.broken.

Quoting the website... Doubt, to me, acts as a reminder that I am not ignorant and it keeps adding fuel to my search. Perhaps it is a delusion however, yet I do not see it as such. Did not Buddha say that we should test things out for ourselves, for we are the only judges we need to satisfy? That being the case I would need to have reached the stage of gaining the siddhi which allows me to know my past lives before I would believe it... And that has been my take on it since the get-go. That aside, I will have to join the laziness and loneliness camp. Less lazy... but so, so alone. Thank you for starting this thread to remind me. My heart goes out to you, durkhrod chogori and Patrick, and all those who share this loneliness. May the trembling emptiness disappear from our hearts... Most humble, James

I'm sure that Jedi777, and maybe even Vajrasattva, will give you some information. I have a book by a student of his, Master Stephen Co, entitled 'Yours hands can heal' (or words to that effect). It's a fantastic book on pranic healing and gives you a set of exercises - ranging from qigong, body awareness, meditation and learning how to scan with your palm chakras. Funny that you seem to have brought up both Yogani and Grand Master Choa Kok Sui... they are the teachers I have settled on. May your path continue to be blessed with great teachings, James [edit: looks like Jedi777 already has ]

A great read and some solid practices. I have three of the books: Deep meditation, Spinal breathing pranayama and Asanas, Mudras & Bandhas. I practice all those daily and my progress, imo, has been continuous. Look into it if it interests you, but beware of overloading your practice routine. If your heart hasn't settled on what you currently do then I couldn't recommend this highly enough - and even if it has it could give you some new perspective. Yours humbly, James

The voices I have come across in my lifetime thus far range from all parts of the self. However, after some purging the voice that has stayed is one of sheer compassion and understanding. I am rarely in the state to tune into it but when it does happen it is usually on long solitary walks. Everything it says is stuff I already know, it just gives me a little more everytime depending on my understanding and my energy levels. Two experiences stick out: - A voice so loud in my head that I thought the whole world heard it. The earth shook with its might. "Who am I?" It boomed. - Give, forgive, peace, joy and LOVE. 5 words I was given to go with the pentegram. Love was said so loudly and in unison by a whole host of beings that it vibrated my very essence. Whether one deems it to be 'unhealthy' or 'healthy' would most likely depend on the characteristics of the voices and whether it affects the affected beyond being able to operate in society. Mental health institutions are a relatively new invention in the human story and professional psychiatry even more so. They no longer strap people in straight jackets, but pump them full of chemicals to sedate them... different means, same effect, same lack of humanity. I am no believer in a higher self as a seperate entity but more as something that comes to the foreground when the thoughts are not attached to. The voice I hear more recently is a blessing in my eyes, but I do not seek it... shit happens. Yours humbly, James

Accidental double post...

This chap appeared in a UK tv series called Mind Body and Kick Ass Moves. As did Iron Crotch qigong. I was hoping to find a clip of Iron Crotch qigong as it appeared in Mind Body and Kick Ass Moves, but to no avail. (Btw, you might get more results if you do search for Iron Penis - a more accurate translation, I believe.) From my memory, this was not for martial purposes but for sexual health and vitality. Most of the practitioners were over 50. One of them commented that his virility was now stronger than when he was 20. Oh, and one of the guys who had been practicing for a few years had about 80kg hanging from his testicles... gnarly. If anyone is interested in the series here are somethings I did manage to find on youtube. The series covered many interesting martial arts - he did another series a few years on on spiritual practices, the name of which currenlty escapes me. Yours humbly, James

It all depends on whether you think retaining.semen helps prolong, and slow down the aging process. The texts tell us that many Daoists - if not all - believed this to be the case, perhaps some other groups too. Never met one, so I cannot tell you for sure. What I have been told, I know; what I have experienced, I feel. And I haven't felt this to be true yet. Some people live to 100 with whisky and cigars in their diet. See this. To lead a long life requires conservation of energy and meditation certainly helps with this (as, arguably, does semen retention). Meditation teaches us not to attach to our thoughts, to sit strong like a mountain watching the clouds of thoughts go by. You will find that although you are attracted to these ladies, the attraction is just a thought. Let silence guide you. Yours humbly, James

Thank you kindly, Ian, for the recommendation I have thought many times about going to his retreats, but they are always very difficult places to get to with public transport. I shall order the book come next pay day. Yours humbly, James

There are many theories surrounding fate, destiny and free will. Two of the most popular theories include: - All is predetermined and there is just an illusion of free will, although we see all our decisions as being made by ourselves this is simply part of the act we play as individuals; - Nothing is predetermined and everything happens due to the circumstances arisen from previous events. Although my personal experience points to the former of those statements to be true, I would certainly not expect anyone else to think the same unless their experience taught them so too. I would venture to say, however, that which ever one believes doesn't really matter as the outcome will ultimately be the same. A deception of free will or the real deal still means that we, as individuals, think there is free will. Whether it's an illusion or not is neither here nor there because it is what we experience. "Be a light unto yourselves," is something Buddha famously said on his deathbed and I for one lead my life by this (though I was initially taught this by science and logic, rather than spiritual teachings - which to me at the time seemed more like blind faith). Unfortunately the latter of those statements requires belief in past lives - a stipulation on my part. Yours humbly, James

Cheers for the report Mal Funnily enough, I felt the urge to write up about mine, too, after the experience. My alarm went off at 06:05 today, and I was rudely awoken from having an entertaining dream with Airbourne playing live in a casino, sitting with some friends talking about my brief venture into psychosis. I felt embarassed of my journey, but realised it was necessary for my path. Anyway, slowly roused my mind to the waking world and got up for a quick pee. My state of awareness appeared to be different - it seemed more at peace than normal. I felt the energy of the meditation ahead. A rainy, some would argue a typically of Scottish, morning ... the sun had been up for an hour already at least. Did a few rounds of SuperBrain Yoga and sat for a few minutes of spinal breathing to prepare myself for the meditation. I sat down at 06:15 It was a very strong sensation at first - a large standing wave eminating from my spine. My hips weren't happy though as I normally do a series of asanas before sitting. Whenever I found my mind wandering, I would repeat what the website encouraged, "Relax, James, until you are no longer aware of your body." At one point my spine went very cold, and I felt a twinge in my right channel (a good sign in my eyes - I always run hot and my right channel is, I believe, my next obstacle). Time seemed to pass by quicker than usual. Alarm went off at 06:42, I gave thanks and grabbed my towel for my morning shower. In the shower I went into a trance, chanting, "Om ah hung vajra guru padma siddhi hum." This lasted for the entire duration of my shower (~15 minutes... I have long hair ). Great stuff. Loved the meditation and enjoyed the strange trance afterward. There's no way I am getting up this early every morning - I go to bed late enough as it is and work two jobs... need the sleep. Toodle pip all, off for breakfast in time for BBC Radio 4's Thought of the Day Look forward to reading other reports from fellow Tao Bums this evening!! Many thanks to Mikaelz for bringing this to my attention. You're a gem. James

Thank you Jedi. I feel honoured to have read this. I shall start with 108 a day. Most humble, James

My self-limiting view is this: Martial arts is about development. Everyone who starts this art wants to do so for many number of reasons. Be it to stand up to the bully in school, to instigate the natural state of the body, to take out stupid motherf*ckers who stand in your way, to be like Bruce Lee, to balance out your healing practices, to become more flexible, to gain more energy.... the list goes on and on.... Whoever you are, you have taken up martial arts to improve what you see as a problem (either that or your parents forced you into it ). Development gives many benefits, no matter what the subject of development is. The very word means to undergo a process. Processes take something and transform it. Martial arts is the process, the something is the practitioner, the transformation is union with Dao. Yours most humbly, James

Yiquan is internal.... very much so. For your information, the Japanese call it Taikiken in case you wish to research the subject further. Yiquan has a clear set of methods: * Zhan Zhuang (standing postures) * Shi Li (testing of strength) * Mo Ca Bu (friction step) * Fa Li (release of power) * Tui Shou (pushing hands) * Shi Sheng (testing of voice/breath) * Ji Ji Fa (combat practice) To answer your question, it does cultivate the subtle body, clear channels and roots you very well. I will have to disagree with BK. All internal arts are about the balancing of yin and yang. As such I believe no internal art to be more focussed on any one aspect of combat. Such differences may shine through in the variety of different forms available in each style, as well as the individuality of the practitioners. I believe the difference to lie in the body mechanics developed by the variety of training methods available. For example, I know that Bagua practitioners have amazing footwork due to their circle walking methods. There is a fantastic book on internal arts by Lu Shengli called Combat Techniques of Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua. The book is worth the purchase alone for the first three chapters. Chapter four does delve into his own form, but judging from his knowledge, experience and level of cultivation I would imagine this form is worth learning rather than ignoring. I hope this information is of some help, James

First of all folks, this is a great read. Thank you phore for starting this thread, and thank you all those who have participated so far. May kindness follow you for the rest of your days I have met the odd magician, and seen the odd bit of proof that magic works. My journey has always skirted around the subject with just the occasional dipping into the waters. From what I have seen the manipulation of seemingly external entities and situations does work - though it works more consistently if there is correct (for want of a better word) motivation and intention. To my mind, this isn't really any different to proper use of yi. Intention really does seem to be key in the vast multitude of practices that exist. Perhaps developing more and more refined intention is the one and only practice to which all others lead?? I have to agree with this statement wholeheartedly. All spiritual paths lead to the same goal. The difficulty lies in constantly 'progressing' (although, ultimately, there is no progressing to be done). Those who fail at magic, of which this thread has shown to be many, just go part of the way and don't progress beyond whatever point they reach. Buddhism in particular is rife with warnings of the pitfalls associated with chasing after illusions that result due to spiritual progress. Perhaps some of those magic 'practioners' could do with reading some of this advice... I mentioned above that manipulating "seemingly external entities and situations does work". I used the word seemingly for a reason. Both the microcosm and macrocosm are in constant play. There's just the illusion that the microcosm is on it's own in this BIG place - produced by what many would call the mind. Whether one invokes demons or watches the mind to gain insight doesn't particularly matter. It's just a matter of method. Seeing your lust, desire, greed, hate, anger, fear, hope, disgust, enjoyment, etc. arise in your mind and not attaching is the same as seeing the material manifestation of a particular aspect of (your) self before you and subduing it. Just my thoughts floating by... James

I agree Patrick. It clearly attempts to communicate the nature of oneness. Including: spiritual and material interactions, human 'ascension', unity, harmony, karma and evolution. Take care, James

I had a long walk home today and I was thinking about this thread. I believe I missed out the most obvious and beneficial advice I can give on the subject. Belly breathing. Good, relaxed belly breathing helps with rooting and opening the hips. It also allows the shocks of making contact with the ground ripple through your body easier. Keeping your mind in your dan tien also greatly improves balance, and from my experience circulation of blood and chi too. Most humble, James

Most fascinating. I will order it when I get paid Cheers for bringing this to my attention Emily! Am indebted to you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have faced my demons before and I know I will need to do it again sometime - a manual will be useful

Emily, it was a pleasure reading your posts and participating in this forum with you I wish you well in your ventures. I hope kindness smiles upon you always. May your cultivation be fruitful, James

Agreed, and thank you for the elaboration. Although it may not have seemed it in my writings I was fully aware of your perceptive position at the time. The intertwining nature of the forces at work is quite a wonder; the affect on humanity that these energies have is a remarkable demonstration of the oneness of all. Both the internal and external energies toiling, resting, resisting, flowing, following, leading. My devolving comment about the legal aspect of corporations was an attempt to shine a light upon the subject from another angle. The very fact that various manifestations can influence each other is the reason why I added a link to the film, The Corporation. The film analyses the actions of corporations as if it were an individual - similar to how the Gaia theory treats Earth's entire ecosystem as a single celled organism... a whole. The interdependence of all things is what needs to be realised, as witch's post on Eris seems to point out. Individuals will only rise up once they know that you, me, humanity, plants, animals, etc. are all intertwined. We are a family, not just with the rest of humanity, but with all that exists around us. One can make a difference. Witch's spell will make a difference. Cheers, James

Yep. Pretend you are being suspended by a string whilst walking. Simple and beautifully effective. This alone does wonders for posture and balance. Also, you may want to play with keeping all your weight on your back foot until your front foot has gained a stable rooting... You'll learn this when you walk in the form, if yours has it. Oh, and be mindful of your body. A few tips: be mindful of how your body moves, how it absorbs the impact of the pavement, how your upperbody responds to your lowerbody movements, how relaxed you are... That should keep you busy James

Just thought I would quickly throw in my experience as I underwent this procedure about 5 months ago - I too had the same questions you did. Didn't find any energetic solutions unfortunately. What you have is an impacted wisdom tooth. It happens quite regularly. Mine impacted with the other teeth in that row and caused a very minor disalignment... enough, however, to force me to re-learn whistling through my teeth The roots of your lower wisdom teeth are very near the main nerve that controls sensation and movement of one half of your mouth. A possible side effect is that you have permanent loss of feeling due to nerve damage (though I am sure some energy work can be applied to fix this). This may've been the side effect your doctor mentioned. Good luck either way! I had a grown man on his knees yanking furiously at my tooth for a minute or two only to have my tooth shatter and fly all over the room Was worth the wait being on the month long waiting list just for that!! Take care dude, James

I have read and heard that some highly cultivated individuals perpetually exude some form of pleasant smell. Apparently this is due to the density and volume of their aura. Sounds similar to me...

Sorry if I sound arrogant, but it really does amaze me that this is of news to you, and perhaps others too. Corporations, by legal definition, are entities with a legal personality seperate to that of its members. Essentially this means that corporation is merely a concept, with its own identity (similar to that of a person) to which every employee under it works to preserve and grow. Yoda, you might wanna check out this film for a little more info. Apologies for the side track witch. On another note, global warming is no fallacy as far as I am concerned. It's happening, it's real, I have seen the effects as have scientists and horticulturalists... Whether it is cyclical, solely the influence of humanity, or what-not doesn't really matter. Fact is that we are warming up. Heat brings problems: - disease spreads quicker and have larger areas of influence - humans will inevitably pump more water out of the ground and create, lest expand, deserts - permafrost in Siberia is starting to melt releasing LOADS more methane (more damaging than CO^2) eventually equating to the vicious circle of more heat and more methane release - rising sea levels due to the melting ice caps bringing floods and entirely drowning islands as well large chunks of low lying land - you can say goodbye to London and New York - flooding places plant matter underwater releasing more methane - the reduction of the ice caps will slow and eventually stop the vast currents in our oceans that are essential to ocean's ecosystems, which much of life above ground depends upon The humanitarian impact has the potential to be enormous to the point of extinction. It really depends on whether we'll wage wars over water (Palestine... to name the obvious example), enforce stricter border control, allow just a 'fortunate' few to survive or worsen the effects by ignoring the issue - as opposed to banding together as one large human family. Seth Ananda, I have to agree with you that nature always finds balance. However, to find this balance there is the possibility of billions of humans dying... Who are we to stand in the way of the forces of nature? As ever, yours humbly, James

No problem Emily - been meaning to sign up for a scheme myself recently, however, the tenaments here is Edinburgh cause some logistical issues for box schemes. I still haven't found my way to bed Supermarkets are only a recent phenomenon... What was seen as simple and revolutionary to the previous generation has spurned our very existence into turmoil. Health in the UK is appalling, the amount of litter is appalling, pollution here is appalling. The impact that supermarkets have had on those three is astronomical... and for what... convenience? Where did your parents, and indeed mine, shop before they existed? Local butchers, local fishmonger, local green grocers. I've been shopping in this fashion for the last year or so... my food is tastier, healthier and more environmentally friendly simply by going local... Makes me a happy chap Take good care, James