C T

The Dao Bums
  • Content count

    10,544
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    100

Everything posted by C T

  1. Haiku Chain

    has solved that problem no more messiness around clear light and rainbows...
  2. Haiku Chain

    tell me, what is it? first letter 'el', ends with 'e' no, its not 'louie'...
  3. I think its very direct, just not immediate perhaps, and thats why the pause could create the illusion that karma is not real.
  4. Haiku Chain

    uncork some kickass the new wine from Down Under turns one upside down...
  5. Mind your Manners, not Mine

    the chainsaw was invented, and every woodcutter clapped their hands gleefully. No more blisters and tiresome, repetitive sawing to and fro. Now forests have been decimated. Some perspectives are unfortunately blunt, while others may take quite some time for the implications to be fathomed.
  6. Haiku Chain

    lest it be piddle exactly what the dog does lamp post to lamp post...
  7. Haiku Chain

    Now future is past no use crying for Bombay they don't need your heart...
  8. Haiku Chain

    your TTB life flashbacks to days gone AWOL skipping on the beach...
  9. Hot Tea

    It has been whispered quietly (to me) that astringency levels could be reduced if you use a Tokoname teapot to brew your tea in. Apparently Tokoname is the only kiln that still produces hand-crafted teapots! And the specific/unique iron content in their clay is what makes their teapot magic for reducing astringency. Hence, for any serious tea connoisseur, i'd think it might be worth checking out/investing in a Tokoname kyusu. Kanpai!
  10. Haiku Chain

    seldom know which, why what, when, how, if, but, because profound randomness...
  11. Haiku Chain

    I speed through the gates yes, they tolled both collectors shipped them off to Guam
  12. Haiku Chain

    beastiary heaven where pumpkins pimp their Bimmers celestial highways...
  13. The meditation freak out

    When facing temporary struggles with your practice, its ok to drop your routine and do self-Tonglen for a while (at least). I find it usually helps to lift the gloom and bring about an almost immediate boost. Its like getting a dose of energy drink (in a formless way). Anyone can do Tonglen, not just buddhists. Have a read here: http://www.naljorprisondharmaservice.org/pdf/Tonglen.htm Wishing you peace and happiness.
  14. Haiku Chain

    with flickering smile burning candle in my mouth a sight to behold!
  15. Haiku Chain

    witches flying by be watchful, as the days pass halloween draws nigh
  16. Christian Mysticism

    I thought Christ is Son only when he became flesh. What about before manifesting in the flesh.. maybe there is room to consider the Word (in the beginning before being made flesh) as the Holy Spirit as Jeff mentioned. I can see how its not hard to see it this way since the Trinity is essentially One and not separated. (sorry for interrupting)
  17. Haiku Chain

    religion of doubt when my socks have holes in them all doubts will vanish
  18. Haiku Chain

    they cost a fortune dentures from copenhagen glow in the darkness! (many thanks to Iskote for the correction)
  19. Generally speaking, there are plenty of opportunities available to get into the sort of environment mentioned in the OP. One of the best ways is to get into a work exchange program in some retreat centre (usually lasts from 6 months to a year, but could be indefinite if one has an exemplary skill set or craftsmanship). I did the above for 18 months in a Tibetan buddhist retreat centre. I had initially wanted to do only 6 months, but the opportunity to extend the stay was available, and i accepted it. They had a hostel on site, and one of my duties was to look after that. It was a most interesting experience -- lots of hard work when its busy, but i also got a lot of alone time where i would spend in a splendid meditation hall/shrine room overlooking the ocean. It was marvelous. Being a chef, it was also part of my responsibility to assist in the kitchen whenever there was a retreat, and also, sometimes would be seconded to cook for visiting teachers in their cottage. Lots of perks whenever i get called to do this as it meant getting to have private chats, teachings, and also it was a very eye-opening experience to engage with them in their space. For all of the above, i got a free bed, free meals, and also received a token wage. It was pittance, but enough to subsist on. Dont expect to get rich. I would suggest going on a bit of a fact-finding mission if this is what interests you. Websites of retreat centres would usually say if they are looking for people to work and practice there. If you are planning to look at Europe, Try Plum Village, Lerab Ling, Samye Ling, Jampa Ling, Findhorn Foundation, Dzogchen Beara, and Sunyata Retreat Centre. Afaik, these centres accept 'volunteers' from time to time. Afraid thats all the help i could give at this point.
  20. Chundi mantra

    While its good to understand the meaning of the mantras, the chant itself has the effect of invoking primordial energies hence its more efficacious to use the original sounds and tones. What the mantra means (first of all) works to bring change on the surface. Secondly, the invocational sounds and tonal accuracy works to rewire habitual conditionings, and also to still the mind when the mantra is dropped. This way, the mental space is made conducive to receiving the energetic implants that comes from the third benefit of chanting, which is to: Cause a radical shift in habitual thoughts, feelings, speech and deeds. This works on the 'secret' level, from the inside out. Henceforth, the effects cannot be fully received when mantras are chanted in English (or any other language other than the original).
  21. Haiku Chain

    those with pastel shades looking cool in the summer time colorful sun shields...
  22. Poetry thread (post your poetry here)

    within this labyrinthian ruins of the mind doth i create the fabrics of eternity casting shadows across each drape and fold darting forth, here and there seeking that which was never lost frantically, i hurried on my way. one morning as i lay half asleep a dream did i have of worlds so vast unfathomable thru lifetimes suddenly i awoke with a start i realized the discontent which plagued me day upon grueling day and crimsoned nights of high revelry this eternal search was no more than nought and, from that moment on i search no more.
  23. Give thanks for the pain. One of the best antidotes to dissolving knots and other unpleasant physical effects is to develop a genuine grateful appreciation for them. They are your salvation, your ticket to transformation! Look at these as some kind of growing pains, only this time you are maturing a spirit, not a body.
  24. Haiku Chain

    from nature's dairy cheese-makers churn calcium blocks funny its called 'cheese'
  25. Haiku Chain

    no need to scramble when you can poach a salmon no one is watching...