Maddie

The Buddha would often tell his followers not to cling to his physical form because to do so was missing the point of the Dharma. I think this is why early Buddhist art does not depict him very often.

I could be wrong, but what I think Apech is arguing here is that the reason it seems that Theravada is the closest to original Buddhism is because of the work of Ashoka, and maybe it is actually closer to that. Not saying this is correct or incorrect but maybe what Apech was saying in his hypothesis?

No, there is no benefit, only suffering. Be kind to yourself :-) <3 Compassion is the answer, not judgment.

Guilt. I'm not judging you, just identifying the issue.

You've clearly not been to a third world country and seen all the people on the street that desperately need help then.

Nothing is better than "I heard this on the internet somewhere so it must be true" and "trust me bro"

But then again he also doesn't seem to think a degree and medical license in TCM mean anything either.....

Obviously

Some people in their clinging, cling to their suffering to the point that they refuse all suggestions of ending their suffering. To the mind and the nature of clinging, we tend to prefer what is familiar rather than that which is good often.

Where can I sign up for this big gay disco? :-)

Actually I said that stress and over exertion are what deplete Jing faster. "Burning the candle at both ends so to speak". * there is an app called "Better Help" that makes finding a therapist very easy and affordable.

Yes same thing, and that is the version I do.

I agree

I apologize for nothing except being hilarious lol. Luke you did nothing wrong *this forum used to be filled with interesting people and interesting discussions. Now there are a lot of Z gen's that get triggered by farts and giggles.

I think if they do it 8 times a day and they are not a teenager there is probably a sex addiction and therapy would be advisable.

Is anything I say going to make any difference anyway?

sounds like there's some unresolved guilt issues in relation to sexuality to deal with there. Were you raised in a very religious family?

I can't speak for what Apech might have intended but what I had heard before was that the statues of the Buddha and their veneration began after contact with the Greeks, thus making it more of a religion as opposed to a personal cultivation and liberation system.

There's soooooo many things I could say, BUT I'll stick to the most relevant one. As a doctor of TCM, having a degree in it, and practicing it for several years now I would say this qualifies me to have a professional opinion on this.

All I do is say the mantra. Sometimes I just listen to it.

It almost sounds like you're saying Ashoka was the Buddhist Constantine? I find this interesting for several reasons, but I'll refrain for the moment. What do you base this upon?

I'm honestly not sure which version I do. I do not do mudras.

Interestingly enough about a month ago we thought we were going to have to close the clinic and then I started doing lot of Zhunti mantra and now things are picking up a bit.

My main practice is "mindfulness of mind" from the four foundations of mindfulness. I observe what is in there.