Stigweard

our recreation the seed of our destruction where is the fulcrum?

Ok then ... how would you define "the emptiness of the mutual dependency of yin/yang". To start with please give your perception on what "emptiness" means.

haiku chain blossoms, bears fruits, and then it decays haiku of compost

Just bumping this up in case anyone needs a "boost"

Personally I believe that the scientific method is very relevant to Taoist cultivation. We can observe, through the formation of the Yijing, Wuxing, TCM, etc, that the ancient Taoist applied a very empirical approach to their cultivation and studies. The difference, I believe, is that they incorporated both subjective and objective analysis in their ontology. I feel that Taoism should be exposed to proper scientific analysis. There are, in my view, way to many people claiming 'super powers' who hide behind the BS of, "Science will never be able to explain what I can do so I will never subject myself to scientific analysis." In the Myth Busting thread: And in Question about spirituality and scientific testing :

I am sincerely interested to hear your understanding of Chuang Tzu's "non-monism of Tao". Could you please refer to which chapters etc. Cheers

Yes! Yes! Yes! ROFLMAO !!!

ROFLMAO!!!! Sorry SereneBlue All in good fun. (I should do a poll on how many guys actually try and slide the bar )

What?!! Are you guys telling me you don't have this app already?? Check out my iPhone wallpaper...

Yup We are ever three steps behind reality. In a way all we are getting is an echo. 1. The phenomenon 2. Our perception of phenomenon filtered by the limitations of our sensory capacity 3. Our interpretation of this perception which will be filtered, censored, edited by our personal view of the world. With this sort of "delay" as the phenomenon registers in our conscious mind, our perception of life is merely a remembering of the moment that has just gone. Thus "living in the now" is the process of "catching up" with life. And then if we try and communicate our perception of this phenomenon, the reality is filtered once again through the limitations of language and description. Therefore the purpose of meditation: 1. Drop conceptual descriptions (i.e. this is happening, now this is happening, I am trying to achieve this etc) 2. Quiet the mind so that we can dissolve the constructs of our conceptual self 3. Refine our sensory capacity and develop 'true sight' 4. Experience reality directly

This poll is being conducted for the upcoming 1st International Summit on Laozi and Daoist Culture, November 5-7, Beijing, China. Please complete and discuss.

I agree with you GIH. I can even vouch that some of the verbal buffeting you and I have given each other has been beneficial

Heya That Guy, I am not at all surprised to see folks like longrhythm react in the way they have. Your opening comments:"So before you attack me, hear me out...." is more like "So before you attack me, let me attack you first" Just as a polite suggestion I recommend you read: Guidelines for Taoist-Buddhist Dialog You have polarized yourself as the "one who knows" and we are the "ones who don't." This sort of self-opinioned stance is in contrast to the basic principles of effective dialogue and thus you have disadvantaged any hope of an effective dialogue from outset. Just a thought.

My friend, we honestly missed V's post and you would note that I immediately included it in my comments as soon as you brought it to my attention. In your own admission you deliberately pushed the line and got called out for it ... get over it. Absolutely! Which is why we have been working very hard on establishing simple, straightforward guidelines that will help produce consistency and equanimity in our moderation. http://www.thetaobums.com/Moderation-Guidelines-t11707.html

What sort of response would you like to your post?

The funny thing is though that, ideally, we don't want to have to do anything. I think I can speak for all members of the Mod Squad that we love this place and the last thing we want to do is create any unnecessary changes. However, the mere fact that there is now a moderation team means a change has already happened. The guidelines we are trying to hammer out are for the purpose of the enjoyable participation of each and every member of TTBs. We have to be fair, consistent, as light handed as possible but we also have to be effective.

Sean's main stickler was a no insult policy, and I, for one, agree. I think the key here is 'excessiveness.' I hear you. What do you think of this statement: In order to maintain, as much as possible, a "hands-off" policy, only in cases of persistent violation of these guidelines will moderation be justified. However, moderation action will be justified if an isolated case arises that is deemed to be overly excessive. You are right. Racism has been henceforth added. Thank you for engaging in this development in such a constructive manner Apech7. I am sure if we all continue to work together like this we will find the happy balance

I am choosing to assume that no news is good news. The healing ceremony was done and the talisman delivered. But it doesn't fit into this poll because it wasn't secret

And how could anyone even possibly answer how many "secret" magical operations have been performed. If they knew it wouldn't be a secret. I am really intrigued where you are going with this Yoda

I don't understand why you are asking this. Is this in someway related to Mak Tin Si?

Your right I missed that thank you. Trust me it wasn't a "warning" as such, just a friendly comment which I will, for sake of fairness, also extend to Vajrasattva's post. Don't mind me. I'll go back to the kitchen for tea. Care for a cuppa?