Cat Pillar

So Taoism is like the Eastern version of protestant Christianity?

Well, I only have experience with Wing Chun, but I definitely love it and it is currently my favorite! However, for your stated goals I don't think it's what you're looking for. Wing Chun focuses on efficiency and kicking ass, and flexibility is more of an afterthought as most of the movements are based on natural ranges of motion. Personally, I think Tai Chi would be great for you to look into. I myself plan on taking up Tai Chi once I get a vehicle and have the mobility to make it to classes. To my mind, Tai Chi fits your requirements almost exactly, except for maybe endurance if you're talking cardiovascular (although I could be wrong about that as well, please correct me someone if I am!).

Never seen it, but the commercials for it did make it look interesting. Unfortunately, I usually only watch TV when over at my friends' house doing leatherwork, and they have no interest in the show.

Thanks for the clarification, sifusufi! As for the two first videos...I have to admit my initial reaction is pretty cynical. Looks like a bunch of assholes people jumping around and flailing their arms . Even if we were to take them at face value though, my personal opinion is still that such abilities would not be very effective against armies. Especially a modern army. So much training is involved to develop these abilities that few would have them - and any monkey with two arms can use a rifle. Numbers alone could prove problematic. Now, show me someone going super saiyan and we might have something there!

I disagree. The only way to save humanity is to ensure that enough humans are alive to maintain a viable breeding population. I don't think Taoism is required for that. Although I'll admit it'd be cool if there were more Taoists in the world.

I like Mewtwo's answer to the siddhis thing (I'm not sure I agree, but it's a solid position IMO), although I would interject that a definition of "siddhi" as used in this context would probably be useful. As for allowing Castro to usurp billions of U.S. assets...either a political miscalculation or general human incompetence. Maybe someone didn't dot their i's and cross their t's, or someone was asleep at the watch. Sometimes what appears to be a bad move early in the game can turn out to be a very good move in the middle or endgame, to use a Go analogy. And sometimes it turns out to be just what it appeared in the first place. Could be someone took a risk on a bold move and got burned.

That's interesting imagery...could you explain what you mean by "got"? As in, the origins of the imagery? And...if only that kind of hair color occurred naturally...

I think you bring up a really important point, Seth. A lot of people are waiting with bated breath, holding back their energy and not taking action because they're hoping for a deus ex machina. And I think you very accurately pointed out one of the main reasons why: However, it is what it is. As much as we could speculate on how different things might be if people didn't have this fear, they do. Overcoming that fear can only happen on an individual basis, and the best we can do is serve as examples for those bold enough to try. Personally, I'm refraining from taking any solid stance towards what might or might not happen in 2012. I do hope that nothing cataclysmic happens, mostly because I'm finally starting to make progress towards a point where I'll actually enjoy living...and it'd be a shame to die so soon after finally wanting to live.

No need for travel, Mr. Sword's edge is sharp no matter where on the globe it is! Although you lost me with the hint...there's only one name I can think of that comes close, and it doesn't seem right. Maybe I'll PM you my guess. *serious face* Ah, so it's related to Elenin. Interesting, I wasn't aware there were previous correlations with the comet and earthquakes. I won't hold my breath for it, but it'll be interesting to see how the prediction pans out.

I have a Damascus steel viking sword that's very curious about your immortality. On a more serious note, where'd you hear about the 27th? Can ya provide a link?

You're bulletproof?

Indeed. Too early to draw any conclusions without further experimentation. Hopefully more experiments aren't far away.

Is it too early to order my starship?

I'm convinced I'm stark raving mad, so any time you want to join the party just let me know and I'll make you a hat.

I unfortunately have no such experiences to share, but do want to say that I really like your approach to subjective experiences: Although depending on the context and who you're having the conversation with, talking may not be so bad...but I think this is a very practical and balanced approach.

Okay, I just have to know your anime recommendations for those seeking enlightenment.

Tulku, Is my understanding of your position correct in that you'd like to see the human race completely annihilated?

I qualify for the second category! Edit: cuz I live in Texas, you see.

You're one of those naughty types, aren't you? One of these days I'll have sex and I'll figure out what y'all are talking about.

True love at its finest!

No, it's more like a story mobius strip. No matter how long you follow it you never really get anywhere.

I feel your pain on the graveyard shifts. I get sick BECAUSE I work graveyard shift. x.x I wish you good health!

Answers like these used to bother me. They seem much more reasonable these days. ---------------------------------------------- Vmarco, By life I mean being a human being. Is it precious to live as a human? I'm pretty aware of impermanence. The only constant is change. I agree with you for the most part about compassion. I don't know of a bodhisattva's compassion, because I have not experienced it nor am I bodhisattva...but I do agree that a lot of people seem to have made unskillful conceptual associations with the term "compassion." -------------------------------------------------------- James, Thank you for the elaborated response. I'm not sure I agree that love = sacrifice, although I do think that acting out of love can sometimes result in sacrifice.

Would you say that the preciousness of life is absolute (always true) or purely subjective? JohnC, An interesting answer! Can you elaborate?

I've had some strange questions arise inside lately, this is a good opportunity to ask one of them. How does one know life is precious?