doc benway

I think there are other ways to look at this separation or non-separation. For example, “Jesus said render unto Caesar that which Caesar's and to God that which is God's” does not necessarily mean the two are separate but may be a simple instruction to cultivate discriminatory wisdom in our dealings with the relative and absolute. This does not necessarily mean the two are distinct or exclusive. I also would suggest there was a very similar attempt to distinguish between “worldly” (eg. samsaric) and “spiritual” in Buddhism, in Daoism, Hinduism and others far preceding the Judeo-Christian scriptures. Concepts and practices like renunciation, retreat, monasticism, wandering traditions, etc... all point to this discrimination between worldly and spiritual without necessarily positing exclusive realms (although they tend to do that as well).

My approach is practical - to open always to what is in each moment. That opening is a connection to the flow of being, a wordless question, naked experience without separation from what is. I practice returning to this open flow as often as I remember. It is a total resting of "me" into what is going on completely. To the extent any separation is there, there is a me that is affected and disturbed. To the extent there is less or no separation, what is happening is perfect - wholeness, dzogchen Yes, all is illusion and it is also all we will ever have, other than changes in perspective and experience. How much more real can that get? Nothing other to engage with and play and work with than that. So for sure, all of it is my testing ground. The view is the path, is the result. In this view, all concept is faulty. Concept is that separation, it is an integral part of illusion. When there is openness, this means no separation between inner and outer. Our channels and chakras are that connection, the conduit between inner and outer.

Another example is capoeira -

Do you do any throat singing?

A little bit out there perhaps, but I love this solo guitar piece by Kevin Cope which attempts to convey a sense of bipolar disorder and its struggles. It’s called Folie Circulaire, an archaic term for the condition.

I once stumbled across a wonderful reggae variation called Dub Side of the Moon while in a small record shop in Buck’s County -

@thelerner @Luxin Done

@dwai @thelerner I think I have this fixed. Not sure how it happened. Must have been when I was setting up Miroku's subforum. Sorry about that! Thanks for finding your missing forums dwai!

Not sure I’m up to it but was very inspired when I read about this a while back - https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.lionsroar.com/in-exclusive-first-interview-mingyur-rinpoche-reveals-what-happened-during-his-four-years-as-a-wandering-yogi/amp/

In the tradition I follow, working with the darkness is every bit as important as working with light. In fact, one of the most valuable aspects of light is its innate ability to illuminate the darkness.

@Damla - Voila! You now have your own ppd. I hope you enjoy your time here.

Makes sense... It seems to me “laws of nature” would better be called “consistent patterns in nature based on limited observations.”

Just a little off the top, please

😆 I just read some Vmarco today!

Not sure the Tibetans are Tibetan but they’re good. Another set attributed to Tibet (old Bön) is the Kum Nye found here. Wonderful exercises but they’re pedigree is uncertain. Swimming dragon qigong is powerful and simple.

My teacher always emphasized relaxing into the proper posture. We were never advised to exert any significant force in the hips, or anywhere else.

There is also the Red Garuda (Khyung mar) in Bön, a yidam that is connected to the nagas in various ways according to customs - https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Garuda https://www.quora.com/If-Garuda-and-Nagas-are-enemies-why-does-he-hold-some-of-them-like-Vaasuki-on-his-body

Fantastic subject matter to discuss. There are a few members here, @Yueya in particular, who have a deep connection to Jungian philosophy and methods. I know little about it but always find it connects to my own view and practice and often sheds light through its unique and well developed perspective. I agree with Ilumairen that the emphasis is best focused on the subject matter without pointing at specific individuals without their consent and request. As has been stated elsewhere more eloquently than I am capable, taking the responsibility to point out the defects of others in a public forum uninvited can be quite offensive and often poorly received - Some welcome the feedback and the opportunity it affords to work on oneself. Others may not be on that path, may not be ready, willing, or interested. It’s a big responsibility to take on for real. In an anonymous, digital community it’s very touchy.

I know little about the subject but the Lu (Skt- naga) occupy an important place in the Bön tradition. They are the focus of mythology, offering rituals, even tantric practices. Here is some info - https://ravencypresswood.com/2019/01/05/our-otherworldly-neighbors-the-lu/ Here is an interesting overview of various serpent related forms in various cultures - http://www.mt-kailash.ru/english-version/a-study-of-naga-beings-as-a-global-phenomenon-and-their-relation-with-kailash-manosarovar-region.html

Speaking of fallibility, I’ve got to share that I regret the posts I made earlier in this thread. I genuinely did not mean to equate Earl and his friends with Trump and his supporters in order to insult or degrade anyone but I see how it would seem like I was. I was simply trying to make a point about how we each have our different realities and it seemed like a powerful and obvious example. That analogy, and my comments about Earl, were clumsy and careless. I was in a bad place mentally at the time due to some personal challenges at home. To be clear, I don’t disagree with the action taken. From a mod’s perspective it was necessary. I do regret making matters worse with my impulsive and inconsiderate comments. I felt it necessary to get that off my chest and I offer the board, and my fellow mods, my sincere apologies. 🙏🏽

I think it is a sign of openness and connectedness. I suggest a creative outlet to channel the imagination - prose, poetry, music, painting, drawing, dance, higher maths, a non-profit, whatever... something to focus it a bit. And that can change from time to time. Sounds like you’re quite literally living the dream. Congrats!

AI

Yes, I believe any reasonable reader should be able to figure it out, if they choose to. Personal - directed at an individual, as in the derailing of both recent threads started by welkin. Takedown - as in dismantling, destroying, beating down. Ask Earl about that one Earl hid it for his own reasons. I’m a bit uncomfortable unhiding it but going to check with the team about that. It’s only as complicated as you make it.

My point is we see his behavior differently and explaining and arguing doesn’t seem to change it. It wasn’t intended as an insult. Sorry about that.