C T

And you think such conclusions are going to make us happier? How we perceive others is a direct reflection of whats happening in our own make-up. Anyway, why should he take the fall for our own shortcomings? Tis wise to examine our own limitations, eliminate them, and then reassess our world views from that point, dont you agree? If we make it our duty to seek out dirt, then even in the midst of the most sanitized environment we will sure to find some. Thats like paranoia you know? Reminds me of those Health and Safety Officers that call round to do their inspections of commercial kitchens - no matter how clean the place is kept, they will sure to find some thing that does not meet their standards. Its a tough job that one. Have to absorb enormous amounts of neg vibes.

Intolerance is the root cause of much of the world's pains. "Volatile" is a good description of those with little or no tolerance. The slightest agitation and their equilibrium is displaced, causing much distress for themselves and others. Unable to contain their disgust for what they see as major "failings" in the world, they assign scapegoats to give more meaning and reality to their vision. Unfortunately the Pope seems like an easy target for people to direct their frustrations at.

which way does he flow? the way of least resistance with natural ease..

That is one of the best quotes i have ever come across, Forest. Thanks so much. Superbly profound and very precise. Thank you again. May i just ask if you think there is a subtle difference between detachment and non-attachment? One of the ways i perceive detachment is that it is the willful act of the withdrawing, or shutting off, of oneself from a situation or condition, whereas non-attachment to me hints at one being fully integrated into a situation/condition, yet is not burdened nor overly affected by such things as fear, anticipation, worry, and other common factors that seem to weigh the average person down. Your thoughts? _/\_

only what you brought care less for any baggage swiftly the hawk flies...

I like your vibes Kate...

Non-attachment is a state of mind. One can be in the midst of life and yet have attained the realization that all things are transient, unsatisfactory and non-self. These are the 'monks' and mystics that blend well into society, in the world but not of it, so to speak. Some people can afford to leave everything behind and lead a hermit's existence, yet carry with them their mind-burdens even though they are far away from the cares of the world. Better are those that live daily with the stress and strife, yet whose minds are unfettered and unaffected by the tedium. This is the radical challenge of the modern-day yogi. Its easy to leave, yet when the mind is tamed, there is no difference between that or this. Where we are is the perfect starting place to begin looking into the true nature of mind.

breath and nitrogen dwindling supplies - need caution ration the in-outs...

twinned....

smiling from above reflected in the puddle 'neath the empty sky..

I think by 'erase' the OP meant 'untwist', or undo, purify, release.. almost the same meaning. What would you recommend as a practical means to untwist one's past actions 3Bob? What would this entail, if i may ask. You mentioned faith. Are there any other methods one can employ to purify one's memories of the past? Regrets, guilt, that sort of thing. Your thoughts? Thanks. In all sincerity, MH, i would love nothing more than to sit down with you over endless cups of tea, so that i may partake of your wisdom, and learn of your ways that lead to contentment and freedom! Warmest wishes are sent your way, dear friend.

Karma is simply 'actions', and not 'retribution' as some may assume. In many ways, Karma is linked with cause and effect. So its a universal truth, not a concept that is restricted to some eastern philosophy. Karma is very positive. It enables change. Without karma, positive deeds and thoughts will not have any fruits. That would be very unfortunate. Imagine how sad life would be if all the good that people do just disappear into nothing. Karma, whether one believes in it or not, is very fundamental to daily life. We all perform actions. That in itself is karma. But it goes a little further, and says that these actions will ripen at some stage in our development, or evolution. They are like seeds. We sow good seeds, we end up with good harvest. Very simple. Just remember that thoughts and intentions are also forms of subtle actions. They too carry with them the seeds of consequence. It is very proper to be mindfully aware of thoughts and intentions before they are expressed physically. This way a lot of unnecessary problems can be prevented, before they get a chance to come into existence. This is very good karma indeed.

My ancestors were all Buddhists from Sri Lanka. My grandfather, father and myself are all Buddhists. Its our heritage and tradition. I have met (lost count) and spent time with many Buddhist teachers. Some sit in Full Lotus alright when they perform certain practices, but most do not - even some very senior monks and lamas i have met do not believe that Full Lotus is a prerequisite for "Enlightenment". I am amazed that Drew, a man of such intelligence, could ascribe to the mistaken view that its the only way. Yes posture is crucial. That cannot be denied. But more than physical posture is the value of "posturing" the mind. Full Lotus is the symbolic representation of a disciplined mind and body, one that is stable and not easily moved by external conditions. While it does enhance the flow of subtle energies, it is not the only contributor.. there are other factors that need to be integrated during the whole process that finally leads to perfect liberation from 'self', with the final factor being that one would have to let go of all attachments to all forms, all dharmas, and even the notions of there being a 'self' that reaches enlightenment. Someone that says Full Lotus is fundamentally significant and cannot be separated from the practice is deluded, and is showing signs of strong attachment to outward forms, which is in direct contradiction to some very basic concepts that makes Buddhism unique - one of which is to rehabituate one's tendency to cling and attach strongly to things, Full Lotus being an example. At the end of the day, it is not so much what one does "in meditation" that counts - it is the posture and mindset that one remains in outside of meditation that really is the key to transformation. One of the aims of practicing meditation is to unite the being to a point where the individual no longer needs to separate between formal, disciplined meditation and everyday living - in other words there will no longer be a difference whether one is "in meditation" or "out of meditation". All distractions will have been dissolved, so at that point, it really is time to let go of all kinds of practice. If one is unable to let go, then even the noblest practices become a hindrance, just like the analogy of the person who after crossing the stream on a raft continue to carry it on his back. While a lot of the things Drew says are absolutely fascinating and insightful, its my view that his strong attachment to the vital import of Full Lotus is flawed, hence it is only right that this had to be pointed out lest people get the wrong picture and make the mistaken assumption that its the be-all and end-all of the path towards emancipation, with nothing else to do except sit in Full Lotus. This is definitely a wrong view. It would be great to hear the opinions of other experienced meditators on this. Wish you all the best in your practice TF.

I like Chinese and Japanese flute music very much. I think you do too, so here's one for you! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QqdY-8SL-g I'm sure you will have a generous flow-in of contributors so i will resist adding a long list of songs here. All the best YB - cool name by the way. He was my fav kung-fu actor in my younger days!

Hey Folks, http://www.bhavanasociety.org/index/ A friend sent on this link about a Theravadin Buddhist Monastery in West Virginia, under the guidance of Bhante Gunaratana, one of the most venerated Buddhist monks alive today. I have heard many good words spoken about this teacher. To give you an idea of this man, here's a short talk he gave on Youtube called "What is Samatha/Vipassana?" : The center regularly runs free retreats all year round. Just had a look at their schedule, and it appears very full until summer. Their next open weeklong retreat (called "Mindfulness") is on the 10th of July. For those who live close to West Virginia, or who may be interested to attend group retreats or do personal ones, it might be an idea to check this center out. Looks like a really supportive environment to spend some time exploring and deepening Meditation and Mindfulness practices. If anyone have had the opportunity to visit this monastery, attended any retreats there, or had listened to live talks given by Bhante Gunaratana, please share your thoughts and reviews here. Thanks.

Indeed, sir.

Hey there 3Bob! It is my understanding that "Buddha nature" refers to the seed of enlightenment that is inherent in all sentient beings, meaning that all beings in all the realms, have the potential to attain Buddhahood. This is a very cool concept, because as one's observations become more profound thru practice, we can actually discern how true this is in everyday life. Even animals display this nature, and they do so effortlessly. It is us humans who tend to over-analyze things and hence lose sight of it very often thru having missed the first truth of the Eightfold Path. For some reason, we call this "intelligence"!! In a sense you are right then - this intrinsic potential can not be altered by anything, nor is it bound somewhere - its always and freely accessible, no matter what part of the wheel one is in. One of the purpose of the wheel is to show the principle of cause and effect. This law is applicable to everything that is inside the wheel, regardless. Perhaps this is the *limitation* you referred to above. Even enlightened beings within the wheel of life are subject to this law. While they are in this physical realm, they are still prone to old age and death, which is simply the law in operation. For example, Jesus, Son of God, while in the body, had to comply with this principle. So too, did Gotama, and countless other enlightened beings. Moreover, those who are not of the physical realms are also subject to it - for without this wheel, those that are caught in the upper or lower realms will not have any opportunity whatsoever to attain Nirvana, which is the total extinction of the idea of being, or ultimate release from bondage to the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. According to some teachings, the Noble Ones who realize ultimate cessation of this bondage have a choice whether to remain within or to leave this wheel of life. Those that leave for good are said to have entered parinirvana, like the historical Buddha, but those that choose to return, or remain inside the wheel are then called Boddhisattvas, selfless beings who can act skillfully for the benefit of all other sentient beings. This is their one and only altruistic intention for generating ultimate Boddhicitta. I did not see anything you said to be out of line with my limited understanding of Buddhism. All the best!

No wish to debate with you sir. Different tools for different schools, i guess!

This is only a budding Boddhisattva L7 ! One who is fully liberated will no longer be bound by even the subtlest hints of the 3 poisons. To such a one, saving a drowning child would be no different from say getting dressed in the morning, or sneezing for that matter ! You need to play more poker i think! hehehe... I understand your emphasis though. What i described above is realization without any more taints or remains. The highest ideal, but not unattainable, though the paradox is its not attainable either!

silent but deadly these stealthy beans, like ninjas flush these thoughts away..

This would indicate the cessation of further karmic imprints too, would it not? My understanding is that if one is still clinging to even the subtlest notions of a 'doer', this will still continue to give rise to karmic impulses. When actions are performed without "self consideration" there is no longer karmic propensities in those actions. But most of us will tend to reflect back on our past actions, and it is this reflecting upon the past that gives rise to the notions of a "self" who performed good/bad deeds, causing a stir of the karmic winds again. But Boddhisattvas perform actions that has no past, present or future causes/effects since they have transcended all dualistic notions of self, space and time. So for example, when a Boddhisattva saves a drowning child, and after doing so, can just carry on as though that act was no different than say lifting a child thats just fallen off a bike, or spontaneously giving up a seat for an elderly person. This i believe is the essence of equanimity.

I remember when i was a kid my mother gave me a stern warning that if i were to smell some kind of sweet fragrance while out walking at night, and there was nothing around that i could see could be the source of that fragrance, then the odds are that there is a 'manifestation' or 'spirit' nearby, and that i should not verbally acknowledge or exclaim how nice the smell was, and to just keep my eyes down and walk away. She said that by acknowledging the smell would be like some kind of invitation for the 'presence' to hang around the person, and might be troublesome. Just recollected the story when i read this post, and thought it would be okay to include it here.

Hello Stigweard, It is my belief you did not really mean to bring in that example of the Chinese taxi driver accosting newly-arrived passengers. We know you were in China recently, and perhaps the memory is still pleasantly fresh in your mind. On the off chance that a Chinese Taoist taxi driver were to browse this site, he may find that remark quite off-putting, even offensive. If my dad was a taxi driver, i would certainly raise an eyebrow reading that. With due respect, i hope you realize what i am trying to say. Peaceful regards.

G'day MH! How are you doing? Came across 2 videos that might interest you. Its made by a NewZealand chap, an ordinary guy, but one who has a few interesting ideas about life and the nature of reality. You may be interested to check out his homepage as well cos he has made a few related clips that are equally as interesting to ponder over. I assure you he is not a dogmatic individual; The way he presents his views, to my mind, is very practical and worthy of consideration. I think you will enjoy his perspectives very much. (I found the sound slightly muted so i had to put on the headphones - hope it'll be okay for you.) All the best!

As truth, by a child with popcorn stuck in the hair and mud spots on nose...