.broken.

I have regularly wondered about the relationship between the two 'worlds' (for want of a better word). Like your school of Daoism, I too think of it as a yin/yang seperation and relationship. What confuses me is this:- Much of what I have read mentions that the dead also go to what you call the Xiantian world, where the Yang Shen live, before being reborn. Are my sources correct in what they say? Also, I have read the experiences of some 'enlightened' people who say that after the realisation of one-ness, comes the realisation of the void, or wuji. Is the centre of your Taiji symbol that void? I have a very heavily scientific mind. All revolves around logic and experience/evidence. As such, I have always accepted evolution as the most logical explanation for how humans came about. However, I am well aware that there are two quite seperate places to view things from: as a part of time and as outwith time. Meditation/Cultivation lead us to living in the moment. By being in the moment all we experience is just that, experiencing one perpetual, timeless moment. This is what I meant by living outwith time. Living as a part of time is clearly when the mind is scattered and attaching to various thoughts. Leading to the so-called illusion of past, present and future. Evolution, in my opinion, is a valid explanation for the part of us that is within the 'illusion'. As is the big bang, the formation of star, galaxies, planets, etc. What caused the big bang? Well, that's a great matter for debate which I shall not delve into now. Two very contrasting perspectives, I am sure you'll agree. Even these two perspectives could be viewed as two seperate polarities, just as with the Houtian and Xiantian realms of existence. And it is just that. Those that bridge the two realms can see why both views exist. Be they based on 'ignorance' or 'truth' does not discredit their validity as both have their place... or if you will, their relevance. To say that one is correct and another isn't pulls a switch in the minds of those who hear/read it. They will either believe, or they will sit in the middle balancing the two options, or they will dismiss it immediately (and all the shades of grey inbetween the aforementioned stances). We are talking about people's beliefs here, and they are so precious to us humans. Beliefs give us stability - if a belief is proven wrong by direct experience many will deny that it ever happened or their whole world view gets torn down. That, Li Jiong, is what I believe you are getting at. Being open to the ideas that threaten your stability, being open to the ideas that shake the very foundations of your ego, being open to the concepts that make you defend your attachments... That is what it truly means to have an open mind. And, as Li Jiong said, it is the attribute to keep an open mind that speeds up spiritual progress. Yours perpetually, James

Amen

I was standing in the wuji stance, about to begin my taiji form, in front of a line of trees once. I started to hear silent whimpers. It was clear that they were watching me. After I finished my form, I stayed nearby and strange things happened. I started to receive insight on many aspects of my life. Quietly, I focused on my breath and more flooded in through my root and crown chakra. Simply beautiful. I thanked them, though they remained humble. Yours truly, James

Chicken??

Think he may've gone to the bookies and placed a bet that he would lose?? He probably scooped more in winnings!

Lol, to live up to a stereotype... For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow For he's a jolly good fellow!! And so say all of us And so say all of us, and so say all of us

In my understanding, it's all a matter of faith. To have faith means to have absolute trust. Now, if your faith is complete, a stage is reached where you surrender everything. Ego et al. Yes. It is all about surrender. Just as it is all about faith, trust and love. They are all slightly different angles of viewing the same step. On a more personal note, I was once told to surrender when the time came. My ego couldn't resist the idea that this was psychosis, yet my intuition told me differently. A spirit guide, a reflection of self, or whatsoever it was, I knew it was there to help. Hours later I was naked before the divine all-pervading light. Simply no 'I' to witness, simply no differentiation, simply no knowledge of the body. Heavenly bliss. Upon my return to my body much happened. But my ego was tested - I was asked to surrender to the divine and go into retreat for 5 years. Alas, I failed the test. My ego kicked in kicking and screaming like a small child. I wanted to help those who had helped me, to show them my love and to help them to grow. I left that plane after hearing the whispers of, "He's not ready. Let go." If only 'I' had surrendered. Yours, with much love, James

This is one 'army' you may want to join Stay evergreen, James

You're very right. Not all can be saved. In fact, if I remember rightly, current estimates claim that some 150,000 are dying from climate change each year. But I do not think that is what BigJon wants to do - we are human and are only capable of so much. As you well know, there are simply too many people to be sustained by the resources Mother Earth has made available to us... so saving them would actually be contradictary to what we are trying to achieve. Some of us are here to ensure a smoother transition for what will remain of humanity, as opposed to saving all those that currrently dwell on this planet. Whether that be by preserving knowledge, preparing for an environmentally sustainable future and researching methods to make it a reality, warning those who will listen of what may come. Many have a role to play... you clearly know yours And for that I am grateful. I had the experience of being awoken by Mother Earth about 15 months ago. Awoken, not in the sense of enlightenment, but in the sense of being informed that I am here for a specific purpose. I know of her anguish. Like you, I am doing as much in my power to help - though I would be the first to admit that we have different approaches. Yours, with much respect, James

Rex, that is almost exactly what I was looking for, although be it from a slightly different approach. Very appreciative. I shall study it well and use it as and when the need arises. Loke, thank you kindly for pointing me in the direction of a teacher. When the time comes I shall recall that name and seek out his teaching. That is what intuition had told me. I am so glad that you have that feeling of gratitude. I believe the dead can only truly rest when they let go of their material existence and those left behind let go of any negativity toward that person. You clearly have no negativity at all, and your mother was keen to pass. Heh, I can tell you hand on my heart that she smiles when she thinks about you too. She was graceful in life and so she is now. Shontonga - I cannot help but feel that staying present is all-pervadingly important in all spiritual work, including that of a psychopomp. I am very grateful for you mentioning that no two methods of psychopomp work are the same... is this because everyone makes a teaching their own? Or because of something fundamentally different in the approach they take? I am very keen to hear of any experiences you are comfortable to share with regards to this. I pray that you all go where your hearts desire, James

Would these be archived? I only have limited internet access, and downloading these daily would simply not be an option for me... weekly, maybe. Either way, I look forward to listening to what you have to offer Yours humbly, James

I've oftened wondered about this, not just with siddhis but with the experiences along the way as well. My gnostic teacher mentioned that silence is the way forward, for he lost many of his siddhis by telling people about them. From my perspective this seems to be self-inflicted, for if you truly believe that will happen it eventually will. But, I remain open minded... perhaps there are karmic reprisals for those who share their experience... Btw BigJon, your travelling vast distances at great speed siddhi sounds remarkably useful and, I'll be honest, pretty cool I thank you for sharing. Yours humbly, James

I saw the following written on a beautifully graffiti'ed wall earlier today: "Bombing for peace... ... is like f#@!ing for viriginity." Simply genius

My presence in this board is thanks to the community that resides here. Much has been learnt from this board by the conversing and discussing of different practices and philosophies. One can learn something from everyone, and I can tell you honestly that I have learnt much from you all whose posts mine eyes have seen. I rarely respond to praise, for, as I said in a previous post today, acts of love are a matter of course and seek no admiration. The acts are simply grateful for being seen as an example. Yet I wish to thank you both for your kind words - the thanks I receive act as support and encouragement along my path which, in turn, humbles me further. I wish for you both, and all those here, that the opportunities to further you cultivation arise when the times come. There is a phrase in Dutch which reads, "Ik ben met jouw eens." It translates best as I am at one with you [on this matter]... and that, Smile, I am In regards to this thread, I truly believe that focusing on now is key. I give my thanks to Mother Earth every day and let her know that my intentions are to heal her and to help turn humanity to her plight. Yours, with respect, James [Edit to correct Dutch grammar]

He made it clear that he wants to charge for it and he also gave reason. There is no hint of a fear of resentment in the words that he used, simply a statement of fact that it would be unfair to those that had already paid. I have no argument here - I merely act out of compassion. I empathise with those who wish to free themselves from samsara at no cost, I can see the hypocracy of wanting to survive coming disasters for those already immortal, and I also empathise with Li Jiong for he has cultivated diligently and faces criticism for earning a little income in spreading his teaching. Yours truly, James

I sensed your disappointment which is why I gave the little guidance I could, and please know that I made no judgement as to how far along your path you are. Your need for clarification is one with which I can identify. I have found it to be quite necessary after doing a lot of ground work and upon knowing that I have finally settled somewhat upon my own path. Please know that very few people practice from the book, Taoist Yoga. The book has been discussed on this forum a number of times and many find it quite imcomprehensible and nowhere near as much of a how-to guide as some may've hoped. I wish you well in your continuing cultivation. But I would beg you not to write this forum off as unhelpful. There are many cultivators here with deep insight and others with a great wealth of knowledge. Yours, in humble adoration, James

That would explain my love for the axe, and of camping too I have difficulty 'seeing' my human incarnations - I believe it's because there is much karmic exchange involved in living as a human, more so than a plant or particle. Yes, I agree. This is something I learnt thanks to Vajrasattva's entry onto this fourm... rooting is of utmost importance. I hope that one day we will meet for a chat over some tea. Yours humbly, James

Why are the no casinos in China? Because they hate Tibet

artform, I wish to thank you wholeheartedly for sharing your experience. I can understand why your mother thanked both you and your brother, I also think you may've helped in more ways than we can know. I can honestly say that I never read your story in the other thread, which you seem to claim I started, and I had great pleasure in reading it. Such experiences of others are what I find inspirational. To use a modern turn of phrase, you don't just talk the talk, but you walk the walk. Love brings us to do extraordinary things, yet these things are done not for admiration or to fuel the ego, but selflessly and as a matter of course. My question was more about the esoteric side of guiding the newly deceased. Guiding them like an angel, to use Christian terms, to their destination. However, I was asking after this in self interest - to further my own knowledge. Your story made me realise that such knowledge is not necessary for there is so much that we can achieve on this plane of existence, without travelling to others. Mind if I ask you a question? When you think about your mother's passing, do you smile in knowing that she passed so willingly and with those she loves around her? Thank you very much for the book recommendation Spiritual_Aspirant. Just found a 2008 edition on Amazon UK and have feverishly added it to my 5 page long wish list May love light our paths, James

My sincere apologies that I did not see your reply earlier. Lol, I am beginning to wish you were closer to me too Such guidance would be immeasurable. I do have glimpses of previous existences.. particle, tree, and what even appears to be the birth of the universe (is it cyclical??). Honestly, I can not tell you how long I have been meditating for... Contemplation seems to come to me naturally, I have practiced this since the youngest of ages. I am still young in body, but - boy, oh, boy - I do feel so very old. To give the answer that I believe you are seeking: I have made a conscious effort to meditate for the last 4, or so, years. Alas, I cannot even claim to have stuck to one particular practoce as I find is regularly encouraged. Yours, James

The book translated by Charles Luk? Initially I was unable to make head or tail of it, and have yet to return with a diligent attitude - that, and a notepad I am sorry that I can be of no help in this instance, however I can point you in the direction of another member of this forum, drew hempel. If my memory serves me well, he has mentioned on some occasions in the past that he has practiced some of this book. May your practice be fruitful, James

I would like to add pride, ignorance and bruised ego to my previous list I have recently become aware that I have all three - one entwined with another. How beautiful it was to realise them for what they were when they arose earlier this morning I still have a beaming smile inside from the realisation. Just as fear can help us cut through, I have found the same to be true for the bruised ego. The thought occurred that having more of these delusions was a reason to be saddened. How wrong that thought was. I now know that to recognise them is the greater gift. I cannot thank you enough, durkhrod chogori. This is not the first, I doubt it shall be the last, time that your input has been a great contribution to progress. May the dharma be passed from one to another in the ages to come!! So many teachers in one place on this vast wide web of information. A jewel in the crown. If this forum has not yet been added to StumbleUpon I shall do so with great haste. Yours in meekness, James

Thank you for clarfiying the matter, guangping. You have clearly done you research. I have seen many contributions you have made to this forum and look forward of those still to come!! May every moment smile with you, James

A very humbling comment indeed. Thank you kindly Yours, James

There are many current schools of thought and philosophy about how to progress spiritually. Yet they all boil down to changing the body and/or mind. Which I believe shamanism is all about. The only differences seem to be time and place. Cultivation is about reaching beyond these two, from the perspective of the seeker... To reach an experiential connection with the all-pervading and all-knowing. Humanity and life force. Yours humbly, James [edit for grammatical error]