Apech

Egyptian culture covered such a long period of time that it changed and adapted as it went. In the late period this involved the assimilation of Graeco-Roman influences amongst others (e.g Lybian, Assyrian and so on). So in order to understand the texts without confusion you have to place them in their correct historical and cultural period. Once this has been done then they are all valid. I prefer the earlier the better and tend to stick to main dynastic periods. Mostly because the common theme of the resolution fo the duality between Osiris and Ra (Re) is maintained. This is the basis of Egyptian Mysticism - the mutual self sustaining nature of these two deities. Where Osiris (and the voidic waters of Nun) regenerate continually the power of the sun, they do this by "embracing" in the Sixth Hour of the Night (see Am Dwat etc). This embrace is sometimes seen as a sexual union. This key event was at the heart of the Egyptian idea of "immortality" i.e. not dying a second time and is recapitualted in the individual through mystical practice. Cheers Apepch7

I have researched Egyptian mysticism for a number of years using the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts and Book of the Dead as source texts. Links to alchemy are accepted by academics and works such as the Emerald Tablet show genuine influence from traditional Egyptian religion. The key to understanding it all lies with the Egyptian cosomological view, the earth, sky and Dwat. Also in understanding the role of the Ennead in forming the underlying power structure of the cosmos. Personal spiritual development relates to becoming an "akh" or effective spirit by the integration of the physical body, the ka and ba. This can be done during life although the funerary texts mentioned above relate mostly to after death experiences (although this may be equated to a shamanic journey). I have not come across any convincing living tradition which teaches Egyptian mysticism - although there are many who claim origins in Egypt.

Thanks durkhrod chogori for the link yes, I am aware of Eliade's work. I am grateful to the Lama for making his book available online and have had a look through it. So thanks to Lama for that too.

Lama, I had not intended to pursue my question about your lineage but since I get a mention in your last post I would like to say this. You claim quite specifically a lineage of 27 generations going back to 1224. You also seem to link Mongol culture with Bon from Tibet which is actually culturally, ethnically and geographically distinct. I was not asking you to 'boast' but to clarify exactly what you were claiming about your lineage as I am confused about the provenance of your teachings. You may well argue that this does not matter as long as Qi Dao works - but you yourself raised this issue. For someone like myself who is interested in this subject and would consider buying your books and tapes it is crucial, I believe, to have some confidence that what is being taught is authentic and is what it claims to be - if you see what I mean. I put these points with all respect to you and all teachers and practitioners. Apepch7

Am I missing something? What is the significance of your daughter being 8? For Egypt you could try : "Shamanic Wisdom in the Pyramid Texts" by Jeremy Naydler - its a scholarly work and quite heavy going. Also Alison Roberts "My Heart, My Mother" perhaps - but generally books about Egyptian tradition are not great.

Lama, You mention your grandpa - please could you give full details of your 27 generation lineage which is referred to on your website. Thanks

Lama, Where can we find the details of your lineage. Thanks.

From his site: "This non-sectarian tradition of Tibetan Shamanic Qigong has been preserved through the centuries by twenty-seven generations of masters who explored numerous possible applications of energy awareness in all spheres of life, from fighting to healing and sexual energy arts. " a) can he prove 27 generations lineage? b ) if this is Tibetan/Bon then why is it called Qi Dao a Chinese name? c) why has the teacher been ordained in several traditions? d) why does it look like basic martial arts/Qi Gong? am I missing something? This just looks like something made up and given a false pedigree.

I think that there is a difference between loving and being loved and 'needing it'. And I wonder if we need it too much then the love gets strangled. When your children grow they will need to leave to become individuals in the proper sense and this sometimes can involve a feeling of rejection in the parents. But love which does not alter "when it alternation finds" (Shakespeare) will let them go with good blessings because it goes beyond needing. "Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved." William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)

Can anyone link me to (or describe) any useful techniques for dealing with hypertension (high blood pressure) - a friend of mine is trying to come off drugs with nasty side effects. I am a practitioner but my teacher has gone back to Taiwan. Thanks.

OK Karen, thanks again.

all the hopes and dreams - if they're yours then pick them up no litter here please.

Thanks Karen for the helpful explanation and links. Seems there's a lot of good things in Canada - I am going to research similar in UK.

Karen, I looked this up and found: "The sycotic miasm refers to another venereal disease, gonorrhea. The primary symptom of gonorrhea was figwarts, cauliflower shaped skin growths." I don't think I am brave enough to mention this to my friend Do think homeopathy might be a way forward? Is there an obvious remedy or should we consult?

Karen, Many thanks for your lengthy reply. It was very helpful. Many of these things she is already doing and I agree 100% about the medical profession's emphasis on getting everyone on drugs. I am trying to encourage her to use feedback to manage her condition so she can find out what works for her. There seems to be some congenital effect because other members of her family have high BP.

My friend came off meds and blood pressure shot up. So she is now back on at double the dose. Current approach is to take the ACV + honey and meds both at once. Then if pressure goes down phase out the meds. I would still be interested if anyone knows of breathing exercise and/or qigong (or anything) that might help cos she wants to manage her blood pressure by natural means. Thnx.

Freesun could you expand on the entities - what do you mean? I think her blood pressure does go up and down - and why not to worry????

Thanks for all your suggestions - Apple Cider Vinegar is being purchased as we speak.

Emily, Thanks for the cider vinegar idea I've been looking that up on the internet. I actually meant to ask about diet tips as well in my OP. My friend has made up her mind to get off the meds because they made her feel terrible. I've checked this too and it seems that its common for coughs, moods swings and so on. She's going to give natural therapy a try. I agree about relaxing Qigong but I think I've read somewhere about specific practices (might be long breathing) - I take your point mjjbecker but I am assuming that over a period of time Qigong is going to lower blood pressure - surely because of increased balance and energy circulation. I wasn't thinking of anything too powerful anyway just gentle beginners stuff. Jedi777 - thanks for your confirmation of ACV - do you know someone who's used it?

Cat - try Neooffice (free shareware) it will run powerpoint files on OSX.

I'm lost. Whats this to do with Alexandra David-Neel?

I have read this thread and tried to work out what you are discussing - can someone explain NCR - including why? what? how? or is there a link?

Buddhists are not necessarily vegetarian, for instance only ordained Tibetan Buddhist monks are - eveyone else eats meat.