doc benway

I think that would be a waste of time and does not relate to the point I was making in my post.

Oh, sorry. I should have been more clear. It doesn't refer to a specific set or even a posture, really. I was referring to the 13 postures or powers - 8 basic techniques and 5 stepping patterns: 8 postures - peng, lu, ji, an, cai, lie, zhou, kao 5 steps - chin (advance), tui (retreat), ku (look left), pan (glance right), zhong ding (central equilibrium). Central equilibrium is the inner process of finding and maintaining one's center, one's balance, central axis, etc... While there are physical aspects one might be able to capture in a photo, I was referring to inner aspects in my earlier post. One such aspect is being able to find a neutral place in oneself such that we are not disturbed or thrown off balance by emotions like anger, fear, pride, desire for success, and so forth, in our practice. Any experienced martial artists are no doubt aware of the benefit and importance of finding a calm and imperturbable state of mind when competing or fighting.

A picture of central equilibrium? Not sure what you mean by that...

It's fascinating to see just how much we tend to project of ourselves, imaging it's coming from outside. Endlessly entertaining, whether I observe myself doing it or others. Clearly some do it more obviously than others but when we are sensitive enough we can see just how pervasive it really is.

Glad to see some folks are interested. I don't know what sean's intention is. I guess for now we'll need to make due. The ignore function is useful. I have no objection to documenting behavior folks would like to see modified. The only thing that really gets my goat here are threats and scams. The rest I can deal with... most of the time.

If members are interested in more moderation here, they may want to send sean a private message and volunteer to be a moderator. Has anyone tried that?

Wonderful day to think about and honor the important women in our lives! Not sure what, but I'll do something special for my special ladies today. Also a great opportunity to think about the subtle, and not so subtle, ways in which women struggle with freedom and equality around the world. Thanks virtue!

Depends on whether he lurked here for a while first...

That beard just looks so in love with itself! 🤣

Yeah but if we’re all one why don’t my abs look like that?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As I've said before, I've little doubt we would hit it off royally in "real life." I do take issue, however, with threats against members here and I'll continue to speak out when people cross that line. Your ideas about Buddhism as offered above are quite inaccurate. Are you familiar with the term "crazy wisdom"? It is very much like what you describe learning from your teacher and the old sage and it is a common sign of advanced levels of attainment in tantra and dzogchen. That said, there is a Tibetan saying that goes something like - even if your view is as expansive as the sky, you should maintain conduct as fine as barley flour. Meaning that even though you are capable of acting crazy and beyond the karmic consequences due to a very high level of practice, there is no reason not to continue to act human. Ever heard the story about Milarepa? Sounds a bit like your teacher as well. He was a magician, a murder, etc... and ultimately became a highly regarded Buddhist master despite, and partly because of his earlier life experience. There is nothing wrong with ego, it will be our companion as long as we live. Thinking we can kill it is an error or an arrogance. Taking it as our companion and our path to growth is skillful. There is nothing wrong with emotions, they are a natural and beautiful part of the human condition. The more advanced Buddhist teachings are not telling us to kill the ego, or wallow in suffering and pine for death. It is more about not over-identifying with these momentary and transient energetic winds but to simply allow them to come and go as they please without allowing them to carry us away in directions we do not choose to go. Liberation allows us to be free to enjoy the pleasure of living, which makes live delightful; to be free to experience the pain of living, which is a source of our growth; and yet to also be free of either as a yoke or an unwanted, dysfunctional pattern. I agree whole-heartedly that we need to let go of our anger as easily and quickly as it comes. Here is a beautiful quote from the poet, Maya Angelou about this very topic. To put it in context, she was a victim of sexual abuse as a young child: "Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean." Anger certainly has a place in our lives but letting go of it is equally important.

You can create threads on anything here. Maybe the "Rabbit Hole" would be the best place for it. I don't follow much news, about cars or anything else. I have seen some interest from some folks around here so it's probably worthwhile.

We can all use our interactions here as a way to grow. If we are serious practitioners, that’s what we do. Every conflict or episode of inner reactivity gives us opportunities. I love to see evidence of that from Steve or anyone else. Your recent experience is a great example. It simply takes the courage to look at ourselves clearly and to be a bit vulnerable. It’s not easy, particularly for martial artists who spend so much time training to be tough. I was in that defensive, reactive place for most of my life. Fortunately, I found there is an alternative that gives me far more flexibility and potential. And paradoxically, it doesn’t take away from the martial potential, rather it enhances. In taijiquan, it is an aspect of the 13th posture, or 5th step - 中定 - zhong ding, or central equilibrium.

People will read this thread and be flocking to a remote Costa Rican jungle to live with a guy who threatens to kill, stomp, and beat the fuck out of anonymous strangers on the internet. 🤣🤣🤣

Best news I’ve had yet today, although it’s early. Thank you Does threatening people actually make you feel stronger? It certainly makes you look weak and impotent online. I’ve met a few angry, old martial “artists” who are stuck in a mindset of threats and violence. They don’t know any other way to be and it eats them up. It’s sad to see. It indicates that you are lacking, not powerful. You could recognize it and learn from it, or just continue the dysfunctional pattern of empty threats and inner violence. You do yourself far more harm than you do others, Stevie. You’ve probably met lots of them, eh? 🤣

The sage is child-like. Your behavior is child-ish. Big difference. You’re no sage. Funny, disrespecting your own teacher and tradition with your childish behavior isn’t enough? Now you want to insult mine? The beauty of your presence here is that it disproves the very premise of this thread. Your anger betrays weakness, not strength. Political correctness relates to over-protecting victims who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against. That buzzword doesn’t apply here.

I sure get that feeling from this thread...

I bet mama Nunga would have a thing or two to say about that photo!

The like button I feel we should show each other some minimal degree of respect. Even Steve’s empty threats are still threats, and unacceptable.

And you condone threats of physical violence? Oh, right - it’s only beating the fuck out of someone. You get his meaning, cool.

Because you act like a child. No self control, no self-awareness. Is this what mastery of your teacher’s neigong looks like? Big bold letters and threats of physical violence? Maybe you need a break.

Of course it’s not about me, it’s about you. No one else. Until you see that, you’ll never really understand inner work.

Please clarify your statement. Do you want to kill one of us? Or am I taking this out of context?

There's a lot of chaff, information-wise, and the occasional pearl. Where it really clicks for me is when I genuinely begin to like the people and feel their support and offer some back. That's rare in "real" life and it's amazing that technology widens this opportunity for us. But it takes a little risk, a little vulnerability, and a little bit of trust. This is what find most beautiful about this place and also the most frustrating - the missed opportunities. When we're more concerned with ourselves, whether we are right, wanting to teach and correct others, wanting to sell stuff, wanting to impress... then I feel that disappointment too.

Very glad this one passed the sniff test. There are a handful of people whose posts I read consistently. Needless to say, you are one. One thing I’ve noticed lately is how often I leave things unsaid. I’m not referring to my posts here, that changed years ago. As you mentioned, I delete the majority of posts I write and consider them carefully before offering them to the community. But in my day to day relationships - with my wife, my kids, my coworkers, and those who come to me for help; I simply seem to notice before careless, unhelpful, or potentially hurtful words are said. They come into awareness but then something happens, some space forms around them, there is a slight pause and the words hang there, ready to fly, and I simply choose to let them be. I don’t think I’ve ever regretted not saying something. On the other hand, I’ve regretted saying things too often. Your other theme regarding our illusion that we know what others need or how they should act is also very dear to my heart. It’s fascinating to watch how arrogantly certain our minds can be about life choices of another when we are so blind about ourselves. Not much more to add to your eloquent posts here today. With love and deep respect! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽