Harmonious Emptiness

You might have an argument for Buddha, but he still did not hesitate to voice his views (for lack of a better term) in opposition to the common norms and behaviours. Jesus obviously fought quite a bit. The Tao Te Ching counters much of the prevalent views of the time as well. So saying that " "against" is anti-ethical [antithetical?] to spiritual cultivation" is simply a very limited view, according to the actions of some of most eminent leaders of spiritual traditions.

Yes, and not to mention that virtually every post on the forum is for one thing and against another - one thought to be true and the other(s) thought to be false. Fighting to ensure that falsehood and ignorance do not dominate is also in large part what Buddha did, why the Tao Te Ching was written, and why Jesus was crucified.

Okay but why wait for everyone to do that? If we want a fertile and fruitful forum experience, why suggest that nothing be done about those problems? If nothing is done about them, they will just drive away people who actually are interested in a respectful spiritual discussion, and the only way that bigoted opinions will be neutralized is by people perpetually fighting against them. I fully appreciate staying out of the flame wars, but why just let everything burn to the ground because "we can handle it?"

thanks for your response. You're a taiji teacher?

See, this is the thing - you knew that it would be - because you know that there's a problem here, no?

Unfortunately I can't embed the following video, but it hilariously illustrates this situation http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6987157/kinda-racist-try-diet-racism#!bKV2IR

In looking up the etymology, I see an early pictogram for wen was a man with a heart, which now means "cultured," among other things. Wu is constructed from foot, meaning send or go to, and weapons. . It generally refers to military. Remember that Neidan is not all there is to Taoism, though it may encompass the vast majority of it. One thing that comes to mind in regards to neigong at least, is tranquility in stillness and tranquility in movement. If we look at these things as representing an essential depth of complimentary opposites, they could represent something which perhaps all of the Eight Immortals have said: cultivation must be in all instances. "A cliff could fall before your feet and it wouldn't unsettle you."

I think this is a very good idea, especially for the purpose in question here.

Hi dustybeijing! I learned to read (or at least translate, lol) Classical Chinese in the same way. I hope you'll share your translations with us, and I look forward to reading them . H.E.

An interesting micro-macro look at our need to accept nature is Rob Dunn's "The Wild Life of Our Bodies." He talks about how the necessity of the body is to have bacterias and parasites inside of it as its natural state of health. "We just take a swab, swab their bellybutton and then, we grow the microbes from the bellybutton out on agar. But the truth is that most of the species that you find in your bellybutton, Ira, or anybody else finds, we don't know what they eat. And so the only way we can see those is by looking at them genetically. And so in doing that, I mean, just in the first 90 people we've looked at in terms of which species are present, we've found 1,400 species of bacteria, 600 of which don't match up with species we know so far." http://www.npr.org/2011/07/22/138610583/exploring-the-wild-life-of-our-bodies I think it's safe to say that bacteria live on us in the same way we live on the earth. Like the Dao teaches, if we have too many desires we lose sight of Dao. Humans feed on the foliage and other creatures on the earth. Sometimes we use use the raw material of the earth, like rocks and oil (which is essentially the digested matter of the earth, expelled through naturally occurring oil geysers. In the same way as bacteria on our bodies, if the guest moves away from Dao, they begin to destroy the host. So we must be careful that we are not too clever in trying to evade the limitations of our "dependent origination."

Racism is a cult. It is a tranquilizer for the need to esteem one’s self as virtuous, worthy of respect, and worthy of the things that one wants. If you take away a person’s self-esteem, you also take away their courage to be themselves, the courage to make decisions, and to take action on those decisions. This is what makes shaming and suggestions of superiority so effective in brainwashing and controlling the decisions, and actions, of other people. It is the ultimate hooking agent of cults, including the cult of racism, where people are offered alternative bases for self esteem while simultaneously suggesting that anyone outside of the cult is “unworthy.” In this article, I will show how “the cult of racism” perpetuates itself with the very same tools of manipulation and mind-control that cults use to obtain, and retain, their members. To do so, I will compare "the cult of racism" with a list of manipulative cult behaviours, created by Janja Lalich, Ph.D. & Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.. It is historical fact that many police officers, especially during the 50’s and 60’s, have been members of the KKK. Knowing that the KKK is a cult of violent, racist, ideologies, it is important to know that they operate and recruit in political, judicial, and police sectors. Not only this, but their power in history is significant, and so it’s important to know how they operate as a cult in society. Though the membership numbers may be smaller now, the reach of influence is palpable in the justice system and in the racist ideologies which “the cult of racism,” in general, continues to lather on vulnerable egos all around the world. Please take a look at the following list of cult behaviours and manipulative tactics, by Janja Lalich, Ph.D. & Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. (http://www.csj.org/infoserv_cult101/checklis.htm). (Though the cult of racism exists in every corner of the globe, I compare the following points with the operations of white supremacy in the Western world, as it is that with which I am most familiar.) Characteristics associated with cultic groups: The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law. Racist brainwashing tells people that the contributions, customs, and wisdom of other cultures and races are irrelevant and worthless. Further, racists never seemed to have noticed that people from their own race also do anything that they accuse other races of doing. This is because they are unquestioning of the superiority of the leader, in this case, “the superior race.” Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished. When questions are raised about the treatment of other races, the questions are ridiculed, and of course this would even have someone ex-communicated from the “brotherhoods” such as the KKK. When these “brotherhoods” hold power in law enforcement, judicial, and political sectors, the influence of their brainwashing also extends to people who want to make contacts and move up in these sectors. Thus, the inability to question the cultish racist behaviour seen in these sectors is indeed very dangerous, powerful, and difficult to overcome. Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s). The collective gatherings of mass media events, so often subtly infused with imbalanced portrayals of racial groups, serves to meld together the collective unconscious of society into thought patterns about race and racial superiority. These thoughts become so deeply embedded that some don’t even realize they have them, or otherwise won’t accept that they do since they can’t imagine how they could have such diametrically opposed feelings at the same time about the same person. This repetition of imbalanced portrayals in the media works in the same way as a repeated ritual. It affects participants on the sub-conscious level, making the participants accept its “truths” even at the subconscious level. The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry—or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth). Style of dress, music, speech, how you walk, how you greet your friends, etc. All of these are censured by the brainwashing of racism. The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar—or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity). The parallel here is quite obvious: The myth of White people civilizing the world has been around for at least several hundred years. Of course, the ancient civilizations of Europe are children in comparison to the great civilizations of the Ancient Egyptians, which predate Aristotle by 1000s of years, and were most obviously not White. One should also not forget the initiative and influence of the Moors on the educational institutions in Europe, which effectively brought Europe out of “the dark ages” after the fall of Rome. The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society. This essentially defines racism without using the word “race.” The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations). This is rather obvious in the courts where white people are still found not-guilty of blatant crimes against black people, or otherwise given lenient sentences, while black people receive almost zero clemency for even minor crimes. Even though we supposedly have “united nations,” businesses take no accountability for their actions in the countries of peoples who, historically, have been oppressed by “the cult of racism.” Racists evidently do not feel accountable for their actions when they are perpetrated against peoples of a particular race. The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviours or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus charities). For some reason this brainwashing tactic is so obvious in racist war-propaganda, yet so undetected in the imbalance of the media’s constant portrayal of race. These unquestioned perceptions, projected onto the minds of viewers, become conscious, and sub-conscious, false justifications for horrible treatment of people of particular races. Of course, people in positions of power are not immune to this, which makes these ideologies extremely dangerous when in they are in the unconscious minds of law enforcement professionals. The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion. Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group. The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members. All very much a part of the manipulation that goes on inside any xenophobic group. The group is preoccupied with making money. Racial myths have been perpetuated throughout history as a way to “excuse” slave labour, and continue to perpetrate unfair legal treatment, especially of African Americans, putting people in jail where they are forced to work for the corporations which profit from the prison labour system. It has even been documented that a judge in the United States had an agreement with a “super jail” to speedily fill its prison-labour positions. Of course, given the tendencies of police to “troll” (as in trolling for fish) on young Black men, mostly young Black men are forced into this type of labour. Racism is also evidently an “excuse” for the exploitation of foreign workers, and economies, in the minds of the exploiters. The behaviours of Western businesses in countries that have been exploited by “the cult of racism” in the past is absolutely deplorable. Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities People are expected to “act their race,” and adopt the prescribed values and norms which are falsely put forth as exclusive to the racial group. Fraternization with other groups and races is of course discouraged and ridiculed. Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members. I don’t think I need to illustrate the parallels here. The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group. This is evident in the way that some people become extremely uncomfortable when surrounded by people of a particular race. They just don’t even know how to function anymore in those situations. This is in part because they because they have become conditioned to fear being identified with “outsiders,” and also to believe that they and “outsiders” could never understand reality in the same way. An apparent manifestation of this is the “white flight” that occurs when predominantly white neighbourhoods become populated by non-whites. It becomes frightening for some when faced with the differences of others, so they retreat to the sanctity of the cult to reassure themselves of inherent worth and entitlements. Racists cannot cope with the reality that their claim to status is an illusion, and that they in fact need a legitimate personal validation and claim of their virtues. So, how do we intervene for someone who’s been manipulated into a trance of perceptual illusions? Well of course there’s never one answer for every situation, but I will remind you that they are under the spell of this false persona due their lack of awareness of, and confidence in, themselves. So, if you have the chance, try to help them in re-establishing these things. Thank you for reading.

Just wanted to clarify, that the article was meant to address all racism by shining a light on how those techniques are manifest in white groups. It's not at all to say that white people are the only ones who have to overcome the sort of manipulation mentioned in the article. We are all subjected to it, and it acts on the subconscious level, perhaps even the energetic level. It's obviously a horrible thing to have this block between people and cultures that could do so much good for each other, and I know it acts in my own subconscious at times before I realize it. While the results of the brainwashing are certainly condemnable, the article was written to reveal them, and not simply in condemnation; and the reason was to help people understand why people would be racist towards you without even knowing you, regardless of what race you are, or what race they are. I'll leave it at that as writing takes a long time, especially when it's sensitive like this, lol..

A lot of interesting questions here. I look forward to reading the answers. One more that I think some would like to know: Is there a particular lineage associated with the temple where you connected with Li Erh? Are you thereby connected to the lineage or are you an "independent" when it comes to lineages? I am also interested to know what sorts of rituals and practices are a part of this temple, and what the aspirations are of the monks who maintain it. Thank you for your time, and consideration in sharing your knowledge with us.

Any reason why the like button doesn't appear on my posts? Does it only show when someone has liked the post? I like when people nod or whatever so I know they are listening and I'm not just talking to myself.

yes, but the problem is that the holier-than-thou idiots are far more inclined to put their points across

I noticed that my recent posts don't have a like button at all.

a tent by the sea the sound of one hand clapping the bugs disappear (was finishing that when..) my dreams are fishy caught in webs of illusion ahhh.. Awake. Breakfast!

~~~~ MOD COMMENT ~~~ This was supposed to be a discussion on xenophobia and cult mind-manipulation, and what we can learn from them about racism. It's become a dumping ground for sterotypes and racist propaganda, so I'm locking the topic until further notice.

I don't know about the source of the claim, or the reasoning for changing the scores, but there are reasons and history as to why there is a larger issue in some Black communities than white communities. (btw, Black is capitalized because it's also cultural, whereas white refers only to a colour) Because I say cultures have some differences? You obviously can't resist focusing on the minority of the minority when it comes to African Americans. I don't know what experience you had with probably a number of unpleasant individuals, but I'm sorry to see that it is has hardened your senses towards anyone that seems to share any cultural or racial similarity to them. We're done talking. H.E.

No, but life is harder in the Black ghettos. A poor white kid, coming from a rough upbringing with all of his mental battle scars still has a chance of getting a job. A poor black kid exhibiting any such thing will almost never be hired. Too often he will even be feared from the second he walks in the door. So naturally there is an underground economy which can't be regulated, which means violence and fear of violence is the only law, and crime is the only reliable income. The people who are enterprising enough to get into that economy end up with some power in the neighbourhood, while all the kids that just happened to be born there have to deal with that environment. It's not easy to get out of that situation when no one will hire you and you're born into poverty, and even when you do manage to make enough to move a nicer neighbourhood you get rejected for the apartments you want simply 'cause your Black and "fit the stereotype" that is so embedded in peoples minds. Is there a difference between cultures? Obviously. Does race often, though not always, correspond to culture? Obviously.

As to why I posted this in General Discussion - simply to bring attention to the fact that racism works on the same principles as cult mind manipulation, and to 1) watch out for it, 2) show people what they're dealing with when someone pressures them with such ideologies, 3) have a better idea of why it's so difficult to make connections between cultures and peoples, and 4) maybe somehow make it easier to bridge the gap with more awareness of the walls that were built around us.

If you look at a poor Black neighbourhood, the gun toting asshole criminals that can't stay out of jail are Black. If you go to a poor white neighbourhood, the gun toting asshole criminals that can't stay out of jail are white. If you go to a middle class Black neighbourhood, the regular kids going to school are Black. etc.. I stated in the article that racism exists on all corners of the globe, but use white supremacy for the model of analysis since it's that with which I'm most familiar. Racism, no matter where it's coming from, follows the same cult-mind manipulation method. That was supposed to be clear in the article. Maybe it wasn't. It's a bit of a rough draft. But as soon as I say "every race does bad things, every race does good things, don't fall for the cult tactics" what do we get? Stereotypes, stereotypes, stereotypes.. Your like f@*g evangelists! (lower case -e-, nothing against Evangelists)

Vortex, every kid I knew in highschool would have a felony conviction if they got caught. But they don't get trolled on by police because they aren't automatically seen as criminals just because of the colour of their skin. Young white people walk around with the projected assumption of innocence, while young black people walk around with the projected assumption of guilt. I'm sure probably most of the kids you knew in highschool were felons too, but they never get caught or arrested. This is the case of being young and white. If those kids were black, they would be under close watch from police every day no matter how they live their lives. That's the other side. And I'm not so worried about the KKK itself, I'm worried about the mentality that they helped to perpetuate, the stereotypes in their propaganda that have taken hold in peoples minds because they were so common and vicious and often frightening. People cannot see beyond the stereotypes and now all many people see is stereotypes. They can't see any differently because the propaganda of racism follows cult manipulation techniques, as outlined. Once again, nobody wants to look at the obvious reality and accept that there is a problem and they might even need to change something about themselves too. They just want to find some small hole of faulty logic to squirm their way out of recognizing that things are not right and need to change.

For the record, I never said there are "no differences" between races and cultures. It's quite clear what I refer to is the racist behaviour of "that person is X which means they are a,b,and c negative stereotype, unlike us who are Y which means we are a,b, and c positive stereotype." This is the way racists think and talk and they do so in the same way cults do. "The outsiders are bad. Be one of us and we won't judge you like they are judged." There is OBVIOUSLY a problem with racism in the world. The other side of it is that people on the privileged side of racism will immediately find any argument they can to not face the fact that there is a problem. It's "someone else's problem" so they don't want to deal with it and so do whatever they can to ignore it, which makes it go on and on. But it's not "someone else's problem." People are just so brainwashed by racism that they can't understand that it's their own people who are suffering this abuse. Race is a false structure of division. People are people.

We'll be working on it, but hopefully you will help the process by taking this first step. Thanks for sharing your views. H.E.