Jeff

Well said TI. As Buddha clearly stated, there is nothing but ongoing clarity. But, as you point out, if one actually drops the issues, fears and obstructions, there is nothing left to obstruct the view and radiant perception "expands". Pursuing powers is a mental trap, but residing in what one truly is... Is known to be unbounded... Best wishes.

The "inner heart" is also often known as the 8th chakra and above the crown (there is a direct connection). At an energetic level, opening the inner heart is the integration of the seven chakras into more of an unified field that is based in the heart. Rather than chakras, it feels like every cell is vibrating in harmony. Best wishes.

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I would agree. Even those who truly do realize the "light" rarely move beyond and are able to discriminate various aspects of the light. Without such discrimation, one often gets trapped in the perception of their path/tradition. Best wishes.

Going in for a little while...

Now that is a great idea.

Wow. Thanks.

Hi Bluemind, In Christian mysticism, the mappings are not seen like that. The "power" of the Holy Spirit would be more like descending from beyond/above the upper Dan Tien and filling downward. Kind of "igniting" what some call Kundalini. The Father is more like the concept of the Buddhist "ultimate emptiness" and is not manifest in creation. The Son is more like a fully realized Buddha. Best wishes, Jeff

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Dawei & SFH, Thank you for sharing your perspectives. I will have to look deeper into Taoist texts. I had previously assumed that the Tao was the "nothingness" that the one emerged from. That the Tao was basically the same as the Buddhist concept of emptiness. But with your descriptions, nothingness would match to emptiness. Also, with Dawei's descriptions, it would seem that the Tao would be an inseparable aspect of the one. Kind of like a primal desire or potential to be manifest. Thanks, Jeff

HI Dawei, Thanks. So can you describe the "tao" a little more? Is it sort of the building blocks of all that "exists"? Best, Jeff

Hi SFH, So for you, would it go... Nothingness => One => Tao => 10,000 things ?

I would agree.

If one just relaxes in the quiet moment without concentrating or struggling, one becomes aware of the natural state without any teaching or guidance. As this understanding grows in the local aspect of mind, all that one sees, hears, smells, touches & thinks is noticed to be ultimately free of past memories & fears, which ultimately collapses the barrier of percieved separation. Residing in the moment, the attachments and obstructions are naturally and continually dropped which frees one to realize the true nature of all that one perceives as forms of energy and void. But, ultimate clarity is found when one knows that energy and void are really the same thing. With that realization, one is truly beyond mind.

Headed in... Anyone interested?

My true home is on Cold Mountain perched among cliffs beyond the reach of trouble images leave no trace when they vanish I roam the whole universe from here lights and shadows flash across my mind not one dharma appears before me since I found this magic pearl I can go anywhere everywhere is perfect. From The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain translated by Red Pine

Then the World-honoured One uttered this gatha: "If any one by form sees me, By voice seeks me, This one walks the false path, And cannot see the Tathagata." Lotus Sutra

Hi SFH, In verse 86, do you think the drum could represent energy or vibrations that are felt? Or, do you think it is something else? Best wishes, Jeff

I have heard it said.... ânanda said, "but among us there are bad-natured bhikùus. While you have been in the world, youve managed them, Buddha. What should we do about them when you are gone?" During the time of the Buddha there were six bhikùus who were very rambunctious. They constantly interfered with others cultivation. If people were maintaining the precepts and rules, those bhikùus tried to hinder them. Although those six bhikùus did not follow the rules, not one of them was as disobedient as todays average bhikùu. "What should we do about evil natured bhikùus?", asked ânanda. "Oh, that, said the Buddha, is very easy. You should be silent and they will go away. Dont talk to them. After all, arent they bad? Arent they boisterous and disobedient? Ignore them. Dont speak to them. Theyll become bored and leave on their own." Best wishes

I would agree that this text points to mindfulness, but to me it also touches on another interesting point... A superior person cares for the well-being of all things. She does this by accepting responsibility for the energy she manifests, both actively and in the subtle realm. Looking and seeing correctly is very important, but as the text states a superior person "accepts responsibility for the energy she manifests, both actively and in the subtle realm." The superior person realizes that such energy manifestation happens at both a conscious and subconscious level. The "less" superior person prefers plausible deniability. Best wishes.

Hi Dreambliss, You have raised a very profound question on one's true nature. In Christian terms, I offer the following scripture for your consideration... 1 John 1:12-13 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 14:10-17 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. 12 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.15 If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Luke 17: 20-21 20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, See here! or See there! For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you. Psalms 82:5-6 5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. 6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. Best wishes.