doc benway

I think there are fundamental and important differences between the world view of Buddhism and the world view of shamanism. Each can be used to understand the other, IMO. Each are valid from their own perspective. The two are merged in the Tibetan Bön tradition, one of the reasons I feel so strongly drawn to it. For me, the scientific aspect of Buddhism is related to how we apply it to our own experience. We start with a hypothesis, the methods of Buddhism can ease our experience of suffering and lead to personal growth and liberation. We test that hypothesis by engaging in study and practice and observing the effects they have on our lives.

Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis)

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to @dwai who has volunteered to join the mod team. Thank you for offering your services dwai, I look forward to working with you on the team!

Me too... It always irritates me to see people dressing up their pets for photos.

Cute your ars too...

I practice Bön dzogchen. Before that I spent about 12 years practicing in a Daoist system - Kunlun Xian Zong Pai (Kunlun Immortal School). Different people respond to different methods so you really need to try things and see for yourself. For me, the Bön methods are simpler and more direct. I would also say they are more integrated in the sense that they apply more directly and immediately to my day to day life as compared to my experience with Daoist methods. This is in part because my teacher simplified the practices to make them more accessible to a secular Western audience. I do not say this as a general statement regarding Bön and Daoist systems, just sharing my personal experience. Obviously it will depend on what systems we are comparing, how they are taught, and how we approach them as practitioners - YMMV. Here is a link to a free introductory, self-paced course that introduces you to basic meditation and energetic methods in Bön. It's a good way to get a taste for the system. If you decide to try it and have any questions or need support, feel free to get in touch by PM. https://ligminchalearning.com/starting-a-meditation-practice/

Yes In Tibetan dzogchen and tantra, energetic practices can facilitate enlightenment in the right practitioner, monastic or secular alike. Maybe, depends on the practitioner. Each tradition can enhance and inform the other if applied with skill and knowledge. They’re both paradigms that work with the energy body, the physical body, and the mind. Both take you towards your source.

I have a Qianlong style jian made by Huanuo. The balance is good but it's quite heavy and takes some getting used to. I mostly train with a wooden jian now.

I find Japanese swords to be sexier.

The primary benefit for me was to highlight and cultivate the connection between the legs, kua, waist and hands. Lots of other benefits but of lesser significance for me. Can't help there as I haven't used any books or other media in my training. I will say that once you've mastered the basics and some form training, practicing drills and 2 person sets with a partner is extremely valuable.

I was told a lovely story about a farmer in Finland. When they were drawing up the Russian-Finnish border, the farmer had to decide whether he wanted to be in Russia or Finland. After a long time he said he wanted to be in Finland, but he didn’t want to offend the Russian officials. These came to him and wanted to know why he wanted to be in Finland. The farmer replied, ‘It has always been my desire to live in Mother Russia, but at my age I wouldn’t be able to survive another Russian winter.’ ~ Anthony Demello

Very sad. I’m going for my second Pfizer dose Monday.

zerostao ilumairen liminal luke steve

Your stability, calm demeanor, and good humor have been most welcome on the board and on the mod team. You’ll be missed. Thank you for your service.

Most importantly by teaching me it is my responsibility to develop absolute certainty in what it is to be deluded and what it is to be free of delusions. I then at least know the direction to go in. Staying there always in waking, sleep, dream, and death is then up to me and my karma. By encouraging us to make a ngöndro a lifetime path. Ngöndro is what differentiates delusion from non-delusion. Through the example set by our teachers and the stories of masters of our tradition. The attainments and the humility. Through the teachings. Every major teaching I’ve attended and studied had admonitions regarding arrogance and narcissism, ignorance, and related delusions. Through the practice itself. This is the connection to non-delusion. The view/practice/actions/fruition are undifferentiated and must be precise. Through recognizing, continuing, returning... And through the cultivation needed to stabilize. I wouldn’t make it my project. Your attainment is yours alone and my own is all I can influence. I don’t need yours as a reference point so there is nothing more to be said or done. Having certainty in my own view is all that is necessary. It cannot be discerned via forum, it cannot be proven by quorum, nor judged by sly practitioners, even on the holy day of Purim! So worry not of others’ minds dear One, though hold them in your warm embrace. I will return when you’re still enough to have me, ... and if you don’t come easy, I may need smack your face.

Yes PS - but not mandated by law for the gen pop, at least not in the states

One difference is that it is easy to see and demonstrate the direct consequences of cutting someone while recklessly swinging a sword. In any given situation it is far more difficult to identify with confidence where and when one contacted a virus, whether or not one will transmit it, whether one will get sick if exposed, how sick they will get, the safety of a rushed, experimental vaccine, etc... I have considerable respect for and confidence in allopathic health care, probably more than most here. I also recognize its limitations and potential for abuse. The currently available vaccines are essentially prototypes with extremely limited data to support them relative to all other vaccines. It's a new technology and we're in uncharted territory. Mandating an experimental and invasive technology with criminal penalties for refusal would have very far reaching consequences that are more frightening to me than the vaccine itself, or even the disease. Taking the vaccine was an easy decision for me based on my unique circumstances. I acknowledge that is not the case for everyone. I feel compassion for those that are struggling with the decision and for those affected by Covid. I also understand why many people have limited confidence in allopathic care. I'm not sure how far I would be willing to go to force a rapidly developed vaccine using unprecedented technology on those who are skeptical. FWIW, the hospitals I work in are not requiring anyone take the vaccine. A little surprising given that they do mandate the influenza vaccine.

And there is no evidence that the existing vaccines reduce transmission. No, just my own.

Absolutely Each of us must weigh the risks and benefits for themselves and make the best choice possible.

No doubt I think it's early to drill down to much detail - lot's of variables to consider.

My understanding is that meaningful immunity occurs about 1 week after the second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Excellent metaphor. I've mostly given up trying to explain or convince anyone of anything. People wear their beliefs like security blankets. I learned several years ago debating a fundamentalist Christian friend that it's not my place to strip them of that security.