JustARandomPanda

This also reminds me of the self-similarity of fractals.

I am reading Play of Consciousness now and on the chapters of Muktananda worshipping his guru. I don't know whether to be creeped out by it or just see it as one culture's version of single-minded meditative concentrative focus that just happens to use a person as the focal point. For some reason while reading it this thread and Ralis' comments came to mind. It's not only Buddhism that seems to display hierarchy. I'm trying to remain open-minded about what I'm reading. At least it seems like Muktananda's guru didn't abuse his position of being worshiped by his disciples. But there's no doubt he actively encouraged Muktananda (and I presume at least some of his other disciples) to engage in such worship.

Agree with this. Can be potentially without limitation (bold emphasis mine). Ya Mu, does your Gift of the Tao dvd show some of these other types of non-food/non-air Chi one can cultivate? If not where can one find a "how-to" of some exercises to practice them? Also...can you "explain the different types of chi" simply? I'm still at the stage of just trying to feel chi at all - forget about being advanced enough to actually distinguish different types. My ability to feel chi has regressed in the past few months due (I suspect) to some medications I've been taking. One month I feel chi - then the day after beginning meds - BAM - unable to feel chi at all (talk about being depressed and distressed!). I'm trying like hell to get back to the point of being able to feel something, anything at all. The thing I don't know is that supposedly removal of blocks (as I understand it) also means not feeling any chi either. If one has blocks one will feel the chi strongly. Dissolved blocks = not feeling chi. I think. Or perhaps not. I'm not sure about that. I don't know what to think of my current situation.

If you insist on replying to the Buddhist(s) who tick you off so much SJ cut out the insults now or you will be taking a TB vacation. I suggest you follow Ralis' example. He is able to critique the Buddhist(s) and express his disapproval - all while staying within the TB ToS of no insults.

It's easy to get rid of the Buddhist thorns in your side. Simply put Vajra, MichaelZ and whomever else irritates you on your ignore list.

Are orgasms as bad for jing/chi/shen cultivation in women as it is for men? I've read Cupid's Poisoned Arrow and its explanation of how it causes the dopamine spike/depletion cycle so you always crave ever more orgasms. However, putting that aside I am wondering if clitoral or vaginal orgasms (whether from masturbation or partner sex) "powers down" women too. Are there any TaoBummers who practice dual cultivation with their wife or girlfriend (or vise-versa) who could share their experience in the matter? P.S. Witch, I got your book and I'm going to try it. I also got the following: Sacred Sexuality: A Manual for Living Bliss The Lover Within: Opening to Energy in Sexual Practice Emergence of the Sensual Woman-Awakening Our Erotic Innocence I hope to get the following soon: Yoni Massage: Awakening Female Sexual Energy Will probably post reviews of each one as I finish it - assuming anyone would be interested in that.

By mod vote SSW has been given a permanent TTB ban.

Vaj, I'm curious. What's so magical about seeing DO in freeing one from rebirths? I mean...it's just seeing. What's so great about seeing something? What if you see it but still have rebirths anyway? Is there some sort of mechanical process whereby seeing grants the power to not have rebirths? Or does it just mean you can choose the time, place, circumstances of manifestation, etc? Could one not do exactly that and not yet see DO? I'm just curious why Buddhists place such uber-importance on this one thing as the be-all/end-all of realization.

Is this the same thing as Pathworking that Dolores Ashcroft Nowicki talks about? I've lately become more curious as to similarities between Western Mystery Traditions / Kabbalah and Hindu, Taoist and Buddhist tantric techiques for feeling subtle energies and clearing pathways. I'm really depressed about the degraded, regression in my ability to feel chi.

Are there any particularly effective examples of this or similar mantras on YouTube or cds?

Shaktimama, I would love it if you would share this breathing technique. Also, due to certain circumstances in the past few months my ability to feel chi has diminished dramatically. Are there any exercises or stilling techniques I can do to ramp up that ability again? I'm afraid that once lost, always lost - so to speak for feeling chi/kundalini energy. I used to be able to feel your and Santi's global shaktipat energy but now it's zip. I might send a PM to explain the circumstances further if you need it for any specific advice to give me. Blessings to you Sifu Shaktimama.

Your explanation sounds like something straight out of one of the Hindu texts I've read. The author described it exactly as you do above. It's my understanding though that this is a major difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. I thought meditative insight eventually got to the point where there was no mind along with no mindset. In otherwords...meditate long enough and that 'unborn', 'unmade', 'unbecome' "movie screen" that 'reflects' disappears too. There's only the reflecting left. The "movie screen mirror" does not exist.

It's a time waster alright but it's quite fun and sometimes informative. If it weren't none of us would be here. Gripe all we want about the silliness of it yet still we come back for one more hit like junkies.

Or to put it more simply - There is no Mystery (yo), only the Manifest (wu).

Do you personally believe there is or can be such a thing as absolute truth? Especially vis-a-vis religious or spiritual beliefs? That is - ones that hold true for all time, all people, all places, etc? Also, I take it at some time in the distant past you were a Buddhist but then abandoned that belief system? Or is this incorrect? Are you a Taoist now? Just curious.

Alwayson did not report the post. Someone else did (I'll let that person decide if he wishes to out himself as to hitting the report button). I posted earlier for everyone to stop with the insults. The very next person to do so just happened to be Pero. He could have phrased a similar sentiment without insults. Furthermore I offered him one whole day to edit out his insult. He specifically refused and opted for the 7 Day Ban instead so it's not like Pero was given zero choice in his suspension. Had he edited out his commentary he would still be here today posting away. It was his choice. He chose to let the insult stand and take the ban. BTW - when I made my post about dropping the insults I meant it for everyone in this thread which of course included Alwayson. And yes...if Alwayson had posted an insult after I made that general request then he, too, would've been given those same two choices. Abide by the ToS and edit it out or Ban. In general I prefer to give people the chance to retract their insults first. If they refuse that option then they know what the alternative will be - a Taobums vacation. Pero was given that option - he refused it of his own free will.

~~~ TheTaoBums Moderation Team ~~~ After Pero's insult was reported and after he was given the choice to edit and/or delete his statement or get a 7 day ban for violating ToS. Pero opted for the 7 day ban. - Sereneblue ~~~ Mod Squad out ~~~

I doubt anyone who has the freedom on these boards to say what their gonna say will give a hoot about whether or not anyone disagrees with their experiences being authentic buddhism. If someone believes those experiences to be authentic buddhism then of course he/she should state exactly that. It doesn't take away your ability to not believe and/or critique why you think they're wrong. Critiquing is extra work on your part but I'm sure they'll be ready to defend why they're right. BTW - why are you still on this thread with the EPIC FAILING commentary? I thought you were done with it.

This is surprising. Which Buddhists are speaking disparagingly of the jhanas? I've never come across anyone stating such things in the books and articles I've read.

Couldn't disagree with this more. It's the part I find most interesting.

I'd be interested in hearing about your experience with it.

I've not really been able to distinguish different types of chi. It all just feels like buzzing energy to me.

Lets drop the insults please. I don't want to have to put on my Mod hat.

I'll be there.