Stigweard

I hear the philosophical arguments that hope distracts us from the now moment, and in principle I agree. However the feeling I have of hope tells me that there are deeper implications that maybe useful. May I suggest that hope is an integral part of the Taoist Yi, or intent. Let me for a moment run with apepch7's etymological line that hope is "leaping with expectation". Expect comes from ex, "thoroughly", plus spectare "to look" and also specere "to look at" (interestingly this is the same root as "Scope"). So in this sense expecting is to "thoroughly look at" the object of expectation, or quite simply "TO AIM". Over in the Magic Thread I gave the definition of Intention as: to cause and maintain a perception of the world, which can be regarded as a colourful way of also saying "TO AIM". The fact that hope at its root meaning is to aim or intend does indeed yield to it far more spiritual significance than has been given to it thus far. And at least I believe that the deeper implications of hope may have hidden treasures for the seeker who is willing to explore further then the superficial associations given by popluar culture.

I believe you are quite right to be cautious and sceptical. Our world history has seen innumerable cultural distortions created by the artificial manufacturing of social morals and codes of conduct. Such artificing have inevitably been acts of oppression and control. So in order to avoid the snares of enculturation we must be mindful and impartial when encountering the promotion of morals and ethics. If hope means to wish, expect, or look forward to something then sure enough there is the potential for debate. For instance one might argue that hope is an attachment to outcomes and the future and that such attachment may very well deprive oneself of experiencing the now. Fair enough. But we are all driven by hope of one sort or another. We have hope for ourselves, for our children, for our family and for the world. Perhaps hope is the natural drawing of the soul toward unification with the primordial essence? Perhaps at its deepest essence humanity is led forward by hope? It has been suggested that "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is the common denominator between all religious teachings. Cheers for your comments Michael.

hmmm .... interesting

Excuse me bumping this up ... just looking for a few more opinions

Obviously a well refined sense of appreciation ... nice choice:

Great Study About Wizard-Shrine I am simply looking for an umbrella title for the series and these five words are only ones that are interchangeable. So I thought I'd put my opinions aside and get some guidance from the good folk here.

Welcome april, great to get some scholarly imput, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Welcome StoneHead, you will find many people here who share your interest, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Welcome Counterpoints, great to hear you are wanting to help one of the Bums, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Apepch7, the Great Wizard of the Shrine, gives us the Study of what its all About!

What a lovely, upbeat intro b&b. Welcome, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Cheers for all those who have voted so far. I am planning a series of articles and presentations so your opinions here are very valuable to me. Thank you.

Priceless!!! I had to watch it three times !!!!

Cheers for that!!!

Important news for those conducting scholarly research in martial traditions: 2009 Scientific Congress on Martial Arts and Combat Sports will take place on 16th and 17th May 2009, in Viseu (Portugal). Anyone interested in attending or presenting a paper or poster at this congress should contact: Dr. Abel Figueiredo, Email: [email protected] GOALS To gather researchers in order to promote debate around the study object of the contexts of 'martial arts', 'combat sports' or 'personal defence': combat human motricity; To reflect on on-going national and foreign research work; To promote the dissemination of projects in the fields concerned; To call the attention to the need of developing different scientific approaches. MAIN TARGET GROUPS Researchers in the field of martial arts/combat sports; Teaching and training technicians in the area of martial arts/combat sports; Higher education students and advanced level practitioners; Heads of Organisations promoting martial arts/combat sports. This notice brought to you via: Journal of Martial Arts

Welcome boazvenice, an inquiring mind and an avid seeker I see. Posting in the Discussion area would be fine. Find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Ah peppermint tea ... nice!

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That would be Sean

Welcome dragonrt, great to see you involved in some training with depth and authenticity, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Welcome Sharon, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

Hmmm ... do I sense someone who is treading the Integral Way? Welcome Mr.HenryCheesecake, find a seat, how do you like your tea?

There you are ... Sorry ... you caught me in one of those moods... Ahem... This should suit...