our modern generations psychological interpretation of Angels & Demons. That doesn't necessarily knock out the dimensional theories.

KAP program taught by Santiago here had some online Shaktipat sessions. Listening to one, I had a feeling like a blender was whirling around in my belly. The interesting thing is there was no suggestions for a that kind of sensation. It happened by itself with no imagery or desire. When I mentioned it, Santiago said, that's the Shaktipat. Don't know if that's the same spin you were looking for though. It was an interesting phenomena that hasn't happened again at least not so intensely.

Joe Blast posted a picture of a pit where Mayans sacrificed there enemies. I wonder what it would be like to meditate in a place like that. How much of the darkness (if any) do you pick up? Would it be like a grave yard on steroids or something different? Same with holy ground. What places have people connected with? Thanks

I admire monks more then preachers. Monks are quiet, do there thing, live there truth. Preachers, at least the worst of them, are loud, tell others how they should live, how they're damning themselves, that they know the truth and every other philosophy is wrong. You may be in a monastery, but you're a One-Man Preacher, not a monk. Not til your humbly walking the walk.

I've been wanting to experiment with special tuning forks for a while. There are a couple of varieties that have specific chakra tones when struck. Not only can you hear it, but in therapy you press the fork against your body. Something like these - http://www.luminanti.com/tuningforks.html Any one have any experience with them?

I'd buy a cheap clock kit a hobby store like Michael's. I'd crack off the minute hand and attach it opposite the hour hand, so they'd move as one. I'd attach to both 'hands' a circular paper that had various IChing lines. Then I'd cover up the clock face except for Long rectangular holes, one straight the others at slight angles. As the clock hands moved the the different IChing symbols would be seen through the gaps. Another way, if you wanted to be a little higher tech, would be to buy an electronic photo display, ie a screen frame that displays your photographs. I expect they can be set to switch pictures at certain intervals. Take pictures of the IChing that you like and set the interval accordingly. Price maybe $70 to $140 depending on size.

This is exactly the conundrum I had with Harmonious Emptiness a few weeks back. Perhaps it would have showed more peace to leave it alone, but I PM'd him questioning his version of history, relatively calmly. He did, and we got into somewhat heated back and forth, but both being people of good faith we hammered out what we could agree on and not. I think it ended well. In conflict, first be honest. With yourself and calmly with the other person. Or not so calmly if the situation calls for it. Otherwise it comes out as anal retentive actions or it'll eat you up a bit. Express your truth, see if there's room for rational discussion, if not walk away, even at a 'loss'. I think the trick is forgiving quickly, not holding grudging, and moving towards peace as soon as the situation allows.

Wow, even when writing on transgendered people you bring up the dog issue. (there's 2 or 3 threads on it already) I don't see the connection, but I'll go with it. You earlier wrote that transgendered people are '3X more likely then Blacks to get shot'. I can't help but think if they if they are in such danger, they should buy a big dog. It could save their lives and at least them a better feeling of security. A German shepard would give protection, love and loyalty. Really, if a transgender person buys a German Shepard or similar large dog, properly trains it, does it automatically make her a 'bad' naive person? You've gone so far to say they'd they'd be 'insane'!? Own a good dog and the rewards are vast, not just safety, but love and loyalty. Dogs save lives, hell having a dog usually increases life span. You tend to find a single fact then stereotype an entire population. I don't think you should judge all of Hawaii by a childhood ritual, anymore then judge all of western culture by Halloween. If Hawaii has the largest pit bull population per capita it speaks well of such dogs. Hawaii is prosperous, progressive, lower crime then most states and I believe ranks highest in a recent nationwide Happiness Quotient. Viva le Hawaii.

Where does B fall on the Do Re Me Fa Sol.. scale? Or does my question not make sense? And if it does, is there a better 2 or 3 letter description of sound B, particularly in tuned with nature and/or the crown chakra. In one sound system(Abulafiah Kabbalic) I work with the crown chakra is AAieeeee, a long hard A sound.

Really, I've always thought you were OVER 9,000!

View Postthelerner, on 07 May 2012 - 12:33 PM, said: Tulku, out of curiosity, would you consider joining a monastery? If so, which one would you join? Any particular sect or even better, is there a particular monastery that you might have your eye on. just a suggestion. I was kinda hoping you'd consider joining a monastery so you could be at peace with them and maybe the world. Perhaps away from the distractions and having days full of hard work and inner contemplation would be just the ticket to channel your energies in a productive way. Why not look into. There is much you'd have to surrender but much you'd gain from a such a path. You're focusing too much on others and dark places, its effecting you negatively. Find a place of peace and regeneration. You won't giving up your values, just your anger.