doc benway

Futbol is very important to many Mexicans, including my sister-in-law! Due to the family connection, I've become a fan. They have a great team and have a pretty good chance of winning the cup. Mexico has beaten Germany (2014 winner) and South Korea so far. They play Sweden next week.

I enjoy the World Cup - the only pro sports event I pay any attention to.

Hi Jin Song, I don't know Geshe Ten Gelek personally. I've attended a few of his online teachings and they've been very good and very traditional. He basically reads the scripture and does his best to explain in English. He also guides meditation and teaches any necessary prayers. His English is good but not perfect. Here is some background on him: • Geshe Degree (Doctor of Philosophy), Tibetan Bön Academy of Philosophy, Menri Monastery, India, 1996 • Primary Education, Central School for Tibetan (CST), Dholanji, H.P. (India), 1982 Experience • Chairman of the Tibetan Bön Academy of Philosophy, Menri Monastery. • Chant master for 3 years at Menri Monastery. • Teacher of Bön secret tantric tradition Dance for 6 years, Menri Monastery. • Bön Lecturer, Central University for Tibetan Studies (CUTS), Varanasi, India, 1996-2009 Menri monastery in Northern India is one of two major Yungdrung Bön centers outside of Tibet. The Oral Transmission of Zhangzhung is the only Dzogchen teaching that has never been terma. For this reason it is generally considered the most important Dzogchen teaching in Bön, arguably in all of Buddhism. It has been passed continuously in an unbroken oral tradition. This makes it unique in all of Buddhism. Nyingma Dzogchen teachings are all based on terma. Other than iconography and prayers, the systems are very similar but I've never studied Nyingma so I'm no authority. Here is an article about it by a well known translator, John Reynolds: http://www.vajranatha.com/articles/traditions/dzogchen.html?showall=1 As far as I know, the ten sessions will cover the entire oral transmission which is a comprehensive exposition on Dzogchen. The oral transmission includes: - Nga lugs or introduction into ones Natural State - Trekchöd and Thögal, cutting through illusion and seeing with pure vision. - Outer and inner Rushen - Tsalung Trulkor - View, meditation, conduct, and fruition - Supplementary practices to help clear the central channel and stabilize the nature of mind - Guidance regarding wrong views and conduct To my knowledge there is no prerequisite. You can message him directly through Facebook if you have any specific questions. He's very accessible and responsive. Since this is the first time this material has ever been taught in this fashion, to a large degree we'll have to see for ourselves what he presents and how it goes.

Loved it, entertaining read even if you're not a runner. Highly recommended.

If you are interested in direct, practical, and accessible dzogchen instruction I suggest you connect with or explore the teachings of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. His teachings are progressive and experiential - http://www.ligmincha.org/en/ - Here are foundational practices, the best place to start IMO: https://www.ligminchalearning.com/starting-a-meditation-practice - There is an online ngöndro course ongoing at this time: https://www.ligminchalearning.com/ngondro - Following his Facebook Live teachings is a great way to get a taste - https://www.facebook.com/tenzinwangyalrinpoche/ For a more traditional approach, Geshe Ten Gelek offers teachings through his Facebook page. He will begin live transmission of the Oral Teachings of Zhangzhung Nyengyud, (the most important Bön Dzogchen cycle of teachings) starting July 1st - not free but a bargain at any price!

Ever read Born to Run by Chris McDougall?

Can't wait to see where my new Luna's will take me!

Not right, not left.... inward.

It's a matter of ego identification. There's a thought that wants to claim the role of doer... That thought is just like any other. It's not about how, pay attention to who. That's the direction I recommend.

One worthy objective is to find that me and my you refer to... When we look, we can't find it. With patience we can find a deeper, far more supportive me. Everything changes and there is infinite potential for achievement! Nihilism is not the view, it is the product of a threatened ego. The view is being open to change and achievement, allowing it. It's not a realization, it's just another thought... Realization is an entirely different sort of process. In general, we go to them. They don't knock on our doors... not the legitimate ones. Your misconceptions are what they suggest you wake up from because they are the very problems for which you sought their guidance in the first place. Think about it less; open and connect to the moment more. Talk less (internally also); listen and hear more. That helps to cut through the confusion. The cloud is not who you are... not even the wind. The you that makes no mistakes is the space and awareness within which they arise, abide, and depart.

I was just reflecting on how many priceless opportunities exist for learning and practicing. For example, today I was able to participate in live teachings from two different Bön geshes, one in Nepal and one in Germany. Both are open to anyone interested and easily accessible from the comfort of your home if you have a computer and internet connection. In the not too distant past this would have been considered magic.... and it most certainly is! These teachings were highly restricted and even if they could be received, finding the teacher, traveling to meet them, taking time away from responsibilities, finding a way to afford the travel... unimaginable! It occurs to me that perhaps this accessibility is a blessing from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to balance all of the negative forces that seem to be at play in the world today. So I simply wanted to share how fortunate I feel to have these opportunities! I send you all my love and respect. _/\__/\__/\_

Constant renewal as long as resources last Space embraces all

No need to let go if it's not easy. Simply notice, in the moment, be aware of what is happening. Once you are aware of this process it is already beginning to change. The deeper your awareness, the sooner it will release spontaneously. it's not a matter of working hard to let go, if that's the case you will simply be repressing or suppressing and it will resurface. Over time you get more and more sensitive, picking up progressively more subtle tendencies to judge and comment. Awareness is the key.

My opinion is no. As long as we live, we will judge. We are hard wired to do this - is it good or bad? is it a threat or a support? At some level this is necessary for life. The problem is that we take it far beyond what is necessary and over-identify with the aspect of the mind which renders judgement. This over-identification leads to dysfunction and can be lessened with practice. That is the judging mind in action. The answer to these questions are as you say below... If you are interested in carrying this process forward, be the mirror and watch yourself constantly. No better use of one's time, IMO.

Ah moderation Can't we all just get along? Spontaneously

It's been a long time since I read it. As I recall, he published 3 books - one about parenting, one about aging, one about relationships. I read and enjoyed all three but the one on parenting was my favorite. I do recall the advice and philosophy of parenting as seeming to come from an open, practical, and sensible place. I fear that technology is taking is farther and farther from contact with mother Earth, with each other, with other living creatures. It's a brave, new world but I do think the wisdom traditions can provide us with support.

i read it and liked it very much

Habit... karma We have been distracted for countless lives. Like a rolled up piece of paper that you try to flatten after many years, let go and it rolls right back up. We die because all compounded phenomena are impermanent. Losing consciousness (I assume you mean awareness?) in the bardo the same way we lose it in dreams, projections, etc... This is one reason it is good to practice dream and sleep yoga.

I've found that taking it literally is of immense value as well. We busy ourselves with so many unnecessary tasks, thoughts, words.... Those very things obscure.

Sounds a bit like the non-dualists being discussed elsewhere

At the New Year my teacher's instructions were to do a little less in the coming year... talk a little less, plan a little less, do a little less, [post a little less! ], 5%, 10%, whatever you can do. Then do a little less... He's not a Daoist but good advice is good advice.

Great story! Thank you for sharing that.

"No matter what circumstances or what worlds we find ourselves in, we are without any expectations or changes. We are just what we are, the Natural State which is like a mirror. It is clear and empty, and yet it reflects everything, all possible existences and all possible lifetimes. But it never changes and it does not depend on anything else. It is just itself, and nothing special. Even if the mind finds itself dull or drowsy or agitated, the Natural State is in no way disturbed or modified by this. So there is nothing to be removed and nothing to be purified in any particular way. For example, this is like the sun shining in the sky. It occurs naturally; no special work or effort is required. It is like a lamp illuminating a dark room it does this effortlessly. It is just the nature of the sun or the lamp to illuminate. There is nothing special to be done to remove the darkness. This is the pure view of Dzogchen." ~ Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche ~

I'll agree that modifying physiologic urges is not an easy task. For sure we are over-stimulated in the age of technology and this leads to unnatural exaggeration of natural impulses. One thing that can be helpful is to channel sexual energy into a healthy sexual relationship. While there is nothing wrong with masturbation, the prevalence of pornography can take it to unhealthy levels of obsession and compulsion. One thing that may be helpful is to realize the enormously negative impact the pornography industry has on our youth. It is a major contributor to the epidemic of human trafficking. Most of the victims are teenagers. Even the "willing" participants are generally involved because of desperation and addiction. Good luck

In taste and texture, In sense of smell, I abide Culinary bliss!