C T

The Dao Bums
  • Content count

    10,544
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    100

Everything posted by C T

  1. Is rigpa really that simple?

    This thread is not about thogal.
  2. That sums up the indispensable role of the guru which TI is questioning Jax on. I do get what you are saying, and its ok too but one needs care not to allow pride and arrogance to seep in with such a mindset. There is much emphasis on guru yoga in Vajrayana as a whole. Devotion is largely responsible for sustaining the bridge that you mentioned above. Thank you for the added clarity.
  3. I think i get the point you are trying to make above, but in the context of 'direct introduction' it has been explicitly stated in Dzogchen texts that the guru is indispensable (in pointing out mind essence, which is basically 'rigpa'). Not saying it cannot happen any other way, or in other traditions, which may appear to be the same thing, but just be clear then about the terms and meanings behind them. Dzogchen is a very specific practice after all.
  4. Britain and the European Union

    I can see the big guns in China and the Mid East, perhaps even Japan, gleefully rubbing their hands in lieu of the prospect. For one thing, they are free of mass migration, and may even have 'helped' funnel the flow towards these shores. There you go, says them, your babies. Lol
  5. Yes, that is possible, worshipping whatever one chooses along the way, but naming it 'god' or whatever one finds greater than self is thus limiting the endless possibilities, i think. Im not against worship, nor reverence, just as such things can and do often happen in dreams, especially for those who have awaken a spiritual connection. Just as in your example, the achievement is the yogi's merit, and thru the medium of the butter lamp he crossed the barrier, yet, if given the same butter lamp to someone else, its simply a butter lamp. As Jax mentioned earlier, reification of any sort is ultimately self-defeating.
  6. Divine is a word used by those still asleep when they chance upon anything they dont understand but resembles an unearthly/otherworldly manifestation. Its all just in the mind, like a dream... nothing is sacred, divine or profane in dreams, is there? How many times must we read the phrase 'dreamlike existence' before it finally registers? For example, light is light - there is no need to label it 'divine light' as if there is a type of light that is non-divine.
  7. Britain and the European Union

    Except for the goriness of the last bit, i had similar thoughts this morning while scanning the news. Who can say for sure that Britain will not reapply to rejoin the EU in a couple of years. Its hazy at the moment. Lets just hope its just a cathartic reaction which will in time find its own balance, but there are simply too many variables in the present equation.
  8. Perhaps its best for all concerned if we just concentrate on our own practice. I think Jax is capable of taking responsibility for his own actions, however they manifest. Same goes for us all. Not sure what ad hominem you are referring to. The only semblance of this seems to be from you.
  9. Most Dzogchen enthusiasts are not interested in the training aspect of the path. This is the undoing of most who have been given a glimpse of the View. They dont realize that even gifted tulkus have to undergo years of study and familiarization, accumulating and growing the strength of both 'wings' of the path so to say.
  10. Haiku Chain

    for dat memo pause a reconciliation aligns the three times
  11. Britain and the European Union

    This was all the rage today (well... not 'all' really but it did heave some publicity anyhow) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/eu-referendum-brexit-immigration-what-it-means-facts-live-updates-newspaper-advert-leave-remain-a7095191.html *If anyone's interested, I think ITVnews are covering the counting live over the next 12 hours or so. *edit +
  12. Haiku Chain

    to raise my spirits i feast with gods and demons sharing cheese and wine
  13. Haiku Chain

    anarchist as man arachnid as Spiderman which would you prefer?
  14. Haiku Chain

    life springs eternal yet there's talk of tea and scones on the other thread
  15. Eternal youth & physical immortality

    I'd rather not indulge in hypothetical assumptions myself, but sure, if others would allow themselves the luxury of entertaining various notions surrounding physical immortality, and depend on such notions to guide their practice, then that is their prerogative. Moreover, its not necessary to believe in immortality to observe a clean and simple regime that ensures good physical health, but at the same time, to have the mental readiness that good health does not equal longevity. A doctor friend of mine, an old schoolmate actually, died about 2 years ago. He just collapsed one morning while out on a routine morning cycle, something which he did everyday. He was relatively fit for his age (51 at that time) - perfect lifestyle, diet, mental & physical wellness, materially comfortable... http://www.star-telegram.com/living/family/moms/article3830000.html
  16. Eternal youth & physical immortality

    Not sure i understand the question sorry.
  17. Britain and the European Union

    http://anotherangryvoice.blogspot.ie/
  18. Eternal youth & physical immortality

    On Dao Bums one sometimes get a sense that Taoist enthusiasts, especially the younger set, actually believe physical immortality is possible, and they aim to fulfil that under misguided notions - no wonder we often hear of people here losing their balance as a result of simple misunderstandings.
  19. Is there a need for company?

    Wonderful question I'd like to suggest that one who is free of neurosis (which is basically what an enlightened mind is) ought to be okay in or away from all forms of interactions, human or otherwise. However, before this freedom has been permanently established, it is possible to take advantage of such interactions to hasten the process. Those who can support this process can be spiritual friends and wise mentors, or even 'enemies', those who push one's buttons... maybe even more precious as they are able to reveal the state of one's inner being rather quickly, more so than buddhas even.
  20. Database error

    Still getting intermittent SQL errors. Anyone else?
  21. Just for those who might want to google stuff they read here, i think the above is a typo (we all make typos btw) that Jax may choose to verify, but im quite sure that's 'Simhamukha', or specifically Dakini Jnana Simhamukha.