Kameel

For anyone interested, Dr. Hu's DVD's can be rented (as streams) for $1.99 each on Amazon instant video. You get to view them for one week per rental. Also multiple other Qigong, Bagua and Tai Chi DVDs are available for less than 2 dollars. Cheers.

Gotta love anyone who will work with Down's syndrome and RSD patients. Doubt Buffalo. Probably outside Orlando (Kissimmee). Check with her student Sifu Jerry Ziffer. Email [email protected]

One Word? Observer - Graceful Begining Practitioner- Deceptive Advanced Practitioner- Flow

Well there is a hyperemic effect that can occur with massage when an increase of blood and lymph flow is distributed to a specific area, but the picture looks like petechiae. That is usually caused by scrubbing in Tuina, or through Gua Sha, when the subcutaneous tissue and interstitial fluid is released to the surface clearing toxins (according to TCM). Also, some old-school Rolfers get this because they don't use any cream or lotion, thinking it will release the fascia more effeciently (but the petechiae are not a desired side effect in this case). Having said this- I love deep massage. The trick is, the deeper you go the more sensitivity you need (both as a client and therapist). Somewhat, counterintuitive, but true. The therapist and client need to establish a confident relationship and deep breathing is essential for proper muscle/trigger point/fascia/etc. release.

Years ago, before I had ever heard of Capoeira, I say a beautiful intricate display of talent at a San Diego healing arts festival. Really impressive stuff. You mentioned bodywork- Is there an energetic healing aspect to the art or any of the arts of Brazil? I wonder if BJJ masters of old had a hidden energy component.

Hmm...How do you undo what you have already done/become? How do you not practice? IMO, as long as you are present and grounded, shouldn't be an issue.

Well, we are assuming this is a detox symptom. It's summer...people sweat, fungus proliferates. I also think it is a fallacy to believe western medicine suppresses, and eastern medicine cures. If an antifungal cream is fungicidal, it by definition destroys the fungus, so not much suppresion there. Having said this, I tend to lean toward "alternative medicine" as a personal bias for most things, but in this case, I personally would rather use Lamisil cream for a week then say Tea tree oil for months. YMMV

Interesting. Didn't know some Taoist chants have overtones. Pardon my "ignorance". Felt energy shifts from sample.

Ignorance ='s lack of knowledge Dimwit ='s stupid or silly person Completely different I don't personally agree with V's interpretation on this, but the words are different and hold separate charges.

JohnC - Most likely Tinea Cruris. Pick up Lamisil cream OTC twice a day for a week. It will go away. Blasto - If the seborrheic dermatitis flares or becomes too frequent, take Diflucan 200mg 2 tablets QD for 3 days. This cuts down drastically on the pityrosporum ovale counts thereby decreasing recurrence.

Nikura breathing Metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe) or elsewhere? When is surgery?

Umm... No Can't reach samadhi, Samadhi connects with you, Are you available?

Was spelled wrong, then corrected; hence Mal's "I got your back" comment. Many teachers are amping the juice today. Both seen and unseen. This will be fun.

John Daido Roshi was an extremely patient teacher, and expert of koan interpretation/contemplation. Zen Mountain monastery had a very insightful journal produced quarterly (not sure if it is still in circulation). He is deeply missed, but his spirit still shines brightly.

Good intuition. Mostly oral tradition. Advice? If psychic stuff gets too intense, reverse the reverse, ground, and place awareness on the belt channels. Tongue up (especially for yin MCO). Prefered method for many.

Hmmm...I vote true/not true. For someone like Meher Baba, very true. But not everyone can reach that level of discipline. For some, talking is a form of bridging the heart and head and to speak the truth makes them shine. Maya Angelou comes to mind. Even small amounts of idle chatter can decrease inhibitions in many...break the ice. Of course, it can be corrupted, like anything else. And vocalizing can create an energy leak for some. Context is important. Like the study years ago showing a 40% decrease in secretory IGA in subjects that cuss, leading to immune deficiencies. Cultural/organism environment specific. Some would have the opposite reaction or no effect at all, depending on how they are wired. Anyways... IMO the eyes create a greater energy leak for most than the mouth. I challenge anyone here, to stop all reading for one month (except for traffic signs) and see if you don't look and feel a year younger. Younger, feel better, and slightly dumber. (J/K about the dumber part, the rest is true though, honest)

Possible reasons one may announce they are leaving. 1) We are asked to introduce ourselves; therefore announcing our departure would be customary 2) Allows others to know that your input or direct questions to you will no longer be available 3) Cuts ties/chords 4) Sense of closure for all involved 5) The shadow side- Egoic need for attention/identification (I don't feel this is the case in this instance, but others may wish to pay attention to mirror effect) 6) Good manners

Lasted about 2 minutes. I'm sure I could hold my breath that long if I had to, but this was different- no effort, expansive, and filled with divine light. Consciousness, bliss, knowledge, and action. Words are difficult to describe the experience. External prana retention ='s rechaka. IME the sensate experience was like a cushion of breath surrounding and protecting the body, while the movement occured in the sushumna nadi. Not sure if that make sense. SO HUM.

OK. So we have covered the blue mist, blue light, and blue pearl. But what about the blue star? Isn't that what ultimately exploded (or is it imploded?) in Muktananda's crown, causing the realization with all that is, and producing the blue man? Sushumna breathing, happened for me the first time yesterday. Interestingly began with a forceful blowing out of breath though the mouth with kriyas and prana retention externally. Wild experience. Came about without expectation.

So I've compiled a brief list of quotes in an attempt to gently steer this thread back on track. This will certainly add to the confusion ...I mean clarity??? 1) Swami Rama Shaktipata is only possible with a disciple who has gone through a long period of discipline, austerity, and spiritual practices. Shaktipata on a mass scale seems suspicious to me. It is true when the disciple is ready, the master appears and gives the appropriate initiation. The experience of enlightment comes from the sincere effort of both master and disciple. Let us put it in different words. When you have done your duty skillfully and wholeheartedly, you reap the fruits gracefully. Grace dawns when activity ends. Shaktipata is the grace of God through the master. 2) Osho ...so the effect of Shaktipat is indirect, and therefore, you need it again and again. Once is not enough, a second flash of lightning will benefit you more, and a third, still more. What you may have missed the first time, will be seen with the second and third flashes...I would like shaktipat to happen with a large group, instead of just one or two individuals at a time. Why confine it to one or two people? 3) Strawberry Shortcake (pre Shaktipat) Knock Knock, Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad this post is about shaktipat Strawberry Shortcake (post Shaktipat) Knock Knock, Who's there? Beats. Beats who? Beats me I forget the joke. 4) Jerry Seinfield So I went to a meditation intensive yesterday, but the Guru never showed up. You know what they say about these esoteric shaktipat masters...In one chakra out the other. (OK so the last two are made up, but the first 2 are real quotes). Will post more later.

Thanks Brother. Light to you. Much gratitude.

Hmmm. A Taoist Zennist. Interesting. But let's be clear, your Zen Master doesn't hate love, he's neutral to it. Big difference.

Well, I'll give a practical example of the resonance effect in my own life. About 6 months ago I decided to limit sending chi and focus soley on increasing my own field. Apparently my dream body didn't like this idea, because I would wake up around 3 am to use the bathroom and notice I was sending chi in my sleep. Fair enough. One night, during a particularly difficult case, Michael (Ya Mu) visits and changes my hand position and how far away from the body I am working on a specific patient. He then also raises my personal vibration as he does the treatment with me. Why Ya Mu? Not sure. I am currently not a student of his system/lineage and only know of him through this forum and reading his book about a year ago. But he does come from time to time to check on my progress, and I am open and available to any help I can get that will benefit others. So I'm sticking with the resonance theory.

IMO chi sensitivity has nothing to do with some contrived musculoskeletal to adipose tissue ratio. It's fundamental a skill, like anything else, which requires dedicated one-pointed attention and focus. Now, is it true that one would experience better results if their muscular tonus was not overly restricted (i.e. in a relaxed physical and subsequently mental state)? Of course. But, the major reason people are more sensitive to energy is because of all the people that have trained before. A resonance effect. Kind of like the 4 minute mile. So to the renegades and pioneers, I give my gratitute and blessings.