KoolAid900

I don't really see any real difference between my experience with Alchemical Taoism and Vajrayana Buddhism. They have slightly different methods, and slightly more different ways of talking about those methods, but enlightenment is the same either way. The stage of physical immortality also occurs in Vajrayana, but seems more emphasized in the Tao. Vajrayana seems to prepare more for the point of death and right after as an extremely quick way to perfect the path. Any genuine spiritual path leads to the same place ultimately or else it would not be a genuine spiritual path.

Quote: "In my opinion its not conformity or convention that seems to be your problem, but not having a stong enough sense of personal identity that causes you to fear convention or conformity." I can totally relate to this. This is something I have just begun to grow out of, weakness or fear of stnading on my own. I tell you it is a truly liberating feeling, the "conformed mass" no longer has the power to define who I am. I define it. However, that being said, there is still of lot of subtle exchange of energy, which most people are not aware of, that goes on between people. "Nice" people seems especially sensitive to this as they unconsciously give away energy to others, or willing take others negative energy, even when they cannot handle that giving or taking. This can result in easily manipulation, or being easily overwhelmed, or frequent change of feelings, views, thoughts, etc. depending on the company kept. Just my 2 cents

Congratulations!!! I'm envious of you... I had one of the most special mothers on Earth (I know a lot of people think their mother is special)! She has been my best teacher and guide throughout my whole life (28 now) and because of the tremendous person that she is, I have been able to (occasionally) deeply touch and deeply help others in the way that she cared for me. She is quiet, unassuming, non-judgemental, silly, absolutely caring, and very loving. She has been living at a Buddhist monastery for several years now. Though she is quiet and intraverted, many people are attracted to her because of her kindness and inner qualities and she is quite loved there. IMO, these qualities are also percevied by Bardor Tulku Rinpoche, one of the primary teachers there, and it is not circumstantial that she has been invited on 3 personal trips to Tibet with him. Anywaysss..... The three most important things I learned from her 1) I (and everyone else) am absolutely valuable and nothing can chagne that 2) Always listen to my inner heart/voice 3) The correct way to live life is to take care of others and myself; this is the seed from which all happiness grows I think it is sooo cool that you are able to get so much good feeback about being a parent! Maybe it is a bit pre-emptive as somebody mentioned, but it sure helped widen my perspective. Have fun!! :-)

...or Japan. So hi to everybody. My name is Cairy (28/m) and I live near Orlando, FL. It's pretty rawkin' compared to being stuck in Tampa forever! Just recently beginning to practice some Tao techniques in addition to a Tibetan Buddhist base that I have been practicing for 10 years or so and I love it! It has kicked my practice up tremendously without a lot of effort. Anyhow, been reading some of Mantak Chia's books and hope to visit the Healing Tao Retreat in Nc for Chi Kung fundamentals this summer. I'm a Case Manager for children with mental health issues and love going out to shows & dancing. Are any of you out in Orlando? Hit me up!!!