Stigweard

In human life there are two basic classifications of peope: "heavy" and "light". Herbal medicine, acupuncture and other healing arts of the same family are for "light" people who are sensitive enough to react to "light" medicine. "Heavy" medicine, which has developed along the same level as modern industrial technology, serves "heavy" people. Such plumbing techniques that require complicated operations and strong medicines are very popular in treating many human medical symptoms. This principle applies not only to medicine but also to religion and politics as well. "Heavy" religions and governments suit the needs of "heavy" people. Light wine is not for vodka drinkers. No one can promise that "light" measures can cure all human problems, however. Especially when the tendency of humanity is to become "heavier". Because of the evolutionary and devolutionary phases of individuals, it is not easy to say who belongs in which category. The mass production of today's educational system tends to build "heavy" students who are restricted in their development. Although some people escape being molded in such a way, many become victims. p116, Ni Hua Ching, "Book of Changes"

I had hoped you would respond to this my friend. Thanks for your perspective

I think the sooner we apply the correct scientific disciplines (i.e. conducting controlled double blind studies) to these sorts of claims the better. IMO

As the person who made the OP in this thread I'm going to make a very clear request that the ongoing "flame war" being campaigned in other threads not be continued here. Thank you

I don't really know who threw the first stone and I don't have the time to go through it all to find out, but we do have a very clear "No Insult Policy" http://www.thetaobums.com/index.php?showtopic=11707&st=0 Buddhist / Taoist debate is welcomed and encouraged, but perhaps the dialogue guidelines that I suggested once could help: http://www.thetaobums.com/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=144200 Let the debate be passionate and wild, but do lets try and refrain from personal insults OK? <-- The Mod Squad -->

Cool Cat Keep an eye on this thread then: http://www.thetaobums.com/I-Ching-Digest-t11994.html I will be using Master Ni's I Ching as a basis for the exploration.

One of the benefits of Master Ni's I Ching is that he goes to great lengths to explain the origin, theory and practical application of the principles found in the I Ching. The above was from one of these other chapters.

May I inquire what you sleep patterns are like at the moment?

I'd be interested to see this as well.

A new friend of mine said that the reason why he like Taoism was because of "how they describe hell runs, how you will be punished accordingly afterlife for the sins you did before death". I replied by saying, "Nowhere in the Taoist ontology have I ever came across the notion of being "punished accordingly afterlife for the sins you did before death". May I ask where you have come across such teachings in traditional Taoism?" He linked me through to the Wiki page on Diyu, or earthly prison. My take on it is that it is merely traditional Chinese folk religion stuff and not really part of the Taoist body. But I could be wrong and am happy to be if proven so. What do you think?

Innocence Generally, innocence is a great virtue, for it is close to nature, but one should understand that there are two kinds of innocence. On is the innocence of a child who lacks true knowledge. This is not the kind of innocence that developed ones strive for, which is the restored purity of the Universal Way after one has experience and knowledge of all things. Though developed people have the capacity to do or know negative things, they choose to remain innocent and abstain from them. This is the kind of innocence that is truly valuable. In order to overcome unhealthy desires, temptations and impulses, one must have knowledge of them. Thus, returning to natural innocence is the result of complete knowledge, cultivation and spiritual development and is quite different from youthful, naive or ignorant innocence. p 347, Ni Hua Ching, "The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth"

Here are two very early representations of Yin and Yang. I will return to them later. Diagram of Hetu (left) and Luoshu (right)

That's an excellent question apepch7. From my understanding, the ancient masters realized the ever changing nature of life and made a concerted study of the phenomena of change. Through this research it was observed that universal manifestations, though superficially appearing random, seemed to have a pulse-like pattern (day/night, summer/winter, male/female etc). Through this observation the premise of Yin and Yang was formed. However, pure Yin and pure Yang are too simplistic to denote the energy character of "the 10,000 things," and so the original Yin and Yang model evolved into the 64 hexagram model that we know today as the I Ching. Example: Yang = 1 Yin = 0 Originally we have the basic Yin and Yang or: 0 1 Then we can get the four phases of: 00 10 11 01 Then the eight phases of: 000 011 101 110 111 100 010 001 And when you combine each trigram with each other you get: And when you take into account that each line of each hexagram represents an energetic expression then you have a system with 384 (64X6) possible permutations. Here's a great representation: So, in answer to your question apepch7, I would have to lean toward saying that the I Ching represents a relatively complex model founded on the simplistic premise of Yin and Yang. It is suggesting that, even though on the surface life may appear to be random cause and effect, underlying or interpenetrating life is a consistent cyclic pattern formed by the spectrum of intermingling Yin and Yang.

Ahh one of my most favorite movies of all time

Heya Jesse, I would love to help in any way I can. Let me know when you go live so I can see what I can contribute.

within...Capra's eye an irritating dust mote blink and let tears flow

I concur ... I couldn't vote because the Qigong I practice is all of the options.

My opinion: Stay away from it completely. Marijuana is a power herb and is Yin in nature. That said, thinking you need an external substance to achieve "other states" is delusional and is a sign of dependency and weakness. You are basically saying you need a crutch because you can't do it yourself. I often find people who try to experiment with these drugs are looking for the "buzz" of phenomena without doing the proper foundation work first. Thus when you do get the phenomenon you are not prepared to handle it with the right sobriety and distortions can take place. Also, with the loosening of the etheric layers you open yourself to perhaps unwanted influences and can cause damage due to, once again, ill-preparation.

Qigong, a more recent term, officially is in the category of Tao Yin.

"The teaching of Tao originated in prehistoric times. For many generations people searched out methods by which to develop themselves. These methods are numerous and some have even been formalized as different schools which emphasize one or two things and make other aspects secondary to one's personal cultivation. Here I would like to give you some idea of the many effective methods which are practiced among achieved ones. ~ Nei Tan, Internal Medicine, which can support a person's spiritual future through refinement of the physical, mental and spiritual essence, ~ Tai Shi, Internal Breathing, which is higher than external breathing, although both are usually practiced together, ~ Tao Yin, Energy Channelling, for purposes of health and spiritual benefit, ~ Chun Shih, Visualization or concentration, ~ Fu Erh, External Nutrition, using natural herbs and other things, ~ Shing Jeau, Walking, for gathering and refining energy, ~ Fuh Chi, Internal Energy Maintenance, ~ Bei Gu, to stop eating food completely (especially helpful to those who are cultivating spiritually so that they can stop looking for and preparing food for themselves - eventually they combine their life with the environment), ~ Fu Chi, Intaking Natural Energy through breathing and swallowing, which should be practiced with Bei Gu, ~ Fang Jung, Sexual Cultivation, ~ Fu Jyeo, Secret Talismanic Characters, Words and also Invocations, ~ Jing Tan, Golden Elixir, ~ Shr Jeah, Method of Exuviation into a New Life." p3, Ni Hua Ching, "Workbook for Spiritual Development of All People", Seven Star Communication, CA, 2005

Well posted