Bum Grasshopper

I have not seen any mention in any of the Taoist texts of the use of crystals. It is scientific fact that they store subtle energy and vibrate at very specific frequencies. I find them fascinating and have been drawn towards them my whole life. Of course, they have been exploited to have magical powers. I wonder which claims have merit. I look at a crystal and see the the wonderful workings of the Tao. They grow to exact form by some mysterious intelligence. A true natural beuaty.

Wow! Looks like Superman's cave!

Yes they were. The most accurate time pieces still use them. Seems that something that can tune in radio frequencies and keep time within a billionth of a second could have some metaphysical uses also.

I can only see clockwise. Just goes to prove you that "reality" is really subjective.

It is autumn here in Michigan, the leaves on the tree in my yard are turning brittle and are falling to the ground. The tree is moving it's energy into it's roots and no longer has need for them. Some see loss, but the leaves turn ablaze with color, a beautiful sight. I see the tree sinking into meditation. It's leaves fall like random thoughts. It's chi sinks into it's roots where it is cultivated and refined. In the spring, it will arise, fresh leaves will sprout providing me with oxygen to breathe and shade to cool me. A new beginning! When it is time,my body will grow brittle and return to the earth. My soul will return to it's roots only to return with the freshness of spring.

The Secret Teachings of the Tao Te Ching has helped me immensely. Defines terms like jing, the three Tan tien, microcosmic orbit, and more. Gives step by step instructions for various practices. A great resource for beginners or intermediate practitioners. After reading it, you will understand most of the posts here. Most, but not all

Just picked up a copy today. Any reviews?

I suppose there are no "secrets" to those who follow these boards. The book explains about internal alchemy, sexual practice and the inner workings of the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching, which to outsiders or newcomers could be construed as "secrets".

I am halfway through the book and I must say I am quite impressed. This is the "Taoism for Dummies" book I was seeking. A good modern interpretation of the Tao Te Ching, and very detailed description of Taoism practice. Includes step by step instruction along with a warning to attempt only with guidance of an instructor. I must admit, after reading some of the advanced practices, I have no desire to attempt with out some other guidance other than a book. It has , however offered some tidbits to help me refine and enhance the practices that I am already versed in. I recommend it to any beginner or anyone who reads this forum and scratches their head ???? Now I have an idea of what you guys are talking about!!

The best age to be is the one you are now because it is the only one that matters.

Subject: sure makes you stop to think There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, " I f I could only see the world, I will marry you." One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.' This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations. Life Is a Gift Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion. Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven. Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren. Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets. Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job. But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you're alive and still around.

People that have passed aways visit me in my dreams. It is so real that the feeling that they are still here follows me into the awake.

I have started a seated meditation routine for a week now. As soon as I get my mind to quiet down, my body starts twitching uncontrollably. First my legs, then my arms and torso. It is like my body has the hiccups, only it has no rhythm. I do a few chi kung movements before to help relax and get my breathing in order. Am I doing something wrong. or will this pass with experience?

I have a chi kung/ tai chi instructor, but no meditation instructor. I can not find a resource locally for meditation instruction. I am going by what I have read in books/online. I am happy to report that I had a nice 25 minute session last night with no twitching and very minimal itching! Very relaxing and refreshing! Finally the result that I expected!

After the fiasco that just went down here in Michigan (Government needing to shut down, emergency tax hikes up the roof to balance the budget) the government needs to take a long hard look at the Tao and get some enlightenment!

Yesterday the itching and twitching seemed to decrease in both intensity and frequency. Just being aware of them kept them at bay, but as thoughts emptied they returned. I just treated them as distractions and went on. Hope they disappear soon. It is quite annoying.

Thank you all for your replies. No, I have never have had a seizure, Nor do they run in my family. I do standing chi kung, a few movements to work the kinks out and even out breathing. I do emptiness meditation by concentrating on breathing from the tan t'ien, then just letting my breathing quiet with the mind. I have just done seated meditation for about a week now. First couple times went well. The third time is when the itching appeared. Then the twitching of the legs and itching. Now the itching has wained and the twitching has increased. Your replies have given me the confidence to keep trying and welcome the phenomena as natural.

A few twitches would not concern me, but this is almost constant, almost like having a seizure. I also get these fathom itches that feels like a hundred mosquitoes have landed in one spot. If I try to ignore it, they bite!

I would look for any traditional JJ instructors in your area. My understanding of Aikido is that it is a blend of JJ styles or ryu with the nasty, killing or maiming techniques taken out. Also any instruction on Samurai sword is very similar in movement and spirit.

I love to experience the power of storms. I can feel and smell them coming. I feel insignificant during their wrath. After, everything is clean and new.

Looks like the drunken crane style

I am more in love bunny vibe now so need a little more peaceful art. Depends on what you are looking for. I too have given up BJJ because it is too physical demanding. But Helio Gracie is like 90 and still trains. Just depends on how much devotion you want to put into it. " Aikido is also cool, however, the dojo politics and self delusion starts to really grate on you. Some of these non-competitive hierarchical martial art dojos are just forums for certain types of people to play out their fantasies..and it's annoying to see it and experience it." I took a traditional JJ art where the first week was spent on all the etiquette involves in ancent Japanese affairs. Each class was an exercise in kissing the instructor's (shihan) ass. Little was learned in 3 years except learning how to fall safely when he threw your butt to the ground. I now take Tai Chi Chuan and will trust the Tao on how to react if I get attacked. I would love to take other internal arts, but none are available in my area.

If you are looking for self confidence in being able to defend yourself I recommend BJJ. Any martial art that practices for real and does not hold back or "out law" anything is the way to go. I have trained with Royce Gracie and know that anything goes with the true no holds barred fights that he specializes in. Also any full contact kick boxing or karate to supplement is great. Fitness and flexibility comes with any martial art

I do the sauna thing ( 10 min 120F sauna, then a cold dip in the pool or a cold shower) whenever I get the opportunity. Makes me feel relaxed, refreshed, and very clean. Also seems to increase my tolerance to the heat and cold.

It is true that wisdom is different than knowledge!