.broken.

Keep going If it's something you picked up in childhood it means you can unlearn it.

Subjective For the spiritual seeker, however, the cultivation of karma/virtue is, in arguably most cases, an imperative. I personally know of no spiritual school of thought that would argue that life isn't precious. Granted that they might not say, "Life if precious" directly but the idea of doing good or treating others with respect is almost universal amongst them. (Of course, euthanasia among others is a grey area, but only if taken on face value. The lessening of another's suffering may indeed mean taking that individual's life. That is not to say that the 'life' they experienced was not precious.) My experience tells me that when one works directly with the heart, one will love and care for all things. It is that same love that drives me to help others as if their life is more of consequence than my own. Perhaps that is the importance behind the phrase... Another's life is more precious than my own. For surely that is love. Sacrifice. With love, James

Sleep is a bodily 'need', such as food and water. If you have ever fasted then you will know that it is about application of will power. The same is true for sleep. It's a case of 'mind' (for want of a better word!) over body. So, how do you increase will power? Like a muscle, it requires regular exercise. Will power is often linked to the third chakra... So working from the bottom, you need a strong foundation with a healthy first and second chakra so you can transmute the energy into the third chakra (and, ultimately, beyond). Furthermore, to apply the will power you need to have a clear mind that isn't prone to using your energy to fulfil desires or fuel fears - rather one that has a level of concentration that gives you the freedom to apply discpline to your self (self-discpline). This is therefore a two-pronged approach. You need to cultivate your level of concentration, which many seated meditation practices address (focusing on breath, mantras etc.), and you also need to cultivate your sexual energy to give you the strength to pull it off. I don't have much time as I could go into some depth, so I'll be brief. Build a good root: horse stance practices if you into martial arts, sexual practices, anything that brings you close to the earth e.g. gardening, etc. Build a strong second chakra: linked with adaptability so flowing movements, flexibility, etc. The third chakra is of the fire element. The most effective practices of which, in my limited personal experience, work with breath retention. I hope this is of some help. Love, James

There's joy and celebration along with sorrow and mourning. Gaining sensitivity of heart is key to finding something about life that's worth treasuring. Note that I do not mean this is a metaphoric sense, rather than one needs to become more bodily aware of one's heart, the physical organ or the chakra (whichever you prefer), to gain the understanding. Without that these are just empty words! Love, James

I've struggled with this everytime it rears its head. There are relatively universal elements, such as the concept of qi, its role in spiritual cultivation (not to mention, life in general), and quietude of mind. Then there are more specific elements, ranging from the varying cultivation methods (sexual, physical, mental etc.) to ritualistic practices and so much more.

Not a fan of this segregation in disucssion. One of the things I loved about the bums was that all sorts were discussed in the one forum. Alas, that is no longer the case. If a new Buddhist subforum were to be created it would be another forum I'd probably rarely find the time to read

Calendula cream. Works everytime.

I have a great respect for you, body of light, when you make clear your determination as you have done in this thread. I cannot admit to having read it all but I wanted to respond to a particular post of yours. Friends, family and other people in general give one's self the opportunity to refine. A kind word when faced with nothing but hatred, some money for the homeless man on the street so he can eat, the opportunity to heal wounds inflicted previously or presently. It is my understanding and experience that your own personal spiritual progress is linked to one's karma. It is with this understanding that I undertake both small and large commitments to other people and their well-being. As well as aiding them through their physical, mental and/or spiritual suffering, it also adds more fuel to my spiritual fire. This in turn leads to more compassion, greater energy flow, a dissolving of the boundaries that separate internal and external. To live with family, friends etc. is an opportunity to advance spiritually. Likewise is your chosen path. I would caution you not to become too attached to the experiences in other dimensions. It's possible to find the same suffering no matter what realm you find your perception in. Mind, it also brings the possibility of spiritual advancement. You seek wholeness, integrity and a healed heart. That is a cause for celebration! You are uncovering the path of the saint. Praise to you who wards of evil within your self. * bow * Follow your heart, brother. With love, James

No doubt about it. Forest gardening is the way to go

These might be of interest: A BBC Documentary called 'A Farm for the Future' (6 parts) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xShCEKL-mQ8 And re-greening the desert in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzTHjlueqFI Love, James

I'm assuming the person you're seeing is a naturopath. Enemas and juice fasts are common prescriptions in this field. Fasting is wholesome and beneficial. Juice fasting in particular gives the digestive system a rest and can bring vast doses of nutrients to otherwise sluggish organs. From experience, the amount of life force in a freshly juiced bunch of carrots/beetroots is phenomenal. I also assume you are creating fresh juices? This is certainly favourable to the bottled juices, which are pasteurised. Enemas are also beneficial. Home enema kits usually don't hold more than 2 litres and work with gravity. The risk of internal bleeding is so tiny under these conditions that I, for one, wouldn't think twice about it. Although I have no experience with these, the results speak for themselves when I see those who have had them. Bright, shining auras! Love, James

Homeless people are all different. Where I live, a large proportion of them came to the UK to find a "better" way of life. Some are Polish migrant workers that have failed to integrate into society here and been unable to find employment, others are refugees from Afghanistan or whatever place there is conflict. Then there are the locals whose luck run out - lost jobs, homes, wives and found a temporary liking for white cider. I see homeless females with black eyes and tears. I see junkies who would rob people if they had the energy. I see old men with olive brown skin who don't speak the local language. I feel for them. Whether they spend the cash I give them on booze, drugs or food is their choice. I simply give them a means with which, if they wanted to, they could help and nurture themselves, albeit for a short while. A long time ago, I learnt that you can only help those who want help. Most homeless people I see want help. Love, James

Bravo I found that even the intellectual discussions came to be of no use when I realised the time could be spent deepening my relationships and my spiritual practice. The ignore function and such voluntary breaks allow one the time one needs to truly grow. The arguments, judgements and intellectualism within this forum are reflections of my seemingly ceaseless mind. Spiritual practice is, after all, an individual pursuit. Love, light and happiness, James

There is another avenue you could try, heaven chi. Islam. The most effective practices I do in terms of protection are of islamic origin. The names of Allah are used in a practice called dhikr or zikr, the purpose of which is remembrance of God. Also, I have heard of sheikhs who use particular verses of the Holy Qu'ran to get rid of black magic. If it is your wish, I have permission from my teacher to share a simplyified but certainly no less powerful version. Send a PM if you're interested. Love, James

My understanding of Master Samael's spiritual practices is imperfect. I would like to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on the matter. In Master Samael's viewpoint the alchemy provides the raw materials for both the annihilation of the ego and the raising of the kundalini. The objective is to raise the level of one's consciousness for the benefit of all living beings. Sexual alchemy has been taught throughout the ages and what Master Samael did was collate and re-distribute sacred knowledge - of which sexual alchemy is only a fraction, yet a very important one in his eyes. Many 'masters' talk openly about the effects of ejaculation and the majority certainly advise caution, particularly if the emissions are excessive in frequency, and those who don't talk openly about it usually speak through actions (initiated monks are frequently abstinent). Whether one's belief is in ascended masters and demons or in the view that everything is 'mind' does not matter. The proof of alchemy - like all things - is surely in the tasting of the pudding. Whether Jesus taught it or not is irrelevant. Peace be with you, James

Thank you for your kind words, cat. I cannot, however, take any credit as I am painfully aware that my words were woefully inadequate. The problem is a multi-faceted one. There are some important issues that I neglected to address in my previous post. I shall attempt to rectify and clarify. Human existence is sandwiched between the inferior and superior levels of creation. Humankind has much potential, much of which is touched upon in numerous threads here about siddhis, compassion, love, hatred, etc. The situation that our brother, heaven chi, is experiencing is experienced by many, if not all, on a daily basis. Whether the affliction is bodily, mental, etheric does not matter. The situation is that there is much darkness in our realm. We are slaves to our egos which cloud our consciousness, causing us to sleep. The more one is attached to the darkness (both literal and metaphorical) the greater the opportunity for said darkness to continue its monopoly. Our experience is dualistic. There is good and bad, light and dark, etc. Thus, to clarify, the second aspect - that of death - has internal implications. 'I' am gluttonous on occasion, I swear, I lie, I deceive and much more. There are many of these 'I's in the varying levels of our subconscious. The nature of this legion of 'I's is to be selfish, to separate ourselves from the whole. If one consciously changes one's ways of thinking, feeling and acting it is possible to change the bad into good. This helps one to create fertile ground for the spiritual work - good karma. Declaring war on hatred, perversion, adultery, lust, gluttony, sloth, etc. within thyself is fruitless. Fruitless only if one does not cultivate love, chastity, justice, mercy, balance... This is the internal aspect of death as mentioned in the previous post. Darkness cannot grasp burning light. Likewise, there is an external aspect to the sacrifice I mentioned. Outwardly acts of love and kindness to the person will help too. A valid question. I recommended Aloe vera as that is what I have been taught to use. However, that does not mean that other elementals are not able to help. Where there is harmony there cannot be dischord. Black magic, as you put it, is imbalance whether it is intentionally created or not. Where there is imbalance within, there is imbalance outwith and vice versa. Therefore, if you create a harmonious relationship with your surroundings then you sow seeds for harmony within your interior. Care for the living beings around, such as those small trees, the weeds, the grass, the birds, etc. and you will create harmony in your surroundings. This is itself will act as protection against the dischord you are experiencing. Much love to you all, James

Darkness consumes, light conquers darkness. There is much you can do. I would suggest a three sided approach, in true gnostic style: birth, death and sacrifice. Firstly, give birth to protection. Get an Aloe Vera plant, take care of and look after it. With intention ask the elemental of the plant to protect you and your room/house. There are many other things you can do along these lines - pentagrams, talismans, sacred texts, incense, essential oils, etc. It's also import to consider the internal aspect of birth. Stay healthy, practice intensely (love for all, breathing exercises, concentration exercises... But being a fellow bum you probably do this already). Second, death to the attack itself. Considering your development, I would suggest that you invoke God/Masters/Angels or whatever you are comfortable with to help. Always invoke in the name of the Solar Light, the Christic force. Devotion from the heart is imperative, it's sincere as the heart cannot lie. And lastly, sacrifice. Breathe in through the crown chakra, breathe bright white pure light. Inhale it down to the heart and hold the breath. Let the fire in the heart burn and, with a strong intention of love and forgiveness, concentrate on the being you suspect sent these entities to you. Hold until you cannot any more. With the palms facing away from you, visualise the person and send with strong will this love and forgiveness. Peace be with you, brother, James

Looking forward to it Will see you at 5am... Lol, tired thinking about it!!

Avaaz rock my socks. I've been donating to them for about a year and signing petitions for much longer

This forum is about cultivation. Both astral projection and gaining control over the five elements, within and without, fall under this topic. Here's the description of the forum: "Transcendent, mundane, talking through the middle. Taoist, Buddhist, Non-sectarian cultivation discussion." In addition, both setting fire to things and astral projection are results of Daoist cultivation, although certainly not its 'goal'. Yours, James

Not exactly slow cooker recipes, but damn tasty http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/recipes/favourites/one-pot/ Enjoy!

I've recently come across Miracle Mineral Supplement/Solution (MMS). The claim is that it kills all bacterial and viral infections... Herpes, 'flus... You name it. Here's a couple of videos for those of you who don't know about it: I've been on MMS for a week now. I take it twice a day and am slowly increasing the dosage - currently 6 drops. Can't stand the taste but if this can get rid of my occasional cold sores then it's worth a try I am curious to know if any of you out there had tried it before and what your personal experience with it was? Peace, James

I currently practice sufi meditation, jurus and KAP's qigong set. I'm glad you asked me why I stopped the main reason for stopping was the noise I would make when in what I think is the third posture - lion's roar (that's from memory... The one where you stand upright, with the arms up and breathe out through the mouth). I was living with flat mates at the time and, other than being somewhat self-conscious, I didn't want to wake them!! Also, at the time I was very much experimenting with spiritual practices and a regular bum on the forum. I've now settled on my practices and frankly can't fit any more in my day! It's a truly awesome practice though and I do miss that spring in my step and, yes, the postures get easier. I remember it would be easy one day and difficult the next - it really sorts out energetic problems as well as muscle tension. You're doing well keep it up! Love, James

Not knowingly. And, of course, I too am sceptical. But you never know unless you try it out for yourself! So that's what I'm doing it does sound a little too good to be true but the science is pretty simple. It's an oxidising agent - chlorine dioxide - which is used in water treatment plants to kill bacteria. Getting rid of my cold sores is not the issue here but putting an end to them once and for all is. Non, from what I've read and heard about MMS is that you shouldn't take it with any antioxidants. My understanding is that you should take it some time after a meal. Did you use it to get rid of a fungus? Did it work well? Peace, James