Jeff

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Everything posted by Jeff

  1. Hi Spotless, Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed answer. A couple of points for clarification, by mind, I did not mean the physical mind in the body. I had put "mind" in quotes in an attempt to use a broader universal or shared mind concept. I would definitely agree that we are not in or trapped to the body. Also, in your teacher example, are you saying that you provided an insight for the teacher that the teacher then used to heal himself? Or, are you saying that you healed the headache? Thanks again, Jeff
  2. Hi Clarity, Thank you for sharing your position on the topic. But, I don't quite see how you got "If you really 'believe' that others are not 'advanced' enough to for you to learn from them (or 'heal'),..." from my questions to Spotless. The reason that I am asking the questions is trying to get/learn a new perspective on the topic. I made a statement of my perspective... "The seeing and hearing of a spirit or being is really the "mind" translating noticing the energy of the being (would you agree?)." and asked if he agreed on the point. Do you agree that seeing and hearing is the mind "translating"? Also, are you claiming Haqq ai-yaqin (total reality of Certainity)? And defining the concept of being equivalent to the third eye opening? Best wishes, Jeff
  3. Hi Dao, Why would compassion require one to give everything away? The compassion (or unconditional love) is directed towards the deeper truth of the person, not material. Is it your belief that one cannot spiritually advance while being a householder? Thanks, Jeff
  4. Hi Dao, I would disagree with your definition on compassion. True compassion is an outward flowing/sharing. There is no shift whether dealing with friends or those who are "opposed to you". True compassion is unconditional. If one picks and chooses (makes judgements), it is not true (Buddhist) compassion. Right (or appropriate) action can still be taken while flowing with compassion. Regards.
  5. Hi Spotless, I am still somewhat confused regarding your post. You mentioned "fears" and "evils", but I am more interested in the perception and accuracy of the information. The seeing and hearing of a spirit or being is really the "mind" translating noticing the energy of the being (would you agree?). Perceiving in/thru the mind is subject to any conscious or subconscious filters that one may have. Just as with healing, one can not heal someone who has greater clarity (more advanced) then they are, or an issue that is beyond their clarity. Remaining neutral can help with conscious obstructions, but not subconscious ones. So, my question is really... How does one know that they are not subconsciously filtering/modifying information from some spirit of a person? Or, do you disagree with the whole concept that I have described above? Thanks, Jeff
  6. Good advice, but why "hate" a mental affliction? If one experiences hate, it is not true compassion.
  7. What do you consider speaking to someone's spirit? If the person is not conscious of the discussion, how do you know that it is actually their spirit (and not some other spirit or entity)? Thanks, Jeff
  8. Thank you for being open to also seeing my point of view. Even though we may sometimes disagree, it is always nice to share perspectives. If I only listen (or pay attention) to those who agree with me, I personally find it hard to learn new things/concepts. Best wishes, Jeff
  9. ChiDragon, Thank you again for the polite and open discourse. Wishing that all try to follow the principle of Wu Wei seems like a noble thought and goal. I think that we can both agree that a sage will not become attached to the outcome of such a hope. In your understanding of the TTC, do you think that it could be considered the Taoist way to try to lead by example?
  10. Hi ChiDragon, Thank you for an interesting and healthy discussion. If you don't mind, let us briefly look at your above premise regarding a Taoist, you state... "However, if one claim oneself as a Taoist, then a Taoist is obligated to follow at least one basic principle which is Wu Wei." Is the above not a statement making a judgement? Not presupposing and implying something? More broadly, I understand that you have some concerns with the current moderation approach. Given your experience, such concerns may be valid, but when you started this thread, what was your intent for the thread? To ask a question, or share an opinion/judgement? Also, I am glad that you have decided to stay.
  11. Are you attempting to make a judgement about the TTB and forum members? Also, do you think Wu Wei could also mean "accept it as it is"? Unless one is a "sage", how does one know what is an "adverse effect" that could backfire? To me, the world (and the Forum) does not define a Taoist, it is how one responds to it.
  12. Ok. Can you see others or get a feel for them from their posts?
  13. As you have said, for those with the capacity, truth can be transmitted through the written word.
  14. Hi ChiDragon, When I originionally joined it was for the discussion of the TTC. The discussion was already underway and I appreciated the perspectives & views shared. I was also surprised how small the group involved in the discussion was... Though the audience is huge, it often seems like there are only about 20-30 who speak. And with those members, it is as snowmoki describes... Thank you brother for your additions to the discussion and the resulting clarity. Best wishes, Jeff

  15. please delete--apologies!

    Jeff replied to Edward M's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    Sounds like I missed the party...

  16. Politics and voting

    Jeff replied to BaguaKicksAss's topic in The Rabbit Hole

    I am not knowledgable about the issue in North Carolina, but it is a huge problem in Illinois. Below is a small example... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/21/illinois-counties-have-mo_n_852141.html

  17. Politics and voting

    Jeff replied to BaguaKicksAss's topic in The Rabbit Hole

    Hi Ralis, How is the requirement of showing state id "egregious"? How else would one know if they lived in the district? Thanks, Jeff

  18. Gospel of Thomas

    Jeff replied to Apech's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    14) Jesus said to them, "If you fast, you will give rise to sin for yourselves; and if you pray, you will be condemned; and if you give alms, you will do harm to your spirits. When you go into any land and walk about in the districts, if they receive you, eat what they will set before you, and heal the sick among them. For what goes into your mouth will not defile you, but that which issues from your mouth - it is that which will defile you." This one is a classic... It goes to the point of "doing" or the perception of it. If one thinks that they are fasting, praying or donating, they are operating from the mind/ego (not the heart) and that ultimately leads to death. It is Jesus's way of saying that meditation and practices are contrived states of mind and not "it". In talking about receiving and eating, he is describing sharing the "Holy Spirit" with others. If they want the Holy Spirit (receive you), share of it as much as they want and heal them (bring clarity to their obstructions). Finally, what "issues" from your mouth are thoughts. It is thoughts/desires and the mind concept of ego/self which can create the problems.

  19. Gospel of Thomas

    Jeff replied to Apech's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    13) Jesus said to His disciples, "Compare me to someone and tell Me whom I am like." Simon Peter said to Him, "You are like a righteous angel." Matthew said to Him, "You are like a wise philosopher." Thomas said to Him, "Master, my mouth is wholly incapable of saying whom You are like." Jesus said, "I am not your master. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated by the bubbling spring which I have measured out." And He took him and withdrew and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked him, "What did Jesus say to you?" Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the things which he told me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me; a fire will come out of the stones and burn you up." To me this verse is about the discipleship. Showing the difference between inner and outer teachings/understandings. It also shows what happens when a true connection/transmission is made... "Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated by the bubbling spring which I have measured out."

  20. Daoist Alchemy: Jerry A. Johnson

    Jeff replied to effilang's topic in Group Studies

    Could you describe what you mean by "emptiness and understanding of a Daoist cultivator goes beyond the 'new born babe' symbolism"? Or, maybe why you believe that new born babe symbolism applies to only ethical and moral behavior? Thanks, Jeff

  21. Grace

    Jeff replied to chegg's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    Beautifully said. I sometimes think of it as the difference between holding and being held. Grace and light to all.

  22. Gospel of Thomas

    Jeff replied to Apech's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    12) The disciples said to Jesus, "We know that You will depart from us. Who is to be our leader?" Jesus said to them, "Wherever you are, you are to go to James the righteous, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being." I would agree that part of verse 12 is a bit straightforward. The comment about James is probably why the roman hierarchy did not include the gospel of Thomas in the bible. But, what do you think is the meaning of saying that regarding James, "for whose sake heaven and earth came into being"?

  23. Gospel of Thomas

    Jeff replied to Apech's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    Hi 9th, The above is a common type of Yoga (SRF) based map. How do you see it relating to Christian thought or and descriptions in the Gospel of Thomas ?

  24. Gospel of Thomas

    Jeff replied to Apech's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    Thanks. With all of your statements about light, understanding and information being given/transferred... Next thing you know, you are going to trying to tell me that Jesus gives light transmissions...

  25. Gospel of Thomas

    Jeff replied to Apech's topic in Esoteric and Occult Discussion

    Not call it a "son of God"? John 1: 11-13 (KJV) 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.