RiverSnake

When i don't use a cushion my legs fall asleep. Also using one is more comfortable and helps me sit for longer. The only way i might stop using a cushion is if i could do full lotus....but i don't see that happening any time soon...so i cush. Sitting on a a chair and standing are also very good practices. -My 2 cents, Peace

Ya Mu is just the screen-name for Michael Lomax. He's a bum on the site and a Qigong Instructor

Yep, was gonna say the same thing. Got a cord that needs cutting. Ya Mu talks about this in his book if your interested. Also just out of curiosity what is your practice?

Varun Mudra is supposed to trigger the Water element in the body. I use mudras in my own practice in order to help balance out areas i feel deficient or imbalanced in. http://complete-education.blogspot.com/2008/12/jal-vardhak-or-varun-mudra.html

I thought there was a Buddhist missing.

http://obe4u.com/files/SOBT.pdf

Thanks for the recommendation Seth. Might just check out his stuff. He gives away the book on his site for free as an e-book...while its 30$ on amazon.

Robert Bruce has several books on the topic and practice.

Lol...Kung Fu Panda is one of my favorite movies

Agnosticism has always been my bag. Great video.

One thing you should understand when practicing any form of esoteric self-cultivation is that you are entering the realm of the Subtle rather than the Gross. It can seem boring at first but the subtle can be quite blissful and will reward you in a deeper way then anything from the gross sphere of life can if you give it a chance. In the system of Chi-Gung i practice the teacher says that you should give the system about 100 days. Practice consistently and daily for 100 days and if you derive no benefits then throw it away...its of no use. In your post it seems like your experimenting with Spring Forest without giving the system the adequate time and dedication that it needs. I challenge you too suspend your disbelief and practice for 1 hr everyday for 100 days. If you get no benefits then i will agree with you that the system is garbage and you should toss it out. -My 2 cents, Peace

Do what's natural for you.

Been wanting to read Hercules. Thanks for the review.

Interesting thread. How do you even know that this stuff isn't a bunch of mumbo jumbo Gerard?

Interesting video

Wow, what a great metaphor, i'm definitely already in the pull. Thanks

It takes practice. The more you meditate the better you get. When i was initially starting my practice a useful tip i found was focusing on something in order to still the mind. Some people practice candle gazing...or you can just draw a symbol you're familiar with, stick in on the wall and just stare at it. The goal is to keep your gaze fixed on the object without blinking or losing your concentration. When you build stability in this then meditating without an object to focus on will become easier. -My 2 cents, Peace

I have no experience with Awakeing Kundalini or any practices that focuses on that area. However, one thing i can say with a level of confidence is that whatever experiences you have do not try and hold on to them...this is coming from a state of fear...just continue the practices that brought you to there...obviously you are getting some benefit from them which is furthering your cultivation. If you have questions about the process of Kundalini awakening process i know that Tao Semko does video's for people whom ask questions on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/user/KAPvids

No one in their right mind would want to suffer. But that's the problem....people whom are unconscious of there own unconsciousness are bound to suffer due to their own lack of self-knowledge and being pushed through life by their constant fear and avoidance of pain. In a way....every one on the path is a bit crazy because we thrust ourselves into the pain and turmoil that comes from walking the path. We go through the Heroes Journey in order to grow past our limitations. IMO the juice is worth the squeeze -My 2 cents, Peace

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I suppose a good example would be when blessing water or a meal. For example lets say you want to imbue water with the quality of love, purity...etc How do you imbue these qualities without imputing qualities, visualization and emotions from one's personality into the actual intent and still get a result...that is effective? Many practices such as Bhakti Yoga are very powerful because they use the emotions as a power to transform and manifest ones deepest self...but if i understand correctly the desire is to go beyond ones perceived self. It is a difficult subject to talk about. -My 2 cents, Peace

IME when you truly internalize a truth then it becomes a part of you...you no longer need to think about "applying it". The truth solidified in oneself naturally unfolds without thought. This is just something that takes time and needs to unfold naturally through deep experiences of such. -My 2 cents, Peace

Self Knowledge is better than super-powers. -My 2 cents, Peace

Wanting to help others when they have not made the personal choice to heal is in my view just another attachment forged by the ego...though one cleverly clothed in our best intentions. Jeramiah said it best. Just gotta let it go and give to those whom are ready to receive. -My 2 cents, Peace