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it would actually depend on the limited availability of definitions if there's a disagreement, i think

some things never change

In the more profound stages of mantrayana, although there is no reference to immortality, its however possible to learn of a practice known as the 'xyz'. According to this sadhana, it is said that humans are limited to 21,600 breaths per day (pro-rata due to the age factor - the older one gets the faster one uses up the given no. of breaths, up to a point) over the lifespan determined by their individual karma, so one who engages in the above practice basically learns to master the breath thru this 'xyz yoga', which, if done correctly, will effect a decrease in the rate of breathing, which corresponds to an increase in lifespan. I believe there's a similar kind of practice to be found in Taoism as well, although im not sure of the specifics. Note on 'xyz yoga' - This yoga is classified under Highest Yoga Tantras, therefore must apologise for not being able to reveal the name of the practice due to ethical reasons.

With clear comprehension (sati-sampajañña), the elaborate conceptual construct called “Self” is effortlessly surrendered to awareness, and there is the spontaneous opening to the latent potency of self-liberation. ~ Paramito Ladakh ~

Ordinary people do not question the commonly accepted version of reality. They conform to the standard values of subduing enemies and cherishing friends and family. Materialism, ambition and mundane achievements are the worldly hallmarks of success. We experience the phenomenal world and our minds as solid and truly existent. Very few people doubt these assertions and question their solidity. Yet, the process of disbelief is the first step on the spiritual path. ~ Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche ~

While suffering might be one of many motivating factors, we can deduce the nature of its existence, or non-existence, by contemplating on the nature of mind/body/speech habits and how these habits impact the way we approach practice. In my opinion, joyful effort is a better motivator than suffering. The end result matters.

Its simple, but not many want to go explore and try to invalidate/validate the true or illusory existence of a manifested solid self that experiences all the different things mentioned. Not implying that the experiences are false - all subjective experiences are only as real as one's habitual ways of looking at them.

Dissolve the solidly-held views of an independent self, and the siddhis will reveal their secrets effortlessly. Both are in the nature of illusion. While most know that about siddhis, most dont know that about the self. That is the point of conflict. Where conflict is, there is no possibility for siddhis to manifest. Every aspect of the path towards the cultivation of liberation must be harmoniously blended into knowing exactly what 'liberation' is, and what is to be let go of in the process.

I know... humble apologies, dear friend. _/\_

According to the older folks in our family, bitter foods are exceptionally good for blood detox and to purify marrow. My fave bitter veg is the Bitter melon (aka bitter gourd). The smaller Indian variety is super bitter, and super yummy when made up as a curry. The milder, bigger variety from SE Asia is great for soups or stir-fries. Love it. apologies for veering the steering

Supposedly the creme de la creme of the fish sauce world. For some odd reason its not available in Ireland. I find the Thai sauces too pungent and salty, but my restaurants continue to use them as they are the most economical. At home, I use Korean fish sauce. Personal favourite - not overly salty and only mildly pungent. When I have time i usually make my own umami-filled cooking/soup stock with all natural ingredients, like seaweed, dried shiitake, marmite, roasted pork bones and dried shrimps or anchovies from Malaysia. One of the most expensive umami ingredient in SE Asia is conpoy (dried scallops). Adds a unique flavour to pricey chinese soups. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conpoy

"Humour allows us to see that ultimately things don't make sense. The only thing that truly makes sense is letting go of anything we continue to hold on to. Our ego-mind and emotions are a dramatic illusion. Of course, we all feel that they're real: my drama, your drama, our confrontations. We create these elaborate scenarios and then react to them. But there is nothing really happening outside our mind! This is karma's cosmic joke. You can laugh about the irony of this, or you can stick with your scenario. It's your choice." ~ Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche ~

I always thought a large proportion of sea-sourced umami is derived from seaweed. Kombu, to be exact. Combined with shiitake, the flavour is almost similar to what is available when using bonito flakes. And significantly more economical too.

Dont bother me at all. Like when i go camping in the islands off Malaysia - bugs and mosquitoes, snakes and centipedes -endless nuisances, but there are things to do, places to go, shooting stars to gaze in the twilight, things that bind the spirit and make the heart sing, so yeah, dark with the light, and all that.

That is the point I was making. Disband the superficial niceties; dispense with the false smileys. There is a culture developing now where people are defining themselves, and others, by the number of facebook likes. People writing sweet words, being nice to one another on social media, simply to stave off dealing with reality. A culture of niceness brewing nicely, indeed.

What gave you the impression that i even support the idea of being nice? There are lots of unhappy people who try to be nice everyday without much conviction, who pay lip service and forced by economic circumstances to be 'nice'. Being nice can promote victimhood. Dont be nice - practice being kind instead, without expectations and not under economic spells.

I was being nice

Some people will protect themselves no matter what - distrust is a deep-seated emotion. Not all the time, but it can be that sometimes maintaining a neutral demeanour is the highest form of 'nice'. Inside remain neutral, outwardly practice kindness. Thats my advice to myself.

Im not sure...I dont think just believing in the tenability of it is sufficient to make people nicer. What makes people nicer? IMo putting in the effort to cultivate the methods. Training the mind on the Paramitas. That makes people nicer. Yes, it seems to be a common practice here where threads are started and abandoned almost immediately by the OP. Maybe admin can think of something to prevent serial abandonment - its a nuisance.

aww shucks..

2018?

“Around us, life bursts with miracles – a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles. Eyes that see thousands of colors, shapes, and forms; ears that hear a bee flying or a thunderclap; a brain that ponders a speck of dust as easily as the entire cosmos; a heart that beats in rhythm with the heartbeat of all beings. When we are tired and feel discouraged by life’s daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh