RiverSnake

I see a simple sage looking up in awe at the infiniteness of the Tao.

From what i've read from your posts you seem to be a very hard-working person: enjoy the retreat. -Also its interesting to hear about retreat centers like this, i may us one in the future. -Thanks.

If i become a Buddha or reach immortality in this lifetime then perhaps i will feel that i am qualified to make such an argument as Ken Wilbur. Until then, i'll pass.

I've found this conversation quite interesting, thanks everyone such insightful contributions. Its always inspiring for me to see how esoteric principles can reach across cultures. Just ordered a book on runes that i thought looked insightful and got good reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Rune-Magic-History-Practice-Traditions/dp/1855381052/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3 -Also Sirius thanks for the book recommendation. I've often found the best books are those off hiding in the corner. -Thanks for the video 5elementao. I enjoyed it. The only thing i could think of criticizing was that wacky green shirt! -Peace

There is no simple solution to your problem...so i'll just say that perseverance is a virtue.

Enjoyed the podcast. Whether in heaven or on earth Loki seems to love causing trouble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhW3rP_oIs&feature=related

Very interesting and informative. Do you plan on doing more podcasts anytime soon? I really enjoyed the first 2

Its a bit difficult to read, but i learned a lot from this article. Thanks for posting it.

I think if ones desire is strong and consistent,then that is enough.

I look forward to getting my hands on a copy.

Indeed, i think it is important to have a balance between faith and logic. I think when you become invested in any spiritual ideology it is tempting to put all of ones eggs in the "F" basket. However, IMO this is not a wise or balanced area of thought to be in.

I just finished Esoteric Warriors by Alex Kozma and he made some enjoyable comments about compassion and martial arts. This passage in particular resonated with me. Enjoy "A big question i had when i was doing Lung Ta is how compassion relates to martial arts, because the art is based on opening the heart. After studying with Bruce i now understand that the heart/mind practices are the highest level of Ba Gua. Heart/mind practice is about doing what is needed. On a karmic level you could be creating future suffering for yourself by inflicting pain on someone. The Shambhala model is that compassion is a great thing, idiot compassion is not. You can be compassionate to another human being, but when someone is bent on destruction and it is coming for you then you have a choice to survive or not. We are born with an innate survival system in our bodies, we want to live, we don't want to die. That instinct is very pure and is connected to higher consciousness, Tao, or God." Esoteric Warriors by Alex Kozma

My first experience with meditation or a meditative like state was when i used to practice Tae Kwon Do. -When i would concentrate on my technique and the movements of my body i would feel a silence within myself that i had never felt before. -It was one of the few things i enjoyed doing during my youth. It would seem that the path was tempting me towards it. -As a side not i would not recommend anyone practice Tae Kwon Do. It built up a lot of tension in my knees which i feel to this day and is not a practice conducive to lifelong health.

Welcome

This part spoke to me. I actually just purchased the book Esoteric Warriors, you have inspired me to take it off my shelf and begin reading.

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The three principles of Taoism are: Love, Wisdom, and Power -All three are supposed to be cultivated together in order to balance each other out and prevent corruption. -Unfortunately some people only cultivate power, but any imbalance of the three can lead to trouble.

-From what i briefly read it would seem the problem isn't the practice but the motivations people have and how it is used: "seeking power"and siddhis in order to gratify their ego and manipulate others through "cults". -I have had nothing but positive experiences with Qi Gong and meditation.

Should be interesting to see what happens

Yeah, its certainly and insightful piece. I especially enjoyed the Dragon and fear metaphor.

Is this a serious post?

Glad you fellas enjoyed it.

From what i've read Taoist philosophy is similar to Shamanism. -And besides i don't think there is a list of rules written anywhere that says what is and isn't the Tao. -To make such a statement is contradictory in itself. -The Tao has no single expression but is voiced in many "Ways" throughout the world in many different cultures. -The Tao has no borders or biases, it simply is.