C T
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Everything posted by C T
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I think Rainbow Painting is excellent as an inductive guide to the 'higher' teachings. Generally, the reader would know after reading Rainbow Painting a couple of times if they get a sense that they can take their understanding further. If affirmative, then the next step would be to find relevant short retreats or workshops to try and integrate the study, followed by seeking refuge and doing the prelim practices (Ngondro). At this point, relevant to the prelim path, the book i find to be (one among a handful which is) excellent is the Ngondro Commentary http://www.wisdom-books.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=1744 Once the Ngondro has been initiated and done for a period of say 6 months, its safe to assume that the practitioner would already be in a good place to intuitively know what other books and texts would be relevant to help further strengthen the practice. Some of the better ones are already in your list above. Flight of the Garuda is an excellent resource, imo... really, very very good. Another one is The Practice of Dzogchen (see bottom of this list) http://www.wisdom-books.com/Subject.asp?PG=B&SHID=13&SID=86 Warm blessings, and enjoy your reads!
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Coool list there! Guess what? My first 'Buddhist' book wasn't even buddhist The two books which were pivotal to getting me started on the Buddhist path is 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' followed by 'Illusions', both by Richard Bach. What a ride it has been.... This still gives me goosebumps..
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And neither was I. The idea about the shirt is perhaps to instigate a rethink as to how reassessing the values we place on terms and labels could lead to a freedom from neurotic tendencies. Death, Life etc are after all connected, and how we view the process determines whether we will be able to free the self from being obstructed by limiting ideals ~ these ideals are the exact causes which bind us to concepts, percepts and assigned priorities ~ many of which are the direct causes of said neurotic patterns. Finding a right spiritual perspective and developing a healthy practice thenceforth is done in the hope of deconstructing these habitual tendencies, leading to some level of freedom from neurosis. Assuming the practice works, the gradual disintegration of these negative patterns will happen, and when it finally hits us (AHA!!) we get to perhaps laugh at how silly we have been for thinking that we have been fooling ourselves for such a long time by existing confined within the perimeters of words like life and death.
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Ever bought a designer shirt? What constitutes the shirt's intrinsic, fundamental value? Most people think its the label. Its as if the shirt 'dies' a little (or a lot) if the label were to be removed. Still there, tangibly present, wearable, but somehow there is a feeling like its devalued and cheap. Isn't life strange? Labels, values, attachments... 3 crucial things we need to re-assess periodically in order to remain on top of the game. Ever imagined what goes thru a pro-surfer's mind as he or she sits on the board anticipating the arrival of the one ideal wave? Something inside has to die for this person before he or she can awaken as the wave finally arrives. What comes alive? Definitely not the bounded, thinking mind. What dies? Definitely not the expanded, intuitive mind. Last Question: At which point does one mind ends and the other begins?
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An ideal example of chanting the Dharani -
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Two extra 'weapons' that will (in all probability) drive away any 'ethereal baddies' Artemesia - - http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/ayurveda-health-wellbeing/1090843-ghosts-little-late-maybe.html and Divine Camphor - - http://mayaanjali.hubpages.com/hub/Divine-Camphor From experience, i would add that anyone who thinks he/she is under 'serious attacks' should avoid DIY, GIA (go it alone) type of exorcisms. Seek out those who can do work beyond the three or four dimensions... i am thinking maybe someone who is capable enough to do a bit of muscling at the 5th or even 6th dimension... otherwise it all boils down to nothing. Serious.
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Steve Jobs.... visionary. In 2005, at a commencement ceremony in Stanford, he had this to say: "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." Words from an inspired and inspiring Buddhist. He is still around.... Parts of Steve J will always be in people's lives.
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Hi Seth, Getting to this point of eating only one main meal a day was a natural unfolding, so it does not hamper my practices in very noticeable ways. I still carry on as normal, even when i'm doing liquid fasts. I think it only gets difficult when we force the body to conform unnaturally to drastic routines. Its good to simply keep to the basics like listening with keen awareness how the mind directs the body, and act accordingly. This way the chances of harmonizing intent with action is greatly enhanced. It all comes down to realigning new habits so that old ones peel away without any forceful rejections. Anything done with force, no matter how subtle, will leave traces of trauma which gets picked up and then tends to repeat itself, which then nullifies all previous good efforts and one has to start again and wastes a lot of time and energy in the process. Hope you can understand what is being said here. In many ways, doing prostrations regularly stimulates the body-mind to clear away the old stuff and prevent new unwanted stuff from accumulating and sticking. Try it out yourself! I think you will reap the benefits very quickly. Great blessings to you, my friend.
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Yes, i believe this is achievable ~ how far one gets would depend i think on one's level of mindfulness towards food and other nutritive substances which one takes in daily. In other words, beyond simply watching what one consumes, its good to know the whys and the hows (which means to watch closely and make necessary changes to one's habits and approaches towards eating and drinking). Also, increasing mindful attention brings about increased motivation, will-power, and discipline ~ all pertinent qualities in the quest for any self-transformative experiences.
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There's a very effective Chinese herb which is specially good for women. Been trusted and used by generations of Chinese women all over Asia as a blood tonic, rejuvenator, nourisher, and is reputed to increase heat in the body over prolonged use. Link here for further info: http://len7288.hubpages.com/hub/Medicinal-Benefits-of-Dong-Quai I would advise getting into a routine of sipping hot water as often as possible, even during the warmer months. Over time (slow but sure), this will alter your body's metabolism and may bring about positive 'heat' increases when you need it. How long before you experience the desired effect is quite dependent on various factors... makes a difference when you can use de-chlorinated water for boiling. Never did any scientific research in this regard, just sharing from personal trial/error experiences. Maybe others with a penchant for scientific facts can chime in? Naturally, tradition dictates adhering to common sense practices, like eating right, sleeping well, and maintaining a well-disciplined exercise regime (if you can learn to do prostrations they are extremely beneficial!). All the best!
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Anamatva's suggested regime sounds perfect! I fast regularly, although nowadays, because i have reduced intake to only one full meal per day, there's no longer the need to practice complete abstinence ~ what i do is on fasting days only liquids are consumed.... sometimes its just water, other times clear/light broths, like miso with a bit of seaweed and three or four half-inch square cubes of tofu, maybe five small cups over a 12-hour period. Preference is for the latter because the body seems to thrive better with a bit of nutrients inside. And in the warmer months, i do juices at times, substituting for water. Prunes, lime, berries, apples, pineapples, papayas, grapes, mangos, coconuts, bitter melons, celery, carrots, beetroots, mint - some of the choice ingredients which can be used to make delicious cocktails with! Depending on the season, i would say its safer to stretch the lengths of the fast during the colder months if you choose to because generally speaking we seem to do less and rest more in autumn/winter time, so the body can do with a slightly reduced nutrient intake. In fasting, its quite crucial to know what kind of body type one has, whether one's constitution is generally warm or cool. If cool, then the practice when coming out of a fast is to avoid intake of substances like chilled fruits, yogurts and cold beverages. The idea is to ease out slowly with warm cups of soup/broth, herbal teas, ginger infusions, stuff that re-introduces a bit of warmth back into the body first. Otherwise there is the (possible) susceptibility to catch some bug that may be floating around just waiting to pounce on a weakened immune system. Lastly, the rule of thumb in fasting is to listen well to what your body says. Never force it to over-extend. If at any point during a fast where you feel unsure whether to carry on, you ought to withdraw from it immediately. No need to feel guilty or anything stupid like that. Just try again the following week and gauge the results. It takes practice, and Remember ~ make it a fun experience.
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This will be the last week I'll be on for awhile...
C T replied to Aaron's topic in General Discussion
Sorry to hear of your temporary setback, Aaron. Please don't let this be a factor in determining your worth... Cherish all challenges as opportunities for greater things. Many fabulous souls were once homeless as well. Jesus and Buddha never had a permanent shelter for themselves throughout their later lives. Found a list here of 'famous' individuals who have experienced homelessness at some point - http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/lists/homeless.html Chin up, my friend. If you are badly stuck at any point, you could always look for retreat centers which sometimes offer shelter in exchange for voluntary work. No dead-ends in life - this is my belief. Two Irish brothers i know of sadly did not see it this way. One took his own life in April, the other in September. Both were in their forties, business owners, had a good life, good home, and families with kids. Why??? Life has no guarantees... fundamentally, we can possess nothing, so in this sense, we are all homeless. Wishing you peace, hope, and equanimity. And much blessings to the cats too, may they be well. Keep us posted when you can. -
Hi Sun, That's the official website of Buddhist center in Latvia. I am thinking it could be a convenient location for you should you want to explore Tummo from an authentic source. But its up to you to feel the connection. If there's even small doubts, dont go further. Anyway, they might not even be willing to initiate anyone into tummo as an exclusive practice without getting some verification that such a person is ready i.e. have done the necessary prelim practices, or is a Dharma student. SO if you think you are ready, then have a chat with the people there, if not, look elsewhere... its not like they are the only ones who know the practices. There are so many commentaries on the 6 Yogas but the one by Glenn Mullin is reputed to be the best, according to various feedbacks i have got. Yes, tummo is part of my practice to get all warm and toasty, as Seth puts it very nicely :lol: (Did not learn it from that Latvian center though). The issue i have around this practice is it increases my sex drive to extended levels, and this is sometimes good and sometimes not so... Yeah, tummo is a very good practice even if one's goal is not enlightenment. There are many side benefits to be got, like very good physical and mental health, ease of ridding body of toxic substances, no weight fluctuations, ease of sleep, speedy healings of ailments in self and sometimes in others as well.
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Tummo.... Serious, demanding, grueling, dangerous, precarious, etc etc.... but oh so rewarding! If you do decide to dive in, please, please, get personal guidance. Please.... There's no written material out there which can actually take one far enough so that the hazards and pitfalls can be sidestepped. With this in mind, i can (with slight reservations) recommend two reference books which i know will definitely set the stage for gaining a deeper insight and perhaps help to initiate a start to the practice, albeit not enough to empower and direct the reader to the level where only a qualified teacher can do. The 2 books are: The Bliss of Inner Fire by Lama Thubten Yeshe, and The Six Yogas of Naropa by Glenn H. Mullin (both available on amazon) Helpful link when you decide to look into finding personal guidance: http://www.healing.lv/en/232/tummo Please approach with eyes wide open, Sun. Its not a practice to be taken lightly. All the best, and may you proceed with the blessings of all your accumulated merit.
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Om Mani Peme Hung Hrih.... Om Mani Peme Hung Hrih.... Thank you so much, Jetsun, for opening this thread in honour and remembrance of Khandro, a true saint of this age. _/\_ A rare moment ~ http://lotsawahouse.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mp3-khandrola-100-syb-remix-5.mp3 ~ of Khandro chanting the 100 Syllable Mantra. I think it was recorded towards the end of her holy life here. May it benefit all beings ~ may it water the seed of compassion in all beings. Om Benza Sato Hung
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found an interesting illustration today - http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T6WW-N-nfpI/TMt3sLDB-bI/AAAAAAAAB7M/W_mUfTSTk-Y/s1600/Mind+Works-Application+of+Mindfulness:Insight.jpg
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Refuge, to the man, is the mind, refuge, to the mind, is mindfulness - - the Buddha
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Acceptance can be a useful model, yes. Its useful in dealing with most of life's circumstances, but as one moves away from the mundane and into the spiritual, especially in the areas of contemplative practices, the idea arises of exploring whether one is able to maintain a view which is free from both acceptance and rejection (or free from extremes, to put it another way). Hopefully, one will realize that its not really necessary to discriminate which is better ~ the aim is of course to simply remain watchful, but this takes practice. So, to a certain extent, we can agree about the futility of trying to affirm or negate views, but in my projection, it points to the idea that acceptance need not be a factor since one cannot accept something fully without negating something else, in a subtle sort of way.
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Fair dinkum, folks. How right is Right View? The Bija Sutta lends insight . Take it whichever way you want, and therein the fruit awaits. Anything which is affirmed will yield results accordingly. Anything which is negated will also yield results accordingly. How does one go about reaping auspicious fruits while simultaneously reducing accumulated karmic plaque? The Bija Sutta points the way. Hint ~ i found that the meaning (of the sutta) crystallized when i reflected on it while maintaining mindfulness of a steady breath flow. Try it out!
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This is why there is such an immense body of teachings within all the buddhist vehicles which addresses the question why there is rebirth, and all these teachings point to one word: Attachment, that which breeds fear. So many different practices one can take up while alive to learn how to cut the illusion of attachment. People misunderstand and get frightened about this concept of cutting attachment, thinking that they will have to become passive and indifferent, stoic and hard like a rock ~ such perceptions are not predicated on a premise of truth. What is apparent to those who train in mindful awareness is the understanding that by cutting away the roots of attachment, all forms of relationship, whether with self, with others, without self, without others ~ one ultimately experiences freedom from all forms of dependencies, which in turn leads to genuineness and true freedom (from paranoia, delusion and neurosis, basically states which prevent people from being fully alive while alive). When these negative tendencies dissipates and gradually lose their grip, the natural result will be a transformational state of calm and fearlessness. Seeing and tasting this calm and sense of fearlessness is of course not enough, which is why training is so crucial ~ it begets familiarization, eventually leading to stability of view and conduct, which is the crux of practice. Of course death is painful to everyone, but the main thing to remember about the Dharma is that it reminds us that pain is never the cause of suffering, its the desire to want to prolong life, to avoid the miseries of old age, disease and fear of abandonment which are the actual causes. And believe me, nothing is more precious to you than your breath. IF suddenly you happen to experience a temporary loss of ability to breathe, trust me, the last thing on your mind would be parents, things to be fixed, and so forth. Meditation with breath brings a variety of benefits other than the more obvious ones generally spoken about.
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For those who are established in mindful awareness, each in-breath is a training in living, and each out-breath is a training in dying; As each cycle completes, there is a bardo.... it is in that space that liberation awaits. With the final out-breath, for those who are established in mindful awareness of the cycles and cessations while alive, well-trained, familiar in the intermediate states, then fears of change and the unknown will not arise, one leaves burden-less, as if falling into deep sleep.
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Bodhipaksa says, "Faith is not a belief in things that have no evidence, but confidence in our ability to move in the direction of greater freedom and happiness." Dr. Martin L King Jr. ~ "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase... just take the first step."
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Hi Arab, Here's a link (with much gratefulness to Bodhipaksa of Wildmind) which extensively details working with Mantras (including some very helpful answers in the comments section. Some of the queries/answers might actually shed some light on your recent experience). http://www.wildmind.org/mantras/method
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Perhaps you might have intuited correctly, Manitou! An article i just picked up today ~ http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/24/worldupdates/2011-09-24T034731Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-595140-4&sec=Worldupdates (could be relevant here.) Anyway, its good to see you again after your little hiatus. Its nice to stand back once in a while just to gain a bit of perspective. Hope all is well with you... :)
