rex

"Before you diagnoise yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes." William Gibson

This may be of interest (it's long!) Narcissism –The shadow of transpersonal psychology Abstract Narcissism comes ,in two ,variants: Ego-inflation and the Moses complex. While the former is exhibited by pathological grandiosity, the latter is marked by excessive self- devaluation and lack of self-esteem. In group contexts, both are found in the symbiotic appearance of charismatic,leaders and worshipping,followers. Both are subtle forms of spiritual defense mechanisms,against the true spiritual task of finding and transcending one’s “true” self. Because of its specific topic transpersonal psychology is particularly likely to attract people with narcissistic problems ,and one should ,be aware ,of this. Some practical implications are pointed out. Key words: narcissism, self, spirituality, self-esteem 3

For what it's worth ... Altrusim and ego identity aren't necessarily mutually incompatible. It's called working for the profit of self and the profit of others, as opposed to the other three possibilities: Working for the profit of self and the detriment of others Working for detriment of self and the profit of others Working for the detriment of self and the detriment of others It's clear that there's an intrinsic tension between altruism and ego identity - that's where the art of life and following a spiritual path enter, though arguably basic decency is not the preserve of any ism. Ordinary aspiring practitioners are work in progress, so do what they can according to ability and circumstance without being holy fools, naive or unworldly. In the Mahayana there are ten bodhisattva levels. It is only when progress is made on these levels that practitioners can start being what to outsiders are holy fools. The typical teaching story is the bodhisattva who fed themselves to a starving tiger and her cubs. Ordinary practitioners can't do this but bodihsattvas on the higher levels can, as they are said to be able see the connection between interdependence, karma, action and circumstance.

From this quote which you posted a while ago (yes, i saved it), I'd say it's also about taking adversity on the path. Be like the jutting rock against which waves are constantly crashing, and all around it the frothing foam of the waters then settles back down. “Oh, I am so unfortunate that this has happened to me.” Not at all, but rather “How fortunate I am that, even though this has happened to me, I continue uninjured, neither terrified by the present, nor in fear of the future.” So such a thing could happen to anyone, but not just anyone would persevere unharmed. So why is this considered bad fortune rather than good fortune? And do you think something to be wholly unfortunate for a man when it is not even a defect in his nature? And would that which is not contrary to the plan of his nature seem to you a defect in his nature? What then? You have already learned this plan; does what has happened to you prevent you from being just, great-souled, self-controlled, considerate, deliberate, honest, modest, independent, and all other such qualities which, when present, allow us to realize our true nature? For the remainder of your life, whenever anything causes pain for you, make use of this principle: “This is not unfortunate. Indeed, to bear such things nobly is good fortune.” Needleman, Jacob; Piazza, John (2008-01-10). The Essential Marcus Aurelius (Tarcher Cornerstone Editions) (p. 38). Tarcher. Kindle Edition. There are parallels here with this: http://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/dodrupchen-III/transforming-suffering-and-happiness

This looks like a good one: http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/catalogue/grimoires/ars-alchemica-foundations-of-practical-alchemy/

Quotes on the theme of ego and pride: "The goal of training is not acquiring many quick and fancy moves, but learning to control your own pride, irritation, fear, anger and self-pity." - Vladimir Vasiliev "Once you understand that real Dharma practice is not just about formal sitting meditation, but a never-ending confrontation with and opposition to pride and ego, as well as a lesson in how to accept change, you will be able to start practicing right away." - Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Edit: tpYo

Synopsis: "Sky Dancer" is a film about the daily life and teachings of one of Tibetan Buddhism's great female masters. In a world where ethnic and political tensions are driving people apart, we are transported to a community where Chinese and Tibetan students study together and are treated as equals. Khandroma Kunzang Wangmo the matriarch and spiritual leader of a remote area on the Tibetan plateau is one of very few women ever to receive a position of power in Tibetan Buddhism. Even more rare, she is the descendant of two extremely significant and highly respected masters of Tibetan Buddhism. The film is an inside look at the daily life and journey of this extraordinary woman who is a living example of wisdom and compassion in a world that so often seems to be lacking genuine examples of both. http://www.cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/play/50486/Sky-Dancer

Smashing, thanks! It would be good to see here other suggestions of books/films featuring the lives and teachings of female practitioners. If mind is beyond male and female why bother? Here's one view: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L31KkVuz5_w

Any of these? Vinnana - categorised volition which conditions subsequent consciousness. Vipaka - passive/resultant consciouness.

How about this? vasana [vaasun]: habit of the mind; latent tendency, impression or predisposition due to experiences of former lives; subtle desire

Another related free download from Sky Dancer Press: http://www.skydancerpress.com/ebooks/TheSmileOfSunAndMoon.pdf

Operator implies pulling levers, pressing buttons and twiddling dials to get a process to work. Whether the operator is happy or sad, of a pleasant disposition or otherwise seems irrelevant for the process to work. As a sacrament the faithful would see the Eucharist as a holy mystery and instrument of grace which works through the limitations of the priest. I had often wondered why priests asked to be prayed for, so this is recognition of their human frailty which fits with "ex opere operato". In one of her books Dion Fortune mentions that she recognised power when she saw it and saw it in the Mass. When it comes to other rituals maybe it depends on context, tradition and the goal of the ritual whether the outcome is affected by the state of the operator beyond the capacity of reciting the right words and performing the prescribed actions. However has anyone read any accounts of untrained people or even trained people performing magical rituals without due respect or the appropriate inner orientation? I have, the mechanics of the operation worked but it ended badly for them.

There's this too: http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Yourself-Against-Psychic-Attack/dp/0983246912/

You're welcome and thank you for saying thank you. Nothing where I am, so will have to connect in spirit only.

World Peace Meditation, Saturday 24th September: http://peace.unify.org

Sorry, I didn't intend to come across as finger wagging, only that from your account it seems that you're doing something right and that you have access to a source of grace. It's a given in most traditions not to explicitly share practices and experiences with strangers. I sympathise with your point about connecting with people but in the process with sharing, people of varying motives may ask you specfics about your practice, give misguided advice, or even attempt to interfere and whatever grace you're experiencing may diminish. Clues about traditions, teachers and people to connect with may be in your visions, or you may get inklings and longings from just hearing/reading names and seeing certain images. Trust your innermost feelings and whatever source of grace you're accessing. Edit: Tpyos

It sounds wonderful! There's just one thing though, perhaps such experiences should be kept private as the practice may lose effectiveness if the world and his wife know about it.

Apologies if these go beyond shielding but they do seem relevant, especially for the sub-forum. They're very 'Hogwarts' too. Uncrossing & magical defense Egg spell for spiritual defense Mirror Defense Spell

Sorry wrong place - post relocated

As well as shielding, strengthening the energy body and space clearing, I've heard that it's also possible to return directed negative energies to their source. Any mileage in discussing the right tools and techniques for the right job e.g. protection from the office bully, shielding from toxic emotional environments and protection from obstructive spiritual forces?

This idea is attention grabbing and plugs in with legends of Atlantis and a pre-flood Atlantean disaspora to escape the deluge. Graham Hancock had a thought provoking TV series on elements of a shared trans-continental civilisation (some episodes might be knocking around youtube). This is the book from the series: https://www.amazon.com/Heavens-Mirror-Quest-Lost-Civilisation/dp/0385258941/.

I understand that 'Western Kabbalah' is the kabbalah practiced by western occultists which is different to the Jewish mystical traditions from which kabbalah originated. Aren't different spellings used to distingush the two, qabbalah/kabbalah? 'Things' do matter, but using 'forces' as a starting point in comparing different cosmologies, mythologies and traditions presents a certain 'top-down' clarity as arguably the 'forces' form the organising principles and processes by which the 'things' are composed, function and interoperate. Understand the forces and principles then the 'things' fall into place and comparisons can be made. I can't take credit for making the point of universal application, every book that mentions 'Western Kabbalah' that I've poked my nose has mentioned it. The three relating to the fourh? A unified field theory ... Atziluth?

Western Kabbalah is a diagram of forces and not things so in terms of comparisons it has universal application to any tradition, with equivalent functions being mapped to the tree.

'Having rests on giving'. This is proposing that giving is a precondition for setting up the causes for receiving in turn. Maybe sooner, maybe later, maybe in kind, maybe not from an original recipient. It also implies mutual interdependence for each other's benefit.

Existence is the container and life is the contents.