Harmonious Emptiness

From: Redoubled Yang's Fifteen Discourses, trans. Komjathy My own 2 cents: It's very important not to think that we're better than other people when making new acquaintances

No, this is relevant.. I'm hoping for some discussion on Xin (heart-mind) especially, but external considerations like these and mudras will be useful as well. Is the anal lock similar to the perrenium lock where there's sort of 3 locks going on, or is it just the 1 point? I've never heard of the abdominal lock and the neck lock. I'm pretty sure I use the abdominal lock as well during sitting meditation, to hold posture, and it seems to energize 3rd chakra and/or triple-heater moderately. What do the muscles do for neck lock? Thanks H.E.

Where does this song come from? Is there a particular text or compilation? Quite obviously, it spans beyond martial arts, but rather it can be applied to them as well. Seems like Taoist meditation instructions leaning towards southern style alchemy given the focus on jing and qi. Looks to me like the first song is referring to Xin (heart-mind) as 'this grand space to which man is born'. If not man and woman in general, then the True Man, or Superior Man (though the later is a bit more of a Confucian term I believe). If I'm not mistaken, Yi means intent (and maybe also earth?). So when internally tranquil and without fighting or competition, there is no blemish or shadow that can be found. In contrast, when there is internal fighting and competition, the clouded intent brings blemish and shadow on the developmental path, both internally and externally. Thanks for posting these

Thing is, even if you agree with what he said, and I'm not totally against it in every way, that doesn't change the nature of what he said, which was contentiously bashing religions and which is bound to result in nothing but a continual shit show like we're having now. And you apparently missed the rest of the sentence calling BS -- stating the reason it was BS. Anyway, once again, I'm debating with someone who only debates the points he has anything to stand against, while acting like he holds the entire truth.

Why don't we start with his first comment in the Chritianity, Buddhism, Taoism thread: "I would say most people who study the Abrahamic religions, that is, discern the holy books of theo-belief systems critically, rather than deliberating on them solely for display and devotion (Devotional reading is not Bible study), would agree with Gore Vidal, who said "I regard monotheism as the greatest disaster ever to befall the human race. I see no good in Judaism, Christianity, or Islam." Then he goes on to quote the most right wing fascist type of so called Christians to prove his point, as if they represented the whole religion, and that every Christian holds the beliefs of these wackos. Pure BS, half truths put across as if they were the whole picture and all of it meant to trash another religion. This is how you seem to be arguing as well. It's easy to mislead when you're the only one presenting the facts, which is why it's so frustrating to have people around that love to do this, because then others are forced to choose between watching a bunch of people get fed some BS messages, or to waste their time like I'm doing now to bring in the rest of the story. This is not what people came here for, and you might have noticed that most of the actual Taoists and cultivators have disappeared due to all this nonsense becoming the modus operandi of the conversations. Blatant attacks like the one's Vmarco loves to make are what makes this place shit, and everybody needs to see that if they don't already, anti-religionists, sexists, as well as Buddhists, Christians, or anyone who thinks their supposed superior views allow them to piss on something and act like they're sharing. Personally, I had already put Vmarco on ignore before he got suspended, so I was prepared to let it roll, but now people are trying to get other people banned for petty nothings, so I'm trying to do my part since I have enjoyed this site for some time now and would like it attract real cultivators who likely won't have time for interacting with people who just want to revel in causing a ruckus.

Derailing threads, insults, and constant extreme religious intolerance. Where are we going to be if we constantly highlight only negative things about a religion? It just turns into a provocative hate fest, and it's also against the rules. He didn't just state his position on it.. he dragged it into almost every thread and derailed the conversations with it. I don't mind if someone has an issue with Abrahamic religions, but to constantly drag in one-sided quotations which force everyone else to have to redundantly clear up is something which should not be tolerated anywhere including here, imo. I understand that religions have been responsible for bad things, but that is not all they have done, and I don't care how adeptly it is worded, but to throw this in people's faces all the time is uncalled for provocation, and the consistency of it showed an obvious agenda of spreading hate speech. I realize that him being trans-gendered might give him more reason to feel that he was oppressed by these religions, but that still doesn't make it any different than if Christians, Jews, or Muslims came on here and started preaching hate against each other, pointing out only the worst of the worst of the religion like it was the whole thing, and not just a few times but over and over and over again. See the "Christianit, Buddhism, Taoism" thread as one example if this is news to anyone

5E, don't you see that you are trying to get the mods to act on CowTao, who was basically defending himself, just to show that they act on somebody because they didn't act on on your harasser? CT's not harassing. He's using strong language, and he's calling bullshit like I'm doing on you right now, only his actions were directly provoked. We're all adults here, martial artists mostly.. You want people to get banned for refusing to deny the elephant in the room and saying what they see? I agree with CT. SR seems like he's really hoping to score points with someone.. Just because you don't see it... This is a Taoist forum man.. reality is right there in front of you.... Some are just not smart enough to see it.. I think most are smart enough to see it here.. and shit's not going to be run by one or two shit-disturbers trying to use the rules to control rather than protect freedom. This is a Taoism forum. Why are you trying to force punishment where it isn't needed?

Hey man, like they said, it can get rowdy, especially in the pit.. This isn't consistent disruptive behaviour. Besides, look at the accusations SR was making.. he's fighting fire with fire. Either both get a vacation or neither. You have to be able to say your truth even if people disagree with it. If you do that for 2 weeks of pissing off every person you talk to, there's a problem in the community, otherwise, it's just a little fisticuffs and the police don't need to do nothin about it

Hmm... It was my understanding that what you described in the quote above is only a preliminary state. Cessation of thought and calmness are for prepping the "soil" so it opens up a "space" for real inquiry into the Tao to begin. Too much cessation of thought is thought to be just as unnatural in Buddhism as I suspect it is in Taoist meditation practices. I recall reading about monks who focused so much on stilling the mind to reach an empty state it crossed over into being unnatural (unTao-ish?). The phrase "Dead Tree Zen" comes to mind. just my two cents... cessation of thought also transferrs over as it's own reward.. as it inevitably leads to balance if it settles into a natural cessation of thought, and allows the practitioner to settle into the same space at other times, and to light their lamp for the rest of the day.. Inner cultivation is it's own reward, but useful for healing, defending, creating, and increasing wisdom

Agreed, especially with the line "I love you for who you are, not the one you feel you need to be." Sly had a lot to say about that, lol, like an evangelical mission: We got soul, and we ain't afraid to use it!

The theory with Napoleon was based on the writing of an anthropologist before Napoleon got to Egypt who commented about "to think that the race of Cradle of Civilization is the very same as those we hold in bondage.." So it seems the face was more obvious before Napoleon got there. Also Napoleon wanted to maintain the slave trade and fought very hard to keep it in Haiti where he was defeated, Haiti winning their independence upon their victory. So it stands to reason that Napoleon, having no respect for anything by that time, would stoop so low (pun intended) as to try and destroy evidence that would undermine the justification of his future unpaid-labour force. Not to say that your theory was without basis, but that's that's the basis of accusing Napoleon for the crime. There is a practice in some Japanese pottery to make an intentional error so that everything is not too perfect and sterile. The same is reflected in Zen tea huts, and goes back to Shintoism's appreciation of nature's ability to reflect the spiritual, though most attribute it to "Zen naturalness" which is fair in it's own right, even though the concept existed before.

. "It is the tree which can bend that does not break." Peace Here's something that I've come upon recently which I [From "Scripture for The Daily Internal Practice" Komjathy] As expressed by Ma Yu 馬鈺 (Danyang 丹陽 [Elixir Yang]; 1123- 1183), the successor of Wang Chongyang 王重陽 (1113-1170) and the second patriarch of Complete Perfection Daoism, “Daily practice involves never deceiving or mocking heaven and earth. Always train yourself diligently. Cherish each moment. Do not pass the day in vain. Decrease your sleep, as this is something that [ordinary] people desire. You should rectify your misdeeds, but this is not [only] to be done through seated meditation. You should keep your heart-mind stable for a long time. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, follow the Dao. All adepts should quit giving rise to thoughts. Quickly seek out innate nature (xing 性）and life-destiny (ming 命) . If you can just purify the heart-mind and abandon desires, you will become a spirit immortal (shenxian 神仙). Acknowledge nothing else and stop having doubts! These are proper and true words. You only need to be constantly clear and constantly pure.” (Danyang zhiyan 丹陽 直言, DZ 1234, la) And in the same public talk, Ma Danyang admonishes, “Each day, you must not forget the matter of daily practice. Daily practice consists of two types: daily external practice (wai riyong 外曰用）and daily internal practice (nei riyong 內 日用). “Considering daily external practice, you are strongly forbidden to see the faults of others, boast about your own virtue, envy the wise and talented, give rise to worldly thoughts that are the fire of ignorance, produce feelings of superiority over the masses, [discriminate] between self and other or right and wrong, or speak of hatred and affection. “Considering daily internal practice, quit giving rise to doubtful thoughts. Never forget the internal. Whether wandering about or standing and sitting, you should clear the heart-mind and discard desires. Have nothing that hangs on or hinders [your progress]. Do not get defiled and do not become attached. In perfect clarity and perfect purity, wander about freely according to your aspirations. Consistently throughout the day contemplate the Dao in the same way a hungry person thinks of food or a thirsty person of drink. If you become aware of the slightest imbalance, you must correct it. If you train yourself in this way, you will become a spirit immortal.” (Danyang zhiyan, DZ 1234, 2a-2b) Similarly, Hao Datong 郝大通 (Guangning 廣寧 [Expansive Tranquility]; 1140-1213) advises the aspiring Complete Perfection adept as follows: “Daily practice involves refining qi when residing in quiet places and refining spirit when residing in noisy places. Walking, standing, sitting and lying down are the Dao. Throughout day and night do not get confused by what appears before you. If you sleep for one hour, this is an hour lost. Practice day by day and you will gradually gain accomplishment. If you refrain from sleeping for one thousand days, your training will become complete. Do not believe others when they speak about ‘bones of destiny' (sugu 宿骨)” (Zhenxian yulu 真仙語錄, DZ 1256, 1.20a) 8 Qiu Chuji 丘處機(Changchun 長春[Perpetual Spring]; 1148-1127), the third patriarch and national leader of the developing Quanzhen monastic order, also discusses daily internal and daily external practice, that is, personal and interpersonal cultivation, or the development of spiritual realization and ethical engagement. “Abandon self and accord with others. Overcome yourself and return to ritual propriety. This is daily external practice. Forgive others and withstand insults. Eliminate every thought and anxiety. Allow all things to come to rest in your heartmind. This is daily internal practice....Put others first and yourself last. Use yourself as the prescription for others. This is daily external practice. Through clarity and stillness, maintain your training (xinxing 修行). This is daily internal practice....Constantly direct the heart-mind towards unity, purifying and cleansing yourself throughout the twelve double-hours. Each and every moment remain awake and attentive. Don't allow your innate nature (xing 行) to become obscured. Make the heart-mind stable and your qi harmonious. This is real daily internal practice. Cultivate benevolence and amass virtue. Allow yourself to suffer for the benefit of others. This is real daily external practice.” (Zhenxian yulu, DZ 1256, 1.15b)

Er, Zen master Dogen, father of Zen Buddhism in Japan, actually. They do walking meditation between sets of sitting meditation. They are supposed to keep the same mind as during meditation. It's also to bring circulation back into the legs. There are many kinds of meditation you can do when out and about, and some sects expects adepts to maintain the heart-mind at all times.

?? Do you guys even know what you're talking about?? Or you just drank too many soda pops

bumping final edit note

There is a koan: "Do dogs have Buddha Mind?" "No!" Though dogs are natural, loving, loyal, sometimes courageous, and always spontaneous, they indulge every desire that comes to them. Zen master Ta Hui said in order to bring your mind back, just remember: "Do dogs have Buddha Mind?... No!"

I would talk to your doctor about it, but now that you've figured out the problem, you might want to continue taking the calcium supplements since they are immensely useful when balanced with magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and phosphorus (2cal:1phos). We usually get tons of phosphorus in our diets though so personally I wouldn't be too worried about that, though the balance is very important for proper absorption and use. A lot of supplements have all of these together. I'm not a health professional, but this stuff is well known and written about. A good part of your clarity might also have come from the calcium finally being activated by the magnesium, but I'm speculating on that. It does have a lot to do with endocrine health along with strong nerves.

From around 3000BC to around 1600BC there was rulership by the original culture. Then it started to go back and forth quite a bit. So, as you said, the rest were "merely the next culture to come on the scene and claim these things as their own."

I'm not too sold on this theory. Looking at all the other Egyptian art, they were so specific and detailed that we still have no idea how they did some of it given the materials they were carving. I don't think the Japanese pottery rule really applies...

From what I understand, children and animals were not off limits to his sexual depravities, and I don't think this is denied by even those who know about him..

Hmm, it's pretty tough to say exactly. I think it may just be better left to be what it is rather than even try. I'm a bit hesitant to put brackets on it since that might narrow my perception within said brackets. Like much of the Buddhist philosophy says, it is and it isn't, so to say what it is is a mistake, and vice versa. I think the biggest danger in this, again, is in narrowing our own perceptions. That's one reason I like poetry -- it leaves both doors open, iykwim. I'm also still getting a handle on it myself, so maybe it's better that I don't speak too much about it, if that's an acceptable response... Actually this last sentence pretty much says it exactly, lol. That the whole world is sacred and we can see the sacred through the world. For me to try describing it any more would just be a lie, vain meanderings that don't describe anything I really know.. Phew! Good thing this isn't a scholarly exam.. that probably wouldn't get me too far edit: also, the energy behind everything, I wouldn't say is emptiness, but it is the substance of everything. Almost every description of Emptiness seems to be pointing to this "substance" but It's too real to call emptiness. At the same time, seeing the Emptiness of everything allows for this uniting energy to appear more vividly as well. Maybe that's why Emptiness is sacred to me... it is the sacred and it is what it is and everything else too...

I look and see... stars. Where did you come from I ask Grass sticks to my ass

I agree that logic can be useful for seeing "everything is nothing, and nothing is everything." Personally, (and maybe I should keep this to myself rather than post it here to be trounced on by nay sayers) I've come to the point where annoying things are easily passed over by seeing their inherent Emptiness (though I may arguably have a slightly unique view of Emptiness since I see it as something sacred rather than just nothin'.) and I got there by logic as well. By the same token, when I was 18 I had an experience that unveiled the energy (Love) behind/underneath everything and it was entirely spontaneous and unsought. I suspect that kundalini has a similar effect, but I think that even kundalini may not penetrate the mind entirely which makes a logical realization very useful so that both sides of our brain are on the same page.

yeah, by choice I don't have a television, but I don't think TV ever hooked me like TTB. It's like a bag of chips -- "ehh, one more.. mmm, a few more.." and then the bag is done and I can't believe I'm still sitting here, but the bag just keeps on filling! Maybe this thread can be like General Hospital, or better yet, CELEBRITY REHAB, LOL, and people can come in for counseling on their TTB procrastination addiction? (I do watch TV at my girlfriends place )