Stigweard

In marble walls as white as milk, Lined with skin as soft as silk, Within a fountain crystal clear, A golden apple doth appear. No doors there are to this stronghold, Yet thieves break in and steal the gold. What am I?

...sucks when cards get wet Just hang them all out to dry Clothesline clairvoyance

"Hang your arse in the wind and sooner or later someone is going to come along and want to try it on". Stigweard, 2008

Similar issues with suggestions offered were discussed here

Just wanted to say this in a new thread because it is not aimed at anyone in particular. I honestly believe that our greater society would benefit immensely from the rich wisdom and virtue of Taoism and Buddhism. However the proliferation of self-proclaimed masters showing off parlour tricks or making "Nutella in the shorts" claims of spiritual ascendency as means to attract attention, followers, and money tarnishes the credibility of these beautiful teachings. And, because by nature Taoism and Buddhism tend to be quiet and humble paths, all our society sees are these crackpots and charlatans and unfortunately the devoted practitioners and authentic teachers get branded with the same label. I applaud the suggested establishment of an international forum of authentic Masters. But maybe we should also compose a "myth busting" protocol to confirm or bust claims of 'special abilities' or spiritual ascendancy. Then with this 'filter' we can credibly post a Charter of Authenticity to serve both the integrity of our own cultivation and also to create the foundation of greater credibility for our chosen traditions within our own communities. What say you?

Crocs Rock ... Crikey!!!!

Talk about parallel lives huh? Can you be the rose, Growing in a pile of sh~t And enjoy the smell? Perhaps it is a karmic issue that has landed you/me there? When life is full of adversity it is Tao building us stronger, give thanks. When life is full of fortuity it is Tao expressing its benevolence through us, rejoice.

Soon a monk for sure. Full belly and empty head. What was in the wine?

Heya Betty, Just send Sean a PM, he might be able to help.

Go for a swim in the ocean. If you can't get to the ocean prepare a Celtic Sea Salt (make sure it is the good stuff from health store) bath. Drink heaps of water. Massage your feet morning and night. Take it easy for a bit in regards to cultivation. Don't try and move energy anywhere at the moment. Just practice some deep diaghram breathing, breathing down into the belly. So many of us want to jump into the deep end with practices without getting the basics right first. Go learn some good Tai Chi or Kung Fu. Build up a good foundation and then work back up to other practices. Its all good champ, I went through a similar thing once.

Danke ... interestingly beautiful.

A sound response Sean ... is there value in the idea of creating a seperate sub-forum where people can promote (within reason of course) their goods and chattels? What would be the implications of this?

You should become proficient with quiet sitting following the breath first before trying to manipulate energy like this. If your mind is disturbed and overactive or if you are being too intellectual, artificial or forceful with your practice your energy will congest in your upper body and head. Remember the golden rule: Qi flows where Shen goes, Jing flows where Qi goes. Before and after any energy work engage in at least several minutes of quiet breathing. Start by really being aware of the air passing in and out of the nostrils. Then gently become aware of how your breath fills your body. Slowly and naturally (i.e. do without doing ... just let it happen) expand this awareness until you are 'full body breathing'. Don't force anything, don't imaging anything, don't visualise anything, don't try and send energy anywhere ... just follow the breath and be aware of your body. If you feel any tension or pain you can use these sensations as a focus ... just simply observe and breath into these areas, don't try to change anything ... allow and accept things as they are. Allow any changes to occur naturally, spontaneously, and without any effort on your behalf. The after a few minutes of quietude just simply allow your awareness to be more focused in the lower abdomen. Again don't try to achieve anything, don't force anything ... just be aware, be receptive. Anytime thoughts arise simply return to the breathing process. Blessings PS Hugging trees is a wonderful past time

Your yard ???? NOOOOO!! It's all mine!! I shall issue forth my finest knights to conquer this yard by force of arms !!! Oops ... sorry, past life flash back Don't mind me ... carry on.

Lovely pic SJ ... welcome back friend.

Welcome Doni, find a seat, how do you like your tea? What assistance can we be with your 'energy shit' ?

True it is ... however the mind has an amazing knack of being able to emesh itself in totally delusional realities. So the occasional healthy dose of impartial objectivity can be a wonderful salve.

I agree with the sentiment on not banning Li Jiong. Perhaps a seperate forum could be suggested for the promotion of courses, products and the like.

Did someone mention tea? Welcome Guan-Wen, I used to live in Lucinda just across the channel from Hinchinbrook Is. Glad to have you along, how do you like your tea by the way?

And of course not forgetting "Think and Grow Rich", Napoleon Hill.

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

Second that motion

The best I have seen is Dancing With Dragons by D.J. Conway. I have the opinion that it is healthier to simply focus on one's own cultivation and allow interaction with such things as elementals and spirits to occur in their own good time.