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'course you do... everyone does, and that's why the world's a mess today. Everyone wants to experience abundance thru asserting their right to take what they like, say what they like, do what they like.... screw others... your needs first before others, right?

Oh, i agree with you here unreservedly. Healers can well be handleless spades too, sometimes even bigger ones than those they think need healing. Never have i idealized healers, especially not the self-proclaimed ones who only make incognito appearances here. I think this is fairly obvious. Its also fairly obvious Taomeow felt she needed some good mental spanking, appropriate perhaps, only in the interim, and may not be what she would desire on a continual roll. Yes?

I suggest that the OP retract the discriminatory remark directed at homosexuals, and other defamatory ones too against Seth. I am not gay, but have no qualms to voice my objection when i see a group being discriminated against based on their preferences, sexual or otherwise. And Hundun... tis strange, but for a supposedly high-level healer (as you claimed) how come you still stoop to the level of mocking others... i think its quite distasteful, not to mention, it shows a lack of respect for your own trumpeted status. I for one distrusts your claim simply based on this revelation. However, i do understand and accept the idiosyncratic and sometimes boisterous nature of some crazy yogins, but this in no way imply that i think you may be one (and i'm not being condescending here) - even if you are, that's not an excuse for poking fun at other's lack of whatevs. I think you owe the OP an apology.

Driven by desire and karma, the mind incessantly seeks new forms/objects. While in the body, that is the platform used, through which the gross senses are utilized ~ at death, another platform is accessed, another set of faculty forms, albeit subtler, and so on. This can be observed in the various stages of human 'growth' as well, from birth, to maturity, to adulthood, and into old age to death. Here is a well-written article (entitled The Soul in Buddhism) which expands on the above: http://www.arrowriver.ca/dhamma/soul.html And a bonus article on the same subject: http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/karma.html

The Buddhas in the world-systems in the Ten Directions Bring to mind the perfection of wisdom as their Mother. The Saviors of the world who were in the past, and also are now in the Ten Directions, have issued from Her, and so will the future Ones be. She is the One who shows this world [for what it is] ~ She is the genetrix, the Mother of the Buddhas.

I guess you could say i'm kinda stuck with teachers (are they sages? Perhaps some are, and others are pretty regular folks on the surface) who remain faithful to more traditional lineages. I do read some of Osho's works but again, not a big fan, but what do i know. For more contemporary teachers (how would you say it, who tend towards a more laissez-faire approach) i tend to relate more with someone like Mooji or Adyashanti. A couple of sample YT talks you might like: (Adyashanti) (Mooji) Be radical, but not foolish.

Was never fascinated by the likes of Anka and that 'The Secret' crowd, yet i can accept their place in the word and would never label these folks as newage retards. Where's the source of the aggressive stance?

This company specializes in aiding those experiencing difficulties in mobility due to injuries etc. http://www.hanger.com/orthotics/services/WalkAide/Pages/WalkAide.aspx

This question did not materialize from nothing. There is a motive. This motive was propelled by some past energetic imprint. What reincarnates is this specific energetic force which propels the mind to seek incessantly, usually for meanings and familiarities. When these forces are pacified, not thru knowledge, not thru analytical thought, but through habitual release of self-clinging, then the causes for the migrating energies are cut at the root, resulting in the cessation of clinging to a gross existence. The form still exists, but no longer will there be attachment to it. Maintaining a constant attitude of non-attachment is the key to removing the belief that one is a victim of karmic forces, which then results in the removal of the sense that there is an 'i' which is subject to birth and death.

"Psychologists talk about people who are co-dependent because they dont have a sense of self. What psychologists mean when they say a person has no sense of self is very different from what the Buddha meant by no-self or selflessness. People with psychological imbalances actually have a very strong sense of self in the Buddhist sense, although they may not in the psychological sense of the word. Psychologically, they dont see themselves as efficacious individuals in the world, but they have a very strong sense of 'I' : as in, 'I am worthless, etc.' When they are criticized, they dont like it. They get into co-dependent relationships to please or to protect this 'I'. When they fall into self-loathing, their sense of an inherently existent self is very strong. Thus they still have self-grasping even though they may lack a psychologically healthy sense of self. Buddhism recognizes two kinds of sense of self. There's one sense of self that is healthy and necessary to be efficacious on the path. The object of this sense of self is the conventionally existent 'I'. The other sense of self grasps at an inherently existing self that never has and never will exist. Within Buddhism, when we talk about realizing Emptiness, we're negating the false self, this self that we cling to as inherently existing." (Lama Thubten Chodron) "If one has a mistaken view of an emptiness, equating it with a vacuity which is nothingness, this is not the ascertainment of an emptiness. Or, even if one has developed a proper understanding of an emptiness as merely a lack of inherent existence, still, when the vacuity which is a lack of inherent existence appears, one may subsequently lose sight of the original understanding. This vacuity then becomes a mere nothingness with the original understanding of the negation of inherent existence being lost completely. Therefore, this is not the ascertainment of an emptiness either. Also, even if the meaning of an emptiness has been successfully ascertained, but the thought, 'This is an emptiness' appears, then one is apprehending the existence of an emptiness which is positively objective. Therefore, that consciousness then becomes a conventional, validated cognizer and not the ascertainment of an emptiness. The Condensed Perfection of Wisdom Sutra says, 'Even if a Bodhisattva realizes, "These aggregates are empty", he or she is acting on signs of conventionalities and does not possess ultimate non-discriminating insight of non-production. Furthermore, 'an emptiness' is a negative [an absence] which has to be ascertained through the mere elimination of the object of negation, which is, inherent existence itself. Negatives are of two types: affirming negatives in which some other positive phenomenon is implied in place of the object of negation, and non-affirming negatives in which no other positive phenomenon is implied in place of the object of negation. An emptiness is an instance of the latter; therefore, a consciousness cognizing an emptiness necessarily ascertains the mere negative or absence of the object of negation. What appears to the mind is a clear vacuity accompanied by the mere thought, 'These concrete things as they now appear to our minds dont exist at all'. The mere lack of inherent existence or mere truthlessness which is the referent object of this consciousness is an emptiness; therefore, such a mind ascertains an emptiness". (HH the Dalai Lama) "In general, in many of the tantras of the new translation schools, there are no explicit or elaborate references to meditation on emptiness during the main practice, but rather to meditative states of great bliss. Although that is the case, still we do find emphasis on the importance of understanding emptiness prior to engaging in the practices of Highest Yoga Tantra, and the realization of emptiness is taken to be a prerequisite or indispensable factor for the successful realization of the stages of Highest Yoga Tantra. Otherwise, there can be no meditation on great bliss without the correct understanding of emptiness. As far as meditation on emptiness is concerned, there are two approaches: one is meditation that employs discernment and analysis, the other is meditation on the basis of settling, without engaging in the analytical process. Analytical meditation may support the great bliss of the Highest Yoga Tantra system, but in general, in the HYT of the new translation schools, meditation on emptiness consists solely of settling meditation. It is not explained as analytical meditation, because to engage in analytical meditation inhibits the arising of great bliss and prevents the attainment of subtler states of mind. Since it has this effect, analytical meditation is not practiced in this context". (HH the Dalai Lama) In the Eight Verses of Mind Training, it is said that the primary objective of recognizing the illusion-like nature of reality is to assist the practitioner to release conditioned clinging to a self, or, to free up mind-space so that should one's life were to end suddenly, one will not be stuck in heavy, confusing visions which forces the ethereal consciousness to then seek a return to familiar surroundings, of which the resultant outcome would be an obvious return to earthly birth, which not necessarily means of the human form. Weird indeed.

"If one conceives of 'self' then one must also conceive of 'other'. Attachment and aversion arise as a result of these two conceptions ~ of self and other. As a result of relationship accompanied by feelings of attachment and aversion, all faults are generated. It should be understood that the root of all these faults lie in this view: that the transitory aggregate called 'I' and 'mine' has an inherent existence." (commentary on the Garland of Mahamudra Practices by Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche) Being aware of the transient nature of existence goes some distance in developing Equanimity.

Words from a little-known philosopher, Paul Roubiczek (1898 - 1972). Title: Thinking In Opposites - The Particular Nature of Internal Reality. http://thinkinginopposites.tripod.com/chapter3.html "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding." (Prov. 3:13) "What is this world condition? Body is the world condition. And with body and form arises feeling, perception, consciousness, and all the activities throughout the world. The arising of form and the ceasing of form ~ everything that has been heard, sensed, and known, sought after and reached by the mind... all this is the embodied world, to be penetrated and realized." (Samyutta Nikaya)

It appears that out of sheer desperation, people's gullibility become heightened. Stopping bullets? C'mon.... It takes most people their whole lives just to come to the simple acceptance that there ain't no free lunch. By then, its almost time to start planning out how best to write one's epitaph in as dignified a manner as possible...

Well-thought out post.. good advice too. I find myself agreeing with your views here, Twinner, yet i can also see where Seth is coming from. Along the path to growth and well-being, there's bound to be the odd time where one comes to some sort of chasm which looks rather treacherous... what do we do? Some would advocate retreating and finding an alternative, perhaps safer route, while others would say 'jump and see what lies on the other side'. The thing is, the alternative route may turn to be one which leads to a more hazardous place. The way i see it, where self-grasping self is loosened, arising thenceforth the Right Understanding of non-attachment, then it really does not matter so much whether one retreats or freely dives forth where one finds oneself at each particular juncture. Without grasping, one will come to recognize that whatever one comes upon, such unfoldings are there as opportunities to increase one's merit, whereby such merits are not for selfish gains, but meant to be given/dedicated to the well-being of others. As long as one remains mindful of gaining something not just for selfish reasons, instead, for the good of others, then no matter what lies ahead, no harm will come to such a person. However, this may not be a pleasant path, because it means having the tenacity and wisdom to put others first, even if others here imply beings from other shores. Not everyone on the spiritual path wants to be a warrior though, although i can see Seth's position as one which strongly advocates courage, curiosity and fortitude, precise qualities which hones a fearless heart.

Sounds Delish!! Yummy! I love to cook with and eat swedes, a kind of turnip (or they call it Rutabaga in the US, and Neeps in Scotland). Highly nutritious and great tasting in soups! I like it mashed with potatoes with a sprinkle of black pepper, a bit of sea-salt and cubes of butter. Sometimes i would add some chives or scallions into the mix just for a bit of excitement! hehe...

Just found out today of the immense health benefits of Hawthorn berries, its special anti-oxidants effective in scavenging free rads that could damage the heart. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html Apparently the super-fruit which gives the highest ORAC readout is the Montmorency Cherry: http://www.kingorchards.com/health.htm I do drink quite a bit of the juice extract but its bloody expensive. edited to relink the page. Error rectified.

Haha i like what you said... whine more until he gets fed up! Some can do it this way too, why not? Personally, i think there's two ways to look at this dynamic: One, if a person whines mindfully, noticing all the patterns surrounding the onset and dissipation of what the whinging and whining is about, then that is helpful, in that the roots (or patterns) can be traced and then (hopefully) cut; On the other hand, if a person periodically whinges mindlessly, getting lost in the process, then such bouts could well drive the unhealthy roots deeper, until habits form, and from habits the karmic merry-go-round is set into motion!! Some enjoy the ride so much they dont know how and where to get off! Ever notice this? To conclude, i would generally agree that your suggestion could work, but it may take a long time. There are other more workable alternatives, imho.

Sounds dandy. Unfortunately it isn't so cut and dried. The flippant manner with which you dish out what you think is 'sound advice' will get people into trouble. Why? Because you make it sound rather hollow, simplistic... almost as if you are mocking the OP. And what's the deal with the cussing anyway? You trying to prove something here?

Depends on one's progress and realizations, one's level of attainment. The more advanced one is, the less one 'pays', until some point money becomes meaningless when getting deeper teachings or transmissions. Many teachers intermittently get teachings and transmissions throughout their lives - from secret yogis, siddhas and hermits living in caves... of what use is money to these beings, hidden among the mist and the bamboo groves in the mountains? Thumbs up to Scotty's and Informer's points!

All noble aspirations deserves to be encouraged, especially when it comes to wanting to progress oneself spiritually in order to benefit others. Since you have already decided you want to travel, and you seem to have the means, then why not just set sail and eagerly follow the wind, be adventurous, and see where your 'higher self' leads you? As per the norm, You might be filled with an extra load of expectations initially, some of which might turn out to bite you in the behind, but live and learn, right? There are many centres dotted all over India/the Far East (and in Europe too btw) where you can volunteer your time/skills in exchange for board and classes, so this proposed quest can be done without being too straining financially. Why not write to these centres to see what sort of options are available, and tell them exactly what you wish to give in exchange for what they can offer? Or you could write to some western teachers who have been down the road before, seek their advice and guidance? Two names i can think of off the top of my head is John Myrdhin Reynolds ( http://vajranatha.com/teaching/MahasiddhaTradition.htm ) and Matthieu Ricard ( http://www.matthieuricard.org/en/ ) They may turn out to be quite helpful if you have the affinity to form the connection where you are able to show your sincerity through your letters with them. Here's a couple of links that may be of use - http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0101/volunteer_in_dharamsala.shtml (this other one - www.mcllo.com - appears broken, but its google-able) Wish you all the best, and do keep us armchair prophets posted on your sojourns!

5 min video on 'what is enlightenment?' without the attached ISMs...

The past is already past - dont try to regain it. The present does not stay - dont try to touch it. From moment to moment the future does not come - dont think about it beforehand. Whatever comes to the eye, leave it be. There are no commandments to be kept; There's no filth to be cleansed. With empty mind really penetrated, the dharmas have no life. When you can be like this, you have completed the ultimate attainment. (Layman Pang) I like very much Layman Pang's quote... your words somehow reminded me of it. Here's what i can offer - Mindfulness is like using mind to penetrate mind, to bring oneself again and again to the present moment, until such time, after stabilizing one's effort to be constantly vigilant of how the world outside arise with thoughts, a day will come when the diligent practice of effortful watching will slowly diminish, to be gradually replaced by a new habit of effortless being. This is the zenith of mindfulness practice - from effortless being comes the cessation of notions of self and other, of dualistic view, which then helps cut the root of suffering. From the Manual of Zen Buddhism, there's this saying from Daio Kokushi: "There is a reality even prior to heaven and earth; Indeed, it has no form, much less a name; Eyes fail to see it - It has no voice for ears to detect. To call it Dao or Buddha violates its nature, for it then becomes like a visionary flower in the air. It is not Dao, nor Buddha, neither is it anything other than Dao or Buddha. Absolutely quiet, and yet illuminating in a mysterious way, it allows itself to be perceived only by the clear-eyed."

"The first cup moistens my lips and throat. The second cup breaks my loneliness. The third cup searches my barren entrails but to find therein some thousand volumes of odd ideographs. The fourth cup raises a slight perspiration - all the 'wrongs' of life passes out through my pores. At the fifth cup i am purified. The sixth cup calls me to the realms of the Immortals! The seventh cup... ah, but i could take no more! I only feel the breath of the cool wind that raises in my sleeves. Where is Elysium? Let me ride on this sweet breeze and waft away thither." ( Lu Tung on 'tea drinking' )

Feng Kan (circa 800 ce)... "Actually there is not any single thing much less any dust to wipe away. Who can master this does not need to sit there stiff."